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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham
Honest mum, it wasn’t me! by Caroline Wolton
Volume 8 • Issue No. 5 • APRIL 2018
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Some years ago I was invited to take part in a ‘Grumpy Women’ segment on Radio Suffolk. Each guest was asked to choose one topic, a task I set about with relish. When I met my fellow grumpy women in the green room before the show we chatted about how difficult it had been to choose. I was embarrassed to discover that while they had struggled to find a topic, I had struggled to select from a rather long list. I’d chosen people who eat from noisy packaging at the theatre or in the cinema, but the shortlist had included people who interrupt all the time, rude drivers who don’t acknowledge when you give way, the pseudoscience used to sell skin creams and cosmetics (just what is a free radical?), people who spit in the street… When I told my husband about the green room conversation he howled with laughter, until he noticed my silence. “Well you’re hardly surprised are you,” he said. “I’ve never known anyone who gets so easily annoyed about small things.” I’m sure you can imagine how that conversation went, but I’m making no apology for my grumpiness, though I prefer to see it as sensitivity! Of course this conversation took place at least 10 years ago and I think I’ve become a nicer person since I started working at In Touch. It’s impossible to be angry and judgemental when I’m constantly reminded of the good in people. Every month I hear from people who are raising funds for charity, organising local events (a significant and often thankless undertaking), setting up or leading support groups, promoting social opportunities for people who are otherwise isolated… the list goes on. We are so fortunate to live in a society where people care, where they look out for each other and give their time to make local communities stronger. The least the rest of us can do is turn up. Of course locally owned businesses are the beating heart of every strong local community, often supporting local causes, investing in the local economy and creating local jobs. Support each other and together we can look forward to a ‘grump free’ future!
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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham
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: westerfield@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. © 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 Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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MAY DEADLINE 10 APRIL 2018
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS
Local people can now sign up to the new Garden Waste Collection Scheme being provided by Suffolk Coastal District Council. Suffolk Coastal District Council is introducing a £43 a year charge for collecting garden waste this financial year (2018/19).The scheme is optional, with the first paid-for collections scheduled to start from the beginning of May 2018. It’s quick and easy to sign up, either: Go online at: my.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/MyServices. You will need to register or login to your My Eastsuffolk account and then complete the form for garden waste. Call Customer Services on 01394 383789 and choose option ‘0’. Or, pop in to see our customer service staff in the Customer Service Centre in Felixstowe and Woodbridge Libraries You will need a debit or credit card to pay. The fee for one bin is £43 for a year (the equivalent of paying about £1.65 per fortnightly collection). You can place your order now and don’t forget to say ‘YES’ to the upgrade.
1st WESTERFIELD SCOUTS CHRISTMAS POST Over 111,000 Christmas cards were delivered by Scouts across Ipswich, Felixstowe and surrounding villages in December 2017. Within Westerfield, Henley, Tuddenham and Witnesham we collected over 3,800 cards and delivered over 1,200. In total we raised over £600. We’d like to thank everyone who hosted a post box and helped make 2017 such a successful year! Ipswich Sports Club, Henley Road; The Railway Inn, Westerfield; Christchurch Vets and Referrals; Fynn Valley Golf Club, Witnesham; The Swan Inn, Westerfield; The Fountain, Tuddenham; Henley Community Centre; The Greyhound, Ipswich; Swiss Farm, Ashbocking; The Barley Mow, Witnesham; Kerseys Solicitors, Ipswich; Tuddenham Tea Rooms; Witnesham, Westerfield and Tuddenham Churches
ASHBOCKING NEWS I’m sure we’ve all had enough snow and are awaiting some positive signs of spring. One activity I always associate with spring is the planting of vegetable seeds. As we have our third Ashbocking Produce, Arts and Craft Show on September 1 this year, I know we will all be planning our entries. The full schedule appears on page 14, and rest assured, if you have grown it, you can enter it! For all our photographers, animals, pets and nature all feature this year as do Christmas crafts and patchwork. Any questions please contact Liz Stegman: 01473 785592
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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NEWS THE GREAT EXHIBITION OF WITNESHAM 1851 Just to remind you all that the next performance by the Barley Players takes place from May 4-6 at Manor Farm, Church Lane in the Le Panto Theatre, Witnesham. If you are coming by car then parking will be in the car park of the village hall where there will be people to escort you to the theatre. If you haven’t been before, it’s a 100-yard walk. If you have any disability problems then you can be dropped outside the theatre entrance. Please let the ushers know when you arrive. The play will raise money for EACH and we hope to provide a raffle along with refreshments and programmes. The cost of entry will be £6 for adults and £4 for children. The play is suitable for all ages. We do hope you can come as productions like this depend on local support. The set reproduces the inside of the Barley Mow in 1851 and involves actual characters who were around at the time. We have researched as much as possible to capture the moment. Around this time saw the creation of parish councils who were for the first time instructed to hold their meetings in public places. Other than the church, The Barley Mow was one of only a few public places available at the time. However, what happens when the newly formed parish council fail to check that on the night of their first meeting the pub will be holding their regular quiz night packed with locals in the saloon bar? Come along for a fun evening and support this local production. PERFORMANCES: Friday, May 4 at 7.45pm; Saturday, May 5 at 7.45pm; Sunday, May 6 at 6pm. Please ring 01473 785707 to book so not to be disappointed. Steve Henley
WESTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL VILLAGE LITTER PICK Saturday, April 14 Meeting at the village hall at 10.30am Join the campaign to clean up our countryside Take a pride in our village
WALKERS IN SUFFOLK ASKED TO UNITE AGAINST PARKINSON’S Suffolk residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham on Sunday, June 10. The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018. Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure. There are longer and shorter distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone. At Glemham Hall distances include a 1.5-mile, 3.5mile and 5.5-mile walk to choose from. Last year, 180 people took part in the walk at Glemham Hall to raise £17,000 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year. Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved. He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. Exercise can be really beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s. It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms. “So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinson’s.” The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal. As the charity is hoping to raise over £500,000 from the 37 events it suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50. All the money raised from the event will fund research to help to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s.
All equipment provided Litter picks, gloves, high visibility vests and collection sacks will be available on the day Further details from Yvonne Maynard 01473 226709 / yvonne.maynard@btinternet.com
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Parkinson’s UK is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area, or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day. To find out more, or to sign up to walk or volunteer at the event, call 02079 639367, email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall
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Woodland & Wonder Come and experience Learning@Woodbridge at our woodland themed, interactive Open Morning. Pre-booking is essential. To book a place, or for more information, please contact Mrs Karen Virr.
OPEN MORNING QUEEN’S HOUSE & THE ABBEY Saturday 28 April 10am - 12.30pm
Telephone: 01394 382673 Email: kvirr@woodbridgeschool.org.uk www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk
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NEWS A BRIEF LOOK AT EVENTS IN WITNESHAM IN 2017 (PART 1) Parish Council It can be reported that the present council consists of 12 members, 10 from Witnesham and two from Swilland. They are chaired by Mr Chris Rush. The first meeting of the year took place on January 18 where the main discussion points were continued concerns regarding speeding and the new 40mph limit in place at the Ashbocking crossroads. Also there was mention of the B1078 Gibraltar Crossroads (which is pretty well mentioned at every following parish council meeting throughout the year) which is generally accepted as a far more dangerous spot than the one at Ashbocking. This still remains unresolved. Flooding was also on the agenda along with blocked drains which still remain a problem, although it is fair to say that it’s not just a problem for Witnesham. Nor are pot holes which again have pretty well dominated public concern on our roads. In later meetings the work being carried out on the underground cable ducts came to prominence. These are to take the offshore wind farm energy from Bawdsey to Bramford to join the National Grid. This could also have been a contributory factor to the problems of water lying and running down our roads, in particular the B1077. Footpaths were frequently discussed with new signs asking people to clean up after their dogs, also the money spent on keeping the pavements safe and problems of overhanging shrubs and surfaces becoming unsafe. The police and crime involvement concerns mainly break-ins to garden sheds, anti-social behaviour and speeding, although there has been concern expressed by the council for more detailed crime reports. I can report in more detail later after making my own investigations and enquiries. Money was spent on keeping the recreation ground in good condition as well as looking at providing more equipment. There have been a number of resignations on the committee during the year, but also some new recruits. It was goodbye with thanks for their past efforts to Anne Camp and Anthony Darrel Brown. Paul Madge also resigned due to a change in work circumstances. However, it was hello to Sarah Bailey, the previous clerk, and Matt Johnson. The accounts are in pretty good shape. At the beginning of the year the total stood at £24,747.88 and at the close of the year it stood at £30,510.23. The council should be congratulated on this as much of last year’s costs were paid for by grants which they had obtained. The precept was increased for the forthcoming year, but this is due to the increase in the number of houses and in true terms will be the same per household as last year. The Talitha Koum facility was formally announced as being up and running in November, although in early 2018 it was announced that in fact the facility would not go ahead as planned (see below). The planning committee were busy with ongoing issues and new applications, the main construction area in 2017 being the building on Jacks Field with six new houses due for completion in 2018. There was a proposal for 11 new houses on the plot on Mow Hill and 15 dwellings on the sawmill site. Seven new houses were completed and I believe now being resided in at Chestnut Rise, hopefully supplying the Barley Mow with some new customers. There was also, and I believe still are, issues with Homelands, a site being used for a number of activities which cause major nuisance to local neighbours. Regarding speeding, there has been a number of discussions regarding speeding signs and general dangers throughout the village. There was a rather nasty accident on Upper Street involving damage to vehicles and property. Recommendations were suggested to residents about the danger of parking on the road in poorly lit areas. One suggestion included speed limits being shown on wheelie bins, a method already in use in Otley. The community council folded and funds held in the account were transferred to the Village Hall Committee (village show), both chaired by Mr Elmy. The allotments are all being used at an annual cost of £10 per plot. The telephone boxes which are now used for book swapping and hanging flowers were a matter of concern as far as their maintenance was concerned. Repainting and a general tidy up was proposed. Extra grit bins were ordered. It was agreed to increase the parish clerk’s hours from five to six per week An interesting forethought was discussed in conjunction with representations of the churches of Witnesham and Swilland regarding the villages’ actions in the event of the death of either the Queen or Prince Phillip.
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Apparently someone had drawn to the attention of the PC the dangers of the peacocks walking around between Church Lane and Burwash. Personally I find them rather a delightful sight although some neighbours may have a rather early wake-up call at times. So what can I comment on the recording of all these events dealt with in the main by the parish council. They are doing a very good job and putting a lot of effort into speeding, road and paving conditions, play areas and grants. They face an uphill continuing struggle with pot holes and running water and I wish them luck. One thing I have noticed is that in some cases when a member is unable to attend no report. This is a pity as it means that no discussions or updates are given, perhaps something that can be addressed. Community Group Sadly the community council has folded. It is with extra sadness that I have to report this as I was given the task while on the parish council to get it up and running, which I did. The value of a community council cannot be stressed enough. It takes the responsibility, although hopefully not support, away from the parish council, and should be the link for all activities within the village supplying both support in numbers and financially for all the various groups. Without this many will struggle. Let’s hope that it can be reborn sometime in the future. Village Hall The village hall provides facilities for local people to carry out various functions and in the main is well used. The cost of running the hall is not included in the precept and grants are obtained through the parish council. Revenue is obtained by hiring to outside activities at a cost of £38.50 per session. Local clubs and organisers pay £22 per session. Talitha Koum As mentioned earlier the news we were originally given was that everything was proceeding nicely, but it is now my understanding that the original project has been abandoned. Quote: ’draw a line and explore other ways to use our resources’. However, there have been continuous fundraising activities over the years resulting in hundreds of thousands of pounds being raised. As this was a project fully supported by the parish council the money raised through various charity events and spent on what now appears to be an abandoned project must, in due course, be fully accounted for and explained by Talitha Koum to enable the parish council to report back. Village Voices Well they still blossom with new members and performances. I had the pleasure of attending one such performance in July after the opening of the church following the repairs and alterations. It was truly remarkable and many congratulations to all concerned, especially to Mr and Mrs Laughlin for all their efforts, guidance and talent. They meet at the Baptist church on the first and third of each month. A cabaret night event took place on December 2 to raise money for Lighthouse Women’s Aid. Barley Mow The Barley Mow continues in its efforts to be the centre of the village, but I have to report it does need all our support to keep it a viable proposition. Les again put on various functions throughout the year including his regular bingo and quiz nights. The firework display was again a major success; there must have been in the region of 150 people in attendance. I understand that Les did manage to break even this year which would have been helped by the bucket collection. I’m not sure whether it had any financial support via the parish council or not, hopefully it did, but it is another area which needs to be supported by a group such as a community council. The pub received a very good rating (5/5) for Food Hygiene in October The Barley Players No performance in 2017, but it was announced in late 2017 that a new performance would take place in 2018. The one act play will be The Great Exhibition of Witnesham 1851 and will again take pace in the Le Panto Theatre, Manor Farm, Church Lane, the home of Mr and Mrs Burrows. The play is acted by local people for local people and is set around the activities in the village. The play will take place from May 4-6. Village Recorder and Historian Steve Henley, April 2018 Part 2 of Steve’s report will be published in the May edition.
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OUT & ABOUT WITNESHAM AND SWILLAND VILLAGE SHOW scHeDULE It’s that time of the year again when we are starting to prepare for your Witnesham and Swilland Village Show 2018 which takes place on Saturday, July 14. Here is your first preview of this year’s schedule so you have plenty of time to start your preparations. Families please note the NEW class 80 for you to all work together. VEGETABLE SECTION 1 5 Broad Bean Pods 2 5 Beans – Runner or Dwarf 3 3 Beetroot with 3” foliage 4 1 Cabbage with outer leaves trimmed 5 3 Carrots with 3” foliage 6 3 Courgettes 7 5 Pods of Peas 8 3 Potatoes – any variety 9 3 Shallots – with 3” tops turned and tied 10 3 Sticks of Rhubarb – with leaves trimmed to 3” 11 Box of any 5 vegetables (1 of each vegetable) 12 An ugly vegetable (any sort) SALAD SECTION 13 1 Cucumber 14 1 Lettuce - any variety, outer leaves trimmed 15 3 Radishes with 3” foliage 16 3 Spring onions – with roots trimmed 17 3 Tomatoes – with short stalks 18 Box of any 3 salad items (1 of each item) FRUIT SECTION 19 3 strings of Currants 20 6 Gooseberries 21 6 Raspberries – with stalks 22 6 Strawberries – with stalks FLOWER SECTION 23 Roses – 1 stem of 3 varieties in your own vase 24 1 single rose in your own vase 25 Vase of Annuals - 2 each of 3 varieties 26 Vase of Perennials - 2 each of 3 varieties 27 Vase of Sweet Peas - 2 each of 3 colours 28 Vase of 3 stems of Pinks or Carnations 29 Vase of Herbs – 3 varieties, 1 stem of each 30 Vase of Pansies or Violas – 3 blooms 31 1 single stem of delphinium in your own vase 32 A single flower stem to be judged for its fragrance 33 A perfect but lonely flower in a vase 34 1 Hosta leaf – displayed in a vase 35 A pot plant for foliage – 20cms or 8” max. pot 36 A flowering Pot Plant – 20cms or 8” max. pot 37 A Tuberous Begonia – 20cms or 8” max. pot FLOWER ARRANGING 38 A container of floating flower heads – 20cms or 8” max size 39 A flower arrangement in a wine glass 40 A jug of flowers for the kitchen table 41 A flower arrangement in a basket not to exceed 25cms or 10” in any direction 42 A buttonhole for a lady or gentleman COOKERY 43 Victoria sponge – using 3 eggs, can be filled with jam and butter cream and the top dusted with caster sugar
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44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58
Scones of your choice – 3 on a plate Loaf of bread hand made using yeast Loaf of bread made using a bread maker A cake of your choice made using vegetables e.g. carrot or courgette Sausage Rolls either meat or vegetarian – 6 on a plate A Lemon Drizzle Cake, may be round or loaf shape – LADIES ONLY A Lemon Drizzle Cake, may be round or loaf shape – MEN ONLY Jar of Jam Jar of Jelly Jar of Marmalade Jar of Lemon Curd Jar of Honey Jar of Chutney 3 home produced eggs (brown or white) DISASTER: any disasters from classes 43-50 above. Can be entered on the day.
HANDICRAFTS 59 An article of Knitting or Crochet 60 An article of Cross Stitch or Tapestry – max 45cms x 45cms,18” x 18” 61 A handmade string of bunting for a celebration ready for hanging – max. length 2 metres 62 An unframed, unmounted photograph featuring Bees, Butterflies or Bugs 63 An unframed, unmounted photograph featuring bicycles 64 An unframed, unmounted photo of a local scene within 5 miles of Witnesham or Swilland All photos max size 20cms x 15cms or 8” x 6” 65 A handmade Christmas card max. 8” x 6”, 20cms x 15cms. 66 A handmade item of jewellery. 67 A piece of artwork using your own choice of subject and media. Max size 40cms x 25cms / 16” x 10” 64 A Computer Generated design suitable for use as gift wrapping – A4 65 A Dream Catcher – your own design and own choice of media 66 A decorative item made of feathers 67 A handmade rabbit using any medium – max. height 25cms, 10” CHILDREN’S SECTION Under 5s 68 An animal made from play dough 69 A necklace made from pasta 70 Bling up your wellie boots 71 A jam jar of garden flowers Ages 5-7 72 Decorate a CD as a bird scarer 73 4 pieces of chocolate covered fruit – to be judged on presentation 74 Bling up your Wellie Boots 75 Make a caterpillar out of a vegetable Ages 8-11 76 Decorate a paper plate to look like Ed Sheeran 77 4 pieces of chocolate covered fruit – to be judged on presentation 78 Bling up your wellie boots 79 Design a poster featuring your super hero NEW – FAMILY CLASS 80 Work together as a family to design a quirky bird box, a bird feeder or a bug box Good luck to everyone. See you all on Saturday, July 14.
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OUT & ABOUT WESTERFIELD CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING Art Class A weekly class for newcomers and improvers. To book a place or for more information contact Lisa Ann Puhlhofer: 01473 878734 / 07834 280287 Westerfield Bowls Club The club has more than 50 members who enjoy playing outdoors from April through to the end of September. Our teams compete in local leagues as well as playing friendly games against other clubs. For further information contact Tony Baker: 01473 411347 Village Coffee Mornings Coffee mornings are held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome. Westerfield & District Gardening Club Meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm. April 4: Garden Bugs & Beasties by garden designer and BBC gardening advisor Claire Whiting, May 2: Rethinking your Garden by garden designer Andrew Sankey Everyone is welcome. For further details contact Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 251843). Beavers, Cubs & Scouts The 1st Westerfield Scout Group was founded in 1955. Using the village hall as its headquarters the group consists of: Beaver Colony Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm Boys and girls, 6-8 years old Beaver Leader: Jenny Kent, 01473 218501 / jennyk.kent1@gmail.com Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years Cub Leader: Joan Gibson, 01473 785510 / gibsonjoan785@gmail.com Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years. Scout Leader: Peter Runnacles, 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com If your child is interested in joining us please use the contact form on our website from where your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate leader: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk
Events take place in the village hall unless indicated otherwise Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 01473 785798. It is always advisable to check availability with Anne. Parish Clerk: Mr Steve Barron 07719 176917 / swill-witpc@outlook.com Anne or the parish clerk can arrange between them to put notices on the noticeboards. WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm • Drop-in Café at Witnesham Baptist church, 2-4pm • Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Mr Peter Elmy: 785754 Thursdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Carpet Bowls from 2pm • Tai Chi Classes from 5.45pm. A new beginner’s class will start on April 5. Others follow on afterwards. Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Fridays • Mums and Toddlers Group In Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Jean Pearson: 785478 • Pilates Class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Regular Sewing Classes: please contact Mrs Kim Shaw for details: 01473 785678 EVENTS IN APRIL Thursday 5: Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm. Contact Christine Laughlin for details: 785138 Sunday 8: Easter Egg Hunt at Witnesham Area Pre-School, 11.30am-2pm. There will be cakes, crafts and games, also a BBQ, tea and coffee. Please book in advance. £2.50 per child, all ages welcome. Wednesday 11: WI meets for its 70th birthday party at 7pm
Westerfield WI Lively meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the village hall, with different speakers on a variety of topics. The membership is 42 at present. April 12: Eric Punaks on Comic Verse / Competition: Make an Easter Card May 10: Birthday Party / Competition: The Letter P New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Janet Phillimore on 01473 415749.
Thursday 12: Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.15-12.35pm
Pilates Classes in the village hall on Mondays from 10.30-11.45am. Beginners welcome, equipment provided. Contact Kat: katspilates@live.com / 07804 909083
Monday 23: Ashbocking Annual Parish Meeting at SWT HQ, 7.30pm
Chi Kung Classes at Westerfield Village Hall on Tuesdays from 2.15-4pm and Thursdays from 7.15-9pm. Cost £12 per class, suitable for all ages. Contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Westerfield Village Hall, on Thursdays from 9.40-11am. British Wheel of Yoga qualified and experienced teacher. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches and relaxation suitable for all. Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 / www.still-yoga.co.uk Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability of the village hall. For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk
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Wednesday 18: Swilland and Witnesham Annual Parish Meeting, 7.30pm Thursday 19: Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.5010.20am), the Moon & Mushroom, Swilland (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am) Thursday 19: Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm
Saturday 28: Soup and Pudding Lunch with all food prepared by the local WI members. This is open to everyone at £6 per person from noon. Monday 30: Ashbocking Parish Council’s AGM at SWT HQ at 7.30pm FUTURE DATES May 4-6: The Great Exhibition of 1851 – performed by The Barley Players at Manor Farm, Witnesham. Further details on page 4. June 16: Witnesham St Mary’s Fete June 29-31: Ashbocking Parish Church Flower Festival June 29: Cheese and Wine evening in Ashbocking Church July 14: Swilland and Witnesham Village Show September 1: Ashbocking Produce, Arts and Craft Show
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY
SOUP AND PUDDING LUNCH AT WITNESHAM VILLAGE HALL From noon on Saturday, April 28 Bring along family and friends for a £6 lunch. Homemade soups and puddings, all produced locally by WI members
Our last two meetings have been very interesting and diverse. Ray How displayed and talked about Irish Airmail, but some of this spent little time in the air! Mike Birt gave an impressive display of stamps, covers and memorabilia all associated with the iconic Concorde, some signed by the pilots. April will be a very busy month as we have two major events in just 10 days. First we have our annual auction with approximately 500 lots on Wednesday, April 4. This will be held in Cedarwood Primary School, where we hold all our meetings, with viewing from 4pm and the auction starting at 6.45pm sharp. Non-members welcome as usual.
BARHAM HALL OPEN AIR CONCERT
Then on Saturday, April 14 we have organised a stamp fair open to all who would like to buy or sell stamps or postcards. We have invited 12 dealers who between them specialise in almost every aspect of the hobby. Entrance is free and refreshments will be available.
Claydon & Barham Church presents an eleventh Open-Air Concert in the gardens of Barham Hall by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Burrows with music by the Essential Sounds 18-piece big band and Pete Wayre on Saturday, July 7.
This will be held at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Kesgrave IP5 1JF, 10am-4pm. All welcome. Finally, on April 18 we will be back to our normal meetings when Ed Hitchings will display some highlights from his collection.
Open from 5.30pm for garden viewing, music from 7-10pm, ending with a Last Night of the Proms type session.
Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm, visitors welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com
Essential Sounds is an East Anglian based modern big band line up of 18 experienced musicians and top quality singers in the style of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble. Pete Wayre is a renowned and award winning vocalist who is one of the leading names on the 1940s event circuit.
MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE
Admission strictly by ticket, number limited to 450. Bring your own picnic, drink and seats/blankets. Early bird ticket price £11, full price £14 after May 31 if any remain. Cheques payable to Claydon & Barham PCC to be sent with stamped self-addressed envelope to Roger Colthorpe, 5 Phillipps Road, Barham IP6 0AZ. Contact for queries: rogercolthorpe@aol.com / 01473 831079
SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE WELCOMES POET HELEN MORT Helen Mort is a multi-award winning British poet. She is five-time winner of the Foyle Young Poets award, received an Eric Gregory award from The Society of Authors and won the Manchester Poet Young Writer Prize in 2008. She was the Derbyshire Poet Laureate from 2013 to 2015 and has won many more poetry prizes. Her latest collection, No Map Could Show Them, is filled to the brim with poetry inspired by Mort’s two passions: mountaineering and running. Helen will be appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Thursday, April 5. This is the Book League’s AGM event. Doors open at 6.30pm, the AGM starts at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members free, non-members (welcome after the AGM) £8. Students (also welcome after the AGM) are free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door, seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Cash payment required on arrival (sorry no cards accepted). Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.
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On Bank Holiday Monday, May 7 the village of Mendlesham will be holding its 38th annual Street Fayre. The fayre will start at noon with a procession of May Princess and the May Queen accompanied by Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band. Old Market Street will be closed to traffic and full of stalls selling crafts, bric-a-brac, plants, jewellery and tickets for our grand draw. Throughout the afternoon there will be live music on stage from the The Emmatones, Suffolk School of Samba with dancers, dancing from East Suffolk Morris Men, clog dancing from the Haughley Hoofers and the Tricky Twister to entertain the children. Visit Wings Elite Birds of Prey, the craft fayre in the community hall and the famous armoury in St Mary’s Church will be open. This year The Mix in Stowmarket will be bringing their portable skate park for you to try with instruction for children and adults. You will find plenty of refreshments including a hog roast, hot dogs, teas, sandwiches and cakes, all provided by village charities. Not forgetting the bygone farm machinery. Entry is by £3 programme for adults with under-16s free and a free car park. To book a space in the street contact Angela on 01473 766483 (no food outlets needed). The event is run by Mendlesham Community Council and the money raised each year goes to help support village charities, the school and the community.
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OUT & ABOUT 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. Our next meeting is on April 17 when John Field will be talking on the historic buildings of Ipswich. John will be aiming to create greater awareness of the many buildings and features of national importance within the town. He will review over one hundred buildings and features, explaining their historical and architectural importance. Many of the town’s listed buildings, churches mansions, parks and halls will be included. A must for those who love our county town. On May 15 Peter Lawrence will talk on stately homes in England, explaining how they reflect the power, wealth and influence of their owners. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at 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
OTLEY & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB 2017/18 Patron: Matthew Tanton-Brown We meet at 7.30pm on the first Monday of the month at Otley Village Hall, Chapel Road, Otley. Monday, April 9: AGM / Propagation – Seeds and Cuttings with Ann Tweddle Saturday, May 5: Open Plant Sale, 10.30am Monday, May 7: Over the Garden Wall with Nick Dobson Compare gardening notes over tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome – join up or just come along. Admission is £1.50 for members, £4 for non-members and the annual membership is £10. To find out more, contact Alan Trevelyan (01473 890563) or Isabel Lincoln (01473 890826).
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB On February 22 local demonstrator Alan Smith presented Winter Creations. The meeting certainly lived up to expectations; Alan always gives us a very enjoyable evening and this was no exception. On March 22 we will be having an Easter Workshop tutored by Ann Marjorum instead of a demonstrator and we hope to have a full membership taking part. Visitors are welcome, but please contact the secretary for full details of the items you would need to bring to take part. The Orwell Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstrations start at 7.15pm, but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and to buy raffle tickets for the arrangement created in the demonstration. Yearly subscriptions are due at the AGM in April; they are £40 and visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
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OUT & ABOUT
ASHBOCKING PRODUCE, ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW SCHEDULE Saturday, September 1, 2pm at Manor Farm, Ashbocking ADULTS
40. A bottle of homebrew liqueur
Vegetable Category 1. Runner Beans – 5
41. A loaf of bread handmade using yeast
2.
Beetroot – 3 (with 8cm/3” foliage/stem)
3.
Carrots – 3 (with 8cm/3” foliage/stem)
4.
Courgettes – 3
Arts & Crafts Category 43. An unframed photograph of an industrial or agricultural scene (max. A4 size/21cm x 29.7cm)
5.
Dwarf French Beans - 5
6.
Marrow -1
7.
Onions - 3
8.
Potatoes – 3 (any variety)
9.
Shallots – 3
10. Sweetcorn - 1 11. Box of any 5 vegetables (1 of each vegetable-box base A4 max size) 12. Any vegetable not already specified Fruit Category 13. Eating Apples – 3 14. Cooking Apples – 3 15. Rhubarb – 3 sticks 16. Pears – 3 17. Plums – 3 Salad Category 18. Chilli Peppers - 3 19. Cucumber – 1 (indoor type) 20. Radishes – 3 (with 8cm/3” foliage) 21. Tomatoes – 3 (with stalks) 22. Box of any 3 salad items (1 of each item) 23. Pepper – 1 Flower Category 24. 1 single Rose in your own vase 25. Vase of Herbs – 3 varieties (1 stem of each) 26. Pot plant for foliage (max. diameter 8”)
44. An unframed photograph of a pet or any animal (max. A4 size/21cm x 29.7cm) 45. A drawing or painting of the outdoors/nature (any media, max. A4 size/ 21cm x 29.7cm) 46. An article of knitting or crochet or embroidery or patchwork 47. An article of cross-stitch or tapestry (max. 50cm x 50cm) 48. A model – kit form (any material) 49. A model – not kit form (any material) 50. A homemade Christmas decoration, any material 51. A Handmade item not already specified CHILDREN Category for under 6 year olds (age at September 1, 2016) 52. 6 different tree leaves arranged on a plate 53. A jam jar of garden flowers 54. A painted pebble – own design (any media) 55. A decorated hard-boiled egg in an eggcup (any media – decoration only to be judged) Category for 6-10 year olds (age at 1 September 2016) 56. A Lego or K-Nex creation 57. A funny animal or person made from fruit or vegetables (not necessarily home grown) 58. 3 decorated biscuits (not necessarily homemade – decoration only judged) 59. A drawing or painting of the outdoors/nature (max. A4 size/21cm x 29.7cm) 60. A photograph of any animal or pet (max. A4 size/21cm x 29.7cm) 61. A posy of flowers
28. Jug of flowers for the kitchen table
Category for 11-16 year olds 62. A funny animal or person made from fruit or vegetables (not necessarily home grown)
29. A Fuchsia in a pot (max. diameter 8”)
63. 3 decorated cupcakes (decoration only judged)
30. A Geranium in a pot (max. diameter 8”)
64. An unframed photograph of the outdoors/nature (max. A4 size/21cm x 29.7cm)
27. 1 single Dahlia in your own vase
31. 2 pieces of Conifer – 2 varieties (each piece no longer than 18”) Cooking Category 32. Victoria sponge cake – filled with jam and buttercream, dusted with icing sugar (max. 5 eggs)
65. Design a pattern for a T-shirt (can be done by hand or on a computer (max. A4 size/21cm x 29.7cm)
33. Tray bakes – 3 (e.g. flapjacks, brownies, cookies, etc.)
67. A handmade textile
34. A decorated sponge cake or 3 decorated cupcakes (decoration only judged)
68. A drawing or painting (any media, A4 size/21cm x 29.7cm
35. A jar of chutney or pickle
Adult Ticket £4 (includes cup of tea/coffee & piece of cake)
36. A jar of jam 37. A jar of jelly 38. A jar of marmalade 39. A hardboiled egg in its shell in an eggcup
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42. 6 home produced eggs in egg box (any colours)
66. A handmade greeting card (max. 8” x 6”/20cm x 15cm)
Tickets Children under 16 free entry (food extra) Barbecue, bar and other refreshments available from £2 All profits will go towards improving the safety at our crossroads.
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
In February Barry Venning kept us all spellbound with a talk on the local and world famous animator and cartoonist Carl Giles. Entitled Giles – His Life, Times and Cartoons, the humour and stories of the cartoons and captions had the audience both laughing and sometimes mulling over his reasoning.
Thursday, April 26 at 7.15pm: Black Teeth and Dirty Fingernails: The Great Unwashed of Victorian London
The cartoons were also interspersed with the life story of Giles from his schooldays until his death. A near full house enjoyed a thoroughly well rounded talk, excellently presented. On Wednesday, April 4, John Benjamin, familiar to all those who watch The Antiques Roadshow, will give a talk to mark the Golden Jubilee of NADFAS. A History of Jewellery from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor is a lecture close to one given in early 1969 which looked at the evolution of design in jewellery. We will see beautiful things. 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
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY
London was a magnet for people from Victorian Suffolk, often thinking they were going to live in a better place. Imagine living in cramped, overcrowded, vermin ridden slums, with hunger, crime and filthy water. Set against London’s transformation to a grand capital city, with the privileged few contemplating which bonnet or shoes to wear that day, yet within spitting distance, thousands faced a grim, brutal struggle living in desperate poverty. In this entertaining talk David lifts the lid on the Victorian underclass. What was it really like being poor in Victorian London? We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for nonmembers, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
Wednesday, April 25: The 100 (Bomber Support) Group Radio Counter Measures (WW2), an illustrated talk by Wing Commander John Stubbington (Rtd) We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments. Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER-50S CLUB Great Blakenham Over-50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The weather at the end of February meant that our meeting on February 28 was cancelled so our bring-and-buy has been rescheduled for April 25. As I am writing this before our meeting on March 14, I will bring you up-todate next month. Forthcoming Programme April 11: A visit from Andy Malcolm from the Fisherman’s Mission April 25: Social afternoon including a Bring-and-Buy May 9: A visit from Andrew Bingham, Independent Funeral Service May 23: Social afternoon with Brenda June 13: TBA June 27: A visit from Malcolm Crowe – Capricorn Crafts Toymaker July 11: Social afternoon with Sandra July 25: Summer party before our summer break New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
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SCHOOLS THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM The children were very excited by the snow. We are lucky to have a super garden which has a very convenient slope – just right for sledging down. Even the staff had a go! The whole nursery looked delightful in the snow. Inside we have had fun with the Blue Blood Moon, using black sand, stars and glitter to create a night sky, and extending to small world space play with our rockets and astronauts. We have created artwork using feathers to paint with, swirling around in the paint, mixing colours together and stroking the paper to see how it creates lines and circles. Very soothing! Hopefully spring is now on its way as we plant our potatoes purchased at Suffolk Potato Day – our variety of choice is Wilja and we hope to harvest them in the summer and use in our cooking. We have just completed numerous laps of obstacle courses the children have designed for Sports Relief with them being sponsored for each lap they complete. Lots of over, under and around, and lots of competition. Easter egg hunts, ‘cotton wool’ lambs and spring flowers created from tissue paper and sticks are now behind us as we move towards summer and warmer weather. Come and see us – 01473 890950 / theoldschoolnursery@btinternet.com – or visit our website where you will find our current newsletter. www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com
STONHAM ASPAL PRIMARY SCHOOL On Monday, February 19 we held a share afternoon when parents and carers come into school to spend time with their children, looking at the work they have done so far this term. The children really enjoy this special time. An amazing 58 parents and carers were able to attend. Every space around the school was filled with children and their grown-ups. It was lovely to see how proud the children were of their work. On Thursday, February 22 we were extremely lucky to have a visit from Will Mabbitt, author of a number of very popular children’s books: The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones, Mabel Jones and the Forbidden City, Mabel Jones and the Doomsday Book, This is NOT a Fairy Tale, This is not a Bedtime Story and I Can Only Draw Worms. He started the day with an assembly where he explained to the children how he became an author and gave them some top tips about how to get started. He had the whole school completely enthralled. He then spent the rest of the day visiting each class to lead workshops on creative writing and share more stories from his books. It was a fabulous day and really inspired the children. In the week beginning Monday, February 26 the weather unfortunately took over. The exceptional weather conditions created by the ‘Beast from the East’ and Storm Emma forced the school to close for four days which is unprecedented. During this time a number of school events had to be cancelled including World Book Day, Year 6 Sharing Assembly and a school disco! We are now getting back to normal and putting plans in place to re-arrange all the missed events. If you would like to know more, our website is a good source of information or contact the office to arrange to come and visit us.
VALUING THE IMMEASURABLE BY NICOLA MITCHELL Head of The Abbey & Queen’s House at Woodbridge School Becoming a parent is an exciting time. Our first thoughts as parents are that we want our children to be healthy, fulfilled and happy; ready to enjoy their journey, embracing challenges along the way. At what point does this change? Parents in the past have informed me that they have decided that Kate (not her real name) is destined for Oxford and will have a career in Medicine. Kate was three at the time and struggling with the concept of sharing her tractor. All parents want the best for their children (and if they don’t, we should be questioning; “why not?”). Sending a child to school should enable the team behind the child; the parents, grandparents, friends, extended family and school staff, to work together to ensure that each individual is supported in the best way possible. Schools should be about educating the whole child. They should have breadth and balance in the curriculum, value the Arts, enable the gifted, support those with additional needs, encourage independence, promote collaboration, celebrate success, develop individuality, advance academics and advocate teamwork. The educational environment should be all things to all pupils. Schools should be unashamedly all-encompassing and concerned with developing every aspect. School life should go beyond the basics of academic rigour and, if that is the single most important focus of a school, I would argue the point is being missed. We should be educating the mind, the body and the spirit. Supporting children to know themselves, recognising their strengths and weaknesses in order that they may continue to grow and develop in all areas. At the end of their time in school our children should emerge as happy, confident and well-rounded young adults; equipped with the examination results to open doors and the skills to ensure the paths that lead from them can be followed. A good education should be a happy one, filled with positive memories (box-cart racing, productions, recitals, achievement, matches, friendship; not just tutoring and exam prep) and the chance to feel fulfilled, challenged and engaged. If this is achieved then the adults of the future will have been educated beyond the basics and have the transferable skills to cope with the everchanging workplace. If you are a parent and you are reading this, do pause for a moment and ask yourself: What do I want for my child? The Abbey & Queen’s House will be holding an Open Day on Saturday, April 28, 10am-12.30pm. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk
www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk
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SCHOOLS / ON THE GRAPEVINE CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
DR DAN POULTER MP REPORTS BACK
Despite the snow putting an unfortunate and unavoidable stop to teaching and learning for a few days, the month of March was extremely busy for staff and students with various trips, visits and activities taking place.
Most of us will remember those rare school days, when heavy snow meant the school was closed. The joy at having a day off stays in the mind: this time on our hands to play in the snow with our friends, have snowball fights, build a snowman, and arrive home freezing cold. We remember it because it was great fun.
On March 15, a group of Year 8 students took part in the BBC’s annual School Report Day. The school has been participating in this event since 2008 and students spent the day planning, researching and interviewing staff and students, before writing articles which are featured on a dedicated online news website.
As we grow up, perspectives change, and we see things differently: the inconvenience; the treacherous conditions; the accidents – on the roads, pavements and elsewhere; the risks of cold to vulnerable people; the dangers of being cut off. It becomes a cause for frustration, or concern.
This project offers great opportunities for all of those taking part, while offering everyone else a fascinating snapshot into life at Claydon High School. Mrs Lovell-Brown, English teacher and organiser of the event, said: “I was really impressed by the dedication shown by students on the day. Every single article was produced from scratch and to a 2pm deadline, which was a tough challenge. “The students continue to impress me with their enthusiasm for developing their media literacy skills and producing their own stories about subjects that matter to them. Please visit our news page at www.claydonhigh.co.uk to read reports produced on the day.” On Monday, March 19, the art department held an exhibition featuring work from our Key Stage 3 students alongside work from Key Stage 2 students at our feeder primary schools. Students, teachers and parents/carers were invited along to view the colourful and talented work on display, which included some cityscape pictures from Witnesham Primary School, mixed media portraits, Fauve landscapes from our Year 7 and 8 students and much more. During the month of March we had two trips to universities. A group of Year 9 students visited Cambridge University on March 22 to tour their Gonville and Caius Colleges, meet staff and students and join them for lunch, before heading out to Cambridge Arts Theatre in the afternoon to watch their production of The Jungle Book. On March 27 a group of Year 11 French students visited the University of Reading for a GCSE French Student Conference run by PiXL. The interactive and motivational revision conference was designed to encourage and support students to be ‘exam ready’, equipping them with a range of strategies and techniques which will maximise their exam performance and achievement in all four language skills. We have also had two Maths Challenge events, as well as celebrating British Science Week. We will update you further with the results of these activities in the next edition. Time is flying by and we are now in the Easter holidays with only one more term left in this academic year! We have lots to look forward to when we return, including rehearsals for our forthcoming production of Madagascar in June. The cast has been announced and students are very excited. More information will follow, but if you would like to be involved in sponsoring our show, please contact Nikki McGuinnes: nmcguinness@claydonhigh.com If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Monday, April 23. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place. Headteacher Maéve Taylor
The recent, heavy snowfall brought all those issues and emotions to the fore. The newspaper pictures alternated between children sledging in the park and cars stuck on snow-covered roads. What doesn’t get the attention is the silent, less photogenic story of elderly or vulnerable people stuck in their homes. Often they are struggling with the cold, sometimes they are cut off from visitors, or from the shops – stepping out on to icy pavements can be a terrifying prospect. In other cases, they may be reliant on a carer who can’t get through. We all have neighbours, and many will know frail, elderly or vulnerable people, either in our family or living nearby. Even as the snow has now thawed, the value of paying them a visit, or giving them a call, remains beyond calculation. It may save a life. And even if it is not that serious, it could make their day. Meanwhile, many of us who were able to get out and about were thwarted, with trains cancelled and roads blocked. Not making it in to the office can be frustrating, but for our emergency services it can have serious consequences. While parts of the country shivered under snow, our emergency services continued working 24/7, responding to calls, reaching people in trouble, and generally, doing the same exemplary, committed job they do every day. Getting someone safely to hospital in good time, or reaching those involved in an accident, can be literally a life-and-death issue. We are so fortunate in this country to have such wonderful, committed people working across our emergency services: not letting bad weather stop them from serving the public and saving lives. We owe them a great deal. For more information, please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com
THE SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL The 11th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday, May 12 and is going to be the largest festival to date with over 120 events spread across three weeks. The Suffolk Walking Festival has come a long way in its 11 years. From small beginnings the event has grown and grown to encompass the entire county with a wide variety of imaginative and creative walks. This year also sees the introduction of the first ever Fringe Festival, a series of activities that are designed to get you close to nature in the very heart of Suffolk’s countryside. The Walking Festival explores every corner of Suffolk, revealing hidden secrets and special gems, from the impressive estate of Helmingham Park to scenes that inspired Constable and a dragon on a hillside! This year you can experience the dawn chorus with bird watching experts, identify wild flowers at Sizewell Belts, and listen out for the earie churring of a Nightjar. Learn all about England’s Silk Capital, visit the Home of Horseracing, and get to grips with the Horrible History of Ipswich! We have Nordic walking, health walks and mindfullness walks. The Lions Charity even has a Mutt Strutt around Alton Water for two and four legged walkers – there really is something for everyone! The festival launches in the impressive surroundings of St Peter’s Hall, home to the world famous St Peter’s Brewery. Tickets to attend the launch and all of the 125 events are available from March. Copies of the festival brochure are available in your local library and Tourist Information Centre. For more information visit: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk
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SPORT NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB After a very successful outdoor season a large number of our bowlers are enjoying indoor bowling at the Meadlands. Any member wanting information about indoor bowling can contact me, David Hindley, on 01449 613144. The green was successfully put to bed and the green team have been busy with maintenance, although as I write five inches of snow is proving a bit of a hindrance! Anyone interested in joining the green team should contact Alastair Bailie on 01449 720759. Our winter socials have again proved popular with good attendances. The ‘Big Quiz’ was won by Captain Cook’s Mutineers after a close contest with Keith’s Angels and we will have finished off with cash bingo by the time you read this article. Plans for summer events are already under way. The opening drive will be on Saturday, April 14 at 2pm, or Sunday 15 if wet on the Saturday. Please bring food for an American tea. Raffle prizes would be appreciated. MEET AND GREET DAYS AT CROWLEY PARK These have been very successful and will resume on Saturdays, April 21 and 28 at 10am so come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit. Bowls and basic instruction will be provided, but if you just want to watch and chat that’s fine. NMBC CONTACTS: Pat Hadden 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759
GET INTO GOLF AT FYNN VALLEY In association with England Golf, Fynn Valley Golf Club is running Get into Golf taster sessions for adult beginners in April. One-hour group sessions, with all equipment and tuition, is just £10 per person. There is a mixed session on Saturday, April 21 from 3.30-4.30pm and a ladies only session with a female coach on Sunday, April 22 from 2.30-3.30pm. Please book online and find out more at: www.getintogolf.org
IT’S TIME TO GET OUT ON COURT AND PLAY SOME TENNIS Welcome everyone to this, our first In Touch article at the start of an exciting new tennis season. Firstly we would like to thank Mick Russ for his articles on behalf of Bramford Tennis Club in recent years. We are extremely grateful to Mick and hope to build on Mick’s efforts going forward with interesting tennis related news relevant to our local community. We held our AGM recently to review the last 12 months and plan for the coming year, and what a year it was! Big strides were made since bringing in a new head coach, Carl Douglas, who has helped us to breathe new life into the club by establishing a much more active junior and family membership and by creating a modern website and Facebook page for us. Now we want to build on this success and get more people from the local community involved. So, each month we will highlight a couple of key activities to whet your appetite to come along and give tennis a try. Tennis4Kids Tennis4kids, the LTA’s flagship programme for kids aged four-11, is coming to Bramford Tennis Club for the first time in May 2018. For just £25 your child will get six weeks coaching, a racket, a personalised t-shirt and a pack of mini-tennis balls. Places are limited so contact Carl quickly on 07553 966380 to express your interest or pre-register at: www.tennisforkids.co.uk.
Great British Tennis Weekend A free tennis experience event on Sunday, May 13. Come along and meet our coach, have a go against the ball machine or just meet other tennis minded people. Exclusive offer memberships available on the day with adult starting from just £25/year and junior starting from just £10/year. The above is just a taste of what’s coming up but we need your support to make Bramford Tennis Club the best village club in Suffolk. Visit our website to find out more or call/text our coach, Carl Douglas, on 07553 966380. Hope to see you on court soon! https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub
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For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING We wish you all a very Happy Easter.
SERVICES THROUGHOUT APRIL
BRITISH VALUES Sometimes a word or a phrase gets lodged in my half memory and like a sentimental song it refuses to go away. One morning I woke up and asked myself: “What are Fundamental British Values? What are British values? For that matter what are fundamental values?”
Easter Day: Sunday, April 1
I looked back to my safeguarding training notes and there was the phrase repeated under the ‘prevent strategy’. As a school governor I now have a personal responsibility for promoting ‘fundamental British values’. I thought I knew the areas covered by safeguarding until I recently renewed my training and got the first quiz answer wrong. I recommend training to anyone active in the life of the church – schools, playgroups, lunches for the elderly, in fact any community or home activity. In my professional career I helped pick up some of the pieces when things went wrong. There is no feeling of guilt like the guilt of not knowing what you were meant to do when something goes wrong and a child or vulnerable adult gets hurt. Everyone from bishops to grandmas (even grandpa bishops) can play a part in keeping children and vulnerable adults safe. If you doubt what I am writing has a word with 10 ten years old about online bullying. I hope the child shocks you. Back to British values. It is arguable that British values are human values – democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect for, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Like Justin Welby, our archbishop, I would argue that our agreed citizens’ rights need to be grounded in deeper values if we are to face the challenges of this century. Many roots of our freedoms lie in an understanding of Christianity.
8am: Grundisburgh 9.30am: Hasketon – Burgh-Clopton and Swilland 11am: Otley-Boulge-Grundisburgh and Ashbocking Extended Family Communion at Ashbocking with Banns for Paul Driver and Tracy Ruffles We welcome Bishop Mike who will celebrate Easter with the people of Hasketon and Otley. Sunday, April 29 9am: Benefice Eucharist, Grundisburgh We welcome Bishop Martin on his first visit to our benefice. Please make this a priority and a celebration of our belonging together and going forward together in faith. Bishop Martin needs to be in Bury St Edmunds by noon, hence the change in time. Please pray for Vicki, Laura and Tom who are to be confirmed as part of this service What’s On across Carlford Benefice Thursday 5: Visiting Bell Ringers at Otley Tuesday 17: Ministry Team Meeting Sunday 22: Messy Church, 3-4.30pm, Hasketon Village Hall Thursday 26: Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm Saturday, 28: Burgh Soup Lunch, noon-1.30pm Remaining Annual Parochial Church Meetings
In a parliamentary debate two years ago, the archbishop put forward the proposal that the story of the Good Samaritan is a proper starting point to our understanding of values. It is only when we, our children and our children’s children, start to explore the question ‘who is our neighbour?’ that we start to explore the depth of fundamental values.
Meetings will take place in the context of worship followed by the business agenda.
In his new book the archbishop asks us to explore a wider and deeper set of moral convictions. He begins with community, courage and stability, seeking to inspire hope. If we want a more generous and hospitable Britain for our children, Christian teaching can offer fundamental values, hope and encouragement.
Please support your church by attending and giving thanks for all that has happened over the past year and with commitment to the year that lies ahead
Luke 10;29. The lawyer, wanting to justify himself asked Jesus: “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus then told a story about the fate of a man who was robbed and left to die. Luke 10; 36,37 Jesus: Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? He said: “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him: “Go and do likewise.” Bill Herbert
April 15: 9.30am at Otley / 11am at Grundisburgh April 22: 9.30am at Hasketon
CARLFORD SOCIAL GROUPS Baby Café: April 3, 9am at Grundisburgh Hobbies Group: April 4, 10am at Clopton Swapshop: April 4, 10.15am at Grundisburgh Tiddlywinks: April 12 & 26, 2.30pm at Grundisburgh CARLFORD PRAYER AND STUDY GROUPS Going Deeper: April 4 & 18, 10am at Ashbocking Grundisburgh Sunday Club: April 8 & 22, 10.45am at Grundisburgh Monday House Group: April 16, 7.30pm at Grundisburgh Otley House Group: April 9, 1.45pm at Otley Beyond Belief; April 9 & 23, 10.30-noon at Grundisburgh Beyond Belief – Spring 2018 A small group which gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of Christian Faith at six meetings held at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms from 10.30am to noon. Sessions are fortnightly with the first on Monday, April 9 (Who wrote the Old Testament?) and the second on Monday 23 (How can we know Jesus existed?). Tea or coffee and a piece of cake will be available and a warm welcome to all. A small charge of £1 per session covers costs. Enquiries to Paul: 01473 738474 / paulwiffen222@btinternet.com
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CHURCH NEWS Craft and Coffee at Hasketon It is with regret that Craft and Coffee has come to an end. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their involvement over the 20+ years it has been running. I am however, still always willing to help those who are struggling to finish a project or to lend from my stock of books. Molly Smith Stock Urgently Required Boulge church will be having a car boot sale at Grundisburgh Fete on July 14 and we urgently need items to sell for our church funds. We are happy to collect. Please call Ken Petherbridge: 07974 748 887
FANCY A COFFEE? Grundisburgh: Wednesday 4 from 10.15-11.30am and Saturday 7 from 10.30-11.45am, both at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms Ashbocking: Friday 6, 10.30am-noon at the home of Noreen and Ken Petherbridge of Feoffee Farm House, Feoffee Farm Drive, Ashbocking Swilland: Saturday 7, 10am at the home of Gina Wilden of 7 High Road, Swilland Otley: Thursday 12, 10am at the home of Brian and Christine Childs of Lime Tree Place, Helmingham Road, Otley Clopton: Wednesday 18 at the village hall, 10am-noon
WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH We are going to be decorating our living room at home in the not too distant future. A job that’s not been done for quite a few years. We have discussed and agreed quite easily on the colour for the walls and even bought the two colours. We have started to look at carpets; well that’s a task and a half! Carpet shops abound and they all appear to have hundreds to choose from, until you start looking more closely. When you look more closely I’m sure that the same carpet is in all the shops, but under a different range or manufacturer name. When does ‘misty morning’ become ‘dusky evening’, or ‘tawny owl’ become ‘biscuit crumb’? Of course this difficulty of choosing a carpet is yet to be resolved; we brought home a few samples which is kind of the shops to let us do. We place them on the current carpet which adds to the problem. How can we choose from a small square when the room is so large? We can’t quite imagine the whole floor covered with that colour, is the pattern too much? So at this time we give the samples back and will try again when I’ve actually finished painting and taken up the old carpet; when that might be is anyone’s guess as DIY/decorating isn’t something I particularly enjoy or am any good at! Thinking about these carpet samples got me thinking about other things. When we hear the news or read the paper we only get a small sample, an edited version of the full event, a short quote from the politician which appears to mean something different to the full statement and when the context is given.
The person I trust is Jesus Christ, who gave His life for me so that I can have a relationship with God the Father and creator. This, I and others in ‘church’ have just celebrated at Easter. What I would like is for you to see initially a sample of this Christian life by coming to one the services/events at the church or just coming to have a conversation with me. Then perhaps we can help to see the bigger picture of God and how you are important to Him. Yours Pastor Andrew Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk We welcome you to worship at 11am each Sunday. Sunday, April 1: Easter Sunday – Pastor Andrew including Holy Communion Sunday, April 8: Morning Service – Mr Shane Hughes Sunday, April 15: Morning Service – Team Ministry Sunday, April 22: Morning Service – Pastor Andrew Sunday, April 29: Joint Service with The Benefice Churches We welcome all families to our Family Time Together on Sundays at 9.30am. EVENTS Tuesdays Drop-in Café, 2-4m. Everyone is welcome to call in for tea and friendship. Combine a visit to the post office with a cup of tea. Varied Church Open House – topical discussion group, 7.30pm
Given any situation there is always one more fact that we don’t know that could make all the difference to how we react or deal with situations.
Fridays Babies and Toddlers group every week, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Jean: 01473 785478
It’s the same with religion or faith; we so often only see a small sample of a particular faith from one angle that can be portrayed by the media or indeed a one off action by a person of that faith. We see these glimpses and make a judgement about the faith and the person.
Monday, April 9: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, 12.30-2pm. Light lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, April 11: Prayer Fellowship at 2pm Wednesday, April 25: Bible Study at 2pm
That glimpse and judgement can go one of two ways; we want to embrace that faith or we totally reject it and probably all faiths. I’m aware that my lifestyle and daily behaviour is seen by many people and this behaviour doesn’t always encourage people to want to know more of my faith or want to come and know the person I have faith and trust in. So sorry if what you’ve seen hasn’t encouraged you, but please give me another chance before you judge.
The church is open for prayer and listening every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 5pm. At other times please contact Pastor Andrew.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory. In the church we have a collection box for FIND and welcome any donations of non-perishable food to help families in need locally.
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In Touch with WTW O Lord, it’s so hard to pray... I have always struggled with my prayer life; I hope that this does not cause anyone any surprise, as I am a Minister in the Church of England!
The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
3. Do what’s necessary to focus
7. Arrow prayers
Kneeling, standing, sitting, hands together, eyes closed, watching a candle flame, listening to gentle music in the background. When you can focus, it is easier for your prayers to follow. Whether you pray out loud, or in your heart doesn't matter....as long as you can pray.
Prayer is not something that only works if we do it right, but it should always be done with care. Prayers offered with little care will do little after leaving our mouths. Prayers offered with strength, desire and passion will fly swiftly to God.
4. Pray from scripture
I found this quotation which I thought was very apt, and have kept it in my prayer journal:It is not the arithmetic of our prayer —how many they be; nor the rhetoric of our prayers —how eloquent they be; nor their geometry—how long they be; nor their music—how sweet their voice may be; nor their logic—how argumentative they be; nor yet their method—how orderly they be; nor even their divinity—how good their doctrine may be, which God cares for: but it is the fervency of spirit which availeth much.
A prayer life needs to be learned, practised and developed. Even Jesus' own disciples had to ask Jesus how to pray! “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1-4) No one thing is right for all. These are the things that helped me during my Reader ministry training; I hope they may be of some use to you.
This is always a good place to start. Scripture becomes the vocabulary of prayer. I'm sure everyone has a favourite passage of scripture that can be used as a starting point. Sometimes beautiful promises make my heart thankful. Sometimes all I can do is to cling on to His word.
1. Set prayer apart
Prayer is active. Let the Holy Spirit move you when you are struggling to find words to say. Prayer is not just the fruit of a spiritual life, but the means of attaining it. We should feel a different person, however slightly, by the time we say “Amen”.
Build prayer into your daily life in any way that you can. Set an alarm if necessary! Prayer is a practice that needs discipline and perseverance, and we need to own that cost. Prayer should be the best thing that we do all day, and we must make time for it...and not only in times of distress or need.
2. Find a quiet place. Move away from everything that distracts you. There is so much that does this in this day and age; work, family, friends, problems, worries. Find a way to separate yourself from the world so that you can feel 'shut in' with God alone. Even Jesus found solitude necessary for prayer. (Luke 4:42; Luke 5:16; Luke 22:41)
5. Pray with passion
6. Be specific A prayer shouldn’t be a shopping list of requests. We should learn to pray specifically, and boldly, as children of God through Jesus Christ. However, we should also be humble and submissive to God's will for us. We’ll start to care more about the people for whom we pray, whether we have met them or not.
CHURCH SERVICES April—May Day / Date
St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin
9.30am Easter Family Sun 1st April Communion Easter Sunday (followed by Easter Egg hunt for the young at heart)
Sun 8th April Second Sunday of Easter Sun 15th April Third Sunday of Easter Sun 22nd April Fourth Sunday of Easter Sun 29th April Fifth Sunday of Easter Sun 6th May Sixth Sunday of Easter Sun 13th May Seventh Sunday of Easter
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(Bishop Joseph Hall, 1808)
Carol Rivett
This information was correct at the time of going to press (early last month) occasionally it can be necessary to make changes—please cross reference with our website for the most up-to-date information at www.wtandw.org.uk
St Mary’s Witnesham 10am Easter Family Communion (followed by Easter Egg hunt for the young at heart)
St Mary Magdalene’s Westerfield 11am Easter Family Communion (followed by Easter Egg hunt for the young at heart)
8am Holy Communion
9.30am All-age Worship
10am Family Communion
9.30am Family Communion
10am Morning Worship
11am Family Communion
8am Communion cancelled 9.30am Morning Worship
10am Family Communion
11am Morning Worship
(joint service at Witnesham Baptist Church at 11am)
(joint service at Witnesham Baptist Church at 11am)
11am All-age Worship
(joint service at Witnesham Baptist Church at 11am)
9.30am Family Communion
10am All-age Worship
11am Family Communion
9.30am All-age Worship
10am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 11am All-age Worship
In Touch online:
In Touch with WTW
The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
Church Diary—April
Who’s Who:
Mothers’ Union—Thursday 5th April Annual Lunch at Acer Cottage Witnesham. Visitors most welcome. (contact Branch Leader Revd Catherine Forsdike 252904).
MINISTRY TEAM:
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NON-STIPENDIARY PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE
Benefice Youth Group—Wednesday 11th & 25th April at 6pm (contact Julia 785497)
t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk
Village Voices—rehearse on Thursdays 5th & 19th April, 7.30pm in Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138)
t: 01473 252904 e: Catherine@wtandw.org.uk To enquire about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, telephone or email Rev’ds Alan & Catherine Forsdike.
Kingdom Kids—will meet on Sunday 22nd April and 20th May in church (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Wednesday Prayers—said Morning Prayer in Westerfield Church Room each week at 9.30am (Holy Communion is said on the first week of each month—except Aug)
Church Floodlighting
Could you mark an important date by sponsoring the floodlighting? You could remember a loved one who is no longer with us or perhaps light up a church to celebrate a special birthday or another happy occasion. The money helps the church to maintain and run the lights which really make our churches stand out in the community. At St Mary Magdalene Westerfield, sponsorship is £7.50 for a week. Ring Judy on 230188 or email Judy@wtandw.org.uk Sponsorship at St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin, is £5 for a weekend Ring Jim on 785296 or email Jim@wtandw.org.uk
NON-STIPENDIARY ASSOCIATE PRIEST: REV’D CATHERINE FORSDIKE
READERS: Paul Laughlin
01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk
Carol Rivett
01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk
ELDER Julia Farmer
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk
CHURCHWARDENS: Tuddenham 01473 785296
Jim Punton Jim@wtandw.org.uk
Tuddenham 01473 784545
Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk
Westerfield 01473 230188
Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk
Westerfield 01473 713285
Mary Scholey Mary@wtandw.org.uk
Witnesham 01473 785673
Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk
KINGDOM KIDS—WITNESHAM Gill Thorley
Dates of Annual Church Fetes Tuddenham—Saturday 9th June 2pm Witnesham—Saturday 16th June 2pm Westerfield—Saturday 1st September 2pm
Oh, I didn’t know we could use the church! Yes, you can have a funeral service in church even if your dear departed loved one wants their earthly remains to be cremated. Occasionally, after we’ve officiated at the crematorium people will say to us, “It would have been nicer to have had the service in church.” The church is there for you to use for both burial and cremation services. Talk to us before arrangements are settled with the funeral director. www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
There are clear advantages: The service is in the village and more people are likely to support you. The church is your spiritual home and often quite significant to the departed. There’s no time limit on the service (the crematoria are very busy and strict; 30 mins is sometimes not long enough) Our ministry team are also very happy to help families before or after a bereavement. We’d rather know before the inevitable happens. It’s sad when we are told, “It would
01473 890821
Gill@wtandw.org.uk
BENEFICE YOUTH GROUP Julia Farmer
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk Website: www.wtandw.org.uk Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wtandw/
have been nice if you could have seen him/her before they died but we didn’t like to bother you.” This is what we are here for. Just because we visit doesn’t mean the end is near. Some people value the chance to talk about this difficult subject and often it brings peace to the ill and their carers—it’s our privilege and pleasure, so please ask. Contact details are in the panel above.
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