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Volume 7 • Issue No. 4 • AUGUST 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It hardly seems appropriate to write about anything other than the tragedy at Grenfell Tower which continues to dominate our news with new horrors exposed almost daily. It’s a shocking sight in print and on TV, but a friend who passed close to the blackened tower last week tells me the pictures don’t come close to capturing the awfulness of it. She found herself staring at it in disbelief as people walked by, heads bowed. The outcome of the official investigation won’t be known for at least a year, but thankfully action is being taken to prevent similar disasters elsewhere. We can only hope this work is completed before more lives are lost and send our condolences to those who lost family members, friends and neighbours at Grenfell Tower, and indeed all those who lost everything except the clothes they were wearing. When horrors such as this occur we tend to hold our loved ones a little closer and appreciate what we have a little more. Often our own problems seem a little less all-consuming, at least for a little while. It’s also a reminder to check that our own homes and those of vulnerable neighbours or elderly relatives have adequate fire protection and working smoke alarms.
NEWS SUMMER FUN RAISES £2,000 FOR SUFFOLK CHILDREN The sizzling summer weather in June helped Suffolk charity Just42 to raise £2,000 to support disadvantaged young people across Suffolk Coastal. As the mercury hit the 90s, Suffolk residents turned out in force for the charity’s first events of an action-packed summer. June 9 saw the latest Just42 Golf Day at Seckford Golf Club where participants enjoyed a round, golfing competitions and a barbecue under clear blue skies. Two days later the charity hosted a cream tea and jazz afternoon at Looms Barn in Burgh, with attendees enjoying home-made scones, jam and clotted cream while soaking up the sun and listening to the strains of viola ensemble The C Strings.
Did you know you’re four times more likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works? Around half of home fires are caused by cooking accidents while two fires a day are started by candles and faulty electrics (appliances, wiring and overloaded sockets) cause around 6,000 fires in the home across the country every year. Take a moment today to inspect your home and then take any necessary action to protect it and those who live in it. You’ll find lots of information online and you may even be eligible for a Home Fire Risk Assessment or Home Fire Safety Check which you can book with your local fire and rescue service. You can also make enquiries on behalf of another person: Suffolk: 01473 260588 / Essex: 01376 576000
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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The two events raised a total of £2,000 after expenses, all of which will be ploughed back into Just42’s work of providing social activities, mentoring and sports programmes for disadvantaged young people living in the Suffolk Coastal District. “You can never count on the British weather, but the sun was certainly smiling on our events this month,” said Caroline Rutherford, Charity Manager of Just42. “The sunshine and hot weather was a big help making a couple of memorable days for our kind supporters, and bodes well for the rest of our planned summer activities.” Just42 begins its summer activities programme for young people aged 11-16 in East Suffolk on July 24. The charity is holding a whole variety of challenges, sports, crafts and activities, including courses in team building and leadership skills for young people. Just42 is also running a two-day sports-based event where youngsters will have the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in a mini tournament finishing with presentations and a barbecue. Find out more at: www.just42.org.uk
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NEWS MODEL RAILWAY SHOW AT WOODBRIDGE SCHOOL
A massive model railway show is steaming into Woodbridge on Saturday, August 26 – the perfect opportunity for fans both young and old to see more than 20 model railway layouts in a variety of scales from tiny Z-gauge to O-gauge. The event is being held from 10am to 4.30pm at The Dome in Woodbridge School and is tipped to be one of the largest in the East of England, and a first for Woodbridge. With a strong railway heritage in Woodbridge, this is bound to be a popular event and is a great opportunity for people to enjoy nostalgia in miniature, for others to learn about a new potential past time or simply appreciate the care taken to create a model railway.
WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays, August 12 and 26 from 9am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall. We sell simply lovely fruit and vegetables, cut flowers and herbs in pots, all locally grown. We have fresh chicken, eggs, wild meat and goats’ cheese, falafel, cakes, pies, pasties, jams, preserves, marmalade, fudge and a fine collection of stalls! Don’t forget we also have a fantastic café. Admission is free.
It’s being supported by clubs and modellers from around the east, with layouts including: • Cato Pass Sci-Fi: the first one of it’s kind, combining model railways and Warhammer within a space theme • St Stevens: GWR branch line, making its exhibition debut • Wendsleydale: an amusing model railway based on a cheese production plant with animation to enhance the interest for the public • Snow in the Glen: a snow winter scene on a narrow gauge in Scotland • Circleton Village: this is a great opportunity to control a layout and support a charity at the same time. Steve Hughes the exhibitor will be fundraising for the Air Ambulance and the group will be supporting him with the cause. Steve goes above and beyond with his charitable work and is a real inspiration to us all!
LIONS CLUB LOOKING FOR LOCK-UP The Lions’ Club of Woodbridge & District is looking for a lock-up garage or similar to store our collection of plastic ducks, the Dumper Duck and the market stalls we use at events such as Woodbridge Regatta. We have to leave the premises we have used for a number of years and would like to find something similar in Woodbridge or close by. If you can offer something suitable or know of someone who can, please call: 0845 833 2820
There’s free parking on-site at the school and a small admission charge.
MARITIME WOODBRIDGE 2017 OPEN DAY IN WOODBRIDGE TO HELP THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS
Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10
One in six people in the UK have a hearing problem, and if you think this sounds familiar there hasn’t been a better time to have your hearing checked. Hearing tests and professional advice are being made available free of charge to encourage people to take that first step.
Welcome to our celebration of the town’s nautical heritage. 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.
Local hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, have a hearing centre at Framfield House Surgery. They will be holding a free Hearing Care Open Day between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 August. All services are available by appointment only.
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.
To book your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on 0800 096 2637 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk
Centred around Whisstocks, the Tidemill and Bass Dock the event extends along the waterfront to the Cruising Club, The Woodbridge Boatyard at Eversons Wharf, the Bandstand and the Deben Yacht club. 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.
WOODBRIDGE PROBUS Our meeting on July 3 should have been the ladies lunch, but with our home base at Waldringfield Golf Club still being unavailable, we improvised with a celebration for the 100th birthday of our oldest member, Jack Seager. Howard Davies had written a witty monologue of Jack’s long life and we toasted him and sang Happy Birthday. Our meeting on Monday, August 7, will again be at Martlesham Leisure Centre. We meet at noon for a pre-lunch drink, with lunch at 1pm followed by our speaker, who is our member Kim Fisher on designing and building your own boat. Recently retired or semi retired? Come and join us as a guest, and if you like us join as a member. Roger Seager, our chair, will be happy to hear from you: 01394 386283
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The sailing clubs and boatyards will be open, providing refreshments alongside other food stalls to satisfy all tastes. Bands and shantymen 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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OUT & ABOUT DIDN’T THEY DO WELL? Sam and Nancy had an idea. A big idea – maybe too big? They wanted to celebrate their community’s good fortune in receiving a wonderful building development that would produce facilities for everyone in the town to enjoy. What could they do? How could they organise some kind of super-special event to entertain the town, yet involve lots of people both young and old? The big idea they came up with was to put on a musical event that told a story, but what kind of a story? It had to be a big story, something steeped in history and local history at that, for part of the gift that the town council was to receive from the building development was going to include a new location for Woodbridge Museum. Then there was the Woodbridge Riverside Trust. This is a group of people who can assist in facilitating community projects. They would share in the good fortune of receiving from the town council the new facility of a longshed where there was a plan to construct a full-size replica of the Sutton Hoo ship. The idea for the celebration was born. Why not tell the story of the finding of the ship burial that became a major event in the history of England – of Britain? This discovery was the first small candle that illuminated what was known as the Dark Ages. When academics first saw the buried treasure it broke down the closed door of ignorance, shining shafts of light onto hundreds of years of our unknown heritage. The skilful craftsmanship involved and the high quality of the artefacts demonstrated beyond any doubt that for the Anglo-Saxons, the age was anything but ‘Dark’. It was our local story of national importance. It remains a story of major importance to Woodbridge. Woodbridge Riverside Trust could support and encourage Sam and Nancy’s efforts, along with many businesses and individual people from within the town. Sam and Nancy had their idea, but they needed somebody to write the story, someone to write the music, someone to find and train the cast, somebody to design and build the set and the costumes. They would have to organise the venue, develop publicity, sell tickets … oh … undertake thousands of jobs, shoulder endless worry … and all while looking after children, running their normal, domestic, family lives with all the modern
pressures. Multi-tasking doesn’t cover it. And they had to find the money to fund the whole project. They should have given up on their idea, but they didn’t. Finance was very scary, even when they became the first two people ever, without previous entrepreneurial experience to receive an Art’s Council grant to partially cover production costs. On Woodbridge Waterfront, next to the Tide Mill, and in the Riverside Theatre from July 11 to 15, Sam & Nancy’s specially commissioned musical event, The King’s River, fulfilled their dream. It is a story that involves the supernatural, which somehow reflects the qualities of the originators of the idea. They have demonstrated supernatural tenacity to overcome all the hurdles along the way. The story is about finding treasure and they have drawn from hundreds of people within their community a treasure-trove of support and involvement that has made this event so special. They would be the first to thank each person involved, but everyone would say that it is these two ladies who deserve the admiration of the whole of Woodbridge for what they have achieved. With still a month to go before the performances of The Kings River, all of the tickets were sold out. This is testament to the heroines of our story. It is a story of visions realised, just like the theatrical production. Didn’t they do well? The winners of the Celebrated Song draw from July 26 will be announced next month due to publication deadlines.
MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY QUIZ NIGHT Saturday, September 16 Woodbridge Community Hall – 7pm for 7.30pm start Teams of up to six – £5 per person payable with booking Entry Forms available from The Tide Mill or from Anne Barratt: 01394 382815 / anne@barratt1.myzen.co.uk Please provide your own refreshments, glasses, etc. RAFFLE
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 expert and author on Suffolk churches. Roy will be describing the history and features of the church building. With the church celebrating its 150th anniversary next year this will be an opportunity to learn more about the heritage of this local landmark. Meet in the church at 7.30pm; the event will be followed by light refreshments. As ever, all are welcome; members free, visitors £3. For further details email: mlhs.sec@aol.com
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OUT & ABOUT BLAXHALL DRAWING GROUP – ART AT MELTON OLD CHURCH On the weekend of August 5 and 6, from 11am-5pm each day, there will be an exhibition of art by Blaxhall Drawing Group at Melton Old Church (IP13 6DH), a beautiful, tranquil setting on the lower backroad between Melton and Lower Ufford. Cold refreshments will be available. This will be Blaxhall Drawing Group’s first exhibition as a group, but several of the eight artists have regularly shown work in other local exhibitions. The group has been meeting weekly under the leadership of Pris Forrest for more than five years, united by a love of drawing, its challenges and its possibilities. The work will demonstrate a range of styles and mediums including painting. In fact, one project led Carol Dolan to extending the concept to include sound by setting two Thomas Hardy poems to music. These will be sung by Rose Johnson during the preview on Friday, August 4, 5-8pm, when early evening drinks and canapés will be served.
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE It has been another successful year for the club, finishing with two outdoor social events. In May there was a trip on the ferry from Bawdsey to Felixstowe, with a fish and chip lunch and a short, breezy boat ride up the river. This was followed in June by a Strawberries and Prosecco afternoon at the home of our president Lesley Deas, with some delicious strawberry confections and much jollity. This event raised more than £70 for a charity yet to be finally decided upon. Our last meeting of the year was held on July 6, at which outgoing president Lesley Deas handed over office to incoming president Deidre Griffin (pictured). Our next meeting is on Thursday, September 7. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk
SUPPORT FOR THE BLOOD RUNNERS Woodbridge Rotary Club held one of their popular bottle stalls at Woodbridge Regatta on Sunday, July 16. Seventy per cent of the money raised will go to The Blood Runners – formal title Service by Emergency Volunteers (Suffolk and Cambridgeshire) or SERV – who do a fantastic job transporting vital supplies of blood, plasma and baby milk between hospitals in our area out of hours. They generally use their own motorbikes as transport, are all volunteers and save our local NHS hospitals thousands of pounds. If they did not do this marvellous work the hospitals would have to pay for transportation outside working hours.
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, August 14: St Audry’s Melton, 1767-1993 – Workhouse to Asylum by David Phelan Asylums are regarded as being grim places and many were. However, St Audry’s had a reputation for being a progressive regime, but why? What caused it to be different? Come along and find out. Meetings are at Martlesham Heath Pavillion at 7.30pm. Admission £2.50.
The club will make a presentation to The Blood Runners and their lunchtime meeting on Friday, August 18. The remaining 30% of money raised will go towards the charities that are regularly supported by Rotary throughout the year. If you are interested in what Woodbridge Rotary Club do, please contact us: 01473 213877 / enquiries.woodbridgerotary@gmail.com We welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to consider joining our expanding group or becoming a Friend of Rotary where you can sample what Rotary does without any long-term commitment.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY
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
We are on our summer break now and are looking forward to our next season. It starts with Mark Hill, who is often on the Antiques Roadshow, giving us an introduction to mid-century modern and includes talks on Sir Edward Lutyens, glassware, Giles jewellery and much more.
Boats depart from Orford Quay hourly from 9.30am 1.30pm and tours last 2 hours 40 minutes
So 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, starting again on September 6.
Free binocular hire & refreshments are available to purchase
Meeting last about an hour and start at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces, so please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check for available space. For latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
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Tickets: Adults £12, under 16's £3
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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OUT & ABOUT LIONS’ CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT Summer events are now in full swing and we have continued to balance community activity with social events. An enjoyable Sunday afternoon barbecue marked the end of the 2016/17 Lions’ year with the president, secretary and treasurer continuing in office. It couldn’t truly be called a handover, but nonetheless it was a good reason for a celebration. Roy Benton takes on the role of vice-president while continuing as secretary and we wish all the officers well as they continue their support to the club over the next 12 months. Our annual litter pick at Bawdsey saw us clear the river bank and picnic areas, rounding off the evening with a pub meal. Discussions on a new community venture for Woodbridge and the surrounding area are near completion and we hope to release full details next month. A new website has been developed and trialled and should be going live very soon. For more about the Lions or a no obligation chat, please call: 0845 8332820
NEW HORIZONS New Horizons, the club for older people in the area, is expanding. 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, and/or 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 your help; it really is a pleasure to assist them. Our days go as follows: after arriving to a welcoming cup (or two) of coffee or tea with biscuits, many 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. After lunch, we have another activity, which might be crafts, a film or slide show or a quiz. If the day sounds like something you would enjoy, you can contact the number below to make arrangements for a trial visit. Or if you have a few hours free, please consider becoming a volunteer. New Horizons meets weekly on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am2.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, 11 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP. 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 and to make arrangements, please phone 07514 364752 and speak to one of our leaders.
WOODBRIDGE CAMERA CLUB ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN Early July was a busy period for the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben. On July 2 club members, assisted by members of our satellite club, helped in transporting people with sight impairment to the 40th anniversary celebration of Sound On, the Ipswich and District talking newspaper. Over the first two weeks of the month we visited four schools – Melton Primary, Bawdsey, Gorseland and Rushmere Hall – to distribute Dictionaries for Life. The dictionaries, which are a Rotary initiative, are either retained by the schools for use by the pupils, or in some cases given to leavers for reference during the next stage of their education. The photo shows community service chairman Monty Guest presenting the dictionaries to pupils at Rushmere Hall, assisted by deputy headteacher Richard Smith.
On June 20 we enjoyed a practical evening on flash photography led by our member Jonathan Garrod. It proved to be a very informative and inspiring evening and it was good to see members engaging in discussion and wanting to explore the subject further. Peter Norris APAGB DPAGB BPE4 will judge our Open Subject Print Competition on July 18. Guests are 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 the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scout Hall, Tide Mill Way IP12 1BY. Entry is free. Do come and see us. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk
The club was also pleased to be able to assist at the Martlesham Heath 100 celebrations by acting as bucket collectors and manning a stall promoting the club’s activities.
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, August 24: Ring Pull Jewellery (Emma) Thursday, September 28: Heather Prince demonstrating the Art of Barge Painting 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
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY The library will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28. Don’t forget that the Summer Reading Challenge runs until September 2. The theme this year is Animal Agents. Participants read six books (or audiobooks) during the long summer holiday. After each book they come in to talk to one of our fantastic volunteers and receive rewards, and there’s a certificate for everyone who completes the challenge. Caroline Page, County Councillor for Woodbridge, will not be holding her surgery in August. Tuesday, August 1, 12.45-1.30pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library Lunchtime Concert by The Burkitt Family This family band hailing from the Bawdsey Peninsula offers a beguiling mix of contemporary and traditional acoustic music, featuring tight vocal harmonies and beautifully played arrangements of well chosen songs. Ross is an accomplished guitarist and singer and his partner Ali adds ethereal vocals and flute. Their 16-year old daughter Eliza wins new admirers wherever she plays with her fluent and assured violin playing and singing and they are now also joined by their son, 13-year old Sam, a very talented cellist and guitarist. Free entry – all donations to support the library. Thursday, August 3, 11am-noon: Sitting Qi Gong chair based exercise class These weekly Thursday classes, aimed at older people or those recovering from illness or injury, are led by Tai Chi and Qigong teacher Roy Wadland (Union of Tai Chi). The one hour sessions will focus on sitting Tai Chi – Qigong and meditation. No booking required, just turn up. £5 per session. Book Group Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On August 3 we will be discussing The Little Red Chairs by Edna O’Brien. Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion. Saturday, August 5, 9am-5pm / Sunday, August 6, 10am-4pm: Sale of ex-library fiction. All proceeds go to Woodbridge Library. Thursday, August 10, 2pm: Blue Cross Pet Care Talk Calling all Animal Agents! You are invited to a Blue Cross Pet Care Talk. Find out more about the animals you have at home and how to look after them. All welcome. Free entry. August 2-30: ArtLib Sew Much Art – an exhibition of wearable art by Beth Taylor Beth has stitched and made clothing from early childhood so it was inevitable that her textile art should develop into creating wearable items. Found fabrics suggest to Beth directions of creative travel and recent finds of vintage cloth and buttons have inspired her textile art. Closer observation and recording of natural forms also inform her work. Her pieces contain many organic references which are expressed through felting, dyeing, stitching and embroidery. Beth holds a City and Guilds Diploma in Creative Textiles and Embroidery. She is also a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild and O2 Textile Group. 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 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.
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Meeting room and display boards available for hire • Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour • Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour • Display boards: £10 per week • Staffed table display in the main library: £10 per half day Free computer help and advice Contact the library to book a session or to find out more. SNAP (Support & Advice Project) Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am-noon for advice on all housing related issues, rent payments, arrears, budgeting and benefit changes. Citizens Advice Bureau: Every Tuesday, 10am-noon Writers’ Workshop Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested? To open doors to creative writing please email: jeannie@butterwicks.com Creative Writing for All Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm. For more details contact: jeannie@butterwicks.com Knitting Club Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters, expert to beginner, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips. Arts and Crafts Group Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10am. Enables older people and their carers to take part in activities such as collage, card making, printing and modelling. Play Reading Meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. Come to listen or join in an afternoon of light-hearted drama, comedy or mystery. All welcome. Games Club Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm. Now includes dominoes. Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practise strategy or balance with dominoes. Woodbridge Area Gamers Meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1-5pm in the library Meeting Room. This group plays modern strategy board games (Carcassonne, Powergrid, Caylus, 7 Wonders, Hey! That’s My Fish, Blokus and many more). For more information contact nigel@foden.me.uk / 07740 173091 or visit: www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150 ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Wednesday 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups. 11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers. Every Friday 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult. Every Sunday, 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities August 6: Superhero Fun August 13: Activity Sheet Fun August 20: Silly Snakes August 27: Activity Sheet Fun
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF NATURE AT HAZLEWOOD MARSHES
SCOTTISH FAYRE SEND-OFF FOR WELL-LOVED HEAD
Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Woodbridge Group invites you to experience the power of nature when they lead a walk around the Wildlife Trust’s Hazlewood Marshes Reserve near Aldeburgh on Saturday, August 12 from 10.30am.
St Mary’s Primary School recently held their summer fayre fundraiser on one of the hottest days of the year so far. The fayre was well-supported, with stalls run by the Friends group and by each of the class-groups raising £2,400 for forthcoming school trips, resources and sporting equipment for the children.
Chairman Phil Smith said: “This reserve was changed forever in December 2013 when a tidal surge swept in salt water which removed the river wall and flooded the reserve. It will be fascinating to see and hear how the reserve, which is now in transition to a salt marsh, is coming alive again with a different set of birds, plants and invertebrates.” The walk is free, with donations to Suffolk Wildlife Trust appreciated. Participants should meet and park in the reserve car park which is off the A1094 as you enter Aldeburgh. Grid reference for the start point is TM 442582. Space in the car park is limited, so participants are asked to confirm their attendance in advance by emailing swtwoodbridge@outlook.com or phoning 01473 625630. Those coming along should wear waterproof footwear and bring binoculars. FOXBURROW FARM EVENTS IN AUGUST For more information and to book: 01473 890089 / www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org Wednesday, August 2, 10.30am-12.30pm: Wild Play for Families / adults £2, children £4 Friday, August 4, 10am-2pm: Activity Day for ages six-10 / £7
Sadly, it was also the last fayre attended by James Leese, our current headteacher who is leaving the school at the end of term. As a last hurrah and to express thanks to Mr Leese’s years as head, the theme of the fayre was a Scottish one, with the children participating in some Scottish dancing and stalls such as Wellie Throwing. Joanne Whiting, chair of the Friends group that fundraises for the school, said: “It was a really lovely send off and we wanted to show our appreciation of the dedication Mr Leese has given to the school. The fayre is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it’s a chance for the children, parents, relatives and teachers to come together in school and celebrate. “I also want to say a big thank you to all those who work so hard throughout the year to raise money for Friends and all of the businesses who supported us in the fayre. We had more than 60 grand draw prizes and sponsorships from local firms.” Jo is pictured presenting James with a caricature of himself drawn for the cover of the summer fayre brochure.
Wednesday, August 9, 1.30-3.30pm: Underwater Odyssey for Families / adults £2, children £4 Thursday, August 10, 6-8pm: Young Wardens: Camp Fire Cooking for ages 10-16 / £5 Tuesday, August 15, 10.30am-12.30pm: Little Red Hen for Families / adults £2, children £4 Wednesday, August 16, 10am-2pm: Activity Day for ages six-10 / £7 Thursday, August 17, 2-4pm Young Wardens: Practical Conservation and Natural History for ages 10-16 / £5 Tuesday, August 22, 10.30am-12.30pm: Teddy Bear’s Picnic for Families / adults £2, children £4 Wednesday, August 23, 10am-2pm: Activity Day for ages six-10 / £7 Thursday, August 24, 7.30-9.30pm: As Night Descends – Family Evening / adults £2, children £4 Wednesday, August 30, 10.30am-12.30pm: Follow the Swallow for Families / adults £2, children £4
WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Woodbridge Horticultural Society held its annual flower, produce and craft show in Woodbridge Community Hall on July 1. The Mayor of Woodbridge, Councillor Clare Perkins congratulated the society’s president Mrs Enid Castle on an excellent display of flowers, shrubs, vegetables, craft items and children’s entries. The show was supported by sponsors and local businesses that all helped to make an enjoyable day for those who attended.
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YEAR 6 GIRLS BECOME COUNTY CRICKET CHAMPIONS A girls’ team from St Mary’s competed in the county cricket finals at Woolpit on July 5 after qualifying from the area competition. The team showed great skill with their overarm bowling, batting and fielding and communicated excellently as a group. All the team have to complete an innings batting and have to bowl an over each. They won all their league matches comfortably beating Horringer, Albert Pye, East Bergholt and Westley. As winners of their league they then played in the final against St Mary’s, Ipswich and won. Liz Clark, lead for PE in the school said: “It’s the second year running that the girls have become county cricket champions and are a great credit to the school. They put in many hours of additional practise in their free time in school and are extremely dedicated. The whole school are very proud of their achievements.” The team comprise of Evelyn, Helena, Katolo, Georgia, Maddy, Isobel, Nancy, Klara and Sophia, all of whom are raring to compete at the regional championships at the Essex Eagles outground, Castle Park Cricket Ground, Colchester.
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SPORT VISITS AND VISITORS AT WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB In addition to the usual visits from opposing teams, the month of June saw some visitors coming through the green door that we don’t usually see. The first to arrive was Mark Royal with his roadshow. For those who don’t know Mark, he is ‘Mr Bowls’ and his roadshow features everything a bowls player could possibly need to pursue the sport. From the smallest items such as the wedges used to anchor woods and jacks when measuring, through complete sets of new or partly used bowls. He also features a full range of clothing, from shoes to caps and visors.
Our second distinguished visitor was Mr John White, president of Suffolk County Bowls Association. He was accompanied by area secretary David Schofield. Both guests stayed to watch the Samford League match between WBC and Waldringfield ‘B’. Afterwards they met both teams and also said hello to Mark Royal. The comments from all our visitors were positive and all remarked on the friendly atmosphere of the club. If you wish to find out more about our club please visit: www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk / Facebook. Alternatively contact our secretary Mr Graham Timson whose email address is on the website.
NEWS FROM ST AUDRY’S GOLF CLUB The Ladies Invitation Day was held on a sunny June day and was won by Juliet Rhodes and her guest Maureen Sheron (pictured here with Ladies Captain Jules Donaghue) on countback from Willa Jackson and Jill ScottNichols, both with 40 Stableford points in a 4BBB competition. The ladies have raised more than £800 this year so far for The New Skills Centre, Ipswich. The seniors held their Invitation Day in July and it too was a 4BBB Stableford with 24 pairs taking part. They raised more than £1,500 for Prostate Cancer UK and the Ipswich Life Saving Club. The overall winners of the day were John Henson and his partner Stu Ellis with a magnificent 47 points. The individual competition was won by Terry Sheldrake, on countback, with 40 points. Congratulations to all the winners.
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New Term starts 20th September
The long summer days enable a passage across the North Sea to be made in the light and several boats made the trip to Holland during May and June. Some went individually, but a group of about six followed a cruise organised by Club Commodore Steph Heenan.
Course of stricken yacht (blue is water, green is mud) Rather than crossing in one go, they broke the trip into sections, intending to call at Ramsgate and Gravelines in France before going on to Belgium and then splitting up to pursue their own routes into Holland. But the best laid plans! Rough weather delayed their start by a day so they decided to miss Gravelines and go into Dunkirk. It was a wet ride and one skipper, unable to make headway under sail against strong wind and tide, and with a waterlogged engine, had to be towed into port to avoid grounding in the shallow waters. A drama indeed involving radio calls to the emergency services and several attempts to get a line to his yacht, but good seamanship saved the day and slowly but surely they made safety where a welcoming party of local sailors helped them ashore. Despite that inauspicious start the cruise was a success and at least one boat stayed on to explore the dutch canals. Other boats have gone west, so to speak, and Ross and Jane Powlesland in Fandango are aiming for La Rochelle via The Solent and then Brittany. They were last heard of enjoying moules frites in Roscoff. On a more local level, Graham Bush organised a cruise into the Ore and Alde, but again the weather gods took charge. Strong winds and high seas made the Deben entrance a spine chilling prospect, but they all made it and turned north. As with the Deben, the entrance into the Ore can be a buttock clenching experience, but under much reduced sail the boats screamed through into the safety of the river for the first night’s mooring at Orford. With winds approaching F7 the dinghy trip for a shoreside barbecue was abandoned and the next day, with winds only slightly moderated, the fleet continued up to Aldeburgh where courtesy of the AYC taxi service they were able to get ashore for a much needed drink and a good dinner. Eventually returning to Orford on the way home they managed a barbecue, but by this time some had already left for home and others ‘parked’ their boats at Aldeburgh to await better conditions. So although June was sunny and dry it was flaming windy and calmer conditions are craved for planned events in July and August.
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