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Volume 7 • Issue No. 8 • DECEMBER 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile. The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around. I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now. Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects. Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.
Melton In Touch &with Woodbridge 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: woodbridge@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 Melton & Woodbridge is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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NEWS
ST MARY’S CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday, December 9, 10am-noon at St Mary’s Church Centre With cakes and other sweet and savoury treats There will also be gifts, cards, books, a raffle, competitions, refreshments – and more! All welcome!
LIONS’ SENSORY GARDEN PROJECT New Century Lions Club of East Anglia together with help from Lions of Ipswich, Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Woodbridge, Chelmsford, Mersea Island and Littleport have created a sensory garden for residents at a Cephas Care supported living home located at Treetops, Claydon. This major centenary project with more than 1,000 hours worked was coordinated by Lion Chris Pearson of the New Century Lions Club. it has become a great example of the sharing, caring and helping attitude that being a Lion is all about. Raised beds and railings were painted in Lions colours of blue and gold and the art room exterior was decorated with colourful flowers. Flower beds have been replanted with flowers for colour along with shrubs and herbs to touch and smell and even strawberry plants for something to eat. Pride of place is somewhere for the residents to sit and admire their new surroundings, a lovingly built from scratch arbor complete with celebration plaque and a clock. At the official opening ceremony District Governor Lion Derek Prior was joined by David Finch, MD of Cephas Care, and Lion Chris Pearson of New Century Lions to cut the ribbon and unveil the plaque declaring the sensory garden open. New Century Lions President Mel Godefroy said she was so proud of what has been achieved by all concerned, a fantastic transformation that will mature and enhance Treetops for years to come.
MARKET DATES IN DECEMBER As the festive season approaches, Woodbridge Market welcomes you to the Market Hill every Thursday of the month from 8am for your Christmas goodies! Come and join us for winter fruit and veg, delightful cheese and pies, handmade Christmas cards and children’s toys, freshly ground and bagged coffee and discuss with our florist Christmas wreaths made to order. The lovely Olivie Studio from Framlingham has also recently joined the market selling handmade bags, clothes, crockery, jewellery and knitwear. Don’t miss out! Visit us to shop around the town’s Christmas tree and buy local during the festive season on: • Thursday, December 7 – Half day market until noon • Thursday, December 14 • Thursday, December 21 We are always looking for new stallholders so if you were interested in trading with us please contact the Deputy Town Clerk on 01394 383599 or visit: www.woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk/about-us/market-classified
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NEWS COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN Seems that Christmas comes earlier and earlier every year, and when I say early, I mean early. I was really very indignant last midsummer when I saw a magazine with a centre spread of Christmas specials! Luckily my daughter has her birthday at the end of November and it’s a family rule not to consider Christmas until that’s over. After all, we still have most of December to prepare. When I was a child that would have been more than ample, but these days, I get remarks like “You’re brave”. Brave? Now don’t get me wrong, I love this festive season, and I don’t see anything wrong with both preparation and anticipation of family fun. I do make Christmas cakes early (for friends and family) so they have been happily tippling for several weeks. I’m now thinking puds and presents and wondering if I will manage to make cards and get them out before the last minute. Sadly I seldom do. But looking at ads for expensive stocking fillers and objects like chainsaws and dishwashers (‘the perfect gifts for him and her’), and the kind of competitive consumerism that seems now to be packaging the event, I do kind of wonder quite what we are getting ourselves into. Is all this the best we can aspire to? Is Christmas something that is better the more that you can afford? A disabled friend of mine lives by herself on a limited income and is irritated every year by a prestigious supermarket chain offering her free delivery and discounts if she spends more than £90. “How can a single pensioner spend £90 on Christmas?” she demands. Yet, with her disability, she finds it hard to get out. Free delivery would really help her and many like her. If this chain thought about the true meaning of Christmas it would be offering discounts to those who have difficulty affording the luxuries that their ‘target demographic’ take for granted. Maybe it would be a better promotion than going for the best Christmas ad? When my children were young there used to be the joy of nativity and other seasonal plays: five-year olds dressed in dishcloths and nighties and paper sheep ears, some super confident, some so shy they could hardly stutter their single line while proud parents glowed. Nowadays, I hold out for my self-determined start of the festive season, when in the town of Woodbridge people of all ages and denominations (and none) walk down in the dark to the Market Hill with candles and lanterns and sing carols in the square in front of the Shire Hall together. For me, real Christmas starts there and then! Caroline Page
WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET
DISABILITY ADVICE SERVICE (EAST SUFFOLK) Our treasurer Robin Stroud has an interesting hobby making dolls houses. He tells us the first one he ever made was a chalet bungalow type for his daughters in the late 60s. Then a long break until 1997 when he built a fisherman’s cottage for his granddaughter who was just two years old. Other projects have included a three-storey Tudor building (pictured), a thatched cottage, a Bavarian farmhouse, a public house and a few based on houses featured in the TV programme Grand Designs. Early projects were based on designs from a dolls house-building book, but many are Robin’s own designs based on the TV programmes and actual buildings. Two of the largest projects were a scale model of Rochford House, the young people’s project in Woodbridge, complete with furniture and a scale model of a local Jacobean manor house. This last one was commissioned by a local Peer of the Realm who made a generous donation to the Disability Advice Service. Most of the dolls houses made have been given to charities to help fundraising projects. As well as to DAS, they have gone to Rochford Trust and The Elizabeth Hospice. Robin has often been asked how long a house takes to build and his answer is usually just a guess. However, with the Jacobean manor house Robin kept a log of the time spent and over eight months he spent 812 hours on the build. The final product was so big it came apart in two sections so it could be transported to be installed at the real manor house. Robin’s latest project is another thatched cottage, which is just finished. He is giving it to the Disability Advice Service who are raffling it. Tickets are now on sale at 14 The Square, Martlesham Heath. For more info contact Robin: 01473 723573 / robin195860@yahoo.co.uk
WOODBRIDGE’S DEBUT SOUL WEEKEND AND NIGHT MARKET Debuts in Woodbridge’s Parkside area on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday 3. The Christmas Night Market, inspired by central and northern European nocturnal markets, is taking place in the garden of the Red Lion. The Soul and Funk Weekend will feature two nights of home-grown grooves. Saturday night runs from 6-11.30pm and will see popular funk act Mother Fvnker join DJ Ben Osborne for an evening of deep funk played live and on vinyl. Sunday night’s entertainment follows the ever-popular Woodbridge Christmas Market, and sees Woodbridge’s soul diva, Charlotte, and guitarist Jacob (currently studying at London’s renown BIM music school) joined by local legend and singer-songwriter Peter Hepworth, who’ll start the music at 4pm. Leading Suffolk based Northern Soul duo, nonsuch DJs, will round off the night with up-tempo soul music.
The festive farmers’ markets will take place on December 9 and 16. As always they’ll be held at Woodbridge Community Hall from 9am-12.30pm. We have an array of stalls including cakes, fudge, chocolate, fruit, vegetables, wild meat, chicken, bread, eggs, falafel, pies, goat cheese, vegan food and Christmas wreaths. Many of our stallholders will be taking orders for December 16. If there is something you would particularly like, do ask. All our food is produced locally in small batches by people who love what they do. Don’t forget that we always run a friendly cafe! Thank you to our loyal customers and best wishes for the festive season!
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Woodbridge’s first night market will feature Christmas gifts, vinyl records and art and crafts stalls. The event has been conceived by DJ Ben Osborne, whose previous Suffolk innovations include Woodbridge’s Art and Music Festival, and programming the first Latitude Film and Music Arena. The night market is working with the Parkside alliance of shops and local businesses and will be followed by future night markets and street events in the Parkside area. In addition to the music and stalls there will be street snacks, artisan teas, mulled wine and a full pub bar, including Warsteiner and Pravha pilsner, the German and Czech night market staples, on tap, cocktails and a full table service menu. Entry is free, but it’s advisable to register for tickets at: www.woodbridgefunksoulnightmarket.eventbrite.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT EAST SUFFOLK TRAVELLERS’ ASSOCIATION / ESTA ESTA welcomed the decision of Suffolk County Council to provide financial support for a temporary shuttle service to enable residents from as far afield as Rendlesham, Eyke and Melton to get to Woodbridge in order to connect with the 800 service to Martlesham and Ipswich during the closure of Woods Lane in Melton in November.
The tide-turning gates and the new slipway
HIGH-WATER MARK Do you remember those glass-topped gates on the Woodbridge Waterfront installed to keep the river water from flooding the new development? Well they were tested recently when the high tides that always occur at this time of year lapped over the footpath and began to rise against the gates. Imagine the damage to the new buildings that could be done if the gates could not resist the water. Would they hold? Nervous Woodbridge Riverside Trustees prepared to clamber aboard their Anglo-Saxon longboat, Sae Wylfing, if the gates failed. This potential Noah’s Ark has had an incredibly successful year being present at 15 events and on display at Sutton Hoo. This winter she will be taken into the Longshed for maintenance and painting. Each event has had its own particular challenges, getting her onto or off sites, gateposts, launches and the danger of split planks being but a snapshot. Re-enactor friends from Ealdfaeder and Colchester have helped at many of the events. She was launched to be used as a backdrop for The King’s River with Jacq Barnard and members of Deben Rowing Club manning the oars. They also helped with filming associated with the Life on the Deben, with sell-out screenings at the Riverside Theatre at the end of November and in early December. Two film companies have now made approaches with requests to use Sae Wylfing. Next season’s diary is already filling nicely with confirmed events and a dedicated group of re-enactors is being formed to work with the longboat and you could join it. With Woodbridge Riverside Trust gaining access to the Longshed, it is now possible to begin the fitting-out. A comprehensive plan has been drawn up and anyone with a little time to spare who wants to help with some simple DIY skills can easily get involved. While this activity is progressing a team of boat-building volunteers has been assembled to construct the first 22ft rowing skiff for use on the river next season. All ages can observe this initial project when the Longshed workshop opens, with a view to becoming involved with subsequent skiff builds. This has been made possible through the generosity of Suffolk Coastal District Council Enabling Communities Exemplar programme assisting with equipment funding. These activities are only a taster of what is to come on the Woodbridge Waterfront. The community facilities of the Longshed, the adjoining Woodbridge Museum, the Waterfront Square with its resurfaced slipway combine to be a wonderful Christmas present for the town. Receiving them is surely a very high watermark in the history of Woodbridge.
In order that the bulk of the passengers who use the 800 route between Woodbridge and Ipswich could still rely on their existing timetable not being interrupted by delays in the Melton area, First Eastern Counties Bus decided they would have to suspend the 800 north of Woodbridge. Those living as far away as Rendlesham were faced with the prospect of no service to get to work or to visit shops and community facilities during the off-peak period. Although the shuttle service took a little longer for those who will need to change at Woodbridge for Martlesham and Ipswich, it still made such journeys practical. During weekday mornings the normal departure time from Rendlesham was brought forward from 25 minutes past the hour to 10 past, and a 10-minute period was allowed for changing at Woodbridge from the shuttle to the 800 service for those going further south. Unfortunately printed timetables for the shuttle service appear were in short supply, but those with computer access were able to find it online and copies were available from the Travel Centre in Ipswich. ESTA has commented: “This will be a difficult time for all travellers whether using public transport or their own vehicles, but First Eastern Counties and the county council have pulled together to try and minimize the disruption to bus services and we welcome that. It is expected that lessons will be learnt in November that will enable an even-better tailored service to be in place for the anticipated longer period of disruption in the New Year.”
MUSIC AND DRAMA FOR DECEMBER Two events in Woodbridge Library in December are not to be missed. First, on Saturday, December 2 at 7.30pm Woodbridge School students perform an exciting mix of chamber music. Ranging from string quartets and duos to a classical guitar ensemble, this will be an evening of beautiful music in the intimate setting of the library. There will be music to suit all tastes, culminating in a virtuosic performance of Holst’s folk-inspired St Paul’s Suite by the massed forces of the school’s chamber orchestra, with some festive favourites along the way. Tickets (£8 / £4 for students, including interval refreshments) are available from the library. Two weeks later the library hosts a brand new play based on the work of Lewis Carroll. As part of a national tour, Librarian Theatre brings to Woodbridge a performance of Alice in the Cuckoo’s Nest. This will be a highly physical production with a dynamic cast of four portraying the wellloved but wacky characters from Wonderland. The play re-imagines Alice’s world in the context of modern-day concern about mental well-being and is supported by a substantial grant from the Arts Council. The performance will be on Saturday, December 16 at 7.30pm in the library. Tickets (£7.50 / £4 for students) are available from the library or at: www.librariantheatre.com
And were the glass-topped gates successful at holding back the tide? Yes! We were spared from entering our ark. Discover more or contact us at: www.woodbridgeriversidetrust.org www.woodbridgewaterfront.co.uk
ST JOHN’S CAROL CONCERT Woodbridge Friends of EACH (East Anglian’s Children’s Hospices) invite you to a Carol Concert at St John’s Church, St John’s Hill, Woodbridge on Tuesday, December 5 at 7pm. All welcome.
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ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Grant applications are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities. For further information and application forms call 01473 625196, visit www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG.
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ADVERTORIAL
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Please note that the library will close at 1pm on Sunday, December 24 and will be closed all day on Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27. Saturday Storytime Come and enjoy hearing stories being read aloud. Saturday storytime for ages two-fve starts at 10.30am. Free drop-in sessions so no need to book. December 1-3: ArtLib exhibition of paintings by Karen and Roger Mead From Saturday, December 2: Sale of withdrawn adult fiction Saturday, December 2, 7.30pm: Evening concert by Woodbridge School Chamber Orchestra. This festive concert will be the orchestra’s first performance in Woodbridge Library. The ticket price of £8 (£4 for students) will include an interval drink and a mince pie. Tickets are available from the library or can be reserved by calling 01394 446510. Book Group: meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On December 7 we will be discussing Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift. Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion. December 10-17: Display by Common Ground Theatre Company for their production of Sherlock Holmes and the Hooded Lance (see page 17). Friday, December 15: Friday Knitting Group Stall Saturday, December 16, 9-11am: County Councillor Caroline Page will hold her surgery in the library Saturday, December 16, 7.30pm: Librarian Theatre production of Alice in Wonderland. See MUSIC AND DRAMA FOR DECEMBER on page 6. Wednesday, December 20, 2-3.30pm: Visit by the Woodbridge & District Safer Neighbourhood Team Woodbridge Novelists: meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings A reciprocal critiquing group for novel-writers who are working towards publication. For more details visit: https://sites.google.com/site/woodbridgenovelists/home Costa Coffee Book Sale Costa Coffee on The Thoroughfare now have a book shelf selling donated fiction. All titles are 50p, and 100% of the money raised goes to support Woodbridge Library. Drink coffee while supporting your local library. Meeting room and display boards available for hire Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour Display boards: £10 per week Staffed table display in the main library: £10 per half day Free computer help and advice Contact the library to book a session or to find out more.
SNAP (Support & Advice Project) Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am-noon for advice on all housing related issues, rent payments, arrears, budgeting and benefit changes. Citizens Advice Bureau: Every Tuesday, 10am-noon Writers’ Workshop Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested? To open doors to creative writing please email: jeannie@butterwicks.com Creative Writing for All Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm. For more details contact: jeannie@butterwicks.com Knitting Club Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters, expert to beginner, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips. Arts and Crafts Group Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10am. Enables older people and their carers to take part in activities such as collage, card making, printing and modelling. Play Reading Meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. Come to listen or join in for an afternoon of light-hearted drama, comedy or mystery. All welcome. Games Club Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm. Now includes dominoes. Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practise strategy or balance with dominoes. Woodbridge Area Gamers Meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1-5pm in the library Meeting Room. This group plays modern strategy board games (Carcassonne, Powergrid, Caylus, 7 Wonders, Hey! That’s My Fish, Blokus and many more). For more information contact nigel@foden.me.uk / 07740 173091 or visit: www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150 ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Wednesday • 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups. • 11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers. Every Friday • 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult. Every Sunday, 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities • December 3 & 17: Colouring in sheets and puzzle sheets will be provided • December 10 & 24: Come and join our volunteer to make something to take home
They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day
01394 648670
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM TALKS Woodbridge Museum Talks returned on October 1 with a fascinating talk entitled The Coaching Age. Stewart Bowell told about the comfort and discomforts, the pleasures and pains of travelling in the Georgian Age. In November we had an insight into why planning was fun in a talk entitled Woodbridge Centre of the World 1965-2015 by Clifford Smith, past Planning Officer and Suffolk County Council Chief Executive. Our next talk at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, December 8 at 2.30pm is Woodbridge Cinema, Past, Present and Future by Carol Wiseman. The October Day School was a fascinating journey through the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. Dr Sean Lang’s talks were both entertaining and highly informative. More than G&S, a concert in aid of the move to the new museum premises, takes place in the community hall on Saturday, December 2. Tickets have sold well, but there may be a few left! TALKS FOR 2018 January 19: Comical Parsons of the Past February 9: The Liberty of St Etheldreda March 16: The History of Ransomes Woodbridge Museum Talks are held at the community hall and begin at 2.30pm. Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50 and visitors £3.50. For further information contact Anne Merrett: 01394 385572
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? On December 8 and 9, the Riverside Theatre’s very own choir will be sprinkling Christmas sparkle live on stage. The R100 Musical Theatre Choir will be performing a ‘Christmas Cracker’ of a concert, with favourites such as Carol of the Bells, White Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Let it Snow and Winter Wonderland, to name but a few from their well-known musical repertoire. The choir has a wealth of experience in musical theatre and harmony singing, with some members having appeared in some of London’s finest West End musicals, including Oliver, Miss Saigon, Me and My Girl, and the world famous Les Miserables. Remember, you never know what’s in the cracker till you pull it!
CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AT HIGHLANDS The Friends of Highlands Care Home host a coffee morning with stalls, raffle and tombola at Highlands, Fitzgerald Road, Woodbridge, on Saturday, December 2, from 10am. Please come along and support your local care home.
EVERYDAY ART EXHIBITION Local artist Helen Taylor will be turning her home into a pop-up gallery over a weekend in December for an exhibition of ‘everyday art’.
Tickets are available in person from the Riverside Theatre’s box office, online or by calling 01394 382174. So come and join us for our festive party! We don’t just stand and sing and we are always full of surprises! www.theriverside.co.uk
CAROLS, CRAFTS AND CAKES The Suffolk Singers will be at Woodbridge Community Centre on Saturday, December 2, 1.30-4.30pm. Entry is £2 per person or £5 for a family with children under 12. Father Christmas has agreed to attend with a sackful of gifts (£3 per child). Come and sing some of our favourite carols with the Suffolk Singers. Carol singing at 1.45pm, 2.45pm and 3.45pm. Craft stalls with lots of ideas for Christmas gifts. There will be refreshments, homemade cakes and children’s activities.
The event is called Quotidian 2, meaning ‘everyday’ in Latin, and will be celebrating the beauty of ordinary everyday objects from teacups and tumblers to dolls and toy soldiers. Things we can all relate to. An established artist with an MA in Design and many commissions to her name, Helen’s work has featured in a number of newspapers and specialist journals in the UK and USA. She is passionate about making art accessible to everyone and will be selling the framed works on display from as little as £48. A limited number of prints will be available for £10. Speaking about the exhibition Helen said: “Everyone is welcome to Quotidian 2. Whether you’re an art collector or have never bought a piece of art before, there will be something to suit everyone’s taste and budget. Perfect for Christmas!” Quotidian 2 will be held at 5 Wilderness Lane, Woodbridge IP12 1EH on December 9 and 10 from 11am-4.30pm. For more information please visit: www.facebook.com/pg/helentaylorstudio
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FOLK AT SWEFFLING East Anglian based duo Silbury Hill will be bringing their lively blend of folk rock music to the friendly, award winning White Horse Pub in Sweffling on Saturday, December 2. Silbury Hill play a mix of songs by popular artists – from Sting and Crowded House, to Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull – as well as original songs from their own recordings and CDs. The concert starts at 8.30pm and entry is free.
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OUT & ABOUT EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION
The next meeting is on January 16 when Mark Mitchels will be discussing the role Samuel Pepys played in establishing the Royal Navy.
LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT Following the success of the Martlesham Road Race, the art show and sale held in The Salvation Army Hall raised £420. Thanks to all those who donated, bought or helped. We hope to hold further art sales in spring and autumn 2018.
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm. Our next meeting will be on January 25. We look forward to seeing you all then and wish you a Happy New Year. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850.
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Open Air Carol Service
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At this time of year our fundraising efforts become focused on the Christmas Parcels project, which takes a new format this year. Thanks to Tesco management for their kind permission, we shall be holding collections at Tesco Martlesham Heath on Monday, December 11 and Thursday, December 14 and then on Saturday, December 16 in Woodbridge town centre.
Saturday, January 20, 7.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall. Tickets are £15 and available from WeGotTickets.com or 01394 279907. Informal table seating to include a ploughman’s supper. Advance booking advised
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Quay Time, a joint venture with Woodbridge Quay Church is gathering momentum. At a recent session participants were putting together ideas for their future programme. Quay Time is an informal opportunity for people to meet over tea and cakes, to have a chat and to design their own future activities. The next social afternoon will be on Wednesday, December 13. Transport can be arranged for anyone who would otherwise find it difficult to get to Quay Street.
An evening of easy-listening music to suit all tastes featuring Harrison Cole, John Hutchings and Claire’s Young Songsters.
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For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
The fifth fundraising concert in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity devoted to improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer.
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If you would like to be included in future trips why not join the association? The membership fees remain the same for 2018; £8 for an individual or £12 for two living at the same address. We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.
Suffolk Singers directed by Claire Weston
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There is no meeting in December; instead members are looking forward to the Christmas mystery tour and lunch. Some may have guessed where we will be, time will tell if they are right.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE – ENCORE!
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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.
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As is now traditional, we shall be accompanying Father Christmas on his tours of Woodbridge. The jolly old gentleman sets out at 6pm and will be out and about until around 7.30pm, when the reindeer need to be fed and settled for the night. Wednesday, December 20: Warwick Ave, Edwin Ave, Barton Road, Collingwood Road, Beresford Drive, Bury Hill and Bury Hill Close Thursday, December 21: a tour of Peterhouse Crescent and adjacent roads Never a club to neglect the social programme, we enjoyed a Halloween/Guy Fawkes themed party. Our thanks to Yvonne and Chris for their generous hospitality. We now look forward to our Christmas party in mid-December – a welcome break from the fundraising and parcels preparation – hoping against hope that our carol singing has improved. We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of two former Lions, Don Burgoyne and David Gay. Both former presidents, each had contributed much to the life and character of the club. Our thoughts are with their families. May we take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us in whatever way over the past 12 months and wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and rewarding New Year. To contact the Lions, please call 0845 833 2820 or visit: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk
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WEDNESDAY 20th DECEMBER 2017 As this is an open air event, please come dressed and prepared for all weather conditions Father Christmas will be attending with sweets for all the children Voluntary donations to Macmillian, supporting young people in Suffolk If you are unable to attend, online donations can be made via our home page at woodbridgerotary.org.uk
This event is kindly supported by
Mortimer’s Estate Agents, Samuel David Construction, Woodbridge Town Council and others
www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 276111
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE ROTARY CLUB Cycle Ride for Bike Active
October 15 was a brilliant day! More than 160 bike riders converged on Butley Village Hall to enjoy an off-road event of around 25 miles mainly along forest trails through Tangham Forest.
The event was arranged by Woodbridge Rotarians with help provided by Pete Whelan (who has arranged group rides along this route in the past), Woodbridge Inner Wheel (who provided the refreshments and kindly donated their proceeds to the cause) and a special vote of thanks should go the police cadets who turned up to manage the checkpoints and any road crossings alongside Rotarians. Bike Active was the charity nominated to receive the major share of any proceeds raised alongside other charities supported by Rotary. Bike Active is a charity which facilitates cycling experience for many disabled adults. They are fully insured and have a base at Alton Water, an array of amazing cycles and regular Friday groups who cycle all year round. Nett proceeds are thought to be in the region of £850 (subject to confirmation). The weather was kind and a great time was had by all with riders asking if the event would take place again. Look out for this fantastic event next year!
takes the form of a seminar, camp or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select participants and facilitate the event›s curriculum. We were delighted to welcome Jake Barker who we (along with Mildenhall Rotary Club) sponsored to attend this year’s RYLA experience. Rotarian Robin Wraight (left) – who leads on RYLA for District 1080 – was also in attendance to present Jake with his certificates. President Ron Whitaker is also pictured here with Jake who gave an extremely emotive and in-depth report on his experiences on the program. Photo courtesy of Rotarian Robin Pivett. If you are interested in helping sponsor a young person to attend in 2018, please contact us via our website: www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk. Banyan Tree Trust We were delighted to welcome Sue Seabon and Peter Baker who gave us an update on the work and progress of the Banyan Tree Trust which runs a charity based in Idinjar in the state of Kerala, India. The Banyan Tree Trust was created to develop a social work project to benefit a community of disadvantaged, low status people in this region of India. After many years, the result is a fit for purpose building which is an important community centre which acts – at various times – as a medical centre, holds tuition classes, has a tailoring unit and runs vacation programmes for around 250 children.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership program coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of young people participate in this program. Young people ages 13-30 are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to attend the event run by the club›s district committee. Participants are chosen for their leadership potential. Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District cover all expenses for the participants. The format of the event varies from district to district, but commonly
Woodbridge Rotarians have been supporting the trust for many years. Peter was keen to emphasise how much the Trust values the on-going support and donations they have received from the Rotarians. A donation of £600 was presented at the meeting.
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE
NEWS FROM DEBEN ROTARY
In October some of our members enjoyed a bus trip to Aldeburgh, where the sun shone and the air was invigorating. With coffee, shopping, lunch and a stroll along the seafront, it was a perfect relaxing awayday. Here we see Pat Clark and Deirdre Griffin at the Regatta Restaurant. Pat Webb from the Rotary Peace Project was our guest speaker in November. The Peace Project was founded by Jean Best, a retired headteacher, to give young people leadership skills and confidence in today’s world of social media, where peer pressure and cyber bullying have led to an increase in self-harming and suicides. The project runs a course in schools called the Peace Advocate Programme, which teaches communication skills and encourages face-to-face interaction, focusing on saying what you mean, listening and understanding that every person is unique. Another part of the Peace Project is the Peace and Conflict Resolution Project, a university course leading to a master’s degree to become a Peace Fellow. At present this is run at Bradford University as well as other universities across the world. The next meeting of Inner Wheel will be our Christmas lunch, to be held at the Riverside. To find out more about Inner Wheel, please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.co.uk
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This is a prime example of the support and friendship that Woodbridge Rotary Club extends to projects – both at home and overseas – over the years and it is one of the charities that benefits from money raised by events under the general heading ‘other charities supported by Rotary’. The photo shows the cheque presentation with Peter Baker and Sue Seabon (centre) with Rotarians Nigel Barratt, John Pearson, Simon Holloway, John Treadway, Sandy Hamilton and Ashley Meyer.
The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben’s annual charity quiz was another great success this year. Fifteen teams competed with the winners, Team Phoenix, donating their winnings of £300 to Shelter. In total £900 was raised, with money also being donated to Hope Church and Just 42. Our thanks go to everyone who supported the quiz and to Rotarian Dudley Gowen for organising and running the event. The photo shows the winning team being presented with the trophy by club president Rotarian David Embery. December sees the start of our busy season, the first event being our annual Carol Concert at Woodbridge School. The concert, which many people see as being the start of the festive season, is on Thursday, December 7. Our Santa’s sleigh will be taking to the roads around Martlesham Heath on Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6, Tuesday 12 and Friday 15, as well as being in the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge on Saturday 9. The last session of the Memory Cafe for this year will be on Wednesday, November 29. As usual we will welcome sufferers of all types of memory loss and their carers at Woodbridge Football Club from 10.30am-noon. There will be no Memory Cafe in December and we will resume on Wednesday, January 31. If you would like any further information about the Memory Cafe or any other Rotary events please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933.
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our lecture on Wednesday, November 1, was German and Netherlandish Glass by Jane Gardiner, who really entertained us with this fascinating history. Our next lecture on Wednesday, December 6, is The Art of the Joke by Susie Harries. Celebrating the Christmas season, we shall have mince pies and mulled wine before the lecture. Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB TARGET MET! 1,500 AND STILL COMING That’s the number of new or ‘gently used’ bras we set out to collect in October – enough to help 10 African women who were trafficked into the sex trade and have managed to escape. Each can set up her own small business selling bras, thus providing a living but also giving her back her independence and sense of self-worth. A big thank-you to readers and other members of the public who responded to our appeal. The project seemed to catch the imagination of women – our own friends and contacts to begin with, but many came to our collection point in Sailmakers. We were even honoured by a visit from the Mayor of Ipswich. We were also struck by how many women we spoke with were themselves volunteering or fundraising for different charitable organisations. That links in with a key theme of the talk by Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, at our November meeting. He said how much he valued the work of the voluntary sector. He has obviously given priority to getting to know many organisations and puts aside a modest part of his budget to make grants to support their work. This is not a diversion from basic police work; he believes that tackling social problems early can reduce the development of serious crime later. More cases of domestic abuse, rape and child sexual abuse are being reported, perhaps because of the way police are dealing with them. Knife crime, trafficking of young girls, drug dealing and slave labour are all present in Suffolk and growing. They need action now. A bit different – our meeting in December will be our Christmas supper.
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WOODBRIDGE PROBUS Paul Whiting from Orwell Park Observatory was the speaker at our November meeting. We have all seen hurricane chasers on TV, but Paul is an eclipse chaser. After a brief description of the how, what and when of eclipses he took us on a fascinating travelogue over his many years of eclipse watching from the burning deserts of Libya to the Arctic region of north Norway to view a noon eclipse that will not be seen again for another 400,000 years, and last year the remarkable sight of the eclipse that travelled across the USA. Kim Fisher, one of our members, gave us a talk back in August about the innovative boat he had designed and built over the past few years, a crab claw rig with a sliding seat and outrigger seen here under sail on the Deben. Our December meeting is the lovely occasion of our Christmas lunch when we entertain our wives and partners. Our first meeting of 2018 is on Monday, January 8, and is our AGM. The venue will be the splendid setting of the Terrace Restaurant at Seckford Golf Club. Come along as a guest and see what we are about. You’ll find contact details online; look up Woodbridge Probus and click on the first link.
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HOODED LANCE For those who fancy a bonkers, surreal and hilarious alternative to panto, head for Common Ground Theatre Company's touring production of Sherlock Holmes and The Hooded Lance, which runs from December 15 to January 13, and visits The Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge (15/16), John Peel Centre, Stowmarket (18-20), St Mary's Hall, Walton (28-30), Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh (Jan 1-3), Corn Hall, Diss (Jan 4), Headgate Theatre, Colchester (Jan 5/6) and Wolsey Studio, Ipswich (Jan 8-13). The show is the latest concoction from "those magicians of Christmas entertainment" (as Andrew Clark described them in the EADT) Pat Whymark and Julian Harries, best known for their hugely successful Christmas shows for Eastern Angles Theatre Company (including last year's smash hit, Stoat Hall) and for their own company, Common Ground. Holmes and Watson faces their stiffest challenge yet in the shape of the Hooded Lance, their newest and deadliest adversary who is hell bent on spoiling everyone’s Christmas and being really annoying! Julian dons the famous deerstalker yet again, and is joined by the fabulous Dick Mainwaring (Dr Watson) and the incomparable Joe Leat, for a classic Christmas mystery with all the Common Ground trimmings – sparkling wit, ingenious staging, hilarious songs, and surreal flights of festive fancy. For more information, go to: www.commongroundtc.co.uk
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Directed by
CLAIRE WESTON
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE - ENCORE! FIFTH FUNDRAISING CONCERT IN AID OF
Registered charity number 1062559
A VARIED PROGRAMME OF EASY-LISTENING MUSIC TO SUIT ALL TASTES
featuring HARRISON COLE, JOHN HUTCHINGS AND CLAIRE’S YOUNG SONGSTERS
Saturday 20 January 2018
7.30pm WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL TICKETS £15.00 WeGotTickets.com 01394 279907 ADVANCE BOOKING ADVISED Informal table seaZng to include a ploughman’s supper PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS
www.suffolksingers.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT 1st RENDLESHAM SCOUT GROUP Deben District Air Rifle Competition
U3A GROUPS MAKE THE MOST OF THE SHORTEST DAYS I’ve been hearing from various groups that although this month has the shortest daylight hours their December meetings will have the most sparkle. Both indoor and outdoor groups are planning either special lunches or coffee and mince pies to be added to their normal discussions. The University of the Third Age in East Suffolk would like to send members old and new best wishes for the festivities. As there is only one U3A talk programmed for this month I have also included details of early 2018 for your new diaries. Woodbridge Community Hall Friday, December 15, 10.30am: The Life and Laughs of a Local Journalist by Lynne Mortimer, a personal account about becoming a journalist, working as a court reporter and columnist.
The Scouts attended the annual district air rifle competition this year held at Leiston Scout HQ. Having finished with a clean sweep of the silver and bronze medals in both the individual and team competitions, our eight hotshots went into the day hoping to go a step better this year. Led by a stunning individual score of 48 out of 50 (the highest score in the history of the competition), 1RSG went home with not only the individual, but also the team gold medals and the coveted district shooting shield along with all the participants completing their Master at Arms activity badge. Rendlesham Village Fireworks
On Sunday, November 5, 1RSG were at the first ever Rendlesham village fireworks display raising funds for the group with a stall selling soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a vast selection of cakes and biscuits baked or donated by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in the group. Apart from the fireworks display itself there was also a selection of funfair rides and other stalls to enjoy. As the village had never held a display before, we didn’t know what, or indeed how many customers to expect. However, the evening proved to be a huge success not only for the Scout Group who raised in excess of £600 towards the purchase of a mess tent for the group to use at future fundraising events and camps, but also the parish council who organised the event. Our thanks go out to Rendlesham Parish Council, the Parachute Engineer Regiment based at Rock Barracks for the loan of the tent we used, to everyone who baked and donated cakes or helped out on the stall and finally to everyone who attended and made the display so enjoyable and successful. Christmas Post 1st Rendlesham Scout Group will be offering a Christmas card delivery service covering Rendlesham, Eyke, Tunstall, Campsea Ashe, Hollesley, Boyton, Alderton, Sutton and Sutton Heath, Bromeswell, Bawdsey and Shottisham. For just 25p per card you can have your Christmas cards hand delivered by a member of the Scout Group and help us raise much needed funds for the group. Cards can be posted between November 25 and December 11 in any of the Scout post boxes at various points across the areas covered and will be delivered anytime between December 12 and 24. We are still waiting to confirm the locations for our postboxes; please check our Facebook page or email info@rendleshamscouts.org.uk for more information. Membership We currently have spaces for Cubs (8-10). Both Beavers (6-8) and Scouts (1014) currently have a waiting list but we are always happy to hear from any child interested in joining any section of the troop. So please don’t hesitate to contact us via our website, on Facebook or alternatively via Acting Group Scout Leader Keith Gleen: 07944 297184 / info@rendleshamscouts.org.uk www.rendleshamscouts.org.uk
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Friday, January 26, 10.30am: The Story of a Suffolk Bevin Boy by Barbara McElroy, the tale of a rural boy conscripted down the mines during and after the war. Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall Thursday, January 4, 10.30am: The Mysteries of Easter Island by Chris Parfitt, the history of the island and life today, the famous statues and theories about their provenance. Saxmundham Market Hall Thursday, January 11, 2pm: The Art and Mystery of Maltings by Ivor Murrell, a talk by Suffolk’s last working maltster, looking at the skills used and how maltings worked. Kesgrave Community Centre Monday, January 29, 2pm: How to Recycle a Car in 60 Seconds by Nigel Slinn, a talk about metal and waste recycling and how the different materials of a car are stripped down – in 60 seconds. All details on how to become a member of U3A are available on our website or by telephoning our secretary on 0300 123 3913. www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP Maritime Woodland A much overlooked subject comes to the fore at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, December 21 at 7.30pm when Simon Leatherdale gives a talk on Maritime Woodland. The talk has been organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group and their chairman Phil Smith said: “In the UK we have something like 12% woodland cover, but there is less than 2% along the coast. Trees grow perfectly well beside salt water and Suffolk has some fine (albeit small) examples. This talk will look in detail at this overlooked woodland type, and it promises to be a very interesting evening.” Mr Smith added: “Our speaker retired from the Forestry Commission as a Forest Officer after 37 years. He still works his own small ancient wood and enjoys researching obscure maritime woodland sites throughout the UK.” Admittance is £3 for adults, with under 16s free. There will be a raffle and refreshments during the evening. For further information please contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com EVENTS AT FOXBURROW FARM Wednesday, December 13, 10.30am-noon: Wild Tots for ages 1-5 and their carers. Outdoor play led by Forest School Leader. Children £4, adults free. Foxburrow Farm, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Melton IP12 1NA www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org / 01473 890089
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out & about / schools WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MARTLESHAM PLAYSCHOOL Through the Gardening Year was the title of the talk given to Woodbridge Horticultural Society members on Thursday, November 9 by horticultural photographer Michael Warren FC1 Hort. Over the last 48 years he has travelled the world photographing gardens, plants and flowers, plus a few pests and diseases. He also is well known leader of garden tours to locations at home and abroad.
October and November enabled us to look at celebrations. Starting with Diwali, The Festival of Light, children experienced a dark den with sparkly lights and torches in their role play which led nicely on to making decorated clay lamps with candles. Halloween was then explored with witches’ potions, spider crowns and pumpkin carving and we focused on colour for Fireworks Night.
The horticultural year begins with snowdrops pushing through the snow and Michael is happy to use artificial snow if the real thing is not available. Early in year the good photographic subjects are winter flowering clematis. If these are not available flowers and plants can be found in the greenhouse, especially those at RHS Wisley and Kew Gardens. The RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is particularly worthwhile when looking for a plant to add to your garden. In May, when the bulbs have mostly finished and the early summer flowers are there to be photographed, Michael recommended visiting gardens which are part of the National Gardens Scheme NGS to find suitable subjects. Autumn colour is a particularly good source of pictures for the photographer, particularly the acers and mountain ash, as well as grasses and seed pods. Patience is needed to take good pictures, but you can use features in the garden to improve their composition: a pond provides reflections, an overhanging tree provides shade; clouds can be used to add texture. Michael uses a digital camera which has cut down on the need for telephoto lenses. While not being keen on Photoshop he does admit it is useful if you need to remove a ‘Keep Off’ sign from your picture. The next meeting of the society is on December 14 when Jenny Harris and Peggy Albertini will present a flower arranging demonstration entitled Christmas Delights. The competition will be a Christmas Cracker.
REMEMBERING A FAMOUS SON OF SUFFOLK An entertaining documentary which looks at the life and career of writer and historian Norman Scarfe MBE through the eyes of those who knew him is now available on DVD. The film, researched and presented by his cousin Barbara Keene, gives an insight into the life of a learned but humble man who left a legacy to the arts in his beloved home county of Suffolk. Apart from his successful historical publications, Norman Scarfe is also remembered for his contributions to the Shell Guides series, so valuable for those exploring Britain’s counties. Sales of this new DVD will benefit the Norman Scarfe Trust. It is available (£12 plus £1 P&P) from: Paul Fincham, 3 Burkitt Road, Woodbridge IP12 4JP
Christmas treats!
We are now gearing up for our Christmas concert, practising songs and creating props for our shows at the end of term and a visit from the red, bearded man himself. We have some limited spaces still available at Martlesham Playschool; please feel free to pop along and take a look at what fun we get up to, or contact us for a chat about how we can offer 15 or 30 hours funded childcare term time and now all year round as well. Call Martlesham on 01473 625986 soon as we are getting full from January. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools Martlesham Playschool: Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 / mplayschool@btinternet.com Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 / mplayschool@btinternet.com
Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL from 10.30am-noon. Youngsters from birth to five years old are welcome to come along to Bright Stars for a fun start to the week with their parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers. These mornings are free and usually involve singing, games, making crafts to take home and telling stories from the Bible for the first half hour. We then have refreshments when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings. Just turn up, no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing you. The last date for the autumn term is Monday, December 11. The first session of the spring term will be Monday, January 8. If you would like further information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
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on the grapevine CALENDAR LAUNCHED IN AID OF DEAFNESS CHARITY
The winners of a local photography competition, raising awareness about untreated hearing loss, have been rewarded with their photos being featured in a 2018 charity calendar. The Sounds of Suffolk competition was created by family run hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, who have local clinics within Framfield Medical Centre in Woodbridge. The competition has helped encourage those struggling with hearing loss to seek help, as well as highlighting some of the incredible sounds that can be found in and around our county. During a prize giving presentation organised at the company’s headquarters on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, the calendar was officially unveiled, along with a series of greeting cards which are both to be sold in the run up to Christmas. Competition winner James Stannard and second place runner up Stephen Squirrell attended the presentation, along with Brian Platt and his hearing dog Elton. Karen Finch, The Hearing Care Centre’s managing director said: “We were incredibly touched by how many people entered the competition and told us just how much they would miss their favourite sounds if they couldn’t hear. Producing this stunning calendar and beautiful cards will hopefully prolong the message of seeking help if you are struggling with your hearing.” All sales from the calendar and cards will be donated to the company’s chosen charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Hearing dogs not only help deaf people by alerting them to sounds they would otherwise miss, but they also give a deaf person a newfound sense of independence and confidence with their loyal companion and true friend at their side. The Sounds of Suffolk calendar and greeting cards can be purchased for £4.99 and £3.50 respectively from The Hearing Care Centre’s website or by calling 01473 230330. www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/shop
RETURN OF THE IVY BEES The colony of Ivy Bees (Colletes hederae) continues to flourish on the north bank of St Mary’s Churchyard, which at first was a small town and is now more like a city. Ivy bees feed exclusively on the nectar of ivy flowers. To cash in on this autumnal bounty, they emerge in mid- to late-September and are on the wing until early November. They are the latest solitary bees to emerge and, because there are so few other bees around at this time of year, are easy to identify, flying and feeding off ivy and burrowing into the sandy north bank of the churchyard, the ideal habitat. Unlike the larger honey bee, the ivy bees are solitary, living as neighbours in a city. Each female ivy bee digs her own burrow, and tens or even hundreds of females nest close together in colonies. After mating, a female ivy bee digs her burrow in loose earth or sand, and creates underground chambers. She lays several eggs, which she supplies with pollen as food for the grubs when they hatch. The female dies after a few weeks, but the grubs pupate and become adults, staying underground until autumn, and then they emerge, ready to feed and the cycle begins again. The male bees wait by the burrows for females to return before ambushing them. Many males may attempt to mate with a single female in their quest to sire the next generation. Do they sting? Females can sting, though this is not very painful compared to a wasp, but you would have to really agitate them (e.g. pick them up and squeeze them) to make them do this. Males do not sting, and the vast majority of the bees in the so-called swarm are male. Make sure you come and have a look next year! Simon Morris / Photo of Ivy Bee: FLPA /Alamy
IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY We had an amazing display from one of our members on November 1 about stamps that were issued after the fall of the USSR when there was inflation and new states being created. It was a really good display of material that many of us hadn’t seen before. We have only one meeting this month on Wednesday, December 6, when we are having our first afternoon meeting at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall IP5 1JF. Sarah Brooks, a stamp dealer, will talk about the trade and also bring some of her stock so that we can purchase if we wish. The meeting starts at 1pm. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904
CAKE, FIZZ & QUIZ AT WINTER BEER & WINE FESTIVAL Organisers of Saints Winter Beer & Wine Festival have teamed-up with local charity Anglia Care Trust to create an event that will have something for everyone in between Christmas and the New Year. As well as a wide selection of real ale, craft beer and wines of the world, with tasting notes and recommendations, visitors can also enjoy musical entertainment in the evenings, plus a Quiz and Cake during the afternoons to help raise funds for a special local cause. Greg Cooper of organisers Beer & Co says: “Anglia Care Trust has really come up with some great ideas for this second Winter Festival at St Peter’s By The Waterfront, Ipswich. Afternoon quizzes will in particular add something different to the event, and the addition of cake (with a little fizz) wills I am sure go down well on a winter’s day. We will also have mulled wine to warm hearts and hands!”
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“The evening music is presented by Grapevine Live and includes a DJ set on Friday and West End Music Open Mic stage on Saturday. These sessions really pack the place out and create a great atmosphere and the medieval setting of St Peter’s – and I am sure that these sessions will prove just as popular!” Anglia Care Trust Director Jane Simpson says: “We’re delighted to have been chosen by Beer & Co as their supported charity and look forward to welcoming people to a whole host of fun with ‘quiz and cake’, raffles and the best in entertainment. ” Saints Winter Beer & Wine Festival will open its doors at St Peter’s By The Waterfront, Ipswich, from noon to 11pm on Friday 29 and Saturday, December 30. General entry is £3, with a Quiz & Cake costing £5 (includes entry fee – maximum six per team). Team tickets are available in advance for £25. For more information and tickets visit: www.beerandco.uk
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SPORT WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB
DEBEN YACHT CLUB
When the sailing season ends boat owners have to decide whether to stay in the water for the winter or whether to come out (think of Brexit without the vitriol) and we mark the occasion with ‘The Laying-Up’ supper (think of a Brexit Dinner). This annual event which took place in the middle of October attracted a full house who enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal every bit as good as you’d find in Brussels or Strasbourg.
The Autumn Points Race Series was well attended with a range of dinghies. The fast fleet was won by Steve Finch in his Laser with Simon Shaw second in his OK and Chris Tyndale-Biscoe and Alex Brown in third in the Alto. The slow fleet was won by eight-yearold Arthur Alexander and his dad in a Topper, second was David Hayhow, also in a Topper and third David Taylor and his wife Vivienne in their Feva.
The first of the winter talks was by John Johnson-Allan who gave a very scholarly talk on the involvement of the Navy in the Arab Revolt of 1916/17. Operating in the Suez Canal in temperatures which could reach 55c and humidity levels of 75% they ferried men and machines, built pontoons and shelled the enemy to help TE Lawrence in his struggles. Indeed the Turks, who gauged the strength of the opposition by the number of funnels on their ships, offered little or no resistance when they counted up to four smoke belching stacks from a sluggish old cruiser which in fact had little fire power. It was a fascinating talk which sparked a lively round of questions. A fortnight later we jumped from Suez to the Deben where a packed audience enjoyed another detailed account, this time of the history of Woodbridge as a port and boat-building centre by the doyen of the Deben, Robert Simper. Robert took us from Viking times to the present day and it was surprising how little seemed to have changed: we still regard Norfolk with suspicion, have battles with the French and worry about invasion by foreigners. There are still smugglers of one sort or another and The Anchor (other pubs are also available) still seems to be the centre of port activities. He explained the importance of the pilots in getting ships safely over the bar at the entrance to the river when as many as 14 could come in on a single tide. The pilots even had their own style of boats, which were designed for speed rather than manoeuvrability, but were reputed never to go past a pub (alas they have now all but died out)! Eventually the silting of the bar and river together with the arrival of the railway caused the port and shipbuilding activities to decline, but even today there are still commercial boats working in the river in addition to the numerous pleasure boats. Sunday mornings at the club have always been popular for talks and socialising, but of late musical pursuits have started to appear. A group of ‘shanty(wo)men’ has been livening up the bar for several weeks and more recently another group has taken up the ukulele, although to date they haven’t made a public appearance. Still leaning on the lamppost at the corner of the street, no doubt! The RYA courses run by the club take place over three weekends in the spring and there are still one or two places available for anyone interested in taking to the water. As with other aspects of the club, further information is available at: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org
Picture by David Ferguson
We then moved on to the Terminal Series where there was also some good turnouts. Again the fast fleet was won by Steve Finch, followed by Alan Grant, also in a Laser, and in third place was John Adams in his Streaker. In the slow fleet David Hopkins claimed first place in a Topper, Ben and Rachel Alexander were second in their Feva and Lawrence Baker third, also in a Feva. It’s good to see the Laser fleet getting bigger with nine of them in a recent race. In December there is only one race day, on Sunday 3, the last this year, concluding the Winter Series. Some sailors who cannot be without their racing until April head to Alton Waters for their Frostbite Series. While there is less racing the working party is getting busy maintaining the 26 club boats and updating some of them. They are also making some improvements to the clubhouse. This is also the time to plan the program for next year and in the New Year go for walks and listen to some interesting talks. Here is an idea for Christmas. There has been research showing that experiences give more long-term happiness than the quick fix of buying things so why not give someone (or yourself) the gift to try sailing next year? It’s a skill that lasts a lifetime and can provide many happy and fun moments. We will have beginners and improvers courses running early in the season, but do book in good time as they can fill up quickly. For information about the club, call membership secretary Frances Alexander on 01394 385221 or visit: www.debenyachtclub.co.uk
IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The new indoor season is now well under way. The Ravens entered two teams in the monthly Suffolk Indoor 6-a-side tournament held at Northgate School. We continued our emphasis on developing our juniors and ladies in particular. Our first team which entered Division 1 included four of our most promising U18 boys, making it easily the youngest team ever to play in Division 1, although the choice was somewhat forced upon us as our regular captain had developed manful. The boys performed admirably with a win against Ipswich 2nds and narrow defeats in two of the other three games, finishing in a very admirable sixth place out of eight. Our coach Andrew Whitefield said: “All-in-all it was a positive performance form the young Ravens team who were playing a new tactical rotation system for the first time in competition. They will be keen to build on this and convert the early narrow losses into victories in the coming tournaments.” Meanwhile our improving ladies team started well in Division 2 with wins against two other ladies teams, Fil Suffolk Smashers and Stow Aces. We then had a narrow defeat against Diss Asters (mixed) and lost in the playoff for third/fourth place against University of Suffolk (also mixed). If you have ever thought about giving volleyball a try, now is a great time to give it a go. It’s a fast and exciting sport, it’s perfect to help build fitness, and being non-contact it is largely free from injuries. Why not get ahead of the game – start now and work off the Christmas pounds before you’ve even put them on! At Ravens we are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness. We meet every Saturday from 2-4pm and most Tuesdays from 7-9pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875. or visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk
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