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with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge Volume 7 • Issue No. 9 • JANUARY 2018
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Life | Land | Business
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
When I was much younger, New Year’s resolutions seemed to be quite important. I remember feeling I had to come up with some genuine pledges to do one thing or another, or to not do one thing or another. Of course, they all fell by the wayside, but I thought it would be fun to share a few I have failed to keep over the years. 1: I will stop biting my nails (every year since I was five) 2: I will run 5K (last year) 3: I will learn a new language (every year since I married into a family where everyone else does) 4: I will not watch daytime TV (rarely happens, but does feel like a treat when I get 10 minutes – got to love those housewives!) 5: I will eat less sugar (a daily failure) 6: I will not buy any new shoes or clothes for an entire year (I tried this and it made me completely miserable. A girl needs an occasional treat, or at least the possibility of one!) 7: I’m going to do face yoga every morning (recommended by a friend in 2014 – we don’t see much of each other anymore) 8: I’m going to drink six glasses of water every day (oh the guilt!) 9: I’m going to listen to less Leonard Cohen and be more positive about everything (can’t do it – Leonard truly holds the keys to my miserable heart) 10: I’m going to make time for a weekly date night with my husband (turns out he would have to make the same resolution and get home from work before 9pm) So I’m going to skip the resolutions this year and just get on with living, always trying to do better, to be healthier, more appreciative, more thoughtful… all of which would be easier if I got more sleep. I’ve just talked myself into a resolution, haven’t I? Failed again!
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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TIDE MILL VOLUNTEERS MARK THE END OF AN ERA A good turnout attended the Woodbridge Tide Mill end of season get together at the Shire Hall on Friday, November 17. They enjoyed wine and canapés while John Carrington gave a summary of the season past as well as welcoming new volunteers. The evening also saw the incoming chairman present outgoing chairman Nigel Barratt and his wife Anne with a specially commissioned, exquisite model of the Tide Mill, made by Paul Wells, as a thank you for years of dedicated hard work. John Carrington, chairman of Woodbridge Tide Mill Trust added: “Woodbridge Tide Mill would not be the successful, well-maintained icon that it is without it’s ‘champions’ Nigel and Anne Barratt. At no small sacrifice to themselves they have built the Tide Mill, its reputation and a dedicated group of volunteers into a major local, and increasingly national attraction. The Tide Mill Trust thanks them and hopes to welcome them from time to time as they ensure we live up to their high standards”. Nigel Barratt commented: “When I started the tradition several years ago of an end of season party to thank all those who helped look after the mill, little did I think that one day there would be a party when I was only a guest. But all good things come to an end, and for Anne and I to be presented with a magnificent gift of a model of the Tide Mill, made it a special event for which we are both very grateful. Our many thanks to all those who have supported us so well over the years.”
WOODBRIDGE MEMORY CAFE IS THE REEL THING! At the November meeting of the Memory Cafe guests and helpers were entertained by a local Scottish country dancing group. The group, which includes our own Rotarian Deirdre Griffin, performed a selection of dances and the performance was warmly received by all. The Memory Cafe, which is run by the Rotary Clubs of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Deben and Woodbridge Inner Wheel, is free to all sufferers of memory loss and their carers. We meet from 10.30am to noon at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of the month so the next one is on Wednesday, January 31, when we look forward to greeting friends old and new.
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT BECOME A FOOTPRINTS CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER
The Footprints Countryside Conservation Volunteer group was set up to give people from the district an opportunity to become involved in practical conservation work and find out more about the local environment during an active and healthy day out. Seven years on from the creation of the group, and many thousands of volunteer hours later, the group has been key in maintaining and enhancing Suffolk Coastal District Council’s countryside sites. The group’s endeavors have ensured biological diversity and access for people to enjoy. Many practical conservation tasks have now been carried out in both winter and summer on several of the 30 plus countryside sites that the Suffolk Coastal Norse Countryside Service manage on behalf of the district council. This has ranged from cutting back scrub on heathland, clearing ponds, coppicing woodland, hay raking, wildlife surveying and making paths more accessible. Countryside conservation relies heavily on volunteer help and more volunteers are always needed and very welcome to join the group. “The days spent working amongst stunning scenery such as Sutton Heath are fulfilling and always fun, but we only ask people to do as much as suits them,” says Countryside Ranger Chris Ryde. The positive personal benefits from volunteering in countryside settings for both mind and body are now documented. Keeping active through the winter months, sharing time and experiences with like-minded people and the knowledge that you are doing something great for wildlife must all contribute to individual wellbeing. We will raise your awareness of the habitat, provide tools and gloves and provide a hot drink in the morning and lunchtime. Whether you can make it for an hour or a whole session (10am to 3pm) you will be very welcome. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Footprints volunteer, please contact Chris Ryde or Peter Ross at Suffolk Coastal Norse: chris.ryde@ncsgrp.co.uk / peter.ross@ncsgrp.co.uk
WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM TALKS On Friday, December 1 the Friends of Woodbridge Museum held a fundraising event to support the move to the new museum premises by the river. Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan society gave an enjoyable mixed bag of songs to a capacity audience. Talks for 2018 will include: January 19: Comical Parsons of the Past February 9: The Liberty of St Etheldreda, Cradle and Grave of the Kingdom of East Anglia March 16: The History of Ransomes Talks are held at Woodbridge Community Hall and begin at 2.30pm. Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50 and visitors £3.50. Bookings are being taken for the next of our popular day schools. Having satisfactorily seen off Napoleon at the last day school, our attention is drawn back to happenings in England. Andrew Lacey is returning with Revolution, Riots and Reform – Britain 1815-1832. As usual the day will be held at St Mary’s House, Market Hill. For further information about this and all other events contact Anne Merrett: 01394 385572
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LOCAL CHILDCARE PROVIDER CELEBRATES A HAT TRICK OF ‘OUTSTANDING’ OFSTED AWARDS
Rendlesham Out-of-School Club is celebrating an ‘outstanding’ grade in its most recent Ofsted inspection. The club joins its sister nurseries, Rendlesham Day Nursery and Bridge Farm Day Nursery in Martlesham in gaining the highest grade possible. The report stated that: “Staff are highly knowledgeable about how young children learn. Children relish the interesting and exciting experiences on offer. The whole environment is stimulating and the activities capture children’s natural curiosity.” The manager of the setting, Joanne Dervish, has worked for the company for 10 years. The Ofsted report had this to say on Jo: “The leadership is inspirational. (Her) staff share the leader’s vision, they are self-motivated in promoting high quality care and learning.” Jo herself says said: “We are so pleased to get the result that our hard work deserves. We have a fantastic team here and have been well supported by Rendlesham Day Nursery, the parents and local community.” Rendlesham Day Nursery was opened in 2005 by husband and wife team, Dan and Tina Powick who started as childminders in Woodbridge 15 years ago before opening Rendlesham Day Nursery in 2005 and Bridge Farm Day Nursery in 2008. In 2009, Dan became one of the first men in Suffolk to achieve a Level 6 Early Years Professional Status which is the gold standard for the Early Years. Both nurseries offer care all year round from 8am-6pm and have separate baby, toddler and pre-school rooms in spacious and well equipped purpose build premises. All the rooms are fitted with safe and secure webcams so parents are able to log on to watch their children while they play. Parents feel reassured that management and staff have 100% confidence in their ability to give the children the best possible start. The company also runs St Mary’s out-of-school club in Woodbridge. For more information please call 01394 420581 or visit: www.bridgefarmdaynursery.co.uk
FUN MONTHLY EXERCISE WITH DANCE FOLKUS Our first dance of 2018 is in Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, January 5, starting at 7.30pm. After all that Christmas food, get some heart-pumping exercise by joining our friendly crowd in a ceilidh dance. The caller will be the dynamic Niki Acott. As a local dancer for many years, she has a stock of really good dances which should get us all moving. Come and dance or maybe even join the musicians in the resident ‘Come All Ye’ band led by Harbour Lights. Suffolk’s own Holly Johnston will be performing for our song spot. She is a young local singer who writes and performs folk songs to sooth the ears and the soul. She has made six CDs. Her debut album and single left listeners eager for more and her follow up album East Anglian Girl in 2014, received glowing reviews. Holly’s latest EP is The Doll’s House. Don’t miss her short ‘taster’ performance. Discounted tickets can be booked by emailing dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (£6). For further information contact Rob: 01473 610951
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN Who has heard of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI)? It’s something that is on my mind now that we are hitting 2018 – the year that I, along with every other woman of my age, once expected to retire. No more. Don’t get me wrong. Retirement age changes are taking place in the name of equality – and nobody should contest this. Everyone should want equality. But the devil is in the detail. Women born in the 50s lived throughout a period when the Equality Act didn’t result in equality of pay, of opportunity, of expectation. It was still women who were expected to make career breaks, and work part-time to bring up children and care for dependent relatives. The longterm results are unsurprising: in 2017 a woman’s retirement income is on average 45% less than a man’s. WASPI women were not adequately warned to make better provision for their futures back when the decision was made 1995. Many were not warned until 14 years later. But, let’s be honest, many would need a lifetime of different choices to make adequate preparation for this change. 50% of 59-year-old women are already unpaid family carers: odds men don’t achieve until they are 75. And with life expectancy rising, there’s been an increase in those needing care. The change in retirement age has had an unfair impact on a whole generation of women that both state and family have relied on to give up careers and occupational pensions to become carers. You don’t start out in life expecting to be a family carer. It comes up behind you and blackjacks you. Many families decided that the woman would be family carer because she would get the earlier state pension. The perfect storm is that WASPI women are now also more likely than their younger peers to be divorced. One in three, three times as many as those born 25 years later. Says a 62-year-old friend: “Make preparations? Many of my life choices were out of my hands, but I still have to face the consequences. My husband didn’t want me to work, but then left me with minimal support and two young children. I worked before I married, but I lost my place in the job market and I’ve been a cleaner for 17 years. It‘s the only work I could do that fitted around the children’s needs. I expected to retire two years ago, but it’s another four years before I get my state pension. It’s heavy work and I’m worn out. You can’t manage such physical work till you’re 66. But I have no choice.” There are many such women facing years without a fair level of support, purely because the government failed in its duty to keep them fully informed, and failed to consider the constraints which an entire generation’s practices imposed upon so-called ‘life choices’.
EAST SUFFOLK TRAVELLERS’ ASSOCIATION The East Suffolk Travellers’ Association (ESTA), an independent voluntary association for train and bus users in Eastern Suffolk, is currently involved in trying to encourage Greater Anglia Rail and First Eastern Bus to introduce a system of through-ticketing between those using stations on the East Suffolk Line and bus passengers for Leiston and Aldeburgh. The railway company already operates similar schemes on other parts of its franchise and ESTA believes such a proposal would not only take away the hassle of buying two tickets but would also help encourage potential travellers, including day tourists, to feel more comfortable in choosing to use public transport instead of their own cars. In Aldeburgh, it is thought, there could be a special benefit if it helped reduce the car parking problems in the summer season. At a recent meeting of the ESTA committee considerable alarm was expressed about rumours that both Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils are thinking about taking the axe to local bus services. At this time of year all local authorities are considering their budgets for the new financial year starting in April. ESTA Chairman Trevor Garrod has stated that: “Bus services for both students and the rest of our population in rural counties such as Suffolk and Norfolk are the very essence of life for so many people. Not everyone, especially the frail, the disabled and the elderly, has a car at their disposal which they can use whenever they need to visit a hospital, supermarket or even go to their job or studies. Life in our counties so often depends on public transport and we call upon our politicians of all colours to take the ordinary person into account and make sure we have the bus services that the public need. We do not want to see Beeching-style cuts to our bus services, we expect better than that.” ESTA is currently carrying out an update survey on the individual railway stations on the East Suffolk Line. A previous survey which resulted in some significant improvements was carried out five years ago. Work on the new survey – which will look at all aspects of what present and future passengers both need and want from their stations – started in October and a final report with recommendations is expected about Easter. A working-party, led by committee member Peter Pennington of Woodbridge, would also welcome any suggestions and comments from both ESTA members and the general public. Chairman Trevor Garrod said: “Attractive user-friendly stations are needed, not only for passengers waiting for or arriving by train, but also for those changing from train to bus, car or bicycle when they arrive.”
Let’s all support the call for them to be given a more equitable transition! Councillor Caroline Page
WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL Woodbridge Community Hall continues to be a busy place with the following groups using the premises: Antiques Fair, Bingo, Bowls, U3A, Coastal Leisure Learning, Country Market, Deben Bridge, Farmers’ Market, Flea Market, Ipswich Radio Controlled Model Club, Kuman Maths, Woodbridge Museum, Stamp Fair, RSPB, Suffolk Ballroom Dancing Club, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Tai Chi, Weight Watchers, Woodbridge Bridge, Woodbridge Horticultural Society, Woodbridge School Of Dance, Glow Clubbercise, Deben WI, Mind Body and Spirit and Belly Dancing. However, we do still have space for new hirers, particularly in the Deben Annexe in the mornings. For details visit: www.woodbridgecommunityhall.co.uk We also have vacancies for three trustees and would welcome enquiries from people interested in maintenance or accounts. Please contact Robin Stroud: 01473 723573 / robin195860@yahoo.co.uk
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People Competition – November 21, 2017 This competition attracted 52 entries and Harold Mousley selected Sue Garrod with her image X Marks the Spot (pictured) as the winner. Keeping it in the family, Robin Garrod was awarded second place with Washday Commute, and Sarah Bynom was awarded third with Teamwork. Many thanks to Harold for undertaking the judging and for his helpful comments. 2018 PROGRAMME January 16: Practical Evening – Get to know your Camera Bring along your camera and talk to other members about features you probably didn’t know you had! F ebruary 6: Preparing Prints for Competition Small group tutorial hosted by Robin and Sue Garrod at Rendlesham. February 20: Autumn and Winter Print Competition / Judged by Peter Espley We meet at Woodbridge Quay Church at 7.30pm. Guests are always welcome. Members £2, guests £5. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk
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ADVERTORIAL
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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.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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OUT & ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS WITH SLIMMING WORLD CHRIS’S WEIGHT LOSS BEATS DIABETES! Chris joined Slimming World after losing three stone himself and is now a further six stone lighter! Just seven months ago his blood sugar levels were 11-12.5 and this is now reduced to 4.2 due to Chris’s amazing weight loss. Because the sugar count has dropped so much Chris hasn’t now been taken of his medications and he says: “I’m feeling phenomenal! Not only has the weight loss helped health wise but it’s more than that. Not using an extension belt on a plane, I can buy clothes of the peg and I’ve now completed a 28 mile bike ride! The group support makes all the difference, whether your male or female we’re all there to support each other. It’s my weight loss family.” SAY HELLO TO THE TOWN’S MISS SLINKY! Miss Slinky is the title awarded a member to recognise they have become healthier, slimmer and more confident, and look great in their party clothes. Amy who is now a Slimming World target member has lost just over one stone and dropped from a size 12-14 to a slinky size 10. She says: “Before losing weight I would always feel really bloated, but now I don’t and that’s an amazing feeling. I love pasta and with Slimming World I get to eat as much as I like. In fact my little boy will eat what I eat too which is great but I’m still working on my husband. I love being a part of the group and it really doesn’t matter how much you want to lose we all support each other.”
LIONS’ CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT So, with 2017 drawing to a close it’s a chance to look back on the past 12 months. We’ve seen record-breaking events in the form of the Woodbridge Regatta – a first ever sell out for the Duck Dive – and the highest ever participation in the Martlesham 10k, 5k and Fun Run. The Art Show and Sale moved successfully to the Salvation Army Hall in New Street and we continue to assist at Woodbridge Horse Show. Along with street, store and sleigh ride collections, these events raise funds to support our activities for the community. We have continued to support individuals and families, most recently through a donation to a start-up organisation delivering training in employable skills for young people with mental health issues. As a part of the worldwide Lions’ movement, we also contribute to disaster relief and humanitarian projects such as Sight Savers, a programme to eradicate treatable and preventable blindness. We also take an active role in community projects. The Quay Time venture, a joint project with Woodbridge Quay Church, is seeing a steady growth in participation and activities and will continue to meet on the third Wednesday of each month. Our re-launched Christmas Parcels project delivered Christmas groceries in conjunction with the Foodbank run by the Salvation Army. Our social programme has not been neglected, with a theatre visit, a fireworks and Halloween party, pub evenings and two lunchtime events – one to mark the handover from outgoing to incoming club officers and one for the 35th anniversary of the club’s charter. Lions Bob Booth and David Malpass, as founder members, received their badges and certificates for 35 years continuous membership and Chris Woods for 20 years. Sadly, we heard of the passing of two former Lions, Don Burgoyne and David Gay, both of whom did much to shape the club in its earlier years. Our thoughts are with their families, especially at this time of year. For more on what we do, please visit: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk
Slimming World groups are held at Woodbridge Football Club every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm or Thursday at 9.30am and 11.30am, and a brand new group every Thursday at Woodbridge Quay Church at 7.30pm.
May we wish everyone a happy and healthy 2018.
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED
Monday, February 12: Ipswich War Memorial Project by Andrew Beal
A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm. Thursday, January 25: Paper Bead Making with Jill We look forward to seeing you all then and wish you a Happy New Year. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850
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MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY The project to record and identify over 2,000 people on Ipswich War Memorial who died during the First and Second World Wars, and up to 2007, was started in 2014. The aim was to create a database for families to discover more about their ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice. The talk features unseen family pictures and stories; please do bring any relevant images that you may have. All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Please note that the library is closed on Monday, January 1, but will be open as usual after that date. January 2-31: ArtLib exhibition of work by Suffolk Creative Photographic Group. With new images and a diverse mix of styles and subjects, this promises to be one of group’s best exibitions yet. The group was formed in early 2011 by a group of photographers whose aim is to be forward thinking and creative in photography, to help each other and to freely share their knowledge and skills. Entry is free. Contact: 01449 676471 / John@scpg.co.uk Book Group: meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On January 4 we will be discussing Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion.
Costa Coffee Book Sale: Costa Coffee on The Thoroughfare now have a book shelf selling donated fiction. All titles are 50p, and 100% of the money raised goes to support Woodbridge Library. Drink coffee while supporting your local library. Meeting room and display boards available for hire • Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour • Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour • Display boards: £10 per week • Staffed table display in the main library: £10 per half day Free computer help and advice: Contact the library to book a session or to find out more. Citizens Advice Bureau: Every Tuesday, 10am-noon
Sale of Donated Books: from Saturday, January 6 throughout the month. All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library.
Writers’ Workshop: Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested? To open doors to creative writing please email: jeannie@butterwicks.com
Saturday, January 13, 10.15-11.45am: A Whole New Way of Looking at Mental Health by Mia Philips. Starting in January, Suffolk Coastal Three Principles Community will be holding regular talks at Woodbridge Library. Mia Phillips, Mental Health Educator and Three Principles Practitioner, will lead conversations that will explore how our experience of life is created, our innate resilience and our true nature. In January we will focus on how to kick start the New Year by exploring the value of setting goals from a place of clarity and the fun of pursing them with a sense of creativity. £5 on the door.
Creative Writing for All: Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm. For more details contact: jeannie@butterwicks.com
Tuesday, January 16, 12.45-1.30pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library (FOWL) Music at Lunchtime concert. Jazz saxophonist ‘Timbo’ Sadler will be playing for us again in our series of popular lunchtime concerts. Tim has been playing the saxophone for 47 years and can often be seen busking in the local area. Free entry, but donations for the Friends of Woodbridge Library gratefully received.
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.
Saturday, January 20, 9-11am: Caroline Page, County Councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library, Mondays, January, 22 & 29, 11.15am-12.45pm: Mindfulness and Meditation. Learn to relax and unwind, to combat stress, anxiety and worry through the practices of mindfulness and meditation. Sessions are run on a dropin basis. £10 per session, all very welcome. Enquiries to: 01394 450066 / debrawoodbridge@gmail.com Friday, January 26, 2-3pm: FOWL (Friends of Woodbridge Library) Events Group. If anyone would like to help at events organised by the Friends of Woodbridge Library please contact Kellie Dimmock (kellie.dimmock@ suffolklibraries.co.uk) or phone the library on 01394 446510. Woodbridge Novelists: meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. A reciprocal critiquing group for novel-writers who are working towards publication. For more details visit: https://sites.google.com/site/woodbridgenovelists/home 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.
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.
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 07740 173091 / nigel@foden.me.uk 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 • January 7 & 21: Join our volunteers to make something to take home. • January 14 & 28: Colouring in sheets and puzzle sheets will be provided.
It was the chat with them over a cuppa that got me through the day Here for you every hour of every day
01394 648670
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OUT & ABOUT NEW HORIZONS
THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Rotary raises £500 to End Polio Now Filmgoers at the Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge raised £502 towards Rotary’s fight against polio. The Rotary Club of Woodbridge, supported by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben and the Inner Wheel Club of Woodbridge, organised a collection from filmgoers attending the film Breathe. Woodbridge Rotarians and their supporters attended the theatre on 19 separate occasions at the end of the film shown over the week Friday, November 17 to Thursday, November 23. Sincere thanks to the Riverside Theatre for promoting and supporting the initiative and thanks also to the audiences for their generosity. Rotary has been leading the worldwide fight against polio for more than 30 years and is very close to ending polio, with only 14 cases reported in 2017. Rotary clubs in Great Britain and Ireland have so far donated in excess of £20million to End Polio Now. Our efforts to eradicate polio have been described as one of the finest humanitarian projects the world has ever known and Rotary has even been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The eradication of polio when completed will be one of the most significant achievements in public health since the eradication of smallpox. Rotary International and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the money raised will be tripled, helping us to get even closer to a polio-free world. Presentation to Bike Active We were delighted to welcome Peter Robinson from Bike Active, Pete Whelan from Plumsgate Cycling Club and Jan Whitaker, Glenister Carpenter and Lesley Dees from Woodbridge Inner Wheel to lunch to celebrate the success of our recent charity cycling event. On October 15, 161 bike riders converged on Butley Village Hall to enjoy an off-road event of around 25 miles mainly along forest trails through Tangham Forest. The event was arranged by Woodbridge Rotarians with indispensable help provided by Pete Whelan (Plumsgate Cycling Club), Woodbridge Inner Wheel (who provided the refreshments) and the Police Cadets who turned up to man the checkpoints and any road crossings alongside Rotarians. Bike Active is a charity run by volunteers which facilitates cycling experiences for many disabled adults. They are based at Alton Water and have an array of amazing cycles, including tandem trikes, bikes with sidecars, combinations of bikes with wheelchairs attached and recumbent bikes. The club has been going for 25 years and has gone from strength-to-strength with regular Friday groups who cycle all year round. Each volunteer cycles five or six trips out with a disabled rider – sometimes two – each trip being around three miles. All disabled riders are accompanied by their carer. Often there can be 30 bikes going out as a group on local roads with safety of the riders and local traffic being of paramount importance. A total donation of £900 was presented to Peter Robinson from Bike Active, with £620 being donated by Woodbridge Rotary Club and £280 from Woodbridge Inner Wheel who kindly donated the proceeds from the refreshments they provided on the day. £100 was also donated to Plumsgate Cycling Club towards club funds as a thank you for their invaluable help in the planning and on the day. A great time was had by all with riders asking if the event would take place again. Look out for this fantastic event in 2018! The photo shows President Ron Whitaker presenting the cheque to Peter Robinson, alongside Glenister Carpenter, Jan Whitaker and Lesley Dees from Woodbridge Inner Wheel with their donation of £280.
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December was a busy, but very happy month for New Horizons, the club for older people in the Woodbridge area. Along with the special festive lunches, members also enjoyed live entertainment sessions. We also welcomed the Mayor of Woodbridge, Councillor Clare Perkins, and other supporters from the local councils to share meals with us as well. 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 and join us for companionship as well as a range of activities including art, crafts, entertainment and slide shows. Refreshments and a two course home-cooked meal are also included in the cost of £8 per session. Transport may be available for a small additional fee. Thanks to the kind people who have joined us as volunteers recently. We couldn’t provide an affordable day for our members without their help. Additional drivers willing to transport people to and from the sessions are still needed. You would be on a rota with other drivers to suit your schedule and be reimbursed for your expenses. 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
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Happy New Year to all our members and guests Our first ever study day, Art and Architecture of the American West with Roger Mitchell MA, held on November 17 was a resounding success, so much so that we shall certainly try to arrange another one in the near future. After our lecture on December 6, we have a break until Wednesday, February 7 when Barry Venning will be presenting Giles: His Life, Times and Cartoons which we are sure will be a very popular subject. We would remind guests to call the membership secretary to add your name to the booking list for nonmember seat allocation. 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
NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children (0-5) from 10.30am to noon on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. If you would you like a fun start to your week, come along to Bright Stars with your parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers. These mornings are free and usually involve singing, games, making crafts to take home and telling stories from the Bible for the first half hour. We then have refreshments when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings; just turn up, no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing you. The spring term dates are: January 8 and 22, February 26 and March 12 and 26. If you would like further information please contact: Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
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OUT & ABOUT U3A HOPES 2018 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR ALL
IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB
Whether you a member of a group or just attend our monthly talks in one of our four campuses, we hope you will be with us in celebrating our 30th birthday in 2018. If you haven’t yet joined U3A maybe it could be your New Year resolution to see what we are all about. For full details of how to become a member please visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
BACK TO BUSINESS
If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning: 03001 233913 FORTHCOMING TALKS Friday, January 26, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall The Story of a Suffolk Bevin Boy by Barbara McElroy. The tale of a rural boy conscripted down the mines during and after the war. Refreshments available from 10am with the talk commencing at 10.30am.
December was a quieter month for us with just a meeting of all the Soroptimist clubs in our region to celebrate Human Rights Day, an outing for our quiz team, the exchange of greetings with our twin clubs in France and Denmark and, most important of all, our Christmas Supper. Now it’s back to business. We seem to have focussed a lot on international issues and projects in recent months. This winter we are trying to update our awareness of things going on here where we live. Of course, they all come under the umbrella of our core purpose, to enhance the status of women and help girls and women to achieve their potential. There is still plenty to work on both locally and internationally.
Thursday, February 1, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall The Black Death by Jonathan Belsey. The personal and social impact of village life at the time of the Black Death of 1349. Refreshments follow the meeting.
On Wednesday, January 10, Lynn Ambrose, the manager of The Ferns, will be coming to talk to us. This is the SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in Ipswich. It offers medical care and emotional support to any victim of sexual assault, woman, man or child.
Thursday, January 11, 2pm at Market Hall, Saxmundham IP17 1AF The Art and Mystery of Maltings by Ivor Murrell. A talk by Suffolk’s last working maltster, looking at the skills used and how maltings worked. Refreshments follow the meeting.
In contrast, on February 14, we shall be welcoming the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barker, to share her experiences of being mayor and in particular of juggling this role with her job as a nurse.
Thursday, February 8, 2pm at Market Hall, Saxmundham IP17 1AF Chocolate by Tony Diamond. Amazing facts, myths and ignorance surrounding chocolate – sadly no free samples! Monday, January 29, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre How to Recycle a Car in 60 Seconds by Nigel Slinn. A talk about metal and waste recycling and how the different materials of a car are stripped down – in 60 seconds. Refreshments follow the meeting. Visitors are welcome to come to one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you details on the day.
MARTLESHAM ART GROUP We are a small friendly group of people who meet every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30-4pm in The Richards Rooms, Martlesham to paint together. At present, we have a limited number of vacancies. Our sessions are not tutored, but we gain from each other’s ideas and experience. We meet all year round with the exception of the month of August and around two weeks over the Christmas period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer. If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or ring Diane on 01473 659257.
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If you are interested in coming to hear either or both of these talks, please contact Joyce, our secretary, on 01394 615659 for more information and directions. Apologies to St Valentine for the clash!
SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP GULLS NEED FRIENDS! There is an opportunity to hear a different perspective on the seagull when local birder Steve Piotrowski gives an illustrated talk entitled Gulls Need Friends at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, January 18 at 7.30pm. This talk has been organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group and chairman Phil Smith said: “Steve has huge experience as a bird watcher and is an engaging and entertaining speaker. It is going to be fascinating to hear more about these birds and this should be a really interesting evening.” Admission is £3 for adults, with under 16s free. We will be serving light refreshments during the evening and there will be a raffle. If you would like to know more about this event please contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB Woodbridge Flower Club held a workshop meeting in December so that members would all have a chance to make their own Christmas decoration. Rosemary began the meeting by welcoming everyone, especially guests and new members. She then introduced Debbie Buckles who was our demonstrator and teacher for the afternoon. We were all given our foliage, materials and flowers for the design and then Debbie gave us instructions on how to fix our candle and oasis before putting in the conifer foliage. Next we added red carnations and roses to the arrangement. Debbie then showed us how to make bows from ribbon, which many of us found quite difficult. However, with Debbie’s help everyone ended up with a lovely Christmas design to take home. After tea, coffee and mince pies we had a raffle and then the winners of this month’s competition were announced. The competition was for an inverted crescent design and there were three winners. Amanda Tett won the experienced class, Linda Spinks the intermediate class and the winner for the beginner class was Louise Fortescue. Debbie was thanked for an enjoyable and productive afternoon. We all wished one another a very Happy Christmas and looked forward to our next meeting, which will be held on the first Wednesday afternoon in February.
RENDLESHAM SCOUT GROUP 24th World Scout Jamboree 2019: Beyond Borders, Beyond Limits, Beyond Expectations The 24th World Scout Jamboree will be held between July 22 and August 2, 2019 at The Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve in West Virginia, USA. It is to be hosted jointly between Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and the Scout Association of Mexico. The UK is taking 100 units totaling 4,000 Scouts and Leaders to the jamboree, the largest contingent of UK Scouts ever to attend a Scouting event overseas. With only 36 places in the Suffolk Contingent any Scouts wishing to attend were required to go through a challenging application, interview and selection process. We are therefore proud to have had three Scouts selected to attend this amazing event, Jack Barnard, Alfie Palmer and Harry McKee. The Summit Reserve itself covers 10,000 acres and shares a border with a further 70,000 acres of parkland at the New River Gorge National Park in the Appalachian Mountains. There are six sub-camps, which have the capacity to house up to 40,000 campers, a large outdoor arena with a capacity of approximately 80,000 and ten district adventure areas. A lake at the centre of the main site separates base camps from the arena, action areas and a valley on the summit is crossed by a triple-walkway pedestrian suspension bridge. The bridge is just shy of 800 feet (240m) in length and connects the western and eastern portions of the site. High adventure areas at the summit include: The Park (skateboarding), The Trax (BMX), The Pools (scuba and swimming), The Cloud (popular science and robotics), The Bows (archery sports), The Barrels (shooting sports), The Ropes (challenge courses in the trees), The Splash (white water rafting, kayaking and assault course), The Rocks (climbing, bouldering and abseiling), The Zip (over 9 miles of ziplines zig zag the site, the fastest of which can reach speeds of 40-60mph), Low and High Gear (mountain bike locations connecting over 36 miles of downhill and cross country mountain bike trails), The Canopy (forest canopy tours). After the jamboree itself the Suffolk contingent will then also have a further seven-10 days in North America. This will be a chance for all UK units to meet up at a US university campus, spend a few days together and share their jamboree experiences and celebrate North American culture. A further twothree days in either New York or Washington DC where the Scouts will be able to design their own programme, learn new skills, explore and find out more about the city’s culture. Finally, HoHo (home hospitality) where the Suffolk contingent will be guests of another Scout group in either the USA or Canada for the final few days before travelling back to the UK. In total the trip will last between three and three-and-a-half weeks. To pay for this once in a lifetime adventure Jack, Alfie and Harry have to fundraise £3,850 each. Updates on their progress and details of upcoming fundraising events and activities will be added to the 1st Rendlesham Scout Group Facebook page and the group website. If you would like to support them personally or if you perhaps own a business and would be willing to sponsor them, make a donation or offer a prize for a future fundraising event we would love to hear from you. Use the contact details below or email: wsj2019@rendleshamscouts.org.uk Membership Anyone wishing to join any section of the group – Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-10 years), Scouts (10-14 years), Explorers (14-18 years) – or wanting to volunteer to help with the group should contact us via our website, on Facebook or via Acting Group Scout Leader Keith Gleen: 07944 297184 / info@rendleshamscouts.org.uk www.rendleshamscouts.org.uk
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SPORTS / ON THE GRAPEVINE WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB
TENNIS A BIG HIT WITH LITTLE SMASHERS
Woodbridge Cruising Club elected Freeman Lynn (pictured) as its new commodore at the AGM in early November. Freeman, who will serve for two years, was handed the tiller by Steph Heenan and having thanked her for her stint at the helm, spent some time explaining his hopes and aspirations for the club during his term of office. The club was founded in 1965 by a group of motorboat enthusiasts, but over the years sailing boats have become established and the boating scene is flourishing. However, as the years go by and the grey hairs get greyer, some retired ‘yachties’ are seeking less exciting land based pursuits, hence the interest in winter walks and caravanning. Freeman has recognised this and, among other ideas, wondered whether a bridge club might help to while away the winter evenings. Having already built a balcony a bridge seemed a logical progression, but apparently this is to do with playing cards not steelwork! It was the thought of sailing into St Petersburg in their own boat that lured Paul and Elaine Bragg into the Baltic in 2014. In a well-illustrated Sunday morning talk in early November Paul described their nearly 3,000-mile journey from The Orwell to the Neva and back. He described the pretty capital cities such as Tallin, which they visited en-route, but it was the last leg up the Neva which had the audience’s attention. After being searched for stowaways and clearing immigration on an island 25 miles downstream of the city, a designated channel had to be completed within a specified time. Unexploded Second World War mines and armed patrols discourage any deviation and even if you have genuine problems radio discussions are not possible because, of course, the Russians speak no English. But they do for sure understand it! It makes for a nerve jangling trip and relegates the worries of getting up the Deben in time to cross the sill into Tidemill Yachthaven to a very minor niggle, although at least they speak English in Waldringfield. Not quite Netflix, but the film night late in November attracted such a demand that a second showing has already been arranged for the middle of January. It would be a shame to reveal the programme to those who didn’t make the first screening, but suffice to say there are two films and both should be of interest to sailors even though neither of them relate to waterside pubs on the east coast. The final talk in November took place on December 3 (an honorary November weekend!) when Carl Lumbers enlightened members on the history and workings of Trinity House. The organisation which was established by Henry VIII more than 500 years ago is divided into Elder and Younger Brethren and Carl is one of the younger brethren, presumably being less than 250 years old! He follows a long line of distinguished mariners which includes Captain Cook and Sir Francis Drake. Their purpose is to make the lives of sailors safer and to this end they have built and maintained lighthouses and buoys and trained and examined ships pilots and this work continues to the present day, funded by income from its own investments. Bram Van Der Have thanked Carl for a fascinating insight into the workings of a much-respected institution. And so as the year is almost done a Happy Christmas and New Year to all.
WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB We start the New Year on Thursday, January 25, with our very good friend Alan Smith whose topic is Winter Symphony. Lets hope its not too wintery an evening though! You will also be given a list of requirements for the hands-on meeting with our Sandra Adcock on February 22. For any more information please contact June Allum: 01394 384803
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Woodbridge Tennis Club has welcomed a new face to its growing coaching team, with Martyn Bullingham hitting the ground running by coaching a group of budding young tennis players. The new coach is currently holding Mini Red Tennis sessions every Sunday morning at the club, designed to encourage children aged four to seven to get into tennis. Martyn explains: “With smaller courts, nets and rackets, and lower bouncing balls, Mini Tennis offers the perfect introduction to the sport, with all the fun and energy of the real thing. Players can get used to hitting the ball, play different shots and get rallies going, so it’s just like the real game.” There are four stages to Mini Tennis – Tots, Red, Orange and Green – each with its own court size and ball type. This tailored approach enables players to develop vital skills and techniques at an early age. While many in his current group have little or no experience of playing tennis, Martyn says they get a huge amount out of taking part. “It’s great for young children’s agility, balance and co-ordination skills. On top of that, the kids socialise and are part of a fun activity in the fresh air.” Martyn is looking to expand the sessions, currently running on Sundays from 10-11am, possibly offering more hours and Saturday mornings. Further ahead, he will also offer group coaching to older children, alongside oneto-one sessions. “I really enjoy the coaching and am very confident that my lessons can be grown and attract a lot of new children into Woodbridge Tennis Club.” For further information about the club’s Mini Tennis coaching programme, contact Martyn: 07838 386020 / martynbullingham@icloud.com
DEBEN YACHT CLUB The Laying Up Supper in November at Woodbridge Community Hall was a lovely occasion when the club celebrated the end of the sailing season. We had a prize-giving and a delicious buffet supper organised by Di Cobb and her galley team. There was also a quiz, a raffle and a very interesting and entertaining talk by yacht master instructor Sara Hopkinson. The following weekend was the AGM when new commodore, Graham Seabrook, took over from David Watson, thanking him for his two years at the helm. At one of the last race days of the year someone had the excellent idea of having a New Year’s Day sail. So, on January 1 we are planning to have a social sail from the club and a walk along the river for the members who don’t fancy getting on the water. Afterwards we’re having mulled wine (to defrost probably) and bring-and-share food back at the club house. The working party are doing lots of jobs and the programme for this year is being planned, promising lots of fun racing and social sailing. 2018 is also the 180th anniversary of the club so we are having a special celebration for this. For the first three months of the year there is a monthly walk and a talk and on Thursday, January 28, we are hosting Nick Mason from Suffolk Wildlife Trust to talk about the wildlife on and around the River Deben. The talk starts at 7.30pm and includes refreshments. Talks are free but there may be a voluntary collection for the speaker’s chosen charity. It’s at the club house and is open to members and non-members so bring your family and friends along. For more information about our talks, contact Jane Bradburn: 01394 446008 / j.bradburn16@btinternet.com
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