In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 8 • Issue No.3 • JANUARY 2018
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR When I was much younger, New Year’s resolutions seemed to be quite important. I remember feeling I had to come up with some genuine pledges to do one thing or another, or to not do one thing or another. Of course, they all fell by the wayside, but I thought it would be fun to share a few I have failed to keep over the years. 1: I will stop biting my nails (every year since I was five) 2: I will run 5K (last year) 3: I will learn a new language (every year since I married into a family where everyone else does) 4: I will not watch daytime TV (rarely happens, but does feel like a treat when I get 10 minutes – got to love those housewives!) 5: I will eat less sugar (a daily failure) 6: I will not buy any new shoes or clothes for an entire year (I tried this and it made me completely miserable. A girl needs an occasional treat, or at least the possibility of one!) 7: I’m going to do face yoga every morning (recommended by a friend in 2014 – we don’t see much of each other anymore) 8: I’m going to drink six glasses of water every day (oh the guilt!) 9: I’m going to listen to less Leonard Cohen and be more positive about everything (can’t do it – Leonard truly holds the keys to my miserable heart) 10: I’m going to make time for a weekly date night with my husband (turns out he would have to make the same resolution and get home from work before 9pm)
NEWS NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR SUFFOLK’S YOUTH PARLIAMENT Nominations are now open for Suffolk’s Youth Parliament and young people in Suffolk have until January 7 to submit their nominations. The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is the largest elected body of young people in the UK who influence policy. Made up of elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and deputies, they meet locally and nationally to give young people a voice. There are currently two MYPs in Suffolk and up to 15 MYPs and deputies will be appointed when elections are held in February. MYPs assist in running Make Your Mark, the UK›s largest youth consultation. The results of the consultation are used to develop services locally and nationally. There are also opportunities to attend British Youth Council conventions and attend the Make Your Mark debate in the House of Commons. Above all, young people are given the opportunity to meet new people, make lasting friends and make a difference. Results of the recent Make your Mark consultation can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/ya9jhx5b Councillor Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I would always encourage young people to get involved in politics and UK Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people to be a part of important decisions made both locally and nationally.
So I’m going to skip the resolutions this year and just get on with living, always trying to do better, to be healthier, more appreciative, more thoughtful… all of which would be easier if I got more sleep. I’ve just talked myself into a resolution, haven’t I? Failed again!
In Touch
with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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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 Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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“Being a Member of Youth Parliament gives young people a powerful voice to present views, opinions and issues of Suffolk’s residents to local decision makers. Elected MYPs will demonstrate a passion and energy to drive real change for the better.” Current Member of Suffolk’s Youth Parliament, Meg Day, said: “Youth Parliament has given me so many opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t have been offered to me otherwise. I’ve met likeminded people from up and down the country and made some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. UKYP holds the largest youth consultation in the world and you really do feel like you’re making a positive difference for young people.” The UK Youth Parliament holds elections for UKYP members to be elected in Suffolk in February to start their term in March. To apply, you must: • Be aged 11-18 • Live, work or study in the area you are standing for • Be able to commit seven hours a month (or one-two hours a week) to Suffolk UKYP To run for election, young people will need produce a short video or a written manifesto, addressing three areas they are passionate about and would like to change in their local area – one of these must be taken from the top 5 Make Your Mark results. Manifestos must be submitted by January 7, 2018. Full details of how to apply can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y9x2a828 www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk Cover image by Jamie Bird: www.flickr.com/photos/135426398@N08 Prints and commissions available; for more information email: jamiebird05@yahoo.com
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: DECEMBER 2017 Highways At a councillors’ visit to the Highways Depot we met the staff and discussed the plans to deliver work councillors and local people want. The Network Assurance and the Flooding teams were particularly interesting. Network Assurance, which must authorise work to the highway, has 10 people dealing with 190 issues per day. It has a heavy work load negotiating with utilities and other contractors to agree realistic and safe plans, then monitoring progress. They do, they say, fine companies who don’t get work done on time, but there is a risk that just leads to the overestimation we have suffered. Hackneys Corner We have had a surfeit of works in Gipping Valley where the safety criteria appear over restrictive, diversions are long and progress appears glacial. The recent work at Hackneys Corner did not appear to be staffed continuously although there was no apparent shortage of expensive equipment on site. The signed closure of Bramford Road would have been highly inconvenient, diverting heavy traffic through Claydon or along Chapel Lane. The parish gained a plan which appeared to show Stowmarket Road closed at Hackneys Corner, a disaster. After calls and emails to the cabinet member, the assistant director and the person controlling the signing, I established that was not the case. In fact, the task was completed without closure. Good work, but this process must improve. Flooding The Flooding team was fully aware of the issues on Station Road, Chapel Lane and Addison Way and are seeking solutions. However, the need to agree work with others, such as Highways England, is causing delays. There is a long backlog but priority tasks, such as those involving flooding of houses, are being delivered. County Budget Proposals 2018/19 Government grants to the county are reducing by £22.08M and costs will rise in Social Care by £8.9m and inflation of £7.53m. This year’s £8.5m use of reserves will reduce to £3m. Income increases from business rates, a 1.99% rise in Council Tax, a 3% increase in the Social Care Precept, and the Government’s Better Care Fund up by £5.22m will partially compensate, but leave £23.9m savings to be found, particularly from social care. Increases in social care are necessary to ensure services, particularly to elderly and vulnerable people, are sufficient to prevent a severe knock-on effect in the health service. At £8.9m they are much less than the 19.78m required. I am concerned that there is a £1m cut to the sheltered housing budget, that
Trading Standards, a service that prosecutes rogue traders who prey on the elderly and vulnerable, is to suffer a £170k cut and Citizens Advice, a charity who give low cost high value advice, will lose £20k. School Transport Policy The administration’s vision is to establish a set of legally required school and post-16 travel policies which are complemented with buy-in from local parents, carers, schools, colleges, communities, and parish councils. Examples from a menu of local solutions for partners to fit to their local area and school or college are: • Moving students on taxis to larger vehicles • Increasing acceptable journey times • Hub collection points in villages • Drop off points further away from schools • Parents to ‘opt-in to’ the travel offer • Increase ‘loading of transport by 20% • Plan additional level of capacity for non-eligible pupils • Parental payments – for eligible children Local solutions would be brokered through the new Suffolk Travel Choices Service on a local basis. Opt-in would remove the automatic provision of travel places for all children eligible whether their parents want it or not. That is what causes the empty spaces we see on school transport. They would then be available for others to purchase. Why don’t we do that now? Mid-Suffolk There is a trend for more controversial issues to be classified as ‘commercially confidential’ where to reveal intentions or figures would damage taxpayer’s interests. This makes it difficult to give full reports. For the current year we appear to be heading for an under-spend of £932k. There are too many reasons to list here, but some items were entered twice. For next year, changes to new homes bonus is a significant area where government intentions are not yet clear. The grant period has reduced from six to four years and now bonus is only received for growth above a 0.4% threshold. This will reduce the sum received from £2.03m to £1.38m next year and £0.89m by 2020/21. The council would have to reduce transfers to its Transformation Fund. If you have any queries, please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545423808 or email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk. I do have Twitter @JohnFieldjd and Facebook/fieldjd accounts and my website is at: www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org
It was the chat with them over a cuppa that got me through the day Here for you every hour of every day
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Fri 5th - Thurs 11th Jan
JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (12A)
Fri 5th & Sat 6th: 2.30 & 7.45, Sun 7th: 2.30 Mon 8th - Wed 10th: 5.15, Thurs 11th: 7.45
BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12A)
Fri 22nd - Thurs 28th Dec
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
(12A)
Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd: 2.00, 5.15 & 8.30 Sun 24th: 2.00, Tue 26th: 2.00 & 5.15 Wed 27th & Thurs 28th: 2.00, 5.15 & 8.30
PADDINGTON 2 (PG)
THE DISASTER ARTIST (15)
Sun 7th: 5.15, Mon 8th - Wed 10th: 7.45 Thurs 11th: 12.00 & 5.00
Fri 22nd - Thurs 28th: 11.30am*
FERDINAND (U)
Fri 29th Dec - Thurs 4th Jan
PADDINGTON 2 (PG)
*No Showing on Christmas Day
THE JUSTICE LEAGUE (12A) Fri 29th & Sat 30th: 7.45 Tue 2nd - Thurs 4th: 7.45
Sat 6th & Sun 7th: 10.00am Sat 6th & Sun 7th: 12.15
OKLAHOMA! (1955) (U) Wed 10th: 11.30am
PADDINGTON 2 (PG)
Fri 12th - Thurs 18th Jan
DADDY’S HOME 2 (12A)
Fri 12th - Wed 17th: 2.15 & 7.45 Thurs 18th: 11.30am, 2.15 & 7.45
Fri 29th - Sun 31st: 5.00
Sun 31st: 7.15, Mon 1st - Thurs 4th: 5.00
FERDINAND
(U)
Fri 29th - Thurs 4th: 12.15 & 2.30
Thurs 22nd February at 7pm - Tickets £12.50 National Theatre presents a recorded LIVE screening of
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
LIVE ON STAGE Monday 22nd January at 7.30pm - Tickets £17.50
BOB BROLLY
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) PITCH PERFECT 3 (12A)
Fri 12th: 11.30am & 5.15 Sat 13th - Thurs 18th: 5.15
JUMANJI (12A)
Sat 13th & Sun 14th: 12.15
FERDINAND
(U)
Sat 13th & Sun 14th: 10.00am
POCKET MONEY MOVIES
Monday 29th January at 7.30pm - Tickets £17.50
GREAT FAMILY FILMS, KIDS £2.50, ADULTS FREE!*
Monday 5th February at 7.30pm - Tickets £17.50
Fri 22nd - Sun 24th: 9.30am, Wed 27th: 9.30am
UNION GAP
RAYMOND FROGGATT
www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
Fri 5th & Sat 6th: 5.00, Sun 7th: 7.45 Mon 8th - Thurs 11th: 2.30
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS (U)
THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE (U) Fri 29th - Sun 31st: 9.30am
*1x free adult per paying child. Under 10’s must be accompanied.
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
LITTLE BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
First of all, the parish council would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. As we begin this New Year, your parish council is very pleased to be able to announce that we have a new website. It features up to date software and we hope that you will find it quicker, easier to use and easier on the eye. We want to make it a resource for the whole village, as well as giving you information about the parish council, so work will be going on to add information that we hope will be useful.
I am very pleased to be able to tell you that we have been able to negotiate a 15-year lease on the village hall. The legal documents still need to be signed, but this is a great improvement over the one-year arrangement that we have had before. The confidence offered by a longer and more secure lease means that we will finally be able to carry out some much needed improvements to the hall. These will not be undertaken immediately as we have to sign the lease and apply for grants, but I hope that you will agree that this is a very positive first step towards modernising one of the village’s assets.
The new site can be found at: www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud Please take a look at it and let us know what you think by contacting the clerk, especially any extra information that you think we could consider adding. Also, we want to use the gallery feature to include your pictures of the village, including village life and events. If you have a photo that you would like to put forward for possible inclusion, please contact the clerk. We want to give a positive view of our community, so please, no pictures of mud, traffic jams or roadworks! We want to make the new website as successful as our Facebook page, which is now reaching many more people, making sure that they know quickly what is happening in the village and the wider area. The number of ‘likes’ and ‘follows’ is steadily increasing, so why not take a look? As we are beginning a New Year, you may be making New Year resolutions. Why not resolve to do something different from the usual? Instead of resolving to get fitter, or to give up chocolate, you could make a resolution to do something positive for our community. We still have one vacancy for a councillor and you could be helping to make decisions on a whole range of local issues. For example, the council has recently bought a defibrillator to be installed at the village hall. Hopefully, by the time you read this, it will be installed and ready to save lives. This is something that your council has initiated and funded – there are lots more things we can do, so why not join us to help with this? If you want to find out more, please contact our clerk. We always welcome the chance to hear the views of our community, so if you have any suggestions for improvements that can be considered for the benefit of the parish, we want to hear from you, so please either come along to a meeting or email our clerk. Parish council meetings take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the Parish Room. The next meeting is on Wednesday, January 10. Parish Clerk: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777 Facebook: @greatblakenhampc Twitter: @pcgtblakenham Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. Chairman Steve Plume
However, while this process is taking place, the hall will remain available for hire at very reasonable rates. There is an outside area which could be useful for games if you are planning a party for lots of energetic children. The hall has plenty of parking and a kitchen area. If you would like to book it for an event or a party or would like further information, please contact Nathan Elvin: nathan.elvin@btinternet.com / 07913 586188 If you have any queries on the work of the parish council, please contact the clerk, Janet Gobey: littleblakenhampc@outlook.com / 01473 833520 Please remember that members of the public can come along to any of our meetings to raise issues and ask questions. Meetings take place on the third Tuesday, every other month. Here are the dates for your diary: January 9: please note that this date has been changed, the meeting has been brought forward from January 16 March 20 May 2018: Annual Meeting of the Council All meetings start at 7.30pm in the village hall. Chairman Wally Binder
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of last year, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage and ecological mitigation. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all it’s member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. Yet again I have to report that there is no date for Reserved Matters to be considered by BMSDC due to the ongoing failure by the developer to produce the information that Planning and the SPA have asked for. The SPA is very concerned, as I’m sure many of you are, by the fact that these crucial pieces of information are still outstanding, well over a year after the initial deadline for Reserved Matters to be considered by BMSDC. We believe that this suggests unwillingness on the part of the developer to engage with the concerns and opinions of local residents and we feel that this is attitude is extremely concerning. However, at this stage, there is nothing the SPA can do but wait and monitor the situation and continue to work with BMSDC Planning to ensure that the views of local residents are kept at the forefront of any consideration of Reserved Matters. We are hoping to arrange a series of meetings with Planning on specific issues, such as traffic and roads to make sure crucial areas are regularly reviewed. For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
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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. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
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NEWS
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The first networking breakfast of the New Year is at 6.45am on Friday, January 19, at The Mix, Stowmarket. Please check the website for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk The countdown to the chamber’s MSBE begins. The first Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition is on March 21 at The Mix. Visitors can pre-book for the lunch and find out more at: https://msbe.biz
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Want more Suffolk energy-from-waste facility news? You can now sign up for our twice-yearly e-newsletter. The e-newsletter is packed full of news, from how much waste we have processed to visitors we have welcomed on site. If you would like to receive these then sign up at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/suffolkefwnewsletter Paper copies of the newsletter are available on request by calling: 01473 839149 If you would like to keep in touch more regularly, Suffolk energy-from-waste is now tweeting site updates and tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste. Follow us on Twitter: @suffolkefw
Bar-Clay Music Makers
Come and have a look around The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in January and February which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on the following days:
present
• Thursday, January 18, 2-4pm • Tuesday, January 23, 6-8pm • Tuesday, February 6, 10am-noon • Thursday, February 15, 2-4pm There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book your place, please email suffolkefw@sita.co.uk with your preferred dates and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned.
Adult £7
A new pantomime by Linzi Hall
Child £3
Claydon Village Hall Friday 19 Jan at 7.30pm Saturday 20 Jan at 2.30 & 7.30pm Friday 26 Jan at 7.30pm Saturday 27 Jan at 2.30 & 7.30pm
To order tickets phone 01473 830538 or email Webbfamily1@ gmail.com 8
SUEZ Communities Trust The SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding to projects that improve community life and the natural environment. It distributes money donated by SUEZ Recycling and Recover UK, although it is independent and has its own board which decides which projects to support. Funding is available for projects within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk energyfrom-waste facility and applications can be made online. If you know a project that could be deserving of the funding do look on the website: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149. OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836 821 Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262 910
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP
Dear Readers,
The Four Communities Action Group (4CAG) was created in 2010 by members of the churches of Barham, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Henley. We aim to work together as four parishes to develop new activities and support networks and provide spiritual support and encouragement with a view to enhancing the lives of all members of the community. We currently have five organisations under our umbrella.
I never cease to be amazed at the danger that some drivers put themselves in each winter. I often see people driving with windscreens totally frozen or misted over, often so badly they can’t see through. Rather than spending a few extra minutes clearing their windscreen before they set of, they would rather put themselves and others in danger by driving with their head out of the driver’s window or squinting to see through a small patch in the windscreen. A safe journey starts in the preparation the night before. Check the weather forecast; if it’s going to be frosty, put a protective sheet over the windscreen (available online or from most good vehicle accessory shops). Alternatively, get up 15 minutes earlier to allow enough time to fully defrost your car before you set off. Please don’t pour hot water on your windscreen; although the windscreen companies will love all the extra business from the shattered /cracked windscreen, I’m sure you can think of better ways of spending your time and hard earned money. Think carefully if your journey is really necessary. If it is, please allow a greater stopping distance between you and the car in front, especially on apparently wet (potentially black ice) or icy roads. Hopefully, you find these tips useful and will help you have a safe and enjoyable start to the New Year. If you would like any detailed advice on road safety or crime prevention, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on either our new telephone number of 101 or email us at: Hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk EMERGENCY: CALL 999 NON-EMERGENCY: CALL 101 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HadleighPolice POLICE CONNECT: suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect Until next time, Best wishes for prosperous New Year PC 1220 Garrod, Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5AD
THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH Try it out - second half of January! The Duke of Marlborough in Somersham will be closed during the first two weeks of January while our manager, chef and volunteers take a well-deserved break. But they are looking forward to welcoming you back on Thursday, January 18. Check out the new look. Turn up for a drink or coffee. Pop by for lunch. Come along for an evening meal. Arrange to meet your friends here. Put your nose round the door after a walk. Take advantage of the Wi-Fi. Relax in the warmth. Enjoy the hospitality. The dining room with its comfortable new furniture is available for parties, functions and meetings. There’s been great feedback from the groups who have used it. “The pub has got off to a cracking start with its food offering produced by our great young chef,” says James Batchelor-Wylam, Duke of Marlborough chairperson. “It’s also a great place to come just for a drink – or a coffee. The whole idea was to make the welcome to all – and it is. We look forward to seeing you there.” If you’re interested in working at the pub in a paid or voluntary capacity, you can learn new skills and be part of a real success story. Please contact kevin@thedukeofmarlborough.com if you’re interested. If you would like to buy shares, please contact: keithmckeown8@gmail.com.
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Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club Meets at noon on the first Friday of each month at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms. In the new year, we’re back to our regular programme of delicious soups and bread rolls, and an amazing variety of puddings, along with the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo, win the raffle and have a bit of fun. All this for just £4! If you need more information, contact Mike on 07805 507497 or just come along on the first Friday of the month with your friends. Book Club Do you fancy reading something different to what you would usually choose? We currently have a few places for new members on the last Thursday in the month at The Crown at 10.30am. Just come along and join us for a lighthearted discussion on the book we’ve chosen to read. Gipping Valley Art Society We meet every Tuesday afternoon at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms. We are a small, friendly group who enjoy art. We take our own materials and have our own ‘projects’ for painting in various medias, including watercolour, acrylic, oils, pastels, pencils and ink. Membership is free, but we pay a weekly subscription to cover room hire, refreshments and so on. We hold a local exhibition of our work once a year and also show our art at other exhibitions and attend small shows and galas. We are now taking contact details as the group membership is almost full for the size of the room. Please contact Ann (01473 831031) or Margaret (01473 830135). 4Ever Young Men’s Club In 2018, the 4Ever Young Men’s Club will meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am in The Crown at Claydon. For more information contact Mike on 07805 507497 or just pop in on the third Wednesday of the month. Knitting Group Do you enjoy knitting or want to learn how? The Knitting Group meets in the lounge at Alasdair Place on the first Thursday in the month from 10.30amnoon. We pay £1 towards refreshments. Do come along and see us there.
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5
Town/village
Location
Time
MIP/5A
Sproughton
Church Lane
9.10-9.25am
MIP/5B
Sproughton
Wild Man
9.30-9.45am
MIP/5C
Bramford
St Mary’s Close
9.50-10.05am
MIP/5D
Bramford
Paper Mill Lane
10.10-10.25am
MIP/5E
Great Blakenham, Chequers
MIP/5F
Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park
11-11.15am
MIP/5G
Baylham
Post Box
11.25-11.45am
MIP/5H
Claydon
Crown
11.55am-1pm
10.35-1055am
MIP/5I
Claydon
Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm
MIP/5J
Barham
Bacon Road
2.25-3.50pm
MIP/5K
Bramford
Packard Place
4-4.30pm
DATES: January 16 Please note that Mobile Library Route 13 stops off at the Sorrel Horse in Barham from 11-11.10am on the following dates: January 26
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB The club is open to anyone living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet every Monday other than bank holidays in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm from February to December. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area at the rear. The building is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within. Members pay £2 per meeting to covers hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. Alternatively, if you would just like to come and bring your own project to work on, enjoy our company and make new friends without doing the workshops the charge is £1.50 per meeting. Members take it in turns to make the tea. Out AGM was held early on the last meeting in November as we went out to The Chequers for Christmas Lunch on December 4 which was very enjoyable. The club will restart on Monday, February 5, and the programme for 2018 is as follows: February 5 March 5 April 9 May 1 June 4 July 2 August 6 September 3 October 1 November 5 December 3
Charity Projects A Taste of the Orient Take a Piece of Card Layers for the Lads Bag Ladies Felting It’s a Jungle Out There No Tune on this Accordion Christmas Stockings Christmas Card Making AGM and Christmas Party
If you have been interested in our reports over the past year and think it all sounds interesting, there is currently room for new members. If you would like to join us please get in touch. Although the club is all ladies at present gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, January 25: The Treasures of Ipswich by John Field John has sung the praises of Ipswich’s architectural heritage for many years and is proud of what we have. The talk reviews over 100 Ipswich buildings and features of architectural and historical importance, including many of the town’s listed buildings, churches, mansions and halls. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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NEW CRAFT ROOM AT ORCHARD BARN IS TAKING SHAPE Here at Orchard Barn we are busy making wooden tiles (shingles) for our new craft room roof. The logs we are using are Sweet Chestnut which is a wood with tannin in it. Why mention this here? Well, tannin corrodes ordinary metal which means that for our shingles to stay fixed to our roof we need to buy expensive non-corrosive stainless steel nails to fix them with. We calculate that we need to make and fit over 5,400 shingles to cover the whole roof, and to fix them using these special nails will cost £250. This is where our community run project needs your help. In exchange for £5 we will put a name of your choice on the inside of the shingle roof. For £10 we will put two names and so on. These names will remain inside the craft room for decades and will be seen by everyone who comes to learn rural crafts with us. If you like what our Community Interest Company are doing, and would like to support our stainless steel nail fund with an online donation, please visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk/newcraftroom.html Cheques and cash are also welcome. Our postal address is Orchard Barn, Bildeston Road, Ringshall IP14 2LY. Or drop in between 10am and 4pm on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and have a look at how this hand-made roof is progressing. We wish you a constructive and creative New Year. Many large thank-yous in advance of your donations.
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB Open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within. Our second meeting in November was a visit from the Rural Coffee Caravan. Gary came along with a big selection of leaflets providing all sorts of information about services and advice available to help older people. He was assisted by a representative from Sue Ryder Staff who gave an insight into the work they do to help those living with dementia, including those caring for someone. It was a most useful and informative afternoon. The club continues to prosper and our programme for 2018 will follow in due course. New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along in the New Year and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB November Prizewinners 1: Beverley Fenn (60) 2: Anthea Welham (26) 3: Peter Keeble (69)
£11.40 £5.70 £1.90
New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 per month and the draw takes place on the last Thursday of each month from September through to July. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance the lives of our children within the pre-school. For an entry form please contact Claydon Pre-school: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
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SCHOOLS CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a lovely New Year. We are all ready for the spring term and the children will be well rested and hopefully looking forward to an exciting term ahead. There will be lots of crafts to look forward to and the staff are already planning and getting extra crafts ready for the children to enjoy. As we are now open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. Please contact the administration assistant for more details. Don’t forget that from September 2017 the government are introducing an additional 15 hours funding for working parents of three and four year olds. This means that parents who both earn the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage (£115.20 per week) or more per week and less that £100,000 per year (or just one carer if a single parent) will be eligible to claim up to 30 hours of funding. You can register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible and also register for the Childcare Vouchers Scheme. If you are using the 30 hours you must provide the 30-hour code (given once registered) and your National Insurance Number to us. Once we have checked these details you can book sessions (subject to availability) for the following term. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648 Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ
Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project, which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 26 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 per family. This month we meet on January 11 and 25 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Our Christmas Party was a huge success. A big thank you to Father Christmas who, although very busy, came along to distribute gifts to the children. Our ladies raffle went very well, as always, raising more funds for the group. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a fantastic success. At our regular sessions we welcome anyone with babies or children under five for imaginative play, song time and lots of fun. Families can enjoy a themed craft activity where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. We also enjoy singing together. For parents/carers it’s a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children. This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Poppy and Jacob who both celebrate in January. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. For more information contact Michelleon 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.
Monthly prize draw ──── Win money whilst helping improve your pre-school ──── Three prizes drawn each month ────
100 CLUB
Only £1 a month to play
The 100 club is a type of lottery.
────
You pay a monthly entry fee of £1 and in return are allocated a draw number.
many goes a month
The draw takes place once a month and three numbers win cash prizes. 50% of the funds go to improving pre-school, 1st prize gets 30%, 2nd prize gets 15% and 3rd gets 5%. The more people playing the greater the prize.
You can have as as you like
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Recreation Ground Thornhill Road Claydon IP6 0DZ 01473 831648 www.claydonpreschool.co.uk admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
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SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL As we look forward to starting the spring term, which brings with it lighter evenings and warmer weather, I am delighted to share with you the events, activities and news in school during the very busy and festive month of December.
and the way they conducted themselves throughout the day. Many employers commented that they would have no hesitation in considering some of our students for future employment and also noted how smartly dressed they were.
On Tuesday, December 12, our talented musicians and poets gave stunning performances to a packed audience at the Church of St Mary and St Peter, Barham, where we held The Sounds of Christmas concert. It was a very festive evening, interspersed with traditional carols and an opportunity to warm up with some hot winter punch and mince pies. The dedication, commitment and hard work from students during rehearsals was certainly rewarded with some notable performances as well as some joyful vocal pieces from the school choir.
Our ex-Year 11 students who left us in the summer returned to Claydon High School on the last week of term to join us for a presentation evening where they were presented with their GCSE certificates and special subject achievement awards, recognising individual commitment and progress. It was really lovely to spend the evening with them and to hear about how they are getting on in this next phase of their lives. We are all extremely proud of all aspects of their success and achievement and wish them all the very best for whatever the future brings.
Students surpassed expectations for the seventh year running and created an amazing range of Christmas hampers which were donated to a local charity The Chapman Centre, part of IHAG (Ipswich Housing Action Group) who provide relief for people in the community suffering from extreme financial poverty or homelessness. It seems that students consider it a challenge to come up with even more creative and individual designs than the previous year and they certainly didn’t disappoint! It makes me very proud to see them making an extra special effort for people less fortunate than themselves and I would like to thank parents and carers for their help and contributions from home.
I would like to take this opportunity to announce and congratulate our newly appointed Head Boy and Head Girl, Daniel Hibbins and Josefina Santa de Lapaz. Both students were interviewed for the posts and delivered very well prepared presentations as part of the process. Congratulations also go to our two deputies, Jack Johnstone-Moffat and Phoebe Hill. These students will lead our team of Year 9, 10 and 11 prefects. This is an exciting opportunity for students to make a real positive contribution to the school and the faculty areas they have an interest in and will develop their leadership and communication skills. We appreciate that the roads around school seem to be busier than ever especially at the start and end of the school day when school buses and lots of parents/carers are trying to get in. We do not open our car park until 2.45pm for the safety of our students on the school site and ask parents/ carers not to arrive earlier than this. We also regularly talk about road safety with our students. We appreciate support from everyone who lives locally in driving carefully in the area especially in the dark weather. As I write this article I am looking ahead at all the exciting activities planned for this term, including a readathon, maths challenge, battlefields trip, Paris trip, Year 11 bootcamp, music day and much more! Please watch this space for details in due course.
Year 11 students took part in their annual Learning about Work Day. Employers from local businesses were invited into school to act as business mentors and to work with small groups of students for the day, teaching them about employer expectations when applying for jobs. In preparation for the day, students were asked to find an apprenticeship, complete an application form and these were forwarded to the employers before the day. Having spent the morning taking part in ice-breaking activities, a workshop related to writing letters of application and a paired task, our guest business mentors then put students through nerve racking job interviews for the posts that they had already applied for. The day concluded with the distribution of certificates for the students who had been selected as successful candidates for the job from each group. Year 11 impressed our visitors with their maturity, participation
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We are hoping to recruit some new members to our local governing body and will be holding an informal drop-in information session on Thursday, January 11, between 4.30pm and 6pm. Please drop in at any point if you would like to find out more about this role over a cup of tea from one of our governing body. We are currently requiring both parent governors and trust appointed governors from the local community. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, then please come along to one of our open mornings. The date of the next one is Monday, January 22. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders on 01473 836110 to book a place. Contact Mrs Saunders if you would like to know more about the role of governors. Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor
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SCHOOLS / SPORT NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL Hello from the School Council We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. The School Council have been really busy as we have signed up to the Junior Road Safety Officer Scheme so we have been meeting to share all of our ideas, as well as meeting Martin Andrews (our local Road Safety officer). We will be running competitions in school, as well as doing some work in the community to help make the roads near our school safer. LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS Years 1 and 2: To celebrate the end of our Kings and Queens topic we had a Royal Tea Party. We all got to dress up as Kings and Queens in our very best party clothes. We got to eat cakes have lovely drinks – blackcurrant and orange juice. We designed bunting ourselves to decorate the hall and our parents also came in to help and enjoy the tea party. We even had a visit from the Queen! Year 3: We have had fun creating our own water creature, linked to our Rivers topic. As well as designing and drawing it, thinking about its appearance and features, we then got to write a non-chronological report about it. There were some amazing creatures with some very strange names! Year 4: Luckily, this year both Year 4 classes get to learn to play a musical instrument. 4P are learning to play the violin and 4S are learning to play a brass instrument. Both classes have a special music teacher come in each week to teach them to play the instrument, as well as learning to sing lots of different songs. We even get to take our instruments home to practise them. We are all really enjoying it. Year 5: As part of our Vikings topic, Years 5 and 6 had an truly amazing Viking Day in school. We got to dress up as Vikings, play games (Tug of War and Kubb – an ancient Viking game), make broaches, bake oat cakes and learn lots more fun Viking facts. It was great fun! Year 6: This term year 6 pupils have been able to take part in a cycling proficiency course, called Bikeability. First of all we had to carry out various checks on our bikes to make sure that they were safe to ride. It was then time for Level 1. To pass Level 1 we had to practise riding around the playground and stop quickly; luckily we all passed! For our Level 2 we had a range of activities we had to pass, including preparing for on road cycling, indicating when turning, know where to ride on a road, turning in and out of side roads and understanding the Highway Code. It was a real challenge, but we all passed and received certificates and badges in assembly. We had a great time. Mile a Day: This year in school we have started to run a mile a day, but you don’t have to run, you can walk as long as you keep moving. It’s to help keep us all fit, healthy and active as this is very important. Next time our sports representatives will be telling you much more about what they do and sport in our school. Thank you for reading our article. The School Council
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After a very successful outdoor season, many of our bowlers are enjoying indoor bowling at the Meadlands. Any member wanting information about indoor bowling can contact me, David Hindley, on 01449 613144. I would also like to say that not only have we achieved success on the green this year, but that the atmosphere in the club and the camaraderie between teams and bowlers has been excellent which makes for a welcoming and very happy bowls club. The green was successfully put to bed and the green team will be busy throughout the close season ensuring it will be in good condition for the 2018 season. The team has been reinforced, but can always use extra help. Anyone interested in joining the green team should contact Alastair Bailie on 01449 720759. Our winter social events got off to a good start with carpet bowling on our not quite perfect carpet! The competition was won by Shirley Eaton with runners-up Rita Robertson and Charlie Lawson just one point behind. Thanks to everyone who took part. By the time you read this we will have had our Christmas social with fun and games for all. Our social on January 19 will see the return of the Stowmarket Strummers ukulele band with games between sets. February 23 will be the ‘Big Quiz’ which is getting to be a very competitive event, but always played in good spirit. The date and content of the March event is still to be decided. Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person remember ‘YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL’. Contacts: Pat Hadden 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings from Mystic Mick, the oracle for 2018. Here, as usual, a preview of what to expect this year. January: Concern in the USA as an enormous milk bottle is seen under construction in North Korea prompting fears of an imminent rocket launch. February: Fears for Brexit by UK negotiators walking out of meetings 10 minutes early are proved unfounded when it transpires that the team are Ipswich Town season ticket holders doing what comes naturally. March: Joy in Norwich as the Canaries hold an open top bus tour of the city to celebrate scoring more than one goal in a game. April: Theresa May calms fears over the economy with the announcement that the government plan a nationwide planting campaign of a network of money trees. May: Royal Wedding chaos as the groom discovers that his intended is being held by Border Force officers for investigation of marrying a UK National in order to get a visa. June: Local tennis star Nick qualifies for Wimbledon! His joy is tempered when he finds that he has been allocated Trap 1 nearest the hare. He is last seen checking the address he sent his entry form to. July: Iceland win the 2018 World Cup! They close all of their stores for the day to allow the staff to celebrate August: Swingeing defence cuts announced by Whitehall. The government allays the public fears by buying 70 million white flags, one each for every person in the country. September: Excitement among rare coin collectors as Graham buys an after match round of drinks. Some of the coins held in the cash register are believed to have not been seen for over 1,000 years . October: Ipswich Borough Council awarded the Gold Medal for innovation in the field of transport by the British Association of Traffic Light Manufacturers . November: Donald Trump raises fears of his competence as he places Guy Fawkes on the FBI Most Wanted list as a known terrorist who has been linked with conspiracy to cause explosions. December: The Home Secretary denies Santa Claus an entry permit to the UK as he is an economic migrant and not able to work until his status is confirmed by Border Force officials. Back to normal next month when Mick Russ returns with his joke of the month (and I don’t mean his bet on Norwich City to get in the play offs).
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CHURCH NEWS THE CLAYDON GROUP OF CHURCHES The Church of England in Claydon and Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham We offer you a warm welcome to all our events and services. For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Carl Melville 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmail.com Services in January Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am Sunday, January 7: The Baptism of Christ 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, January 14: Epiphany 2 8am Holy Communion 9.30am family@henley 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, January 21: Epiphany 3 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, January 28: Candlemas 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Holy Communion 11am Elevenses@GB 4pm Evensong BCP
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church
Sunday, February 4: 2 before Lent 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Further services can be found on our website: www.claydonchurches.com Hall Bookings Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Paul Corbett, 830201 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463
EPIPHANY: DIRECTION FOR THE CHURCH
Baptisms December 3: Mimi Grace Page December 16: Vinny Halls December 17: Theo NEWS Sunday’s Cool: Meets on the second and third Sundays of every month in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 10.30am (January 14 and 21). Under 5s should be accompanied by an adult. Older children can be left unattended. Stories, games, songs, loads of fun! It’s free – no need to book! Contact Irene for more info: 01449 676567 P Party: As it’s Epiphany, we’re holding a P Party on Saturday, January 6, at 6.30pm at Henley Church Vestry. All welcome! There’ll be lots of food and games for all the family. No charge, donations welcome. Come dressed as something beginning with the letter P. Epiphany Lunch: Sunday, January 7, after church. Come along and relax. Bring the leftovers from Christmas and share them in good company. Holy Conversations: A relaxed home group that meets once a month at The Rectory in Claydon. All are welcome and the group is particularly suitable for those new to church or faith. We discuss all sorts of things from faith to prayer, as well as chat and meet others. Lent 2018: No sooner are we over Christmas do we look to Lent and Easter! Ash Wednesday kicks Lent off on February 14. We’ll be holding the traditional Ashing Service at 7pm in Gt Blakenham Church. Henley Church Services: please note the new time of church services at Henley, now every Sunday at 9.30am. Other Services and Events January 6 P Party! Henley Church Vestry, 6.30pm 7 Epiphany Shared Lunch, Barham Church 9 Barham Care Centre Communion Holy Conversations, Rectory, 7pm 12 Alasdair Place Communion 24 St Peter’s Court Communion 26 Night Out, Henley Church Vestry, 7.30pm February 6 Holy Conversations, Rectory, 7pm 11 families@4.30, Barham Church Hall, 4.30pm 13 Pancakes!! Gt Blakenham Parish Room, 6.30pm 14 Ash Wednesday Service, Gt Blakenham, 7pm Letter from the Vicar I don’t like the few weeks after Christmas. It always seems to be a bit of a letdown after the excitement of decorations, food and carol singing! However, celebrations don’t have to stop yet! Epiphany is one of the overlooked seasons in the church’s calendar. The arrival of the Wise Men, or Magi, means that we have reason to continue celebrating throughout January. Our P Party at Henley and Epiphany Shared Lunch at Barham are just a few examples of how we celebrate.
We celebrate the coming of the Magi with their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Gt Blakenham Church: Sunday, January 7, 11am Henley Church: Sunday, January 14, 9.30am Barham Church: Sunday, January 21, 10am Refreshments available at all of our services. Everyone welcome!
The arrival of the Wise Men to see Jesus opens up the possibility of experiencing Jesus regardless of race or wealth. The Wise Men were not Jews and came from distant lands. The message of their visit tells us that we are all welcome to find and love Jesus. Remember, Jesus didn’t stay a baby in the manger. He grew and became a man. He died and rose again that we might know God’s love. The Wise Men knew this in their hearts. Do you? Why not celebrate with us?
Happy New Year from the Claydon Group of Churches
The Revd Carl Melvill – carlmelville@hotmail.com
Weddings December 16: Jazmin Hawes and Liam Halls
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/The Claydon Group of Churches
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Bramford 01473 748914 / revjseggar@outlook.com www.stmarybramford.co.uk JANUARY 2018 Wednesday 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service Sunday 7: Epiphany 10am Parish Communion, Bramford Sunday 14: Baptism of Christ 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion & Christingle, Nettlestead 5pm 5 o’clock Service, Bramford Tuesday 16 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room Sunday 21: Epiphany 2 10am Parish Communion, Bramford 6pm Parish Communion, Baylham
community who were lonely at Christmas with a gift from the children of the village. This was surprisingly successful, with presents given to a number of people in all our four communities, and contacts made which we hope will be continued. We also gave gifts to those with no families who are resident at Baylham Care Centre, and the children from the 5 o’clock Service came with us to have tea with them and gave them the gifts just before Christmas. We also managed to give food parcels to families who we would normally have referred to the Foodbank from the donations that you gave to us. Thank you. Blessings, Jenny PARISH REGISTERS Baptisms November 19, 2017: Sam Seager Duffell, Baylham May he grow in grace and the knowledge of God. Funerals November 17, 2017: Graham Wright, Bramford November 29, 2017: Jo Keegan, Bramford We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers.
Sunday 28: Epiphany 3 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Christingle Service, Bramford
Cleaning Rota: TBA
Please check porch notices for any changes.
Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church December 6: In memory of Nin, Mary and Roy December 7: In memory of David Noble December 17: In memory of Kathy Sparrow on her birthday December: Remembering Kathy Sparrow on the 20th anniversary January 16: In memory of Bernard Purbrick January 22: In memory of Maria Whight on her birthday
Dear Friends, As you read this, it is the beginning of 2018, a new year, full of potential and hope. As a church we have a number of new things happening as the year starts. In February we are beginning a charity coffee morning once a month. On the first Sunday of each month, after the service we will be extending our usually social coffee time and inviting local and national charities to come and tell us what they do, and how they can serve our community. This is open to everybody, and we hope that as we get going, local charities and good causes will come and tell us what they do and how we as a community can help. We are starting on February 4 at 11.30am and would like to invite you all to join us. We will be hearing from Victim Support, a national charity which helps those who have experienced a crime or traumatic events, helping them understand their rights and supporting them through the process. We are also aiming to start a monthly contemplative prayer group and a monthly bible study and discussion group. If you would be interested in taking part in either of these please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me (contact above). Finally, an update on the Tabitha Project, our new outreach project which we launched at harvest time. The aim was to touch those in the
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Flower Rota: TBA
If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week. LECTIONARY Bible readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world. January 7 Genesis 1: 1-5
Baptism of Christ Acts 9: 1-7
White/Gold Mark1: 4-11
January 14 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 (11-20)
2nd of Epiphany Rev. 5: 1-10
White John 1: 43-51
January 21 Gen. 14: 17-20
3rd of Epiphany Rev. 19: 6-10
White John 2: 1-11
January 28 Deut. 18: 15-20
4th 0f Epiphany Rev. 12: 1-5a
White Mark 1: 21-28
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CHURCH NEWS TO SATISFY THE DOUBLE At our coffee morning these past few months we have been playing the Mexican train game, which has been a lot of fun. In any game there is the ‘object’ of the game: to be the first to play all your dominoes and the lowest score after all the rounds wins. Then there is the ‘preparation’, which includes turning over all 91 tiles and, depending on how many players, a number of tiles are taken by each player. Starting the game: the player with the highest double starts. One of the rules, there are not too many, is if you play a double you have to play another tile onto it of the corresponding number. No one can play a tile anywhere else until the double has been played on to. The correct terminology is to ‘satisfy the double’. Once a player has satisfied (played on) the double, all players are then free to play on any eligible train. There are similarities to the Mexican train game and the birth of Jesus, which we have just celebrated. First there is the object of the game or the reason why Jesus came. The Bible tells us why, ‘to save us from our sins’, and that forgiveness of sin is possible because Jesus died and was raised to life again. The preparation began in the beginning after Adam and Eve disobeyed God.
God is just and must punish sin, but through Jesus’ death and resurrection God is satisfied that the price for sin has been paid. Jesus has made it possible to have friendship with God restored, free from the penalty of sin and to live for Him. What good news this is to hear at the start of this New Year, but what will we do with it? Perhaps you’d like to join us for coffee, a chat and a round or two of the Mexican train game. We would love to see you! WEEKLY EVENTS Monday fortnightly: Little Owls Toddler Group, 10am-noon Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 7.30-8.30pm Wednesday: Coffee Morning, 10am-noon. All welcome. Thursday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon For more information contact Michael: 01473 839785 admin@blakenhambaptist.org.uk www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH Steward: Ms R Palmer: 01473 831117
THURSDAY United Service at Cherryfields: first Thursday of month (very informal), 3-3.30pm*
Please feel free to contact either of us with any queries. Baptisms, marriages and funerals by arrangement with the minister, who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound.
SATURDAY Coffee Morning: at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see diary), third Saturday of month, 10-11am
SUNDAY Morning Worship with Holy Communion: every second Sunday, 10.30-11.30am*
*Tea and coffee served afterwards
Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com
Lighthouse Club: 10.30-11.30am (term time only)
Thursday, 4: United Service at Cherryfields, 3pm
Families @ 4: informal get-together with afternoon tea, 4-6pm (once a month – please check diary). Come and go as you please. This is not a service, but our minister usually joins us.
Sunday, 7: Morning Worship, The Rev M Cassidy, 10.30am
MONDAY Bible Study: informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss, every third Monday, 2-3pm
Sunday, 14: Morning Worship with The Rev D Grimshaw, 10.30am – Holy Communion and Annual Covenant Service
TUESDAY Network/MWiB*: our ladies’ meeting, although gentlemen are always welcome, second and fourth Tuesdays of month, 2-3pm
Saturday, 20: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields, 10am
WEDNESDAY Computer Club: 10am-noon (term time only) Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing: second Wednesday of month, 7.30-8.30pm
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Diary for January 2018
Tuesday 9: Network/MWiB, Mrs Alyson Elliss, 2pm Wednesday, 10: Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing, 7.30pm
Monday, 15: Bible Study, 2pm Sunday, 21: Morning Worship with Mr B Nichols, 10.30am Tuesday, 23: Network/MWiB – Bring a small item to be valued by Oliver Miller of Bishops and Miller Auctioneers, 2pm Sunday, 28: Morning Worship, 10.30am (Preacher to be advised) Sunday, 28: Families @ 4 with The Rev D Grimshaw, 4-6pm
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