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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 7 • Issue No. 9 • JULY 2017
Image by Patrick Squire
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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.
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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish In Touch with... Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, 01473 400380 Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Send editorial copy to: Wetherden & Woolpit ipswicheast@intouchnews.co.uk •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations •C apel St Mary and photographs for publication. The publishers •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton reserve the right to amend such submissions and •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone cannot accept responsibility for any loss. & Washbrook ADVERTISING •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk & Stratford St Mary 01473 400380 •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew DISTRIBUTION •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley Tree Martin •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk •N eedham Market & The Creetings 01473 400380 •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, PRINTING Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Colourplan Print •B urstall & Sproughton Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk •S towmarket & Stowupland 01473 400379 • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Disclaimer: Westerfield & Witnesham The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors •M elton & Woodbridge 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.
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AUGUST DEADLINE 10 JULY 2017
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NEWS CELEBRATE THE HEROES IN YOUR COMMUNITY Nominations are now open for the Community Action Suffolk Awards 2017 (supported by Birketts Solicitors) which recognise the volunteers, communities and young people making an impact on the lives of people in Suffolk. Eight awards will be presented to individuals and organisations in Suffolk, from Village Hall or Community Building of the Year to the Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering award. If you know of someone, or an organisation making a real difference, you have until Friday, July 21 to make your nomination at: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/awards Freckenham Village Hall, near Mildenhall, won the 2016 Village Hall or Community Building of the Year award. Jane Leitch, secretary to the trustees at the hall, said: “It is so lovely to be recognised for the hard work and occasional sleepless nights! The hall will be 20 years old in 2017 and we have come a long way from just having a mother and toddler group or the occasional bingo session, lunch or outing to the seaside!” The hall committee consists of a dedicated group of enthusiastic volunteers who ensure an inclusive, active programme of events including farmers markets, film nights, exercise classes and live entertainment. They work hard to make the building more sustainable, having installed solar panels and upgraded the lighting system to save energy, and with plans to install a more energy efficient heating system. Judith Gunion won an award in 2016 for her volunteering achievements, giving her time to many local, national and international events. Judith said: “I can’t believe I’m stood here inspiring others, when only a few years ago I was just one of 270,000 people who applied to be a London 2012 Gamesmaker. “Volunteering is a fantastic way of learning that you can push your boundaries. You will learn from it, grow from it and in time you will pass on those skills to others. So take the first step. Start small and then let the world be your oyster.” The eight CAS Awards are: • The Anne Dunford OBE award for Youth Participation • The Roddy Macleod award for Youth Club of the Year • The Andrew Towers award for Young Person of the Year • The Colonel Probert award for Community Initiative • The Ian Campbell MBE award for Individual Initiative • The Village Hall / Community Building award (supported by CAS Insurance Services) • Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering (supported by My CharityGuard) • Event Organiser of the Year (supported by Larking Gowen) Awards will be presented at CAS’s Annual Celebration event on September 26 at the Museum of East Anglian Life. For more information and to make your nominations visit: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/awards
The aerial photo on the cover of this magazine was taken by Patrick Squire, the photographer in your area who can take any aerial or ground photos as requested. Your house and gardens will be looking especially nice at this time of year so have an aerial photo now. He will take a selection of 10 to 15 views at very reasonable cost. Patrick can also do reasonably priced children’s portraits and portraits of animals. Please phone: 07732 415238 3
NEWS IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET We write after having had a wonderful time at the Suffolk Show with other markets from East Suffolk. The weather could not have been better and we enjoyed meeting customers old and new. I wonder if any other stalls could boast such variety of goods. Being a cooperative we have so many producers making different things that you are bound to click with someone or something from our selection. It was lovely to hear why items were being purchased and where they were heading for – ‘Because I’m worth it’ treats and gifts for friends, lunch to eat or tea to take home, bringing back memories or creating new ones. We have the pleasure too of sharing our stories of how the items are made. A personal shopping experience with a real connection, and we do it every week at our own market! Now that summer is in full swing why not come and see what our gardeners have to offer? Seasonal soft fruit and vegetables, plants and cut flowers all freshly picked. We also have all our baking, including gluten-free, preserves, chutneys and local honey. Our crafters are busy making gift and practical items, with cards and gift bags too. You can find more information about the market on our Facebook page: Ipswich Country Market. Country Markets also have a national website which tells you more about the cooperative: www.country-markets.co.uk We are open on Thursdays from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. We have free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. Where else could you have a cheese scone or slice of cake and a hot drink for around a pound? We also have bacon rolls on offer on the first Thursday of the month for only £1! Come and try us out, we look forward to welcoming you soon.
SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with Andrew Cowan, awardwinning novelist and academic. Andrew is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. He is the author of five novels, the latest being Worthless Men, as well a creative writing handbook, The Art of Writing Fiction. He will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA) on Thursday, July 13 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. General admission is £8 (members £4). Students free with ID. Tickets to be paid for on the door. Reservations can be made by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION TO CAPTURE THE SOUNDS OF SUFFOLK Take a moment to imagine if you couldn’t hear the birds singing, your friends talking in the pub or your favourite song playing on the radio. This is reality for many people who experience hearing loss and a major new photographic competition is being launched by one of Suffolk’s bestknown businesses to raise awareness about the importance of hearing. Titled Sounds of Suffolk, the competition is being launched as part of Deaf Awareness Week, a national initiative also aimed at highlighting hearing impairment. Award-winning hearing care specialist, The Hearing Care Centre, is inviting amateur and professional photographers alike from across the county to enter the competition with pictures which demonstrate the incredible sounds that can be found in and around our beautiful county and may not otherwise be heard by those with hearing loss. “It could be the sea crashing against the shore at Southwold, birds singing at Minsmere, the bells chiming at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral or screaming thrill seekers on a ride at Pleasurewood Hills,” says Managing Director Karen Finch. “In fact any picture which depicts the sounds of the county in a powerful way. People with good hearing often don’t realise the impact even mild hearing loss has on the enjoyment of ordinary things around us – we want our competition and the campaign to draw attention to some of the sounds that hard-of-hearing people cannot hear.” Karen explained: “It can take years for some people to decide to do something about their hearing loss. It’s estimated that there over 119,000 people in Suffolk who experience hearing loss, yet so many have yet to do anything about it. “We want to get the message across that they really are missing out on life and can do something about it.” The Hearing Care Centre, which has 24 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk, is putting up a top prize of £250 for the best picture, followed by £100 for second place and an annual subscription to Suffolk Magazine for third place. The closing date is Sunday, July 30. For full information about the competition and the entry details, visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/soundsofsuffolk
We are pleased to announce the opening of our private hearing care clinic at the newly opened Two Rivers Medical Centre in East Ipswich.
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OUT & ABOUT POP CHORUS TO PERFORM AT IPSWICH CORN EXCHANGE The quirky Suffolk-based choir is bringing together more than 150 singers from all five of its community singing groups to perform its biggest ever summer concert at Ipswich Corn Exchange on Saturday, July 15. The Lose Yourself in the Music concert will be an audio-visual spectacular celebrating pop song from The Beatles and Dusty Springfield to more contemporary artists including Sia and Olly Murs – all in glorious five part harmony. The evening is going to have a real party atmosphere and remind everyone how we need to lose ourselves in music, particularly in troubling times. Special guests will include the Ipswich Community Children’s Choir and the Debenham Girls’ Group, a group of ladies in their late teens and 20s with mild to moderate disabilities who have joined the choir at other events in recent years. Pop Chorus’s singing groups are for adults of all abilities, unashamedly singing great pop songs in harmony to backing tracks. There’s no audition and members don’t need to read music or have any experience. Evening groups in Framlingham and Ipswich and a daytime group in Kesgrave have recently been joined by another daytime group in Felixstowe. The choir has grown from just eight singers in 2012 to over 200 singers across all five groups today. The choir is proud to be a community partner with St Elizabeth’s Hospice, fundraising year-round and most recently singing an emotional rendition of Let It Be at the start of this year’s Neon Midnight Walk to over 2,500 enthusiastic walkers. They are hoping to raise at least £2,000 from a concert raffle and programme sales to help towards the independent charity’s annual £9m running costs. Pop Chorus director Yula Andrews said: “I’m passionate about how good singing is for people and am so proud to run such an amazing choir, full of the loveliest people. I can’t wait to see them shine in our biggest concert yet on the Corn Exchange stage.” Pop Chorus perform Lose Yourself in the Music at 7.30pm on Saturday, July 15 at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Tickets (£13 / £8 concessions) are available from: 01473 433100 / apps.ipswich.gov.uk For more information on Pop Chorus contact Yula – 07788 585441 / sing@popchorus.org – or visit: www.popchorus.org
SAINTS MARITIME BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL AT THE WATERFRONT Beer&Co are delighted to present a special Beer & Cider Festival this summer on Ipswich Waterfront as part of the Ipswich Maritime Celebrations. Saints Maritime Beer & Cider Festival will bring gorgeous new beers and ciders to Suffolk from across the country and new brews from your favourite local brewers especially for the occasion. It will also include live music, a pop-up record shop and street food throughout. The festival is open from noon-late from August 18-20 at the stunning St Peter’s by the Waterfront, and will showcase the brightest local musical talent supported by GrapevineLIVE, with West End Music Shop Open Mic on Saturday and Backwater Records sessions on Sunday. Do join us for our opening festival celebrations on Friday evening with the best British summer sounds. Beer&Co are also thrilled to announce a festival partnership with local charity Home-Start in Suffolk with funds raised going towards their work with families in most need of support. Entry is only £3 on the door, with a free festival opening offer from noon-2pm on Friday 18. Make Saints Maritime Beer & Cider Festival your go-to event of the summer, and why not make a weekend of it by taking advantage of a special 10% discount at pentahotel IPSWICH – only two minutes’ walk from Ipswich Train Station and five minutes from St Peter’s by the Waterfront! For more information on this and other festivals planned for 2017 visit: www.beerandco.uk
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 851731
www.eastofengland.coop/funerals for your local funeral director
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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!
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A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE FAMILY • RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • TRACTOR-TRAILER RIDES • PLAY AREA • CAFE • MUSEUM • GIFT SHOP
NEW FOR 2017 • Children stay dry in our brand new All Weather Play Area • Meet our new Foal, Colony Dorothy AUGUST EVENTS • Children’s Discovery Wednesday’s August • Family Horse & Dog Show 20th August • Wind in the Willows 4th August • Something Suffolk Fair 27th- 28th August FREE KEYRING WHEN YOU SHOW THIS ADVERT SEE O Whilst stocks last IT:7
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OUT & ABOUT FOLK MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING An evening concert is being held in the courtyard garden of Cake & Catwalk, St Peter’s Street, Ipswich IP1 1PX on Friday, July 21, featuring Suffolk based folk/acoustic duo Silbury Hill. Bring your own picnic to this delightful garden in the centre of town – close to the Waterfront – perfect for an evening soirée, and share a fun, relaxing evening with Silbury Hill. Commences at 7pm. Free entry, bar available.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY June 7 saw the society’s final meeting of the season. A finger-food lunch for our members was followed by the AGM. Then Deborah Lambert talked to us on the subject of a very unique building and its many, illustrious and infamous residents. The Lawn Road Flats building in Belsize Park, London NW3 was opened in 1934. Built in reinforced concrete and pale pink in colour, it was a homage to modernist design and architecture and greatly influenced by the German Bauhaus Movement. In its heyday it housed artists, designers, writers (Agatha Christie was a resident) and even a notorious Soviet spy ring! Deborah, who lived near the flats as a teenager, described all the innovative concepts in the design of the building and in its furniture, and introduced many of its famous residents. After a long period of decline and dereliction in the 1990s, the flats have been now been beautifully restored and the building has its own museum-gallery which she encourages us to visit. It was an enthralling talk.
Our intermediate band are performing at Gorseland Primary School Summer Fete at noon on Sunday, July 2, and the main band are taking part in the MH100 Celebrations on Sunday, July 9, where they will be playing at 1.30pm and 3pm. Do try to see us at one of these events. The school summer holidays are beckoning and it will soon be time for the band to take their summer break during August, ready for a busy September. More details next month. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and feel that you would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard 01473 625617 / e_m_howard@talk21.com www.martleshambrass.co.uk
BROKE HALL WI Friday, July 14: From Paradise to the Grave, a talk about pub signs by John Goodhand. We meet at 7.30pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. New and former members are welcome. For more information contact Sue (414746) or Cynthia (726068).
We have our summer break now, but members are welcomed back on September 6 when Mark Hill of Antique Roadshow fame, will present a talk entitled Curves, Colours and Cool: An Introduction to Mid-Century Modern. The meeting will begin at 2.15pm. So why not become a member and enjoy good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. The meeting lasts about an hour. Tea and coffee are available up until 2pm. Guests and nonmembers welcome, provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a guests/visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen. The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
So now our website is adorned with a washing line and our members will arrive at the coming East Anglia Region’s meeting carrying a bundle of knickers! Quite a few of our UK clubs support the Kori Programme which works to transform the lives of women and girls in Sierra Leone. Somehow collecting knickers does not sound as impressive as other parts of the project, like building a library or repairing a school. However, when we say that they will go with the washable sanitary towels made up by other clubs it’s clear that this is a quiet way of helping girls to cope with a very real obstacle to attending school.
Thursday, July 27, 7.30pm: A Short History of Shopping by Linda Sexton
On the same practical level we have recently made up our half yearly contribution of toiletry packs to welcome women who arrive in the refuge with nothing. We happen to be writing this report on Election Day. Whatever the outcome we shall still be left debating how and by whom the deep needs of our society can be met. It therefore feels quite apposite that the speaker at our July meeting comes from Suffolk County Council. Sarah Blake has the title of Head of Localities and Partnerships and we are looking forward to hearing about and discussing with her issues around changing responsibilities, the relative roles of voluntary organisations and statutory services and the coordination of efforts to provide a clear pathway for clients. We imagine that such issues are of equal concern to women in other clubs and organisations. It seems a waste to have Sarah all to ourselves so you are warmly invited to join us at the Ipswich and Suffolk Club on Wednesday, July 12 at 7.30pm. Please call Joyce, our secretary, on 01394 615659 for full directions and information about parking.
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. Thursday, July 27: Book Folding (Emma) Thursday, August 24: Ring Pull Jewellery (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members. New members are always welcome. For more details contact: Jill 01473 713534 / Emma 01787 373850
U3A SAYS ‘HERE COMES SUMMER’ With the end of the academic year, the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk might appear to be taking a break. However, several groups will continue to meet throughout the summer while others are already planning new sessions, ideas and subjects to start in September. Our U3A committee for 2017/18 will have been selected at our AGM on June 12 when we hope members will have joined us for the afternoon. I should have some information on talk subjects which take place in our four campuses (Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Saxmundham) next month. Till then please ensure that any members and prospective members have Friday, September 1 safely in your diaries. This is when Kesgrave Community Hall hosts our annual open day between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the community hall approximately every 15-20 minutes. Please come and see just what the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk has to offer for retired and semi-retired people. If you would like further details on U3A please call 03001 233913 or visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk 10
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. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk
RUSHMERE MOTHERS’ UNION Every year Mothers’ Union groups around the world hold a Wave of Prayer Service in July, so this month we hope to join with members all over the world in this service. Holding a special service in July in each group strengthens and upholds these prayers, but the Wave of Prayer is also a continual prayer and whenever possible at noon prayers are sent up for different parts of the world taken from a Mothers’ Union diary. Mothers’ Union worldwide family encompass many lands from South Africa, Zambia, The Congo, India, Australia and, of course, here in England and many more countries. The service is gentle and uplifting and we would be delighted to welcome you if you would wish to join us at 2.30pm on July 19 at Rushmere St Andrew’s Church Hall. For more information please contact Hilary: 01473 421073
Since Suffolk RED (Radio and Electronics Development) formed last year, it has gone from strength to strength. Regularly attracting over 40 attendees every other month, Suffolk RED is open to all who have an interest in radio and electronics. Meetings organised by a collaboration of amateur radio and electronics enthusiasts are held on the last Wednesday of every other month. Each event provides an opportunity for an informal look at the many and varied aspects of the hobby and to provide contacts if there is something you might be interested in taking further. The July Suffolk RED is to be the first of our RED socials, where we have opened it up to everyone. We invite you to join us on July 23 at Suffolk Aviation Museum, Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP10 0AH. For more information please visit: www.suffolkred.co.uk / www.facebook.com/SuffolkRED
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OUT & ABOUT PROJECT ENCOURAGES MORE WOMEN TO GARDEN AND GROW VEGETABLES ActivGardens has launched its Women’s Skills Exchange to encourage women to learn about gardening, the environment, growing their own food, cooking from scratch and other skills. The project, funded by the National Lottery Awards for All England, will involve women of all ethnicities in learning and sharing skills and developing new opportunities for themselves. Existing volunteers will act as Garden Companions to help newcomers settle in and learn gardening and horticultural skills.
SIDEGATE LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE Tea dances with Teresa on Tuesdays until July 18, then restarting on September 5 with ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing from 2-4pm. Members £3. Contact: 01473 422427 Wednesday dance classes finish on July 19 and return on September 6 with ballroom and Latin dance for refreshers from 7-8pm and improvers from 8-10pm. Members £3. Contact: 01473 723070 Facebook / www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Debbie Buckle from Felixstowe presented an entertaining demonstration entitled Floral Flavours on June 22. Her flowers were very different and enjoyed by all who attended. We are looking forward to our next meeting on July 27 when Brenda Tubb from Attleborough will present Another Fine Mess.
A series of learning forums led by local women, and responding to suggestions from participants (for example flower arranging, printmaking, restoring furniture, cookery, pond-dipping, woodworking and DIY) will enable participants both to learn and share their skills and knowledge. Participants will be encouraged to develop an enterprising idea, which the project will help them evaluate and take forward. This could be something as simple as holding a market stand of home-made goods to running a community café, window-sill micro-veg for people living in flats to pickling/ processing vegetables for year-round goodness. Participants will take part in our series of community markets at the CRESS Pavilion to sell or showcase what they have grown/made, getting more local people involved. The project will bring women together in an active way to learn and share skills and improve their health and wellbeing in a welcoming environment. Women will be able to engage and develop at a pace to suit them, fitting around responsibilities of home and children, and doing as much as they are able. It will bring older women and younger women together in a spirit of sharing and co-operation. If you have a skill you would like to learn or share, please get in touch with ActivLives 01473 345350 or project co-ordinator Susannah Robirosa: 07530 407302 / susannah@activlives.org.uK
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Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except in August and December) at the Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm with the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration. Annual subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £40 and visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
SUMMER TERM BRIGHT STARS Youngsters from newborn to five years , come and join us at Bright Stars for a fun start to your week with your parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers. We meet at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL from 10.30am to noon on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times. These mornings are free and usually involve singing, games, making crafts to take home and telling stories from the Bible for the first half hour. We then have refreshments when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. The last remaining date in the summer term is July 10. Dates for the autumn term will be published in August and posted on noticeboards. For more information please contact: Jennie Fidler 07584 420729 / Sonya & Maureen Burrows 01473 625196 / Sue Lambert 01473 624130
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SPORT FREE VOLLEYBALL SESSIONS THIS SUMMER
KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE The first news comes from back in May when three members of Northgate and Associated Clubs attended the competition in Grays, Essex. First up was Tayler Evans, who entered last minute into an additional category for the 16-17 year old girls. She dominated her first fight winning 8-0, but then had a hard battle in her second fight, losing 7-0, resulting in her coming away with a well-deserved silver. She was next on the mat in her own category, winning her first fight 8-7, then losing a hard fought final 8-6 to end up with a second silver medal. Next up was brother Callum Evans who also fought extremely well. He won his first fight 9-0, his second 8-0, his third fight 8-0 and only just lost out in the final on Senshu after a 3-3 draw. In a nutshell, this means that his opponent scored the first point, unopposed. Last was Ruby Hunt, who dominated her first category, winning 8-1 in her first fight, 8-1 in her second and 9-4 in the final to take the gold medal. Then she went straight into her second category, winning the semi-final 8-0 and the final 7-0. Fantastic fighting and a welldeserved second gold for Ruby. Three fighters, five medals, a very good day and apparently they all got a well-deserved McDonalds afterwards. Many thanks to coach Gerry Turner for his support on the day.
Volleyball is loads of fun and a very friendly game. It’s the only highenergy, no-contact mixed team sport you can play indoors and outdoors, whatever your ability. It’s energetic enough to help with your fitness, but without placing high demands on your body, and good teamwork is important as well as individual skill. This summer is the perfect time to give volleyball a go and find out why it’s one of the top three most-played sports in the world. The sport is thriving in Suffolk with clubs in Ipswich and Stowmarket with members of mixed abilities, male and female, and all ages from teenagers to their grandparents. The clubs will all give a warm welcome to prospective new players whether experienced or complete beginners, and this summer you can go along to join a session and play some friendly games at a park near you. Ipswich Ravens and Ipswich Volleyball Club play in Christchurch Park (near the Westerfield Road entrance) on Saturday afternoons, while Stowmarket VC play on the Recreation Ground on Tuesday and Sunday evenings. All sessions are subject to weather and other fixtures. The great thing is – all sessions are completely free. The clubs are happy to accommodate people who want to play either competitively or just at a recreational level. All sessions are organised by qualified coaches who also give some playing advice to each individual. So why not go along and take a look? If you like what you see please introduce yourself and you will be very welcome to participate in a session under no obligation. To find out more, visit: www.suffolkvolleyball.org.uk
IPSWICH WANDERERS FC The home pre-season friendlies have been arranged at The Doucy Stadium in Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere. They are as follows:
At the end of May, the club was very excited to secure the number one kata competitor in the World Karate Federation, Sandy Scordo, to host a weekend training session in Japanese kata. The weekend was a huge success and enjoyed by participants and parents alike. Many thanks to all who helped organise the weekend and for all the entertaining pictures that were posted on the club Facebook page (which include one of our largest, butchest instructors being hoisted into the air by a woman half his size). One date for diaries is for a Sweeps & Takedown Course on Tuesday, August 1 at Heath School from 6-7.30pm at £7 per person. Hall space is limited so there will be a maximum of 20 people who will be taken on a first come, first served basis. The session will cover elements of self-defence, kata and kumite. If you or your child is interested then leave a comment on the Facebook page or contact your instructor. Sensei Chris Stott recommends bringing along a friend who is about the same size as you and is very understanding! Thanks as always go to our club sponsors IS Electricals, M+C Diesel, Chris Clow and Ipswich Audi.
Saturday, July 15: v Bury Town KO 3pm Tuesday, July 18: v Leiston KO 7.45pm Saturday, July 22: v Needham Market KO 3pm These are Ryman League sides. That is where we want to be too. Admission prices will be £3 and £1.50 for concessions. Free for Wanderers Under 16s. Early Bird season ticket prices have been extended to 6pm on July 22. These are at £95 (£65 concessions). At this great value price who can resist a Wanderers season ticket? Contact Keith: 07734 321259 / k.lloyd94@btinternet.com Ipswich Wanderers 1st Team will be playing in the Premier Division of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League. That makes us Ipswich’s premier football club. Under young manager Shane Wardley the club achieved a top half finish last time out. With your support we can better that! Make sure you follow Wanderers this time out. We have hot food, bar, shop, programmes… everything you need for a great football experience. Come and join us and share in the excitement of a season in the Premier Division. The League season starts on Tuesday, August 1 and the FA Cup follows on Saturday, August 5. Watch our website for updates and fixtures. Keith Lloyd
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Station Road, Elmswell
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ON THE GRAPEVINE KICK START YOUR BUSINESS AND ENJOY NEW ANGLE PRIZE ‘READERS’ CHOICE’ A FRESH CUP OF FAIRTRADE COFFEE COMPETITION LAUNCHED Network Over Coffee, a new monthly networking event, is for anyone who wants to get back to work after a career break or change direction by starting their own business. The event launched on Tuesday, June 13 at The Runway Café in Martlesham Heath. South African born entrepreneur Lenitha Bishop set up the event to empower individuals to follow through on their ideas. It provides a platform to discuss what they are experiencing and help them with the challenges of starting or growing a business. Nine out of 10 participants in a recent survey said face-to-face meetings are essential for long-term business relationships. Lenitha said: “The event will be an opportunity to discuss ideas, gain feedback from potential customers and valuable insight from an experienced professional.” Lenitha has joined forces with The Runway Café, a not-for-profit Fairtrade coffee shop who forms part of the Martlesham Church, to host the monthly events. Attendees will not only benefit from networking, but also directly supporting the Fairtrade and Martlesham community. Lenitha said: “I am passionate about marketing and data and look forward to welcoming local professionals to the events and sharing my knowledge with the group. I hope the event will become a platform for people to build new relationships.” The next Network Over Coffee event will be held on Tuesday, July 11 from 10-11.30am at The Runaway Café, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Free parking is available. For more information visit www.lentado.eventbrite.co.uk or contact Lenitha: network@lentado.co.uk / 01473 567867 / 07510 160303
The Ipswich Institute, with support from Suffolk Libraries, has launched a Readers’ Choice competition to run alongside the New Angle Prize for Literature. The New Angle Prize is awarded biennially for works of literary merit associated with or influenced by the region of East Anglia and is sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors and Scrutton Bland Financial Services. A panel of judges will decide the overall prize winner and runner up – but the Reader’s Choice offers people a chance to vote for their own favourite out of the six which have been shortlisted. Readers are able to vote for one title which they feel represents the best of the region’s literature from the past two years. The deadline for voting is Friday, August 18 and people can vote online at www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/NewAngleReadersChoice or via voting slips available from the Ipswich Institute at 15 Tavern Street IP1 3AA. The six books include a biography – Julia Blackburn’s Threads, The Delicate Life of John Craske, a debut novel, Midwinter from Fiona Melrose, and Rosy Thornton’s collection of short stories, Sandlands. Also listed are Sarah Perry’s multi-award winning The Essex Serpent, Jill Dawson’s The Crime Writer and Julie Myerson’s The Stopped Heart. Anyone voting can enter their name into a draw to win two free tickets for the new Angle Prize Awards Dinner on Wednesday September 6 at Hintlesham Golf Club at which the winners of the New Angle Prize Judges’ award and Suffolk Libraries Readers’ Choice award will be announced. For more information about the New Angle Prize, visit: www.ipswichinstitute.org.uk/new-angle There will also be a special Shortlist Showcase event on Wednesday, June 28 where the shortlisted authors are invited to an evening of reading and conversation at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room in Tavern Street at 7pm. Tickets to the showcase are available from the Ipswich Institute: 01473 253992 / ibrary@ipswichinstitute.org.uk
PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA
Havergate Adventure Running over three days from Saturday 12 to Monday 14 August 2017 We welcome families, individuals, those new to bird watching and those with experience to see what birds and other wildlife you can find on our guided tour on Suffolk's only island Boats depart from Orford Quay hourly from 9.30am 1.30pm and tours last 2 hours 40 minutes Tickets: Adults £12, under 16's £3
For any further information contact: 01787 379400 / eastanglia-pmrgca@outlook.com
BLUE CROSS OPEN DAY AND FUN DOG SHOW
Free binocular hire & refreshments are available to purchase
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.
To book & for more information: call Minsmere on 01728 648281
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.
Inspiring everyone to give nature a home
rspb.org.uk/havergateisland Photo by Rahul Thanki (rspb-images.com). The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.
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The next meeting for sufferers of polymyalgia rheumatica and or giant cell arteritis and their partners will be held at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, July 13. The hall will be open from 10.30am for refreshments and support discussions. The speaker for this meeting will be from Diabetes UK. Some PMR sufferers may develop diabetes at some time so information could be very helpful. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Come along and gain valuable support from those who understand.
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
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ON THE GRAPEVINE IPSWICH CITIZENS ADVICE AND SUFFOLK TRADING STANDARDS SET TO EXPOSE TACTICS USED BY SCAMMERS Cold calls, high-pressure sales tactics and automated voicemails asking for people’s details are just some of the tricks scammers are using to rob people of their hard earned money, says Citizens Advice and Suffolk Trading Standards. 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
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The organisations are launching Scams Awareness Month on July 1 to help stop people falling prey to scams by following a three-step rule - get advice, report it, and tell others about it. Fraud victims pay a heavy price, losing billions of pounds every year. Scams targeting people by phone or post alone cost people in the UK an estimated UK £5 billion each year. Ipswich Citizens Advice will be out and about in the town centre over the coming month helping people gain the skills to stop scams in their tracks, by taking logical steps to learn how to spot a scam, however it is presented. At our stalls, people will learn the tell-tale signs of fraud, from being made an offer that’s too good to be true, to being rushed into signing on the dotted line. Informing the authorities and warning others is the only sure fire way of stopping scams, but people can be hesitant to even tell their friends and family. Ipswich Citizens Advice volunteers will also show how speaking up about a scam is key to getting them closed down, and how to go about reporting suspected fraud to the authorities. Nicky Willshere, chief executive of Ipswich Citizens Advice said: “Scams come in a variety of guises and we see new ones emerging all the time. However, there are common hallmarks to every scam and we’re keen to show people what to look out for so they don’t fall prey to a fraudster. Reporting suspicious offers and incidents of fraud is vital to getting scams closed down. If you think you’ve been contacted by a con artist or have been the victim of scam, seek advice and report it to the authorities.” Lesley Crompton, scams lead officer from Suffolk Trading Standards said: “Scams are more common than most people realise and every day we hear from people who have lost money to a con-artist. Some scams are one-offs that persuade you to part with a lump sum, while others go after your personal details so they can access your money or copy your identity. “We’re asking people to help us tackle scams throughout Suffolk by getting to know the common signs, warning others, and reporting incidents to us so we can investigate.” Come and visit us at our stalls in the town centre when you are passing by or look for information at: citizensadvice.org.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser, Nick Plumb Simon from Needham Market asks: “In order to reduce the value of our estate for inheritance tax purposes, my wife and I intended to gift our main residence to our son. We would like to be allowed to continue to live in the house for the remainder of our days under a formal agreement with our son. After we have both died, he would be able to move into the house or sell it. However, a friend tells us that this would not save inheritance tax. Is that right and if so, why?” Like many people at your stage of life, your main residence is free of mortgage and thus forms a major part of your joint estate. Many people who have substantial property assets believe that to reduce the potential inheritance tax liability on their estate, they can gift their house to their children during their lifetimes but stay living in the house and pay a so-called ‘peppercorn’ rent. There is a common misconception that after seven years have elapsed, the house would then no longer form part of their estate. However, if you gift part or all of your main residence to your children and you still continue to live in the house rent free, or by paying a ‘peppercorn’ rent, then HMRC would almost certainly deem the transfer to be a Gift with Reservation (of Benefit) or GROB. In effect, this means that although you made a gift of the house to your son, you continued to enjoy the benefit of living there. On this basis the gift would not be recognised and in the event of your deaths, the full value of the house at the date of death would be still included in your estate for calculating the inheritance tax payable on your estate. Your only option would be to either move out after making the gift, or pay the normal market rate of rent for the property to your son ongoing. Gifting the house without continuing to live in it would of course not be practical, as you would need to find somewhere else to live anyway. Harry from Woodbridge asks: “I recently applied for an insurance policy to cover funeral expenses so that my family would not be out of pocket if I died. I have received a letter from the insurance company telling me that the premium has been increased from £25 per month to £43 per month on medical grounds. My bank has refused to tell me why. How can I find out?” In reality Harold, your bank is not hiding anything from you. They simply cannot tell you why you have been rated as medical information is confidential and your bank are not told the reasons for the rating by the insurance company. The bank act as an agent of the insurance company and your personal and medical information is not shared with them. The insurance company can only discuss this with you personally or with your doctor, if you signed an authority form. Give the insurance company a call to ask why you have been rated. If they will not discuss their decision over the phone, write to their chief underwriter. They must reply to your written request for information. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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the
ARK
church
As the summer months are now with us we can spend time enjoying what God has created in the great outdoors. As a church we have plans for picnics, days at the beach, sports events and barbecues.
Whatever we do it will be done to praise God for His grace and mercy towards us, knowing that if we acknowledge God in all our ways we will be blessed in all we do. The Ark family will always be open to anyone seeking to know God for themselves. We hope and pray that you and your family have a blessed and beautiful July. Join us on Sunday mornings throughout the year at 11.30am (Café & Children’s Church at 10.30am), for Wednesday Bible Study at 8pm or Young People’s Night on alternate Fridays (see website for details). The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. We can also be found online at www.arkipswich. co.uk, Facebook @arkofthelord, Twitter @arkipswich or email: arkipswichuk@gmail.com
THE GOD WHO COMFORTS If you cast back your mind to two years ago and reflect on what has changed, how much of that change could have been predicted? We’ve had Brexit in the UK where the majority voted to leave – when most predicted that the vote would be an overwhelming victory for remain and we are still working through the consequences of this. Leicester City won the Premier League and most pundits thought that they were ripe for relegation. Donald Trump decided to stand for and against all odds won the US presidential election. We’ve had another General Election in the UK which the Conservatives’ thought was necessary to strengthen their hand in Government so that they could negotiate from a stronger base with Europe for Brexit. However, the result didn’t quite go to plan and instead of a strengthened majority they actually lost seats. Who could have seen any of this coming? We live in an uncertain world. In church we used to sing an old song and a modern version of it called He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands. We believe that God is working out His purposes in this world. I don’t think that we will ever fully understand all or even much of what He is doing but the Bible says He does have a plan. As Christians this gives us confidence that as we live our lives with all the pressures and unforeseen circumstances that we have to face that God causes everything to work together for the good of those that love Him. Many will testify that they have gone through tough times and held onto God and come out the other side. Often in these times it is the sheer fact that we can go through them with others that make the situations more bearable. Even just to know that people are praying for us is a great comfort. If you would like to hear more about the God who comforts us we would love to see you on any Sunday. We meet in Heath Primary School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave from 10.30am-noon. May God bless you.
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