In touch news with eastbergholt apr18

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 5 • Issue No. 7 • APRIL 2018

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Some years ago I was invited to take part in a ‘Grumpy Women’ segment on Radio Suffolk. Each guest was asked to choose one topic, a task I set about with relish. When I met my fellow grumpy women in the green room before the show we chatted about how difficult it had been to choose.

I was embarrassed to discover that while they had struggled to find a topic, I had struggled to select from a rather long list. I’d chosen people who eat from noisy packaging at the theatre or in the cinema, but the shortlist had included people who interrupt all the time, rude drivers who don’t acknowledge when you give way, the pseudoscience used to sell skin creams and cosmetics (just what is a free radical?), people who spit in the street…

When I told my husband about the green room conversation he howled with laughter, until he noticed my silence. “Well you’re hardly surprised are you,” he said. “I’ve never known anyone who gets so easily annoyed about small things.” I’m sure you can imagine how that conversation went, but I’m making no apology for my grumpiness, though I prefer to see it as sensitivity!

Of course this conversation took place at least 10 years ago and I think I’ve become a nicer person since I started working at In Touch. It’s impossible to be angry and judgemental when I’m constantly reminded of the good in people. Every month I hear from people who are raising funds for charity, organising local events (a significant and often thankless undertaking), setting up or leading support groups, promoting social opportunities for people who are otherwise isolated… the list goes on. We are so fortunate to live in a society where people care, where they look out for each other and give their time to make local communities stronger. The least the rest of us can do is turn up.

Of course locally owned businesses are the beating heart of every strong local community, often supporting local causes, investing in the local economy and creating local jobs. Support each other and together we can look forward to a ‘grump free’ future!

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: bergholt@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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

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WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ RUGBY WARRIOR CAMPS Over the last eight to 10 years rugby has become one of the fast growing female participation sports in the UK with in excess of 18,000 women and girls regularly playing in England alone. That number is increasing all the time and the RFU is working to grow this to 100,000 through a number of strategies.

Success at the top level with England’s Red Roses lifting the World Cup in 2014 and finishing runners-up in 2017, along with the creation of the Tyrrells Premier 15s women’s league, have helped to raise the sports profile and the opportunities now available, but where can they go to begin to fulfil their potential? It’s not all about being the best and playing for England. Rugby is a sociable game; more women and girls are playing because rugby clubs have a welcoming, family atmosphere and the sport is a great way to get fit.

Mistley RUFC is one of those clubs which has been offering girls aged 11 and below the chance to learn and play rugby in a mixed environment with the boys. Now many of those girls are reaching the age where they can no longer play alongside the boys, so Mistley have launched a girl’s section this year for 11 to 18 year olds who want to continue playing or want to take up rugby with an eye on progressing to a full women’s team in the future.

Mistley Rugby Club will be hosting an ‘Inner Warrior’ camp which is a fun-packed, commitment-free way for girls to get outside, get muddy and experience the dynamic, exhilarating sport of rugby for the first time. With plenty of help on hand, we will introduce you to the basics of rugby – passing, kicking and tackling, coupled with enjoyable fitness routines – helping you step out of your comfort zone and unearth your Inner Warrior.

This free event will take place on Tuesday, April 17 from 6-8pm at Furze Hills Playing Fields, Shrubland Road, Mistley CO11 1HS and is open to all girls in School Year 6 and above.

EAST BERGHOLT POST OFFICE TO CLOSE FOR THREE WEEKS District Councillor John Hinton forwarded a letter to In Touch from Allison Wallace, Network Operations Manager at Post Office Ltd about scheduled refurbishment at East Bergholt Post Office. The essential details are copied below: “I am pleased to announce that our Postmaster, who operates the above service on our behalf, will be undertaking refurbishment in the near future.

“The safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us. Therefore, to allow for the refurbishment to take place it will be necessary for the service to close, temporarily, from 07 April 2018.

“It is envisaged that the work will take approximately 3 weeks to complete, following which the service will re-open. The date the service will re-open will be 26 April 2018. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused to our customers during this period.

“During the temporary closure of this service, we hope that our customers will continue to conduct their business with Post Office Limited.

“If there are any unforeseen schedule changes which mean these dates change, posters will be displayed in branch to let customers know.”

Your closest alternatives during this period are: Dedham PO, Pharmacy, Brannam Court, Dedham CO7 6DE Manningtree PO, Riverside Avenue East, Lawford, Manningtree CO11 1US

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

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NEWS 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.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP Remember this date: May 16 Our next talk, aimed at families, will be on May 16 at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church, The Street, Capel St Mary. Jan Cavanagh, a qualified play therapist from OneLife Suffolk, will be talking about nutrition and healthy lifestyles and there will be presentations on all round health for children including ideas for play.

Medical Record Sharing: Why you need to take action now Until the end of March this year if, for example, you used the GP+ or the GP Out of Hours service they could access medical records held by your GP with your verbal consent. However, from April 1 onwards you will need to give permission to your GP practice in advance.

If you were entitled to a free flu vaccination this winter you would have had a form printed on the back of your flu invitation letter and we know many patients filled this in. You can still fill in a form to give your consent. Please enquire in the surgery.

Volunteer Patient Transport Service We are pleased to say that the Capel and East Bergholt volunteer transport services are both running again. Thanks to all those who volunteer their time.

If you need transport to either Capel or East Bergholt surgeries then please tell the receptionist when you make your appointment.

If you need to contact us: • Email us at: constablecountryppg@gmail.com • Fill in a comment card at either of the surgeries • Phone Kathy on 01473 311384 • Notes of our monthly meetings are available on the Constable Country Medical Practice website: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk • Just click on the ‘Patient Participation Group’ link on the right hand side.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Requesting Repeat Prescriptions When a repeat prescription for medication is generated by one of our doctors, it will normally be authorised for up to six months of medication. This means that when the white repeat slip is received by the practice, our admin staff will print out a prescription for the requested medication ready for a doctor to review and sign. It is then sent either electronically or by paper to the patient’s nominated pharmacy, or held by the practice for them to collect. It may take up to three working days to process a repeat request. The nominated pharmacy will then need time to dispense the medication.

When the authorised date has passed, the prescription will need to be reauthorised by a doctor before it can be issued again. A review date is stated on the white repeat slip and this is the date by which all medication must be reauthorised by a doctor. Depending on the medication, reauthorisation may entail a review of the patient’s record, a telephone call with a doctor or a face-to-face consultation.

Please ensure you submit repeat requests in plenty of time if you are nearing your review date.

You can order repeats online, drop a white repeat slip into the practice or ask your pharmacy to complete the white slip for you. However, if you ask your pharmacy to complete the white slip for you they still need to send it to the practice for the prescription to be issued and signed by a doctor, then sent back to the pharmacy to be dispensed.

We regret that we are unable to accept requests for repeat medication over the phone. This is to ensure appropriate and safe prescribing.

Use of Antibiotics You may have seen the recent TV adverts about limiting the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from reproducing and spreading. But they don’t work for everything.

When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor’s advice. Antibiotics don’t work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs and sore throats. Many mild bacterial infections also get better on their own without using antibiotics.

Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them encourages dangerous bacteria that live inside you to become resistant. That means that antibiotics may not work when you next need them most. This puts you and your family at serious risk.

Training Days The practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, April 25; Thursday, May 24; Thursday, June 28.

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 be no 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.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

PPG Chair Kathy Pollard

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: MARCH 2018 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Update Cabinet’s recommendation on a new framework for spending CIL monies is likely to be approved for action by council this April, with the first bidding round open in May. CIL is a levy imposed on development by the council.

CIL is payable on permitted development as well as planning permission development when building work starts. With few exceptions, all new buildings over 100m² (gross internal area) and all new dwellings (including holiday lets) regardless of size must pay CIL; usually in our area this is £115 per square metre. Mid Suffolk and Babergh charge for new dwellings, residential extensions (including garages), residential annexes and convenience retail development.

The framework includes key principles, such as support for the Joint Strategic Plan and Joint Local Plan objectives, and will divide what’s left after admin costs and allocations to parishes, into a local infrastructure fund (20% of the money) and one for strategic infrastructure (80%). Planning decisions which approve housing or employment and need infrastructure to make them sustainable, will be prioritised. All the bids and all expenditures will be published so that these are transparent and open to view. Costs which will not be eligible include feasibility studies, maintenance or interest on loans.

All parishes and community groups will be able to bid for funding twice a

year, in May and October, with decisions available four months later. Strategic infrastructure will be something that has a significant effect on a wide area, not just one district. Local infrastructure could include extensions to early years, primary, secondary or further education; bus stops; real time passenger information notice boards; expansion of libraries and GP practices; leisure and community facilities, play and sports equipment; waste recycling, etc.

Automatic six-monthly allocations to town/parish councils – April and October – will continue. CIL monies can be spent flexibly alongside S106, provided this adheres to the S106 agreement. S106 funds can take a long time to materialise but CIL will be available quickly and could involve significant sums that parishes can apply for.

Former Hadleigh offices The future of this site is still uncertain, but the likelihood is that most of it will be converted into homes. We had hoped to see an outline planning application in the spring, but that seems to have faded. People have also asked about the future of Angel Court in Hadleigh. Given that the council is keen to provide more affordable homes – and that both these sites are currently in Babergh’s ownership – there could be a move to link the development of both sites. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN District Council Boundary Review The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is giving local people another chance to have their say on council ward boundaries across Mid Suffolk and Babergh. An eight-week consultation on the commission’s recommendations has started and closes on April 30. The consultation is open to anyone who wants to have their say on the names and boundaries of wards represented by councillors elected to both authorities.

The commission’s proposals would mean changes to every ward in Babergh.

The commission proposes that the council should have 32 councillors in future: eleven fewer than now. The recommendations are that councillors in Babergh should represent thirteen one-councillor wards, five two-councillor wards and three three-councillor wards.

The commission originally published draft recommendations for its electoral reviews of Mid Suffolk and Babergh in October 2017 and held a public consultation on them. During that period of consultation, local organisations alerted the commission to possible anomalies in its electorate forecasts upon which the wards are built. Following an analysis of the figures by the commission and each council, the commission has decided to change its forecasts in parts of both districts. It has also changed some of its proposed ward boundaries to take account of the revised forecasts. Given the changes to the figures and proposed boundaries, the commission has decided to hold a new phase of consultation on its recommendations and invites local people and organisations to comment on them. To view the recommendations and have your say go to: www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/eastern/suffolk/babergh The Commission will finalise its recommendations in August 2018.

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Gainsborough House, Sudbury Babergh’s Cabinet have voted to gift the building known as Gainsborough’s Chambers in Sudbury to the society which runs Gainsborough’s House, as part of the society’s project Reviving an Artist’s Birthplace – A National Centre for Gainsborough. Gainborough’s Chambers, which previously housed a Labour Exchange, is on Weavers Lane in Sudbury and adjacent to Grade I listed Gainsborough’s House. It has been leased to the Gainsborough’s House Society by Babergh District Council since April 2014.

Council officers will now begin working to transfer the ownership of the property to the Society, to allow it to be fully incorporated into the project’s wider £8.7million investment in the regeneration of the centre of Sudbury.

An economic impact assessment by Gainsborough’s House Society has predicted that the Reviving an Artist’s Birthplace project could provide 60 temporary full time equivalent (FTE) jobs, nine permanent FTE jobs and 20 indirect FTE jobs. This would be part of a wider economic impact, once the project is completed, of £2.9million gross value added (measuring the contribution to the local economy) per annum, a 72% increase on the museum’s 2015/16 impact, including an additional £1.02million predicted spend on goods and services in the local area.

Reviving an Artist’s Birthplace – A National Centre for Thomas Gainsborough is an £8.7million project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which has earmarked £5.2million towards the project. With thanks to widespread support, Gainsborough’s House Society has so far gained donations and pledges worth over £8million. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

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

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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD, MARCH 2018 Well the Beast from the East is well and truly here and to all the global warming aficionados it must be a bit of a shock and along with the BBC they will be struggling to find a good reason to blame it on mankind!

It’s ‘weather’ and we have to live with it, but in this ward with its high percentage of older residents, we should be looking out for our neighbours. Snow and ice makes people stay at home and isolation can be a concern so a quick knock, knock, how are you, everything OK, is often all that is needed.

The council has voted for an increase in Council Tax by the maximum allowed, £5, but my concern is still the doctrine of raising money to meet the spending needs rather than reducing costs to meet the income! No we do not want a big drop in services, but there are savings in staff and ways of operating that could help balance the books. Local authority accounts are always a ‘mysterious’ affair and a resolution to tidy them up by closing the Transformation Fund and putting the balance into the main accounts was defeated by one vote as the Conservatives dutifully voted with their leaders! This fund is often looked at as a bit of a slush fund as it appears to gain funds mysteriously and then they are spent without any real notification to councillors. Originally to keep government grants for the joining of the officer structures separate from the main business as we had voted to stay as a separate council, it has long passed its sell by date. The increase in Council Tax makes the gap to Mid Suffolk’s parity smaller as they have put in for a minimal increase so a suspicious mind would scream conspiracy! There is a briefing on how ‘ComRes’ conducted the surveys and what the results are, but I don’t expect any surprises; they started with the answer and formulated the questions to achieve the required result!

It’s interesting that Mid Suffolk Councillors are waking up and starting to say that they need a referendum as well. Interestingly over in Northamptonshire backbench Conservatives are making moves to seek involvement in decision making. They have had a vote of no confidence in their leader. Considering the difficulties in that area perhaps the moves in Babergh are a ‘leader’ in accountable democracy at local level!

Planning business continues and the question of the legitimacy of some of the recent large applications is approaching. The press, regional and national has been full of the same concerns as we have, although I have to say some areas are starting from a much better infrastructure base than ours. Building houses with easy access to the A12 and A14 sounds good on paper until you look at all the problems on both routes already and all the other concerns, such as education, health, etc.

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According to the Local Government Association developers are sitting on over 450,000 valid applications. The Secretary of State says that an investigation shows that they are not ‘Land Banking’, but house builder Barretts spent over £650million on land purchases in the final six months of last year, over double the equivalent period the year before!.

Someone has to get a grip of the housing market and think of the existing and future home owners and then come up with a complete plan rather than the bite sized sticking plasters that we have become used to. Some clarity would also reduce the costs on councils for legal challenges, most lost, on planning matters and some on planning appeals, some lost with costs. Ultimately it is ours, the council tax payer’s money, and it is not being wisely spent.

Communication with the council is still very poor and I am struggling to get both officers and cabinet members to take it seriously and do something to keep their ‘employers’ informed.

Questions from members to full council are testing the administration and so far they are being found wanting. Often it’s the only way to secure a formal written record of concerns and actions as overall dissemination of information is very poor.

Likewise the issue of highways, road repairs and the fulfilment of promises made in 2015 concerning the A12 junctions is still an on-going challenge.

The mysterious signage on the carriageway that does not appear linked to actual activity seems to have even defeated Highways England as they have no answer to questions on its validity.

With the current concentration on road gritting it is probably a little unfair to chase Suffolk Highways on potholes, but I hope they have some plans for when the weather improves because the roads are certainly in a mess.

Some will have seen my letters to the East Anglian Daily Times. Please do not think I am on an ego trip; I hope I am disseminating information and challenging the council in the public domain as information direct from Babergh is a little sparse. Sometimes it is necessary to challenge the press who often rely on ‘official’ communiques so their information is a little biased.

Elections are just over a year away, almost like Brexit. I wonder what the results will be!

Keep warm. Summer can’t be far away, can it?

Councillor John Hinton john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309

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Woodland & Wonder Come and experience Learning@Woodbridge at our woodland themed, interactive Open Morning.

Pre-booking is essential. To book a place, or for more information, please contact Mrs Karen Virr.

OPEN MORNING QUEEN’S HOUSE & THE ABBEY Saturday 28 April 10am - 12.30pm

Telephone: 01394 382673 Email: kvirr@woodbridgeschool.org.uk www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk

Untitled-1 1 www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

14/03/2018 10:06:03

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NEWS NOTES FROM THE CASE

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub

Hadleigh SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team) is based in Hadleigh and cover 49 parishes in parts of Babergh & Mid Suffolk. The area is diverse, covering a predominantly rural area, but also the Pinewood Ward on the outskirts of Ipswich and the Shotley peninsula south of Ipswich.

Firstly, on a sad note, we have to report that our chef, Becky, has decided she would like experience in a broader catering environment than The Case can provide and has moved on. We will miss her, but wish her every success in her future career.

So for the time being, in view of the fact that there is a lot of internal building work to be done this year (particularly the replacement of the two bay windows, which you may have noticed are showing their age) we have decided to close the kitchen for main meals until we’re in a position to re-open with our new ‘face’ on. More information on this as it becomes available.

Hopefully by the time you read this the weather will be getting warmer and you will be thinking about getting into the garden or onto the allotment.

We are fortunate that many of the areas we cover have access to allotment space; on the downside, due to the locality of many allotments they can often be vulnerable targets for damage and thefts.

It is worth considering the guidelines below to ensure you do not become a victim of crime.

In the meantime we’re pleased to say that you need not go hungry at weekday lunchtimes as we’re able to offer a range of freshly prepared snack meals, including a mouth-watering variety of sandwiches, traditional ploughman’s lunches, pies, scotch egg, sausage rolls and a warming soup of the day. Food served from noon to 2pm, with a limited selection of pies and scotch eggs at weekends and in the evenings. You can see a menu at: www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on

• Fit good quality mortise locks to BS 3261 standard or closed shackle Sold Secure police approved padlocks and hasps.

Our monthly quizzes continue on Saturday, March 31. Please note quizzes will now start at 8.30pm, which we hope will enable more of you to come along and test your wits against our guest quiz-setter. If you would like a curry meal (choice of veggie or meat) booking is essential. Food is served from 6-7.30pm.

• Protect your shed with a ‘shed bar’ across the door to prevent access.

This and other approved security products will improve the security of your shed or outbuilding and can be found at www.soldsecure.com or www.securedbydesign.com.

The next Open Mic Night will be Tuesday, April 3. PA system provided, just bring your instrument.

By popular request our Games Evenings continue on Saturday, April 14. Join us at 7pm for a light supper and choose your table for a game at 8pm. Games we’ve played so far include Mexican Train, Balderdash, Logo – Scattergories… you get the idea! Nothing at all serious!

Please note there will be no quiz in April. Instead on Saturday, April 28 we have a special guest appearance by Robbie Gladwell + Friend (Duo). Robbie plays with the Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel Band and has also played with Suzi Quatro and many other chart acts over the years. He will play a wide selection of music from soul to rock and we promise a great evening’s entertainment. Music from 9-11.30pm.

We will be holding our traditional Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Competition on Bank Holiday Monday, April 2. Children are invited to scour the pub garden for the coloured corks which they can exchange for Easter eggs.

There will be two classes for the Bonnet Competition – children under 16 and adults. Last year’s contest was won by a gentleman, so come on ladies – there’s a challenge! We hope also to sell Easter cream teas in the pub (or even outside if the weather allows). Festivities start at 2pm. Keep an eye on the What’s On website and the posters for more details.

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on

• Don’t forget hinges as they can be a weak point, so use coach bolts or oneway security screws so they cannot easily be undone.

• Cycle locks and good quality closed shackle Sold Secure approved padlocks and chains can be used to secure equipment to a strong anchor point or to each other using a closed shackle padlock.

• Consider whether you really do need a window as it is another way in for thieves. Make sure you lock windows and either paint over or cover the glass to avoid people looking in to see what you have to steal. Wire mesh can be used on the inside to improve overall security.

• Remove high value items and store at home.

• Gates should be securely locked out of hours and have anti-climb features.

• Perimeter fencing should be in good condition, visually open, 2m high, (removed) so any suspicious or criminal activity can be seen.

• Consider planting thorny shrubs inside the fence at low level to stop climbing.

Shrubs/trees adjacent to fencing gates should not provide climbing aids.

• If shed alarms are in use, consider noise to adjacent properties and have procedures in place for if the alarms are activated. If secluded, consider GPS alarms or similar.

• If there is an electricity supply, good levels of lighting are advised especially if allotments can be seen from passing members of the public via footpaths, adjacent properties and roads.

• Make a property list detailing the make, model, serial number, value and description of valuable items. Use photographs to aid identification.

• Overtly mark your property with your house number and postcode so that marking is permanent and property is less attractive for a thief to sell. See property marking section for more information.

• Consider setting up an ‘asset register’ for the whole allotment scheme.

• Consider investing in one large secure metal alarmed container for the storage of valuable items for all allotments.

• Consider holding property marking days with the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing team.

• Register your property at www.immobilise.com. This is a free web based property registration service approved by the police.

See details below for help organising a property marking day or to contact police on any other matter.

The next parish forum meeting is on Wednesday, April 11 at 7.30pm at Hadleigh Leisure Centre; all are welcome to attend to discuss local priorities and concerns.

EMERGENCY: ALWAYS CALL 999 NON-URGENT INCIDENT: CALL 101 EMAIL: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk (non-urgent, should you wish to contact local officers FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HadleighPolice

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT LAWFORD SURGERY

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rated Good CQC Inspection November 2017, CQC Report issued January 2018.

The Constable Hall, Gandish Road Friday 6 April: Goodbye Christopher Robin (PG)

Lawford Surgery is an innovative and growing GP practice on the Essex Suffolk Border and we are currently accepting new patients from Brantham and East Bergholt.

Lead GP, Dr Hazim Ahmad – MBChB MRCP (UK) has a special interest and experience in diabetes, heart and chest disease and in the care of the elderly.

We also have two female part-time GPs, Dr Sandrine Djoumessi who has a special interest in cardiology and Dr Tracey Copeman who has a special interest in women’s health and contraceptive services. Our nurse prescriber, nurse practitioner and diabetes specialist nurse and our health care assistant are all highly trained and experienced nurses.

Dispensary We have a dispensary at the surgery and dispense for patients who live over a mile away from a pharmacy. If not applicable to this category, prescriptions can be sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy. We accept repeat prescription requests via email. Patients can also sign up to patient access.

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered and appointments with a GP can be made online.

Opening times Our clinic times are daily. Morning and evening clinics are held at times with doctors and nurses/health care assistant. We offer the NHS England extended hours service several evenings weekly until approximately 7pm.

Appointments can be made with a doctor and with our nurse practitioner.

Telephone consultations and advice are available with a doctor or any of our nurses.

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.

Friday, May 4: The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki (12A) We were unfortunately unable to show this film back in February so we have rescheduled it. The real life story of Olli Mäki, who, in 1962, was preparing to fight to become the first ever Finnish world champion feather weight boxer. There was just one problem – he was madly in love. Could this be the most romantic boxing movie ever made? Whatever it is, this film is charming, funny and warm. And don’t be put off if you don’t like boxing – it’s about much more than that. In Finnish with subtitles.

Friday, June 8: Darkest Hour (PG) Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill seeking to rally the nation against Germany’s advance across Western Europe in 1940.

Tickets (£4, £2 for 18 years and under) are available from the Fountain House Tea Room 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 us and we will try to arrange one for you: 01206 299774 www.eastbergholtcinema.com

Wednesday, April 18: The Death of Stalin (PG13), Directed by Armando Iannucci The one-liners fly fast in this uproarious, wickedly irreverent satire. Moscow 1953: when dictator Joseph Stalin drops dead, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle. But as they brawl, and backstab their way to the top, just who is running the government? With rapidfire farce, this audacious comedy is bitingly funny and performed by a sparkling cast.

Wednesday, May 16: Paddington Bear 2 (PG), Directed by Paul King Paddington is happily settled with the Brown family, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a pop-up book in Mr Gruber’s antique shop and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington to unmask the thief.

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS BREEZEBLOCK PARK BATS enjoy plays which are that little bit different. Breezeblock Park by Willy Russell is certainly that. This amusing comedy tinged with some more sober social comments is one for the adults. You may not know this play but may remember Educating Rita which was made into a film.

It’s the early 1970s and Sandra, the daughter of Syd and Betty, is finding out that there are other attitudes to life and living it outside the conventions of the council house estate she has been brought up in. She is ready to challenge her parents and move on. Her new boyfriend, Tim, is partly responsible for this simmering awakening.

Watch it explode and then see the aftermath. Meet Sandra’s other close relations and especially her cousin, John. Is he about to move on too? Or is he too heavily influenced by his mother?

These fascinating characters will be brought to life by BATS from June 7-9 at 7.30pm in Brantham Village Hall.

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

Tickets (£7 if ordered in advance / £8 on the door if any remain) are on sale from May 1 from Bakes & Blossoms Café, Acacia Court, Brantham and at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/branthamamateurtheatricalsociety

Contact: dedhamfilms@gmail.com

No concessions, not suitable for under-18s

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY bentley toddler group FUNDRAISING JUMBLE SALE

Rehearsals starts again in Manningtree Methodist Hall at 7.30pm on Monday, April 9 for a combined performance with the local children’s choir in Old Hall, East Bergholt on June 23.

New singers very welcome; came and give us a try.

Saturday, May 12 from 2pm at Bentley Village Hall If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or contact Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) who will arrange to collect it from you.

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

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

CAPEL LIBRARY We will be closed on Good Friday, March 30 and Easter Sunday, April 1, but open as usual on Saturday, March 31. If you wish to return books when we are not open, please use the letterbox in the wall and we will then deal with those returned books upon our next opening time.

I don’t know about you, but having experienced a short blast of Siberian winter, I’m now looking forward to getting out into the garden in the spring sunshine. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to gardening or an old hand, we can all do with some inspiration at times. So why not call into the library and get some ideas by browsing through the selection of gardening books?

April brings warmer weather and our thoughts turn to our travels.

Decided where to go but need further research? Browse the catalogue – www.suffolklibraries.co.uk – to find travel guides to help you in your choice of destination. If you are travelling abroad for a period of time you can request an extended loan on the books you take with you. Please ask staff for details; this service does not extend to renewing online. Take a look at the library service online to check out what is available to you.

The monthly Cinema Club continues to present to sold-out audiences. During April we will be showing two films. Only the Brave on April 17 is based upon a true story about a group of elite firefighters who risk everything to protect a town from a historic wildfire. For our younger audience we will be showing Coco on April 13, a computer animated fantasy produced by Pixar.

GROUPS MEETING THIS MONTH Baby Bounce: We don’t meet during the school Easter break so will start again on Tuesday, April 17 at 2pm, with our usual singing of nursery rhymes and shaking of the instruments, open to all children under the age of five with parents/careers in attendance.

As membership of the 100 Club is growing, I am pleased to announce that we have been able to increase the monthly prize pot. The first prize is now £20, second and third is £10 and fourth is £5. Good luck to all those that play and if you haven’t joined yet please call into the library for more information.

Capel Creators: Saturday, April 28 between 10.30am and 12.30pm, 50p per attending child which includes a drink and a biscuit. Children under eight must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Come along and let your inner creativity run wild. Theme to be announced on the day.

We are always looking for new ideas for events, so if you have any please contact us via the library. In this respect we are hoping to start a Scrabble Club; if you are interested in attending please look out for posters in the library detailing times and venue. You may also keep up-to-date with our events or others happening in the village or surrounding areas by liking our Facebook page: Friends of Capel Library

Minecraft: Sundays, April 8 and 22, between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Children under eight to be accompanied by a parent/carer.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY

Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to Claire Pike of Sew Soft Furnishings who has kindly made us protective coverings for the new reception area.

Trevor Stevenson

Capel Library Book Group: Friday, April 20 at 2.30pm. Come along and join in the group discussing their latest read. All welcome to join.

This month the Friends of Capel Library present two movies, Coco on Friday 13 and Only the Brave on Tuesday 17. Tickets for Coco are £2 per person, family ticket (one adult and two children of the same family) £5. Buy your tickets in advance and treat the children during the Easter break. Tickets available on the day at £3 per person.

Please remember to bring in your library card every visit so that you can use the self-check-out machine. We sell book tokens and books of stamps.

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY FLOWER CLUB

FUNDRAISING EVENTS AT ST MARY’S

Stour Valley Flower Club celebrates its 50th anniversary with lunch at The Ipswich Hotel, Copdock on Wednesday, May 2, followed by a demonstration by Jonathan Moseley.

Jonathan has worked as a professional florist for over 25 years and has become renowned as one of the UK’s leading floral designers. He is a National Demonstrator and served for four years as the chairman of the National Demonstrators Committee for NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) helping co-ordinate events via regular meetings in London. He is also a qualified National Adjudicator and Instructor for Floral Demonstrators.

Tickets, which include a two-course lunch and Jonathan’s demonstration, are £23 for members and £25 for visitors who are very welcome to join us for this open meeting.

For more details please contact Kathy Holes: 01206 390120

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE WELCOMES POET HELEN MORT Helen Mort is a multi-award winning British poet. She is five-time winner of the Foyle Young Poets award, received an Eric Gregory award from The Society of Authors and won the Manchester Poet Young Writer Prize in 2008. She was the Derbyshire Poet Laureate from 2013 to 2015 and has won many more poetry prizes. Her latest collection, No Map Could Show Them, is filled to the brim with poetry inspired

by Mort’s two passions: mountaineering and running.

Helen will be appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Thursday, April 5. This is the Book League’s AGM event.

Doors open at 6.30pm, the AGM starts at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm.

Members free, non-members (welcome after the AGM) £8. Students (also welcome after the AGM) are free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door, seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Cash payment required on arrival (sorry no cards accepted). Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP

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

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL CHORISTERS

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 Michael’s Church, Woolverstone and the Choir House Choristers Social Fund.

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

DADDIES DIARIES BY JANE BOWER

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

At 7pm on Friday, May 4, Manningtree Methodist Church hosts a one-woman play called Daddies Diaries by actress and storyteller Jane Bower. This play has toured across the UK to great acclaim and is based on the wartime diaries of her father Leonard Bower.

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

Tickets are £8 and there will be refreshments and a raffle. For further information and to book tickets contact: 07867 546484

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT JUBILATE SUNG EVENSONG AT WOOLVERSTONE

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

Jubilate return to St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone on Sunday, April 22 to offer a real treat in the form of a Sung Evensong.

Grant Elliot returned on Wednesday, March 7 and this time his subject was The Life of Chic Murray. Our Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 21 when the president, treasurer, secretary, speaker secretary and committee were voted in.

Jubilate is a choral group under the directorship of Martyn Bagnall and have delighted a full church in Woolverstone with their sung evensongs before. The service starts at 4pm and is on Sunday, April 22. Tea, chat and cake to follow the service.

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.

STOUR VALLEY U3A

We have two interesting speakers in May; on May 2 Joyce Kimber will present Britain’s Finest Hour and on May 16 Brain Kelly will enlighten us on The Life of a British Consul.

The Life and Times of Sir Alfred Munnings was the subject of Marcia Whiting’s talk on March 14. 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.

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.

Roger Kennell will present William Pretty – A Suffolk Family & Corset Manufacturer on May 9. His illustrated presentation follows the major corset making business of William Pretty & Son at Ipswich (and its outpost factories) which was part of the Footman Pretty department store, now Debenhams.

On June 13 Tony Diamond will tell us of the history of the colourful discovery and spread of the hot drink to Europe, astonishing aspects of chocolate and an overview of the financial importance of chocolate to the UK.

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

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 For our February meeting Dave Steward gave us a potted history of Dad’s Army and its main characters. Afterwards, members enjoyed lunch at a local hostelry.

The title of the talk on April 11 is Pray Silence for?. We then look forward to The History of Butley Priory and a further programme of talks is currently in progress.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. 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

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Pictures by their very nature will always involve places and people and it’s our fascination with the latter and the challenges that brings, which has stirred our interest of late.

Of the 58 entries in the People competition in February there were again several stunning entries captured from both home and abroad. Joining the regular top performers was Jenny Tucker with this colourful and vivid image from the Maasi Mara National Park in Keyna, which caught the judge’s eye and was one of the seven prints earning top marks.

The studio evening in March hosted by George Fossey, assisted by Stephanie, brought home to us the difficulties of indoor photography. Once George had insisted that we all turned off the auto settings on our cameras we really had to think about the right combination of settings for studio lighting. It was a useful and good-humoured evening with an opportunity for members to improve their technique.

In addition to our regular fortnightly meetings, committee member Tim Stott has kindly organised a number of informal tuition evenings. Although titled the ‘Rookie Club’ with the intention of helping any newcomers, these friendly sessions have also been attended by more experienced hands and have turned out to be a useful and social learning experience for all.

The Stour Estuary continues to inspire many local photographers, as can be seen by the array of equipment often on show along the ‘Walls’, the grassed area linking the shoreline between Manningtree and Mistley. But there are also plenty of photographers pleased to share their work via Facebook. Our society has its own Facebook group for members, but those of you with an interest in local photography may wish to visit the recently introduced ‘Manningtree and Surrounding Area Photographers’ page. Although this publicly available Facebook page has no association with our society, it does promote a common local interest.

FUTURE MEETINGS March 29: Action, Water and Luck with Don Thompson April 12: Long Exposure Competition / Judge: Dave Wilcox April 26: A Walk on the Wild Side with Kevin and Margery Maskell FRPS & ARPS We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm until May 2018 at the St Johns Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join (subscription £40) or may attend initially as a visitor (£3).

Please contact Margaret for details: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOUR VALLEY LADIES PROBUS CLUB 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 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 395548 / deegant@tiscali.co.uk

EAST BERGHOLT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Gardening Tips for April Well, how wrong could I be? Writing this on March 1 with ‘The Beast from the East’ in full swing! So by the time you read this, hopefully spring will be ‘springing’ as April is a busy month in the garden.

Time spent weeding, hoeing and mulching now, is time well spent. Watch out for black spot on roses and treat as necessary. Any appearing suckers should be twisted off as they weaken the plant. Lift and divide large clumps of perennials if you didn’t do so in the autumn. Arrange a framework of staking for tall plants – they can grow through hiding the stakes. Sow seeds of your choice for summer flowering. Dead head daffodils and let the foliage die down naturally. A scattering of fish blood and bonemeal will help bulbs store energy for next year’s blooms. Continue to dead head and feed winter flowering pansies. Discourage slugs near new shoots of hostas by whatever means suits you – and them! Prune forsythia when flowering has finished and trim and train winter jasmine.

In the vegetable garden, sow lettuce, radish and salad leaves once a fortnight for a constant supply. Sow beetroot, peas, broad beans, etc. and plant early potatoes at the beginning of the month and main crop at the end.

Rake and scarify lawns and over-seed in bare areas. Feed the grass and by keeping it a bit longer, there is less space for moss to regrow.

Lots to do, but gardening is supposed to be enjoyable so don’t work too hard!

Janet Alcoe

DEDHAM HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY We have events coming up in April and May to which all are invited. Our speaker’s evening in The Assembly Rooms in the High Street on April 7 at 7.30pm features our guest speaker Malcolm Macbeth talking on Thatching and Harvesting Straw. Guests are welcome, admission £2. Following that, our next speaker’s evening includes our AGM on Tuesday, May 15, same time and venue with our guest speaker David Ward from the world famous Beth Chatto garden talking on Making a Drought Resistant Garden. Again, all are welcome.

On Saturday, April 7 we are holding our glorious annual Spring Flower Show in the Assembly Rooms, open to the public at 2pm. This is an open show, so members and non-members can put in an entry. The closing date for entries is April 4 – further details on 01206 322565 or at: www.dedhamgardening.wordpress.com Finally, we are holding our annual spring plant sale in front of Dedham church on Saturday, May 12 from 9am-noon. On this occasion we team up with the Mission Bake charity, so it’s a good opportunity to stock up on plants, delicious cakes and homemade produce! Again, further details on our website.

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS Spring has sprung and we are all feeling renewed and enthusiastic with the longer days and warmer weather. The month obviously didn’t quite start like that though, with snow creating an unexpected issue; but we made the best of it and the children had great fun building snow people and animals and having snowball fights. Even the headteacher got in on the act!

The children’s enterprise schemes have rather absorbed us all this term, with some beautifully crafted items being sold and novel schemes being utilised to make the children’s initial investment money grow. The project comes to an end this term and we are eagerly anticipating what the final total will be.

We have had a number of exciting visits out this term; some children from Squirrels, Wolves and Hedgehogs classes were lucky enough to travel to Bury St Edmunds to take part in a STEM Science Day. Pupils took part in hands-on workshops and experiments as well as visiting the planetarium and being enthralled by an explosive ‘Whizz Bang’ workshop. Years 4, 5 and 6 across both schools were treated to a visit from the New Wolsey Theatre, who put on a performance all about ‘difference’ and ‘diversity’ and that it is good that we are all different.

The children were inspired by the performance and all came away with fresh ideas about how to celebrate diversity and ensure that our wonderful little schools are as welcoming as they can be.

To celebrate the hard work in class of some of our pupils, children from Years 3 and 4 were chosen to receive an award trip out for a game of bowling at TenPin, Martlesham. As we were celebrating a belated World Book Day on that day as well, the children made an interesting sight bowling in their costumes, all dressed up as characters from Julia Donaldson books! The biggest trip this term by far has been the amazing trip to London, Wembley Arena, to take part in Voice in a Million. Selected children from Adders and Foxes classes travelled to the capital to participate in this huge, once in a life time event. Have a look at the school website for fun and fabulous photos of our day.

As always, we welcome our local communities to come and share our learning with us; if you have an unusual skill that you would like to share with the children or can spare some time each week to hear children read, we would love to hear from you.

If you have any questions about the schools or are a prospective parent and would like to arrange a time to visit, please do get in touch.

Bentley: 01473 310253 /admin@bentley.suffolk.sch.uk Copdock: 01473 730337 / admin@copdock.suffolk.sch.uk

ALLOTMENT PLOTS AT CAPEL Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus £5 membership.

If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at ‘Growing Your Own’ please contact Dennis. the site manager: 01473 310988 / site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk If any groups would like to visit the site and the wildlife area, May and June are particularly good months to do so.

To discuss what’s available to you please contact Philippa Brandon: info@capelallotments.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you at some if not all of these events!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SCHOOLS ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears The Baby Bears are thrilled to have new bears joining us, especially our youngest bear of six months. Even with our youngest bears we strive to encourage further development. We explore crazy foam and finger painting and love looking through books. We have created a new cosy area in our garden to provide a comfortable, spacious area for our smallest bears.

Toddling Tigers The ‘water’ theme has been extended as one week just simply wasn’t enough! The Tigers have explored different concepts, such as hot and cold, dry and wet, and can now identify the hot and cold taps at the sink. Water can not only be fun and exciting, but can also provide a relaxing and soothing experience to learning and exploring. The Tigers have been working on skill control when using their knife and fork at meal times. They are willing and some able to cut up their own food and are very proud of their achievements and can’t wait to show us.

Gruffalos

We have been having an exciting ‘woodwork’ time thanks to Graham Whybrow and Philip Fisher, two granddads we cannot thank enough for their support in teaching woodworking skills to the Gruffalos and to staff.

In preparation of our first woodworking lesson, Graham had been very busy getting bird boxes and mini beast homes ready for the Gruffalos to nail and saw ready to make new spring homes for the birds and bugs. These have now been placed around the school grounds so we can get ready for our own Gruffalo Springwatch.

Philip made an amazing wooden xylophone which the Gruffalos have enjoyed tapping and listening to the different sounds each beat makes.

Our fantastic granddad duo is being kept busy with thoughts of future makes after the Easter break; we look forward to welcoming them back!

We had a wet, but fun celebration campfire and were blown away by the grown-up’s support for Forest School. All the adults fully embraced the various games, tree climbing, bug hunting, craft making, swings and Nordic maypole! The campfire was a great success with homemade pitta breads being toasted by all and whittling of sticks ready for yummy marshmallows.

The session was finished by singing around the campfire while our musical granddads accompanied us on the xylophone.

It has been really rewarding to share our passion of Forest School with so many grown-ups. It showed us we are never too old to toast a marshmallow or climb a tree for the first time.

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

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness

FunDancing Classes Wed

10am 7pm

Nayland Village Hall Boxford Village Hall

Thu

10am 7pm

St Mary’s Church Capel St Mary

Fri

10am

The Institute Stratford St Mary

spaces are limited to reserve yours

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk

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FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

VALUING THE IMMEASURABLE

BY NICOLA MITCHELL Head of The Abbey & Queen’s House at Woodbridge School Becoming a parent is an exciting time. Our first thoughts as parents are that we want our children to be healthy, fulfilled and happy; ready to enjoy their journey, embracing challenges along the way.

At what point does this change? Parents in the past have informed me that they have decided that Kate (not her real name) is destined for Oxford and will have a career in Medicine. Kate was three at the time and struggling with the concept of sharing her tractor.

All parents want the best for their children (and if they don’t, we should be questioning; “why not?”). Sending a child to school should enable the team behind the child; the parents, grandparents, friends, extended family and school staff, to work together to ensure that each individual is supported in the best way possible.

Schools should be about educating the whole child. They should have breadth and balance in the curriculum, value the Arts, enable the gifted, support those with additional needs, encourage independence, promote collaboration, celebrate success, develop individuality, advance academics and advocate teamwork.

The educational environment should be all things to all pupils. Schools should be unashamedly all-encompassing and concerned with developing every aspect.

School life should go beyond the basics of academic rigour and, if that is the single most important focus of a school, I would argue the point is being missed. We should be educating the mind, the body and the spirit. Supporting children to know themselves, recognising their strengths and weaknesses in order that they may continue to grow and develop in all areas. At the end of their time in school our children should emerge as happy, confident and well-rounded young adults; equipped with the examination results to open doors and the skills to ensure the paths that lead from them can be followed.

A good education should be a happy one, filled with positive memories (box-cart racing, productions, recitals, achievement, matches, friendship; not just tutoring and exam prep) and the chance to feel fulfilled, challenged and engaged. If this is achieved then the adults of the future will have been educated beyond the basics and have the transferable skills to cope with the ever-changing workplace.

If you are a parent and you are reading this, do pause for a moment and ask yourself: What do I want for my child?

The Abbey & Queen’s House will be holding an Open Day on Saturday, April 28, 10am-12.30pm. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk

Mind Body Moment teaching the safe & personalised Solomon Yogalates™Method to adults of any age, gender & ability Start with a Welcome 121 (1 client) Then join Mind Body Moment Classes

www.mindbodymoment.co.uk Capel St Mary East Bergholt, & Raydon 07506 350 455 janet@mindbodymoment.co.uk

In Touch online:

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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB The 1st team had a very mixed February with one win, one loss and one draw. This leaves them in a low mid table position as the season moves to its conclusion.

The Reserves had only two fixtures with one emphatic victory and one heavy defeat. Unfortunately, the defeat saw them exit the Travel Plus Tours Cup so they will not repeat the trophy success of last season.

One win and two defeats mean the A Team’s efforts to maintain their League B status continue.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, March 31: Capel Plough (A) Sat, April 7: Benhall St Mary (H) Sat, April 14: AFC Hoxne (A) Reserves: League A Sat, March 31: AFC Hoxne Res (A) Sat, April 7: Westerfield Utd Res (A) Sat, April 14: Framlingham Town Res (A) Sat, April 21: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) A Team: League B Sat, April 7: Trimley Athletic Res (H) Sat, April 21: Bacton United 89 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 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 match days are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

EAST BERGHOLT BOWLS CLUB Well, it would be an understatement to say that the carpet bowls team have found it tough going in Division 2 this winter, after promotion last year. With only one win to date we sit rock bottom of the league, but it has certainly been a learning curve and the enjoyment has not waned. I’m sure we top the league for after-match refreshments!

On a positive note, carpet bowling will be moving back to East Bergholt.

With numbers increasing at the roll-ups, it was important that we found somewhere we could play on three carpets instead of the two at Holton. So with lots of help from the management at Heath Road Sports Centre, we will be playing carpet bowling in the main hall on Wednesday evenings from 7-10pm from April 18. If you fancy trying out carpet bowling please feel welcome to come along and have a go at our new home.

In the club singles one-day competition held in February, Jenny Dines defeated hubby Reg Dines in the final.

February 2018 100 Club Winners 1: Pat & George Bibby (70) £110 2: Guy Lennox (32) £50 3: Neil Grover (80) £50 Indoor nets got under way for the seniors at the Royal Hospital School and at Manningtree Sports Centre for the juniors. Everyone at the club is looking forward to the new season with great anticipation.

SATURDAY CRICKET 1st Team: Two Counties Div 1 Sat, April 14: Wivenhoe (H) Sat, April 21: Witham (A) Sat, April 28: Halstead (H) Sat, May 5: Maldon (A) 2nd Team: Two Counties Div 3 Sat, April 14: Abberton (A) Sat, April 21: Bury St Edmunds III (H) Sat, April 28: Tuddenham (A) Sat, May 5: Walsham Le Willows (H) 3rd Team: Two Counties Div 9 East Sat, May 5: Nacton II (H) SUNDAY AND MIDWEEK CRICKET NECL and National Village Competition Sun, April 15: Elmstead (A) Sun, May 6: Copdock & OIs (A) Sunday Div Team: Two Counties Sunday Div Sun, April 22: Abberton (H) Sun, April 29: Ardleigh (A) LADIES TWO COUNTIES Sun, April 29: Copdock (H) Fri, May 4: Sudbury T20 (A) New players are always welcome; for more information please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB The Saturday 1st team were beaten 2-1 by league leaders Achilles at the Playing Field on February 24 with the top of the table game being watched by a crowd of 92 spectators, our largest attendance of the season (so far).

Two goals down at the break, the team pulled a goal back from leading scorer Daniel Alderson with ten minutes remaining, but despite a lot of pressure were unable to get an equaliser. Crowds have increased this season with most home games being watched by 50 or more people and the club is grateful to those who buy half time refreshments in the warmth of our clubhouse.

Outdoor bowling starts again from the middle of April, with newcomers welcome at roll-ups which are held on Sunday mornings from 10am and Tuesday afternoons from 2pm.

A goal from Andy Wilshaw gave us a 1-0 win away to Haughley United with Andy having joined the club as an eight-year-old many seasons ago and he is still enjoying his football. The side lost 3-0 against Crane Sports in the Bob Coleman Cup quarter final.

Several members of the Swallows League team and other members attended the annual presentation, dinner and dance evening in February at the Ipswich Hotel, Copdock, where the Swallows were presented with the Division D trophy plus a money award for winning the league last season.

The Reserves are second in the Inter C League after an 8-0 win against Somersham Reserves which included a hat trick for Alex Parry and two goals for Matt Noble. This was followed by a 2-1 victory over Ufford Reserves thanks to goals from Daniel Hudson-Smith and Matt Noble.

Another fish and chip evening is planned for April 11 at the sports pavilion.

A bowls tour to the Isle of Wight has been arranged for next September, for the outdoor bowlers, playing three matches against local teams from Cowes, Newport and Bembridge.

Our Sunday team lost 3-2 against Ipswich Rangers with our scorers being Abdul Kaium and Joe Bigmore. All other games were called off due to the weather. The weekend of March 3 saw our pitches under several inches of snow with all local games in the Suffolk and Ipswich League and Sunday Morning League postponed. Roll on spring then!

Melvyn Powell: melpowell46@gmail.com

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

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SPORT BRANTHAM FOOTBALL CLUB February was not a successful month for our three teams. The 1st team played four matches in February, winning just one and losing three they have now dropped to fifth in the league and also lost the Suffolk Premier Cup quarter-final, although they did have one good away win at Newmarket. They have league cup semi-finals to look forward to away at Wroxham; we hope for the right result there.

The Reserves lost their Suffolk County Cup quarter-final after two postponements and are still mid table. The A team had a mixed February and are still sitting mid table. They have a quarter-final at home on March 30 and we hope for a win then.

Unfortunately the weather has now taken a hand and the first Saturday in March saw all the games postponed. Still if it’s good enough for Ipswich Town, it’s got to be good enough for Brantham!

There is also a thriving junior section with ages ranging from under-7 to under-16. Our Sunday teams play their matches at the leisure centre on Sunday mornings while our Ladies team play on Sunday afternoons. 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 plays at Raydon.

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

HOME FIXTURES FOR APRIL 1st Team at Brantham Leisure Centre / KO: 3pm Monday, April 2: Stanway Rovers Saturday, April 7: Ely City Saturday, April 14: Thetford Town Saturday, April 21: Kirkley and Pakefield Saturday, April 28: Gorleston Reserves: See Twitter feed A-Team: See Twitter feed www.branthamathleticfc.co.uk

SPRING

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into FITNESS

CHAPS Men’s Health Charity is delighted to be returning to its home ground again for our sixth annual event at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Thursday, April 12, 10am-4pm. We will again be running our full range of health checks: • NHS Health Checks for heart disease and stroke risk assessment, now improved through the addition of diabetes risk assessment

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

• Blood Pressure & BMI checks for men ineligible for an NHS health check

GYM CLASSES

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening for both over & under 65s • Physiotherapy and Sports Injury assessments • PSA Prostate Cancer Screening for men over age 40 Recent publicity has highlighted the increasing number of men getting and dying from Prostate Cancer so don’t miss this opportunity to get expert advice and, if appropriate, have a simple blood test to screen for this cancer now killing more men than women with breast cancer! We are firmly convinced of the benefits of PSA screening and early diagnosis leading to cure for this most unpleasant of cancers.

This year we have teamed up with Community 360 and Dementia Action Alliance who will have a stand at the event to promote our knowledge and understanding of Dementia that will affect one in three of us as we age. The ACE team are similarly highlighting lung disease and lung cancer and we are delighted again to have the support and participation of the Ramsay Oaks Hospital.

Finally, a big thank you to our Platinum Sponsors Cloudfm and Ellisons Solicitors supported by Gold Sponsors Baverstocks Accountants and Ramsay Healthcare without whose help these events are not possible.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Sunday, April 1: Easter Sunday 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham 4pm Family@Church and High tea, East Bergholt Sunday, April 8 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, April 15 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham Sunday, April 22 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Choral Matins, East Bergholt 11am Informal Service, Brantham Sunday, April 29 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion, Brantham Wednesday, May 2 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, May 6 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt 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.

BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES THE LORD IS RISEN Easter Day this year falls on April 1. It’s the day when Christians will proclaim “The Lord is Risen” and in congregations across the world people would respond “He’s risen indeed – hallelujah”.

I could imagine a prankster in church might be tempted to say “April Fool”. Two thousand years ago (before the days of April fools jokes), people struggled to believe that Jesus, who was crucified, had been raised from the dead. His close friends didn’t expect it (although he had told them it would happen), and one of these friends (Thomas), who wasn’t there when Jesus appeared, refused to believe them for a whole week, until Jesus appeared specifically to Thomas (for this reason he is sometimes called Doubting Thomas).

In 1930, Frank Morison, a solicitor, planned to write a book that looked at the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. As he set out to write, his presumption was that the evidence was based on very insecure foundations. He was confident that he could present a case in court that would convince himself and a judge that Jesus was not raised. However, the evidence led him to the opposite conclusion and he wrote a very different book proving the veracity of the gospel accounts. Over 85 years later the book, Who Moved the Stone?, is still in print and available.

During the Russian revolution in Petrograd (now St Petersburg again) a Communist leader addressed a rally, promoting communist propaganda and denigrating the Christian faith. At the end of the hour-long speech, there was no applause, but a single person shouted out “The Lord is Risen”, to which the vast majority at the rally responded in one voice “He’s risen indeed – hallelujah”. The 60-minute anti-Christian polemic was dismissed in eight words (in Russian, just four words): Христос воскрес! Воистину воскрес!

Khristos voskres! Voistinu voskres!

This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

The 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

It’s no April Fool’s joke; Jesus truly is alive and I would love to introduce him to you.

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 1 11am

Easter Day Worship with Rev Yvonne Haye

Sunday 8

Worship arranged locally

11am

Sunday 15 11am

Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 22

11am

Worship with Rev Ian Gardner

Sunday 29

11am

Worship with Mr Martin Ellis

CAPEL SERVICES Home Groups various days/times; contact the minister for details.

Good Friday 11am

Service

Family @ Church

Sunday 1 10.30am

Sunday 8 10.30am

6.30pm

Easter Day Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Mr Andrew Docherty Prayer

First Sunday of every month at 4pm

Sunday 15

Sunday, April 1 – Easter Sunday Totally Family Friendly Services at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Followed by tea and cakes!

For further details, contact Fiona Trott (01206 298205) or Liz Digby (01473 312281)

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10.30am Worship with Mr Andy Jelfs

Saturday 21 3.30pm Messy Church Sunday 22 10.30am

7.30pm

Sunday 29

Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer Time at Capel Community Church

10.30am Worship with Mr Richard Spencer

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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 APRIL 2018 Sunday 1 9am

Easter Sunday Mass

Tuesday 3 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 8 9am

Second Sunday of Easter Mass

Tuesday 10 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 15 9am

Third Sunday of Easter Mass

Tuesday 17 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 22 9am

Forth Sunday of Easter Mass

Tuesday 24 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 29 9am

Fifth Sunday of Easter Mass

and the urgent need to protect it, yet seem happy to allow families to disintegrate or be undermined by new norms. Pope Francis in his keynote document, Laudato Si’ (On the Care of our Common Home) called for an integral ecology – environmental, economic and social – and the late Pope, St John Paul II, often said “the future of humanity passes by way of the family”.

The Sister Act musical recently performed at Brantham Village Hall was expertly staged and brilliantly performed by BATS and anybody remotely familiar with Catholics and convent life would have had a good few laughs. The storyline may even have been based on true life events.

Readers may also have seen and enjoyed the Channel 5 series in October called Bad Habits, Holy Orders about nuns and their ‘party girl’ guests in the Swaffham convent. A link with Sister Act perhaps?

Events & Diary Date The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, March 18 when three lucky winners shared a record £151 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, April 15 at St Mark’s. 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 to noon. We are raising funds for church maintenance and all are very welcome to join us. The next coffee morning is on Thursday, April 26.

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 Commentary

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.

The family as constituting the basic building block of civil society is an important and special teaching of Catholicism. In the past there have been ideologies intent on destroying the family and in our own time there are new ideologies that undermine the family unit: man-womanchildren. It is strange that we are so aware of the natural environment

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.

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

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Subsequent to prayerful administrative changes our ministry and outreach activities have been revised in order to sustain a more effective and purposeful presence in the neighbourhood.w Activities for April Saturday 14 at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford 9.30am: Cafe/Oasis Coffee Morning 11.15am: Community Praise & Worship Service Friday, April 20 at the Venture Centre, Bromley Road 10am: Link Line District Prayer Meeting Thursday, April 26: Open Road Fellowship For pastoral visits and details of other Link Line community services in the area, contact: 01206 272064 / 01255 714544 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE DEDHAM AND ARDLEIGH PARISHES www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk 01206 322136 / stmaryda@gmail.com SERVICES AND EVENTS FOR APRIL

WALKERS IN SUFFOLK ASKED TO UNITE AGAINST PARKINSON’S Suffolk residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham on Sunday, June 10.

Sunday, April 1: Easter Sunday 8am Holy Communion (BCP) 9.30am Rise ’n’ Shine 11am Eucharist for Easter Sunday (CW) 5pm Evensong (BCP)

Dedham Dedham Ardleigh Dedham

Sunday, April 8 8am 9.30am

Holy Communion (BCP) Holy Communion (CW)

Ardleigh Dedham

Sunday, April 15 8am 9.30am 11am

Holy Communion (BCP) Matins (BCP) Parish Eucharist

Dedham Dedham Ardleigh

Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure.

Sunday, April 22 8am 9.30am 5pm

Holy Communion (BCP) Morning Praise followed by APCM Revive at 5

Ardleigh Dedham Dedham

There are longer and shorter distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone. At Glemham Hall distances include a 1.5-mile, 3.5-mile and 5.5-mile walk to choose from.

Friday, April 29 11am

Joint Service followed by APCM

Ardleigh

Sunday, May 6

8am

9.30am

11am

5pm

Last year, 180 people took part in the walk at Glemham Hall to raise £17,000 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year.

Holy Communion (BCP) Rise ‘n’ Shine Eucharist Evensong (BCP)

Dedham Dedham Ardleigh Dedham

Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved.

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 Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, April 14, 9am at The Vicarage, Dedham

PEDAL FOR THE J’S 2018 Chelmsford’s popular annual cycle ride, Pedal for The J’s, will be returning to Admirals Park for the ninth year on Sunday, April 15.

The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018.

He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. Exercise can be really beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s. It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms.

“So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinson’s.”

Cyclists have a choice of three rides – 15, 35 and 50 miles – through the beautiful Essex countryside. If you are a novice rider, the 15 mile route may be ideal for you, 35 miles is a slightly bigger challenge and 50 miles is perfect for the more experienced cyclist – so there really is a route for everyone! There will also be cycling activities for children in Admirals Park. Over 950 cyclists took part last year, raising in excess of £42,000 for The J’s Hospice charity which supports young adults with lifelimiting conditions and their families across Essex.

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal.

Organisers at The J’s hope to raise even more this year and they are very grateful to Beaulieu in Chelmsford for sponsoring this event.

To find out more, or to sign up to walk or volunteer at the event, call 02079 639367, email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall

You can sign up now at: www.havenshospices.org.uk/pedal

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

As the charity is hoping to raise over £500,000 from the 37 events it suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50. All the money raised from the event will fund research to help to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s UK is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area, or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE DANCEEAST OFFER DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S & CARE TO DANCE? DanceEast offers a range of dance to health classes including those for participants with Parkinson’s and Dementia.

Based on English National Ballet’s contemporary and classical repertoire, Dance for Parkinson’s classes provide a fun and informal way for participants to discover the themes, choreography and music of the ballets.

Participants also have the special opportunity to attend exclusive behind-thescenes events and see the company perform.

This programme is proven to support people with Parkinson’s to develop confidence and strength, while temporarily relieving some participants of symptoms in everyday life. Classes are expressive, creative and promote feelings of freedom from the physical and social constraints of having Parkinson’s. Classes take place on Wednesday afternoons in term time.

Booking is essential prior to attending Dance for Parkinson’s classes.

Care to Dance? classes are designed for family carers and those they support in the early stages of Dementia to share the experience together. The classes create the opportunity to socialise with like-minded people, benefit from improved mental and physical wellbeing and most importantly have fun in a high quality, energising dance class.

Dance for Parkinson’s: Wednesday, April 18 – Wednesday, July 4 (half term: Wednesday, May 30) Care to Dance?: Thursday, April 19 – Thursday, July 5 (half term: Thursday, May 31) DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane, Ipswich IP4 1DW Box Office: 01473 295230 / www.danceeast.co.uk

FREEDOM FROM STRESS Dr Charlotte Bech will present a talk entitled Freedom from Stress at Firstsite Art Gallery, High Street, Colchester CO1 1JH on Sunday, May 6 at 2.30pm and Wednesday, May 9 at 7.30pm. She will talk about using simple natural procedures such as the right light, timing, diet, oils, spices, mental and emotional training, yoga and meditation.

Dr Bech is the author of seven books, two of which have been best sellers in Denmark, on the topics of healthy diet, fertility, hormones, women’s health and children’s health. She has a weekly column in the largest national ladies’ magazine in Denmark and is frequently on Danish radio and TV. Dr Bech studied medicine at Copenhagen University and has taught at the medical school there. She has worked as a surgeon in gastrointestinal surgery, as a medical doctor in the area of haematology at the most renowned referral hospital in Denmark and in the field of internal medicine/ obstetrics in Tennessee, USA. She has her own private clinic in Copenhagen, supplementing modern medicine with Ayurveda, the world’s oldest system of natural medicine.

OGILVIE HALL, LAWFORD Most local people will know of Ogilvie Hall at the junction of Wignall Street and Church Road, on the corner opposite the War Memorial. Just in case the history of the hall is not known you may wish to know why it is called ‘Ogilvie Hall’.

Mr and Mrs Ogilvie lived in what are now flats in the large building in Parrington Way. They had the hall built for the people of Lawford and set up the Ogilvie Trust to manage it with the rector and churchwardens as trustees. It was opened in 1910 and details of this are on the plaque in the main hall.

Originally it housed a district nurse’s surgery in what is now the small hall and the large hall was used for educational purposes and to keep the men out of the beer houses.

Many local people use Ogilvie Hall. The small hall and gardens are now used by the Montessori school. The other halls are used during the day and evenings by a dance school and local community groups such as an indoor bowls club, table tennis club, a horticultural society, a Friendly Club (mostly for senior citizens) and Trefoil Guild (for adults previously associated with Guiding). Lawford Parish Council offices are also housed in the building.

Unfortunately, the hall now needs urgent repairs in the sum of £55,000. Fundraising is essential for maintenance work to the roof, mainly the soffit boards. Users do not need to catch drips in buckets yet, but if these are not fixed then rain will certainly gain access and the hall will become unsafe to use.

The management committee hopes to have the work done between July and August when the Montessori school is closed. The problem we have is that the scaffolding needed is very complicated and will inconvenience the adult users and be unsafe for the young children who attend the school. If we cannot get it done this summer we will have to wait until next summer, by then there probably will be leakage, and extra costs added to the current quote of £55,000, £17,000 of which is the scaffolding. We have to agree to a start date soon or lose the current quote.

We have been lucky enough to have been awarded a £10,000 grant from Tendring District Council under their Big Society Initiative, as well as a similar sum from Essex County Council from their Community Initiative Fund. Lawford Parish Council has also provided a grant of £2,000 towards the work.

FUNDRAISING QUIZ: BOOK A TABLE NOW The funds raised from two quizzes last year totalled £750 and we will be holding two more on April 21 and May 26; tables can be reserved for either of these dates by calling Steve Marr on 01206 390293.

We have also applied to the Co-Op Token Scheme and are awaiting the outcome of that. We are considering applying to Tendring District Council to register for a Small Society Lottery (cost £40) so we can hold a lottery and also considering additional fundraising events.

To book call 01394 420455 or visit: http://uk.tm.org/web/essex

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Blockage? Drain problem?

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07376 866 884 or 01473 748704 More details at: empdrainage.co.uk

MID-SUFFOLK FENCING

SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING

SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR

TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG

www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk

YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SCHOOL BAND & BIG BAND CONCERT

SATURDAY 28 APRIL, 7.30PM

ASSEMBLY HALL ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX PRE-CONCERT DRINKS FROM 7PM

CONDUCTOR RICHARD HARVEY Raffle in aid of the Band Tour to Dubai 2020 and Chapel Choir Tour to New York 2018

Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE Available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic | 01206 573948 Sponsored by the Royal Hospital School Association