In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 8 • Issue No 4 • FEBRUARY 2018
1st Claydon Scout Group, see page 10
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I simply can’t avoid writing about words and language this month as unusual words and phrases seem to be coming at me from all directions. I have just spent a week in Ireland where ‘press’ meaning ‘cupboard’ and ‘yoke’ meaning just about everything else, including people (as in “yer man with the féasóg is a right yoke”) are common parlance, but I’ve also just finished a book by Mike Smith from The Waterboys in which he writes about many of the Irish musicians and writers he has worked with. One is a poet from Co Galway called Tomas McKeown who had a habit of running his hand over his bald head and saying “once there used to be waves, now it’s all shore”. How lovely is that? On my desk I have a word calendar which I received from one of my lovely colleagues. It introduces a new word every day. Today it’s ‘palisade’, but my favourites so far have been ‘algid’ meaning cold and ‘wiseacre’ meaning one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness, otherwise known as a smart aleck. I think we all know a wiseacre or two! And just last night a wonderful clip about strange words the Irish use popped up on Facebook. ‘Haymes’ is one we all use to describe getting something wrong, as in ‘he made a haymes of it’, particularly used at hurling matches! Another I might use more frequently is ‘banjaxed’ meaning broken or in a bad way, as you might be after a ‘night on the lash’. ‘Me feiner’ literally translates as ‘me myself’. To be called a ‘me feiner’ is the ultimate insult, meaning you have no thought for anyone but yourself, commonly used to describe politicians in Ireland. I’ll leave you with a wonderful phrase I spotted on a poster at Dublin Airport: Dance as if no one’s watching, sing as if no one’s listening, and live everyday as if it were your last.
In Touch
with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead
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NEWS WE ARE LISTENING: HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHETHER TO CREATE A NEW COUNCIL Babergh and Mid Suffolk residents have until Monday, February 5 to submit their comments on draft proposals to create a new council in the heart of Suffolk. The engagement, which was launched on Monday, December 11, asks residents and businesses in both districts to comment on proposals to dissolve both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and form a new, single council to cover the area. Responses can be submitted online through a survey, directly via email to one.council@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk or in writing to the councils. All of the views submitted will help inform a detailed business case, which will be drafted and considered by councillors later in the year. Every response received will be anonymised and attached, in full, to the business case. An independent telephone survey of 4,000 residents is also being carried out by ComRes. This is a survey of a representative sample of residents in Babergh and Mid Suffolk by age, gender, geography, socio-economic grade and ethnicity. The anonymised results of this survey will be publicly available and will also inform the production of the business case. Councillor Nick Gowrley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We in Mid Suffolk have always worked hard to deliver the services our residents need, and with local government funding changing so radically over the coming years we need new and innovative ways to keep doing that. “Our residents and businesses know best what support they need, and this is just the opportunity for them to tell us. With only three weeks left it’s time for everyone to take part.” Councillor John Ward, who became Leader of Babergh District Council in January 2018, said: “There has already been a lot of debate and publicity about these proposals, but much of that has focussed on whether there will be a local referendum. “I have resolved that aspect by making clear my commitment to holding a local referendum once a business case is available for residents to consider. This current engagement offers the chance to have your say on the future of public services in our area and what is most important to you. “How people respond to this engagement and what they say will shape the future of local government and I encourage everyone to take the time to let us know their thoughts over the next three weeks.” Additional information, including how to have your say online, is available at: www.babergh.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil Anyone wishing to respond by post can send their responses to: One Council Engagement, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road Ipswich IP1 2BX
THE REV BRIAN TOLL Sadly we have to report that this much loved past Rector of Claydon and Barham for 14 years from 1972 to 1986 died on January 10 after a long illness. Brian was a true Christian, setting an example that most of us could only aspire to. His pastoral care, honesty, generosity and devotion to the roll challenged the Church here and his influence lives on today. Without his vision and leadership our Church in this Parish would be much poorer today. We send our condolences to Joyce, the girls and all his family as they mourn the passing of a much loved husband, father and grandfather. Brian’s funeral service will take place at noon on Friday, February 2 at St Bartholomew’s Church in Ipswich to which all are welcome. The service will be followed by a private cremation, then refreshments and a time for reminiscing at a venue still to be decided at the time of writing. His ashes will be interred in Barham Churchyard at some future date.
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NEWS THEFTS FROM CHURCHES
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY
There has been a distressing rise in thefts from churches in the last few months. This may mean that our churches are not unlocked as often as we would like them to be. We will always unlock if we know that someone wishes to come in to pray, so please don’t hesitate to contact us just to make sure that the church will be open when you need it to be. You can either email or phone and we will be pleased to help you. If you are near the church and you see anything suspicious please don’t hesitate to let us or the local police know at once.
Come and have a look around The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in February and March which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on the following days:
The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / revjseggar@outlook.com
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. We also organise trips for interest groups and schools so get in touch if your group or class would like to come and have a look around.
GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL I would like to begin by saying that the parish council is aware of and shares your frustration with the endless roadworks, diversions, temporary traffic lights and disruption at various points in the village and the surrounding area. Another round is about to begin as the pedestrian crossing that we have been asking for over 20 years is finally installed. By the time you read this, work should be well under way and we must remember that this will improve road safety and be a great benefit to the village. You can rest assured that your parish council will continue to press for more sensible planning of these major projects and, equally importantly, better communication with residents about what is happening when. I am sure that you will agree with me that we do not wish to see a repeat of the confusion and uncertainty that surrounded the recent gas main work at Hackneys Corner. We are also continuing to raise other highways issues – such as potholes, the condition of the pavements, mud on the roads, speeding and the need for parking restrictions – with Suffolk County Council and with Highways. Please help us keep the pressure up by reporting any problems to Highways by using the online reporting tool at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/highway-maintenance/report-ahighways-issue The allotments: we have been told that the licence has been extended for another year and we are awaiting the actual document for signature. Please, if you haven’t done so already, could all allotment holders contact the clerk to confirm whether or not they wish to continue with their plots for another year? If you would like to take on a plot, once again please contact the 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 normally take place on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the Parish Room. However, in February, the meeting is on the third Wednesday, February 21, rather than February 14. Parish Clerk: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777 Facebook: @greatblakenhampc / Twitter: @pcgtblakenham
• Tuesday, February 6, 10am-noon • Thursday, February 15, 2-4pm • Tuesday, March 20, 6-8pm
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 262910
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. For full details visit: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It’s 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, ecological mitigation, etc. 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 its 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. As you are no doubt aware, Onslow Suffolk have finally submitted the missing information for the SnOasis Reserved Matters application. By the time you read this, the deadline of February 2 for comments will be very close. If you haven’t commented, please do so as quickly as possible – this may be our last chance to give our views. Follow this link to the application: https://tinyurl. com/yabaywx7
Chairman Steve Plume
Once this stage is over, the council’s Planning Committee will consider the application. Whatever the outcome, the SPA will continue to monitor the progress of the application and activities at the site. We will keep the focus on the needs and concerns of residents who will be affected by whatever eventually happens with the site.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com
Thanks for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council.
Friday, February 2, 10am-noon: Coffee and Breakfast Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market
Friday, February 16, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk Don’t forget to check for updates about MSBE, our first ever business exhibition at The Mix on March 21: https://msbe.biz/the-event
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SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS Held in the village hall on the first Saturday of each month, staring on Saturday, April 7, 9am-noon. Tables are £10. If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk Fundraising event for Belstead Village Hall.
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: JANUARY 2018 Last month’s celebration of gas main work completed without a major road closure at Hackneys Corner appears to have been a bit premature. They will be back in early April, hopefully conscious of the need to minimise disruption on this important route.
and People. Secondly, to offer Suffolk as a pilot area for the introduction of a nationwide plastic bottle Deposit Return Scheme. This scheme would improve recycling rates, reduce costs and reduce harm to our environment and wild life.
On a more positive note, the 50 mph speed limit on the B1113 will be extended from Pound Lane to the start of the 40 mph limit at Bramford. This is to cover the entrance to the Greenhouse project and the Water Park.
Labour asked the council to offer support to the 35,000 women in Suffolk who are suffering from changes in state pension age. The chief executive will write to the government calling on them to reconsider transitional arrangements. Secondly, they asked the council to improve the delivery of high needs services for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD. The council agreed, and proposed that it should be a priority for the newly-formed Care, Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Committee.
School Travel Consultation A consultation on the revised proposals for home to school transport will run until February 28. There are several options including ‘no change’, but the cabinet wish to cut to the statutory minimum of transport to your nearest school. See: www.suffolk.gov.uk/schooltravel Schools The planning application for the extension to Claydon Primary will be considered by the county in January. It is designed with two phases going to two-and-half and then three form intake to ensure it can accommodate children from the new houses in Great Blakenham and a sensible number in Barham. Planning The Pigeon outline planning application 1856/17: Land off Norwich Road Barham and Claydon for 300 houses was updated on December 22 and is getting close to the point where it will go to committee. All documentation is available on the Mid Suffolk website. The proposals include land for a new primary school to supplement Claydon Primary. This would be necessary if all the developments proposed for Barham and Claydon went ahead. Early Years Funding After last month’s opposition concern, SCC is changing the Early Years funding for 2018-19. The key proposals are that SCC will retain 3.8% of the three- to four-year-old allocated funding down from 6.3% in 2017-18 and the hourly base rate for three to four year-olds will increase from £3.87 to £4. The distribution of the disadvantage funding will change to an hourly rate from a lump sum per eligible child. The SEN inclusion fund will go to those supporting SEN children. In 2017-18, all received an added four pence per hour. To achieve this SCC will need to shift towards digital information for families and revise training for providers. Outbreak of Unanimity Just before Christmas the council unanimously agreed two Lib Dem, Green and Independent Group motions and two from the Labour Party. LDGI wishes were to sign up to the Woodland Trust’s Charter for Trees, Woods
Scrutiny of the Broadband Programmes We involved the county officers in the Suffolk Broadband project, a senior rep from the government and BT people responsible for the East of England. At a pre-meeting, the Scrutiny chair and I met the minister and the full broadband team. We established the programme is behind schedule, but that after robust action by Suffolk BT resources have been increased to get back on track by April. The project is moving from current technology, Fibre to the Cabinet, which involves copper wires for the final stretch to your home or business to Fibre to the Premises, FTTP. This gives you 50 to 300 Mbit / Sec depending on the depth of your pocket. It is also good news that the current technology can be upgraded easily. FTTP is clearly more future proof, more comparable to broadband as installed by advanced economies like Singapore and better suited to the smaller villages where small groups of remote houses must be served. We emphasised the need to make more use of self-dig, like the successful example in Baylham, to get cables to remote locations. Communication and order processes also need an upgrade so that people know when higher speeds are available and can place the necessary orders with their ISP without a challenge to their perseverance. Scrutiny of Highways (again) There was evidence of improvement. The number of potholes fixed by permanent repairs continues to increase and councillor requested schemes are getting done. But we still need to keep a close watch on the contract. I hope to see the Great Blakenham Zebra in place by the time you read this. Fingers crossed! If you have any queries, please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808 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
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB
FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP
The club is 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, which is fully accessible and has parking at the rear, is the building with the green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House.
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.
Our meetings started again on January 10 when members were given the sad news that June Vale had died. June was one of the founders of the club with Shirley Scott and although she had stood down as the organiser, continued to attend and support the club and will be greatly missed. At the meeting we talked about New Year’s resolutions, their origin and history together with their relevance to modern life. Our meetings for February will be on Wednesdays 14 and 28, the programme for which is still being finalised. New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. The club meets from 2-3pm every Monday (other than Bank Holidays) in Great Blakenham Parish from February to December. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover 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. 2018 Programme: February 5 Charity Projects with a visitor from the craft group at St Elizabeth’s Hospice with ideas on how we can help them March 5 A Taste of the Orient April 9 Take a Piece of Card May 1 Layers for the Lads June 4 Bag Ladies July 2 Felting August 6 It’s a Jungle out There September 3 No Tune on this Accordion October 1 Christmas Stockings November 5 Christmas Card Making December 3 AGM and Christmas Party If you have been interested in our entries to the magazine over the past year and think it all sounds interesting, there is currently room for new members so 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 cannot accommodate children. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH ROOM COMMITTEE SECRETARY Great Blakenham Parish Room Committee is looking for a secretary. This position involves taking minutes at meetings, agenda preparation and some basic administration tasks. You would be required to attend approximately six meetings per year which are held in the evening at the Parish Room. A small honorarium is available for this position. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact in the first instance, Chairman Mrs Wendy Hooper: wendydhooper@gmail.com
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We currently have five organisations under our umbrella. Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club Meets at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms at noon on the first Friday of each month. A selection of delicious soups and bread rolls, and an amazing variety of puddings are available 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 for just £4. Pop and see us. The Book Club There are a few places for new members on the last Thursday in the month at The Crown at 10.30am. Join us for a light-hearted discussion on the book we’ve chosen to read and perhaps the moral or social implications raised. Gipping Valley Art Society Meet at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms every Tuesday afternoon. Membership is free but we pay a weekly subscription to cover room hire, refreshments and so on. Now only taking contact details as we have reached capacity. Please contact Ann on 01473 831031 or Margaret on 01473 830135. 4 Ever Young Men’s Club Meets at The Crown in Claydon at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of each month. Pop in and meet us for a chat, the chance to make new friends and maybe a pie and a pint at lunchtime! The Knitting Group Do you enjoy knitting or want to learn how to? 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.
ST MARY’S CHURCH, GREAT BLAKENHAM Do you love music? We have a new electric piano at St Mary’s Church, Great Blakenham, so if you like music and would like to be involved please get in touch. For further information, please email: wendydhooper@gmail.com
NEEDHAM MARKET DEMENTIA ACTION ALLIANCE Memory Corner still continues every Tuesday morning in the Community Café on School Street from 11am. Please come along and join us for a chat and to pick up information on services that may help you or your loved ones. At the Needham Market Surgery there is a regular drop-in service run by Peter Anderson, a Sue Ryder volunteer. He would be delighted to see you and help in any way he can. Contact the surgery for dates when he is there. The Sue Ryder Dementia Team do great work with their passion to support people living with dementia and their carers. Their befriending supports people socially on a one-to-one basis by visiting them or taking them out. Sue Ryder are always looking for additional volunteers and if you feel you could help by becoming a befriender or a navigator, a local contact for people with dementia to provide basic information and signposting to support them to cope and live well, please contact Alana Page: 01473 295200 Our sincere thanks go to the East of England Cooperative Society for their generous grant of £500. This is the result of the green tokens voting system at the Cooperative Society’s stores. Thank you for your votes.
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP
A COMMUNITY SHOP FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, RUN BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm Saturday, 9am-1pm Happy 2018 to all our customers and volunteers; we look forward to seeing everybody in the shop in the coming year. Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave of their time to keep the shop open over the Christmas and New Year period, your efforts were much appreciated. Our Tea and Chat afternoons continue and we have two more to go in 2018: Wednesday, February 28 and Wednesday, March 28, 2-4pm. Come along for a hot drink, a piece of cake and a chance to meet up with others for a chat during the cold weather. Also going well is the Petrolheads afternoons when those with an interest in all things motor driven meet for a chat and cup of tea and biscuit on the first Wednesday of each month in the Coffee Corner. This is also held between 2 and 4pm, so if this is your thing you will be very welcome by other likeminded people Volunteering in the shop is an excellent way to meet new people and learn new skills. It’s also an excellent way to gain work experience to put on CVs for anybody wishing to join the world of work or going forward with education. We always welcome new volunteers, so if you are recently moved to our locality, recently retired, or have a bit of time on your hands and wish to get to know more people our community shop is an excellent facility for providing a heart to the local community and a place to meet up with other people. Of course the main purpose of the shop is to provide our customers with good quality, reasonably priced, produce. We aim to support local producers and to that end we offer an excellent range of fresh local produce, eggs, bread, pies and cakes, all produced within a very short distance from us. Goods can also be pre-ordered so that you can be sure that what you require is there. We also have frozen foods and a whole range of other household goods. Our other services are there for all to use, please come in and you will be greeted by our friendly volunteer staff. • Orders can be taken for regular or one-off meat, bread, cakes… • The Coffee Corner is a good place for a relaxing chat • Find something new to read in the book exchange • A dry-cleaning service, at present collected on Tuesday mornings • We also promote reuse and recycling in the shop and are always happy to receive reusable plastic carrier bags and egg boxes • Newspapers and magazines can be ordered for collection at the shop • Delivery service for those with mobility problems So, not only a good place to shop and find local produce, meet up with people you haven’t seen in ages, but it also gives real heart to the local community. We look forward to seeing you there. Management Team: Lucy Barrett, 831890; Sue Browne, 831321; Terry Fordham, 831529; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen, 831288; Steve Woolhouse, 831080
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1ST CLAYDON SCOUT GROUP Hot off the press! Scout visit to In Touch magazine Following an insightful evening earlier in 2017 about how In Touch magazine is produced, the Scouts had the opportunity to see the full workings of designing and printing the magazine. In December the troop visited Wharfedale Road, home of Mansion House Publishing, and saw first-hand the production of the Christmas edition of the magazine. The team demonstrated how printing plates were produced and loaded onto printing presses. The speed of printing and the complexity of printing so many editions of the magazine surprised Scouts and Leaders alike. We were then shown the finishing shop where the paper was trimmed and the pages bound on very large machines. Finally, the troop were shown the designing of pages on the In Touch design team Macs. The Scouts would like to thank all those at In Touch for the evening. 1st Claydon fundraising – more than £500 raised 1st Claydon Scout Group once again was invited to pack bags at Waitrose supermarket in Futura Retail Park. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts all helped during the day and the generosity of customers meant that £403 was raised. The group would like to thank Waitrose and their customers once again. The money will be used towards the up keep of the HQ and ongoing replacement of worn out equipment. Further funds were raised from another of the groups regular curry nights too. Group Scout Leader Terry Sutton commented: “Yet again we have seen the generosity of people to give and ensure that children from Claydon, Great Blakenham and Barham continue to have a venue to meet in and equipment to use in our full programme of activities.” He went on to say: “Despite our lively and active group we now have a most critical need for adults of any age to step forward and help us run our Beaver, Cub and Scout sections. Though we have leaders in each, we need them to be supported.” You don’t need prior experience to join as a leader or helper. Training is provided and can be done online at weekends and on the job with guidance from our current leadership team. We would very much appreciate support from adults over 18 years to any age above. With the growth of the three villages and more children needing places we’d appreciate the help of the growing number of adults also living in Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. Please call or text 07802 249686 if you are able to help.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Hard to believe we are nearly half way through the first half of spring term. The children have been enjoying their time again with lots of crafts and managing to get outside to play as well, even if they have been wrapped up well to do it! 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. The next bookings are for February half term (Monday 12 to Friday 16) and the Easter Holidays (Tuesday 3 to Monday, April 16 inclusive). 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 Government Childcare Vouchers Scheme. If you are using the 30 hours you must provide your 30 hour code (given once registered) to use and your National Insurance Number. Once we have checked these details you can book sessions (subject to availability) for the following term. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648
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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB December Prize-winners 1: Vanessa Welham (27) 2: Amanda Harkett (75) 3: Wendy Hicks (24)
£13.50 £6.75 £2.25
This raised £22.50 for Claydon Pre-school. 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. 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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CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mother’s Union project which has been run by Mother’s Union members and supporters for 27 years. We welcome parents, 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 February 8 and 22 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. 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. 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. 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 me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com. Michelle
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL The spring term has started with a flurry of activity, especially our Year 11 students who are already undertaking more internal exams in preparation for the real thing in the summer. They have also been completing coursework and practical assessments in a range of subjects including music, drama, art, PE, DT, computing science, business studies, health and social care and leisure and tourism. It can be a stressful time, but lots of support is offered especially in the form of afterschool revision sessions. Later this month we are taking them on a Revision Bootcamp on Mersea Island in Essex. As well as learning some useful revision strategies they will attempt some challenging physical activities including high ropes and a climbing wall to prove to themselves that if they have a go – they will succeed! Hopefully in addition to returning home cold, tired and muddy they will feel more confident moving towards their exam season. Year 9 are just starting out on their GCSE journey and made their choices of which subjects to study at our options evening. We offer a lot of career guidance throughout the school and it is always exciting to hear of their dreams and aspirations for their future careers. Elsewhere in school the Readathon has proved very popular with students in Years 7-9 reading thousands of pages and hundreds of books and sharing reviews of what they have enjoyed. 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, February 26. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders to book a place: 01473 836110 The term will remain busy into March and as we move towards some lighter evenings I hope everyone enjoys the arrival of signs of spring. Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor
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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 01473 748914 / revjseggar@outlook.com www.stmarybramford.co.uk Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service February 1 United Service at Cherryfields, 3pm February 4 2nd before Lent 10am Parish Communion, Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer, Baylham February 11 1st before Lent 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm Five o’clock Service, Bramford February 13 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre February 14 Ash Wednesday 9.30am Communion, Vicarage 7pm Communion for Ash Wednesday with Healing, Bramford February 18 Lent 1 10am Parish Communion, Bramford 6pm Parish Communion, Baylham February 21 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room February 22 7.30pm Lent Group 1, Vicarage
food parcels to families in need, from the donations that you made to us. Watch this space for more Tabitha action later in the year. Less positively, there have been a number of major thefts from churches in the area recently, so we may not be opening our doors on such a regular basis for prayer and reflection. I am sure that you will have heard that St Mary’s, Whitton had their safe stolen, and in fact two people have recently been arrested for that particular crime, but it is part of a growing trend at the moment. If the church is locked when you want to go in, you only have to call at the vicarage and I will be pleased to unlock for you, and we will leave a number where other keys are available. I hope things will settle down soon and we will be able to leave the church open more regularly. To finish positively, it has already been a lively year. We have finally finished the building project at Baylham, hopefully by the time you read this, the organ will be well on the way to being put back in place and we hope to have a celebration and blessing service soon, and the Bell Project at Nettlestead has been started. St Mary’s, Nettlestead only has one bell which was cast in 1618. To celebrate its 400th anniversary, it has been lowered and is being refurbished and rehung, so we really hope that its lovely mellow sound will chime across the village again later this year. Finally, believe it or not, Lent starts on February 14, so our Lent courses will begin on Wednesday 21 at 7pm at the vicarage. At time of writing I haven’t yet finished planning the lent course, but will let you know as soon as it has been decided. We usually have a good evening sharing experiences and exploring different aspects of our faith. You do not need any experience to take part, and all are welcome, please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to find out more.
February 25 Lent 2 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Fourth Sunday Service, Bramford
Blessings, Jenny
February 28 7.30pm Lent Group 2, Vicarage
Baptisms December 17, 2017: Sally Smith, Bramford December 29, 2017: Ophelia Verity Webb, Baylham May they grow in grace and the knowledge of God.
Please check porch notices for any changes. Dear Friends, There are several things I need to mention this month, some more positive than others. Firstly, the positive. Many of you contributed to The Tabitha Project before Christmas and I am really pleased to report that we gave 18 gifts to those who you identified as being lonely in our communities, gifts which were given in person by the children involved in the project and which were much appreciated. Loneliness is a huge problem in our community and it is up to us to spot those around us who might need encouragement to talk to others, or need our help. Thank you again. We were also able to give a couple of
PARISH REGISTERS
Funerals November 17, 2017: Graham Wright, Little Blakenham December 21, 2017: Bert Brown, Bramford We extend to his family our sympathy and prayers. Cleaning Rota: TBA Flower Rota: TBA Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church December: In memory of Mr and Mrs Cracknell December: In memory of Mr W (Terry) Moffat January 16: In memory of Diana Curtis 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 taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world. February 4 Proverbs 8: 22-31
2nd before Lent Col. 1: 15-20
Green John 1: 1-14
February 11 2 Kings 2: 1-12
Sunday before Lent 2 Cor. 4: 3-6
Green Mark 9: 2-9
Lent 1 1 Peter 3: 18-22
Purple Mark 1: 9-15
Lent 2 Romans 4: 13-25
Purple Mark 8: 31-18
February 18 Gen. 9: 8-17
February 25 Gen. 17: 1-7,15,16
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CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH
THE MAGIC CUBE
Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117
In 1974, Erno Rubik, a professor from Budapest in Hungary, invented the ‘Magic Cube’. It took him over a month to solve his first built cube.
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.
The cube became more and more popular in Hungary, but it wasn’t until 1980 that the cube, having been given its new name, The Rubik’s Cube, went global.
SUNDAY Morning Worship with Holy Communion: every second Sunday, 10.30-11.30am* Lighthouse Club: 10.30-11.30am (term time only) 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. MONDAY Bible Study: informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss, every third Monday, 2-3pm TUESDAY Network/MWiB*: our ladies’ meeting, although gentlemen are always welcome, second and fourth Tuesdays of month, 2-3pm WEDNESDAY Computer Club: 10am-noon (term time only) Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing: second Wednesday of month, 7.30-8.30pm THURSDAY United Service at Cherryfields: first Thursday of month (very informal), 3-3.30pm* SATURDAY Coffee Morning: at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see diary), third Saturday of month, 10-11am *Tea and coffee served afterwards DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 2018 Thursday 1, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 4, 10.30am: Morning Worship with Mrs M Watsham Sunday 11, 10.30am: Morning Worship / Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw (Poverty Action Sunday) Tuesday 13, 2pm: Network/MWiB, The Rev D Grimshaw Wednesday 14, 7.30pm: Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing Saturday 17, 10am: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields
Since its international launch in 1980, an estimated 400 million Rubik’s Cubes have been sold. An amazing one in seven people have played with this fascinating and frustrating puzzle. Source https://uk.rubiks.com/about/the-history-of-the-rubiks-cube/ At the end of last year a Rubik’s Cube found its way into our home, bringing back memories of watching my brother trying to solve it nearly 30 years ago. I have been able to complete the puzzle, but more by luck than judgment. According to the Rubik’s Cube official website the puzzle is almost impossible without some instructions so now I’m trying to learn how to do the cube following the company’s method. The good news of Jesus started out in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago and has been spreading worldwide ever since. Many have heard the life-changing message of peace with God through Jesus. I don’t know if it is one in seven like the Rubik’s Cube or not, but there are many who still haven’t heard the good news. Maybe you are in the one in seven who have had a go at the Rubik’s Cube, maybe even know how to do it! Or maybe you’re in the six in seven who hasn’t had a go. More importantly, have you heard the good news of Jesus or not? Where I am looking to discover how to complete the puzzle would you seek to find out more about Jesus? 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
Sunday 18, 10.30am: Mr C Finbow Monday 19, 2pm: Bible Study Sunday 25, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr H Chicken Sunday 25, 4-6pm: Families @ 4, The Rev D Grimshaw Tuesday 27, 2pm: Network/MWiB, Mrs Annette Elliss from the Tourist Information Centre
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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 FEBRUARY Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am 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
Sunday, February 11: Sunday before Lent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am family@henley Henley Church 10am Holy Communion Barham Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Wednesday, February 14: Ash Wednesday 7pm Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes, Gt Blakenham Church
NEWS families@4.30: February 11 at Barham Church Hall. All are welcome as we have loads of fun. For catering purposes, please contact Roger Colthorpe to book: 01473 831079 Claydon Church: Currently open during daylight hours, thanks to a few volunteers. If you can spare a few minutes one day a week to open/close the church, please contact Rev Carl. After a super candlelit carol service there in December, we’re looking forward to the St Peter’s Songs of Praise on Saturday, June 30 at 4pm, followed by a picnic tea. Sunday’s Cool: Meets on the second and third Sunday of every month in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 10.30am (February 11 & 18, March 11 & 18). Stories, games, songs, loads of fun! It’s free – no need to book! Contact Irene for more info: 01449 676567. 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: Ash Wednesday kicks Lent off on February 14. We’ll be holding the traditional Ashing Service at 7pm in Gt Blakenham Church. Please do join house groups during Lent, where we’ll be looking at The Shack by William Young. These meet at various places which can be found on our website. Henley Church Services: please note the new time of church services at Henley – every Sunday at 9.30am.
Sunday, February 18: 1st Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, February 25: 2nd Sunday of Lent 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
OTHER SERVICES AND EVENTS February Tuesday 6 Holy Conversations, Rectory, 7pm Sunday 11 families@4.30, Barham Church Hall, 4.30pm Tuesday 13 Pancakes!! Gt Blakenham Parish Room, 6.30pm Wednesday 14 Ash Wednesday Service, Gt Blakenham, 7pm
Sunday, March 4: 3rd Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
March Tuesday 6 Saturday 10 Saturday 17 Sunday 25 Friday 30
Further services can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Paul Corbett, 830201 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463
February Candlemas: Light to the Church Jesus is the light of the world: shine bright so people will see you and love him. Gt Blakenham Church: Sunday, February 4, 11am Henley Church: Sunday, February 11, 9.30am Barham Church: Sunday, February 18, 10am Refreshments available at all of our services. Everyone welcome!
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Church AGMs: This year all three parishes will join together for one APCM on March 24. At this meeting we will elect our churchwardens and Church PCC members as well as look at the vision for the year ahead. It’s also a chance to thank those who do so much for our churches.
Holy Conversations, Rectory, 7pm Beetle Drive, Henley Church, 6pm Joint APCM, Venue TBC Palm Sunday and start of Holy Week Good Friday with Children’s Workshops
Further dates can be found on our website. Letter from the Vicar One of the most exciting parts of my job is being able to walk alongside all sorts of people as they experience life. It might be assisting at a funeral or sitting with those who mourn, or rejoicing with a couple at a wedding or baptism. Often people ask me to be there in the quiet moments of faith and in the normality of life. Whatever the reason I’m there, one thing that I see in each situation is change. After every one of life’s moments there is often change – sometimes big change, sometimes small. That part of my job is exciting because I see transformation. As we look to Lent (which begins on Valentine’s Day this year) I am reminded that Easter is about transformation – being changed. The 40 days of Lent are given to us to help us prepare for that transformation and change. God asks us to leave the old things and walk towards the new; to step out of darkness into the light; to opt out of slavery and be free! Whatever you are going through in your life, there will be change – big or small. Why not journey with us as we let God transform us together? The Rev Carl Melville
carlmelville@hotmail.com
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