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with Martlesham Volume 8 • Issue No. 2 • JANUARY 2018
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR When I was much younger, New Year’s resolutions seemed to be quite important. I remember feeling I had to come up with some genuine pledges to do one thing or another, or to not do one thing or another. Of course, they all fell by the wayside, but I thought it would be fun to share a few I have failed to keep over the years.
NEWS BECOME A FOOTPRINTS CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER
1: I will stop biting my nails (every year since I was five) 2: I will run 5K (last year) 3: I will learn a new language (every year since I married into a family where everyone else does) 4: I will not watch daytime TV (rarely happens, but does feel like a treat when I get 10 minutes – got to love those housewives!) 5: I will eat less sugar (a daily failure) 6: I will not buy any new shoes or clothes for an entire year (I tried this and it made me completely miserable. A girl needs an occasional treat, or at least the possibility of one!) 7: I’m going to do face yoga every morning (recommended by a friend in 2014 – we don’t see much of each other anymore) 8: I’m going to drink six glasses of water every day (oh the guilt!) 9: I’m going to listen to less Leonard Cohen and be more positive about everything (can’t do it – Leonard truly holds the keys to my miserable heart) 10: I’m going to make time for a weekly date night with my husband (turns out he would have to make the same resolution and get home from work before 9pm) So I’m going to skip the resolutions this year and just get on with living, always trying to do better, to be healthier, more appreciative, more thoughtful… all of which would be easier if I got more sleep. I’ve just talked myself into a resolution, haven’t I? Failed again!
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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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The Footprints Countryside Conservation Volunteer group was set up to give people from the district an opportunity to become involved in practical conservation work and find out more about the local environment during an active and healthy day out. Seven years on from the creation of the group, and many thousands of volunteer hours later, the group has been key in maintaining and enhancing Suffolk Coastal District Council’s countryside sites. The group’s endeavors have ensured biological diversity and access for people to enjoy. Many practical conservation tasks have now been carried out in both winter and summer on several of the 30 plus countryside sites that the Suffolk Coastal Norse Countryside Service manage on behalf of the district council. This has ranged from cutting back scrub on heathland, clearing ponds, coppicing woodland, hay raking, wildlife surveying and making paths more accessible. Countryside conservation relies heavily on volunteer help and more volunteers are always needed and very welcome to join the group. “The days spent working amongst stunning scenery such as Sutton Heath are fulfilling and always fun, but we only ask people to do as much as suits them,” says Countryside Ranger Chris Ryde. The positive personal benefits from volunteering in countryside settings for both mind and body are now documented. Keeping active through the winter months, sharing time and experiences with like-minded people and the knowledge that you are doing something great for wildlife must all contribute to individual wellbeing. We will raise your awareness of the habitat, provide tools and gloves and provide a hot drink in the morning and lunchtime. Whether you can make it for an hour or a whole session (10am to 3pm) you will be very welcome. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Footprints volunteer, please contact Chris Ryde or Peter Ross at Suffolk Coastal Norse: chris.ryde@ncsgrp.co.uk / peter.ross@ncsgrp.co.uk
Marks & Mann were overwhelmed by the generosity of staff and the general public in donating Christmas shoeboxes filled with goodies and much needed toys and toiletries as part of Operation Christmas Child. Every year the number of boxes being donated increases and this year was no exception with over 200 boxes delivered to Marks & Mann offices at the Penshurst Road Branch in Ipswich IP3 8QB, Martlesham Heath branch located on the Square IP5 3SL and our Stowmarket branch in Needham Road IP14 2AW. The boxes are collected in November in time for Christmas delivery.
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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Our best wishes for the New Year to all our parishioners.
What have we been doing recently? Setting our budget and precept for 2018/19 – more news next month once agreed
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. Hopefully you will have spotted new signs on some litter bins and lampposts on dog walking routes. Many thanks to the volunteers who carefully put these up. Please support this campaign to clean up our parish.
Responding to questions from the Independent Inspector regarding the Neighbourhood Plan
Major development to the land south and east of Adastral Park The planning application for 2,000 homes has still not gone before the SCDC Planning Committee for a decision. November and December 2017 saw further consultations on transport assessments and habitats regulations, to which we responded and highlighted omissions regarding Martlesham. A decision is now expected in January 2018. Please check the SCDC website for updates (search for ‘Adastral Park’): www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Unfortunately we had to deal with a spate of anti-social behaviour, in particular a fire on the Common and in a bus shelter on Main Road, as well as some minor vandalism. If you witness anything that might help catch culprits, please report it to the police.
Planning Update Planning application for land to the East and South of The Square, Martlesham Heath, for 10 dwellings withdrawn at the end of November 2017. Parish council in support of having trees on the landscaped area protected by Tree Preservation Orders. Home Bargains and Hughes Electrical due to open on January 13. Wickes store should have opened 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.
HOME-START IN SUFFOLK ANNUAL SNOWFLAKE BALL Following the huge success of our ball last year, when an excellent time was had by all, Home-Start in Suffolk will be hosting their third annual Snowflake Ball at Kesgrave Hall, Milsoms on Friday, May 18, 2018. Guests will enjoy an arrival drink, a sumptuous three-course dinner and coffee, followed by an energetic evening of dancing to local band The Beavers, as well as a variety of other entertainment. During the evening there will be several chances to win some amazing prizes and to bid in our grand auction for some superb lots, such as a holiday break in a beautiful home in Scotland and a Learn to Dance like the Strictly Stars package. There is also be the opportunity to be involved with a variety of sponsorship packages available to local businesses and to donate prizes for the evening’s activities. For Home-Start, the snowflake represents “the unique, fragile and vulnerable nature of the children and families we support”. These are families for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone; this can be for many differing reasons, such as bereavement, illness, multiple births, loneliness or a variety of physical and mental health problems. Families are matched with a trained volunteer who supports them on a weekly basis, enabling them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, improve their health and wellbeing and widen their links locally. If you would like to find out more, be a sponsor or purchase tickets (£58), please contact Home-Start – headoffice@homestartinsuffolk.org / 01473 621104 – or visit: www.homestartinsuffolk.org.uk
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Walking tour of the retail/business area with representatives from the principal authorities, i.e. SCDC and Suffolk County Council, and CEG to demonstrate existing problems for pedestrians and cyclists, and to consider the connectivity between the proposed Adastral Park development and this area of Martlesham Volunteers walked all our public rights of way to identify where work might be needed. Many thanks to them – a report will be considered in January.
Forthcoming meetings Wednesday, January 3: Parish Council Wednesday, January 10: Recreation & Amenities Committee Wednesday, February 7: 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.
YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET As the New Year unfurls, what does it hold for us? Brexit, whatever your thoughts, brings exciting new challenges. I think one of these is to become more self-sufficient, to celebrate our home-grown talents. We all have skills, some of which we might take too much for granted – baking, sewing, gardening, knitting, wood-turning, quilting, jam-making, keeping bees for honey and hens for eggs. My neighbours grow wonderful vegetables and I love seeing their hens scuffling in my garden. Country Market members make jam and the most delicious marmalade and pickles. They bake every week, pies, casseroles and quiches, cakes and biscuits, ‘just like mother used to make’, in portions large and small. Crafters sew, knit or crochet whenever they have a spare moment, making delightful baby clothes, toys, hats, gloves and warming scarves for children and adults, bags, quilts and other one-off treasures. Helen’s bead jewellery, funky and formal sits alongside William’s wooden delights, small domestic wooden objects known as ‘treen’ which are made from locally sourced branches and off-cuts. Original jolly painted tiles, decorative boards and cards printed from her own paintings are Sarah Ingle’s offerings. Sue grows super veg, cracking courgettes and perfect pot-plants (which are all the rage). Meet your neighbours and support the local economy at the same time. Remember we’re having a break after December 19, but we’ll be back at Martlesham Pavilion from 9-11.15am every Tuesday morning from January 9. Get the warmest of welcomes. Order one-off crafts, delicious special dainties, gluten-free or other diet-compliant tasty treats or staples. STOP PRESS: We need more bakers and makers! If you’d like to find out more, enjoy the satisfaction of using your skills to make a little extra money and join our friendly market on the other side of the table, why not come along to meet us or phone Margaret Gayfer (01473 623849) to find out more?
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN KELSO REPORTs Urgent information re. planning application to build on the carpark near doctor’s surgery At the end of November the applicant withdrew the planning application to build ten houses on the carpark near the doctor’s surgery and to create a new carpark on the old runway. No reason was given by the applicant as to why they had come to this decision. It is probable that this will not be an end to the matter of developing this area and that a new application will possibly come forward sometime in the New Year. I will of course keep residents informed as, when or if any new planning application is received. Latest regarding plans to build 2,000 houses adjacent to Adastral Park Delays had been caused by the need for further consultations to take place regarding proposed highway and environmental issues. At the time of writing I have been advised these consultations and reports have now been completed and that a report is in the process of being prepared for a Planning Committee to be held sometime in January. Probably Monday 15, but please check out the district council website and local press for confirmation: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk New Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation The consultation into the new Suffolk Coastal Local Plan Issues and Options finished on October 30. Over 4,000 responses were received from 450 individuals and groups. Officers are now studying these responses in order to create a draft Local Plan with further consultations to take place in the spring. Merger between Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils The government minister responsible for local government has now agreed to proceed to the next stage of the process in order for all interested parties to make their views known on the suggestion to create a new council. Once this has been completed, and if the minister is satisfied, the matter will be sent to the Electoral Commission to decide how to set up a warding system for the new council which will allow for input from local residents. If you wish to discuss any of the above issues or any other district council matters please contact me at: john.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk / 01473 631682
KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Happy New Year to all our customers and thank you for all your support last year. We look forward to seeing you during 2018. Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following winter craft activities will take place during January • Sunday 7: Today we are making snowy tree pictures using bubble wrap and white paint. Why not pop along and have a go? • Sunday 14: Will it snow this winter? Create a snowman bookmark. • Sunday 21: The January 18 was A A Milne’s birthday. Make a Winnie the Pooh hat to wear home. • Sunday 28: We’re making snow globes today. Design a snowman picture to go inside. Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go. Free BookStart Sessions every Thursday These are free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Why not come along and join Maggie every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories? • Tot Rock: action rhymes, songs and stories for toddlers, 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: songs and rhymes for babies, 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions every Friday, 9.45-10.15am This session combines stories and rhymes. Why not pop along? OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2018 Lego Club: every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Each week will be a different theme. What will you design? Parents must stay with under eights. Knit and Natter: Wednesdays 3, 17 & 31 at 2.30pm. Just £1 to include tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Now every other week; new members very welcome. You don’t need to knit, just pop along for a natter. Afternoon Book Group: Thursday, January 4, 2.45pm. Currently reading The Last Pilot by Benjamin Johncock. Evening Book Group: Thursday, January 18, 7pm. Currently reading Flawed by Cecelia Ahern. Baking Club: Thursday, January 25, 7pm. This month’s theme is Comfort Food. If you enjoy baking, why not pop along? It’s just £2 to attend. If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff Volunteer Needed: We are looking for a volunteer to help us run Lego Club. Ideal if currently enrolled on Duke of Edinburgh. Please speak to staff if interested.
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU? So what resolutions have you made for the New Year? To shop local, to eat better quality homemade food, maybe to get out more or get more involved with your local community, to start selling your handmade crafts, baking or surplus garden produce? You can do all of those things at Ipswich Country Market, and we would love to welcome you into our community. Make us part of your routine and enjoy good company, great food and produce, or maybe find an outlet for your home grown, cooked or crafted items. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit, so you have nothing to lose by checking us out. Our first market in January is on Thursday 11, when we will also have bacon rolls on offer for just £1! We are open on from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. We have plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments, so you can try before you buy. Find out more about our market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk
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Are you a library member? If you would like to join the library or you have a card you haven’t used in a while, just pop in and speak to staff. Just bring in proof of your name and address and we can sign you up straight away. Did you know that Suffolk Libraries also has an e-library where you can borrow e-books, audio e-books, free magazines and music? These can be downloaded to all tablets and e-books apart from Kindles. 100 Club: Our community group has launched a 100 Club to help with fundraising and over 70 people have already signed up. For just £1 per month you could enter and have a chance of winning a cash prize in addition to knowing you are supporting your local library. IT Help Sessions: Starting Saturday, January 27, 10.30am-1pm Are you having trouble getting to grips with the new piece of technology you got for Christmas? A member of staff at the library will be offering help sessions to all customers who would like some support using their iPads, smart phones, tablets, e-books, computers, or need some general guidance using the internet. If you would like some help with your technology, please phone up and speak to a member of staff about booking you one of our half-hour slots. Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave. Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Saturday: 10am-5pm
Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Friday: 9am-noon Sunday: 10am-3pm
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday, January 5: Wing Commander Harold Blackburn M.C. A.F.C. by Harold’s grandson Mike Hallett The story never told before of Martlesham Airfield pioneer, pre-war aircraft constructor, test pilot and air racer. Harold was Britain’s first airline pilot, a war hero and Commander of The Armament and Aircraft Experimental Establishment (A and AEE) Martlesham Heath from 1924-1928. His was a fascinating career from the birth of aviation.
Everyone in Martlesham Brass would like to wish you a Happy New Year! A very big thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities, FIND – Families in Need, Ipswich Holiday Help for Children and SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire. In next month’s article we will report back on the final amount raised. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below.
We meet from 7.30-10pm at Martlesham Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members. To find out more on either of the above call Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.mhas.org.uk
Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
FUN MONTHLY EXERCISE WITH DANCE FOLKUS Our first dance of 2018 is in Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, January 5, starting at 7.30pm. After all that Christmas food, get some heart-pumping exercise by joining our friendly crowd in a ceilidh dance. The caller will be the dynamic Niki Acott. As a local dancer for many years, she has a stock of really good dances which should get us all moving. Come and dance or maybe even join the musicians in the resident ‘Come All Ye’ band led by Harbour Lights. Suffolk’s own Holly Johnston will be performing for our song spot. She is a young local singer who writes and performs folk songs to sooth the ears and the soul. She has made six CDs. Her debut album and single left listeners eager for more and her follow up album East Anglian Girl in 2014, received glowing reviews. Holly’s latest EP is The Doll’s House. Don’t miss her short ‘taster’ performance. Discounted tickets can be booked by emailing dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (£6). For further information contact Rob: 01473 610951
WOOLLY WONDERS We would be pleased to see anyone who wants to knit in a sociable, friendly group. We meet every Thursday 10am-noon in the Runway Café, next to St Michael’s Church, Martlesham Heath.
2017 ARMISTICE DAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE Our annual Armistice Day Remembrance Parade was held on Sunday, November 12. A cold northerly wind and frequent showers drove us to hold the ceremony in the church of St Michael’s and All Angels, a wise decision given the age of some of those attending. The church was quite full and I am sure that all those who attended were grateful to be in the warm. This is the first time for many years that we have not been able to hold the service on Barrack Square in front of the three war memorials. Our society chairman, Martyn Cook was the parade marshall and the Rev Toby Tate took the service. Our excellent Martlesham Brass provided the music. The Royal British Legion were, of course, in attendance. A contingent from the first Martlesham Scouts, 356th ATC, and the Aircrew Association, were present. Andrew Hunt represented Logicor (our landlords on the heath), who once again gave us a generous donation towards the cost of the service. Martlesham Guides and Rangers and Suffolk Army Cadet Force, 356th Air Cadets and Suffolk Constabulary were also represented. The Black Shucks, a group of motorcyclists who attend many similar remembrance services, were also in attendance. An address was given by our president, Mr Richard Barker, and also by Wg Cdr Phil Nicholson, representing the Royal Air Force. The church was full and Martlesham Heath Aviation Society is grateful to all those who attended. The poppy wreathes, laid in the church at the foot of the cabinet containing the names of American Dead who died while serving at Martlesham Heath, were later taken and laid at the foot of the memorials on Barrack Square. We are sincerely grateful to The Rev Toby Tate and members of the church for allowing us to use the church at such short notice.
It was the chat with them over a cuppa that got me through the day Here for you every hour of every day
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OUT & ABOUT INTRODUCING YOUR LOCAL SLIMMING WORLD TEAM A warm, friendly Slimming World group is the very best place to learn how to lose weight and get all the support you need to achieve your target and stay there for life. Food Optimising with Slimming World is all about healthy eating and enjoying food – nothing is off limits. Sarah Pearsons, a consultant joined Slimming World after having her daughter, lost three stone to achieve her personal target and has become a consultant to share the life changing experience she has had. Sarah says: “I love how generous the Extra Easy plan is. As a new mum I doubted myself in every way, now I have my confidence back and love sharing the knowledge and support I have picked up throughout my journey. The most important thing for me is never being hungry and enjoying real food. We cook family favourites like roast dinners and chilli con carne, a few tweaks made them Food Optimising friendly and everyone loves them.” Consultant Lisa Roberts love curries and sweet treats: “We share fantastic recipes and ideas in our groups and I love trying out new desserts. It’s great knowing there is no guilt and the plan works for all food tastes.” Lisa found Slimming World as she felt unhappy with her weight. She is now a target member with three stone gone forever. Lisa is passionate about helping members lose weight and feel good about themselves. She has given up a career in London to do this! Lisa and Sarah would love to welcome you to your local group. Martlesham Heath: Tuesdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angels Church, The Drift. Contact Sarah: 07825 222076 Martlesham: Saturdays at 8.30am and 10.30am at Martlesham Community Hall and Richards Room, Felixstowe Road. Contact Lisa: 07752 006399
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, February 12: Ipswich War Memorial Project by Andrew Beal The project to record and identify over 2,000 people on Ipswich War Memorial who died during the First and Second World Wars, and up to 2007, was started in 2014. The aim was to create a database for families to discover more about their ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice. The talk features unseen family pictures and stories; please do bring any relevant images that you may have. All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB A Happy New Year to all our members! We have two meetings planned for January. Paula Baker will talk about hedgehogs on January 4 and Marianne Brame will demonstrate jewellery making on January 18. Then on February 1, Dr Heather will give a talk entitled Highlights of New Zealand and Flying in an Auster. Make a New Year’s Resolution for 2018 – make Thursday evenings different and join our friendly club. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, January 25: The Treasures of Ipswich by John Field John has sung the praises of Ipswich’s architectural heritage for many years and is proud of what we have. The talk reviews over 100 Ipswich buildings and features of architectural and historical importance, including many of the town’s listed buildings, churches, mansions and halls. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG.Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 24: Life as a Harwich Pilot, an illustrated talk by Jane Stone 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
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet on the second Thursday of each month for lunch and usually a speaker entertains us afterwards. In January we will meet at Greshams on Tuddenham Road (opposite the Millennium Cemetery). What is Probus? Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Graham Balfe, for further details: 01473 729012 / grahambalfe@tiscali.co.uk
U3A HOPES 2018 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR ALL Whether you a member of a group or just attend our monthly talks in one of our four campuses, we hope you will be with us in celebrating our 30th birthday in 2018. If you haven’t yet joined U3A maybe it could be your New Year resolution to see what we are all about. For full details of how to become a member please visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning: 03001 233913 FORTHCOMING TALKS Friday, January 26, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall The Story of a Suffolk Bevin Boy by Barbara McElroy. The tale of a rural boy conscripted down the mines during and after the war. Refreshments available from 10am with the talk commencing at 10.30am. Thursday, February 1, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall The Black Death by Jonathan Belsey. The personal and social impact of village life at the time of the Black Death of 1349. Refreshments follow the meeting. Thursday, January 11, 2pm at Market Hall, Saxmundham IP17 1AF The Art and Mystery of Maltings by Ivor Murrell. A talk by Suffolk’s last working maltster, looking at the skills used and how maltings worked. Refreshments follow the meeting. Thursday, February 8, 2pm at Market Hall, Saxmundham IP17 1AF Chocolate by Tony Diamond. Amazing facts, myths and ignorance surrounding chocolate – sadly no free samples! Monday, January 29, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre How to Recycle a Car in 60 Seconds by Nigel Slinn. A talk about metal and waste recycling and how the different materials of a car are stripped down – in 60 seconds. Refreshments follow the meeting. Visitors are welcome to come to one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you details on the day.
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm. Thursday, January 25: Paper Bead Making with Jill We look forward to seeing you all then and wish you a Happy New Year. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM ART GROUP
KESGRAVE & DISTRICT FRIENDSHIP CLUB
We are a small friendly group of people who meet every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30-4pm in The Richards Rooms, Martlesham to paint together. At present, we have a limited number of vacancies. Our sessions are not tutored, but we gain from each other’s ideas and experience.
We had some enjoyable meetings last year, culminating with an excellent Christmas Lunch at The Shipwreck in Shotley and a lovely buffet at our Christmas Party. We had talks about Suffolk Cheeses, the East Anglian Air Ambulance and nursery rhymes among others and we played New Age Kurling, horse racing, HOY and Bingo. We have a break in January then a full programme of entertainment is planned for 2018, starting with our AGM on February 6.
We meet all year round with the exception of the month of August and around two weeks over the Christmas period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer. If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or ring Diane on 01473 659257.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Happy New Year to all our members and guests Our first ever study day, Art and Architecture of the American West with Roger Mitchell MA, held on November 17 was a resounding success, so much so that we shall certainly try to arrange another one in the near future. After our lecture on December 6, we have a break until Wednesday, February 7 when Barry Venning will be presenting Giles: His Life, Times and Cartoons which we are sure will be a very popular subject. We would remind guests to call the membership secretary to add your name to the booking list for non-member seat allocation. Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
Do come and join us at our friendly and welcoming meetings on the first and third Tuesday afternoon each month at 2pm at KWMCC. We invite members from both Kesgrave and the surrounding area. If you would like more information, or are interested in joining, please contact me on 01473 624240. We are urgently seeking a secretary to help us organise our programme who would be supported by our committee members. If you are interested in this position please contact me on the number given above. Dee Knights
IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB BACK TO BUSINESS December was a quieter month for us with just a meeting of all the Soroptimist clubs in our region to celebrate Human Rights Day, an outing for our quiz team, the exchange of greetings with our twin clubs in France and Denmark and, most important of all, our Christmas Supper. Now it’s back to business. We seem to have focussed a lot on international issues and projects in recent months. This winter we are trying to update our awareness of things going on here where we live. Of course, they all come under the umbrella of our core purpose, to enhance the status of women and help girls and women to achieve their potential. There is still plenty to work on both locally and internationally. On Wednesday, January 10, Lynn Ambrose, the manager of The Ferns, will be coming to talk to us. This is the SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in Ipswich. It offers medical care and emotional support to any victim of sexual assault, woman, man or child. In contrast, on February 14, we shall be welcoming the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barker, to share her experiences of being mayor and in particular of juggling this role with her job as a nurse. If you are interested in coming to hear either or both of these talks, please contact Joyce, our secretary, on 01394 615659 for more information and directions. Apologies to St Valentine for the clash!
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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE
THE WHITE EAGLE LODGE
Rotary raises £500 to End Polio Now Filmgoers at the Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge raised £502 towards Rotary’s fight against polio. The Rotary Club of Woodbridge, supported by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben and the Inner Wheel Club of Woodbridge, organised a collection from filmgoers attending the film Breathe.
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.
Woodbridge Rotarians and their supporters attended the theatre on 19 separate occasions at the end of the film shown over the week Friday, November 17 to Thursday, November 23. Sincere thanks to the Riverside Theatre for promoting and supporting the initiative and thanks also to the audiences for their generosity. Rotary has been leading the worldwide fight against polio for more than 30 years and is very close to ending polio, with only 14 cases reported in 2017. Rotary clubs in Great Britain and Ireland have so far donated in excess of £20million to End Polio Now. Our efforts to eradicate polio have been described as one of the finest humanitarian projects the world has ever known and Rotary has even been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The eradication of polio when completed will be one of the most significant achievements in public health since the eradication of smallpox. Rotary International and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the money raised will be tripled, helping us to get even closer to a polio-free world. Presentation to Bike Active We were delighted to welcome Peter Robinson from Bike Active, Pete Whelan from Plumsgate Cycling Club and Jan Whitaker, Glenister Carpenter and Lesley Dees from Woodbridge Inner Wheel to lunch to celebrate the success of our recent charity cycling event. On October 15, 161 bike riders converged on Butley Village Hall to enjoy an off-road event of around 25 miles mainly along forest trails through Tangham Forest. The event was arranged by Woodbridge Rotarians with indispensable help provided by Pete Whelan (Plumsgate Cycling Club), Woodbridge Inner Wheel (who provided the refreshments) and the Police Cadets who turned up to man the checkpoints and any road crossings alongside Rotarians. Bike Active is a charity run by volunteers which facilitates cycling experiences for many disabled adults. They are based at Alton Water and have an array of amazing cycles, including tandem trikes, bikes with sidecars, combinations of bikes with wheelchairs attached and recumbent bikes. The club has been going for 25 years and has gone from strength-to-strength with regular Friday groups who cycle all year round. Each volunteer cycles five or six trips out with a disabled rider – sometimes two – each trip being around three miles. All disabled riders are accompanied by their carer. Often there can be 30 bikes going out as a group on local roads with safety of the riders and local traffic being of paramount importance. A total donation of £900 was presented to Peter Robinson from Bike Active, with £620 being donated by Woodbridge Rotary Club and £280 from Woodbridge Inner Wheel who kindly donated the proceeds from the refreshments they provided on the day. £100 was also donated to Plumsgate Cycling Club towards club funds as a thank you for their invaluable help in the planning and on the day. A great time was had by all with riders asking if the event would take place again. Look out for this fantastic event in 2018! The photo shows President Ron Whitaker presenting the cheque to Peter Robinson, alongside Glenister Carpenter, Jan Whitaker and Lesley Dees from Woodbridge Inner Wheel with their donation of £280.
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The Ipswich group meet at the Millennium Hall, Kesgrave on the second Sunday of each month (excluding January, August and September). Our next meeting is on February 11, 10am for a 10.30am Sunday Service. Our theme will be New Beginnings. We would love to see you if you feel in sympathy with our work. For more information visit: www.whiteagle.org/east-anglia E: weeastangliaregion@gmail.com
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Happy New Year to you all! During November’s (rather chilly) meeting the Nature Explorers conducted their annual survey into the health of the bird population through looking at each of the 37 bird boxes dotted around the woodland, identifying whether each had been used and, if they Picture: By S Corley had, by which species. This year the results were a small improvement on last year’s, with 75% of the tit boxes having been used, maintaining an upward trend in recent years. Interestingly, we found a wasp nest in the same box as a nest! The group also painted the boxes to preserve them and took note of the damage done to the boxes by various other inhabitants of the woods such as squirrels and woodpeckers so that they could be repaired. Everybody’s hard work was greatly appreciated and we completed the job in record time. The main working party task was to clear the pond of pondweeds and plants that had become overgrown since last year. This was made all the more easy by the work of last month’s volunteers in clearing access to and undergrowth around the pond. Again thanks to all who attended; many hands made light work! Additionally, during November we were very grateful to a group from BT who cleared the area and paths around the fuel dump. Conservation is a very rewarding and fulfilling teambuilding activity. If your business would like to do some volunteering in the woods we would certainly be very appreciative, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, February 18, 10am-noon. Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided. All ages welcome – no need to book. Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds) Saturday, January 20, 9-11am. Please book a place via our email below. Nature Watch Club (5-11 year olds) 2018 dates to be confirmed New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us – 01473 612632 / pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com – visit www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer George Pennick
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IDELO TRAVEL – BEING A TRAVEL AGENT IN THE ONLINE WORLD…. When I first set up my business I was totally new to travel. Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant, all of my experience came from simply being a customer who had travelled. People asked me how I could possibly do this – after all there was ‘the internet’, the ’Big Boys’ and so on – but I think this was an asset. Being an outsider and new to the industry, it made it legitimate for me to ask why, to challenge the perceived wisdom. Did it have to be done like that? Could it not be done differently? Were there not improvements to be made? For my agency, it has allowed us to really move things forward – to distinguish ourselves and explain why customers come to us. Which is why I was so excited! Having been ‘a customer’ all of my travelling life, as opposed to simply a travel agent who has travelled, I feel I truly understand that whether it be your holiday of a lifetime, a last minute getaway or a new adventure, finding the right holiday just for you is important. It takes time to research all the options. You want independence and excitement, but also safety and peace of mind. Not only are we fully ABTA and ATOL protected, but we really do understand why it is so important that all of your arrangements have been dealt with by someone who really cares. Working with over 200 high quality tour operators also enables us to maximise not only customer choice but also competitive pricing. We offer complex as well as the simpler products – tours, cruises, flights,
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accommodation, car hire – sometimes all in the same holiday and all with complete ATOL Protection. Something that the internet often struggles to match where people regularly search for the cheapest flights, hotel and car hire, but from different sources, and hence miss out on that all important Package Protection. And as for technology… For me, it is our staff which sets us apart. The internet is great for process, but ultimately I don’t think a holiday is just a booking process. Only a person can offer true inspiration and enthusiasm when exploring your options and discuss with you alternatives and ideas, using their breadth of knowledge and real travel experiences. And what about if/when something doesn’t turn out as planned? Ash clouds, air traffic control strikes, Ryanair cancellations, the Monarch collapse. Maybe something more personal; your suitcase gets lost in transit from a flight, your hotel does not have your reservation. In this increasingly automated world, isn’t it still good to talk to the same friendly face – quite possibly ‘The Boss’ of the business – and know that someone can not only enthuse about your amazing plans but also help with all the extras and the ‘unexpected’. For me, this is the essence of a great travel agency and no matter what there will always be a place for one – albeit alongside increasingly clever technology. Managing Director Andrea Powell
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL BROKE HALL WI Firstly, Happy New Year to all who read this from the ladies of Broke Hall WI. We would be pleased to meet any new ladies who would like to come and see what we do and maybe join in. We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Friday, January 12: Forensic Science and Forearms – In Search of the Smoking Gun by Brian Heard Friday, February 9: Thomas Cavendish – A Suffolk Buccaneer by Cathy Shelbourne Friday, March 9: Trek for Life (Everest Base Camp) by Tina Oldfield Friday, April 13: Fused Glass Demo by Alison Mayston We also have monthly clubs, a book club, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits. For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children (0-5) from 10.30am to noon on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL.
We are very excited about our choir children going to sing at Wembley in the ‘A Voice in a Million’ concert in March. This is an event the choir really enjoys being able to attend and it’s a wonderful opportunity for the children involved. Thank you also for your fantastic community spirit in supporting us in two recent voting events; we were third in the Tesco Blue Token scheme so we have earned £1,000 towards our foundation equipment, and sadly although we didn’t get through to the next round of votes in our Aviva Fund, we have been awarded £200 for applying. This will go towards our big play equipment fundraiser, so thank you. Our students were delighted to receive a Local Schools Nature Grant from the Learning through Landscapes charity (funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery). Pupils on the school council helped teacher Mrs MacLeod apply for a grant used to buy £500 worth of equipment, bespoke training and a year’s membership to Learning through Landscapes. Cedarwood is developing its outdoor learning curriculum, creating a forest school area in the school grounds and amassing the equipment needed for learning outside. On November14, pupils who helped get the grant enjoyed using the new equipment (two rocket stoves and two storm kettles) to make hot chocolate outdoors. Other schools interested in applying for the grant should look at the Learning through Landscapes website. The headteachers, teachers and governors would all like to wish you a very Happy New Year; please contact us at any time with any questions or concerns.
If you would you like a fun start to your week, come along to Bright Stars with your parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers. These mornings are free and usually involve singing, games, making crafts to take home and telling stories from the Bible for the first half hour. We then have refreshments when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings; just turn up, no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing you. The spring term dates are: January 8 and 22, February 26 and March 12 and 26. If you would like further information please contact: Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
THE SAPLINGS We currently have limited vacancies in all our rooms, including spaces for funded two and three-year olds (15 and 30 hours). Please contact us as soon as possible, our waiting list is open. Don’t forget your child’s funded sessions can be used across our opening hours and ‘stretched’ across holiday club too. The Saplings is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm for children aged three months to 11 years. We offer term-time and year-round care, with a baby room, preschool, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions and a walking bus to Birchwood Primary School. For further information on all our term-time sessions, or holiday club bookings, please contact our friendly team of dedicated and experienced staff : 01473 614753 / news@thesaplings.org.uk
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HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL We hope you all had a magical Christmas and we wish you all a very Happy New Year! A big welcome to our new families – we are now full so, unfortunately, there is no availability for new children to start at Easter. However, please add your name to our waiting list for September 2018. This half term our topic will be winter. We will be learning about water and how it changes. We love icy mornings and discovering frozen water in the garden. We will rescue toys that have been frozen and enjoy experimenting with liquids and solids. In PE the children will continue with their yoga sessions (Mondays) and also learn about travelling safely in gymnastics (Thursdays). We are also looking forward to finding out about other cultures, especially those of children in our setting. Hedgehog Nursery is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm for three and four year olds. If you would like more information please contact the school office on 01473 623790 or visit: www. gorseland.net Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs J Florey
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS KESGRAVE, NORTHGATE AND ASSOCIATED KARATE CLUB NEWS On November 11, club competitors went to Liege in Belgium for an international competition. The standard was extremely high with more than 600 competitors for all over Europe, many of them internationals. The results were: Lauren Berry silver in individual kata and bronze in kumite, Georgina Lawson silver and bronze in kumite. On the way back, the club laid a wreath on Remembrance Sunday at the Suffolk Cemetery in Belgium. Well done to everyone who competed at Meopham on Sunday, November 26. There was a fantastic turnout of competitors willing to test themselves on the mats. Sensei Gerry Turner was proud to be your coach for the day and would like to remind everyone that, regardless of medals or placings, everyone who has the courage to stand out there alone on the mats is a winner. There was also a good turnout of family and friends to support the competitors, making it a real team event.
A BLANK PAGE Most of us have favourite stories, poems and Bible readings that we have read and re-read. Our favourite passages in the book become a bit more worn than the rest. It has been said that our lives are like a book. The older we become the more pages and chapters have been written. And there are parts of our life’s book that we reread more frequently, while in fact most of the pages and chapters are simply forgotten. I wonder what page(s) of our life most dominates our thinking, emotions, reflections, horizons of hope and perspectives? Many of us are tempted to live in a past chapter or the endless retelling of a certain page without any idea of the power and grace of God that offers a life based on the freedom of the unwritten. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43: 18,19
Competitors who did come away with medals were: Lilly Melton and Dylan Barnes, who both won gold in individual kata; Lauren Berry took a silver in individual kata and Amelia Clow, Lola Blofield, Chloe Buckley, Ava Nurse, Alana Finch, Jessica Ethrington, Ella Mills and Harry Witmore all took home bronze medals in their classes for individual kata. In the team kata events, Amelia Clow and Sophie Swann took home a gold medal each; Alana Finch and Sofia Standring took home silver medals and Jessica Etherington and Abigail Longhurst took home the bronze medals. In the kumite event, Ruby Hunt and Lauren Berry both won a gold medal in their categories and Teliah Turner took home a bronze medal. Many thanks to Gerry Turner, Charlie Bray and Sean Daines for their help and support in coaching.
I find it amazing the numbers of people I come into contact with (including myself) who have so much trouble letting a ‘page’ go. Couples can find themselves continually agitated and conflicted by a page long gone that they simply chose to keep replaying. Nations can doggedly keep turning back history to events or mythologies that define them, sometimes for the good and sometimes to retell ancient grievances.
The New Year is a great time to start some new habits, like taking up a sport to improve your health and well-being. Karate is an excellent option as it has so many elements that make a well-rounded sportsperson. You can work on your strength, flexibility and endurance through bouts of high intensity training and, if you join a club like Kesgrave, Northgate and Associated Clubs, there is a great team spirit.
As we begin a new year and perhaps look hopefully for a new start, why not turn to the God who holds the future and who offers to walk with us through the new?
Classes run throughout the week at a number of different venues in Ipswich, Kesgrave and Bury St Edmunds. Please look at the club website or Facebook page for further information on times and locations.
I pray that you will have a blessed and happy new year.
Eleanor Legg, www.northgate-karate.co.uk
toby@martleshamcofe.org.uk
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All human groups (including churches) can be tempted to either ignore some pages or force their eyes back to re-read a golden age (that was probably never really all that golden). The human heart can often find it easier to frame the future with all the baggage of yesterday’s pages. And yet what we find in the Bible is that God is the God of the past, the present and the future. That although our past is written, the future is still open to new possibilities. That God can generate a new page, a fresh pen, and the opportunity to live without the weight of past issues or regrets that can so easily hold us back.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
The Rev Toby Tate
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