In Touch News with MANNINGTREE_AUGUST 201 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch

™© ™©

with Brantham, Lawford Manningtree & Mistley Volume 8 • Issue No. 10 • AUGUST 2018

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR The game has just ended! I’m utterly devastated but have spent the last hour trying (unconvincingly) to persuade my eight-year-old son it’s not the end of the world. It’s all falling on deaf ears just now, but hopefully not for long. We will pick ourselves up and we will come back, and next time we will have experience on our side. Well done boys. Football might not be coming home today, but you will be given a heroes’ welcome when you do. As a Galway girl I have experienced a similar degree of disappointment more times that I wish to acknowledge. So much of the summer (every summer) in Ireland revolves around GAA fixtures and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. We grow up playing hurling and camogie and the rivalry is intense, especially at club level. Every game is analysed and every move dissected ad infinitum until the next game. Then it starts all over again. Sport can be cruel, but when it’s joyful, there really is nothing quite like it. When you support a team, you become a member of an extensive community. Even though I’m 500 miles from home I feel proud when I fly the Galway flag. That sense of heritage, that wonderful belonging, will stay with me forever. I shall forever be a Galway girl. Of course I’m now also a Suffolk girl and I’ve been as caught up in the excitement of the World Cup as everyone else. Even if you’re not a footy fan, I hope you have engaged with the World Cup in some small way and that the feel-good factor stays with you for a long time. I also hope it inspires you to appreciate the value of shared experience and to seek out opportunities to spend time with others without the expense of a long-haul flight. Whether you choose a sporting activity (either as participant or spectator), a coffee morning, a walk or a talk, there are opportunities aplenty in your local community and I hope In Touch motivates you reach out and grab the ball with both hands.

In Touch

with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: manningtree@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.

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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

We also publish In Touch with... • 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 •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •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

In Touch with...

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NEWS RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES Do you enjoy the outdoors? Want to make a difference for nature? Like being around people? Then you’re the perfect person to get involved with the RSPB’s wildlife garden in Flatford, near East Bergholt in Suffolk. We’re looking for people to help us welcome visitors to the garden for the summer months. This is a voluntary position, working as part of a friendly team. The role will involve the following: • Opening the garden in the morning • Being a smiling face to welcome and talk to visitors • O ccasionally helping with children’s activities, such as pond dipping and owl pelleting • S ome general simple tasks such as topping up bird feeders and tidying paths • Locking up at the end of the day You’ll be part of a team of volunteers who work on a flexible rota system, so you can give as much or as little time as you like. You will be fully trained and supported by staff and existing volunteers. This is a great opportunity to spend time in a friendly environment and a beautiful landscape, while knowing that you’re helping to really make a difference for nature. The garden is open to the public every day between 10.30am and 4.30pm, and is free to visit. For more information please visit: www.rspb.org.uk/flatford So if you’d like to find out more, please contact Clare for an informal chat: 01206 391153 / clare.westley@rspb.org.uk We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

THE SUFFOLK CHURCHES RIDE AND STRIDE Saturday, September 8, 9am-5pm The Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride (organised by Suffolk Historic Churches Trust) takes place on Saturday, September 8, and St Michael’s Brantham will be open to welcome visitors whether walkers or cyclists. This is a wonderful way of exploring our beautiful county and some of its historic buildings while raising funds for your nominated church or chapel. If you would like to participate and nominate St Michael’s Brantham to receive half of the sponsorship raised, or for more information, please contact Julie Fermor: 01206 618243 Find out more at: https://shct.org.uk/ride-and-stride

FUNDRAISING JIGSAW NIGHT Compete against other teams to see who can complete their jigsaw in the quickest time! Saturday, September 29, 7.30pm Brantham Village Hall, New Village, Brantham CO11 1RL Includes a licensed bar and a fish and chip supper Tickets £10, maximum six per team No team? No problem! We’ll find one for you! For tickets contact Jackie Heywood: 01206 392261 / Jackie.heywood@branthamparishcouncil.co.uk

NEWS

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello, I’m Pc 1397 Dave Wright and I am your new Community Engagement Officer (CEO). I’ve been a police officer with Suffolk Constabulary for 12 years, having spent all that time on a response team based in Ipswich, and I am very much looking forward to this new and challenging role and I look forward to meeting you whilst I’m out and about. Just to explain a bit about my new role within the community, on June 18 Suffolk Constabulary introduced nine new Community Engagement Officers to cover Suffolk. As a CEO, I will work alongside your existing Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) in tackling locality based crime, antisocial behaviour and problem solving key local issues. I will be visible and accessible with the aim of strengthening engagement within communities and will work with partners and the voluntary sector, highlight and promote public events, develop and support volunteering opportunities, support crime prevention initiatives and ensure timely information is provided to the public using various forms of digital media such as Twitter and Facebook.

with those from the Ipswich West, East and Central SNTs are all working together to target the hot spot areas that were identified last month with these hot spot areas being patrolled regularly by officers on both foot and in vehicles. If you want to keep up-to-date with the latest policing news in your area, why not subscribe to Police Connect? Police Connect is a messaging service connecting you to the very latest policing news for your area via email, text or phone and there is no charge for this service – all messages you receive are free. You can register to receive information about the issues that most matter to you and be among the first to be alerted by police in the case of an emergency affecting your area. You can choose to receive regular updates on crime and public appeals, safety advice and meetings and events. There is the option to receive information about a range of specific interest areas – such as ‘rural’ or ‘rivers and coastal’ – as well as updates for business owners and news from your Police and Crime Commissioner. To find out more and to register for this service visit: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect

I will be using the Hadleigh SNT Twitter account to post updates, but I also have my own Facebook page which can be accessed from the main Suffolk Constabulary Facebook page by typing ‘Ipswich West & Hadleigh Police’ in the search box. I can also be contacted at: CEOipwesthadleigh@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

If you have any quires or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD

July saw the start of Operation Parkland, the Constabulary’s initiative in South Suffolk to tackle anti-social behaviour and associated criminality in the summer months. Officers from your local Hadleigh SNT, along

Non-Emergency: Call 101

Hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: Call 999 Follow us on Twitter@ HadleighPolice Police Connect: Suffolk.police.uk/police connect

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Summer heatwaves We have experienced some excellent weather so far this year, and hopefully it will continue. However, a hot summer can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic diseases. Advice on how to reduce the risk to either for yourself or somebody you know can be obtained from NHS Choices. On very hot days Public Health advice is as follows: • Stay out of the sun. • Keep your home as cool as possible – shading windows and shutting them during the day may help. Open them when it is cooler at night. • Keep drinking fluids. • If there’s anybody you know, for example an older person living on their own, who might be at special risk, make sure they know what to do. • If you are worried about what to do, either for yourself or somebody you know who you think might be at risk, you can also speak to your pharmacy, phone 111 or ring the practice. Appointment System We hope you have noticed the changes we have made to our appointment system over the last couple of years. We now have fewer patients queuing at

the practice at 8am for an appointment (some days there is no queue at all) and the number of calls we receive at 8am has decreased. The main reason for this is our commitment that whatever time of the day you contact the practice you will be able to speak to a doctor if you need to and will be seen in person the same day if you need to be (unless demand is exceptionally high). We are fortunate to have six permanent doctors and two nurse practitioners. This means that we do not need to employ locum doctors very often. Our clinical pharmacist also works three days a week, which frees up our doctors to spend more time with patients. We hope you are benefitting from the changes. We are always keen to receive feedback when our system is working well or if you feel we can improve it further. Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, September 13 and Wednesday, October 10. On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy but the practice reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day. Practice Manager Pete Keeble

MANNINGTREE TOWN COUNCIL

LAWFORD PARISH COUNCIL

The minutes of Manningtree Town Council meetings are available on their website, on the two town noticeboards (one at the Co-op Fiveways store and one beside the library) and at the clerk's office by appointment: 01206 390285 www.manningtreetowncouncil.org.uk

You can read council minutes on the parish council noticeboards and at: www.essexinfo.net/lawford-parish-council

Minutes can be collected from the parish office by prior arrangement as the offices are not open to the public.

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NEWS JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK

Ivor and Alison Thomas have re-invented the Ark Pub at Cattawade Street in Brantham. Now rebranded as The Ark Bar and Restaurant, Ivor and Alison cook and serve a traditional pub menu with some international options. They also have a vegetarian menu and some gluten-free options. And you can always call in for just a drink or a coffee from 10am. Interestingly, The Ark dates from approximately 1850 and the pub was originally believed to have been constructed using timber from a decommissioned ship as building materials were in very short supply. It had a short spell as the Oriental Cuisine and Szechuan Chinese restaurant from 1991 to around 2016. As far as is possible, Ivor and Alison source all their ingredients locally and everything is prepared in The Ark kitchen by chefs Ivor and Jodie Sharp. All the meat is local, is top quality and comes from Ragmarsh Butchers in Manningtree. Breakfast is served from 10am and lunches from noon-3pm. The venue closes from 3-6pm when it reopens to serve evening meals from 6-9pm. Sunday breakfasts can be ordered from 10am and traditional Sunday Lunch, along with a slightly smaller specials menu from the blackboard, is available until 4pm. It’s best to book a table on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunches to avoid disappointment. Ivor was trained at Colchester Institute and he and Alison have been self-employed in the catering industry since 1984, having worked predominantly locally but also in France, Austria and Northern California. The Ark is closed all day on Monday and Tuesday, but the answer machine is on for bookings and someone will call you back. Events to look out for in August are the Open Mic Night on Friday, August 3, with free admission for performers and audience alike. It’s a wonderful chance to see local musicians perform live. The Ark Summer Beer Festival with 10 real ales and local ciders too will run from lunchtime on Friday, August 17, into Sunday 19 depending on how stocks last, with music on Friday from Heaven on Earth, professional musicians playing Mowtown, soul, R&B, Reggae, STAX, rock and more. The Ark Bar and Restaurant, Cattawade Street, Brantham, Near Manningtree CO11 1RH www.facebook.com/The-ARK-Bar-and-Restaurant (Also see page 14)

At this time of year South Suffolk really does explode into vibrant natural splendour. It’s the open gardens season, with flora and fauna to the fore, and a chance for all of us to enjoy Suffolk at its best. A personal favourite is heading off on my bike along narrow rural backroads, to have the immense pleasure of seeing a hare or two scampering ahead in the distance. Then there is the still open water of the Stour, where whole stretches lull along seemingly unchanged from when Constable painted there. The constituency is spoilt for choice if you want to sample the best of the open gardens tradition. It would be remiss of me to pick a favourite, though I understand Chelsworth is one of the longest running in the whole country. But I do very much admire those who go to such trouble to throw open their home turf for people to marvel at from far and wide. On the matter of fauna, I am delighted to be the RSPB Parliamentary Species Champion of the Turtle Dove. This migrant species, once a staple of Suffolk’s summer skyline, has declined by more than 95 per cent across the UK since 1970, partly as the unavoidable result of changes in farming methods. I recently attended an RSPB visit in Boxford to see the work that a local farmer is doing to provide improved habitats to try to tempt these birds to land and nest in our area. The reversal of species decline, as with the majority of the issues facing our country, depends on heightened awareness, particularly in terms of educating the next generation. Therefore, I was pleased to donate an owl box – kindly made for me by a talented RSPB volunteer – to Bentley Primary School on the launch day of their Beast, Birds and Bugs club. Beyond education, the protection of our wildlife relies on action at national and international levels. As such, I was delighted that the government recently banned the sale of ivory products in the UK, a crucial step towards ensuring the future of one of the world’s most endangered animals. I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people. Please see page 12 for my contact details.

LAWFORD SURGERY

2 Edgefield Avenue, Lawford / 01206 392617 Lawford Surgery, an innovative and growing GP Practice on the Essex Suffolk border, is currently accepting new patients from Brantham and East Bergholt. Please ask at reception for a registration form. We strive to the highest quality in medical care and have a diabetic nurse specialist and doctors with a special interest in heart disease, diabetes and women’s health. We also offer heart tracing (ECGs), blood tests and warfarin monitoring. We offer the NHS England extended hours service several evenings weekly until 7pm. Appointments can be pre-booked in advance or can be booked on the day for more urgent attention. We also offer minor surgery. We have a dispensary which dispenses for patients who live over a mile away from a pharmacy. If not applicable to this category, prescriptions can be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. Sharon, our pharmacy technician, has just qualified as a Level 5 Medicine Management Technician. She has just completed a course via University College London and Colchester Hospital. A clinic is held on Tuesday afternoons for patients who would like medication usage reviews and who may have queries regarding their medication. If you are unable to attend the clinic then alternative appointments can be made at a more suitable time. Louise, our newest team member, is progressing very well with her NVQ Level 2 in Dispensing and is enjoying extending her knowledge within Lawford Surgery.

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NEWS BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MCCRAW REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: AUGUST 2018 I was rather racking my brains for content this month. It’s not that nothing has been going on, but much of my part can be in the mundane, but necessary, areas of council. For example, I’m currently involved in looking at our Constitution (needs a bit of sorting out), our pre-application process in Planning (Is it working the way we hoped?), an extensive Staff Survey (the positives and the negatives), the Dedham Vale AONB (having just been appointed to its Joint Advisory Committee) and a host of matters that come before Cabinet, Council and Scrutiny. The aim is always to make things work, and then make them work better. It’s interesting, even absorbing, but hardly headline stuff. However this arrived.. IT’S PLANNING AGAIN! This morning Babergh released their Annual Monitoring Report with a real headline piece of news. As of July 11, Babergh believes it can demonstrate a Housing Land Supply of 6.7 years. For over a year now, we have not been able to do show the five-year target. Because of that developers have been able to insist that our own local policies have less worth than the national policy. That says ‘Grant permission’ for all ‘Sustainable Development’. Sustainable is a usefully broad term for their purposes as nobody has a solid definition of what it means. Effectively we, and you, have been in the position of having to accept government sanctioned bullying. Now we might have a better chance to ensure that permissions given are actually useful to our needs. I must sound some notes of caution though. I’m afraid it doesn’t affect permissions already given, including those with outline permission. Applications currently going through the process will be affected, as will future applications. This just brings the Planning Committee back to where we were in 2015 and 2016, when I seem to remember a lot of unwelcome permissions being granted. There are still plenty of financial and political incentives for councils to grant permissions all over the place. The national policy still calls for a PRESUMPTION in favour. The capitals are deliberate, if crude. In my opinion we now only have one hand tied behind our back. You can find the Annual Monitoring Report at: https://tinyurl.com/ybgzjs4j A brief scan tells me that more houses were actually built and there are

BUMPER BOOK SALE Manningtree Methodist Church in South Street on Saturday, September 29 from 10am-3pm. Free admission.

lots of outstanding permissions. Thirty-six per cent of the houses built were ‘affordable’, although 80 per cent of market value isn’t that affordable for most. Work on our new Joint Local Plan progresses. I intend to be fully involved in that. More communities are now looking at Neighbourhood Plans in an effort to take some measure of control of planning issues in their own backyard. We have an ageing population and that trend can be expected to continue for around 10 years. And, finally, 90 per cent of our employment businesses are ‘micro-businesses’ with nine or fewer employees. If you’d like to understand more about the planning process and how it works (or is supposed to) I recommend this document, our Statement of Community Involvement: Planning Issues, currently out for consultation. Appendix 1 might give ideas of previous suggestions. Even if you don’t want to comment, it’s a very useful summary that I wish I’d had years ago. https://tinyurl.com/y75vb3ag Brantham Regeneration Area I’m sorry to say that Brantham residents can expect to see some activity here. UK Power Networks are being contracted to replace overhead power lines with underground cable from the Lower Playing Field along the south side of the Temple Pattle area. I also understand that Taylor Wimpey will be the principal housing developer. This is just emerging, but there will be ample opportunity for the public, parish council and myself to become involved before a full public consultation takes place. My personal aim is to keep things rational, polite and civilised. I think the PC feel the same way. When feelings run high, feel free to give me a call. I know that blasting off on social media is very satisfying, but it’s preaching to the choir really. In the meantime, I’ll keep you posted on Facebook and during my travels. There’s still a long way to go. The blue Claud Butler (and a train to Halesworth) took me to the Women’s Tour successfully. It’s the only way to go to a bike race. Representing Babergh (nobody noticed much though!) at the Southwold finish, I found that Suffolk got a lot of credit from that stage. I can always be contacted as below. Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)

BRANTHAM PARISH COUNCIL The next meeting of Brantham Parish Council will take place on September 5 at Brantham Village Hall. Come along to find out what your parish council is up to and to raise any questions/concerns. Find out more about Brantham Parish Council at: www.brantham.onesuffolk.net The site includes copies of recent parish council meeting minutes, details of upcoming events and other items of local interest. The parish council meets on the first Wednesday of every month (except August) at 7.30pm. The public are welcome to attend. You can contact Brantham Parish Clerk at: 07702 490212 / clerk@branthamparishcouncil.co.uk You can also follow Brantham Parish Council on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranthamParishCouncil Parish Clerk Surgeries Brantham Parish Clerk holds monthly surgery sessions at Bake and Blossoms café so that parishioners and others can meet her, ask questions, raise concerns or even just have a chat and a cake. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know your parish clerk and chat through all those local issues that have been bothering you! The next surgeries are on Tuesdays, September 4 and October 2, both 10-11.30am.

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OUT & ABOUT ACORN VILLAGE DOG SHOW

VENTURE CENTRE 2000

Thank you to everyone who attended the Acorn Village Dog Show on July 7 to help raise funds for adults with learning disabilities at Acorn Village. After rain last year we didn’t expect a heatwave and we were so grateful to Marie and Stelios from Highcliff Veterinary Surgeon for their advice and support throughout the day, as well as their fabulous judging skills.

Although the Venture Centre 2000 is the home and meeting place for the local Scouts and Guides and their associated sections, it also hosts a very wide range of other activities for all ages. These include baby massage, Jo Jingles, Baby Sensory, Twas Theatre and Boogie Shoes for babies, toddlers and school age children. For the more active (or those who would like to be) our groups include pilates, Active for Life, yoga, table tennis and Boot Camp sessions with art, upholstery, flower arranging and various singing groups also meeting on a regular basis. Other regular groups include Key to Life Ministries, Little Acorn Spiritual Friends and several specialist self-help and support groups. As anyone who has tried to shed a few pounds will be aware there are also Slimming World and Weight Watchers sessions available too.

It was wonderful to see the dogs enjoying the cool-down pools and taking advantage of the free wet towels. A huge thank you to all of the volunteers, demonstrators and sponsors; we cannot put on any events without their help. And a big thank you to the 1334 Manningtree Squadron Air Cadets who excelled themselves with their professionalism both during the event and helping afterwards, and to all of the general public who came despite the heatwave and the England game. You’ve helped raise over £3,000 to improve the lives of adults with learning disabilities. Picture by Simon Tavner

New sessions for the autumn and winter include a quilting club, Phonic Stars, Baby Sing and Sign and a boxing class. However, the Venture Centre is also able to host a wide range of other events such as weddings, birthday and celebration parties for all ages, craft fairs and table top sales to mention just a few. For further details and information about joining any of the groups, volunteering with the Scout or Guide units or hiring the venue for a private function or a new project please contact the Venture Centre 2000 on 01206 392070. Christine Meadway

EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL CAR BOOT SALE East Bergholt High School Sunday, September 16, 9.30am-noon

EVENTS AT MANNINGTREE LIBRARY

Admission 50p, refreshments available, free car park

Home Library Service Having trouble getting to the library? Let us bring the library to you! Basic Computer Coaching Tuesday mornings from 11am and Thursday afternoons from 4pm. Need help with online services, i.e. online banking, setting up an email account, creating a CV, Blue badge applications, booking flights, etc. General hints and tips on using computers, tablets and laptop. Adult Craft and Knitting Club First Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm. A casual group for everyone. Bring along your own project and share ideas with other crafters. For bookings and further information visit Manningtree Library or telephone Essex Libraries: 0345 603 7628

Pitches in advance: cars £5, with trailers £7, domestic vans £10 / £1 extra on the day

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MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY With the summer break now well underway, the society has several informal social events for members to enjoy with a visit to Beth Chatto’s gardens and a summer barbecue planned. Other events are also being arranged and a few members accepted an invitation to join the Harwich Photographic Club for a very interesting and informative talk on astro photography. Two of our members are in the process of organising a ‘photography marathon’ to take place in September. Catching the Sun, David Garnham

BRANTHAM BOX OFFICE Film Night Wednesdays at Brantham Village Hall Doors open at 7, film starts at 7.30pm Wednesday, September 19 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (15) A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit. Tickets cost £5 in advance from Bakes and Blossoms café, £5.50 on the door, £3 for under-16s Refreshments available on the night Facebook.com/BranthamBoxOffice

Our 2018/2019 season will commence in September and run through to May 2019. We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at the St Johns Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. A number of informal ‘Rookie Club’ evenings are also arranged where members can refresh their skills and share experiences. New members are welcome to join for the forthcoming season or may attend initially as a visitor. Please contact our secretary for details: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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The Shop Shop Road Little Bromley Manningtree CO11 2PZ

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Open to the public Mon - Fri 8.30 - 4.15 01206 396167 www.harlequin-uk.com

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OUT & ABOUT NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF STITCH DAY LAWFORD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Saturday, August 4, 10am-4pm Join us at the Colne & Colchester branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild to enjoy the craft of stitch. We will be at both Timperleys and the central library celebrating all things stitch! Our theme this year is ‘hearts’ in commemoration of 100 years since the end of the First World War. Each named person on the town hall memorial will be remembered on embroidered hearts which you can help us to create and the finished hearts will feature in the town’s remembrance events later in the year. No previous experience needed. We look forward to seeing you.

Maike Windhorst gave a very interesting talk at the last meeting on the vines that she grows at her home. This small private vineyard is still fairly young, but provides masses of grapes which the family eat rather than make into wine. This means she is trying to grow large, juicy, flavoursome grapes for dessert rather than in quantity for wine. The tips she gave about growing and pruning were helpful to members as it turned out that several of us have vines, which we probably do not make enough of, in our gardens.

The newly formed Branch at Harwich will also be celebrating Stitch Day. Some members will be stitching in the library in Harwich from 10am-noon.

August 16 will be our flower arranging evening for this year. Our local florist, Toni Spurgin, will be back with more exciting ideas and I am sure we will have a good evening. Do come along if you can.

You will be most welcome to come and chat with us and see what we are stitching and find out more about the Embroiderers’ Guild and the creative opportunities that are available at the branches. For further information please contact Linda Watts: lindawatts1@sky.com

Remember that this year’s autumn show will take place at Ogilvie Hall, Lawford on Saturday, September 1. Entries need to be with the show secretary by Wednesday, August 29. If you don’t have an entry form, you can see her at the August meeting. Put the date in your diary now.

STOUR VALLEY LADIES PROBUS CLUB Stour Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at Brantham Leisure Centre at 10am on the first and third Thursday in the month. The first meeting in the month includes lunch and the second is for coffee. At every meeting there is a general interest speaker. The aim of our club is to encourage interest and fellowship among our members, all of whom are retired and have a lively and informed outlook on life. New members are welcome and anyone interested in attending a coffee morning should contact our president, Doreen Gant: 01206 395548 / deegant@tiscali.co.uk

STOUR VALLEY U3A

NEW BABY CLASSES – FROM BIRTH TO CRAWLING Suffolk Babies is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that provides continuity, support and education from pregnancy through to pre-school. We are passionate about caring for and supporting families, especially mothers, at a time which can be lonely and challenging. Through our classes you can build lifelong friendships with a group of people, all with children of a similar age, who will travel with you along the way through pregnancy, babyhood and beyond. We are also here to help you build your confidence as a parent. Our aim is to empower you to have the confidence to trust that you are the expert in your own child. Our classes are totally inclusive and we welcome everyone from any background.

Around the World in a Container Ship was the interesting talk by Peter Hesketh, a former police officer and merchant navy purser on Wednesday, July 11. As a lone passenger for around four months it positively was not a cruise. He explained the attraction of and comments on, life at sea when the ship spends so little time in port.

Our baby classes include movement, massage, music, yoga, sensory activities, relaxation and fun, all appropriate to your baby’s age. In Lawford/ East Bergholt we will be offering, from September:

As suggested by members we are introducing our first August meeting on Wednesday, August 8, when Tania Harrington MA, artist, art lover and researcher will talk on Art Attack – A History of Vandalism In Art. She will look at works of art that have been vandalised over the years and the reasons behind these criminal attacks, divided into political motivations, mad attacks and artist attacks. It will be a serious, at times disturbing, but also humorous illustrated talk.

• Munchkins Baby Massage – for babies from six weeks to five months

On September 12 historian Taff Gillingham will present a very British view on Remembrance and The Great War. Taff advises filmmakers, emphasising the need for historical accuracy on the 1914/18 War.

Have a look on our website for more information or to book a place on a course: www.suffolkbabies.co.uk

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

VILLAGE LINK CLUB

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

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• Free Essential Preparation for Birth Workshop (from 24 weeks of pregnancy)

• Explorers Sensory Baby Yoga – from four months to when they start becoming mobile We are a social enterprise and any profits we make are channelled into providing free antenatal education and support to new parents. Therefore, anyone who books on one of our courses is making a donation.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 8 when our talk will be Special Music Box Eggs on Display by Jasin Kermee. Future talks will include Collecting Hobbies – Or Obsession, Fused Glass Demonstrations & Sales, Remnants of War, Life as a Tudor Housekeeper, Acorn Village – History to Present Day, The Mystery of Going Underground, My Life as a Live Drawing Cartoonist Comedy Impressionist and Life as a Thames Waterman/Lighterman. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. Roger Felgate: 01473 311684

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS MANNINGTREE ROTARY CLUB

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP

Looking towards a plastic bag free Manningtree Manningtree Stour Valley Rotary Club has just celebrated the start of its 36th year with a new president, Richard Blay. The club will continue to fundraise to support youth activities, international projects and community projects. This year as part of the community projects, the club has agreed to focus on our local environment and to start by looking at seeking support from local business to stop the use of plastic bags (or if this is not immediately possible to use only biodegradable bags).

The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 14 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.

With your support we will try and achieve this by the end of our Rotary year. If we succeed Manningtree could be the first town in England to be plastic bag free. For more information about our work or how you can get involved, go to the Manningtree Rotary Club website. ‘Saving the world’s environment must start at home’

TEA & SUPPORT Tea & Support, the friendship and self-help group formed some five years ago for those who have been bereaved or are living alone, meets on the third Wednesday afternoon of each month, from 2-4pm, normally in the Church Hall, New Road, Mistley. We have a talk or activity followed by an opportunity to chat over tea and home-made cake. Several times a year we have an outing to somewhere local for either lunch or afternoon tea. To cover our costs for transport we ask our members for a donation of £1 each per meeting attended. PLEASE NOTE Our August meeting will be on Tuesday, August 14 We are unable to hold the meeting on our usual third Wednesday, but our members have been offered the opportunity to sit in on a Classic Brass Band rehearsal on Tuesday 14 from 2-4pm with afternoon tea at 3pm. On September 19 we will have a speaker at the hall, October 17 will be an outing and November 21 will be a musical afternoon. Christmas Lunch is on Wednesday, December 19. For further information please contact Joy or John Baker (01206 391918) or for transport please call Paskell’s (01206 396709). The 2018 programme is available from Paskell’s in Manningtree, in St Mary & St. Michael’s Church, Mistley and St Lawrence Church, Bradfield.

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB John Field introduced us to The Treasures of Ipswich on July 4 and we held our summer buffet at the popular Haywain on July 18 when our spouses and Probus widows joined us for an enjoyable event and a tasty meal. We don’t meet in August and return on Wednesday, September 5 when Tracey Mackneww of the Giggly Pie Co will present her life story. Then on Wednesday, September 19, David Ablewhite will return to tell us about The Other Prince William. Norman Jacobs talks about Pie ’n’ Mash & Prefabs on October 3 and two weeks later on October 17, Sally Chicken’s talk is on The Regeneration of Shotley Pier. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

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All those interested in poetry are invited to attend either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets. There is no admission charge. To keep up-to-date please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

MANNINGTREE FIT CLUB Open to anyone looking to lead a healthy active lifestyle. Every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm at Mistley Village Hall. Contact: Bridie 07403 316735 / Tanya 07920 76245 Follow us on Facebook at: Manningtree Fit Club

BROOKLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL Brooklands has recently joined Orwell Multi Academy Trust. I am certain that joining the trust will bring new opportunities for joint working with other schools in our community, in addition to those we already work with. With these partnerships will come new freedoms and the chance to work and learn together in a strong and expanded learning community. An impressive 80 per cent of our children have reached a Good Level of Development at the end of Early Years. This continues our rising trend from 57 per cent in 2014 and remains above the national figure. Following on from the success of our Early Years results, Key Stage 1 have also achieved results above the national figures. Ninety per cent of children in Year 1 achieved the expected standard in the phonics screening check. This is above last years national figure. Congratulations to all our children and staff for their hard work. Brooklands has secured Bikeability in September for next years’ Year 6. This is a great programme that helps our children develop the skills to ride confidently on today’s roads. Congratulations to Megan Glazin who has just become a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE). Based on her successful track record and experience Megan has been awarded this high level role which will involve sharing her knowledge and skills to support leaders in other schools in addition to her role here at Brooklands. Three of our teachers – Harry Legg, Charlie Goddard and Rhian Brighton – have been with us a year. How that year has passed and how quickly each has become an integral part of our team here at Brooklands. As three new teachers join us in September, Harry, Charlie and Rhian’s experiences will be invaluable in helping to shape and inform our new team members’ experiences of the school. In our recent survey, staff across the school commented on what an exceptionally strong and supportive team we have at Brooklands and how hard the leadership team work to effectively “uphold high standards and create a supportive and innovative learning environment” that “everybody enjoys”. Our new team members will soon be contributing their own new ideas and I very much look forward to supporting their development and professional growth. I am extremely proud to announce that this year Brooklands has been shortlisted as finalists in three categories of the Raising the Bar Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate excellence across education in Suffolk. Thirty new faces will be joining Brooklands this September. They will be spending time in their new classroom with their first teacher, Megan Glazin. I am pleased to say that Brooklands was once again oversubscribed this year, meaning that we had more applications to join the school than places available. We have a few places available in other classes in the school. Do you know of families moving into the area who would like to come to us? We currently have a limited number of places in Years 3, 4 and 6 for September. For information on how they can apply for their child to join Brooklands during the school year (in-year applications) please contact the school office. Headteacher Christine Davy

OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY We are now taking our usual summer break, but why not join us when our new season starts on Wednesday, September 5, when Rosalind Whyte will be giving a talk entitled 250 Years of the Royal Academy. In 2018, The Royal Academy of Arts celebrates its 250th anniversary. We will look at the position of artists in London before and after the formation of the academy in 1768 and some of the characters involved, including the first president, Sir Joshua Reynolds. Like any important institution, the academy has been embroiled in intrigue and controversy over the course if its history and no scandal or outrage will remain unexposed! We shall be holding our second informal study day at Rushmere Village Hall on Friday, September 7, when the subject will be Feisty Ladies – Women Travellers from Victorian Britain. Roger Mitchell, the speaker who made last year’s study day so memorable, will once again be entertaining us with a fascinating look at those intrepid women from days gone by. 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

MANNINGTREE HIGH SCHOOL We had 101 students join us for prom this year which was held on Friday, June 29. Many arrived in style in a range of vehicles. To name but a few, we had an ambulance, a horse and carriage and an Audi R8 Spyder. Our theme this year was Garden Party and the hall was full of fairy lights, lanterns, bunting and bouquets of flowers. There were no plastic straws or balloons in sight! #plasticpollution / #savetheplanet It’s fair to say the main attraction of the night was the flower wall, supplied to us for the evening by Dovercourt Bay Event Hire. Students sung, ate, selfie’d and danced the night away!

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB The season has continued to be a tough one throughout the club. We have however completed all our fixtures to date and they have been some good individual performance. We continue to be optimistic for the future. Performances of Note 1st XI Danny Goff, 58 v Elmstead Sizwe Masondo, 83 v Elmstead, 117 v Frinton, 51 v Wivenhoe Adrian Stockton 58 v Elmsteaad James Scott 119 v Frinton Jimmy Goff 4-59 v Frinton Stuart Baker 55 v Woolpit 2nd XI Robin Mills 5-53 v Long Melford Gareth Stevens 67 not out v Long Melford, 70 not out v Woolpit Dylan Day 56 not out v Long Melford, 80 v Dunmow 3rd Xi

Ian Johnson 5-61 v Saxmundham Rob Collett 51 v Old Woodbridgians, 100 v Old Wodbridgians Harry Parkes 159 v St Margarets Mark Mills 65 v St Margarets Ciaran Johnston 78 v Old Woodbridgians

Sunday NECL Sizwe Masondo 56no v Colchester & EE Charlie Hawthorn 4 for 20 v Colchester & EE Dylan Day 78 v Clacton Sunday TC Charlie Hawthorn 4-45 v Frinton Callum O’Connell 61 v Frinton Robin Mills 80 not out v Great Bromley SATURDAY CRICKET 1st Team: Two Counties Div 1 Sat, July 28: Ipswich (A) Sat, August 4: Worlington (A) Sat, August 11: Hadleigh (H) Sat, August 18: Coggeshall (A) Sat, August 25: Elmstead (H) Sat, September 1: Frinton II (A) Sat, September 8: Woolpit (H) Sat, September 15: Wivenhoe (H)

Sat, August 11: Abberton (A) Sat, August 18: Easton (H) Sat, August 25: Long Melford (A) Sat, September 1: Dunmow (H) Sat, September 8: Woolpit II (A) Sat, September 15: Abberton (A) 3rd Team: Two Counties Div 9 EAST Sat, July 28: Ipswich III (H) Sat, August 4: Yoxford (H) Sat, August 11: Felixstowe & Corinthians II (A) Sat, August 18: Kesgrave II (H) Sat, August 25: Saxmundham (A) Sat, September 15: St Margarets II (A) SUNDAY & MIDWEEK CRICKET NECL Sun, July 29: Wivenhoe (H) Sun, August 12: Colchester & EE (A) Sun, September 2: Galleywood (H) TWO COUNTIES SUNDAY LEAGUE Sun, August 5: Abberton (A) Sun, August 12: Ardleigh (H) Sun August 19: Wivenhoe (H) Sun, August 26: Harwich (A) LADIES CRICKET Ladies Two Counties (T20)/BSL Sun, July 22: Felixstowe (TC T20) (10am) (H) Sun, July 22: Bury St. Edmunds (2pm) (H) Sun, August 12: Saffron Walden (A) Sun, September 2: Felixstowe (A) June 2018 100 Club Winners 1: Stuart Barwood (67) £110 2: Peter Pushman (37) £50 3: Ruth Spendley (17) £50 COMING UP More cricket. Better results. Cricket Week: August 15-17

2nd Team: Two Counties Div 3 Sat, July 28: Kesgrave (H) Sat, August 4: Haverhill II (H)

New players are always welcome; for more information please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com

MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH South Street, Manningtree CO11 2JB Minister: The Rev Tom Osborne, 01206 396654 Sunday Services at 10.15am August 5: Mr Simon Lucas

the Circuit Superintendent, The Rev Tom Osborne. The church tries to make its voice heard in matters affecting the needy and disadvantaged as well as international concerns.

August 12: Mrs Anne Scott

Treasurer: Mr Gordon King Church Bookings: David Shearmur, 01206 395263

August 19: Mrs Jane Alllison

ALSO MEETING ON OUR PREMISES

August 26: 10.45 at Ardleigh with The Rev Tom Osborne / Holy Communion

Monday Workers Education Association, nine lectures in autumn and spring, 2.30pm Stour Choral Society (Sept-June), 7.30pm

Bible Study on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm in the Committee Room, Holy Communion at 2.30pm on the fourth Wednesday and activities with tea and coffee on the second and third Wednesdays. Since John Wesley’s later days, the Methodist Church has nationally and annually elected representatives from lay and clergy members to share in a conference in one of the larger cities in England. At the conference a president and vice-president is elected for one year to enliven the work of the church and the members vote on matters of importance. This year the conference was in Nottingham and the Tendring Circuit was represented by

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Tuesday Women’s Guild, 7.15pm Wednesday Gentle Fitness Class, 9.15am Art Painting Group, 10am-noon Manningtree & District Chess Club, 7.30pm Museum & History Group (bi-monthly), 7.30pm

CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk SERVICES IN AUGUST Saturday, August 4 (Holiday Rota: main service alternates between churches) 1pm Wedding of Kathryn O’ Reilly and Larry Furness, East Bergholt Sunday, August 5: Trinity 10 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, Baptism of Katherine Stewart and Sienna Evans, East Bergholt Golden Wedding Anniversary blessing of Ted and Carole Wheatley, East Bergholt Sunday, August 12: Trinity 11 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion, Brantham Saturday, August 18 2pm Wedding OF Eleanor Lippert and Nathan Ridley, East Bergholt Sunday, August 19: Trinity 12 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, August 26: Trinity 13 (Last Holiday Rota) 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion, Brantham Saturday, September 1 1pm Wedding of Elizabeth Burch and James Willing, East Bergholt

CATHOLIC MASSES Saturday at 6.30pm, St Mary & St Michael’s (Anglican) Church, Mistley Sunday at 8.50am in St Mary’s (Anglican) Church, Ardleigh Wednesday at 9.45am in St Mary and St Michael’s, preceded by Morning Prayer Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Ardleigh is served by the Parish of St John Payne, Greenstead, Colchester. The Parish Priest is Father Jon Ravensdale: 01206 870460 / sjpchurch@btinternet.com Also resident in the parish are Father Michael Rear (01206 392695) and Father Mathias Odigbo.

Sunday, September 2: Trinity 14 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion with Bishop Mike Harrison Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral Matins is on the fourth Sunday, but not in March or August. BANK HOLIDAY MARKET St Mary’s East Bergholt, Monday, August 27, 10am-12.30’ish. Lunches until 2pm. Wonderful bargains! 10 per cent of the takings to Headway SERVICE CELEBRATING GUIDE DOGS A service celebrating the work of Guide Dogs for the Blind will be held at St Mary’s, East Bergholt (CO7 6TG) at 3pm on Sunday, October 14. Well behaved owners and their pet dogs are most welcome. The short service will be followed by refreshments. There will be a retiring collection for the work of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Parking around the church is limited, but there is a carpark behind the Red Lion. Coco and I look forward to welcoming you! Also to let you know that having explored the possibility of putting some parking bays in the Rectory Lane side of the churchyard. We will not be proceeding with this as we were advised only six bays would be allowed and this did not warrant the expense of the project. If you know who owns the land opposite the institute please let us know as we would like to approach them about a small carpark there when the rumoured development comes. Various councils have not been able to assist us on this. Rev Steph

ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659 SERVICES IN AUGUST Sunday 5 8am 10.30am

Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion

Sunday 12 8am 10.30am

Holy Communion BCP Family Service

Sunday 19 8am 10.30am

Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion

Sunday 26 8am 10.30am

Holy Communion BCP Morning Worship

EAST BERGHOLT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

SOME OF OUR REGULAR GROUPS

Pastor Maralyn Bambridge: 01206 393022

Pastoral Care: Upon request

House Groups: Daytime and evening Solo Club: Third Wednesday of the month

Wedding, funeral or christening enquiries, please telephone our pastor.

Coffee & Cake: Fourth Tuesday of the month

We have a newly decorated function room to hire and in the next few months we look forward to re-fitting the kitchen.

Art Club: Fortnightly on Thursday afternoons

All our services begin at 10.30am on Sunday mornings. During August our services will be led by Maralyn Bambridge. Communion Service is on August 12, again beginning at 10.30am. We want our church to stay open both as a church and as an asset to the village. To enable us to continue to do this we are in need of support at our Sunday services. We are not asking for a commitment, but occasional attendance would bring heart to the church. Why not give us a try? Our services are informal and friendly.

Handbells: Every Monday Ladies in Friendship Together: Fourth Monday of the month Edward Bear: Parents, grandparents, carers with babies and toddlers, Monday mornings from 9.30am in term time Messy Church: Every half term, parents and children together Choir: Friday Practice Sunday School and Extreme: Sunday mornings during service Details from the rectory (01206 392659) or at: www.lawfordchurch.co.uk LOVING GOD – LIVING LIFE

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Website Design Services

CHURCH NEWS

Welcome to Manningtree Benefice, an all-age Anglican Church, meeting in St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, and St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley So I have something of a confession to make to you all: I don’t really understand football. I’m writing this in the middle of an unusual summer: it’s both gloriously hot (very unlike England normally) and the national football team appears to be doing rather well in the tournament. As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy the heat, and someone who isn’t much of a fan of football, I feel a little bit disconnected from it all.

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Yet even I can sense the excitement and anticipation that’s building around the World Cup. England have made it through to the semi-finals, which last happened when I was 15 years old. For many football fans, this is the first time it has ever happened in their lifetime. Some of you reading this will remember the summer a few years before I was born when England famously won the cup – a summer which, perhaps, we might soon relive. By the time you read this, we’ll know how far the team got this time round. However far we got, one of the things which is really interesting is the way in which we become so passionate about football. Even for someone who isn’t normally interested, it’s hard to avoid the sense of tension and excitement that surrounds us. Some fans have made the trip to Russia, while others stop everything to watch on the TV. Social media is aflame with conversation around the games, and flags are flying from cars and houses. It’s normal to be passionate about the game. I wonder whether the early Christians were equally passionate about their faith. On realising that Jesus had been raised from the dead, I wonder how they spoke about this, how they shared it, and how it affected their lives. I suspect they were a bit like our modern football fans – they lived and breathed it. And the challenge for me, for the church, and for all those with faith today is simple: how can we regain our passion for this faith? Dom Turner, Rector SERVICES IN AUGUST Sunday, August 5 10.30am

Joint Worship with Communion & Treasure Seekers* at Mistley

6pm

Evening Prayer at Bradfield

Sunday, August 12 10.30am

Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Bradfield

10.30am

Family Worship with Treasure Seekers* at Mistley

6pm

Evening Prayer at Mistley

Sunday, August 19 10.30am

Family Worship with Treasure Seekers* at Bradfield

10.30am

Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Mistley

6pm

Quiet Communion at Bradfield

Sunday, August 26

Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad. You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.

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8am

Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Mistley

10.30am

Morning Prayer at Bradfield

10.30am

Café Church with Treasure Seekers* at Mistley

*Treasure Seekers is our children’s programme for ages 3+ CONTACT INFORMATION Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Dom Turner 01206 391218 / 07934 717535 / dom@manningtreebenefice.co.uk Associate Minister: The Rev John Brien 01206 397549 / brienfamily@btinternet.com Associate Minister: The Rev Claire Scargill 01206 395417 / revclairescargill@gmail.com Church Office: Normally available at least 10am-1pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays / 07436 398801 / info@manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.facebook.com/ManningtreeBenefice

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CHURCH NEWS

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR AUGUST Sunday 5 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 7 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 12 9am

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 14 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 19 9am

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 21 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 26 9am

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 28 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door. Catholic Commentary Internet and digital technology have brought many benefits in communication and in facilitating access to information. One such benefit Catholics can now enjoy is access to online liturgical prayer formats and commentary for each day such as provided by Universalis. This service provides morning and evening prayer of the church (and for other times during the day) and the readings and set prayers for daily mass. The service also provides a calendar for the liturgical seasons with special references to saints being commemorated including a mini-biography. It can be very helpful to read the office (psalms, scripture passages and

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prayers) and inspirational to be reminded about the lives of the saints. Today in the UK the public perception of religion is often negative or illinformed, but there are voices from outside and academia to counter this, as well as the voice of Pope Francis. For example: “The central problem of human beings is not religion but tribalism…” Jordan B Peterson, the Canadian professor with a huge following on YouTube. Or Tom Wright, the former Anglican Bishop of Durham who speaks about Epicureanism which many have imbibed and how in the western churches there has been collusion with the Enlightenment idea that religion is a private matter that has nothing to do with public life. He reminds his listeners that many of the things we take for granted – that it is right for a society to take care of the poor and the sick, to provide children with an education – are a legacy of a Christian civilisation. Events & Diary Date The 100 Club draw took place on July 22 when three lucky winners shared a record £154 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, August 26. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the Parish Room and all are very welcome to join us. The next coffee morning is on Thursday, August 30. Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice. Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Father Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital. Please contact him (01473 726701) if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services. All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services, it is not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

CHURCH NEWS BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES R&R AND HOLIDAYS I am a bit of a workaholic. Some may question the word ‘bit’, but I love my job and I get paid to do it (not a huge salary, but enough). As someone from Workaholic’s Quotes puts it, “If loving your job qualifies you as a workaholic, then yes, I am one for sure!” I trained as an engineer, after four years I became a chartered engineer – I loved my job – but I also loved the volunteering I was doing in the church. I probably worked over 40 hours per week as an engineer and over 20 hours a week as a volunteer. In 1978 (40 years ago), I went back to university and was trained as a church leader. I now do over 50 hours per week for the church and probably an additional 20 hours volunteering for the church or community. I still love the opportunities. I am privileged to be able to say I have loved all the very different places where I have worked as an engineer, minister and volunteer (Coventry, Northampton, Bristol, Zimbabwe, The Wirral, Downham Market and now Suffolk). I also love holidays and rest and recovery periods. I am planning for a holiday and then planning to go part time in September and planning a sabbatical next year. I could be retired, but many retired people I know are busier in retirement. I’ve got many volunteers in my churches who are retired, and they are so busy they wonder how they had time to work. So I’m going to work part time, to give me some extra hours for visiting and supporting our extended family, to read books from my extensive library, to write, to explore the countryside, to research my family tree, perhaps even get the garden into better shape. I saw on the internet that mind mapping is now being used for holiday planning, people listing those things that are important and linking them so that it happens. I haven’t done that yet, but meeting family and friends, exploring this amazing world, worship as well as rest and recovery are all part of a parcel of who I am and will also be part of the holiday. I know I am in Cornwall on the first Sunday and I will know a handful of people

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus COME AND WORSHIP THE LORD JESUS WITH US – ALL ARE WELCOME Hear the teaching of our saviour and King, lively praise and worship every Sunday at 11am at the Ivell Suite at The Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 1AH. New from Wednesday, September 12, 7-8.30pm CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED COURSE Seven week video and teaching about Jesus Christ: What’s it all about anyway? Come and join with us in this relaxed and informal atmosphere and discover what the meaning of life is. Do you need someone to listen or in need of prayer? Please contact David and Rosie: 01206 615228 / 07787 572977 / info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.keytoloveministries.com

worshipping there. On the second Sunday, it’s unlikely I will know anyone except the one we worship, Jesus. When I worked in Sweden as a student engineer, I didn’t even know the language on the first Sunday I went to the local church, but I could share in the worship, I felt part of the family. We have one Father God. Wherever I have been, I have found people with whom I can worship and discover new brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are off on holiday soon, enjoy, be who you are without pretence, even get to know the real you and not the mask you put on at times, and I invite you to discover God all around you. The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Brantham & Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday 5 11am Worship with Mr Martin Ellis Sunday 12

11am

Worship with Mrs Vickie Vallow

Sunday 19

11am

Worship with Mr Chris Finbow

Sunday 26

11am

Worship with Mr Roger Theobold

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups and prayer meetings on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 5

10.30am

Worship with Roger Theobold

Sunday 12

10.30am

Worship with Rev David Thompson

Sunday 19

10.30am

Worship with Mrs Jane Paterson

Sunday 26 10.30am 6.15pm

Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey At Chelmondiston – Male Voice Choir – with Rev Sankey

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational / All events at The Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford unless otherwise stated. OUTREACH & ACTIVITIES IN AUGUST Sunday, August 5 11am: Key to Love Fellowship Service at the Venture Centre Saturday, August 11 From 9.30am: Cafe/Oasis Event and Praise & Worship at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street Sunday, August 12 11am: Key to Love Fellowship Service at the Venture Centre Thursday, August 16 Transport Division, Gt Horkesley Friendship Club Sunday, August 19 11am: Key to Love Fellowship Service at the Venture Centre Wednesday, August 22 Community Service, Gt Horkesley Friendship Club Friday, August 24 10am: Link Line Prayer Meeting at the Venture Centre (Ivell Suite) Sunday, August 16 11am: Key to Love Fellowship Service at the Venture Centre Advance Notice: Sunday, September 30 3pm: Area Harvest Thanksgiving Service at the Ogilvie Hall, Lawford For pastoral visits (home and hospital), further information and bookings, contact: 01206 272064 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk

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