In Touch
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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 8 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2018
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
When I was much younger, New Year’s resolutions seemed to be quite important. I remember feeling I had to come up with some genuine pledges to do one thing or another, or to not do one thing or another. Of course, they all fell by the wayside, but I thought it would be fun to share a few I have failed to keep over the years.
INTRODUCTORY BEE-KEEPING COURSE
1: I will stop biting my nails (every year since I was five)
Mondays, January 22 & 29 and February 5, 19 & 26, 1.30-3.30pm
2: I will run 5K (last year)
The course will cover: • The relevance and importance of bee-keeping • How a bee colony lives and works • Different kinds of hive and how they work • The beekeeping year • Queens and drones • Swarming • Pests and diseases • Honey and hive products • Plants and forage
3: I will learn a new language (every year since I married into a family where everyone else does) 4: I will not watch daytime TV (rarely happens, but does feel like a treat when I get 10 minutes – got to love those housewives!) 5: I will eat less sugar (a daily failure) 6: I will not buy any new shoes or clothes for an entire year (I tried this and it made me completely miserable. A girl needs an occasional treat, or at least the possibility of one!) 7: I’m going to do face yoga every morning (recommended by a friend in 2014 – we don’t see much of each other anymore) 8: I’m going to drink six glasses of water every day (oh the guilt!) 9: I’m going to listen to less Leonard Cohen and be more positive about everything (can’t do it – Leonard truly holds the keys to my miserable heart)
An introductory bee-keeping course led by Betsy Reid will run on the following dates at the People’s Community Garden and CRESS Pavilion, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE:
To book your place call ActivLives on 01473 345350. Suggested donation £5 per session; free to regular volunteers and unwaged.
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Think you might enjoy it?
10: I’m going to make time for a weekly date night with my husband (turns out he would have to make the same resolution and get home from work before 9pm)
Then come along to St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm.
So I’m going to skip the resolutions this year and just get on with living, always trying to do better, to be healthier, more appreciative, more thoughtful… all of which would be easier if I got more sleep.
For more information contact Helen: howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John: angelajohnadams@btinternet.com / 01473 710406
I’ve just talked myself into a resolution, haven’t I? Failed again!
In Touch
with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath
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FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2018
HOME-START IN SUFFOLK ANNUAL SNOWFLAKE BALL Following the huge success of our ball last year, when an excellent time was had by all, Home-Start in Suffolk will be hosting their third annual Snowflake Ball at Kesgrave Hall, Milsoms on Friday, May 18, 2018. Guests will enjoy an arrival drink, a sumptuous threecourse dinner and coffee, followed by an energetic evening of dancing to local band The Beavers, as well as a variety of other entertainment. During the evening there will be several chances to win some amazing prizes and to bid in our grand auction for some superb lots, such as a holiday break in a beautiful home in Scotland and a Learn to Dance like the Strictly Stars package. There is also be the opportunity to be involved with a variety of sponsorship packages available to local businesses and to donate prizes for the evening’s activities. For Home-Start, the snowflake represents “the unique, fragile and vulnerable nature of the children and families we support”. These are families for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone; this can be for many differing reasons, such as bereavement, illness, multiple births, loneliness or a variety of physical and mental health problems. Families are matched with a trained volunteer who supports them on a weekly basis, enabling them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, improve their health and wellbeing and widen their links locally. If you would like to find out more, be a sponsor or purchase tickets (£58), please contact Home-Start – headoffice@homestartinsuffolk.org / 01473 621104 – or visit: www.homestartinsuffolk.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Happy New Year to all our members and guests Our first ever study day, Art and Architecture of the American West with Roger Mitchell MA, held on November 17 was a resounding success, so much so that we shall certainly try to arrange another one in the near future. After our lecture on December 6, we have a break until Wednesday, February 7 when Barry Venning will be presenting Giles: His Life, Times and Cartoons which we are sure will be a very popular subject. We would remind guests to call the membership secretary to add your name to the booking list for non-member seat allocation. 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
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU? So what resolutions have you made for the New Year? To shop local, to eat better quality homemade food, maybe to get out more or get more involved with your wlocal community, to start selling your handmade crafts, baking or surplus garden produce? You can do all of those things at Ipswich Country Market, and we would love to welcome you into our community. Make us part of your routine and enjoy good company, great food and produce, or maybe find an outlet for your home grown, cooked or crafted items. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit, so you have nothing to lose by checking us out. Our first market in January is on Thursday 11, when we will also have bacon rolls on offer for just £1! We are open on from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. We have plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments, so you can try before you buy. Find out more about our market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk
IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB BACK TO BUSINESS December was a quieter month for us with just a meeting of all the Soroptimist clubs in our region to celebrate Human Rights Day, an outing for our quiz team, the exchange of greetings with our twin clubs in France and Denmark and, most important of all, our Christmas Supper. Now it’s back to business. We seem to have focussed a lot on international issues and projects in recent months. This winter we are trying to update our awareness of things going on here where we live. Of course, they all come under the umbrella of our core purpose, to enhance the status of women and help girls and women to achieve their potential. There is still plenty to work on both locally and internationally.
Everyone in Martlesham Brass would like to wish you a Happy New Year! A very big thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities, FIND – Families in Need, Ipswich Holiday Help for Children and SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire. In next month’s article we will report back on the final amount raised. 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 would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below.
On Wednesday, January 10, Lynn Ambrose, the manager of The Ferns, will be coming to talk to us. This is the SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in Ipswich. It offers medical care and emotional support to any victim of sexual assault, woman, man or child. In contrast, on February 14, we shall be welcoming the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barker, to share her experiences of being mayor and in particular of juggling this role with her job as a nurse. If you are interested in coming to hear either or both of these talks, please contact Joyce, our secretary, on 01394 615659 for more information and directions. Apologies to St Valentine for the clash!
Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED
Monday, February 12: Ipswich War Memorial Project by Andrew Beal
A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm.
We look forward to seeing you all then and wish you a Happy New Year.
The project to record and identify over 2,000 people on Ipswich War Memorial who died during the First and Second World Wars, and up to 2007, was started in 2014. The aim was to create a database for families to discover more about their ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice. The talk features unseen family pictures and stories; please do bring any relevant images that you may have.
New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850
All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
Thursday, January 25: Paper Bead Making with Jill
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OUT & ABOUT
BROKE HALL WI Firstly, Happy New Year to all who read this from the ladies of 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. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Friday, January 12: Forensic Science and Forearms – In Search of the Smoking Gun by Brian Heard Friday, February 9: Thomas Cavendish – A Suffolk Buccaneer by Cathy Shelbourne Friday, March 9: Trek for Life (Everest Base Camp) by Tina Oldfield
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 24: Life as a Harwich Pilot, an illustrated talk by Jane Stone We meet at 7pm 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) www.idhts.co.uk
U3A HOPES 2018 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR ALL
We also have monthly clubs, a book club, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits.
Whether you a member of a group or just attend our monthly talks in one of our four campuses, we hope you will be with us in celebrating our 30th birthday in 2018. If you haven’t yet joined U3A maybe it could be your New Year resolution to see what we are all about. For full details of how to become a member please visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning: 03001 233913
Friday, April 13: Fused Glass Demo by Alison Mayston
FORTHCOMING TALKS
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, January 25: The Treasures of Ipswich by John Field John has sung the praises of Ipswich’s architectural heritage for many years and is proud of what we have. The talk reviews over 100 Ipswich buildings and features of architectural and historical importance, including many of the town’s listed buildings, churches, mansions and halls. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
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Friday, January 26, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall The Story of a Suffolk Bevin Boy by Barbara McElroy. The tale of a rural boy conscripted down the mines during and after the war. Refreshments available from 10am with the talk commencing at 10.30am. Thursday, February 1, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall The Black Death by Jonathan Belsey. The personal and social impact of village life at the time of the Black Death of 1349. Refreshments follow the meeting. Thursday, January 11, 2pm at Market Hall, Saxmundham IP17 1AF The Art and Mystery of Maltings by Ivor Murrell. A talk by Suffolk’s last working maltster, looking at the skills used and how maltings worked. Refreshments follow the meeting. Thursday, February 8, 2pm at Market Hall, Saxmundham IP17 1AF Chocolate by Tony Diamond. Amazing facts, myths and ignorance surrounding chocolate – sadly no free samples! Monday, January 29, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre How to Recycle a Car in 60 Seconds by Nigel Slinn. A talk about metal and waste recycling and how the different materials of a car are stripped down – in 60 seconds. Refreshments follow the meeting. Visitors are welcome to come to one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you details on the day.
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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!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet on the second Thursday of each month for lunch and usually a speaker entertains us afterwards. In January we will meet at Greshams on Tuddenham Road (opposite the Millennium Cemetery). What is Probus? Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Graham Balfe, for further details: 01473 729012 / grahambalfe@tiscali.co.uk
INTRODUCING YOUR LOCAL SLIMMING WORLD TEAM A warm, friendly Slimming World group is the very best place to learn how to lose weight and get all the support you need to achieve your target and stay there for life. Food Optimising with Slimming World is all about healthy eating and enjoying food – nothing is off limits. Sarah Pearsons, a consultant joined Slimming World after having her daughter, lost three stone to achieve her personal target and has become a consultant to share the life changing experience she has had. Sarah says: “I love how generous the Extra Easy plan is. As a new mum I doubted myself in every way, now I have my confidence back and love sharing the knowledge and support I have picked up throughout my journey. The most important thing for me is never being hungry and enjoying real food. We cook family favourites like roast dinners and chilli con carne, a few tweaks made them Food Optimising friendly and everyone loves them.” Consultant Lisa Roberts love curries and sweet treats: “We share fantastic recipes and ideas in our groups and I love trying out new desserts. It’s great knowing there is no guilt and the plan works for all food tastes.” Lisa found Slimming World as she felt unhappy with her weight. She is now a target member with three stone gone forever. Lisa is passionate about helping members lose weight and feel good about themselves. She has given up a career in London to do this! Lisa and Sarah would love to welcome you to your local group. Martlesham Heath: Tuesdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angels Church, The Drift. Contact Sarah: 07825 222076 Martlesham: Saturdays at 8.30am and 10.30am at Martlesham Community Hall and Richards Room, Felixstowe Road. Contact Lisa: 07752 006399
Happy New Year to you all! 2018 is stretching out in front of us now, full of possibilities, with all its potential as yet untapped. What will it bring for you, I wonder? On the allotment, this time of year is one of waiting and dreaming of warmer days. It’s still too cold, really, to do much, although by the very end of the month we might be able to start sowing a few early seeds under cover, wellprotected from the winter chills. For now, preparation and patience are the buzz-words. There will be debris to clear and over-wintering vegetables to check, getting rid of any that may have rotted or gone mouldy in damp conditions. On sunny days, the temperatures can rise quite a bit in protected areas, so don’t forget to make sure any cloches are ventilated, or you could unintentionally be cooking your produce rather too early! By the end of the month, you can be starting off a few early vegetable seeds, and of course getting your seed potatoes ordered in for the start of a new season. In the meantime, take some time to breathe, and enjoy the calm before the new year gets underway in earnest. If you’ve ever fancied growing your own, we do have a few plots available at our picturesque Rushmere St Andrew site and new members are always made very welcome. For more information, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk / 01473 612283 Becki Ritson
THE WHITE EAGLE LODGE The White Eagle Lodge is based on spiritual principles with members in 25 countries. Our path is one of love, tolerance and service to all life; seeking inner peace, and awareness of our eternal, spiritual nature. At the Ipswich group we offer services and retreat days. The Ipswich group meet at the Millennium Hall, Kesgrave on the second Sunday of each month (excluding January, August and September). Our next meeting is on February 11, 10am for a 10.30am Sunday Service. Our theme will be New Beginnings. We would love to see you if you feel in sympathy with our work. For more information visit: www.whiteagle.org/east-anglia E: weeastangliaregion@gmail.com
It was the chat with them over a cuppa that got me through the day Here for you every hour of every day
01473 851731
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR SUFFOLK’S YOUTH PARLIAMENT Nominations are now open for Suffolk’s Youth Parliament and young people in Suffolk have until January 7 to submit their nominations. The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is the largest elected body of young people in the UK who influence policy. Made up of elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and deputies, they meet locally and nationally to give young people a voice. There are currently two MYPs in Suffolk and up to 15 MYPs and deputies will be appointed when elections are held in February. MYPs assist in running Make Your Mark, the UK›s largest youth consultation. The results of the consultation are used to develop services locally and nationally. There are also opportunities to attend British Youth Council conventions and attend the Make Your Mark debate in the House of Commons. Above all, young people are given the opportunity to meet new people, make lasting friends and make a difference. Results of the recent Make your Mark consultation can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/ya9jhx5b Councillor Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I would always encourage young people to get involved in politics and UK Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people to be a part of important decisions made both locally and nationally. “Being a Member of Youth Parliament gives young people a powerful voice to present views, opinions and issues of Suffolk’s residents to local decision makers. Elected MYPs will demonstrate a passion and energy to drive real change for the better.” Current Member of Suffolk’s Youth Parliament, Meg Day, said: “Youth Parliament has given me so many opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t have been offered to me otherwise. I’ve met likeminded people from up and down the country and made some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. UKYP holds the largest youth consultation in the world and you really do feel like you’re making a positive difference for young people.” The UK Youth Parliament holds elections for UKYP members to be elected in Suffolk in February to start their term in March. To apply, you must: • Be aged 11-18 • Live, work or study in the area you are standing for • Be able to commit seven hours a month (or one-two hours a week) to Suffolk UKYP To run for election, young people will need produce a short video or a written manifesto, addressing three areas they are passionate about and would like to change in their local area – one of these must be taken from the top 5 a Make Your Mark results.
TREATING HEARING LOSS CAN HELP KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS By Karen Finch Every New Year brings with it a sense of renewal. For many, this renewal may include New Year’s resolutions pledging that the next year will prove better than the last. The challenge is not making these resolutions, but making sure they do not melt away with the snow as winter turns to spring. Some common resolutions might include reducing stress levels, staying in touch more regularly with family and friends, and being more socially involved. For those who struggle with hearing loss, keeping these and other perennial resolutions may prove challenging. Here are a few examples of how treating your hearing loss in the New Year can help you achieve your resolutions and improve your life. Reducing stress Staying stress free in the New Year may seem like an insurmountable task, but we can all do a few things to make sure stress doesn’t dominate our lives. Hearing-related stress can present itself in everyday situations with the potential to significantly increase your overall stress level. If you have become nervous to speak up when clarifying what was said in a conversation, or avoid loud places for fear of being cut from the conversation, it may be time to address your hearing issues. Finding a solution could help you reduce some of your daily stress. Staying in touch with family and friends Staying connected with family and friends is difficult whether loved ones are spread across the country or live just around the corner. If keeping in touch with the important people in your life tops your list of resolutions, addressing your hearing concerns may be a step in the right direction. Being able to communicate with family and friends without worrying about what was said by a loved one over the phone, on Skype, or face-to-face is of the utmost importance. Not only does it put your mind at ease, it makes conversations with loved ones that much easier. Branching out Hearing loss may hinder you from branching out and meeting new people. If you are nervous to extend your social circle because of your hearing loss, addressing the issue in the New Year could be the push you need to make new friends and experience new adventures in the coming year. Have you always wanted to volunteer with an organisation or join a club but have been too self-conscious about your hearing loss? Don’t let apprehension and worry keep you from meeting new people and enjoying all the sights and sounds that the world has to offer. Starting a new hobby Starting a new hobby, whether by yourself or in a group setting, can be both challenging and entertaining. If you would like to learn how to play a new instrument and want to better hear the notes, or if you are taking a class at your local college and want to be able to contribute to the discussion without feeling nervous, having the confidence to address your hearing issues can lead to new talents and friends. Taking action If any of the above scenarios resonate with you, your hearing loss could be a barrier to accomplishing your resolutions. It may be time to add another resolution to the list: book a hearing assessment. Seeking help, advice and ultimately treating your hearing loss will benefit not only your physical health but your mental and social health as well. Placing priority on your hearing health will not only help you to achieve your New Year’s resolutions, but will give you a renewed confidence in your hearing and social life. Invest in your hearing. Invest in yourself.
Manifestos must be submitted by January 7, 2018. Full details of how to apply can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y9x2a828
Karen Finch is the Managing Director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre in Ipswich. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 25 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk.
For more information about the UK Youth Parliament, visit: www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk
Karen is offering free hearing assessments at her Ipswich practice between January 24 and 26 (normally £20). Appointments are essential. For more information 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk
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on The grapevine DANCEEAST TO HOST NATIONAL YOUTH DANCE FESTIVAL U.DANCE 2018 SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR OF PIONEERING PROJECT StartEast is delighted to announce, as the calendar year draws to a close, that they have so far supported more than 130 cultural and creative individuals, start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises in Norfolk and Suffolk, with over 800 hours of advice and training to enable them to take the next vital steps in securing growth for their businesses. Bespoke business support packages have been specifically tailored, following individual assessments, to deliver a combination of one to one sessions, practical small group workshops and larger networking events, providing opportunities to meet other creatives from across the region, covering popular topics such as business planning, finance, fundraising and social media. One StartEast beneficiary commented: “The session I attended focused on financial, social media and entrepreneurial considerations. All of this was really helpful and the session on how to nurture creative potential and apply it to cultural enterprise was inspirational.” StartEast Advisor Sue Lawther-Brown said: “Working with StartEast as an advisor has given me enormous optimism about the quality and quantity of creative talent in Norfolk and Suffolk. I’ve met such an interesting range of people, all pursuing businesses in the cultural sector, and all with passion, determination and a great deal to offer the future of this region. It’s so encouraging to see so many new and established creatives wanting to work smarter, be more business -like and making a real difference to the economy of the local area. I look forward to meeting many more creative entrepreneurs in the year to come.” StartEast: Building the Cultural Economy is a major economic development initiative led by the New Anglia Cultural Board, managed by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk County Council and delivered by the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich The £12.million project received funding from Arts Council England’s Creative Local Growth Fund (£500k) and the European Regional Development Fund (£609,773) One of nine national projects supported through the first round, it was one of only 3 to be awarded the full amount available through the fund. Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Communities Committee, said: “Major Arts Council England and European Regional Development Fund investment has enabled Norfolk County Council, in partnership with Suffolk County Council and the New Anglia LEP Cultural Board, to develop this ambitious and pioneering business development programme which will significantly strengthen our cultural sector, placing it at the heart of economic growth in the region. It is very exciting to see StartEast now fully underway and benefiting people across the region.” StartEast supports creative sole traders, established SMEs and start-ups working in various art-form areas, such as performing arts, outdoor arts, dance, music and literature. It also supports technical roles in the sector such as, for example, stage management. The initiative is enabling a step-change in the capacity, ambition, impact and economic contribution of our regional cultural sector which is one of the New Anglia LEP’s ten priority growth sectors. The programme is leveraging the strong partnerships already established between Norfolk and Suffolk’s cultural sectors – including 12 Arts Council England National portfolio organisations, the New Anglia LEP and other key growth sectors. For further information about StartEast, please contact info@starteast.co.uk / 01473 295938 or visit: www.starteast.co.uk
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Following four days of youth dance celebrations in Birmingham earlier this year to mark One Dance UK’s U.Dance 2017, it was revealed that DanceEast will host the national event for the first time in 2018. Each year the U.Dance festival showcases a selection of dance groups from all over the country, as well as providing young people with the chance to take part in workshops and masterclasses with dance industry professionals, and inspire each other with a love of dance. The 2018 festival will run in July, across both DanceEast Image by Brian Slater and Snape Maltings. It will enable young dancers from both schools and youth dance groups to participate in classes, workshops, careers sessions and social activities during the three and half day residential. Coming to the East of England for the first time, One Dance UK will work with DanceEast to make U.Dance 2018 a unique experience, inspired by the region’s urban and rural landscapes. DanceEast will also host the regional platform, which forms part of the selection process for the festival, on Sunday 18 February 2018, at the University of Bedfordshire. Applications for the regional platform open on DanceEast’s website at the end of October, closing on Friday 24 November. Youth dance and school dance groups are invited to apply to perform, in a bid to be part of the national festival in the summer of 2018. Applications are welcome from across the entire eastern Image by Brian Slater region and groups working in any dance genre are encouraged to apply. Dancers need to be aged between 11 to 19 (or up to age 25 for dancers with additional needs). Working in partnership with One Dance UK, DanceEast is excited to continue to champion youth dance in all its forms. DanceEast’s base at the Jerwood DanceHouse has played host to regional U.Dance heats since 2012 as the East of England partner organisation, heading to the University of Bedfordshire for 2018. Lucy Bayliss, Head of Creative Programmes, said: “Work with young dancers is a core part of DanceEast’s programme and we are excited to have the opportunity to celebrate this work with groups from across the country through such a prestigious event. U.Dance brings a huge amount of colour and energy to the host area and is a positive celebration of what young people can achieve. We are looking forward to welcoming the national groups to Suffolk, to experience just a little of what is special about living and working in the East.” Andrew Hurst, Chief Executive of One Dance UK, said: “We are excited to partner with DanceEast in presenting U.Dance 2018. The U.Dance national youth dance festival is an important event on the national dance calendar. From the local platforms to the Festival itself, U.Dance engages with more than 7,000 young dancers each year, encouraging them in the pursuit of excellence in dance and embarking on careers in dance, highlighting one of One Dance UK’s key aspirations - to get as many young people as possible dancing.” In true U.Dance tradition, the 2018 event will further extend DanceEast’s offering of dance opportunities. Additional specialised projects are also hoped to increase the dance opportunities for children and young people in the region for 2018, expanding the reach of U.Dance to young people in Suffolk and beyond.
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on the grapevine THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE SPRING 2018 SEASON ON SALE NOW
This spring, the New Wolsey Theatre will present the premiere of Our Blue Heaven, a brand new musical in celebration of 40 years since Ipswich Town’s historic FA Cup Victory. The production runs from Friday 4 to Saturday, May 26. With a hasty wedding, a first birth and missing tickets to contend with, will our mad-keen Ipswich fans make it to the final? Can the town navigate the frozen pitch at Bristol Rovers, the rioting Millwall supporters at the Den, dodgy refereeing at Villa Park and make it all the way to Wembley? Created from the heart-warming memories of super blues fans themselves, with a live soundtrack of chart hits from ‘78, join Bobby and his Blue Army on this nostalgic trip down Wembley Way.
hearing actors using British Sign Language and spoken English. Oliver Award-nominated actress Josette Bushell-Mingo mixes story and song as she draws together tales from the life of Nina Simone and her own extraordinary career from Tuesday 20 Thursday, February 22 with Nina – A Story About Me and Nina Simone. Snapdragon Productions and The Watermill Theatre present an awardwinning, punchy new musical that race through the dark and damaged world of post-war London: a brand new Britain bombed to bits by the Blitz, belts tight with austerity, but ripe and ready for revolution with Teddy from Monday 19 to Saturday, March 24.
The production opens at the theatre exactly 40 years on from the win – a moment when Ipswich united to celebrate success as the underdog and became victorious. With funding raised from the community and local businesses, this production will really be a show drawn from the local community, for the local community!
Mark Goucher and David Ian present a Cheltenham Everyman Theatre production Quartet. A charming tale of four ageing opera singers, this brandnew revival of the bitter-sweet comedy Quartet, from Oscar-winning writer Sir Ronald Harwood and directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s Artistic Director Peter Rowe, will run from Monday, February 26 to Saturday, March 3.
Next year will also see the New Wolsey Theatre collaborating again with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch to produce Patrick Hamilton’s Rope, running from Wednesday 7 to Saturday, March 17. Based on a 1920’s real life case, this dark classic was filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1948 and remains to this day one of the most tightly coiled of thrillers. Chilling and spine-tinglingly gripping, this production will be co-produced with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, who last collaborated with the New Wolsey for the classic Ealing comedy The Ladykillers.
A collaboration from Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Selladoor Productions will mark the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport and 25 years since the play was written by Diana Samuels. This deeply moving and timely modern classic will take to the New Wolsey Theatre stage from Tuesday 17 to Saturday, April 21 as a part of its National Tour in 2018.
Nottingham Playhouse Theatre will produce the third Ramps on the Moon touring production. Our Country’s Good which will tour to Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield and London. The production will arrive in Ipswich from Wednesday, March 28 to Saturday, April 7. Both a comedy and powerful drama, Our Country’s Good tells the extraordinary true story of a group of convicts and a young officer who rehearse and perform a play – Australia’s first theatrical production. With opposition from the officers and a leading lady who may be hanged, the odds are stacked against them. For more information visit: www.rampsonthemoon.co.uk The New Wolsey Theatre and fingersmiths co-produce John Godber’s awardwinning comedy Up ‘n’ Under. The Wheatsheaf Arms amateur rugby league team have never won a game. They don’t have enough players and they have no kit. Can Arthur, our hero, coach them to beat the mighty Cobblers Arms in the cup final? The production, showing from Wednesday 7 to Saturday, February 10, will be given a fingersmiths’ spin featuring a cast of Deaf and
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Performances for children and families include: M6 Theatre with Mike Kenny’s A Tiger’s Tale; an interactive performance with Little Howard’s Big Show for Kids; one for all the family with Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show featuring vortex generating dustbins, vanishing bears and exploding Pringles tubes; Kid Carpet return with Noisy Holiday; a performance from the characters of the BAFTA Award-winning CBeebies show with Sarah and Duck; an adaption of the popular children’s book Captain Flinn and the Magic Cutlass; and Full House Theatre with a story based around Edward Lear’s poem The Owl and The Pussycat. There will also be plenty of music and comedy to entertain throughout the season. Appearances include The Magic Flute, Duke’s Comedy Club, A Salute to Sinatra and the Swing Legends, Graffiti Classics; Judy and Liza, Dad’s Army Radio Show, This Is Going to Hurt (The Secret Diary of a Junior Doctor) and the return of Si Cranstoun with Twisting the Night Away. Tickets at the New Wolsey Theatre are on sale now and can be booked by calling 01473 295900 or online at: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Stowe Veterinary Centre
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Ipswich Veterinary Centre
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Scrivener Drive, Ipswich
Coddenham Road, Needham Market
Station Road, Elmswell
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SCHOOLS / SPORT NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children (0-5) from 10.30am to 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.
IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL This last month saw another big entry in the popular 6-a-side indoor series held at Northgate School, with six teams in Div 1 including Ravens men, and eight teams in Div 2 including our ladies. The men’s team included four of our improving juniors and remarkably managed to win our initial pool with exciting victories against local rivals Ipswich and Stowmarket. This meant we qualified for the final group where we followed up with an excellent performance in losing narrowly to Lakenheath who have not yet lost a match this season, but finally the wheels came off somewhat as we lost to Stowmarket who we had previously beaten in the pool phase. Div 1 Results – Pool
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.
Ravens 25-24 Ipswich I
The spring term dates are: January 8 and 22, February 26 and March 12 and 26.
Final Group
If you would like further information please contact:
Ravens 15-25 Stowmarket II
Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
Captain Chris Giles said: “We played our highest level of volleyball to date. It was a reward for our hard work in training. We just lost concentration in the final game and gave Stowmarket their revenge.”
HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL We have had an exciting autumn term looking at space, the solar system and nocturnal animals. The children have had lots of fun exploring our shiny silver space station and pretending to be astronauts in their new dressing up outfits. We were lucky to have some hedgehogs join us for a short while, so that the children could observe them and learn interesting facts.
Ravens 25-23 Stowmarket II Ravens 22-25 Lakenheath
Meanwhile in Div 2 our ladies team entered a team of eight players in total including two new members and two of our U15 girls. This gave the newcomers in particular some great experience, but it also meant we had to adopt a system of substitutions which rather confounded us and we lost all four games – albeit all four of our opponents were teams of mixed men and women.
We had a wonderful Nativity Play, Christmas Eve in the Elf’s Workshop, which parents thoroughly enjoyed. The children did amazingly well and we were so proud of them. Both the pre-school and out-of-school club enjoyed Christmas parties, with lovely food, fun and games. We look forward to another exciting year ahead and wish all our children and families a very Happy New Year. We will be holding an open evening for parents of perspective pre-school children at the end of February 2018. If you are interested in seeing us, this is a great opportunity to view our setting, meet the team and learn more about the Early Years framework we follow. If you are interested, please telephone Marie Fennell to book a place: 01473 417517 Heathlands is a well-established, committee-run pre-school situated in the grounds of Broke Hall Community Primary School. We can offer funded places for eligible two year olds and for all other children the term after their birthday. A breakfast club and afterschool club are also available. We are pleased to accept applications for a place for terms starting April 2018 and beyond.
MARTLESHAM ART GROUP We are a small friendly group of people who meet every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30-4pm in The Richards Rooms, Martlesham to paint together. At present, we have a limited number of vacancies. Our sessions are not tutored, but we gain from each other’s ideas and experience. We meet all year round with the exception of the month of August and around two weeks over the Christmas period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer. If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or ring Diane on 01473 659257.
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But the highlight of the month was the first match in the new Suffolk Ladies 6-a-side league. This new tournament is intended to develop the ladies’ game through competitive matches between players on a level footing and there will be a series of triangular matches throughout the season. In the first one Ravens met with an experienced and talented team from Stowmarket, and an after-work group SCC Seagulls. For many of the players this was their first experience of a match in this format, the games were played in a friendly spirit and Ravens were pleased with our return of a win against Seagulls and defeat against Stow Aces. Ravens 0-2 Stow Aces (11-25, 16-25) Ravens 2-0 SCC Seagulls (25-16, 25-23) If you have ever thought about giving volleyball a try, now is a great time to give it a go. It’s a fast and exciting sport, it’s perfect to help build fitness, and being non-contact it is largely free from injuries. At Ravens we are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness. We meet every Saturday from 2-4pm and most Tuesdays from 7-9pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BIXLEY FARM CHURCH: SUNDAY@4 New Year greetings to all in Bixley Farm!
KESGRAVE, NORTHGATE AND ASSOCIATED KARATE CLUB NEWS On November 11, club competitors went to Liege in Belgium for an international competition. The standard was extremely high with more than 600 competitors for all over Europe, many of them internationals. The results were: Lauren Berry silver in individual kata and bronze in kumite, Georgina Lawson silver and bronze in kumite . On the way back, the club laid a wreath on Remembrance Sunday at the Suffolk Cemetery in Belgium. Well done to everyone who competed at Meopham on Sunday, November 26. There was a fantastic turnout of competitors willing to test themselves on the mats. Sensei Gerry Turner was proud to be your coach for the day and would like to remind everyone that, regardless of medals or placings, everyone who has the courage to stand out there alone on the mats is a winner. There was also a good turnout of family and friends to support the competitors, making it a real team event. Competitors who did come away with medals were: Lilly Melton and Dylan Barnes, who both won gold in individual kata; Lauren Berry took a silver in individual kata and Amelia Clow, Lola Blofield, Chloe Buckley, Ava Nurse, Alana Finch, Jessica Ethrington, Ella Mills and Harry Witmore all took home bronze medals in their classes for individual kata. In the team kata events, Amelia Clow and Sophie Swann took home a gold medal each; Alana Finch and Sofia Standring took home silver medals and Jessica Etherington and Abigail Longhurst took home the bronze medals. In the kumite event, Ruby Hunt and Lauren Berry both won a gold medal in their categories and Teliah Turner took home a bronze medal. Many thanks to Gerry Turner, Charlie Bray and Sean Daines for their help and support in coaching. The New Year is a great time to start some new habits, like taking up a sport to improve your health and well-being. Karate is an excellent option as it has so many elements that make a wellrounded sportsperson. You can work on your strength, flexibility and endurance through bouts of high intensity training and, if you join a club like Kesgrave, Northgate and Associated Clubs, there is a great team spirit. Classes run throughout the week at a number of different venues in Ipswich, Kesgrave and Bury St Edmunds. Please look at the club website or Facebook page for further information on times and locations. Eleanor Legg www.northgate-karate.co.uk
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Christmas is a good opportunity to help others and as a church we were able to do this by supporting Operation Christmas Child where gift filled shoeboxes are delivered to children living in very difficult situations. We were additionally fortunate to hear from Pastor Tarabay from the Lebanon what these shoeboxes mean to children of local families and Syrian refugees who have experienced so much suffering. Locally, we are supporting Families in Need (FIND) by donating children’s Christmas presents that could be distributed to struggling families in Ipswich. If you receive this before Christmas do come along and join in our Christmas Eve Nativity Service at Tower Hall at 4pm. Children are welcome to dress up as their favourite nativity character and will receive a gift. There’s a glass of cheer for adults! Looking ahead to 2018 we will continue with our Sunday@4 Service. This lasts about an hour with songs, a reading, a talk and prayer. We finish with refreshments where people can catch up and meet new friends. Everyone is most welcome whether already having a faith or wishing to explore. You may have seen or been involved in our ‘Who Care’s’ survey where we asked people to identify the one thing that hurts them most in life. This has drawn some heartfelt responses that we are exploring to see how we can respond. This may involve us starting new initiatives that aim to serve local residents in practical ways, as well as offering our regular, local place of Christian worship. We would welcome anyone wishing to join us in this. Bixley Farm Church (CofE) is initiated by St John’s, Cauldwell Hall Road and St Andrew’s, Britannia Road (collectively called Mission Ipswich East). For further information or questions go to www.mie.org/bixley or email: office@mie.org.uk
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.
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