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Volume 7 • Issue No. 3 • JULY 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR At the end of my weekly yoga class we spend about 15 minutes unwinding (sometimes literally). It’s meant as time to relax but this week I found myself imagining what I would say if my son had been caught up in one of the recent terrorist attacks. I tried in vain to dismiss the thought but silent tears were quickly sliding into my ears as I lay there counting down the minutes.
NEWS WOODBRIDGE REGATTA 2017
There simply are no words. How does one cope with grief such as this while also dealing with the fact that your child’s life has been taken from them? All their hopes and their potential wiped out, all that energy and excitement and fun and love stolen from the world forever. Ironically, in the background my yoga instructor was speaking about being a positive influence in the world and the following words struck me: a positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, actions and outcomes. In the context of recent events this seems more than a little frivolous, but in coming together to share a minute’s silence, or at an event such as One Love Manchester, isn’t that exactly what we are doing. When we come together to share our grief we find comfort in others and strength to carry on, and now more than ever we need to look out for each other. We’re told our behaviour as adults has a direct impact on how our children behave. Is it possible that our behaviour can have a positive influence on the adults we interact with too? Is compassion contagious? Does the kindness of another change how we behave? If we have it within us to influence the behaviour of others we have power and we can use this power to affect positive change. A kindness shown to a stranger today might change how they behave tomorrow, and so it goes. It’s a tiny ripple in what appears to be a rather deep, dark ocean but together we are stronger.
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.
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial.They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Melton & Woodbridge is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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This year’s Woodbridge Regatta and Riverside Fair takes place all along the river from The Tide Mill to Deben Yacht Club on Sunday, July 16. The regatta throws open its doors at noon followed shortly by Songs of Praise on the Tea Hut stage at 12.30pm with the formal opening at 1pm by the town mayor. The regatta will conclude following the now traditional Woodbridge and District Lions Club Duck Dive in the Model Yacht Pond at 5.15pm. If you fancy coming to Woodbridge earlier in the day, Churches Together will be hosting The Big Family Day out on Kingston Field from 10am so plan to make a day of it down by the River Deben. Both the regatta and the Big Family Day Out are free for all to enjoy and this year there is free car parking at The Abbey School (enter via Cumberland Street). People of all ages gather beside the River Deben to watch yacht, dinghy and tender races as well as the single oar sculling race in memory of Frank and Christine Knights. The raft race organised by 1st Woodbridge Scout Group attracted a record entry of 10 rafts last year and we certainly hope to match that number this year. The prize of an inscribed paddle is hotly contested by local Scout and other youth groups. The Tide Mill will be offering free admission and people can take advantage of free boat trips up and down the river throughout the day. As well as lots of places to eat and drink, families can head to the bandstand for crafts, games and other activities as well as registration for the crabbing competition held later in the afternoon. People can bring their model yachts to sail on the model boat pond or even hire one on the day from the Tea Hut. Live music will fill the air at various intervals along the riverside including the Tea Hut, the cruising club and by The Tide Mill. In the run-up to the regatta there will be a Spot the Duck Competition in shops in and around The Thoroughfare. Details and entry forms will be available from Woodbridge Library from the beginning of July. Geoff Holdcroft, chairman of the regatta committee, said: “The success and longevity of Woodbridge Regatta is a testament to so many community groups working together. I want to thank everyone involved for helping us to put on what we hope will be another fabulous event.” This year’s regatta is proudly sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors. CEO, Charles Rowett, said: “We pride ourselves on being here for the local community, so what better than sponsoring such a fantastic event that is at the heart of it.” For the latest information visit: www.facebook.com/WoodbridgeRegatta The aerial photo on the cover of this magazine was taken by Patrick Squire, the photographer in your area who can take any aerial or ground photos as requested. Your house and gardens will be looking especially nice at this time of year so have an aerial photo now. He will take a selection of 10 to 15 views at very reasonable cost. Patrick can also do reasonably priced children’s portraits and portraits of animals. Please phone: 07732 415238
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NEWS LARGE TURN-OUT FOR SIZEWELL AND THE ENVIRONMENT OPEN MEETING He added: “The renewables revolution is here, it is happening. Nuclear will give us over- production of the wrong sort of energy. The technology is completely inflexible for 30 or 40 years. It displaces other forms of power that we should be investing in”. Inevitably, fears of a possible East Anglian Fukushima or Chernobyl were raised. “Accidents on a nuclear sphere are normal,” Prof Blowers explained. “They occur every generation and will happen again. The technology is unreliable.”
More than 100 people came out to take part in the recent open meeting in Woodbridge on Suffolk: Sizewell and the Environment. It was immediately clear that local people have not accepted that a new nuclear reactor should be built on Suffolk’s eroding coast, and that the efforts of anti-Sizewell groups are becoming increasingly collaborative and effective. With high-profile local and national speakers representing both sides of the argument, discussions included climate change, alternative energy options, environmental impact and much more. No one who was at the meeting – where the chief guest speaker was Baroness Jenny Jones, who represents the Green Party in the House of Lords – has the power to give Sizewell C either the red or green light. But their aim was to make the public more aware of an issue that affects all our lives. Jenny Jones summed nuclear power up as “so incredibly disastrous” as she spoke of the impacts on economic and social justice as well as environmental justice. “Nuclear energy will be defunct by the time it comes online,” she said. Professor Andy Blowers, a former member of the government’s Radioactive Waste Management Committee, added: “You could say that the nuclear industry is facing a slow death.” Professor Blowers dismissed the notion that nuclear power could provide Britain with fuel security, saying: “Nuclear does not bring self-security – it needs foreign investment, it is vulnerable to terrorism and it requires imported materials and expertise”.
MARITIME WOODBRIDGE 2017 Maritime Woodbridge 2017 is being held this year over the weekend of September 9 and 10. The event celebrates the legacy of the town’s maritime past and the riverside and is part of the national Heritage Open Days. This is the seventh, now organised every two years by volunteers and supported by local businesses for the local community. A key aspect is that all the events are free and fun for visitors of all ages, exploring the heritage we all share and which still influences the town today. It gives an opportunity to visit sites that are either not normally open to the public or which normally make a charge for admission. Centred around Whisstocks, the Tidemill and Bass Dock, the event extends along the waterfront to Woodbridge Cruising Club, The Woodbridge Boatyard at Eversons Wharf, the bandstand and Deben Yacht Club.
Local environmentalist and surf photographer Tim Nunn, founder of The Plastics Project, showed some of his astonishing photographs and shared his experience of UK nuclear incidents that are covered up. He revealed: “I have first-hand experience of turning up at very remote beaches in Scotland and finding them covered with radioactive waste, signs advertising this, and a man walking around in complete white protective clothing. I was in my surf gear. I was scared.” Discussions regarding local effects from traffic, temporary accommodation for the 2,600 construction workers who would be needed to build Sizewell C, and park-and-ride sites were discussed and experiences shared by long-suffering Leiston residents who campaigned against Sizewell A and B and are now campaigning against Sizewell C. One Leiston resident recalled: “We experienced problems of drunkenness and drugs. Young people got into difficulties that had never been in trouble before the construction of Sizewell B.” Others remarked that similar social effects could very easily occur in Woodbridge or any area hosting such accommodation. Informed local campaigner Regan Scott explained: “With so much local resistance around Leiston and Wickham Market, 1,000 park-and-ride spaces could now be built at the Woods Lane roundabout at Melton. This would be open from 5am-1am, 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Woodbridge – get up and understand what’s going on, find a voice.” The evening was summed up by Professor Andy Blowers: “Stop arguing about where things are to be located, such as roads. Say NO to nuclear and the whole project. It is not too late.”
Thames barges, bawleys and other traditional and classic boats will be moored on display including boats owned by Arthur Ransome (of Swallows and Amazons). There will be a large number of stalls and activities, including the famous Maritime Woodbridge coracle pond where children of all ages can get their first taste of getting on the water. Adding to the atmosphere will be a Saxon camp and enactment. The sailing clubs and boatyards will be open, providing refreshments alongside other food stalls to satisfy all tastes. Bands and shanty men will play along the river front and talks together with a performance by the Rabble Chorus will be given in the community hall. This year the annual Boat Jumble will be held over the same weekend in the community hall on Sunday, September 10 from 9am-noon.
For further details of the event and applications for the jumble visit: www.maritimewoodbridge.org
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NEWS COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN It’s been a year since Jo Cox died, murdered just as she was about to run her regular open access surgery at her local library. On June 18 people of all political parties and none gathered to remember her in an open air picnic in Woodbridge. Jo died doing something important. It’s what we all need – face-to-face easy access to the person who Toby Gray Photography has been elected to represent us, whether we voted for them or not. Not access every day, and on a whim, but to know your representative is definitely and unquestioningly available when a problem comes up that we can’t deal with. It is a tragedy that Jo’s public spirit, hard work and personal bravery should have such a reward. Her death resonates with me – and not just because I too run a regular open-access surgery at our local library. Let’s be honest, I’ve run my surgery for seven years: people in Woodbridge have never threatened me – only occasionally shouted at me – and sometimes they come to bring me thanks. It’s very cheering. However, many years ago, just before the birth of my first child, I was nearly widowed in a horrific and very similar situation. My hospital doctor husband, having finished a clinic, had gone onto the wards to talk to the family of a patient (let’s call him William) who had just been given a death sentence. It was very sad – three generations dripping tears around the bed of a young man with weeks to live. Returning to the car afterwards (fortunately parked directly in front of A&E) my husband was hit a blow from behind and discovered to his surprise that a man with a machete was doing his level best to take his head off. Sadly, one of his own patients who had become convinced my husband was in league with the CIA and MI5 and was out to get him. Fortunately, all ended fairly well. He was attacked right next to A&E. Speedy emergency response followed by life-saving surgery saved his life – and even his ear, if not his looks. The emergency services did their usual fantastic job: brave (and completely unarmed) police tracked down the assailant and negotiated the blade out of his hand. Five hours after he had sat beside the dying William, consoling his family, my husband turned up in the next bed, bandaged and stitched to within an inch of his life. A drama, but not a tragedy. And you know what? William was so cheered and surprised to discover that death might happen to anyone at any moment – even his doctor – that he perked up and started to get better from that moment on. He sent my daughter a teddy when she was born, and died years later, happily on holiday in company with someone he loved. Violence is destructive – but it cannot destroy. And often it accidentally brings immense good in its wake. Let us hope Jo Cox’s death will do the same. Caroline Page
MAKE-UP MAKE-OVER A celebrity must always look her best when she goes before her admiring public and this may involve a little beauty treatment prior to stepping into the limelight. This was particularly the case for one young lady who had recently emerged from the River Deben, so as you will guess, while she wasn’t looking bedraggled, she wasn’t exactly looking her best. Her problem was that shortly afterwards, she was due for a starring role at the Suffolk Show. Enter two experts in just the kind of beauty treatment that was urgently needed, Sue (left) and Rachel. They soon had their rubber gloves on and began mixing their magic potions that would really work wonders and transform any ugly duckling into the belle of the ball. Their boiled linseed oil was just the moisturiser needed for some dry and flaky skin which was immediately rejuvenated and glistening. Then the dark highlights were skilfully picked out with black-tar varnish to complete the picture. That’s on the boat – not the beauticians. This 24-year-old beauty, whose slender form is always admired by everyone who sees her, was now ready to face her public. Both Sue and Rachel are interesting people who have volunteered their help. Sue qualified by studying archaeology, going on digs and spending over 30 years guiding visitors to Sutton Hoo. Rachel came from Northern Ireland much more recently. She had been active in a community group called Row the Erne (Erne is their local river) that has constructed a 33ft 10-oared curragh based in Enniskillen. This group has won a National Community and Volunteering Award for their work within their local community. Rachel was very pleased to discover when she was moving to Melton that a similar project led by the Woodbridge Riverside Trust was just in the process of getting off the ground as part of the development on the waterfront. Recently, Rachel was one of the team rowing our 45ft Anglo-Saxon longboat Sae Wylfing on our River Deben. As you have just read above, she and Sue were then involved in smartening up the boat ready for her next appearances at events around the county. She will be at Melton Fete on July 8, and then The King’s River performances from July 11-15 followed by another trip to Haughley Park to represent the county at Suffolk on Show – English National Sheepdog Trials event. Read more about community boat builds and listen to how local people can ‘do something’ for their community at: www.rowtheerne.com Get involved here by visiting www.WoodbridgeWaterfront.co.uk or email Brian at: AngloSaxonsRus@gmail.com We’d like our Woodbridge Waterfront community activities to win awards and with your help it could become possible. You don’t need qualifications – you just need to be interested and interesting, like Sue and Rachel.
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT WIN TWO RIVERSIDE MEAL AND FILM TICKETS It’s wonderful to be here… It will be, from July 11-15 at Woodbridge Waterfront and in the Riverside Theatre for performances of The King’s River musical event. Organisers of the live performances of the dramatic music and dance spectacular hope that it will endure in the memory as long as the celebrated song, released 50 years ago, from which our title has been taken. We hope you will enjoy the show (says the song)… but only if you have been lucky enough to get a ticket for one of the performances. Why not, Sit back and let the evening go…? This is, or was, probably your last chance. If you are one of the unlucky ones who missed the show all may not be completely lost, because Woodbridge Riverside Trust’s King’s River event is only the first activity taking place in and around the waterfront and in the meantime you could win a meal at the Riverside Theatre and film tickets while you wait for further developments. I thought you might like to know… that The King’s River event is a celebration of the forthcoming handover of the waterfront area from Whisstocks Development Limited to Woodbridge Town Council with some extremely useful facilities for the benefit of our community.
When the handover is completed the open space of the Waterfront Square where performances of The King’s River take place has the potential to host other events, as it has done in the past. Do you remember Maritime Woodbridge, or the Shuck Festival? Well they can return and they could be joined by many new activities of similar and equal interest, including public festivals. Woodbridge Museum will have excellent facilities housing attractive new displays. Adjoining the museum is the Longshed which will be used for community boat construction following its fitting-out and, of course, the building of the full-size replica of the Sutton Hoo ship is scheduled to begin there in 2018. The Longshed has a community resource area which will have the capacity to run a wide range of educational and community activities. There is a great deal more to look forward to for the people of Woodbridge. The King’s River is only the beginning, so if you live in or near Woodbridge please go and look at the waterfront area near the Tide Mill to begin to imagine the potential for your community, it’s guaranteed to raise a smile. You could be part of its future. We will be telling you how on these pages. Now, back to musical events… the singer’s going to sing a song. How to win two Riverside meal and film tickets What is the title of that celebrated song? The song from which certain selected lines in this article have been extracted. Can you find them? If you live nearby and think you know the answer, or if you definitely know the answer, go to the contacts page on www.WoodbridgeWaterfront. co.uk and email your name and the correct title of the song (see terms and conditions online) to us. The last date for entries is July 24 and the winning entry will be drawn on Wednesday, July 26 at 3pm outside Barretts on the Thoroughfare. The winner will receive two tickets to the Riverside’s Fish & Flicks meal and film promotion (see their current website for details). We want you all to sing along. The name of the lucky winner will be published here next month.
WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Our markets this month are on Saturdays, July 8 and 22 at Woodbridge Community Hall, 9am-12.30pm. We sell locally grown fruit and vegetables, wild meat, chicken, pies and pasties, cakes, marmalade, preserves, falafel, goats’ cheese, fudge, plants and flowers. We have a friendly cafe that sells drinks and home-made brunches, perfect for meeting friends. All stallholders produce their own food in small batches and really care about what they do.
RIVERSIDE 100 MUSICAL THEATRE CHOIR AT ST MARY’S Once again, the Riverside 100 Musical Theatre Choir returns to St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge to provide an evening from the musical theatre songbook along with some Disney classics. The choir’s All Aboard the R100 concert, hosted by the Friends of St Mary’s Church, will bring a touch of joy and light-heartedness, with a repertoire of favourite musical theatre toe-tapping melodies, new and old. Songs in the evening programme on Saturday, July 22 include such classics as Some Enchanted Evening, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Whistle Down the Wind and Bohemian Rhapsody. The concert is in support of the Friends of St Mary’s Church Building Restoration Fund. In 2016 two R100 concerts in St Mary’s raised more than £2,500 for this fund. “We’ve had fantastic support from the choir and all money raised will be used to support essential work on the church,” commented Friends chairman Nick Cottam. Tickets (£10) are available from St Mary’s Church Shop, 11 Market Hill, Woodbridge.
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OUT & ABOUT CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. Thursday, July 27: Book Folding (Emma) Thursday, August 24: Ring Pull Jewellery (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members. New members are always welcome. For more details contact: Jill 01473 713534 / Emma 01787 373850
ROTARY MEMORY CAFE NEWS The two Woodbridge Rotary Clubs recently took 21 of our visitors and carers to a dementia friendly production of The Importance of Being Earnest by Red Rose Theatre in Ipswich. The theatre group entertained guests with a cucumber sandwich and cake tea before a highly entertaining and very funny play. The Memory Cafe, which welcomes people with all forms of memory loss and their carers, takes place at Woodbridge Football Club between 10.30am and noon on the last Wednesday of every month. If you would like to know more about the cafe please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon on 01394 386933. There’s still time for golfers to register for Deben Rotary’s Charity Golf Day on July 27 at St Audry’s Golf Club. Entry is £20 per head with golfers playing 18 holes greensomes in pairs for the Marie Hunt Shield and individual and team prizes. For further details contact Rotarian Peter Rowbottom on 01473 626376 or visit: www.debenrotary.org.uk
At Ligna Carpentry and Joinery we are experienced and dedicated woodwork and timber specialists, based in Stowmarket, covering all of the Suffolk area and beyond. As a family run business with over 15 years industry experience, we are passionate about helping you to update, enhance, restore and extend your home and business premises. We provide an exceptional standard of service in all areas of carpentry and joinery, as well as offering property maintenance and general building works, to include garden landscaping and property renovation. With summer now here, it is the perfect time to get those outdoor jobs and garden projects done. So please call us on 01449 770005 or visit our website for further details: www.lignacarpentry.co.uk
LAST DANCE FOLKUS BEFORE OUR SUMMER FESTIVALS BREAK At our next dance at Woodbridge Community Centre on Friday, July 7, our resident Dance Folkus ‘Come All Ye’ band will be providing the music and Helen Howe, our well-known, local caller, will be teaching the dances. The song spot will be the Old School Quartet featuring two of our band members, Megan and Tracey Wisdom, plus Eammon and Judy Andrews. They may sing unaccompanied or play melodeon, fiddle, sax, whistle and banjo. It will be a good way to finish off the first full year of Dance Folkus events. The June dance was very good with the effervescent Sheena Masson calling some great dances. The band was joined by Ned playing the tuba and this added real depth to the sound. There isn’t a dance in August as many of the band members are off to festivals across the country. Dance Folkus will be running a family dance on Saturday, August 19 at FolkEast. Our core Harbour Lights band will also be at Folkeast on Friday, August 18 and the trio are featured at Sidmouth Folk Festival if you are holidaying that way in the first week of August. Our dances are ideal for visitors to Suffolk as they are fun and feature local musicians and local singers. If you know anyone visiting the Woodbridge area on Friday, July 7, do encourage them to come along. Tickets at the door are £6 and there should be plenty of room even if for those who decide to attend at the last minute. However, there is a £1 discount for booking in advance by email (no payment needed) and students are half price: Dancefolkus@aol.com For further information about joining the band or about the barn dance, contact Rob on 01473 610951 or visit: www.facebook.com/WoodbridgeDanceFolkus2916
BRING AND BUY CAKE AND COFFEE MORNING In Aid of Dementia Research at 12 Fynn Road, Woodbridge IP12 4LS on Saturday, July 15, 10am-2pm. Sue’s mum died in November 2013 from Vascular Dementia. Last year we raised well over £350 for Dementia Research at our coffee morning which brings our ongoing total to almost £1,500. Please come along again and support us this year, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake, and of course good company. Please bring cakes with you so that we may sell them to raise even more money. Alzheimer’s Society – Leading the fight against dementia
OPEN AFTERNOON AT MELTON OLD CHURCH Melton Old Church (IP13 6DH) will be open to the public on Sunday, July 16 from 2-5pm when you can browse through the village records, view the collection of First World War grave markers and enjoy a cup of tea and homemade cakes in tranquil surroundings. To find out more about Melton Old Church visit: www.meltonoldchurch.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY SUMMER READING CHALLENGE The theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Animal Agents. Children can register for the challenge at any Suffolk library from July 15. The challenge starts on July 22 and runs to September 2 with participants reading six books (or audiobooks) during the long summer holiday. Anything can be read just as long as it is borrowed from the library. After each book they come in to talk to one of our fantastic volunteers and receive rewards and there’s a certificate at a special ceremony for everyone who completes the challenge. Chair-based exercise classes Aimed at older people or those recovering from illness or injury, we hope to run a series of weekly chair based exercise classes with Tai Chi and Qigong teacher Roy Wadland (Union of Tai Chi) and would like to gain a register of interest. The one hour sessions will focus on sitting Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation. To put your name down or for more information, please email: kellie.dimmock@suffolklibraries.co.uk July 1-31: ArtLib Exhibition of work by Anthony Mather Saturday, July 1, 9am-5pm / Sunday, July 2, 10am-4pm: Sale of donated non-fiction Saturday 1 to Monday 17 July: Display about Woodbridge Regatta. This year’s regatta and riverside fair is on Sunday, July 16 from noon and will take place on and around model yacht pond field and along the river wall between Deben Yacht Club and the Tide Mill. Come and find out what’s happening. Wednesday, July 5, 2-3.30pm: Visit by the Woodbridge & District Safer Neighbourhood Team Friday, July 7, 2-3pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library activities group meeting. For anyone interested in becoming an active member of our events group, FOWL-Eggs. We meet up approximately once a month to discuss new ways of holding activities or events to help with fundraising for the library. For more information please either come along, email Kellie Dimmock at kellie.dimmock@suffolklibraries.co.uk or contact Woodbridge Library on 01394 446510. Saturday, July 15, 9-11am: Caroline Page, County Councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.
Meeting room and display boards available for hire Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour (min. two hours) Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour (min. two hours) 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 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
Book Group: the first Thursday of the month at 2pm On July 6 we will be discussing A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. This group is led by a member of staff. Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion.
Every Wednesday
Woodbridge Novelists: meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings A reciprocal critiquing group for novel-writers who are working towards publication. For more details and contact information please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/woodbridgenovelists/home
• 11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers.
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. Writers’ Workshop Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested? To open doors to creative writing please email: jeannie@butterwicks.com
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
• 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups.
Every Friday • 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult. Kid’s Club Craft Activities: Every Sunday, 10.30am-noon: July 2: Activity Sheet Fun July 9: Swinging Monkey July 16: Activity Sheet Fun July 23: Peeping Fox July 30: Activity Sheet Fun
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE ROTARY CLUB Weekly lunchtime meetings take place at The Bull Hotel in Woodbridge while monthly evening meetings, generally the last Thursday, take place at various venues. We welcome visitors – contact details below. On May 12 Stewart Moulds presented an update on Kid’sOut, a charity supported by Woodbridge Rotary. On May 25 we visited Woodbridge Golf Club where the Venerable Arthur Hawes spoke about his time as a mental health act commissioner and other activities associated with mental health. District Assistant Governor Rotarian Lindsay Pearson attended our club assembly on June 2. Karen Lawson of Suffolk Refugee Support was our lunchtime speaker on June 16 and on June 22 we played bowls, croquet and quoits and enjoyed a buffet supper at an evening social. On June 30 Rotarian Jeremy Harold presents a lunchtime talk entitled Australia Now and Then. At the members only lunchtime meeting on Friday, July 7 (1-2pm) we handover to the 2017/18 officers. The lunchtime speaker on Friday, July 14 is unconfirmed at the moment but a representative from SSAFA, the UK’s oldest national tri-service military service, will join us on Friday, July 21. An outside visit has been planned for Thursday, July 27 (7-9pm), venue to be confirmed.
THE LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT With the summer comes the annual Woodbridge Regatta. This historic event will be held this year on Sunday, July 16, with the traditional river events and the ever growing number of land-based attractions along the river wall and the model yacht pond field. The Lions’ Club of Woodbridge & District will be there with the impressive Dumper Duck and the Duck Dive as the concluding event of the afternoon. Ducks can be bought on the day from the field or from a stall by the shelter on the river wall. We will also be selling ducks in the Thoroughfare on Saturdays, July 8 and 15. All funds raised from the public are returned to the community in one of a number of ways. Most recently we have been delighted to contribute to the new play equipment in Elmhurst Park – a donation to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lions’ club by Chicago business man Melvin Jones. From that beginning the movement now has some 1.3 million members in more than 100 countries around the world. Clubs continue to support their local communities according to need and the resources available, but also contribute to international health and disaster programmes. For a no obligation chat please call 0845 8332820 or speak to any of the Lions at the regatta.
SUMMER EVENTS Annual Golf Day: Tuesday, June 27 Charities being supported this year are St Elizabeth’s Hospice, Fresh Start and other local charities supported by Woodbridge Rotary.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY
Woodbridge Regatta: Sunday, July 16 Rotary will host a bottle stall in support of The Blood Runners and other local charities.
June 7 saw the society’s final meeting of the season. A finger-food lunch for our members was followed by the AGM. Then Deborah Lambert talked to us on the subject of a very unique building and its many, illustrious and infamous residents.
Woodbridge Walk: Sunday, August 27 BECOME A MEMBER We welcome interest from people who live or work locally to join our expanding membership. If you have questions, or would like to discuss joining the club, contact our membership and administration chairman: enquiries.woodbridgerotary@gmail.com BECOME A FRIEND Becoming a friend will give you: • An opportunity to sample Rotary activity with no risk or commitment • A flexible way to give something back to your community without the commitment or pressure to become a club member • A way of making a real difference with your time without having to dedicate significant time or energy to the cause Contact: enquiries.woodbridgerotary@gmail.com www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk
PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA The next meeting for sufferers of polymyalgia rheumatica and or giant cell arteritis and their partners will be held at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, July 13. The hall will be open from 10.30am for refreshments and support discussions. The speaker for this meeting will be from Diabetes UK. Some PMR sufferers may develop diabetes at some time so information could be very helpful. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Come along and gain valuable support from those who understand. For any further information contact: 01787 379400 / eastanglia-pmrgca@outlook.com
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The Lawn Road Flats building in Belsize Park, London NW3 was opened in 1934. Built in reinforced concrete and pale pink in colour, it was a homage to modernist design and architecture and greatly influenced by the German Bauhaus Movement. In its heyday it housed artists, designers, writers (Agatha Christie was a resident) and even a notorious Soviet spy ring! D eborah, who lived near the flats as a teenager, described all the innovative concepts in the design of the building and in its furniture, and introduced many of its famous residents. After a long period of decline and dereliction in the 1990s, the flats have been now been beautifully restored and the building has its own museum-gallery which she encourages us to visit. It was an enthralling talk. We have our summer break now, but members are welcomed back on September 6 when Mark Hill of Antique Roadshow fame, will present a talk entitled Curves, Colours and Cool: An Introduction to Mid-Century Modern. The meeting will begin at 2.15pm. So why not become a member and enjoy good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. The meeting lasts about an hour. Tea and coffee are available up until 2pm. Guests and non-members welcome, provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a guests/visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
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A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE FAMILY • RARE BREEDS • PETS PADDOCK • TRACTOR-TRAILER RIDES • PLAY AREA • CAFE • MUSEUM • GIFT SHOP
NEW FOR 2017 • Children stay dry in our brand new All Weather Play Area • Meet our new Foal, Colony Dorothy AUGUST EVENTS • Children’s Discovery Wednesday’s August • Family Horse & Dog Show 20th August • Wind in the Willows 4th August • Something Suffolk Fair 27th- 28th August FREE KEYRING WHEN YOU SHOW THIS ADVERT SEE Whilst stocks last IT:7
www.suffolkpunchtrust.org
Woodbridge Walk, Hollesley, Suffolk, IP12 3JR Tel: 01394 411327 Email: info@suffolkpunchtrust.org
OUR W E FOR O BSITE PEN TIMES ING & DETAIL S
Reg. Charity No. 1100596
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
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OUT & ABOUT PAINT A POSTCARD FOR WOODBRIDGE The great community painting competition is about to take place. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, July 12, but you don’t have to wait till then. You can post your paintings, postcard size (6”x4”) to Woodbridge Art Club, Tide Mill Way IP12 1BY or drop them in with your £1 per entry and entry forms which are available from local libraries or the club which is open every weekend from 10am-5pm. If you are under 16, please put your age on the form. Entries will be judged by John Roberts, well known local artist from Top Studios, and the prizes will be presented by Woodbridge’s artistic mayor Councillor Clare Perkins on Sunday, July 16 (regatta day) at 3.45pm.It’s going to be a great day so hope lots of you will drop in. In the meantime the club gallery will be open as usual on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-5pm for visitors to browse around among the pottery and paintings, lace and original greetings cards. Everything is for sale should you be in spending mode.
WOODBRIDGE CAMERA CLUB Congratulations to Robin Garrod whose image Helix Bridge, pictured, was selected by judge Nigel Rea ARPS as the winner of our Architecture PDI competition on May 16. Nigel commented on the unusual angle of view and level of detail in Robin’s image. We had a total of 47 entries in this competition, ranging from images of modern high-tech buildings to derelict structures (and even an example of naval architecture!) and Nigel’s comments were constructive and helpful. J uly 18: Open subject print competition. Judge: Peter Norris APAGB, DPAGB, BPE4* Guests always welcome. Members £2, guests £5. We meet at Woodbridge Quay Church at 7.30pm. Annual Exhibition 2017 This year’s annual exhibition of members’ photographs will be held from August 4-6 at Woodbridge Sea Scout Hall, Tide Mill Way IP12 1BY. Entry is free. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk
WOODBRIDGE PROBUS CLUB Our meeting on Monday, July 3 will again be at Martlesham Leisure Centre as work at Waldringfield Golf Club is not yet finished. Sadly it means postponing the summer lunch for our ladies, but we hope to have another date soon. Meeting at noon for a drink and get together before lunch at 1pm we will then hear our speaker, who this month is our member Kim Fisher on designing and building your own boat. If you are ready to retire or are retired come and join us, or come as a guest and see if you like us. We are a friendly bunch. If you have any questions contact our chair Roger Seagers: 01394 386283
MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Our next meeting is on Wednesday, July 5, when Patrick Taylor will present an illustrated talk entitled Turnpikes and Tollgates, charting the location and history of these important local commercial gateways. This event will be held at Melton Chapel, The Street, Melton. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Our August event will be a guided tour of the parish church, St Andrew’s in Station Road, Melton on Wednesday, August 2, led by The Rev Roy Tricker, a renowned authority on Suffolk churches. Meet in the church at 7.30pm for the tour which will be ollowed by light refreshments. As ever, all are welcome; members free, visitors £3. For further details email: mlhs.sec@aol.com
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB So now our website is adorned with a washing line and our members will arrive at the coming East Anglia Region’s meeting carrying a bundle of knickers! Quite a few of our UK clubs support the Kori Programme which works to transform the lives of women and girls in Sierra Leone. Somehow collecting knickers does not sound as impressive as other parts of the project, like building a library or repairing a school. However, when we say that they will go with the washable sanitary towels made up by other clubs it’s clear that this is a quiet way of helping girls to cope with a very real obstacle to attending school. On the same practical level we have recently made up our half yearly contribution of toiletry packs to welcome women who arrive in the refuge with nothing. We happen to be writing this report on Election Day. Whatever the outcome we shall still be left debating how and by whom the deep needs of our society can be met. It therefore feels quite apposite that the speaker at our July meeting comes from Suffolk County Council. Sarah Blake has the title of Head of Localities and Partnerships and we are looking forward to hearing about and discussing with her issues around changing responsibilities, the relative roles of voluntary organisations and statutory services and the coordination of efforts to provide a clear pathway for clients. We imagine that such issues are of equal concern to women in other clubs and organisations. It seems a waste to have Sarah all to ourselves so you are warmly invited to join us at the Ipswich and Suffolk Club on Wednesday, July 12 at 7.30pm. Please call Joyce, our secretary, on 01394 615659 for full directions and information about parking.
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ST AUDRYS GOLF CLUB
GET INTO GOLF FREE TASTER DAY In association with the Doctorgolf Academy
TUESDAY 1 AUGUST
A great opportunity for all the family to try golf for the first time OR to come back to golf after a break. What’s on Offer? ● Short Game Clinic ● Range Clinic ● Three Hole Game ● Nearest the Pin Challenge Register by 30 July at www.staudrysgc.co.uk
Sessions start at 10am, 2.00pm and 6pm.
Equipment provided but wear suitable shoes!
Stowe Veterinary Centre
Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre
Ipswich Veterinary Centre
The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery
The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery
54 Bury Road, Stowmarket
2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds
Scrivener Drive, Ipswich
Coddenham Road, Needham Market
Station Road, Elmswell
Tel: 01449 613 130
Tel: 01284 747 000
Tel: 01473 555 000
Tel: 01449 722 198
Tel: 01359 241 761
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
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OUT & ABOUT NEW HORIZONS
1ST RENDLESHAM SCOUT GROUP
HELP! VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED
Rendlesham Show is one of the Scout group’s most important events of the year, not only as a fundraising event but also as an opportunity to engage with the community, support a local event and create useful contacts in the area.
New Horizons, the club for older people in the area, needs more people to help with transport. Beginning on August 7, we will be open on Mondays as well as our usual Thursdays to serve our members in the local community. But to make it more affordable for our clients, we really need a few more people willing to collect members within a five-mile radius of Woodbridge and take them to St Mary’s Hall around 9.45am; then pick them up at 2.30pm and take them home. The transport is organised on a rota for when it suits you, and you would be reimbursed to cover your costs. Our members are so appreciative of our help; it really is a pleasure to assist them. Please phone the number below to find out more. Prospective members are encouraged to experience a trial session. Our days go as follows: after arriving to a welcoming cup (or two!) of coffee or tea with biscuits, many of the members join in with activities such as art, Scrabble, dominoes or a game of cards. Some just enjoy a good chat; alternatively they might chose to read the newspapers or a magazine. Several appreciate the opportunity to ask volunteer shoppers to purchase something they need. Anyone who wishes can also join in with the armchair exercises which are fun as well as beneficial. A definite highlight of the day is the delicious home-cooked, two course meal followed by more coffee or tea. And after lunch, we have another activity which might be live music, crafts, a film or slide show or a quiz. If you have a few hours free, please consider becoming a volunteer, drivers especially! New Horizons meets weekly on Thursdays (twice weekly beginning in August) from 10am-2.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, 11 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP.
This year to raise funds the group were offering the opportunity to make your own fresh fruit smoothie using a ‘smoothie cycle’ which was kindly loaned to the group by Ipswich Cycle Café. On what turned out to be a glorious Saturday afternoon the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts enjoyed helping people of the village pulverise perfectly prepared fresh fruit into a range of tasty concoctions. After selecting the fruits of your choice, adding ice and a dash of fruit juice, customers then had the option of either pedaling their own creation into a glorious smooth, chilled summer drink or to allow one of the Beavers, Cubs or Scouts to do the hard work and pedal it for them. After a hard afternoon’s work in the Suffolk sunshine the group had managed to raise more than £300 which they hope to put towards a mess tent for future camps. Membership At 1st Rendlesham we currently have spaces for Cubs (eight to 10 years). Both Beavers (six to eight years) and Scouts (10-14 years) currently have a waiting list but we are always happy to hear from any child interested in joining any section of the troop or indeed any group in Deben District. So please don’t hesitate to contact us via Facebook or: www.rendleshamscouts.org.uk
The cost for the day is £8 with a small additional fee if you require transport. People over the age of 55 are warmly invited to come along and join us. For more information or to make arrangements to become a member, please phone 07514 364752 and speak to one of our leaders.
U3A SAYS ‘HERE COMES SUMMER’ With the end of the academic year, the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk might appear to be taking a break. However, several groups will continue to meet throughout the summer while others are already planning new sessions, ideas and subjects to start in September. Our U3A committee for 2017/18 will have been selected at our AGM on June 12 when we hope members will have joined us for the afternoon. I should have some information on talk subjects which take place in our four campuses (Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Saxmundham) next month. Till then please ensure that any members and prospective members have Friday, September 1 safely in your diaries. This is when Kesgrave Community Hall hosts our annual open day between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the community hall approximately every 15-20 minutes. Please come and see just what the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk has to offer for retired and semi-retired people. If you would like further details on U3A please call 03001 233913 or visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT COME AND EXPLORE A SANDLINGS HEATHLAND Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Woodbridge Wildlife Group invites you to come and explore the Sutton and Hollesley Commons with them when they hold a guided walk on Sunday, July 9 starting at 2pm. Phil Smith, chairman of the local group, said: “We will be parking at the car park opposite Red Lodge (TM 335471) and walking across the heath land looking out for, and identifying, wildlife. This will be a good opportunity to hear more about how this heathland has been restored in order to attract particular birds, butterflies and insects.” Admission to the walk is free with donations to Suffolk Wildlife Trust appreciated. There is no need to book. Participants should wear strong footwear and bring binoculars.
WOODBRIDGE IN BLOOM
During the last two summers the Woodbridge in Bloom team have walked the town looking for attractive front gardens. Where householders were felt to have really added something to the community through their efforts, they received a congratulations card. These seem to have been much appreciated and reach a greater number of residents than those loyal few who used to enter the various competitions, so the committee will repeat this pleasurable task in July 2017. In addition, we award cups and shields to local businesses for their floral contributions.
For more information contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com
The latest fundraising quiz by Woodbridge in Bloom took place recently at the football club, who kindly provided a tasty supper. As usual, question master Judith Wright served up a tantalising array of teasing questions, and ‘The White Stuff’ emerged as eventual winners.
FOXBURROW FARM EVENTS THIS JULY
The profit of £247 will be used towards the planting and watering of the many tubs and hanging baskets around Woodbridge.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Melton near Woodbridge IP12 1NA
This year the number of baskets (supplied by Messrs Geaters) is being increased – look out for more along the quayside. Many residents of Woodbridge and Melton assume that the tubs, baskets and verges around town are stocked and maintained by the local authority, but this is not the case. Most of our funds come from private sponsors of hanging baskets, and we would welcome further people prepared to do this.
Wednesdays, July 5 & 19, 10.30am-noon: Wild Tots for under 5s and their carers. Children £4, adults free. Wednesday, July 26, 10.30am-12.30pm: Quackers about Ducks Family Afternoon Duck detectives and feather fun for all ages. Children £4, adults £2.
Vice-chairman Barbara Dann barbaradann@btinternet.com / 01394 382459
Friday, July 28, 10am-2pm: Wild about Foxburrow Children’s Activity Day Parachute games, shelters and fires for six-10 year olds, £7. Book: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org / 01473 890089
WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB
Havergate Adventure Running over three days from Saturday 12 to Monday 14 August 2017 We welcome families, individuals, those new to bird watching and those with experience to see what birds and other wildlife you can find on our guided tour on Suffolk's only island Woodbridge Flower Club celebrated its 65th birthday in June. Members of other flower groups were invited to join us, along with our area president and other officers from NAFAS. Our chairperson, Rosemary Digby, welcomed everyone before lunch and drinks were served. After lunch Rosemary introduced Nick Grounds, a national demonstrator, who proceeded to produce many beautiful arrangements while giving a very amusing and informative talk. Nick used a great variety of flowers and foliage and his arrangements were raffled at the end of the afternoon, along with several other prizes. Peggy Albertini, our president, cut the birthday cake and everyone was given cake and chocolates to take home. It was an extremely enjoyable afternoon and lovely to see so many people in the hall joining in our celebration.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
Boats depart from Orford Quay hourly from 9.30am 1.30pm and tours last 2 hours 40 minutes Tickets: Adults £12, under 16's £3 Free binocular hire & refreshments are available to purchase To book & for more information: call Minsmere on 01728 648281
Inspiring everyone to give nature a home
rspb.org.uk/havergateisland Photo by Rahul Thanki (rspb-images.com). The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.
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SCHOOLS / SPORT FARLINGAYE HIGH SCHOOL
SUMMER TERM AT BRIGHT STARS
High school nationally recognised as transforming educational practice Farlingaye High School has recently achieved accreditation for transforming practice under SSAT’s Framework for Exceptional Education. The Framework for Exceptional Education is a self-review and planning tool incorporating SSAT’s 30 years of experience in school improvement. Co-developed with a group of high-performing schools and reviewed by leading academics, the framework supports schools in quality-assuring their work and sharing effective practice.
Youngsters from newborn to five years, come and join us at Bright Stars for a fun start to your week with your parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers.
To achieve accreditation as transforming in practice, Farlingaye High School was reviewed by another high-performing school and an independent moderator from SSAT. Headteacher Andy Sievewright said: “This accreditation is a great motivation for us to build on the tremendous work done at Farlingaye over the past few years. Our staff deserves great credit for all they have done and for their determination to keep pushing the school forward.”
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.
School joins the Tennis Foundation’s School of Tennis Programme Farlingaye High School is delighted to announce that they have been chosen as one of 40 new schools to take part in the Tennis Foundation’s new School of Tennis programme. The school was welcomed onto the programme with a national training day at Loughborough University which brought together PE staff and senior leadership team staff from the schools to enjoy a busy day of learning and on court activity to equip them with the skills and knowledge to implement the School of Tennis programme in their secondary school. Students prepare for an apocalypse
We meet at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL from 10.30am to noon on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times.
The last remaining date in the summer term is July 10. Dates for the autumn term will be published in August and posted on noticeboards. For more information please contact: Jennie Fidler 07584 420729 / Sonya & Maureen Burrows 01473 625196 / Sue Lambert 01473 624130
MELTON BOWLS CLUB Ken King and Walter Sedgwick won the Melton Bowls Club Invitation EBF Three Bowl Pairs Tournament in one of the closest contest for many years. King and Sedgwick carded 64 points, a single point ahead of Tony Cocker and Peter Moyes in second with Mel Saggers and Eric Titshall in third place on 60 points. The event held on Melton’s fast running green, attracted a full complement of 28 pairs playing in two sections and the competitors enjoyed perfect bowling conditions throughout the day. With one game remaining for each team, five pairs from the two sections had won all their games and were still in contention to take the winners trophy.
At the beginning of June, Year 8 Endeavour students had the opportunity to take part in an exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) event simulating an apocalypse scenario. Students participated in the event organised by Thinkers in Education, preparing for a meteor to hit the Earth. Split into teams, they had to navigate a series of challenging tasks including extracting their DNA and designing a secure bunker for when the asteroid hit. They had to work hard all day to ensure the future of civilisation.
Richard Parker and George Hickinbotham led section one on 45 points ahead of Duncan Frost and Norman West on 43 points with Saggers and Titshall also on 43 points. Frost and West played Saggers and Titshall in their final game and it was Saggers and Titshall who managed to secure a narrow victory which put them on 60 points, this proving enough to take third spot overall. Parker and Hickinbotham fell out of contention by losing their last game to P Cook and finishing back in fifth place on 51 points. Section two was headed by King and Sedgwick on 45 points with Cocker and Moyes a single point behind. Both had good wins against P Sumner and B Moss respectively, taking 19 points each which was good enough to hold off the opposition and take first and second places.
The organisers were very impressed with the attitude and aptitude of the students. The winning team earned the second highest score in the 10 years of running the scenario. This includes the scores from countries around the world. Charlie Jarvis and Hector Edge designed the bunker with the highest safety rating they have ever seen in this event. The winning team were Daniel Reeve, Daniel King, Caitlin Moody, Maria Lucas and Kenza FraddWalker, whose attention to detail and ability to process new information quickly and efficiently boosted their overall score. Daniel Reeve from the winning team said: “I learnt a lot and it was a fun, new way of learning. It is clear that a huge amount of effort and care has gone into this event.”
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After the games were completed, club president Gavin Abbott and tournament organiser Peter Moyes presented the trophy and prizes to the first (pictured), second and third placed pairs.
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SPORT WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB
FREE VOLLEYBALL SESSIONS THIS SUMMER
Gestation: The period between conception and delivery!
Some time ago the club conceived the idea of applying to the Post Code Lottery for bowls equipment in order to kit out our team for the Samford League. There was some discussion as to the legitimacy of the Post Code Lottery, but sure enough, nine months later a large amount of kit was delivered. This consisted of warm-up jackets, white trousers, polo shirts and a set of bowls with a jack and measuring tape, all-in-all around a £1,000 of equipment. The Samford League team were eager to try out the uniforms and will certainly cut well-dressed figures on the bowling greens of Suffolk. Now a plea for somebody to help the club by taking responsibility for our green. Our current green keeper, Malcolm Ord, is set to retire at the end of this season. Surely there are enough bowls clubs and golf courses in and around the county for us to hope that someone will answer our call. Malcolm is quite willing to help the new green keeper into the job, if necessary, and I’m sure expenses could be worked out. Our other hope is for a club member to be willing to take over as it will be extremely expensive to carpet the green with artificial turf, which is one suggestion that has been mooted. We hope it doesn’t come to that. Just a mention that Thursday evenings are still club nights where members old and new can come and have a ‘roll up’. For details of membership and useful addresses visit: www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk / Facebook Anthony Bynom
Volleyball is loads of fun and a very friendly game. It’s the only high-energy, no-contact mixed team sport you can play indoors and outdoors, whatever your ability. It’s energetic enough to help with your fitness, but without placing high demands on your body, and good teamwork is important as well as individual skill. This summer is the perfect time to give volleyball a go and find out why it’s one of the top three most-played sports in the world. The sport is thriving in Suffolk with clubs in Ipswich and Stowmarket with members of mixed abilities, male and female, and all ages from teenagers to their grandparents. The clubs will all give a warm welcome to prospective new players whether experienced or complete beginners, and this summer you can go along to join a session and play some friendly games at a park near you. Ipswich Ravens and Ipswich Volleyball Club play in Christchurch Park (near the Westerfield Road entrance) on Saturday afternoons, while Stowmarket VC play on the Recreation Ground on Tuesday and Sunday evenings. All sessions are subject to weather and other fixtures. The great thing is – all sessions are completely free. The clubs are happy to accommodate people who want to play either competitively or just at a recreational level. All sessions are organised by qualified coaches who also give some playing advice to each individual. So why not go along and take a look? If you like what you see please introduce yourself and you will be very welcome to participate in a session under no obligation. To find out more, visit: www.suffolkvolleyball.org.uk
DEBEN YACHT CLUB Our first leisure sailing flotilla was held on spring bank holiday Monday and was particularly successful with 28 dinghies making their way downriver to The Tips, returning to the clubhouse for a picnic lunch.
Any new members joining as a result of our Try Sailing Day in June will have the option of attending a sail training course at the club from July 25-29.
The Lazy Sailing event on June 3 was also well attended. More than 50 people were involved in both these events and everyone had a very enjoyable time.
For more information about events and how to join please visit: www.debenyachtclub.co.uk
Since our last report we have hosted a fundraising coffee morning for the Disability Advice Service and have another coffee morning in aid of EACH on July 7. Our clubhouse is open to anyone for these events. Our next open sailing event welcomes under-18s to our Junior Regatta on July 15/16 and the club programme extends to adult racing on Sunday when there will be plenty for spectators to see. What better place to watch the action than the clubhouse deck while enjoying a cup of tea and delicious home-made cake!
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB
ST AUDRYS GOLF CLUB
I only learned recently that there really is such a thing as a blue moon, but as you would expect it doesn’t happen very often. Apparently it is caused by dust particles refracting light from the moon so that only blue light is visible. A blue moon occurred in May, coincidently the day of the club’s canoe trip down the River Stour which, after weeks of cold grey skies, took place in warm sunshine. Once again it took place over two days because so many people wanted to take part and unfortunately the second day wasn’t quite so good. It seems a doddle – just a gentle paddle downstream with the flow – and it is once you get the knack, but there are two in the boat and it takes skill and effort to maintain a good course. Nonetheless everyone enjoyed themselves, most especially the cup of coffee at the halfway stage although they were disappointed that there were no ice-creams available. It was a waning moon that heralded the ‘Deben Discovery’ cruise a few days later and it brought an uncomfortable night for the boats moored in the lower reaches of the river. The day itself dawned still and misty, but by the time crews had breakfasted and dropped their moorings the sun had broken through and a military wind had come up from the south. Skippers chose their own time to leave the river and head out past the Haven Buoy to the Washington and back again. Departure and arrival times had to be recorded to give a total for the passage which after handicap adjustment produced a win for ‘Hotspur’ sailed by Richard and Christine Bull who received a bottle of wine for their effort. Courtesy of Mark and Emma Barton at Waldringfield Boatyard, the evening was spent barbecuing ashore, a great opportunity for old and new members to socialise and explain to each other just what had gone wrong to prevent their success. Barbecues are also being held on Wednesday evenings at the clubhouse on the river walk when the weather permits. The bar is open, the club provides the barbecue and members bring their own food and a good time is had by all. Find out more at: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org
The coveted Upton Trophy – Mixed Pairs 4BBB Stableford – was closely fought in late May with Juliet and Tony Rhodes narrowly beating Teresa and Aly Andrews with 44 points to 43. Then, in the June Medal Competition, Clive Andrews drove off the 18th with his eight iron to finish a brilliant round of golf with a magnificent hole in one! Clive achieved a gross score of 67 with a net 52. St Audrys congratulates Clive on his fantastic score and handicap reduction. GET INTO GOLF DAY Tuesday, August 1 is a date for the diary. St Audrys – in partnership with Ufford Park – is holding its second Get Into Golf day with start times of 10am, 2pm and 6pm. The sessions will include driving, chipping, putting and a four hole par three round. It will be a free event but pre-registration is essential. For details visit: www.staudrysgc.co.uk Please bring your friends and families for a great day out with prizes – all ages welcome!
CELEBRATE THE HEROES IN YOUR COMMUNITY Nominations are now open for the Community Action Suffolk Awards 2017 (supported by Birketts Solicitors) which recognise the volunteers, communities and young people making an impact on the lives of people in Suffolk. Eight awards will be presented to individuals and organisations in Suffolk, from Village Hall or Community Building of the Year to the Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering award. If you know of someone, or an organisation making a real difference, you have until Friday, July 21 to make your nomination via the CAS website: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/awards Freckenham Village Hall, near Mildenhall, won the 2016 Village Hall or Community Building of the Year award. Jane Leitch, secretary to the trustees at the hall, said: “It is so lovely to be recognised for the hard work and occasional sleepless nights! The hall will be 20 years old in 2017 and we have come a long way from just having a mother & toddler group or the occasional bingo session, lunch or outing to the seaside!” The hall committee consists of a dedicated group of enthusiastic volunteers who ensure an inclusive, active programme of events including farmers markets, film nights, exercise classes and live entertainment. They work hard to make the building more sustainable, having installed solar panels and upgraded the lighting system to save energy, and with plans to install a more energy efficient heating system.
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Judith Gunion won an award in 2016 for her volunteering achievements, giving her time to many local, national and international events. Judith said: “I can’t believe I’m stood here inspiring others, when only a few years ago I was just one of 270,000 people who applied to be a London 2012 Gamesmaker. Volunteering is a fantastic way of learning that you can push your boundaries. You will learn from it, grow from it and in time you will pass on those skills to others. So take the first step. Start small and then let the world be your oyster”. The eight CAS Awards are: • The Anne Dunford OBE award for Youth Participation • The Roddy Macleod award for Youth Club of the Year • The Andrew Towers award for Young Person of the Year • The Colonel Probert award for Community Initiative • The Ian Campbell MBE award for Individual Initiative • The Village Hall / Community Building award (supported by CAS Insurance Services) • Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering (supported by My CharityGuard) • Event Organiser of the Year (supported by Larking Gowen) Awards will be presented at CAS’s Annual Celebration event on September 26 at the Museum of East Anglian Life. For more information and to make your nominations visit: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/awards
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