In touch news with copdock oct 2017

In Touch

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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

Volume 7 • Issue No. 11 • OCTOBER 2017

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William Henry Hewitt VC Centenary Commemoration (page 4)

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In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS YOUR HALL NEEDS YOU!

Gosh life is a juggling act sometimes. I find myself running from one responsibility to the other at such a ferocious pace these days I wish I didn’t need to sleep and could use those hours to catch up instead.

Add something extra to the mix, such as making an Iron Age costume for school, sewing on Beaver badges, ordering a guitar case which has no chance of arriving on time, feeding the neighbour’s chickens while they are away... well I don’t know which way to turn. But I cope, perhaps not to everyone’s satisfaction, least of all my own, and treasure the moments when I can hit the pause button, take a deep breath and just stop.

Everything we do to relax has involved some degree of work or stress for someone else, whether it’s watching a movie (consider how many hours of planning and effort go into making a 10 second clip of a movie like Moana) or going to the football (imagine the paperwork required to run an Under 8 football team), but when I snuggle up on the sofa or sit on the side of the pitch with a nice cup of tea I really don’t care.

It’s my turn to escape. I’m ashamed to admit I’m equally selfish when it comes to many local events. Of course I want them to happen, but I want to enjoy the experience without any of the responsibility.

Thank goodness there are others who are far less selfish than I. Presumably they find other ways to escape, but as you read through this month’s edition consider those who do make things happen, who open village halls, who schedule speakers, who organise fundraising events, who make the calls, send the emails, get the quotes, who cajole and harangue others to help, who take the minutes, boil the kettles, buy the biscuits, put up the posters, complete the funding applications...

These are the people who provide moments of escape and fun and togetherness for the rest of us to enjoy. One day soon I will raise my hand and get more involved, but right now I need to make a torque!

In Touch

Copdock & Washbrook Village Hall Management Committee invite you to the AGM on November 13 at 7.30pm Please come and support us More information, phone Joanna: 07729 863223

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 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 or money donations. Boxes must be in by Thursday, October 26 at Tattingstone Village Hall (drop in 10.30am-noon) or contact Kath Chalkley (328118), Connell Smith (327865) or Doreen Savage (Bentley / 311122).

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

ALTON BELLES WI QUIZ NIGHT Tattingstone Village Hall

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.

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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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NOVEMBER DEADLINE 10 OCTOBER 2017

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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£5 to include a ploughman’s, bring your own drinks.

Raffle on the night.

Teams of no more than six; please contact: Annette: 328499 / Tamzin: 328670 / Elaine: 326882 Quizmaster: Garry Kilworth ​This will be a light-hearted affair. We can make up teams from individual couples or individuals if they wish.

I attend many events in towns and village where we publish In Touch titles. Many are annual fairs or fetes or fundraising events, but on Sunday, September 17, I attended an event in Copdock unlike any other in terms of its historical significance, the Centenary Commemoration of the award of the Victoria Cross to L/Cpl. William Henry Hewitt. Perhaps the grey clouds added to the seriousness of the occasion, but this lovely event felt both respectful and celebratory in equal measure. We huddled under umbrellas for a time as pupils of Copdock Primary School and Village Recorder Jennifer Jones told us of Henry’s life before, during and after the Great War. However, the clouds parted when Henry’s grandson stood to read the citation and under a blue sky Henry’s great-great-nephew and niece removed the flag of the Union of South Africa to unveil the Centenary Paving Stone. It was a privilege to join with others to honour L/Cpl Hewitt VC in the presence of his descendants, a man who fought so bravely for his country and who shall never be forgotten.

Sharon

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William Henry Hewitt VC Centenary Commemoration sunday 17 September 2017 The day dawned clear, the forecast warned of sharp showers, with fingers crossed the chairs were set out, the orders of service were placed on them, the Hewitt family members arrived for the lunch when many of them were to meet for the first time – 1.30pm came, the Suffolk Concert Band was playing, the family stepped outside AND IT BEGAN TO RAIN! Up went the umbrellas and up were collected the orders of service and out came the towels to wipe the seats – and as the recorded voices of Copdock School pupils rang out First World War songs THE RAIN STOPPED! The Lord Lieutenant arrived, as did the High Sheriff and the South Africa Honorary Consul to be met and escorted by members of Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council. The Hewitt family members, the civic dignitaries and Old Framlinghamians made their way to the dried off seats; the RBL standard bearers, the Framlingham College Guard of Honour and the Ipswich Cadet Force members took their positions and the Commemoration of the bravery of Willian Henry Hewitt, three years in the planning began.

Mike Watling, Vice Chairman of Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council, welcomed everybody; Isobel, Freddie, AJ and Leo, past and present pupils of Copdock Primary School, told his story; the Village Recorder explained how, by a series of serendipitous happenchance, from knowing of no relatives three years ago there were eleven present today. She then read a statement from the South African High Commissioner and the South African Government honouring Hewitt’s service with the South African forces and his Grandson, Piers Colvin, stepped forward to read the citation.

W.H. Hewitt’s great-great niece Martha and great-great nephew Leo removed the Union of South Africa flag – the one he had fought under – from the plinth (designed and built

by Mark Manning, a village resident) and the Lord Lieutenant ‘set the stone’. After this Lady Clare said a few words and a bugler from the Concert Band sounded the Bugle Call ‘Sunset’. The Rector remembered those who also had left the village and those who had not returned before reading the Prayer for Peace. A British Legion member said the Exhortation; the National Anthem was played; Martha and Thea laid a wreath of South African flowers on the plinth. Then the 170 plus people present poured into the Brook Inn for tea and cakes provided by Copdock and Washbrook WI and visited the small display of work

by Copdock schoolchildren and from the village archive.

AND THE RAIN HAD HELD OFF! Many congratulatory emails have been received from the Hewitt Family and the invited guests which the small parish council planning committee of Councillor Peter Jones (convenor and Armed Service liaison), Councillor Terry Cornwall (all technical matters), Councillor Tina Sutters (organiser extraordinaire of stewards, chairs, traffic cones and all the detail on the day itself) and Village Recorder Jennifer Jones (researcher and publicist), appreciate greatly.

From his eldest grandchild – Diana Robertson: “I wanted to contact you before we disappear from England, to thank you and your helpers for an amazing day on Sunday. It was such a special occasion, from the wonderful display in the hall, the welcoming lunch for the family, the moving ceremony and the magnificent afternoon tea (I’ve never seen so many delicious cakes).

Finding my unknown relatives was also a special treat. We have just been to the Imperial War Museum and seen my grandfather’s VC. Since we visited in 2001 they have updated the displays and included photos and a lot of background information. It was a perfect finale to your centenary celebration.”

From great nephew Richard Williams, Zena, Marth and Theo: “It was wonderful to meet and chat to distant relatives for the first time and lovely to see such a large gathering from the village itself, paying tribute to the great man. It was certainly something we will all remember for a very long time.”

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From Great Nephew Ian Gordon (Hewitt family researcher to whom we owe so much): “Everything went brilliantly and I am sure that I speak for all the descendants of William Henry Hewitt in thanking you for a truly marvellous day.”

From the High Sheriff: “That was all beautifully done. I know how much hard work went into it. His relatives were all thrilled.”

From the S A Honorary Consul: “Just a word of congratulation for putting on such a fine show yesterday. It was touching indeed. Amazing to think those family members did not know each other, let alone the story of ‘Billy’. Also thanks to all the team doing such a grand job with cakes and scones and tea, and to the community pub for sheltering us all.”

From the Head master of Framlingham College: “Thank you for honouring a very special Old Framlinghamian and for allowing us to play our part in commemorating his extraordinary exploits.”

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD – SEPTEMBER 2017 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON Did I mention that August was the ‘silly season’ for politics national and local? I am sure I have, if not this year in the recent past, and this year has been no exception.

Established routines to allow councillors to plan their life outside of council seem to be out of the window, with planning being the main offender. The normal routine was always a committee meeting once a month with site visits held the week after so that it could come to committee at the next meeting. Now it seems to be a committee every two weeks. Apparently we have so many applications that we need to clear them, but often a meeting is for one item, and site visits when it suits with no idea when they will come to committee. A case in point was a site visit to see the Chiltern Woods strategic site at Sudbury. Held a little over a month ago and we still haven’t even got an application to look at, let alone to put before the committee! It could be a completely new council before it comes forward. Staff struggle to keep up with minutes from meetings held every two weeks, with often four to six weeks before they actually come forward for approval. Office management should be the first training course for senior officers or so it would appear.

The move to Endeavour House seems to be staggering forward, but as yet still no sign of a business case laying out the financial implications.

We now appear to have a problem with staff terms and conditions which have to be changed, but as yet have not been agreed. We could end up with no staff, which could be why there are currently five vacancies for planning staff. Babergh does not appear a happy ship, which could explain the high staff turnover.

There are still several potential legal challenges in the offing, all currently awaiting a response from the secretary of state to concerns drawn to his attention. If Brexit is complicated, try sorting out planning! It appears that ‘sustainable’ means as long as you have a car and a viable road to get to somewhere, as the approval of 21 homes in Raydon indicates.

The recent item in In Touch by our MP is interesting, if only for its avoidance of one of the main focal points for tourism, in South Suffolk in particular, namely Constable’s birthplace and Flatford Mill. Perhaps he feels that covering the approaches to the access to the Stour Valley with housing is the best way to attract visitors! If the development currently approved goes ahead tourists will have to fight through a building site for several years.

Infrastructure spending is being increased across the country with some £100million extra being put forward. When put alongside the cost of one bridge in Lowestoft, or several in Ipswich, I wouldn’t hold my breath that the A12 and its dangerous junctions will get anything. The traffic approaching Copdock Mill interchange from all directions seems to be getting worse, but according to planners that is caused by people going to work in Ipswich. In the evening in a 40ft articulated lorry?

Despite Brexit we still have some four million containers arriving in Felixstowe each year and only 53 trains worth leaving every day (about 30%) so that leaves a lot of lorries. (Did anyone notice the traffic increase when the Ely line was recently blocked by a derailment?) Add into the mix 600,000 unaccompanied trailers arriving at Harwich and Felixstowe a year that must go out on the roads and you can see where the problem is and yet the powers that be seem oblivious to the problem.

Houses without jobs creates commuting and further pressure on our overloaded transport network, as well as children commuting to school, patients commuting to hospital, and local pressures on doctors and all other associated local infrastructure.

The challenges still exist but I hope we are making some slow progress to a logical and desirable conclusion.

Watch this space! john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309

THE FALLEN OF THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE OCTOBER 1917 FROM DAPHNE KNIGHT – MY THANKS I little thought that I would be writing these words so soon after the death of our daughter Mary. But I must, to show my appreciation of all the care shown by the community to me and my family after Eddie’s sudden death in August.

Gunner 876342 Arthur Lloyd of 95th Brigade Royal Field Artillery is remembered on the Sproughton War Memorial though he was born in Burstall, the son of Edgar and Annie Lloyd. (There are three CWGC Lloyd graves in Burstall Churchyard – possibly all cousins) He died on 10 October 1917 and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium (pictured).

Gunner 93731 Alfred Thomas Hood died of wounds on 17 October 1917 and is buried in Dozinghem Military Cemetery in Belgium. Although he was born in Belstead in 1883, the son of Thomas Hood (one of the village carriers) and his wife Eliza and married Eliza Clarke in Belstead in 1909 his name is not on the Belstead memorial but the one in Tuddenham St Martin.

It is almost impossible for me to say how supported Andrew, Poppy and I have been by all the letters, cards, flowers and telephone calls.

The moving service in St Peter’s with the capacity congregation ‘belting out’ the hymns that Eddie himself had chosen, the generosity of those who provided the refreshments in the village hall after the service – all have helped to ease the pain of our loss.

Our thanks go to everybody, known and unknown, who has given us comfort at this distressing time.

Research Jean Austen, photographs jmkj

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NEWS

REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw JOINT LOCAL PLAN CONSULTATION This might seem to be one just for the politics junkies and nerds, but the results will affect a large swathe of Suffolk for the next 20 years.

Babergh & Mid Suffolk have a consultation on the above running until 5pm on Friday, November 10, so it’s quite lengthy.

NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Flu vaccinations If you have missed our flu clinics, but still need a flu vaccination, please contact reception and ask to book into one of our catch-up clinics.

Adult and Community Services (ACS) Adult and Community Services (Social Care for 18+) offer a range of advice and support which could help you:

http://www.babergh.gov.uk/jointlocalplan

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A chance to discuss your situation

The consultation for the current plan, the Core Strategy 2011-2031, was both confusing and frustrating. How effective it proved to be can be judged by the fact that we’re doing it all over. Government policy keeps changing too!

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Signposting to organisations that could give you the advice and support you need.

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Advice on simple equipment and what equipment could be provisioned to help you

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Advice on, for example, financial matters and the costs of care.

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Help (where appropriate) with accessing care and support.

This consultation is intended to be more considered and logical with a proper structure. Now there are 77 questions contained in the consultation which is a little intimidating. Most respondents therefore are going to be parish councils, planning professionals and the like. But it is open to all and you don’t have to answer all the questions. Officers from the Strategic Planning Team will be holding events for the public.

The closest one for anybody on the Peninsula is at Tattingstone Village Hall, School Road, Tattingstone IP9 2NA on Monday, October 9. It’s an open walk-in event from 2-7pm where you can ask questions and discuss the plan with the people who understand it.

Your parish councils are already working on their responses and I’m holding myself open to providing any support and understanding I can, not least as part of the Brantham Parish Council team.

It is technical, it can be boring and even tedious, but it’s also necessary. The eventual Local Plan will be the prime document for deciding planning applications here for up to 20 years. It would be nice to get it right this time.

As an aside, I got into this whole district council thing starting from the 2013 responses to late modifications to the last plan. Since then, I’ve built up a much better understanding of the principles and policies. There is reason to it, but you have to understand the language. You could consider this document as the dictionary and grammar. You too, can be as boring on the subject as me.

PUBLIC ACCESS To view Babergh’s End of Year Report visit: https://tinyurl.com/ycqsfqkg It’s a mixed bag of good and not so good (in my opinion), but it is worth a look. In the modern age it also contains some video links.

Contacting the council is now best done through www.babergh.gov. uk or by phone on 0300 123 4000.

I think the phone service has improved recently, but let me know.

Walk-in access, very rarely used these days, will be at Stowmarket and Sudbury from October 1. The council itself will be at Endeavour House in Ipswich, as will most meetings from the same date.

As ever, I can be contacted as below, or look for me on the Blue Claud Butler bicycle, visiting a variety of places, but back to wearing the high visibility jacket and warmer clothing. alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

ACS will be available to speak to patients on the following dates: •

Tuesday, November 7 from 1.30pm in Shotley

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Monday, January 8 from 1.30pm in Holbrook

Online Sharing We may be asking you for your consent to add ‘additional information’ to your Summary Care Record (SCR). For many people the idea of sharing their medical information can be concerning, but the SCR is there for a very good reason. If, for example, you were on holiday in Devon and were taken to hospital following an accident, the consultants would have access to your demographic information, allergies, sensitivities and current medications. This will assist the consultant in deciding on the correct treatment for you. All patients are automatically opted into this (unless they have already opted out). Additional Information (AI) will include current medical problems, reason for medication, care plan information, communication preferences, end of life preferences and immunisations. This information could be vital if you are unable to give answers for yourself in an urgent situation so please think carefully before making your decision. More information can be found at: www.nhs.uk Online Prescriptions Many patients may have received flyers from pharmacies inviting them to get their prescriptions online. Our medical practice has also moved to the new electronic prescription service, but our dispensing patients need do nothing more as they should not notice any difference. Our dispensing patients do not need to sign up to a pharmacy as they are automatically allocated to get their prescriptions from the dispensary.

If you do sign up to receive your prescriptions from another pharmacy, you are free to change your mind at any time and elect to collect your prescriptions from us or any other pharmacy – just let us know.

Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Wednesday, October 4 and Thursday, November 16 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.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

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

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Once again yet another month has rushed past and the year is running steadily onwards towards autumn and winter. As was mentioned last month, please do leave a light on when you go out; it’s getting darker earlier in the evenings now and it’s really obvious when no one is at home.

And do remember to close and lock your windows and doors when out and that includes the windows upstairs.

I know it sounds like we are nagging, but the alternative could be a lot of heartbreak, time and money.

This month we appear to be having a few fly tipping incidents around some of the villages and in some of the more remote locations away from the villages and main roads. I t’s very unsightly and sometimes a health hazard to the public and animals in the area so I would urge you to contact Babergh District Council to report any fly tipping if found or if seen being dumped to the Environmental Department.

If you see people fly tipping – and if it is safe to do so – take the index mark and make/type of vehicle, but do not place yourself in a position of danger or possible conflict. Do report the time and place and any details taken to the council. Hopefully if the culprits can be found we can nip this one in the bud and stop others from doing the same.

Now we come to gardens and the autumn rush to clear up and beautify before the rain and ice turn up during the next couple of months. Please lock away your mowers and tools; they are expensive and will cost you time, effort and money to replace if stolen. Fit a decent padlock and make sure you use it!

Chain your mowers to something substantial and fit a shed alarm. Mark your tools and photograph them, and don’t forget to record the serial numbers, makes and model numbers as it helps us to find them if they do get stolen. You will need all these details if you do have to claim, so it’s best practise to have them to hand if you have to make a claim or tell us.

Have a great month.

PCSO 3041 Cooper, Hadleigh SNT As always, Hadleigh SNT is at Hadleigh Police Station and can be contacted at: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: 999 Non-Emergency: 101

NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk Open Mic Following the success of our first two Open Mic evenings, it is now a regular event. The next one is on Tuesday, October 3 at 8pm. Come along and join in the music-making, whether as a performer or a spectator.

Local author presents…

On Sunday, October 15, amateur historian and author Nicky Moxey will talk about her new book, Sheriff and Priest, published this month. Set in the 12th century, it tells the story of Wimer who rises from lowly beginnings to be High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk. A victim of the stormy relationship between Henry II and Thomas a Becket, he is excommunicated three times and is guaranteed a place in hell unless he can redeem himself with a spectacular act of penance. But no more spoilers! Come along from 7-8pm and hear Nicky talk about her book and the fascinating research that went into it. We guarantee you’ll learn something new about your local area and its history.

Goodbye to Jay We are sad to report that Jay, our chef, left us on September 23. She has been very much a part of our pub ‘family’ and we wish her every success in her future career. We will remember her Jay burgers with affection and respect!

And welcome to Becky We are delighted to welcome as chef Becky Stockdale, who many of you will already know and who has been a very able back-up – and standin – for Jay for some time now. We hope as many of you as possible will come along and give Becky your support by booking a meal. Watch out for updated menus on the pub website.

Staffing a pub is never easy and we are constantly looking for staff, both paid and volunteer. Although we are still working through the implications of staff changes, it’s likely we’ll need some support in the kitchen and front of house. If you’d be interested in working in these areas, please contact the pub. More details on the website in due course.

A reminder that our pub quizzes continue on September 30 and October 28. Food is available up to 8pm with the quiz starting at 9pm. For this and other meals, if you are a party of five or more, please book in advance.

If eight or more, we will ask you to pre-order to ensure you get exactly what you want.

THE LONG DAY CLOSES Music for an autumn evening by The Abbot Consort of Voices Directed by Martyn Bagnall, presented by Brian Robinson St Michael and All Angels, Woolverstone. Saturday, October 7 at 7.30pm Tickets (£10 / £5 students including light refreshments in the interval) available on the door.

Venue details from: jane.gould@btinternet.com / 01473 780777 Fundraising concert for St Michael’s Church Facebook: @AbbotConsortofVoices

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bentley toddler group FUNDRAISING JUMBLE SALE Saturday, November 11 from 2pm at Bentley Village Hall If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or telephone Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) and we will arrange to collect it from you.

If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm.

Tea and coffee will also be available. We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT 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

A SUCCESSFUL START TO THE SEASON AT PENPIX

2017 DATES: October 11, November 8, December 6

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION Our next meeting is on October 17 when John Field will be exploring the history of Ipswich Wet Dock and its impact on the town. John will follow the dock from its opening in 1842, covering its decline during the latter stages of the last century, and conclude by detailing the planning of the area to create arguably the most successful and exciting regeneration project between the Thames and the Humber. A must for all those interested in local history.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/ volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

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

TEA & COMPANY Monday, October 16 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

Penpix showed their first film of the new season on Thursday, September 7. Hidden Figures was a thought-provoking yet uplifting film. A total of £234 was collected for the Ipswich Diabetic Society, Penpix rounding the figure to £250.

On October 5, we shall be showing Viceroy’s House with Gillian Anderson (Bleak House, The Fall) and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington) in Tattingstone Village Hall at 8pm. This tells the story of the partition of India through the eyes of Lord and Lady Mountbatten and two star-crossed lovers who work in the Viceroy’s house. The director, Gurinder Chadha, is well known for her films Bend it Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice.

Tickets are £4.50 on the door or £4 in advance from the White Horse, The Wheatsheaf, Stutton Community Shop, The Case is Altered, Bentley Community Shop, Lloyd (326882) or Rosie (328315).

Or try our text service – just text your name and number of tickets required to 07732 709656.

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, October 14, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. Get in some early Christmas shopping.

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

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

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

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY

CAPEL SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

We have had a very busy summer with children completing this year’s reading scheme entitled Animal Agents. Our hundred and twenty two registered, 86 finished and 20 didn’t get off the ground. Our presentation was on September 24 with Councillor Gordon Jones awarding certificates and medals. The children are now looking forward to seeing Olly the Magician, courtesy of The Friends of Capel Library. We thank all our volunteers who have helped us over the summer, an amazing 112.5 hours of valuable time. We could not have run the scheme successfully without you.

Please make a date for our annual Christmas Concert which will take place on Tuesday, December 12 at 7.30pm. There will be that usual mix of carols by the singers, congregational carols and also Christmas readings from a very wide selection of sources. There will be refreshments afterwards in the hall.

CLUBS THIS COMING MONTH Babybounce: Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17 (not 24 as it is half term holiday) and 31 at 2pm. Come and join in our little group of instrument shakers and movers. All are welcome, open to all children under the age of five accompanied by an adult carer.

The singers have lost one or two voices this year due to house moves and commitments. We would welcome new sopranos and basses.

If you know of anyone who might be interested please contact Chris: chris.yule2@tiscali.co.uk / 07723 333238

STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC

Minecraft: Sunday 8 from 10.30am-12.30pm. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Capel Creators: Saturday 28 from 10.30am-12.30pm. Open to all children at a cost of 50p per child. This includes a drink and a biscuit. Under eights must be accompanied by an adult.

Capel Library Book Group: Friday 20, starting at 2.30pm. Come and join in our little group and suggest a title to read and share at the next meeting.

Don’t forget that we sell stamps and book tokens of any denomination.

We accept good quality second hand books to sell but please consider the condition before passing them over. We have had some books recently that haven’t made the grade.

Castalian String Quartet: Sunday, October 22, 4pm at St Mary the Virgin Church, East Bergholt

OPENING TIMES

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

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

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Thanks to all who supported and helped at Bentley Fun Day. It was good to have the sides back on the gazebo. Thanks too to County Councillor Gordon Jones for presenting the certificates to all those youngsters who completed the Summer Reading Challenge, and to the parents who supported their children throughout the challenge.

This month we will be showing Churchill by popular demand. Make sure you book your tickets early to ensure you get a seat.

Have you entered a team for our October quiz yet? This takes place in the village hall on October 21 at 7.30pm. It should be a good evening and the tickets include a ploughman’s supper The September winners of the 100 club were Kevin Austrin (£20), June Hall (£10), Isla Budgen (£10) and Bryn Hurren (£5).

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.

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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.

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

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OUT & ABOUT NEW ZUMBA & ZUMBA GOLD FITNESS CLASSES

COMMON GROUND THEATRE PRESENT THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP

Weekly Zumba fitness classes will be starting on Tuesday, October 31 in Capel Village Hall at 9.30am and a Zumba Gold class will follow at 10.45am.

Zumba is a Latin inspired dance workout that is lively, energetic and great fun! Drop the children off at school and come and start your day in the best way. Zumba Gold still has the lively Zumba music and moves, but at a modified pace with no impact. It is great for the older active adult or people new to exercise. It helps improve muscle strength, balance, range of motion and co-ordination.

My classes are friendly, welcoming and fun! Come and give it a try on October 31. I look forward to meeting you.

Sarah: sarahjlaflin@gmail.com www.sarahlaflin.zumba.com

STOUR VALLEY U3A Our speaker on September 13 was David Whittle, vice-chairman of the Harwich Society, with a presentation entitled I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside. The presentation informed us 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.

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!

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.

We do not have a speaker meeting in December, but have our popular Christmas lunch at the Constable Hall on Wednesday, December 6. This is always a popular event and so early booking is advised.

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.

Suffolk-based Common Ground Theatre Company will be touring East Anglia in October and November with a riotous, theatrically inventive adaptation of Dickens’ masterpiece, with original music by Pat Whymark and featuring Julian Harries as (among others) Nell’s grandfather, Samson Brass and Mrs Jarley.

Common Ground’s work was recently described by Libby Purves, in Suffolk Magazine, as “wonderfully inventive and creative”, and Andrew Clarke, writing in the EADT, said of their adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo: “It takes real skill to take a sturdy piece of classic literature and turn it into one of the most imaginative shows of the year.”

The story follows ‘Little’ Nell Trent, who lives with her devoted grandfather in his London shop, a magical place filled from wall to wall with dust-laden treasures. He keeps his nocturnal gambling a secret, but becomes deeply in debt to the villainous loan shark Quilp. When he gambles away what little money they have, The Old Curiosity Shop is seized by Quilp as payment and Nell and her grandfather are forced to flee London. On the run, and with Quilp on their trail, the pair fall in with a succession of colourful characters, some friendly, some ominous. Over time, she becomes the parent and he the child, a burden which starts to take its toll on her.

The novel was a sensation when it was serialised in 1840-41. The excitement at the release of the last installment has been compared to the publishing of the last Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was so popular that New York readers stormed the wharf when the ship bearing the final instalment arrived in 1841.

Julian Harries (pictured) and Pat Whymark are the creative team behind Stoat Hall, The Mystery of St Finnigan’s Elbow and many more Eastern Angles Christmas shows. As an actor Julian has appeared in Eastenders, Detectorists, Spies of Warsaw, Doctors, and has just completed the recent UK and international tour of Dirty Dancing, playing Dr Jake Houseman.

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.

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP

For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 10 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.

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.

All those interested in poetry are invited to attend either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will read their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets. There is no admission charge.

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

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

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The tour runs from October 25 to November 25. For performance dates and venues, go to www.commongroundtc.co.uk or call 07807 341364.

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Steve believes Granite Transformations is successful because the company’s products are unique: “Our extensive range of surfaces are made from Italian granite, natural quartz or recycled glass. All materials are mixed with a high-grade polymer resin to make them non-porous and heat, scratch and stain resistant. All worktops come with a lifetime warranty. The range of products we offer has something to suit every client.

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Over the past three years the sale of doors has doubled, an increase which Darren believes is due to the quality for the doors. He explains: “We offer four types of doors that are made to measure and all come in 20+ colours and 20+ styles and with a six-year warranty. This increase has also been helped by the increase on new kitchens. All the units we offer are made to measure and come colour matched to the door given you a bespoke kitchen without the big costs.

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OUT & ABOUT BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB

CAMEO

Since my last report we have had a number of speakers to entertain us. Pip Wright made a welcome return with an enlightening talk on the notorious Whistlecraft Family of Rickinghall.

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.

This was followed by Dr David Healey with a fascinating talk on the flora and fauna of Bulgaria, and finally we welcomed a new speaker, Barbara Faulkner, with a history of millinery. Four of our members modelled a wide collection of hats from Victorian times through to the present.

At the beginning of September we had our annual outing to the Flora Tea Rooms at Dunwich when 43 members and friends had a most enjoyable fish and chip lunch. We then journeyed to Southwold with some members visiting the town while others walked the pier before our return to Bentley. The month concluded with a session of chair aerobics, and a visit by The Coffee Caravan.

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.

Dates for our future meetings are as follows: October 3: Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses by Jason Salisbury, 2.30pm

We meet at Belstead Village Hall on the second Monday of the month from 2.30-4.30pm. Our next get-together is on October 9.

October 17: An Eccentric Look at Suffolk by Charlie Haylock, 2.30pm

Sandra Howard

October 31: Some Stranger Aspects of Policing (Part 2) by Dick Leach, 2pm (note earlier time)

VILLAGE LINK CLUB

All meetings are held in Bentley Village Hall.

Margaret Blackmore: 01473 310655

AN ECCENTRIC LOOK AT SUFFOLK Bentley Tuesday Club invites you to a humorous afternoon with Charlie Haylock Tuesday, October 17 Bentley Village Hall at 2.30pm Guests £1 incl. tea/coffee

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WI In July Linda Saxton talked about The Ipswich Riot on November 5/6, 1863. Linda has done a tremendous amount of research on the subject. Some interesting facts of that time were the population of Ipswich in 1811 was 11,000 and by 1881 it was over 50,000 when a small unit of police were formed. An interesting and unusual fact was their helmets were very tall top hats reinforced to enable them to withstand the weight of the policeman should he have to climb over a wall.

In July we had our annual strawberry tea which was kindly hosted by a member in her beautiful garden. The theme for the tea was James Bond. There was a quiz which went to a tiebreak question. We also had a bowling evening at the bowls club in Copdock. Our members had a go, with tuition if needed, which was greatly enjoyed by everyone. This was followed by a fish and chip supper.

There are many good reasons to join the WI – we enjoy a wide variety of interests and outings, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved with the campaigns supported by the WI, learn new skills, improve your existing skills or just come along to the meetings for companionship and interesting speakers. You can come to three meetings as a visitor to see what goes on before deciding if you would like to join. All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed.

We meet at the village hall on the third Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is on October 17. Please arrive between 7.15pm and 7.30pm.

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On October 11 John Wrigley will present a talk entitled Jewel of the Canaries.

Future talks this year: A Year as Mayor of Ipswich, Christmas Special Message and Carols, First Aid and AED, 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.

Roger Felgate: 01473 311684

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club meeting on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

The AGM in September was followed by an entertaining evening with Heather Prince demonstrating and teaching us folk art painting.

Monday, October 2: No Sewing Cushion Cover (Debbie) Saturday, October 7: Open day for all members and friends (10am-4pm) to delve into the stock box with lots of past projects to try. We will also have a table with craft materials and items for sale, and a chance to say good luck to Debbie who will be leaving us for six months to work abroad.

Refreshments will be available.

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

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, October 25: The Seddon Atkinson Story, illustrated talk by Richard Grey 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 Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT ALTON BELLES

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

Formerly Tattingstone and Wherstead WI

Returning after our summer break on Wednesday, September 6, Tom Williams presented Everyone Has a Book in Them, and two weeks later on Wednesday 20, Philip Roberts talked about The Mary Rose. Both presentations were enjoyed by our members.

The WI provides a basis for new experiences and friendship. Alton Belles is a friendly group that meets on the third Thursday of each month in Tattingstone Village Hall, except in August when we go out for a day. This year a group of 11 ladies met at Hall Farm for a delicious afternoon tea and a relaxing chat.

Our first October meeting is on Wednesday 4 when Andrew Morton will talk of the work undertaken by Colchester Food Bank, followed on Wednesday 18 by David Ablewhite who returns to present The Royal Family.

The subject of our meeting in September had to be changed at short notice and we welcomed Annie Owen whose programme was titled When Neanderthals and Modern Humans met. It was obvious that this subject was very close to Annie’s heart. We learned from her that in the last 50 years, Neanderthals have gone from being seen as inhuman beasts to being accepted as our very close cousins. Annie was able to show how this transformation has taken place and what is now known about Neanderthals and their interactions with our African ancestors.

On November 1 Ted Wheatley presents Overland to India and on November 15 Dennis and Ann Kell will present Wildlife in the Falkland.

On October 19 Alton Belles look forward to sampling cheeses from Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses, a family-run business established in 2004.

We are looking forward to meeting Jason and Katherine Salisbury and hearing how they have developed their business.

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

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.

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP, DIABETES UK Our next meeting is on Thursday, October 12 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH from 7-9pm. Our guest speaker will be Alison Byard, a Diabetes Specialist Dietician from Ipswich Hospital.

On December 6 Paul Oliver presents his popular Christmas quiz and at the final meeting of the year Barbara Faulkner will tell us about The Man in Red.

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK RAMBLERS Our 2017/2018 rambling season starts on Sunday, October 8, when we will be setting off from the Church Room in The Street at 1.30pm. We hope to welcome back all the new walkers who joined us last year, and anyone else who enjoys rambling in the countryside. Our walk leaders are planning quite a few different routes this year – we usually walk between four and five miles. Depending on the state of the paths, this month we hope to be rambling from Swan Hill across the fields to Sproughton and back via the meadows near Chantry Park. If you would like further information, please contact Tina on 01473 730162.

BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB

This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee.

For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB In September we had an excellent speaker, Mr Kennell, talking on the bricks and brickwork of East Anglia. He presented slides of numerous buildings in Suffolk and Norfolk, each showing different ways of brick building. In Capel the Methodist Church has some Flemish bond bricks and the old chapel an unusual key brick. Dedham has some good examples of Georgian and Victorian houses which are worth looking at.

On October 10 our speaker will be David Morton on The Wonders of Light. Please come and join us; we need some new members for the club.

Doreen Parker: 01473 311267

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Belstead Garden Club enjoyed a very pleasant warm August evening in the beautiful gardens of Belstead Hall by kind permission of Richard and Valerie Clift. Accompanied by partners/friends, everyone tucked into delicious cream scones, cakes and cups of tea. A guided tour of the gardens was followed by a very interesting talk by local shepherdess Sheila Innes who had brought along two of her litter of four-week-old puppies which delighted everyone.

There was a competition which took one through the grounds, a fully stocked plant stall and a peep into the newly refurbished Tudor barn within the grounds. All round a very enjoyable evening.

Our meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month in Belstead Village Hall at 7.30pm and if you would like to come along you would be made very welcome. We are looking forward to a very interesting programme covering a variety of gardening subjects and more for our new year.

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OUT & ABOUT RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Have you noticed groups of starlings gathering together towards dusk lately? Have you seen them wheeling through the sky in a fluid everchanging shape, swooping, shrinking closer together, then expanding again as they go from dense tear-drop to scroll to funnel?

These changing shapes, or murmurations as they are known, are often shown on television at this time of the year, filmed where enormous gatherings come together to roost, often in reed beds, but sometimes somewhere unexpected, like beneath Brighton Pier! Well, we don’t have massive clouds of starlings in this area now, although there have been in the past, but if we’re lucky we do still see small murmurations.

Starling numbers have been declining over recent years and it would be great if we all made them welcome in our gardens to help them survive.

If we leave our lawns to grow a little longer and avoid using chemical sprays, we may be rewarded by having them arrive in a gang to dig out the leatherjackets (larvae of crane flies, or daddy-longlegs) this autumn.

We can also help other garden wildlife as the season changes. Plants that flower into the autumn, such as sedums and asters, will provide late supplies of pollen and nectar that help over-wintering insects. These insects may, in turn, become food for the birds in early spring.

From October 23-27 we will be running autumnal family activities at Flatford Wildlife Garden. Talking of 11-year-old boys – anyone for conkers? For more details visit: www.rspb.org.uk/flatford Visitor Experience Officer Sharon Barker

BENTLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY On Saturday, August 19, Bentley Horticultural Society held their annual show. This year we were delighted with a record entry of 315, with a third of our membership partaking. Enid Castle and John Mower – our two independent judges – complimented the society on both the high standard of exhibits and the quantities in each class. It was a full house during the afternoon when the general public viewed the exhibits and enjoyed a cup of tea.

The cup winners in the various sections were as follows: South View Cup: Flower Section Mills Cup: Flower Section

Sandra Ford Pam Lovell

Carruthers Cup: Annual Competition

Anne Gibson

Farmers Cup: Vegetables

John Blackmore

Jensen Cup: Fruit

Bob Mawkes

Booth Cup: Floral Art

James Cup: Craft Saward Cup: Domestic Arnold Cup: Best in Show Presidents Shield: Most Points in Show

Sandra Mehen

Sandra Mehen Angela Ross

Sandra Mehen

Pam Lovell

Our next meeting is at 7.30pm in Bentley Village Hall on October 20 when Edward Martin will present a talk entitled The Lost Gardens of Suffolk.

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

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SCHOOL / SPORT BENTLEY CEVC AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS What an exciting start to the new school year! Our topics are well under way already, including the Stone Age, All About Me and Africa. As ever, if you have any interesting artefacts that could help us in our projects, and you are happy for us to borrow them, we would love to hear from you.

Years 5 and 6 from both schools are ever so excited about their upcoming residential trip to African Adventure. They will be taking part in exciting and challenging events throughout the course of the week and we can’t wait to hear all about their adventures.

Online safety is an ever present concern for parents and schools and this term we are focussing on staying safe on the internet. We are being visited by the NSPCC who will be leading workshops with all the children across both schools, looking at how to keep safe and what to do if something goes wrong. There will also be a free workshop for parents, grandparents and carers to help adults understand the threats that are out there and how to support our children to keep themselves safe.

The community are warmly invited to join us for our annual MacMillan Coffee and Cake fundraiser. This year we will be holding these events at 2.30pm on Friday, September 29 at both Bentley and Copdock Schools and you are very welcome to attend either. Please do come along to help raise money for this amazing charity.

Finally, we are very pleased to welcome new children to our federation in both Reception classes and across other year groups. The Bentley and Copdock family looks forward to travelling on your learning journey with you.

BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB The season is now finished all too soon. The green will be scarified and top dressed and closed for this year at the end of September.

We finished fourth in the Triples League, Division 2, and sixth in the Samford League, Division 1, and will probably go down next season to the second division.

Our finals day was well attended. We had some excellent weather and bowling in the match. Mark Boyland and Martin Porter played the men’s two woods and in a very close game Mark came out as winner. In the four woods, played between Barry Ford and Gareth Robins, Gareth was the winner.

Lillian Calvert, 311756

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB The season has kicked off for the First Team and Reserves, albeit a limited schedule and a slow start for both teams. However, from September 8 there is a full fixture list.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team / Senior Division Sat, Sep 23: Grundisburgh (A) Sat, Sep 30: Bramford Utd (H) Sat, Oct 7: AFC Hoxne (H) Sat, Oct 14: Bramford Utd / Suffolk Senior Cup (A) Sat, Oct 21: Haughley Utd (A) Sat, Oct 28: Henley Athletic (H) Sat, Nov 4: Colpestonians (A) Reserves / League A Sat, Sep 23: Mendlesham Reserves (H) Sat, Sep 30: Newmarket Town Res / Suffolk Senior Res Cup (A) Sat, Oct 7: Sporting 87 Res (A) Sat, Oct 14: Wenhaston Utd Res (H) Sat, Oct 21: Ipswich Athletic Res (H) Sat, Oct 28: Henley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Nov 4: Framlingham Town Res (H) A Team / League B Sat, Sep 23: Benhall St Mary Res (H) Sat, Sep 30: Claydon Res / Suffolk Primary Cup (H) Sat, Oct 7: Cedar Park Res (A) Sat, Oct 14: Trimley Red Devils Res (A) Sat, Oct 21: Haughley Utd Res (A) Sat, Nov 4: Stowupland Falcons Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm visit: www.fulltime.thefa.com EVENTS Saturday, September 30: Quiz November 18 (provisional): Race Night We are always looking for people to help the club as committee members, either on the playing side or just in the background. If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you.

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness

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

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

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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

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SPORT BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

On Sunday, September 10, David, Jill Margaret and Veronica represented Bentley Carpet Bowls in the Headway Fours Charity Competition at Tattingstone Village Hall. They were drawn in League 1 and played against the following teams with these results:

The season started for our Saturday First team on August 19 with a 2-2 draw at home to Grundisburgh when after being two goals down at the break the team did well to come back in the second half, especially as we had a player sent off with half an hour left to play.

Harkstead / Tattingsone (1) 7

Bentley 4

Harkstead / Tattingstone (2) 7

Bentley 9

Chelmondiston

2

Bentley 6

Goals from Nick Middlebrook and an own goal gave us our first point of the season in the Senior Division of the Suffolk and Ipswich League, with the team having now been in the Senior Division for the last 20 seasons.

Shotley

3

Bentley 12

Although two of the teams in League 1 won three of their games, Bentley were the winners of League 1 on shots. They then played Bealings, the winners of League 2, in the final and the result after a very good game was Bealings 10 / Bentley 7.

Congratulations to Bealings as winners who were presented with the Headway Shield and Bentley as runners-up were presented with the Jimmy Green Trophy.

A good fun afternoon was had by all competitors and the result of the afternoon was £567 raised for the Headway Trust.

A big thank you must go to Tattingstone Carpet Bowls Club for organising this annual event.

Jill Mills

Wednesday, August 23 saw us play away to Crane Sports with the side throwing away two points after playing well and leading 2-0 after 90 minutes play only to concede two goals in injury time and having to settle for a draw with both goals being scored by new striker Harry Parkes.

August 26 saw us play our third game in a week when we played Ransome Sports at home with teenager Joe Whitley giving us an early lead in a game which we dominated, but were unable to add to our early goal and conceded an equaliser with two minutes remaining and ended up drawing our third game in a row in what was a frustrating start to the season.

The Reserves started their league programme on September 2 and reports on their early games will follow next month.

Refreshments (tea and cakes) are available at all First team home games and you can check the fixtures on the Suffolk and Ipswich website or on the posters displayed at the clubhouse.

Bob the Ploughman

BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS We finished the summer league fixtures with an 8-2 defeat at Copdock and then reversed this score at home the following week. Between these two games we played Stutton at home and recorded another 10-0 win. This left one game to play which was at Stutton and we ran out winners 8-2 which meant we had won our section with points to spare.

The play-offs between the five section winners did not go our way and we finished on four points from four games and were joint runners-up. Once again the shield was won by Barking who are riding high and are the team to beat.

We are very short of players right now and would be pleased to see some new faces come through the village hall doors on a Tuesday evening.

John Hayward

TATTINGSTONE CARPET BOWLS CLUB The Headway Fours Charity Competition was played at Tattingstone Village Hall on Sunday, September 10. Bealings, Bentley, Harkstead and Tattingstone all took part with Bealings taking the honours and the Doug Wade Shield. Bentley were runners-up for the Jimmy Green Trophy.

The main objective of this event was to raise money for the Headway Trust and we raised £567. Well done to all four teams and a big thank you to everyone who helps make this event the success it is. Over the 23 years we have been running the Headway event we have raised a grand total of £9,303. Particular thanks must go to Patricia, Pat and Linda Raynham for helping with the refreshments and to Dennis for putting down the carpets. Last, but no means least, thanks to Babs and Jim for stepping in to play Harkstead.

Linda Brown & Tony Coward

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In Touch online:

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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

Grant Funding 2, 3 and 4 year

23

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 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12 Dear Friends When my brother was nine years old, my father died a few days after Christmas. My sister was 21. I was 23. My dad was only 48 years old. It was a difficult time for my family, but we tried to support each other.

Then when my brother was 18 years old, and in the Upper Sixth just about to take his A Levels, our mum died suddenly aged only 55 years.

It was very traumatic. My sister and I struggled to know what we should do to help our brother while coping with our own grief, part time work, limited finances and small children.

I was running a Brownie pack at the time and I remember one Brownie mum knocking on my door just a few hours after mum’s death. Her eyes were full of compassion as she thrust a beautiful bunch of garden flowers towards me and said simply “I am just so sorry”. I knew the gesture had not been easy but she had set aside her discomfort to reach out to me in kindness. I found that thought so very touching and still do. I also recall the gentle words of condolence expressed in the cards we received from people in our home village. Their shared memories and offers of support helped us to feel loved through our grief.

I often hear gratitude expressed during my pastoral visits to families.

Grieving relatives are often pleasantly surprised that so many have taken the time to write letters or to telephone them. These gestures show that others are thinking and praying for them. They do not take away the pain, but can provide reassurance and bolster a sense of belonging.

However, I also remember painfully watching people quickly crossing the road to avoid facing me on the school run after the loss of my mum.

And I will never forget the shock of watching my lovely brother breaking down and sobbing one evening after mum had died because of his friends’ behaviour. He had discovered that his classmates were excluding him from all their 18th birthday parties that year and the end of exams celebrations. He felt rejected and stigmatised on top of his grief. When he so needed his friends to gather around him they had stepped away not wanting to be affected. We understood that it was for their selfprotection and out of misguided respect, but I was so grateful for the one friend who stuck with him through it all, despite being under pressure of her own examinations. And to her parents who welcomed him into their home at various points and spent a lot of time listening with a surrogate, patient, parental ear.

The love and encouragement of friends and family are so important through any period of adjustment after the loss of a loved one. Loss can also be as a result of a relationship breakdown, loss of employment, or of a home. Making time to reach out to someone, to actively listen, to share memories, or to provide practical support helps to restore their confidence. When you ‘walk with someone in grief you are giving one of life’s most precious gifts – yourself’. And in doing so you are displaying the kind of love and comfort that God surrounds us with.

I pray that we will strive to make time to be there for each other and to actively listen. Amen.

All services and events are updated at: www.facebook.com/northsamfordbenefice

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Harvest Lunches/Suppers October 6: Copdock Harvest Supper, 7pm October 8: Burstall Harvest Lunch, 12.15pm October 8: Tattingstone Harvest Supper from 6pm (supper at 7pm) Burstall Family Concert Informal family concert by Jessie Ridley, friends and pupils at 3pm on Saturday, October 7 at St Mary’s Church, Burstall. Tickets (£7.50 / children free) to include tea and cake. Contact Gillian: 01473 652396 / gilliangasper@btinternet.com Bentley Quiz Night Saturday, October 14, 7pm Sproughton Fireworks Friday, November 3, Millennium Green: 7pm barbecue, 7.15pm bonfire lit, 8pm fireworks. For more information call: 01473 857955 FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Gennaro Tuck and Jennifer Batchelor, Copdock William Kinnear and Amy Fullwood, Copdock Christopher Nuttall and Aprille Matthews, Copdock Baptisms Zara Kershaw, Burstall Ethan Roger, Sproughton Kaiden Evans, Sproughton Funerals Dorothy Gee, Bentley Christine Edith Elmer, Washbrook OCTOBER 4

Bentley Home Communions, 10am

5

Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am

Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

6

Copdock Harvest Supper, 7pm

7

Burstall Informal Family Concert, 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

NOVEMBER 1

Bentley Home Communions, 10am

2

Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am

Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

3

Sproughton Fireworks

4

Copdock Morning Market, 10am

5

Bentley Bereavement Service, 3pm

10

11 13 15 25 25

Bentley Visit to Thurlston Christmas Spectacular (More Information call Sandra: 01473 310383) Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Comfort Corner, Sproughton Church Hall, 1.30pm Copdock Home Communions, 10am Belstead Christmas Sale, village hall, 10am Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm

In Touch online:

CHRUCH NEWS SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday, October 1 8am Copdock

Holy Communion

9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton

Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion

Sunday, October 8 9.30am Sproughton 10am Copdock 10am Bentley Burstall 11am 6pm Tattingstone

Croissant Church Harvest Holy Communion Harvest Harvest

Sunday, October 15 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton Tattingstone 6pm

Holy Communion Simply Sunday Family Service Matins Holy Communion

Sunday, October 22 8am Sproughton Burstall 9.30am 10am Bentley 10am Copdock Belstead 10am 3.30pm Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Celebration Family@Church

Family&Friends@ Church

Sunday, October 29 11am Sproughton

Benefice Service

Sunday, November 5 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone Sproughton 11am 3pm Bentley

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

Sunday, November 12 9.30am Burstall Remembrance Service 10am Copdock Remembrance and Holy Communion 10.15am Sproughton Act of Remembrance 10.50am Bentley Memorial Act of Remembrance 10.50am Belstead Memorial Act of Remembrance 10.50am Tattingstone Act of Remembrance

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 01473 684963 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 2017 Sunday 1 26th Sunday In Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 3 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 8 27th Sunday In Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 10 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 15 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 17 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 22 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 24 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 29 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Catholic Commentary Our parish hosted a visit from the Catholic Bishop of East Anglia over the weekend September 2/3 which has boosted hopes for keeping Fr Christopher Smith as parish priest should there be clergy moves and reorganisation of the Ipswich parishes later this year.

Change is often difficult, especially as we grow older; organisations and institutions including churches face the same problems.

Church leaders usually readily accept the need to read ‘the signs of the times’ but how far they should go gives rise to debate, especially if social change challenges traditional Christian doctrine; new ethical dilemmas have arisen along with environmental degradation and many other evils.

Catholic Christians have long held that reason and intellect are important tools to deal with human problems (for example see: Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas and in recent times Pope St John Paul).

Aquinas was the great exponent of rational analysis in all things human. Aquinas’ thinking extends through into the present1 world still influencing peoples’ views on freedom, law, morality and political understanding.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

That there is a natural order under God is a principle which is regarded as self-evident. In spite of many failings, the Church is a teaching authority we can respect in matters of faith and morals.

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES SURPRISE, SURPRISE! When I was 18, I went to a big youth gathering in the Potteries. There were about 150 young people meeting every week. I was struck by the number of young people who were saying “God said this to me”. I felt uncomfortable. I knew a story from the Bible of how young Samuel had heard God calling him, at night. He didn’t realise it was God and thought it was Eli, the elderly priest. Three times he went to Eli, in answer to the call. On the third visit, the penny dropped, and the priest said “it is God calling you”. Eli had grown so accustomed to God not speaking because many people were doing lots of wrong things – so even he was taken by surprise. As an 18-year-old, I had thought that it was just super good spiritual people who would hear God speaking to them. Here at the youth meeting ordinary young people like me were talking about what God was saying and doing in their lives.

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST

At the end of the session a 16-year-old girl got up and spoke and used the words of a very old hymn Whosoever Will May Come. I realised I had learnt lots of facts and stories about Jesus, but hadn’t ever ‘come’ to Jesus. I knew about Jesus, but didn’t know him. Like I know about the Queen, but I can’t say I know her. At that meeting, I didn’t leave my seat, but I knew something had changed in me. Jesus knew all about me and my mistakes and failures and still loved me. As I read some of the stories of Jesus again, I realised how Jesus’s friends made so many mistakes and got things wrong. I was in good company when I didn’t get it right. The invitation of the hymn is to all but we have to choose to respond.

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST

My prayer life began to change – not just talking at Jesus, but with him – giving him a chance to get a word in. At church yesterday we had a timely reminder of the importance of prayer and listening for God’s voice, both as individuals and together as a Church. As in Eli’s time, we can get used to silence from God and forget he wants to communicate with us. That’s blaming God! The fact is He wants to communicate, and we are bad listeners, we are taught independence and choose not to give God time.

Whether you have begun that journey or not, or whether you are in the doldrums and not hearing, you can always start again. If I can help, please be in touch.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216

Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 1

10.30am

Worship with Rev Bev Barclay

6.30pm

Prayer

Sunday 8

10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Mr Victor Jack Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 15

10.30am

Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis

Sunday 22 10.30 am

7.30pm

Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at St Mary’s

Sunday 29 10.30am

Worship with Mr & Mrs Tom & Lou Boswell

What’s on in October (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Mondays, 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT) Home Groups: First and third Tuesdays at 7.30pm & Thursdays at 2pm (ring for venue) Saturday 7

10-11.30am

Coffee morning

Sunday 1

10am

Worship with Mr Martin Ellis

Sunday 8

10am

Worship with Rev Michael Allen

Friday 13

3.30pm

Messy Church (HCT)

10am Sunday 15

Family FriendlyWorship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 22

Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis

10am

Sunday 29 10am

6.30pm

Worship and Communion with Rev Mike Cassidy Something Different with Rev Andrew Sankey

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

CELEBRATing IPSWICH TOWN’S 1978 FA CUP VICTORY The New Wolsey Theatre has officially launched its fundraising campaign to stage a production to celebrate the legendary Ipswich Town FA Cup win of 1978, Our Blue Heaven, a musical production timed for the 40th Anniversary of the victory in May 2018. In order to meet the production costs involved in staging this sporting musical chronicling Town’s FA cup run, the theatre has launched its campaign to raise £45,000 in public sponsorship to cover a proportion of the costs needed to create the production.

As part of the creation of the show, the theatre has collated stories from those who were caught up in the events of 1978, whether they attended the match or not, from the third round victory in Cardiff in January to the final in May, and the euphoria of the Victory Parade. Stories that are funny, quirky, co-incidences and twists of fate, the scramble for tickets, the making of banners, trips to Bristol, Millwall, Highbury for the semi; Peter Rowe has created the ultimate feel good show directly from these memories, combined with the hits from the era.

At the fundraising launch event held at the theatre, theatre patrons and local business owners were invited to view the ITFC sponsorship packages available via crowdfunding site Indiegogo. The theatre has created 12 levels of pledge packages, each named after a player and manager Bobby Robson from the winning Wembley squad. Individuals can “feel good for a fiver” with a £5 donation for the Cooper package, or donate right up to £10,000 for the ultimate package for any Ipswich Town fan, the Robson.

Ipswich Town Supporters Club co-ordinated the collection of the reminiscences, which will also be used as part of the ITFC Heritage Project and by the East Anglian Daily Times for a commemorative publication.

Every package combines a unique level of gifts, some including premium tickets to the show, limited edition prints and specially selected, signed memorabilia from the 1978 team donated by Ipswich Town Football Club.

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To pledge to back the project and make the production a reality visit: www.ourblueheaven.co.uk For more information from the New Wolsey Theatre, please contact Jeni Raw: 01473 295924 / jraw@wolseytheatre.co.uk For more information from the Ipswich Town Supporters Club, please contact Liz Edwards: 07968 876504 / officialitsc@btinternet.com

In Touch online:

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27

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