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Volume 8 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile. The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around. I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now. Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects. Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.
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Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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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 Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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NEWS
1ST MARTLESHAM SCOUT POST 2017 The price this year is 25p per card. As last year, please put your money in a separate envelope within your card pack and please include your contact details in case I need to return any cards to you that I cannot send. The boxes are located at the following locations: Duncan’s Butchers, The Square, Martlesham Heath 1st Martlesham Scout Hut Black Tiles Post Office, Black Tiles Lane BT Hub The delivery area is IP1-IP5 including Kesgrave and Martlesham village. I can also take cards for the following locations: Bramford, Claydon, Barham, Great and Little Blakenham, Henley, Tuddenham, Westerfield, Sproughton, Grundisburgh, Playford, Culpho, Great and Little Bealings, Felixstowe, Trimley St Mary, Trimley St Martin and Kirton. These are the only extra areas that we deliver to and I will attempt to return cards to you if they are not in these areas. Cards are delivered across all areas by local Scout groups and the money is raised for Scout funds. Thanks in advance for your support. If you need any help please contact me after 6pm on 01473 612410. Simon Smith Your support for our recent fundraiser is much appreciated. We raised £170 towards roof repairs at the Bingo and Beetle evening. With thanks to Duncans Bakers and Butchers, Martlesham Leisure, Halfords and TenPin Bowling who generously donated raffle prizes.
USED STAMPS AND COINS APPEAL FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Christmas is almost upon us and we will soon be receiving lots of Christmas cards. When you have opened the envelopes please don’t just throw them away as the used stamps can make money for our local charity. Just remember please to leave a 1cm border around the stamps to avoid damage to the perforated edge. St Elizabeth Hospice on Foxhall Road is able to sell used stamps in bulk and turn them into cash. The stamps are sorted and sold by weight, ending up in stamp collections around the world. The hospice can also make money from unwanted coins; foreign currency which you brought back from holidays intending to use and never have, British pre-decimal stuff and even the newly retired £1 coins. If you can save these and drop them through my door you will be helping the hospice. Don’t worry that you don’t have many stamps – all the bundles of used stamps pushed through my letterbox very soon add up to a great deal for the hospice. If you are passing the library at Grange Farm, they will also take in your stamps and coins (and you can buy some of their lovely charity Christmas cards while you’re there). A very Happy Christmas to you all and a big thank you for your continued support. Bev Read, 15 Demesne Gardens, Martlesham Heath / 01473 622721
MARTLESHAM HEATH PAVILION AGM Tuesday, December 5 at 8pm All welcome – come and have your say about this well-loved facility. Light refreshments. Email: chairmhpc@gmail.com
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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL The council wishes all parishioners a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. At this festive time of year we would like to express our grateful thanks to the following: • Our many volunteers and volunteer groups who not only carry out practical work looking after our open spaces, woodlands, play areas, noticeboards, etc., but also assist with planning matters, such as the Neighbourhood Plan • Tesco – for their enthusiastic support of our annual litter pick and for now regularly litter picking at the community centre car park • R G Carter – for the durable re-lining of our car park, the supply and installation of CCTV, and for cable ducting to enable the installation of the automatic barrier • County Councillor Patricia O’Brien and District Councillor John Kelso for grant funding for the automatic barrier Sorry if we have forgotten anybody! New Martlesham dog waste campaign The parish council is working in partnership with Martlesham Heath Householders Ltd (MHHL), Martlesham Youth Football Club, Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC), and SCL Ltd on a campaign to encourage dog walkers to pick up after their dogs and reduce dog fouling in the parish. MHHL has already funded and installed two new dog dirt bins on Martlesham Heath. SCL will be funding a new dog dirt bin on the Recreation Ground, The Street. We are producing signs for litter bins so that the public is aware that bagged dog waste can be also placed in them. Signs on lampposts will remind dog walkers to ‘COLLECT, BAG & BIN’ dog waste or face a fine of £80. New automatic barrier at Martlesham Community Centre Car Park The installation of an automatic barrier (explained in November’s article) should have taken place during November. This is part of the council’s efforts to help prevent and detect crime; CCTV was installed in October. On a trial basis the barrier will be set to close at 10pm so the car park will not be accessible to the general public beyond that time. Arrangements are in place for hirers and users of the halls. Major development to the land south and east of Adastral Park – 2,000 new homes SCDC delayed the decision on the planning application for 2,000 homes from the end of October because ongoing discussions relating to highways mitigation, in particular the improvements required to the roundabouts along the A12, had not been concluded. SCDC are now instructing an independent transport consultant to review the application before the SCDC Planning Committee meets to make its decision, possibly before the end of the year. We await further information on this. Please check the SCDC website for updates (search for ‘Adastral Park’): www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan SCDC has appointed Rosemary Kidd MRTPI to carry out an independent
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examination of the plan. The examination began on October 19; the examiner is evaluating the submitted documents, including the representations received. All the relevant information is published on the SCDC website: https://tinyurl.com/ybdc5zpb Please vote when a referendum on the plan takes place next year as the plan is the result of lots of volunteer work and consultation carried out by our parishioners over four years. Planning Update SCDC Local Plan Review: The council submitted a detailed response stating why potential sites identified for development in Martlesham are unsuitable, particularly in light of the proposed development of 2,000 dwellings. Planning application for land to the East and South of The Square, Martlesham Heath, for 10 dwellings: The council submitted a detailed objection. Wickes store to open in December before Christmas. No decision taken yet by SCDC on a Costa drive-thru on land adjacent to Wickes. Proposals for an ALDI at the BT roundabout still not decided by SCDC. Cyclists – make sure you can be seen! As the days are getting darker please remember your lights and wear visible clothing for your own safety and that of others. UK Power Networks – Steps you can take to ‘Be Winter Ready’: Know your free emergency numbers: In a power cut dial 105 or, for a gas emergency, dial 0800 111999. Register as a vulnerable customer: Vulnerable households can get extra support by signing up to the Priority Services Register. To find out more about the Priority Services Register or to sign up visit: https://tinyurl.com/kt6xdv3 FORTHCOMING MEETINGS No full council meeting in December Wednesday, December 6: Finance and General Purposes Committee Wednesday, December 13: Development Plans Committee Wednesday, January 3: Parish Council All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room on Felixstowe Road and are open to the public who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment. Contacting the council Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, Woodbridge IP12 4PB / 01473 612632 / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk For latest news and events visit: www.martlesham.onesuffolk.net Parish Office opening times: 9am-noon, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, but please book an appointment in advance.
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NEWS MARTLESHAM VILLAGE FETE 2018
MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS LTD
A small group of dedicated volunteers are now taking this forward under the umbrella of the parish council. The aim is to have a local Martlesham event showcasing and celebrating community groups, charities, local musicians, businesses and residents young and old, all of whom contribute to making Martlesham an attractive place to live. It will be important to appeal to all parts of the village, old and new.
Fly tipping both from the A12 and from Martlesham Heath onto the land at the rear of Farriers Close is taking place. We are about to clear the area and remove the waste for disposal. The cost of this is borne by all the members of MHHL so we would ask that people are vigilant and if you see anyone fly tipping get the registration of the car or van involved and inform the police and MHHL.
More details will be published in the coming months.
The football pitch opposite Gorselands School has been left to recover over the past few years, but unfortunately some large holes have been dug by a dog. Please respect this land and do not permit your dog to dig on this pitch, and most certainly clear up any fouling left by your dogs.
If you are a resident it will be an opportunity to volunteer and make the event a success. If you represent a community group you will be able to showcase your activities, raise funds and generate more members. If you are a charity you will be able to publicise your work, attract volunteers and raise funds.
You will shortly see stickers placed on bins around Martlesham Heath indicating where dog waste can be deposited. This is part of a parish wide initiative to encourage people to clear up after their dogs and considerable effort has been put into this initiative by volunteers from the parish.
If you run a local business you can exhibit and reach your customer base and thank them by sponsoring aspects of the event.
We can be contacted on: 01473 612207 / mhh@martlesham.org.uk www.martleshamheathhouseholdersltd.onesuffolk.net
If you are a group of musicians or entertainers you can have the opportunity to perform. If you are in any of these categories please register your early interest by emailing mvfete@gmail.com and one of our volunteers will contact you Mike Irwin
REPORT FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN KELSO’S Latest information regarding Adastral Park development I have been advised that the planning application to build 2,000 houses adjacent to Adastral Park is likely to go before Suffolk Coastal Planning Committee before the end of the year. It had been hoped that this meeting would have been held in October. Further documents have been produced by Suffolk County Highways and the developer regarding traffic modelling and what road improvements may be necessary to mitigate the effect the development may have on traffic congestion, etc. Suffolk Coastal District Council is now employing a specialist company to examine these documents and report on its findings before placing the application before the Planning Committee. Planning application to build ten houses on carpark near doctor’s surgery At the time of writing the latest information I have regarding this application is that it is likely to go before the Planning Committee at Suffolk Coastal on December 21 or January 18. I would like to thank the many individuals who have taken the time to email or write their comments on this application to the planning department. My Enabling Communities Budget spend 2017/18 So far this financial year I have supported the following projects within Martlesham. I have donated £2,992 to Martlesham Heath Pavilion Management Committee to provide Wi-Fi connection and an overhead projector to be used by hirers of the pavilion. I have also donated £1,424 to Martlesham Parish Council to help with the provision of a new security barrier to be provided at the entrance to the community hall carpark. A further £2,084 remains in my budget so please get in touch if you think I may be able to help with funding for any new projects that your organisation may be considering. If you wish to discuss any of the above issues or any other district council matters please contact me by emailing john.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or by telephoning 01473 631682 May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
DISABILITY ADVICE SERVICE (EAST SUFFOLK) Our treasurer Robin Stroud has an interesting hobby making dolls houses. He tells us the first one he ever made was a chalet bungalow type for his daughters in the late 60s. Then a long break until 1997 when he built a fisherman’s cottage for his granddaughter who was just two years old. Other projects have included a three-storey Tudor building (pictured), a thatched cottage, a Bavarian farmhouse, a public house and a few based on houses featured in the TV programme Grand Designs. Early projects were based on designs from a dolls house-building book, but many are Robin’s own designs based on the TV programmes and actual buildings. Two of the largest projects were a scale model of Rochford House, the young people’s project in Woodbridge, complete with furniture and a scale model of a local Jacobean manor house. This last one was commissioned by a local Peer of the Realm who made a generous donation to the Disability Advice Service. Most of the dolls houses made have been given to charities to help fundraising projects. As well as to DAS, they have gone to Rochford Trust and The Elizabeth Hospice. Robin has often been asked how long a house takes to build and his answer is usually just a guess. However, with the Jacobean manor house Robin kept a log of the time spent and over eight months he spent 812 hours on the build. The final product was so big it came apart in two sections so it could be transported to be installed at the real manor house. Robin’s latest project is another thatched cottage, which is just finished. He is giving it to the Disability Advice Service who are raffling it. Tickets are now on sale at 14 The Square, Martlesham Heath. For more info contact Robin: 01473 723573 / robin195860@yahoo.co.uk
WOOLLY WONDERS Remember we now meet every Thursday from 10am-noon at The Runway Café. Please join us to enjoy the coffee in the company of other knitters.
John Kelso, District Councillor for Martlesham Ward
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH COUNTRY MARKET THE ORWELL SINGERS Driving home for Christmas… The weather is cooling and all things warming look infinitely more appealing: toast and home-made jam, cookies and biscuits are all the more deserved after a brisk walk, perhaps wading through leaves in the woods, finding conkers and beech masts or just enjoying the prettiness of autumn while pottering in the garden. Wear our fleecy gloves, hats, scarves and welly-warmers to keep those toes and fingers cosy: all sizes are available and in scrummy colours. You know our cooks are busily baking away, stirring puddings for your Christmas table, making and icing traditional cakes and mince pies, (my favourite) cheese straws and all the other delicious tasty treats you’ll need. What about gifts? Step away from the humdrum and order a beaded necklace or key-ring to please a special friend. Why not toy with William’s wonderful wood crafts, from as teeny as a light pull to fascinating long-lasting bee boxes and dibbers, wooden fruit as well as bowls and pendants? Sarah’s lovely cards and hand-painted tiles delight all year round. Baby quilts, bags, crochet work to be treasured by all ages – just come and see us. You can even make a commission. There is still time to order a cake or pudding or select a hamper of palateexciting treats, jams, preserves and chutneys galore: find us at the monthly Kesgrave Community Market at the Scout Hut on Twelve-Acre Approach, and at the Church Christmas Fair on November 25. Don’t miss out! Remember we’re at Martlesham Pavilion from 9-11.15am every Tuesday morning – open up to December 19, then again from January 9. Get the warmest of welcomes. Order one-off crafts, delicious special dainties, glutenfree or other diet-compliant tasty treats or staples. I hope we’ll see you soon!
We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! December is the busiest month of the year for Martlesham Brass. You will often find us playing Christmas Carols outside supermarkets, both in Martlesham and Ipswich, raising money for local charities nominated by our band members. This year we are raising funds for FIND (Families in Need), Ipswich Holiday Help for Children and SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire. We hope you will join us for Coffee and Carols at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath on Saturday, December 2, 10am-noon, to hear the intermediate band play some of your favourite Christmas music. Refreshments available, together with a raffle and various stalls. Admission is free. Our Christmas Concert is on Saturday, December 16 at 7pm, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Tickets are £3.50 (primary school children free). You can get your tickets by phoning 07544 962205, visiting www.martleshambrass.co.uk or at 2nd Stop Charity Shop next to Tesco in Kesgrave. This concert is often a sell-out, so do get your tickets early! On Monday, December 18 we will be playing for Carols in the Square, Martlesham Heath at 7pm. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617
It’s been a year of celebration and charity for The Orwell Singers, the friendly ladies choir based in Ipswich. Their latest success was a charity concert for FIND (Families in Need) at Museum Street Methodist Church. Joined by pupils from St Helen’s Primary School and Copleston High School, the choir entertained a large audience and raised £700 to support the charity that helps those living in Ipswich and surrounding areas who are deprived of a minimum standard of living, whether single, families, lone parents, children, elderly, sick, disabled or homeless. Next up for The Orwell Singers is their annual Christmas concert on Saturday, December 2 at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath, where the singers also held their annual summer concert in June. The Orwell Singers celebrate their silver anniversary in 2018, but this year they celebrate the fact that it’s 20 years since Gloria Wilson became their musical director. “It’s true we were established in 1993, but we actually trace our history back to 1970 and The Olive Quantrill Singers who were extremely popular – and successful – in Ipswich and further afield,” said chairman Coral Rudd. The Orwell Singers regularly perform abroad and in recent years have visited France, Germany, Holland and Belgium, as well as boasting a regular schedule of UK events and singing at the occasional wedding. The choir is always looking for new members; contact Debbie Sharman at d.sharman@btinternet.com or visit: www.theorwellsingers.co.uk
MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday, December 1, 7.30-10pm: Fascinating illustrated talk by Geoffrey Kay entitled Airships: Technological dead-end or the future? In the early part of the 20th century the future of aviation seemed to belong to airships. However a series of disasters led to their demise. This talk explains the short history of the airship, particularly about the first and last voyage of Airship R101 and the more successful voyage of the R34. Do new developments mean this story is unfinished? We meet at Martlesham Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members. Martlesham Heath Airfield History Guided Walk This much requested fourth walk takes place on Wednesday, December 27 (for you to walk off all the turkey and plum pudding!). It starts at 1.30pm, lasting about an hour or so. Meet at The Control Tower at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UX. Just turn up. Free parking is available near the tower. The walk is free, but donations to museum funds are welcomed. To find out more on either of the above call Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.mhas.org.uk
www.martleshambrass.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT Following the success of the Martlesham Road Race, the art show and sale held in The Salvation Army Hall raised £420. Thanks to all those who donated, bought or helped. We hope to hold further art sales in spring and autumn 2018. Quay Time, a joint venture with Woodbridge Quay Church is gathering momentum. At a recent session participants were putting together ideas for their future programme. Quay Time is an informal opportunity for people to meet over tea and cakes, to have a chat and to design their own future activities. The next social afternoon will be on Wednesday, December 13. Transport can be arranged for anyone who would otherwise find it difficult to get to Quay Street. At this time of year our fundraising efforts become focused on the Christmas Parcels project, which takes a new format this year. Thanks to Tesco management for their kind permission, we shall be holding collections at Tesco Martlesham Heath on Monday, December 11 and Thursday, December 14 and then on Saturday, December 16 in Woodbridge town centre. As is now traditional, we shall be accompanying Father Christmas on his tours of Woodbridge. The jolly old gentleman sets out at 6pm and will be out and about until around 7.30pm, when the reindeer need to be fed and settled for the night. Wednesday, December 20: Warwick Ave, Edwin Ave, Barton Road, Collingwood Road, Beresford Drive, Bury Hill and Bury Hill Close Thursday, December 21: a tour of Peterhouse Crescent and adjacent roads
IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month’s market takes on a decidedly Christmassy theme. Our tables are brimming with artisan produce and locally made arts and crafts to fill stockings and pile up under the tree. We are taking orders for Christmas items, which you can have individually or as part of a hamper. Special dietary requirements are catered for with diabetic and gluten free Christmas pudding and gluten free mince pies. Dairy free options are also available. To order you can visit us during opening hours or you can telephone Janet Pearse, our market manager, on 01473 725263. The last date for ordering sausage rolls and mince pies is December 14, for collection at market on December 21. Did you know that you can also pre-order a selection of our goods made into a hamper, individually prepared to your own requirements? Hampers make ideal gifts for friends or relatives at Christmas. Why not come and purchase some special chutney for your Christmas table and celebrations? We have a large variety to choose from: apple, peach, pear and walnut, courgette, red, green or spicy tomato. We also have special Christmas chutney with cranberry, red wine, port and red onion and Boxing Day chutney with a brandy base! Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of the market, so come and have a festive morning out and find some extra special Christmas treats with us. We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. We have plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. You can sample a slice of our cake or a scone with a drink for around a pound. On the first Thursday of the month we sell bacon rolls for only £1.
Never a club to neglect the social programme, we enjoyed a Halloween/Guy Fawkes themed party. Our thanks to Yvonne and Chris for their generous hospitality. We now look forward to our Christmas party in mid-December – a welcome break from the fundraising and parcels preparation – hoping against hope that our carol singing has improved.
We will be closed for two weeks over Christmas (December 28 and January 4) returning on January 11.
We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of two former Lions, Don Burgoyne and David Gay. Both former presidents, each had contributed much to the life and character of the club. Our thoughts are with their families.
ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND
May we take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us in whatever way over the past 12 months and wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and rewarding New Year. To contact the Lions, please call 0845 833 2820 or visit: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk
You can find out more about our market on our Facebook page ’Ipswich Country Market’ or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk
Grant applications are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities. For further information and application forms call 01473 625196, visit www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG.
They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day
01473 851703
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham
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OUT & ABOUT
KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts (10am-noon): The following Christmas craft activities will take place during December. • Sunday 3: It’s our Christmas Fayre today and we are making a paper bag Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeers • Sunday 10: Pop along and make a festive Christmas stocking decoration • Sunday 17: Make a robin out of an old CD disc for your Christmas Tree • Sunday 24: It‘s Christmas Eve and Father Christmas will be visiting tonight; create a Father Christmas picture to take home • Sunday 31: It’s New Year’s Eve and we’re making thank you cards to give to someone special to show them how much we enjoyed Christmas Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go. Free BookStart Sessions every Thursday (no session on Thursday, December 29) • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions every Friday 9.45-10.15am (no session on Friday, December 30) This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along? OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2017 Lego Club: every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Parents must stay with under eights. We are also looking for a volunteer to help us run this session. Ideal if currently enrolled on Duke of Edinburgh. Please speak to staff if interested. Wednesday, December 6: Knit and Natter, 2.30pm. Just £1 with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. New members welcome. Thursday, December 7: Afternoon Book Group, 2.45pm. Currently reading Saturday Requiem by Nicci French. Thursday, December 7: Evening Book Group, 7pm. Currently reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Thursday, December 14: Baking Club, 7pm, £2. This month’s theme is
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Christmas. If you enjoy baking, why not pop along? If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff Cards for Good Causes Charity Christmas Cards and Suffolk Wildlife Christmas Cards are available until Saturday, December 23. This year there is a wider selection of designs for each charity. Every purchase also supports Kesgrave Library. Why not pop along and see the selection of cards available? We are also selling Christmas stamps. Scout’s Post Box: this service is at the library until 5pm on Tuesday, December 12. Christmas Fayre: Sunday, December 3, 10am-noon Lots of stalls with fun games, including a free craft activity for the children and a visit from Father Christmas. A raffle and refreshments are available plus homemade cakes. CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Saturday, December 23: 10am-5.15pm Sunday, December 24: 10am-12.30pm Monday, December 25: CLOSED Tuesday, December 26: CLOSED Wednesday, December 27: CLOSED Thursday, December 28: 2.30-8pm Friday, December 29: 9am-noon Saturday, December 30: 10am-5.15pm Sunday, December 31: 10am-3pm Monday, January 1: CLOSED Tuesday, January 2: Normal hours resume Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave. Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm
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OUT & ABOUT THE MASQUE PLAYERS The Masque Players will be performing Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime at Kesgrave Community Centre from Wednesday, November 29 to Saturday, December 2. The play is based on an 1890’s story by Oscar Wilde about Lord Arthur Savile who is engaged to the lovely Sybil Merton. Her pet chiromantist Podgers has read Lord Arthur’s palm and foretold he would commit a murder. Lord Arthur desires a blissful married life and therefore feels duty bound to get the murder over with first. Curtain at 7.45pm, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £9 and can be reserved via the website or by calling 01473 725633. www.masqueplayers.com
MARTLESHAM HARD OF HEARING GROUP An independent social group for people with any type of hearing loss. Partners and hearing dogs welcome. Our group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion, 10.30am-noon. We charge £3.50 per session and frequently have a speaker. Last year we had everything from a local historian speaking to us about Prettys corset making in Ipswich to running a bed and breakfast in Colchester, as well as a lady who told us about her trip to Iceland (the country not the shop!). We always have time to chat over coffee/tea and biscuits. We are very sociable and always welcome new people to the group. The pavilion has an excellent hearing loop and a lady voluntarily text types so even people with the most sever hearing loss don’t feel left out, something lots of people with hearing loss suffer. There is also free parking. Why not give us a try – we would love to see you?
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, December 13: Memories of Steam Caught on Canvas, illustrated talk by Wrenford Thatcher. We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments. Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk
WOODBRIDGE PROBUS Paul Whiting from Orwell Park Observatory was the speaker at our November meeting. We have all seen hurricane chasers on TV, but Paul is an eclipse chaser. After a brief description of the how, what and when of eclipses he took us on a fascinating travelogue over his many years of eclipse watching from the burning deserts of Libya to the Arctic region of north Norway to view a noon eclipse that will not be seen again for another 400,000 years, and last year the remarkable sight of the eclipse that travelled across the USA. Kim Fisher, one of our members, gave us a talk back in August about the innovative boat he had designed and built over the past few years, a crab claw rig with a sliding seat and outrigger seen here under sail on the Deben. Our December meeting is the lovely occasion of our Christmas lunch when we entertain our wives and partners. Our first meeting of 2018 is on Monday, January 8, and is our AGM. The venue will be the splendid setting of the Terrace Restaurant at Seckford Golf Club. Come along as a guest and see what we are about. You’ll find contact details online; look up Woodbridge Probus and click on the first link.
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OUT & ABOUT NEWS FROM DEBEN ROTARY The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben’s annual charity quiz was another great success this tear. Fifteen teams competed with the winners, Team Phoenix, donating their winnings of £300 to Shelter. In total £900 was raised, with money also being donated to Hope Church and Just 42. Our thanks go to everyone who supported the quiz and to Rotarian Dudley Gowen for organising and running the event. The photo shows the winning team being presented with the trophy by club president Rotarian David Embery. December sees the start of our busy season, the first event being our annual Carol Concert at Woodbridge School. The concert, which many people see as being the start of the festive season, is on Thursday, December 7. Our Santa’s sleigh will be taking to the roads around Martlesham Heath on Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, Tuesday 12 and Friday 15, as well as being in the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge on Saturday 9. The last session of the Memory Cafe for this year will be on Wednesday, November 29. As usual we will welcome sufferers of all types of memory loss and their carers at Woodbridge Football Club from 10.30am-noon. There will be no Memory Cafe in December and we will resume on Wednesday, January 31. If you would like any further information about the Memory Cafe or any other Rotary events please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our lecture on Wednesday, November 1, was German and Netherlandish Glass by Jane Gardiner, who really entertained us with this fascinating history. Our next lecture on Wednesday, December 6, is The Art of the Joke by Susie Harries. Celebrating the Christmas season, we shall have mince pies and mulled wine before the lecture. Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
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WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET
The festive farmers’ markets will take place on December 9 and 16. As always they’ll be held at Woodbridge Community Hall from 9am-12.30pm. We have an array of stalls including cakes, fudge, chocolate, fruit, vegetables, wild meat, chicken, bread, eggs, falafel, pies, goat cheese, vegan food and Christmas wreaths. Many of our stallholders will be taking orders for December 16. If there is something you would particularly like, do ask. All our food is produced locally in small batches by people who love what they do. Don’t forget that we always run a friendly cafe! Thank you to our loyal customers and best wishes for the festive season!
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE In October some of our members enjoyed a bus trip to Aldeburgh, where the sun shone and the air was invigorating. With coffee, shopping, lunch and a stroll along the seafront, it was a perfect relaxing awayday. Here we see Pat Clark and Deirdre Griffin at the Regatta Restaurant. Pat Webb from the Rotary Peace Project was our guest speaker in November. The Peace Project was founded by Jean Best, a retired headteacher, to give young people leadership skills and confidence in today’s world of social media, where peer pressure and cyber bullying have led to an increase in self-harming and suicides. The project runs a course in schools called the Peace Advocate Programme, which teaches communication skills and encourages face-to-face interaction, focusing on saying what you mean, listening and understanding that every person is unique. Another part of the Peace Project is the Peace and Conflict Resolution Project, a university course leading to a master’s degree to become a Peace Fellow. At present this is run at Bradford University as well as other universities across the world. The next meeting of Inner Wheel will be our Christmas lunch, to be held at the Riverside. To find out more about Inner Wheel, please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY We will have a general and family history quiz when we meet on Thursday, December 14 (earlier in the month than normal). Bring along your favourite family history photo; we will sort out teams or groups when you get there. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
U3A GROUPS MAKE THE MOST OF THE SHORTEST DAYS I’ve been hearing from various groups that although this month has the shortest daylight hours their December meetings will have the most sparkle. Both indoor and outdoor groups are planning either special lunches or coffee and mince pies to be added to their normal discussions. The University of the Third Age in East Suffolk would like to send members old and new best wishes for the festivities. There is only one U3A talk this month and it’s at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, December 15, 10.30am: The Life and Laughs of a Local Journalist by Lynne Mortimer, a personal account about becoming a journalist, working as a court reporter and columnist.
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB Our last meeting of 2017 will be the Christmas Party on December 7. There will be a bring and share supper with games and competitions. Gwyn Pritchard will entertain us with a varied selection of songs and carols. Looking ahead to 2018 our first meeting is on January 4 when Paula Baker will talk about hedgehogs. Do come and join us at our friendly entertaining meetings. They are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768 Wishing all members, past and present, a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
WILDLIFE SURVEY OF FLORA AND FAUNA ON MARTLESHAM COMMON With the winter approaching now is the time to visit Martlesham Common and see what birds and other flora and fauna are there, possibly some winter visitors, such as fieldfares and redwings, as well as resident species, and maybe some fungi still visible. You may even be lucky and see foxes or deer. Whatever you see on the common we would be interested to know as part of the ongoing survey of its flora and fauna. This survey has been under way since March and already the results so far show that Martlesham Common has a wide diversity of flora and fauna and is therefore an important place for wildlife as well as being an attractive and interesting area for residents. Martlesham Common is the area of land between the A12, Mill Heath, Felixstowe Road and Tesco and is designated as a County Wildlife Site.
All details on how to become a member of U3A are available on our website or by telephoning our secretary on 0300 123 3913.
If you or anyone you know is interested in helping with this survey by recording what you see when you visit the area, which can be daily, weekly, monthly or whenever you are walking across the common, please contact the secretary below.
www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
If you would like to help in any way or for further information please contact J Maureen Burrows: martleshaminbloom@gmail.com or / 01473 625196
IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB TARGET MET! 1,500 AND STILL COMING That’s the number of new or ‘gently used’ bras we set out to collect in October – enough to help 10 African women who were trafficked into the sex trade and have managed to escape. Each can set up her own small business selling bras, thus providing a living but also giving her back her independence and sense of self-worth. A big thank-you to readers and other members of the public who responded to our appeal. The project seemed to catch the imagination of women – our own friends and contacts to begin with, but many came to our collection point in Sailmakers. We were even honoured by a visit from the Mayor of Ipswich. We were also struck by how many women we spoke with were themselves volunteering or fundraising for different charitable organisations. That links in with a key theme of the talk by Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, at our November meeting. He said how much he valued the work of the voluntary sector. He has obviously given priority to getting to know many organisations and puts aside a modest part of his budget to make grants to support their work. This is not a diversion from basic police work; he believes that tackling social problems early can reduce the development of serious crime later. More cases of domestic abuse, rape and child sexual abuse are being reported, perhaps because of the way police are dealing with them. Knife crime, trafficking of young girls, drug dealing and slave labour are all present in Suffolk and growing. They need action now. A bit different – our meeting in December will be our Christmas supper.
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IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY We had an amazing display from one of our members on November 1 about stamps that were issued after the fall of the USSR when there was inflation and new states being created. It was a really good display of material that many of us hadn’t seen before. We have only one meeting this month on Wednesday, December 6, when we are having our first afternoon meeting at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall IP5 1JF. Sarah Brooks, a stamp dealer, will talk about the trade and also bring some of her stock so that we can purchase if we wish. The meeting starts at 1pm. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904
THE WHITE EAGLE LODGE The White Eagle Lodge is based on spiritual principles with members in 25 countries. Our path is one of love, tolerance and service to all life, seeking inner peace and awareness of our eternal, spiritual nature. At the Ipswich Group we offer services and retreat days. We meet at the Millennium Hall in Kesgrave on the second Sunday of each month (excluding Jan, Aug and Sept). Our next meeting is on December 10, 10 for 10.30am for our Christmas Service and celebration, which will include a raffle for a charity. We would love to see you if you feel in sympathy with our work. For further events visit www.whiteagle.org/east-anglia or email: weeastangliaregion@gmail.com
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP
Picture: By S Cork
On a sunny Sunday morning in October the working party spent their time clearing the area in and around the pond. Cutting back branches overhanging the pond, limiting the surrounding hedging height to approximately six feet and clearing access round the edge of the pond, allows sunlight to reach the surface of the pond and the many pond plant species.
Pond maintenance is important to keep the water clear and ensures that the vegetation does not take over; this is especially relevant as prior to starting, the entrance gate couldn’t be opened! Having the right balance of plants and oxygen encourages wildlife and aquatic plants to thrive. The removed vegetation was put to good use, piled up as a new wildlife habitat. Our pond supports frogs, toads and newts, including the protected great crested newt, as well numerous species of water mini-beasts, all waiting to be caught by young pond dippers. On October 17 the woodlands had a visit from 18 guides and their leaders for an evening bat walk. Unfortunately, due to the fireworks and the cool temperature, no bats were detected. Thank you to Duncan and Karen for hosting and helping out with the event. Hopefully they will have better luck on a return visit during warmer weather next year! DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Mornings (all ages) Sunday, December 17 and Saturday, January 20, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided. All ages welcome; no need to book. Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds) Saturday, January 20, 9-11am. Please book a place via our email below. Nature Watch Club (5-11 year olds) 2018 dates to be confirmed New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@ gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit our website or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer Sam Cork www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net
BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL from 10.30am-noon. Youngsters from birth to five years old are welcome to come along to Bright Stars for a fun start to the week with their parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers. These mornings are free and usually involve singing, games, making crafts to take home and telling stories from the Bible for the first half hour. We then have refreshments when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon.
GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Do you have a child due to start in Reception in September 2018? Why not come along to our open event on Monday, January 8, from 1.30-2.45pm. We warmly invite you to come and visit our Reception classes in action. You will have the chance to meet the staff and enjoy the opportunity of participating in a variety of activities with your child(ren). Please come along any time during the afternoon and stay for as long as you like. If you are unable to attend that afternoon, please visit us in the evening from 6-7pm. We look forward to meeting you soon. HEDGEHOG NURSERY It’s official – we are full! Please contact the school office if you would like to add your child’s name to our waiting list for September 2018. This half term we are learning about people who help us. We have had visits from a nurse, a policeman and a fire fighter to name a few. The children have asked them questions about their jobs and have enjoyed playing with accessories such as a stethoscope, torches and hats. This has encouraged the children to take on different roles in their play. We have been learning about a special phone number to only ring in an emergency. The children have been told different scenarios and have had to decide who they would call in each case. Our Christmas Nativity is very soon. We have been learning lots of festive songs and practising our play on the large stage in the hall. We are all very excited to share this with our famiwlies. Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs J Florey Hedgehog Nursery is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm for three and four year olds. For more information visit www.gorseland.net or contact the school office on 01473 623790.
MARTLESHAM PLAYSCHOOL October and November enabled us to look at celebrations. Starting with Diwali, The Festival of Light, children experienced a dark den with sparkly lights and torches in their role play which led nicely on to making decorated clay lamps with candles. Halloween was then explored with witches’ potions, spider crowns and pumpkin carving and we focused on colour for Fireworks Night. We are now gearing up for our Christmas concert, practising songs and creating props for our shows at the end of term and a visit from the red, bearded man himself. We have some limited spaces still available at Martlesham Playschool; please feel free to pop along and take a look at what fun we get up to, or contact us for a chat about how we can offer 15 or 30 hours funded childcare term time and now all year round as well. Call Martlesham on 01473 625986 soon as we are getting full from January.
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.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools
The last date for the autumn term is Monday, December 11. The first session of the spring term will be Monday, January 8.
Martlesham Playschool: Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 / mplayschool@btinternet.com
If you would like further information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 / mplayschool@btinternet.com
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SPORT/ CHURCH NEWS KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE
A TRUE CHRISTMAS
Well, while the rest of us start to panic about the dreaded ‘C’ word and wonder if it’s too early to put the sprouts on, Northgate, Kesgrave and Associated Clubs still have a hard core of competitors who are travelling the UK and Europe to compete at a national and international level.
It’s a time of year I dread. The DigiBox is full and I need to prune down recorded programmes if I want to record anything of the seasonal offerings that will grace our screens this year. One thing I notice as I glace through what is still recorded and unwatched though, is how much is there from last Christmas – whether children’s drams that I thought they would watch, or reruns of films I remember from my youth and so haven’t found the time to watch again. Perhaps there isn’t a need to delete – or should I delete and then record as I’m sure some things will come around again? Christmas programming isn’t always novel and exciting.
On October 15 Tayler Evans and Ruby Hunt competed in kumite events in the Karate Do Championships in Barking. Ruby won two gold medals (one in her own category and one in the category for the age group above) and Tayler took home a bronze medal.
And meanwhile in the Bible, in the first chapter of Luke’s gospel, we find an old woman and a young teenager both discovering that they are pregnant. One woman, who is ‘past it’, gives birth to a boy we learn later in life will be called John the Baptist. The other, who isn’t even a woman yet, gives birth to a boy that was called Jesus who later in life will be called the Son of God. Both the women’s’ lives where changed. Elizabeth and Mary were never the same again. But rather than resolving the situation in the last five minutes of the final reel, the story of the birth of John and Jesus raises far more questions than they answer. There is no sitting around an over-decorated Christmas tree, with contented faces after the over-indulgent Christmas meal. This is the prelude. It’s the start. There is misunderstanding and disagreement. There is confusion and protest. And there is death. Two weeks later, the competition team travelled to the Powerleague Trafford Soccerdome for the Manchester Youth Karate Open on November 4. Results were as follows: Lilly Melton and Chloe Campbell both took home gold medals in individual kata while Lauren Berry took home a gold medal in kumite in what was only her second ever competitive fight. Dylan Barnes, Harry Witmore and Riagan Huq all took bronze in individual kata in their categories and Emma Buckley and Lilly Melton won bronze in their pairs kata. Many thanks to Georgie Lawson and Chris Stott for their support and coaching expertise. The standard was extremely high and our competitors performed well against tough competition. Well done to all who competed – even if you didn’t bring home a medal this time, remember ‘the harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph’.
And the world is turned upside down. We normally talk about the true meaning of Christmas as ‘it’s all about the family’, or ‘it’s all for the children’. Actually, it’s all about life being turned upside down. But that story doesn’t get told in the seasonal dramas. And dare I wish you a true Christmas? Revd Toby Tate toby@martleshamcofe.org.uk
On Friday, November 10, the competition team will travel to Belgium to compete in the Open International in Liège on November 11. Watch this space for news on how they got on. Many thanks to our sponsors Ipswich Audi, I.S Electricals, M+C Diesel and Chris Clow Mechanic. It’s thanks to their support that club members are able to travel round the UK and Europe, fulfilling young peoples’ aspirations to compete at a high level. Our annual celebration evening is on the Saturday, January 6 at Kesgrave Social Club. Tickets are £9 each or £34 for a family ticket with all funds raised going back into the club coffers. If you would like tickets for this event, they can be bought from Heather Lawson who you can contact either through Facebook or by speaking to your Sensei. Eleanor Legg
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