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Volume 8 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2018
Something for Everyone at Sproughton Community Shop
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NEWS
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I simply can’t avoid writing about words and language this month as unusual words and phrases seem to be coming at me from all directions. I have just spent a week in Ireland where ‘press’ meaning ‘cupboard’ and ‘yoke’ meaning just about everything else, including people (as in “yer man with the féasóg is a right yoke”) are common parlance, but I’ve also just finished a book by Mike Smith from The Waterboys in which he writes about many of the Irish musicians and writers he has worked with. One is a poet from Co Galway called Tomas McKeown who had a habit of running his hand over his bald head and saying “once there used to be waves, now it’s all shore”. How lovely is that? On my desk I have a word calendar which I received from one of my lovely colleagues. It introduces a new word every day. Today it’s ‘palisade’, but my favourites so far have been ‘algid’ meaning cold and ‘wiseacre’ meaning one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness, otherwise known as a smart aleck. I think we all know a wiseacre or two! And just last night a wonderful clip about strange words the Irish use popped up on Facebook. ‘Haymes’ is one we all use to describe getting something wrong, as in ‘he made a haymes of it’, particularly used at hurling matches! Another I might use more frequently is ‘banjaxed’ meaning broken or in a bad way, as you might be after a ‘night on the lash’. ‘Me feiner’ literally translates as ‘me myself’. To be called a ‘me feiner’ is the ultimate insult, meaning you have no thought for anyone but yourself, commonly used to describe politicians in Ireland. I’ll leave you with a wonderful phrase I spotted on a poster at Dublin Airport: Dance as if no one’s watching, sing as if no one’s listening, and live everyday as if it were your last.
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SPROUGHTON VILLAGE FETE – AN URGENT APPEAL FOR HELP Sproughton Village Fete has become a major attraction in the social life of our village over the past few years. This year’s fete will be on Sunday, June 24, starting as normal at noon. We urgently need more helpers to come forward to assist with both the setting up and dismantling of marquees, tables, stalls, etc. To make things a bit easier for ourselves on the Sunday morning, we’re going to put up as much tentage as we can on the Saturday afternoon, June 23. Hopefully, this will mean that more people are able to help, if only for an hour or two on either day. Please call or text me on 07578 552324 if you are willing to help in any capacity. Without the practical help and support of a few more people in the village, the future of our fete may be at risk, so please, please do your bit. We would be very grateful. Ken Seager
A PLEA FOR HOSPITALITY Some will know (only too well) that, aside from the charity work in Russia, Tony Wilcox has a friend there who teaches English to adults in evening classes in St Petersburg, and who likes to bring her students to Britain. They come in order to learn more about our country and culture, improve their English, and because they genuinely regard a visit to this country as ‘the trip of a lifetime’. She is planning a similar trip for two weeks next July; as on previous occasions. Tony has the task of finding accommodation in local households for up to a dozen young adults, in pairs. If you think you may be able to help in any way, please contact Tony: 01473 461561 / tony.wilcox@caringhandsru.org
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Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sproughton@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
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © 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 Burstall & Sproughton is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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MARCH DEADLINE
10 FEBRUARY 2018 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
SPROUGHTON MILLENNIUM GREEN TRUST Wednesday, March 14 at 7.30pm The Barley Room, Tithe Barn, Sproughton You are warmly invited to the AGM of the Sproughton Millennium Green Trust, as detailed above. AGENDA 1.
To approve the minutes of the 2017 AGM
2.
Matters arising from the 2017 AGM minutes
3.
To receive the Chairman’s Annual Report
4. To receive the Treasurer’s Annual Report and approve the accounts for the last trading year 5. Election of Directors for Sproughton Millennium Green Limited, sole trustee of the Trust 6. Any other business which has been previously notified to the Chairman 14 days before the AGM The AGM will be followed by an informal opportunity for members of the public to ask any questions about the Millennium Green, or to make suggestions for improvements to the green and its facilities. Please come along and have your say! The AGM of Sproughton Millennium Green Limited, sole trustee, will follow immediately afterwards in order to appoint officers from among the directors. Chairman Ken Seager
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NEWS IMPROVED ACCESS AT SPROUGHTON CHURCH HALL This is the press release which should have been published in the local press, but when it appeared, it looked as though Sproughton Church had a new entrance! (How many medieval churches look like green corrugated iron structures?)
complete the redevelopment of the Church Hall to improve amenities for the community. This includes more storage, updated toilet facilities and an improved entrance foyer. Michael Earey, retired churchwarden and a member of the PCC who is leading this project said: “Now that this new front extension is complete, the SUEZ Communities Trust grant has enabled us to tidy up the front aspect by extending the sloping access path to the new front entrance and adding some wide steps, all complete with hand railing. These works have improved the appearance and give safe access to this very important village amenity, for the benefit of all the users, young and old, both now and in the future.” On Tuesday, December 5, the new extension was officially opened by The Right Rev Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich. The celebration was attended by representatives of the main contractors and several of the grant aiding bodies as well as local parishioners.
Sproughton Parochial Church Council is today celebrating the news that it has received a £5,000 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust (formerly SITA Trust) for Improved Access to the Church Hall. Five years ago, a SITA Trust grant enabled the hall and kitchen to be completely refurbished. Several other grant providers have provided funding which has helped to
Pete Sessions of SUEZ Communities Trust added: “Sproughton Church Hall have been working extensively to bring their building up to date with many alterations and improvements. We are delighted to be able to help them towards their grand plan and hope that the many users enjoy the new facilities that have been created. SUEZ Communities Trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.4 billion.” In Touch has kindly printed progress reports over several months – now the redevelopment is at last complete. This was celebrated in early December when Heather and Michael Earey – pictured here with The Rev Annette Shannon and Bishop Mike Harrison – were thanked for their efforts in acquiring grants and supervising the construction and achieving such a splendid result. Heather received a lovely glass flower vase, and Michael a brass plaque which is in the new entrance foyer recording the appreciation of the whole parish. If you haven’t yet been to an event in the hall to view all the improvements and changes, please feel free to ask to look round, or come along to a Beetle Drive, a morning market on the second Saturday of the month, or Comfort Corner on the second Monday of the month (see posters).
MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR Suffolk chosen as pilot area to retain 100% of business rates The amount of money allocated to each local authority in England for the next financial year was announced on January 4 by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid. As part of the announcement, Suffolk County Council has been named as one of the pilot areas for a new government scheme to retain 100% of business rates from council tax in 2018/19. In future, business rates will be an even greater income stream for all local authorities and this is an opportunity for Suffolk to influence how it will operate in a two-tier system. Until more information is released from the department for communities and Local Government it’s impossible to say exactly how much additional income this could generate into the Suffolk system. Fully funded first-time central heating systems for Suffolk residents Suffolk’s local authorities are now able to provide fully funded central heating systems (subject to survey and conditions) to 514 fuel poor households across Suffolk over the next three years. Around four million UK households are in fuel poverty, unable to affordably heat their home to the temperature needed to stay warm and healthy. As well as being on low incomes many
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of these households are also faced with the additional burden of relying on heating systems that are inefficient and expensive to run. The local authorities working together as the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership has been successful in securing funding from the first round of the Warm Homes Fund for a project worth £4.3million. The Suffolk project is being managed by the county council, administered by Suffolk Warm Homes Healthy People based at Suffolk Coastal District Council and supported with further funding from Babergh, Mid-Suffolk, Forest Heath and Waveney District Councils plus Ipswich and St Edmundsbury Borough Councils. Alongside the first-time heating system, households will also be able to benefit from new insulation measures to make the homes more energy efficient as well as grants from the Suffolk Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Appeal where eligible. The new £150m fund was established by National Grid using part of the proceeds from the sale of the company’s majority stake in its gas distribution business. It will fund the installation of affordable heating solutions in fuel poor households which don’t use mains gas as their primary source of heat. Regards and best wishes, Christopher Hudson
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GET AWAY 2018
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NEWS
SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE thanks. We all had a great party and quiz on January 13 which we shared with Sproughton Social Club.
We hope you will forgive us for not having wished you all well last month. So, we wish you all a prosperous New Year now! I’d like to start by thanking all our volunteers who kept the shop open during the week between Christmas and the New Year. Then there was that very demanding day when the manual stocktake had to happen, followed the next day by the spring clean so that we were able to start the New Year in good clean order. On both occasions the tasks were completed with good humour and efficiency by a band of volunteers to whom we all owe a great big vote of
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Last year was not an easy year. People have been feeling the pinch and we lost a number of valued regular customers to life moves and anno domini. Management rose to the challenge and although it is early to be sure, it looks as if we shall have the privilege of paying corporation tax again this year. Other good news is that we have welcomed some new volunteers, and as we sail towards the end of our eighth year the adventure hardly seems credible. February brings two special days: Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) on February 13 and St Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, February 14. Your shop stocks all the necessary items for you to enjoy marvellous pancakes and enjoy giving flowers or chocolates to your loved ones. We shall welcome your custom and don’t forget we are always eager to welcome new volunteers! Rosalind Lavington www.sproughtoncommunityshop.co.uk / 01473 747768
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ADVERTORIAL
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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY
St Mary’s Church, Burstall
Want more Suffolk energy-from-waste facility news? You can now sign up for our twice-yearly e-newsletter. The e-newsletter is packed full of news, from how much waste we have processed to visitors we have welcomed on site. If you would like to receive these then sign up at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/suffolkefwnewsletter
COFFEE MORNING AND CAKE SALE Burstall Village Hall Saturday, February 24, 10am-noon Coffee and Cake, Raffle and Tombola, Bric-a-Brac
Paper copies of the newsletter are available on request by calling 01473 839149. If you would like to keep in touch more regularly, Suffolk energy-from-waste is now tweeting site updates and tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste. Follow us on Twitter@suffolkefw. Come and have a look around The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in February and March which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on the following days: • Tuesday, February 6, 10am-noon • Thursday, February 15, 2-4pm • Tuesday, March 20, 6-8pm There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book your place, please email suffolkefw@sita.co.uk with your preferred dates and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned. We also organise trips for interest groups and schools so get in touch if your group or class would like to come and have a look around. Recycle your electrical items Have you treated yourself to new electrical items in the January sales? Remember that here at the energy-from-waste facility we only take the rubbish that’s left over after recycling. Your old electrical items contain precious metals and must not go in your black bin, but they can be reused or recycled. If your electrical item is still working you can take it to a local charity shop or to the reuse point at your local recycling centre. You can also find a new home for these items online via sites like Freecycle, Preloved and Gumtree. If your electrical item is broken and no longer working you can recycle it at your local recycling centre. Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149. OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836 821 Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB In February the Monday group (7.30-9.30pm) will only meet on Monday 26, and the Wednesday group (10am-noon) will meet on Wednesdays 7, 21 and 28. The club will be closed on Monday 12 and Wednesday 14 for the school half-term holiday. Membership is £1 per school year and £3 per two-hour session. All meetings take place in the upstairs room of the Methodist Church. Broadband and refreshments are available. There is no set programme; our aim is to help you to get the most out of your computer. Why not give us a try?
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO From the Eastern Chronology 1931 Edition • January 8, 1918, was the coldest day for a quarter of a century. • On November 20, 1918, there was a surrender of a group of German submarines one and a half miles off Shotley. • In December 1918 a giant Handley Page aeroplane, crew of six, ascended at Martlesham en route for India. • December 14 was the first polling day for women to vote. • From the Ipswich Journal on October 24, 1730, there was an accident to a servant at Mr Edgar of Sproughton. She was under a cart lodge milking a cow when part of the lodge fell. Unfortunately she died in a few minutes. Sproughton Village Recorder D Bradbury
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB By the time you read this we will have completed our festive celebrations with our meal at The Wild Man on January 17. The only remaining meal out during the 2017/18 financial year will be on April 18 immediately before the 2018 AGM, details of which will be published in advance. At the AGM, club members will appoint a committee for the next 12 months; if you consider you can help by joining up with six other members to benefit the running of the club, please put you name forward. I regret to inform you that committee membership does not involve a salary. I look forward to seeing all of you on April 18. John Bates
Dad always gave her roses. With their help, today was no different Here for you every hour of every day
01473 858517
or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
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OUT & ABOUT SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA)
LENT SOUP LUNCHES
In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16.
Once again, you are warmly invited to Lent Soup Lunches taking place in Sproughton Church Hall during Lent. With the highly successful launch of the new North Samford Churches Toddler Group on Monday mornings, we have decided to switch the lunches to Thursdays. They will be between noon and 1.15pm, starting on Thursday, February 15, then every Thursday until March 22. On each occasion there will be a cake stall (contributions are invited), and the proceeds from this and the lunches will go to World Vision.
For full details visit: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It’s important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all its member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. As you are no doubt aware, Onslow Suffolk have finally submitted the missing information for the SnOasis Reserved Matters application. By the time you read this, the deadline of February 2 for comments will be very close. If you haven’t commented, please do so as quickly as possible – this may be our last chance to give our views. Follow this link to the application: https://tinyurl.com/yabaywx7 Once this stage is over, the council’s Planning Committee will consider the application. Whatever the outcome, the SPA will continue to monitor the progress of the application and activities at the site. We will keep the focus on the needs and concerns of residents who will be affected by whatever eventually happens with the site.
World Vision is a Christian organisation currently helping more than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries in their struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Come and enjoy a bowl of soup (home-made whenever possible) and a roll, buy a cake for your neighbour and have fellowship with others, knowing that your money is helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS Held in the village hall on the first Saturday of each month, staring on Saturday, April 7, 9am-noon. Tables are £10. If you can sew, make or crate and would like to hire a table please contact: market@belsteadvillage.co.uk / 07981 335859 Fundraising event for Belstead Village Hall.
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com
In February, weather permitting, we hope to walk on Sunday, February 11, meeting at the church at 2pm, and on February 20 we meet at 10am. Both walks will be fairly local.
SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
D Bradbury
BURSTALL WI Members of Burstall WI began the year with some friendly competition in the form of a fun quiz, organised by Jill and Steve. With rounds on food and drink, general knowledge, nature and science and people and places there was something for everyone. Competition was tight with only two points between the winners and runners-up. During the evening members also learnt about an exciting new quilt project which is being coordinated by Lesley Raby, using some beautiful ‘little house’ blocks found at a jumble sale. The programme for this year features speakers on a wide variety of topics from stained glass artistry to life in the arctic and many points in between. In February members have the chance to hear about the stories behind the building of Bury Cathedral’s Millennium Tower. In addition Burstall WI also runs a monthly book group, a craft club and offers members the chance to enjoy occasional lunches out.
AKENHAM CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, offices, windows, doors, staircases etc in any timber • Kitchen fitting service available on your own units • All interior and exterior carpentry • Competitive rates
NO VAT
Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com
Meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in Burstall Village Hall. For more details contact Ann Day: 01473 652619 / annfday@gmail.com
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen. The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
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CHURCH NEWS VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST
Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton Allotments
Sue Frankis (clerk)
01473 463852
Almshouses (Cooper Trust)
Ken Sheppard
01473 743122
Badminton Club
June Jackaman
01473 745246
Jean Mardon
01473 461568
Burial Ground
Sue Frankis (clerk)
01473 463852
Bowls Club Chairman
Mike Snell
01473 748848
Brownies
Debra Last
01473 741773
Carpet Bowls Club
Bob Jones
01473 744093
Children’s Play Area
Sue Frankis (clerk)
01473 463852
Church Hall Booking
Jill Quadling
01473 464336
Community Shop
Rosalind Lavington
01473 747768
Craft Group
Julie Hodges
01473 226004
Football Club
Mrs G Studd
01473 747017
Footpath Warden
Sue Frankis (clerk)
01473 463852
Jigsaw Pre-school
Rosemary Laflin
01473 745716
Millennium Green Trust
Ken Seager
01473 741410
07578 552324 / keseager@sky.com
Toddler Group
Annette Shannon
01473 807674
Parish Council
Sue Frankis (clerk)
01473 463852
Parish Council Chairman
Simon Curl
01473 747114
Parochial Church Council
Jan Hart (sec)
01473 740434
Playing Field Management
Damian Lavington
01473 809512
Lunch Club
Sheri Walne
01473 602717
Quilters
Julie Hodges
01473 226004
Ramblers
Doreen Bradbury
01473 210008
Reading Room and Caretaker’s
Gwen Moore
01473 740629
Senior Citizens Club
John Bates
01473 743476
Sports & Social Club
Mrs G Studd
01473 747017
Committee
House Charity
Sproughton CEVC Primary School Sharon Cashen (head) 01473 742182 Suffolk Guides
June Webb
01473 742778
Tennis Club
John Tallent
01473 402307
Tithe Barn Bookings
Sue Frankis
01473 463852
Tower Captain (church bells)
Ralph Earey
01473 743812
Tree Warden
Sue Frankis (clerk)
01473 463852
Village History Recorder
Doreen Bradbury
01473 210008
You’re invited to make an appointment at our Wherstead Park office to discuss:
Powers of Attorney
Probate Court of Protection
THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook, and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116 Friends, You were not expecting, in February, to read a piece which is chiefly about Christmas. My excuse is that the lessons, like the meaning, of Christmas are for every day. It was decided that, in Sproughton, we would run the Posada. Posada – Spanish for ‘lodging place’ or ‘inn’– is an old tradition in which young people dressed as Mary and Joseph travel from house to house asking for a room for the night in the days leading up to Christmas. In countries such as Mexico and Guatemala it was generally a nine-day event imagining the couple looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem. In recent years, the tradition has come to Britain, and often become an Advent-long tour, re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Here, knitted woollen figures of Joseph, Mary and a donkey would be taken, each day of Advent, from one ‘posada’ to another around the village, arriving at church on Christmas Eve in time for the afternoon Nativity Service. We just needed to find 23 households willing to host the figures for a night. There was also quite a bit of knitting to do as somewhere along the line a promise was made that every host would be given a little knitted sheep as a memento. Mary, Joseph and the donkey thus visited 22 households and Sproughton School, appeared in the Community Shop, attended a children’s party at the Wild Man, and duly ended their journey in church. They carried with them a notebook, in which hosts were invited – but not obliged – to write any comments, reflections, thoughts that had come to their minds, or been offered by others, in the course of Mary and Joseph’s visit. Most did. Some added photographs and drawings. People found that this little group were ‘a joy to have in our home’, providing ‘an oasis of calm’ and ‘a beacon of hope’, a reminder of ‘how precious each child is’. Keeping ‘a peaceful watch’, they spoke silently of ‘innocence, trust, simplicity and love’, provoking ‘contemplation’, ‘wonder’, ‘expectation, hope and joy’ and much thought, and inspiring ‘gratitude for our blessings’, and ‘a reminder of others’ needs’. All this, remarked one person, seemed ‘quite an achievement considering that these are knitted figures!’ Ah, but perhaps it has something to do with whom they represent. Mary and Joseph were ordinary people, but unexpectedly, God chose to enter their home and make it His, though only with their obedient welcome. He came into the ordinary, to transform it. He still does. Welcoming God into your home, or into your life, does not necessarily make for an easy time, but it does mean that peace, hope, joy, wonder, love, gratitude and so on become normal. You may have to wait another 10 months to take part in Posada, but you don’t have to wait at all to welcome the Son of God into heart and home. “O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for thee”. Tony Wilcox
Our out of town Ipswich location is very convenient for parking and has Contact us for an appointment today: excellent disabled access.
North Samford Churches Baby and Toddler Group Monday morning in term time at Sproughton Church Hall, 9.30-11.30am. Toys, interactive story, songs, drinks and healthy snack. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome with a parent, grandparent or carer. Suggested donation £2 per family. Leader: The Rev Annette Shannon, 01473 807674
www.ellisonssolicitors.com enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ 01473 556 900
Lent Soup Lunches: February 15 is the first of six lunches on Thursdays at Sproughton Church Hall at noon
Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336
Women’s World Day of Prayer: Burstall Church on Friday, March 2, 7pm
Wills
* We also offer a range of other services
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CHURCH NEWS FROM THE REGISTERS
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE
Funerals Arthur Reason, Tattingstone
FEBRUARY 4 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am
Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion
FEBRUARY 11 9.30am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm
Sproughton Burstall Copdock Bentley Tattingstone
Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong
FEBRUARY 14 7.30pm
Ash Wednesday Tattingstone
Holy Communion
FEBRUARY 18 9.30am 10am 10am 11am 6am
Burstall Copdock Bentley Sproughton Tattingstone
Holy Communion Simply Sunday Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion
FEBRUARY 25 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 3pm 11am
Sproughton Burstall Bentley Copdock Belstead Tattingstone Sproughton
Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Celebration Family & Friends Family & Friends
MARCH 2 7pm
Friday Burstall
Women’s World Day of Prayer
MARCH 4 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am
Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion
MARCH 1 9.30am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm
Sproughton Burstall Copdock Bentley Tattingstone
Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong
FEBRUARY 1 Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am 3 Copdock Morning Market, 10am Benefice Wedding Preparation Day, Bentley Village Hall, 10am 4 Bentley Candlemas 7 Joint PCC meeting at Sproughton School, 7.30pm Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers 10 Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am 12 Bentley PCC and Adoption of Accounts Comfort Corner, Sproughton Church Hall, 1.30pm 14 Bentley Mothers Prayers 15 First of Six Lent Soup Lunches on Thursdays at noon, Sproughton Church Hall 17 Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm 20 Copdock PCC and Adoption of Accounts, 7.30pm 21 Burstall PCC and Adoption of Accounts Copdock Home Communions, 10am Burstall Lent Course, 2.30pm Bentley Lent Course, 7.30pm 24 Burstall Coffee Morning and Cake Sale, 10am 28 Burstall Lent Course, 2.30pm Bentley Lent Course, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Tattingstone PCC meeting MARCH 1 2 3 7 10 13 14 18 20 21 24 28
Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Burstall Women’s World Day of Prayer, 7pm Copdock Morning Market, 10am Burstall Lent Course, 2.30pm Bentley Lent Course, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Ministry Meeting Sproughton Church Hall, noon Burstall Lent Course, 2.30pm Bentley Lent Course, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Bentley Approval of Accounts Belstead APCM Burstall Lent Course, 2.30pm Bentley Lent Course, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Tattingstone PCC Copdock Home Communions, 10am Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
Please submit church letters and copy for the March edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by February 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
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CHURCH NEWS / SCHOOLS SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL
Life Explored @ The Duke
Hard to believe we are nearly half way through the first half of spring term. The children have been enjoying their time again with lots of crafts and managing to get outside to play as well, even if they have been wrapped up well to do it!
We all want to be happy. Why is lasting happiness so hard to find? Life Explored is an exposé of the little gods that promise us so much happiness, yet deliver so little. Life Explored is a seven session series featuring a combination of short films – shot around the world – and Bible interaction. As it explores the Bible story, Life Explored shows how our deepest desires for happiness can only be satisfied in one person, Jesus Christ. The best gift God can give us is himself. For Life Explored sessions we will be meeting on Thursday evenings in the Marlborough suite at The Duke from 7.45-8.45pm. If you want to make a night of it, why not join us just before we start the sessions for food at 7pm (chilli £5)? Session 1 in January was The Good God, but if you missed it you can catch up online. The remaining sessions are: February 1: February 8: February 15: February 22: March 1: March 8:
The Trustworthy God The Generous God The Liberating God The Fulfilling God The Life-Giving God The Joyful God
Our regular Sunday meetings of Worship and Fellowship: 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion on the second Sunday) 11.30-12.30pm: Worship Service Refreshments are served between meetings; come when you can and leave when you want. Weekdays at the Chapel Lunch and Listen: Thursdays, February 1 and March 1, noon Friends and Neighbours: Monday, February 19, 7.45pm CONTACTS Mark Newcombe (Pastor) 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew, 01473 658100 Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE ‘Like’ us on Facebook: Somersham Baptist Church Suffolk
SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB Now that all of the Christmas and New Year festivities are done and dusted, thoughts are returning to the upcoming outdoor bowls season. Here at Sproughton Bowls Club the hard work continues behind the scenes to have everything ready in time for the green opening on April 21. Ray Ruffles and the team have spent a lot of time over the winter repairing the edges of the green among other things, and it’s already looking to be in great shape. The clubhouse is also receiving a spruce up from Michael Burch so all coming together nicely. Following the opening weekend, we have friendlies booked against Copdock & Washbrook (April 24), Woodbridge (April 25) and East Bergholt (April 26) before the league season gets underway. We are also honoured to have been asked to host several area and county semi-finals and finals at the end of June and early in July which is a testament to the quality of the playing surface, again all down to the hard work of the greens team. For information about our club and competition dates visit: www.sproughtonbowlsclub.com
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As we are now open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. The next bookings are for February half term (Monday 12 to Friday 16) and the Easter Holidays (Tuesday 3 to Monday, April 16 inclusive). Please contact the administration assistant for more details. Don’t forget that from September 2017 the government are introducing an additional 15 hours funding for working parents of three and four year olds. This means that parents who both earn the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage (£115.20 per week) or more per week and less that £100,000 per year (or just one carer if a single parent) will be eligible to claim up to 30 hours of funding. You can register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible and also register for the Government Childcare Vouchers Scheme. If you are using the 30 hours you must provide your 30 hour code (given once registered) to use and your National Insurance Number. Once we have checked these details you can book sessions (subject to availability) for the following term. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL The spring term has started with a flurry of activity, especially our Year 11 students who are already undertaking more internal exams in preparation for the real thing in the summer. They have also been completing coursework and practical assessments in a range of subjects including music, drama, art, PE, DT, computing science, business studies, health and social care and leisure and tourism. It can be a stressful time, but lots of support is offered especially in the form of afterschool revision sessions. Later this month we are taking them on a Revision Bootcamp on Mersea Island in Essex. As well as learning some useful revision strategies they will attempt some challenging physical activities including high ropes and a climbing wall to prove to themselves that if they have a go – they will succeed! Hopefully in addition to returning home cold, tired and muddy they will feel more confident moving towards their exam season. Year 9 are just starting out on their GCSE journey and made their choices of which subjects to study at our options evening. We offer a lot of career guidance throughout the school and it is always exciting to hear of their dreams and aspirations for their future careers. Elsewhere in school the Readathon has proved very popular with students in Years 7-9 reading thousands of pages and hundreds of books and sharing reviews of what they have enjoyed. Reading is a lovely pastime and developing it as a lifelong habit is an excellent one to establish; research shows the more young people read the better their writing becomes and they are more likely to be successful across all GCSE subjects. In addition it is a relaxing hobby and the students who have also raised money to provide books for sick children in hospital have supported an excellent cause. Thank you to anyone who has supported our students with sponsorship. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, then please come along to one of our open mornings. The date of the next one is Monday, February 26. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders to book a place: 01473 836110 The term will remain busy into March and as we move towards some lighter evenings I hope everyone enjoys the arrival of signs of spring. Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor
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www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
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