In touch news with kesgrave – december 2017

In Touch

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with Kesgrave & Rushmere

Volume 8 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile.

The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around.

I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now.

Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects.

Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.

Kesgrave In Touch &withRushmere

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Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: kesgrave@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication.The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Kesgrave & Rushmere is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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JANUARY DEADLINE

1 DECEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS CELEBRATION OF NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN KESGRAVE Local residents joined together to celebrate the opening of a new pedestrian crossing in Kesgrave recently. The crossing is on the A1214 near to the junction with Cambridge Road. Over the last few years the A1214 has become very difficult to cross because of the sheer volume of traffic Photo ©: Gavin Hamilton that now uses it. An additional of Kesgrave Cameras problem for pedestrians was the absence of dropped kerbs. This meant that those using mobility scooters, wheelchairs or buggies, or those with walking difficulties really struggled to cross – it just wasn’t safe.

It was local resident and wheelchair user Kevin Curtis who flagged up the problem and asked for a proper crossing to improve road safety and to enable people to access local facilities. Long time resident Mr Ken Brown also spoke of the difficulties of crossing the road here and Sue Hall, local resident and chair of the town council’s Traffic and Pedestrian Working Group added her support to the proposal, asking Kesgrave and Suffolk Councils for better provision. The campaign has taken four years to reach fruition, but residents are very pleased with the result. The crossing was funded with £1,776 from Kesgrave Town Council and £30,000 from County Councillors’ Robert Whiting and Christopher Hudson’s budgets. Residents thanked local councillors for their support.

To mark the occasion of its opening, Kevin Curtis cut a red ribbon held across the entrance and residents used the crossing for the first time. He said that having dropped kerbs and some waiting space in the middle of the road, big enough for a wheelchair, mobility scooter or buggy is a big step forward and will benefit everyone. Local resident Mary Hill who uses a mobility scooter said that she had previously been unable to get across the road at all and the new crossing would make a big difference to her.

The pedestrian crossing celebration was organised in conjunction with a Pumpkin Party at nearby Kiln Farm Nursery. Residents were invited to enjoy tea and cake at the nursery by owners Paul and Ruth Goudy. Ruth was delighted with the new crossing and said it would be a big help to their customers. The Pumpkin Party was a celebration of the nursery’s autumn pumpkins and an opportunity to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice.

SPARK and the 2nd Stop Charity Shop would like to wish all readers a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It has been another bumper year for the 2nd Stop and the efforts of its managers Molly and Karen and their willing volunteers are very much appreciated as, of course, are your donations and the loyalty of our customers. Without you all SPARK would not have been able to make grants of £97,000 to more than 35 applicants from Kesgrave clubs and organisations to assist or complete their projects this year.

To see a list of awards made by our trustees please visit the 2nd Stop Charity Shop.

Finally, if you think SPARK could help your Kesgrave based club/ organisation please visit: www.kesgrave.org.uk/spark SPARK Trustees

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NEWS

KESGRAVE SEEKS A FEW MORE VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY CAR DRIVERS

Picture by Jane Cody

A big thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help with this community initiative.

The scheme attracted quite a bit of interest at Kesgrave Market in October when one of the scheme’s vehicles was parked outside the market and there was a community transport information stand indoors.

We are looking for a few more drivers in Kesgrave before we can officially launch the scheme, so please read on.

The scheme is run by a local charity called BSEVC and we are looking to extend the scheme properly into Kesgrave with a little support from Kesgrave Council. To make this happen we first of all need a team of local drivers – which could involve you!

Do you enjoy driving? Are you a ‘people person’? Can you spare one or more hours a week? If you can say yes to these, you could be exactly the person we are looking for!

For more information please contact: Sue Hall, Public Transport Liaison Officer, Kesgrave Town Council, Ferguson Way, Kesgrave IP5 2FZ / publictransport2@gmail.com

KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL 300 Homes Inquiry – Long Strops Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith, Chairman of Kesgrave Town Council, made the following comment: “The town council is delighted that the application to build 300 new homes has been thrown out by the Government. The town council has noted the comments made by Persimmon Homes and BPT Ltd regarding the proposal being dismissed following the recent Public Inquiry. Given that the site in question is a Greenfield area, any building or development on this land will be against current local and national planning policies. The town council first received the application from the applicant just before Christmas 2015. An Extraordinary Town Council Public Meeting was then quickly publicised and arranged on 13 January 2016 at the Millennium Jubilee Hall in order to obtain the views of local Kesgrave residents.

“The vice chair of the town council, Councillor Becky Patten, and two local residents worked very hard in preparing for the Public Inquiry. The town council would like to extend its thanks to all parties involved, but also would like to thank District Councillor Debbie McCallum for her professionalism, openness, transparency and fairness throughout this process and in her capacity as the chair of the District Council’s Planning Committee.”

Winner of Most Active Town Competition

The town council is delighted to report that Kesgrave has been chosen as the winner of the Most Active Town category.

The award was presented to Chairman Neal Beecroft-Smith and Councillor Kevin Archer at the Suffolk Association of Local Councils AGM in November.

Website of the Year Winner for Suffolk Following the launch of its new website, the town council is delighted to announce that it won the Best Website award in this year’s Suffolk Association of Local Councils competition. Take a look at the website to keep up to date with what’s going on in your town.

Play Areas in Kesgrave A small Play Area and Open Spaces Working Party investigates and progresses future play area projects in Kesgrave. This is subject to land availability, grants/funding, planning permission and consultation with local residents.

There will be further updates about play area projects next month.

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We are looking for volunteer community car drivers in Kesgrave to take local residents from their homes to places such as the doctors’ surgery, hospital, supermarket and to day centres in return for a payment of 45p per mile. You wouldn’t have to handle any money; this would all be done by the charity which runs this service. There is a simple sign-up process for drivers, some training and safety checks. You would then be given a list of clients and their journey requests and you would choose which journeys you were able to help with. And, you would need to have internet access. Sounds simple? It is!

Mobile Skate Park – October 2017 A day of free skateboarding tuition was held on Friday, October 27, with excellent coaching from Lewis Anderson our highly valued volunteer. Inexperienced skateboarders were shown the basics, and quickly progressed to using the ramps. A great time was had by all. Watch this space for notification of future sessions.

Kesgrave Christmas Market

This year’s Christmas Market will take place on Saturday, December 16. Come and see our fantastic range of locally produced Christmas Fayre.

Victoria’s bakery will be taking festive orders which can be picked up from one of their bakeries by December 23.

Let your children enjoy the special Christmas activities while you browse the festive stalls and you may be lucky enough to receive one of our £5 or £2.50 ‘money off’ vouchers to spend at our January and February markets. Come and support your local market and stay for a coffee and a mince pie.

Festive Wishes from Kesgrave Town Council Kesgrave Town Council, councillors and officers would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas and New Year. We hope that you get to spend some quality time with your family and friends. Please spare a thought and do not forget the lonely, in particular some of our elderly community and also the sick, the recently bereaved and those suffering other personal difficulties and challenges. If you can spare a little time for a lonely neighbour over Christmas, even just half an hour over a cup of tea, this would make a huge difference to them during the festive celebrations. We look forward to working with you and providing a first class ‘grass roots’ local government service to you all during 2018.

Town Clerk Susan Clements Kesgrave Town Council, Ferguson Way, Kesgrave IP5 2FZ 01473 625179 / townclerk@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk OPENING HOURS Mondays: 9am-1pm Tuesdays: 9am-1pm Wednesdays: 9am-3pm Thursdays: not open Fridays: 9am-1pm

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OUT & ABOUT

The staff and trustees at Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in 2018.

This year the centre has hosted many charity events, parties, celebrations, meetings and conferences. Set in twelve acres of land and close to Ipswich town centre, the venue for all occasions and events is conveniently located within easy access to the A12 and A14 routes. Kesgrave Community Centre makes an ideal location, offering a choice of five function rooms, two large free car parks, an attractive enclosed garden, flexible catering options and hospitality upon request.

If you are planning a celebration or event, their small friendly team would be happy to discuss your requirements however large or small.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Monthly Networking: Sponsored by Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors in Ipswich, these events take place in the conference centre on the second Tuesday of every month from 9.30-11.30am. Fun and informative, no membership fees; just turn up and pay £2 on the door (donated to St Elizabeth Hospice). For more information please email: jo@kwmcc.co.uk Premier Sport Christmas Holiday Camps: Everyone is invited to join the fun at Premier Sport Holiday. Your children will keep busy and active with a huge variety of activities and sports for them to enjoy during the school holiday. Courses are available at the centre for children aged five-12 years from December 20-22. You can book your place now via: www.book.premier-education.com With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, the centre’s own health and fitness activities will continue up until the Christmas break, commencing once again in January 2018. A full list of activities and events can be found at: www.kwmcc.co.uk If you would like to book a function room or activity, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk

KESGRAVE SOCIAL CLUB IN DECEMBER The club has some fantastic acts planned this month and the committee and staff have all been working really hard to make it a great entertainment venue. Check out our website for full details of our upcoming events along with information about the artists.

We’re holding our exclusive Christmas Grand Slam in association with Suffolk County Darts on December 3 with a winner’s prize of £500 for full entries.

Our Country Music Spectacular on December 9 features renowned country star Kevin Barry who is one of the finest C&W music entertainers in the UK. A must see!

Spend Christmas Eve rockin’ out with Ed Gasket & the Rockers (plus Crazy DJ Nadge) who play 1950’s Rock n Roll and Rockabilly with enthusiasm and in their own style! Tickets cost £5.

See the New Year in on December 31 with The Preservatives, possibly the best four-piece covers band in Ipswich whose mission is “to preserve the downtrodden and forgotten songs of yesteryear”. Tickets cost £10.

We also have Line Dancing, Foxyrock Rock ‘n’ Roll Dancing and Salsa Dancing at the club throughout the month as well as various darts, quiz nights, charity and snooker events. Ipswich Heartbeat also meets monthly at the club.

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December is the busiest month of the year for Martlesham Brass. You will often find us playing Christmas Carols outside supermarkets, both in Martlesham and Ipswich, raising money for local charities nominated by our band members. This year we are raising funds for FIND (Families in Need), Ipswich Holiday Help for Children and SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire.

We hope you will join us for Coffee and Carols at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath on Saturday, December 2, 10am-noon, to hear the intermediate band play some of your favourite Christmas music. Refreshments available, together with a raffle and various stalls. Admission is free.

Our Christmas Concert is on Saturday, December 16 at 7pm, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Tickets are £3.50 (primary school children free). You can get your tickets by phoning 07544 962205, visiting www.martleshambrass.co.uk or at 2nd Stop Charity Shop next to Tesco in Kesgrave. This concert is often a sell-out, so do get your tickets early!

On Monday, December 18 we will be playing for Carols in the Square, Martlesham Heath at 7pm.

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.

Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk

MARTLESHAM HEATH COUNTRY MARKET Driving home for Christmas…

The weather is cooling and all things warming look infinitely more appealing: toast and home-made jam, cookies and biscuits are all the more deserved after a brisk walk, perhaps wading through leaves in the woods, finding conkers and beech masts or just enjoying the prettiness of autumn while pottering in the garden. Wear our fleecy gloves, hats, scarves and welly-warmers to keep those toes and fingers cosy: all sizes are available and in scrummy colours.

You know our cooks are busily baking away, stirring puddings for your Christmas table, making and icing traditional cakes and mince pies, (my favourite) cheese straws and all the other delicious tasty treats you’ll need.

What about gifts? Step away from the humdrum and order a beaded necklace or key-ring to please a special friend. Why not toy with William’s wonderful wood crafts, from as teeny as a light pull to fascinating long-lasting bee boxes and dibbers, wooden fruit as well as bowls and pendants? Sarah’s lovely cards and hand-painted tiles delight all year round. Baby quilts, bags, crochet work to be treasured by all ages – just come and see us. You can even make a commission.

There is still time to order a cake or pudding or select a hamper of palateexciting treats, jams, preserves and chutneys galore: find us at the monthly Kesgrave Community Market at the Scout Hut on Twelve-Acre Approach, and at the Church Christmas Fair on November 25. Don’t miss out!

Members and non-members are always welcome. You can also watch all the latest sports events as we have Sky TV and BT Sport available and free BT Wi-Fi on tap.

Remember we’re at Martlesham Pavilion from 9-11.15am every Tuesday morning – open up to December 19, then again from January 9. Get the warmest of welcomes. Order one-off crafts, delicious special dainties, glutenfree or other diet-compliant tasty treats or staples.

www.kesgravesocialclub.co.uk / 01473 622128

I hope we’ll see you soon!

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts (10am-noon): The following Christmas craft activities will take place during December.

If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff

• Sunday 3: It’s our Christmas Fayre today and we are making a paper bag Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeers

Cards for Good Causes Charity Christmas Cards and Suffolk Wildlife Christmas Cards are available until Saturday, December 23. This year there is a wider selection of designs for each charity. Every purchase also supports Kesgrave Library. Why not pop along and see the selection of cards available? We are also selling Christmas stamps.

• Sunday 10: Pop along and make a festive Christmas stocking decoration • Sunday 17: Make a robin out of an old CD disc for your Christmas Tree • Sunday 24: It‘s Christmas Eve and Father Christmas will be visiting tonight; create a Father Christmas picture to take home • Sunday 31: It’s New Year’s Eve and we’re making thank you cards to give to someone special to show them how much we enjoyed Christmas Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

Free BookStart Sessions every Thursday (no session on Thursday, December 29) • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions every Friday 9.45-10.15am (no session on Friday, December 30) This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along?

OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2017 Lego Club: every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm.

Parents must stay with under eights. We are also looking for a volunteer to help us run this session. Ideal if currently enrolled on Duke of Edinburgh. Please speak to staff if interested.

Wednesday, December 6: Knit and Natter, 2.30pm. Just £1 with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. New members welcome.

Thursday, December 7: Afternoon Book Group, 2.45pm. Currently reading Saturday Requiem by Nicci French.

Thursday, December 7: Evening Book Group, 7pm. Currently reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.

Thursday, December 14: Baking Club, 7pm, £2. This month’s theme is Christmas. If you enjoy baking, why not pop along?

Scout’s Post Box: this service is at the library until 5pm on Tuesday, December 12.

Christmas Fayre: Sunday, December 3, 10am-noon Lots of stalls with fun games, including a free craft activity for the children and a visit from Father Christmas. A raffle and refreshments are available plus homemade cakes.

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Saturday, December 23: 10am-5.15pm Sunday, December 24: 10am-12.30pm Monday, December 25: CLOSED Tuesday, December 26: CLOSED Wednesday, December 27: CLOSED Thursday, December 28: 2.30-8pm Friday, December 29: 9am-noon Saturday, December 30: 10am-5.15pm Sunday, December 31: 10am-3pm Monday, January 1: CLOSED Tuesday, January 2: Normal hours resume Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave.

Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851703

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT THE MASQUE PLAYERS The Masque Players will be performing Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime at Kesgrave Community Centre from Wednesday, November 29 to Saturday, December 2. The play is based on an 1890’s story by Oscar Wilde about Lord Arthur Savile who is engaged to the lovely Sybil Merton. Her pet chiromantist Podgers has read Lord Arthur’s palm and foretold he would commit a murder.

Lord Arthur desires a blissful married life and therefore feels duty bound to get the murder over with first.

Curtain at 7.45pm, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £9 and can be reserved via the website or by calling 01473 725633.

CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR Hosted by the parents and friends of Cedarwood Primary School from 3.205pm on Friday, December 8.

Enjoy Santa’s Winter Wonderland, a grand draw, hampers, a raffle and refreshments. Fun stalls and games for children and adults alike including Pin the Nose on the Reindeer, Knock Santa down the Chimney, Let’s Go Crackers, Name the Christmas Teddy, Lucky Carrot Dip, Pluck a Turkey and much more!

Free admission, everyone welcome. Please come along and join in the fun!

www.masqueplayers.com

THE ORWELL SINGERS 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 please contact Helen (howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 ) or John (01473 710406 / angelajohnadams@btinternet.com).

It’s been a year of celebration and charity for The Orwell Singers, the friendly ladies choir based in Ipswich.

Their latest success was a charity concert for FIND (Families in Need) at Museum Street Methodist Church. Joined by pupils from St Helen’s Primary School and Copleston High School, the choir entertained a large audience and raised £700 to support the charity that helps those living in Ipswich and surrounding areas who are deprived of a minimum standard of living, whether single, families, lone parents, children, elderly, sick, disabled or homeless.

Next up for The Orwell Singers is their annual Christmas concert on Saturday, December 2 at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath, where the singers also held their annual summer concert in June.

The Orwell Singers celebrate their silver anniversary in 2018, and this year they celebrate the fact that it’s 20 years since Gloria Wilson became their musical director.

“It’s true we were established in 1993, but we actually trace our history back to 1970 and The Olive Quantrill Singers who were extremely popular – and successful – in Ipswich and further afield,” said chairman Coral Rudd.

The Orwell Singers regularly perform abroad and in recent years have visited France, Germany, Holland and Belgium, as well as boasting a regular schedule of UK events and singing at the occasional wedding. The choir is always looking for new members; contact Debbie Sharman at d.sharman@btinternet.com or visit: www.theorwellsingers.co.uk

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Grant applications are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities.

For further information and application forms call 01473 625196, visit www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG.

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IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month’s market takes on a decidedly Christmassy theme. Our tables are brimming with artisan produce and locally made arts and crafts to fill stockings and pile up under the tree.

We are taking orders for Christmas items, which you can have individually or as part of a hamper. Special dietary requirements are catered for with diabetic and gluten free Christmas pudding and gluten free mince pies. Dairy free options are also available.

To order you can visit us during opening hours or you can telephone Janet Pearse, our market manager, on 01473 725263. The last date for ordering sausage rolls and mince pies is December 14, for collection at the market on December 21.

Did you know that you can also pre-order a selection of our goods made into a hamper, individually prepared to your own requirements? Hampers make ideal gifts for friends or relatives at Christmas.

Why not come and purchase some special chutney for your Christmas table and celebrations? We have a large variety to choose from: apple, peach, pear and walnut, courgette, red, green or spicy tomato. We also have special Christmas chutney with cranberry, red wine, port and red onion and Boxing Day chutney with a brandy base!

Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of the market, so come and have a festive morning out and find some extra special Christmas treats with us.

We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. We have plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. You can sample a slice of our cake or a scone with a drink for around a pound. On the first Thursday of the month we sell bacon rolls for only £1.

We will be closed for two weeks over Christmas (December 28 and January 4) returning on January 11.

You can find out more about our market on our Facebook page ’Ipswich Country Market’ or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE CO-OPERATIVE WOMEN’S GUILD The Harvest Supper on October 17 began with the Co-op Ladies choir. Led by their musical director Margaret Morphew they sang various songs from the musicals and everyone especially enjoyed the arrangement of James Bond themes by their accompanist Joe Cleary.

The choir joined us for a delicious ploughman’s supper provided by the committee and we welcomed several visitors who had a chance to try out the guild before deciding whether they would like to join. We hope they will return for another meeting.

On Tuesday, October 31 our speaker was Kate Osborne who is ‘bonkers about beaches’. Kate runs beachcombing walks on local beaches and brought many examples of the items she had found including a woolly mammoth’s tooth and fascinating remains of sea creatures and shells. Kate also told us about the horrific damage we are doing to the waters and sea creatures with our rubbish. She urged us to sign the petition to ban the release of balloons and Chinese lanterns which cause slow and painful deaths when eaten by birds and mammals.

Kate explained that our shingle beaches are a rare and fragile habitat for plants and animals including sea kale with two metre length roots! Kate is so enthusiastic about her beachcombing and she also gives talks to groups and schools by bringing the beach with her. Her website is www.beachbonkers. org.uk and she also has a Facebook page.

We learned a lot from her talk and I’m sure our next trip to The Hut on Felixstowe promenade will see members searching the shingle for treasure.

Finally, on behalf of everyone in Kesgrave Co-op Women’s Guild I would like to thank In Touch for publishing our reports each month and wish all the readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

NEXT MEETINGS Tuesday, January 9: A social evening and a chance to catch up with friends after Christmas and to play Bag Beetle or Bingo Tuesday, January 23: Our speaker will be from Norfolk & Suffolk Probation Service who work with low and medium risk adult offenders who are serving their sentence in the community, and those released on licence from prison.

The talk will focus on women offenders and how the service aims to reduce re-offending and protect the public by working with them to turn their lives around. We will also be holding our AGM. Our 2018 programme promises to be interesting and entertaining and we welcome new members who can visit for two meetings before joining. The annual membership is £15 and we charge £2.50 per meeting to including refreshments and raffle tickets. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the community centre.

We hold 23 meetings a year plus other trips and events. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991 www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB Our last meeting of 2017 will be the Christmas Party on December 7. There will be a bring and share supper with games and competitions. Gwyn Pritchard will entertain us with a varied selection of songs and carols.

Looking ahead to 2018 our first meeting is on January 4 when Paula Baker will talk about hedgehogs.

Do come and join us at our friendly entertaining meetings. They are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768 Wishing all members, past and present, a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

KESGRAVE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Our newly refurbished hall has been open for just over a year now and is proving extremely popular as a venue for people wanting a really nice, well equipped hall to hire for either a regular club activity or just a one-off event.

It’s also been of huge benefit to those for whom the hall was originally built – the old soldiers of Kesgrave that the Branch represents. And it’s for those Branch members that we are now in need of a very special volunteer. A very popular social function that has really thrived over the past year is the twice-weekly bingo session. This function gives some of the more senior members of our community a period of fun and companionship in a warm and safe environment. For those who regularly attend it is a really important part of their week.

However, its future is now at risk because it is soon to lose its volunteer bingo caller, not a role that just anyone can do. Large commercial clubs have to pay a professional to do the job. Our bingo sessions are, rather obviously, not commercial events and rely solely on volunteers to run.

If you have, or know of anyone with this particular skill who would be prepared to give their time to this excellent cause for a few daytime hours each week we would be very grateful to hear from them.

Please contact Branch Chairman Don Whinney: chairman@kesgraverbl.org / 01473 611884 Your expertise could make a group of local people very happy!

MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday, December 1, 7.30-10pm: Fascinating illustrated talk by Geoffrey Kay entitled Airships: Technological dead-end or the future?

In the early part of the 20th century the future of aviation seemed to belong to airships. However a series of disasters led to their demise.

This talk explains the short history of the airship, particularly about the first and last voyage of Airship R101 and the more successful voyage of the R34. Do new developments mean this story is unfinished?

We meet at Martlesham Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members.

Martlesham Heath Airfield History Guided Walk This much requested fourth walk takes place on Wednesday, December 27 (for you to walk off all the turkey and plum pudding!).

It starts at 1.30pm, lasting about an hour or so. Meet at The Control Tower at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UX. Just turn up. Free parking is available near the tower. The walk is free, but donations to museum funds are welcomed.

To find out more on either of the above call Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.mhas.org.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED 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. Our next meeting will be on January 25. We look forward to seeing you all then and wish you a Happy New Year.

New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850.

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY We will have a general and family history quiz when we meet on Thursday, December 14 (earlier in the month than normal). Bring along your favourite family history photo; we will sort out teams or groups when you get there.

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

THE WHITE EAGLE LODGE

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our lecture on Wednesday, November 1, was German and Netherlandish Glass by Jane Gardiner, who really entertained us with this fascinating history.

Our next lecture on Wednesday, December 6, is The Art of the Joke by Susie Harries. Celebrating the Christmas season, we shall have mince pies and mulled wine before the lecture.

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.

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.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

At the Ipswich Group we offer services and retreat days. We meet at the Millennium Hall in Kesgrave on the second Sunday of each month (excluding Jan, Aug and Sept). Our next meeting is on December 10, 10 for 10.30am for our Christmas Service and celebration, which will include a raffle for a charity.

We would love to see you if you feel in sympathy with our work.

U3A GROUPS MAKE THE MOST OF THE SHORTEST DAYS

For further events visit www.whiteagle.org/east-anglia or email: weeastangliaregion@gmail.com

I’ve been hearing from various groups that although this month has the shortest daylight hours their December meetings will have the most sparkle. Both indoor and outdoor groups are planning either special lunches or coffee and mince pies to be added to their normal discussions. The University of the Third Age in East Suffolk would like to send members old and new best wishes for the festivities.

As there is only one U3A talk programmed for this month I have also included details of early 2018 for your new diaries.

Woodbridge Community Hall Friday, December 15, 10.30am: The Life and Laughs of a Local Journalist by Lynne Mortimer, a personal account about becoming a journalist, working as a court reporter and columnist.

Friday, January 26, 10.30am: 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.

Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall Thursday, January 4, 10.30am: The Mysteries of Easter Island by Chris Parfitt, the history of the island and life today, the famous statues and theories about their provenance.

Saxmundham Market Hall Thursday, January 11, 2pm: 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.

Kesgrave Community Centre Monday, January 29, 2pm: 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.

All details on how to become a member of U3A are available on our website or by telephoning our secretary on 0300 123 3913. www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY We had an amazing display from one of our members on November 1 about stamps that were issued after the fall of the USSR when there was inflation and new states being created. It was a really good display of material that many of us hadn’t seen before.

We have only one meeting this month on Wednesday, December 6, when we are having our first afternoon meeting at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall IP5 1JF. Sarah Brooks, a stamp dealer, will talk about the trade and also bring some of her stock so that we can purchase if we wish. The meeting starts at 1pm.

For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB TARGET MET! 1,500 AND STILL COMING That’s the number of new or ‘gently used’ bras we set out to collect in October – enough to help 10 African women who were trafficked into the sex trade and have managed to escape. Each can set up her own small business selling bras, thus providing a living but also giving her back her independence and sense of self-worth.

A big thank-you to readers and other members of the public who responded to our appeal. The project seemed to catch the imagination of women – our own friends and contacts to begin with, but many came to our collection point in Sailmakers. We were even honoured by a visit from the Mayor of Ipswich.

We were also struck by how many women we spoke with were themselves volunteering or fundraising for different charitable organisations. That links in with a key theme of the talk by Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, at our November meeting. He said how much he valued the work of the voluntary sector. He has obviously given priority to getting to know many organisations and puts aside a modest part of his budget to make grants to support their work. This is not a diversion from basic police work; he believes that tackling social problems early can reduce the development of serious crime later. More cases of domestic abuse, rape and child sexual abuse are being reported, perhaps because of the way police are dealing with them. Knife crime, trafficking of young girls, drug dealing and slave labour are all present in Suffolk and growing. They need action now.

A bit different – our meeting in December will be our Christmas supper.

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.

There is no meeting in December; instead members are looking forward to the Christmas mystery tour and lunch. Some may have guessed where we will be, time will tell if they are right.

If you would like to be included in future trips why not join the association?

The membership fees remain the same for 2018; £8 for an individual or £12 for two living at the 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 The next meeting is on January 16 when Mark Mitchels will be discussing the role Samuel Pepys played in establishing the Royal Navy.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH & 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.

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP

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 Picture: By S Cork

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, December 13: Memories of Steam Caught on Canvas, illustrated talk by Wrenford Thatcher 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

On a sunny Sunday morning in October the working party spent their time clearing the area in and around the pond. Cutting back branches overhanging the pond, limiting the surrounding hedging height to approximately six feet and clearing access round the edge of the pond, allows sunlight to reach the surface of the pond and the many pond plant species.

Pond maintenance is important to keep the water clear and ensures that the vegetation does not take over; this is especially relevant as prior to starting, the entrance gate couldn’t be opened! Having the right balance of plants and oxygen encourages wildlife and aquatic plants to thrive. The removed vegetation was put to good use, piled up as a new wildlife habitat. Our pond supports frogs, toads and newts, including the protected great crested newt, as well numerous species of water mini-beasts, all waiting to be caught by young pond dippers.

On October 17 the woodlands had a visit from 18 guides and their leaders for an evening bat walk. Unfortunately, due to the fireworks and the cool temperature, no bats were detected. Thank you to Duncan and Karen for hosting and helping out with the event. Hopefully they will have better luck on a return visit during warmer weather next year!

DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Mornings (all ages) Sunday, December 17 and Saturday, January 20, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided.

All ages welcome; no need to book.

KESGRAVE ALLOTMENT AND LEISURE GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Can you believe that another year is drawing to a close already? We’re on the countdown now to the beginning of the next growing season, and it’s time to take stock of what we’ve done this year and to plan what we want to achieve in 2018. Take some time to enjoy this slow season, and to think back over what went well and what (maybe) you’re glad to consign to gardening past.

The end of one season always brings hope for the new one, after all.

December is mostly a tidying-up time on the allotment, though there are a few things that can still be harvested even at this late stage. Brussels sprouts need to be picked to ensure they don’t go over, and winter cabbage can be lifted too. Unless we are hit by a long wet period, parsnips and leeks can stay in the ground until they’re needed – if the weather changes, then lift them and pop them into boxes filled with soil to keep them from rotting in the wet.

Treat your garden tools to a wipe over with an oily cloth (3-in-1 is perfect) to protect them from rust, and wipe over wooden handles with linseed oil. Your hands will thank you when you start using them again next year.

Most importantly of all, grab yourself a couple of seed catalogues and a cuppa, and settle down to plan for next year. It may be dreary outside, but we can still dream…

If you’ve ever fancied growing your own, we do have a few plots available at our picturesque Rushmere St Andrew site. New members are always made very welcome. If you’re unsure if allotmenting is for you, why not go for one of our half-plots? For more information, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk / 01473 612283 Becki Ritson

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Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds) Saturday, January 20, 9-11am. Please book a place via our email below.

Nature Watch Club (5-11 year olds) 2018 dates to be confirmed New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@ gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer Sam Cork

EAST SUFFOLK JUNIOR FLOWER CLUB A flower club for ages five to 16 meeting one Saturday afternoon a month at 2pm in All Hallows Church Hall, Landseer Road, Ipswich IP3 0EN. Parents or grandparents are welcome to stay and can join in if they would like to.

Have a fun afternoon doing flower arranging or craft work using plant material. Everything is provided and a charge of £4 a time is made to cover this, but we do have to know who is coming a few days before so things can be purchased.

Contact Linda Harman: ruthprior@btinternet.com / 01472 729793 / 07720 861035

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SCHOOLS

HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP Did you know that at Humpty Dumpty Playgroup your child follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum? It starts here and flows through to the end of Reception.

That’s why many of the children at the playgroup stay on until they go to Reception.

Really! I hear you say, but I thought they just played?

Well play underpins all development and learning for young children.

Most children play spontaneously, although some may need adult support, and it is through play that they develop intellectually, creatively, physically, socially and emotionally.

At Humpty Dumpty Playgroup we want our children to be independent, confident and active learners who are able, through their play, to work beyond their normal level of operation. Through shared and collaborative play, we want them to be socially competent and develop high-level skills of interaction. We will do this by providing a range of challenging and stimulating play experiences within a safe, secure, supportive and inclusive environment that reflects our children’s interests, needs and cultures. The children are supported by reflective staff, who understand how children develop and learn and who continually seek to improve their practice and the quality of the children’s learning and play environment.

At Humpty Dumpty Playgroup, we have two qualified teachers and all other staff are CACHE qualified level three. We always have four or five staff in every session, which includes a teacher, therefore ensuring your child receives excellent care, support and attention We are an Ofsted registered childcare provider for children from the age of two years onwards. As we are registered as ‘Good’, we can provide funded places for two-year-old children who have received ‘Golden Tickets’ from Suffolk County Council. We can provide 30 hours of free childcare to eligible children the term after their third birthday. To find out more regarding the government’s new Childcare Choices which offers parents Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours’ free childcare, visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Playgroup closes for Christmas on Thursday, December 14, and reopens on Monday, January 8.

So why not come and visit us? We are situated inside Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Bell Lane. Contact us on 07837 154081 (term time) or manager Wendy Payne at: 07816 505423 / wendylouisepayne@gmail.com Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

MARTLESHAM AND KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS October and November enabled us to look at celebrations. Starting with Diwali, The Festival of Light, children experienced a dark den with sparkly lights and torches in their role play which led nicely on to making decorated clay lamps with candles. Halloween was then explored with witches’ potions, spider crowns and pumpkin carving and we focused on colour for Fireworks Night.

We are now gearing up for our Christmas concert, practising songs and creating props for our shows at the end of term and a visit from the red, bearded man himself.

We have some spaces still available at both Kesgrave and Martlesham Playschools. Please feel free to pop along and take a look at what fun we get up to or contact us for a chat about how we can offer 15 or 30 hours funded childcare over both settings all year round. We also are on Facebook (Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools).

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools.

Martlesham Playschool: Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 / mplayschool@btinternet.com Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 / mplayschool@btinternet.com

BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL from 10.30am-noon.

Youngsters from birth to five years old are welcome to come along to Bright Stars for a fun start to the week with their 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 last date for the autumn term is Monday, December 11. The first session of the spring term will be Monday, January 8.

If you would like further information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

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SCHOOLS / SPORT STAR TODDLER GROUP GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Do you have a child due to start in Reception in September 2018?

Why not come along to our open event on Monday, January 8, from 1.30-2.45pm.

We warmly invite you to come and visit our Reception classes in action. You will have the chance to meet the staff and enjoy the opportunity of participating in a variety of activities with your child(ren).

For children aged 0-4 and their carers, meeting at St Andrew’s Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere St Andrew IP5 1DH on Thursday mornings during term time from 9.45-11.30am.

We are a happy, friendly group, whose purpose is to provide a safe environment for children to play, socialise, listen to stories, sing, do crafts and eat together. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for adults to develop their relationship with their child, and to meet other parents and carers over a cup of tea. We ask for a donation of £1.50 per family to help us cover the costs of each session.

Please come along any time during the afternoon and stay for as long as you like. If you are unable to attend that afternoon, please visit us in the evening from 6-7pm. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Just turn up. We’d love to see you. For further details please contact Ros on 01473 723381 or visit: www.rushmerestandrews.wordpress.com

HEDGEHOG NURSERY It’s official – we are full! Please contact the school office if you would like to add your child’s name to our waiting list for September 2018.

KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE

This half term we are learning about people who help us. We have had visits from a nurse, a policeman and a fire fighter to name a few. The children have asked them questions about their jobs and have enjoyed playing with accessories such as a stethoscope, torches and hats. This has encouraged the children to take on different roles in their play. We have been learning about a special phone number to only ring in an emergency. The children have been told different scenarios and have had to decide who they would call in each case.

Well, while the rest of us start to panic about the dreaded ‘C’ word and wonder if it’s too early to put the sprouts on, Northgate, Kesgrave and Associated Clubs still have a hard core of competitors who are travelling the UK and Europe to compete at a national and international level.

On October 15 Tayler Evans and Ruby Hunt competed in kumite events in the Karate Do Championships in Barking. Ruby won two gold medals (one in her own category and one in the category for the age group above) and Tayler took home a bronze medal.

Our Christmas Nativity is very soon. We have been learning lots of festive songs and practising our play on the large stage in the hall.

We are all very excited to share this with our families.

Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs J Florey Hedgehog Nursery is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm for three and four year olds. For more information visit www.gorseland.net or contact the school office on 01473 623790.

THREE BEARS PLAYGROUP Thank you to everyone who joined us for our information sharing evening and AGM in November.

With Christmas approaching fast we have been busy at playgroup. We are making decorations at our WOW Workshop on Thursday, December 7, when all parents and carers are invited to come in with their children to create something amazing. We have also been practicing our singing to share with our families on December 18 and 19.

Our fundraisers have organised a Christmas party on Thursday, December 14 at All Saints Church Hall. Thank you to everyone for your hard work over the year organising the fundraising events – it really helps us to focus on raising money for specific projects. At the moment we are saving for a shed to use as an outdoor room for small group times and for woodwork.

It is a very exciting time for the children and fantastic for us to share it with them. We would like to wish all our families a Happy Christmas and holiday time.

If you are interested in a place for your child at a fantastic setting with amazing staff, it’s never too early to register with us. Call in for a registration form, email us or visit our website.

Two weeks later, the competition team travelled to the Powerleague Trafford Soccerdome for the Manchester Youth Karate Open on November 4. Results were as follows: Lilly Melton and Chloe Campbell both took home gold medals in individual kata while Lauren Berry took home a gold medal in kumite in what was only her second ever competitive fight.

Dylan Barnes, Harry Witmore and Riagan Huq all took bronze in individual kata in their categories and Emma Buckley and Lilly Melton won bronze in their pairs kata.

Many thanks to Georgie Lawson and Chris Stott for their support and coaching expertise. The standard was extremely high and our competitors performed well against tough competition. Well done to all who competed – even if you didn’t bring home a medal this time, remember ‘the harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph’.

On Friday, November 10, the competition team will travel to Belgium to compete in the Open International in Liège on November 11. Watch this space for news on how they got on.

Many thanks to our sponsors Ipswich Audi, I.S Electricals, M+C Diesel and Chris Clow Mechanic. It’s thanks to their support that club members are able to travel round the UK and Europe, fulfilling young peoples’ aspirations to compete at a high level.

Three Bears Playgroup, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, IP5 2ES 01473 635255 / threebearsplaygroup@btconnect.com

Our annual celebration evening is on the Saturday, January 6 at Kesgrave Social Club. Tickets are £9 each or £34 for a family ticket with all funds raised going back into the club coffers. If you would like tickets for this event, they can be bought from Heather Lawson who you can contact either through Facebook or by speaking to your Sensei.

www.threebearsplaygroup.org.uk

Eleanor Legg

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SPORT JAGUARS VICTORIOUS IN SPARK LEAGUE

KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB Well the sound of leather on willow at KWMCC has now faded away for another season and we reflect on a very eventful finish for both our Saturday teams. The points gaps were close amongst the top three and the final day of the season for our 1st XI would prove decisive.

In our match at Abberton, Kesgrave batted first and posted 201 for 9. Once again Ben Colver (104) and Mike Worne (50) were instrumental in reaching this score. The opening Abberton pair reached 66 before the first wicket fell but their efforts faded as Kesgrave bowled them out for 149, Sam Colver (641), Sanjay Patel (3-14).

The all-girl Jaguars team has won the Kesgrave Panthers Cycle Speedway Club’s SPARK League for 2017.

The SPARK League is a series of eight rounds. After being pipped to the title last year, the Jaguars made no mistake this time around beating the Lions into second place. Introduced last year, the SPARK League provides Kesgrave folk with the chance to participate in a competitive but friendly series of cycle speedway races. The series has been named after the SPARK charity which funded the initial purchase of race jerseys for the riders.

Proving highly popular, the number of riders participating has steadily increased, with girls in particular doubling in number. Following the expansion of the series, there are no longer sufficient race jerseys for all participating riders but, having witnessed the impact of their initial funding, SPARK have kindly agreed to make further monies available to purchase additional jerseys.

We are delighted to receive the continued support of the SPARK charity enabling Kesgrave Panthers to provide new opportunities for local youngsters and adults alike.

SPARK (Sport, Amenities & Recreation in Kesgrave): www.kesgrave.org.uk/spark Kesgrave Panthers Cycle Speedway Club, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF: www.kesgravepanthers.co.uk / www.facebook.com/KesgravePanthers

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The new indoor season is now well under way. The Ravens entered two teams in the monthly Suffolk Indoor 6-a-side tournament held at Northgate School. We continued our emphasis on developing our juniors and ladies in particular. Our first team which entered Division 1 included four of our most promising U18 boys, making it easily the youngest team ever to play in Division 1, although the choice was somewhat forced upon us as our regular captain had developed manful. The boys performed admirably with a win against Ipswich 2nds and narrow defeats in two of the other three games, finishing in a very admirable sixth place out of eight.

Our coach Andrew Whitefield said: “All-in-all it was a positive performance form the young Ravens team who were playing a new tactical rotation system for the first time in competition. They will be keen to build on this and convert the early narrow losses into victories in the coming tournaments.”

We then bowled out Elmstead for 184, Mike Worne 4-56, Ben Howard 2-26.

Kesgrave reached the target in 35 overs with Mike Worne and Paul Kendrick scoring 49 and 45 respectively. St Margaret’s were dismissed for 103, Sam Colver 3-20. Kesgrave knocked off the runs for the loss of only one wicket, Ben Colver 42 not out and Paul Budd 42.

So, to the final showdown against Walsham Le Willows. This was a must win game for Kesgrave if they were to progress to division 3. Kesgrave batted first and reached 182 for 9, Will Stewart 63, Paul Budd 44. The game could have gone either way, but the Kesgrave boys, led by Mike Worne were fired up. A win would mean Kesgrave being crowned champions for the second consecutive season, a loss would probably mean staying in division 4.

Our loyal supporters need not have worried, Kesgrave quickly removed the dangerous top three and proceeded to demolish the remainder by bowling them out for 80 (Ben Garnham 4-18, Connor Betts 3-21 and Sam Colver 2-32).

Time to celebrate! This was a fantastic achievement for Mike Worne and the team and thoroughly deserved.

Our second XI had an excellent finish to their season and managed to climb into second place in Division 9 East by winning their last three matches. Unfortunately, they just missed out on promotion as only one team goes up in each of the regional divisions. Another great year for our improving second XI with the following notable performances from the last four games: Keiran Perez 85, Andy Trevor 53, Sam Dixey 3-30 against league winners Eye & District; Neel Patel 81 not out, Akil Gogna 36 not out and Mano Mishra 3-24 against Woodbridge & Old Woodbridgians; Akil Gogna 53, Amal Philip 35 not out, Josh Leech 28, Mano Mishra 3-6 and Sam Dixey 3-16 against Yoxford; Sam Dixey 65, Neel Patel 53, Ed Colver 29, Mano Mishra 3-17 and Sam Dixey 3-23 against St Margaret’s.

The 3rd XI on Sunday’s had some mixed performances. One notable performance in the final matches was ‘The Colver Show’ against Saxmundham, Ben Colver 51, Sam Colver 27, Ed Colver 26 and Sam Colver 3-24.

We have some fantastic news about or new nets which we will bring to you next month.

For more information please visit: www.kesgravecricketclub.org.uk

Meanwhile our improving ladies team started well in Division 2 with wins against two other ladies teams, Fil Suffolk Smashers and Stow Aces. We then had a narrow defeat against Diss Asters (mixed) and lost in the playoff for third/fourth place against University of Suffolk (also mixed).

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. Why not get ahead of the game – start now and work off the Christmas pounds before you’ve even put them on!

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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ON THE GRAPEVINE MP DAN POULTER REPORTS BACK QUESTIONS ON CASH Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb answers your questions Harold and Janet from Woodbridge ask: “We have been appointed as the trustees of Janet’s late father’s Discretionary Will Trust. His estate has been settled, and the solicitor advised us to open a trustee bank account, into which approximately £220,000 has been paid. We want to invest this money to generate tax efficient income for Janet’s mother, who is a beneficiary of the trust. What would you suggest?”

An Investment Bond would be a particularly suitable investment for you in your capacity as trustees. Investment Bonds are very ‘trust-friendly’ investments, particularly when used to generate income within a trust fund.

Most ‘income bearing’ assets, such as Unit Trusts, OEICs, Shares, Investment Trusts, and even bank or building society accounts, produce interest or income. When held in a trust fund, any such interest or income is taxed at the trustee Income Tax Rate, which is currently 45%. Obviously such a harsh tax penalty would not make these types of investment advisable because in this case, the main potential beneficiary of the Will trust will be a basic rate taxpayer, and it simply would not make sense to pay tax on income passed to her at 45%.

With an investment bond, there is no liability to tax for you as trustees on any capital gains or income produced by the bond.

This is because life assurance company tax is paid within the funds on any income they receive and on any capital gains they make, and thus the Inland Revenue deem that basic rate income tax at 20% has been paid within the fund.

This means that like a personal investor, trustees can make use of a special income tax break in relation to any income taken from the bond. Under current Inland Revenue legislation, you can withdraw up to 5% of the original investment from the bond each year without liability to income tax, for up to 20 years. This is because the Inland Revenue currently deem that the ‘income’ received is technically not income, but a withdrawal of the original capital, which as stated above, they deem has already had tax paid on it.

As trustees, you can then make tax-efficient ad-hoc payments of the funds so released, to your mother as one of the discretionary beneficiaries of the trust. It is best to make ad hoc payments rather than regular monthly payments, as that could result in HMRC deeming that your mother has carved out a life interest in possession in the trust assets, which could cause tax problems later.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk, IP6 8JP, email them to: nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice.

Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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One of my favourite parts of the week is when I return home to Suffolk after a demanding schedule in Westminster. There is always plenty to do in Suffolk throughout the year, but especially so during the build up to Christmas. The dedication and commitment of our local community volunteers is to be absolutely commended.

When visiting the fayres and markets, I very much enjoy taking time to browse the many stalls and always make an effort to buy locally. We have such a fantastic range of small and independent retailers, not to mention farm shops and local producers and it’s very important that we do our best to support our local economy. Time for Christmas shopping is always difficult for me, spending my time in Parliament midweek and then often working over the weekend, so I’ll certainly be taking the opportunity to stock up on some gifts and presents.

I always look forward to Christmas at home in Suffolk, spending time with friends and family and making time to relax and enjoy a break away from everyday business. Spending time together away from the daily pressures of work is so important for us all, but we should also remember those who may be spending Christmas without their loved ones, perhaps an elderly neighbour or those who are remembering family who are no longer here. We have a great sense of community spirit here in Suffolk and many churches and community organisations have boxes set aside to collect donations of food for those less fortunate than ourselves, so perhaps help to spread some Christmas cheer to others and donate even a small contribution. A little goes a long way in making someone feel that they’re not alone.

As winter is now upon us, the chance of severe weather also becomes more likely. While our gas and electricity network companies work to ensure that the networks are as robust as possible, storms, floods and other extreme weather can still cause damage and disruption. Living in a rural county like Suffolk, it’s important that our communities are well prepared, just in case of power cuts or gas emergencies. To be winter ready: Know your free emergency numbers – in a power cut, dial 105 and for a gas emergency, dial 0800 111999 Be prepared – keep a torch handy and keep your appliances serviced regularly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to the Priority Services Register – contact your network for further information. To find out your network operator visit: www.energynetworks.org Keep an eye on the weather forecast and if you have a power cut or gas emergency, please check on neighbours too.

May I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

NEWS FROM DEBEN ROTARY The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben’s annual charity quiz was another great success this tear. Fifteen teams competed with the winners, Team Phoenix, donating their winnings of £300 to Shelter. In total £900 was raised, with money also being donated to Hope Church and Just 42. Our thanks go to everyone who supported the quiz and to Rotarian Dudley Gowen for organising and running the event.

December sees the start of our busy season, the first event being our annual Carol Concert at Woodbridge School. The concert, which many people see as being the start of the festive season, is on Thursday, December 7. Our Santa’s sleigh will be taking to the roads around Martlesham Heath on Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, Tuesday 12 and Friday 15, as well as being in the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge on Saturday 9.

The last session of the Memory Cafe for this year will be on Wednesday, November 29. As usual we will welcome sufferers of all types of memory loss and their carers at Woodbridge Football Club from 10.30am-noon. There will be no Memory Cafe in December and we will resume on Wednesday, January 31.

If you would like any further information about the Memory Cafe or any other Rotary events please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933.

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS BIXLEY FARM CHURCH Bixley Farm Church was launched

by Bishop Michael (pictured) in September and meets every Sunday at the Tower Hall at 4pm. It is part of the Church of England and was set up

by St John’s, Cauldwell Hall Road and St Andrew’s, Britannia Road (which together with Bixley Farm are known as Mission Ipswich East) to be a local church for the residents of Bixley Farm.

For more information please visit www.mie.org or email: office@mie.org.uk Our services are family friendly and everyone is most welcome whether already having a faith or wishing to explore. The service lasts about an hour and we finish with refreshments. Holy Communion is celebrated on every first and third Sunday.

Last December we were carol singing round Bixley Farm and it was well received. We will again be carolling on Wednesdays, December 6 and 13 so keep an ear open! We are not collecting, we just enjoy carolling. If you wish to join us contact the office as above.

We are holding our Carol Service on Sunday, December 17 at Tower Hall, beginning with afternoon tea at 3.30pm with the carols starting at 4pm. For families and children we are also having a Children’s Nativity on Christmas Eve at 4pm at Tower Hall. Children are welcome to dress up as their favourite nativity character and will receive a gift. There’s a glass of cheer for adults!

It’s an opportunity to enjoy the retelling of the Christmas story as a family and away from the pull of the telly.

Declaring God’s Way - Sharing His Love Set out below are details of our Christmas Services here at Rushmere Baptist Church. As I write, it seems a bit early for these details, but by the time you are reading this – it won’t be! It is all around us now and we are being bombarded with adverts on the TV as well as the retail shops and stores. We just hope and pray that among all this, people will take time to remember the real meaning of Christmas and make a slot in their celebrations to attend a service at their local church.

Sunday, December 3 10.45am All-Age Gift Service 6.30pm Evening Worship Sunday, December 10 10.45am Morning Worship 4.30pm Fellowship Tea (come dressed as your favourite nativity character) 5.30pm Family Service Sunday, December 17 10.45am Morning Worship 5.30pm Candlelight Service Sunday, December 24 10.45am Morning Worship 6pm Carol Singing by the Chestnut Pond

We would love you to join us for one/all of these events and are keen to meet more local people living in the area as we plan more events for the next year.

Monday, December 25 10.45 am Christmas Day Service

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and peaceful New Year!

Sunday, December 31 10.45am Morning Worship with Communion No Evening Service

Directed by

CLAIRE WESTON

Type to enter text

MAKE A DIFFERENCE - ENCORE! FIFTH FUNDRAISING CONCERT IN AID OF

Our usual activities are as follows: Monday FFaF Children’s Club for School Years 2-6 from 6.15-7.30pm

‘Spring’ is for young teens, also on Monday evenings Wednesday Rag Tag Drop-in at 2.30pm on the first Wednesday of each month Senior Citizens’ Friendship Hour at 2.30pm on the second Wednesday Thursday

Luncheon Club at 12.30pm

Saturday Meeting Point Coffee Morning on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10.30am-noon. All are welcome Registered charity number 1062559

A VARIED PROGRAMME OF EASY-LISTENING MUSIC TO SUIT ALL TASTES

featuring HARRISON COLE, JOHN HUTCHINGS AND CLAIRE’S YOUNG SONGSTERS

Minister: Rev Heather Marsden Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting Church Telephone Number: 01473 721455

Saturday 20 January 2018

7.30pm WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL TICKETS £15.00 WeGotTickets.com 01394 279907 ADVANCE BOOKING ADVISED Informal table seaZng to include a ploughman’s supper PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS

www.suffolksingers.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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CHURCH NEWS RUSHMERE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Rushmere Christian Fellowship invites you to their special services and activities during December, all of which take place at St Alban’s High School on Digby Road unless otherwise specified.

Sunday, December 10: Family Service at 10.30am A fun, interactive, family service with something for all ages to start this season of celebration.

Saturday, December 16: Christmas Fun Morning, 10am-noon For children up to the age of about eight at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. There will be fun, games, the Nativity story, activities and crafts.

Parents/carers are required to stay with their children and places need to be booked by Monday, December 11. Call Lucy Mortlock (01473 720401 / 07713 705751) for more details and to book a place.

Sunday, December 17: Carol Service at 6.30pm A special service including carols, readings and a short message, followed by refreshments.

Sunday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service at 4pm Enjoy the anticipation of Christmas as a family together.

Monday, December 25: Christmas Day Service at 10.30am Enjoy a short celebration of the real meaning of Christmas, suitable for all ages. “… And they will call him Immanuel – which means ‘God with us.’”

Matthew 1:23 Toys & Noise A baby and toddler group for any parent or carer with a pre-school child which meets every Thursday during term-time. On Thursday, December 7, Toys & Noise will be joining in the Christmas Journey at St John’s Church on Cauldwell Hall Road (so no Toys & Noise at the village hall that week).

Thursday, December 14 will be the last Toys & Noise for 2017, meeting at Rushmere Village Hall from 1.45pm. The new term starts on Thursday, January 11.

For further information about RCF visit www.rcfchurch.org.uk or contact Stephen French: 01473 431701 / sfrench@rcfchurch.org.uk

SERVICES AT ALL SAINTS Happy Christmas Kesgrave!

With the space taken below to explain all that is happening I have little left to talk about the meaning of Christmas. The point is that few words or many, none can adequately capture the stupendous fact that the Creator of all that is, embraced that Creation by entering it as a fragile, vulnerable and homeless baby.

Every blessing to you all at this special time.

Robin Spittle – Vicar of All Saints Christmas Services: please check the website for final timings and other services during December: www.askegrave.org.uk December 3 & 4: Christingle Services at 4pm on Sunday and 5.30pm and 7pm on Monday. We celebrate the work of the Children’s Society and make and light Christingles.

December 10: Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight at 6.30pm. The Traditional Carol Service, with ‘descants’ etc. led by our augmented choir.

December 17: Breakfast Special and Nativity at 9.15am.

Breakfast in the hall from 9.15am including dressing time (or arrived dressed) and rehearsal. The service will start in the hall (about 10am) and move to the church (during the journey from Nazareth). Finally, we will journey with the ‘Magi’ back to the hall for the conclusion of the service and refreshments.

If anyone would rather go straight to the church there will be simple worship from 10am until the arrival of the drama. Children need to simply turn up with a costume for being a shepherd, king or angel to take part (adults are welcome to dress up too if they feel they can or to come in a Christmas jumper).

December 17: Community Carols by Candlelight at 6.30pm.

Members of the community read their favourite Christmas readings and we sing well known carols.

As the year draws to a close and we celebrate the Christmas season it’s a good time to reflect on what has gone before over the last 12 months. Such a lot has happened in that time and not always for the better. This world in which we live has suffered at the hands of man for many ages through greed and materialism to a point where we have changed the very balance of nature.

When God created the earth as a ‘garden of Eden’ He asked mankind to take care of the planet, but we have not done so and now suffer as a consequence.

This Christmas time let’s remember what it’s really all about – Jesus, the gift of God, and let’s give gifts that benefit one another.

Don’t miss our Christmas Family Service on Sunday, December 24 at 11am and our Watch Night Service on Sunday, December 31 at 10pm (no morning service).

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at The Ark. Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Café and Children’s Church at 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact us via email at arkipswichuk@gmail.com. Also we can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @arkipswich or online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk

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December 24: Traditional Carol Service at 10am in the church.

This service is designed especially for those who find 6.30pm a difficult time to go out.

December 24: Crib Services at 3.30pm, 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

Identical, short, services telling the Christmas Story and placing the figures in the crib. Please bring a torch to help with the atmosphere.

December 24: Midnight Communion. This year we are offering two identical services at 10pm and 11.30pm. Traditional way to mark the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

December 25: Holy Communion at 8.30am. Simple BCP Communion without hymns.

December 25: All-Age Service at 10am. Carols and a simple service combine to make a magical start to Christmas Day. Please also bring a favourite gift to show us and help with the sermon.

In Touch online:

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