In touch news with kesgrave may18

In Touch

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with Kesgrave & Rushmere

Volume 8 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2018

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m sitting at my desk with aching limbs after an unexpectedly adventurous morning. At approximately 7.30am I heard by son shout “Oh my God” from the sitting room. I could tell it wasn’t a normal ‘I’ve just spilt my cereal on the sofa’ howl so I ran to him. I found him staring at what can only be described as a flash flood running through the garden. We both ran to the front door and sure enough it was there too, rushing down our neighbour’s drive, into our garage and garden, and a short time later, into my kitchen.

I’ve often wondered how I would cope in an emergency situation and now I know. I shout very loudly! “We have an emergency down here,” I roared to Daniel as I grabbed my wellies and coat and went to investigate. When Daniel arrived on the scene I was waist deep in the ditch with a garden hoe, having assumed the culvert where it goes underground was blocked.

On further anaylsis we realised the problem lay elsewhere and Daniel set off to find the source.

I won’t go into the details here, but while others tried to fix the cause we set about trying to divert the flow away from the house and outbuildings using everything we could lay our hands on. Meanwhile Jack used every towel he could find (even the good ones we keep for guests!) to mop up in the kitchen. It was quite a team effort (practically a ‘meitheal’ as we might say in Ireland) and soon others, including neighbours, joined in and a pump was set up to divert water into the brook.

I left them to it at this point (it was deadline day after all) but I’m not sure I want to go home tonight! Just imagine how many towel washes I’ll have to do? And grandma’s garden hoe is still firmly lodged in the ditch!

Thank goodness better weather is predicated for next week and summer is on its way. And there’s still plenty of Easter chocolate in the cupboard! Perhaps the one positive I can focus on is the satisfaction of working together with others which I highly recommend. You’ll find many opportunities in the following pages.

Kesgrave In Touch &withRushmere

Published by:

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

01473 400380 Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

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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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

NEWS MASQUERADE CHARITY BALL IN AID OF THE BLOSSOM APPEAL The Ipswich Hospital Charity is excited to announce the Masquerade Charity Ball at The Venue at Kersey Mill on Friday, June 22 at 7pm in aid of The Blossom Appeal.

This glamorous evening will include a night of live entertainment with a drinks reception and a three course meal with wine in a beautiful location. JS and The Lockerbillies, who have previously played at Glastonbury, will be our band for the night so get your dancing shoes on and get ready to rock ‘n’ roll!

All money raised will go towards The Ipswich Hospital Charity, supporting The Blossom Appeal. Help us build a new £2.5million Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital where every breast care patient can have the best possible experience when they come to hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care at The Ipswich Hospital under one roof and provide an environment where patients can be imaged, biopsied where necessary, and see their clinician in one appointment without the need to get dressed and undressed several times. There will also be new dedicated clinics for men and young people.

Your support can help patients like Jo: “There is a lot of getting up and down and walking to and from for imaging and treatment, and it’s a very impersonal space.”

Former breast cancer patient Jo Whitelaw remembers the experience of visiting the hospital all too well, but the now 55-year-old also remembers the amazing care she received. She said: “The hospital was my security blanket. I got all the support and reassurance I could’ve asked for from the team. They were always there when I needed them.”

Jo, from Great Blakenham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 after discovering a lump in her breast. Initially she thought it was benign as she’d had others removed in the past, but it did turn out to be cancerous. When the lump was removed cancer cells were still found so Jo went on to have her breast removed and gruelling chemotherapy and drug treatment to fight the disease.

She said: “It’s a very open and impersonal space. I remember when I first went to hospital I sat there and looked at all the people in the waiting room and felt very alone. The new centre could be more personal, but then there would be opportunities and spaces to talk if people wanted to.”

Jo, married with two children, four grandchildren (and another on the way) has now been clear of cancer for five years. While the hospital team were Jo’s security blanket, she turned to the animals in her yard to relax. A keeper of horses, sheep and chickens, Jo credits them with helping her relax both during and since her cancer.

Help us build a new Breast Centre at Ipswich Hospital while enjoying a glamorous night.

To purchase tickets (£50) please visit www.ipswichhospitalcharity.co.uk or contact: 01473 702929 / charity@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk

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NEWS MARTLESHAM HEATH CONTROL TOWER MUSEUM Now open every Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm until October 28.

Learn the story of this fascinating airfield from 1917 to 1963.

Free entry – donations appreciated. Free parking.

The museum is located at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UZ. Special openings for school and club groups available by arrangement.

For more information phone Ian (01473 611665) or Howard (01473 274300) or email: control.tower@mhas.org.uk

FREE TENNIS AT KESGRAVE TENNIS CLUB Did you know Kesgrave Tennis Club has some of the best tennis facilities in the county?

The club is running numerous courses over the coming months and some of these are free to join.

We have new courses starting soon for youth ages 13 to 18 years.

We also have cardio sessions for girls which is proving popular.

Kesgrave runs a full weekly coaching and social tennis programme for players of all abilities from five years through to adult improvers.

Our Wednesday club night sees adult players of all abilities having both competitive and social matches against each other.

If you would like to attend a club night for free just come along; play is usually from 7-10pm.

For more details of club membership visit the website or call Martin, our coach, on 07702 559412 with any questions.

Our courts and clubhouse are behind the library and Tesco; we are tucked out of the way so do come and find us. We guarantee you will be impressed with the tennis facilities on your doorstep! www.kesgravetennisclub.org.uk

RUSHMERE ST ANDREW PARISH COUNCIL Access improvements at Mill Stream and Sandlings Local Nature Reserves Over the last few months the Greenways Project and its volunteers have been carrying out a series of improvements in the nature reserves thanks to a grant to the parish council from Suffolk County Councillor Stuart Lawson’s Locality budget. At the Mill Photo courtesy of Robert Potter Stream, the cycle barrier near the Glemham Drive entrance has been re-instated, and a new one has been installed near the Euston Drive entrance (see photo), both intended to reduce the speed of cyclists to improve safety for them and any pedestrians using the paths. The timber ‘staggered barriers’ should be fully negotiable by all, including wheelchair users.

Various surface improvements have been completed on paths throughout the reserves, and some other areas are still being worked including the main access track to the water tower at The Sandlings. The main improvement that should be noticeable is to the main spine path running north to south through the Mill Stream – road planings have been spread and rolled in to fill puddles and muddy areas, mostly at the northern end approaching Brendon Drive.

Over the winter, the volunteers have also been busy managing the wildlife habitats in the reserves, coppicing scrub to encourage dense regrowth; clearing the Sandlings ‘firebreak’ to encourage path edge wildflowers to thrive; and clearing around the ‘dammed’ pond in preparation for de-silting planned for later in the year. All the open meadow and fen areas were mown and raked in the autumn to help maximise their wildlife value. With these valuable but fragile habitats, it is vital to remove the cut vegetation to prevent a ‘thatch’ building up which can prevent more interesting plants coming through, and also to reduce the nutrient level in the soil, again to allow less common, less competitive species to have a chance.

If you would like more information about the management of the two nature reserves, please contact the Greenways Project: 01473 433995 / greenways.project@ipswich.gov.uk Defibrillators Save Lives – Do you know where they are?

Performing CPR and using a defibrillator could save lives when someone has a cardiac arrest. A defibrillator delivers a dose of electric current to the heart as a treatment for a cardiac arrest.

There are three publicly accessible defibrillators in (or just outside) Rushmere St Andrew Parish. They are located on Broadlands Way outside Tower Hall (IP4 5SU), on The Street outside Rushmere Baptist Church (IP5 1DF) and on the Broke Hall parade of shops outside the Jaipur Restaurant (IP3 8QB).

The defibrillators are stored in locked bright yellow cabinets that are easily identified. The cabinets are locked to minimise misuse and protect the defibrillators from the elements.

If you suspect someone has a cardiac arrest it is important to call 999 immediately. The operator will advise you on the location of the nearest defibrillator (if you do not know this) and the code to open the defibrillator.

The operator will also ensure that help is on the way. All the cabinets have instructions on how to open them. The defibrillators have voice prompts (and pictures) to guide users, they are really easy to use and have been designed to be used by untrained persons.

Battle’s Over Beacon Lighting Community Event If you live in the parish of Rushmere St Andrew, don’t forget to order your tickets for this event on 11 November 2018. Tickets are limited and we have received a great response. Please contact the assistant parish clerk for more details or to order your tickets: sarah.jenkins@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk / 01473 711509 Rushmere St Andrew Annual Parish Meeting On Tuesday, May 22 at 7.30pm at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Ipswich IP4 5SU. This is your chance to express your opinions about issues in the parish while enjoying some light refreshments and nibbles.

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NEWS KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Kesgrave Community Litter Pick: Saturday, April 28, 10am-noon Are you able to spare an hour or so to continue to help make Kesgrave a wonderful town to live in? Town Councillor Chris Marsh has kindly agreed to organise a litter pick around the town on Saturday, April 28. If you are able to help, even if this is just for an hour, then please contact Chris at: marsh_chris@hotmail.com

Councillors work as a team. The town clerk is employed to advise and seek advice on behalf of councillors to assist them in their decisions. Councillors are there to consider information gathered and make a group (corporate body) decision on all matters. No individual councillor is responsible for any single decision. All decisions/resolutions are made by a formal voting process, where the town council demonstrates and adheres to democracy.

Join us outside Kesgrave Town Council Offices on Ferguson Way. Please help us to give Kesgrave a spring clean! Litter picking tongs and bags will be provided. All ages are welcome, but we would ask that children under 11 years are accompanied by an adult.

Councillors are not paid – the role is voluntary. Travel expenses are available for any meeting or training event that is held outside of Kesgrave.

Kesgrave Fun Day: Saturday, June 9, 11am-4pm Please see details about this upcoming and exciting event on the front cover.

There will be lots of things to see and do and we are trying to keep most things free of charge. This year we are running the Kesgrave Great Bake Off so why not enter and show off your skills. We are looking for a ‘celebration cake/cup cakes’ as the theme. A BBQ and The Moving Plaice Fish and Chips will be there to offer some delicious food. If you as a local business would like to help with sponsorship of the event, or if you would like to volunteer to help on the day, please contact Jennie at the town council office: 01473 625179 What do you think about your local town council?

Do you know what your town council does? Do you understand the different council roles and what the district and county council functions are? What do you think about the services that the town council offers to you, its local residents? What about the events and activities that the Town Council organises for you all? For example, Kesgrave Fun Day, the christmas lighting up event, the ice skate event, the annual litter pick, the skate board event, the senior citizens annual outing to the seaside, the evening of reflection, the youth activities (e.g. rap dancing, graffiti workshop) and the Remembrance event? Do you enjoy these events? Would you like the town council to organise different or more events? If so, what are these? Are you able to assist as a volunteer at some of these events?

Most of the town council meetings are in the evenings – currently on Mondays. By law your employer must allow you to take reasonable time off during working hours to perform your duties as a councillor. Many councillors find that some of the skills that they develop during their term of office at the town council are also useful in a work place environment. Some of the training also helps. Local government elections take place every four years.

The town council currently has a vacancy for a co-opted town councillor. A co-opted town councillor is the same as an elected councillor and has to meet the same criteria. The criteria being that you have to over 18, a citizen of the European Union or the Commonwealth, a local elector of Kesgrave, or within three miles of Kesgrave.

Kesgrave Town Council needs councillors from all walks of life with a wide range of skills and experience to get involved. It’s a great opportunity to help to share the community and improve life for the people of your neighbourhood. You will also benefit from support and training, helping you to gain new skills and confidence.

Councillors are elected or co-opted to represent the voice of their community as a whole. Their role is to speak on behalf of the people they represent, being aware of and considerate to specific minority needs. Councillors help to resolve and promote local issues and make decisions for the whole of Kesgrave.

Please contact the council at enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk or 01473 625179 or maybe come along to any town council meeting, which are all public meetings. The council would be delighted to see as many local residents as possible. We work for you and the town and we want to ensure that we are offering the services, events and activities that you want in Kesgrave. The town council is open, fair and transparent and it welcomes the views, observations and comments of its local people. The council wants to work more closely with local residents in order to continue to make Kesgrave a wonderful place to live, learn, work in and visit.

The amount of time being a councillor will to some extent, be up to you. You don’t need any professional or formal qualifications to be a councillor, but the knowledge and experience that you already have through your work and personal life could be useful.

The town council has won awards for ‘The Most Active Town Council’ for the past three years. It has also won the ‘Best Website in Suffolk’ this year and was runner-up for the ‘Services to the Community Award’ in Suffolk Coastal.

If you are interested in becoming a co-opted town councillor, then please forward a short resume to the town clerk.

Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Are you concerned about what happens in your local area?

Do you feel you could represent the views of your neighbourhood?

If you have answered ‘YES’ have you ever thought about becoming a town councillor?

• Team Working – you will need to work with others in meetings and committees

• Communications skills – the ability to listen and talk to people, to understand people’s points of view • Problem solving – you will need to get to the bottom of an issue and to think of different ways to resolve it

If you would like to know more about becoming a town councillor, then please do not hesitate to contact the town clerk for an informal chat.

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

• Organisational Skills – being able to plan and manage your time and keep appointments

Tuesdays: 9am-1pm

• Ability to engage with your local community – you will have to make yourself available to the community

Thursdays: not open

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Wednesdays: 9am-3pm Fridays: 9am-1pm

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of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

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a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

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Equity Release This is the fourth in our series of information articles. This one is a typical example of a real life case.

“We both retired eight years ago on what we thought were reasonable works pensions and although they increase annually like our State pensions, our incomes now seem stretched.

My husband lost his job in his early fifties and we had little choice at the time but to switch our repayment mortgage to interest only. Although my husband quickly found another job we left the mortgage on an interest only basis. We had built up some moderate unsecured debt. And when we retired we cleared the debt and the mortgage using our retirement tax-free pension lump sums.

We still had money left over but within a few years we had to change the car and having gifted money to our two children to help them financially we now find ourselves having to watch the pennies. We are concerned that if money is tight now, what will it be like twenty years from now?

We have a nice bungalow in a nice part of town and have considered downsizing but this is our home and we want to stay put. Our friends are close by and being honest, we don’t want the upheaval. That’s for younger people starting out in life.

We saw an advert about Equity Release and arranged an initial meeting with an adviser from WFW. We explored a variety of ideas although we had to discount most of them because we have no savings, no assets to sell (apart from our home) and no surplus income to repay a short or medium-term loan. We said we were reluctant to downsize because of the costs and upheaval and anyway this is our home, and asked could an Equity Release scheme provide a last resort solution? And it could.

Without going into specifics, we enjoyed a no fee Property Valuation, the conveyancer worked for a fixed fee and the adviser fee was deducted from the initial advance. We now have cash in the bank and access to additional funds, if we need it. The interest accrues at a predictable rate and only on the amount drawn, not the reserve, so it has worked for us. We are much more relaxed now • Cash or Income from an Equity Release scheme could restrict the borrowers eligibility to State Benefits.

• Equity released will reduce the value of the estate and could leave nothing to pass on as an inheritance • Home Reversion plans and Lifetime Mortgages are complex products. To understand the features and risk, please ask for a personalised illustration Williams Farrall woodward is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA 175614

Williams Farrall Woodward Priority House, 8 Turret lane, Ipswich IP4 1DL Tel: 01437 231 644 Email: Equityrelease@wfw.co.uk Equity Release: Key Benefits:• Stay in your home • No negative Equity Guarantee • No repossession guarantee • Flexible access to capital or income • Local Home Visits on request

Kevin Archer MLIFB (Dip FA) is a Kesgrave resident and has over 25 years’ experience advising on retirement income, estate planning, funding care and equity release schemes.

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon): The following craft activities will take place during May. • Sunday 6: It was Star Wars Day on Friday, May 4. Why not pop along and make a 3D Darth Vader with light saber?

• Sunday 13: It’s the Royal Wedding on Saturday, May 19. Create your own crown to wear during the ceremony.

• Sunday 20: Have you read Norman the Slug with a Silly Shell? Design a silly shell for your own slug collage.

• Sunday 27: It’s spring and the bumble bees are buzzing around all the flowers in your garden. Make a bumble bee hat to wear as you fly home.

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 Abby 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. All welcome. Why not pop along?

OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS FOR MAY Lego Club Re-Launch Every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. We now have a volunteer who will lead this activity and each week will be a different theme (May 1 Dinosaurs; May 8 Vehicles; May 15 Farms; May 22 Houses). What will you design? Parents must stay with under eights.

Wednesdays, May 2 and 16: Knit and Natter from 2.30pm £1 donation with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. New members very welcome. You don’t need to knit, just pop along for a cup of tea and a natter.

Thursday, May 3: Afternoon Book Group 2.45pm; currently reading Perfect

by Cecelia Ahern.

Thursday, May 24: Evening Book Group 7pm; currently reading Found You by Lisa Jewell.

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

Kesgrave Library Community Group AGM: Wednesday, May 9, 7pm If you are interested in joining the group or would like to be a friend to the library, why not pop along to our AGM and find out all about the group and what it has achieved in the last year? Everyone is welcome.

100 Club: Our community group’s 100 Club is now starting its second year. For just £1 per month, you could enter and have a chance of winning a cash prize, plus knowing you are supporting your local library.

Community Events & Activities at the Centre The centre has a variety of community events and activities taking place throughout the year. Set in an ideal location with plenty of free parking and a great range of facilities available to hire, Kesgrave Community Centre is the perfect venue for all occasions and events.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Kesgrave Panthers Cycle Speedway Event: Sunday, May 13, South East V South West Bishop & Miller Free Auction Valuation Day: Tuesday, May 22, 10am-1pm The Loft – Antique, Vintage, Retro & Collectables Fair: Sunday, June 10, 9am3pm Free Monthly Social & Friendship Group: Friday, May 18 Age UK Suffolk are running a free monthly social and friendship group on the third Friday of every month from 2-4pm for people aged 65+ with entertainment and refreshments provided. For further details please call Age UK Suffolk: 01473 298683 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. No membership fees; just turn up and pay £2 on the door (donated to St Elizabeth Hospice). For more information email: jo@kwmcc.co.uk Mum2mum Market: Saturday, June 16, 2-4pm Buy top quality pre-loved baby and children’s clothes, toys books and equipment. Admission £2. For more information call Katharine: 07903 585334 Coming Soon: Tai Chi with Marian all details to be confirmed; interest can be shown by emailing: cheryl@kwmcc.co.uk For bookings and enquiries please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk / Facebook

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

Don’t have a Library Card? If you would like a library card, please call in and speak to a member of staff. You just need to bring in some form of ID which has your name and address on it. Children can also have a card from any age but need to be with their parent/guardian at the time of signing up.

IT Help Sessions: Are you having trouble getting to grips with a piece of technology? Or would you like help downloading e-books to your e-reader?

A member of staff at the library still has spaces in their IT help sessions for May. Please phone up or speak to a member of staff about booking one of our half-hour 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 Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

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OUT & ABOUT Martlesham Brass Making music fun in East Anglia Our next concert is on Saturday, May 19 at 7pm in St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL, when we are delighted to welcome Paul Duffy, former principal soprano cornet player with the Black Dyke Band. Tickets are £3.50 from 2nd Stop Kesgrave, 07544 962205 or www.martleshambrass.co.uk.

Martlesham Brass would like to thank John Kelso for his recent donation from his Enabling Communities Budget towards the cost of two new cornets.

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 What’s real craft? It’s where you can trust the people behind the table are those who’ve actually made the lovely things on it. They are local, genuine, skilled, talented artists, painters, knitters, craftspeople, makers and bakers.

They sew bags and bunting, do quilting and crochet-work, make peg bags like your gran used to have, knit children’s jumpers like your auntie used to knit.

Carol makes one-off sun hats and scarves. Helen is our bead queen, making key-rings, pretty necklaces and delightful decorative coasters with tiny glass beads. William can turn wood, literally, into useful bowls, dibbers and musttouch wooden fruit, bee homes and other charming and unique items.

Sarah is a talented artist who has her paintings of local scenes, dogs, horses, wildlife, cars and people made into cards that you won’t find anywhere else.

We don’t sell mass-produced stuff imported from China; it’s all our own work.

That’s why you can expect to find unique, one-off, hand-made things, from a perfectly suited gift for a friend or a treat for yourself.

Support your local crafters and pop into Martlesham Heath Country Market on a Tuesday from 9-11.15, or the third Saturday of each month from 9am12.30pm at The Scout H/Q Kesgrave.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERTS AT ST ANDREW’S, RUSHMERE The spring series of Sunday Afternoon Concerts at St Andrew’s Church, Rushmere St Andrew continues on April 29 when sopranos Julie Roberts and Daniela Bechly, accompanied by Alan Loader, give a concert of songs, arias and duets by Bizet, Delibes and Mozart among others. The series ends on May 6 with an organ recital by Tom Cogan, organist of St Gregory’s Church, Sudbury.

Each concert starts at 3pm and lasts approximately an hour. Admission is £6 and includes delicious homemade refreshments. Under-18s are admitted free of charge. For further details visit: www.rushmerestandrews.wordpress.com/concerts www.facebook.com/rushmeremusic

KESGRAVE CANASTA CLUB Meets at the Royal British Legion Hall on Ropes Drive at 7.30pm and welcomes new players.

Future dates: Wednesdays, May 16, June 20, July 18, September 19, October 17, November 21 and December 19.

For more information contact Barbara Rose: 01473 622017

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CANCER RESEARCH UK FUNDRAISER Exciting news! Black Sheep Parties are coming to Kesgrave Community Centre for an 80s and 90s Disco! Local DJ, Alex Groom, has given his services at a special rate and all profits will be going to this very deserving charity. Come along and help us make this a great fundraiser.

Grab your disco dancing gear and your friends and family and party with us on Saturday, June 9, 7.45pm-midnight.

Tickets (£10) available online from: tgun.it/e/547

NEW SEASON OF GUIDED WALKS The new season of guided walks led by Ipswich Tourist Guides and highlighting over 1,500 years of the town’s long and important history recommence this month. Walks take place every Tuesday and Thursday from May to the end of September, commencing at the Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane at 2.15pm.

Each walk lasts for approximately 90 minutes and will cover a variety of themes including architecture (Ipswich has over 600 listed buildings), medieval churches and priories, the waterfront and the town’s important maritime history, plus famous people connected with the town including the artist Thomas Gainsborough, Admiral Lord Nelson, Charles Dickens, and Thomas Wolsey.

As well as Tuesdays and Thursdays there are some evening and weekend walks.

There is no need to book on regular public walks and the cost is just £4 per person.

The first walk of the season on Tuesday, May 1 is entitled An Ipswich Almanac and will explore some of the key (and some quirky!) events and happenings that have taken place through Ipswich’s history – from the granting of a Royal Charter to the opening of the new town hall, and from the introduction of rudimentary Tudor street lighting to the excitement caused by some determined suffragettes.

A free leaflet with full details of all guided walks for 2018 is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

If you can’t make the regular public walks, or if you would like a private tour for your own club, society or group of friends, you can arrange this for a time to suit you. Contact Ipswich Tourist Information Centre (01473 258070 / tourist@ipswich.gov.uk) for details.

SIDEGATE LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE Tuesday Tea Dance with Teresa Brown 2-4pm with refreshments, £3 for members, easy parking / 01473 42242 Wednesday Evening Classes 7-8pm: Continue learning, ideal if your class has closed down 8-10pm: Improvers ballroom and Latin dance steps and style, £3 for members, easy parking / 01473 422427 / 01473 723070 Friday Evening Sequence Dancing Classes: 01473 712080 7-8pm: Sequence Dancing beginner’s class, £3 per class, ample free parking on site.

8-10pm: General Sequence Dance Class for improvers with new dances being taught on some evenings, £3 per class with ample car parking on site.

Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich IP4 4HZ www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk/sequence

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Ipswich Country Market is part of a wider network of about 300 Country Markets across England, Wales and the Channel Islands which have been selling homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables, plants and handmade crafts for more than 90 years!

Our producers pride themselves on keeping traditional home cooking, home growing and hand crafted items alive and this month we are 34 years young!

You can find more information about the market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or our website: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk Country Markets also have a national website at: www.country-markets.co.uk.

We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking and a warm welcome and home baked refreshments too. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what you’ve been missing!

PLEASE NOTE: There is no market on Thursday, May 31 as we will be at the Suffolk Show with other markets from East Suffolk. Do come and say hello if you are there! We will be near the WI tent, close to the Foxhall Road entrance.

You can buy our baking, preserves and crafts and we will happily hold your items so that you don’t have to carry them around the show all day.

KESGRAVE WI Unfortunately our March meeting was cancelled due to very poor weather conditions – snow! However, the April meeting took place on the evening of one of our first ‘spring’ days – dry, bright and a lot warmer than we had been used to.

Angela Lawrence, a retired journalist and author of Rumour, was our speaker for the evening. She intrigued us with details of a Suffolk scandal from the time of the First World War when a Suffolk headmaster and his wife were forced to leave the county after being labelled as German supporters due to sending their son to Germany before war broke out to further his education. To learn more you will need to read the book!

During a break for coffee, Angela judged our monthly competition – a photo or artefact from the First World War. Sue Hilling was first with a spike from a German helmet. Di Chilver was second with a penknife that had survived the whole of the war and beyond and June Green was third with a variety of First World War postcards.

During the business part of the meeting we heard a report from Delcie Corbett, our delegate at the WI Suffolk East Federation Annual Meeting held in March at Trinity Park and attended by more than 800 women! It was an excellent day with a variety of speakers covering a wide range of subjects – Mayor of Ipswich, Air Ambulance, a choir leader who is hoping to form a choir of 100 voices to celebrate the Centenary of Suffolk East WI in 2019, volunteers who go into schools to listen to children read, Live Suffolk, the Blossom Appeal and the main speaker – Gary Walton – father of the famous Walton sextuplets. What a speaker! Gary had us rolling in the aisles with his take on how he and his wife had coped with the news of not just one baby but six and how they had managed to survive.

Details were given out about the forthcoming Suffolk Show Circle of Life competition, our annual trip to The Hut at Felixstowe in June and a trip to the theatre later in the year. Seven members were presented with birthday posies made by Anne Larter and Monica Collins.

Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday, May 3. It will be our resolution meeting when we will discuss the proposed resolution concerning mental health provision to be taken to the national AGM in Cardiff in June, and an auction. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require any information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE CO-OP WOMEN’S GUILD

MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY

We learned about recycling on March 26 when Sharon Lockheart who worked for Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in Suffolk was our guest speaker. Suffolk is very proud of its recycling programme and Sharon said no waste goes into landfill sites in Suffolk. Any waste that can’t be recycled is sent to an energy-from-waste facility; our nearest one is at Great Blakenham.

The waste is burned at high temperatures and the heat used to make steam, which drives a turbine to generate electricity. The Suffolk energy- from-waste facility became fully operational in December 2014 and uses modern, proven technology to produce enough electricity to power 30,000 homes.

Friday, May 4: Annual Society Meeting A review of the past successful year which included major participation in the Martlesham Heath Airfield and Village Centenary Celebrations, large audiences at our meetings and record-breaking visitor numbers at the Control Tower Museum. We then look forward to the future. Meeting to be followed by vintage society film clips, some going back many years.

On April 3 we welcomed back Karen Kenny for an informative but hilarious talk on container planting. Karen gave many tips on the type of compost (John Innes No. 2 or 3 mixed 50:50 with multipurpose) we should use. She also explained that we should add some charcoal to the mix to keep the compost ‘sweet’, but this must be British charcoal as the foreign types have additives which could kill our plants.

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

Karen suggested we use polystyrene for our crocks to recycle this and keep the pots lighter. We should also put teabags over the holes to stop them becoming clogged. Gravel mulch will also help to retain water and by grouping pots together we could protect them from too much sun. Hopefully we will all have beautiful tubs in our gardens this year.

We have booked our day at the Hut in Felixstowe for Friday, June 22. This is a great day at the seaside with fish and chips for lunch.

A coach trip to Perrywood has also been booked for November 20. Perrywood is a great day out with lots to do and see; apart from the nursery and house plants there is a garden shop, jewellery, clothing, handbags and a huge number of gifts and home wares, and we will be visiting at the time of the Christmas displays and gifts. When you’re tired of shopping there is a lovely coffee shop and restaurant.

We were very sad to say goodbye to Tim, our wonderful caretaker. He has been such a great help to the Guild and ensures our meetings run smoothly.

We wish him well in his new job.

MEETINGS IN MAY May 1: Due to being double booked, Mr Bass will give his talk on wildlife of the Suffolk Heritage Coast on September 4 and instead we have a speaker from Blue Cross which has opened a new rehoming centre on Bourne Hill.

May 15: Fresh Start – New Beginnings is a local charity which aims to ensure all children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse/exploitation have the opportunity to access help, advice, guidance and therapeutic intervention to aid their recovery. Patsy Johnson-Cisse is their fundraising manager and will be explaining what they do.

May 29: Wendy Butcher, a former ‘red coat’, will tell us about life in a holiday camp (The Connie) during the 1950s and 60s.

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

QUAKER QUEST An opportunity to explore some important issues with Quakers on four evenings in June.

June 6: Faith June 20: Prayer

June 13: Jesus June 27: Sin

There will be two short introductions to each subject, followed by large and small group discussion.

We meet at Quaker Meeting House, 39 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich IP1 3JH. Quaker Quest will be from 7-9pm with refreshments available from 6.30pm.

Everybody welcome.

For more information contact Virginia Marshall:ipswichquakers.org.uk / 01394 383006

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

We meet from 7.30-10pm at Martlesham Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members.

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, June 11: Behind the Counter – Ipswich Shops in their Heyday by Roger Kennell Roger explores the shopping experience in Ipswich in the 20th century, concentrating especially on the two major department stores – Footman Pretty and Frederic Corder. Mention will also be made of some other long established and remembered shops including Edwards, Grimwade’s, Croydon’s, Masons and Ancient House among others.

All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB There are two meetings planned for May. On May 10 David Empson will give a talk entitled What did Grandma and Grandpa do in the Great War?, and on May 24 Frances Sparrow will tell us about the Black Death.

Looking ahead to next month, Tina Oldfield will give a talk entitled Why Did Four Old People Trek to Everest? on June 7.

Our annual coffee morning is provisionally planned for Saturday, June 16 to raise money for Global Development Delay. There will be coffee and cakes, a raffle, tombola and the usual stalls. Fingers crossed for a sunny morning!

All ladies are very welcome to attend our meetings. They are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

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).

Parish Halls - Rushmere St Andrew Registered Charity No 1111060

Part time Caretaker

self-motivated individuals for two busy village halls in Rushmere St Andrew Key duties include: Provide a meet and greet service to nonregular clients, security checks, health and safety checks, cleaning and general upkeep to maintain Halls to a high standard.

General maintenance skills useful. Own transport essential.

Please apply to Mrs Jean Potter 01473 723409 or email jean.potter@parish-halls-rsa.org.uk for information pack ToweR HAll 5 Broadlands way, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich IP4 5SU VIllAge HAll Humber Doucy lane, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich IP4 3PD

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OUT & ABOUT IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN BROKE HALL WI We would be pleased to meet any new ladies who would like to come and see what we do and maybe join in. We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. We also have monthly clubs, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Friday, May 11: Resolutions and Bag Beetle Friday, June 8: Memories of a Career in Teaching by Ted Wheatley Friday, July 13: The Baron, the Policeman and the Mayor (an Ipswich Riot) by Linda Sexton For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm.

This month we meet on Thursday, May 24 when Emma will lead an activity.

There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members.

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

We at U3A in East Suffolk are at that time of year yet again when changes are afoot and plans are being made for the 2018-19 handbook and campus programmes for the next 12 months. Although there doesn’t seem to be much news at present, I can assure you the committee are beavering away behind scenes to ensure plenty of action coming your way. To whet your appetite, talks on subjects as varied as Colchester Zoo, Kingdom Isambard Brunel and helicopter flying could be advertised before too long. Details will of course eventually be in the new handbook and on our website. If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning 03001 233913.

FORTHCOMING CAMPUS TALKS Thursday, May 10, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF: Music Hall Memories by Bryan Thurlow – a pocket history of the Music Hall with songs and monologues. Refreshments follow.

Monday, May 21, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF: It’s a Grave Business by Peter Driver – a look at the history and development of tombs, gravestones and church memorials. Refreshments follow.

Monday, June 11: U3A Annual General Meeting at Kesgrave Community Centre Friday, June 15, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall IP12 4AU: Whatever Happened to the Magna Carter? by Martyn Hargraves – why was it agreed and what relevance does it have in today’s world? Refreshments available from 10am.

Please remember that visitors are welcome at one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you joining details on the day. www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Wednesday, May 2: Image and History: Art at the Landsdowne Club by Pamela Campbell-Johnston Landsdowne House, now a private club, has a wonderful art collection.

Robert Adam’s original plan and changes made by later renowned architects will be explored. Eighteenth century prints, oils, mixed media and modern acquisitions are all part of the collection. We are promised stories of intrigue and passion as we learn the history of this fascinating building.

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

ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet on the second Thursday of each month at Greshams on Tuddenham Road (opposite the Millennium Cemetery) for lunch and usually a speaker entertains us afterwards.

Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings, and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends.

If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Graham Balfe, for further details: 01473 729012 / grahambalfe@tiscali.co.uk

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IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, May 23: Norfolk Railway Society presentation illustrated by NRS members We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY April was a very busy month for the club with both our auction and stamp fair being held within ten days of each other. The auction was held on a normal Wednesday evening were we auctioned off 600 lots. Those that didn’t sell were again offered for sale at reserve price at the fair. The fair was attended by ten dealers from around the country buying and selling stamps. It was held at Kesgrave Community Centre, which is a great venue for these type of events with disabled access, free parking and very helpful people to work with. Our meetings in May bring the current season to a close.

On May 2 we have a talk from Jeremy Gaskell about British Borneo-Brunei, North Borneo and Sarawak, followed on May 16 by our AGM, quiz and a bourse.

Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm, visitors welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, May 24, at 7.15pm: Following our brief Annual Group Meeting, Suffolk based professional archive researcher and genealogist Vivienne Aldous will present Interpreting Parish Records.

Genealogists tend to take parish registers for granted as valuable sources of information for finding our ancestors. Do we always get the most out of them? Do they always tell the truth? Why were they actually made at all? Why did the format change at particular times, and how can this help family history research?

This talk shows how a deeper knowledge of parish registers can add context, understanding (and sometimes extra information) to the bare bones of the entries of baptisms, marriages and deaths of our ancestors, helping us discover richer family histories. A reminder that not all the answers are on the Internet!

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

Thursday, May 3: Words and Women Words and Women are a literary agency based in Norfolk, supporting and promoting female writers living and working in the East of England. They set up in 2011 and in the last seven years they have published books, distributed £30,000 in prize money and commissions as well as organising a myriad of events around the East of England. They have decided to put the project on hold and this event will be the last for the time being. For more information visit: http://wordsandwomennorwich.blogspot.co.uk Join us at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street Ipswich IP1 3AA. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members £4, nonmembers £8, students free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Payment required on arrival, preferably by cash (no cards accepted). Tickets for reserved seats need to be collected by 7.15pm. Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The start time is 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on May 15 when Peter Lawrence will be speaking on the stately homes of England. For several hundreds of years these homes have become a central feature of cultural life in England. Peter will be looking at some of these homes and show how individually they reflect the wealth and power of their owners.

The May meeting is the last before our summer break. We meet again on September 18 when Andrew Wiltshire will be looking at the secret code used

by Beatrix Potter to record her secret thoughts and observations, and the work carried out by one man to find the key to this code.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB For our meeting on March 22 we held an Easter workshop tutored by Ann Marjorum. This was instead of a demonstrator and was very successful. The April meeting will be our Annual General Meeting, followed by an illustrated talk on Buckingham Palace by David Morton from Norfolk.

Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except in August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Demonstrations start at 7.15pm, but the doors are opened by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales tables and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstrations.

Yearly subscriptions of £40 were due on March 31. Visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting.

For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: gil.corbett@btinternet.com / 01473 623371

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OUT & ABOUT

By D Sweeting

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP A small bunch of hardy volunteers ventured out in mid-March into the snow and cold of the ‘Mini-beast from the East’ to clear a tree that had been felled following storm damage earlier in the year. The branches were cut into posts that will be used for dead-hedging planned for elsewhere in the woods.

Our AGM was held on Monday, April 9 when the existing committee members were all re-elected. Well done to the worthy winner of the Nature Explorers Award, Sam Cork, in recognition of his contribution to conservation in the Parish of Martlesham. Sam was presented with The Powling Cup to hold temporarily, and also received an engraved glass plaque, certificate and wildlife book all to keep. The meeting was rounded off with a very interesting talk about the bats of Suffolk by Duncan Sweeting.

At last, the weather is finally warming up and spring flowers such as daffodils, violets and primroses are flowering, along with tree blossom to add colour to the recent mainly monochrome woodland landscape. We hope you can visit to enjoy the woods at this delightful time of the year.

DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Saturday, May 19, 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, May 19, 9-11am Please book a place via our email below.

New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@ gmail.com, phone 01473 612632, visit pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Chairman Stephen Corley

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB Our May meeting welcomes a very talented demonstrator, Gill Mc Gregor from Waltham Cross Herts. Gill has written several books on the use of plant material and is an exciting demonstrator. The title of her demonstration is Floral Fantasy.

Spring tidings to you all as we enter the busy period of the gardening year with seed sowing, planting out and pruning as well as weeding and possibly even the need to avoid a sunburnt head and shoulders (as opposed to the risk of frostbite in the last two articles). My guinea pigs have moved into their summer residence in a run on the lawn – complete with little house – so in my world that means that spring/summer are definitely here. Sadly they don’t munch the grass evenly so the lawn mower will still get plenty of use!

The sun can be very powerful, but beware a May frost, especially if you have an open site. Keep tender plantings and seedling covered with cloches or fleece until the middle of the month.

If you plan to avoid having all your crops mature at the same time, then the sowings you made in March and April can now be planted out into their final cropping sites. Leave plenty of room between the rows so you can hoe and you’ll find the extra light and moisture per plant will give you bigger crops. You can of course then sow seeds directly into the ground on a continual basis up to September which should provide an ongoing harvest until the November frosts.

Growing carrots can be challenging; ‘clayey’ soil leads to irregular germination and covering the seed with granular soil means much of the seed is buried too deep and rots. To improve germination try this: fill some 4” deep plastic rainwater guttering with peat and sow the seeds into that. When the carrot seedlings emerge dig a shallow 4” trench, give it a good watering and then gently slide the contents of the guttering into it. Then cloche the row to prevent carrot fly.

Finally, to avoid stringy runner beans, make sure you prepare the planting holes with plenty of compost or leaf mound and thoroughly soak them before planting the seeds. When the seedlings emerge give another good watering then leave them to develop deep roots searching for water. After three or four weeks give another good watering and then water weekly. The deeper roots and good water supply makes for a softer and pliable bean pod.

Why not come and join us in the good life at our beautiful Rushmere St Andrew site? Contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Sally Peckham & Kevin Archer

The meeting takes place in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU on Tuesday, May 8 at 7.30pm. Visitors (£4) are always assured of a warm welcome so why not join us for a fun and entertaining evening with this wellknown demonstrator? The beautiful floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening and coffee and biscuits will be served.

DON’T FORGET OUR QUIZ NIGHT Deben Flower Club will be holding another one of their now very popular quiz nights on Saturday, May 12 in Kirton Church Hall, 7 for 7.30pm.

Once again this will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a ploughman’s supper.

Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six? If you don’t have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members.

Tickets must be purchased in advance (£8 each including supper). Please bring your own drinks and glasses. For further information and tickets contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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SCHOOLS MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS Kesgrave Playschool We can’t believe that we’re well into the summer term already! School places have been allocated so we will be supporting our older children in their transition to their various schools this term, enjoying classroom role play and providing school uniform for dressing up. We will also encourage lots of self-help with dressing, putting on coats and shoes and PE sessions.

As if that wasn’t enough, the children will be hands on in the garden, planting fruits/vegetables and observing the changes in our pond to the frog spawn.

This will lead on to our next topic of life cycles of frogs and butterflies.

If you are looking for a playschool setting on Grange Farm with an outlook onto fields and woodlands, please get in touch or pop in and take a look.

We are at the Millennium Jubilee Hall. Call us on 07746 907060 or see us on Facebook and find out our opening times and session availability for 15 or 30 hours funded childcare as well as non-funded sessions. We have spaces for two year olds who meet the eligibility criteria for funded sessions from September.

Martlesham Playschool We were busy at the end of last term as the children took part in our sponsored bounce. We would like to thank all parents and carers for their generous sponsorship money to enhance our outside area. The children were busy planting bulbs and decorating pots for Mother’s Day and also made Easter cards and baskets and had lots of fun on an Easter egg hunt in the garden.

This term the children will be learning about growth and how things change over time. We are planting vegetables for the children to care for and observe over time. This will allow the children to take on responsibility and learn about where our food comes from.

As technology is such a big part of day to day life we are going to be giving the children the opportunity to have monitored access to their own kindle. This is to enhance their ICT skills and develop their future learning.

We can offer you term time or all-year round spaces. Spaces are available from September for 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare and non-funded sessions. Eligible for two-year-old funded sessions? Call Martlesham on 01473 625986 or visit our Facebook page for more details.

Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme in stores during January and February. We have been very lucky in being awarded £2,000. Thank you to Tesco. We shall post some photos of our lovely new resources on our Facebook page and on our new website (coming soon).

Martlesham Playschool: Martlesham Playschool, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 Facebook: Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools

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

Last term, we heard the Easter story, made our own palm tree and Easter garden and sang and played percussion instruments – making lots of noise!

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 summer term 2018 session dates are (please note revised dates): May 14, June 11 & 25 and July 9.

For further information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

THE SAPLINGS Spring has finally arrived and the sun has finally started to shine! As this is such a lovely time of year we will be doing lots of exploring and making the most of being outside.

We will be having fun making spring related crafts and planting. The children will get to take part in some nature walks and exploring our mud kitchen.

This theme will run through the baby room, pre-school and after school club so all of the children coming to us will be able to enjoy the activities.

We have limited spaces in all our rooms and funded (15 and 30 hours) two and three year olds can use their funded sessions throughout our opening hours and ‘stretch’ funding across holiday club.

The Saplings is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am-6pm for children aged three months to 11 years, offering term-time and year-round care, with a baby room and preschool, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club and a ‘walking bus’ to and from Birchwood Primary School.

For more information, please contact us at news@thesaplings.org.uk / 01473 614753, visit www.thesaplings.org.uk or see us on Facebook.

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SCHOOLS / Sport HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP Thank you so much to everyone who helped us to raise £125 for the Stroke Association by bringing in raffle prizes, buying raffle tickets and making donations. The children certainly enjoyed coming into playgroup with their pyjamas and onesies on!

The following day the children joined in with the obstacle course, and proudly showed off their medals.

In the first half of summer-term, the children will be taking part in understanding fundamental British values through a variety of different means within their play and linking them to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

You can see all the activities the children take part in on our Facebook page (Humpty Dumpty Playgroup) or visit: https://humptydumptyplaygr.wixsite. com/website 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/five staff in every session, which includes a teacher, therefore ensuring your child receives excellent care, support and attention.

HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL The children were excited to see their mums and other female relatives in pre-school for our Mother’s Day Open Morning and enjoyed sharing snack time with them. We enjoyed a short walk to the post office during March to post the beautiful Mother’s Day cards they had made.

We held a spring fair at the end of March which was well attended by many families. Everyone had great fun making spring crafts and the entrants for the spring bonnet parade were amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped and to those who supported us.

In the summer term we will be looking at what makes us special and exploring skills around the world. We will be looking at occupations and hope to have some interesting visitors who help out in the community to come in and talk to us.

We have a sensory morning and a netball tournament planned for Saturday, May 19 from 10am-2pm. Please put the date in your diaries and bring your friends and family. Everyone welcome!

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.

Our next open evening is planned for June 18 at 7.30pm and is a great chance for prospective parents to come in and see what we have to offer. If you are interested in attending please telephone us on 01473 417517 and speak to Marie or Julie to book your place.

We can provide 30 hours of free childcare to children who are eligible the term after their third birthday. For more information regarding the government’s new Childcare Choices which offers parents tax-free childcare and 30 hours’ free childcare, visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

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 third birthday. Breakfast and after school clubs are also available. We are pleased to accept applications for a place for terms starting September 2018 and beyond.

You can contact us on 07837 154081 (term time), Wendy Payne (manager) on 07816 505423, or email: wendy.adams@hotmail.co.uk

KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB Due to the wet weather in March and early April, the league decided to postpone all games on April 14. This means our first games will have been on Saturday, April 21, weather permitting. Good luck to all our players this year. We will have news of our early results in the June report. If you want to keep up-to-date with results, check the results section of our website or download the KCC team app where we will try to keep the scores up-to-date in real time.

There is still time to sign up for the All-Stars Cricket sessions this year for ages five-eight. This is for youngsters who are new to the game and will give them a short eight-week taster. Our junior sessions started on April 29, but there is still time to get involved.

Our new ‘Ray Fordham’ bar has now been built in the pavilion so please come along and watch a game if you can. Our First XI are now in Division 3 of the Two Counties League so some good quality cricket can be seen in Kesgrave on Saturday afternoons.

We will be officially opening our brand-new nets soon so look out for details online. We are very grateful to those who contributed. The largest contribution was from SPARK, but we had marvellous support from Kesgrave Town Council, local town councillors, Sport England, Ransomes and personal donations.

THOMAS KING MEMORIAL GOLF DAY Keen golfers in the Hintlesham and Ipswich area are invited to play in the Thomas King Memorial Golf Day at Hintlesham Golf Club on Sunday, June 10.

Jack and Larissa King are organising their second golf day event to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) who supports families who have children in hospitals far away from home.

Jack and Larissa’s son Thomas was born with a heart condition and rushed to Evelina Hospital in Central London. He was looked after for six weeks until he sadly passed away from his condition.

They continue raising money for RMHC after raising almost £4,800 at last year’s event. The charity allows families to stay free of charge in a house which has 59 rooms, kitchens and other essential facilities and support networks to enable families to live near their children who are being cared for in intensive care units in such hospitals.

The golf day is £45 per player which includes 18 holes at Hintlesham Golf Club and a meal following your golf round. Competitions on the day include individual prizes for first, second and third including an engraved claret jug for the winner to keep for a year. There will be team prizes and individual prizes for nearest the pins, longest drives and holes in one (TBC) and a raffle on the day.

Jack and Larissa are also looking for hole sponsors with good exposure on the day and through their Facebook event page, and prize donations to help them raise money for this important but relatively little known charity.

And finally, it was a sad day when cricket became one of the top items on News at Ten, and all for the wrong reasons. I can assure you there has been no ball tampering going on at KCC!

If you would like to participate or support the day through sponsorship or donations please contact: Jack King 07971 210690 / Larissa King 07707 785868 / thomas_kingfundraising@hotmail.com

Dickie Bard

Facebook: Thomas Kings Memorial Page

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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On the grapevine IPSWICH AND DISTRICT KIDNEY ASSOCIATION Ipswich and District Kidney Association – more usually referred to as IDKA – is a registered charity set up about 25 years ago by a group of patients who wanted to give something back to the hospital that had made such a difference to their lives and also to help newly diagnosed patients come to terms with their situation. Our aim is still to help improve the lives of people suffering from kidney disease and we try to achieve this through providing items of equipment not available through the NHS, providing entertainment systems and heaters to make time on dialysis more bearable and by providing welfare grants where financial hardship is as a direct result of kidney disease. Les Talbott, vice-chair of IDKA, is pictured presenting a cheque for £5,998 to Dr Richard Smith, renal consultant at Ipswich Hospital, to fund a research programme at a local level for dialysing patients in conjunction with the renal unit at the University of Suffolk. IDKA also organises social activities and our AGM has developed into a spectacular family fun day.

Local Kidney Patients Associations similar to IDKA formed all over the country and from these grew the National Kidney Federation which promotes best practice in renal medicine and treatment at a national level, getting involved directly with the government and the NHS. The NKF also provides support and advice services and IDKA works closely with them and similar national organisations to stay abreast of current developments. Membership of IDKA automatically provides membership to the NKF and access to their publications.

IDKA realises that kidney disease has far-reaching effects, not only on the patient but on their carers and family too and sometimes it is difficult to know where to turn. Many people are reluctant to ask for help or think that they are in some way ‘beyond’ help. Rest assured that is never the case so please contact us.

Whether the problem is financial, medical, emotional or whatever, if we are not in a position to deal with it ourselves we have access to a variety of specialists who will be able to so please do not suffer in silence. Although we do know a great many very clever people, none of them are clairvoyant so they will not be able to help you unless you make them aware. All contact will be treated in the strictest confidence, but if you are still unsure and would prefer first contact to be with someone anonymously over the telephone please contact The British Kidney Patient Association on 01420 541424. The BKPA operates an excellent advocacy service and their regional officer pays frequent visits to Ipswich.

In cases where someone is suffering hardship as a direct result of kidney disease, IDKA may be able to provide a welfare grant. As with other organisations who provide similar services we are obliged to ask a few questions so we can demonstrate that we are using our resources correctly and in-line with Charity Commission guidelines, but personal information is never shared with anyone else and is always treated in the strictest confidence. If you, or someone you know, is suffering hardship under these circumstances please contact us or speak to one of the renal nurses. Similarly, if you are aware of a problem with the care provided for kidney patients please contact us and we will investigate whether anything can be done to improve the situation.

IDKA is run on behalf of its members by a dedicated committee of volunteers who are keen to hear from patients, including home dialysis patients. We are also keen to hear from anyone who would like to support out fundraising events, such as our forthcoming quiz night at Kesgrave Social Club on Friday, May 4.

Please contact Doug Swayze, chair of IDKA – chair@idka.org.uk / 01449 612090 / 20 Bures Close, Stowmarket IP14 2PL – or vice-chair Les Talbott – 01473 635749.

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RSPCA PROJECT WINSTON Help us complete Project Winston, a £420,000 building project at the RSPCA Animal Centre at Martlesham, which will replace six of our old dog kennels with new, upto-date blocks, as well as improving staff, volunteer and visitor facilities.

Half of the new kennels will be bigger than normal, to provide better accommodation for bigger dogs, like Winston. Winston was a sweet Newfoundland dog who came into the centre as a cruelty case, but he finally found his forever home with a family that loved him dearly.

The branch already has £316,586 in grants, donations and legacies, and we’re raising the additional money through activities, including collections, events, a sponsorship scheme and asking our supporters to organise fundraising events on our behalf.

This project is for Winston and all the animals that are still looking for the thing they want most – a loving forever home.

Find our more and make a donation at: http://ipswich-rspca.org.uk/project-winston-fundraiser

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE St Elizabeth Hospice has been part of our local community for nearly 30 years and it’s a local charity that many people have come into contact with in that time, either through receiving care themselves or by knowing someone who has. Each year the hospice needs to generate £10.5million with over seventyfive per cent of that coming from the local community – from people like you.

This month we take a look at a few of the ways you could support the hospice including a new family friendly event.

This June the team behind Bubble Rush, The Midnight Walk (May 12) and Who’s Afraid of the Park? will be bringing a brand new family friendly event to Ipswich to test your nerve and agility. The hospice has recently announced that they will be bringing Extreme Ninja Assault to Ipswich Rugby Club in Humber Doucy Lane on Saturday, June 16.

The Great Garden Trail also returns this year with some favourite gardens re-opening for all to explore along with some new ones showcasing their owner’s horticultural talents. Trail maps are available in locations across Suffolk, including the hospice shops, or to find out more about the gardens that are open visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/greatgardentrail

FUNDING FOR SUFFOLK RESIDENTS Up to 100% funding is available to install first time central heating systems in Suffolk residents’ homes. This funding from National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund has been secured by Suffolk County Council and the district and borough councils to help more than 500 households in Suffolk over the next three years.

In Suffolk there are still a large number of houses that do not have a central heating system with a boiler and radiators. Not only are cold homes are not just uncomfortable to live in, but they can also have a negative effect on health.

Residents are eligible if they own their property or are privately renting (i.e. not a council house or housing association property) and must not have an existing central heating system (a boiler and radiators).

Eligibility criteria apply and may be linked to income. For more information see: www.greensuffolk.org/whf To find out more call the Suffolk Warm Homes Healthy People service on 03456 037686 (local rate), complete the online enquiry form at www. greensuffolk.org/seaenquiry or email sea@eastsuffolk.gov.uk quoting the ‘Warm Homes Fund’.

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On the grapevine / CHURCH NEWS

SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL The 11 Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday, May 12 and is going to be the largest festival to date with over 120 events spread across three weeks. th

The Suffolk Walking Festival has come a long way in its 11 years. From small beginnings the event has grown and grown to encompass the entire county with a wide variety of imaginative and creative walks. This year also sees the introduction of the first ever Fringe Festival, a series of activities that are designed to get you close to nature in the very heart of Suffolk’s countryside.

The Walking Festival explores every corner of Suffolk, revealing hidden secrets and special gems, from the impressive estate of Helmingham Park to scenes that inspired Constable and a dragon on a hillside!

This year you can experience the dawn chorus with bird watching experts, identify wild flowers at Sizewell Belts, and listen out for the earie churring of a Nightjar. Learn all about England’s Silk Capital, visit the Home of Horseracing, and get to grips with the Horrible History of Ipswich! We have Nordic walking, health walks and mindfullness walks.

The Lions Charity even has a Mutt Strutt around Alton Water for two and four legged walkers – there really is something for everyone!

The festival launches in the impressive surroundings of St Peter’s Hall, home to the world famous St Peter’s Brewery. Tickets to attend the launch and all of the 125 events are available from March. Copies of the festival brochure are available in your local library and Tourist Information Centre.

For more information visit: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

DR DAN POULTER MP REPORTS BACK Mobile phones have been around for about 30 years now, in one form or another. In that time, they have been completely transformed and completely transforming.

As the great brick-like contraptions that became synonymous with the social and economic changes of the 1980s gave way to the sleek, all-encompassing smart phones of today, so the way people have used them has changed beyond recognition, and the impact on our lives of those changes has been dramatic and, on the whole, hugely beneficial.

While almost anything and everything can be done via your mobile phone, its original purpose remains fundamental: the ability to make a phone call; to speak to other people.

It is in this area that technology just hasn’t kept up. In Suffolk, as elsewhere, mobile phone reception is extremely mixed. It seems extraordinary that it’s possible to speak to someone, with complete clarity, living thousands of miles away, and yet struggle to make a call from many of the towns and villages across our county.

It is in that context that the ‘No More Not Spots’ campaign has been launched by the British Chamber of Commerce, and strongly supported by the CEO of Suffolk’s Chamber of Commerce, John Dugmore. As John rightly said: “It’s particularly important in Suffolk because we have a number of key strategic arteries such as the A12 and A14 with terrible not-spot areas.”

I’m sure we can all add to that with the areas we’ve struggled to make or take a phone call. Quite simply, we must do better.

Both for existing businesses, and to attract and encourage new ones, this is a must. Suffolk has such great economic potential, but in a highly-competitive world, we need to keep advancing, in order to retain and build on our competitive advantages.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage people to share the details of not-spots they have experienced – which you can do via the Chambers of Commerce website. The Chamber will then take these details to the big network operators, as well as councils and the government, with the laudable aim of achieving 100% coverage by 2020.

We can all do our bit, and I will certainly push this matter with my colleagues in parliament. So, spread the word and #shareyournotspots.

For more information, please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

ALL SAINTS CHURCH Holiday at Home is back for another year, events designed for the over 60s which have historically been subsidised by the town council and SPARK. Booking is now open or look for a brochure in the library, church or town council offices.

Monday, May 14: Silver Screen – Paddington – 2-4pm. Contact Robin Spittle (623388). Booking is helpful but not essential.

Monday, June 4: Silver Screen – Paddington 2 – 2-4pm Tuesday, June 5: Mothers Union trip to Somerleyton Hall. To book contact Janet Kent: 01473 625975 Wednesday, June 6: Cineworld, 11.30am-5.30pm. Watch a film, enjoy a meal or walk into town. To booking contact Rev Robin Spittle: 01473 623388 Thursday, June 7: Bridge Barn Farms in Monks Eleigh for afternoon tea and craft shops, 1.15-5pm. To book contact Rev Paul Darbyshire: 01394 671349 Friday, June 8: Silver Games, 2-4pm. Mike Bryer (611143). Booking is helpful but not essential.

Sunday, June 10: 3pm Afternoon Tea followed by Songs of Praise at 5pm (Brass Band). Contact Robin Spittle (623388). Booking is helpful but not essential Please note we cannot provide or give physical care during the events, but we will try and facilitate your own carer attending if required. We look forward to you joining us.

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 please visit www. askegrave.org.uk or email Charlotte to receive our fortnightly notices: cha.markham@btinternet.com

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CHURCH NEWS BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL: SUNDAY@4 Now that spring is here and we look forward to warmer summer days, it seems odd to mention Christmas.

But we have had news about some of those who benefit from Operation Christmas Child, otherwise known as the Shoebox Appeal. In particular one account of a little boy in Zimbabwe (see photo) who was only too glad to swap his old football made of plastic bags and elastic bands for a new ‘proper’ football that he received as a gift. Now all the children in that village can benefit from having a kick about.

With so much grim news in the wider world, we can all feel insignificant and powerless. But small acts of kindness such as these and working together can make a big difference.

We also had a successful Easter egg hunt on Easter day and after watching a short video on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus we had our Easter service which was equally well attended. Afterwards we tucked into some welcome hot cross buns.

As mentioned in last month’s edition, we are starting a toddler group in Tower Hall at the beginning of June. The group will be called ‘Little Lambs’ and will run from 9.15-11am every Friday during term time. We can’t wait to start welcoming young families to the group so please help us by spreading the word. More details will be publicised nearer the time, but if you have any immediate queries, please contact children and families worker Emma Allinson at: families@mie.org.uk As always, everyone is welcome to join us each Sunday for our regular weekly service at Tower Hall from 4-5pm, whether you already have a Christian faith, whether you want to find out more or if you just want someone to talk to.

There are opportunities to speak to clergy or other members of the church, time for prayer and Holy Communion is celebrated every other Sunday.

We would love to involve more local people in this so if you are interested please come along any Sunday@4 to share in our worship and find out what we have to offer.

Bixley Farm Church (CofE) was initiated by St Johns, Cauldwell Hall Road and St Andrews, Britannia Road (collectively called Mission Ipswich East) For further information/questions please contact us at office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978 or visit: www.mie.org/bixley

Declaring God’s Way - Sharing His Love While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

Genesis chapter 8 verse 22 reminds us once again of God’s promise as we move into spring following a harsh winter and we know that summer will arrive – which gives us all the opportunity to take time out from the normal run of life and to recharge the batteries. Our Easter services were well attended and we were able to reach out into the community over the weekend. Our usual activities are set out below.

Monday 6.15pm: FFaF (Youth Group for Years 2-6)

7.15-8.45pm: SPRING (Youth Group for Year 7+) Wednesday 2.30pm: Rag Tag Club (conversation, games) / first Wednesday

2.30pm: Friendship Hour (guest speakers, tea and chat) /

second Wednesday

7.30-9.30pm: Weekly Art & Craft Class Thursday 12.30pm: Luncheon Club

7.30pm: THIRST (discussion group for Year 10+), Friday 9.15-11am: Rushmere Ducklings (babies and tots group) Saturday 10.30-noon: Coffee Morning – fourth Saturday of each month Sunday 10.45am: Morning Worship (with a crèche and groups for ages three-18) 6.30pm: Evening Worship (trad. style service once a month) For more information visit: www.rushmerebaptist.org.uk Minister-in-Training: Hazel Hunting Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting Church Telephone Number: 01473 721455

RUSHMERE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 50th ANNIVERSARY Rushmere Christian Fellowship would like to invite all past and present members and friends to their 50th Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday, July 8. This will take place at St Alban’s High School, Digby Road, Ipswich IP4 3NJ, starting with a service of celebration at 10.30am when Victor Jack will be the speaker. Lunch (hog roast/paella) will follow the service and there will be other activities and refreshments throughout the afternoon including games, ice cream, bouncy castles, a photo display and a cuppa and cake.

Everyone who has been a part of Rushmere Christian Fellowship over the last 50 years is welcome to attend and so we need your help in spreading the word around so that everyone hears about this special event. However, for catering purposes, please do let us know if you are planning to attend this event. RSVP is essential by May 31 to Elaine Harper at: 01473 404261 / elaineharper@live.com Further information on Rushmere Christian Fellowship is available from Stephen French – 01473 431701 / sfrench@rcfchurch.org.uk – and at: www.rcfchurch.org.uk

At this time of year our thoughts turn to summer and all that it brings. There is an air of expectation as to what will happen in the coming months. We ourselves are planning for barbeques, days out and ways to enjoy the hoped for sunny days and the great outdoors. At the end of the month we have our organisation’s 57th annual conference in Bromley, Kent where we join with our sister churches from around the country in a time of praise, worship and thanks-giving. We will have guest speakers, talks and seminars on the theme Jesus Is Lord over the three days of the conference, taken from Philippians 2:9 - 11. For more information go to: www.biblewaychurches.org Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Café and Children’s Church 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact us via email at arkipswichuk@gmail.com and we can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @arkipswich or online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk

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~jubilee~

All past and present members and friends are invited to the

Ice cream Bouncy castles

50th Anniversary of

Rushmere Christian Fellowship

Games

on th

Photo display

Sunday 8 July 2018 Cuppa & cake

at

St Alban’s High School, Digby Road, Ipswich IP4 3NJ 10:30 am ~ Service of Celebration ~ Speaker: Victor Jack followed by lunch (hog roast/paella) and activities

Please bring a picnic chair and/or rug and also any photos of your time at RCF

RSVP essential by 31st May 2018 to Elaine Harper at: elaineharper@live.com or tel: 01473 404261

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