In Touch
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with Kesgrave & Rushmere
Volume 8 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2018
Outdoor Learning at Cedarwood Primary School, see page 18
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR 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.
NEWS TEAM OF THE YEAR AT CAFÉ 66
1: I will stop biting my nails (every year since I was five) 2: I will run 5K (last year) 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) 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) 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. I’ve just talked myself into a resolution, haven’t I? Failed again!
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
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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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Café 66 is a community cafe held three days a week in 1st Kesgrave Scout Hall. It provides a safe environment in which our staff can flourish and maximise their potential. All aspects of running a cafe are taught including setting up the venue, waiting on tables, cooking with help from staff, washing up and drying, using the till, and cleaning up and tidying the hall at the end of the session. We run a monthly lunch club offering a two course home cooked meal for £5. This has proved very popular and we always have a full house. We have just won the Suffolk Stars Team of the Year award. This award was set up by Mr and Mrs Parker from Parker Communications. It is a lovely evening to celebrate the best that Suffolk has to offer. Nominations are sent in and a panel of judges decide on the final three for each category We were nominated for the work we do with adults with disabilities in teaching them skills which can help them for when they consider independent living. The team was thrilled and very proud to receive this award We pride ourselves on being a friendly place for staff and customers alike. We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30am until 2pm and are starting up a new venture in Chantry on Mondays. We have recently received a 5 Star Food Hygiene Award. Café 66 is a non-profit organisation which is run by two paid staff and volunteers. Cafe Manager Di Rayner
Marks & Mann were overwhelmed by the generosity of staff and the general public in donating Christmas shoeboxes filled with goodies and much needed toys and toiletries as part of Operation Christmas Child. Every year the number of boxes being donated increases and this year was no exception with over 200 boxes delivered to Marks & Mann offices at the Penshurst Road Branch in Ipswich IP3 8QB, Martlesham Heath branch located on the Square IP5 3SL and our Stowmarket branch in Needham Road IP14 2AW. The boxes are collected in November in time for Christmas delivery.
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NEWS KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL NEWS FOR JANUARY 2018 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. Ice Skating in Kesgrave
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.
This free of charge and really popular and successful event was held during the weekend of November 25/26 for Kesgrave families. The town council would like to again, sincerely thank its local district councillors for funding this community event for the town. Thanks also go to the small team of volunteers led by the council’s service development administrator that made the event possible. New Town Councillor for Kesgrave The town council is delighted to welcome on board Chris Marsh as a new co-opted town councillor. Some of you may know Chris as she previously worked for the council. Please see Chris’s comments below. “I have lived in Kesgrave for 22 years, firstly on Grange Farm and for the last four years in Old Kesgrave. I chose to live in Kesgrave because it is a great place to live, work and bring up your children. Our children live nearby, and we see a lot of our grandchildren. “I have worked for county, district and town councils and now I have retired from paid work, I have more time and would like to offer my services as a town councillor. I think that previous councillors did a good job here while Kesgrave went through huge changes and I hope I can be as effective as Kesgrave moves forward. I have lots of energy and enthusiasm and ability which I would use in this role.” Kesgrave Neighbourhood Plan – Shaping your Town The Neighbourhood Plan Working Party would like to say a huge thank-you to all local residents who completed the questionnaires for the emerging Neighbourhood Plan. The results of the questionnaire form the plan and will help to forge how the town evolves in the future. A Neighbourhood Plan is a legal policy which has to be considered by the Local Planning Authority – Suffolk Coastal District Council – and developers when considering any future planning applications. As a town, the town council would like you the residents to have a say in what development should be planned for Kesgrave in the future. Without the Neighbourhood Plan, the size and nature of developments will be decided by planners and developers using policies and guidelines which have not been agreed to. Town Clerk/Press Officer 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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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
COFFEE MORNINGS AT KESGRAVE HELP CENTRE Our coffee mornings at Kesgrave Community Centre continue to grow and we are delighted to have over 40 people attend. There is a great deal of talking and laughing as our local residents meet up and exchange their news. If you are new to the area we hold our coffee mornings every Thursday morning from 10-11.30am and have a fish and chip lunch every two weeks for those that would like to stay and have their lunchtime meal with others. Then we stay open till 12.30pm. There is a weekly raffle, a game of Hoy each month and an occasional tombola. If you feel you would like to come we would be more than pleased to see you. During the year we hold a few outings plus some special afternoon teas, such as a Strawberry Tea and a Valentine’s Tea. We are currently looking for some help with transport to our coffee mornings for those who have difficulty walking very far. If you think you may be able to help either on a permanent basis or just when you are available, we would be very pleased to hear from you. We do pay mileage. We do struggle in getting our residents transport for their morning out, especially when our drivers are ill, on holiday or have other commitments. If you need to find out more either come along to Kesgrave Community Centre any Thursday morning or contact me on 01473 620307. We would like to wish you all a happy healthy New Year and a big thank you to all those volunteers that help us during the year. Sue Snoulten
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE SINGERS CHARITY CONCERT KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Musical Director Emma Haggar presented a cheque for £1,373 to Don Whinney, chairman of the Kesgrave & District branch of the Royal British Legion, which was raised from a recent concert given by Kesgrave Singers and Ipswich Community Children’s Choir. Thank you to all those people who made the evening such a success.
Happy New Year to all our customers and thank you for all your support last year. We look forward to seeing you during 2018. Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following winter craft activities will take place during January • Sunday 7: Today we are making snowy tree pictures using bubble wrap and white paint. Why not pop along and have a go? • Sunday 14: Will it snow this winter? Create a snowman bookmark. • Sunday 21: The January 18 was A A Milne’s birthday. Make a Winnie the Pooh hat to wear home. • Sunday 28: We’re making snow globes today. Design a snowman picture to go inside. 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 These are free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Why not come along and join Maggie every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories? • Tot Rock: action rhymes, songs and stories for toddlers, 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: songs and rhymes for babies, 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions every Friday, 9.45-10.15am This session combines stories and rhymes. Why not pop along?
The staff and trustees at Kesgrave Community Centre would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year! A New Year, A New You! Get fit this year with a variety of health and fitness sessions on offer from as little as £2.50 per session. Why not treat yourself and you can be your fittest and healthiest self in 2018? Commit to Get Fit This session will help you to become physically fitter, consisting of a variety of core stability, body toning exercises and circuits. Classes take place every Wednesday morning from 9.15-9.45am for just £2.50 in the sports hall. Core Strength Yoga Aims to bring stability, ease, poise and balance through the body, mind and breathing, generating a sense of wellbeing. Monday mornings from 11.30am12.30pm (term time only), £6 per session or for a block booking it’s just £5. To book please call Manon: 07773 456078 Active Adults Sessions will continue throughout the year, so if you are looking for some light exercise in a friendly, fun-filled environment then this could be the perfect activity for you. The sessions run every Monday morning from 9.30-10.30am and Friday mornings from 10-11am, just £3 per session which includes tea and coffee. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Thank you to everyone who came along to the Christmas Shopping Evening in November 2017. The event was a great success and raised £1687.20 for Cedarwood PFC and the centre. This year’s Christmas Shopping Event will take place on Friday, November 30. Monthly Networking Sponsored by Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors in Ipswich, these events will take place in the conference centre on the second Tuesday of every month from 9.30-11.30am. No membership fees – just turn up and pay £2 on the door (donated to St Elizabeth Hospice). Quiz Night In association with Age UK Suffolk launching in spring 2018, details to be announced soon. Further KWMCC events are being planned for 2018. To register your interest in any of the above ‘Dates for your Diary’ please email: jo@kwmcc.co.uk For more information on all activities and events or to book a function room at KWMCC, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk
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OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2018 Lego Club: every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Each week will be a different theme. What will you design? Parents must stay with under eights. Knit and Natter: Wednesdays 3, 17 & 31 at 2.30pm. Just £1 to include tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Now every other week; new members very welcome. You don’t need to knit, just pop along for a natter. Afternoon Book Group: Thursday, January 4, 2.45pm. Currently reading The Last Pilot by Benjamin Johncock. Evening Book Group: Thursday, January 18, 7pm. Currently reading Flawed by Cecelia Ahern. Baking Club: Thursday, January 25, 7pm. This month’s theme is Comfort Food. If you enjoy baking, why not pop along? It’s just £2 to attend. If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff Volunteer Needed: We are looking for a volunteer to help us run Lego Club. Ideal if currently enrolled on Duke of Edinburgh. Please speak to staff if interested. Are you a library member? If you would like to join the library or you have a card you haven’t used in a while, just pop in and speak to staff. Just bring in proof of your name and address and we can sign you up straight away. Did you know that Suffolk Libraries also has an e-library where you can borrow e-books, audio e-books, free magazines and music? These can be downloaded to all tablets and e-books apart from Kindles. 100 Club: Our community group has launched a 100 Club to help with fundraising and over 70 people have already signed up. For just £1 per month you could enter and have a chance of winning a cash prize in addition to knowing you are supporting your local library. IT Help Sessions: Starting Saturday, January 27, 10.30am-1pm Are you having trouble getting to grips with the new piece of technology you got for Christmas? A member of staff at the library will be offering help sessions to all customers who would like some support using their iPads, smart phones, tablets, e-books, computers, or need some general guidance using the internet. If you would like some help with your technology, please phone up and speak to a member of staff about booking you one of our halfhour slots. 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 Thursday: 2.30-8pm Saturday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Friday: 9am-noon Sunday: 10am-3pm
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE SOCIAL CLUB: JANUARY 2018 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 on our upcoming events along with information about the artists. On January 13 our monthly country act is the amazing Julie Dawn. Julie not only has one of the finest female voices on the circuit today, but also has the most amazing bubbly personality to go with it. With well over 25 years of experience, it’s not hard to see why she is so highly thought of on the music scene. A must see! On January 20 we are holding one of our awesome race nights. These nights are always a great source of fun, so come along and try to win some money! Call the club for more information. January 27 sees the return of the awesome Memphis Index. The guys always put on a great night of rock ‘n’ roll and 1960’s music. This promises to be one night of live music to remember. 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 meet monthly at the club. 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. www.kesgravesocialclub.co.uk / 01473 622128 Publicity Officer and Webmaster Robert L Grimley
YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET As the New Year unfurls, what does it hold for us? Brexit, whatever your thoughts, brings exciting new challenges. I think one of these is to become more self-sufficient, to celebrate our home-grown talents. We all have skills, some of which we might take too much for granted – baking, sewing, gardening, knitting, wood-turning, quilting, jam-making, keeping bees for honey and hens for eggs. My neighbours grow wonderful vegetables and I love seeing their hens scuffling in my garden. Country Market members make jam and the most delicious marmalade and pickles. They bake every week, pies, casseroles and quiches, cakes and biscuits, ‘just like mother used to make’, in portions large and small. Crafters sew, knit or crochet whenever they have a spare moment, making delightful baby clothes, toys, hats, gloves and warming scarves for children and adults, bags, quilts and other one-off treasures. Helen’s bead jewellery, funky and formal sits alongside William’s wooden delights, small domestic wooden objects known as ‘treen’ which are made from locally sourced branches and off-cuts. Original jolly painted tiles, decorative boards and cards printed from her own paintings are Sarah Ingle’s offerings. Sue grows super veg, cracking courgettes and perfect pot-plants (which are all the rage). Meet your neighbours and support the local economy at the same time. Remember we’re having a break after December 19, but we’ll be back at Martlesham Pavilion from 9-11.15am every Tuesday morning from January 9. Get the warmest of welcomes. Order one-off crafts, delicious special dainties, gluten-free or other diet-compliant tasty treats or staples. STOP PRESS: We need more bakers and makers! If you’d like to find out more, enjoy the satisfaction of using your skills to make a little extra money and join our friendly market on the other side of the table, why not come along to meet us or phone Margaret Gayfer (01473 623849) to find out more?
70 YEARS OF SPRINGFIELD FOLLIES 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. Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
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Springfield Follies amateur dramatic group was formed in 1948. The very first pantomime performed was Cinderella. Seventy years on Follies will once again be performing Cinderella based on an original script by Vic Sharman, adapted by David Cranwell and Sharon Finbow. Follies continues to thrive, raising money for local charities. In 2017 we were proud to donate to St Elizabeth’s Hospice and The Thomas Wolsey School. Please come and support us. Full of song, dance, fun and laughter, Cinderella will be great for all ages. Cinderella plays at Kesgrave Community Centre on the following dates: Saturday, January 27 at 2.30pm & 7.30pm Friday, February 2 at 7.30pm Saturday, February 3 at 2.30pm & 7.30pm Adults £10, children £6, family (two adults and two children) £28. Get your tickets from 01473 719089, 2nd Stop Charity Shop or online at: www.springfieldfollies.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT 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 local 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
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Think you might enjoy it? Then come along to St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact Helen (howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 ) or John (angelajohnadams@btinternet.com / 01473 710406).
KESGRAVE & DISTRICT FRIENDSHIP CLUB We had some enjoyable meetings last year, culminating with an excellent Christmas Lunch at The Shipwreck in Shotley and a lovely buffet at our Christmas Party. We had talks about Suffolk Cheeses, the East Anglian Air Ambulance and nursery rhymes among others and we played New Age Kurling, horse racing, HOY and Bingo. We have a break in January then a full programme of entertainment is planned for 2018, starting with our AGM on February 6. Do come and join us at our friendly and welcoming meetings on the first and third Tuesday afternoon each month at 2pm at KWMCC. We invite members from both Kesgrave and the surrounding area. If you would like more information, or are interested in joining, please contact me on 01473 624240. We are urgently seeking a secretary to help us organise our programme who would be supported by our committee members. If you are interested in this position please contact me on the number given above. Dee Knights
KESGRAVE CO-OPERATIVE WOMEN’S GUILD On Tuesday, November 14, Peter Battey arrived with a full sized Punch and Judy booth. He explained how this was made and where the various puppets were hung to ensure he could change them quickly. Peter makes all his equipment and puppets and has been performing for more than 50 years. He has appeared all over the country and in Europe. Peter told us the history and the story behind Punch and Judy shows. He then gave a short performance which had everyone laughing and calling for the various characters to appear. We were all transported to the days we use to enjoy on the beach watching Mr Punch and the crocodile fighting over the sausages. Peter had given the members a wonderful evening’s entertainment. Alexander Bass provided a very informative illustrated talk about Minsmere. His wildlife photographs were beautiful and we learned about the development of Minsmere from the war years up to its present day. We tried to identify the many birds, butterflies and animals that can be seen on walks around the area and Alex explained the arrivals and departures of the various birds on the reserve. Alex runs tours for anyone interested in learning more. Tuesday, January 23: Our speaker will be from Norfolk & Suffolk Probation Service which works 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 the Guild AGM. Tuesday, February 6: Helen Garth will be talking about colour and style and will show us all the colours that we can wear that will make us look fabulous. She will explain that by the end of a colour consultation you will understand which shades compliment your natural colouring, how to wear the colours that suit you best and how to combine colours you already have in a fresh new way. She will give advice and tips on make-up, which seasonal colour trends are best for you, how to wear different colour combinations and what accessories and jewellery would complement your colouring. Tuesday, February 20: Our speaker will be David Phelan and his talk will be about the fascinating history of St Audry’s Workhouse and Asylum. Asylums are regarded as being grim places, and many were, but it was different at St Audry’s which was one of the biggest employers in the area and David will explain why. Tuesday, March 6: Professor Midwinter will be talking about climate disruption and why we should be concerned. John has developed a deep understanding and extensive knowledge of the subject over many years and will explain things in a way we can all understand and enjoy. 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 Kesgrave Community Centre. The guild holds 23 meetings a year plus other trips and events. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991 www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net
MARTLESHAM ART GROUP
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB
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.
A Happy New Year to all our members!
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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We have two meetings planned for January. Paula Baker will talk about hedgehogs on January 4 and Marianne Brame will demonstrate jewellery making on January 18. Then on February 1, Dr Heather will give a talk entitled Highlights of New Zealand and Flying in an Auster. Make a New Year’s Resolution for 2018 – make Thursday evenings different and join our friendly club. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Friday, January 5: Wing Commander Harold Blackburn M.C. A.F.C. by Harold’s grandson Mike Hallett The story never told before of Martlesham Airfield pioneer, pre-war aircraft constructor, test pilot and air racer. Harold was Britain’s first airline pilot, a war hero and Commander of The Armament and Aircraft Experimental Establishment (A and AEE) Martlesham Heath from 1924-1928. His was a fascinating career from the birth of aviation. We meet from 7.30-10pm at Martlesham Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members. To find out more on either of the above call Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.mhas.org.uk 2017 ARMISTICE DAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE Our annual Armistice Day Remembrance Parade was held on Sunday, November 12. A cold northerly wind and frequent showers drove us to hold the ceremony in the church of St Michael’s and All Angels, a wise decision given the age of some of those attending. The church was quite full and I am sure that all those who attended were grateful to be in the warm. This is the first time for many years that we have not been able to hold the service on Barrack Square in front of the three war memorials. Our society chairman, Martyn Cook was the parade marshall and the Rev Toby Tate took the service. Our excellent Martlesham Brass provided the music. The Royal British Legion were, of course, in attendance. A contingent from the first Martlesham Scouts, 356th ATC, and the Aircrew Association, were present. Andrew Hunt represented Logicor (our landlords on the heath), who once again gave us a generous donation towards the cost of the service. Martlesham Guides and Rangers and Suffolk Army Cadet Force, 356th Air Cadets and Suffolk Constabulary were also represented. The Black Shucks, a group of motorcyclists who attend many similar remembrance services, were also in attendance. An address was given by our president, Mr Richard Barker, and also by Wg Cdr Phil Nicholson, representing the Royal Air Force. The church was full and Martlesham Heath Aviation Society is grateful to all those who attended. The poppy wreathes, laid in the church at the foot of the cabinet containing the names of American Dead who died while serving at Martlesham Heath, were later taken and laid at the foot of the memorials on Barrack Square. We are sincerely grateful to The Rev Toby Tate and members of the church for allowing us to use the church at such short notice.
Monday, February 12: Ipswich War Memorial Project by Andrew Beal 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. All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
U3A HOPES 2018 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR ALL 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 If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning: 03001 233913 FORTHCOMING TALKS 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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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).
BROKE HALL WI
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.
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.
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
Firstly, Happy New Year to all who read this from the ladies of Broke Hall WI.
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
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
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.
Friday, April 13: Fused Glass Demo by Alison Mayston We also have monthly clubs, a book club, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits. For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
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. 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!
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY
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.
Wednesday, January 24: Life as a Harwich Pilot, an illustrated talk by Jane Stone
For more information visit: www.whiteagle.org/east-anglia
Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490)
E: weeastangliaregion@gmail.com
www.idhts.co.uk
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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.
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OUT & ABOUT 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
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
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 is 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 / SCHOOLS PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Happy New Year to you all! During November’s (rather chilly) meeting the Nature Explorers conducted their annual survey into the health of the bird population through looking at each of the 37 bird boxes dotted around the woodland, identifying whether each had been used and, if they Picture: By S Corley had, by which species. This year the results were a small improvement on last year’s, with 75% of the tit boxes having been used, maintaining an upward trend in recent years. Interestingly, we found a wasp nest in the same box as a nest! The group also painted the boxes to preserve them and took note of the damage done to the boxes by various other inhabitants of the woods such as squirrels and woodpeckers so that they could be repaired. Everybody’s hard work was greatly appreciated and we completed the job in record time. The main working party task was to clear the pond of pondweeds and plants that had become overgrown since last year. This was made all the more easy by the work of last month’s volunteers in clearing access to and undergrowth around the pond. Again thanks to all who attended; many hands made light work! Additionally, during November we were very grateful to a group from BT who cleared the area and paths around the fuel dump. Conservation is a very rewarding and fulfilling teambuilding activity. If your business would like to do some volunteering in the woods we would certainly be very appreciative, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CLUB 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. 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.
DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, February 18, 10am-noon. Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided. All ages welcome – no need to book. 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 – 01473 612632 / pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com – visit www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer George Pennick
HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP Playgroup reopens on Monday, January 8. Why not come and visit our friendly atmosphere? You will be greeted by fully qualified and professional staff and very happy children. We are situated inside Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Bell Lane. 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 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 (DCSF, 2008:7). 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 do this by providing a range of challenging and stimulating play experiences within a safe, secure, supportive and inclusive environment. Contact us on 07837 154081 (term time) or manager Wendy Payne at: 07816 505423 / wendylouisepayne@gmail.com
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SCHOOLS NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS
CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
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. 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 spring term dates are: January 8 and 22, February 26 and March 12 and 26. If you would like further information please contact: Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL We hope you all had a magical Christmas and we wish you all a very Happy New Year! A big welcome to our new families – we are now full so, unfortunately, there is no availability for new children to start at Easter. However, please add your name to our waiting list for September 2018. This half term our topic will be winter. We will be learning about water and how it changes. We love icy mornings and discovering frozen water in the garden. We will rescue toys that have been frozen and enjoy experimenting with liquids and solids.
Thank you also for your fantastic community spirit in supporting us in two recent voting events; we were third in the Tesco Blue Token scheme so we have earned £1,000 towards our foundation equipment, and sadly although we didn’t get through to the next round of votes in our Aviva Fund, we have been awarded £200 for applying. This will go towards our big play equipment fundraiser, so thank you. Our students were delighted to receive a Local Schools Nature Grant from the Learning through Landscapes charity (funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery). Pupils on the school council helped teacher Mrs MacLeod apply for a grant used to buy £500 worth of equipment, bespoke training and a year’s membership to Learning through Landscapes. Cedarwood is developing its outdoor learning curriculum, creating a forest school area in the school grounds and amassing the equipment needed for learning outside. On November14, pupils who helped get the grant enjoyed using the new equipment (two rocket stoves and two storm kettles) to make hot chocolate outdoors. Other schools interested in applying for the grant should look at the Learning through Landscapes website. The headteachers, teachers and governors would all like to wish you a very Happy New Year; please contact us at any time with any questions or concerns.
THE SAPLINGS
We are also looking forward to finding out about other cultures, especially those of children in our setting.
We currently have limited vacancies in all our rooms, including spaces for funded two and three-year olds (15 and 30 hours). Please contact us as soon as possible, our waiting list is open. Don’t forget your child’s funded sessions can be used across our opening hours and ‘stretched’ across holiday club too.
Hedgehog Nursery is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm for three and four year olds. If you would like more information please contact the school office on 01473 623790 or visit: www.gorseland.net
The Saplings is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm for children aged three months to 11 years. We offer term-time and year-round care, with a baby room, preschool, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions and a walking bus to Birchwood Primary School.
Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs J Florey
For further information on all our term-time sessions, or holiday club bookings, please contact our friendly team of dedicated and experienced staff : 01473 614753 / news@thesaplings.org.uk
In PE the children will continue with their yoga sessions (Mondays) and also learn about travelling safely in gymnastics (Thursdays).
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We are very excited about our choir children going to sing at Wembley in the ‘A Voice in a Million’ concert in March. This is an event the choir really enjoys being able to attend and it’s a wonderful opportunity for the children involved.
Stowe Veterinary Centre
Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre
Ipswich Veterinary Centre
The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery
The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery
54 Bury Road, Stowmarket
2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds
Scrivener Drive, Ipswich
Coddenham Road, Needham Market
Station Road, Elmswell
Tel: 01449 613 130
Tel: 01284 747 000
Tel: 01473 555 000
Tel: 01449 722 198
Tel: 01359 241 761
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Life | Land | Business
MAKE A DIFFERENCE - ENCORE! FIFTH FUNDRAISING CONCERT IN AID OF
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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
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Whatever life brings we’re always there for you For your life, land and business, Barker Gotelee is here to help. Our friendly, local solicitors are on hand to advise you on a host of legal matters, including buying and selling property, family breakdown, making a will or developing your business. 41 Barrack Sq, Martlesham, Ipswich IP5 3RF Free parking
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Could you volunteer to listen to children read in school?
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Who are we?
We provide volunteers to give one-to-one reading practice to children in their primary schools. No qualifications are necessary to be a volunteer, just a good command of English and a bit of spare time each week. Schoolreaders will match you to an appropriate local school. Volunteers say the experience is incredibly rewarding. We are a charity, so there is no charge to either schools or volunteers.
Join us - you can make a real difference to a child’s life! To find out more, please telephone 01234 924 111 or visit our website, www.schoolreaders.org Registered Charity: 1159157
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sport 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 Ravens 25-24 Ipswich I Ravens 25-23 Stowmarket II Final Group Ravens 22-25 Lakenheath Ravens 15-25 Stowmarket II 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.” 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.
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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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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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS KRISSY AND FRIENDS REFLECTION As one year closes and another opens, Krissy and Friends Foundation have been reflecting on what an exciting and amazing 12 months we’ve had.
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.”
With your support and donations we have been able to provide therapy through music to many local charities, organisations and causes including Ipswich Hospital Children’s Ward, specialist schools, 4YP, Musica (young people’s workshops) and South Street Kids. This has enabled Krissy and Friends Foundation to reach more East Anglian children with therapy through music than ever. Your generous and growing support has meant that moving into 2018 we hope to meet our target of supporting even more of our communities most vulnerable young people. Thank you to everybody who has made a difference and we look forward to seeing you at our events in the year ahead. www.krissyandfriends.org.uk
BIXLEY FARM CHURCH: SUNDAY@4 New Year greetings to all in Bixley Farm!
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.”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
For further information about StartEast, please contact info@starteast.co.uk / 01473 295938 or visit: www.starteast.co.uk
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
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CHURCH NEWS NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS – ONE DAY AT A TIME Lots of us make New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps we’re going to lose weight, give up smoking or join a gym. It might be that we resolve to spend less time on our phones, looking at social media or that we’re going to go to bed earlier during the week. Sometimes our resolutions can be a little unrealistic; we’d like to think we could go from chilling out on the sofa to Olympic athlete in a matter of days. If you can stick at your resolution for a whole year, that’s fantastic. Unfortunately, most of us can’t; sometimes we can’t even last a week. A year is a long time and sometimes just the thought of how far we have to go is enough to put us off. Perhaps if we break down the resolutions into manageable chunks, they would be more achievable. How about setting yourself a monthly challenge instead? January is a hard month to give things up. It can feel like you’re punishing yourself in a month when you need comfort. It’s dark, it’s cold and it’s the middle of winter. Cash can be in short supply after Christmas – it’s no wonder we don’t feel like sticking with that diet. So how about doing something cheerful instead? Once a week, ask friends round for a movie night or meet up with family for a brisk Sunday walk. Set yourself a task that perhaps you’ve been putting off but you know you’ll feel much better about when it’s done. Clear out some clutter in a cupboard or empty your email inbox. Challenge yourself to do things that will cost you nothing but leave you feeling like you’ve achieved something. Hopefully as you head into February, instead of feeling like you’ve failed at your resolution, you’ll feel like you’re already winning in 2018. Another benefit from your challenge can be that you’ve saved some money. Nights in instead of meals out and walking in the park instead of shopping will leave a little more cash in your purse or wallet. Perhaps you’ll find something you can sell when you empty out that cupboard. Now comes the fun part of deciding how you can use your extra pounds. You could put it towards a day out or even a holiday later in the year. If someone in the family has a significant birthday coming up, you could save it for a treat for them. By making a tiny change in your routine, for just one month, you can make something extra special in the future. If you get the resolution bug, you can try something new in February too and maybe keep going for the whole year. Here are a few other ideas to try for a month at a time: • Walk some or all of the way to work • Use up the food in your cupboards and freezer and just shop for fresh things • Take a hot cup with a drink from home instead of getting your usual takeaway • Sort out your wardrobe; swap outfits with friends and family • Have a packed lunch instead of buying sandwiches or school meals • Call someone in your family that you have infrequent contact with to catch up on their news – maybe arrange to visit them sometime during the month too These mini challenges are a great way to include the whole family. Ask your kids for suggestions about what you can do and include them in the benefits. Perhaps the savings you make can contribute to more ice creams in the summer, a day trip to a favourite destination or a makeover for a bedroom. Stronger relationships from spending face-to-face time with friends and extended family can bring more emotional stability from a sense of belonging too. Celebrate your achievements as a family together and who knows, it might set you up to take on bigger challenges in the future. If you would like free help and advice with your financial resolutions in this New Year, get in touch with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) by calling 0800 328 0006 or visiting www.capuk.org for more information. Rushmere Christian Fellowship partners with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to offer debt counselling in the Ipswich area.
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Declaring God’s Way - Sharing His Love How quickly time goes! Here we are into 2018 with the Christmas festivities over. We do hope you were able to celebrate at some time the real meaning of Christmas, with so much glitter and baubles everywhere to distract one. Set out below are the usual activities for Rushmere Baptist Church. They will all begin after the New Year. Our church anniversary (over 150 years of a church on this site) will be celebrated on Sunday, January 21, when we have a visiting speaker for the day, Rev Beth Powney. Beth is the new Regional Minister Team Leader for the EBA (Eastern Baptist Association). She was inducted into this role on September 1, 2017 and has a vast experience of ministry. We are looking forward to sharing our special day with her. 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 Minister: Rev Heather Marsden Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting Church Telephone Number: 01473 721455
ALL SAINTS CHURCH There was an old man called Michael Finnegan, he… Can you remember what came next? If so, you probably live in the increasingly mature age-group that can remember ‘Singing Together’ from their primary school days! Each term we had a new booklet, full of ditties and songs that a lady on the radio used to lead us in singing – happy days! Each verse (except the last) ended with the phrase ‘Begin again’. The last (our favourite) had the bellowed phrase ‘STOP’! Each of us constantly faces the offer of God to ‘begin again’ over what it is we could do better. Could this New Year be an appropriate time to make a fresh start with God and the church family that meets in his name at All Saints? At some point, He will say ‘STOP’ and the song of our life will move into a whole new dimension. Are you ready to ‘begin again’ in the new life of heaven? Services at All Saints Our basic pattern is that every Sunday we have services at 8.30am (BCP Communion), 10am (modern yet traditional service with AllAge alternative) and 6.30pm (Evensong). There isn’t enough space to mention our myriad of tweaks and alternatives, but one small change this month is that the evening service on January 21 will be replaced with a 5pm Unity Service at Rushmere Baptist Church. To receive our fortnightly notices please see the website or email Charlotte: cha.markham@btinternet.com www.askegrave.org.uk
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