In touch news with woodbridge apr18

In Touch

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with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge Volume 7 • Issue No.12 • APRIL 2018

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Tide Mill Living Museum rolls into action (p3)

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Some years ago I was invited to take part in a ‘Grumpy Women’ segment on Radio Suffolk. Each guest was asked to choose one topic, a task I set about with relish. When I met my fellow grumpy women in the green room before the show we chatted about how difficult it had been to choose.

I was embarrassed to discover that while they had struggled to find a topic, I had struggled to select from a rather long list. I’d chosen people who eat from noisy packaging at the theatre or in the cinema, but the shortlist had included people who interrupt all the time, rude drivers who don’t acknowledge when you give way, the pseudoscience used to sell skin creams and cosmetics (just what is a free radical?), people who spit in the street…

When I told my husband about the green room conversation he howled with laughter, until he noticed my silence. “Well you’re hardly surprised are you,” he said. “I’ve never known anyone who gets so easily annoyed about small things.” I’m sure you can imagine how that conversation went, but I’m making no apology for my grumpiness, though I prefer to see it as sensitivity!

Of course this conversation took place at least 10 years ago and I think I’ve become a nicer person since I started working at In Touch. It’s impossible to be angry and judgemental when I’m constantly reminded of the good in people. Every month I hear from people who are raising funds for charity, organising local events (a significant and often thankless undertaking), setting up or leading support groups, promoting social opportunities for people who are otherwise isolated… the list goes on. We are so fortunate to live in a society where people care, where they look out for each other and give their time to make local communities stronger. The least the rest of us can do is turn up.

Of course locally owned businesses are the beating heart of every strong local community, often supporting local causes, investing in the local economy and creating local jobs. Support each other and together we can look forward to a ‘grump free’ future!

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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MAY DEADLINE 10 APRIL 2018

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS

Woodbridge’s iconic Tide Mill will throw open its doors to the public between 11am and 5pm every day from Good Friday, March 30, until the beginning of October this year.

After a busy winter and spring making flour and welcoming visitors and groups, the mill has a jam-packed schedule of wheel-turning and milling times (http://woodbridgetidemill.org.uk/turning-milling-times) offering visitors more opportunities to watch the historic water wheel in action and see the millers making flour. Over Easter there are wheel-turning sessions at 11am every day from April 4-8, with the one on Saturday 7 including a milling demonstration.

The 2018 season sees a number of new initiatives with 40,000 leaflets being distributed throughout the region and promotions such as a twofor-one offer with Greater Anglia.

The mill will also be participating in events such as the Beowulf Festival and Maritime Woodbridge. They are also revising their educational resources for schools, producing a new range of merchandise and an enhanced package for those who might want to become a friend of the museum. The mill is also offering an outreach speaker programme so any organisations that want to hear about the mill can organise a talk.

John Carrington, Chairman of Woodbridge Tide Mill Trustees, said: “The team of volunteers and engineers has been working hard through the winter making sure the Tide Mill is ready to be enjoyed by visitors over the traditional ‘season’. This year we are concentrating on attracting visitors and groups with more openings, better merchandise, more events, more leafleting and easier ways to pay. As a charity the volunteers rely on visitors and Friends of the Tide Mill to maintain it so we hope that more of them will take advantage of Gift Aid to boost our income at no cost to them. We’re all looking forward to welcoming people from near and far for what we hope will be a very busy 2018.”

Alex Downing, the new volunteer marketing coordinator added: “Our volunteers have been working to build an excellent visitor experience at one of only two Tide Mills in England and the only one still producing its own flour.

We hope the coming season will enable more people than ever before to appreciate everything this iconic working living museum has to offer.” www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk The cover image features UCL Archaeology Department visiting the mill on February 16.

Local people can now sign up to the new Garden Waste Collection Scheme being provided by Suffolk Coastal District Council.

Suffolk Coastal District Council is introducing a £43 a year charge for collecting garden waste this financial year (2018/19).

The scheme is optional, with the first paid-for collections scheduled to start from the beginning of May 2018.

It’s quick and easy to sign up, either: • Go online at: my.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/MyServices. You will need to register or login to your My Eastsuffolk account and then complete the form for garden waste.

• Call Customer Services on 01394 383789 and choose option ‘0’.

• Pop in to see our customer service staff in the Customer Service Centre in Felixstowe and Woodbridge Libraries.

You will need a debit or credit card to pay. The fee for one bin is £43 for a year (the equivalent of paying about £1.65 per fortnightly collection). You can place your order now and don’t forget to say ‘YES’ to the upgrade.

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NEWS A NEW ORGAN AT WOODBRIDGE METHODIST CHURCH When organists create music, few of us are aware of the behind the scenes work which has to be done to enable these beautiful, ethereal sounds to be produced. Three enthusiastic teams of church members from Woodbridge Methodist Church took part in a historic change, researching the alternatives, removing the old organ and installing a new one.

The first stage was to research what was available and what the advantages were. A team of the church organists, the choir-mistress and members with technical expertise in recording music visited three different churches and sites: Oxford, Norwich and Ipswich. They listened to their organ sounds and discuss the advantages of each type. It was clearly going to be a major expense so three quotations were needed.

The next stage was to arrange for the congregation to hear the alternatives.

A clear favourite emerged.

Then the various technical challenges likely to be encountered in the removal of the old organ and the installation of the new one needed to be considered.

At the end of January, two other teams of church members cleared the sanctuary of the church, covered up sensitive items like the piano, pulpit and lectern and built a 2.3 metre high scaffolding tower to remove the 35 yearold, huge loudspeaker cabinets.

LIFE ON THE DEBEN SPRING CONCERT The musicians responsible for composing and playing music for the highly successful film Life on the Deben are to hold a concert of their work in Woodbridge in April. Hosted by the Friends of St Mary’s, the Life on the Deben Spring Concert will be staged at St Mary’s Church in Woodbridge on Sunday, April 15 from 2-5pm.

Local musicians were invited to contribute new or existing music for the film, inspired by their close association with the Deben. They include the well-known local group the Burkitt Family – Ross, Ali, son Sam and daughter Eliza, internationally known pianists and composers Frances Shelley and Jan Pulsford, professional cellist Nick Parry, singer songwriters Peter Hepworth and Stephen Hodd, Art Butler of local band Aartwork, and professional classical guitarist Andrew Osborn. From classical to contemporary, song and instrumental, the music project did more than enhance the film – it took on a life of its own. The concert is a fitting showcase for the film’s musicians, playing their own styles of music inspired by the Deben.

“We have an amazing pool of musical talent, not just in Suffolk, but especially amongst those living on or near the river,” comments Life on the Deben producer Malcolm Hodd. “While the documentary style of the film demanded large scale works in part, local music was particularly appropriate for the more gentle and thoughtful moments. Our spring concert audience can enjoy music from some of the very finest musicians in the area.”

Tickets to the concert are available through the Life on the Deben website and on the door.

Refreshments will be available.

Since its world premiere at the Riverside Cinema on December 3, Life on the Deben has been seen by more than 3,500 people at cinemas across Suffolk, including Woodbridge, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket and Aldeburgh. DVD and BluRay sales continue apace, and the Life on the Deben team will shortly be announcing their first charity donation to the local river community.

A specialist hoist lifted the new organ into position in the choir balcony.

Another team of helpers, armed with blankets and cushions, helped ensure a smooth lifting. Then the tuning and voicing process was finalised and a masterclass was given to explain and demonstrate the capabilities of the new organ to the organists. All this work will enhance worship and concerts to be enhanced for many years to come.

If you wish to see more details of the installation, visit: www.woodbridgemethodistchurch.org.uk

www.lifeonthedeben.com

For people interested in the main technical details, these are:

DRUMMER BOY MOVES TO MARKET HILL

• • • • • •

Viscount Envoy Organ 35F Two manual and pedal 35 Speaking Stops plus 35 Orchestral Voices, including chimes and piano Built-in recording system Plus “Choirmaster” (pre-programmable) Autoplay and hymn player

THE ARCHERS PC BURNS VISITS WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY James Cartwright, the actor who plays PC Harrison Burns in the world’s longest running soap, will talk about his acting career at Woodbridge Library on Thursday, April 19 at 7pm.

James’ career includes winning the Royal Television Society’s award for best leading actor for his performance as Johnny in the BBC’s Johnny Shakespeare.

He has also won The Scotsman Fringe First Award for the one-man play Raz as well as being nominated in 2014 for Best Leading Actor in a West End Production for his role in Passing By. He has been a regular member of The Archers cast for the past four years.

He will be in conversation with Tim Cornford after a brief AGM of the Friends of Woodbridge Library. All are welcome to join FOWL members for this event.

In April there will also be another in the popular series of FOWL lunchtime music events at the library. On Tuesday, April 17 at 12.45pm The Beech Duo of Nigel Tuffs (guitar) and Jan Welsh (violin) will play a series of classical duets by Paganini, Piazzolla, Carulli and others. Lunchtime concerts are free to attend.

Any donations go to the work of the Friends of the Library.

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Woodbridge Town Council is delighted to report the Drums to the Fore and Aft bronze statue (known affectionately as The Drummer Boy) has been renovated and moved to a new home on Market Hill.

The statue, which was outside the old district council offices on Melton Hill for many years, has been transferred into the custody of Woodbridge Town Council. As part of the planning process, the town council consulted with the people of Woodbridge on several sites in town, and the preferred location was outside the Shire Hall overlooking the lower part of Market Hill.

Not only has the statue been moved, it has also been extensively renovated.

As part of the restoration process it was cleaned using a steam based system called DOFF to remove atmospheric pollutants and any loose surface contaminants. This process does not remove the green verdigris. The statue was then cleaned by hand over the entire surface using hand bristle and soft bronze brushes Following the cleaning stage the bronze was ‘hot waxed’ using three to four layers to build up the surface and blend in the disfiguring green/black streaky appearance. Some of the wax was tinted to help achieve the finish and was followed by layers of clear microcrystalline wax. When the wax has fully dried the surface was carefully buffed using lint free cloths and soft brushes to give a soft sheen.

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NEWS WALKERS IN SUFFOLK ASKED TO UNITE AGAINST PARKINSON’S Suffolk residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham on Sunday, June 10.

The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018.

Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure.

There are longer and shorter distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone. At Glemham Hall distances include a 1.5-mile, 3.5-mile and 5.5-mile walk to choose from.

Last year, 180 people took part in the walk at Glemham Hall to raise £17,000 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year.

Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved.

He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. Exercise can be really beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s. It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms.

“So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinson’s.”

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal.

As the charity is hoping to raise over £500,000 from the 37 events it suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50. All the money raised from the event will fund research to help to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s UK is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area, or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.

To find out more, or to sign up to walk or volunteer at the event, call 02079 639367, email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall

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TRY-A-BOAT OPEN DAY AT WOOLVERSTONE The Royal Harwich Yacht Club based at Woolverstone on the Shotley peninsula has announced a Try-a-Boat Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7.

The event is open to adults and children who would enjoy an introduction to the fun and excitement of sailing on the lovely River Orwell – and it’s completely free!

The club will provide a range of dinghies and larger sailing boats, and an experienced club sailor will be on hand to take you out and show you the basics. All safety equipment will be provided – just bring a waterproof/ windproof jacket and a pair of soft-soled shoes and you are ready to go.

The clubhouse will be open from 9am, with sailing sessions from 2-5.30pm.

The child-friendly clubhouse has a well stocked bar where you will be able to buy food and refreshments.

For an information pack and to book your place at this exciting event visit www.royalharwichyachtclub.com or contact: 01473 780319 / office.manager@royalharwich.co.uk

TRANSFER OF COMMUNITY BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE Woodbridge Town Council is delighted to report the freehold transfer of the community buildings and public open space at the prestigious Woodbridge Waterfront has finally taken place.

The Mayor of Woodbridge Councillor Clare Perkins, Councillors Martin Sylvester, Michael Dale, David Mortimer, Geoff Holdcroft and Stephen Attwell, and town clerk Chris Walker have worked tirelessly with Whisstocks Developments Ltd to secure part of the site for the town.

Woodbridge Town Council intends to lease out the two community buildings on long term leases at a peppercorn rent to Woodbridge Museum Trust and Woodbridge Riverside Trust. The public open space will shortly be accessible to all with the opening of the glass topped floodgate which has also been transferred to the town council.

Town Mayor Councillor Clare Perkins commented that she was delighted to be part of the team working with Whisstocks Developments Ltd to secure the exciting future on a site that has been derelict for many years now.

The town clerk is pictured with Councillor Dale, Councillor Mortimer, The Mayor of Woodbridge, Councillor Perkins and Councillor Sylvester.

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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

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Life | Land | Business

Whatever life brings we’re always there for you For your life, land and business, Barker Gotelee is here to help.

Our friendly, local solicitors are on hand to advise you on a host of legal matters, including buying and selling property, family breakdown, making a will or developing your business.

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Visit barkergotelee.co.uk or call 01473 611211 www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT SWIFTS IN WOODBRIDGE – PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO OUR 2018 SURVEY Join the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group for the fourth year of our campaign to Save Our Suffolk Swifts. We are looking for swift nest sites either in roofs or nest boxes.

From our previous surveys we have gathered information from Woodbridge and 10 of the surrounding villages. By the end of 2017, we had recorded 72 nests in 33 sites. We are sure that there are many more nest sites waiting to be recorded.

Between early May and early August if you see swifts flying at roof level, particularly around the eaves, this could be a nest site. You may see them flying directly into a hole or through a loose tile into the nest. If it is your house you may hear them from the upstairs rooms.

For more information about swifts, swift websites, leaflets to download and our meetings, visit: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/woodbridge All the records which you send us will be entered onto the Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service and RSPB websites. In this way we will be making a major contribution to the national picture of swift numbers and distribution. It is thought that one reason for swift decline is the loss of nest sites on buildings, through modernisation. Many roofs are now deliberately designed to exclude swifts by blocking up entry points.

Another sign of breeding swifts is ‘screaming parties’.

These are the groups of birds which fly around in a tight group, at or just above roof-top height. We would like to hear about nest sites and screaming parties. So send us your observations.

So we are doing all we can to raise awareness among builders, developers and home-owners about the need to allow swifts to have entry points into our roofs. They are charming visitors; those who have them feel privileged to share their roof spaces with them for the summer months. So we want to encourage as many people as possible to install swift nest boxes on their houses to compensate for this loss. We are selling nest boxes for £20 at our RSPB meetings on the first Thursday in the month from October to May at Woodbridge Community Hall.

Please send the information to: woodbridge.swifts@gmail.com

Jenny James, RSPB Woodbridge Local Group

COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN

TOP TRANSPORT COUNCILLOR MEETS BUS AND RAIL USERS

Social Prescribing Having just entered another decade, I’m looking back through times past, to long ago when I was a lone parent, sole earner, and fulltime carer of a seriously ill child. I worried all the time about everything. About shoes, housing, packed lunches, hospital emergencies, school trips and… in fact there was so much to worry about all the time, I didn’t know where or when to stop. Life could easily have become too much.

In this sea of troubles, one thing kept me afloat: the world outside. Suffolk is simply so beautiful that there isn’t a season when there isn’t something to make your heart soar. From snowy days and the murmuration of starlings, to spring flowers and swallows nesting – faint echoing cuckoos along the Deben – and then elderflowers with their promise of cordial and champagne and days lengthening. The flowers, fruit and fun of summer followed, swimming in the sea and late nights watching for meteor showers. The rich joy of autumn is next, as you trek alongside fresh-cropped fields, revelling in golden tints, harvest moons and hints of frost. Then back to winter, with Orion ramping overhead, broad-shouldered and brilliant in icy black night skies.

These things were – are – wonderfully there, all day every day, however lonely, desolate or desperate I was feeling, a cycle of support and happiness on my doorstep. And all for free.

I walked weekly with kind friends and poured my heart out. In turn they too poured out their hearts to me. If my child was well enough to get to school, I might rush out and walk alone as fast and far as possible, or get on my bicycle and make for the sea. If school sent her home as ‘too ill’, I took her with me and we shared joys together, bluebell woods and blackberries and (one memorable rainy May) several nightingales singing in woodland down by the Deben. She never once was the worse for it. More, these delights held us up when we might have fallen. And, of course, in time life became much better.

There are many conditions for which medicines and medical intervention are necessary, crucial and/or critical. But for many more, they may not be the best answer. The difficulties I faced could have been addressed with pills, but for me the best prescription was – is – walking and being outside. To this day, I do my GP’s Health Walk (every Friday, Ufford Park, 9am, open to all). Others find their stress is diminished or joy of life renewed by learning a new skill or language, helping others, dancing, joining a group to campaign or raise funds, singing their heart out, gardening… the list is endless.

ESTA, the East Suffolk Travellers’ Association independent voluntary association for train and bus users in Eastern Suffolk, recently organised a public meeting with one of Suffolk County Council’s top politicians to answer questions on current and future usage of public transport throughout the coastal area.

The meeting on Saturday, February 17, attracted travellers from as far south as Ipswich and Woodbridge, as well as from Halesworth, Beccles and the Lowestoft region, took place at Oulton Broad. Councillor Jane Storey explained the role the county council played both in the overall consultation processes on the railway and how at times they were able to raise issues put to them by individual electors. These were mostly on general principles rather than of specific items, as the latter were more the role for ESTA. She was especially aware of issues relating to Station Square in Lowestoft. Members of the audience raised matters relating to intra-district co-ordination of public transport road facilities in rural areas of Suffolk.

The meeting was also given an update by a representative of the Community Rail Partnership on developments at the northern end of the railway line, and on the then current situation in respect of the fire that had recently destroyed much of the station building at Saxmundham. ESTA members and others from the Beccles area were pleased to be told that substantial grants would be forthcoming for a new shelter on the platform at Beccles Station and refurbishment to Lowestoft Station.

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKETS Woodbridge Farmers’ Markets will be held on April 14 and 28, 9am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall.

We have local, seasonal produce and food made by hand, with care in small batches. We always have a friendly cafe selling hot drinks and brunch.

Here are some of our lovely stallholders: Olga Owen of Quince Tree, Ray Kent of Wild Meat Company and Poppy Smith of Sutton Hoo Chicken.

‘Social prescribing’ is a matter of realising that while our NHS doctors are invaluable, the answer to some of our problems lies elsewhere, and often in our own hands.

Councillor Caroline Page

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Woodbridge Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd April 2018 10am-5pm

Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4AU 40+ Stands Spiritual Gifts & Art Wellbeing Therapies Workshops/Talks TV Psychics Stage Performances Oils & Incense

Indian Head Massage, Crystals & Jewellery ‘The Buddha Cave’ FREE Meditation Tuition Healthy Food Readers

International Speakers Aura Photos Living Foods Greenpeace

Life Arts Admission: 1-day tickets - £3.50 adults, £3 concessions 2-day tickets - £5 adults, £4 concessions Under 16 FREE (accompanied) For information visit

www.lifearts.co.uk

Organised by Chris Cozens of Life Arts

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/LifeArtsMBSFestivals and be part of the MBS Community.. #WoodbridgeMBS

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NEWS suffolk haven for Europhiles The Suffolk EU Alliance, a refuge for those who felt saddened by the EU referendum result, has grown from strength to strength since its launch a year ago. It began as a small group that held regular meetings in the back bar of the Woodbridge Cherry Tree, its aim being mutual self-support and avoidance of the worst excesses of Brexit.

The Woodbridge group has since grown considerably and meetings are now held at Seckford Golf Club. Non-partisan membership includes local East Anglians plus a smattering of Australians and Canadians, as well as Brits with family living and working in mainland Europe.

A broad church, alliance participants stretch from those who want to remain in the EU as well as those who accept that we have to depart, but wish to campaign to secure as many of our existing benefits as possible. Meetings are held once a fortnight but demand has led to additional groups being formed in Halesworth, Beccles, Hadleigh, Aldeburgh and Ipswich. Insistent on comfort, the chair ensures that there’s a well-stocked bar and the Woodridge venue now offers simple low cost meals as an alternative to having to cook at home.

So where does the alliance stand on the latest government position? Chairperson Julia Ewart (pictured): “Some members think the best course is for parliament to take the decision on the final package but, increasingly, more of us think that it should be returned to the public for a final decision.

We cannot accept without question whatever David Davis finally delivers, nor can we now trust our MP Therese Coffey.”

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM AFTERNOON TALKS Our February talk was given by Bob Merrett on The Liberty of St Etheldreda, The Cradle and the Grave of the Kingdom of East Anglia. To most of us this was a little known subject and Bob guided us through not only what was known of St Ethedreda but also enlightened us as to what the ‘Liberty’ was and why Woodbridge was part of this.

Future Friends of the Museum talks are: April 20: The Medieval Port of Gosford May 18: The History of Paycocke’s In June there is a visit to two contrasting buildings, the Walpole Old Chapel and Huntingfield Church with its amazing ceiling. In July there is a visit to Paycocke’s and the Grange Barn in Coggeshall.

For further information on talks or visits please contact: 01394 385572

THE STRUMPETS AT DANCE FOLKUS

Among several other speakers the alliance recently benefited from an enlightening talk from John Gummer who spelt out in chilling terms the trajectory we are on, particularly on national agriculture, a critical issue in our region.

“It’s now clear to many who voted for Brexit that we’re not going to have our cake and eat it, a lie that we consider naïve,” says Julia. “I think that most of us now know that the government is not going to deliver the cherry-pickings we were told to anticipate. We also resist the lie that we have to turn our back on our nearby geographic and cultural partners to trade with the rest of the world at great distance and considerably higher transport costs. As to the impression given that we will be free to trade with the rest of the world after Brexit, well, the US is already our largest single trading partner, and that’s both import and export.

“At a personal level, having benefited from the EU medical passport I’ll be sorry to see that go. As for the European rights and entitlements that our children and grandchildren were born with to study, work, and retire anywhere across our glorious continent. All I can say is that 62% of the electorate never gave the government the right to do this to them. It’s an injustice and it’s hard to see that there won’t be serious consequences if the government doesn’t deliver its promised improved lifestyle in a more prosperous and happier country.”

Julia is heavily involved in the local economy, both in business and with civic tasks. “Suffolk can ill afford Brexit and the public needs to understand the truth,” she concluded.

For more information visit: www.suffolkeualliance.co.uk You don’t have to become a member to attend meetings.

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We had to cancel our March ceilidh because of the weather so we hope to bounce back on Friday, April 6 with a lively evening of barn dancing at Woodbridge Community Hall from 7.30pm.

Our caller, Chris Pitt, is travelling up from Billericay in Essex. Chris has called at many folk festival ceilidhs and in his spare time also dances with Seven Champions Molly Dance Team. We are pleased he has agreed to call for our Dance Folkus evening and expect some fun dances.

Our song spot will be filled by The Strumpets. These are a group of seven local ladies who all play the ukulele and sing a range of entertaining and sometimes risqué songs. These ladies all learned the ukulele with the University of the Third Age (U3A). It’s amazing nowadays how people can take up an instrument later in life and be performing in front of an audience within a couple of years. The U3A is responsible for changing the lives of many by developing new skills, talents and interests that had previously been unexplored. Don’t miss their performance!

The dance band will be led by local ceilidh band Harbour Lights with additional musicians making up the Dance Folkus Come All Ye band. Discounted tickets can be booked by emailing Dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (£6). Students or children are half price. Telephone Rob on 01473 610951 if you need further information. New band musicians and dancers are very welcome

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Woodbridge Library will be closed on Sunday, April 1 and Monday, April 2.

April 3-31: ArtLib exhibition of work by Laura Beardsell-Moore Laura is a professional artist specialising in paintings inspired by the gardens, fields and woodlands around us. Driven by a love of animals, flowers and trees Laura hopes her paintings will not only give pleasure to others, but will also enhance their appreciation of the environment around us. Laura grew up in a small Suffolk village and returned to her roots after completing her degree at Winchester School of Art. Her works are regularly exhibited in and around Suffolk and her fine art paintings and pet portraits are collected across the UK. Thursday, April 5, 10.30-11.15am: Easter Storytime and Crafts Suitable for children aged three-seven, free event.

From Saturday, April 7: Sale of donated books. All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Tuesday, April 10, 2-3pm: Woodbridge Young Adult Book Club. A reading group for the young people of Woodbridge who love young adult or teen books, run by young people for young people. Refreshments provided. This month Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne.

Saturday, April 14, 10.15-11.45am: Parenting from a New Perspective by Mia Philips. Explore how an understanding of the Three Principles allows you to parent with more clarity, common sense and peace of mind. £5 on the door.

Tuesday, April 17, 12.30-1.15pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library Lunchtime Concert with The Beech Duo Thursday, April 19: The Archers PC Burns visits Woodbridge Library (see page 4). The Friends pf Woodbridge Library will be holding their AGM before the conversation with James Cartwright. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more details please contact Woodbridge Library: 01394 446510 / woodbridge.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk Saturday, April 21, 9-11am: Caroline Page, County Councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.

Friday, April 27, 5-6pm: Talk on Brahms by Chris Milton, Director of Music at Woodbridge School. For more details and to book, please contact: 01394 446510 / woodbridge.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk Book Group: On Thursday, April 5 we will be discussing Days Without End by Sebastian Barry. Please come along at 2pm if you would like to join in.

Woodbridge Novelists: Meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. This is 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 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.

Friends of Woodbridge Library Goodies: Show your support for your local library by carrying a cotton shopping bag bearing the Friends logo. It’s only £3. There is also a bookmark for £1.

SNAP (Support & Advice Project): A SNAP support worker will be available every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am to noon for advice on all housing related issues, rent payments, arrears, budgeting and benefit changes.

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Meeting room and display boards available for hire Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour (minimum two hours) Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour (minimum 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.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Someone from the CAB is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Flagship: Someone from Flagship is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Writers’ Workshop: Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested?

Please email jeannie@butterwicks.com to open doors to creative writing.

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.

Drawing Group: Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10am. Each month this group explores a different aspect of drawing. No experience necessary but numbers are limited and this group is currently full. A voluntary contribution of £2 goes towards the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

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. 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

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

QUIZ EVENING AT HIGHLANDS

Friday, April 13, 7pm Tables of four, ÂŁ5 per person Refreshments and raffle Bring your own wine or beer Contact Ruth: 01394 382125

WOODBRIDGE PROBUS

At our March meeting Marcia Whiting, a curatorial associate at the Munnings Art Museum at Dedham, gave us a fascinating illustrated talk entitled The Life and Art of Sir Alfred Munnings, exploring his life story and the wide range of his subject matter. Although famous for his horse paintings he also painted portraits, landscapes and rural scenes, a prolific output during his long life. Although many of his paintings are on view around the world, the museum holds a large collection presently being remounted to follow his life from the beginnings on his nursery wall to the painting he was working on up to a few days before his death. The museum reopens at Easter and you can find out more at: www.munningsmuseum.org.uk Our photo shows a Suffolk Horse Fair at Lavenham in 1901 by Sir Alfred Munnings. The photo is courtesy of the Munnings Art Museum. Copyright the estate of Sir Alfred Munnings.

At our next meeting on April 9 we welcome Brian Wilcox whose talk is entitled Escape the Rat Race. Brian started in computers way back in 1961 and has seen all the changes that have altered the way people work today. He will cover changing ways of working, time leverage and new ways of working for yourself.

Retired or semi-retired? Come along as a guest and see if you like what we do.

Everything you need to know is on: www.woodbridgeprobus.org.uk

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT FUNDRAISING CONCERT FOR THE BEEHIVE

COME AND SING AT ST MARY’S

St Mary’s Choir is again inviting singers of all ages and abilities to join them for another Choral Open Day to take place in St Mary’s Church on Saturday, April 28, 10am-5pm. The day’s rehearsals will end at 4pm with a sing-through of the repertoire to an invited audience.

Last year, over 100 guests joined the choir to learn Vivaldi’s Gloria and other anthems, and to gain an insight into the activities of a St Mary’s chorister.

This year’s programme consists of mainly English ceremonial music, including Parry’s I Was Glad, Handel’s Zadok the Priest – and much more. A brass ensemble and the church organ will supply an inspiring accompaniment.

On Sunday, April 22 from 3-5pm at All Saints Church, Wickham Market, professional guitarist Mike Hynes will be playing classical and flamenco guitar in the first half, with a trio of double bass, percussion and guitar performing in the second half. Free entry includes half time refreshments.

There will be a retiring collection for The Beehive, a charity set up in Nakuru, Kenya by Jane and Alan Hutt from Rendlesham. Jane and Alan settled in Nakuru in September 2013 and saw a need that wasn’t being met to help girls, sometimes as young as nine, finding themselves pregnant and having to face choices they should never have to face: homelessness, prostitution to support their baby, or abortion.

The charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of these vulnerable young mothers, many of whom are orphans themselves, providing them with an education and teaching them life skills as well as giving their babies an education once they reach the appropriate age, all within a loving, caring and stable environment. Any money raised from the event will be used for the running of The Beehive: rent, utility bills, food, wages for staff, medical and health care, education fees and living costs for the girls and babies.

To find out more about The Beehive visit: https://en-gb.facebook.com/thebeehivenakuru

ALL IN AN APRIL’S AFTERNOON AT ST ANDREW’S, MELTON St Elizabeth’s Hospice Choir come together with Martlesham Brass for another of their concerts: All in an April’s Afternoon is at St Andrew’s Church, Melton at 3pm on Sunday, April 29.

Tickets are £5 on the door and you are invited to stay for a cream tea after the concert at £2.50. The proceeds will be shared between St Elizabeth’s Hospice and St Andrew’s Church.

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Bring some lunch and copies of the music, if possible. Soup and light refreshments available during the day. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Come and sing – it will do you good!

For further information contact Bob Pegnall (01394 386822) or Andrew Clarke (01394 410449).

STEPHEN SAVAGE PIANO RECITAL In aid of The Alzheimer’s Society Saturday, April 21, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge Recent research has established a beneficial link between music and Alzheimer’s, showing that music can bring significant comfort and relief to dementia sufferers.

How appropriate then, to welcome distinguished pianist Dr Stephen Savage to St Mary’s Church to give a recital of works

by Beethoven and Mozart in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society. With an international career as a soloist, playing in Australia, America and the Far East, Stephen now teaches piano at The Royal Northern College of Music and gives masterclasses at Oxford University, as well as continuing to give recitals.

As Stephen has generously agreed to waive his fee, the entire proceeds from the event will go to support The Alzheimer’s Society in its important work in East Anglia and elsewhere.

This event is to take place on Saturday, April 21 at 7.30pm, with a 20-minute interval when wine and soft drinks will be on sale. This concert by an outstanding pianist in an acoustically and architecturally splendid venue is expected to be well supported. Tickets (£10) are available from Woodbridge Violins in Market Square (cash only please).

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT MUSIC TALKS AT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Woodbridge Library launches a new series of talks about music given by Chris Milton, head of music at Woodbridge School. The first talk in the series will be on Friday, April 27 in the Library at 5pm. The series will continue on Friday, May 18 and will conclude on Friday, June, 22, both at 5pm.

The talks will be about three giants of Romantic classical music of the 19th century. The April talk will be about Johannes Brahms, composer of wellloved symphonies, concertos, chamber music and choral music. In May Chris Milton will take us into the tortured soul of the Russian Pyotr Tchaikovsky and to end the series in June he will talk about the Frenchman Hector Berlioz, composer of the strikingly original Symphonie Fantastique. All talks will be illustrated on the piano.

Chris Milton studied music at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities before entering teaching. Immediately prior to joining Woodbridge School he was the Learning Projects Manager at the Britten-Pears Foundation, based at The Red House in Aldeburgh. His combination of an extensive knowledge of his subject and a lively manner will make for three fascinating sessions.

The talks will take place in the meeting room of Woodbridge Library and will cost £4 each. If you book for all three talks the series will cost £10. All proceeds will go to the work of the Friends of Woodbridge Library. To reserve your place phone 01394 446510 or call into the library.

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

Our next meeting is on April 17 when John Field will be talking on the historic buildings of Ipswich. John will be aiming to create greater awareness of the many buildings and features of national importance within the town. He will review over one hundred buildings and features, explaining their historical and architectural importance. Many of the town’s listed buildings, churches mansions, parks and halls will be included. A must for those who love our county town.

On May 15 Peter Lawrence will talk on stately homes in England, explaining how they reflect the power, wealth and influence of their owners.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

THE LIONS’ CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT As the weather warms up, so does our activity. February saw us join with other Lions’ Clubs in South Suffolk and the New Century Lions Club of East Anglia in hosting a swimming gala at Crown Pools. This annual event for any swimmers with physical or learning challenges is always a delightful event, with the huge grins of the participants testifying to their enjoyment and for us the chance to renew acquaintances with other clubs. Our thanks to the Life Saving Club of Ipswich who ensured that every competitor was closely accompanied in the water and to the management and staff of Crown Pools.

Quay Time, our joint project with Woodbridge Quay Church, is becoming firmly established with a good balance of members and helpers. A visiting speaker has been booked for a future meeting and the project will shortly be launching its own website and newsletters.

Two social events are in the offing, one to the waste facility at Great Blakenham and another to Sizewell C. Our popular Art Show and Sale returns to the Salvation Army Hall on Saturday, May 19, doors open at 9.30am. Works of art generously donated by the art clubs of Rushmere and Kesgrave will be on show and for sale. Every painting is framed and nothing costs more than £25, with many prices well below that. Tea, coffee and our renowned homemade cakes and savouries will be on sale.

To mark the centenary of the Lions movement a reception was held at Buckingham Palace, hosted by our patron, The Countess of Wessex. Lion Keith Palmer, a Lion for over 48 years, represented the club, braving the snow, bitterly cold winds and uncertain public transport of the coldest day of the year in order to take part. Despite the freezing weather and a fourhour journey home, Keith reported that the event had been greatly enjoyable and an opportunity to meet Lions from across the country.

Peter See

MARTLESHAM HEATH CONTROL TOWER MUSEUM NOW OPEN Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum opens for the season on the afternoon of Sunday, April 1, and will be open every Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm until October 29.

Learn the story of this fascinating airfield from 1917 to 1963.

Entry is free but donations are appreciated. The museum is located at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UZ. Special openings for school and club groups available by arrangement.

For more information contact Ian (01473 611665) or Howard (01473 274300) or email: control.tower@mhas.org.uk

SUNDAY CONCERTS AT ST ANDREW’S The spring series of Sunday Afternoon Concerts at St Andrew’s Church in Rushmere begins on April 8 with a sparkling selection of light music performed by vocal ensemble Musicology. On April 15 the newly-formed Phantom Wind Quintet perform works by Reicha, Damase and Hallam, while on April 22 young virtuoso pianist Zu Zhou Zhang makes a welcome return visit to Rushmere with a programme of music by Janáček, Schumann, Chopin and Ravel. On April 29 sopranos Julie Roberts and Daniela Bechly, accompanied

by Alan Loader, give a concert of songs, arias and duets by Bizet, Delibes, Mozart and others, and the series ends on May 6 with an organ recital by Tom Cogan.

Each concert starts at 3pm and lasts approximately an hour. Admission is £6, including delicious homemade refreshments. Under-18s are admitted free of charge. Full programme details can be found at: www. rushmerestandrews.wordpress.com/concerts

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OUT & about WOODBRIDGE ROTARY CLUB

dEBEN ROTARY SEEKS YOUNG LEADERS

Club welcomes Agrieneth Masule from Botswan It was inspirational to meet Agrieneth when she gave a talk on her studies as a Hilary King Scholar and the impact she hopes these studies will make not only to her life but also to her community in Botswana.

Woodbridge Rotary Club is one of several Rotary clubs in the 1080 District that helped to fund her studies for an MSc in International Social Welfare based at Anglia Ruskin University. She is being hosted by Irene Childerley, a member of the Rotary Club of Cambridge Sawton.

Agrieneth, pictured here with our president Ron Whitaker, worked as a teacher in Botswana for eight years, spending time in both public and private schools. She has worked where there are scant resources and initiative and determination were vital to provide teaching and learning materials for her classes. Private schools tended to be well supplied with teaching materials, but had different challenges.

The policies that determine how schooling is arranged and provided tend not to suit the culture of the country; it is an ‘imported’ system which makes no allowance for the 23 native dialects and the vast difference between the rich and poor areas of the country.

Agrieneth hopes her studies here in the UK will enable her to return home to Botswana and make a difference. Ideally, she would hope to eventually influence the education policies and help to shape a system ‘tailor made’ to the country. Woodbridge Rotary Club wishes her the very best in the future.

Club donates £2,110 to Macmillan Cancer Support Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, emotional and financial support to people affected by cancer. Members of Woodbridge Rotary Club have been fundraising for Macmillan to help provide more local cancer services within our community.

Helen Taggart from Macmillan Cancer Support, pictured here with our president Ron Whitaker (picture by Robin Pivett), said: “Thanks to their generosity and support, more people in Suffolk will receive expert care from a local Macmillan professional. In 2018, donations from the Rotary Club will help fund new Macmillan Nurses and support workers based in the Woolverstone Macmillan Centre at Ipswich Hospital.

“Funds raised will help our unique services like the Macmillan Family Support Team who help families through cancer when a loved one, parent or carer has been diagnosed. More than 27,000 people are now living with cancer in Suffolk, but with the help of community groups, we can raise awareness of cancer, our local services, and fund new care initiatives for the future.” www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk

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The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben is seeking a young person between the ages of 18 and 26 who would be interested in being sponsored to attend a national youth leadership training scheme. The East Anglian course, called RYLA, will be run at Graffham Water between September 1 and 8 this year.

RYLA, the Rotary Young Leadership Awards scheme, is now in its 23rd year and is a seven-day intensive fully residential course run by professional tutors, instructors and lecturers, designed to develop qualities of self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and communication. The development of leadership skills is achieved through a range of physical activities, team building exercises and business projects. Candidates receive a certificate of attendance, valued by many employers, and a certificate of Continuous Professional Development detailing the week and hours spent on each discipline.

Rotarian Jamie Abbott (pictured with several other attendees), a young member of Deben Rotary, attended RYLA last year and said: “RYLA was an invaluable opportunity to be challenged mentally and practically. I developed my public speaking and presentation skills, and improved my team leadership skills both in the classroom and during adventure training.”

The course is open to young people from any background, either in employment or job seeking. If you are interested in this opportunity, or are an employer who has an employee you think may benefit from it, please contact our Community and Youth Services Chairman, Rotarian Monty Guest to arrange an interview: rmguest74@gmail.com / 01473 625838 www.deberotary.org.uk

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 from 7.30-10pm.

Thursday, April 26: Talk and demonstration on Screen Printing There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members.

New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850

In Touch online:

Celebrate 10 years with us Open day: Sunday 29th April, Rendlesham Centre IP12 2TZ 1pm-4pm ALL WELCOME

SERVICES AVAILABLE: DAY CARE - SOCIALISATION THROUGH PLAY, OUTDOOR AND INDOOR PLAY AREAS, OPTIONAL WOODLAND WALKS

GROOMING - EXPERIENCED GROOMERS AT BOTH CENTRES, BATHING TO FULL GROOMS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT

HYDROTHERAPY & PHYSIOTHERAPY - FULLY QUALIFIED CANINE THERAPIST

PUPPY & OBEDIENCE TRAINING -

RUN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DOG TRAINING COLLEGE. NEW INTAKE EVERY 6 WEEKS

LUXURY COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAY STAYS AVAILABLE, BOOK NOW FOR YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY

Contact us:

Rendlesham: 01394 420468 Martlesham: 01473 623661

happidayscentre.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT U3A HAS HAD TO STAY INDOORS RECENTLY! Well the snow certainly made life interesting for everyone, not just U3A members. We hope that April brings some sunny compensation and lives are back on track with gardens, walks and outdoor activities. There are some interesting talks coming in our four campuses and there will be a warm welcome to members and prospective members this spring. You’ll find membership details online, but if you don’t have internet access call 03001 233913.

CAMPUS TALK DATES FOR SPRING 2018 Thursday, April 12, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF: An Introduction to Gemstones by Jason Middleton. Refreshments follow.

Friday, April 27, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall IP12 4AU: Suffolk Estuaries and Scandinavian Ships by Paul Constantine. Why the Scandinavian Culture colonised this part of the East Coast and the evolution of their boats to provide transport for goods. Refreshments from 10am.

Congratulations to Barry Jones for winning our autumn and winter print competition with his stunning image Tangerine Dream (pictured).

Second place went to Jon Garrod for Eastern Bloc and third to Robin Garrod for The Crunch and Smell of Autumn.

There were a total of 39 entries and 22 members and guests enjoyed the evening. Our thanks go to judge Peter Espley, whose constructive and humorous comments contributed to a fun evening.

Tuesday, April 17: Granville Foulger Trophy hosted by East Ipswich Camera Club T​ uesday, April 24: Open Subject PDI competition / Judge: Brian Carlick LRPS (note change from usual club meeting date) We meet at Woodbridge Quay Church at 19.30pm. Guests are always welcome; members £2, guests £5.

For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk

Monday, April 30, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF: Green Man – An Alternative to Eternity by Roger Green. The myths and legends behind this fascinating image, older than Christianity. Refreshments follow.

Thursday, May 3, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall IP11 7EL: The Way Holidays Used To Be by Richard Mann. A light hearted look at why we used to rush to the seaside, how we got there and what we did when we arrived. Refreshments follow.

Thursday, May 10, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF: Music Hall Memories by Bryan Thurlow, a pocket history of the music hall with songs and monologues. Refreshments follow.

Please remember that visitors are welcome at one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you joining details on the day. www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

LEISTON & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The club will meet at the United Church, High Street, Leiston on Wednesday, April 25, 7.15 for 7.30pm, when Richard Everett of the Bury St Edmunds Society will present an illustrated talk entitled Cyprus 1878 – 2000.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY In February Barry Venning kept us all spellbound with a talk on the local and world famous animator and cartoonist Carl Giles. Entitled Giles – His Life, Times and Cartoons, the humour and stories of the cartoons and captions had the audience both laughing and sometimes mulling over his reasoning.

The cartoons were also interspersed with the life story of Giles from his schooldays until his death. A near full house enjoyed a thoroughly well rounded talk, excellently presented.

On Wednesday, April 4, John Benjamin, familiar to all those who watch The Antiques Roadshow, will give a talk to mark the Golden Jubilee of NADFAS. A History of Jewellery from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor is a lecture close to one given in early 1969 which looked at the evolution of design in jewellery.

We will see beautiful things.

Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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New members are always welcome. For more details contact Andy Soutar: 01394 460901

MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Wednesday, April 11: The Garretts of Leiston and the Long Shop Museum We are fortunate to have Anna Mercer, Transformation Project Manager at the Long Shop Museum coming to talk to us about the Garrett family of Leiston. The firm of Richard Garrett and Sons were world famous manufacturers of steam engines and other agricultural machinery for over 200 years. An important member of the family was Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman to qualify as a doctor in Britain.

This will be a fascinating illustrated talk covering the Garrett family, the works at Leiston and the Long Shop Museum. We meet at Burness Parish Rooms, 38 The Street, Melton IP12 1PW where the doors open at 7.15pm and the talk begins at 7.45pm. All welcome; members free, visitors £3.

For further information email mlhs.sec@aol.com or visit: www.mlhs.btck.co.uk

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY

1st RENDLESHAM SCOUT GROUP

Our last two meetings have been very interesting and diverse. Ray How displayed and talked about Irish Airmail, but some of this spent little time in the air! Mike Birt gave an impressive display of stamps, covers and memorabilia all associated with the iconic Concorde, some signed by the pilots.

April will be a very busy month as we have two major events in just 10 days.

First we have our annual auction with approximately 500 lots on Wednesday, April 4. This will be held in Cedarwood Primary School, where we hold all our meetings, with viewing from 4pm and the auction starting at 6.45pm sharp.

Non-members welcome as usual.

Then on Saturday, April 14 we have organised a stamp fair open to all who would like to buy or sell stamps or postcards. We have invited 12 dealers who between them specialise in almost every aspect of the hobby. Entrance is free and refreshments will be available. This will be held at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Kesgrave IP5 1JF, 10am-4pm. All welcome.

Finally, on April 18 we will be back to our normal meetings when Ed Hitchings will display some highlights from his collection.

Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm, visitors welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, April 9: A-Z of Curious Suffolk with Sarah Doig, an alphabetical cornucopia of strange, spooky and mysterious facts about the county.

All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

NEW HORIZONS

As part of their early year programme the Scouts carry out a Night Navigation Hike on Sutton Heath. This is held as a joint activity with the Cubs and allows members of the younger section to achieve their Chief Scouts Silver Award.

This year the Cubs and Scouts met at Alan Crompton Hall on Sutton Heath late on a Friday evening where they spent time setting up an indoor camp before strapping on their hiking boots and rucksacks to complete an eight mile route across the heathland and into Rendlesham Forest, navigating by map and compass and learning about using the stars and environmental features as navigation aids.

After returning to the hall in the early hours of Saturday, the Leaders had assumed the Cubs and Scouts would be ready for bed, but after hot chocolate and a supposed ‘pre-bed snack’ they seemed re-energised and promptly started racing each other in their sleeping bags round the hall before finally being herded into bed. In the morning the Cubs and Scouts awoke to the smell of bacon and the sight of Leaders being propped up by their coffee cups before packing their kit and heading home ready for the rest of the weekend while the adults went to get some rest.

So far this term the Scouts have been getting involved in a variety of activities.

This has included a mini Monopoly Run round Rendlesham (in preparation for the London camp), science experiments, pancake night, a visit to Bounce in Ipswich and Patrol Leaders Night where our three patrol leaders took charge for the evening, running flag break, organising games and generally finding out just how difficult it can be to keep 24 young people aged 10-14 busy for an evening.

Calling all older people in the Woodbridge area! Would you enjoy a day of companionship and fun? New Horizons provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people in a friendly jovial setting.

After arriving to a welcoming cup (or two) of tea or coffee with biscuits, various activities such as art, scrabble, dominos or a game of cards are available. Or you might just enjoy a good chat. Volunteer shoppers are happy to go out to purchase essential supplies or collect prescriptions for you. And the optional armchair exercises are great fun and beneficial at the same time.

At lunchtime, you would enjoy a delicious home-cooked, two course meal while chatting to others, sharing experiences and finding common interests.

In the afternoon there would be a slide show or entertainment of some kind.

New Horizons meets twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am2.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, 11 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP. People over the age of 55 who live in Woodbridge and the surrounding villages are invited to come along; the cost is £8 per session. Transport may be available for a small additional fee.

For more information about any aspect of the club, please phone 07514 364752 and speak to one of our leaders. Alternatively, you can email us at: newhorizons912@gmail.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

Our three World Scout Jamboree participants, Alfie, Jack and Harry, have been busy raising funds for their trip. So far they have taken part in a table top sale at Boardwalk, Rendlesham (thank you to Karen and her staff for all their support), various raffles and have been bag packing at ASDA, Ipswich.

Coming up they will be all over the county with two BBQs in Newmarket, coffee and a car wash in Rendlesham, car washing and bag packing in Bury St Edmunds and a sponsored bike ride in Holbrook. If you would like to make a donation or to sponsor them for their bike ride (Scouts 25 miles, Leaders 100 miles) please visit our mydonate page: https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/1strendleshamscoutgroup At present we have three sections and welcome both boys and girls (Beavers 6-8 years, Cubs 8-10 and Scouts 10-14), but also soon hope to add Explorers (14-18 years) and are always in need of adult volunteers no matter how much/ little time you have to offer. Anyone wishing to get either themselves or their young people involved in Scouting please contact Acting GSL Keith Gleen at info@rendleshamscouts.org.uk or via our website or Facebook page. www.rendleshamscouts.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB Our 50th annual summer exhibition opens on Good Friday, March 30, and will be open every weekend and bank holiday Monday until the end of September. Opening hours are, as usual, 10am-5 pm. There will be a changeover of exhibits about every six weeks so there will always be something new to see throughout the summer.

On sale this year will be the club’s anniversary calendar. The pictures were chosen from members entries by John Roberts of Top Floor Studio and were chosen to represent Woodbridge, the changing seasons, the club’s activities and because they were good art. It is a calendar for 2019 and it can be bought from the club gallery. We like it and we hope you will too!

We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the club gallery on Tide Mill Way.

WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB Fortunately the recent bad weather did not prevent our March meeting from going ahead. However, the disruption from the snow did prevent our demonstrator, Sandra Price, from getting the flowers that she wanted from the wholesaler. The title of her demonstration was subsequently changed to ‘Pot Luck’.

Sandra’s first design was a basket for Mother’s Day. She used a variety of foliage and then added white lisianthus, carnations, gypsophila and pink stock to achieve a very attractive and delicate arrangement.

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB QUIZ NIGHT

In contrast her next design was a modern arrangement using roses and gerberas. To gain added height she wove grass through chicken wire. Altogether, Sandra created seven different designs.

Deben Flower Club is holding another of their now very popular quiz nights on Saturday, May 12 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU, 7 for 7.30pm. Once again this will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a ploughman’s supper.

Sandra was thanked for her demonstration and members were able to have tea and biscuits before the raffle. The lucky winners were able to take home one of Sandra’s beautiful designs.

Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six? If you don’t have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are £8 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses.

For information and tickets contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

www.nafas.org.uk/clubs/woodbridge-flower-club

WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Recent Developments in Garden Design Thinking was the title of a recent talk by Nick Nicholson, a wellknown Suffolk garden designer. As well as working as a qualified garden designer Nick also teaches Garden Design at Easton & Otley College.

Currently in the UK the main shop window for new thinking in garden design is the Chelsea Flower show, plus a few regional shows. These events should be seen as a fashion show rather than what is practical in most people’s gardens; however they can be a seen source of new ideas for the amateur gardener.

Historically influences on garden design came from people such as Gertrude Jekyll and Harold Peto. These days Piet Oudolf along with a host of television gardeners have provided ideas which can influence garden design. Currently new pressures have become apparent with an emphasis on sustainability, climate change, new naturalism and urbanisation.

Sustainability means you ask if the hardwood timber you buy comes from an approved source in the country of origin. Indian limestone may be less expensive, but the method of quarrying the stone and transporting it long distances means it has a substantial adverse environmental impact. Climate change can be impacted by the use of concrete because of its large carbon footprint. One way of reducing the effects of these materials is to hire a concrete crusher and make your own hard-core when working on a brown field site.

New naturalism embraces the movement to use natural planting in the garden of which ‘bug hotels’ and flowering meadows are good examples, while urbanisation has led to the introduction of green walls and roof gardens.

Planting and landscaping to conserve water and reduce surface water run of have to be considered as part of a garden design.

The next meeting of Woodbridge Horticultural Society will be on Thursday, April 12 at 2.30pm when we welcome Melanie Collins of Mickfield Hostas, a local nursery holding the national collection. www.woodbridge-hs.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP CAN FISH SUFFER? Can fish feel pain? This is the controversial question that will be addressed when Dr Pete Southgate, MRCVS, gives a talk at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, April 19, starting at 7.30pm.

The talk has been organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Woodbridge Wildlife Group and chairman Phil Smith said: “Pete’s talk will be looking at the welfare of fish and aquatic invertebrates as well as looking at the major threats to the welfare and survival of our fish stocks emanating from a range of factors including human activity and climate change. This promises to be an extremely interesting evening.”

Admission to the talk is £3 for adults, with under-16s free. There will be a raffle and light refreshments will be served during the evening.

For further information contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com EVENTS AT FOXBURROW FARM Tuesday, April 3, 1.30-3.30pm Family Afternoon Easter Eggstravaganza Easter trails, crafts and activities Children £4, adults £2 Wednesday, April 4, 10.30am-12.30pm Family Morning Easter Eggstravaganza Easter trails, crafts and activities Children £4, adults £2 Tuesday, April 10, 1.30-3.30pm Family Afternoon Mud Glorious Mud Mud faces, mud pies and mini beast hunt Children £4, adults £2 Thursday, April 12, 2-4 pm Young Wardens for 11-16 years Practical conservation and wildlife watching / £5 Friday, April 13, 10am-2pm Activity Day Skulldugery for ages six-12 Become a wildlife detective, investigate skulls and owl pellet dissection / £7 Tuesday, April 17, 10am-2pm Springtastic Activity Day for home educated children aged six-12 / £7 Foxburrow Farm, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Melton near Woodbridge IP12 1NA Booking: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org / 01473 890089

SUMMER AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions from 10.30am-noon for pre-school aged children on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL.

The beginning of March brought the ‘Beast from the East’ which meant lots of outdoor snow play on the Millennium Field next to Kesgrave Playschool.

Great fun was had by all. Children enjoyed World Book Week and were encouraged to bring their favourite books to playschool. Parents were then invited in to share this experience.

We also opened our doors to families looking for a playschool place; our open morning offered lots of Easter activities to join in with as well as being able to see what we get up to! The children participated in a sponsored Woodland Welly Walk raising much needed funds to buy new toys and equipment for playschool. Thank you for all for your continued support, we’ll have a grand total soon. As we go into the summer term we will be supporting our older children on their transition to school.

At Martlesham Playschool we were busy making Valentine’s Day framed pictures to raise funds to enhance our new book area with comfy seating; we would like to thank all parents and carers for your support. We have been learning about Chinese New Year, making lanterns and dragons. The children took part in a sponsored bounce at the end of March; we are hoping to use funds raised to improve our outdoor area. And we were busy making Mother’s Day treats for the children to bring home.

We have made significant changes to our room, adding development areas.

We have also focused our involvement on making sure that these new areas promote learning to give children the best possible start and opportunity to learn. These new areas explore creativity, encourage personal growth and a keen interest in the world around us. We are planning to develop more key areas in our outside environment such as new maths resources and a new cosy area.

We held two open days in March and prospective parents and children were able to join in cake decorating and making tissue paper flowers.

If you were unable to join us at our open days please contact us for a visit.

We are on Facebook (Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools) or call us at Kesgrave on 07746 907060. Contact us for a chat about how we can offer 15 or 30 hours funded childcare, over both settings. Call Martlesham on 01473 625986 where we offer term time and all year round spaces. Spaces are available from September.

Martlesham Playschool: Martlesham Playschool, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 Facebook: Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools

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.

During the spring term activities included making Helpful Hangers (which involved drawing round hands and feet) and Easter crafts, and we had fun with other activities included singing with actions and joining in with percussion instruments.

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 summer term dates are April 23, May 14, June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23.

Fun for all the family at Messy Church in the Methodist Church, St John’s Street, Woodbridge on Friday, April 13 at 9.30am.

Come and enjoy breakfast together followed by childrens’ craft activities and a brief act of Messy Worship as we explore the theme of Making Friends based on Jesus calling his first disciples. There is no charge, though donations are always welcome!

For information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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SPORT WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB

DEBEN YACHT CLUB

It might seem a load of, well, poo, but those white deposits the birds leave behind are a major contribution to the success of Ipswich as a port. So we were informed by Freeman Lynn and Peter King when they gave a joint talk on the importance of coprolite (the fossilised product) and guano (the compressed but not yet fossilised product). It was The Rev Buckland who discovered in the early 19th century that the little nuggets he dug up were in fact coprolite and the parts of his fields where they occurred were the most productive. By mixing them with acid, phosphates were produced and hey presto the fertiliser business was born.

As part of its series of winter talks, Deben Yacht Club was pleased to host transatlantic sailor and broadcaster Hannah White for a talk in February.

Hannah, who lives in Woodbridge, has sailed the Atlantic three times and came second in one of the world’s toughest single-handed ocean races, the Original Single Handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) in 2009.

Eventually coprolite supplies began to run out and production dwindled.

However, agriculture had become dependent on soil enrichment and that’s where guano enters the frame. It’s not just bears with a penchant for marmalade that come from Peru, but also seabirds with a penchant for fish and left undisturbed for hundreds of years they had built up a new source of phosphates on the cliffs along the Pacific coast. So the fertiliser trade in Ipswich continued with up to 300 ships a year visiting the port, giving it a comparable turnover higher than present day Felixstowe and establishing the names of companies such as Fisons throughout the world.

In 2015 Hannah set a Guinness World Record for sailing across the English Channel aboard an 11-foot sail-powered dinghy. Her hydro-foiling Moth reached speeds of 22.2 knots – equivalent to 25.5mph – as she sailed towards Dover from Cap Gris Nez in France. Her most recent speed record attempt is with the Project Speedbird prototype foiling dinghy and the audience was treated to many interesting stories, photos and clips from this ongoing challenge.

But as one port waxes another wanes and as local historian Peter Wain explained this was the case with one of the east coast’s premier ports, Goesford, on the north bank of the Deben. No, nor had I, but 700 years ago the marshland between Bawdsey and Alderton was unloading up to 100 ships a year bringing wine from Bordeaux and exporting fine Suffolk ale to Calais to quench the thirst of British troops fighting the French in Crecy and elsewhere.

Peter’s dedicated research uncovered first mention of the port in 1150 and you can tell it was successful by its appearance in tax records of the time.

Where there’s money there’s a taxman! Over time the name of Goesford was replaced by Bawdsey until during the 15th century reference to the port disappeared due probably to a combination of silting, the Black Death and piracy. Virtually no trace remains.

But what of the boats using the port. Club member Peter King explained that initially they would have been open boats known as ‘Knarrs’ which were propelled by a combination of sail and oar and carried only a limited cargo. Through time these evolved into ‘Hulks’ with a capacity of over 150 tons in addition to quarters for the crew, and given that there could be up to 50 oarsmen, that was quite considerable.

The Sunday talks are always popular with capacity audiences filling the main hall and the new screen improves the experience.

For further information about the club visit: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org

A total of £170 pounds was raised for Hannah’s chosen charity Sail Aid UK which raises funds to help rebuild Caribbean communities after the 2017 hurricanes. Hannah is pictured here with DYC Commodore Graham Seabrook.

On April 26 the film Life on the Deben is being shown at the club with a collection for The Riverside Trust. This is your chance to see this fascinating film revealing secrets of the river and a lot of its history. Refreshments will be provided and visitors are very welcome. There is also a fish and chip supper and quiz in aid of the RNLI on April 14. For further details about these events please visit: www.debenyachtclub.co.uk In this, our 180th anniversary year, DYC remains a vibrant, family friendly club focussed on providing the residents of Woodbridge and beyond with opportunities to enjoy our beautiful river: from the dinghy and yacht racing programme to increasingly popular leisure sailing activities and flotillas, power boating as part of our safety boat team, our ever-popular DYC Regatta in July and a Try Sailing Day on Monday, May 28 for newcomers to the sport.

As an RYA-accredited training centre, we run a number of RYA dinghy training and powerboat training courses and we support our members in achieving accreditation as dinghy instructors, senior instructors and powerboat instructors. Our members have access to a growing fleet of club boats including Toppers, Fevas, Q’bas, Wayfarers and, our latest acquisition, a Laser.

They also have access to our wonderful and unusual club house, renowned for its fantastic views over the Deben, and to a programme of social events that run throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a sailing club to join then please don’t hesitate to contact our membership secretary, Frances Alexander on 01394 385221. We will be delighted to answer any questions and look forward to welcoming you on to the water during 2018. www.debenyachtclub.co.uk

MELTON BOWLS CLUB The first bowl to officially open the green for the new season will be delivered by club president Gavin Abbott on Saturday, April 15, at 1.30pm. This will be followed by a drive for club members, weather and green condition permitting. Anyone interested in finding out about playing bowls is welcome to come along on the day.

The club has a full programme of events arranged for the season, having entered six mixed leagues, one men’s league, several county and national cup competitions as well as having club competitions, friendly games and social events. Entries are now full for the club’s four invitation tournaments to be held on Sunday, June 4 (Colin Carter), August 6 (Woodbridge Cake Shop), September 3 (Happy Haddock) and September 24 (Greenkeeper).

There will be an open day on Saturday, April 29 at the clubhouse in Dock Lane from 10am to noon. Coffee and tea will be available, together with tombola, cake stall, raffle, etc. Everybody is welcome to come and try their hand at playing on the club green, free of charge (equipment and coaching will be provided). All abilities catered for and beginners are very welcome.

For more information or if you are interested in joining the club, see the Melton Bowls Club Facebook page or contact Ray Andrews: 01394 450725

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To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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An invitation to view the magical Suffolk wedding venue Milsoms Kesgrave Hall

Please call us on 01473 333741 or visit www.milsomweddings.com