In touch news with east bergholt mar18

In Touch

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 5 • Issue No. 6 • MARCH 2018

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Now don’t tell my boss, but on Tuesday mornings when I arrive at work before A Life Scientific on BBC Radio 4 has ended, I’m forced to sit in the car until it does. Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them.

I particularly loved his interview with Eugenia Cheng on the mathematics of mathematics. Though it was never my strongest subject, I continue to love maths, desperate to understand and to find the right answer, though I seldom do.

What’s extraordinary about many of the people featured on A Life Scientific is how often a childhood interest or passion has led to a fulfilling career and it’s clear that doing something you love is a wonderful privilege. I’ll be playing the podcasts to my son when he’s a little older because whatever he does in life I want it to be what makes him happy.

You may have read about the letter a teacher in Singapore sent to parents the week before her students were to sit exams. Here’s a short extract: “I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well. But, please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist who doesn’t need to understand math, an entrepreneur who doesn’t care about history or English literature, a musician whose chemistry marks won’t matter. There’s an athlete whose physical fitness is more important than physics. If your child does get top marks, that’s great, but if he or she doesn’t please don’t take away their self-confidence and dignity. Tell them no matter what they score you love them and will not judge them. Please do this and when you do, watch your children conquer the world. One exam or a low mark won’t take that away. And please don’t think that doctors and engineers are the only happy people in the world.”

I hope you have or have had the opportunity to do what you love and that you can inspire others to do likewise. Driving to work at 6am on a cold January morning is never easy, but it’s a whole lot easier if you’re looking forward to the day ahead.

In Touch

with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

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

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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •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

FUNDRAISING EVENTS AT ST MARY’S CHURCH If you like live jazz then put April 30 in your diary as the IMU Big Band is coming to East Bergholt for a concert featuring the big band music of Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and much, much more in St Mary’s Church. The concert starts at 8pm, but there will be a free glass of wine with your ticket from 7.30pm.

For tickets (£10 in advance / £12 on the door) contact Fiona Trott (01206 298205) or Liz Digby (01473 312281).

Future events for your diary June 24: Music for a Summer’s Afternoon November 3-10: Flower Festival celebrating the end of the First World War November 9: Old Time Music Evening

PIANO RECITAL FOR EACH Alison Bestow and Claire Vane are holding a piano duet concert at 7pm on Saturday, March 24 at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook and would love to have your company in the audience. The concert will be held in the music school with the school’s finest grand pianos. The aim is to raise £1,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice.

The programme for everyone; for two pianos, K448, Schubert Rondo in A major, D951 dances and light-hearted pieces including Tea for Two, Country Gardens.

has something Mozart sonata and a number of Hava Nagila and

Tickets are available from: 01473 625070 / 07931 731992 / alison.bestow@gmail.com For more details of the concert please visit: www.alisonandclairepianoduo.wordpress.com

This month’s cover image, another in our ‘My Life in…’ series of images by local residents, was taken by Mervyn Patterson of East Bergholt while fishing near the lock gates at Stratford St Mary.

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APRIL DEADLINE 20 MARCH 2018

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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 Well there has been plenty of ‘hot air’ to keep councillors warm this winter!

We have had the extraordinary council meeting to seek the resignation of the council leader, pre-empted by her resignation just as the meeting started, and then the extraordinary meeting to elect a new leader. Apparently that provoked a lot of arm twisting and pressure on the Conservative benches, but whatever happened behind the scenes, John Ward was elected by the Conservative Group as council leader. I have to say by the ‘Conservative Group’ as all the other groupings voted against him! A newcomer to the council (elected in 2015), was adamant when in cabinet that the proposed referendum (‘local poll’ in Conservative speak) on the proposed merger was unnecessary and that cabinet could make the decision. Now, partly I suspect because he would like to be leader for more than a couple of months and because of a council resolution that went against the Conservatives Group, he is now a fervent supporter of a referendum (although I still think he is under the impression that it is a ‘local poll’).

The telephone poll has still gone ahead, so that’s £10K down the drain, and seems to be provoking significant negativity in the public domain. We still haven’t seen a financial case for the proposed merger and I am firmly of the view that without it we cannot disenfranchise the pubic of Babergh. We have a change of boundaries being implemented in 2019 that will reduce the number of councillors considerably, so any move to see decisions made by councillors from North Suffolk on our small forgotten area of South Suffolk is unacceptable.

We have a very new officer structure who seem to have difficulty with any knowledge of this area (half the East End vanished from the Draft Local Plan document), but we need to sort out the chaos that the move to Ipswich has created first. I’m still trying to find out how residents with no computer who don’t travel to Ipswich daily to look at the council noticeboard can find out about council activities! Sudbury is not a rational alternative contact point.

Planning still rumbles along with a sudden spurt seemingly in the offing as developers try to gain permissions on the spurious five-year land supply excuse before the new figures come out. Challenges have indicated that with over 3,000 permissions already in place the constant setting aside of Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans is unconstitutional. Our MP apparently thinks that this is acceptable, so where villages were told not to bother with site allocations, their plans should be ignored. Hardly the ‘localism’ that one of the first Conservative policies advocated!

Some may call me a cynic, some might use stronger words, but I am old fashioned when it comes to democracy and local representation. Democracy does not mean only thinking locally once in every electoral cycle, and local representation means ‘local’ not national, and listening to the people.

The Brexit vote taught us that whatever we may think the public want we have to be sure that is what they are thinking. Most national politicians appear to exist in a bubble that isolates them from the ordinary voters.

Yes we have a ‘local council’ that is supposed to manage and develop our area, but when there are constant changes in policy, doctrine and laws from central government, local MPs cannot say that it’s a local matter and ignore the concerns of their electorate who after all pay them and expect some representation.

Of course, international concerns such as Trident and foreign policy have to be decided by parliament, but which MPs have knowledge of nuclear fission and ethnic conflict which says they know more than their electorate?

We never stop learning, and the person who says he knows it all is the one to avoid. I am reminded of the quote on the practical man’s definition of qualifications: The bloody obvious combined with common sense (Wing Commander Kenneth Wallis MBE, the exponent of the autogyro immortalised in James Bond’s You Only Live Twice).

I think we need a little more ‘common sense’!

Councillor John Hinton

MAKING TAX DIGITAL – IS YOUR BUSINESS READY? Research for HMRC has found that as many as 70% of businesses are unaware of the forthcoming roll-out of Making Tax Digital. Making Tax Digital is HMRC’s overhaul of the administration of the UK tax system which phases in compulsory digital reporting for businesses. The first phase for this will affect VAT registered businesses whose turnover is above the VAT registration threshold (currently £85,00) from April 2019. “That’s a year away,” you say, but now is the perfect time to consider what action you need to take.

For VAT reporting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2019, businesses will be required to record VAT transactions digitally with all submissions to HMRC being made using third party software.

The earliest Making Tax Digital will come into place for income tax and corporation tax is April 2020.

One way to ensure that your business will meet the new requirements is by using cloud-based accounting software. There are several cloud-based options available including Xero and Quickbooks and they can revolutionise the way you run your business and finances.

The best time to make a switch is at the start of your business’ financial year.

So, assuming your VAT returns are in line with your financial year, the latest transition date for your business is for your financial year starting between 6 April 2018 and 1 April 2019. Although for accounting periods just started or starting before 6 April 2018, why put it off? After all, as previously stated, cloud accounting can revolutionise the way you run your business, saving you precious time on administration.

J Enoch Accountancy can help you make the switch seamlessly, from choosing software, getting you set up, providing training and ongoing support.

If you would like further information or guidance please contact Julie Enoch: 07960 989704 Julie Enoch ACA

CONCERT IN AID OF NEW DAWN INDIA On Saturday March 24, a concert will be held at Capel St Mary Methodist Church in aid of New Dawn India – a ray of hope for the Vidiyal Children. The concert will feature The Orwell Singers, a ladies choir based in Ipswich and conducted by Gloria Wilson. The choir will be singing a wide range of music, which will include popular songs, folk songs and light classics. The concert will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £6 and will include refreshments.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the charity New Dawn India, a locally based Christian charity run by volunteers for the relief of poverty in Southern India, in particular helping children living rough on the streets or in the slums of the city of Madurai. For more information on the concert or charity, please contact Neville Cooper: 01473 310574

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOLUNTARY ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY? Why not train to become a Community First Responder in East Bergholt?

Full training given By East of England Ambulance Service (Qualification also covers First Aid at Work) East Bergholt Coordinator Carol Moss 01206 298483 / carol-moss@uwclub.net

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

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In Touch online:

Tel: 01255 871469 Mob: 07960 989704 julieenoch@jenochaccountancy.co.uk

We are passionate about finances and providing excellent customer service Our services include:

 Preparation of limited company, sole trader and partnership accounts

 Corporation tax including research and development claims  Bookkeeping, tax returns, VAT, management accounts, payroll, CIS, costings, forecasts, business plans

 Going the extra mile to help you and your business If you want to spend less time on paperwork, need a reliable accountant, a fresh perspective, or you are starting up a business, call Julie Enoch to see how we can help.

01255 871469

Our website is under construction. In the mean time, you can find us on Facebook @ j enoch accountancy

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NEWS

REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: FEBRUARY 2018 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Since April 2016, Babergh has collected almost £500K of CIL monies.

As of October 2017, £58,655 has been paid to parishes. This leaves a pot of money for the council to allocate to infrastructure projects. As yet there is no formula for how to do this, but a panel of members will develop a scheme over the next few weeks. Spending must follow the CIL regulations and ‘123 list’ and should also support the council’s Strategic and Local Plan objectives. Cabinet hopes to have a framework in place by April with a bidding scheme launched in May 2018.

Gainsborough’s Chambers, Sudbury This was bought by Babergh for £235K in March 2014 and has since been leased to Gainsborough’s House Society (GHS) for use as a museum at an annual rental of £12k, with Babergh being responsible for repairs and maintenance. The lease expires in April 2019. GHS has embarked on an ambitious project to develop the house and the chambers, creating a visitor centre and art gallery. They believe this project will deliver significant benefits to the local area in terms of jobs, increased tourism and community facilities, with a beneficial economic impact of £2.9M per annum. Work could start in autumn 2018, completing in two years. To facilitate this, cabinet have resolved to gift the ownership to the GHS. Leisure investment proposals Next year’s Capital Programme will include significant investment in Babergh’s leisure facilities in Sudbury and Hadleigh. The Kingfisher complex will be refurbished and redeveloped, and Hadleigh’s 47-year old pool will be replaced with a new build, accessible, deck level 25m

pool. In total this will see investment of around £3.8M. Money had already been set aside for planned maintenance and support, but South Suffolk Leisure will meet the rest of the capital repayments through increased use and income, and a reduced management fee over a 20year period. These investments reflect Babergh’s aim to increase physical activity and sport to improve health and well-being in our communities.

If plans are approved in spring, work could commence later this year, completing in 2019.

Economic Development Strategy The aim of the Economic Development Strategy is to address a number of issues which act as barriers to growth. There are several large strategic sites in Babergh with potential for job creation but they need support – utilities, infrastructure, services – to bring them to the market. Limitations include poor provision for start-up and incubator business; slow broadband and patchy mobile signals; low levels of entrepreneurship; lower levels of skills and educational attainment than regional and national averages.

There is an imbalance in housing and jobs, with high levels of outward commuting. Our market towns need help to revitalise their centres, while rural infrastructure and lack of access hamper development.

Boundary Review The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has delayed the publication of its final recommendations for the Babergh and Mid Suffolk reviews. The commission expects to be able to make a further announcement about the completion of both reviews following its next meeting on February 20. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Possible Merger between Babergh and Mid Suffolk For the past eight weeks, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have been consulting with the public to get their views on forming a single council. All the responses and comments received will be included in the business case which will be presented to both councils later this spring.

Planning Fees A rise in the cost of planning applications implemented by the government came into force last month. The fee increase is 20% across the range of planning application. For example, the previous fee for a householder planning application was £172 and is now £206 and a full planning application for a new dwelling was £385 it is now £462.

Budget The budget will be presented to full council at the end of February. At this point in time the mid-term financial strategy assumes the council will be looking to increase council tax by £5 per annum for a Band D property to support the council’s overall financial position. A £5 increase would generate an additional £235,000 for the council.

Core funding from the government has been reducing year on year and will disappear by 2019/20. Councils are therefore becoming reliant on locally generated income and incentivised funding. Council tax income continues to be the main source of funding, in total value, for councils. Another key source of funding is business rates. Babergh and

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Mid Suffolk have become a pilot area for 100% Business Rates Retention in 2018/19.

Waste Contract Review The council’s waste contract with Serco starts a formal review period this April. Serco are currently undertaking a service delivery appraisal looking at the delivery of the service up to 2021 and the optimisation of the current collection rounds. The review process involves capturing all collection data; current round routes, information from the vehicles on board trackers, number of bins emptied and weight of waste collected, vehicle capacities and the road network. From this information the software will produce optimised collection rounds that ensure the service is delivered in the most efficient way.

For the longer term this will incorporate areas of planned growth and how it will be accommodated in the future and any additional resources required.

Void Improvement Project A project started in December to reduce the time it takes to re-let council properties when they become vacant. The target is to reduce the time taken by 10 days within six months so that properties are re-let within 21 days. An update on the progress of the project will be heard at the February Scrutiny Committee meeting and full details will be reported in July 2018. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

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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.

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!!!

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Capel building refurbishment Over the past few months the practice has been planning to refurbish the Capel building. We have applied for financial support from NHS England and this has now been approved, so we are now finalising plans. Essentially, we will be replacing the current front doors with automated doors and completely refurbishing the two doctors’ rooms and the nurse treatment room. We will also take the opportunity to redecorate. Separately, we are also looking at options for improving the waiting area.

We anticipate work will take place through March and as soon as we have exact dates we will inform patents via notices in the waiting room and on our website. Although we will aim to keep disruption to a minimum, we will need to close up to two of our clinical rooms at any one time for a short period.

During this time we will therefore give priority appointments to patients who are unable to travel to East Bergholt and would appreciate all patients being as flexible and understanding as possible while the work is taking place.

We aim to complete the work by mid-April when we will have a building which is easier to access physically, safer, easier to clean and offers a much improved environment for our staff to work in and our patients to visit.

Tips to help the practice operate efficiently In order to ensure we help you in the most efficient way, please help us by following the guidelines below: Tell the receptionist the nature of your problem. They can ensure you see the right clinician (GP, Nurse Practitioner, Practice Nurse, HCA) and you may not need to come into the practice if it can be dealt with over the telephone.

If you need to see a doctor, they will be aware of your problem before you see them which helps them prepare for your consultation. Of course, if your problem is personal and you would rather not disclose it, then that is fine.

When you see a doctor, provide as much information you can about the problem. Details which may not seem important may be relevant and assist to doctor in diagnosing and treating your problem.

If you have more than one problem to discuss, please ask for a double appointment so the doctor has sufficient time and other patients are not delayed.

If you need to see a nurse for wound care or an injection, or a phlebotomist, please ensure you wear suitable clothing and remove outer clothing prior to entering the clinic room. This will help our staff to keep to time.

Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training:

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG) The Patient Participation Group meets on a regular monthly basis. All minutes are available on the practice website and there should be paper copies available in the waiting rooms.

We discuss items we receive from the comment cards at our meetings and we thank you for filling those in. These are available in both waiting rooms. If you add your contact details we can get back to your directly. You can also contact us via email at: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Programme of talks for 2018 We are currently planning a series of talks on a variety of health topics suggested at our previous talks on diabetes, heart problems and men’s health. If you have any other topics you would like to suggest please get in touch via either of the methods above. Childhood ailments are the subject of the next planned talk.

Patient Research Project We are currently working with the University of East Anglia to carry out research on patient views in the practice. Thanks in particular to Dr Frank Wells, the vice-chair of the PPG, for his determination to find a local university willing to take this on.

Managing NHS Pressures Pressure continues to increase on all NHS services as the age profile of the country increases. Receptionists in the practice have been on Care Navigator training, which helps them to direct patients to the most relevant clinician, as well as to local support services. So there may be times, for example, when they suggest you see a nurse practitioner, rather than a doctor.

PPG Cluster Meetings We attend meetings with PPG groups from other practices to discuss what we’re all doing and to hear presentations from local organisations and the East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group. At a recent meeting representatives from OneLife Suffolk spoke about the importance of improving patients’ lifestyles, concentrating on regular exercise, stopping smoking and reducing weight. This could be the subject of a future talk organised by the PPG. Your views welcome.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

Patient Transport Capel St Mary, East Bergholt and surrounding villages Unfortunately the patient transport scheme has had to be suspended until all volunteers have completed a DBS check. This is a routine check which has to be done for a variety of jobs where people have one-to-one contact with the public, including children. It checks whether someone has a criminal record, for example. Taxi drivers have to go through this and, although our drivers are volunteers, it’s been thought best that they undergo this screening.

DOCTOR’S SURGERY TRANSPORT

Capel Surgery Refurbishment The refurbishment of the Capel surgery will be starting soon, so please bear with us while improvements are made.

Wednesday, March 7; Wednesday, April 25; Thursday, May 24 On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy, but the practice reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will not be any clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. 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.

It is intended to resume the scheme as from March 1. All our drivers have submitted to the necessary checks as required by Diocesan Safeguarding Rules. We do now need more volunteers, so if you feel able to volunteer to drive a patient from their home in Capel, Bentley or Washbrook to either Capel or Bergholt Surgeries, please contact Chris Yule: 01473 310992 Patients should remember that if they are unable to get to the surgery for some reason, a request to the receptionist should ensure that a volunteer will be allocated through the scheme to provide the necessary transport. This must be done through the surgery under the terms of the scheme.

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Toys return to the waiting rooms After a long period of discussion we at last have agreement that toys will be available in the waiting rooms. They will be regularly cleaned to avoid infection risk.

Kathy Pollard, Chair Constable Country Patient Participation Group www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk

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ENTRIES INVITED FOR OUR DEDICATED EAST ANGLIAN ART AUCTION ON

10TH & 11TH APRIL 2018

Lucy Harwood (1893 - 1972) The Fish Statue.

Sold for £2,100 in our September East Anglian Art Sale, a world record auction price for the artist

TO INCLUDE

PAINTINGS, PRINTS, MAPS, BOOKS, CLOCKS, FURNITURE AND OTHER ITEMS RELATING TO OUR REGION PLEASE CALL JONATHAN BENSON OR DANIEL WRIGHT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 01206 754754 CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES - 21ST MARCH 2018

Reeman Dansie Auctions, 8 Wyncolls Road, Severalls Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU

Email : auctions@reemandansie.com Web : www.reemandansie.com

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT DON’T BECOME THE VICTIM OF A TELEPHONE SCAM We take regular reports from members of the public who have fallen victim to various scams and cons which start off with a phone call or an email. Unfortunately, some victims are defrauded of large amounts of money – sometimes their entire life savings.

Over the years we have heard of various tricks and ruses, as the fraudsters come up with increasingly convincing ways to gain the confidence of their victims. Sometimes victims are contacted by someone purporting to be from the fraud department associated to their bank and makes claims that their account/s are being targeted by rogue bank employees. They also claim that such ‘rogue employees’ are currently being internally investigated, but to safeguard the victim’s money they need to transfer their savings out of their account into an apparent ‘safe’ account.

NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub. We’re now well into our programme of events for 2018 and hope to see you at The Case very soon.

Forthcoming quizzes: On the last Saturday of the month as usual, including March 31 (Easter Saturday) when there will be a curry on offer as usual. Book if you’d like to eat. NB: No quiz in April; we hope to have something special for that Saturday – watch this space.

Open Mic Nights: Going from strength to strength. Whether you like to perform or just listen, come along from 8pm on Tuesday, March 6. PA system is provided.

Games Evening: If you like a good old-fashioned table game, this is for you!

Come and have some fun, meet people and learn some new games. There will be a set meal at £6.50, served at 7pm. Booking required for food – just turn up for games only. If you haven’t been to the pub before, this is an ideal, friendly introduction. You will be welcomed with open arms! The next one is Saturday, March 10. Games start at 8pm.

The fraudulent callers will apply a time pressure and the need to supposedly keep secret the transfers out of the account.

The victim is either asked to make instant transfers online or to go to their local branch to carry out the necessary transfers.

During the phone call the victim is guided on the mobile phone as to what they should and should not say to others, especially bank staff.

ADVANCE NOTICE FOR EASTER Easter Monday, April 2: Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Competition More details in next month’s In Touch, but why not start thinking about your winning entry now?

DC Joanne Smith from Safeguarding and Investigations said: “The fraudulent caller will sound very convincing, and claims to know the banks procedures and even information about the victims account to gain their trust. The fraudulent caller may also build the trust over a couple of days before asking to make the transfers, as well as providing genuine telephone numbers and passwords that will correspond to the legitimate Bank / Building Society. Some fraudsters have the ability to mask their telephone number so what appears on the caller display conveys the impression it is a genuine phone number.”

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

Residents should remember the following: Your bank or the police will never ask you to withdraw money or purchase items. Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details out. If the victim has any concerns about what the caller is asking then they should end the call and report to their branch and or fraud department Never download any software suggested by caller.

Do not rush into complying with the scammer’s demands/requests.

If you receive such a call leave the landline for at least five minutes to make an outside call. Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ring tones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead.

Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do.

You can report incidents of fraud to Action Fraud by calling 03001 232040 or using their online reporting tool: www.actionfraud.police.uk You can also sign up to the Trading Standards weekly email alert on rogues and scams targeting Suffolk: www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight Until next month, if you any queries or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD / hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk EMERGENCY: CALL 999 NON-EMERGENCY: CALL 101 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HadleighPolice POLICE CONNECT: suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect

And remember – IT’S YOUR PUB. If you have any ideas for events you’d like to see, please let us know. You can email Gill at cottage.garden@btinternet.com or leave a note at the pub.

EAST BERGHOLT TENNIS CLUB QUIZ EVENING Saturday, March 24 at the Sports Club Pavilion from 7.15pm Tickets are £15 to include a fish and chip or chicken and chip supper and the first glass of wine.

For further details contact Mel: 01206 298628

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA The Constable Hall, Gandish Road Friday, March 2: The Death of Stalin (15) The Soviet dictator lives out his final days and chaos erupts after his death. Made by Armando Ianucci, the creator of The Thick of It, this is a funny, satirical imagining of the manoeuvrings behind the scenes when Stalin died. Although some of the events actually happened, evidence that truth can be stranger than fiction. Starring Paul Whitehouse and Michael Palin.

Friday 6 April: Goodbye Christopher Robin (PG) A rare glimpse into the relationship between the children’s author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh.

Tickets (£4, £2 for 18 years and under) are available from the Fountain House Tea Room in East Bergholt, 01206 299774 or on the door. All films start at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. Bar and refreshments available.

If you would like to come to the cinema but need a lift, please call 01206 299774 and we will try to arrange one for you. www.eastbergholtcinema.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY Presenting the hilarious farce Don’t Get Your Vicars in a Twist

by Ann Gawthorpe and Lesley Bown at The Constable Hall, East Bergholt from April 19-21 at 7.30pm.

Desperate to find the funds to pay for his daughter’s wedding, churchwarden George seizes the opportunity to rent out the vicarage for a Murder Mystery Weekend while waiting for a new vicar to be appointed.

Unfortunately for George, a new female vicar is appointed to the parish before this Murder Mystery can take place. He is delighted though when the new vicar, Caroline, announces that she is attending a college reunion.

However, events take a turn for the worse when Bishop Herbert rings to announce that he is coming to visit his new incumbent today.

Chaos ensues as half of Dickie’s cast fail to make an appearance and the remainder including a bishop and a female vicar, spend most of their time either fighting with each other, getting drunk, or both. This is even before we meet the guests!

Come along to this fast-moving farce full of fun, frolics and lots of doors!

Tickets are £6 in advance and available from 01473 311553 or 07803 475750.

EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION QUIZ NIGHT East Bergholt High School on Friday, March 23 at 7.30pm

STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT IN MISTLEY Stour Choral Society would like to welcome you to their next concert in Mistley Parish Church on Saturday, March 17 at 7.30pm.

The programme comprises two well-known works by Handel – The Dettingen Te Deum and Acis and Galatea.

Handel (as composer of The Music to the Chapel Royal) was commissioned

by King George II in June 1743 to write the Te Deum as a thanksgiving for victory over the French. It was the last time a British Monarch personally led his troops into battle. This piece is very much in the style of Handel’s Messiah written two years earlier.

Originally a one-act masque from 1718, Handel adapted Acis and Galatea twice (in 1732 as a three-act serenata and again in 1739 to a two-act little opera). The last is the form in which it is commonly heard today. It contains music which, while written by Handel, was never added by him. It has been adapted and arranged many times, most notably by Mozart. It was written as a ‘courtly entertainment’ about the simplicity of rural life and contains a significant amount of wit and parody.

Join us for this evening of entertainment; tickets are £10 (under 18s free) from: society members; Howells Hardware Shop, High Street, Manningtree; Jenny Edmunds on 01255 886260; at the door. www.stourchoralsociety.co.uk

STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC

Teams of eight, tickets £5 per person including nibbles Bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks / opens at 7pm

Young Musicians’ Concert 2018: Sunday, March 4, 4pm at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP

Please pre-book teams on: 07776 291445 Over 18s only unless accompanied by an adult

A welcome return of our popular concert showcasing some of the many talented young musicians in our area. The concert will be followed by a delicious afternoon tea.

Tickets are £6 including refreshments. Proceeds will go towards SVAM’s education projects.

Sacconi Quartet with Clarinet, Michael Collins: Sunday, March 18, 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG

Wednesday, March 21: Goodbye Christopher Robin (PG) Directed by Simon Curtis

Programme Glazunov: Oriental Reverie op14 Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A K581 Brahms: Clarinet Quintet in B minor op 115 Tickets are £14. Generously sponsored by Martin and Alicia Herbert.

A rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie the Pooh.

Along with his mother and his nanny, Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War.

Tickets: 01206 298426 / svamtickets@btinternet.com / www.svam.org.uk Tickets can also be bought from Grier & Partners, East Bergholt

Assembly Rooms, Dedham, tickets £4, admission from 7pm, films begin at 7.30pm. Refreshments available before screenings and in the interval. Tickets from Shakespeare House Gallery or: www.dedhamfilms.co.uk

The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, March 10, 9am-12.30pm.

Contact: dedhamfilms@gmail.com

Come and pick up a bargain for Mother’s Day.

BUMPER BOOK SALE AT MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH Saturday, April 28, 10am-3pm Bacon rolls, fresh homemade cakes and tea and coffee, all at £1 each

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

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

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM ANNUAL GARAGE SALE 2018

CELEBRATION OF QUILTS AND NEEDLECRAFTS

Saturday, June 16, 9.30am-3pm

Are you a patchwork quilter or an embroiderer? Are you a great knitter, a creator of crochet or some other form of textile work?

Open garages throughout the village. Come and browse through a treasure trove of household items needing a new home, all at bargain prices. Look for the balloons and signs throughout Brantham on the A137.

The village hall will host a table top sale with WI refreshments, handicrafts, preserves and plants and much more. There will be a BBQ, a tombola and an ice cream van.

Would you like to see your work exhibited at a Celebration of Quilts and Needlecrafts on April 28 and 29 in Harkstead Church on the Shotley Peninsula?

You can also sell your work there.

If you are interested in knowing more, get in touch with Eleanor Soar: 01473 327266 / eleanor.soar@gmail.com

Make a day of it, grab a bargain and help St Elizabeth Hospice and Nepal Children’s Trust.

For more information contact: Maya Watling: 07508 430671 / mayawatling@hotmail.com Margaret Woods: 07867 546484 / maggie1woods@googlemail.com Louise Madley: 07792 236414 / louloumadley@btinternet.com

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL CHORISTERS CONCERT

FORTY-SIXTH MANNINGTREE ART EXHIBITION The 46th Manningtree Art Exhibition will take place over the Easter weekend. Artists wishing to enter should request entry forms from Brian Cuthbertson: 01206 298635 / Brian@briancuth.plus.com

CAPEL LIBRARY

Canterbury Cathedral Choristers present a concert in St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone on Wednesday, June 27 at 7pm. Tickets are £12.50 including summer refreshments.

For more information and to secure your tickets contact Chris Hodgkinson: 07764 285928 / jchodgkinson@gmail.com All proceeds to St Michaels Church Woolverstone and the Choir House Choristers Social Fund.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY It was nice to see so many of our members attend the AGM. A full report was given, detailing our finances, what we are planning to do with monies raised and ideas for future events.

I am pleased to report that our new reception area has now been fitted and it looks stunning. A big thank you to all of you who attended events over the past year for making this possible. I would also like to personally thank Councillor Gordon Jones (Suffolk County Council) and both Capel and Bentley Parish Councils for their support and generous donations which have allowed us to complete this work.

We wish to pass our thanks and support to The Friends of Capel Library and County Councillor Gordon Jones for providing the staff with a brand new work station. The other one was well over 10 years old and needed updating. We have moved the self-checking machine also and this new layout is working well with most borrowers. Please take care to read the screen carefully when returning books as some are not being placed in the correct area. Any book that says ‘Place in Blue Bin’ is an item that has been requested by another borrower and needs the staff to deal with it. A book that says ‘Place on Red Shelf’ means that the book will stay within Capel Library for somebody else to read and enjoy. Thank you for your assistance.

Groups meeting this coming month Baby Bounce continues each Tuesday afternoon at 2pm; come along and join in with singing nursery rhymes and action rhymes, suitable for children up to five years old to be accompanied by their parent or carer. No charge for this activity. Early notice: this group will not meet during the school Easter break and re-starts on Tuesday, April 17.

Minecraft: Meets on Sundays 11 and 25 from 10.30am-12.30pm. Children under eight must be accompanied by a parent or carer. No charge for this activity.

Lego Club: Saturday, March 31 from 10.30am-12.30pm. It’s just 50p per child which includes a drink and a biscuit. Under eights to be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Book Group: Meets on Friday, March 16 from 2.30pm. Do come along and join in the discussion of the latest book being read.

Please bring your library card each time you visit to take books out; this is library policy.

As you will be well aware from these articles, our main fundraising event is the cinema club, which goes from strength to strength with near sell out audiences for most screenings. Our February showing was Victoria & Abdul and in March we will be screening the much-awaited Murder on the Orient Express. Tickets will be on sale from February 20.

Don’t forget that we sell books of stamps and book tokens in any denomination; ask staff for further details.

More and more these days we have to shop, book or renew things online.

Did you know that we run free weekly computer courses in the library? We also have a couple of iPads that are available to borrow, so if you want to try before you buy, or simply want to learn how to use a tablet PC, pop into the library for more information.

Lastly, I would like to welcome Dave Busby who has now joined the ‘Friends’ as a trustee. We are all looking forward to working with Dave, who we are sure will be a valuable addition to the team.

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

Trevor Stevenson

Contact: 01473 311699

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If we are closed please place any returned books through the letterbox in the wall and they will be dealt with when we are next open.

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY U3A

STOUR VALLEY LADIES PROBUS CLUB

Robert Burridge presented a talk entitled Scott, Amundsen & the Race to the South Pole on February 14.

He concentrated on their personalities, their leadership styles and the equipment they used to show their characters and their epic achievements in the face of huge difficulties.

Stour Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at Brantham Leisure Centre at 10am on the first and third Thursday in the month. The first meeting in the month includes lunch and the second is for coffee. At every meeting there is a general interest speaker.

The Life and Times of Sir Alfred Munnings is the subject on March 14. Marcia Whiting, curatorial associate at The Munnings Art Museum will give an illustrated presentation exploring his life and wide ranging subject matter, including portraits, landscapes and rural scenes as well as the horse paintings for which he is so well known.

On April 11, in a talk entitled GM Crops – Where are we now?, Professor Wendy Harwood will cover what the technology is, how it has developed from the first GM crops, how the new technology of gene editing fits in, the current situation worldwide and what’s in the pipeline. Roger Kennell will present William Pretty – A Suffolk Family & Corset Manufacturer on May 9.

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.

VILLAGE LINK CLUB

The aim of our club is to encourage interest and fellowship among our members, all of whom are retired and have a lively and informed outlook on life.

New members are welcome and anyone interested in attending a coffee morning should contact our president, Doreen Gant: 01206 399049 / deegant@tiscali.co.uk

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Inevitably there are times when unexpected cancellations can play havoc with a pre-arranged programme but, as always, necessity is the mother of invention. We were pleased that our former chairman, Harold Mousley, filled in with a talk about his experiences judging competitions in other clubs, including useful hints and tips at our January evening.

Our open mono competition in January was enthusiastically supported with a very large number of entries, ably examined by returning judge Howard King. Howard’s incisive and helpful comments make the event more of a ‘tutorial’ than an actual competition. The improving standard of work shown is evident in the increasing number of top scoring entries including submissions from new members Ann and John Laverock. Entries may be viewed on the society website.

In February George Fossey, chairman of Harwich & Dovercourt Camera Club, kindly obliged, at short notice, with a talk about the successful worldwide business he has developed under the name of Artphoto Studio, operating in Colchester and principally based on his specialism of garden photography.

The History of Scarecrows is the subject of our talk on March 14. Future talks will be Pray Silence for ? and The History of Butley Priory.

Using colourful and delicate shots, as shown here, George, with careful post processing, is able to create the kind of large ethereal and atmospheric murals that grace the lobbies and bedrooms of Hotels throughout the world. We sat in awe as George modestly referred to substantial production runs of images great and small that have been supplied to both the leisure and retail sectors by this local business run by George and his son Chris.

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments, when there is time for a chat with other members, and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB In February Dudley Chignall presented Journey to Paradise and David Whittle presented How the Victorians Developed Dovercourt.

On March 7 Grant Elliot returns with The Life of Chic Murray and we hold our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 21.

On April 4 Bob Milne will talk on The Assignation of the Italian Barber and Oliver Paul from Suffolk Food Hall, voted the best local food venue in the UK and Ireland in the Countryside Alliance Awards (Rural Oscars), will present Food and Farming Heritage on April 18.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

FUTURE MEETINGS March 8: Studio Evening hosted by George Fossey March 22: Wildlife & Nature Competition / Judge: Peter Espley March 29: Action, Water and Luck with Don Thompson We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings until May 2018 at 7.30pm at St John’s Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join (subscription £40) or may attend initially as a visitor (£3).

For details please contact our secretary, Margaret: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT KIDNEY ASSOCIATION Ipswich and District Kidney Association – more usually referred to as IDKA – is a registered charity set up about 25 years ago by a group of patients who wanted to give something back to the hospital that had made such a difference to their lives and also to help newly diagnosed patients come to terms with their situation. Our aim is still to help improve the lives of people suffering from kidney disease and we try to achieve this through providing items of equipment not available through the NHS, providing entertainment systems and heaters to make time on dialysis more bearable and by providing welfare grants where financial hardship is as a direct result of kidney disease. Les Talbott, vice-chair of IDKA, is pictured presenting a cheque for £5,998 to Dr Richard Smith, renal consultant at Ipswich Hospital, to fund a research programme at a local level for dialysing patients in conjunction with the renal unit at the University of Suffolk. IDKA also organises social activities and our AGM has developed into a spectacular family fun day.

Local Kidney Patients Associations similar to IDKA formed all over the country and from these grew the National Kidney Federation which promotes best practice in renal medicine and treatment at a national level, getting involved directly with the government and the NHS. The NKF also provides support and advice services and IDKA works closely with them and similar national organisations to stay abreast of current developments. Membership of IDKA automatically provides membership to the NKF and access to their publications.

IDKA realises that kidney disease has far-reaching effects, not only on the patient but on their carers and family too and sometimes it is difficult to know where to turn. Many people are reluctant to ask for help or think that they are in some way ‘beyond’ help. Rest assured that is never the case so please contact us.

Whether the problem is financial, medical, emotional or whatever, if we are not in a position to deal with it ourselves we have access to a variety of specialists who will be able to so please do not suffer in silence. Although we do know a great many very clever people, none of them are clairvoyant so they will not be able to help you unless you make them aware. All contact will be treated in the strictest confidence, but if you are still unsure and would prefer first contact to be with someone anonymously over the telephone please contact The British Kidney Patient Association on 01420 541424. The BKPA operates an excellent advocacy service and their regional officer pays frequent visits to Ipswich.

In cases where someone is suffering hardship as a direct result of kidney disease, IDKA may be able to provide a welfare grant. As with other organisations who provide similar services we are obliged to ask a few questions so we can demonstrate that we are using our resources correctly and in-line with Charity Commission guidelines, but personal information is never shared with anyone else and is always treated in the strictest confidence. If you, or someone you know, is suffering hardship under these circumstances please contact us or speak to one of the renal nurses. Similarly, if you are aware of a problem with the care provided for kidney patients please contact us and we will investigate whether anything can be done to improve the situation.

RSPCA SUFFOLK EAST & IPSWICH BRANCH On behalf of my fellow trustees and myself I should like to thank the East of England Co-op, whose headquarters are at Wherstead, for allowing the RSPCA Suffolk East and Ipswich Branch to carry out collections at several of their superstores this year.

We are grateful to businesses that come forward to help us as we are an independent and, mainly self-funding branch of the RSPCA. As a separately registered charity, our work helping animals in need in our local area is not paid for by the government or the national lottery.

It costs us more than £450,000 every year just to maintain our animal centre at Martlesham, our veterinary clinic in Ipswich and our veterinary voucher schemes. As well as our own fundraising, we rely heavily on the generosity and support of the local community.

If you happen to see our volunteer collectors at a Co-op store, please place a generous donation in their tin.

Ian Hendry

FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN – SPRING IS ROUND THE CORNER! One of the most intriguing aspects of wildlife gardening that we have learned over the last few years is how we can help our wildlife get through the winter. Some of it is quite unexpected. For instance, did you know that many frogs while away the winter in a state of torpor, deep in the mud at the bottom of ponds? Or that in bumblebee and wasp colonies, the only ones to actually survive the winter are the new generation of young queen bees or wasps, which hibernate after mating.

If the weather is sunny and mild then it could well be that some bumblebees will emerge to seek for nectar among the first flowers of spring. At Flatford Wildlife Garden we make sure that throughout the winter we have some plants that are in flower.

After winter slumber, the garden will open in time for Easter on March 30.

Why not come along to the RSPB garden to see the changes we have made – from a whole new range of wood sculptures up to and including the all new Sisters Garden? Those of you who have visited before will know that a corner of the garden was taken up with an old derelict bungalow previously home to a tea shop run by the Richardson sisters for many years. They bequeathed the site to the RSPB and after much thought and planning we have converted this to a new feature for the garden. A key aspect of the work is provision of a rainwater harvesting system and a large pond. This will cover 25 square metres (the site previously occupied by a now-demolished bungalow near the garden’s attractive visitor centre barn).

“It has been designed for wildlife, with a pond-dipping platform so that children can have first-hand experience of pond life,” says our head gardener, Shirley Sampson. “That will be inspirational for them – so many children really love pond-dipping if they are given a chance to do it.” It is anticipated that this activity, the development of which is of course dependant on the speed at which Mother Nature progresses, will commence during summer 2018.

IDKA is run on behalf of its members by a dedicated committee of volunteers who are keen to hear from patients, including home dialysis patients. We are also keen to hear from anyone who would like to support out fundraising events, such as our forthcoming quiz night at Kesgrave Social Club on Friday, May 4.

Come and see what we have done and bring the family this Easter. We will be open daily from March 30 and presenting our Easter theme of supporting sparrows as part of the RSPB #wildthings initiative. There will also be plants for sale, as well as plant supports woven from willow grown in the garden, and our unique wildlife cards designed by two of our volunteers.

Please contact Doug Swayze, chair of IDKA – chair@idka.org.uk / 01449 612090 / 20 Bures Close, Stowmarket IP14 2PL – or vice-chair Les Talbott – 01473 635749.

Do come along and enjoy the first signs of spring. No entry charge to the garden. Car park free for National Trust members, £4 for others. Please check our website periodically for more details: www.rspb.org.uk

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‘LIVE BIG BAND JAZZ’

IMU BIG BAND Featuring the big band music of Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and much, much more

St Mary the Virgin Church East Bergholt CO7 6TG 8pm Monday 30th April 2018 Free pre concert glass of wine 7.30pm

Admission £10 in advance £12 on the door CONTACT Fiona Trott - 01206 298205 Liz Digby - 01473 312281

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE AT CAPEL

LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB

Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership.

If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at ‘Growing Your Own’ please contact Dennis: site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk / 01473 310988

JOCELYN HALLS GARDENING & DESIGN Hello, let me introduce myself. I am Jocelyn Halls, a qualified gardener based in Capel St Mary. Born and educated in Colchester, I moved to Suffolk in 1992 and to Capel St Mary 20 years ago. My interest in plants started at a very young age, gardening alongside my dad, he sharing with me everything he knew. Many house and garden-moves later with a few life changes along the way have led me over recent years to explore and follow my passion for gardening more deeply, successfully achieving Royal Horticultural Society qualifications with the Beth Chatto Education Trust (Gardens) in Elmstead Market.

Gardening to me is life’s biggest pleasure, cultivating a piece of land which you can call your own, no matter how large or small.

My aim is to create beautiful gardens that reflect the personal style and practical needs of my clients, from regular hourly and seasonal maintenance to planting plans for rejuvenating borders or individual garden design.

For me garden maintenance is not just pulling up weeds, it is about cultivating the soil, nurturing plants, transforming your garden into your own personal outdoor space.

Regular maintenance is undertaken in weekly or fortnightly time slots, by the hour. I work with your goals in mind to keep your garden looking its best. I am willing to advise on the best way to use all your garden waste, to mange your garden in a more ecological and wildlife friendly way.

Maybe you have taken on a new garden and are not sure where to start?

Or you may even be very new to gardening? If so I am happy to work alongside you and to coach you in your garden to help you achieve your goals.

I feel very fortunate being able to garden for a living and look forward to helping you with yours.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Tiki-taka football and large open spaces clearly play to the strengths of Lawford’s U13s. Having just missed out on the B League by a single place at the end of last season they have had an incredible start to this one. Apart from the first game of the season where they conceded three goals in a 15-3 victory, they have not conceded a single additional goal in the league so far, while amassing 61 in the ‘goals for’ column. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, the team also progressed to the fourth round of the Essex Cup, beating teams many places above them in higher leagues along the way, including Tiptree Jobserve Reds, Rowhedge Juniors and winning an away game to Pegasus Youth in the Southend league. Their run only came to end when they were drawn against an Eastern Junior Alliance team, Witham Town.

In total this season the team have amassed 91 goals, with 10 players all getting on the score sheet. Most pleasing is the way the team have started to really play for each other. They often make unselfish runs and passes, while all over the pitch playing some very attractive football. After virtually every match the opposition coaches compliment the team on their football, but perhaps more importantly often comment what a nice bunch of lads they are.

Long may it continue.

U12 Reds player Mykie Perkins is currently undergoing treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer in children. To support Mykie and his family through this terrible time, the club came together on Saturday, November 4, holding a penalty shoot-out and cake sale. Despite the weather all teams from U7s-U15s were represented and many of the parents also participated (with varying success). The generosity shown was breathtaking with nearly £1,200 raised. An amazing effort from everyone involved.

The Ladies team ended 2017 placed sixth in the league but have three games in hand over the league leaders. Earlier in the season the ladies beat Hatfield Peveral, who currently top the table, 6-1 making for a very interesting second half of the season. Once again, the ladies have entered the FA People’s Cup which kicks off in February. This is a national five-a-side competition which Lawford reached the semi-final of last year. Good luck for this year’s competition.

A special mention for Daisy Canny, ladies striker and captain. Daisy collected and donated more than 185 Christmas gifts for the children at Great Ormond Street Hospital and delivered them all herself.

The quiz night held in early December was a great success with teams drawn from across the First team, the Reserves and the Vets. To get into the festive spirit most teams proudly displayed Christmas jumpers and there was a good atmosphere from the beginning to the end of the evening. Congratulations to John Watkins, Stuart Cullum, Lloyd Bellett, Bert Rand, Mark Carey (Curly), and Gary Brigden from the Vets who were winners. Such wise and ancient minds! All in all, a very enjoyable evening. A big thank you to Paul Bowers for organising the event.

Next year the club will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Founded in 1949, Lawford Lads moved to the current ground at School Lane in 1967. Lawford Juniors was formed in 1979 and merged with the Lads in 2015 to form Lawford Football Club. We plan to create a photographic history of the club through the last seven decades, but we need your help! Do you have or know of any photographs featuring either the senior or junior section in years gone, or perhaps know someone who does? If you can help please contact Nick Anderson: njfanderson@gmail.com If you are interested in playing football for Lawford FC or supporting the club in any way, please visit our website for further information: www.lawfordfc.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC January was a disappointing month for the 1st Team. It started well with Bob Coleman Cup victory at Achilles, but then injuries set in and the remaining three games in the month all ended in defeat, latterly disappointingly going out of the Bob Coleman Cup to Division One Sporting 87.

The Reserves started the year slowly, but ended it with victories in the Travel Plus Tours Cup and League A. The A Team’s struggles continued.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team/ Senior Division Sat, Feb 24: Haughley Utd (H) Sat, Mar 3: AFC Hoxne (A Sat, Mar 10: Colpestonians (H) Sat, Mar 17: Ransomes Sports (H) Sat, Mar 24: Benhall St Mary (A) Mon, Apr 2: Capel Plough (A) Reserves / League A Sat, Feb 24: Framlingham Town Res TPT Cup (A) Sat, Mar 10: Old Newton Res (A) Sat, Mar 17: Sporting 87 Res (H) Sat, Mar 31: AFC Hoxne Res (A) A Team / League B Sat, Feb 24: Claydon Res (H) Sat, Mar 3: Stowupland Falcons Res (H) Sat, Mar 10: Stonham Aspal Res (A) Sat, Mar 17: Wickham Market Res (A) Sat, Mar 24: Claydon Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website to confirm: https://tinyurl.com/yb9x9ejp.

It has been decided to put the race night on hold for the time being.

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 and boards on matchdays are all potential 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.

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB A few seasons ago our club started a side for players over the age of 35, known as the Veterans, who play their games on Sunday afternoons.

Our present team are in a league with five other sides and are currently second in the table under the expert leadership of Stephen King. They recently lost the top of the table game against Barham 4-3 after leading 3-1 with our goals scored by Sean Kilbourne, Glen Crisp and Chris Stewart, while Whitton United knocked them out of the league cup 4-1.

Our Sunday morning team has been involved in some high scoring games beating Rushmere Diamonds 9-2 in the League Cup, then winning 6-5 away to Real Orford with four goals from Abdul Kaium and two from Joe Bigmore.

Our Saturday Reserves are third in the Inter C League after beating Halesworth Town Reserves at home 7-0 with Harry Franklin and Matt Noble both scoring hat tricks before winning 2-1 away against Ransome Sports. It’s good to see several teenagers from the village playing in this team and they seem to enjoy their football.

Our Saturday 1st Team are playing their twentieth consecutive season in the Senior League and are in fifth place after a goalless draw away to Felixstowe Harpers before also drawing 1-1 at home to Crane Sports, a game which was played in front of 75 spectators, our highest of the season so far. Nick Middlebrook scored our goal with an excellent free kick. Wins against Old Newton 1-0 thanks to an Andy Wilshaw free kick and 6-3 against Westerfield United saw the team reach the quarter-finals of the Bob Coleman Cup where they were due to play Crane Sports on February 17. Our local derby at home to East Bergholt is on March 31.

Finally, after complaints from residents in the Friars the police have informed the club that fines will be issued to any motorists who park on pathways or in front of private driveways during games at the Playing Field.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB January 100 Club Winners 1: Paul Hutton (18) £110 2: Christine Goff (24) £50 3: Richard Tuck (9) £50 The AGM was held and the main appointments were as follows: Chairman Jack Jiggens Secretary Robin Mills Treasurer Andy Birch Danny Goff 1st XI Captain Gareth Stevens 2nd XI Captain Richard Mills 3rd XI Captain Sun NECL Captain Tim Scott Sun TC Captain Tim Hills Club Captains Bruce Leeke and Matt Bibby

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Mistley Cricket Club starts their indoor nets for juniors and seniors on the following dates: • Juniors start Friday, February 2 at Manningtree Sports Centre, 7.30-8.30pm.

Ages catered for are from seven-17 year olds. Cost £2.

• Men’s and women’s nets start on Wednesday, February 21, 8.15pm-9.30pm at the Royal Hospital School.

The club has plenty of cricket to suit all abilities; if you are new to the area and would like to join or know more about us then please contact us on: mistleycc@btinternet.com Mistley CC is a community club with strong traditions. Please come along and give us a look sometime.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BRANTHAM FOOTBALL CLUB Brantham Athletic is a local football club running a senior section, junior section, Sunday and Ladies teams. Our home ground is The Leisure Centre, New Village, Brantham.

January has been a pretty successful one for our three teams with most of the matches won. The 1st Team played four matches in January, winning three and losing one. They did get to second in the league table, but an unfortunate loss at home saw them drop to third. They have reached the semi-finals in the League Cup after a penalty shoot-out and have another quarter-final to play in February so hopefully they will progress.

The Reserves are through to the Suffolk County Cup quarter-final and won all their matches in January to consolidate their place in mid-table. The A Team had a mixed January, winning two and losing two and unfortunately losing a cup quarter-final, but still sitting in mid-table.

There is also a thriving junior section with ages ranging from under-seven to under-16. Our Sunday teams play their matches on Sunday mornings at the leisure centre while our ladies team play on Sunday afternoons at the centre.

The 1st Team play their home matches at the leisure centre, kick-off 3pm on Saturdays and 7.45pm on weekday evenings. The A Team play at Raydon.

The under-18s play on weekday evenings, 7.45pm kick-off.

Forthcoming home matches will be publicised on the website and on Twitter.

BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES MAKING SENSE OF LIFE Can you imagine a blind man, in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn’t there? For some the study of philosophy, the meaning of life, being and existence can be a bit like that dark room and not much hope. Many people feel as hopeless as that about their search for God. A social worker visited a sick boy in the back streets of Lagos and found some books on the table beside his bed. They were a Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, the Koran, a copy of the Watchtower, a book by Karl Marx and another with the title How to Stop Worrying! A quest for the meaning of life down so many avenues is a very confusing business.

Life itself can often throw things at us that cause that quest for meaning of life to be broken or be affirmed and enriched. A dear Christian sister, Sally Laws (known to many readers), who taught religious education and was herself a Christian with a profound faith in God, has recently died after 21 years of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite the pain, the suffering and the frustration she had a confidence in God and that God would provide the strength she needed for each day. She radiated love, joy and peace. There could be no doubting her faith in God, or that God had chosen her to be his child and to bear fruit in the midst of suffering. We will be celebrating her life and faith on March 5. As I was reflecting on Sally’s life yesterday with others, I came across this quote: “The greatest thing about heaven is being with the Lord”. We know that’s where Sally is.

Because of the league the 1st team and Under 18s play in, there is an entrance fee to watch these games. For the 1st team it’s £7 for adults and £3 concessions and children under 16. For Under 18 games its £3 and £1. There is a friendly atmosphere at all the matches and there is always a friendly welcome to anyone attending a home match, so if you would like to see a good standard of football come and support your local team. The Centre Bar is open during all senior games and the kitchen during 1st Team and youth football on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Any young or old players wishing to join a friendly, exciting, fun football club should contact the club via the details below or email our football club secretary

What makes that difference? The Christian faith is not about people blindly groping for God, but more about God seeking for individuals, because he loves them and wants them to know and love him. An agnostic journalist, broadcaster and satirist who had been trying to run away from God but came to faith late in life said: “I’ve never wanted a God, or feared a God or felt under any necessity to invent one. Fortunately, I’ve been driven to the conclusion that God wants me.”

There is a clubhouse at the leisure centre where food and drinks can be obtained. The leisure centre is also home to a lot of other activities including fireworks display, a fun run, 5-a-sides, bowls, cricket plus many other social events. There is a website for more information. Plus the leisure centre has an excellent private function room with its own self-contained bar which is available to hire for a multitude of events such as wedding receptions, birthday parties, children’s events, conferences and meetings. Just contact the centre on 01206 392506.

If your quest for meaning in life is hitting the buffers, or you are struggling to make sense of life, do get in touch.

HOME FIXTURES FOR MARCH 1st Team at Brantham Leisure Centre Saturday, March 3, 3pm: League v Great Yarnmouth Saturday, March 10, 3pm: League v Wroxham Saturday, March 24, 3pm: Saffron Walden Reserves: See Twitter feed A-Team at Brantham Leisure Centre Friday, March 30, 7.30pm: Cup v Newfield Red Star www.branthamathleticfc.co.uk

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And why did God want him? Why does God want you? The answer is not because of anything in you, but solely because of His love for you. That’s humbling yet so clear. We love because he first loved us.

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Brantham & Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 BRANTHAM SERVICES Sunday 4 11am Sunday 11 11am Sunday 18 11am Sunday 25 11am

Worship with Prof David Welbourn Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Communion with Rev Tony Brookes Worship with Mr Harry Chicken

CAPEL SERVICES Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 4

Sunday 11 Sunday 18 Sunday 25

10.30am 6.30pm 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Mrs Carole Almond Prayer Local Arrangement - Worship Worship with Rev Chris Hill All Age Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer Time St Mary’s

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Father Christopher Smith 01473 684963 / 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR MARCH 2018 Sunday 4 9am

3rd Sunday OF Lent Mass

Tuesday 6 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 11 9am

4th Sunday OF Lent Mass

Tuesday 13 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 18 9am

5th Sunday OF Lent Mass

Tuesday 20 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 25 9am

Palm Sunday of The Passion of The Lord Mass

Tuesday 27 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

Catholic Commentary Pope Francis recently said that while it is normal to be afraid of the unknown, we can’t let this direct how we respond to newcomers in our midst, who should be treated with respect and generosity. It’s not easy to put ourselves in another person’s shoes, especially those very different from us, and this can cause us to have doubts and fears.

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational / meeting at The Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE and the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford CO11 2JG (unless otherwise stated).

Saturday Service: 11am Saturday, March 10 at the Ogilvie Hall: Our popular monthly Café/ Oasis Coffee Morning event, 9.30-10.45am; Praise and Worship Service, 11am-noon Tuesday, March 13: Outreach Ministry Burrsville Christian Fellowship, Clacton-on-Sea Friday, March 23: Prayer Meeting at Lawford Venture Centre, 10am For pastoral visits and further information, contact: 01206 272064 / 01255 714544 We warmly welcome people of all ages.

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“These fears are legitimate, based on doubts that are fully comprehensible from a human point of view. Having doubts and fears is not a sin. The sin is to allow these fears to determine our responses, to limit our choices, to compromise respect and generosity, to feed hostility and rejection,” he continued. “The sin is to refuse to encounter the other, to encounter the different, to encounter the neighbour, when this is in fact a privileged opportunity to encounter the Lord.”

Events & Diary Date The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday, February 18 when three lucky winners shared a record £151. The next draw takes place on Sunday, March 18. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for church maintenance and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, March 29.

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

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

All are very welcome at Holy Family, Brantham All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services, it is not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome.

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

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus COME AND JOIN US IN OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP – EVERYONE IS WELCOME Hear the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, with our lively worship and service. Refreshments served afterwards.

Every Sunday morning at 11am in The Ivell Suite at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE. If you or someone you know needs prayer for anything, please contact us.

David and Rosie Rhule 07787 572977 / 01206 397533 info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.keytoloveministries.com

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS DEDHAM AND ARDLEIGH PARISHES www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk 01206 322136 / stmaryda@gmail.com SERVICES AND EVENTS FOR MARCH & EASTER 2018 Sunday, March 4 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Dedham 9.30am Rise n’ Shine, Dedham 11am Morning Prayer (CW), Ardleigh 5pm Evensong (BCP), Dedham Sunday, March 11 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Ardleigh 9.30am Holy Communion (CW), Dedham 11am Morning Prayer for Mothering Sunday, Ardleigh Sunday, March 18 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Dedham 9.30am Matins (BCP), Dedham 11am Parish Eucharist (CW), Ardleigh Sunday, March 25 – Palm Sunday 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Ardleigh 9.30am Morning Praise, Dedham 5pm Revive at 5, Dedham Friday, March 30 – Good Friday 10.30am Stations of the Cross – a modern re-telling (details below) 2pm Good Friday Meditation, Dedham Sunday, April 1 – Easter Sunday 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Dedham 9.30am Rise ‘n’ Shine, Dedham 11am Eucharist, Ardleigh 5pm Evensong (BCP), Dedham BCP – Book of Common Prayer / CW – Common Worship Midweek Services Tuesday Morning Prayer at Dedham at 10.30am Thursday Evening Prayer at Ardleigh at 5pm Retreat Day: Saturday, March 3, 10am-4pm at Elmstead Market Church. An opportunity for a time of quiet away from the busy-ness of work, family and home. Contact the office for more details.

®

Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, March 10, 9am at The Vicarage, Dedham Maundy Thursday: March 29 at 6pm, Shared Meal and Holy Communion at Ardleigh; you are invited to bring bread, cheese and/or fruit to share.

Good Friday, March 30 The Stations of the Cross representing the events that happened to Jesus as he made his way from his trial to his execution. Join us on a modern retelling through the village of Dedham. Meet at Dedham Church at 10.30am.

HOW TO TAKE PART IN THE PASSION STORY Good Friday is one of our Bank Holidays in the UK and alongside Easter Monday it gives many of us the chance to get away for a weekend break as spring-time gets into full swing. But so you ever wonder what you have been given a day off?

Throughout the ages Christians have responded to the Good Friday story by commissioning public art or music, or by performing Passion plays to retell their communities about the truth behind the events of that week.

This year 2018 we are inviting you to join us in the re-telling and play your part in the story.

In the week before Easter, Holy Week, from Monday, March 26 in your churches in Dedham and Ardleigh there will be art and activities for all ages to help you engage with the story. The churches will be open throughout each day. You are also welcome to join in the story at events through that week.

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The Shop Shop Road Little Bromley Manningtree CO11 2PZ

Open to the public Mon - Fri 8.30 - 4.15 01206 396167 www.harlequin-uk.com 27

CHURCH NEWS

BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM SERVICES IN MARCH Friday March 2 3pm Women’s World Day of Prayer Ecumenical Service,

East Bergholt Congregational Church Sunday, March 4 8am 11am 4pm

BCP Communion, East Bergholt Benefice Communion, Brantham Family@Church and High Tea, East Bergholt

Wednesday, March 7 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, March 11: Mothering Sunday 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Mothering Sunday Family Service

and Baptism of Rory Blemings, East Bergholt 11am Mothering Sunday Family Service, Brantham Sunday, March 18 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, March 25 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Palm Sunday with Procession, East Bergholt 11am Palm Sunday with Procession, Brantham Monday, March 26 7.30pm Holy Week Meditative Service, Brantham Tuesday, March 27 7.30pm Holy Week Musical Meditation, East Bergholt Wednesday, March 28 9.30am Holy Week BCP Communion, East Bergholt Thursday, March 29 9.30am EB Primary Church Assembly, East Bergholt 7pm Maundy Thursday Communion,

Readings & Stripping of the Altar, East Bergholt Friday, March 30 10am Family Service, Brantham 2pm A Reading of the Passion, East Bergholt Saturday, March 31 7pm Easter Vigil and Lighting of the Fire, Brantham Easter Sunday, April 1 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham 4pm Family@Church and High Tea, East Bergholt Check the website for details. In East Bergholt there is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral Matins is usually on the fourth Sunday.

This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

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RAMBLING RECTOR The first time I heard about the Camino Santiago de Compestela was about 20 years ago when a colleague in SA completed part of the pilgrimage to Santiago where the remains of St James the Apostle of Jesus are believed to be buried. She showed us photos of beautiful small villages and humming cheeses.

Last year, spurred on by showing my Bible Study Group the film The Way directed by Emilio Estevez and with Martin Sheen (his father) in the main part, I started researching the Camino for myself. Loads of pilgrims have written books on the subject. They range from deeply thoughtful reflections on the route, geography, politics and people met along the road to useless daily diaries charting the development of blisters (with photos) and inane comments on ‘nice’ places and ‘sweet’ people.

Pilgrimage was a recognised religious activity in the Middle Ages.

Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales relate the experiences of a fascinating group of pilgrims who for their own various reasons found themselves together on pilgrimage and in awkward and hilarious situations. Today pilgrimage is regaining popularity. There are many reasons for walking the Way, not all religious. One book I read led me to the writer’s other immensely long walks across America (The Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Way). Keith Foskett is not religious, but had the insight to call his book The Journey in Between.

He recognised that arriving at the destination is not the important thing (though praiseworthy), it is your experiences along the way that make you into the person you are.

That is a very good description of the Christian life. Sometimes we journey alone, sometimes we have company, but always we are part of humanity on a journey, searching for meaning. As we interact with one another we grow and develop other insights. During Lent Christians begin again their journey to the cross. It is a time of reflection and prayer and looking about to see the needs of the world.

I am now on sabbatical and my family have suggested that we should walk part of the Camino together. It won’t happen this year because my three months of sabbatical are already rather full. It is meant to be a time of rest, spiritual reflection and a project. Joop has said I really need six months to cram in everything I had thought of doing!

Santiago? Next year!

Rev Steph Rev Steph is on sabbatical doing some writing and will be unable to respond to any messages until after June 1. If any need should arise, the churchwardens or verger will be able to help you.

East Bergholt: Fiona Trott 01206 298205 / Liz Digby 01473 312281 / Rodney Brundell 01206 298607 Brantham: Jane Pavitt 01473 328512 / Ken Stuttaford 01206 394446 www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SCHOOLS / ON THE GRAPEVINE BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS We are rapidly heading towards Easter with thoughts of hand-made bonnets ahead of our parades at the end of term. February has involved safer internet day, modern slavery workshops, tractors, dressing up, bird watching, basketball and cross-country, to name but a few activities. Bentley enjoyed a Victorian themed day as part of their topic, as you can see from the photographs here, they had the full experience, including paying a penny to go to school: At Bentley, we are on the lookout for some old scaffolding boards to use as shuttering to help us create a concrete base for a new shed. If you can help, please contact the office on 01473 310253.

At Copdock, we are looking for a midday supervisor initially to provide cover, but possibly for a more regular position from September. If you are interested, please contact the office on 01473 730337.

Throughout this term both schools are working hard on their enterprise schemes. There have been cake and sweet sales, coffee mornings, discos, bingo, second hand sales and the production of items to sell. Towards the end of March the PTA at Copdock are hosting a craft fayre for our young entrepreneurs to sell their products. Why not come along and see what the children have been creating? You might be able to pick yourself up a bargain while supporting the children’s entrepreneurial streaks at the same time.

If you read the East Anglian Daily Times or the Ipswich Star, keep an eye out for their tokens on the back pages for Sports Equipment for School. We are collecting these across the federation and would appreciate any you may come across.

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

EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE What a great start to the spring term we had! Nine new riders joined us and I was able to help in their assessments. The picture shows Dario, one of our new Monday riders, having his assessment with Fiona. Welcome to all our new riders and good luck with your therapy.

Thanks to the MCF grant my hoist has been revamped and this has enabled more riders to mount me. I am so pleased. Obviously my little friend Babs still has plenty of work, but she’s not as smart as I am; I’m much more like a real horse than she is.

The maintenance team is crying out for another member to help with field grass cutting on a regular basis. You don’t have to use a scythe, we have moved on, but we still need manpower to keep things healthy for the live herd.

Lent will be in full swing when you read this. Do you give up, or give, to prepare for Easter? Last year one group of helpers did their fundraising around an Easter Egg raffle. Look at the size of the big prize, won by one of our families!

We shall be shut during the school holidays so here’s wishing you a happy break and safe journeys. Roll on the summer! www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

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ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears This term we have watched many of our Baby Bears blossom into confident Toddling Tigers. In preparation for their big step the Baby Bears team have been working very hard with the Toddling Tigers team to ensure the transition goes smoothly and the Bears are comfortable throughout. The month before our Bears turn two they start to play and explore the Tigers’ room, learning the routines, making new friends and getting to know the staff. By the time the Bears turn two they are usually very settled and confident within their new room.

Toddling Tigers The Tigers have been busy with a week focused on transport. Our Tigers show great interest in trains, cars, tractors and fire engines. We have explored the marks we can make by rolling our vehicles through water, sand and paint. We have also used paper plates as steering wheels to have races in the garden and used our logs in the garden to go on a train journey.

We took part in the Big Garden Bird Watch and encouraged the birds to visit our garden by threading cereal onto pipe cleaners to decorate the trees and throwing bird food onto the field. Threading the cereal encourages fine motor development which is necessary for later on with writing. Our Tigers loved this and their little fingers were perfect for this fiddly task.

A number of Tigers have started toilet training and we have introduced potties in a fun variety of ways, such as potty decorating for the baby dolls, reading potty stories such as Aliens Love Underpants and I Want My Potty. So far, everything has been a success and we are all positive about potties.

Gruffalos What a busy February! We have had a wonderful wild pirating time. The Gruffalos have been on a treasure hunt climbing over and under, balancing along the plank and using prepositions to find the treasure. They also discovered an abandoned pirate ship during a forest school session. The children reconstructed it and set sail on their adventures, telling tales about what they saw. We have written our own group pirate story with the children’s words being used to tell the tale. It is a wonderful adventure that the pirates go on; the children have amazing imaginations and it was a great way to share them.

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.

MUSEUM SUFFERS COLLECTION THEFTS The Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket was targeted by thieves in the early hours of Monday, January 29, with numerous historic buildings across the 75-acre open-air site damaged and items of collection stolen.

Thieves stripped lead from the back roof of local landmark, Abbot’s Hall, causing damage to the roof and brickwork of the Grade II* listed house, which was built in 1709.

Additionally, around 135 collections items used to tell the stories of everyday lives in the local area were taken during the theft. Irreplaceable items include white porcelain jars from the former Stearn’s Chemist which was located in the centre of Stowmarket up until the 1990s, and hats and ties from Ranson’s Tailors of Lavenham.

Other items stolen include objects used for the museum’s schools workshops, including Victorian toys and cookware, and historic advertising signs, including for Hornsby Oil Engines and Esso Blue.

“The collections reflect the community’s history and are there for the benefit of local people. It is extremely sad that this has happened,” said Museum Director, Jenny Cousins.

“We ask anyone with knowledge to contact the police. We also encourage members of the public at car boot sales, antique stores or on eBay to keep an eye out for objects which have marks on them which look like museum numbers. They would be small and handwritten – usually in the following form: 81.A.61/12/1,2.”

In Touch online:

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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

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©Jet Photography

SCHOOL CHOIRS' CONCERT SATURDAY 17 MARCH, 7PM PRE-CONCERT DRINKS FROM 6.30PM

CHAPEL ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX

The Holbrook Choral Society | Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir Chamber Choir | Show Choir | plus pupil-led ensembles Conductors: William Saunders, Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick & Edward Allen Organ: Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick

Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic

01206 573948