In Touch with Capel St Mary - April 2016

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CAPEL CAPERS Volume 6 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR In a month when many of us will celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday I will also be thinking about another wonderful lady who has had an incredible impact on those who have known and loved her, my husband’s Grandma Ida. Sadly she is no longer with us but I think of her often and invariably find myself smiling when I do.

Ida wasn’t just a perfect grandma, she was the life and soul of the party. There are too many stories to recount here, but Daniel often talks about playing Sardines with his then 83-year-old grandma who deviously abandoned the search and hid herself away in the shower, patiently waiting for her grandchildren to realise the game had taken an unexpected turn!

Ida was the first older person I ever developed a genuine relationship with and I can honestly say she changed me for the better. She stirred both my curiosity and my respect. Meeting someone who was born 70, 80 or 90 years ago can be fascinating if you take the time to get to know them. In doing so you too will come to appreciate the fact that age in itself is a mark of achievement! Just imagine how many challenges and changes an 80-year-old has encountered and overcome, how many moments of despair and possibly even heartbreak they may have endured.

The technological revolution is one of the most significant challenges my generation has encountered. Ida faced and overcame far more serious challenges and still had a twinkle in her eye at 90. Perhaps we need to remind ourselves now and again just how lucky we are (most of the time) and to acknowledge that a lack of interest in or respect for older people speaks volumes about our own character.

Enjoy the celebrations and take a moment to consider how you might like to be treated when you ‘are old and grey and full of sleep’ (WB Yeats).

In Touch with Capel St Mary In Touch with Capel St Mary is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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NEWS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN CAPEL Residents will be aware that Babergh District Council regards Capel as a core village that will be expected to provide new housing in the foreseeable future. We understand that a number of developers are actively investigating sites, although we have as yet not received any concrete proposals.

The parish council is working hard to ensure that any housing development meets the needs of the village and is appropriate in both the type of housing provided and the scale of development. We therefore embarked on a community engagement programme to seek your views which started with a drop-in event on October 23 last year. The full results are available on the parish council website and a summary should have been delivered by now to all households in Capel.

The next stage is to conduct a housing needs survey in association with Babergh District Council in order to get a better understanding of what type of development the village needs. The questionnaire will be delivered to every household from April 4 onwards. We urge all residents to complete this as the results will help us influence the nature of future developments. It is imperative that we have your views because they could help to determine the future of Capel.

THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S SCARECROW TRAIL This year’s annual Scarecrow Trail will take place over the weekend of June 11/12. Last year we had 57 scarecrows and hope for even more this year. As a result of our success we will be again be extending the time the scarecrows come out to play and they will be out between 9am and 8pm each day. Forms must be returned by Monday evening June 13 – details will be on the forms.

If you haven’t made a scarecrow before and would like to make one this year please contact me at: 01473 311102 / chrismterry@yahoo.co.uk Trail forms will be available from early June from Mall-Wood Insurance, The Co-op and 2 Snowcroft.

Tea/coffee with homemade cakes available in St Mary’s Church Hall from 2-5pm on both days and the Queen’s birthday book will also be available for signing during this time.

Chris Terry Also see REPLAY CABARET AND DANCE EVENING on page 19

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

MAY DEADLINE 10 APRIL 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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NEWS FOG CELEBRATION LUNCH FOG (Friends of Guiding), which began as Babergh Vale District Girl Guides Local Association, met for the first time on February 23, 1976. Its function was to help commissioners and guiders with outside administration work and responsibilities and to take an interest in and support the work of the local units, including Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, bearing in mind that it had no responsibility for their running. The name was changed to Babergh Friends of Guiding (FOG) in May 1991.

Currently FOG raises money to support local guiding units, subsidising guiders’ uniforms costs and helping units when they need extra money for special activities. On this, the 40th anniversary of the very first FOG meeting, 23 ladies, all past or current members, met in the Benneworth Lounge at East Bergholt for a celebration, where they enjoyed lunch provided by the present FOG committee.

Some reminisced about their own guiding days and even sang a few guiding songs, remembering the words and actions from many years ago. Margaret Wheatley, one of the longest serving members of the committee, cut the special birthday cake as they enjoyed a glass of fizz.

Here’s to the next 40 years!

The FOG AGM will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at The Red Lion, East Bergholt at 7pm. If you are interested in helping to support local guiding please come and join us then. We have only three committee meetings a year and an annual ploughman’s lunch in November to raise funds. For further information contact Elaine Wright: 01473 311009

THE QUEEN’S 90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS The lighting of Capel’s gas-fired beacon marking The Queen’s 90th birthday on April 21 will signal the start of two months of celebrations in the village.

Thanks to Capel Community Trust, the beacon will be located in the children’s play area at the village hall. It will be lit in the late evening at a time that had not been announced when Capers went to press.

It is proposed to dress the area with flags and bunting. Can anybody help by providing flag poles? Perhaps those attending will have their own small flags.

A birthday book for all those who wish to sign will be available from April 21 until Her Majesty’s official birthday during the weekend of June 10-12.

The 50-page book has a cover of dark blue goatskin embossed with the words: Loyal 90th birthday wishes to Her Majesty The Queen from the people of Capel St Mary, Suffolk A backdrop to the book will be a small display of photographs of The Queen. It has been decided not to proceed with the balloon flight. The 90-prize raffle will go ahead, but more prizes or money for prizes are needed. Tickets will be £1 each. Around 80 letters have been sent to businesses registered in Capel, and others, asking for a contribution: any sum but £20 would be wonderful. We also hope for prizes or money from clubs, groups and individuals who can afford it. Please help if you can.

The 90-question quiz will also go ahead. The purpose is to produce a simple story of The Queen’s life from birth to today, highlighting her achievements. It could be a useful reference for people, especially the young, to keep. As there will be difficult as well as easy questions, those taking part in the quiz will be invited to use the web and other references. There is just one prize of £90 for the person with the most correct answers. If there is a tie, all the names will be put in a hat and the winner drawn. The quiz form is £1.

The parish council will have a gazebo at Fun Day which will display photographs of The Queen, the birthday book and paintings of The Queen by members of the art club. Raffle tickets and quiz forms will be on sale.

CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL VILLAGE LITTER PICK Saturday, April 23, 10am-noon Meeting on the Parish Green (by the papershop) This year our annual village litter pick will be one of many events taking place within the village to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

Clean for the Queen is a national event encouraging residents of all villages and towns to help make a difference in their community.

Any profits made from events run by the parish council will be donated to a worthy cause.

The search began in last month’s Capel Capers for residents who, like The Queen, are 90 this year has so far yielded four names. It is intended that a party should be held for them, any other residents who are 90 this year and all residents who are already 90. Help and suggestions will be welcomed.

An increasing number of clubs, groups and other organisations have decided to have a royal theme for one or more of their weekly or monthly events in addition to anything organised for all. We are looking forward to hearing from others who have decided to give a royal theme to an event.

We are very grateful to those who have attended in previous years and it was clear to see what a difference was made by a few individuals.

Please take photographs of your events and let us have copies. It would be great to have a record of Capel’s year of celebrations.

This year we would love to see lots of residents taking part, even if just to clear the area by your own property. We will supply litter pickers, hi-vis jackets and bin bags.

For more information, to seek or offer help, suggestions or any other comments, please get in touch with the parish clerk, Julie Lawes (see page 7 for contact details) or David Thompson: 01473 314185 / davidf. thompson@btinternet.com

Bring the family and show your community spirit.

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NEWS

CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL Capel St Mary Parish Council Meeting held Monday, March 14.

Present at the meeting were Councillors Fenn, Kilby, Matthews, Powell, Rogers, Thomas, Weaver, White, County Councillor Jones, District Councillors Carpendale and Swan and Julie Lawes (clerk).

The village litter pick themed, Clean for the Queen, will be held Saturday, April 23, 10.30am by the papershop (see page 4).

The following planning application was recommended for approval to Babergh District Council: 2 Great Tufts.

The allotments association will be providing this years floral display at the shopping precinct. If you wish to sponsor this event please contact the clerk.

The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations are progressing well with the first opening event of a beacon being lit on the evening of April 21 to which all residents and local groups are invited and encouraged to attend (see page 4).

All households should have now received the Drop-In Results booklet.

Copies are available from the parish council office.

The next meeting of Capel St Mary Parish Council will be on Monday, April 11 in the library. There is an open session at each meeting when members of the public can air any problems.

The actual minutes of the meeting are available for viewing at the parish council office at 27a The Street, Capel St Mary (to the rear of Mallwoods Insurance Services) which is open on Tuesdays from 10am-noon and on Fridays from 1-3pm.

The parish clerk can be contacted on 01473 314103 during these times. An answer phone operates outside these hours and messages are picked up everyday. Alternatively contact can be made by email to: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com Capel St Mary Parish Council urgently requests support from residents for the continuation of the village Speed Watch scheme.

Unfortunately we are very low in volunteers and are barely able to function on the numbers we have.

PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY

The Housing Need Survey will be distributed to households in April. Residents are urged to complete this as the results will be used to shape the future of the village.

The Suffolk Local Policing review is underway seeing a reduction in PCSO’s from 166 to 107. The 107 posts will include three new PCSO posts to work with educational establishments and 12 match funded posts that will remain in place until April 2017.

Capel St Mary Parish Council currently has one vacancy for a councillor.

If interested please contact the clerk.

The replacement post box has been delayed. However details on its location has now been received, although a date not yet confirmed.

This will be outside to the right hand side of the co-op. A diagram is available to view on the parish council noticeboard.

Accounts were approved and presented for signing.

Julie Lawes, clerk

This scheme has already proven to be a great success with many details of drivers speeding through our village being passed to the Police.

To carry out Speed Watch volunteers go out in teams of three, with one person using the speed gun, one person relaying the information of speeding vehicles and another writing it all down. These details are then passed to the police who will then write to the drivers. Repeat offenders can be prosecuted. Very little time commitment is required and you are always in a team.

The purpose of this scheme is to deter drivers speeding in the village, making it safer for us all.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact Julie Lawes on 01473 314103 or come in the parish council office for an informal chat.

Capel St Mary Parish Council currently has one vacancy for a parish councillor.

You would look to improve the quality of life and the environment in the local area, working to identify issues which are important to the lives of the residents you represent and working to bring about improvements through local projects.

To become a parish councillor, which is a voluntary position, you must be an elector of the parish or during the whole of the last 12 months either occupied as owner or tenant, land or other premises in the parish or your principal or only place of work is in the parish or you live within 3 miles of the parish boundary.

The council meets in the evening on the second Monday of each month in the library to which you would be expected to attend. We do not meet in August. In addition we also have further working parties and committees to cover additional needs, for example; allotments, finance, planning, parish plan, of which memberships is optional.

As part of a local council you will have responsibility working with the parish council to manage many aspects of the village, including setting the council tax in order to deliver your council’s services, influencing and shaping the development of the village and as part of the planning process, commenting on planning applications.

If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor, or would like further information please contact Julie Lawes (as above).

Alternatively, applications can be made in writing to: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com

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OUT & ABOUT

REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: MARCH 2016 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR, SUE CARPENDALE Safe Partnership Working with Babergh and Mid Suffolk, the Safe Partnership charity has secured a one-off grant from the Suffolk Community Fund that could help enable victims of domestic abuse and their families to remain in their homes by providing free, and immediate, home security measures. This national charity has been assisting victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence since 1987. By securing their homes, victims and their families can stay safely and securely without the additional trauma and financial burden of being re-housed. A grant of £6,000 will assist those at high risk across Babergh, Mid Suffolk, Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury as part of a Sanctuary Scheme. This funding could help up to 30 families across the districts. An extra 20 victims will be funded by the four councils.

effectively been given for 630 new homes on the Ipswich fringe, plus a 65-bed care home, a primary school and a commercial zone accessed from the A1214.

Recent planning decisions I mentioned in my last report that the application for the Wolsey Grange edge-of-Ipswich development was to be re-heard. Controversy remains over the need for the re-hearing and over the change in decision. In essence, at the November 2015 meeting, a folded note was handed to a committee member. The note was declared to the chairman and not read, but the monitoring officer felt that the decision by the committee to refuse could be subject to legal challenge as there had allegedly been a breach of procedure. A completely different committee of substitute members was constituted for a re-run. There was also a different decision, one of approval. This large, strategic site is identified in Babergh’s adopted local plan. It was originally designated for approximately 350 homes together with other mixed uses. Approval was given for a total of 475 homes – 145 of which were approved for phase one. Including the recent Belstead development, a ‘windfall’ site, approval has now

Babergh Business Evening – April 20 At the Delphi Centre, Sudbury, 5-7pm, key organisations and services who facilitate support for local business will be on hand to discuss skills, regulatory matters, energy and waste management, economic development, tourism, health and safety, and employment law.

Babergh’s call for more sites A report of the outcomes from the call for sites should be published this spring. All councils must ensure a rolling five-year land supply for development. It is very likely that the 10 core villages – and maybe some of the smaller hinterland villages – will find that there are sites identified locally for potential development. Logic suggests that areas alongside key routes such as the A12 and the A14 will feature. We await the results and the report with interest.

To book email: neil.lennon@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk Babergh’s Building Control Team has moved The integrated Babergh and Mid Suffolk Building Control team is now located at the council offices in Needham Market. However, a satellite office will be maintained at the Hadleigh HQ with services for Babergh customers. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN A council meeting was held on February 23 for councillors to approve the budget for the coming year ensuring that the council has the resources available to achieve the priorities set out in the Joint strategic plan.

In recent years the government has been reducing core funding for local government as part of its deficit reduction strategy and increasingly incentivising funding to councils to deliver local economic and housing growth and to facilitate strong, safe, healthy and self-sufficient communities. Encouraging and supporting both business and housing growth is essential to the financial future of the council.

Funding arrangements for councils have changed significantly with the Revenue Support Grant being substantially withdrawn over the next two to three years and councils becoming reliant on business rates income and incentivised funding such as the New Homes Bonus. Business rates and new homes growth will, therefore, be the main sources of income if there is to be a sustainable budget in the years ahead.

Right to Buy sales have exceeded projections in business plans. In 2014/15 Babergh sold 23 against original projections of five sales. The money received from RTB sales can only be used as 30% towards the cost of a replacement home. The remaining 70% of the replacement cost has to be found from other housing revenue account resources.

The Welfare Reform and Work Bill included a requirement for all social landlords to reduce rents by 1% each year from 2016 to 2019. This threatens to make finding the 70% match funding for Right to Buy receipts unsustainable. This could be further exacerbated by the requirement to charge higher rents for tenants with incomes over £30,000 per annum

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which has the potential to lead affected tenants to exercise their Right to Buy. There has been a focused management review to ensure the council has the right skills and capacity to support the medium term financial strategy. Finance has worked closely with corporate managers to identify savings from their budgets with a view to achieving approximately 10% savings. There are savings to be made from sharing services and staff resources with Mid Suffolk.

Councillors have had to take the difficult decision to increase council tax for the first time in four years. This will enable us to maintain essential services and put us in a better position to face the financial challenges of the next three years. The increase at £5 for the year for a Band D property is less than 10p per week. For the largest properties in our district this will still only be a £10 increase and for those with the smallest properties it will be just £3.33. It does mean that Babergh will be able to maintain its council tax reduction scheme so that those residents most in need only have to pay 8.5% of their bill.

Babergh is actively exploring alternative ways of generating income to replace the core funding from government and is also looking at different ways of investing to earn a better return. One million pounds has recently been made available through Funding Circle for loans to both local and national businesses. This type of innovative project is vitally important, not only to ensure the future financial sustainability of Babergh, but also to protect the services that are important to communities. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

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Please come and support us at

A CAKE & PLANT SALE and COFFEE MORNING to be held at

Capel Methodist Church on Saturday 7th May from 10.00 am to 12 noon

In aid of NewDawn India and the street children of Madurai

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG) Thanks once again to everyone who has contacted us personally by phone, email or using the comments cards in the waiting rooms. Our email address is: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Contact details for PPG members are on display in both waiting rooms and on parish council noticeboards. We always do our best to deal with your queries and complaints. Minutes of our meetings are available on the practice website: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk/ppg. aspx A number of issues have been raised with us recently: • Text message reminders We are aware that people are getting these sometimes weeks in advance of their appointment instead of the day before. This is a computer software issue and the practice has raised this with the software suppliers.

• Difficulty with booking online appointments This issue has been logged with the practice manager, Pete Keeble, who is trying to sort it out.

• Ongoing problems getting local phlebotomy appointments As mentioned previously other staff are taking blood samples, but some patients are having to go to the Riverside Clinic in Ipswich for urgent blood tests. We will give you an update when we have any more news.

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Thank you to all who have kindly donated items for the St Elizabeth Hospice Tombola on Capel Funday (June 4).

If you wish to donate items please take them to 86 The Street on Saturday mornings, 9.30-11.30am.

I am still collecting used stamps, mobile phones (with chargers if possible), inkjet cartridges, and foreign and British currency. These can be left at number 86 or in the bin in the foyer at Capel Doctors’ Surgery. Thank you for your continued support.

Linda Morrison, hospice rep for Capel St Mary

NOTES FROM THE CASE: Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub! Suffolk Community Foundation Working Together Award In February, Bentley Community Pub Ltd was honoured to receive the Working Together Award from Suffolk Community Foundation. This award was given in recognition of achieving “outstanding outcomes through collaboration and partnership working”.

• Overhead displays in waiting rooms We are aware that people who have sight problems can’t read their name on the overhead displays when they are being called for an appointment. Please tell the receptionist so that either the doctor can come and collect the patient or the receptionist can make them aware that they are being called.

Do you have trouble getting to appointments?

A reminder that if you live in East Bergholt or Brantham there is a voluntary car service. Please let the receptionist know at the time of booking if you need a lift to an appointment. A service will also be available soon in Capel St Mary. Thanks to Chris Yule for organising this.

Please get in touch if you have any ideas for ways in which the PPG can better engage with patients in the practice. Members of the group continue to attend coffee mornings and other events in the practice area.

If there is a particular meeting you would like us to attend please get in touch.

Kathy Pollard, 01473 311384

Representatives from Suffolk Community Foundation presenting the cheque to volunteers from the Case is Altered The award includes a cheque for £5,000, which will be allocated towards our ongoing refurbishment. Indeed, most of this money has already been put to good use paying for the removal of a step near the main entrance by raising the floor in the front and rear bar areas (along with a new carpet to cover it). So now anybody with walking difficulties can get to all areas of the pub.

Coming up at The Case Saturday, April 2: Music from Blue Folk We’re delighted to welcome back to The Case, Bentley’s very own John Campbell and guest, for an evening of folk and blues.

Following the AGM the elected trustees are Mark Browning, Ian Love, Iain Bramhill, Keith Bridge and Richard Morgan. Stuart Harris represents the parish council. The two association representatives will be decided at their AGM on March 21. This leaves two vacant positions.

Saturday, April 30: Quiz Night

Our focus this year is on raising money to redecorate the hall, resand the floor, install a hearing loop and new acoustic boards. If you would like to help please call Mandy on 312026 or email Sandra at: capelcommunitytrust@gmail.com

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

The next trust meeting is on Monday, April 25 at 8pm in the library.

www.facebook.com/SaveTheCaseBentley

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Food will be served 6-8pm on the above occasions, with the events starting at 9pm.

Contact The Case on: 01473 805575 (during opening hours) / savethecase. bentley@gmail.com

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NEWS ALLOTMENTS IN BENTLEY Bentley Parish Council is to review whether residents wish for, or would make use of allotments, if provided for the village. The council has a duty to undertake provision for allotments if a demand is established within the parish.

If allotments were available and you would make use of one, please contact the parish clerk, Joy Scott, before the end of May to register your interest: joyvscott@outlook.com Please note, there is no intention to site allotments at the previously proposed location at the rear of Highfields.

PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY Tips from Suffolk Police Community Safety Team Identity theft or identity frauds are terms used to describe a situation in which personal details have been misappropriated for the use of personal gain. Your identity and personal information are valuable and criminals could easily find out your personal details and use them to open bank accounts, get credit cards, loans, benefits, passports and driving licenses.

To protect you, Suffolk Police offer these simple tips: Report lost or stolen documents immediately (passports, driving licenses, cards) • Always shred or burn all unwanted bills, statements, or post with your name and address on it. Identity theft is often achieved by taking documents from your rubbish.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE THE LOCAL RECORDER FOR CAPEL ST MARY OR GT & LT WENHAM The Suffolk Local History Council runs a Local Recorders Scheme throughout Suffolk. We administer a network of volunteers to ensure that the ‘present’ is adequately recorded at local level for the ‘future’.

A Local Recorder will note significant happenings in their parish and collect their local parish magazines, leaflets, election pamphlets and newspaper cuttings. At the end of each year, they are asked to submit a short report summarising the activities of their parish. The reports are deposited at the Suffolk Record Office and available to future researchers together with the collected items.

If you are interested, please look at the Recorders Pack by visiting www.slhc.org.uk, click on Recorders, then on Recorders Pack in the text on the left hand side to acquaint yourself with the guidelines of the scheme.

You don’t need to be a historian; you don’t need any qualifications other than an interest in your parish. In return you will receive a copy of the SLHC newsletter and be invited to the annual conference specifically for Local Recorders. To volunteer to help in this important work, please contact: recorders@slhc.org.uk

• Carefully check your bank or building society statements for unfamiliar transactions and immediately contact the company if there are any discrepancies. This could be a sign that you are a victim of identity crime.

• Obtain a copy of your personal credit file from a credit reference agency. If you have moved house recently you should do this two to three months after you have moved and tell your bank and card users immediately that you have moved. Credit reference agencies and organisations such as www.cifas.org.uk can, for a fee, alert you to changes on your credit file that could indicate potential fraudulent activity.

Many Attractions including:

• If you suspect your mail is being stolen contact the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry Line (03457 740 740) and check whether a re-direction order has been placed without your knowledge. If you move, ask them to re-direct your mail for at least one year.

• Visit www.getsafeonline.org for information on how to stay safe when using online facilities for shopping, and banking. They will also advise you on how to protect your computer and the personal information stored on it.

• If you share accommodation with other people (i.e. flats, shared houses) ensure that your mail is put somewhere secure. You can arrange to collect new credit cards/cheque books yourself from your local bank/building society.

• Protect the identity of deceased family members by contacting: www.thebereavementregister.org.uk / www.deceasedpreferenceservice.co.uk / www.mpsonline.org.uk • You can sign up to the Land Registry’s free Property Alert service to help protect your property from fraud. They will send you an email alert each time there is significant activity that may result in a change to the register of a property you are monitoring, e.g. if a new mortgage is taken out against the property. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/property-alert

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Plus local group displays in the main ring And much, much more!

Funday@capelstmary.org.uk

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY – APRIL 2016 Saturday 2 Dog training, 9.30-11.15am, hall

Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Women’s Institute, 7.30-10.30pm, library

Sunday 3 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall

Saturday 16 Dog training, 9.30-11.15am, hall Association event: Stiff in the Morning, 7.3011.30pm, hall

Tuesday 5 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 6 Carpet bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 7 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Capel Ladies, 7.30-10.30pm, library Saturday 9 Dog training, 9.30-11.15am, hall Sunday 10 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Monday 11 Parish council, 7.30-10.30pm, library Tuesday 12 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 13 Carpet bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Flower arranging, 6.30-10.30pm, library Thursday 14 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall

Sunday 17 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 2-6pm, hall Monday 18 Community Association meeting, 8-10.30pm, library Tuesday 19 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall

Wednesday 27 Carpet bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 28 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Gardening Club Spring Show, 7-10.30pm, library Saturday 30 Dog training, 9.30-11.30am, hall FUNCTION ROOMS FOR HIRE Are you organising a birthday, anniversary, wedding, engagement, christening, children’s party, celebration, social event, business meeting or just want a get together with family and friends?

Why not book the village hall, Vine Lounge, library or stage. We can cater for parties between 20 and 200 people all at very competitive rates. Rooms are available daytime or evenings. Facilities include a fully licensed bar and kitchen preparation area with prices starting from as little as £10 an hour for the library, £15 an hour for the hall, Vine Lounge

Wednesday 20 Carpet bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 21 Coffee Shop, noon-4pm, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Bingo, 7.3-10.30pm, Vine Lounge Saturday 23 Dog training, 9.30-11.15am, hall Sunday 24 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Monday 25 Community Trust meeting, 8-10.30pm, library Tuesday 26 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1-5pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall

Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE If someone you loved has passed away and would like to celebrate his/her life, you can hire the Vine Lounge in the village hall complex most weekdays for just £75. For more information please contact Mandy.

CONTACT Village bar: 01473 311766 Mandy Marshall, events and hiring: 01473 312026 / bookings@capel-trust.freeserve.co.uk

TEA & COMPANY Monday, April 18 at Wenham View, Dove Close

CAPEL IRISH SET DANCE GROUP Capel Irish Set Dance Group meets at St Mary’s Church Hall on the third Sunday of every month (except August and the second Sunday in December) from 2-5.30pm.

We are a friendly group and it’s not necessary to have a partner. In fact you’re welcome to come along just to enjoy the music.

2016 Dates: April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, September 18, October 16, November 20 and December 11.

Hope to see you,

All welcome to come along from 2.30pm £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes Raffle Supported by The Capel Ladies

Hille and Trevor Peartree, 01473 310146

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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Our legal team will ensure it goes swimmingly

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WATCHDOG SEEKS VIEWS ON DIABETIC FOOT CARE SERVICES IN SUFFOLK Healthwatch Suffolk is working with a leading Consultant Physician of Diabetes and Endocrinology at the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust Diabetic Centre to explore local experiences of using diabetic foot care services in Suffolk.

Good foot care is essential for people living with diabetes because it can prevent complications caused by high blood glucose levels including damage to nerves and blood vessels. In fact, active foot disease is a leading cause of amputation in the UK. That is why Healthwatch is keen to explore whether people at high risk of developing foot disease in Suffolk are receiving appropriate care. It is interested in your experiences about the full range of services that may care for your feet and this includes those accessed in GP practices, hospitals and in the community.

Andy Yacoub, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Suffolk, said: “Our aim is to ensure that these essential services are shaped by the experiences of people using them. This survey will help us to independently check that patients are receiving the right messages to help them manage their condition and that there is fair and appropriate access to foot care services across the county. If you have diabetes or know someone that does, please take part. It only takes a moment and your views could make a positive difference to care in Suffolk.�

To take part, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/r/suffolkdiabetes You can also contact Healthwatch Suffolk on 01449 703949 or by email to info@healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk to request a hard copy survey.

This survey will close on April 30, 2016.

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In Touch online:

CAPEL ST MARY & LITTLE WENHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IN THE VILLAGE HALL COMPLEX

BT SPORT Available on the Big Screen in the Vine Lounge!

“STIFF IN THE MORNING” SATURDAY 16th April - DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Village Hall Back by popular demand, covering a vast range of songs and guaranteed to get the party started!

Tickets : Members £5.00 Non-Members £7.50 “BINGO” THURSDAY 21st April - DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Vine Lounge Books £1 Or 6 Books £5 EYES DOWN 8.30pm “80’s DISCO” SATURDAY 7th MAY - DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Village Hall Come along and have a great night dancing to some classics and sample some cocktails!

Tickets : Members £5.00 Non–Members £7.50

FREE WI-FI In both Bars!

“POOL TOURNAMENT & BBQ” SUNDAY 29th May - FROM 12 noon In the Family Bar Over 16’s Only - £5.00 to enter

CARD PAYMENT SERVICE now available!

“BINGO” THURSDAY 21st April - DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Vine Lounge Books £1 Or 6 Books £5 EYES DOWN 8.30pm

FREE TABLE TENNIS Subject to Hall availability!

The Member’s Draw takes place every Friday night in the Vine Lounge.

BIG CASH PRIZES The winning member must be present in the Village Hall Complex to win or have had a go on the FRIDAY NIGHT DRAW!

“FUNDAY” SATURDAY 4th June 1pm-5pm At Capel Playing Field Lots to see including “Gemmas Farm” & “Yak Aeroplane Display” Plus local displays and much, much more!

FREE ADMISSION To buy Tickets or book Quiz Teams, call in the Village Bar or ring Ruth - 07548130293 Tracy - 07917440459 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EVENTS MENTIONED ON THIS PAGE VISIT CAPEL VILLAGE BAR FACEBOOK PAGE OR THE WEBSITE

2016 Association Membership Membership renewal is due in January each year. The costs for 2016 are: Junior 16-17 £2.50, Single including Over

www.capelstmary.org

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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OUT & ABOUT CLASH AVOIDER This diary has been introduced to help avoid date clashes in the village. Every effort will made to keep this list up-to-date, but please be aware that sometimes dates may be cancelled, postponed or re-arranged at short notice. This diary is not intended to be an allinclusive what’s on and will only highlight significant dates.

If you want to add an event please submit in the following format (date, event, venue and contact) to sharon@intouchnews.co.uk with Capel Event Diary in the subject line.

Saturday, April 16: Band in the Vine Lounge Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com Sunday, April 17: Allotments Spring Work-In and AGM Contact: info@capelallotments.co.uk Saturday, May 7: Capel St Mary Garden Club Plant Sale, near village hall bus stop, 9.30-11.30am Contact Eddie Cox: 311121 Saturday, May 7: Cake and Plant Sale and Coffee Morning at Capel Methodist Church, 10am-noon Contact Sally: 07875 366120 Saturday, May 7: 80s disco at the village hall Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com Sunday, May 22: Open garden at Windmill Cottage, Mill Hill with plants and books for sale and refreshments, 2-5pm – in aid of Age UK Suffolk Contact Eddie Cox: 311121 Saturday, June 4, 1-5pm: Capel Funday Contact: fi-ruth-entertainments@hotmail.co.uk Saturday & Sunday, June 11 & 12: Friends of St Mary’s Scarecrow Trail Sunday, June 26: 2016 Orwell Walk, Run and Ride

NEWS FROM CAPEL LIBRARY A month of April showers and warmish sunshine makes a good combination to start things growing in the greenhouse or garden – come and get some inspiration from books or take a look at the Gardeners’ World magazine that we keep on the table in the non-fiction section.

We have this magazine every month, albeit a couple of copies behind the latest, as it circulates around other libraries. Alternatively look at the Zinio section on the elibraries page on the website for a free download of the latest Amateur Gardening magazine: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk Please note that there is no Baby Bounce on April 5 due to school Easter holiday. It re-starts on Tuesday, April 12 at 2pm. We are a small group but have been joined by some new mums and grandparents recently.

We enjoy singing and playing/rattling musical instruments for about 30 minutes. It’s open to all under five years old and it is free.

The Library Book Group meets on Friday, April 15 at 2.30pm. Come along and listen to the discussions on the latest book and perhaps suggest another that you may have read and enjoyed. The group is open to suggestions.

Donations We are looking for donations of ribbons, lace and small amounts of fabric for a craft activity to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. We shall be telling the story of The Queen’s Knickers on Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11, and making some knickers to hang on a washing line. More details on timings in next month’s edition. Any donation gratefully received.

Message from Katharine and Ali “A big thank you to everyone who sponsored us to complete the Colchester Half Marathon. Once all monies have been counted we will let you know the total. The sponsorship form is still available at the library if you still wish to donate.”

Sunday, June 26: Car boot sale on the playing field Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com

We sell books of first and second class stamps, book tokens in any denomination and have a book sale trolley with books starting from 30p each. Do come and browse the selections available.

July 7-9: The Orchard Players present Jukebox Summertime at Capel Village Hall

OPENING TIMES

Saturday, July 30: Allotments BBQ Contact: info@capelallotments.co.uk

Monday: Closed

Saturday, August 20: Quiz Night at the Village Hall

Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm

Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com Saturday & Sunday September, 3 & 4: Allotments Flower & Produce Show Contact: info@capelallotments.co.uk Saturday, September 10: Barn Dance at the village hall Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com Sunday, October 9: Allotments Autumn Work-In Contact: info@capelallotments.co.uk Thursday, October 27: Friends of St Mary’s Trianon Community Concert Saturday, November 5: Capel Bonfire Night Saturday, December 3: St Mary’s Christmas Coffee Morning, 10am12.30pm

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Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm and 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Contact: 01473 311699

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY 100 CLUB The March 100 Club draw has taken place. The winners were Sue Edwards £10, Doreen Parker and June Hall both £5.

Membership forms for the 100 Club are available in the library. It’s not too late to join for 2016.

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OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY Old Actors Never Die… They Simply Lose the Plot by Lynn Brittney

BATS JUNE PRODUCTION : HOLIDAY SNAP We are pleased to announce our June production of Holiday Snap, a comedy by Michael Pertwee and John Chapman. The play can be seen from Thursday, June 9 to Saturday 11 at 7.30pm in Brantham Village Hall.

This tale of comic predicament and mistaken identity unfolds with real wit and style. A Portuguese time-share villa has been double-booked, unknown to the company rep, the myopic tippler Commander “Chitto” Chittenden. When Mary and Henry arrive shortly after Eve and Leslie, Chitto manages to remain unaware that there is more than one couple on the scene. Watch the confusion compound with the missing housekeeper and her husband. How will the arrival of Henry’s mother-in-law cause even more problems? Who is the real Sir Piers? Answer these questions by coming along to see this hilarious play.

Tickets (on sale from May 1) will cost £7 from Bakes & Blossoms Café at Acacia Court, 01026 396674 or (text) 07891 974844.

East Bergholt High School Association Registered Charity no. 1017476

CAR BOOT SALE

Sunday, May 22 In the grounds of the high school 9.30am-noon Admission 50p – free car parking PITCHES In advance: cars £5, cars with trailers £7, domestic vans £10 On the day: £1 extra NO TRADERS Gates open 8.30am for sellers, 9.30am for buyers To book please phone: 01206 298122

The Mount Home for Retired Theatricals is more like posh hotel than a home for the elderly and the residents are very happy at being waited on hand and foot. When Walter Neville (veteran of over 200 films) arrives, he’s delighted to find his best friends living there and looks forward to many enjoyable hours living in peace and harmony. But when the serial womaniser ex-husband of three of the ladies (Mrs Sullivan 1, 2 and 3) goes missing – apparently on the run from the Russian Mafia – the peace is about to be shattered.

Come and enjoy this very funny play which is full of wonderful characters ranging from the dramatically eccentric to the downright scary at The Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 14-16 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £6 in advance (£7 on the door if any left!) from Fountain House Café and from 01206 396674 / 07891 974844.

ACORN VILLAGE Celebrate St George’s Day (Saturday, April 23) with us by getting your hidden treasures valued between 10am and 1pm by the lovely Marc Winter, Michael Bowles (from BBC’s Flog it!) and the team from Reeman Dansie. There will also be some St George’s Day refreshments to enjoy in the Oakroom at Acorn Village, Mistley. All proceeds go to supporting adults with learning disabilities. Simply turn up on the day and have your item valued for £2.

If you’re looking for something to do the second week of half term we are having Acorn’s Book Day on Tuesday, April 5 in the coffee shop from 10am to 4pm with lunch themed specials, a prize for the best dressed book character, story-telling and games. To book call us on 01206 394124 (ext 239).

Acorn Village would like to say an enormous thank you to Riverside Taxis and all of their supporters who raised a phenomenal £5,161 to help towards supporting our local adults with learning disabilities after taking on their road challenge from John o’Groats to Land’s End and back.

Clear the lutter – bag a bargain Bentley Toddler Group is holding a jumble sale to raise funds on Saturday, April 30 from 2pm at Bentley Village Hall.

If you have anything you wish to donate to our sale, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on April 28 or call Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) who will arrange to collect it from you.

If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm. Tea and coffee will also be available.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

SPRING SALE AND COFFEE MORNING The Friends of the historic Lambe School in East Bergholt warmly invite you to their popular Spring Sale and Coffee Morning on Saturday, April 23, 10am-noon, at the school on Gaston Street.

Attractions include cake and plant stalls, a raffle, a bucket raffle, cards, Blind Lucky Dip, Name the Bear, children’s toys, toiletries, bric-a-brac and books.

Entrance £1 including coffee and biscuits. Children free!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S Tickets are now available for our annual Replay Cabaret and Dance Evening with paella (or veggie alternative) supper on Friday, June 24.

Tickets are £13 (£12 for members) and are available from Chris Terry (311102) and Ondra Butler (310524).

Please bring your own drinks and glasses. Numbers are limited so please book early.

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OUT & ABOUT THE GREAT BURSTALL BOOK SALE The Great Burstall Book Sale is back by popular demand at Burstall Village Hall on Saturday, April 23, from 10am4pm, with free admission.

Here is your chance to purchase paperbacks and hardbacks, fiction and non-fiction, all at knockdown prices.

As before, all proceeds will go to Bumblebee Children’s Charity.

Any queries, or for further information, contact Lesley Raby: 01473 652403

CAPEL LADIES CLUB Thursday, February 18 – Visit to Suffolk Record Office

TEA AND CHAT Tea and Chat will continue to meet bi-monthly in St Mary’s Hall behind the church. We meet for a sociable hour or two from 2.30pm over tea or coffee together with a nice piece of homemade cake. This is totally informal, providing a meeting place for old and young, individually or as a group. A drink and slice of cake is just £1.50.

We welcome you to join us on the following dates (always the third Monday of the month): May 16, July 18, September 19 and November 21.

Hope to see you there!

Jean Yule, 310992

Our first outing of the year was an evening visit to Suffolk Record Office in Ipswich, where our guides Heather Marshall and Bruce Martin took it in turns to tell us something of the work they do. It is their responsibility to maintain and look after original documents from many different sources, including published works like histories, poetry and newspapers, maps and charters, wills and letters, and to get them out on request for visitors to see.

Capel Ladies were made very welcome by Heather and Bruce, who had brought out a number of records, maps and documents to do with Capel, from old maps of the village to the school log book, and we spent a most interesting time poring over them all. I’m sure that some of us will return at some point to carry on where we left off – and to probe further into Suffolk’s fascinating history.

Suffolk Record Office is open every day except Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays, from 9.30-4.30pm, and access is free, although you will have to sign in when you visit and you need present proof of identity.

Thursday, March 3 – Talk by Woodcarver Maureen Midwinter

STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, March 9 Charlotte Harding presented An Introduction to Warner & Sons, a talk on the 120 years of textile design and manufacture in London and Braintree, highlighting the company’s royal connections.

Woodcarver Maureen Midwinter grew up in an artistic family as her father was a cartoonist, and she always loved to draw. However it wasn’t until after her children grew up and left home that she decided to give up her career as a nurse and take up the hobby of woodcarving. She told us she had been inspired after finding a piece of tree root shaped like a snake in Beddgelert Forest while on holiday in Wales.

On Wednesday, April 13 Rebecca Parry BSc, Director of Conservation, Education & Research, will talk on Zoos and Conservation. Her talk will include the history of zoological collections, including Colchester Zoo, the zoo’s current modern roles, its breeding programmes and conservation projects in the wild.

Maureen trained at Suffolk College to begin with and then moved to London where she lived in a cold, semi-basement in Kennington as a student, taking her City & Guilds exams at the London School of Art. Among other things she had to produce a sample piece of work which had all the letters of the alphabet in, and she carved them in a jumbled group with the word ‘Confused’ standing out among them.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 and this entitles members to attend the meetings that take place on the second Wednesday of each month.

Maureen has amassed her own collection of 125 tools, some of them very old. Each one has a different function, and a different way of being sharpened – also a skill. She uses different woods – including oak, yew, acacia, lime, box and mahogany. Each is suitable for a particular purpose.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking, computer studies and gardens, churches and historic buildings visits. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust and have more than 200 members and 18 groups. For further information please visit www. stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Val Pretty can be contacted.

It’s never too late to learn. Join the 361,477 members across 969 U3As throughout the UK today.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

Among the things she has created are replacement carvings for ones which were missing or fire-damaged, in buildings such as Brighton Pavilion, St Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court. She has made carved frames for pictures and mirrors, a bench-end to replace a damaged one in St Mary’s Church, Great Bealings, and a wonderful coat of arms for the Worshipful Engineers Company to go in their hall in the City of London.

My personal favourite was the village sign for the Bealings villages. It has a front and a back, one showing Great Bealings and one Little Bealings, with their churches and other village features clearly depicted. What a talented lady.

If you would like to come and hear other talented people telling us about their experiences why not join us on the first Thursday in the month at Capel Library? You will be made very welcome.

For more information visit: www.capelladies.com

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

1ST CAPEL ST MARY SCOUT GROUP There will be a jumble sale on Saturday, April 23, 2-4pm, in the Scout Hut at Capel St Mary Primary School. Admission is 50p, with accompanied children free.

Please leave your jumble outside by 9.30am for collection. We regret we are unable to take underwear, furniture or electrical goods.

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday, April 4: Butterflies (Jill) Other kits available on the evenings. Samples of each month’s project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

The Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.3010pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

For more information contact Ann (01473 780298) or Jill (01473 713534).

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY In the age of the ‘selfie’ it could be argued that portrait photography has never been more popular. Indoors it’s not so easy, especially in artificial light and in the company of what seems like our very own good humoured ‘paparazzi’.

Nevertheless our studio workshop evening in February, ably led by George Fossey from the Harwich Club, proved to be a busy yet rewarding event.

We are indebted to Dave for helping to organise the evening, including supplying the necessary studio lighting, and to Danielle for kindly acting as a model. This is a demanding role requiring a number of scene changes which was much appreciated by all present.

In a review of the results later in the month, Sharon Smith’s portrait, shown here, was acclaimed as one of the best.

FUTURE MEETINGS March 31: Secrets of the Digital Darkroom by Phillip Shaw, a change from the previously published programme April 14: Open Colour Competition / Judge Gill Adams April 28: Group photographic walkabout in Colchester New members are welcome to join the society or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Meetings are held at the St John’s Centre, Station Road at 7.30pm.

For further details contact our secretary, Margaret (01206 396958 / madps@post.com) or visit: www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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On March 2 Richard Walker presented When Pirates Ruled the Waves, a very local issue a few decades back, and we held our annual general meeting on Wednesday, March 16 when Graeme Forsyth stepped down after his year as president.

On April 6 David Carman will interview our new president Hew Naylor in his Desert Island Discs in what promises to be a most interesting meeting. At our second meeting of the month on April 20 Phil Hadwen will speak about the life of Edith Cavell, a British nurse who saved the lives of soldiers from both sides, without discrimination, and helped some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during the First World War. We meet at the convenient St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month in Manningtree at 10.30am. For further details please contact secretary Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

CAPEL FORGET ME NOT CLUB The club started 2016 with their annual festive lunch at the Case is Altered in Bentley and we all had a lovely roast dinner. We would like to thank the staff at the Case for their good food and hospitality.

We were overjoyed to receive a letter from the parish council to have a party to celebrate the Queen’s birthday as four of our members have their 90th birthday this year, so we really have something to celebrate.

We are holding this party at Dover Close on Wednesday, April 20, the day before the Queen celebrates her own. We would like to invite friends to come and help us celebrate. If you have had any connections with the club, either recently or in the past, please come and join us, any time between 3 and 5pm. There will be a special tea, a raffle and a birthday cake, of course.

After all that excitement we shall look forward to our summer outing to Felixstowe in May and other events throughout the summer. We look forward to seeing you on April 20.

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB At our March meeting we had a lively and entertaining visit from Martlesham Speakers Club, Speak Easy.

Five of their members came and were introduced by Sonya Burrows who then gave them a subject relating to the countryside, ranging from favourite countryside walk to technology and the most dangerous thing in the countryside. They were given one and a half minutes to talk on the subject unknown to them and it really was off the cuff.

One of the members also gave a short informative talk on carriage driving with some good slides which prompted questions from members.

Next meetings April 12: A talk and slides on Suffolk estuaries and wildlife by Alex Bass.

May 10: A talk on Ipswich Waterfront by Ann Day Visitors are very welcome to join us in the lounge of the Methodist Church Capel at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month, refreshments are provided after the talk.

In Touch online:

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So Much More Than a Dance Class Any Age & Ability Very Welcome No Partners Required

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle to Dance Fitness Fun

"Strictly" style Dance-a-cise

St Mary's Church Hall

The Street Capel St Mary every Thursday 10am & 7pm spaces are limited to reserve yours

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

classes also in: - Brantham - East Bergholt - Hadleigh - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary

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janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL WI

CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION’S GUIDE TO GARDENING IN APRIL Kill weeds on paths, patios and drives. Control slugs. Water plants thoroughly with an open-ended watering can.

THE VEG PLOT Rake in a general feed prior to sowing or planting. Use fleece as frost protection or to warm the soil. Plant seed potatoes and cover shoots with soil if frost is forecast. Plant onion sets, salad crops, leeks, peas, winter cabbage, cauliflower, purple-sprouting and spring heading broccoli and broad beans. Remove rhubarb flowers and pick asparagus. Sow herbs.

Thin seeds sown in March. Lift and divide chives and take mint cuttings.

FRUIT Plant strawberries. Spray fruit trees with a fungicide and an insecticide if infected with mildew, apple scab, aphids or codling moth. Check for caterpillars, black fly and red spider mites. Protect buds with fleece. Feed blueberries with an ericaceous feed or iron sulphate.

Back (l-r) Shelley, Phillippa, Luke and Steve from John Olivers Hairdressing Group In February, directors and stylists from John Olivers Hairdressing Group advised us about caring for our hair, how it should suit our lifestyle and ensure that it flatters our profile as that is the angle by which we are most often viewed. Three of our ladies also had their hair cut and styled.

Steve shaped Pauline’s short hair into her neck, texturised it on the top and feathered it around the sides of her face. Luke increased textures through to the ends and reduced the weight of Nicola’s shoulder length hair, then styled using a lose wave to give it a more current feel. While keeping the length of Barbara’s wavy hair Shelley removed the weight adding more layers giving it shape and graduated her hair into her neck to flatter her face. This proved to be a very interesting and informative evening.

Craft Group: The craft group ladies together made two ‘comfort cloths’ for dementia patients.

GREENHOUSE Minimise heating costs by lining with bubble plastic. Sow French and runner beans, tomatoes, melons, cucumber and sweet corn. Protect seedlings from damping off and foot rot by treating with copper fungicide. Prick out half-hardy annuals. Feed geraniums, fuchsias and established plants with a liquid feed. Support plants with split canes.

Control insect pests. Plant tomatoes. Sow peas in a length of guttering filled with compost and slide into shallow trench when plants are 1½” high. Sow broad beans in plugs and stand outside when 1½” high for a week or so and then plant out. Sow a few seeds in plug strips of spring onions and beetroot, do not thin out. Sow a few seeds in plug strips of lettuce, thin to one plant. Repeat fortnightly. Plant outside when large enough. Sow dwarf French and climbing beans into a grow bag to pick beans a month early then discard when the plants get mildew.

FLOWERS Remove dead flower heads of daffodils and feed with Growmore. Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials. Prune and feed established roses. Sow hardy annuals.

Plant sweet peas. Cut back heathers that have finished flowering and mulch with peat.

LAWNS Premixing grass seed with John Innis seed and spread on worn areas.

Aerate with a wire rake. Cut grass with the blades set high. Apply a feed, selective weed killer and lawn sand, to control moss or spray with an iron sulphate solution or use a weed, feed and moss killer.

Book Group: February’s book, John Preston’s novel The Dig which recreated the Sutton Hoo discovery, received mixed reviews. Although enjoyable not everyone liked the author’s style of writing but did agree that they felt Mr Brown was treated unfairly. For me it re-enlightened Sutton Hoo’s history making me want to revisit the site.

Dates for your diary Our speakers for the next two months’ meetings held in the library are: April 14: Sizewell C with Nicole Corbett May 12: WI resolutions; Understanding Your Body with Jo Hall, a diabetes specialist nurse We look forward to seeing you there.

Re. our craft group entry in March’s WI update. I would like to apologize to Jenni Lewis who led the group and provided us all with an assortment of beads and not Jenni Lucas as stated.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

ALLOTMENT NEWS The Hut: open from 10am-noon on Saturdays and Sundays throughout April, May and June (members only).

Rent a plot: Half plots are available at £16 a year. So if you live in Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk Sunday April 17: Spring work-in from 8.30am / AGM at noon Site visits: If any groups would like to visit the site and the wildlife area please contact Philippa Brandon to discuss what’s available: info@capelallotments.co.uk A more extensive version of this report is available at: www.capelallotments.co.uk Email: hut.manager@capelallotments.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB We held our AGM in the library on February 25. As usual the formal part went through very quickly with Eddie Cox re-elected as chairman, Wendy Russell as vice-chairman, Louise Evans as secretary and Geoff Cox as treasurer. Other committee members elected were David Evans, John Turner and Joan Weaving.

Following the AGM, there was a talk on the Suffolk Punch Trust based at Hollesley. We hope to pay them (not the prison!) a visit in June or July.

The trust was set up relatively recently to try to ensure the survival of these magnificent horses which weigh well over a ton. Their numbers have dwindled to a few hundred over the last 300 years of their existence mainly due to mechanisation both in the army (they were used in the First World War for pulling artillery and other heavy machinery round the battlefields) and in the farming industry where they were quickly superseded by the tractor after the Second World War. The trust has raised millions of pounds to improve the facilities at Hollesley and now have a brand new visitor centre with plenty of things to do and see.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, April 28 at 7.30pm in the library when Rodney Tibbs will present a talk entitled Vegetables for Value.

We are always happy to welcome new members (£8 a year / £2 to attend a particular meeting as a visitor). Any queries, please let me know.

Edwina Cox, chairman, 01473 311121

COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL We celebrated World Book Day with a dance workshop centred around Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. The children came to school dressed as either something from the wild (i.e. a wild animal) or as a wild thing. We had a fantastic morning, with each class participating in a dance workshop. The children have all received a World Book Day token which can be used to purchase the 2016 World Book Day books or to put towards the purchase of a book of their choice.

We entered a team of Year 5 and 6 pupils into the recent basketball tournament which took place at East Bergholt High School. The children played extremely well and enjoyed participating. Well done to all who took part.

The children dressed up in their sportswear or as one of their sporting heroes for Sport Relief. Their activity was ‘Run or skip a mile’. The children raised a lot of money for these good causes while having lots of fun.

Our club for this half term has been ‘Running’, working on the children’s stamina and endurance in readiness for the up and coming cross country competition. Squirrel’s topic for this half term is based around the book Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne. The topic has involved the children looking at Africa. Woodpeckers have been looking at our European neighbours and learning about different cultures within Europe. Foxes have been looking at Egyptian life and are enjoying making Egyptian artefacts which they will be sharing with their parents and the rest of the school in their very own Egyptian museum.

The school council is raising funds for UNICEF Syrian refugee children.

The children were asked to camp at home in a den or tent to raise money for the Syrian refugee children. We are waiting to see how much money we have raised.

The school is collecting Sainsbury Active Kids vouchers and East Anglian Daily Times sports equipment vouchers. If you would like to donate any of these vouchers to the school please post into our post box or drop them into the office.

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CAPEL ST MARY PRIMARY SCHOOL Once again we had a lovely World Book Day on March 3. This year we decided to focus on what we can read in an information book and each unit chose a subject to learn about.

In Nursery and Foundation children looked at books all about pets and even had visits to school from some amazing pets. Mrs Blumsum brought in a huge tortoise and the children all learnt about reptiles and a tortoise’s beak, and much more. We also saw Miss Marshall’s rabbit and learnt how to look after a rabbit properly, and Mr Kelway brought in Harry, his border cross rough collie dog, and all the children were able to shake his paw and learn how to look after a dog properly. They had a fantastic time learning all about pets and reading books about pets.

In Unit 1 the children read lots of books about food and followed recipes to make pizzas and fruit salads. It came quite hard to the Unit 1 children at lunchtime to eat their school dinner as they had discovered there were so many wonderful books about food and so many wonderful things to make and eat.

In Unit 2 the children did a whistle stop tour of the world and read lots of books about the continents of the world and the countries within those continents. They made fabulous posters covered in facts and pictures about Europe, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, North and South America, and Oceania and these are on display in the corridor. It’s amazing how much information you can find in a book about a country – that’s what Unit 2 discovered.

In Unit 3 the books focused on their space topic and children spent time finding out more facts about the solar system. They also looked at the video diaries Tim Peake has sent back about life in space and wrote newspaper articles about the 1969 moon landing – budding astronauts and journalists in the making. In addition the children wrote passages in French about space and the planets demonstrating how well they are doing with their French – amazing.

Finally, a group of 52 wonderful, hardworking readers had fun at a special tea party in the hall to celebrate those children who had managed to reach 100 on the reading challenge so far this year.

Teachers set children in Unit 2 and Unit 3 a challenge in September to see if they could read once a day at home and get their diary signed by a parent. If they reached 100 times they were awarded a new book of their choice from the 100 reads cupboard and on World Book Day we celebrated with cakes and squash with the 52 children who have made it so far. There is already talk of a summer tea party for the next lot to reach 100, and those who are aiming high at 200.

It was another great day and there was a lovely atmosphere in school, as always!

Remember we do have some spaces in some year groups, so if you would like your child to join us please do get in touch. Sometimes people forget we even have a Nursery for rising three year olds too.

Maybe your little one could join us in September.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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SCHOOLS NEWS FROM BENTLEY CEVC

ROBIN’S NEWS

This month has been another whirlwind of activity here at Bentley.

World Book Day was ‘wild’ as we dressed up as something from the wild in honour of the book Where The Wild Things Are. We had a professional dance company come in and deliver dance workshops based on the theme and we even designed out own ‘wild places’.

Our rather fantastic basketball team had a huge success at the recent basketball competition held at East Bergholt High School; they saw off all the competition to make it to the final, coming second overall. This really is a big achievement for a team coming from such a small school as ours and we are very proud of all the pupils who took part. They were praised for their excellent behaviour and sportsmanship by adults who attended the event and were super ambassadors for the school.

Easter Egg Club has been as popular as ever this year, chocolate has featured most highly on the agenda! The children have been making beautiful chocolate eggs and other Easter goodies to take home in their own special Easter basket. As well as the Easter Egg Club, we are looking at the true meaning of Easter and are preparing for and looking forward to a special Easter assembly at the church. The Worship Group (a group of children in the school who organise special events and write prayers for the classes) are involved in the planning and we can’t wait to see what they have come up with this year. As well as the importance of the Easter story, we will be having our annual Easter Bonnet Parade – always an eye opener; some parents have a very artistic flare.

Adders and Badgers Class We have started a topic on the Anglo-Saxons and are looking at how life in England then compares to life now, and what similarities there are. We are looking forward to our planned trip to West Stow AngloSaxon village later in the month and learning about the houses, animals and tools that were common place in that time. If you have any useful artefacts about this topic that you wouldn’t mind lending to us for a short while, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking at the topic of Africa. We have looked at where it is in the world, what plants, animals and land features there are and how different cultures have developed across the continent. We have been looking at the book Handa’s Surprise to help us find out about how life differs in an African culture to our own, including different foods that are eaten. As with above, if you have any items that you could lend us that would help our learning it would be lovely to hear from you.

Finally, thank you ever so much for all the newspaper we have had in, the community has rallied to the call again!

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Baby Bears World Book Day was such fun and we chose a different That’s Not My Book each day. These are a selection of books which the Bears love looking at. We have been busy with a wide range of activities from monkey cupcakes, threading princess jewellery with cheerios, a teddy bears’ picnic and footprint butterflies for our Mother’s Day celebrations.

We have been trying to promote independence including the ability to make choices. The bears have enjoyed choosing the different fruit they would like for snack, the toys they would like to play with and finding their own juice cup and bringing it to the table at meal times.

Toddling Tigers We have been celebrating World Book Day by exploring our favourite stories, dressing up as our favourite characters and talking about them.

Circle time has been welcomed by the Tigers into their morning and afternoon routine. During this time all the Tigers sit together in our cushioned area and we talk about which Tigers are here, we count how many Tigers we have and we talk to the Tigers to let them know the plans for the day. We also sing action songs and read stories together to promote the children’s communication and language. This time helps to support the children’s personal, emotional and social development. This is also the time where the Tigers will talk about their interests and what they have been up to with their family time.

Gruffalos We celebrated World Book Day with great enthusiasm. The children and staff all dressed up as storybook characters with the grown up Gruffalos all being a character from Little Red Riding Hood. The children loved the live re-enactment of the story. Throughout the day we shared our favourite stories, made our own story books, made Gruffalo headbands and created a huge pirate ship outside while singing along to our favourite pirate story, Portside Pirates.

We also had a guest storyteller come in to Squash and Squeeze, the funny voices made us giggle lots. It was a lovely day celebrating the importance of books and stories.

If you would like moreinformation about Robin’s Childcare please contact Vicki on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

BUTTERFLIES PARENT, TODDLER AND BABY GROUP Butterflies is a group held in St Mary’s Church Hall every Thursday afternoon, in term time, from 1.45-3.30pm. A time for parents, grandparents, toddlers and babies to come along and enjoy an afternoon of play with lots of toys for the children. Do join us to meet other parents to relax and chat over a cup of tea. All welcome. We look forward to seeing you.

For further information contact Ondra (310524) or Sandra (311062).

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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

THE LAST MONTH

The First team were beaten 2-1 by Crane Sports in the Bob Coleman Cup after a close game in which a well-taken goal from Nick Middlebrook gave us an interval lead but we conceded two goals after the break to go out of the competition.

As we entered March, and the final stages of the campaign, the 1st team were still heading the table in the Senior Division having taken seven points from a possible nine through February. Unfortunately, injuries had mounted up and a weakened team exited the Bob Coleman Cup at the quarter-final stage.

The Reserves had a storming February, collecting a maximum 12 points and scoring 23 goals in the process. This leaves them with a reasonable chance of achieving a third place finish in the league.

The A team had a mixed month with two wins and two losses, but remain well placed in third position in the table. As you will see from their fixture list their season will be almost over as we move into April.

The players and officials are now wearing their smart new team wear with pride.

This has been generously sponsored by TravelPlus Tours.

You can follow the progress of our teams at http://touchlinesil.co.uk, referring to the Fixtures and Results tab and selecting the appropriate date(s) and competitions.

Upcoming fixtures and events Fixtures DATE

1st TEAM Senior Division

RESERVES Intermediate A

A Team Intermediate C

Wenhaston Utd Res

H

Somersham Res

A

Capel Plough Res

H

Bacton United 89 Res

H

Achilles Res

H

Coplestonians Res

H

Thu, Apr 21

Achilles Res

A

Sat, Apr 23

Westerfield Utd Res

A

Sat, Mar 26 Mon, Mar 28 Sat, Apr 2 Wed, Apr 6

Capel Plough Westerfield Utd Ipswich Athletic

H A

Sat, Apr 16

Wickham Market

A

Wed, Apr 20

Leiston St Margarets

A

H

Capel Plough Res

Thu, Apr 28 Sat, Apr 30

Grundisburgh

The Reserves moved off the bottom of the Senior Reserve League after beating Mendlesham 3-2 thanks to goals from leading scorer Joe Bigmore and a brace from new signing Keiron Dilloway, but were beaten 4-1 by Sporting 87 and then lost 2-0 in the return game against Mendlesham.

Several teenagers from the village play for the team with Oliver Miller playing well in defence, Daniel Dixon putting in some good performances in midfield and Harry Taylor, who scored our goal against Sporting 87, showing his class and speed up front. (That’s a pint you owe me Harry!)

Our Sunday side played one game in February, beating Worlingworth away 2-0 with goals from Abdul Kaium and Andy MacDonald while our Veteran side (over 35) had all their games called off due to unfit pitches. The club continues to run nine youth sides with ages ranging from seven to 16 with the youngsters enjoying their football under the watchful eyes of our qualified coaches.

Bob the ploughman

H

Sat, Apr 9

Haughley Utd

In the Senior League the team beat Ipswich Valley Rangers 3-1 with goals from Lloyd Dodsworth, Shaun Webb and Lee Barrett, but then lost 1-0 to Bramford United , a defeat which saw the lads slip to fifth place in the league − the lowest position that the side had been in all season.

A

Ipswich Valley Rangers Res

SPROUGHTON TENNIS CLUB A

H

Fixtures subject to change. Please refer to http://tinyurl.com/hlv54p6 and chose the appropriate competition to confirm.

Events: Awards Dinner, May 21 We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether on the playing side or just in the background.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you.

EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village. Please come along and give us a look sometime.

Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

Junior coaching at Sproughton Tennis Club begins on Thursday, April 21.

Every week until the summer holidays (except Whitsun halfterm), there will be three sessions of coaching available. The sessions are as follows: 3.45-4.15pm for under eights; 4.155pm for eight to 11 years; 5-6pm for 11-16 years. John, our popular coach, will have lots of games and drills to improve your tennis.

New members are half price.

FREE JUNIOR OPEN DAY To celebrate our newly resurfaced courts (partly funded

by Babergh DC and with support from Suffolk Tennis along with funding from Councillor Busby’s Locality Budget), we are holding a Free Junior Open Day as part of the coaching session on Thursday, April 28 where all are welcome to attend.

For more information, visit www.sproughtontennis.co.uk or contact: tennis@sproughtontennis.co.uk / 01473 402307

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE EBONY’S BLOG: Life at The Shelley Centre Happy holidays everyone. We at the Shelley Centre are having our four weeks respite (well the horses and simulators are) but there is plenty for me to watch in the yard. The able bodied volunteers are riding out the horses to keep them fit and Lyn’s team of holiday helpers are feeding, watering and muck removing. That’s one thing they don’t have to do for Babs and me luckily. My friends in the herd are quite prolific when it comes to producing manure for the muck heap and it keeps the barrow party extremely busy.

CAPEL ST MARY CARPET BOWLS April conjures up the spectre of annual general meetings, the time when we look to the year past and also look to the future. The year has brought about a radical change in the club in that Wednesdays have become a fixture. This has been achieved by the sterling effort of John Fleming working with his band of friends. Mind you that hasn’t stopped quite a few other members joining with them. We just hope that we can tempt some of them to join the committee to help run the club.

This latter remark has significant relevance as our secretary is resigning, as is our captain. We will also miss another of our committee when she moves away from the village. (It’s a long way to come back from Lincolnshire every Tuesday!)

As for the future; it seems that we may not be able to raise teams to play matches against other clubs, or even drum up interest for many of the internal competitions. So it looks as if this year’s AGM on Wednesday, April 20 could be an interesting evening.

Also to report is the final club competition of the year (April to March), the Triples. Twelve players competed as four teams to play each other.

The results turned out to be very close. The winners – J Team Janet Chapman, Joan Cook and John Doye – scraped home by winning two of their matches with a shot difference of plus six, while the runners-up, Rita Allen, Kevin Austrin and Bill Blumsum, had two wins but a shot difference of only plus five. You couldn’t want a closer result.

To close can I invite any interested people to come to our AGM or pop in to see us any Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday evening. If nothing else you’ll get a cheery welcome and a cuppa. For further details contact any member or Ernie on 310628.

Any gardeners out there? You can have a load of muck any time you like; just come on up with your bags, make a small donation to our funds, and away you go.

Talking of funds, the next shindig is at Nayland Village Hall on April 16 when Work in Progress will give a great evening of music (and dancing) from the 60s, 70s and beyond. Tickets are £12.50 and available from the centre (see below) or from Margaret Fowler on 01206 337229. Wish I could join you!

The trustees are looking for more ponies. We have a number of young riders who need to advance onto larger animals. If you look at the picture of Camilla sunning herself in the back yard you will understand the problem. Camilla and her sister are valuable starter rides for small people, but these children do grow.

We have been fortunate to have Zara on loan: she is such a poppet, and settled into being a special RDA pony brilliantly. She is an 11hh Welsh Section A pony with black eyeliner round her big eyes, and a dappled grey coat, I’m sure you will agree that she’s quite pretty. Zara’s owner is happy to have her working with us in school term time; she goes home to her own young rider for the holidays.

Now Lyn tells me we need to find two more equine helpers. She is looking for a 14hh and a 14.2hh pony to join us; ideally they should fit the description of ‘first pony’ because they won’t do anything too exciting, but they would have plenty of work and good company (though I say it myself) and a very happy home. If it’s a loan, the real owner can come here every weekend and hack out over the most beautiful valley in Suffolk.

The summer term starts for us on April 11 and we are looking forward to a great 11 weeks of high achievement and good fun. See you soon. www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS I was feeling a bit sorry for myself after having four teeth out but a trot down the garden in the morning sun put me right. Spring was in the air as the birds sang, the flowers looked bright and cheerful and mum took in the first fledgling casualty of the season.

The fundraisers have all sorts of goodies waiting

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for you at the Long Melford Spring Sale on Sunday, April 10. While languishing in my sick bed I overheard talk of blue/white, yellow/green, travel, collectables, crafts and even the Teddy Bears picnic. I hope you find something you like when The Old School doors open at 10am. That’s the week after Barbara’s Bonanza Sale at the Parish Room, Stratford St Mary on April 2.

Visit://www.petlog.org.uk/pet-owners/ compulsory-microchipping-faqs-for-pet-owners/ or phone 01296 336579 for more information.

Apart from risking a £500 fine, non-compliance could cause you much heartache if your pooch was lost. I’m so glad I was ‘chipped’ when I went missing a few years ago or I might never have returned home.

Most dog owners know that as from April 6, all dogs over eight weeks old in England must carry their ID both inside and outside. Firstly that means wearing a collar and tag when in a public place, with the owner’s name and address, preferably including phone number. Secondly, dogs must be microchipped and the details must be kept up to date on a government compliant database such as Petlog.

I’m back on form now so l’ll tell you about our latest animals next month. Mum wants me to chew on sensible things to keep my teeth clean but there is a particularly crunchy biro waiting under the desk for me, Kenny the Boss, Chihuahua.

Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, open 10am-1pm, Thursday-Sunday, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP / 01787 210888 / info@sesaw.co.uk / www.sesaw.co.uk

In Touch online:

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS Is there an app for abiding?

Stephen P Hagerty from the Diocese of New York wrote a reflection on John 15:5: Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain (abide) in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit…”

Current mobile phone technology enables the user to increase functionality by applications, for a fee of course. These are usually referred to as ‘apps’. I declare my own Neanderthal tendencies, as I use my old mobile for just telephone calls.

Unfortunately, many feel that if they don’t check their smart phones every few minutes, they will miss out on something crucial, maybe the event of the year or the email that will change the course of their lives. I often see people walking in town holding their hand up to their ear with their mobile. It’s even more embarrassing when they don’t seem to be aware that they are doing it, and someone brings it to their attention – often the person to whom perhaps they should have been listening.

We can easily mishear the invitation in this gospel passage as yet another demand on our time. We can make the mistake of assuming that what often works well in one aspect of our life, works equally well in our spiritual life: in this case, the motto of every controlling and rushed person – which is all of us at one time or another: “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done.” “If I don’t stop what I am doing and attend to whatever has come my way, I will forget and not do it.” Yet think again about our Lord in this Gospel verse. “I am the (true) vine, and my Father is the vine-grower.”

This image of the people of God as ‘God’s vineyard’ is a very old one, going back to the Jewish psalms, as well as other places in the Old Testament. Consider part of Psalm 80: “You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land.” Notice that it is God who is doing all the planting, not us. Think of all the other I am statements found in the Gospel of John. “I am the light of the world.” “I am the gate.” “I am the resurrection and the life.”

All these I am statements in the Gospel of John point to the reality of God’s availability. It is ironic that Christianity has the reputation of being an other-worldly religion, focused almost exclusively on how to get into heaven. There is a series of bumper stickers declaring: “Jesus is coming, look busy!” or “Friends don’t let friends miss out on heaven!” Then, there is the traffic policeman who told me after being pulled over: “Better late in this world than early in the next!”

It may sound surprising, but the kind of theology (God talk) of a ‘distant god’ is what most of us find comfortable, because it ultimately pushes God to the sidelines, meaning we can remain in control. We are very good at being busy and taking responsibility, and we rather prefer this to being on the receiving end of change. Yet as Jesus declares in the verse above: “Abide in me, as I abide in you.”

This Easter season, we remind ourselves that the promise of Jesus, the Vine, the Gate, the Light, is abundant life here and now, not just in some future time. God is doing more in our lives than any of us are aware. God in Jesus is simply inviting each of us to take the time to notice. Yet the trick, of course, is to let God do what God needs to do and for us to get out of the way.

Hopefully, you can think about Jesus’ words as the beautiful invitation it truly is: “Abide in me as I (will always) abide in you.” Perhaps that should be embedded as a screen saver on both our computers and mobiles, new or old.

From Capel’s Priest-in-Charge, Father Jim

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

CHRISTIANS in Capel The members of all the churches foster a closer fellowship and understanding between the respective Christian communities in Capel St Mary. They endeavour to co-ordinate common interests and where practical share common resources to meet specific needs.

For times and details of Sunday services, Alpha and Home/Life Groups, please contact one of the following: The Parish Church, St Mary the Virgin The Rev Canon Jim Pendorf The Rectory, Days Road, Capel 01473 312225 / 07973 265037 The Catholic Church Father Christopher Smith, St Mark’s Church 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich 01473 684963 Capel Community Church David Owen, 18 Bushey Close, Capel www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk 01473 310454 / 07752 921135 The Methodist Church The Rev Andrew Sankey 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 INTER-CHURCH MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES The following church groups welcome new members: TREKKERS For ages 7-11, meets on Thursdays at the Methodist Church from 3.45 to 5.15pm during school term time. Contact Carolyn Love, 01473 311490 YOUTH GROUP Fridays at The Methodist Church, 7-9pm, for school years 7-9.

Contact The Rev Andrew Sankey, 01473 311178 PARENTS AND TODDLERS • Tuesday – 9-11.30am, Capel Community Church, Days Road Contact Margaret Beard: 01473 311219 • Wednesday – 9-11.30am, Busy Bees, Methodist Church Contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 • Wednesday – 10am-noon, Twins & Multiples Group at CCC Contact Chris Matthews: 01473 311368 • Thursday – 1.45-3.30pm, Butterflies, St Mary’s Church Hall Contact Ondra Butler: 01473 310524 SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCH CLUBS • First Monday, Capel Community Church, 01473 311368 • Third Tuesday, St Mary’s Church Hall, 01473 310596 • Last Thursday, Methodist Church, 01473 310635 NETWORK FELLOWSHIP Third Tuesday, from 2.30pm, Methodist Church. Anyone welcome to come to the meeting. Contact Judy Steward, 01473 310799 BEACON COFFEE SHOP EVERY TUESDAY 9am-12.30pm, in the Vine Lounge, Capel Village Hall AEROBICS AT CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH Fridays from 10.45-11.45am, Young at Heart (slower paced). Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 PILATES • Tuesdays – 7 and 8.10pm, Capel Methodist Church • Fridays – 9.30am, Capel Methodist Church Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 R.O.M.E.O. Lunch for Men at The Harvest Moon, Capel First Thursday, 12.30pm. Book with Peter Ellis: 01473 310096

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST CHURCH “YOU CAN’T KEEP A GOOD MAN DOWN”

from the one he had planned to write.

Do you ever remember odd lyrics from a song but can’t remember the rest? It increasingly happens to me, but Google often helps to alleviate my frustration. In this instance at least three songs – by Alabama, the Bee Gees and New Song – came up, all using the line: “You can’t keep a good man down.”

The New Song lyrics say “You can close your eyes, you can say it’s a lie, You can stick your head in the sand, You can turn away, even try to explain, He was just another man”, but all the evidence was that “You can’t keep a good man down”, and I and many others will tell you of the reality of the presence of Jesus still today in our lives.

I remember an inflatable toy that was all the rage a few years ago, a bear about four foot high when inflated which could be punched or knocked over, but would immediately right itself for another blow. You could knock it over as hard and as often as you wanted but: “You can’t keep a good man down.” I’ve ‘Amazoned’ the toy and they are still available now as Despicable Me minions!

We are each faced with choices, either we convince ourselves against all the evidence that he didn’t come back to life or we believe. Hatred had done its worst, but the love of God could not be kept down. Christ is Risen – we are Easter People.

The song by New Song told the story of the death of Jesus on a cross, how he was put in a tomb but how 36 hours later – despite a guard on the tomb – Jesus was alive. The enemies of Jesus thought they had won when they had got the Roman government to crucify him. He was cut down from the cross late on Friday afternoon, his body limp and lifeless.

He was laid in the tomb and this was sealed with a huge stone. To ensure no deception Roman soldiers guarded the tomb, but by early Sunday morning the tomb was empty, and Jesus began to appear to his friends.

“You can’t keep a good man down.”

An eminent lawyer in the 20th century didn’t believe the story and set out to write a book rubbishing all the so-called sightings of Jesus after his crucifixion. As he examined all the evidence meticulously as a lawyer, he became convinced of its truth and the book he wrote was so different

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel and Brantham Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 SERVICES IN APRIL Sunday 3 10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 10 10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 17 10.30am Sunday 24 10.30am

7.30pm

Worship led by The Rev Kathy Flynn Prayer Stations Worship with Mr Rod Stone Worship with The Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Mr Eddie Vass Worship and Communion with The Rev Sankey United Prayer Time at St Mary’s (CoE)

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Services for April Sunday 3 9am

Second Sunday of Easter Mass

Tuesday 5 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 10 9am

Third Sunday of Easter Mass

Tuesday 12 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 17 9am

Fourth Sunday of Easter Mass: Children’s Liturgy

Tuesday 19 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 24 9am

Fifth Sunday of Easter Mass

Tuesday 26 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Catholic Commentary The Pope’s Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ (the Care of our Common Home) was an important

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influence at the Climate Change Conference in Paris. The Encyclical demonstrates the church’s commitment and awareness of the challenge faced by humanity over a range of ecological issues. There were strong words too on the need for the richer countries to help poorer ones to make the transition away from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable forms as individuals and at parish level.

In January members of local churches met at St Michael the Archangel Church, Brantham for the annual Unity Service and it was good to note how harmonious the relations between the different churches are now. In February at another level, the very top, we saw a meeting of Pope Francis with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.

The meeting took place in an airport lounge in Havana, Cuba when they spoke about their respective churches, the situation in the world, wars, orthodoxy − all matters of pastoral concern for the two leaders.

Pope Francis had touched down in Cuba on his way to visit Mexico which has the second largest number of Catholics after Brazil. We hear much of the problems of Mexico but little about the people and institutions that give Mexico its pride and distinctive culture.

As a Latin American himself the Pope was well versed to speak to and mingle with the people of this country. In spite of all the problems there are, we must never lose the sense of what is normal and good about people and the beauty and giftedness of the world we have been given. Christian hope is real and always carries through.

Minor Basilica status has been granted to the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady, known as England’s Nazareth, at Walsingham in North Norfolk by Pope Francis. This rare designation is given by the Holy Father to places of worship which are of particular historical significance. Tens of thousands of pilgrims make their journey to the shrine every year.

Diary Dates Every last Thursday of the month a bring and buy coffee morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, April 28.

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are being asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please phone him if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services.

All are very welcome at Holy Family, Brantham All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services. It’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

In Touch online:

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