In touch news with woodbridge may18

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In Touch

™© ™©

with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge Volume 8 • Issue No. 1 • MAY 2018

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service

01728 832462

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Tide Mill wins Suffolk Carbon Charter (p6)

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m sitting at my desk with aching limbs after an unexpectedly adventurous morning. At approximately 7.30am I heard by son shout “Oh my God” from the sitting room. I could tell it wasn’t a normal ‘I’ve just spilt my cereal on the sofa’ howl so I ran to him. I found him staring at what can only be described as a flash flood running through the garden. We both ran to the front door and sure enough it was there too, rushing down our neighbour’s drive, into our garage and garden, and a short time later, into my kitchen. I’ve often wondered how I would cope in an emergency situation and now I know. I shout very loudly! “We have an emergency down here,” I roared to Daniel as I grabbed my wellies and coat and went to investigate. When Daniel arrived on the scene I was waist deep in the ditch with a garden hoe, having assumed the culvert where it goes underground was blocked. On further anaylsis we realised the problem lay elsewhere and Daniel set off to find the source. I won’t go into the details here, but while others tried to fix the cause we set about trying to divert the flow away from the house and outbuildings using everything we could lay our hands on. Meanwhile Jack used every towel he could find (even the good ones we keep for guests!) to mop up in the kitchen. It was quite a team effort (practically a ‘meitheal’ as we might say in Ireland) and soon others, including neighbours, joined in and a pump was set up to divert water into the brook. I left them to it at this point (it was deadline day after all) but I’m not sure I want to go home tonight! Just imagine how many towel washes I’ll have to do? And grandma’s garden hoe is still firmly lodged in the ditch! Thank goodness better weather is predicated for next week and summer is on its way. And there’s still plenty of Easter chocolate in the cupboard! Perhaps the one positive I can focus on is the satisfaction of working together with others which I highly recommend. You’ll find many opportunities in the following pages.

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 400380 Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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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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NEWS WOODBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL GRANTS SCHEME Each year Woodbridge Town Council awards grants to charities and voluntary organisations that contribute to the well-being of Woodbridge or promote the image of the town. Funds are limited so however well deserving, county and national charities and organisations are unlikely to receive grant funding unless they can demonstrate that any funds granted will directly benefit Woodbridge and its inhabitants. Grants are awarded by the town council at its July meeting. Applications for those awards should be received by the town clerk at Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP by May 31. Find out more at: www.woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk/about-us/grant-scheme

JETTY LANE UPDATE “Now that we have a 125-year lease from Suffolk County Council, fundraising has begun in earnest so that Jetty Lane Community, Youth and Arts Centre can rise from the ashes of Woodbridge’s demolished youth centre,” says Jetty Lane Project Manager Cordelia Richman. The centre will provide facilities for local groups left homeless when the youth centre was pulled down last year. Their situation is dire. Just42 are living in two shipping containers on site, but all other past users have failed to find suitable permanent accommodation in Woodbridge because there is a clear lack of appropriate alternative facilities. The four Jetty Lane directors – County Councillor Caroline Page (chair), Cordelia Richman (project manager) Caroline Rutherford (Just42) Adam Thorpe (Scouts) – have just given up an entire week of half-term to staff a public consultation at Woodbridge Library. This showed once again the strength of support this project has from the people of the town. The Jetty Lane launch took place in April and the first bids for this exciting and sustainable heritage project are going out. Can you help us? Follow us at: Twitter @JettyLaneWdb / Facebook @JettyLaneWdb Contact: info@jettylane.com Jetty Lane CiC, 31 Hillyfields, Woodbridge IP12 4DX

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. 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’. Interested parties need to register no later than 4pm on Friday, May 11. Confirmation will be provided either way as to the outcome along with further details if the event is going ahead. Parents welcome to stay.

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NEWS THE SPIRIT OF BEOWULF A free community festival celebrating the clear links between the epic poem of Beowulf and the treasures found in the royal burial site at Sutton Hoo. Enjoy five days of magic, music and mystery on the banks of the beautiful River Deben from May 3-7. Clare Perkins, Mayor Of Woodbridge, explains what it’s all about: This year has been an interesting and amazing personal journey for me to go on, and to mark the end of the mayoral year, I wanted to do something different, but in keeping with the creative style that I originally set out when I started. I didn’t want to do a Mayor’s Ball, the normal way to mark the end of a mayoral year. Being a creative person, I thought I could do something different. I have always loved legends and dragons, and living in a town that is opposite Sutton Hoo, it seemed right to celebrate the links between Britain’s most epic poem, Beowulf, and the treasures that were found in the Royal Burial Ship at Sutton Hoo. The Spirit of Beowulf Community Festival is being put on by Woodbridge, for Woodbridge and to Woodbridge, using all the talent that abound in our wonderful town. I set a Mayor’s Challenge and have already had many entries for both poetry and art from people who have been inspired by the subject. All entries will be displayed in The Longshed with a dragon guarding (because that is what dragons do). My co-producer and friend Jan Pulsford (www.janpulsford.uk) has given up her precious time this year to help me make this festival a WoW for Woodbridge. Jan has worked all her life in music and the arts, writing award winning music for film and TV and legendary pop artists Cyndi Lauper, Darlene Love, Steps, Eurovision, etc. alongside the jazz and improv of Chico Freeman and Deben Collective. She broadcasts from her aMBieNT MuSiC WoRLD in Woodbridge every Sunday evening with electronica and piano inspired by

the river, music to relax and unwind. Jan is thrilled to be co-producing the Beowulf Festival. We are also very proud to have had support from John McCarthy, journalist and broadcaster, who has kindly written a forward for our souvenir program. PROGRAM OF EVENTS There will be dragons at Woodbridge Emporium, history at The Shire Hall, a What Beowulf Ate talk at The Tide Mill, live music from The Boat Stage, a Beowulf Family Fun activity day at The T-Hut, the half size replica Anglo Saxon ship Sae Wylfing and its re-enactors, Anglo Saxon crafters and makers, poetry and painting exhibitions, riddles and story-telling for children, and a Beowulf Beltane walk to the magical mounds of Sutton Hoo, plus lots more. Vegan and gluten free food by Juan Pablo, Grendel stew (no monsters used), a hog roast and a Beowulf stew from Vernon Blackmore of The Table, Woodbridge, Beowulf baps, Beowulf ale and mead plus a variety of other drinks to provide more delicious mystery and magic to celebrate The Spirit of Beowulf. We are very excited to have the primary schools in and around Woodbridge involved with The Spirit of Beowulf, as it is part of the curriculum taught, so a lovely reason to do lots of Beowulf themed works of art which will be on display for all to see. Special guests include award winning author and story-teller Kevin CrossleyHolland (sponsored by Ninni Noo Boutique in Woodbridge), an historical evening at The Shire Hall with radio personality Charlie Haylock and archeologist Dr Emma Tetlow (sponsored by Woodbridge Deli), music from Caswell, Oktoba, AArtwork and Jan Pulsford performed on a specially built stage on board the Marie and Anglo Saxon tales told by Bards Aloud all over the town at different times during the weekend. And a spectacular Son at Lumiere and light show projected onto the Tide Mill and the Granary as a finale. This has kindly been sponsored by Holly Blue Boutique. For a details schedule, including Beowulf Family Fun Day on May 6, please visit: http://beowulffestival.co.uk For daily updates visit: www.facebook.com/BeowulfFestival

MAGGI HAMBLING TO OPEN CHRIS NEWSON SHOW IN WOODBRIDGE The vibrant colours and contorted faces of Suffolk artist Chris Newson (pictured) will be on display in St Mary’s Church Centre from June 8-10 as part of an exhibition of the artist’s work hosted by the Friends of St Mary’s. Newson, who has a shop and studio in Leiston, is mentored by another Suffolk artist, the highly acclaimed Maggi Hambling, who will open the show at an invitation only private view on June 8. The New Beginnings exhibition will feature a range of work by the artist who will donate 20% of the proceeds from sales to the Friends of St Mary’s and Marie Curie. Maggi Hambling, who has supported and encouraged Newson for a number of years, has likened his art to that of the artist Francis Bacon.

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“There is in the same way a kind of raw urgency in his work,” she says. Chris Newson has held a total of 30 exhibitions in Suffolk and Norfolk over the last 10 years. His highly-charged paintings are all produced using a pallet knife through what can be an extremely lengthy process of scraping and refashioning. Chris comments: “I am really looking forward to showing my work in Woodbridge. As a child, I often came over from Saxmundham to go swimming in the river and visit my grandmother’s family, born in Woodbridge as part of the Hawes family. It’s been an exciting year for me as an artist, with my snowmen doing me proud in early March. I have also painted every day, and most of it in Woodbridge. I am so lucky to have Maggi H as mentor and friend and look forward to her opening the show. I will be there each day and will be happy to talk about my work.”

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NEWS WOODBRIDGE TIDE MILL WINS GOLD LEVEL SUFFOLK CARBON CHARTER

SPRING CLEAN WOODBRIDGE

Following a further assessment of Woodbridge Tide Mill, the Suffolk Carbon Charter panel has decided to renew its gold level award. The award was first given to the Tide Mill in 2015 with a 2018 target of reducing electricity consumption by 15%. The mill has comfortably beaten that target with a reduction of around 30%. The Carbon Charter is awarded to companies that are monitoring and reducing their carbon emissions; it is intended to provide public recognition of those involved in making Suffolk the Greenest County. The Gold Charter is only awarded to those whose are “an exemplar of low carbon management” and demonstrating significant reductions in carbon emissions and championing the environmental agenda. The panel was very impressed with Woodbridge Tide Mill’s creation of a ‘green attraction’ in Suffolk. Its carbon footprint as a flour mill appears to be less than half the industry norm. The panel were also impressed with the Tide Mill’s links with local bakers and farm shops to help create a local food economy, and their education of visitors on the value and history of tidal power. Miller and Woodbridge Tide Mill Trustee Nigel Barratt said: “This is another feather in the Tide Mill’s cap. It is a remarkable building that exists purely as a result of tidal power. The beautiful old mill performs many a useful function in this community including milling flour, attracting visitors to Woodbridge and, of course, keeping us in touch with our heritage. We’re very proud that Suffolk Carbon Charter has chosen to recognise the mill for its environmental significance.” He went on to thank the East of England Co-op, one of only two Pathfinder Partners of Suffolk Carbon Charter, who sponsored the tide mill for the award, some of whose local stores stock tide mill flour.

FREE TENNIS WEEKEND IN WOODBRIDGE Woodbridge Tennis Club is throwing open its doors for a weekend of free tennis as part of the LTA’s Great British Tennis Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13. The Great British Tennis Weekend at Woodbridge Tennis Club is a chance for anyone with an interest in the game to try out taster tennis sessions with club coaches who will be running a variety of tennis-based activities. Woodbridge Tennis Club Coach Jon Mansfield said: “It will be lots of fun and we’ll be offering an introduction to tennis, the chance to try out the ball machine and exciting Touch Tennis for adults. We want everyone to come and have a go!” The free taster tennis sessions will run for three hours each day, with the first half for children and the second half for adults. The sessions will take place on Saturday, May 12 from 2-5pm and Sunday, May 13 from 1-4pm. There will also be special Great British Tennis Weekend membership offers, with the chance to sign up for half-price membership and coaching courses. Woodbridge Tennis Club Chairman Steve Lemon said: “We’re throwing open the doors to the club and would love any would-be players to come along to one of the sessions for children and adults. If you’ve never played tennis before or want to get back into the game, the weekend is a great chance to try out this brilliant sport for free, have some fun and even make new friends!” To find out more at the event and how to join, call Jon Mansfield on 07796 366 032 or visit: www.woodbridgetennis.org/gbt2018

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For the third year in a row, Spring Clean Woodbridge, part of the Great British Spring Clean promoted by Keep Britain Tidy, took place from March 9-11. Despite a date change due to the snow, we had an amazing 58 volunteers, including members of Woodbridge Deben Rotary, Woodbridge Lions, Transition Woodbridge, Woodbridge WI, staff and students from Farlingaye School and many others. Volunteers met for seven sessions and picked around seven different locations in and around Woodbridge including: • the length of the town side of the A12 • all the car parks • most of the children’s play areas • several of the town’s open spaces, paths and many streets Between them a lot of rubbish was collected! Litter collected was split into recyclable and non-recyclable litter, with the many glass bottles put into bottle banks. The equipment was provided by and litter was collected by Suffolk Norse. Types of litter collected included: • cigarette ends – the most numerous item (filter tips are made of tiny plastic fibres, full of toxins when discarded) • food and drink packaging – sweets and crisps packaging, disposable coffee cups both at the side of the road and near coffee bars, polystyrene food trays, straws from drink cartons, ring pulls from cans, drinks cans, bottles both glass and plastic, beer glasses • polythene and polystyrene packaging, paper and cardboard • a large quantity of plastic cable ties, thought to have been used to hold up advertising banners • cigarette packs • clothing • bags of dog poo • lighters This is litter that would end up travelling through drains and straight into our beautiful River Deben and then the sea, contributing to the world’s plastic pollution, as highlighted by David Attenborough and Blue Planet 2. Much of this litter will never completely biodegrade and will still be around in our great, great, great grandchildren’s life times. It will be consumed by wildlife, either on land or in the ocean, and the evidence now suggests that it is now turning up as micro-plastic particles in our own food and drinks. On the positive side, we must congratulate the many people who regularly go around various parts of town picking up other people’s rubbish, all year round. Litter picking needs to be a habit in our daily lives, not just one-off events. As one litter picker said: “It is actually quite fun and completely addictive. We have even found a little money.” Transition Woodbridge would like to thank all the incredible volunteers for giving up their time and making the event so enjoyable. We will be back next year! For more information and other events being planned, please do get in touch at: ttwoodbridge@gmail.com Transition Woodbridge is a community-led group that aims to strengthen the local economy, reduce the cost of living and prepare for a future with less oil and a changing climate. Facebook / Twitter @transitionWDB http://transitionwoodbridge.onesuffolk.net

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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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NEWS HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WOODBRIDGE THURSDAY MARKET

A TREASURE HUNT FOR ALL THE FAMILY WITH REAL PRIZES Woodbridge Methodist Church (WMC) has decided to run an internet based monthly treasure hunt as part of its outreach programme. This will be advertised extensively throughout the local area where WMC is the nearest Methodist Church (approximately five miles radius from Woodbridge). We hope this will interest many of the new families to the area as well as those who have been here much longer. The questions are based on local knowledge and we hope they will promote a genuine interest in the area as well as encouraging many of us who have lived here longer to recognise what an interesting place we live in.

On Thursday, May 3, Woodbridge Thursday Market celebrates its first birthday since returning to its traditional home on the Market Hill. Woodbridge Town Council have been working hard to secure more stalls and to create a friendly, creative and foodie atmosphere in order to attract more visitors to the market and Market Hill in general. Our current stallholders include: PJ Keeling: fresh fruit and vegetables Jan Day: fresh cut flowers, plants and wreaths Cheese and Pie Man: cheeses, home-made pies and pasties, sausage rolls and scotch eggs Suffolk Coffee Pod: barista style coffee

The treasure hunt is completely free of any charge, available to everyone with an email address and internet access. Everyone who makes a submission is assigned a unique ID and is invited to attend the WMC coffee morning where the prizes are awarded. If there are multiple correct answers the winning ID will be selected at random. In order that we ensure a good response from all who see the treasure hunt, several prizes that will be easily recognised as having significant value, particularly to younger families working on a tight budget, are offered. On each monthly treasure hunt our top prize will cover most, if not all, of the cost of a family meal at one of our local restaurants, or where the children have ‘flown the nest’, the prize could be used for up to four adults. Further prizes which promote the fun and entertaining aspects of living in the Woodbridge area are also awarded at the coffee morning.

We’d love to see you so come and join us from 8am every Thursday.

The first treasure hunt takes place during May 2018 and the selected coffee morning for awarding the prize is organised for 10am on June 2 at WMC. Further treasure hunts will be organised on a monthly basis. Full details of the current treasure hunt can be found at: www.wmclight.org.uk

For more information about the market and all our current stallholders please visit: www.woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

You are most welcome to try it out to experience the fun. We look forward to meeting you at our next assigned coffee morning.

Juan Pablo Foods: plant based food with no additives or chemicals The Pickled Jam Company: jams, chutneys, condiments, cakes and tray bakes

COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN

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It’s been cold this spring so we still often keep a nice fire going at home. I always keep an eye out for any wood which is being thrown out and which can be retrieved. Let’s face it; I’m quite a skip surfer.

onsite, the other past users have failed to find permanent accommodation in Woodbridge. There is plenty of building, but it’s not providing places for all the local groups and classes that would like to meet here.

And these days you really notice the number of skips in Woodbridge. They seem to be everywhere as houses are remodelled and renewed. All filled with material ejected from the old houses that line our streets as old dwellings go inexorably ‘upmarket’.

Everyone liked the designs and plans we were showing, but what was particularly heart-warming was the attitude of the older people of the town, the ones who remembered growing up in Woodbridge 50, 60 or even 70 years ago.

The wormy beams that once went across uncle’s front room. The door to grannie’s bedroom. The bricks from the fireplace where the kids used to bathe in the tin bath on the coal-gritty hearthrug in front of the fire. Often the tin bath might be there too.

“It’s about time something was done for the young people in this town,” they said, sympathetically, looking back to childhoods roaming and free from the old cold houses with the wormy beams and the bath before the fire.

At the beginning of April I was one of the people running a public consultation for Jetty Lane (the new community youth and arts centre / see page 3). This will – as you know – provide a home for the many local groups left without a roof when Woodbridge Youth Centre was pulled down last year.

It makes one realise that a town is not just bricks and mortar. It is the community, the residents. Woodbridge is changing. It is no longer the place that uncle, or granny or the children of past times might recognise. But it is still Woodbridge. And it will remain Woodbridge while we remember to provide for everyone who lives in the town.

Apart from Just42 who are currently working from two shipping containers

Contact: Jetty Lane CiC 31 Hillyfields, IP12 4DX / info@jettylane.com

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE TREE FOR PEACE 2017 Woodbridge has a new monument. It’s a simple tree on Kingston Field chosen by the town’s Quakers to represent peace. A seat close to the tree names it as the ‘Woodbridge Tree for Peace 2017 – inspired by the Quaker Peace Testimony’. The monument has been warmly welcomed by other residents, who see in the tree’s natural tranquillity, strength and beauty a wonderful symbol of peace. Quakers intend the Tree for Peace to be used in a variety of ways to support community activities ‘for peace’. Individuals might rest there to enjoy or reflect on peace. Groups might meet near the tree to commemorate events around the world that have shaped peace and peace-making. At times of heightened concern we might gather there in unity to express compassion for victims. During 2018 there is to be a formal inauguration event. Peace is a group effort so we warmly invite any who are willing to help. Ideas are needed to bring together our reflections, commemorations and concerns in order to strengthen our strategies for building peace. We believe that a partnership in elevating this tree to a life that is ‘for peace’ will appeal to individuals and groups from many different religious traditions, as well as to schools and other secular interests groups. If this appeals to you, look out for local news of events at the tree. Meanwhile, please email comment, enquiries or ideas to: treeforpeace2017@gmail.com Michael Madden

EAST SUFFOLK TRAVELLERS’ ASSOCIATION ESTA, the voluntary body for local train and bus users, is holding its AGM on Saturday, May 12 in the Quay Church, Quay Street, Woodbridge, starting at 2pm. There will be reports and discussion of local train and bus matters and what the association has been doing during the past year. We shall also be looking ahead to the advent of new trains on the Ipswich-Lowestoft line by the end of 2019 and, in the coming months, taking part in the consultation over the new timetable. Non-members are welcome to attend but, of course, cannot vote in the business part. We shall also welcome a guest speaker, Mr Brendan Fox, who for many years was editor of Thomas Cook’s European Rail Timetable. He will talk about the challenges of producing such a timetable and about the developments of international train services to and on the continent. All train and bus users will be welcome.

DANCE FOLKUS ‘BAL’ WITH BOF There is an adventurous twist to the next regular monthly dance organised by Dance Folkus at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, May 4 starting at 7.30pm. Instead of featuring English folk/barn dancing we will be organising a French ‘Bal’. It’s a chance for all participants to try dances such as a Bourrée, Mazurka, Polka from Central France or a Gavotte or Rond de Saint Vincent from Brittany. All are welcome, from novices upwards.

Woodbridge Farmers’ Market is now a CIC We have some exciting news! Since April 6 Woodbridge Farmers’ Market is being run as a social enterprise. We are now registered at Companies House as a Community Interest Company (CIC). The market will continue to run at Woodbridge Community Hall on two Saturday mornings per month, generally the second and fourth Saturdays, as it has done since 1999. We attract stallholders from within a 30-mile radius of Woodbridge and all have grown, baked, reared, preserved, roasted or made the produce they are selling or are closely associated with the people who do. This gives the market a specific, and we would say special, identity. We currently have between 11 and 17 regular stallholders at every market as well as a very friendly cafe where people can buy brunch, chat to others or read the paper. Registering as a CIC gives the market legal status and also means that our charitable aims have been officially recognised. We provide an alternative to out-of-town supermarkets, we champion locally produced food, our stalls are genuinely affordable and we offer stalls to people who may otherwise be excluded from doing so.

Our guest band is the well-known local French dance specialists, Bof! This four-piece band plays hurdy-gurdy, diatonic accordion, French bagpipes, guitar, bass, flute, saxophone and recorder. They produce a great sound with lots of variety in their performance. The unusual hurdy-gurdy and French bagpipes alone are worth listening to even if you can’t dance. So, why not bring your own drinks and relax with those French tunes and dances in the background?

I’ve been running the market for two years now and am delighted that in that time it has survived and grown stronger. I have now been joined by Emma Greenhouse who will be running the market with me from now on. Together we intend to attract more customers and stallholders and make the market more resilient. We’ll keep you updated on progress!

Our song spot is taken by father and son duo Chris and Tom King. They both play the guitar and have played and sung at local folk clubs and festivals. Recently they have performed as solo artistes, so it’s great to see them playing together at this special evening.

To join our mailing list and receive email updates before each market, please contact: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com

Discounted tickets can be booked by emailing Dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (£7). Students or children are less than half price. If you need further information give Rob a call on: 01473 610951

Cordelia Richman

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Out & About is a country retailer that is part of P Tuckwell Ltd, agricultural machinery specialists. Consequently, we focus on a wide range of premium, hard to come by, country clothing brands that are ideal for a day at the farm, a trip down the pub or an idyllic stroll in the countryside. Two of our stores are located within the P Tuckwell branches in Worlingworth, Suffolk and Ardleigh, Essex, although we are extremely proud to announce that on March 17 we opened our very first independent store in the centre of Framlingham, a quaint market town in Suffolk. Our new shop stocks a lot of our favourite selection of brands that we sell at both our stores in Ardleigh and Worlingworth including Dubarry, Crew and Fairfax & Favor. We have new and exciting labels added to our collection in Framlingham, including Whale of a Time which is a go-to British lifestyle brand aimed on creating affordable casual wear with a retro-inspired twist. In addition, we have Just Over the Top (JOTT) which is a trendy urban brand, creating thin and ultra-light jackets that combine both comfort and style all in one and are perfect for any weather. No matter what kind of lifestyle you lead, we provide a wide range of footwear, with a selection of both practical and smart shoes and boots. Our ladies range includes Fairfax & Favor, Dubarry and Chatham with our sizes starting from a 4-8. For men we stock Chelsea boots, deck shoes, wellies and loafers to suite all tastes with sizes starting from 8-11. Our friendly team are always on hand to help make your shopping experience enjoyable and stress free, with their expertise they are able to give helpful advice and even pair outfits in order to make your day as relaxing as possible. So from hand crafted accessories to complete outfits, why not pop in and say hello and experience our shop for yourself? We look forward to seeing you.

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Woodbridge Library will be closed on Bank Holidays Monday 7 & Monday 28 May. May 1-31: ArtLib Exhibition of work by Lorna Ritchie Lorna takes inspiration from everyday objects, seeing the beauty in shapes and patterns and then putting her own spin on these. Her art is a study of simplistic naivety with a whimsical twist. Tuesday, May 1, 10-11.30am: Visit by the Woodbridge & District Safer Neighbourhood Team Book Group: Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On May 3 we will be discussing Swimming Home by Deborah Levy. Please come along if you have read any of these and would like to join in the discussion. From Saturday, May 5: Sale of jigsaw puzzles; all proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library. Saturday, May 12, 10.15-11.45am: Everyday Wisdom by Life Coach and Mental Health Educator Mia Philips. £5 on the door. Friday, May 18, 5-6pm: Talk on Tchaikovsky by Chris Milton, Director of Music at Woodbridge School. The third talk in this series will be about Berlioz on Friday, June 22. £4 each; all proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library. For more details and to book, contact: 01394 446510 / woodbridge.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk Saturday, May 19, 9-11am: Caroline Page, County Councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library. Monday, May 21, 11.15am-12.45pm: Mindfulness and Meditation. Learn to relax and unwind, to combat stress, anxiety and worry. Sessions are run on a drop-in basis, £12 per session. Enquiries: debrawoodbridge@gmail.com / 01394 450066 Tuesday, May 22, 1-2pm: Browsers Bookshop presents iInternational bestselling crime writer Jeffrey Deaver in conversation with Catherine Larner. Tickets are £15 which includes a copy of The Cutting Edge (RRP £14.99). Tickets are available from Browsers Bookshop, 60 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge / 01394 388890. Thursday, May 24, 7.30pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library invite you to their Jazz Café featuring Joy Spring. Tickets £8/£4 students. To book please ask library staff or contact: 01394 446510 / woodbridge.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk 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

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 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. Arts and Crafts Group: Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10am. Enables older people and their carers to take part in activities such as collage, card making, printing and modelling. Play Reading: Meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. Come to listen or join in for an afternoon of light-hearted drama, comedy or mystery. All welcome. Games Club: Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm. Now includes dominoes. Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practise strategy or balance with dominoes. Woodbridge Area Gamers: Meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1-5pm in the library meeting room. For more information contact nigel@foden.me.uk / 07740 173091 or visit: www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Wednesday 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups.

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.

11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers.

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.

Every Friday 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult.

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

Every Sunday 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities

Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour (minimum two hours)

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FEATURING IN OUR JUNE FINE ART AUCTION

VALUATIONS FOR SALE, INSURANCE & PROBATE

William Russell Flint (1880—1969) watercolour, our Department BeachValuations Scene with figures, signed (detail shown)

Please contact £4,000 - £6,000 for further information Tel : 01206 754754

ENTRIES INVITED FOR THIS SALE UNTIL 30TH MAY THE COLCHESTER AUCTION HOUSE WITH AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION 8 Wyncolls Road, Severalls Business Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 9HU Tel : 01206 754754 Fax : 01206 754750 Email : auctions@reemandansie.com Web : www.reemandansie.com

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OUT & ABOUT MASQUERADE CHARITY BALL IN AID OF THE BLOSSOM APPEAL

PLAYFORD FETE After the success and fun of last year’s Playford Fete, we are really glad to announce that the Melroses, owners of Playford Hall, have insisted it be held again. So come and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the beautiful grounds of this stunning historical building, the home of Thomas Clarkson, Friend of Slaves.

The Ipswich Hospital Charity is excited to announce the Masquerade Charity Ball at The Venue at Kersey Mill on Friday, June 22 at 7pm in aid of The Blossom Appeal. This glamorous evening will include a night of live entertainment with a drinks reception and a three course meal with wine in a beautiful location. JS and The Lockerbillies, who have previously played at Glastonbury, will be our band for the night so get your dancing shoes on and get ready to rock ‘n’ roll! All money raised will go towards The Ipswich Hospital Charity, supporting The Blossom Appeal. Help us build a new £2.5million Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital where every breast care patient can have the best possible experience when they come to hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care at The 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. Your support can help patients like Jo: “There is a lot of getting up and down and walking to and from for imaging and treatment, and it’s a very impersonal space.” Former breast cancer patient Jo Whitelaw remembers the experience of visiting the hospital all too well, but the now 55-year-old also remembers the amazing care she received. She said: “The hospital was my security blanket. I got all the support and reassurance I could’ve asked for from the team. They were always there when I needed them.” Jo, from Great Blakenham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 after discovering a lump in her breast. Initially she thought it was benign as she’d had others removed in the past, but it did turn out to be cancerous. When the lump was removed cancer cells were still found so Jo went on to have her breast removed and gruelling chemotherapy and drug treatment to fight the disease. She said: “It’s a very open and impersonal space. I remember when I first went to hospital I sat there and looked at all the people in the waiting room and felt very alone. The new centre could be more personal, but then there would be opportunities and spaces to talk if people wanted to.” Jo, married with two children, four grandchildren (and another on the way) has now been clear of cancer for five years. While the hospital team were Jo’s security blanket, she turned to the animals in her yard to relax. A keeper of horses, sheep and chickens, Jo credits them with helping her relax both during and since her cancer. Help us build a new Breast Centre at Ipswich Hospital while enjoying a glamorous night. To purchase tickets (£50) please visit www.ipswichhospitalcharity.co.uk or contact: 01473 702929 / charity@ipswichhospital.nhs.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. This month we meet on Thursday, May 24 when Emma will lead an activity. 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

The gardens are open again and the villagers have been baking and there will be all the usual quintessential English Fete type fun activities. To name only a few – bouncy castles, splat the rat, treasure hunt, pony and tractor rides and the washing line (a personal favourite!). There will also be ice cream and sausages. It will however, be up to you if you choose to eat them together! See you there on Saturday, June 23, 2-5pm.

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM AFTERNOON TALKS February saw two events of interest to friends of the museum. The speaker at the afternoon talk on Friday, February 16 was Nigel Church talking about the history of Ransomes in Ipswich. It was fascinating to hear about the early beginnings of the company in 1789 making ploughshares. Coinciding with the many farming innovations of the time they soon expanded, making and improving many types of farm implements. They later expanded again to make the ironwork for the astronomical observatories. Always innovating, they are probably most famous for their lawnmowers. Although the late 20th century saw a series of mergers and take-overs Ransomes still maintains its own identity. The following day saw the next in the series of day schools. Andrew Lacey returned with the subject Revolution, Riots and Reform! Britain 1815-1832. Not at first sight as exciting a topic as the Napoleonic War, it gave an insight into a lesser know period of history with so many parallels to today, especially with the celebrations for the introduction of votes for women. The next talk on May 18 is The History of Paycocke’s with a follow up visit in July to Paycocke’s and the Grange Barn in Coggeshall. In June there is a visit to two contrasting buildings, Walpole Old Chapel and Huntingfield Church with its amazing ceiling. For further information on talks or visits please contact: 01394 385572

QUAKER QUEST An opportunity to explore some important issues with Quakers on four evenings in June. June 6: Faith June 20: Prayer

June 13: Jesus June 27: Sin

There will be two short introductions to each subject, followed by large and small group discussion. We meet at Quaker Meeting House, 39 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich IP1 3JH. Quaker Quest will be from 7-9pm with refreshments available from 6.30pm. Everybody welcome. For more information contact Virginia Marshall:ipswichquakers.org.uk / 01394 383006

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

DEBEN ROTARY NEWS Members of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben were pleased to be able to assist Transition Woodbridge with their recent spring clean litter pick. The club looks forward to continuing to assist Transition with their projects.

Our next meeting is on May 15 when Peter Lawrence will be speaking on the stately homes of England. For several hundreds of years these homes have become a central feature of cultural life in England. Peter will be looking at some of these homes and show how individually they reflect the wealth and power of their owners. The May meeting is the last before our summer break. We meet again on September 18 when Andrew Wiltshire will be looking at the secret code used by Beatrix Potter to record her secret thoughts and observations, and the work carried out by one man to find the key to this code. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Wednesday, May 2: Image and History: Art at the Landsdowne Club by Pamela Campbell-Johnston Landsdowne House, now a private club, has a wonderful art collection. Robert Adam’s original plan and changes made by later renowned architects will be explored. Eighteenth century prints, oils, mixed media and modern acquisitions are all part of the collection. We are promised stories of intrigue and passion as we learn the history of this fascinating building. 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

WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB In March several Lions joined the Great British Spring Clean and collected rubbish along the A12. This month we will join with other clubs to help out at Woodbridge Horse Show on May 7 and the Woodbridge Shufflers road race on May 20. On Saturday, May 19 we will be holding another Art Show and Sale at the Salvation Hall just off the Thoroughfare. We will have a huge selection of paintings by local artists to view or buy at very reasonable prices. Entry is free with tea, coffee and cakes available, so come along and have a look.

A reminder to all that the Memory Cafe, run in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and Inner Wheel, takes place at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of every month from 10.30 to noon. The cafe is open to people living with dementia and their carers. It is free to attend and hot drinks and homemade cakes are provided. In March we were entertained by the Kesgrave Singers and in April the ukulele band What No Cake will be performing. If you would like more information about the Memory Cafe or about the activities of Rotary in general please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

NORLAND NANNIES FOR FIDO! Animal legislation has been getting an overhaul and new regulations governing animal businesses will be enforced in 2018. Suffolk’s own Candace Rose, MD and founder for the Canine Creche Group, says: “It has been a long time coming. The new legislation for day care facilities will cover rules such as dog to staff ratios, as well as different areas for dogs based on age, size and energy levels. Enrichment activities are highly focused on and businesses can strive to attain higher standards and be rewarded for doing so.” Based near the Red Lion, Suffolk Canine Creche’s ethos has always been to deliver award winning service and standards and with 28 members of staff, their dog to staff ratio is enviable. The whole facility has CCTV which can be viewed by site visitors. Rose commented: “I have always tried to deliver a transparent service, one where owners can see exactly where their dogs are and the heightened levels of kind and gentle care they receive. This reinforces trust, turning a once draconian service into a 21st century facility which is visible to all.”

As with all the money we raise during the year, the large majority is spent on needy causes in Woodbridge and surrounding areas. All donations are discussed and voted on at our monthly meetings.

What next for this exciting Suffolk based brand? “We have spent 18 months researching and developing Nana Creche, our in-home care services for dogs which includes dog walking, post-operative care and companion visits for our golden oldies. We have analysed where we feel service provision is lacking in this sector and given it a complete overhaul. We intend to deliver an elite service with our nanas setting the standard for excellence.”

We are starting to prepare for the Big Duck Dive which takes place at the end of Regatta Day on Sunday, June 17. We will be out and about before then selling ducks so that at the end of Regatta Day three people will go away with lovely prizes.

With GPS tracking for walks, staff with DBS clearance fully trained and qualified in advanced first aid, every possible eventuality has been explored. The name came from the Peter Pan film, where ‘Nana’ was a loveable St Bernard who cared for the Darling children.

On the social front, we have just had a fantastic trip around the new waste disposal plant at Great Blackenham. Our next visit is to Seizewell and then in June we will have our hand-over lunch when the new president will be installed.

Nana Creche launches in May 2018 – think ‘Norland Nannies’ but simply for dogs. For more details call the Nana Creche team on: 01473 636151

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To find out more visit: www.suffolkcaninecreche.co.uk

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We are moving...

01394 388605 On 30th April, our Woodbridge offices will merge under one roof, bringing our staff from Quay Point, IP12 4AL to our office at Deben Mill Business Centre, IP12 1BL. Why? We’ve listened to the needs of our clients with factors such as the parking at Deben Mill being free and providing much easier access. There will also be more services under one roof. We look forward to seeing you there.

info-woodbridge@gotelee.co.uk 18

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB Encouraging a Photographic Eye by Alan Sarsby Last month’s meeting featured an interactive presentation by Alan Sarsby, and the Quay Church Hall was very full with 22 members and five guests. After an introduction and an insight into judging and marking competition images, Alan gave five groups of members the same selection of our own images to critique. With only one minute per image, after 25 images the pace was showing. He then discussed our images (including Deben Mist by Sarah Bynom), what to do to improve or what to keep doing well. Very hard work and rewarding for all members attending.

On March 21 Woodbridge Art Club was 50 years old and celebrated with a dinner for 50 members and guests in the club gallery on Tide Mill Way. It was a most enjoyable occasion; good food, good company and the opportunity to see photographs from the past. Among the guests were Woodbridge Town Clerk, Chris Walker and her husband. She has been a valuable support to the club over the years. We were also pleased to be joined by five of our founder members who, in 1968, couldn’t possibly have imagined how successful their club would be 50 years on. We look forward to the next 50 years! In the meantime our 50th exhibition opened on Good Friday and was very busy with visitors – probably taking refuge from the persistent rain; something they are always very welcome to do.

A worthwhile and enjoyable evening; members look forward to welcoming Alan back next year for a new workshop challenge. The next meeting on May 15 is an outdoor photoshoot, Postcard from Orford. 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

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Having had to cancel our March meeting due to snow, we were glad to get together again in April when we enjoyed a most informative talk by Martin Tickler on wildlife conservation, in particular the brown hare. Brown hares were brought here by the Romans to be hunted for sport. With the introduction of pesticides and changing farming practices leading to a loss of diversity, hare numbers declined. Research was undertaken by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, tracking and spotting hares, which found they were present in greater numbers on farms which grew a variety of crops. The policy of set-aside, or leaving some land fallow, was good for wildlife, but when this was stopped other ways needed to be found to conserve the wildlife. The trust introduced the idea of leaving field margins uncultivated to preserve the natural habitats. Wildlife conservation is an important and ongoing issue which the trust continues to research and promote. In March we held our annual quiz night which was well attended and very successful, raising a total of over £900 for the Woolverstone Project, our president’s chosen charity. To find out more about Inner Wheel, please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, June 11: Behind the Counter – Ipswich Shops in their Heyday by Roger Kennell

We always welcome new members of varying abilities; for further information visit: www.woodbridgeartclub.co.uk The current exhibition is open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of September. Opening times 10am-5pm

WOODBRIDGE PROBUS In April Brian Wilcox spoke on escaping the rat race. As he said: “Money is not everything, but it is up there with oxygen.” His brilliant repertoire left us thinking about what we have missed in life and what we should be telling our grandchildren. At our next meeting on Monday, May 14 our speaker will be Peter Boot Smith on the history of tea. A fascinating subject and Peter’s years in Burma and Assam in the tea business well qualify him to talk about the beverage which has sustained the English for 350 years. You are welcome to come as a guest and, if you like us, to join. For more information about what we are and do visit: www.woodbridgeprobus.org.uk

MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY We are fortunate to have Lynette Burgess coming to talk to us about The History and Future of Bawdsey Radar Station. On September 24, 1937, RAF Bawdsey became the first fully operational radar station in the world. Its vital role continued during the Second World War and on through the Cold War. The Bawdsey Radar Trust has recently secured £1million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to ensure the conservation of the transmitter block, which still stands, surrounded by the blast proof walls.

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.

Lynette’s illustrated talk will be a fascinating insight into the history of RAF Bawdsey, the development of radar and the future plans for this historic site.

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.

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

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We meet on Thursday, May 10 at Melton Primary School; doors open at 7 for a 7.30pm start. All welcome; members free, visitors £3.

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out & about NEW HORIZONS CLUB

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN We at U3A in East Suffolk are at that time of year yet again when changes are afoot and plans are being made for the 2018-19 handbook and campus programmes for the next 12 months. Although there doesn’t seem to be much news at present, I can assure you the committee are beavering away behind scenes to ensure plenty of action coming your way. To whet your appetite, talks on subjects as varied as Colchester Zoo, Kingdom Isambard Brunel and helicopter flying could be advertised before too long. Details will of course eventually be in the new handbook and on our website. If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning 03001 233913.

New Horizons, the club for older people in the Woodbridge area has some good news to share with you. At the beginning of April, 36 members and volunteers went to Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club for lunch. This was followed by a wonderful performance of the Good Old Days Music Hall at the Spa Pavilion which members also enjoyed. Later in April we celebrated St George’s Day with a traditional roast lunch after which we slayed a few dragons – they were attached to tin cans and dispatched by bean bags! Later this month we will be celebrating the Royal Wedding with entertainment from local raconteur Stephen Bayfield. Then on May 31 the wonderful concert pianist Nick Raison will be playing. 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. Last year we won the Potter Cup for the group that provides the most benefit for the community. Come and sample the happy atmosphere we generate in the process of providing companionship and a range of activities. These include art, crafts, entertainment and slide shows. There are also refreshments and a good two course home-cooked meal included in the cost of £8 per session. Transport is 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. For more information about New Horizons contact Brenda Jackson: 07514 364752 / newhorizons912@gmail.com

MARTLESHAM HEATH CONTROL TOWER MUSEUM Now open every Sunday afternoon from 2-5pm until October 28. Learn the story of this fascinating airfield from 1917 to 1963. Free entry – donations appreciated. Free parking. The museum is located at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UZ. Special openings for school and club groups available by arrangement. For more information phone Ian (01473 611665) or Howard (01473 274300) or email: control.tower@mhas.org.uk

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FORTHCOMING CAMPUS TALKS Thursday, May 10, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF: Music Hall Memories by Bryan Thurlow – a pocket history of the Music Hall with songs and monologues. Refreshments follow. Monday, May 21, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF: It’s a Grave Business by Peter Driver – a look at the history and development of tombs, gravestones and church memorials. Refreshments follow. Monday, June 11: U3A AGM at Kesgrave Community Centre Friday, June 15, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall IP12 4AU: Whatever Happened to the Magna Carter? by Martyn Hargraves – why was it agreed and what relevance does it have in today’s world? Refreshments available from 10am. Please remember that visitors are welcome at one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you joining details on the day. www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

FEMALE

MALE

WANTED! RECORDS OF STAG BEETLE SIGHTINGS Please look out for stag beetles from the beginning of May to the end of August 2018 and report them to Colin Hawes using the contact details below. Details required are date seen, where seen (address and post code, or a map reference). If possible include a photograph of the beetle. This request is made to enable as many records of stag beetle sightings as possible to be gathered in order to complete a distribution map of this species for the county of Suffolk. Suffolk appears to be a hot-spot for this declining beetle, which is listed nationally as ‘Near Threatened’. The beetle is regarded as a ‘Flagship Species’ for insect conservation both here in the UK and in Europe. Colin Hawes, Lead for Conservation of Stag Beetles in Suffolk hawescolin@gmail.com / 3 Silver Leys, Bentley IP9 2BS

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ST AUDRYS GOLF CLUB

In association with the Doctorgolf Academy

WEDNESDAY 16 MAY

A great opportunity for all the family to try golf for the first time OR to come back to golf after a break.

Register by 10 May at www.staudrysgc.co.uk Sessions start at 2.30pm or 6.30pm.

Equipment provided but wear suitable shoes!

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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OUT & ABOUT EXCITING NEW PROJECT FROM THE BEFRIENDING SCHEME The Friends Farm Hub has been created by TBS to enable vulnerable adults from the age of 16 years+ to come together to a place where they can enjoy the outdoors, learn about animal care and get involved with gardening activities. Rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and ducks will give the opportunity for those who love to cuddle and handle pets the chance to learn about how to care for them properly. Roaming amongst the flowers, plants and veggie patches will satisfy those who love gardening activities and being green fingered. Herbs will excite the senses and wild birds will sing giving those who visit the hub a glorious burst of bird song to listen to. Located at Otley College, the Farm Hub will run twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am until 3pm from the first week in May. Hub members will also be able to get involved with craft activities, talks and demonstrations from local groups as well as learning life skills such as cooking, managing finances and loving and healthy relationships. If you are interested in helping to support our members, be involved with the animals or gardening activities, then have you considered volunteering? We are looking for volunteers on a flexible basis who would be able to assist with the activities on the hub. See below for further details. We hope to see you all there from May. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends Farm Hub or to give your time to the hub by becoming a volunteer, then please contact Friends Farm Hub Leader Becky Fox: 07802 724168 / becky.fox@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk Friends Farm Hub’ is a project run by The Befriending Scheme and kindly supported by Easton & Otley College.

FRIENDS FARM HUB VOLUNTEER Volunteer Role Flexible hours, weekdays on a Monday and Thursday. Farm Hub Volunteers help our members get involved with tasks around the farm, while encouraging their social and teamwork skills. You will be involved with cleaning, feeding and caring for the farm animals, taking on gardening tasks such as potting up, sowing seeds, growing veg, plants and flowers. You will also be involved with our team, making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable adults, those people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Background A small farm where adults 16+ years with additional needs can spend a day each week in small, friendly groups taking part in the setting-up and running of the one-acre site at the Otley College Campus. Activities on the farm will revolve around growing fruit, vegetables and flowers and caring for small farm animals, such as chickens and ducks. What we can offer you • Full training given including safeguarding and mental health • Learn a new hobby or develop upon your own skill • Be part of a friendly, like minded team • Take part in external talks and demonstrations from local gardening/animal welfare groups • Know that you’ve made a difference to the lives of vulnerable adults. • Gain skills/work experience for that new career choice Send your CV or interest in volunteering to Friends Farm Hub Leader Becky Fox: becky.fox@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk / 07802 7241688

1st RENDLESHAM SCOUT GROUP Alternative Monopoly Run – London This weekend camp is held at Scout Park campsite in North London and is open to older Scouts in both Scouting and Guiding with teams coming from all over the UK to take part. This was our first time at this event and as it was traditional British spring camping weather there was a yellow warning for snow in place and there had been significant rainfall in the days before. On arrival on Friday night we were met by a campsite that challenged the Scouts abilities not only to pitch camp in the dark but also avoid falling over in the mud while doing so. The main event of the weekend is the Monopoly Run itself. Between 7am and 7pm on Saturday the teams raced each other round London in an attempt to visit all the squares on the standard monopoly board, not only the streets but also the stations, utilities and challenges along the way based on chance, community chest and the famous playing pieces in the quickest time. We had two teams entered in the run; they set off early to the nearest underground station armed only with a one day Travelcard, four quarters of a monopoly board, an underground map and a camera phone on which to record their travels. It was a truly fantastic day for all involved; we visited a variety of fantastic locations across the capital including Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern, Leicester Square and Downing Street. We convinced all sorts of people (police, buskers, TFL staff, dog owners and leprechauns!) to help us while taking on our challenges and enjoyed the combined atmosphere of the city, St Patrick’s Day, the final of the rugby and the challenge of the run. After 12 nonstop hours where numerous underground and bus journeys were made, many miles walked and with some amazingly battered looking tickets, the teams returned to site just before the 7pm deadline, downloaded our photos and ordered pizza to enjoy while taking on the evening quiz. While the Scouts were resting and refuelling inside, the snow which had been forecast finally began to fall outside leading to a massive snowball fight before lights out. On Sunday morning we struck camp before meeting up in the main hall to hear the results of the Monopoly Run. Despite not winning any of the prizes this time round we learned a lot for the future, enjoyed a fantastic weekend and due to the challenging weather conditions unexpectedly managed to send everyone home having completed their HSX Antarctica Challenge Badge! At present we have three sections and welcome both boys and girls, Beavers 6-8 years, Cubs 8-10 and Scouts 10-14. Later this year we also plan to add Explorers for 14-18 year olds. Anyone wishing to get involved in Scouting, please email info@rendleshamscouts.org.uk or visit: www.rendleshamscouts.org.uk / Facebook

LEISTON PHILATELIC SOCIETY The society will meet on Wednesday, May 23 for its annual general meeting and re-scheduled competition evening at the United Church Hall, High Street, Leiston from 7.15pm. Annual subscription is £5 (students up to the age of 18 years 50p), payable in September or earlier.

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OUT & ABOUT 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

WOODBRIDGE QUAY TIME Quay Time, a monthly meeting for people in the area experiencing or at risk of isolation and loneliness, met as usual on Wednesday, March 21 (the third Wednesday of the month) in the church hall. Ruth Miller gave a talk on the Foundling Hospital, an institution for the babies of single mothers who, for various reasons, were forced to abandon their children. Her talk covered the reasons for the establishment of the hospital in 1739 by Thomas Coram, a shipbuilder and philanthropist, and its support by leading figures of the day such as Handel and Hogarth, up until its closure in 1954. Its history was long and complex and included the establishment of the first English art gallery and the second ever performance of Handel’s Messiah, amazingly sung by the children. Over time, 25,000 children attended the Foundling Hospital. Ruth closed by giving a moving insight into her own experiences as a foundling at the hospital, showing her audience the badge with her foundling number she was obliged to wear at all times, and the correspondence from her birth mother to the hospital seeking a placement. It truly was an eye-opening talk which was very much appreciated by those in attendance.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP We have a busy month lined up in May, with a spring nature walk and the ever popular plant sale to enjoy. Sunday, May 6 is the date for local gardeners to put in their diaries, for this is when the group host their popular plant sale at Foxburrow Farm, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton. The sale runs from 2-4pm and will be an opportunity to purchase locally grown plants at great prices, with local gardeners on-hand to offer friendly advice to customers. Afternoon tea and cakes will be available and there will be a draw and a book stall. Admission to the sale is free. For any enquiries about the plant sale please contact: 01728 747528 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com On the afternoon of Saturday, May 12 the group invites you to join them for a spring nature walk at Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Captain’s Wood Nature Reserve in Sudbourne (TM421531 / IP12 2BE) starting at 2pm. Admission is free and those coming along should wear stout, waterproof footwear and bring binoculars. Limited parking is available 400m from the reserve entrance. Dogs are not allowed on this reserve. For enquiries about this walk please contact: 01473 625630 / 01394 411237 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com EVENTS AT FOXBURROW FARM Sunday, May 13, 11am-4pm: May Fair Pond dipping, den building, storytelling, donkey rides, games and crafty makes. Plants and gifts for sale, live music, folk dance and refreshments. Children £4, adults £2, no need to book, assistance dogs only.

Picture by C J Smith

Tuesday, May 29, 1.30-3.30pm: Family Watery Wildlife Afternoon Pond dipping, trails and wildlife creations. Children £4, adults £2. Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Melton near Woodbridge IP12 1NA 01473 890089 / www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Quay Time is a joint Woodbridge and District Lions Club and Quay Church project and the next meeting is on Wednesday, May 16

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB Our May meeting welcomes a very talented demonstrator, Gill Mc Gregor from Waltham Cross Herts. Gill has written several books on the use of plant material and is an exciting demonstrator. The title of her demonstration is Floral Fantasy. The meeting takes place in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU on Tuesday, May 8 at 7.30pm. Visitors (£4) are always assured of a warm welcome so why not join us for a fun and entertaining evening with this wellknown demonstrator? The beautiful floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening and coffee and biscuits will be served.

DON’T FORGET OUR QUIZ NIGHT Deben Flower Club will be holding another one of their very popular quiz nights on Saturday, May 12 in Kirton Church Hall, 7 for 7.30pm. Once again this will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a ploughman’s supper. Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six? If you don’t have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and £8 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses. For further information and tickets contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

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SUMMER TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions from 10.30am-noon for pre-school aged children on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. 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. Last term, we heard the Easter story, made our own palm tree and Easter garden and sang and played percussion instruments – making lots of noise! You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings; just turn up, no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing you! The summer term 2018 session dates are (please note revised dates): May 14, June 11 & 25 and July 9. For further information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

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SCHOOLS / ON THE GRAPEVINE MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS Kesgrave Playschool We can’t believe that we’re well into the summer term already! School places have been allocated so we will be supporting our older children in their transition to their various schools this term, enjoying classroom role play and providing school uniform for dressing up. We will also encourage lots of self-help with dressing, putting on coats and shoes and PE sessions.

WALKERS IN SUFFOLK ASKED TO UNITE AGAINST PARKINSON’S

As if that wasn’t enough, the children will be hands on in the garden, planting fruits/vegetables and observing the changes in our pond to the frog spawn. This will lead on to our next topic of life cycles of frogs and butterflies. If you are looking for a playschool setting on Grange Farm with an outlook onto fields and woodlands, please get in touch or pop in and take a look. We are at the Millennium Jubilee Hall. Call us on 07746 907060 or see us on Facebook and find out our opening times and session availability for 15 or 30 hours funded childcare as well as non-funded sessions. We have spaces for two year olds who meet the eligibility criteria for funded sessions from September. Martlesham Playschool We were busy at the end of last term as the children took part in our sponsored bounce. We would like to thank all parents and carers for their generous sponsorship money to enhance our outside area. The children were busy planting bulbs and decorating pots for Mother’s Day and also made Easter cards and baskets and had lots of fun on an Easter egg hunt in the garden. This term the children will be learning about growth and how things change over time. We are planting vegetables for the children to care for and observe over time. This will allow the children to take on responsibility and learn about where our food comes from. As technology is such a big part of day to day life we are going to be giving the children the opportunity to have monitored access to their own kindle. This is to enhance their ICT skills and develop their future learning. We can offer you term time or all-year round spaces. Spaces are available from September for 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare and non-funded sessions. Eligible for two-year-old funded sessions? Call Martlesham on 01473 625986 or visit our Facebook page for more details. Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme in stores during January and February. We have been very lucky in being awarded £2,000. Thank you to Tesco. We shall post some photos of our lovely new resources on our Facebook page and on our new website (coming soon). Martlesham Playschool: Martlesham Playschool, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 Facebook: Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools

Suffolk residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham on Sunday, June 10. The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018. Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure. There are longer and shorter distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone. At Glemham Hall distances include a 1.5-mile, 3.5-mile and 5.5-mile walk to choose from. Last year, 180 people took part in the walk at Glemham Hall to raise £17,000 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year. Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved. He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. Exercise can be really beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s. It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms. “So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinson’s.” The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal.

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000

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

Information and support for people who are curious, concerned about or living with dementia, their carers, and health and social care professionals in Suffolk, excluding Waveney.

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

email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

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

Mon to Fri: 9am - 6pm / Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am - 4pm

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We’re Walking for Parkinson’s Join us

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Glemham Hall, Woodbri Sunday 10 June

hamintouch

parkinsons.org.uk/glem

0207 963 3912

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09/04/2018 13:02

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SPORT DEBEN YACHT CLUB

WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB Continuing the theme of sailing holidays on working ships, Peter King gave a beautifully illustrated talk on the trip he and Kay took on the Aranui5, a cargo ship serving the French Polynesian Islands. Forget a man-in-a-white van in these parts; if you order a fridge it’s delivered by a-man-in-a-white ship and you collect it from the docks yourself. At least you don’t have to wait in all morning for someone who turns up in the afternoon! The Aranui5 was built in 2015 and has two crews, one to sail the ship and the other to serve the passengers. The atmosphere on board is informal but very professional, employing seamanship skills which drew appreciation even from a retired master mariner, at one point turning the ship round using only an anchor in a creek just 15 metres wider than the vessel itself.

Unfortunately, the first race day of the season got cancelled due to the weather, but the next two weekends got a good turn out and the Tune-up Series has now been completed and won by Simon Shaw (fast handicap) and David Hayhow (slow handicap). We will now move on to the Spring Points racing wise and there will be a couple each of lazy sailing sessions and flotillas in May. There are also a couple of cup races and some training planned and we are hoping for a big crowd to come and Try Sailing on Bank Holiday Monday, May 28, 10am-12.30pm, when our experienced members will be taking people out for a sail on the lovely river here at Woodbridge. This is part of RYA Push the Boat Out initiative that runs through all of May this year. There will be coffee, tea and cakes and it’s open for everyone so put on some soft soled shoes you don’t mind getting wet, bring a towel and a change of clothes just in case and come and see how much fun sailing is. Buoyancy aids will be provided. We have two charity coffee mornings in May. The first is on Thursday 3 to raise money for the Woolverstone Project. This charity provides sailing opportunities and tuition for those with various physical and sensory disabilities as well as those with behavioural problems. They operate a fleet of specially designed access dinghies and challenger trimarans on Alton Water where they sail throughout the year and two larger boats on the nearby River Orwell where they sail during the summer months. Wheelchair access is provided to the craft at both centres where RYA qualified instructors are assisted by some of their many volunteers to provide sailing opportunities at various levels to those who would otherwise be denied the joys of small boat sailing. The second coffee morning is for Woodbridge Riding for the Disabled on Saturday, May 26. They teach riding and carriage driving to disabled children and adults regardless of what their disability might be and have been doing this for over 30 years. The benefits to all who ride or drive with them are huge. It provides them with valuable therapeutic exercise, an opportunity to develop their social skills and a chance to build relationships with the horses and ponies. They run sessions five days per week, ably supported by a team of volunteers and they have just moved to new premises in Clopton. Coffee mornings are from 10am-noon and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the view!

Claudia Myatt, marine artist and magazine illustrator, describes herself as a ‘Nautical Hitchhiker’ and the talk she gave on her exploits kept a large audience enthralled and amused. At one end of the scale was sharing a bunk on a traditional wooden gaffer where small is not just best, but the only option. The ability to creep silently out of one’s bunk is much prized in such conditions but if you can also cook a vegan meal in a Force 8 gale you are a rare and sought after breed. At the other end was an offer from Saga to give art lessons on a cruise liner bound for Australia – considerably better than any offer I’ve ever had from them! Embarking in Barbados and voyaging through the Panama Canal to Sydney, her task was to give twice daily lectures to an ever-expanding group of enthusiastic painters equipped not only with drawing board and easel but also clutching ‘motion sickness receptacles’ in case the weather got bad! An enterprising way to explore the world. The Fitting-Out supper has now been and gone and we are officially in the sailing season so the winter talks are coming to an end. On March 18 the summer programme was unveiled to an eagerly anticipating gathering of members. Opening gently with model boat racing on the pond, it slowly builds through canoeing on The Stour, moving out into the North Sea via Felixstowe Ferry on the Deben Discovery and finally reaching a crescendo in July with a crossing to Belgium and Holland before a gradual diminuendo to the final ‘3 Waters’ cruise and dinner at the end of September. Exciting prospects which only need some decent weather and fair winds for a memorable summer. For further information about the club and its activities, pop down on a Sunday lunchtime and introduce yourself to the officer of the day or visit: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org

WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB As I write this, winter prepares for yet a further sting in its tail, so it’s difficult to imagine that the bowls season is just a week or two away. It’s even more difficult to imagine the sun on your back as you launch the woods down the green and hear them jostle for a place near the ever elusive jack. Yet this is the picture I have in mind when starting the first of this season’s articles about our club. OPEN DAY Like many other organisations, Woodbridge Bowls Club has a certain leakage of membership each season as players leave for other jobs or go to live in other parts. To combat this shrinkage we are ever looking for new members to come and join us. To this end we are offering new members £20 off the first year’s membership, so why not come and have a look at us on our open day? This will take place at the club, which is behind Elmhurst Park, on Saturday, May 5 between 10am and 1pm. Come along for a cup of tea or coffee and some free tuition by qualified instructors. Please wear flat shoes so as not to damage the green. You will learn new skills, meet new people, have some gentle exercise and may fall in love with this traditional game. This’s what I did some four years ago and have loved every minute since. Don’t take my word for it, come along and see for yourselves. For further information visit www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk or find us on Facebook.

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

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