In touch news with copdock – december 2017

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Volume 8 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile.

The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around.

I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now.

Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects.

Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.

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

01473 400380 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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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with 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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JANUARY DEADLINE

1 DECEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

NEWS COPDOCK & WASHBROOK TO HAVE TWO NEW DEFIBRILLATORS Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council has obtained National Lottery Funding for the provision of two defibrillators for the village. A working party consisting of representatives of the parish council and village hall, pavilion and users of the village hall site (sports providers such as the bowls, tennis and cricket clubs) has been formed to manage the defibrillators. We have also had very helpful assistance from the Community Heartbeat Trust for advice and obtaining the defibrillators.

The defibrillators will be positioned at two locations around the village. One will be located on the front wall of the Church Room in the Main Street.

The other one will be located on the side wall of the village hall at the playing field.

Once in place, which should be by the end of December 2017, they will be available for anyone to use. No particular training is required for their use as instructions are given when the defibrillators are activated, however we will be arranging awareness training for the defibrillators in January 2018.

Remember you must contact the emergency services by calling 999 to advise them of your need for assistance and to obtain the code number for the box as it will be locked for security reasons. Once you have access to within the box, instructions are given verbally and visually by the defibrillator. Follow these instructions until the emergency services arrive, seek assistance if you require more help.

The defibrillators are portable battery operated and not reliant on main electric power, so they can be easily taken to their place of need. There is an electrical supply to the steel box so do not try to remove this box. The power supply to the box is to keep the inside temperature at a level to ensure the box does not freeze up.

The defibrillators are being purchased and set up by The Community Heartbeat Trust who would appreciate any donations for their fundraising.

We will be providing more details how this can be done in future notifications.

Please see either In Touch or village noticeboards for details of the awareness training session planned in the New Year.

Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council & Working Party

CHRISTMAS FAIR AT COPDOCK HALL Copdock Hall is hosting a Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 3 with all proceeds going to neighbouring St Peter’s Church.

The fun is between 1pm and 4pm when there’ll be an assortment of stalls and goodies including festive wreaths, decorations, yummy cakes and drinks, tombola, sweet and savoury stands, a band and much more.

So make a date for diary and come along to Copdock Hall and help swell the coffers of our parish church.

SURGERY ROTA We continue to provide this service for those who are unable to get to the surgery for appointments. There is a steady demand, indeed one week we carried out six calls. If you need to use the service do ask the receptionist when making your appointment.

We also welcome new volunteers to the scheme to join a team of about 20, but it goes without saying that more volunteers means less frequent call outs!

For details contact Chris on 01473 310992.

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NEWS COPDOCK & WASHBROOK SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNING Seeking to preserve our inheritance, planning a sustainable future for those who follow

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED SAND AND GRAVEL SITES Communities are being invited to have their say on proposed sand and gravel quarrying sites as part of a six-week consultation held by Suffolk County Council.

Why did we form Copdock & Washbrook Sustainable Community Planning group?

The simple answer is that for whatever reason, every household in Copdock and Washbrook did not receive the A5 flyer advising of the Babergh & Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan. It was only by chance that those involved in forming the group learned of the existence of Babergh’s flyer with its online details showing draft proposals to build over 600 houses using a combined 76.1 hectares of local agricultural land. Up to 90% of village residents never received that flimsy Babergh A5 flyer, but we felt it essential that parishioners did receive a copy in the interests of local democracy.

We did contact Babergh’s Planning Department for more copies, but aside from supplying 100 extra copies, we were told that they had done their part and could not supply anymore; so we had no choice but to produce 400 extra copies ourselves.

Accordingly, we made up information packs, designed, produced and printed two information documents together with that reprinted A5 flyer and a copy of the Babergh Comments Form. Not everyone has access to a computer and we did not want anyone disadvantaged in not being able to make their views known. These packs clearly informed residents of the extent of those draft proposals. We also undertook to arrange collection points within the villages and to hand-deliver the completed forms to Babergh. Those envelopes were also hand-delivered to all of the 464 houses in Copdock & Washbrook.

Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council took immediate action in arranging a Public Consultation Meeting at the local Cricket Pavilion on November 2. This meeting allowed parishioners to be made aware of the possible impact of those draft proposals within the two villages. Nearly 200 people attended that meeting, made their views known and were requested to inform Babergh of their views either online, by post or to deliver to the village collection point.

That in essence was the reason we formed the group; to literally inform residents of what had been proposed by Babergh. The group has a small nucleus of members who are working together to try and ensure that the community is directly informed of such proposals as we also now have another proposal from Suffolk County Council for mineral extraction that is on land immediately adjacent to Copdock and Washbrook. We will inform residents in the same manner as before. Should you wish to be included on our email database, please message: colinhinkins@colinhinkins.plus.com We are not a NIMBY group who reject new housing at any cost, but one who simply cares enough to wish that any new housing development is carefully, sensitively and strategically planned to fit within our two villages. We would welcome a constructive discussion with Babergh District Council. Some development – yes, we do need to play our part in helping to shape the future in these two villages.

A website will shortly be up and running.

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

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Suffolk County Council, as a minerals and waste planning authority, is required as part of the planning framework to make a provision for sand and gravel supplies, based largely on the average of sales over the previous 10 years, which is 1.158 million tonnes per year.

A total of 10 sites, outlined in the council’s minerals and waste local plan are sufficient to supply enough materials until the end of 2036 have been put forward: Barham, Barnham, Belstead, Cavenham, Layham, Tattingstone, Wangford, Wetherden, Wherstead and Worlington.

Belstead is the only completely new site proposed, and the other sites would be extensions of existing sites with planning permission.

Once the plan has been adopted by the county council as policy, quarrying companies will still need to submit a planning application to the county council to extract materials. Companies will also pay landowners to dig up the materials on their fields – before selling it to construction companies. This work is likely to create additional employment in the area.

Each site is considered in terms of its potential impacts upon the landscape, ecology, highways, cultural heritage and amenities in the area.

Once the site has had its sand and gravel quarried, the site can be restored by reshaping the land and covering with soils, which are stored during the extraction process. Then follows a five-year aftercare period to make sure the land is brought up to the required standard.

Only one site for waste development has been allocated, at Sizewell A, for the treatment and temporary storage of radioactive material removed as part of decommissioning from Sizewell and other decommissioning stations. Currently Sizewell A is already benefitting from exporting waste to Bradwell Nuclear Power Station in Essex for treatment and temporary storage. While there are no current proposals to share the facilities in Sizewell, it is considered sensible to have policies in place if such a proposal is put forward in future.

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “The proposal of these sites is required in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

All sites, other than Belstead, are extensions to existing sites with planning permission. Belstead has been proposed as it meets site selection criteria.

“I invite people to take part in the consultation and have their say online via the county council website or by email, over the phone or by letter.

Drop-in sessions are also taking place and further details can be found on the website.”

The consultation closes at 5pm on December 11. To find out more about the consultation and how you can have your say visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste There will also be several consultation events across the county where members of the public can learn more about the preferred sites, speak to members of the minerals and waste team and fill in the consultation survey. To find out more about these drop-in events, visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste A paper copy of the survey can be requested by contacting 0345 603 1842 / smwlp@suffolk.gov.uk or you can take the survey over the phone by calling 0345 603 1842.

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NEWS COPWASH NEWS REMEMBRANCE IN COPDOCK & WASHBROOK After the Copdock School Remembrance Service on Friday, November 10, the head pupils and school councillors from Foxes Class went down to the William Henry Hewitt VC Memorial and placed poppies and a poppy wreath there. It is so good to see those symbols of remembrance right in the centre of our village for the very first time.

The annual Remembrance Day Service was held in St Peter’s Church on Sunday 12 where the poppy wreaths for the Fallen were placed on the two memorials by two Cadets, cousins Ben and Alex.

As usual at the end of the service the congregation was asked to plant named poppy crosses in the Second World War Garden of Remembrance and then continue round the church to the grave of Ernest Harvey who died of his injuries in June 1917.

Here his grandson Clive Pearsons, who had read the names of the Fallen in church, laid a posy of poppies on the grave.

THE FALLEN OF THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE NOVEMBER 1917 PRIVATE FRED ROUT 12029, 5th Battalion Suffolk Regiment, died of wounds on 23 December 1917 and is buried in Gaza War Cemetery Palestine/Israel.

Born in 1884 in Ipswich he was the son of George and Sophie Rout and had lived in Copdock. At that time Palestine and Gaza were part of the Ottoman Empire, the town suffered attacks in March 1916, April and October 1917

and was captured by the allied forces in November 1917. It then became a casualty clearing centre for the surrounding area. Some of the earliest burials are of the troops who captured the city and it must be assumed that Fred Rout was one of those. Initially it seemed that a photograph of his grave would be unobtainable, not even the CWGC could provide one, but one had been taken by a War Graves Photographic Project volunteer – so the Benefice Fallen Tribute Project was complete.

RIFLEMAN 13/41453 ALBERT R. SCRIVENER, 13th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds on 8 December 1917. Born in 1881 the son of Alfred and Mary Ann Scrivener of 9 Chantry Road Sproughton, he is buried in Sproughton Churchyard and his name inscribed on his parents’ headstone. However, this is still regarded as a War Grave by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

WILLIAM HENRY HEWITT MEMORIAL PHOTO BOOK On Remembrance Sunday a copy of a 100 page photo book tracing the life of W H Hewitt with photographs of the ceremony on September 17 was given to Framlingham College. The headmaster expressed his appreciation in an email: “Thank you so much for the copy of the book on W.H. Hewitt.

It is a wonderful and appropriate record of both his life and of the way in which he has been honoured at all his various constituencies, including of course a wonderful record of that special day at Copdock. We will treasure this copy, which I have forwarded to our Librarian and Archivist to ensure it takes its proper place here.”

Other copies are about to be printed and will sent to his daughter in Florida, his Australian granddaughters, his UK relatives and his great nephews in California. Later copies will be given to Copdock School and put in Suffolk Record Office.

REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD – NOVEMBER 2017 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON By now the council will have debated the issue of the proposed ‘merger’ Planning still seems to be a problem, with a large turnover of staff and a of Babergh with Mid Suffolk District Councils. This council debate was number of vacancies, and then the Joint Draft Local Plan... well there is an forced upon the administration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. exercise in wastepaper! Localism as intended by parliament, well it’s not Unfortunately, by playing with words and interpretations of the council’s in use anywhere locally. Builders are sitting on thousands of permissions, constitution it is not a ‘decision’, just comments that will be considered by apparently waiting for prices to rise, and slamming in applications while the the executive in cabinet later! True democracy in action! By the time the policies are misapplied. Just look at the profits declared by the big builders electorate have a real chance to comment on the proposals, I don’t consider to the Stock Exchange. Persimmon did have the honesty to say that the a screwed (not a misprint) set of questions put to 2,000 individuals over the large proportion of their marginal increase on last year’s sales was due to telephone by telemarketers as real consultation when there are 84,000 in the government’s Help to Buy scheme. Ask what you like, the government Babergh, it will be both too late and subsequently voting out the individuals will help and company profits will go up. The latest business policy. In the who made the decision will not change anything. Remember there are likely meantime the green and pleasant land we all love is rapidly being concreted to be fewer councillors next time thanks to the Boundary Commission review. over and the infrastructure, roads, rail, health, education brought to its knees.

No one seems to have any idea where the jobs are! Perhaps the intention is to The move to Ipswich is due to be completed by the end of November. Already create the ‘Suffolk Retirement Village’, but will the health infrastructure stand councillors are finding the slow and congested journey to Endeavour House a the strain? According to process, the NHS when consulted, request monies bind, one hour to do nine miles, and the public have even more disincentives for new medical space, but no medical staff to utilise it. That’s another story! to attend meetings due to parking charges and the congestion. Once again ‘true democracy’ in action! The costs are just creeping into the public and This is not really designed to spoil your Christmas, just to keep you informed. councillors’ domain, with already £10,000 increase in staff expenses and with The council will not! On a separate subject, have you picked your favourite still no real idea of what will happen to the old buildings. Not a really strong Christmas TV ad? A fortune is spent on them and it now appears to be a basis for ‘financial savings’, perhaps just a way to bail out the county council competition to see which one is the most popular. My personal favourite who appear to have unlimited amounts of space for various organisations. is the M&S one with Paddington Bear. Perhaps it’s cheating a bit with the Selling the old offices will provide a capital receipt which can be pilfered to release of the latest film, but entertaining, informative and with a real support the expensive council costs, whereas staying put would always have Christmas message. retained a valuable and increasing in value asset.

Have a Happy Christmas and a healthy and contented new year.

Perhaps we should watch what is happening in Catalonia and see if we can Councillor John Hinton pick up a few tips. Whitehall seems to have its own set of problems and little john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309 real idea of how to address them.

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In In Touch Touch online: online:

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

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

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

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

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NEWS CELEBRATING BEING SIXTY AND SUPPORTING PHABKIDS

BABBLINGS FROM THE BROOK

Several months ago I read an article in this magazine inviting women to apply to become ambassadors for This Girl Can Suffolk, to promote exercise in all its forms, to encourage women and girls to take up exercise and to inspire women who thought they would never be able to do it.

At 50, after doing on/off exercise for most of my adult life, I decided to do the London Marathon. Why not?

I had watched many other ‘ordinary’ people taking part, how difficult could it be? It was tough! From couch to marathon was quite a journey, but one year later I completed it, with encouragement and support from friends and family. I had caught the bug.

I don’t break any records and sometimes need a little push, but I’m still jogging along. I decided to apply to become an ambassador for This Girl Can Suffolk, partly to give myself encouragement and hoping to perhaps inspire other women... especially those of a more mature age. I have been absolutely amazed by how many clubs, activities and events there are available in Suffolk, and what an inspiring group of ladies the This Girl Can Suffolk ambassadors are.

In January 2018 I will be 60 and my partner David has just turned 60. We decided to set ourselves a challenge to celebrate. Almost 10 years on, older, but obviously not wiser, we are doing the 2018 London Marathon. We are reasonably fit (well we think we are), reasonably healthy (well most of the time, although there have been a few health issues along the way) and reasonably active (when we can summon up the stamina). We also decided if we are going to do this challenge we should try to raise some money for a worthy cause. We found PhabKids, a charity formed 60 years ago to encourage and support children and adults with and without disabilities to make more of life together: www.phabkids.co.uk If you would like to follow our journey on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/super60s) or help us celebrate our 60th birthdays by supporting our chosen charity, you can donate at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Super60s.com For more information on This Girl Can Suffolk please visit: www.suffolksport.com/tgcsuffolk Jo Street

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Smart new doors and windows have been fitted to the Brook Inn, part funded by energy conservation grants. As well as giving a new sheen to the outside of the pub, new insulation in the walls and loft has also made the inside nice and cosy – just in time for the cold weather.

Brook Inn Quiz Nights Our monthly quiz night is as popular as ever with local John Day posing the questions and enjoying the team debates. Do join us for our Christmas Quiz Night on Sunday, December 10; bring friends and family together for the final quiz of the year.

Open Mic Night Our monthly open mic music night continues to be a very popular evening at The Brook, where talented local musicians come along to perform to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. Everyone is welcome, and it’s a great way of enjoying live music in their favourite local on cold winter nights!

Because of the Christmas period there won’t be one in December, so the next one is in January.

Festive Food Our Christmas menu is available with some lovely options for great gluten free dishes. Do look at the menu on our website.

And finally, we will be open until 2am on New Year’s Eve so invite your friends and family and hopefully it will be as good a party as last year. www.thebrookinnwashbrook.co.uk The Street, Washbrook, Ipswich IP8 3HR 01473 730531 / info@thebrookinnwashbrook.co.uk

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE I am holding a raffle in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice at Replay’s dance party at Capel Village Hall on Saturday, December 16. If you would like to donate raffle prizes bring your donations along on the night or let me have them before noon on December 16. Linda Morrison, Hospice Rep for Capel St Mary

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

Powers of Attorney Wills

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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

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NEWS CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASE

Can you find the transport you require? This is the story we often hear.

– SUFFOLK’S FIRST CO-OPERATIVE PUB

“I’m cosy in my room, legs up on the recliner, TV on and a cuppa beside me, but I’m feeling lonely and isolated. My life could be so much richer and happier if only I could get to the local coffee morning and chat with real live people. I worry so much about imposing on busy relatives to get me to my health appointments. I want to visit friends and wander at leisure round the local supermarket. I want some independence.”

Seasonal Opening We very much hope to open every day over the holiday, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (see below), but this will depend on the availability of our wonderful volunteers, so please be understanding if we can’t be there to welcome you on every day.

Here at BSEVC we can help with that transport. From Monday to Saturday we operate four easily accessible vehicles in Mid Suffolk, Ipswich and Kesgrave. Trips can be booked up to two weeks in advance, longer if it’s for a health appointment.

A Traditional Christmas Lunch This will be on offer on December 3, 10 and 17 as an alternative to our popular Sunday meal. If you’re booking (and booking is vital) please say if you would like this. We regret we’re unable to cater for large groups, and if there are more than eight in your party, we will ask you to pre-order so we can give you the best possible service.

We also provide a volunteer car service. We have a team of volunteer drivers who use their own cars to transport you from your home to wherever you need to go. If it’s a health appointment our driver will wait for you for up to two hours. Our services can be used by families, individuals, young people and older people. It is for almost everyone.

For local groups and organisations we also have a 15 seater minibus which can be used for your outings. We also provide a fully qualified and experienced driver. Our minibus can also be used by schools and colleges for sports fixtures or day trips.

To provide these services we rely on volunteer drivers. It’s a very rewarding thing to do and even a couple of hours a month can make such a difference to those who use our services. Drivers are needed to drive our minibus or small people carriers or our two standard cars and we provide training and induction sessions.

If you have a few hours spare and want to find out more please give us a call, there are people in your community who really need your assistance to get from A to B. If you are interested in joining the team, or if you wish to find out more about travelling with us, please contact us: 01449 614271 / bookings@bsevc.co.uk We’d be very happy to talk through all the options with you and tell you a bit more about what we can do. www.bsevc.co.uk

EVENTS AT ACORN VILLAGE Our Beauty & The Beast themed Winter Wonderland is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4.30pm until Saturday, December 16 with refreshments and craft stalls between 11am and 2.30pm on the final day.

Our Acorn Actors are putting on a performance of The Happy Prince on Friday, December 8 and Saturday 9. Tickets are just £3. Please book by calling 01206 394124 (EXT 242).

After an interesting gift for Christmas? Why not have a look at what we have for sale on eBay (AcornVillageCharity) or visit our shops in Manningtree or onsite at Acorn Village.

Open Mic Night Who knew there was so much talent in our community? We look forward to seeing you on the first Tuesday in the month as usual, December 5, from 8pm. The first Open Mic Night of 2018 will be on January 2. Newcomers especially welcome – PA system provided.

Carol Singing This has become a tradition at the pub, and this year is no exception. Come and raise your voices in the old favourites, lubricated by a glass of mulled wine on December 17 from 4pm.

Quiz and Curry Night The last quiz of 2017 will be on December 30, starting at 9pm. The first quiz of 2018 will be on January 27. If you’d like to host a quiz, speak to a member of the committee or leave a note behind the bar, you’ll be very welcome. Please note that the menu on quiz nights is a choice of two curries – the normal menu is not available for these occasions.

New Year’s Day The Case will be open on January 1 and will be serving bar meals so if you’ve been for a bracing walk on New Year’s Day, why not pop in and get warm.

Finally, a word of thanks…

Firstly to our customers and members, old and new. Without your support the Case wouldn’t be the thriving heart of the community that it has become.

As one satisfied customer wrote: “Keep the pub going! Love it, and it will continue.”

Secondly, we are so grateful to our staff and amazing band of volunteers. The pub wouldn’t have a chance without you and your unstinting efforts. For you, the festive season will be a time of hard work and commitment to make sure everyone has a good time.

A very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year to us all.

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851924

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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NEWS MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR Don’t put off your Flu Vaccination Health chiefs in Suffolk are reminding people to get a flu vaccination to ward off the worst effects of a potentially debilitating illness. Parents of two-threeyear-olds are being encouraged to take their child to have a simple nasal spray vaccination at their GP surgery, while carers are also advised not to put off their free flu jab. With higher than usual numbers of people contracting flu in the Southern Hemisphere during their winter season earlier this year, it is more important than ever not to delay getting the vaccination.

Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications, especially among some of the most vulnerable groups. Public Health England’s Chief Medical Officer has warned flu and the complications associated with it cause, on average, 8,000 deaths a year.

People with long term health conditions such as diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease are eligible for a free vaccination, as are pregnant women and all those over 65.

The county’s healthy lifestyle providers, OneLife Suffolk, will be working closely with many of Suffolk’s GP practices, pharmacies and children’s centres to raise awareness of the importance of getting the vaccination. People should contact their GP, pharmacist or midwife to the get the flu jab. For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/staywell / www.healthysuffolk.org.uk UK Home Safety Week People living in Suffolk are being urged to check their white goods and to not use them unattended in an attempt to reduce the risk of fires starting in the home.

As part of UK Home Safety Week, fire services up and down the country are recommending people register their appliances in case of recalls, but to also be aware that incidents can occur when a product isn’t on a recall list.

Damage and severity of a fire, should one occur, is dramatically reduced if they are not left running while everyone is asleep or out of the house. Early indicators of potential risks can be quickly noticed, such as smells, unusual sounds or the appliance not performing as expected.

People are also being urged to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and making sure they know how they will exit their home if a fire does occur.

In 2015/16, more than 15,000 accidental fires in the home were caused by cookers and white goods across the UK. In 2016/17 in Suffolk, there were 29 incidents caused by white goods – to date in 2017/18, there have been 11.

We would urge people to spend a few minutes registering their appliances at: www.registermyappliance.org.uk It is also advised that people use their appliances only when they are in the home and awake as this is proven to significantly reduce the risk of a serious fire.

It is important people are well prepared in case of a fire. If you have an elderly neighbour or family member nearby, why not check in on them to make sure they’re prepared as well Regards and best wishes, Christopher Hudson

REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: DECEMBER 2017 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw MERGER Since I last wrote here, events have moved on a little. Babergh’s Cabinet (and Mid Suffolk’s) both provisionally endorsed an approach to a merger. The meeting was heavily attended by non-cabinet members and a lot of questions were asked, expressing significant reservations.

In the following few days, a dozen members of the opposition groups (Independent, Liberal, Labour and Independent Conservatives) put their names to a ‘call-in’ of the decision to go to our Overview and Scrutiny Committee. I was a signatory to that request. The call-in was validated as being within our constitution.

The Scrutiny Committee held a meeting at the earliest opportunity to discuss this. I should add that I am a member and vice-chairman of Scrutiny. There’s no conflict in that, but you should know it’s part of this councillors’ function. A presentation by the lead members of the callin was made, along with presentations from the cabinet and our chief executive. All were questioned extensively.

The result was that Scrutiny decided that the principles of decision making had been breached and referred the matter back to the cabinet with two key recommendations, first for better information and evidence and second for the cabinet to bring the matter to be debated by the full elected council. That discussion will have taken place by now.

The arguments on both sides can receive an open airing and I’m glad that the matter has been brought out in the press and to you, the public.

That’s probably as much council procedural stuff as anybody ever wanted to read. You have my sympathy. Whether the council continue with telephone ‘polling/voting’ (with some public consultation) or consider a democratic referendum, as in 2011, will be something to watch.

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MOVE Our move to Endeavour House continues in fits and starts. By the end of 2017, we should be in place. Meanwhile the council has hired an external consultant to explore the options for redevelopment of our former HQs at Hadleigh and Needham Market. I believe this has a budget of over £500,000 which makes me wonder about our (your) future financials.

PLANNING My opinions on an existing contradictory Local Plan might be well known, so I’ve supported the recent public consultation on the new Joint Local Plan (Joint Plan, and staff, but separate sovereign councils!).

The walk-in session at Tattingstone was very well attended and I spent four hours talking with parish councillors and the public. All three parish councils have gone into the matter and the aim must be to avoid some of the mistakes previously made. We are still governed, however, by the open ended National Planning Policy Framework (AKA the Developers Charter). This phase of the emerging plan consultation is over now.

There will be another next spring. Watch this space.

REPORTS I carefully read other councillors reports in other editions of In Touch.

I’m very grateful for this forum, but I know I do things differently. I tend to focus on the bigger issues, those with wider implications. The individual matters are often best dealt with by talking to the people groups or councils concerned. If there is anything that you would like me to write about, please just contact me. Maybe one day things will be going so smoothly, I have nothing to write about. I can dream, can’t I? As ever, I can be contacted as below or waved at (I think they’re waving) on that old blue Claud Butler pushbike. alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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Babergh District Council

Mid Suffolk District Council Waste and Recycling

Waste and Recycling Collection Calendar 2018

Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2017-2018

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Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection

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Monday 25th December Tuesday 26th December Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Monday 1st January Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January

Revised Collection

Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Saturday 30th December Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Saturday 6th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January Saturday 13th January

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There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 25th December and 5th January) Please check www.midsuffolk.gov.uk for further details From Monday 15th January normal waste and recycling collections resume.

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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Recycling collected this week Rubbish collected this week For Christmas and New Year weeks (25th Dec-13th Jan) Please refer to the Christmas & New Year schedule Bank Holiday Week - Everyone’s collection will be a day later all week. For Christmas and New Year weeks, please refer to the Christmas Schedule.

Visit Recycle Now

www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest recycling banks

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

In Touch online:

NEWS SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Dear Readers, Christmas is fast approaching, a time of year for giving, but can also be a time of year for taking by burglars so in order to prevent this happening here are some tips we can all follow to help stop this from happening.

If you are going away over the Christmas period ask a neighbour to open and close your curtains and put out the bins out for you.

Cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries.

Set you lights to come on and off with a timer.

Regarding Christmas presents, don’t place them under the Christmas Tree too soon.

Don’t leave Christmas presents outside in a shed, caravan or in the car. Hide them safely indoors.

Make a note of the serial and model numbers before wrapping and keep them safe.

NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Flu Clinics In our four flu clinics we vaccinated a total of 1,261 patients, a 5% increase on last year. Our first clinic at Holbrook was particularly busy with a 27% increase on the same clinic last year so please accept our apologies if your waiting time was a little longer. At the time of writing, we are vaccinating patients in care homes and still have spare vaccines so, if you are eligible and wish to receive the vaccine, please ring reception to book an appointment.

Training Days Our next training afternoon will be on Wednesday, December 13 when we will be shut from 1pm. There is no training day in January. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Never leave keys in locks as this makes it easier for a burglar to get into your property. Put them out of view and away from the door.

Christmas Opening A reminder that over Christmas we will be open as normal except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Appointments will be available on the day only from December 18 to January 5 so please ring on the day you wish to be seen. You don’t need to order your prescription early unless you are going away.

Use exterior lights to deter burglars as they like the dark.

We would like to wish all our patients a happy and healthy festive season.

Secure garden gates with locks and padlocks.

Did you know that you can self-refer for physiotherapy and wellbeing services?

Make sure patio doors and windows are locked and secured even when you are at home.

If you can then have a burglar alarm fitted.

Remember 30% of burglaries actually happen as a consequence of people not locking their doors and windows so burglars don’t even have to break in.

If anyone comes to your door who you don’t recognise then please ask for their ID. Remember if a crime is in progress or for an emergency then call 999. For a non-emergency call 101.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year PCSO Denise Ford and the Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team

VOTES FOR SHELLEY CENTRE TO RECEIVE £25,000 FROM FREEMASONS The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding is to receive a £25,000 Community Award from the Freemasons following an unprecedented public vote.

The charity was one of six to be nominated by Freemasons in Suffolk, with local people voting to decide the level of their award. They were part of 178,801 people who voted across England and Wales.

The Community Awards are a major part of Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations. The Masonic Charitable Foundation is distributing three million pounds to 300 charities across the country, with the public vote deciding on the range of awards from £4,000 to £25,000.

Jan Derbyshire, chairman of The Shelley Centre said: “The grant of £25,000 which we have been awarded following the public vote is hugely important and we would like to express our heartfelt and grateful thanks to everybody who took the trouble to vote for us. This is an amazing amount of money which will make such a difference to our charity and enable the centre to get several much-needed maintenance projects underway so that we can continue to benefit the health of wellbeing of adults and children with disabilities through riding therapies. We are also very grateful to the Masonic Charitable Foundation for this opportunity and their generosity.”

The Masonic Charitable Foundation obtains all of its funding from Freemasons, their families and friends. It is estimated that half of Freemasonry’s total charitable expenditure of over £33m goes to charities that help people in communities across the country.

Neville Warnes, Provincial Grand Charity Steward in the Province of Suffolk said: “We are delighted so many people voted in Suffolk. The Shelley Centre was one of six charities nominated by local Freemasons and I know they will use their £25,000 grant to continue with their outstanding work.”

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

Physio: You can now self-refer to physiotherapy for muscle and joint problems without needing to see your GP. Please complete the form online at www.ahpsuffolk.co.uk/referral or if you have no internet access, ring 03330 433966. Questions will be asked and you will be triaged within 24 hours. You may be sent information, advice or exercises initially and then you will be contacted with an appointment.

Wellbeing: If you are suffering from common mental health and emotional issues such as low mood, depression or stress and would like help, please go to www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/get-support/self-referral or ring 0300 123 1781.

Practice Manager Julia Smith,

HELPING VULNERABLE FAMILIES AT CHRISTMAS One Ipswich charity will be distributing 150 luxury Christmas food hampers to local families in need this Christmas.

The community group called Love Ipswich, established by Proclaimers Church Ipswich, have been receiving donations of items like boxes of mince pies, packets of stuffing and jars of cranberry sauce from members of the public and local businesses.

Project co-ordinator Fran Marcus said: “We will be delivering the hampers to agencies working with families with very complex needs. Christmas should be a great time, but it can also be a stress and a burden. Hopefully we are lifting that stress and worry and preventing difficult financial situations. We try to include everything a family of four needs for Christmas dinner with a few extra little treats and a voucher for perishable items and wrap it all up as a beautiful hamper.”

The charity works with agencies to identify the people most in need at Christmas, including refugees, families being helped by social services and people living in hostels. Last year 68 hampers were delivered.

The charity will be receiving a special offering towards its Christmas Hamper appeal at the church’s annual Christmas special on Sunday, December 17.

“Our Christmas special is full of live music and performance to get people into the Christmas spirit, plus a Christmas party for the children,” commented church lead Pastor Tom Rawls. “But in the midst of all the celebration we want people to remember the heart of Christmas is all about giving which is why our Christmas Hamper appeal will be a key focus of the event.”

For further details contact Fran Marcus: franmarcus@proclaimers.com Find out more at: www.proclaimers.com/church-ipswich

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Annual Flu Clinics This year we held four flu clinics and generally this was a successful approach.

We were helped by members of the Patient Participation Group and had as many clinicians as possible available to vaccinate patients. Thank you to all patients who attended on one of the four days. These clinics are the most efficient way of vaccinating a large number of patients and the new arrangements enable us to keep the queues to a minimum.

At the time of writing we have vaccinated 2,389 adults and 261 children against flu, 141 adults against pneumonia and 233 adults against shingles.

We are also in the process of visiting all housebound patients to ensure they are vaccinated. This year is forecast to be a bad year for flu so if you have yet to be vaccinated, and have received a letter confirming you are eligible, please contact the surgery to arrange a vaccination with one of our nurses or health care assistant.

Over the four clinics we also collected for Inspire, a local charity supporting disadvantages children. We raised an incredible £1,044. On behalf of Inspire, thank you for your generosity. For more information about Inspire visit: www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk Syria Collections Dr Ayache is retiring at the end of December and has worked with charities since the conflict began to help Syrian refugees. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to take in donations of clothing and bedding. However, Dr Ayache would like to extend his sincere gratitude to all patients who have made a donation over the last few years. Your generosity has made a real difference.

Training days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday February 8. 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

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY Coming soon: a diva, a gang lord, a detective and a stage full of dancing nuns...

After the recent success of Little Shop Of Horrors, here at BATS we’ve set ourselves another sensational challenge and we are excited to announce our next February production will be the musical spectacular Sister Act, a feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent!

Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Already our cast are busy warming up their vocals and learning all their moves, while the construction crew and wardrobe team are busy beavering away behind the scenes. It’s definitely another exciting year and it’s going to be another fabulous feel-good evening for our audiences, so don’t forget to get your tickets.

The production runs from Tuesday 13 to Saturday, February 17. Tickets (adults £8 / children £6) are on sale from December 1 from Bakes & Blossoms or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/branthamamateurtheatricalsociety Enquiry line: 07891 974844

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY December sees cold days and early dark nights and the best way to spend them is to curl up with a good book by one of your favourite authors. Keep up to date with new releases by visiting www.suffolklibraries.co.uk and order and pick up at the nearest library of your choice. Don’t forget that you can also download an e-book to your computer, and download music too. If you would like something different to tax your brain then we have a good selection of jigsaw puzzles that you can borrow.

Please note that the library will be closed at the following times over Christmas: from 12.30pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Wednesday, December 27 and Monday, January 1.

CLUBS MEETING THIS MONTH Capel Library Book Group: Friday, December 15 at 2.30pm. Do come along and join in our little group and chat with the members about the latest book.

Open to all.

Baby Bounce: Meets Tuesdays, December 5 and 12 and then breaks up for Christmas. We will start again on January 9. Starts at 2pm and is open to all children under five with their parents/carers or grannies (and grandpas too).

Capel Creators: Meets on Saturday, December 23 at 10.30am. Come and create to the theme or your choice, 50p per child and includes a drink and a biscuit.

Minecraft Club: Sorry, but there will be no club during December. Re-starts on Sunday, January 14.

The staff wish all of our borrowers and users of library services a very Happy Christmas.

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

CELEBRATORY CHRISTMAS CONCERT Phoenix Brass will be performing a celebratory Christmas concert on Saturday, December 2 at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Raydon.

Tickets at £10 include wine and a light supper and are available from: 01473 310320 / 01473 312123

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

TEA & COMPANY Monday, December 11 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

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Firstly, a big thank you to all those who took part in, and helped lay out and provide food for our quiz in October. Thanks too to all those who provided prizes for what turned out to be a monumental raffle! It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Secondly, a clarification, in our November report we mentioned that County Councillor Gordon Jones was unable to be at the book scheme presentation.

In fact he was unavoidably delayed, but did arrive before the end of the presentation.

Thirdly, a reminder that our film in December will be Hampstead, a Romance starring Diane Keaton in which an American widow finds love with a squatter on Hampstead Heath.

Our Hundred Club draw winners for October were Sue Carpendale £20, Alan Watts £10, Steve Lodge £10 and Sandra Bumphrey £5. In November the winners were Sarah Wilson £20, K Weston £10, Alan Butters £10 and Ann Hawes £5. Since November is a bonus month the November bonus winners were Hannah Clifford £20 and J W Row £20.

We also give notice of the annual general meeting of the Friends on Saturday, January 27 at 4pm in the library. We will have a vacancy for a new trustee, and there will be some minor changes to be made to the constitution to reflect the move to annual membership.

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Route 15 Town/village Location MIP/15A Washbrook Pearson’s Way MIP/15B Washbrook Brook Inn Car Park MIP/15C Washbrook Fenn View MIP/15D Burstall Telephone Kiosk MIP/15E Elmsett Rose and Crown MIP/15F Whatfield Wheatfields MIP/15G Hintlesham Timperleys 2017/18 DATES: December 6, January 3 & 31

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

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OUT & ABOUT ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

CAROL SERVICE AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, BELSTEAD Sunday, December 17 at 6pm A traditional Carol Service followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

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

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. Enjoy carol singing while you get inspired for that last minute Christmas present.

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

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Roger Fern presented a talk entitled A Year as Mayor of Ipswich at our November meeting. In this he showed some photos of the ceremonial articles the council owns and uses at mayoral functions. There are two maces, one of which precedes the mayor into the council chamber at council meetings and lays on the table before him/her throughout. There is also the mayor’s chain of office which is worn at all official functions. This contains a casting of the Ipswich coat of arms among other symbols and is quite heavy. Roger also showed photos of some of the events he has attended as mayor.

Christmas messages and carols will be presented by two of our club members on December 13. There will also be a small Christmas buffet in lieu of biscuits with our coffee. Please bring a small plate of food to share. Instead of our usual raffle please also bring a small wrapped gift as a tombola item.

The main raffle this month will be a hamper with hopefully one or two secondary prizes.

All very welcome.

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.

Monday, December 4: Wow – another year gone! Debbie will be away for a few months working abroad and we will do our best to bring more craft projects in 2018 after our Christmas celebration meeting with nibbles and cakes and Jill will show us how to make beaded snowflakes.

Monday, January 8: Bulls Head Safety Pin Keeper (Jill) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB In September, Graham Proctor brought a wide selection of his locally grown apples for a tasting evening. A fun and interesting time was had by all. Try local farm shops to sample some of these delicious apples for yourselves.

October saw Simon White from Peter Beale’s Roses. He presented an excellent illustrated talk and brought along a good selection of garden products and cut price roses and plants which were snapped up by members.

Future talks: First Aid and AED The Legendary Dad’s Army, A History of Scarecrows, Pray Silence for ? and The History of Butley Priory.

Our December meeting is earlier than usual on Wednesday 6, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

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.

Alan Smith will be making door wreaths, which will be raffled off at the end of the evening. Alan is a fun speaker and innovative flower arranger, so make a date to start your Christmas celebrations with us in the village hall. Please bring a plate of Christmas food to share.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

Visitors made very welcome. See you there.

JANET DRAKE LAUNCHES MIND BODY MOMENT TO TEACH YOGALATESTM From Monday, December 4, Mind Body Moment will teach YogalatesTM in a course like structure, starting with a oneto-one assessment followed by an introductory course (six 90-minute classes – max six clients). On completion the client can join any of the general sessions (four 90-minute classes – max 10 clients).

Despite life’s detour, Janet attended many forms of daily fitness including Aerobics, Step, Body Pump, Yoga and Pilates. More recently, Janet wanted to discover more about Yoga and Pilates and how to safely improve strength, core stability and all the other good things that these two disciplines provide.

This is how she found YogalatesTM.

Louise Solomon developed YogalatesTM over 20 years ago It is the original award winning exercise method integrating Pilates and Yoga, creating a system that develops core stability and strength, while enhancing stamina, flexibility and balance, and brings relaxation and wellbeing to mind and body, all with particular attention to safety, for all body types, during practice.

A year of continual study including an intensive two-week practicum, Janet completed the Solomon YogalatesTM Method Teachers Training (September 2017) at 60.

Janet Drake, the owner of Mind Body Moment, is ballet trained from eight years old, attending Elmhurst Ballet School between the ages 1118. After a short stint on the professional stage “life got in the way” of her dance teaching ambition until her 50s, when she started FunDancing (her dance fitness business).

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“The safety of YogalatesTM, the constant discovery about my mind and body as I work through the vast array of exercises, poses, meditations and breathing techniques, is giving me a stronger, leaner and healthier body and mind. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with others” For more information, class bookings and prepayments please visit www.mindbodymoment.co.uk or contact Janet at: 07506 350455 / janet@mindbodymoment.co.uk

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Pet Accessories Christmas Gift Vouchers

Metal Animal Figures Animal Themed Giftware

Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA • 01473 731117 Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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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

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

Grant Funding 2, 3 and 4 year

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Ted Wheatley presented Overland to India on November 1 and Dennis and Ann Kell presented Wildlife in the Falklands on November 15. Both presentations were much appreciated by our members.

On December 6 Paul Oliver presents his popular Christmas quiz and at the final meeting of the year on December 20 Barbara Faulkner will tell us about The Man in Red. We don’t have a speaker meeting in January, but instead have our New Year Lunch for members, their spouses and Probus widows. This will take place on Wednesday, January 17 at The Haywain, Bentley Road, Little Bromley CO11 2PL. 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

ALTON BELLES WI Formally Tattingstone and Wherstead WI November is the time for our AGM. After electing our committee and our officials, we listened with interest to reports from our president, our treasurer and our secretary. Alton Belles WI has had a very successful year with several new members. It was also the year when we changed our name to Alton Belles WI, chosen to reflect that some of our members now come from many of the villages around the beautiful Alton Water.

After the official business, we welcomed Alison and her dog, Rufus. Rufus is an eight-year-old yellow Labrador who is an assistance dog. Canine Partners are a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. These amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, social interaction and practical help with everyday household tasks. These life-changing dogs also provide psychological and social benefits. Rufus had great fun showing us some of things he could do.

Canine Partners receive no government funding and rely solely on donations from the public and legacies to help them continue their life-transforming work.

Our next meeting is our Christmas meeting on December 21. Do come and join in the festive fun and enjoy our yuletide refreshments at Tattingstone Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Our programme for 2018 is looking very exciting, so why not make a regular date for the third Thursday each month and join Alton Belles WI? For more details contact Jane: 01473 327865

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK RAMBLERS We will not be rambling as a group during December, but hope that villagers will get out and walk our lovely footpaths over the holiday period. If you go into the Brook Inn, there are copies of the Copdock & Washbrook Footpath Guide (free) on the bar in the snug area, which suggests routes you might like to take.

Season’s greetings from us all.

STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, November 8, event organiser Eve Regelous, who worked closely with Harrods, gave a behind the scenes glimpse of day-to-day life in this world famous company, including its history.

We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but have our popular Christmas lunch at Constable Hall on Wednesday, December 6. This is always a popular event and so early booking is advised On Wednesday, January 10, we will be entertained by Ancestral Voices who will take us back to the festive season under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I using words, music and images, including instruments from the period. Many of today’s carols and Christmas traditions originate from the Medieval and Tudor eras. You will hear carols as you may have never heard them before!

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.

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. The start time is 7.15pm.

There is no meeting in December; instead members are looking forward to the Christmas mystery tour and lunch. Some may have guessed where we will be, time will tell if they are right.

If you would like to be included in future trips why not join the association?

The membership fees remain the same for 2018; £8 for an individual or £12 for two living at the 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 The next meeting is on January 16 when Mark Mitchels will be discussing the role Samuel Pepys played in establishing the Royal Navy.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, December 13: Memories of Steam Caught on Canvas, illustrated talk by Wrenford Thatcher We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

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

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS November has been a busy month of activities in school with parents coming in to share learning, open evenings for next year’s intake, singing and sporting events. The children have posed beautifully for their school photos – some of them for the first time, and some for their last time with us.

Our Under 7s had a football tournament earlier in November which was the first time they had represented their schools at a sporting event. They all did really well and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Some were even scouted by local football clubs!

Not to be outdone, pupils from Years 5 and 6 across the federation took part in a Tag Rugby competition at St Joseph’s School. We are particularly proud of the teamwork and support the children demonstrated towards each other.

Bentley pupils enjoyed a spooktacular Hallowe’en disco with a great deal of help from our fabulous parents who stayed to help out. Three of the mums even did face painting.

Pupils from Copdock laid crosses with names of the fallen at the new village memorial as part of our Remembrance Service. The whole of Bentley School walked to the War Memorial in Bentley and, joined by members of the British Legion, held a service there to commemorate those who fought to keep our country free.

We’ve had dress down days to raise money for BBC Children in Need and to kick start our Christmas festivities with decoration making. Some of the KS2 children have been working hard in the Christmas Cake Club and are nearing their masterpiece completion.

The children are now preparing songs and learning scripts for their Christmas productions which will soon be upon us.

We currently have two small, friendly cockerels at Bentley School in need of good homes. They are well handled (they have no choice having been picked up by children every day of their lives) and gentle natured and are free to good homes. They are a small breed with beautiful feathery feet.

If you think you could give one of our lovely chooks a place to call their own, please call the school on 01473 310253.

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

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Christmas is nearly on us and the first term has passed by really quickly. All of the new children who joined us in September have settled in really well.

The children are getting very excited and have been doing lots of crafts and activities based around Christmas. We have our Christmas Nativity coming up with lots of practising ready to show their talents to parents, carers and family members. They will also have a Christmas party at the end of the term, with a disco and party food to eat.

As we are now open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. Please contact the administration assistant for more 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 the 30-hour code (given once registered) and your National Insurance Number. Once we have checked these details you can book sessions (subject to availability) for the following term.

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

ROBIN’S CHILDCARE Baby Bears We have been exploring how different materials and textures such as toothbrushes, cotton buds and cardboard tubes can create varying patterns in paint. We made some amazing firework patterns using these methods. The Bears have been learning new rhymes for World Nursery Rhyme Week and have created lovely artwork based around each rhyme. Creating lots of artwork and displaying it around our room often sparks up conversations between the children and adults, helping to develop their communication and observational skills.

Toddling Tigers It’s been busy here with the Toddling Tigers looking at Halloween, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day. We used our senses to explore pumpkins, using our hands and feet to feel and remove the insides and our sense of smell. We have had an exciting time using lots of glitter to create wonderful firework pictures and a variety of materials to help stick the glitter including coloured glue, paint on dish brushes and shower puffs. Our Remembrance Day crafts included making paper plate poppies, using our scissor skills to cut out and stick a selection of poppies and making red playdough to shape and create our own poppies. Our fabulous artwork is proudly displayed around our room.

Gruffalos November has been a very busy month in the Gruffalo room, starting with bonfire celebrations and finishing with rehearsals for our annual nativity play. In between the children have been celebrating World Nursery Rhyme Week. During this week we learnt a new nursery rhyme each day and joined in with different activities based around each rhyme. As well as a couple of favourites (Wind the Bobbin Up and Hickory Dickory Dock) we learnt Bobby Shafto, Lavender’s Blue and Old King Cole. It was lovely to hear the children singing the new rhymes they had learnt. Now it’s on to Christmas…

If you would like information about Robin’s Childcare please contact us on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook.

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SPORTS BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Our winter league programme has started with two away games at what most people think are the difficult venues for away teams so we were delighted to come home from Tuddenham with a 7-3 win, and although we lost the next game at Chelmondiston by 6-4 this was a good start for the season.

The First Team had a much better month, unbeaten in the League with the only defeat a narrow one on penalties in the Suffolk Senior Cup at Bramford.

They ended the month with a victory over reigning champions Henley Athletic which should lift spirits considerably.

These matches were followed by two home games with Sproughton the first to visit and we won 10-0. The second game was always going to be more of a challenge as Claydon were the visitors. Four close well fought games later we had won 10-0. This is the best start to a season for some time, but there is a long way to go.

The Reserves got their show back on the road in October with three victories in four to take them up to fourth in the League A and back in contention.

John Hayward

The club is running 15 sides, including 11 youth teams, this season, making it one of the largest in South Suffolk. Games featuring girls and boys are played at the playing field on Saturday and Sunday mornings under the watchful eyes of our qualified coaches.

The A Team have found life difficult and picked up only one point in the month as they search for a successful formula.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Nov 25: Ransomes Sports (A) Sat, Dec 2: Westerfield Utd (H) Sat, Dec 9: Crane Sports (A) Sat, Dec 16: Felixstowe Harpers Utd (H) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Dec 30: Capel Plough (H) Sat. Jan 6: Bob Coleman Cup R3 Reserves: League A Sat, Nov 25: Old Newton Res (H) Sat, Dec 9: Achilles Res (H) Sat, Dec 16: Bramford Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) A Team: League B Sat, Dec 2: Haughley Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 9: Coplestonians A (A) Sat, Dec 16: Trimley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Cedar Park Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Fixtures subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition to confirm.

Suffolk County FA run courses for coaches which include first aid training and issue what is known as a Level 1 Certificate for those who pass as well as a Children’s Welfare Certificate. All our coaches seem to enjoy teaching the youngsters.

At the other end of the scale is our Veteran side which features players over 35 years old. They recently beat Stowupland 7-0 with goals from John Chinnery (3), Matt Chinnery (2), Chris Stewart, and a 30-yard special from midfield dynamo Ross Dorward. December 10 sees them play Whitton United at home in the league cup.

Our Sunday morning team drew 3-3 with the Fat Cat Public House in the league cup, going out on penalties with the club’s oldest player, David Cubbins, now in his middle fifties, still showing the younger members how to do it, Meanwhile our Saturday Reserves lost 4-1 to Kesgrave Kestrels with Alex Parry getting our goal.

Race Night: This will now be held in January. Details will be in the January edition.

We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays are all potential for exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village.

Please come along and give us a look sometime.

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

Our Saturday First Team have now been in the Senior Division of the Suffolk and Ipswich League for 20 years and won three games in October to move up to sixth in the league table. They beat Ransome Sports 4-1 with Nick Middlebrook scoring twice, Bramford United 2-1 thanks to a last minute winner from leading scorer Stephen Morrison and Haughley United 1-0 with Daniel Alderson getting the goal. Home games in December are Coplestonians on December 9 and Leiston St Margaret’s on December 23.

Finally, a Happy Christmas to all our players, officials and supporters. Some people like new clothes or maybe some chocolates for Christmas, but I like to be different as I hope to have a replacement hip fitted by then which will be a great relief.

Bob The Ploughman

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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead and Bentley with Tattingstone

considerable damage within the building before removing the safe with all the silverware contained within. It makes me so disappointed that people would steal from small, financially struggling churches who serve God, their communities and others with such love and generosity.

For parish queries please contact:

The Rev Annette

The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674

North Samford Churches Baby and Toddler Group Monday morning in term time at Sproughton Church Hall from 9.30-11.30am.

Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome with a parent, grandparent or carer. Suggested donation £2 per family Leader: The Rev Annette Shannon, 01473 807674

Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116 (new number) “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!” Dr Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Dear Friends Advent is ‘the final countdown’ to Christmas Day and many children will have an Advent calendar to help them count the days. Now adults and pets have them too, and they are just as likely to have pictures of Disney characters as angels, containing anything from chocolates and Lego to miniature bottles of wine and dog treats. Most people no longer know the connection between mince pies and the story of Jesus’ birth, or what ‘Stir up Sunday’ is. Christmas has become secular.

The word Advent simply means ‘coming’ – and marks the season in church when Christians remember that God came to earth to be born as the Christ child, Jesus. God also promised that Jesus will come again at the end of time to heal all the world’s hurts and divisions. Advent remembers this promise, so it’s a time of hope, of getting ready and expectation.

Today Christmas may have lost some of its Christian message. It has for many become just an excuse for food, parties, family get-togethers, crackers, decorations, the recycling of Christmas number ones and some rather dubious Christmas specials on television. However, it’s reassuring to see that the caring element of the Christmas season with charity appeals, volunteering for soup kitchens and night shelters, and an increased awareness of the poor, the lonely and the homeless in our midst is still very much alive.

If you believe that simple acts of kindness and creativity can make the world a better place, why not get hold of a Love Life Live Advent booklet (www. liveadvent.net)? It’s packed with thoughtful and practical actions that you can do together as a family to help you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas and to make your corner of the world a better place.

At Christmas we celebrate God becoming a human being. We celebrate the holy family. We celebrate the beginning of a journey that will give new meaning to our lives. And remember the poor and disadvantaged, the difficult circumstances of Jesus’ birth, but also the ongoing Christian imperative to care for the marginalised.

Why not visit your church at Christmas and bring back some of your happiest memories of Christmas past. Share in the beauty of Christian inspired music, observe the face of a young child as it is lit up by the light from the Christ candle in their Christingle and hear new spins on the nativity story. Help us to keep the story at the heart of the Christian Christmas alive, and as a means of reflecting upon what Christmas is really all about.

In the words of Steve Maraboli: “Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

Help to lighten the darkness of others this Christmas.

May your Christmas be full of hope, joy and love.

CHURCH NEWS I am very sad to announce that in October the lead from a significant area of the church roof of All Saint’s Church, Sproughton, including the area over the organ, was removed by thieves. A few days later St Peter’s Church, Copdock, was broken into. The thieves broke a gravestone to smash through the vestry window. They then broke through the locks on the vestry door doing

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CHRISTMAS SERVICES AND EVENTS Sunday, December 3: Bentley Christingle, 10am Sunday, December 10 Burstall Christingle and Gift Service, 9.30am Copdock Nativity, 10am Thursday, December 14: Mulled Wine & Carols in Bentley Village Hall, 7pm Sunday, December 17 Bentley Carol Service, 10am Burstall Carol Service, 4.30pm Belstead Carol Service, 6pm Copdock Carol Service, 6pm Tattingstone Carol Service, 6pm Sproughton Carol Service, 6.30pm Sunday, December 24 Bentley Crib Service, 3pm Sproughton Nativity, 3pm Tattingstone Crib and Christingle Service, 4pm Copdock Midnight Mass, 11.30pm Sproughton Midnight Mass, 11.30pm Tattingstone Midnight Mass, 11.30pm Christmas Day Burstall Holy Communion, 9.30am Bentley Holy Communion, 10am Sproughton Holy Communion, 11am Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year from all at North Samford Benefice.

FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Milo Williams and Emily Hall, Sprougton Christopher and Helen Slater, Copdock Wedding Blessing Burial of Ashes Margaret Wyatt, Copdock DECEMBER 3 Copdock Hall Christmas Market, 1-4pm 6 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 7 Ministry Meeting, 7.30pm

Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am

Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm 10 Sproughton Christmas Market, 10am 11 Comfort Corner, Sproughton Church Hall, 1.30pm 14 Bentley Mulled Wine and Carols in the Village Hall, 7pm 17 Tattingstone Carols, 6pm

Burstall Carols, 4.30pm

Belstead Carols, 6pm 20 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 24 Tattingstone Christingle, 4pm JANUARY 3 4

10 13 16

Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Churchwarden’s and Treasurer’s Meeting, Sproughton Church Hall, 10am

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CHURCH NEWS 17 20 24

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Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Burstall PCC Approval of Accounts Bentley Mothers Prayers Ministry Meeting, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE DECEMBER 3 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communion Christingle Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion

DECEMBER 10 9.30am Burstall 10am Belstead 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone

Christingle and Gift Service Holy Communion Nativity Holy Communion Evensong

DECEMBER 17 10am Bentley 4.30pm Burstall 6pm Belstead 6pm Copdock 6pm Tattingstone 6.30pm Sproughton

Carol Service Carols Service Carols Service Carols Service Carols Service Carol Service

DECEMBER 24 3pm Bentley 3pm Sproughton 4pm Tattingstone 11.30pm Copdock 11.30pm Sproughton 11.30pm Tattingstone

Crib Service Nativity Crib and Christingle Midnight Mass Midnight Mass Midnight Mass

DECEMBER 25 (Christmas Day) 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 11am Sproughton Holy Communion DECEMBER 31 10am Tattingstone

Benefice Communion

Church letters and copy for the January edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell

by December 1 please: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

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The next Messy Church is at the Methodist Church on Saturday, December 9 from 3.30-5.30pm. This will be a special Christmas/ Advent Celebration.

What is Messy Church, I hear you ask? Well it’s a fun, new way of doing church relevant to families today. We have an hour of craft activities, games and challenges followed by a short celebration with Bible stories, songs and other activities related to the theme for the day.

This time there will be a Christmas atmosphere. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.

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 fun and you must come. No need to book just turn up. Hope to see lots of you there.

CHRISTMAS NATIVITY COMPETITION Our competition this year doesn’t involve trailing round the village in the cold and wet, you’ll be pleased to hear. Instead we invite you to decorate a nativity character. Templates and an instruction sheet can be collected from school, the library or 10 Barnfield. Once decorated they can be returned to the same locations.

Prizes will be announced at the Christmas Celebration at the Methodist Church on Sunday, December 17 at 10.30am, where we will build up the whole picture. Winners will be contacted. Anyone can enter; you don’t have to have been to Messy Church.

ANGELS Going along with the Christmas theme, you may notice angels appearing on trees around the village from the beginning of December.

Please take these angels and hang them on your Christmas trees at home as a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.

From Maggie and Sue For more information about any of these events please contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES We love receiving Christmas letters and cards, particularly from people in former places where we have lived, or from friends we have made all over the world. Several people send ‘round robins’ – a letter with family and personal news of things the family have been doing, including births, new relationships, work and study. It’s a catch up on the news often of the last 12 months. These days it’s a slow way of communicating – I could put everyone on a social media account and I could update my status, give information and news and as soon as it’s posted everyone on my contact list can know. But it is still great to have a year’s short digest of our friends’ activities.

Another way of communicating is by visiting family and friends, again an activity often increased around Christmas time. This was what God did 2,000 years ago. What could be more meaningful than the birth of a baby, growing into boyhood and manhood, sharing love and compassion, knowing loneliness and hatred, suffering pain and agony and in the end, death?

Martin Luther (who initiated the reformation in Europe 500 years ago) wrote: “He ate, drank, slept, walked: was weary, sorrowful, rejoicing; he wept and laughed; he knew hunger and thirst and sweat; he talked, he worked, he prayed… so that there was no difference between him and other people, save only this, that he was God and had no sin”.

God communicated with us through a person, Jesus. In the New Testament we have a short digest of those three years of active ministry that I go back to time and time again to grow in my understanding of him and of God, because Jesus shows me what God is like. God’s communication is not just historic, this ‘round robin’ is the Bible. More than that, he is open for instant messaging, I can talk with him, sharing my concerns, hopes and fears and discover a variety of ways in which he answers prayer, sometimes “yes”, sometimes “no”, sometimes “wait”, sometimes an opportunity I had not been expecting presents itself. If you want this instant messaging with God, try it for yourself or get in touch with me and I’ll help you to connect.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 DECEMBER SERVICES AT CAPEL METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 3 10.30am Worship with Jim Ross

6.30pm Prayer Sunday 10 10.30am Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham

6.30pm Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 17 10.30am Worship – Christmas All-age Celebration

6.30pm Carol Service Sunday 24 10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

7pm Christmas Eve Carols in the Shopping Precinct Monday 24 9.30am Christmas Day Worship with

Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 31 10.30am Worship with Rev Chris Jowett DECEMBER SERVICES AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat (HCT): Mondays, 2.30-4pm Home Groups: First and third Tuesdays at 7.30pm and Thursdays at 2pm Friday 1 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Saturday 2 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 3 10am Worship with Mrs Heather Bentley Sunday 10 10am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 17 10am Family Friendly Worship with

Mrs Alicia Holmes Sunday 24 10am Nativity Service

11.30pm Christmas Eve Communion with

Rev Andrew Sankey Monday 25 10.30am Christmas Day Sunday 31 10am Worship with Rev Michael Ayden Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in November. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478

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CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA! MUSIC OF JOHN RUTTER (RHS PATRON OF MUSIC) MUSIC OF JOHN RUTTER (RHS PATRON OF MUSIC)

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Holbrook Choral Society | Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir | Holbrook Choral Society | Royal HospitalConductor School Chapel ChoirCantrill-Fenwick, and Chamber Choir | The Reade Ensemble | William Saunders, | Andrew Organ The Reade Ensemble | William Saunders, Conductor Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick, Organ Celebrity Narrator: Frazer |Hines Celebrity Narrator: Frazer Hines

Full: £12 || Conc: £10 || U18: FREE Full: £12 Conc: £10 U18: FREE Available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic | 01206 573948 Available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic | 01206 573948 Sponsored by Mansion House Publishing Sponsored by Mansion House Publishing