In Touch
™ ™©©
with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook Volume 7 • Issue No. 9 • AUGUST 2017
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service
01473 327596
orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
AB Photography (Facebook)
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
1
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It hardly seems appropriate to write about anything other than the tragedy at Grenfell Tower which continues to dominate our news with new horrors exposed almost daily. It’s a shocking sight in print and on TV, but a friend who passed close to the blackened tower last week tells me the pictures don’t come close to capturing the awfulness of it. She found herself staring at it in disbelief as people walked by, heads bowed.
NEWS COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK OPEN GARDENS
The outcome of the official investigation won’t be known for at least a year, but thankfully action is being taken to prevent similar disasters elsewhere. We can only hope this work is completed before more lives are lost and send our condolences to those who lost family members, friends and neighbours at Grenfell Tower, and indeed all those who lost everything except the clothes they were wearing. When horrors such as this occur we tend to hold our loved ones a little closer and appreciate what we have a little more. Often our own problems seem a little less all-consuming, at least for a little while. It’s also a reminder to check that our own homes and those of vulnerable neighbours or elderly relatives have adequate fire protection and working smoke alarms. Did you know you’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works? Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents while two fires a day are started by candles and faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6,000 fires in the home across the country every year. Take a moment today to inspect your home and then take any necessary action to protect it and those who live in it. You’ll find lots of information online and you may even be eligible for a Home Fire Risk Assessment or Home Fire Safety Check which you can book with your local fire and rescue service. You can also make enquiries on behalf of another person: Suffolk: 01473 260588 / Essex: 01376 576000
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
01473 400380
Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380
Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
01473 400379
Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
In Touch with...
SEPTEMBER DEADLINE 10 AUGUST 2017
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
Sunday, June 17 was a glorious hot and sunny day. We worried that it might have been too hot for many visitors, but we were wrong. Visitors flowed through the village to enjoy 14 open gardens. Many started at the riverside garden of Mr Don Millar, aged over 90, who welcomed them enthusiastically from his chair in the shade at the beginning of their walk. They moved on through cottage gardens, some eccentric or filled to overflowing with flowers, shade and vegetables. Then came surprisingly large, hidden gardens and two high up and terraced, another with wonderful clematis and tomatoes in the green house that made every visitor marvel at the skill of the grower. Delicious and very welcome teas were served in the middle of the village under shady trees or the shelter of umbrellas. Some visitors returned for a second cream tea, so tasty were the scones and so welcome the tea. A grand total of £1,435 was raised to help the Church Heritage Trust fund repairs to the stained glass window at the east end of St Peter’s. The committee congratulates the gardeners, visitors, cooks and helpers for their very generous support.
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK GARAGE SALE Saturday, September 23 In support of St Peter’s Church Heritage Trust On Saturday, September 23, there will be a village garage sale from 10am-4pm. If you would like to participate and have your location marked on our map, we are asking for a minimum £5 donation. This money will go straight to St Peter’s Church Heritage Trust. You will receive a poster to display at your property on the day of the sale to show your support for this cause and your location will be marked on our map. If you would like more information, or to book your spot on the map, please contact Joanna Green (07484 256903) or Lisa Blumsum (01473 312248 / 07745 520564) by August 5. Please note, after this date, no further address will be added to the list to allow time to print and distribute the maps.
3
NEWS COPWASH NEWS THE BENEFICE FALLEN IN AUGUST 100 YEARS AGO LT. ALBERT MORETON MONKS Albert was not born nor had he lived in Bentley, but is remembered “in proud and loving memory” on the fine marble memorial to all the Fallen inside Bentley Church provided by his brother-in-law Stanhope Tollemache. He was killed in action on 21 August 1917 while serving with the 29th Bn British Columbia Regt. He has no known grave and his name is inscribed on the Vimy Ridge Memorial. Peter and Jennifer Jones were unable to photograph it as restoration work was being carried out on the memorial, but the Canadian authorities have photographed all the names and were able to send it by email for our records. LT. WALTER WHITMORE WRIGHT: 276 Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery Walter was born in 1890 the son of Henry and Mary Wright of The Beeches, Hadleigh Road, Sproughton. He died aged 27 on 29 August 1917 and is buried in The Huts Cemetery at Ypres (now known as Eiper) The CWGC website entry has “Son of Henry John and Mary Susan Wright, of Ashmoor, Highfield Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk. Native of Ipswich.” His name is on the Sproughton Memorial. PRIVATE 235119 FREDERICK HAZLETON: 2nd/7th Worcestershire Regt. Frederick was born in Belstead, the son of Joseph and Amelia Hazleton, but his name is recorded not on the Belstead Memorial but the one in Wherstead which is where his CWGC entry says his parents lived. This anomaly could be due to the difficulty in distinguishing the boundaries of the two parishes. He died on 18 August 1917 and is buried in Whitehouse Cemetery, St Jean les Eiper in Belgium. His headstone was photographed for us by a member of the War Graves Photographic Project team. A PROFILE OF OUR NEW COUNTY COUNCILLOR CHRISTOPHER HUDSON As has happened in the past with new ‘personalities’ in the community, Councillor Hudson was asked if he would answer a few questions to help
his new constituents to get to know him. He was very happy to do so and here are his replies. He lives in Fore Street, Framlingham, is 63 years old and is married to Ann and they have no children. His background initially was in education as a teacher and headmaster. He has an MA and a PGCE (post graduate certificate in education) from the Universities of Leeds and Queens’ College, Cambridge. He later became a public affairs consultant and before coming to Suffolk has lived in Yorkshire, Essex and Kent. His personal interests are community radio and current affairs and his aspirations for the well-being of the community of Copdock and Washbrook are “to represent, defend and promote the interests of his division”. He has already attended two parish council meetings and shown interest in what goes on in the village. From his profile on the South Suffolk Conservative Association website, we also learn that he has served on the county council since 2012 and was a former chairman of the authority. He currently holds cabinet responsibility for Ipswich and the localities. We are very pleased that he and his wife will be attending the William Henry Hewitt Centenary on September 17. A HOLE IN THE GROUND This is the first sign that the memorial to William Henry Hewitt is really going to take place. The tree on the corner of Pearsons Way and the Street has already gone (to be replaced later by one more appropriate in size), the seat has been moved and the village sign will share new foundations with the memorial. The work is being done by Mark Manning who has made such a splendid job of rebuilding The Willows. Week by week we will see the changes.
W H HEWITT AND THE THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES – KNOWN AS PASSCHENDAELE
The following are Billy Hewitt’s own words written 35 years later at the request of his daughter.
THE CONDITION OF THE BATTLEFIELD ON 20 SEPTEMBER 1917
‘’Still, about 1am we have it (all the tapes) all set, and the S.O. says ‘If you’re guiding your battalion up Corporal, you’d better hurry‘ and off they go as hard as they can leg it. As they’re only carrying revolvers, while I’ve got my full equipment – small pack, rifle and about a dozen bombs (hand grenades) – I arrive at Battalion H.Q. after them and get cursed by the C.O. for not hurrying. I haven’t had anything to eat since midday, but nobody seems to mind, and I start off right away at the head of the Battalion, thinking what fun it will be if I lose my way. A Company Commander is next to me, and I can tell he is windy. Suddenly he says: ‘Halt, Corporal. Do you know where you are going?’ I say: ‘Yes, I do.’ He says: ‘We have been marching 10 minutes now and we haven’t come to the derelict tank yet. Do you realise if you lose your way you may lead us straight to the Hun?’ He starts fiddling with his revolver. I could have said a lot, but content myself with telling him that Jerry puts whizzbangs down round that tank about every five minutes, and I damn well know where I’m going, and if he doesn’t like it he can go off on his own.” To be continued in September!
In July 1917, after 4,000,000 shells from 3,000 guns and the heaviest rain for 30 years, British and South African troops advanced on the German lines to the east of Ypres. This is an extract from For Valour by Ian Uys. “Owing to the swampy ground, there were no trenches on either front, and soldiers were forced to take shelter in sodden shellholes. The Germans, however, had built an intricate network of concrete pill boxes; the firing arc of each pill-box being such that it covered the others as well. “It rained during the night of September 19 and the battlefield now appeared even more gruesome. Water-filled shell holes; splintered woods, stagnant pools and intermittent quagmires, all covered by the menacing pill-boxes, turned the ghastly scene into a nightmare. A t 5am on September 20 a terrific bombardment opened up on the German defences. “The 3rd and 4th S..A.I. (South African Infantry) moved forward across the duck boards in single file.The 1st S.A.I. on the right, advanced steadily. The 2nd S.A.I. ran into heavy enemy defences. On their flank, rifle and machine gunfire poured in on them from Hill 37 and the high round called Tulip Cottages. The South Africans forged ahead with the ‘bullet and bayonet’ spirit, steadily accounting for one pill-box after another.”
Picture from IWM collection
4
In Touch online:
Delicious & delivered
F R E E N AT I O N W I D E D E L I V E RY | M E A L S F RO M O N LY £2.99 OVER 300 TASTY RECIPES | NO CONTRACT, NO COMMITMENT
Call for your FREE brochure
01371 876970 wiltshirefarmfoods.com
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
5
NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: AUGUST 2017 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw PLANNING AGAIN I started off this month writing a general guide to the planning process, and that was just the first item. It turned into a small but useful essay. I’ve put that to one side for now, but expect to use it. I’ve already shared a very good summary of the current position from Derek Davis in the Facebook group below. Please have a look. We are also currently revising our Local Plan to resolve some previous flaws and bring ourselves up to date in Planning Policy. In Brantham, the Rail Maintenance Yard has been granted permission. Along with the parish council, and almost everybody, I’m very hopeful for this project and what it will mean for regeneration and employment. I’m in touch with site management and we’ll work together to keep impacts to a minimum. Work has also started on the land opposite the top of Birch Drive, by Windy Ridge. Gipping Construction has visited neighbours and completion is expected in 2018. The triangle by the path will be landscaped and the path improved. The Parish Council voted that the name of the single street serving these houses should be Poppy Field. That seems acceptable to the developer, and it will also commemorate the men of the village killed between 1914 and 1918 at the right moment. I also understand poppies will be planted. In Tattingstone, the corner of The Heath and Station Road has approval for 13 units, a full eight to be affordable. Visibility questions have been answered to Highways satisfaction and I know that there are residents of the village who will welcome the possibility of being able to remain there. On a slightly larger scale, Stutton has serious concern, not to say opposition, to 34 houses at Church Lane. Although that’s a lower density than might be expected, there are problems with access, traffic and safety. The AONB is
another large consideration against. There are positives to this application however in affordable housing that may help the future diversity of the community. The applicant also made strenuous efforts to pre-consult with the village. But the access issues deal with safety and common sense. I’ve asked for a site visit to be made by any planning committee. MOVE TO IPSWICH Meetings seem to be being scheduled for Endeavour House in September, so that’s an indicator. But you know what moving house is like! Literally this is a work in progress. PRE-APPLICATION PLANNING ADVICE Babergh will now charge for this previously free service, in line with other authorities. It’s worth considering and can be tailored to need. It does not imply that approval will be given, and it never did. Details, as they say, on application. BABERGH ELECTORAL REVIEW Currently under consultation till August 14, I feel it lacks some basic information. We drop from 43 to 31 councillors and the wards will change. The Boundary Commission do this stuff all the time. We don’t. Each councillor will, on average, represent 2,388 electors (previously 1,600). I’m working on this in spare time and will put up a list of the principles and expected electorates, but it’s an open ended jigsaw puzzle. There will be a later consultation in October on draft recommendations. That may be more useful. As ever, I can be contacted as below, or look for me on the Blue Claud Butler bicycle, now in shorts and the odd coloured cycling shirt. alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)
Our 5th Annual
BENTLEY FAMILY FUN DAY & FUN DOG SHOW Enjoy a fantastic fun filled day with lots of stalls, games, music, raffles and rides… Tea and Cakes
Where: Bentley Playing Field When:
Sunday 10th September Time: 11am - 3pm
Free Parking and Free Entry
6
In In Touch Touch online: online:
ADVERTORIAL
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.
Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!! clourfence ad march2016 WIP_Layout 1 03/03/2016 09:25 Page 1
COLOUR F E N C E
Colourfence the smart choice for long lasting, low maintenance fencing
Attractive steel garden fencing, railings and gates professionally installed with up to a 25 year guarantee* C O LO U R F E N C E
DITED ACCRE
C O LO U R R A I L
ANCE INTEN LOW MA
PROFESSIONAL
INSTALLATION
Learn more about the innovative and long-lasting Colourfence range of products including satisfied customer video testimonials at www.colourfence.co.uk
Contact Charles Simpson now for a FREE no-obligation quote
The Limes Farmhouse, Saxtead Green, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9QH
Tel: 01728 685019 www.colourfence.co.uk email: charles.simpson@colourfence.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
*full details available upon request
7
8
In Touch online:
NEWS DOCTORS SURGERY TRANSPORT ROTA We welcomed one new volunteer this month, and lost one, with our thanks to Rosi Withers who needs more time with her growing family. Demand is pretty constant. We do pick up several people on a regular basis from Bentley, yet no-one has yet come forward from the village as a volunteer driver. With the current rota of volunteers the burden is not very great. If you are able to help give me a ring on 01473 310992, or contact me at: chris.yule2@tiscali.co.uk Now a correction. Someone wrongly reported that the East Bergholt scheme had been suspended. I am pleased to report that this is not so. I have spoken at length with Greta Abbs who organises the East Bergholt scheme who tells me that it is fully operational and covers the villages of East Bergholt and Holton St Mary. Both schemes rely on a healthy number of volunteer drivers, so if you want to help the Bergholt scheme the surgery will put you in touch with Greta.
REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD – JULY 2017 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON More and more is supposedly being done utilising the website, but unless you trawl through websites all day there is no guarantee that the information you need will be spotted, assuming broadband holds up! At a recent parish council meeting a resident said to me: “I don’t have a computer so who is going to tell me?” The clerk reported that she had tried several times to connect with the new planning portal to see if there were any applications, decisions, etc., but having eventually been able to log in she was then shut out so had nothing to report to the council. As a local council member I no longer receive certain reports and have difficulty accessing some facilities so what hope is there for the people the council is supposed to serve? IT is regarded as the saviour of the world, but unless you have a full technical back up team in your cupboard you are in trouble, assuming you have not been hacked from Russia or wherever. Planning seems to be the predominant concern of the council, especially as there is a paucity of information on anything else emitting from the new cabinet structure. Applications are being brought forward at an alarming rate considering that a lot of them have been on hold for six months or so due to the JR decision in East Bergholt. A recent Supreme Court decision regarding Suffolk Coastal and the apparent manipulation of the five year land supply figures seem to have given the officers some new encouragement in their quest to cover the district in concrete. However, the figures are open to challenge; of the 14 applications totalling 674 properties that were put
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Playing field/recreation area next to Copdock Village Hall The parish council is considering improving the area next to the village hall and would like to invite all residents to put forward their ideas and look at the proposals the parish council have made. There will be a meeting on Saturday, September 23 in the lounge at the village hall from 10.30am-noon. All residents welcome. Telephone Box Library Some of you may have noticed the library in the telephone box had disappeared! This was dismantled as it was being used as a dumping ground. However, one of our parish councillors has resurrected the library, putting up new shelves ready for books. Please use the ‘swap library’ sensibly – putting books in only where there is enough space on the shelves. You may take books out without putting any in, but please only take what you need. Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council would like to thank the local family who started up the ‘swap library’ in the first place; it was very well used and appreciated by residents.
in the long grass after the East Bergholt JR result, none were included in the five year land supply as they were deemed ‘undeliverable’. During the last two planning meetings six applications totalling over 350 homes have come forward for a decision (undeliverable), all with a recommendation for approval on the basis of the five year land supply gap! Two in Capel, a total of 250 homes, were refused but more than 100 homes have been approved. Couple this with plans for a 10% growth across the district in the new proposed Local Plan, against the ONS saying ours was the lowest growth at 0.3% and you can see that there is still a lot of confusion and plenty of room for legal challenges. The move to Endeavour House is still going ahead although costings and details of how we are supposed to deal with Ipswich Traffic and parking are still to be clarified. There is a meeting scheduled with Highways England concerning the A12 junctions and it will be interesting to see how they cope with the proposed extra movements and substandard engineering to make it safer. The traffic is regularly backed up to Capel, but some say (that is planning officers) that it is due to traffic going to work in Ipswich, but in the middle of the afternoon in a 40foot articulated vehicle with a container on the back! The challenges still exist, but I hope we are making some slow progress to a logical and desirable conclusion. Watch this space, assuming you can stay awake! If anyone has any questions, please contact me: john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309
After the service we enjoyed her favourite ice cream It’s the little things that make a funeral special www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
Here for you every hour of every day
01473 851924
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 9
NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE: JULY 2017
JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK
Patient Confidentiality The practice takes patient confidentiality very seriously, but our staff are often faced with situations where they are asked to compromise this confidentiality. I thought it would be useful remind patients of a few guidelines. Unless it is clearly in the patient’s best interest to do otherwise, we can only discuss patient information with someone other than the patient themselves if we have written consent from the patient. Even the fact that a patient has an appointment at the practice is confidential as they may not wish family or friends to know. We therefore cannot confirm that a patient has an appointment, discuss their medication or any other aspect of their care without their permission. It is acceptable for a patient to give verbal consent on the phone, and then pass the phone to a friend or relative to discuss their problem. It is also acceptable for someone to book an appointment for a patient, or cancel it, as this does not require us to divulge any information. Two specific problem situations are often encountered. First, elderly or disabled patients may have difficulty in communicating or lack mobility and need someone to act on their behalf. A letter of consent enabling practice staff to discuss issues on their behalf really helps. The letter could specify, for example, that just appointments and medication should be discussed, rather than specific details about conditions. The other situation is parents discussing their children’s records. This is not a straightforward area. When parents are separated or divorced they may still have parental responsibility and so be entitled to fully discuss their child’s health. For children under 16, parents do not have an automatic right to access their child’s record and discuss their medical issues. Here “Gillick competency” applies. In his judgment of the Gillick case in the House of Lords (Gillick v West Norfolk, 1985), Lord Scarman commented generally on parents’ versus children’s rights as follows: “parental right yields to the child’s right to make his own decisions when he reaches a sufficient understanding and intelligence to be capable of making up his own mind on the matter requiring decision.” This means that we may decline to share children’s medical information with their parents if it is judged by a practice healthcare professional that it is not in their best interest to do so. Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, September 7 and Wednesday, October 4. 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
I was very honoured to be appointed a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the ministerial team at the Department of Health. Distilled, the role of PPS is basically to act as a conduit between a government department and parliamentary colleagues. In practice this means that I will be supporting the health ministers in their day-to-day work by attending debates, statements and urgent questions, and also ensuring that they are aware of the feeling in the House of Commons and concerns individual MPs may have. If individual members are concerned about certain matters either locally or nationally, or would like assistance in gaining attention for a particular campaign, it is the role of the PPS to enable that communication.
Jays School of Dance (Est 1985)
Welcomes new and experienced dancers (single and couples) to the joys of Ballroom & Latin dance Enrol now to learn or improve New classes commence in September at Capel St Mary Village Hall on Tuesday evenings from 7pm Tel: Jeannette 07754 199174 JaysSchoolofDance@hotmail.com
10
For regular watchers of the parliament channel – and I know there are some – the PPS usually sits behind the minister they are supporting and can often be seen scampering across the green benches to send or receive notes to and from departmental officials seated near the speaker’s chair. A PPS is an unpaid role, though intriguingly we are classed as being on the government ‘payroll’. Commentators sometimes use the phrase ‘payroll vote’ which refers to all ministers, whips and PPSs who are in one way or another part of the government (as opposed to ‘backbenchers’). I am delighted to have been assigned to the Department of Health because there is almost no bigger issue than the future of healthcare in the UK. I am looking forward to getting more involved in this area and developing a greater understanding about the challenges faced by the fantastic staff in our NHS. Of course, I will continue to be the Member of Parliament of South Suffolk. I will still hold surgeries, stand up for local interests and work on my various projects and priorities. My first duty remains to represent you in parliament, but it’s exciting to have new challenges to go with that core responsibility. Please see page 11 for my contact details.
HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoon will be on Thursday, September 7 when we will be shut from 1pm. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Practice Nurse Maggie Leggett, our practice nurse at Holbrook since 1988, will be retiring at the end of September. Maggie has been a loyal and dedicated member of staff who has a huge amount of knowledge and we will all miss her. At the time of writing we are advertising to fill this vacancy and hope to be able to advise you more on this next month. Flu days It is difficult to think of flu season when the weather is so lovely, but we have organised our clinics for this year as follows: Wednesday, September 27 at Holbrook Thursday, October5 at Shotley Thursday, October 12 at Shotley Tuesday, October 17 at Holbrook As always, no appointment is necessary, please just turn up at either site (you don’t have to go to your normal site) between 2pm and 6pm and book in at reception. If you are over 65 you have automatic entitlement, those patients under 65 who are identified as eligible will be contacted by letter prior to the clinics starting. Please note that if you are not eligible, we are unable to give private vaccinations at the surgery. Fidget Quilts We have now sent more than 225 fidget quilts to the dementia unit at Ipswich Hospital as well as Suffolk Family Carers. They are also being used in A&E to calm patients with many varied diagnoses whilst waiting so if anyone has spare time to make these, please ask in practice for details. Practice Manager Julia Smith
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
11
A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE FAMILY • RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • TRACTOR-TRAILER RIDES • PLAY AREA • CAFE • MUSEUM • GIFT SHOP
NEW FOR 2017 • Children stay dry in our brand new All Weather Play Area • Meet our new Foal, Colony Dorothy AUGUST EVENTS • Children’s Discovery Wednesday’s August • Family Horse & Dog Show 20th August • Wind in the Willows 4th August • Something Suffolk Fair 27th- 28th August SE
OUR W E E FOR O BSITE FREE KEYRING WHEN YOU PENIN G TIMES SHOW THIS ADVERT & D E T Whilst stocks last. IT:8 AILS
www.suffolkpunchtrust.org
Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Suffolk, IP12 3JR Tel: 01394 411327 Email: info@suffolkpunchtrust.org Reg. Charity No. 1100596
12
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT NOTES FROM THE CASE
CAPEL LIBRARY
Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub
Our Summer Reading Scheme is well under way for this year’s summer break. It’s not too late for you to join up and read six books throughout the holidays. We encourage you all to complete the scheme this year as there is an added bonus in the shape of a free ticket to see Olly the magician on October 1 at 2.30pm. This event is only open to those children registered and completing the scheme at Capel Library. This event has been kindly sponsored by the Friends of Capel Library.
Bentley Beer Festival Top of the attractions at The Case in August is our beer festival, running from Thursday 24 to Monday 28. As well as the chance to sample at least eight new beers, there’s a whole programme of added inducements, including a special chilli meal on Friday 25, a Beer and Pie Night on Saturday 26 and live music on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from some of our talented local musicians. See the website for more details. Quiz Night Because quiz night falls during the beer festival, it has been postponed for a week and will now be on Saturday, September 2. At the end of September it will revert to its usual slot on the last Saturday of the month. Calling all Amateur Musicians We already know there is a rich seam of talent within our community and we are inviting anyone who would like to participate to an open mike session on Tuesday, August 1. No need to bring any sound equipment – microphone and amplifier will be provided. And no need to book – just turn up. See the website for details. Finally a plea… We love our pub, which is the result of many people’s hard work and commitment over the last four years. One of the things our customers like best is that it is largely staffed by volunteers – people from their own community who are recognised and trusted. But – a big but – we need more volunteers to serve behind the bar and wait at table, and we would love you to come forward to help if you can. Nothing to be afraid of – we were all new once – and you will be supported while you learn the ropes. If you’d like to know more, pop into the pub and pick up a volunteer leaflet. 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk
FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY The Community Cinema continues to thrive with sell outs for Lion and hopefully a good audience for Hacksaw Ridge in July. We have had to import some fans to keep the temperature down on these rather warm evenings. This month’s 100 Club draw was of course the special one with two extra prizes of £20. The winners for the monthly draw: £20 – Kevin Austrim; £10 – Terry Knowler; £8 – Ann Powell; £5 – J W Row. For the July special prizes: £20 each to D Farrow and Steve Lodge. We realise that it is not quite Euro millions, but you stand a much better chance of winning, so why not join? It’s only £12 a year. August will see the Summer Reading Challenge again, so do encourage your youngsters to take part, especially as completion of the challenge counts for something in the school year.
Summer Reading Volunteer Hours Please come between these times and be patient if there is a queue. Tuesday: 10am-noon and 2-4pm Wednesday: 10am-noon Thursday: 10am-noon Friday: 2-4pm and 5.30-6.30pm Saturday: 10am-noon and 1.30-2.30pm Sunday: 10.30am-12.30pm and 1-2.30pm Due to the summer holidays Baby Bounce and Capel Library Book Group are taking a break for August and will return again in September. Minecraft: 10.30am-12.30pm on Sundays, August 13 and 27 Capel Creators: 10.30am-12.30pm on Saturday, August 19. Cost 50p per child which includes a drink and a biscuit. Do come along and let your imagination run riot, open to all children; under eights must be accompanied by an adult who needs to stay for the duration. Friends of Capel Library Community Cinema: Tuesday, August 15 Going in Style – doors open at 7pm, film commences at 7.30pm. You may also purchase refreshments from the bar prior to the film. Tickets in advance are £4 for members and £4.50 for non-members. 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
BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS BEETLE DRIVE Saturday, September 2, 7.30pm Tickets £5 to include supper and wine or a soft drink Tickets available from Veronica Howe: 01473 310344 Raffle
Stowe Veterinary Centre
Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre
Ipswich Veterinary Centre
The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery
The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery
54 Bury Road, Stowmarket
2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds
Scrivener Drive, Ipswich
Coddenham Road, Needham Market
Station Road, Elmswell
Tel: 01449 613 130
Tel: 01284 747 000
Tel: 01473 555 000
Tel: 01449 722 198
Tel: 01359 241 761
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
13
OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM 2017 ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WI
Saturday, September 16, 9.30am-4.30pm Open garages selling items throughout the village. Look for the balloons and signs throughout Brantham, on the A137 Table top sale at the village hall, also refreshments, handcrafts, preserves, tombola, ice cream and much more. We need a £5 minimum donation to book your garage or village hall table. For more details please contact Maya, Louise or Maggie. If you like to help in any way either on or before the day, or wish to donate items for sale or for the tombola, please call Maya or Maggie. Proceeds will go to St Elizabeth Hospice (Carla Dawson’s Tribute Fund) and Nepal Children’s Trust which supports children in Nepal. Maya: mayawatling@hotmail.com / 07508 430671 Louise: Louloumadley@btinternet.com / 07792 236414 Maggie: maggie1woods@googlemail.com / 07867 546484 Facebook: Brantham Garage Sale
GREAT BURSTALL BOOK SALE In aid of Bumble Bee Children’s Charity Saturday, August 26, 10am-4pm Burstall Village Hall, IP8 3DR Free admission More than 2,000 books Any queries, contact Lesley Raby: 01473 652403
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Route 15 Town/village
Location
Time
MIP/15A Washbrook
Pearson’s Way
9.50-10.40
MIP/15B Washbrook
Brook Inn Car Park
10.45-11.15
MIP/15C Washbrook
Fenn View
11.20-11.40
MIP/15D Burstall
Telephone Kiosk
11.50-12.15
MIP/15E Elmsett
Rose and Crown
12.40-13.05
MIP/15F Whatfield
Wheatfields
14.05-14.50
MIP/15G Hintlesham
Timperleys
15.05-16.00
2017 DATES: August 16, September 13, October 11, November 8, December 6
TEA & COMPANY Monday, August 21 at Wenham View, Dove Close All welcome to come along from 2.30pm Raffle Supported by The Capel Ladies
He was taken to Tooting Military Hospital where he met Lily, his wife to be. He was then posted back to the Ypres salient and was involved in the battle known as Passchendaele. For his heroic action on September 20 he was awarded the VC. In 1919 Billy, as he had been known for some time, and Lily married and together they went back to Natal to farm. On the 50th anniversary of the VC in 1956 he was in the Centenary Parade in Hyde Park. He died in 1966. Jennifer has spent three years researching his life and has been successful in contacting two of his grandchildren and second and third cousins, who will be attending memorial celebrations in Copdock. There are many good reasons to join the WI. We enjoy a wide variety of interests and outings, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved with the campaigns supported by the WI, to learn new skills and improve existing skills or just come along to the meetings for companionship and interesting speakers. You can come to three meetings as a visitor to see what goes on before deciding if you would like to join. All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August) at the village hall – the next meeting will be on September 19. Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.
Vintage tea and cakes available in the pavilion
£1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes
Our speaker in June was Jennifer Jones, our village recorder. Jennifer’s talk was about researching the life of William Henry Hewitt VC. William was born in 1884. He lived in West Hill (previously New House), in Copdock where he was baptised in the church. He went to Framlingham College where a replica of his VC hangs in the chapel. He went to South Africa to join the police force and then he joined the Natal Mounted Police. He enlisted in 1915 and was posted to France where he was injured in the Somme at Delville Wood.
Margaret Briggs
ST MARY’S BELSTEAD HARVEST SERVICE AND LUNCH On September 24, the service will be at 11am followed by lunch in the village hall. Tickets are £5 for a ploughman›s lunch. Please contact Zandra (730371) or Valerie (730268).
WOOF, WOOF – WOOLVERSTONE MONTHLY MORNING MARKET St Michael’s Monthly Morning Market in August is going to be a special one with our four legged friends being made especially welcome. The market is in Woolverstone Church, just off the main road through the village; opening hours are 9am-noon and the August market is on Saturday, August 12. As well as the regular stalls with local fruit and veg from Tattingstone, cakes, pastries, Anchor Bread, meat from East End Butchers, trees plants and shrubs, local crafts, cards, quilting, coffee and tea, bacon and Woolverstone banger butties, we will have a chance for dog owners to show us their dog’s party tricks, everyone will be a winner with a prize of a doggie treat if they are allowed one! For more information or to book a stall please email Jane Gould: jane.gould@btinternet.com / 01473 780777 And if that isn’t enough for your pets there is a Pet Service the next day at 11am for them to “Woof” an alleluia or two!
14
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK CLUB
CAMEO
At our June meeting a representative of the Hearing Care Centre gave an informative talk about how the ear works to allow us to hear sounds, why hearing loss occurs as we get older and why nothing can be done surgically to improve matters. Our speaker then went on to explain how hearing aids work and the different types available. Costs vary from a few hundred pounds for a basic hearing aid which amplifies all sound to the latest digital ones costing several thousand which can individually adjust the level of narrow frequency bands. Some can even be controlled by the wearer via an app on their mobile phone.
About half of our ‘regulars’ were away or otherwise engaged in June, so it was a very cosy affair with 10 of us sitting around one table swapping news with delicious cake, nibbles and our locally brewed coffee and tea. We were hoping to be able to sit outside, but it was a little too breezy for that, so we had a very pleasant couple of hours indoors. We don’t meet in July and August, but will be back again in September.
Janet Dann will present a talk entitled Suffolk Chapter & Verse at our meeting on August 9. This will be followed by a fish and chip lunch for club members. Future talks this year will be: Elderly Drivers, Jewel of the Canaries, A year as Mayor of Ipswich, Christmas Special Message and Carols, First Aid & AED with a demonstration, Dad’s Army, The History of Scarecrows, Pray Silence for ? and The History of Butley Priory. Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. We normally hold a members’ lunch after the August and February meetings. Roger Felgate, 01473 311684
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere, meeting on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Monday, August 7: Bath Salts (Debbie) Monday, September 4: No Sewing Cushion Cover (Debbie) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms. Contacts: Ann is 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
MANNINGTREE CHESS CLUB Manningtree Chess Club has in recent years grown significantly in terms of both members and playing strength. As a result the club enjoyed a highly successful season in the Suffolk League. The first team managed the double, winning both the Division 1 title and the Suffolk Cup, while the second team won the third division title without losing a single match. The second team also won the Suffolk Plate and the Under 145 Cup. There were also some notable individual successes with Phil Hutchings winning the Division 1 Player of the Year trophy and John McAllister scoring the highest number of points in the Suffolk League. The new chess season starts in September and for the first time ever Manningtree will be fielding a team in each of the three divisions of the Suffolk League. The club meets at the Methodist Church Hall on South Street at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings from the beginning of September to the end of April. New players are always welcome. For further information please visit the club website or contact Carl (01206 391051), John (01206 391628) or Jim (01473 310561).
In November Garry from the Coffee Caravan will be joining us with his usual array of local knowledge and leaflets. He is a mine of information and is always willing to help or find answers to anything he doesn’t already know. The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come and Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a drop-in basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated. Non-residents are very welcome at a charge of £1 – the set-up costs were part funded by the parish council so in fairness we need to levy a small fee for anyone not paying council tax to the parish. Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, both on personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have noticeboards showing events, along with information on businesses and charities. You would be amazed at the wealth of talent and scope of business in our small village. It’s always good to know if somebody in the village has recommended the businesses whose cards and information we display. We meet at Belstead Village Hall on the second Monday of the month (excluding July and August) between 2.30 and 4.30pm. We hope to see you on September 11 after our break and in the meantime wish everyone a happy and healthy summer. Sandra Howard
BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB Our programme team have put together a really good programme for this year. Recently we learned about the River Gipping Trust when a volunteer came along to explain the good work the trust in carrying out to the bring back to life the various locks along the stretch of water from Stowmarket to Ipswich. This was followed by a very informative talk which told us about the many different composts we can buy for our gardens. It was certainly an eye-opener and will make our members far more knowledgeable when selecting the right compost for their gardens. The icing on the cake was mid-summer’s day when more than 30 of our members and partners spent a very pleasant, albeit very, very hot afternoon at Helmingham Hall where we enjoyed afternoon tea and cream scones. In August we shall be holding our annual summer tea party in the beautiful gardens of Belstead Hall by kind permission of Richard and Valerie Clift, which will finish the garden club’s second year on a very enjoyable and happy note. As you can see, there is much to enjoy and learn at the garden club which is a very friendly club. It is held on the third Wednesday of each month in the village hall. Why not come along to our September meeting at 7.30pm and see what we have to offer? You would be made very welcome.
www.manningtreechess.info
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
15
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
16
info@robinschildcare.co.uk www.robinschildcare.co.uk The Street, Capel St Mary Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2JE
Grant Funding 2, 3 and 4 year
In Touch online:
SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Well hasn’t this school year gone quickly. It is hard to believe that the summer holidays are already here. This term was very busy for both staff and children. We said hello to two new members of staff – Emily McKenna and Elise Jay – who have settled in very well with the existing team. The children have enjoyed lots of fun activities including their sports day and summer party. A big thank you to everyone who came to our summer fete to help support the pre-school. We have said goodbye to some of our children who are moving on to Reception and Nursery and wish them well as they move on with their education – we will miss them. From September 2017 we will be opening for 51 weeks of the year, not including bank holidays, and from 8am to 4pm. Due to the year round hours and the introduction of the additional 15 hours funding for three and four year old parents who work, we are proving very popular from September. As we will be open throughout each of the school holidays
we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. Please contact the administration assistant for 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 would like an application form or any further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears We have been walking to the library to get new books. The children loved going out into the community and exploring the library. Looking at our books back at Robin’s we have talked about the various characters and animals. Allowing the children to select their own books links to literacy in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – ‘being interested in books and rhymes and may have favourites’ – encouraging them to look at printed material with care and enabling their overall speech and communication to develop as they listen to and enjoy rhythmic patterns. We have recently introduced a new indoors tent into the room as one of our new cosy corner areas for reading, as well as allowing the children the opportunity to hide, role play, play games and generally have a quiet area to think and relax. It allows the children to explore a new environment but still being able to check in with a familiar adult. It also allows them to gradually engage in pretend play which supports the child to understand their own thinking. Toddling Tigers In the Tiger room we have been using our snack times as a focus for developing control using one handed tools such knives and apple cutters to support the children’s ever growing independence. Our new snack times also allow the children to explore the fruit before it is peeled, chopped and prepared for consumption and we take the time to discuss our observations. The children have been extremely interested in books, asking for their favourites at both group time and during free flow play. Some of their favourites include Handa’s Surprise which is all about different fruits and African animals, Jolly Olly Octopus which is about a variety of creatures
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
under the sea, and the Gruffalo’s Child. These books are teaching the children not only a love of books but valuable listening skills. The children confidently pick the stories up and retell them using the pictures as prompts, not only on an individual basis but also in small groups! The children have loved watching our ducklings hatch and have asked lots of questions to find out more: “Is it a dinosaur egg?” “Can they eat biscuits?” “Where’s the mummy and daddy?” The children’s interest and fascination has been admirable with them frequently asking to check on their progress. The ducklings are supporting the children to learn hygiene such as hand washing and also an awareness of how to care for the ducklings. They will be sad to see Fluff, Desmond, Bolt, Bubbles and Debbie Duck go back to the duck farm next week. Gruffalos All the Gruffalos have been ‘eggstatic’ about our duck eggs and watching the ducklings hatch. The ducklings have taught the Gruffalos so much about understanding the world, showing concern about them, asking many questions and getting a real understanding of growth. Our older Gruffalos are preparing for school life. We welcomed teachers visiting us from the various local schools and we too have visited them. The Gruffalos have a school area where they can role-play school, complete with various uniforms, book bags and photos of their new schools and teachers. The Gruffalos are taking the transition to school in their stride and are looking forward to their graduation to celebrate their journey here at Robin’s and their next big adventure. If you would like information about Robin’s Childcare please contact Vicki on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook.
17
SCHOOLS BENTLEY CEVC AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Well we made it! The end of the academic year is upon us but the fun doesn’t stop there. Already we have a host of activities planned for September and the new school year. We are looking forward to the residential trip to African Adventure in October where our Year 5 and 6 pupils will take part in a host of adventurous activities, including building and sailing their own designed rafts (we usually end up very soggy) and working together in a team to solve mysteries, Reflecting on the last few weeks of term, we have experienced an emotional rollercoaster as we have watched our Year 6 pupils come to the end of their time with us and blossom into the lovely young people they have become, ready to start their new adventures in high school. We wish each and every one of them the very best as they move into this new phase of their lives and learning. Children from Wolves and Squirrels have been completing their topic on castles and topped it off with a castle day with full medieval banquet. Parents were invited to join us as we dressed up in medieval costume and served food and wine (blackcurrant juice, honest!) to our guests. The children prepared music from the Tudor period to perform and children and parents alike took part in a Tudor dance. Classes across the federation had some lovely end of year days out; the whole of Bentley Primary spent a fabulous day at Bourne Park with a
picnic and games, not to mention getting rather damp in the paddling pool. Years 5 and 6 from both schools went on the annual outing to Pleasurewood Hills and demonstrated why our pupils are so highly thought of – their representation of our schools was exemplary and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day. Children from both schools were extremely fortunate to be invited to take part in a training session with the coaches from the Lashings All-Star cricket team this term. Selected pupils spent the day training with them before seeing the grand opening of the new pavilion at Copdock Cricket Club and watching a match between Copdock and the All-Stars. We were in awe of the level they played at and are very grateful to them for giving us the opportunity to watch and to train with them. The sport didn’t end there. Following the successful Quad Kids competition earlier this year for the older pupils, the under nines had their own Quad Kids competition this term. Children from Years 3 and 4 from both schools took part in this ‘mini-olympics’, participating in a variety of sporting events and gave it their all. We are still looking for Midday Supervisors at both schools; if you are interested, please get in touch – Bentley office 01473 310253, Copdock office 01473 730337
TATTINGSTONE CEVCP SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT Since Christmas, a school council has been running at Tattingstone School where the students have raised issues within the school and solutions to these problems have then been discussed, implemented and evaluated. The members of the school council have worked hard to make their school a better place and were happy to accept the offer of writing an article for the newsletter about their recent work, reasons for wanting to be a school councillor and to generally thank people within the school and community. “I wanted to become a school councillor to get the school more computers,” Ethan, Year 1 “The school council has raised money for charity,” James, Year 2 “We have introduced toilet passes in school. Because of this, behaviour has improved in the toilets at break and lunch,” Sam, Year 3
“I became a school councillor because I wanted to make the school a better place,” Olive, Year 4 “We have music playing during lunchtimes so it’s not as loud as it used to be,” George, Year 5 “Thanks for the people who told us about what to do when you vote. The kids used to be loud, but not now we put on music to calm things down,” Joseph, Year 6 The school council has put lots of hard work in over the last two terms and during the preparation for the first proper school council elections happening in July. I would like to thank the school councillors for their continued hard work and dedication to the school and the work they’ve put into improving it. We can only hope next year’s school councillors are as committed and diligent as these six have been.
Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness
FunDancing Classes St Mary's Church Hall The Street Capel St Mary
every Thursday 10am & 7pm spaces are limited to reserve yours
Call Janet on 07506 350 455
classes also in: - Brantham - Boxford - East Bergholt - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary
18
janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing
In Touch online:
AKENHAM CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, offices, windows, doors, staircases etc in any timber • Kitchen fitting service available on your own units • All interior and exterior carpentry • Competitive rates
NO VAT
Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
19
CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead, and Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674
Bentley Evening Prayer: Fridays at 6.30pm during the summer. Join us for an opportunity for quiet contemplation on August 4 and 25 and September 8 and 22. Burstall 64th Annual Flower Show and Fete: Saturday, August 5 at Burstall Memorial Hall. Lunches are from noon, with the flower show at 1pm and the fete from 2pm. Enquiries to Ann Burchnall: 01473 652262
Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713 863023
Family Celebration at The Rectory: August 20, 3-5pm with mobile petting zoo and refreshments for benefice church families.
Many divorces, it is said, are triggered by arguments about money. The church meetings we try to avoid are those where we argue – politely, of course – about money.
Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride: September 9, 9am-5pm
A fellow minister once came to our church and offered his ‘Vision of the Church’ (I have reproduced it as a leaflet). It begins: “I have a dream of a church that is concerned for the kingdom of God – living under the rule, the authority, the direction of the King.” And further on states: “It would be a church free from the burdens of raising money because it gives it; not looking to the tithe or tenth of income as a standard to be achieved with a struggle, but as the basis beyond which sacrificial giving begins.” The Bible regards the first tenth of our income as belonging to God, so it is his already. Some church people in Jesus’ day were very careful about giving their tenth, but Jesus told his disciples that they should do better; generosity is not bound by rules. Commenting on the Gospel record of a widow giving all she had, little though it was, Keith Getty’s song has the line: “Not what you give but what you keep, Is what the King is counting.” Generosity seems to be greatest where the need is stark and desperate, or the relationship is strong. So it’s fair to suggest that our giving to God may well reflect our relationship with him. When you’re deciding what to give to enable your church to extend God’s kingdom, ask yourself these questions: Do you love Him? God loved the world, us, so much that he gave his Son (John 3.16), who came so that we could be reconciled to him. “He who was rich beyond all splendour, all for love’s sake became poor.” Paul writes (in 2 Corinthians 8) about a church whose members “first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us”. Their overflowing joy in trial and poverty led them to give more than they were able, because they saw sharing as a privilege Do you trust Him? There are so many calls on our meagre finances! But ask: “Does God care less about my needs and my loved ones, than I do? And am I better able to provide for them than he is?” Jesus says: “Seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6.33), “God is able to make all grace abound, so that you will have all you need” (2 Corinthians 9.8) – when you ‘seek first’. God says: “the more you give, the more you receive” (Luke 6.38, 2 Corinthians 9.6, 8). It sounds stupid, but God’s foolishness is better than man’s wisdom. And it works. In reality, the church has, not so much a financial problem, as a spiritual problem; a trust shortage. Do you obey Him? God’s word says that giving should be generous, cheerful, regular, thoughtful and proportionate – a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you. King David once famously said: “I will not give to the Lord that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24.24). The cross is God’s standard of giving; the cost to him of our salvation. Let us give to him what is right, and not just what is left. Tony Wilcox All services and events are updated at: www.facebook.com/northsamfordbenefice
20
Afternoon Tea at The Rectory: A thank you event for our church volunteers, August 27, 3-5pm FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Gemma Taylor and Edward Squirrell, Copdock Elaine Painter and Nicholas Bowen, Copdock Stephanie Lenhard and Matthew Tew, Copdock Baptisms Joshua and Maya Uugwanga, Copdock Chris Wepner, Copdock William Benton, Burstall Funerals Patrick Hughes Reckett, Sproughton Gill Swain, Bentley Cremations Wendy Paterson, Sproughton Pamela Coe, Sproughton AUGUST 2 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 3 Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am 4 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm 5 Burstall Flower Show, Burstall Memorial Hall from noon Copdock Morning Market, 10am 12 Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am 14 Sproughton Comfort Corner in church hall, 1.30 - 3pm 16 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 20 Family Celebration at The Rectory, 3-5pm 22 Ministry Meeting at The Rectory, 7.30pm 25 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm 27 Afternoon Tea at the Rectory, 3-5pm SEPTEMBER 2 Copdock Morning Market, 10am 5 Churchwarden’s Meeting – Sproughton, 10am 6 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 7 Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm 8 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm 9 Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Suffolk Churches Ride & Stride, 9am-5pm 11 Sproughton Comfort Corner, 1.30-3pm 20 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 22 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm Copdock Harvest Supper 24 Bentley Harvest Lunch, noon Belstead Harvest Lunch, 12.30pm 27 Joint PCC meeting at Sproughton School, 7.30pm 30 Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm
In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Friday, August 25
Friday, August 4 6.30pm
Bentley
Evening Prayer
9.30am
Burstall
Matins
10am
Bentley
Family Service
Morning Prayer
10am
Belstead
Morning Service
Morning Prayer
10am
Copdock
Family Service
Holy Communion
10am
Tattingstone
Holy Communion
11am
Sproughton
Family & Friends
Bentley
Evening Prayer
9.30am
Burstall
Holy Communion
10am
Bentley
Family Service
10am
Copdock
10am
Tattingstone
11am
Sproughton
6.30pm Sunday, August 27
Sunday, August 6
Sunday, August 13 9.30am
Sproughton
Croissant Church
Sunday, September 3
9.30am
Burstall
Family Service
8am
Copdock
Holy Communion
10am
Copdock
Holy Communion
10am
Bentley
Family Service
10am
Bentley
Family Service
10am
Copdock
Morning Prayer
6pm
Tattingstone
Evensong
10am
Tattingstone
Holy Communion
9.30am
Burstall
Holy Communion
Sproughton
Holy Communion
Sunday, August 20 9.30am
Burstall
Family Service
11am
10am
Copdock
Simply Sunday
Friday, September 8
10am
Bentley
Holy Communion
6.30pm
6pm
Sproughton
Evensong
6pm
Tattingstone
Evensong
Church letters and copy for the September edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by August 4 please: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
Bentley
Evening Prayer
CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES HOW ARE YOU? OK, THANKS! How often have you been asked “How are you?” and you’ve given the expected reply “OK Thanks”. You may have been feeling absolutely terrible, and for once you gave an honest answer to the question, but as a glazed look comes over the questioner’s face, you realise they weren’t really interested in your well-being, just going through the motions of a polite greeting. In Zimbabwe, where I worked for 10 years, the vernacular greeting was responded to with “I’m well if you are well”. In other words, I have an interest in your well-being also. If you are not feeling well, then that gives me cause for concern. I guess even this is often used in as superficial a way, as we use the expression. In the busy-ness of our world that’s often all we have time for, but I hope everyone has some places/people they can be with who do want to hear about the ups and downs in our lives, where we don’t have to pretend but can be ourselves. In services that I conduct I often ask the question about positive things happening in people’s lives and also any concerns or difficulties that people might have that they would like prayer for. Often these might be too personal to be shared publicly, but there is always time afterwards for one to one sharing. So how are you now? Our nation and the world is in a bit of a mess. Life seems less predictable than it used to be, elections in several countries have produced surprises. Some may see the results as a blessing, others are confused and some distressed or concerned. Many of us will carry on with our lives, living to the best we can, others will be going through great hardship. Paul, the apostle, knew both great hardship (in prison for his faith) and blessing and said “he had learned the secret of being content in any and every situation”. These words have come to have fresh meaning as I have visited and spoken by telephone to a friend in prison for what I believe is a miscarriage of justice. He has been amazingly resilient and upbeat and coping remarkably well in the prison regime. Next time you ask “How are you?”, if you have time ask for an honest reply and listen well.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CAPEL METHODIST Sunday 6
10.30am Worship with Rev J David Thompson
Sunday 13 10.30am Worship and Communion with Rev Chris Hill Sunday 20
10.30am Worship with Rev Yvonne Haye
Sunday 27
10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey 7.30pm United Prayer at St Mary’s
AT HOLBROOK METHODIST (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Mondays, 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT) Saturday 5
10-11.30am Coffee Morning
Sunday 6
10am
Worship – Local Arrangement
Sunday 13
10am
Worship with Prof David Welbourn
Sunday 20
10am
Worship with Dr Peter Green
Sunday 27 10am
Worship and Communion with Rev Michael Allen
Tuesday, August 29 – Friday, September 1: Holiday Club at the chapel in the morning (HCT) Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in August. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478
21
SPORTS TATTINGSTONE CARPET BOWLS CLUB Members recently enjoyed a BBQ hosted by Pat and Dennis. I’m told they have hosted this event for more than 20 years and if this BBQ was anything to go by, I’ve really missed out. What fantastic people. The weather was on our side with everyone trying to find some shade out of the sun. The hairy bikers, alias Dennis and Jim, plied us with delicious meat and members brought along the desserts. We also had the customary draw with Linda prising every penny she could out of us, for a good course I hasten to add. When it came to the draw itself, Linda’s number popped up four times! To be fair, Linda only took one prize, as did other members whose number came out twice. What a fantastic day. Thanks to Pat and Dennis, ably assisted by Jim, and to Tattingstone Carpet Bowls Club for just being there. Tony Coward
ARE YOU A GIRL OR BOY AGED FIVE TO NINE WHO WANTS TO PLAY FOOTBALL? Capel Plough Football Club is looking for girls and boys aged five to nine, who want to play football and develop their game in a fun, supportive and safe environment. As a club, we are aiming to provide football for children of all ages and abilities and so are recruiting players to represent our club at numerous different age levels. Our teams play in one of three local leagues on Saturdays and Sundays and we also provide weekly coaching sessions throughout the season. If you are interested please contact our Junior Section Manager, Adrian Goodwin: 07775 581837 / at.goodwin@btinternet.com Taster sessions will be held depending on interest. These will be on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout July and August. You will require suitable footwear and shin pads to take part. All sessions conducted by qualified coaches who will give you your first experience of football in a fun way. If you are interested get in touch – we want to hear from you!
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS Only two games played since our last report. Both were away and we start at Bentley where for some reason we always seem to struggle at some point, but we ended with two wins apiece and got the bonus points by three shots so we came home with a 6-4 win. The second game was at Chelmondiston. This is probably the worst floor for away teams to play on, but we have had some good results here and again we won two and got the bonus points, this time by four shots so another 6-4 win.
Pre-season training commenced on July 3. There really is a very short break these days. UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team Senior Division July 29: Lawford (Friendly) / A Aug 5: Mendlesham (Friendly) / A Aug 15: Bildeston (Friendly) / A Aug 19: League Matches Start Reserves League A Aug 26: League Matches Start
BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB
A Team League B Sept 2: League Matches Start
We are now half way through the season; it seems to go so quickly. We are still not doing very well in the Samford Monday League, winning only one of the six games played. We are doing better in the Triples League winning four of the seven games played.
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.
Our roll-up on Friday nights continue and we would welcome anyone who would like to try the game of bowls. Lillian Calvert, secretary, 311756
Fixtures subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition to confirm: ` http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069
If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners and boards on match days are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation. Secretary Steve Butcher. stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
You’re invited to make an appointment at our Wherstead Park office to discuss:
Powers of Attorney Probate
Wills Court of Protection
Our out of town Ipswich location is very convinient for parking and has great disabled access. Contact us for an appointment at your convenience: 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
22
In Touch online:
MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
23
ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL HOLBROOK CHORAL SOCIETY
A
R
E
R
E
R C
U
T I
N I
G
!
Have you ever sat in the audience during a performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ and thought, ‘I wish I was singing’?
Have you ever listened to Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ and wondered ‘wow, where could I sing that’? Well, search no more!
Holbrook Choral Society are a friendly, sociable group of people who enjoy singing and making music together. You can be assured of a warm welcome - all you need to do is turn up to rehearsals at the Royal Hospital School Music School on Monday evenings. The first rehearsal back after the summer holidays is Monday 18 September at 7.30pm.
Previous experience of singing is useful, but we welcome beginners. We have all levels of ability in the choir - so don’t feel intimidated if you want to just turn up and have a go! WE DO NOT AUDITION NEW MEMBERS!
For more information please contact the Music School music@royalhospitalschool.org or 01473 326222