In touch news with shotley – december 2017

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with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone 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.

NEWS FATHER CHRISTMAS DELIVERIES IN HOLBROOK If you would like your children to receive a present from Father Christmas on Christmas morning please leave a small, clearly labelled present with you child’s name and address with Millie Gilson at 11 Gifford Close (01473 327016) by Thursday, December 21.

IN SHOTLEY Once again we have Father Christmas delivering Christmas presents on Christmas Day morning. We start near Corner Garage at 7.30am and work our way to Shotley Gate. Presents should be handed in at Shotley Rose by December 23 with the child’s name and address clear. Presents should be no bigger than 250mm (10 inches) x 200mm (8 inches) by 50mm (2 inches).

A donation minimum of £1 is requested and this is given to help Kidzone.

HOLBROOK VILLAGE ADVENT CALENDAR Something new in the village this December!

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.

Each day a different house or business in the village will offer an Advent Window display, telling the unfolding Christmas story. The illustrations are being made by schoolchildren from Holbrook Primary, Stutton Primary, Holbrook Academy and the RHS. Each will be on display for one day only and children who visit them between 3.30 and 4.30pm on schooldays, and from 2-3pm at weekends, can collect a star each day. The final star may be collected at the traditional Crib Service on Christmas Eve at 6pm in the parish church, where the child with the most stars will receive a small prize.

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”.

The itinerary will be displayed at various points in the village from the end of November and photographs of the whole series of ‘windows’ will be on display in the parish church for some time after.

In Touch

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: shotley@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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

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

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

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© 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 Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

1 DECEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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We hope the Advent Trail will add to our village’s enjoyment of the Christmas story and we are very grateful to the children and their teachers for their hard work, and to the homes and businesses which are supporting this by offering their window space.

All Saints Church, Holbrook

POPULAR LASAN TAKEAWAY NOMINATED FOR BME AWARD The popular Lasan takeaway in Shotley was among a glittering array of businesses at the recent Suffolk BME Business Awards after being nominated in the Community Business of the Year category.

Although the Lasan did not pick up an award, owner Mohammed Ali earned the praise of many for the work he and Bodrul Islam do in supporting the Shotley community.

Part of the nomination read: “Not only does the Lasan takeaway in Shotley make fantastically tasty and enjoyable food but the owners, Ali and Bodrul, are an integral part of the community. In addition to employing local people the Lasan has gained a positive reputation for supporting a number of community initiatives in a variety of ways.

“A number of groups and organisations on the Shotley peninsula have benefitted from the Lasan donating raffle prizes, usually very popular vouchers for meals from the takeaway, either fish and chip suppers or Indian meals.

Ali and Bodrul offer tangible support for all aspects of Shotley life with the food and service an integral and important part of the village’s infrastructure.”

Here we see Lasan owner Mohammed Ali with his two daughters at the Suffolk BME awards held at Suffolk University.

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NEWS WOOLVERSTONE PIE AND PUNCH FESTIVE FAIR Sunday, December 3 10am-12.30pm Please join us, everyone is welcome. Come and enjoy a warm mince pie or sausage roll with a glass of our fabulous Gluhwein.

Meet old friends, or perhaps introduce yourself to someone new.

Get in the mood for the coming festive season!

Buy Christmas gifts from stallholders who are offering to make Christmas easier for you. Delicious raised pies and pates from The Gamekeeper’s Daughter, beautiful feather wall and table decorations from Picked and Plucked, wood turned pepper mills, bowls and pens from Constable Wood Crafts, delightful cushions, door stops and draught stoppers from A&B Textiles, gorgeous handbags by Posh & Pretty, door and table decorations from Myrtle and Mint, cakes from Curbie Cakes, jewellery from Monica Taylor, and much, much more.

We look forward to seeing you. Parking at the village hall or close by.

SHOTLEY RECOGNISED AS SUFFOLK’S MOST ACTIVE LARGE VILLAGE Judges of Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Association of Local Councils’ Most Active Community Awards hailed the village’s wide range of activities and parishioners’ participation as they named Shotley the joint winner along with Stradbroke in the large village category (more than 1,000 parishioners).

Adam Baker from Suffolk County Council said: “Shotley has introduced an Unfit Footy Club for the young at heart in their community. The village hall hosts carpet bowls, Pilates, ladies keep fit, Zumba, boot camp, belly dancing and Superstarz Tots. It has an adult football team and many youth teams.

However, the judges were particularly impressed with this location becoming the first place in Suffolk to become accredited as a Walkers are Welcome destination. This has encouraged more people to walk the many designated trails including the recently introduced Arthur Ransome Trail.”

Shotley was nominated by Babergh District Councillor Derek Davis, who actively participates and supports the many initiatives in the area.

“We are very fortunate in Shotley to have so many people who instead of sitting there thinking ‘that looks a good idea’ actually get up and join in,” said Councillor Davis. “Keeping active is important for everyone, not just on the physical side, but also mentally. While the health and well-being side is fairly obvious, the inclusion factor should not be under-estimated in a relatively isolated village such as ours.People of all ages, from the young dance troupe, sailing for kids to the Unfit Footy and Over-60s can, and do, join in and everyone should be immensely proud of the village for their efforts towards winning this award.”

A large number of groups and activities contributed to winning the award and were mentioned in the nomination, including: Shotley Rose Bowls Club, Indoor Carpet Bowls, Shotley Sailing Club, Pilates, Ladies Keep Fit, Zumba, Boot Camp, Belly Dancing, Superstarz Tots, Shotley Drama Group, Shotley WI, Church Soup A Lunch, Shotley Gardening Club, Unfit Footy, SOS and Walkers Are Welcome.

Representatives from some of the groups involved collected the award at a presentation in Elmswell. Ian Peters (wearing a number of hats including the Viking Project, Shotley Village Hall, SOS and Shotley Drama Group), Katie Byford (Shotley Sailing Club), Jamie Barwick Unfit Footy) and Gary Richens (SOS Chairman, Walkers Are Welcome and Health & Wellbeing Walks Coordinator).

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COMMUNITY CONNECTOR SCHEME LAUNCHED ON SHOTLEY PENINSULA Has one of life’s many challenges been thrown at you recently and you’re not quite sure where to turn for advice and information? Have you received professional advice to take greater care of your health and wellbeing, to be more active, physically and socially? Or have you recently moved to the area, or just find yourself alone because of bereavement, separation or your children growing up?

If so, the Community Connector Scheme could be for you!

The Community Connector Scheme will: • Support you to connect with social activities, clubs and groups of likeminded people in the community •

Offer you the right advice and information for your situation. This might include debt, benefit and housing advice, health and fitness, peer support or local volunteering opportunities

What are the benefits?

• Improved mental health and wellbeing • Meeting new people and developing new friendships • Feeling healthier and fitter • Learning new skills • Opportunities for volunteering and employment The scheme does this by offering a face-to-face discussion with a Community Connector (up to four appointments), to explore ‘What matters to you’ and not ‘What is the matter with you?’.

When and how can I see a Community Connector?

The Community Connector has a mobile ‘office’ (bus) which will be parked twice a week in Shotley Village, Shotley Gate, Chelmondiston, Holbrook or Stutton. Check out dates and locations at: www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/ communityconnector How to access the scheme Whether you are a professional working with someone who might benefit from the scheme, a friend, neighbour or family member, discuss the scheme with them and get that person’s agreement to complete the referral form which can be found at: www.suffolkfamilycarers.org/communityconnector Anyone of any age can take part (under 18s will need to be accompanied at the first appointment).

Alternatively you can telephone the team yourself to make your own appointment: 01473 835445 Where it is not possible to get to the bus, it may be possible to arrange a lift to help you get there, or alternatively, a home visit.

What else is going on?

You don’t have to have a personal appointment with the Community Connector; you can simply turn up at the bus and have a chat or get involved in some of the activities or sessions that will be on offer How much will this cost me?

The Community Connector scheme is free, but some of the groups or clubs you may like to get involved in may have a small charge.

Background to the scheme This scheme has been developed by Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Family Carers, working in partnership to assist individuals to find non-clinical solutions to improve their own health and wellbeing. The project is also supported by the South Rural Integrated Neighbourhood Team (part of the Connect programme) that brings together health professionals (doctors, district nurses, occupational therapists and mental health practitioners).

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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NEWS SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED SAND AND GRAVEL SITES Communities are being invited to have their say on proposed sand and gravel quarrying sites as part of a six-week consultation held by Suffolk County Council.

Suffolk County Council, as a minerals and waste planning authority, is required as part of the planning framework to make a provision for sand and gravel supplies, based largely on the average of sales over the previous 10 years, which is 1.158 million tonnes per year.

A total of 10 sites, outlined in the council’s minerals and waste local plan are sufficient to supply enough materials until the end of 2036 have been put forward: Barham, Barnham, Belstead, Cavenham, Layham, Tattingstone, Wangford, Wetherden, Wherstead and Worlington.

Belstead is the only completely new site proposed, and the other sites would be extensions of existing sites with planning permission.

Once the plan has been adopted by the county council as policy, quarrying companies will still need to submit a planning application to the county council to extract materials. Companies will also pay landowners to dig up the materials on their fields – before selling it to construction companies. This work is likely to create additional employment in the area.

Each site is considered in terms of its potential impacts upon the landscape, ecology, highways, cultural heritage and amenities in the area.

Once the site has had its sand and gravel quarried, the site can be restored by reshaping the land and covering with soils, which are stored during the extraction process. Then follows a five-year aftercare period to make sure the land is brought up to the required standard.

Only one site for waste development has been allocated, at Sizewell A, for the treatment and temporary storage of radioactive material removed as part of decommissioning from Sizewell and other decommissioning stations. Currently Sizewell A is already benefitting from exporting waste to Bradwell Nuclear Power Station in Essex for treatment and temporary storage. While there are no current proposals to share the facilities in Sizewell, it is considered sensible to have policies in place if such a proposal is put forward in future.

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “The proposal of these sites is required in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

All sites, other than Belstead, are extensions to existing sites with planning permission. Belstead has been proposed as it meets site selection criteria.

“I invite people to take part in the consultation and have their say online via the county council website or by email, over the phone or by letter.

Drop-in sessions are also taking place and further details can be found on the website.”

The consultation closes at 5pm on December 11. To find out more about the consultation and how you can have your say visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste There will also be several consultation events across the county where members of the public can learn more about the preferred sites, speak to members of the minerals and waste team and fill in the consultation survey. To find out more about these drop-in events, visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste A paper copy of the survey can be requested by contacting 0345 603 1842 / smwlp@suffolk.gov.uk or you can take the survey over the phone by calling 0345 603 1842.

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HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL It’s been a busy time in Holbrook with two public meetings in the last few weeks. Both were focussed on the community’s view of the future of the village and were very well attended. Notes of these meetings can be found on the village website.

Key points from the parish council meeting held on October 16.

Clerk’s vacancy: The chairman was pleased to announce that following an interview process, Linda Goodyear had been appointed as the new clerk from November 20. Mrs Rolfe will continue to support the council and the new clerk until a full hand-over has been completed.

Actions resulting from the Neighbourhood Planning meeting held on October 16: It was noted that the meeting had been very well attended and that the view of those attending was that a Neighbourhood Plan was required. A large number of people have volunteered to help with the plan. A small number of councillors will set up a working group with the appropriate community support to progress this project. Council volunteers are Councillors Gray, Holmes, Peck, Hehir and Ambrose. Dates for a first meeting will be arranged to decide the terms of reference, etc. Councillor Ambrose will attend a peninsula parish chairs’ meeting to discuss the potential for a peninsula wide plan, but the feeling currently is that Holbrook should progress as a single parish. This will be one of the issues to be decided by the NP group.

Joint Local Plan: A discussion took place regarding the best way to produce a response given the importance of the document, the large number of questions to be answered and the desire to include the views of the public. It was agreed that a working group will draft a response and will be given the mandate to submit the response on behalf of the council. A further public meeting was held on October 30 to gain the views of residents prior to the submission of the response.

Full minutes of this and all other meetings are available on the village website or by contacting the clerk. Future meeting dates are: December 11, January 15, February 19, March 19 and April 16.

Alton Green: Councillor Ball has organised a group of volunteers to continue with pond clearance work at Alton Green. He is also leading on a management plan for the green, with the assistance of Mr Allinson, the tree warden, and others including Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB. Vacancy for a parish councillor: Holbrook has a vacancy for a parish councillor. If you would like to contribute to the community and help to shape the future of the village, please contact one of the councillors or check out the information on the website. The council would particularly like to see a younger member of the community apply to broaden the experience base of the council.

New website: Look out for the new Holbrook website – this will be going live in the next few weeks and will provide a new contemporary image of the village. If you have ideas for content please contact the clerk.

Dog fouling: It is really disappointing to see that a number of dog owners are not clearing up after their pets around the village, but particularly on the Reade Field. Dog mess has recently been found on the children’s play area again which is completely unacceptable.

As a dog owner, you are legally responsible for clearing up after your dog. The council provides numerous waste and dog bins, please use them.

For further information on any of these items, contact the clerk: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017 www.holbrook.onesuffolk.net

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NEWS

REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: DECEMBER 2017 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw MERGER Since I last wrote here, events have moved on a little. Babergh’s Cabinet (and Mid Suffolk’s) both provisionally endorsed an approach to a merger. The meeting was heavily attended by non-cabinet members and a lot of questions were asked, expressing significant reservations.

In the following few days, a dozen members of the opposition groups (Independent, Liberal, Labour and Independent Conservatives) put their names to a ‘call-in’ of the decision to go to our Overview and Scrutiny Committee. I was a signatory to that request. The call-in was validated as being within our constitution.

The Scrutiny Committee held a meeting at the earliest opportunity to discuss this. I should add that I am a member and vice-chairman of Scrutiny. There’s no conflict in that, but you should know it’s part of this councillors’ function. A presentation by the lead members of the callin was made, along with presentations from the cabinet and our chief executive. All were questioned extensively.

The result was that Scrutiny decided that the principles of decision making had been breached and referred the matter back to the cabinet with two key recommendations, first for better information and evidence and second for the cabinet to bring the matter to be debated by the full elected council. That discussion will have taken place by now.

The arguments on both sides can receive an open airing and I’m glad that the matter has been brought out in the press and to you, the public.

That’s probably as much council procedural stuff as anybody ever wanted to read. You have my sympathy. Whether the council continue with telephone ‘polling/voting’ (with some public consultation) or consider a democratic referendum, as in 2011, will be something to watch.

MOVE Our move to Endeavour House continues in fits and starts. By the end of 2017, we should be in place. Meanwhile the council has hired an external consultant to explore the options for redevelopment of our former HQs at Hadleigh and Needham Market. I believe this has a budget of over £500,000 which makes me wonder about our (your) future financials.

PLANNING My opinions on an existing contradictory Local Plan might be well known, so I’ve supported the recent public consultation on the new Joint Local Plan (Joint Plan, and staff, but separate sovereign councils!).

The walk-in session at Tattingstone was very well attended and I spent four hours talking with parish councillors and the public. All three parish councils have gone into the matter and the aim must be to avoid some of the mistakes previously made. We are still governed, however, by the open ended National Planning Policy Framework (AKA the Developers Charter). This phase of the emerging plan consultation is over now.

There will be another next spring. Watch this space.

REPORTS I carefully read other councillors reports in other editions of In Touch.

I’m very grateful for this forum, but I know I do things differently. I tend to focus on the bigger issues, those with wider implications. The individual matters are often best dealt with by talking to the people groups or councils concerned. If there is anything that you would like me to write about, please just contact me. Maybe one day things will be going so smoothly, I have nothing to write about. I can dream, can’t I? As ever, I can be contacted as below or waved at (I think they’re waving) on that old blue Claud Butler pushbike. alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS – BERNERS WARD Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Freston Housing, the lack of the right sort for residents on the peninsula, and the fear of over development are key concerns here and in other areas of the district. Parishes have surprisingly little say in new builds, although they are a statutory consultee they do not make the final decision. Decisions are made

by Babergh’s planning committee, or its delegated power.

One thing parishes can do, and as a planning committee member I have seen examples of this by Lavenham, Lawshall and East Bergholt, is to develop a Neighbourhood Plan, which by law carries weight in the decision-making process. The plan must follow a set procedure and involves finding out from you, the resident, what you want to see in terms of housing, facilities and larger infrastructure requirements for now and the future. What it can’t do is say ‘we don’t want any more houses’. It does allow the villagers to say what sort of housing they want, and where.

A Neighbourhood Plan does cost in terms of time and money, although grants and funds are available so it should not affect the precept, so it is really down to the parish councillors to put the work in, and in some villages in this ward they are, although it is slow progress.

Call In A cabinet decision to hold a telephone poll, and not another referendum, in order to dissolve Babergh District Council and form a super-sized new council with Mid Suffolk, was called in by the Overviewand Scrutiny Committee and voted six-one to send the decision back to be considered again.

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The Scrutiny Committee decided the decision to hold this poll, which could lead to the end of Babergh as we know it, was a key decision and should be heard by full council. We are bound to hear more about this as it will add to your council tax if it goes ahead.

People will hold their own view on a merger, but the fact is in 2011 Babergh voters rejected the proposals by 60-40, so the cabinet would be doing this without a mandate, in fact going against the wish of the majority.

Congratulations Shotley got another significant feather in its cap by being named Joint-winner of Suffolk Community’s Most Active Large Village (see page 4). A creaking NHS highlights the importance of looking after ourselves physically and mentally, so Suffolk’s bid to be recognised as the nation’s most active county is to be applauded.

The raft of groups and organisations in Shotley is purely down to the men and women who give up their time and put in hours of effort to get things off the ground and then ensure they continue. In particular this year the Unfit Footy started by Jamie Barwick at the back of The Rose pub, and the first Walkers are Welcome in Suffolk, caught the judges eyes. Well done to all involved.

If you have an issue you would like to discuss please contact: derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk / 07824 167196 My Facebook page is: Derek Davis-Your Independent Councillor

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9

NEWS

Dear all, Today, 05/11/2017, the B1456 was partly closed again for the second time in a week at the lay-by near the bottom of Redgate Lane on the river side.

Water reached up to half way the width of the road.

The reason why that point gets flooded more than the rest is simply the camber in the road, which means that the Redgate Lane side is considerably higher than the river side. Just getting rid of this anomaly will prevent a large amount of flooding incidents.

I know there are more places where the flooding takes place, I feel confident the reason is the same. Ideally when the work is done the Redgate Lane side is raised by at least 100mm plus.

Some might argue that raising the road will slow draining from adjoining fields, but as the work is done a number of drain pipes would be laid below the road surface from one side to the other to allow water to drain as quickly as it does now, or even quicker.

Please do not say “all this is very well, but what about the money?”

Well my suggestion would be by far the cheapest way of preventing the pest of regular flooding and the inconvenience that the flooding causes the citizens around here, as well as much further afield. Never mind what the frequent delays cost the people as well as the local economy around here.

Is it not time for us all to agitate the powers to be to get things done once and for all? Why not start an email campaign?

Here are the email addresses of the local movers and shakers and websites where you can find other contact details: alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk james.cartlidge.mp@parliament.uk beepowell.powell@gmail.com derek.davis129@btinternet.com Babergh District Council: www.babergh.gov.uk Ipswich Borough Council: www.ipswich.gov.uk Mid Suffolk District Council: www.midsoffolk.gov.uk Suffolk County Council: www.suffolk.gov.uk In the very near future I hope to hear loud cries of approval all around.

While we are at it The Orwell Bridge was closed twice in a week, once for a whole day. We really need a proper northern bypass so let’s agitate for that one as well.

Forever hopeful,

What fantastic news that Shotley has been awarded joint top place as the Most Active Large Village 2017 by Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Association of Local Councils.

Along with many other village groups we in Shotley Open Spaces (SOS) are doing what we can to promote healthy exercise. The organised Health Walks are very popular, with 28 people enjoying the one we held on October 18.

Since we became Suffolk’s first ‘Walkers are Welcome’ designated village we do see more walking groups around the parish. This is great and hopefully our local facilities are seeing the benefit of these increased numbers. However, we are not alone – the town of Clare has also achieved WaW status, which strengthens the publicity that Suffolk gets overall from being members of this scheme. We are continuing to represent Shotley at meetings of the Suffolk Walkers are Welcome Alliance and hope to report soon of other villages joining the scheme.

SOS continues with our community maintenance programme for the Heritage Park, plus from time to time we blitz areas that need sorting, just like the verge next to the lay-by at the school. There were eight of us volunteers out there for a couple of hours during October and the pathway is now much better for the school run. If there are any areas that you think need sorting, let us know and we’ll see what we can do.

The next Heritage Park maintenance day is Sunday, December 10, meeting at the picnic area on Bristol Hill at 10am. Anyone can join in and help, plus it’s a great way to keep fit!

As promised, our monthly Health Walk starting points during 2018 alternate between the Shotley Rose and the Bristol Arms, starting from the Rose at 11am on Tuesday, January 16, and from the Bristol Arms at 11am on Tuesday, February 20. Please join us for these gentle strolls around our lovely village.

For more information on SOS and what we are getting up to, join our Facebook page – Shotley Open Spaces – or visit: www.shotleyopenspaces.co.uk Finally, if you are looking for that last minute unique and useful gift for Christmas we still have a few of our 2018 wall calendars for sale.

Themed around Shotley through the Seasons, for £7 each they are brilliant, and all proceeds go towards helping us maintain Shotley Parish.

For calendar purchases please contact Marian Pugh: 01473 787182 / marian.pugh@btinternet.com To be included on the growing Shotley Open Spaces email list, please contact Geraint Pugh (g.pugh1@btinternet.com) or Gary Richens (gary.richens.583@btinternet.com).

Finally, from all at SOS we wish you all a very Happy and Healthy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Casper De Boer

Gary Richens

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851731

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Flu Clinics In our four flu clinics we vaccinated a total of 1,261 patients, a 5% increase on last year. Our first clinic at Holbrook was particularly busy with a 27% increase on the same clinic last year so please accept our apologies if your waiting time was a little longer. At the time of writing, we are vaccinating patients in care homes and still have spare vaccines so, if you are eligible and wish to receive the vaccine, please ring reception to book an appointment.

Training Days Our next training afternoon will be on Wednesday, December 13 when we will be shut from 1pm. There is no training day in January. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Christmas Opening A reminder that over Christmas we will be open as normal except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Appointments will be available on the day only from December 18 to January 5 so please ring on the day you wish to be seen. You don’t need to order your prescription early unless you are going away.

We would like to wish all our patients a happy and healthy festive season.

Did you know that you can self-refer for physiotherapy and wellbeing services?

Physio: You can now self-refer to physiotherapy for muscle and joint problems without needing to see your GP. Please complete the form online at www.ahpsuffolk.co.uk/referral or if you have no internet access, ring 03330 433966. Questions will be asked and you will be triaged within 24 hours. You may be sent information, advice or exercises initially and then you will be contacted with an appointment.

Wellbeing: If you are suffering from common mental health and emotional issues such as low mood, depression or stress and would like help, please go to www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/get-support/self-referral or ring 0300 123 1781.

Practice Manager Julia Smith,

SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE This month we meet on Thursday 14 from 1.50-4pm. There will be no whist on December 28 so our next get-together will be on January 11.

We have players from Ipswich, Hadleigh and Woodbridge so we must be doing something right. We do try to make everyone welcome. For information or lifts, please contact Norman and Eileen: 01473 787358 The players wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year – we hope to see some more of you soon.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

SHOTLEY VILLAGE HALL We now have two quotations for remedial work on the car park and await a third. Our current fund for this work stands at £14,178 and comprises in date order: National Lottery: £10,000 Shotley Parish Council: £1,500 Ipswich Insulations: £500 Viking Forest Project: £500 Indian Evening: £1,678 I’m sure everyone who attended the Indian Evening would like to thank Manesh and his team for a superb meal and lovely atmosphere. Our thanks too to all the grant and donation providers, we are truly grateful.

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 9, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. Enjoy carol singing while you get inspired for that last minute Christmas present.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier.

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club meeting on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Monday, December 4: Wow – another year gone! Debbie will be away for a few months working abroad and we will do our best to bring more craft projects in 2018 after our Christmas celebration meeting with nibbles and cakes and Jill will show us how to make beaded snowflakes.

Monday, January 8: Bulls Head Safety Pin Keeper (Jill) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

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OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Shotley Village Hall Sunday, December 3, 2-4.30pm Various craft stalls including cards, jewellery, handbags, pyrography, wooden products, needlecraft and scented candles.

Raffle and festive refreshments. Entry free – everyone welcome.

OCTOBER DRAW WINNERS 1: Mrs S Ayeche (107), £25 2: Mrs J Lawford Randall (134), £20 3: Mr R Ratcliffe (097), £15 4: Mr E Amner (135), £8 5: Miss P Wrinch (070), £7 New members are always welcome to join the 700 club. The cost of £1 a month can be paid at three, six or 12 month interval. To join or for more information, contact Norman Bugg: 01473 787358

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Roger Fern presented a talk entitled A Year as Mayor of Ipswich at our November meeting. In this he showed some photos of the ceremonial articles the council owns and uses at mayoral functions. There are two maces, one of which precedes the mayor into the council chamber at council meetings and lays on the table before him/her throughout. There is also the mayor’s chain of office which is worn at all official functions. This contains a casting of the Ipswich coat of arms among other symbols and is quite heavy. Roger also showed photos of some of the events he has attended as mayor.

Christmas messages and carols will be presented by two of our club members on December 13. There will also be a small Christmas buffet in lieu of biscuits with our coffee. Please bring a small plate of food to share. Instead of our usual raffle please also bring a small wrapped gift as a tombola item.

The main raffle this month will be a hamper with hopefully one or two secondary prizes.

CHELMONDISTON WI This has been a busy year for our members. Craftwise we have made lovely cards for special birthdays, and red hearts to hang in trees for donor awareness week. We donated lots of socks and pants for homeless people and walked a mile to raise £100 for the ACWW fish preserving project.

Speakers included Jonathan Webb about his barge Melissa, which we had all watched growing at Pin Mill, Lisa gave us a hilarious evening on the subject of knickers, Iwan gave us useful First Responder tips, and we learned about our local woodlands, racehorses and PAT dogs. We did African drumming and we ran a raffle and drinks stall at the Arthur Ransome Day, a Cake Heaven stall at the table top day, and a Hotchoc and cake stall at the fireworks evening.

Four members entered the WI Carpet Bowls tournament and came second.

We rewarded ourselves with a groaning buffet for our own birthday party.

We are looking forward to a full programme next year, with even more drumming by special request!

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HOODED LANCE For those who fancy a bonkers, surreal and hilarious alternative to panto, head for Common Ground Theatre Company’s touring production of Sherlock Holmes and The Hooded Lance, which runs from December 15 to January 13. You can catch it at The Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge (Dec 15/16), John Peel Centre, Stowmarket (Dec 18-20), St Mary’s Hall, Walton (Ded 28-30), Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh (Jan 1-3), Corn Hall, Diss (Jan 4), Headgate Theatre, Colchester (Jan 5/6) and New Wolsey Studio, Ipswich (Jan 8-13).

The show is the latest concoction from “those magicians of Christmas entertainment” (as Andrew Clark described them in the EADT) Pat Whymark and Julian Harries, best known for their hugely successful Christmas shows for Eastern Angles Theatre Company (including last year’s smash hit, Stoat Hall) and for their own company, Common Ground.

Future talks: First Aid and AED The Legendary Dad’s Army, A History of Scarecrows, Pray Silence for ? and The History of Butley Priory.

Holmes and Watson faces their stiffest challenge yet in the shape of the Hooded Lance, their newest and deadliest adversary, who is hell bent on spoiling everyone’s Christmas! Can our intrepid duo save the festive season from the clutches of this dastardly demon. Can they cook his goose, or will he crush their baubles and make prize turkeys of them?”

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments, when there is time for a chat with other members, and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

Julian dons the famous deerstalker yet again, and is joined by the fabulous Dick Mainwaring (Dr Watson) and the incomparable Joe Leat, for a classic Christmas mystery with all the Common Ground trimmings – sparkling wit, ingenious staging, hilarious songs, and surreal flights of festive fancy.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

For more information, go to: www.commongroundtc.co.uk

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In Touch online:

You’re invited to make an appointment at our Wherstead Park office to discuss:

Powers of Attorney

Probate Court of Protection

Wills

* We also offer a range of other services

Our out of town Ipswich location is very convenient for parking and has Contact us for an appointment today: excellent disabled access. www.ellisonssolicitors.com enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ 01473 556 900 Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336

Babergh District Council

Babergh District Council

Waste and Recycling

Waste and Recycling Collection Calendar 2018

Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2017-2018

Collection Calendar 2018 December 2017 Mo

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Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection

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Monday 25th December Tuesday 26th December Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Monday 1st January Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January

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There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 25th December and 5th January) Please check www.babergh.gov.uk for further details From Monday 15th January normal waste and recycling collections resume.

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678 www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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Recycling collected this week Rubbish collected this week For Christmas and New Year weeks (25th Dec-13th Jan) Please refer to the Christmas & New Year schedule Bank Holiday Week - Everyone’s collection will be a day later all week. For Christmas and New Year weeks, please refer to the Christmas Schedule.

Visit Recycle Now

www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest recycling banks

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678 13

OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY OVER SIXTIES social CLUB This month we will meet at Shotley Village Hall on Thursdays 7 and 21 from 1.50-4pm and on December 6 we are going to Wyevale Garden Centre, leaving Shotley at 10am. We still have a few spaces on the coach.

We are going to panto at the New Wolsey Theatre on Wednesday, January 3.

The reason this is on a Wednesday is that we were able to get a good deal. We leave Shotley at 12.30pm. The total cost, including the coach, is £16.

WORTHY END FOR OUTRAGEOUS CAKES A number of charities and good causes on the Shotley peninsula tasted the sweet taste of support when AXA and the Outrageous Cake Company donated highly decorated cakes.

Groups including Tiffers, the Bus Shelter charity, St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone, Stutton Primary School and Shotley Village Hall Committee were among the recipients of the free cakes to help them raise funds.

The works of art were made by AXA Insurance workers as part of a teambuilding exercise held at the Outrageous Cake Company’s new workshop at the Cookhouse, next to Suffolk Food Hall at Wherstead. Rather than dispose of them as they were going to a function and it would not be practical to keep them, the employees preferred their cleverly decorated cakes should go to good homes locally.

District Councillors Derek Davis and Alastair McCraw were asked to distribute them to worthy causes and duly delivered the cakes.

We celebrated Gwen Bedwell’s 90th birthday at our meeting on November 9. Gwen provided a beautiful, appropriately decorated cake and the club presented here with a wonderful bouquet of flowers. We wish her many more happy and healthy years with us. Gwen received many other presents and cards.

The club wishes everyone a peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

For information or lifts, please contact Norman and Eileen: 01473 787358

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Ted Wheatley presented Overland to India on November 1 and Dennis and Ann Kell presented Wildlife in the Falklands on November 15. Both presentations were much appreciated by our members.

On December 6 Paul Oliver presents his popular Christmas quiz and at the final meeting of the year on December 20 Barbara Faulkner will tell us about The Man in Red. We don’t have a speaker meeting in January, but instead have our New Year Lunch for members, their spouses and Probus widows. This will take place on Wednesday, January 17 at The Haywain, Bentley Road, Little Bromley CO11 2PL..

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

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STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, November 8, event organiser Eve Regelous, who worked closely with Harrods, gave a behind the scenes glimpse of day-to-day life in this world famous company, including its history. We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but have our popular Christmas lunch at Constable Hall on Wednesday, December 6. This is always a popular event and so early booking is advised On Wednesday, January 10, we will be entertained by Ancestral Voices who will take us back to the festive season under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I using words, music and images, including instruments from the period. Many of today’s carols and Christmas traditions originate from the Medieval and Tudor eras. You will hear carols as you may have never heard them before!

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings.

We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm.

Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

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OUT & ABOUT 1st SHOTLEY SCOUT GROUP Something Different I thought that I would do something slightly different in this edition. I thought it might be nice to share with you a Scout recipe. The one I have chosen to share with you all is called camp doughnuts. Here goes: Make up a pancake batter. Take one piece of bread and spread it with your favourite jam (we used strawberry of course). Then dunk your bread into the pancake batter and shallow fry on both sides. Once it is cooked remove from the pan and sprinkle with sugar. Hey presto camp doughnuts. (Be aware the jam will be hot inside). Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our Beavers and Cubs did in a recent joint session.

Help Needed If you think you could spare some time, we are always on the look out for an extra pair of hands. We offer full training to those who would like to take on a little bit more and volunteer as a leader, or we have what we call ‘occasional helpers’ who, you guessed it, only help out occasionally. We are a fun team to work with and really enjoy meeting new people and sharing new ideas. For more information please contact me on 01473 787416.

Final Fundraising Total We had a fantastic fundraiser in October, an evening of bingo at The Rose.

Thanks to Sarah and Jamie for letting us use the pub and the bingo board.

We also had a raffle at half time. The final grand total was £556 which was fund-matched by Barclays, thanks to Mrs Keeble for arranging this.

Also we put in eight lots at the recent auction held at Shotley Village Hall and raised £51.

The ‘Phil’ the bag amount is still currently unknown, we will update you all when we have confirmation. Thanks to all who support us in our fundraising endeavours.

Jane Leach

1st SAMFORD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP This month we are saying goodbye to two long-standing volunteers with the Scout group. April Day was Assistant Beaver Leader and then Beaver Leader until 2013, as seen in this photo of a police visit to the Beaver Colony during which April was ‘arrested’! Since leaving Beavers she has put in sterling work as the group secretary.

We’d also like to say thank you to Darren Cooper who has worked away behind the scenes as our treasurer for more than five years. Darren volunteers for several other local organisations as well, so we are very grateful that he managed to fit us in with his customary good humour and forbearance.

Though we’re sad to see them go, we are very grateful to April and Darren for all their hard work and enthusiasm over the years and we wish them well.

On a brighter note, we’re very pleased to be able to say ‘hello’ to Dawn, who has kindly agreed to take over from Darren as the treasurer on our executive committee. The ‘Exec’ is vital to the smooth running of a Scout group – it oversees the finance, hall hire, equipment purchases and insurance, and generally makes life as uncomplicated as possible for the leaders. We are currently looking for someone to replace April as secretary, so if you are interested in helping us out, please get in touch on: anichols@fastmail.fm The Scouts (aged 10-14) are having a busy term! Six Scouts completed a 24-hour expedition to get their challenge badge. Two of these have completed all six challenges and will now be awarded their Gold Scout Award.

Meanwhile the Scouts have been meeting every week working towards the world challenge badge. They are looking at global issues and recently spent a meeting cooking falafel. They have also had a visit from the coastguard to discuss their work and water safety in general.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

1st HOLBROOK BROWNIES Twenty-four of our Brownies had a tremendous time at our sleepover, staying at Stoke Ash Girlguiding Centre. Although, I’m not really sure why it is called a ‘sleepover’! When there was so much fun to have, who was going to sleep? Certainly not the leaders!

With ‘under the water’ as our theme, the girls busily created an Olivia Octopus with very long tentacles, cupcake fish and snappy sharks to transform our hall into King Neptune’s treasure cove.

The Brownies also painted beautiful ceramic moneybox beach huts and decorated treasure chests. The games also followed the theme with Pass the Trident, Sharks and Fishes, Corners and Crab Bingo being favourites.

Food is also very popular where Brownies are concerned, so earning their cook’s badges by making tasty pizzas and delicious cupcakes was another activity thoroughly enjoyed. Even the washing up was completed with enthusiasm and laughter.

Archery too proved very exciting while the girls eagerly took on the challenge of hitting the targets. Their patience, concentration and determination were lovely to see. The evening rain meant we couldn’t have an outside campfire, but the pen torches, a little imagination and very enthusiastic singing (and actions) made our indoor campfire perfect!

We had a lovely creative evening with Helen from Hovel Pottery where the girls designed and painted ceramic hearts. After half term our Brownies enjoyed carving out our kindly donated pumpkins and getting involved in the gunpowder plot game.

Many plotters were captured, but quite a few managed to escape to the north!

If your daughter (aged seven to 10) would like to enjoy a variety of activities, take part in new challenges, make lasting friendships and, above all, have fun, please register at Girlguiding UK. We currently have a waiting list, so please don’t leave it until they are seven to register.

EAST SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND A local charity for local people An independent and voluntary charitable organisation promoting the welfare of blind and visually impaired people in East Suffolk since 1914. Membership is free. We also hold a social on the last Wednesday of every month at Stutton Community Hall from 2-4pm when we provide entertainment, afternoon tea and a raffle, and twice a year we have a lunch at a local hotel.

If you would like to join us, contact Ian, our community support worker, for more information: 01473 788380 We are always in need of volunteer drivers to assist us with our monthly social event. If interested please contact Barbara McDonald: 01473 328907

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

There is no meeting in December; instead members are looking forward to the Christmas mystery tour and lunch. Some may have guessed where we will be, time will tell if they are right.

If you would like to be included in future trips why not join the association?

The membership fees remain the same for 2018; £8 for an individual or £12 for two living at the same address. We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk The next meeting is on January 16 when Mark Mitchels will be discussing the role Samuel Pepys played in establishing the Royal Navy.

ALTON BELLES WI Formally Tattingstone and Wherstead WI November is the time for our AGM. After electing our committee and our officials, we listened with interest to reports from our president, our treasurer and our secretary. Alton Belles WI has had a very successful year with several new members. It was also the year when we changed our name to Alton Belles WI, chosen to reflect that some of our members now come from many of the villages around the beautiful Alton Water.

After the official business, we welcomed Alison and her dog, Rufus. Rufus is an eight-year-old yellow Labrador who is an assistance dog. Canine Partners are a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. These amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, social interaction and practical help with everyday household tasks. These life-changing dogs also provide psychological and social benefits. Rufus had great fun showing us some of things he could do.

Canine Partners receive no government funding and rely solely on donations from the public and legacies to help them continue their life-transforming work.

Our next meeting is our Christmas meeting on December 21. Do come and join in the festive fun and enjoy our yuletide refreshments at Tattingstone Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Our programme for 2018 is looking very exciting, so why not make a regular date for the third Thursday each month and join Alton Belles WI? For more details contact Jane: 01473 327865

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

STUTTON CEVCP SCHOOL As I am sure many of you are aware, our school has been working very hard to secure its future and join a suitable multiacademy trust. As we are a church school, the process is somewhat more complicated than it is for non-church schools. We are very excited about this opportunity, particularly as our potential future partner has a proven record of success. Being part of their family of schools would strengthen our capacity to continue to provide a wide range of enriching activities, which would be considerably more difficult as a standalone school. It would, however, also ensure that our school retained its own particular family-centred ethos, where individuals’ self-belief and confidence is nurtured. We continue to be very touched by the wealth of support from our local community.

As this work continues behind the scenes, it’s business as usual. Our children composed poems for our special Remembrance Service held at Stutton War Memorial. These, coupled with their singing, created a very moving service.

As I write, our preparations are underway for Children in Need, our theatre trip early in December and our European Christmas Market on December 8 from 5-7pm. Everyone is most welcome to come along.

Do contact us if you would like a stall at this event: admin@stutton.suffolk.sch.uk / anne.clarke@stutton.suffolk.sch.uk We are also planning a Nearly New Sale in the very near future – do watch out for posters or keep your eye on the calendar on our website: www.stuttonprimary.school Anne Clarke

NEPTUNE SAILING 2017 SEASON SCHOOLS It’s always been very important that Neptune Sailing reaches out to all of our local schools. This year, as well as working with our regular school groups, we have been pleased to organise taster sailing events for East Bergholt, Stutton and Tattingstone Primary Schools. We have been aided by strong support from Babergh District Council, who has helped us in our key objectives to involve all local schools. Many thanks to Kate and the team for all of their support and encouragement throughout ARTHUR RANSOME EVENTS Neptune Sailing was an integral part of this musical, literary and activity day, providing the opportunity to live the Swallows and Amazons experience. In this event we took 65 young people out on the water for taster sessions, before the water finally drained away and we had to leave for Woolverstone.

The feedback from all was very positive thanks to our on the water and shore based teams. The Arthur Ransome events involved a very large number of people during the year and we look forward to the video screening of the events in the New Year, especially the drone movies of the sailing events.

PAINTING SAILS

Neptune supplied topper sails for local schools to paint. These will be judged when they are all completed. Below is a photo of two of the painted sails being sailed by members of Neptune Youth Group.

NEPTUNE YOUTH GROUPS Challenge yourself in 2018 – join one of our youth groups. The Orwell is a great place to learn to sail a wide tidal river in an interesting environment with challenging conditions at times.

We are about to start our planning for the 2018 season. There are different groups for children who are 10 years and above. These are summer courses and also the youth groups which run for 16 evenings from April to September with three separate courses for different levels. If you are interested please contact us via our website where you can also see a video of what happened in a youth group: www.neptunesailing.org.uk WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Neptune is dependent on a small team of qualified staff supported by a wide range of volunteers. No sailing skills are required for numerous functions.

Giving youngsters a change to learn sailing and team building, while also learning about the river and wildlife in this area of AONB, is very rewarding.

If you would like to join us, please contact: secretary@neptunesailing.org.uk

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SPORTS / CHURCH NEWS SHOTLEY CARPET BOWLS

CHELMONDISTON CARPET BOWLS CLUB

Monday, November 6 saw eight members of Shotley Carpet Bowls Club cross the border into Norfolk to play in the English Pairs Bowls Competition at Potters Resort. Paul and Karen, Thelma and Gil, Bill and Len and Michael and Pauline each enjoyed seven games – some they won, some they lost, but all were enjoyed. Bill and Len qualified to the last 32, quite an achievement from over 200 teams.

The new winter season has started and at present we are seventh, having played three, won two and lost one. A long way to go until the end!

Apart from the enjoyable bowls and the good company, full advantage was taken of the excellent facilities, good food and entertainment on offer at Potters.

We are a small friendly club that meet at Shotley Village Hall at 7pm most Mondays. If you would like to know more, give Paul a call on 01473 788829.

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB The First Team had a much better month, unbeaten in the League with the only defeat a narrow one on penalties in the Suffolk Senior Cup at Bramford.

They ended the month with a victory over reigning champions Henley Athletic which should lift spirits considerably.

The Reserves got their show back on the road in October with three victories in four to take them up to fourth in the League A and back in contention.

The A Team have found life difficult and picked up only one point in the month as they search for a successful formula.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Nov 25: Ransomes Sports (A) Sat, Dec 2: Westerfield Utd (H) Sat, Dec 9: Crane Sports (A) Sat, Dec 16: Felixstowe Harpers Utd (H) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Dec 30: Capel Plough (H) Sat. Jan 6: Bob Coleman Cup R3 Reserves: League A Sat, Nov 25: Old Newton Res (H) Sat, Dec 9: Achilles Res (H) Sat, Dec 16: Bramford Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) A Team: League B Sat, Dec 2: Haughley Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 9: Coplestonians A (A) Sat, Dec 16: Trimley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Cedar Park Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Fixtures subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition to confirm.

Race Night: This will now be held in January. Details will be in the January edition.

We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village.

Please come along and give us a look sometime.

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

Congratulations to members Alfie and Karen for having made the county squad. We wish them well.

We send our best wishes to Eadie who has just had a hip replacement and it was good to see Ken back after a spell in hospital.

On Saturday, October 28 we held our second fish and chip supper in the village hall, followed by a quiz. The raffle made a healthy profit of £75 which we have donated to the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Barry’s mobile fish and chips was as good as ever.

PIN MILL SAILING CLUB On October 14 we held our usual, very successful Nautical Photograph Competition, but we decided that it would be a great opportunity to combine this with a Macmillan Coffee Morning. The result confirmed that this was an excellent move as we raised £560 for this important cause. Our thanks to those who gave their time to organise the event, those who contributed cakes and those who came along to eat them and to donate.

What a brilliant start to the winter season. The club will throw open its doors on Christmas Eve at 6.30pm for the carol singing to start at 7pm – get there early and remember to bring cash both for a donation to charity and for the club bar (we don’t have card payment facility). Then on Boxing Day around 11.30ish come and watch the East Suffolk Morris Men and enjoy a bacon buttie in the club. www.pmsc.org.uk / Facebook: PMSC Social

SHORELINE BENEFICE ST ANDREW’S, CHELMONDISTON December 3 9.15am Holy Communion December 10 9.15am Holy Communion December 12 10am Midweek Communion December 17 7.30pm Carols by Candlelight December 24 10am Family Service@ the Crib December 24 11.30pm Benefice Midnight Communion at Harkstead December 25 9.15am Family Communion December 31 9.30am Benefice Holy Communion at Harkstead ST MARY’S, ERWARTON For information on services please visit: www.shorelinebenefice.co.uk St MARY’S, HARKSTEAD December 3 9.30am December 10 9.30am December 17 5pm December 24 11.30pm December 25 9.30am December 31 9.30am

Holy Communion Morning Prayer Carols by Candlelight Benefice Midnight Communion Family Communion Benefice Holy Communion

ST MARY’S, SHOTLEY December 3 10.45am December 10 10.45am December 17 4pm December 24 4pm December 24 11.30pm

December 25 10am December 31 9.30am

Shotley Family@Church (Christingle) Holy Communion Carols by Candlelight Crib Service Benefice Midnight Communion at Harkstead Family Communion Benefice Holy Communion at Harkstead

Please check the website or noticeboards for any changes to the service times and places.

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CHURCH NEWS

TWO RIVERS benefice ST PETER’S, STUTTON December 3 8am

4pm December 10 9.30am December 17 6pm December 24 11.15pm

December 25 10am December 10 11am

Holy Communion Christingle Service Holy Communion Carols by Candlelight Midnight Mass with Holy Communion Holy Communion Benefice Service

ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE December 3 11am Café Church, Advent Sunday December 9 Monthly Market / Christmas Theme, 9am-12.30pm December 10 11am Worship the Woolverstone Way December 17 11am Advent Morning Prayers December 20 7pm Family Carol Service December 25 11am Christmas Family Service December 31 11am Benefice Service, Stutton ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD December 3 No Service December 10 11am Holy Communion December 17 4pm Carols by Candlelight

December 24 December 25 December 31

4pm 11am 11am

ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK December 3 4pm

December 10 10am December 17 8am

10am

4.30pm December 19 7pm December 24 6pm December 25 10am December 31 11am ST PETER’S, FRESTON December 3 11am December 10 No Service December 17 4pm December 24 No Service December 25 11am December 31 11am

Christingle Service Family Communion Benefice Service in Stutton Winter Warming Chocolate and Church Matins Holy Communion Informal Worship Carols at The Swan PH Carols by Candlelight Crib Service Holy Communion Benefice Service in Stutton Matins Carols by Candlelight Holy Communion Benefice Service in Stutton

Holdbrook and Chelmodiston Methodist Church COMMUNICATION

DECEMBER SERVICES

We love receiving Christmas letters and cards, particularly from people in former places where we have lived, or from friends we have made all over the world. Several people send ‘round robins’ – a letter with family and personal news of things the family have been doing, including births, new relationships, work and study. It’s a catch up on the news often of the last 12 months. These days it’s a slow way of communicating – I could put everyone on a social media account and I could update my status, give information and news and as soon as it’s posted everyone on my contact list can know. But it is still great to have a year’s short digest of our friends’ activities.

AT CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Sunday 3 10.45am Worship with Mr Ted Jack

6.15pm Worship and Communion with

Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 10 9.30am Worship – Mike Castle

6.15pm Worship with Rev Michael Ayden Sunday 17 10.45am Worship and Communion with

Rev Andrew Sankey

6.15pm Carol Service with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 24 10.45am Worship with Mrs Diane Smith

6pm Worship at Erwarton C of E – Nine

Lessons & Carols Monday 25 10am Christmas Day Worship with

Mr David Cordle Sunday 31 10.45pm Worship with Mr Roger Theobald

Another way of communicating is by visiting family and friends, again an activity often increased around Christmas time. This was what God did 2,000 years ago. What could be more meaningful than the birth of a baby, growing into boyhood and manhood, sharing love and compassion, knowing loneliness and hatred, suffering pain and agony and in the end, death?

Martin Luther (who initiated the reformation in Europe 500 years ago) wrote: “He ate, drank, slept, walked: was weary, sorrowful, rejoicing; he wept and laughed; he knew hunger and thirst and sweat; he talked, he worked, he prayed… so that there was no difference between him and other people, save only this, that he was God and had no sin”.

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat (HCT): Mondays, 2.30-4pm Home Groups: First and third Tuesdays at 7.30pm and Thursdays at 2pm (ring for venue)

God communicated with us through a person, Jesus. In the New Testament we have a short digest of those three years of active ministry that I go back to time and time again to grow in my understanding of him and of God, because Jesus shows me what God is like. God’s communication is not just historic, this ‘round robin’ is the Bible. More than that, he is open for instant messaging, I can talk with him, sharing my concerns, hopes and fears and discover a variety of ways in which he answers prayer, sometimes “yes”, sometimes “no”, sometimes “wait”, sometimes an opportunity I had not been expecting presents itself. If you want this instant messaging with God, try it for yourself or get in touch with me and I’ll help you to connect.

Friday 1 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Saturday 2 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 3 10am Worship with Mrs Heather Bentley Sunday 10 10am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 17 10am Family Friendly Worship with

Mrs Alicia Holmes Sunday 24 10am Nativity Service

11.30pm Christmas Eve Communion with

Rev Andrew Sankey Monday 25 10.30am Christmas Day Sunday 31 10am Worship with Rev Michael Ayden

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Chelmondiston & Holbrook Methodist Churches / 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in November. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478

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CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA! MUSIC OF JOHN RUTTER (RHS PATRON OF MUSIC)

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER, 7PM PRE-CONCERT DRINKS FROM 6.30PM

CHAPEL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX

Holbrook Choral Society | Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir | The Reade Ensemble | William Saunders, Conductor | Andrew Cantrill-Fenwick, Organ Celebrity Narrator: Frazer Hines

Full: £12 | Conc: £10 | U18: FREE Available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic | 01206 573948 Sponsored by Mansion House Publishing