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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 7 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2018
Free drop-in gardening sessions (p3)
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With you every step of the way Ipswich - 01473 396 296
99-101 Penshurst Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8QB
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Some years ago I was invited to take part in a ‘Grumpy Women’ segment on Radio Suffolk. Each guest was asked to choose one topic, a task I set about with relish. When I met my fellow grumpy women in the green room before the show we chatted about how difficult it had been to choose. I was embarrassed to discover that while they had struggled to find a topic, I had struggled to select from a rather long list. I’d chosen people who eat from noisy packaging at the theatre or in the cinema, but the shortlist had included people who interrupt all the time, rude drivers who don’t acknowledge when you give way, the pseudoscience used to sell skin creams and cosmetics (just what is a free radical?), people who spit in the street… When I told my husband about the green room conversation he howled with laughter, until he noticed my silence. “Well you’re hardly surprised are you,” he said. “I’ve never known anyone who gets so easily annoyed about small things.” I’m sure you can imagine how that conversation went, but I’m making no apology for my grumpiness, though I prefer to see it as sensitivity! Of course this conversation took place at least 10 years ago and I think I’ve become a nicer person since I started working at In Touch. It’s impossible to be angry and judgemental when I’m constantly reminded of the good in people. Every month I hear from people who are raising funds for charity, organising local events (a significant and often thankless undertaking), setting up or leading support groups, promoting social opportunities for people who are otherwise isolated… the list goes on. We are so fortunate to live in a society where people care, where they look out for each other and give their time to make local communities stronger. The least the rest of us can do is turn up. Of course locally owned businesses are the beating heart of every strong local community, often supporting local causes, investing in the local economy and creating local jobs. Support each other and together we can look forward to a ‘grump free’ future!
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NEWS OLDER PEOPLE CARRY ON GARDENING WITH LOCAL PROJECT ActivLives is launching a free drop-in gardening session for older people and their relatives or carers, including people living with dementia and other conditions. The sessions will take place every Thursday afternoon from 2-3.30pm at Chantry Walled Garden, Chantry Park, Ipswich IP2 0BS. The site has facilities especially designed to enable older people to carry on gardening in the lovely surroundings of an historic site. Most of the garden is wheelchair accessible and has raised beds and patio areas to sit and relax. Gardening, crafts, flower arranging and other activities will be on offer to suit all abilities, led by our staff. The sessions are part of the ActivLives Branching Out – Growing Together project which is funded by a grant over two years from money raised by HealthIntend CIC through the Health Lottery. It aims to bring older people together to contribute their ideas, volunteer, learn skills, meet other people and enjoy a chat and cuppa, and relax and enjoy the garden. Please note – participants must attend with required level of support if necessary. Please get in touch if you would like to take part; call ActivLives on 01473 345350 or email: lesley@activlives.org.uk Please use public car parks in Chantry Park. For disabled parking please phone ahead. We also need volunteers to help with these sessions – please get in touch if you would like to give a little of your time.
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, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Printing 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 Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the 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.
© 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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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MAY DEADLINE 10 APRIL 2018
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS SPRING IS SPRINGING AT COMMUNITY MARKET
SPRING OPEN DAY AT OAK TREE LOW CARBON FARM
As the growing season gets into full swing, come and visit the People’s Community Garden’s plant and produce market on Friday, April 13 from 10am to 12.30pm at the CRESS Pavilion, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE.
Spring is a wonderful time of year at the farm. The weather is warming up, the days are noticeably longer and everything is springing back into life after winter. The farm is a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s an opportunity to re-connect with nature and to re-connect with food-growing.
There will be plot-ready seedlings, bedding plants and the first fresh produce of the year. ActivSheds will be in full swing, taking orders for bird tables and hedgehog homes. In the café, young people from Stoke High Ormiston Academy will be donning their aprons and making ready to serve you up with seasonal goodies and cakes they have made. In a new initiative with ActivGardens, part of local charity ActivLives, pupils from three Ipswich schools will learn valuable skills for work and life as they talk to local people and serve up goodies they have made at school as they host the CRESS cafe. The other schools involved are Chantry Academy and Stoke High Ormiston Academy – situated close to the People’s Community Garden on Maidenhall Allotments. Maidenhall Residents’ Association will be offering bric-a-brac, handmade cards and household items, while other organisations will be joining in with items for sale and local information. So come and relax with a cuppa and get to know your neighbours. There is parking in the onsite car park and in surrounding roads. The CRESS Pavilion is fully accessible with an accessible toilet. Future 2018 CRESS markets will be held on Friday, May 11 – when the People’s Community Garden is open as part of St Elizabeth Hospice Open Gardens – June 8, the July market is replaced by the Big Garden Party on Saturday, July 21, August 10, September 14 and October 5 when we’ll be celebrating the wonderful world of fungus! There will be no market in November as we prepare for our Christmas Market (talking about Christmas already!) on Friday, December 7.
As a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme we grow food with and for our local community in a way which is sympathetic to the environment. We appreciate the wildlife at the farm, the birds, the bees, the butterflies and much more. When we work at the farm it’s not unusual to have skylarks performing their impressive territorial song-flights above us, industrious bees humming nearby or to spot summer migrants such as swallows perched on nearby bean poles or swooping low over the field with their beautiful tail streamers and distinctive song. We’re having an open day at the farm on Saturday, April 21 between 10am and 4pm and invite you to join us for a family friendly wildlife tour of the farm. You will also be able to learn about the Oak Tree Farm and sustainable food growing. Refreshments will be available. We will also have special guests at the farm, Tools with a Mission. If you’ve been doing any spring cleaning recently you may have discovered one or two unwanted tools hiding in a corner of the shed. If so, we invite you to bring them to the farm on Saturday, April 21 for Tools with a Mission, a charity that refurbishes unwanted tools and sends them to people in need across the world to support sustainable livelihoods. The charity’s main depot in Ipswich sends out 20 containers filled with over 300 tonnes of tools every year. TWAM will be at the farm during the morning to talk about their work and how your unwanted tools can help others. They provide a list of the specific tools which they are looking for on their website (www.twam.uk) or you can call them on 01473 210220. Oak Tree Farm’s low carbon ethos supports the re-use, repair and recycling of unwanted items and we are pleased to be able to help a charity that supports small scale farmers, similar to Oak Tree Farm across the world. The farm is located in Playford Lane, Rushmere St Andrew and we hope you will join us on Saturday, April 21 between 10am and 4pm. www.the-oak-tree.co.uk
IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Each week we have a tempting selection of sweet and savoury bakes, pickles, preserves and marmalades and local honey. There really is nothing like the taste of homemade produce. We sell seasonal plants and garden produce, freshly picked. You will find a wide range of craft items on offer, all locally made by our skilled crafters with many tempting gifts ideas that you won’t find on the high street. We have babies to ladies accessories and practical gifts, knitwear and sewing, beadwork and cards with designs unique to our producers. Our logo says ‘COOK, CRAFT, GROW’; if you like to do any of those and would like to be part of a local cooperative, please come along and see what we are about. We always welcome new members. You can find more information about the market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, and home baked refreshments too. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what we’re up to and give us your feedback.
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NEWS WALKERS IN SUFFOLK ASKED TO UNITE AGAINST PARKINSON’S Suffolk residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham on Sunday, June 10. The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018. Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure. There are longer and shorter distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone. At Glemham Hall distances include a 1.5-mile, 3.5mile and 5.5-mile walk to choose from. Last year, 180 people took part in the walk at Glemham Hall to raise £17,000 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year. Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved.
SIDEGATE LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE Tuesday Tea Dance with Teresa Brown 2-4pm with refreshments, £3 for members, easy parking / 01473 42242 Wednesday Evening Classes 7-8pm: Continue learning, ideal if your class has closed down 8-10pm: Improvers ballroom and Latin dance steps and style, £3 for members, easy parking / 01473 422427 / 01473 723070 Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich IP4 4HZ www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk/ballroom
SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY MALE VOICE CHOIR 50th Anniversary Concert: Saturday, April 14 On Saturday, April 14 to mark their 50th Anniversary, the Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir are performing a charity concert in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices at St John The Baptist Church, Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, commencing at 7.30pm. They will be joined in the concert by their friends from the Essex Police Choir, the Hertfordshire Constabulary Choir and the St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir. The concert is being compered by Rachel Sloane and Jeffries of Bacton has kindly provided sponsorship. Tickets are now on sale. Tickets purchased before the day cost £8 each. Subject to availability tickets costing £10 each can be purchased on the door. For further information and to order tickets contact: 01449 672600
He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. “Exercise can be really beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s. It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms. “So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinson’s.” The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal. As the charity is hoping to raise over £500,000 from the 37 events it suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50. All the money raised from the event will fund research to help to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s.
MARTLESHAM HEATH CONTROL TOWER MUSEUM NOW OPEN Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum opens for the season on the afternoon of Sunday, April 1, and will be open every Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm until October 29.
Parkinson’s UK is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area, or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.
Learn the story of this fascinating airfield from 1917 to 1963. Entry is free but donations are appreciated. The museum is located at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UZ.
To find out more, or to sign up to walk or volunteer at the event, call 02079 639367, email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall
Special openings for school and club groups available by arrangement. For more information contact Ian (01473 611665) or Howard (01473 274300) or email: control.tower@mhas.org.uk
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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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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY In February Barry Venning kept us all spellbound with a talk on the local and world famous animator and cartoonist Carl Giles. Entitled Giles – His Life, Times and Cartoons, the humour and stories of the cartoons and captions had the audience both laughing and sometimes mulling over his reasoning. The cartoons were also interspersed with the life story of Giles from his schooldays until his death. A near full house enjoyed a thoroughly well rounded talk, excellently presented. On Wednesday, April 4, John Benjamin, familiar to all those who watch The Antiques Roadshow, will give a talk to mark the Golden Jubilee of NADFAS. A History of Jewellery from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor is a lecture close to one given in early 1969 which looked at the evolution of design in jewellery. We will see beautiful things. Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
BROKE HALL WI We would be pleased to meet any new ladies who would like to come and see what we do and maybe join in. We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. We also have monthly clubs, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Friday, April 13: Fused Glass Demo by Alison Mayston Friday, May 11: Resolutions and Bag Beetle Friday, June 8: Memories of a Career in Teaching by Ted Wheatley Friday, July 13: The Baron, the Policeman and the Mayor (an Ipswich Riot) by Linda Sexton For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
AUTHOR IAN ANDREW VISITS RAVENSWOOD WRITING GROUP This successful crime/thriller author is the creator of the Wright & Tran series of detective novels, the first of which, Face Value, was awarded the 2017 Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize. Originally from Northern Ireland, Ian joined the Royal Air Force at 18 as an aircraft technician and subsequently served as an Intelligence Officer.
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Having been a long term resident of East Anglia, he now lives in the rural south west of Western Australia.
Thursday, April 26 at 7.15pm: Black Teeth and Dirty Fingernails: The Great Unwashed of Victorian London
He’ll be talking about his writing journey from putting those first few words onto paper up to the present day, delivering his story with great humour and warmth.
London was a magnet for people from Victorian Suffolk, often thinking they were going to live in a better place. Imagine living in cramped, overcrowded, vermin ridden slums, with hunger, crime and filthy water. Set against London’s transformation to a grand capital city, with the privileged few contemplating which bonnet or shoes to wear that day, yet within spitting distance, thousands faced a grim, brutal struggle living in desperate poverty. In this entertaining talk David lifts the lid on the Victorian underclass. What was it really like being poor in Victorian London? We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
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After hearing Ian speak and an opportunity to ask questions, everyone will also get a chance to do a little writing of their own based on some of Ian’s character descriptions. Beforehand, try to think of a person you might like to describe physically. A photo of your chosen person could be helpful, but you may prefer to work from memory. If you’d like to book a place at the session on Thursday, April 19, 7.30-9.30pm, ring Mai on 01473 711639 or visit: www.suffolkwritersgroup.com
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Think you might enjoy it? Then come along to St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact Helen (howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979) or John (angelajohnadams@btinternet.com / 01473 710406).
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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE WELCOMES POET HELEN MORT Helen Mort is a multiaward winning British poet. She is five-time winner of the Foyle Young Poets award, received an Eric Gregory award from The Society of Authors and won the Manchester Poet Young Writer Prize in 2008. She was the Derbyshire Poet Laureate from 2013 to 2015 and has won many more poetry prizes. Her latest collection, No Map Could Show Them, is filled to the brim with poetry inspired by Mort’s two passions: mountaineering and running. Helen will be appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Thursday, April 5. This is the Book League’s AGM event. Doors open at 6.30pm, the AGM starts at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members free, non-members (welcome after the AGM) £8. Students (also welcome after the AGM) are free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door, seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Cash payment required on arrival (sorry no cards accepted). Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The start time is 7.15pm. Our next meeting is on April 17 when John Field will be talking on the historic buildings of Ipswich. John will be aiming to create greater awareness of the many buildings and features of national importance within the town. He will review over one hundred buildings and features, explaining their historical and architectural importance. Many of the town’s listed buildings, churches mansions, parks and halls will be included. A must for those who love our county town. On May 15 Peter Lawrence will talk on stately homes in England, explaining how they reflect the power, wealth and influence of their owners. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
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IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Our last two meetings have been very interesting and diverse. Ray How displayed and talked about Irish Airmail, but some of this spent little time in the air! Mike Birt gave an impressive display of stamps, covers and memorabilia all associated with the iconic Concorde, some signed by the pilots. April will be a very busy month as we have two major events in just 10 days. First we have our annual auction with approximately 500 lots on Wednesday, April 4. This will be held in Cedarwood Primary School, where we hold all our meetings, with viewing from 4pm and the auction starting at 6.45pm sharp. Non-members welcome as usual. Then on Saturday, April 14 we have organised a stamp fair open to all who would like to buy or sell stamps or postcards. We have invited 12 dealers who between them specialise in almost every aspect of the hobby. Entrance is free and refreshments will be available. This will be held at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Kesgrave IP5 1JF, 10am-4pm. All welcome. Finally, on April 18 we will be back to our normal meetings when Ed Hitchings will display some highlights from his collection. Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm, visitors welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com
U3A HAS HAD TO STAY INDOORS RECENTLY! Well the snow certainly made life interesting for everyone, not just U3A members. We hope that April brings some sunny compensation and lives are back on track with gardens, walks and outdoor activities. There are some interesting talks coming in our four campuses and there will be a warm welcome to members and prospective members this spring. You’ll find membership details online, but if you don’t have internet access call 03001 233913. CAMPUS TALK DATES FOR SPRING 2018 Thursday, April 12, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF: An Introduction to Gemstones by Jason Middleton. Refreshments follow. Friday, April 27, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall IP12 4AU: Suffolk Estuaries and Scandinavian Ships by Paul Constantine. Why the Scandinavian Culture colonised this part of the East Coast and the evolution of their boats to provide transport for goods. Refreshments from 10am. Monday, April 30, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF: Green Man – An Alternative to Eternity by Roger Green. The myths and legends behind this fascinating image, older than Christianity. Refreshments follow. Thursday, May 3, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall IP11 7EL: The Way Holidays Used To Be by Richard Mann. A light hearted look at why we used to rush to the seaside, how we got there and what we did when we arrived. Refreshments follow. Thursday, May 10, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF: Music Hall Memories by Bryan Thurlow, a pocket history of the music hall with songs and monologues. Refreshments follow. Please remember that visitors are welcome at one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you joining details on the day. www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, April 25: The 100 (Bomber Support) Group Radio Counter Measures (WW2), an illustrated talk by Wing Commander John Stubbington (Rtd) We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments. Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490).
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
www.idhts.co.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, April 9: A-Z of Curious Suffolk with Sarah Doig, an alphabetical cornucopia of strange, spooky and mysterious facts about the county. All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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 from 7.30-10pm. Thursday, April 26: Talk and demonstration on Screen Printing There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB MARTLESHAM OUTDOOR BOWLS Another season will soon be upon us with our Opening Drive taking place on April 21. The green is in very good condition thanks to the dedicated team of members who have worked throughout the year to get it ready. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us! Work has gone on over the winter months to install our own electricity supply to the clubhouse and renew the pipes supplying the water. We have only been able to do this with the support of Councillor Chris Blundell with grants from his Enabling Communities Budget, from Suffolk Coastal’s Exemplar Grant and from Councillor Patricia O’Brien from Suffolk County Council. The electricity is up and running, but there is a slight delay with the completion of the water supply as we are still waiting on the water board to chlorinate the pipe before completion can take place. We are an active club playing in four different leagues as well as playing friendly matches with other clubs. We have rollups and social bowling during the week and on a Saturday, where there is opportunity to get to know other members in a friendly, relaxed setting, learn the game and practise bowling skills. For those who are not sure where the bowls club is, we are situated in the Recreation Ground which is located in The Street, Martlesham. The address and a map can be found at: www.martleshambowlsclub.com We welcome new members with or without experience of bowls so if you are interested, information can be found on our website or you can contact the secretary: 01473 622598 / mary.drake@talktalk.net
On February 22 local demonstrator Alan Smith presented Winter Creations. The meeting certainly lived up to expectations; Alan always gives us a very enjoyable evening and this was no exception. On March 22 we will be having an Easter Workshop tutored by Ann Marjorum instead of a demonstrator and we hope to have a full membership taking part. Visitors are welcome, but please contact the secretary for full details of the items you would need to bring to take part. The Orwell Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstrations start at 7.15pm, but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and to buy raffle tickets for the arrangement created in the demonstration. Yearly subscriptions are due at the AGM in April; they are £40 and visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
DEBEN FLOWER CLUB QUIZ NIGHT Deben Flower Club is holding another of their now very popular quiz nights on Saturday, May 12 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU, 7 for 7.30pm. Once again this will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a ploughman’s supper. Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six? If you don’t have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are £8 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses. For information and tickets contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS
Well I’m pleased to say that I have at least visited my allotment plot since writing the March article! However, I only managed 18 minutes in the subzero winds and had to retreat. Surely we will see the back of winter soon. So what did I achieve in my short stint? I checked all the beds over, weeded between my strawberry plants and dug up half a bucket of carrots – all of which (sadly but obviously) were riddled with holes and worms. It was heartening to see my rhubarb peeping through the soil though and delightful to see my winter sown broad beans up. But how disappointing that my autumn planted leeks are still only about the width of a pencil – oh dear! Who knew that running an allotment would be such an emotional rollercoaster? April is the month for sunshine and showers and the lengthening days mean plant growth – including weeds – can be rapid. If you dug over your plot in the autumn and small weeds are now emerging, wait for a windy day to dry the surface, then hoe the affected area. This will destroy the weeds and break down the soil. In May hoe again and the soil will be ready for planting or sowing and require minimal maintenance until the autumn. Established asparagus plants require open and weed-free beds and the plants detest wet soil, so weeding is best by hand fork. A good tip is to mulch the bed with peat after weeding then leave for the spears to emerge in early summer. Asparagus beds will crop for 25 years, so weeding and thick mulching will, in time, raise the bed and improve drainage. Another good tip is to plant any spare tomato plants that you might have come May directly adjacent to the asparagus. Their smell wards off asparagus beetle and in return they enjoy nutrients that the established asparagus beds provide. This is the perfect time to take on an allotment – at the start of the warmer weather and the growing season – so if you fancy joining us at our beautiful Rushmere St Andrew site then please contact our membership secretary Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Oh – and never mind about my rotten carrots – the guinea pigs had a feast that day! Sally Peckham
BRIGHT STARS FUN ACTIVITY SESSIONS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children (0-5) from 10.30am-noon on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. If you would you like a fun start to your week, come along to Bright Stars with your parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers. 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. You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings; just turn up, no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing you. The remaining spring term dates are March 12 and 26. If you would like further information please contact: Sonya & Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196
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MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS The beginning of March brought the ‘Beast from the East’ which meant lots of outdoor snow play on the Millennium Field next to Kesgrave Playschool. Great fun was had by all. Children enjoyed World Book Week and were encouraged to bring their favourite books to playschool. Parents were then invited in to share this experience. We also opened our doors to families looking for a playschool place; our open morning offered lots of Easter activities to join in with as well as being able to see what we get up to! The children participated in a sponsored Woodland Welly Walk raising much needed funds to buy new toys and equipment for playschool. Thank you for all for your continued support, we’ll have a grand total soon. As we go into the summer term we will be supporting our older children on their transition to school. At Martlesham Playschool we were busy making Valentine’s Day framed pictures to raise funds to enhance our new book area with comfy seating; we would like to thank all parents and carers for your support. We have been learning about Chinese New Year, making lanterns and dragons. The children took part in a sponsored bounce at the end of March; we are hoping to use funds raised to improve our outdoor area. And we were busy making Mother’s Day treats for the children to bring home. We have made significant changes to our room, adding development areas. We have also focused our involvement on making sure that these new areas promote learning to give children the best possible start and opportunity to learn. These new areas explore creativity, encourage personal growth and a keen interest in the world around us. We are planning to develop more key areas in our outside environment such as new maths resources and a new cosy area. We held two open days in March and prospective parents and children were able to join in cake decorating and making tissue paper flowers. If you were unable to join us at our open days please contact us for a visit. We are on Facebook (Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools) or call us at Kesgrave on 07746 907060. Contact us for a chat about how we can offer 15 or 30 hours funded childcare, over both settings. Call Martlesham on 01473 625986 where we offer term time and all year round spaces. Spaces are available from September. Martlesham Playschool: Martlesham Playschool, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 Facebook: Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools
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CHURCH NEWS BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL: SUNDAY@4 We hope you have a happy Easter and are able to spend some time thinking about what Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates – that death is not the final word! Despite everything around us telling us that it is, and that we exist merely to consume goods and experiences, as Christians we believe that the resurrection proves that there is a glorious future ahead and that we can also make a difference right now in how we live and love, with purpose and enthusiasm. And that is one of our aims as a local church – to make a positive difference. Last month we had the pleasure of a visit from Bishop Vithalis from our link Diocese in Kagera, Tanzania. This was his first visit to the UK, for a bishop’s conference in Canterbury, and was marked by heavy snowfall which he bravely weathered. He spoke about his own journey from very difficult circumstances and the way the people in his diocese were embracing Christianity and how the church was growing. As he visits his parishes it is not unusual for their services to last five-six hours praising God and listening to the teachings of God. He was especially interested in the new church at Bixley Farm as he had noticed that within the UK church numbers are generally lower than he expected but was thrilled to see that this new church was developing and so welcoming. Life is of course very different in that part of the world as living standards are so much lower than ours, especially in regards to health, education and life expectancy. But on the other hand their community life means that they do not experience the type of loneliness that haunts many in our society, especially as we get older. So perhaps we can observe and learn from each other. When our churches spoke to local people in the recent Who Cares? survey looking at what hurts people the most, loneliness was one of the most common reasons identified. As Christians in Bixley Farm we are not only looking to worship locally but to work within the local area offering opportunities for people to join together to embrace community spirit and reduce loneliness. We are planning to start initially with a parent and toddler group. As always, everyone is welcome to join us each Sunday for our regular weekly service at Tower Hall from 4-5pm, whether you already have a Christian faith, whether you want to find out more about why Easter matters or if you just want someone to talk to. There are opportunities to speak to clergy or other members of the church, time for prayer and Holy Communion is celebrated every other Sunday. For further information go to www.mie.org/bixley or contact: office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978 April sees us head into spring with the promise of a golden summer of sunshine and fun. In this country there is no guarantee of perfect summer weather, but we live in hope that it will be so, at least this year. Last month the Ark hosted two very successful events for our national organisation, Bibleway. On Saturday 17, men from all our churches in south east England met for a Re-Connection Conference and on Good Friday and Easter Saturday we held the National Youth Congress, both wonderful but exhausting occasions. We saw people, young and old, praising, worshipping and thanking God in highly charged atmospheres, bringing the power of God to life and changing lives for the better. Pity you missed them; maybe next year! Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Café and Children’s Church 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact us via email at arkipswichuk@gmail.com and we can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @arkipswich or online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk
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