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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Do you know what a non-Newtonian fluid is? My eight-year-old son has just explained it to me, and even demonstrated it using cornflour and water. In case you are interested, a non-Newtonian fluid is one which changes under stress. It may become thicker and act like a solid (as Jack’s cornflour concoction did) or get more liquid (as ketchup does when you shake the bottle). Remove the stress and they will return to their earlier state. I think most of us are non-Newtonian beings. Most of the time we’re relatively reasonable! We deal with life’s typical trials and tribulations without too much fuss. We know how to manage our moods, we recognise our triggers and we manage them. We may even have a release value we engage when it all becomes too much. I rely on Leonard Cohen and chocolate, perhaps it’s jogging or maybe baking. Leonard had to work overtime yesterday! I take a cross country route to and from work and we all know how bendy our Suffolk roads are. As I approached a side road, I was overtaken by a car which came within a hair’s breadth of hitting an oncoming van head-on. I was forced to break hard to make space for the driver to pull back in (I’m still trying to find half the contents of my handbag). Thankfully the driver behind me had enough space to do the same. Two miles further along, the same car overtook two others in a 30mhp zone and again just missed an oncoming vehicle. Despite the driver’s haste I caught up with him again a few miles on and this time he pulled out at a junction and forced yet another shaken driver to slam on their brakes. The driver was on my mind all evening. I hope he made it home safely, but if he carries on driving like this I dread to think what might happen. Now the weather has improved there are more cyclists, runners and even horses on the roads, and more children playing outdoors. Please, please bear this in mind when you drive on our twisty roads and take extra care around blind bends. As yesterday’s example shows, the time savings for speeding are pretty minimal. The risks don’t bear thinking about.
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NEWS WOODBRIDGE REGATTA & RIVERSIDE FAIR 2018 Woodbridge Regatta & Riverside Fair is 180 years old this year and like all those early days takes place all along the river from the Tide Mill to Deben Yacht Club. This year’s event is on Sunday, June 17, Father’s Day, so where could be better to bring the whole family? The regatta throws open its doors at noon with Songs of Praise led by Churches Together on the Tea Hut stage, followed by the formal opening at 12.30pm by the town mayor. The traditional conclusion of the regatta is a duck dive at 5.15pm in the model yacht pond organised by Woodbridge & District Lions Club. There is something for everyone to enjoy beside the River Deben; watching yacht, dinghy and tender races as well as the single oar-sculling race in memory of Frank and Christine Knights. The raft race organised by 1st Woodbridge Scout Group will have eight teams vying for the prize of inscribed paddle and bragging rights over other youth groups. The Tide Mill will be offering free admission and people can take advantage of free boat trips up and down the river throughout the day organised by Woodbridge Boatyard. As well as lots of places to eat and drink, families can head to the bandstand for crafts, games and other activities as well as registration for the crabbing competition held later in the afternoon. People can bring their model yachts to sail on the model boat pond or even hire one on the day from the Tea Hut. Live music as well as Morris dancing will fill the air at various intervals along the riverside including the Tea Hut, the cruising club and by the Tide Mill. In the run-up to the regatta there will be a Spot the Duck competition in shops in and around The Thoroughfare, this year with a World Cup theme. Details and entry forms will be available from Woodbridge Library from the spring bank holiday. Shops in Woodbridge will also be dressing their windows for a competition organised by Gobbit and Kirby. Geoff Holdcroft, chairman of the Regatta Committee, said: “The programme for this year has being developed to ensure it has all of the usual action with a few changes to celebrate our 180th year. The success and longevity of Woodbridge Regatta is a testament to so many community groups working together. I want to thank everyone involved for helping us to put on what we hope will be another fabulous event.” This year’s regatta is proudly being sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors. Their CEO, Charles Rowett said: “We pride ourselves on being here for the local community so what better than sponsoring such a fantastic event that is at the heart of it.” All the latest information can be found online at: www.woodbridgeregatta.com / www.facebook.com/WoodbridgeRegatta
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NEWS SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED…
It’s yours! Longshed activities burst into action recently following the signing of the long-term lease on April 4 for its use. The huge volume of the community shed generates an immediate sense of awe and our volunteers had to hit the ground running in order to seal the concrete floor to protect it from the wear of forthcoming activities. Woodbridge Riverside Trust wanted to throw open the Longshed as soon as possible to let Woodbridge people appreciate the valuable covered space that the development has delivered. With a gracious speech by our Mayor Clare Perkins, the Longshed was officially opened on April 21 for anyone to enter, wander and wonder. Volunteers were on hand to try to outline some of the activities and possibilities that will now become achievable. Of special interest was the magnificent full-size illustration of the AngloSaxon ship suspended along one wall indicating why the Longshed needs to be called …well …long! A gleaming rowing skiff (picture by S Simpson) had been brought down from Blakeney to illustrate the final appearance of the kits that were displayed around it. Hundreds of people called in, fascinated by the working speed of axeman Mal Lee as he shaped timber into ship components, illustrating the authentic methods that must be used on the actual ship construction.
MUSIC IN ST MARY’S CELEBRATES DEBEN FILM SUCCESS More than 140 people gathered in St Mary’s Church in Woodbridge on Sunday, April 15 to hear 20 musicians play music composed for the film Life on the Deben. Directed by Tim Curtis and presented by journalist and broadcaster John McCarthy, the film became a runaway success following its launch at Woodbridge Riverside Cinema last December. “We believe Life on the Deben has been seen by over 10,000 people at screenings across Suffolk and on DVD,” film producer Malcolm Hodd told the audience at St Mary’s. “Our purpose of highlighting how important it is for future generations to safeguard the integrity of the River Deben is being achieved.” Musicians who live on or by the Deben, or who had drawn their inspiration from it, were invited to compose original material for the soundtrack. In all, more than 12 tracks were written specifically for the film. The varied programme featured piano, cello, violin and fiddle, classic and folk guitar, autoharp, accordion, bass and flute, played by bands, duos and solo artists, introduced to the audience by Deben Players’ lead actor Suzanna Pickering. “Our inspiration is the Deben,” composer Jan Pulsford told the audience, who joined with popular local singer Peter Hepworth in composing the opening song Deben Rises. Frances Shelley, whose piano works are known nationally, enchanted the audience with lyrical interpretations based on nature, while classical guitarist Andrew Osborn entertained with stories on sailing and his original compositions.
It is interesting to speculate that if, 1,400 years ago the Anglo-Saxons had buried a 50ft long ship, our shed might be only half as long. The shed together with the Waterfront Square will make possible a whole host of exciting, interesting activities in a secure, traffic-free location with the wonderful backdrop of the river. The first of these was Clare Perkins’ innovative Spirit of Beowulf event, May 4-7.
Experimental artist Nick Parry astonished the audience with a 15-minute solo improvisation on cello to his song Ramsholt Sunset, Celtic band Aartwork gave a haunting rendition of Blackbird, and Claudia Myatt told the story of river dwellers on her autoharp. The Fete Accompli swing and klezmer band featured in the interval, and the Burkitt Family Band closed the conference to a standing ovation with their composition Walking with this River.
The Longshed has already attracted some special visitors. Sae Wylfing, the 45ft Anglo-Saxon longboat, returned into the shed for maintenance after its visit to Trinity Park for the schools event on April 19. Thousands of children enjoyed some hands-on querning of corn to make flour, hand weaving, explanations of herbal medicine and making cheese from milk, which are just a few of the activities that can accompany the longboat.
The three-hour concert was supported by Woodbridge’s newest wine merchant, Smashing Wines, creating a party atmosphere in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church.
A party of Maritime Archaeology students and their lecturers from Southampton University came to see the location of the ship-build. They used the ship banner drawing to test the feasibility of the rowing positions. They were accompanied by their special guest Valerie Fenwick, a very highly qualified and experienced archaeologist who was one of the people involved in excavating and recording the actual ship’s impression. Talks relating to Anglo-Saxon ship construction were given to the Woodbridge Society and to U3A in April. The next talk is to the Mendlesham History Group on May 16. Many hand tools have been donated to equip the Longshed’s workshop area by generous readers of this paper and one of the first tasks that the tools will be put to, is the construction of the 22ft skiffs for use by people from within our community who wish to become involved. … and there’s more
The music featured in the concert, recorded by musical director Stephen Hodd at Penfold Studios on the banks of the Deben, is available on CD from: www.lifeonthedeben.com
MELTON GARAGE SALE TRAIL Presented by the Friends of Melton School on Saturday, June 16, 10am-1pm Raising funds for Melton Primary School We would like to invite Melton homeowners to take part in a Garage Sale Trail around the village of Melton to raise funds for Melton Primary School. We are asking for a booking fee of £5 per garage; for this your sale location would be plotted on a map which will be available for buyers to collect from the school on the day of the sale.
As the weather improves and the activities increase, our outreach clicks into gear. The Sae Wylfing team will be going to the Suffolk Show on May 3031. Don’t miss out; you can come with us, helping us to spread the message about the increasing activity on the Woodbridge Waterfront that is so much at the heart of our community.
We would require a minimum of 25 bookings to enable this fundraising event to take place. If you would like to register your interest at this stage please telephone 01394 421260 and leave your name, address and a contact telephone number. Alternatively, email friendsofmeltonschool@hotmail.com or drop your name, address and contact information in a sealed envelope at Melton School, addressed ‘For the attention of FOMS’.
For further information and fuller reports please visit:
Interested parties need to register no later than 4pm on Friday, May 11.
www.woodbridgewaterfront.co.uk
Confirmation will be provided either way as to the outcome along with further details if the event is going ahead. Parents welcome to stay.
www.woodbridgeriversidetrust.org
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NEWS SECOND-TIME LUCKY FOR MINOTT GAILLARD
SURPRISE PERSONAL MESSAGE IN SUPPORT OF ALZHEIMER’S CONCERT Local Woodbridge man Andrew Hester was somewhat amazed to open his inbox and find a personal video message from film star Carey Mulligan. An ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, Mulligan was giving her personal endorsement to a piano recital organised by Andrew in aid of that charity.
How far would a person travel to take part in a Suffolk church’s choral open day? The answer in the case of Minott Gaillard was all the way from Ohio. Minott (pictured here with Jacky Bardwell), who left Suffolk after his US Air Force tour with the 67th Airspace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at the end of the 1970s, recently returned to Woodbridge especially to sing in St Mary’s Church. He was one of over 100 guests who joined the church choir on April 28 to sing a programme of mainly English ceremonial music, including arrangements by Parry, Stanford and Vaughan Williams. In fact, for Minott, who himself had been a chorister in St Mary’s Choir, the marathon trip was second-time lucky. After noticing on St Mary’s website that a choral open day was scheduled for October 2017, he decided to surprise old friends and duly booked his ticket. Unfortunately the October event had to be postponed, too late for Minott to cancel – but he came anyway for a short break and then returned in April to take part! According to St Mary’s choirmaster Bob Pegnall, “He absolutely loved the day and so enjoyed singing in St Mary’s again”.
A NEW BREAST CANCER UNIT AT IPSWICH HOSPITAL Towards the end of last year, Ipswich Hospital launched a new fundraising campaign, The Blossom Appeal, to build a new Breast Cancer Unit at Heath Road. In support of the campaign there will be a charity dance on Saturday, July 28 at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE. Doors will be open from 7pm. Three bands have kindly agreed to perform through the evening from 7.30-11.30pm. Tyler-Kemp (Jane & Roger), a very professional duo, will start the evening off; present time. Next will be Rave-On (Tony, John, Curtis and Keith) playing music from the late fifties through to the seventies, with their blend of vocal harmonies. The final band will be Rich Clifford & The Young Once, a five-piece band who will be producing authentic sounds of Cliff & The Shadows. There will also be a raffle during the evening. For those who have not attended before, the club has a well-stocked bar with hot food available to purchase if required. The stage is set at one end of the dance hall with the large dance floor ideally situated with tables and seats set around it. So come along and have a great night out while supporting a really good cause. The club always welcomes new members. Tickets cost £10 and can be obtained, in advance, by contacting Keith on 01473 624538.
WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL ANNUAL MEETING Held on May 2 when the following officers were elected Chair: Pam Wagstaff Secretary: Anne Keen Treasurer: Phil Seurre For bookings contact Nicola: 01394 446098 The website is full of useful information including regular events: www.woodbridge community hall.co.uk
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The recital, held at St Mary’s Church Woodbridge on April 28, was very special too. Standing in for advertised pianist Stephen Savage at the last minute, 19-year-old Luke Jones from the Royal Northern College of Music gave a brilliant virtuoso performance on the church’s Blüthner grand piano. With a repertoire ranging from Beethoven and Chopin to Rachmaninov, Metdner and Piazzolla, Luke sensitively projected light and shade, from ferocious attack to a light delicacy of touch. Amazingly, this young pianist played the whole two-hour concert entirely from memory, and even rewarded the standing ovation with two encores! Luke would like to return to Woodbridge and this might provide the opportunity for another concert – who knows! In fact, his recital was a terrific success, raising £1,126 for Alzheimer’s, and we hope that it will have assisted the initiative to turn Woodbridge into an Alzheimer’s-friendly town. Well done Andrew.
THE NEARLY FESTIVAL: JULY 28 & 29 The Nearly Festival is a unique two-day tribute band festival which gives local music lovers an affordable and alternative festival experience in or near their local community. Nearly Festival goers can expect a fun filled weekend with the world’s best tribute acts live on stage alongside a mostly free ‘Kidzone’, tasty street food market and a pub priced Pub in the Park. Local organisers Danny Banthorpe from Rushmerere St Andrew and Andy Collins from Woodbridge have years of experience in local event management and production so have combined to create the Nearly Festival brand which has a family friendly ethos and targeted to all ages, not only with content but across the line up too. Many decades have been covered across the Ipswich line-up with Rock, Pop, Ska, Reggae and Indie. Highlights will surely include an eight-piece Bruno Mars band on the Saturday night and the amazing Trenchtown Experience, another eight-piece band honouring the late great Bob Marley. Local lad Ed Sheeran has a few mimicking his talents now but the Nearly Festival brings the best one in the world, Jack Shepherd, The Ed Sheeran Experience. Jack has perfected the show down to the live looping, and even has the same guitars (and the same tattoos). The Nearly Festival launches at Trinity Park (aka The Suffolk Show ground) after two successful years at Holywells Park. The move to accommodate the growth of the event and to include camping (optional) and event parking. The Kidzone takes a healthy approach this year with free activities, sports and a healthy kids bar with all soft drinks only 50p. Most bouncy attractions and interactions are free with a few paid for premium rides. Local partnerships this year include Ipswich Town FC, David Lloyd Kids Club, Moo Music, Starz Dance Performance who will all feature. The charity partner is St Elizabeth Hospice who will be in attendance throughout the festival too. The event also runs in other impressive locations across East Anglia: Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich, Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds and Castle Park, Colchester. Day or weekend tickets are available for all events. For more information and tickets visit: www.nearlyfestival.com
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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
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN Last month saw the unveiling of Millicent Fawcett’s statue in Parliament Square. It was a very significant day. A hundred years after the Representation of the People Act 1918 (when it was finally agreed that some British women could vote) there is finally a statue of one woman in Parliament Square, among the eleven men. This is pretty good odds. Recent research has discovered that, excluding Queen Victoria, fewer than three per cent of statues of named individuals are of women. In fact it turns out that there are more statues in Britain of men called John than there are statues of women. Incredible, but true.
WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM AFTERNOON TALKS The April talk for the Friends of Woodbridge Museum was on The Medieval Port of Gosford by Peter Wain. Little is know of the port which was situated somewhere in the Bawdsey area. Peter led us through his detailed research which brought the port back into existence for us. Not only was the talk of historical interest, but also showed people how fascinating the process of historical research can be. Following the success of the last year’s garden party, the friends are holding another on Saturday, June 23. For further information on the above please contact: 01394 385572
HOLLESLEY FETE AND FUN DOG SHOW
I travelled up to London for the unveiling and to fly a banner for Suffolk Coastal. “Millicent Fawcett” it read. “Suffolk Women Lead The Way!” It’s a fact! Aldeburgh sisters Millicent, Elizabeth and Agnes Garrett were all strong advocates of women’s suffrage, women’s education and women’s equality. Suffolk Coastal, not London, is the birthplace of women’s right to vote. Which brings me to here and now. Years after Millicent started her first petition, there are twice as many men elected as women at both local and national government, although there are nearly a million more women than men in Britain. At Suffolk County Council rather less than a third of councillors elected are women. This unequal balance is particularly important in local government because so many decisions made by county and district councils disproportionately affect women, because of other inequalities. We make up the higher proportion of unpaid carers, single parent families, school run drivers – we need to be at the table making sure that money is best allocated to cover these needs. Suffolk may have been the birthplace of women’s suffrage, of women’s higher education, of women’s independence – but modern Suffolk has a high gender pay gap, high levels of violence against women, and specifically poor outcomes for girls (particularly in rural areas). Seems to me Suffolk is yet fully to recognise the importance of its own women and what they have to offer. What can be done? Well, we could start by acknowledging the past. We do have our statue of Queen Victoria – and very nice she is too – but all the blue plaques in Woodbridge are to men. And no, this is not because there has never been a famous woman in Woodbridge: I found five in less than half an hour and have submitted their names to the Woodbridge Society. Now that Britain has one statue of one Suffolk woman in Parliament Square, we need to make sure that we have public statues and memorials to the many women who have done and do so much within our county. We can’t expect our county’s young women to wait 100 years for their work to be acknowledged; we can’t expect young women in Suffolk to believe their work is valued if they have to wait 100 years for this to happen!
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Hollesley Village Fete has established itself as a ‘must visit’ event in recent years. New to the fete this year we have a fire engine for the children to explore and pony rides around the recreation ground. The Suffolk Punch Trust will be bringing a Suffolk Punch and the kid’s zone is back with lots of new games for all. Jane from Raging Zoo will be face painting for both children and adults. This year we will also have music all day from an old-fashioned Wurlitzer and entertainment from Hollesley School. Along with the usual stalls and side shows, the fete on Saturday, June 30 will include a display of model boats from the Gipping Valley Model Boat Club, a coconut shy and bouncy castle. A delicious barbecue will be available from 12.30pm and, of course, there will be beer, tea, coffee, squash, ice cream and cakes available all afternoon. Don’t forget to purchase your grand draw tickets for the chance to win a massive £200 first prize and many other fantastic prizes. The dog show starts at 12.45pm with the following fun classes: 1. Golden Oldie 2. Cutest Puppy 3. Waggiest Tail 4. Best Rescue Dog 5. Prettiest Pouch (Female) 6. Most Handsome (Male) 7. Best in Show Proceeds from the day will be divided between various village groups and projects.
LEISTON & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The club will meet on Wednesday, June 27 at the United Church, High Street, Leiston at 7.15pm for 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Geoff Miller from the Frinton club with a presentation entitled Falkland Island Dependencies. This is the last meeting of the year; the new programme will start on the fourth Wednesday in September. The annual subscription is £5 (students up to 18 years of age 50p), payable in September or earlier. New members are always welcome.
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Until Monday, June 18: Woodbridge Regatta & Riverside Display From Saturday, June 2: Sale of donated fiction. All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library. Saturday, June 2, 7.30-9pm: Please join Woodbridge Emporium and acclaimed author and historian Alison Weir for an illustrated talk on Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen, the third novel in her epic Six Tudor Queens series. Tickets from: 01394 382382 / woodbridgeemporium@gmail.com Monday, June 4 – Saturday 30: A Baker’s Dozen ArtLib exhibition of drawings and paintings by Michael Richards www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/mrichards Book Group: meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On June 7 we will be discussing Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver. Saturday, June 9, 10.15-11.45am: Playing The Game of Life by life coach and mental health educator Mia Philips. Tuesday, June 12, 10-11.30am: Visit by the Woodbridge & District Safer Neighbourhood Team. Saturday, June 16, 9-11am: Caroline Page, County Councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.
advice on all housing related issues, rent payments, arrears, budgeting and benefit changes. Citizens Advice Bureau: Someone from the CAB is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon. Flagship: Someone from Flagship is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon. Writers’ Workshop: Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested? Please email jeannie@butterwicks.com to open doors to creative writing. Creative Writing for All: Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm. For more details contact: jeannie@butterwicks.com Knitting Club: Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters, expert to beginner, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips. Drawing Group: Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10am. Each month this group explores a different aspect of drawing. No experience necessary but numbers are limited and this group is currently full. A voluntary contribution of £2 goes towards the Friends of Woodbridge Library.
Tuesday, June 19, 2-5pm: Being Well and Staying Well Drop-In Event
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.
Friday, June 22, 5-6pm: Talk on Berlioz by Chris Milton, Director of Music at Woodbridge School. Tickets £4; to book, please contact 01394 446510 / woodbridge.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk
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.
Tuesday, June 26, 10.30am-noon: Suffolk User Forum Better Together talking about emotional health and wellbeing.
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 Novelists: Meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings This is a reciprocal critiquing group for novel-writers who are working towards publication. For more details and contact information please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/woodbridgenovelists/home Costa Coffee Book Sale: Costa Coffee on The Thoroughfare now have a book shelf selling donated fiction. All titles are 50p and 100% of the money raised goes to support Woodbridge Library. Drink coffee while supporting your local library. Friends of Woodbridge Library Goodies: Show your support for your local library by carrying a cotton shopping bag bearing the Friends logo. It’s only £3. There is also a bookmark for £1. Meeting room and display boards available for hire • Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour (minimum two hours) • Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour (minimum two hours) • Display boards: £10 per week • Staffed table display in the main library: £10 per half day Free computer help and advice: Contact the library to book a session or to find out more. SNAP (Support & Advice Project): A SNAP support worker will be available every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am-noon for
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Woodbridge Area Gamers: Meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1-5pm in the library meeting room. For more information contact nigel@foden.me.uk / 07740 173091 or visit: www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Wednesday 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups. 11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers. Every Friday 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult. Every Sunday 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities
In Touch online:
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EST.1881
REEMAN DANSIE Auctioneers & Valuers
Entries Invited for Future Sales
Very fine Victorian Royal Crown Derby campana-shaped vase Sold in our recent auction for
£22,940.00
8 Wyncolls Road, Severalls Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU Tel : 01206 754754 Fax : 01206 754750 Email : auction@reemandansie.com Web : www.reemandansie.com 12
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET
DANCE FOLKUS RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS IN JUNE
At Woodbridge Community Hall from 9am-12.30pm on Saturdays, June 9 and 23.
We had an enjoyable (and mostly experimental) evening in May trying to dance a French mazurka, bourrée, gavotte or polka. Our June dance will return to our roots in English social and barn dancing. As usual we will meet at Woodbridge Community Centre on the first Friday, which is June 1, starting at 7.30pm.
We sell a range of fresh and hand-made produce, all from within 30 miles of Woodbridge and sold by people who really care about what they do. There is no entrance fee and we also have a friendly cafe selling brunch. For more details or if you are interested in having a stall or would like to receive our regular bulletin to remind you about market dates, please contact Cordelia at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com
The band will be Dance Folkus Come All Ye band led by Harbour Lights. Our caller will be Mary-Jane Tyrrell, a local Suffolk caller who has already appeared at the club in one of our song spots but this month she will be teaching us the dances.
WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB
Felix Stowaways will be singing in our song spot. They are a shanty band from Felixstowe who are residents at Walton Half Moon Folk and Roots Club. They have also performed at a number of local maritime and shanty festivals.
May was a busy month for Woodbridge & District Lions Club. On Bank Holiday Monday we worked alongside other local clubs to help out at the annual Woodbridge Horse Show held at Trinity Park.
Discounted tickets can be booked by emailing Dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (£6). Students or children are half price.
Quay Time, our joint project with the Woodbridge Quay Church, has its open session on Wednesday, May 16 and continues on the third Wednesday of each month. This is a community oriented project set up to enable people to meet over tea, coffee and cakes to enjoy each other’s company.
If you need further information contact Rob on 01473 610951. Visitors to Woodbridge and new first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend.
Our popular Art Show and Sale returned to the Salvation Army Hall on Saturday, May 19 with works of art generously donated by the art clubs of Rushmere and Kesgrave on show and for sale.
ORGANIC PILATES & FEEL GOOD FOOD The Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm is a community farm just outside Ipswich. This summer it’s organising something a little different! Readers may know that the farm uses organic growing methods to produce food for weekly veg boxes. It also offers people the opportunity to help grow the food too (if they wish to).
On Sunday, May 20 we helped to marshall the annual Woodbridge Shufflers road race around the town. Attention now turns to the major summer event, Woodbridge Regatta Day coming up on Sunday, June 17.
MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
Well, the farm is now going a step further. It’s teamed up with local Yoga and Pilates instructor Manon Palmieri to offer an event called Organic Pilates & Feel Good Food on Saturday, June 30 from 10am4pm. Yes, it’s a made-up name and a little tongue-in-cheek, but the message highlights the links between organically-grown food, healthy eating, regular exercise (such as Pilates) and feeling good. And these themes have been woven together into a unique summer event. What’s on offer: • A morning Pilates session (beginners welcome) with gentle stretches and strengthening exercises • A tour of the Oak Tree Farm with Ryan, our head grower, and the opportunity to learn about organic food-growing
We are fortunate to have local historian and author Robert Blake giving a presentation entitled Melton – A Changing Village on Wednesday, June 13. In 1996 Robert narrated a film shot by Arthur Smith of a tour of the village as it was then. During his presentation Robert will use the film to highlight some of the changes that have taken place in Melton over the last 22 years, including the site of St Audry’s Hospital. This will be a fascinating look back at Melton using the media of film, contrasting the changes to a local village. The presentation will be followed by a short AGM of the society. Doors open at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start at Burness Parish Rooms, 38 The Street, Melton IP12 1PW. All welcome; members free, visitors £3. For further information email mlhs.sec@aol.com or visit: www.mlhs.btck.co.uk
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• Lunch at the farm that will include seasonal farm produce • A visit to the cut flower garden, rare breed pigs and chickens – a chance to spend time in the beautiful green space of the farm, with its abundant wildlife and birdsong • A relaxation session to round-off what the organisers hope will be a fabulously refreshing, recharging and nourishing day The Oak Tree’s Organic Pilates & Feel Good Food event is a day for taking time out from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s a chance to enjoy healthy exercise, nourishing food, like-minded company, fresh air and some time in a peaceful natural environment. The cost is £40 and places are limited so it’s advisable to book early. More details can be found at www.the-oak-tree.co.uk or by contacting Sue at: hello@the-oak-tree.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE
GOT ANY OLD TOOLS? During the week June 16-24, Woodbridge Rotary are organising a series of collection points for people to bring their old tools or haberdashery items as part of the celebrations around Suffolk Day on June 21. Everything you donate will be donated to Tools with a Mission (TWAM), a Christian charity sending tools across the world for livelihood creation.
At our AGM in May, we were very pleased to present a cheque for £1,000 to John Wilkinson of the Woolverstone Project. The project, based at Alton Water, provides opportunities for people with any kind of disability to learn to sail. It operates all year round, and in the summer also has a base on the Orwell at Woolverstone. Still on a sailing theme, but very different, our club members were invited to the Seafarers’ Mission at Felixstowe to hear about travelling the world as a passenger on a container ship. Speaker Peter Hesketh spent four months on container ships and gave us a fascinating insight into the world of shipping. He was presented with a cheque for the Seamen’s Mission, for which some of our members regularly contribute hand knitted hats and blankets.
COLLECTION POINTS Houchalls Building Yard, Grundisburgh Road, Woodbridge IP12 4HG Notcutts Garden Centre, Cumberland Street, Woodbridge IP12 4AF Wyevale Garden Centre, Grundisburgh Road, Woodbridge IP13 6HX
BLOSSOM APPEAL VISIT On Friday, April 13, Woodbridge Rotary Club had a very interesting talk by Laura Dolan and Liz Ashford about The Blossom Appeal for Ipswich Hospital. Laura is Liz Ashford’s daughter. Laura, who has recently had treatment for breast cancer, has raised over £2,500 with the help of her family and friends, The Blossom Buddiess. As part of their fundraising efforts The Blossom Buddies will be taking part in a 120-metre high descent on a zip wire from the top of the maternity building at Ipswich Hospital mid-afternoon on Saturday, May 26. Laura explained how disjointed the facility for breast cancer treatment is at Ipswich Hospital. The idea is to give every breast care patient the best possible experience when they come to hospital. That’s why they are planning to build a £2.5m modern Breast Care Centre where stateof-the-art care can be delivered to all patients. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care at Ipswich Hospital under one roof and provide an environment where patients can be imaged, biopsied where necessary and see their clinician in one appointment without the need to get dressed and undressed several times. There will also be new dedicated clinics for men and young people. Their aim is for the care given to Suffolk patients to be among the very best.
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Our open subject PDI competition on April 24 was won by Ossie Kettle with his image Chevy 48. Congratulations to Ossie and thanks to Brian Carlick LRPS for judging and giving us his helpful comments on the 56 entries from members. Joint second place went to Barry Cross for Selfie and Richard Ford for Red Admiral. June 19: Visit to Top Floor Studio for printing demonstration in two groups, alternating with practical session at Quay Church meeting room on single flash photography. July 17: Print competition Water / Judge: Andy Wilson LRPS We meet in the meeting room at Woodbridge Quay Church at 7.30pm. Guests are always welcome. Members £2, guests £5. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, June 11: Behind the Counter – Ipswich Shops in their Heyday by Roger Kennell Roger explores the shopping experience in Ipswich in the 20th century, concentrating especially on the two major department stores – Footman Pretty and Frederic Corder. Mention will also be made of some other long established and remembered shops including Edwards, Grimwade’s, Croydon’s, Masons and Ancient House among others. All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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For you, your family and your business
01394 388605 Offices in Woodbridge, Ipswich, Hadleigh and Felixstowe www.gotelee.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE PROBUS
MIDNIGHT ROAD CHARITY NIGHT
Peter Boot-Smith gave us a fascinating insight into the tea industry and its long history at our meeting on May 14. He spoke of the spread of its cultivation throughout the world and how its leaves are processed into the familiar tea leaves. The Cutty Sark was one of a fleet of tea clippers racing home to be the first to deliver the new crop each year. He also talked of the introduction of tea as a health drink, the immense amount we drink today, the rise of the big blenders such as Typhoo and how the industry is evolving today. At our June 4 meeting, member Max Pemberton will tell us about his trip to Burma and his 600 mile journey on the Irawaddy, Kipling’s fabled Road to Mandalay. He will talk about the architecture, the people and their customs in this lovely country. Our photo shows the fascinating riverboat on which he travelled. Do have a look at our website where you will find all you need to know about us. If you like what you see, come and have lunch at our lovely venue, The Terrace Restaurant at Seckford Golf Club. www.woodbridgeprobus.org.uk
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm. Thursday, June 28: A variety of different crafts with Emma There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN We at U3A in East Suffolk hope this summer will be good for you. Many groups slow down for the warmer weather and, as always, grandparents are greatly in demand during the school holidays. We hope whatever your personal plans are for the next few months you can make a note in your diaries to visit our annual open day in September. Although our four campuses won’t have talks in July and August, details for the future will be in the new 2018/19 handbook and of course on our website. If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning 03001 233913. FORTHCOMING CAMPUS TALK Monday, June 11: U3A Annual General Meeting at Kesgrave Community Centre. Members only. Friday, June 15, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall IP12 4AU: Whatever Happened to the Magna Carta? by Martyn Hargraves – why was it agreed and what relevance does it have in today’s world? Refreshments available from 10am. ADVANCE NOTICE Friday, September 7: Annual Open Day at Kesgrave Community Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm. Refreshments available. All welcome to attend to see what our groups will be offering for the coming year. Have a wonderful summer whatever you have planned. www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
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A charity night in aid of the Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) will be held on Saturday, June 30 at Wickham Market Village Hall. The event will feature live music with the return of the band Midnight Road. Tickets are £5 and all ticket sales will go to this fantastic local charity. Tickets are available from Chris on 07412 108020, or via the Midnight Road Facebook page. The Disability Advice Service is one of over a hundred independent advice centres in the UK offering free, confidential and impartial advice to disabled people and their carers. Find out more at: www.daseastsuffolk.org.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Our annual charter dinner celebrating the launch of our club in 1952 was held in May. The early minutes are intriguing. The members recruited give an interesting insight into the status of Ipswich women in business and the professions. One early success was persuading local coal merchants to change their delivery systems to meet the needs of poorer women. Internationally the main concern was the plight of people displaced in Europe by the war. Maybe the issues keep changing, but our purpose doesn’t. At least we don’t have to wear hats at meetings now! May was the start of a new club year. We want to raise our own awareness of the lives of different groups of women in Ipswich. As a start a speaker from the Street Pastors will discuss her experiences with us on June 13. We’d be very happy if you would like to join us. In contrast we have booked a stall at Sproughton Village Fete on June 24. We shall be raising money for our new regional project, the Pelandaba Orphans’ Project in Zimbabwe. It was started by one visitor shocked to see orphan children out on the streets because they had nobody to pay their school fees. So she did something about it. Our club is particularly pleased to be contributing in a small way to a country which has had so many troubles. A few years ago we had a close link with Soroptimists in Harare and we partnered with the club in Ipswich Australia to fund the training of two African teachers. More history! If you are interested in coming to hear our speaker on June 13, please contact Joyce, our secretary, for more information and directions: 01394 615659
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP, DIABETES UK Our next meeting is on Thursday, June 14 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, IP3 8TH from 7-9pm. Acknowledging Diabetes Awareness Week, our guest speaker will be Bridget Turner, Director of Policy Campaigns and Improvement at Diabetes UK. This is a social gathering for people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to have the opportunity to talk to those in a similar situation and receive support. Family and friends are most welcome to join us too. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee. For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org
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OUT & ABOUT NEW HORIZONS CLUB
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY On April 4 we celebrated the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of our national association with a lecture given by John Benjamin, who has appeared many times on The Antiques Roadshow. Entitled A History of Jewellery from Elizabeth 1st to Elizabeth Taylor, he described the various styles that were popular throughout the period. We were regally entertained by a consummate professional who gave an outstanding performance.
New Horizons provides an invaluable service for older people in the Woodbridge area. Last year we won the Woodbridge Potter Cup for the group that provides the most benefit for the community. We meet twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am-2.30pm 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. Come and sample the happy atmosphere we generate in the process of providing companionship and a range of activities. These include art, crafts, slide shows, games, flower arranging, quizzes, armchair exercise and musical entertainment. There are also refreshments and a good two course homecooked meal included in the cost of £8 per session. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Transport may be available for a small additional fee. However, more drivers are needed to accommodate prospective new members. For some the club provides a lifeline for loneliness so please help us transport people there. “Everyone so appreciates being able to get out and meet other people on a regular basis in such a friendly community atmosphere. I really enjoy helping,” said Alison, pictured here with two members. “It takes surprisingly little time to bring members to the club, and they have such interesting stories to tell. I also take advantage of the opportunity to do a bit of shopping in Woodbridge and visit friends,” said Jean. We also need a volunteer to help with crafts once a fortnight on a Monday from 9.30am-12.30pm and on alternate Thursdays from 12.30-3pm to help with games and afternoon tea. If you can help lease contact Brenda Jackson: 07514 364752 / newhorizons912@gmail.com
DEBEN ROTARY COMMUNITY AWARD The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben was pleased to present Birchwood School with our 2017/18 Community Service award. Receiving the award and a cheque for £150 on behalf of the school, Steve Cloke and Sarah Alexander explained how the school’s teaching policy encouraged pupils to become engaged in environmental matters. Among other things they grow vegetables and raise chickens and sell their eggs. We were particularly impressed by how they engage the wider community by getting parents and relatives involved. A reminder to all golfers that our annual charity golf day takes place on Thursday, July 19 at St Audry’s Golf Club. Teams of four will compete for the Marie Hunt Shield and individual and team prizes. Entry is £20 per golfer and further details can be obtained from Rotarian Simon Smith on 01473 612410 or you can download an entry form: www.debenrotary.org.uk
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The title of our lecture on June 6, to be given by Dr Matt Lodder, will be The Untold History of Tattooing, when we shall receive an insight into a fascinating and unusual subject about which most of us know very little. We shall be taking our usual summer break after the June lecture, but why not join us when our new season starts in September 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
SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group invite you get out into the local countryside with a couple of wildlife themed evening events to enjoy during June 2018. On Friday, June 22 at 8.30pm there will be a Stag Beetle Hunt in Fen Meadow, Woodbridge. This event has been organised in partnership with the Friends of Fen Meadow. If coming by car, park in Portland Crescent and walk along the cemetery fence to the Fen Meadow gate. There is no need to book for this event, but for further information telephone: 01394 382969 / 387433 Then on the evening of Friday, June 29 at 9.15pm, the group will be visiting Blaxhall Heath and Common, hoping to see and hear nightjars. Phil Smith, chair of the SWT Woodbridge Group said: “As darkness falls we will wander across the heath, looking and listening for signs of the nightjar. This fascinating bird is a summer visitor to this reserve and I hope we will be lucky enough to catch sight of the bird. The walk should also give the chance to see glow worms.” The Blaxhall Heath walk starts from the Sandgalls car park (TM 382559) and will last for approximately one hour. Participants are advised to use insect repellent and wear sturdy footwear. It is not necessary to book for this walk but for further information telephone: 01473 625630 / 01394 411237 Admission to both events is free, with donations to Suffolk Wildlife Trust welcomed. Further information is also available by emailing: swtwoodbridge@outlook.com
MARTLESHAM BRIDGE GROUP Would you like to play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere? We are looking to increase our membership. Although not affiliated with the English Bridge Union we do abide by all the laws and standards associated with the playing of the game. We welcome players of all ability. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-10pm at The Martlesham Pavillion by the green. Please do come and join us. For further information please contact Mrs Joyce Marshall: 01473 727539
In Touch online:
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB Our meeting in May was called Back to Basics, when four members gave a demonstration on how to form floral arrangements using basic shapes. The first two members to give a demonstration were Peggy Albertini and Mary Lawn, both of whom are in their ninth decade and have a wealth of experience. Peggy was a demonstrator and judge and has exhibited at Chelsea Flower Show as well as providing displays for the RHS at Westminster Hall. Mary was also a demonstrator and teacher, who has exhibited at Chelsea as well as providing displays in St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, where she met the Queen. She demonstrated on television in America before retiring 30 years ago. We were then shown how to make hand-tied bunches by Deborah Hutton. Deborah is our vice-chair and has been an international judge and teacher as well as an area demonstrator. She was also the founder member of the High Suffolk Flower Club. Lyn Eatwell gave the final demonstration and showed us how to make a vertical design. Lyn has demonstrated at various clubs and trained as a florist, working in Essex and London. We are very fortunate to have such talented members, who passed on some useful tips while also making some beautiful flowers arrangements.
A TASTE OF FLOWER ARRANGING
BEING WELL AND
STAYING WELL DROP-IN EVENT
TUESDAY 19 JUNE 2018 WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY 2.00pm - 5.00pm FREE Tea and Coffee ● Come and meet the professionals ● Organised by the Patient Participation Group on behalf of The Little St John’s Street Surgery Woodbridge
Supported by NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group
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Have you ever wished you could produce a beautiful flower arrangement from the gift of flowers you have just been given, or maybe purchased for yourself? Perhaps you would like to make a gift for a friend or loved one. Maybe you have been asked to arrange flowers in Church but don’t have the confidence to say yes. Deben Flower Club is offering you the opportunity to learn the wonderful skill of flower arranging at our free workshop on Saturday, June 30 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU. This will be a fun and relaxed day, no experience is needed and our expert tutor will guide you step by step throughout the day. All you will need to do is bring along your flowers and containers. Floral foam and other sundries will be available to purchase on the day. Tea and coffee will be available but you will need to bring a packed lunch. The class will run from 10.30am to approximately 3pm. Booking is essential, full instructions and list of required flowers will be sent when you book your place. We hope this unique offer will then inspire you to join Deben Flower Club and learn more. The club meets in Kirton Church Hall on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 7.30pm Visitors are always welcome to come along and see what we do. If you are interested in booking a place or would like more information, please contact Wendy: wa@sandlings.co.uk / 01394 411422
DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS 1ST RENDLESHAM SCOUTS – GROUP CAMP
MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS
Group Camp was held at Hallowtree Campsite, Ipswich and was our largest ever event with a total of 68 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts taking part in a weekend of fun and adventure outdoors. After arriving on Friday night, pitching camp and breaking the flag, there was just enough time to settle into their tents before some night time games followed by toasties and hot chocolate round the fire before lights out.
Our website has been revamped; take a look at: www.mandkplayschools.co.uk
Saturday was a busy day of activities and celebrations which began with a birthday as Saul, one of our Scouts, turned 13 and was presented with a card lovingly hand-crafted by the leaders. After breakfast it was straight into the morning’s activities which included giant egg throwing catapults, preparing homemade pizzas ready to go in the camp ovens for lunch and a code breaking treasure hunt.
Milsoms Kesgrave kindly donated afternoon tea for two as a competition prize for liking and sharing our Facebook page. The winner was randomly picked on May 19; we hope you enjoyed it!
At lunchtime we were joined by Keith, our GSL, who took the opportunity to award Tim, our Scout Leader, with his five-year service award before joining us for the afternoon activities which consisted of paracording, grass sledging and, thanks to Geoff, one of our amazing parent helpers, the opportunity to try out racketeering.
If you’re looking for a playschool for your child in September, come and take a look at Kesgrave on one of our sessions or contact 07746 907060 to arrange an appointment. We are based at the Millennium Jubilee Hall. Our Facebook page (Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschool) offers lots of photographs and reviews and enables you to message any questions.
After a busy afternoon it was time for dinner and birthday cake, following which the group were pleased to be joined round the campfire by Assistant District Commissioner Pete Gibbs who, apart from leading a truly memorable version of I’m a Little Teapot sung to the theme of Queen’s We Will Rock You, also presented Antarctica Challenge badges to a number of our Scouts and our first ever Chief Scouts Gold Award (the highest award available in the Scouts section) to one of our Patrol Leaders, Harry McKee. On Sunday morning the young people took part in some orienteering round Orwell Country Park before returning to the campsite where they were joined by their families for a BBQ before striking camp and heading for home. Scouting for All Almost 11,000 young people in Britain joined Scouting in the last year, making it the 13th consecutive year of growth and takes the total of young people in the UK who are members to 475,000, with a further 60,000 on the waiting list to join. We have seen amazing growth at 1RSG where in the relatively short time the group has existed we now have almost 80 young people involved in all sorts of adventures, learning skills for life, making friends, getting outdoors and being involved in their community. If you are interested in volunteering to help 1RSG, or indeed any of our local Scout Groups, in any way please contact Acting GSL Keith Gleen: 07944 297184 / info@rendleshamscouts.org.uk
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Thank you so much to Kesgrave High School sixth form students and their teachers who have helped us; the end result looks amazing! Please come and join us at our Summer Fair on Saturday, June 30 from 1-4pm at the Millennium Field, Kesgrave. We will have a bouncy castle sponsored by Bates, Wells & Braithwaite, a BBQ, cakes, ice creams and refreshments, mini golf, lots of pocket money games, plus our raffle sponsored by Haart. Come and find out all about us and have a great afternoon.
At Kesgrave Playschool our sponsored Welly Walk was a great success. You raised a fantastic £377 which will help us purchase new toys and replace some of our older resources. Thank you! The warmer weather allowed the children to engage in lots of water play, developing physical skills. A lollipop shop was created which supported maths and social interaction. The children have been gardening, sowing young plants to sell at our summer funday.
At Martlesham Playschool the children have been learning about tadpoles this half term, looking after them and watching them grow. We have also introduced our sound of the week to prepare our school-leavers and encourage all ages to explore and learn different sounds. We have improved our mud kitchen area via paving half of the area; this has been beneficial for the children as they can play freely whatever the weather. Thank you to all our parents for supporting our sponsored bounce, we have raised a fantastic £386. We were very pleased to come second in the Tesco Bags for Life scheme; we will be putting the money to good use enhancing our garden area and providing the children with lots of exciting new resources. We would like to say a huge thank you to Tesco for their support. We can offer you term time or all year round spaces. Spaces are available from September for 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare, two year funded and non-funded sessions. Call Martlesham on 01473 625986, or visit our Facebook page (as above) or our new website for more details.
SUMMER TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times from 10.30am to noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Youngsters from birth to five years old, would you like a fun start to your week this summer term? If so, 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 adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. This term so far has included hearing stories, making a mirror to see ourselves in, singing songs with lots of actions and enjoying playing percussion instruments. You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings; just turn up, no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing you! The remaining dates in the summer term are (please note revised dates): June 11 & 25 and July 9. For further information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
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SPORT WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB
WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB
Terry Corner, safety officer of RNLI, pulled no punches when he addressed a gathering of club members with a timely reminder of the precautions we should take when going to sea. We’ve been sailing a long time and think we’ve got all eventualities covered, but a bit of revision is always worthwhile and those present certainly appreciated a recap. Terry explained the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket and the circumstances in which each was appropriate. He stressed the need not just to own a lifejacket but to wear it, although not too tight otherwise if it inflates you’ll look like a Michelin man and not be able to breathe.
The season started with our traditional opening drive and this year the weather was kind to us. The first wood was due to be bowled by Mayor Clare Perkins, but due to her busy schedule she could not attend so the deputy mayor and next year’s mayor elect, David Mortimer, got the season underway with a very competently delivered first wood. David proved to be an excellent second choice as he was able to demonstrate not only his skill at bowls, but his ability with a photographic drone, which soared above the club grounds giving an excellent view of the proceedings.
One of the talking points was the merit (or demerit) of the new LED flares as opposed to the traditional pyrotechnic ones. There are pros and cons, but cost and longevity were the prime concerns and the difficulty of disposing of pyrotechnic flares (although the former coastguard station at Walton-onthe-Naze will still take them by arrangement). However, if your flares are kept in a wardrobe there is little chance of either disposal or revival. The RNLI is available to inspect your boat and make recommendations as to what improvements might be of benefit. Terry emphasised that it is not a test, there is no pass or fail and best of all its free. Club Commodore, Freeman Lynn, thanked Terry for a most informative talk which was greatly appreciated by the club members. Then the winter programme was over and it was time for sailing to start with the traditional model boat challenge against Woodbridge Model Boat Club. Unlike previous years the event took place on a warm sunny day with a gentle southerly breeze to blow the boats down the pond. And there were lots of them all of the same basic design but with personalised embellishments and colour schemes although scrutineers were on hand to ensure that no ‘illegal’ modifications had been made to gain improved performance. There was no jockeying for position on the start line, but once pushed off from the bank the boats were on their own and subject to the vagaries of the wind. Some set off at great pace, built up a good lead, then turned right round and headed back to shore. Others steered straight into the side or barged into anything that got in the way and some got such a huge ‘send off’ push that they almost sank and came to a halt. Passion ran high, rigs were tweaked between heats and tacticians were appointed to advise on wind conditions and sail adjustment, but in the end chance played a big part. However, tell that to Jean White who won the event for the cruising club and she’s unlikely to acknowledge that it played any part at all. It was the first time in several years that the cruising club have won and ironically Jean’s boat was borrowed from a model boat club member! The racing was followed by lunch in the WCC clubhouse on the River Walk and Jean was presented with her prize by Cruise Captain Mark Richardson. Further details of the club’s activities can be found at: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org
By the time you read this we will have held our open day. Once again the weather was kind to us and more than two dozen people came through our famous green door to try their hand at the sport. All were met with a cheerful smile and coach Viv Sheppard, ably assisted by club members, soon had them all on the green where various degrees of skill were displayed. The picture shows just some of the early arrivals. I don’t know whether the large turnout was due to the effect of our offer to new members, a £20 waiver on the first year’s fees or the presence of the sunshine. However, if you couldn’t get to open day and are interested in bowls and bowling, do get in touch with us via our website or our Facebook pages and take advantage of this cut price offer. www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk
IPSWICH RAVENS OUTDOOR SESSIONS Volleyball is loads of fun and a very friendly game. It’s the only highenergy, no-contact mixed team sport you can play indoors and outdoors – whatever your ability. It’s energetic enough to help with your fitness, but without placing high demands on your body, and good teamwork is important as well as individual skill. This summer is the perfect time to give volleyball a go and find out why it is one of the top three most-played sports in the world. Ipswich Ravens will be holding outdoor sessions at Copleston School (entrance off Foxhall Road) every Saturday from noon-2pm. In addition to our normal grass courts we will provide the opportunity to play beach volleyball on the sand court. These sessions are open to everyone age 14+ and cost £2 for adults, £1 for juniors. We are happy to accommodate people who want to play either competitively or just at a recreational level. All sessions are organised by qualified coaches who also give some playing advice to each individual if needed. So why not go along and take a look? If you like what you see please introduce yourself and you will be very welcome to participate in a session under no obligation. Wear your normal outdoor sports kit, and it’s a good idea to bring water, sun cream and cheap sunglasses – also insect spray if you are prone to being nibbled. To find out more, visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk
PRESS NOTICE
Premises Licence – New Application Name of Applicant: Luke Flunder
This application may be viewed at: Suffolk Coastal District Council East Suffolk House, Riduna Park Station Road, Melton Woodbridge Suffolk IP12 1RT
Name of Premises: 4 Nunns Mill Terrace Crown Place Woodbridge Postal Address of Premises: IP12 1FQ Proposed Licensable Activities: The storage and online sale of alcohol. Dates between which representations may be made to the Licensing Authority: Start Date: 18/05/18 Closing Date: 14/06/18
Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Team, Suffolk Coastal District Council (as the Licensing Authority) at the above address, or by e-mail to licensing@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5000
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Proudly presents
Les Misérables School Edition Grand Hall
Corn Exchange Ipswich Box office
01473 433100
Book online
ipswichcornexchange.com
21 –28 July 2018 st
th
10 performances
A MUSICAL BY ALAIN BOUBLIL AND CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG – SCHOOL EDITION SPECIALLY ADAPTED AND LICENSED BY JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITED ON BEHALF OF MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH LIMITED
thectc.co.uk