March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA
• FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll, Auto Enrolment,VAT, Self Assessment, and full accounting service • Personable and professional tailored support • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies
Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk
In Touch
™© ™©
with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 7 • Issue No. 9 • JULY 2017
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service
01473 327596
orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR At the end of my weekly yoga class we spend about 15 minutes unwinding (sometimes literally). It’s meant as time to relax but this week I found myself imagining what I would say if my son had been caught up in one of the recent terrorist attacks. I tried in vain to dismiss the thought but silent tears were quickly sliding into my ears as I lay there counting down the minutes. There simply are no words. How does one cope with grief such as this while also dealing with the fact that your child’s life has been taken from them? All their hopes and their potential wiped out, all that energy and excitement and fun and love stolen from the world forever. Ironically, in the background my yoga instructor was speaking about being a positive influence in the world and the following words struck me: a positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, actions and outcomes. In the context of recent events this seems more than a little frivolous, but in coming together to share a minute’s silence, or at an event such as One Love Manchester, isn’t that exactly what we are doing. When we come together to share our grief we find comfort in others and strength to carry on, and now more than ever we need to look out for each other. We’re told our behaviour as adults has a direct impact on how our children behave. Is it possible that our behaviour can have a positive influence on the adults we interact with too? Is compassion contagious? Does the kindness of another change how we behave? If we have it within us to influence the behaviour of others we have power and we can use this power to affect positive change. A kindness shown to a stranger today might change how they behave tomorrow, and so it goes. It’s a tiny ripple in what appears to be a rather deep, dark ocean but together we are stronger.
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
01473 400380
Send editorial copy to: blakenham@intouchnews.co.uk
Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380
Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380
Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
01473 400379
Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
In Touch with...
AUGUST DEADLINE 10 JULY 2017
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
NEWS BAYLHAM CHURCH SPONSORED CYCLE RIDE The sponsored cycle ride will be held on September 9 this year. Last year we had a tremendous response and raised around £500. Or rather the cyclists did, plus a donation from a pair who would have cycled but went on their honeymoon instead. A good reason! Would those same people be willing to do it again? Plus any other volunteers? For full details and sponsor forms please contact Wendy: 832885
FRIENDS OF BAYLHAM CHURCH On Thursday, July 13, Dick Storer will present a talk on the forming of the Red Arrows. It will be held in the village hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 and include refreshments. Contact Wendy (832885) or Ann (830316).
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Networking opportunities for July Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, July 7, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, July 21, 6.45am at The Bistro, Stonham Barns
Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
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 on the Mid Suffolk District Council website: 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, ecological mitigation, etc. After the last article which the SnOasis Parish Alliance placed in the June edition of In Touch, the remaining Reserved Matters were sent out for consultation – hundreds of documents, some of them highly technical and detailed. This has presented all the consultees with a huge challenge to study the documents and produce meaningful comments in the timescale. By the time you read this article in July, the consultation period for comments on the Reserved Matters will have closed. Mid Suffolk District Council will now be processing all the responses that they have received from neighbours, specialist agencies and local councils. For now, there is nothing further the SPA can do, but wait for MSDC’s decisions. However, the SPA will continue to take any opportunity to raise the concerns of residents in the area about this huge development. For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
3
NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Your parish council wants to hear your views on the village and what we can do to improve it. So how can you get in touch with us and let us know what you think? Firstly, there is a public forum at the beginning of each meeting. The purpose of this is to give members of the public, especially residents of Great Blakenham, the opportunity to raise concerns or ask questions about topics that are related to the work of the parish council. If you would like to raise an issue for councillors to consider, please contact the clerk: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777 We regularly post information about the parish council and its work on our Facebook page (@greatblakenhampc) and on Twitter (@pcgtblakenham), but also items that are of interest locally, such as road closures, the allotments, SnOasis Reserved Matters and mud on the roads. If you want to leave us a message this way, please do so. You’ll find information about all the above and the work of the council, as well as copies of agendas and minutes of meetings, at: www.greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net SnOasis reserved matters are now being considered by MSDC. Parish councillors have had to work very hard to study all the hundreds of documents and make comments on the impact of the proposals on the village. This stage of the process is over, but you can be confident that the parish council will continue to monitor the progress of the application and work for the best possible outcomes for the village. Some new bins – for dog waste and general rubbish – will be appearing on the new development off Chequers Rise once all the construction work has finished. Please use the bins provided, especially those for dog waste which is always a source of complaint. Also, there will be two more grit bins, one to be located where the pile of grit is situated on Chequers Rise. During the recent heavy rain, flooding once again caused problems on the B113 from the incinerator to Hackneys Corner and along Gipping Road. This is an ongoing problem which County Councillor John Field is championing for us with Suffolk County Council Highways. Of course, all residents and road users are welcome to register their complaints on the Highways Reporting page: https://tinyurl.com/ybk8trs4 Since plans for the development of 130 houses on Stowmarket Road was announced, your council has been lobbying MSDC planning and the development agents about the future of the allotments. The application has now been approved and still does not include the allotment land and we will be continuing to work towards a more permanent solution. As part of this, the council has made an offer to the landowner to open negotiations about a possible purchase of the allotment land by the council. We have now spoken to the landowner and will be maintaining this contact while the reserved matters for the development are being sorted out. Finally, we have vacancies for councillors. If you would like to be involved in the important and varied work that the council does, please contact the clerk for further information. As you can see from the above information, the council has a very varied range of powers and is involved in all sorts of areas of life in the village. Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting at 7pm on July 12 in the Parish Meeting Room. Chairman Steve Plume
4
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM In the light of the recent tragic attacks in Manchester and London, I thought it might be worth taking a different theme this month and talking about terrorism. While Suffolk is a relatively low-risk county for terrorist incidents, we should not be complacent, and all Suffolk Police Officers are trained in line with the government’s ‘PREVENT’ strategy, which you can view online at: www.gov.uk (search ‘prevent’). Up and down the country, the police and security services rely on information which is passed to us by ordinary members of the public – we rely on you to be our eyes and ears. What is Radicalisation? People are not born ‘terrorists’. They go through a process to either become a terrorist or support extremist causes in other ways. This can happen to anyone, which makes spotting it difficult, but what we do know is that people are far more likely to be radicalised if they are vulnerable. Those who are most vulnerable are (but not limited to): • Younger people from age 13 upwards • Those experiencing an identity or personal crisis • Individuals with feelings of unmet aspirations or a sense of injustice • People with a need for adventure or excitement • Those with a pre-existing conviction that their religion or culture is under threat • Individuals who feel socially isolated and, possibly, are suffering from depression • Those who have a history of criminal behaviour What are the signs that someone may be at risk of radicalisation? • B eing overly secretive about their online viewing – this being one of the core ways in which ISIS is known to communicate. • D isplaying feelings of isolation or expressions of an ‘us and them’ mentality – a sign of the sense of social isolation. • B ecoming more argumentative or domineering in their viewpoints, being quick to condemn those who disagree and ignoring views that contradict their own. • Questioning their faith or identity. • Downloading or promotion extremist content. • Social isolation – losing interest in activities they used to enjoy, distancing themselves from friends and social groups. • Altered appearance – change in style of dress and/or appearance. • Abnormal routines, travel patterns or aspirations. What can YOU do if you are worried about someone being radicalised? The simple answer is – TELL US! ANTI-TERRORIST HOTLINE: 0800 789 321
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
5
NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: JUNE 2017 The parliamentary election produced a major shock and many of us involved, and quite a few journalists, are busy viewing it through the lenses of our own beliefs. Was it the desire to see an end to austerity, the proposals on winter fuel allowances, NHS funding, social care funding, the dementia tax or student fees that drove the change in views as the campaign progressed? We could all add a number of other possibilities, but the answer is unique to each voter, as it should be. There may well be changes to the local government context produced by the result. I would hope that the relentless pressure on county budgets will be less severe and that we move towards a ‘soft Brexit’. County Budget Outturn The overall county council income was £496.4m against a start of year estimate of £492.4m. Expenditure on services of £497.2m was higher than the start of year estimate of £496.7m by some £0.5m. At the year start it was assumed that £4.3m would be taken from reserves but in the final analysis £8.2m was added. If this addition to reserves is added as a spend then there was a £9m overspend. To achieve this outcome, substantial savings of £34.4m were made by managing demand. In Adult and Community Services, care purchasing was overspent by £2.1m, but family carers underspent by £1.4m. In Children and Young People, increased complexity of need drove up the cost of care placements, causing £5m of an overall £7.3m overspend. Next year’s budget has been increased as it is vital to meet these young people’s needs. However, a number of plans to reduce cost are underway. County Council Structure There were proposals to change the political structure of the council back to a committee system where more councillors are involved in decisions, but that has been dismissed. The current leader and cabinet system will be retained. However, it is intended to set up a number of cabinet committees able to consider and make recommendations on the functions of the council. These would have members of all parties in the same ratio as the council but just how many committees is not yet determined. This will, we hope, reduce the tendency for decisions from within an administration bubble with few views from the wider community. My County Council Activities We have set up a Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent Group. This allows us to re-gain the research assistant who was so useful, helping
us ensure we understood issues fully and that any proposals we made were thoroughly analysed and costed. The group will allow us to examine administration proposals from a wider set of perspectives and skills. I will continue on the Scrutiny committee and our first task will be training for new councillors. On June 29 we are looking at the council’s transformation programmes. Local Issues I am following up on the issues I mentioned last month, but the contact points in the new Highways Integrated Teams are still not yet defined. District Council After a minor re-organisation of the Liberal Democrat. Group for the new financial year, I am now involved with Scrutiny and remain on one of the two planning committees. Scrutiny will be looking at revised plans for the Housing Revenue Account where the government instruction to reduce rents by 1% per year for four years and right-to- buy sales bring a possible issue with the limit placed on the council’s borrowing. The sums involved are not major, but must be addressed by reducing spend or raising income. I will let you know what we discover. Developments The Greenhouse project has found the funding it needs and will, I am told, be going ahead during the summer. The initial plans are for a southern greenhouse of reduced but still large size and no movement on the northern structure until commercial success is established. Now that the parish group have the full documentation, preparation of the parish response to the SnOasis Reserved Matters application is progressing. The proposal to replace the railway station with a bus link via Needham Market is a cause for concern. Just what will the impact on road traffic and congestion be? The planning application for land at Church Lane in Barham has been validated and the parish council is arranging a public meeting to allow issues to be explored and local opinion to be determined. If you have queries please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808. You can also email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk Twitter @JohnFieldjd / Facebook: fieldjd accounts www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org
FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP 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, especially for those in need, and to 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. Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club: meets at noon on the first Friday of each month at the Parish Rooms in Great Blakenham. Contact Mike: 07805 507497
6
The Book Club: meets at The Crown at 10.30am the last Thursday in the month. The Gipping Valley Art Society: meets every Tuesday afternoon at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms. Contact: Ann – 01473 831031 / Margaret – 01473 830135 4 Ever Young Men’s Club: meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am in The Crown at Claydon. Contact Mike: 07805 507497 The Knitting Group: meets in the lounge at Alasdair Place on the first Thursday in the month from 10.30am-noon.
In Touch online:
ADVERTORIAL
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.
Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
7
NEWS DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH, SOMERSHAM Bought by the community, opened by the community and – temporarily – run by the community It’s all go at the pub! Since Easter, the doors have been opening on a limited, but regular basis and there’s been loads of work going on. We’re open for drinks on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Saturday and Sunday from noon. Card payments are now accepted. If you haven’t already popped in, come along for a drink and a chat and to see work in progress. Check out times on the website, Facebook or blackboard outside the pub. Until we have a permanent manager and chef in place – and a menu on offer – you’re more than welcome to order a take-away, or bring your own food to eat in the pub. And check out the pizza van that sets up in the car-park on Thursdays from 5-8pm to serve pub customers with freshly cooked-to-order Neapolitan pizzas. To get the pub ready for opening, we appointed Maggie James as ‘fit for opening’ project manager. She recently completed the huge job, wading through the workload to get everything operational and legally compliant. We also appointed Kate Wright as interim manager – allowing the pub to open for drinks until permanent appointments are made and the whole place is ready to launch properly. She is doing a great job with the support of many wonderful volunteers, including one who has driven all the way from Kent to do his shift behind the bar! We have always said that the aim is for the pub to be community owned and professionally run. To remain viable, rural pubs need to attract people from near and far. No-one will drive 20 miles just to have a drink in someone else’s local, but they may travel that far for interesting, beautifully-prepared, fresh food – and a drink and a warm welcome. Once that is in place, we’ll have a proper launch and start asking you to spread the word! THE WORKS Our cellar has been refurbished and all that remains to be done is to replace the cooling system, which is on its last legs. Good news – there’s an appetite for real ales! We’ve been selling a lot of beers from the Earl Soham Brewery and will be looking to rotate those with other beers from Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. The advantage of being a freehouse means we’re not tied to one brewery and can try out a whole range of fantastic local beers. A fantastic group of volunteers are helping revamp the pub with new
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE Suffolk Show A wonderful few days were spent at Suffolk Show at the beginning of June. The theme of the Suffolk Waste Partnership tent was the ocean which was created by more than 900 fish made by children from schools across Suffolk, and an octopus made of recycled items. In keeping with the theme, SUEZ had a rowing machine to challenge members of the public to row 20 strokes as fast as they could. There was a leader’s board and the fastest rower did 20 strokes in 20 seconds! This year the aim was to remind people to put their rubbish in the right place so it doesn’t end up in the wrong place and damage the environment.
colour, new lighting and some new furniture – including built-in banquette seating and snug areas. Below we see volunteers from BT who came to help paint the pub along with committee members Maggie James and Mike Shelmerdine. We look forward to welcoming clubs, businesses and community groups to use our cosy back room. Please get in touch if you have a group needing a regular daytime or evening venue room – or are looking for somewhere for a one-off event. Many people have also been giving their time to smarten up the grounds, get flowers and bushes planted and make the place look loved – and worth visiting! Of course, the pub sign will be replaced. Work is progressing and everything will soon be about the Duke of Marlborough rather than ‘Save the Duke’. The lion’s share of the saving has been done. That’s down to the brilliant people who had faith and put their hands in their pockets to invest. Those who have supported with fundraising and volunteering have also played a crucial role. Huge thanks to everyone who has played a part. Of course, even with its new look and re-launch, the pub will still massively need the support of the community, not just as customers, but also as financial backers. If you would like to become a shareholder (and get 30% tax relief through the government’s EIS scheme) please contact Keith McKeown on 07817 418942. Any questions or comments, please contact me at: marlboroughsomersham@gmail.com / 07789 691434 We look forward to seeing you soon! James Batchelor-Wylam and the committee
Gumtree. If your electrical item is broken you can recycle it at your local recycling centre. 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 836821 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
Recycle your electrical items Here at the Energy from Waste facility we only take the rubbish that’s left over after recycling. Electrical items mustn’t go in your black bin, they can be reused or recycled. If your electrical item is still working, you can take it to a local charity shop or to the reuse bay at your local recycling centre. You can also find a new home for these items online via sites like Freecycle, Preloved and
8
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT AN EVENING THAT GOES WITH A SWISH!
AFTERNOON TEA
Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that you have hardly worn – is it time for a sort out? Have no fear, the answer is here – a Swish in aid of St Elizabeth’s Hospice.
Bucklesham Village Hall on Sunday, July 30, 2-4pm
So what exactly is a Swish? It’s a great opportunity to swap your new or like-new clothes and accessories in a friendly, relaxed environment, while enjoying a glass of Prosecco – what could be better? You will be able to bring five items of clothing and two accessories on the night, but at the end of the evening anything left will be available to buy.
Tickets £10 from Sarah: 07496 041768
The Swish is taking place in the Boughton Room of Henley Community Centre on Friday, July 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 which will include a glass of Prosecco or something non-alcoholic if you are driving. There will be a raffle and other stalls to browse. All proceeds and leftover clothes will be donated to St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Tickets are limited so please contact Jemma Addicott on 01473 832646 to secure your place and receive more information about how you can get the most out of this opportunity.
BLUE CROSS OPEN DAY AND FUN DOG SHOW Our open day and fun dog show will take place on Saturday, July 29 at the animal rehoming centre on Bourne Hill, Wherstead IP2 8NQ between 11am and 4pm. Building on the success of our first open day last year, we are making the event even larger this year with a fun dog show, dog agility and fun scurry, stalls, refreshments, animal units open for viewing, kid’s activities, live music and a raffle. Entry by way of a monetary donation. For more information, contact the centre on 0300 777 1480 / suffolk@bluecross.org.uk or visit our Facebook page: @bluecrosssuffolk
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
10.35-1055am
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
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
2017 DATES: July 4, August 1, August 29, September 26, October
Tea, homemade cakes and sandwiches, plus a live band to entertain you.
BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS NEW PRODUCTION If you are interested in being part of Bar-Clay Music Makers’ next production, The Little Mermaid, please make a note of two important diary dates. The read-through will take place on Wednesday, July 12 at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall and auditions will be held in the village hall a week later on July 19 in two sessions: chorus at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm. If you’re not sure about being part of the show (on stage, behind the scenes or front of house), why not come along to the read-through and find out more? Rehearsals start on September 6 for the panto at the end of January and everyone is welcome. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and be part of a lively and creative group. If you can’t make the read-through but would like to ask any questions or register an interest (no commitment), please contact Vera Rogers: 01473 836972 / vera.rogers1@btinternet.com
Baylham Bash A fun afternoon for all the family ŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŝŽŶƐ
ĂŬĞƐ
Y
dĞĂƐ
ZĂĨĨůĞ ĂŶĚ ůŽƚƐ ŵŽƌĞ͊
Saturday 22nd July 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Baylham Village Hall Parking at the Church
24, November 21, December 19
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
9
OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB The club meets every Monday (other than bank holidays) from 2-4pm in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from February to December. Members pay £2 per meeting and this covers hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. In June we were pleased to welcome Sue Cranwell to our meeting. Sue is a member of the Embroiderers Guild. There are four guilds around East Anglia and they are pooling ideas with the Museum for East Anglian Life as both are celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year. There are various exhibitions by the guilds through the summer at the museum in Stowmarket, but our involvement centres on the October half term holiday. One of the ideas, which will be a first for the Guinness Book of Records and will be adjudicated and verified by one of their representatives, is to make the longest caterpillar from Suffolk puffs. Various schools, clubs and individuals are all taking part and the caterpillar will then be displayed at the museum in Stowmarket. Pictures will follow over the summer of our contributions and more details are available from the museum. Our programme for the rest of 2017 July 3: Backgrounds August 7: Painting and Decorating September 4: Boxed Up October 2: Kantha November 13: Mini Makes Month December 4: Christmas Party If all this 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 can’t accommodate children. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
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 the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. 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 the building with the green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House. The parking area is at the rear and the building is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair. At our first meeting in May we had a social afternoon where our literary skills were called upon. Members divided into pairs and each pair was given a slip of paper with three random words from which they had to compose a short story in 50 words or under in a short period of time. As an example the words Travel, Blossom and Riot became: She stood outside the travel agents and gazed at the window display feasting her eyes on the riot of colour. She had always wanted to visit Japan and see the cherry blossoms. “It’s now or never,” she thought as she pushed the door open. Perhaps other clubs may wish to use this idea at a meeting. At our second meeting in June, Liza Jones presented a talk and slideshow entitled Behind the Bathroom Door. This was a mix of history and memory jogging and enjoyed by everyone. The Romans originally brought bathing to England, but when they left so did the habit of bathing for some 200 years. We have no doubt all learned about bedpans being thrown into the street and the smells that pervaded our towns and cities in earlier centuries. It was not until after the Second World War that indoor toilets and bathrooms become the ‘norm’ and many of our members reminisced about growing up with outside lavatories and the tin bath tub once a week for all the family. Liza also talked about soaps and other toiletries and the early days of their production, items that we take for granted nowadays. On a more reflective note it is a fact that more people in India have access to a mobile phone than have access to a toilet. Our programme up to our summer break is: July 12: Social afternoon with Sandra July 26: Summer tea party with entertainment by one of our members, Dot Chapman, on her accordion We have quite a varied programme and 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
Thursday, July 27, 7.30pm: A Short History of Shopping by Linda Sexton
GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB
From bartering to the internet, taking in the development of markets, and thereby towns themselves, the changing appearance of shops through the ages, a short history of several well-known stores such as Sainsbury’s and the Co-op, future trends and the use of the internet, perhaps going back to bartering! The talk is illustrated with pictures from Ipswich and other parts of the country, and usually provokes memories among the audience of stores long since gone in our town.
Winning tickets for July 2017 £25 208 S Broom £15 92 Sylvia Brooks £10 255 Ed Baldwin £10 30 Margaret Minns £5 55 Chris Farley £5 16 Sandra Green
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.
Thank you to everyone who has bought tickets for the 200 Club. All money raised by your membership goes toward the repair and preservation of St Mary’s Parish Church.
For information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk
10
The annual £12 subscription is collected in January, but you can join at any time and only pay for the months remaining in the year. If you are not yet a member and would like the chance to win a prize and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building, please call Marion: 01473 830915
In Touch online:
Fri 30th June - Thurs 6th July
CHURCHILL (PG)
Fri 30th: 2.30 & 7.45, Sat 1st: 7.45 Sun 2nd & Mon 3rd: 2.30 Tue 4th - Thurs 6th: 2.30 & 7.45 Fri 23rd - Thurs 29th June
WONDER WOMAN (12A) Fri 23rd & Sat 24th: 7.45 Sun 25th & Mon 26th: 2.15 Tue 27th & Wed 28th: 7.45 Thurs 29th: 11.30am
BAYWATCH (15)
Fri 23rd - Sun 25th: 5.00, Mon 26th: 11.45am Tue 27th - Thurs 29th: 5.00
SNATCHED (15)
Fri 23rd & Sat 24th: 2.30 Tue 27th & Wed 28th: 2.30 Thurs 29th: 2.30 & 8.15
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (PG) Sat 24th & Sun 25th: 12.00
LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC
Monday 26th June at 7.30pm - Tickets £15.00
THE INDIANS
Monday 3rd July at 7.30pm - Tickets £15.00
SHAUN CUDDY EVENT CINEMA
World Class Theatre - Beamed to Stowmarket Thurs 20th July at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50
Live from the National Theatre
ANGELS IN AMERICA PT. 1 (15) Sat 22nd at 7.00pm & Sun 23rd 3.00pm
Recorded Live at his 2017 Maastricht Concert
ANDRE RIEU
Thurs 27th July at 7.00pm - Tickets £12.50
MY COUSIN RACHEL (12A)
Fri 30th - Sun 2nd: 5.00, Mon 3rd: 12.00 Tue 4th & Wed 5th: 5.00 Thurs 6th: 11.45am & 5.00
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (PG) Sat 1st: 10.30, Sun 2nd: 12.15
Fri 7th - Thurs 13th July
THE MUMMY (15)
Fri 7th: 2.30 & 7.30, Sun 9th 7.45 Mon 10th - Thurs 13th: 2.30 & 7.45
CHURCHILL (PG)
Fri 7th: 5.15, Sun 9th: 5.30 Mon 10th - Wed 12th: 5.15 Thurs 13th: 11.45am & 5.15
Fri 14th - Thurs 20th July
HAMPSTEAD (12A)
Fri 14th - Sun 16th: 2.30 Mon 17th - Wed 19th: 2.30 & 7.45 Thurs 20th: 2.30
THE HOUSE (15)
Fri 14th - Sun 16th: 7.45 Mon 17th - Wed 19th: 5.00 Thurs 20th: 12.00 & 4.45
WONDER WOMAN (12A)
Fri 14th: 5.00 Sat 15th & Sun 16th: 11.45am & 5.00
POCKET MONEY MOVIES
GREAT FAMILY FILMS, KIDS £2.50, ADULTS FREE!*
Live from the National Theatre
BEAUTY & THE BEAST (PG)
www.regalstowmarket.co.uk / 01449 612825
THE BOSS BABY (U)
ANGELS IN AMERICA PT. 2 (15) Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, IP14 1AY
24th & 25th June: 9.30am
Sat 8th July: 10.00am, Sat 15th & Sun 16th July: 10.00am
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
11
OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS TREES TO TIMBER AT ORCHARD BARN OBee CIC is organising a free Tree to Timber event at Orchard Barn. It’s on Saturday, July 29 between 10am and 4pm and is funded by Suffolk Community Foundation. There will be talks, demonstrations, tours and hands-on taster sessions. Come and try your hand at peg making, using a shave horse, shingle dressing or pole lathing. Or watch a timber framing, tool sharpening or elm bark seat making demonstration. Talk with us about learning new skills on our traditional building skills courses, or what it might mean to get involved as a regular volunteer. Have a look at projects undertaken by volunteers. See plans for and progress on our exciting new educational resource – the ‘like for like’ reinstatement of the ruined 1580 Suffolk Long House adjacent to the main barn. This event is suitable for adults. Supervised children welcome, but please note that the site is still a work in progress and there will be sharp tools in use. If you would like to participate in the taster sessions please wear stout boots. Bring a picnic and enjoy the old orchard. Parking is very limited so please walk, cycle or share a lift. We are just south-west of Battisford (left at the bottom of Mill Road). For more information about the Tree to Timber event visit: www.orchardbarn.org.uk/treetotimber.html
DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK I was honoured to be returned as Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich on June 8 and especially delighted to be given the added bonus of an increased majority. I would like to thank everyone for the confidence that they have shown in me and for the tremendous support for which I am enormously appreciative. During the election campaign, my team and I visited every part of the constituency on at least one occasion – from Palgrave and Metfield in the North, Kesgrave and North Ipswich in the South, Wickham Market in the East, Cotton in the West, Hoxne, Debenham, Eye, Framlingham and many more in between. I was in North Ipswich nearly every day and was very pleased that the election period allowed me to give my undivided attention to residents, while also giving me the opportunity to listen to people’s views and have numerous conversations which will help me to better represent you over the next five years. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me during the last Parliament as well as during the weeks of the General Election campaign itself and, of course, my thanks go to everyone who voted for me in the General Election. I am also enormously grateful for the hundreds of messages of support and encouragement that I have received. I shall be replying to all of them now that the election is over. In the months and years ahead, my priority will always be to represent the people of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich to the very best of my ability. I shall be fulfilling my promises to support our NHS throughout the constituency, to protect Suffolk’s countryside and to work with county council colleagues to improve broadband coverage and mobile phone reception in our county. It is an enormous honour and privilege to be elected to represent the residents of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich again in Parliament and I shall do my utmost to fulfil the trust that has been placed in me and continue to work hard and do my best for all my constituents.
If you are looking for fun and adventure this summer, Suffolk museums have got you and your family covered! Throughout the school summer holidays, museums across the county will offer a jam-packed line-up of exciting events, activities and workshops for the whole family to enjoy together. From arts and crafts to archeological digs, science workshops, amazing collections and discovery trails galore there’s something for everyone to enjoy in museums this summer. This year, summer visitors are being asked to do the important job of helping to choose Suffolk’s most family friendly museum and there’s certainly lots of events and activities on offer to help you make your choice. Highlights include the range of family fun days, including Steam Railway Days at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum or swing dancing and spitfires at the Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum. Budding scientists can take part in hands-on experiments at The Long Shop Museum’s Workshop Wednesdays or take part in the museum’s all new Summer Discovery Club, a creative arts and crafts club for children aged seven-12. Or unleash your inner archaeologist and unearth real finds at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village or discover what life was like during Medieval times at Dunwich Museum’s Family Discovery Days. Arts and crafts can be found at Gainsborough’s House, where you can design your own fancy dress costume, or at the Pirate Takeover workshops in Moyse’s Hall. The popular Mud, Bugs and Baking sessions also return to the Museum of East Anglian Life where craft enthusiasts can also get involved in Make and Take fabric workshops, including a chance to create part of a giant caterpillar out of a traditional Suffolk Puff! Ipswich Museums will host a Summer of Sound inspired by the iconic Clangers, featuring music workshops, craft activities and storytelling sessions. Along with all this, there are loads of games, quizzes, discovery trails and fun, interactive collections at museums throughout the county. Most museums and activities are either low-cost or absolutely free. Many sites offer free parking and refreshments or a chance to unwind with a family picnic in the sun. You can download your free Summer in Suffolk Museums event program at www.suffolkmuseums.org or to keep up to date with all the latest information and family-friendly event news, follow us at: Facebook.com/summerinsuffolkmuseums
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB May prize-winners No.15 Phil Harman No.16 Keith Sparrow No.30 Linda Firman
£15.90 £7.95 £2.65
New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 a month and the draw takes place on the last Friday 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 Nadine Harrison: 01473 831857 / treasurer@claydonpreschool.co.uk
For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com
12
In Touch online:
SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
pressure shows they have something special. Good schools offer their pupils good choices and encouragement in the curriculum, including sport, the arts and music and for golf to be a part of this mix at more and more schools is very exciting for the Golf Foundation team.” On Tuesday, July 4, Year 6 parents/carers are invited to an induction evening to meet staff, hear about how they can be involved with the school and to discuss any concerns. Year 6 students will attend an induction day on July 5 where they will enjoy lessons, be introduced to some of their teachers and make new friends in their form groups. Year 7 is a special year for the young people who join us and we want to make sure they are happy, confident and prepared for this next exciting stage of their education.
As another incredibly busy academic year nears its end, there is just time to catch up on what has been happening and what we can look forward to in the last few weeks of term. Year 11 students have now left school and while it is sad to see them go, I am very proud of their successes and achievements, both personal and academic, over the last five years. I wish them all the very best for the future. On June 1, Claydon, East Bergholt and Hadleigh High Schools joined together to form a multi-academy trust – The South Suffolk Learning Trust. The three strong schools will be working together to share best practice within the partnership as well as supporting other schools in Suffolk. The South Suffolk Learning Trust (led by an experienced board of local trustees) intends to grow and support the learning of Suffolk youngsters aged between three and 19 and add positively to improving life chances of Suffolk children through effective collaboration. Myself and the other headteachers, Colin Turner and Caroline Gibson, are delighted to be formalising partnerships across schools and enabling an even wider number of children to reach their full potential. On May 24, four of our talented music students were invited to perform at a prestigious award ceremony at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey. As a large group of our PE students watched the professional golfers, including Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Danny Willett swinging their clubs on the course, our musical quartet were playing some swing, rock and jazz to a 200 strong audience who were there celebrate 10 different winning projects who took to the stage to receive their award trophies. The awards celebrate the special volunteers and professionals who give up so much of their time and energy to support young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, as they learn the sport. Brendon Pyle, chief executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “Our work as a charity is all about helping young people to enjoy all the benefits of playing golf. The band from Claydon High performed so well last year and we were delighted to welcome the school back. To perform under this
While we look forward to Year 6 students joining us, our Year 10 students are busy preparing to spend the penultimate week of term on work experience placements. Students have organised their own approved placements, ranging from vets, hairdressers, travel agents, banks and preschools to TT Games in Maidenhead and First Impressions in Newcastle! A good work experience placement can provide a valuable insight into a different environment, helping students to clarify career aspirations so they can think about what they want to do and the qualifications they will potentially need. It can open doors and also provide concrete evidence of interest in a particular career to both university admissions officers and future employers. We wish all Year 10s the best of luck for an enjoyable week. The arts faculty has been particularly busy this term. As I write, staff are preparing for the GCSE Art, Textiles and Design Technology Exhibition on June 20, showcasing some incredible artistic talent. Practice is underway for field and track events ahead of sports day and drama and music rooms are buzzing with the sound of students rehearsing for the upcoming Claydon Spotlights show at the end of June. We look forward to updating you with more news of this in the next edition. Students have enjoyed trips to Ipswich Town Football Club and the University of Suffolk for careers and taster days. Science students have visited Sizewell B and a group of Year 7 students took part in the regional finals of the Bloodhound Rocket Race at RAF Honington. The Bloodhound Project is a national competition which invites every UK school to use micro:bit technology to produce and race foam model cars. We still have many events, such as the Community Tea Party, Praise Tea Party, Year 5 Arts Festival and Sports Award Evening to look forward to before we break up. The PTA has also organised a quiz night on July 6, 7-9pm at the school. Your support at these events is greatly appreciated. For more information, please contact Rebecca: 07814 016805 / becca48@ntlworld.com If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please telephone my PA, Mrs J Pedersen, on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term. Headteacher Mrs S Skinner
We stopped to look at our favourite view It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day
01473 858517
www.eastofengland.coop/funerals for your local funeral director
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
13
SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL
May was a busy month at CPS with various sporting events, musical opportunities, residential trips and exciting learning across the school. And to top it off we had some sunshine.
our learning powers at CPS as it encourages children to be resilient and creative, to work together and to be curious. A great time was had by all, including the adults!
The start of May was especially busy for our Year 6 pupils who had their SATs week. We were all extremely impressed with how all the children coped. It can be quite a tense and stressful week for them, but they showed great resilience and maturity throughout. It was also wonderful to see how well they all supported each other, a real team effort by all the pupils.
As well as Year 4 ticking of some of their ‘50 things’, Year 5 go to tick off number 47: Learn basic first aid skills. They had a very informative and engaging visit from Pete Gill from St John’s Ambulance who shared the key skills necessary to be an effective, safe and prompt first aider.
With SATs out of the way the children continue to work hard on various pieces of writing, as well as maths, preparing for auditions for the Year 5/6 production and beginning transition work for high school. We have the added benefit of being next door neighbours with Claydon High School so many children will get the opportunity to have extra visits to the school to familiarise themselves before starting in September. We have a parent and pupil induction meeting coming up at Claydon High. This provides parents and pupils will a fantastic opportunity to get to know members of staff as well as asking any questions. It also helps the high school staff to get to know our pupils and their families. Exciting times for our Year 6 pupils (pictured celebrating after SATs) as their time here is drawing to a close, but lots for them to still look forward to before they go. Year 4 have ticked off a huge amount of their ‘50 things to do before you leave Claydon Primary School’ including: 5: Go on a mini-beast hunt; 9. Go pond dipping; 10. Hug a tree; 20. Make a grass trumpet/daisy chain; 26. Take a walk in the woods and listen to the different sounds; 33. Play on the beach; 34. Roll down a really big hill (and get extremely muddy!); 43. Run around in the rain and splash in puddles; 49. Stay overnight on a school trip. This was all done during their residential trip to Minsmere/Blaxhall. The children were away for one night with two full days of fun and exciting activities. It is a great trip as they get the opportunity to do many things that they would not be able to do in school linked to their learning in science, PSHE and geography. It also incorporates
Football, netball, swimming, gymnastics and cricket were all a part of our sporting calendar in May. The girls’ football team had more league fixtures, including games against Ravenswood, Cliff Lane and Rushmere Hall. They have had mixed results, but what has been impressive is how determined they have been, how much they have learnt from each game and continue to improve game by game. We also took a netball team to compete in the School Games netball tournament at Ipswich School. The girls competed extremely well on what was a very hot day, winning two of their games and losing two. The whole team had a great attitude, really supporting each other to create a really enjoyable atmosphere on the day. A special thank you to Mrs Knott and Mrs Wakeling for all their hard work and effort with the netball squad throughout the year. Our Year 2 gymnastics team went to Inspire Suffolk for the Key Steps Gymnastics competition. Ms Marshall has worked extremely hard to prepare them and the children have shown real commitment in what is a new sport to all of them. They performed extremely well and enjoyed their trip, although Ms Marshall and many of the adults attending felt their positioning was somewhat unjust. There’s always next year! Although it’s not long until the summer holidays we still have lots planned, including many visits (Felixstowe, Ipswich Museum, Crucial Crew, Flatford Mill, Gurdwara, Alder Carr Farm and more), the Year 5/6 production, numerous musical performances, sports day, transition visits and activities, a whole school art attack day and much, much more. A very exciting end to the year, hopefully with some sunshine! Deputy Headteacher Louis Collins
CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES 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 a family. This month we meet on Thursday, July 6 and 20 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. At our regular sessions, families enjoy craft activities, enabling children to be creative with a range of materials, and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are
14
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 Layne and Joseph. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. For more information contact Michelle on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com
In Touch online:
SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB WIMBLEDON, STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM
Greetings guff lovers! After the election hoo-hah has finally died down it’s important to let you know this is a politics free zone. The men’s team have got off to a strong and stable start in the summer league winning their opening two fixtures, even with the handicap of myself coming out of retirement to play in one of them. I partnered Graham and it must have felt to him like it was a coalition of chaos at times, especially when he was forced to cover me for a lot of shots, the many not the few in fact. News from Carl Douglas, our new coach who is really getting things moving at the club (except Graham’s hand towards his wallet when he is in the bar): Following on from the recent success of our first Great British Tennis Weekend, we have decided to host a further Great British Tennis Weekend event on Sunday, July 23, 10.30am-3pm. Please come along and try out our facilities for free, including our ball machine which has proved to be popular in the past, and taster coaching sessions. Light refreshments will be available and a barbecue will be held after the event. We look forward to seeing both prospective new members and existing members on the day. Any questions beforehand please ask via grahamcbramford@btinternet.com or check out: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub In addition, please look out for the membership offer that will be available on the day and you can also sign up on the day to one of our junior summer camps or register your interest to become a team player. This looks like being a really good event. Let’s hope the weather holds up for it. I was going to attend but the club felt it might put people off if they saw me play. Apparently if they laugh too much they can’t concentrate on what the coach is telling them.
Wimbledon 2017 will be close to starting, if it hasn’t already begun, as you read this edition of In Touch. The strawberry season will have reached its peak and the amount eaten at Wimbledon is amazing. Last year 27 tons of fresh English strawberries from Kent (that’s 112,000 punnets) were served at £2.50 with an average of 10 berries. They were served with 1,539 gallons of fresh cream, but no one really knows the reason why strawberries and cream came to be paired and served at Wimbledon. The writer of an article for The Independent encourages us to look back to when tennis began back in 1859 when Harry Gem, a solicitor from Birmingham, and the Spanish merchant Augurio Perara combined the best of rackets and the best of pelota – a Basque ball game – to create tennis. Strawberries and cream were served at Wimbledon during the first tournament in 1877. It was then that 200 spectators came to see the first Wimbledon champion, racket player Spencer Gore, beat his opponent W. C. Marshall 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. The article concludes: “History doesn’t relate whether they all tasted the strawberries and cream, but those who did would have witnessed a great culinary tradition being born.” Just as we don’t know why strawberries and cream are served at Wimbledon, neither do we always know why tragedies happen in the world. Current events may have left us wondering why God would allow such things to happen. To help in such situations when I can only honestly answer “I don’t know”, I am encouraged to go back to the beginning and start with what I do know about God from the Bible. He created the world perfect, provided all that was needed and is righteous in all His ways. Building a framework of what I do know first, helps me to trust Him even though I don’t understand it all. WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 9.30-10.30am
Just time for a very quick joke of the month: A man walks into a chemist and asks for a bar of soap, “Do you want it scented?” asked the chemist. “No it’s ok, I’ll take it with me,” said the man.
Wednesday: Home Group, 10-11.45am
More hilarity next month, Mick Russ
Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon
Thursday: Home Group, 7.45-9.30pm Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm We’ll be having a cream tea followed by well-known hymns on Sunday, July 2 at 4pm.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE
For more information contact: info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk 01449 720357
Call 01473 353350
www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk
We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
15
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: Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com www.claydonchurches.com Services in July Barham Church – every Sunday at 10am Henley Church – every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church – every Sunday at 11am Sunday, July 2 – Saint Peter’s Sunday 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Patronal Service 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, July 9 – Trinity 4 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am family@henley 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, July 16 – Trinity 5 8am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, July 23 – Trinity 6 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Café Church 11am Elevenses@GB 6.30pm Evensong
Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church
Sunday, July 30 – Trinity 7 10am Joint Benefice Service 4pm Pet Service
Barham Church Great Blakenham Church
Sunday, August 6 – Transfiguration 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church
Further services can be found on our website. Hall bookings Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Paul Corbett, 830201 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463 Funerals May 4: Beverley Manning Trinity – what is God like? Father, Son and Holy Spirit… find out more Sunday, July 2: Great Blakenham Church, 11am Sunday, July 9: Henley Church, 10am Sunday, July 16: Barham Church, 10am Refreshments available, all welcome.
16
Saturday, July 15, 11am-3pm: Great Blakenham’s second Doggy Day takes place in the Parish Room and garden for all dogs and owners. There will be many doggy items available such as biscuits, the latest dog wear, and fun doggy competitions. Pet Service: A special Pet Service will take place at St Mary’s Church, Great Blakenham on Sunday, July 30 at 4pm. All animals are welcome to attend with responsible humans. Sunday’s Cool: A traditional Sunday School takes place at Great Blakenham for any children within Henley, Claydon, Barham and Great Blakenham. It will run on the second and third Sundays (July 9 and 16, August 13 and 20) from 10.30am in Great Blakenham Parish Room. Under fives 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 information: 01449 676567 J-Team – Thirty years old this year: On August 9, the doors of Barham Church will open to dozens of excited children for the 30th year running for our three day holiday club. This outreach to children of primary school age has proved extremely popular and on a number of occasions, including last year, it has been necessary to put out the ‘Full Up’ signs. Application forms were sent to last year’s attendees at Easter and have recently been sent out to all families from Claydon Primary School. If your child will be between five and 11 years as at August 31 this year and you haven’t had an application form please book straight away as we were already half full at the time of writing. On the following Sunday, August 12, there will be a reunion for all those who have attended J-Team over the past 30 years. At 10am there will be a celebration reunion party for adults and children celebrating 30 years of J-Team. Do spread the word to anyone you might remember that once attended J-Team! Barham Hall Picnic Band Concert: Sold out – If you were thinking about attending this event on July 8 we are sorry to tell you that every single ticket has been sold and we have a waiting list should anyone let us know they can’t use their ticket. Vestry Café: Runs on the third Saturday of every month in Henley Church Vestry from 10.30am for light lunches and refreshments. It’s a great chance to catch up with others and meet new people! Our next café is on July 15. Harvest Festival: This will take place in all our churches over the weekend of September 23-24. Our churches will be open the whole weekend with displays and events, so look out for more details coming soon. The weekend will end at 6pm on the Sunday with a special service at Barham Church where we will be joined by the Cathedral Choir. Other services and events Sunday, July 2: A Slice of Summer, Home Farm, noon Friday, July 7: Service at Alasdair Place Saturday, July 8: Open Air Picnic Band Concert, evening Saturday, July 15: Vestry Café, Henley Church, from 10.30am Gt Blakenham Doggy Day, 11am-3pm Wednesday, July 28: Service at St Peter’s Court Sunday, July 30: Pet Service, St Mary’s Church, GB, 4pm Saturday, August 12: Great Blakenham Church Quiz Night, 7pm Sunday, September 24: Harvest with Cathedral Choir, Barham continued over
In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS Letter from the vicar I write this letter on Election Day, when millions will go to their local polling station to cast their ballot. It seems to me that, as a country, we want great change at the moment. With Brexit and the recent spate of terror attacks in London and Manchester and indeed across the world, there is a call for a greater sense of respect and love being human beings. Actually, this demand for change has always been around. Sometimes though, we need it more. Jesus himself called for greater love and understanding between fellow human beings. Christians believe that the change we need in our world comes from God – that’s why we pray and work for peace in our world, run soup kitchens and feed the hungry, sit with the bereaved and comfort the scared, clothe the homeless and make ourselves available for anyone at any time. Those are the places we find God. Jesus spent most of his time with people the rest of society shunned. I hope that when you voted last month, you voted with the needs of the country’s most vulnerable at heart. Change, bad or good, will come through those we elect to parliament. But actually, what Jesus taught is that we are the biggest agents of change in our world. How might you be able to change someone’s world for the better? Wherever you are in that journey of change, why not join us! The Rev Carl Melville carlmelville@hotmail.com
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 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. Sunday 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every second Sunday of month 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for children – term time only 4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with tea provided, come and go as you please, not a service but our minister usually joins us. Once a month, please check diary. Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study – an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss, every third Monday of month. 7.30-9.30pm: Computer Club, term time only Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB – our ladies meeting, although gentlemen are always welcome. The second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and the second Tuesday from May-September. Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club, term time only 7.30-8.30pm: Prayers and Laying On of Hands for Healing, second Wednesday of month Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields, first Thursday of month Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning, either at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see diary below for location) on third Saturday of month. *tea and coffee served afterwards DIARY FOR JULY Sunday 2: 10.30am, All-Age Worship, Mr C Finbow Thursday 6: 3pm, United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 9: 10.30am, Morning Worship with The Rev D Grimshaw, Holy Communion Tuesday 11: 2-3pm, Network/MWiB, Christmas Customs and Other Celebrations by Jenny Gibbs Wednesday 12: 7.30pm, Prayers and Laying On of Hands for Healing Saturday 15: 10-11am, Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church Sunday 16: 10.30am, Morning Worship with Mr R Theobald Monday 17: 2pm, Bible Study Sunday 23: 10.30am, Morning Worship with Mr H Chicken / 4-6pm, Families@4 with The Rev D Grimshaw Sunday 30: 10.30am, Morning Worship with Mr B Nichols
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
17
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 / stmarybramford@aol.com
and trying to make sense of them in the services. We try to reflect the theme in the hymns and prayers as well as in what we say from the pulpit.
Assistant Curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250
People often ask whether we re-use sermons, but in fact although the readings stay in the three year cycle, we find that things in the community and in the church change so that the readings say something different to us each time.
www.stmarybramford.co.uk Please check porch notices for any changes Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service SERVICES IN JULY July 2 Trinity 3 10am Holy Communion with Prayer for Healing, Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer BCP, Baylham July 6 3pm
United Service at Cherryfields
July 9 8am 10am 5pm
Trinity 4 Holy Communion, Bramford Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5 O’clock Service, Church Room
July 11 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre July 12 7.30 pm Healing Service, Methodist Church July 16 Trinity 5 10am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Holy Communion, Baylham July 18 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room July 24 10am Coffee Morning, Church Room July 23 Trinity 6 8am Parish Communion, Bramford 10am Family Service, Church Room July 30 Trinity 7 10am Group Communion, new family Communion Service, Bramford Please check porch notices for any changes. Dear Friends, The summer is now well and truly set in, and in a church sense we are settling into the long lazy trinity season, a time when we allow our faith to bed in and explore the life and ministry of Jesus and how it affects us. This year we are focusing on the gospel of Matthew, which is the first book we find in the New Testament. The readings are chosen for us in a three year cycle, and each week the gospel reading is put together with a reading from the Old Testament and from one of the letters at the end of the Bible. If you wish to follow them, we publish the cycle each month alongside our services. In general, these readings follow the gospel through and this means that we travel with Jesus and the disciples through the three years of his ministry, until we get to the end of November when we look towards Advent and Christmas, which is the start of the church year. I have grown to really appreciate the rhythm of the church year and the way it flavours our services, and enjoy the challenge of taking the readings we are given
18
Before I sign off, just a quick note to remind you that to accommodate holidays, we traditionally change the pattern of services during August. This year will be no exception, so please look at the service rota carefully. Blessings, Jenny CHURCH EVENTS The plant sale and lunches in May proved a great success, raising well over £350. Thanks to everyone who helped, both on the stalls and in the kitchen, and to Dennis and Barry for the plant stall and all who donated plants for the sale. Coming up this month – the fete – and we need helpers not only to set up but also to pack stuff away at the end. All welcome. PARISH REGISTERS Baptisms May 28: Isabelle Palmer, Bramford May she grow in grace and the knowledge of God. Weddings May 26: Leighanna Maskell and Jay Howes, Bramford May they grow in their love for each other. Funerals June 8: Desni Dawn Turner, Bramford June 12: Silvia Harvey, Bramford We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church June 20: In memory of Bill Sparrow If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week. Cleaning Rota: H and P Hart Flower Rota: July 8, wedding; July 22 and 29, V Mather 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.
July 2 Gen. 22: 1-14
Trinity 3 Romans 6:12-end,
Green Matt. 10:40-end
July 9 Gen. 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Trinity 4 Romans 7:15-25a
Green Matt. 11:16-19, 25-30
July 16 Gen. 25: 19-34
Trinity 5 Romans 8: 1-11
Green Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23
July 23 Gen. 28:10-19a
Trinity 6 Romans 8:12-25
Green Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43
July 27 Genesis 29:15-28
Trinity 7 Romans 8:26-39
Green Matt. 13:31-33, 44-52
In Touch online:
MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505
Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
19