In Touch
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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 6 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2016
Image by Granville Foulger
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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!
NEWS NEW ART COLLECTION AT CHRISTCHURCH MANSION
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.
Christchurch Mansion is playing host to a celebration of Leonard Squirrel’s long career and includes four recently acquired pictures of East Anglia. The collection is on display in the Wolsey Art Gallery until January 2017.
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.
Squirrell was born and grew up in Ipswich but lived and worked for the vast majority of his life in Witnesham where a blue plaque marks his home. At the age of 15 he started at Ipswich School of Art and went on to win a gold medal in the National Competition for Schools of Art with his set of drawings. He attended the Slade School of Art under Philip Wilson Steer and Professor Henry Tonks.
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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath
In Touch with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh NEW • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
IN TOUCH WITH . . .
MAY DEADLINE 10 April 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy
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In 1929 he took a job etching at Ipswich Art School and stayed until 1940. Watercolour and etching were his favourite media. He would create sketches outdoors, marking them with copious notes on colour, composition and lighting. These sketches then formed the basis to create finished pictures in his studio. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours and for 67 years with Ipswich Art Club. Squirrell was prolific in his output and was commissioned to illustrate books, produce railway carriage images and calendars for companies. He even produced two books, Landscape Painting in Pastel (1947) and Practice in Watercolour (1950). In 1978 Ipswich Art Club organised a major retrospective of Squirrell’s work in the Wolsey Art Gallery and he described Christchurch Mansion as an “elegant setting” for his work. This display highlights the range of Squirrell’s work and in all media. The Ipswich collection has up to 100 artworks by Squirrell and the first part of the display will be changed after six months to show a larger number of these pictures.
2016 HERO RIDE Is anyone interested in cycling to the Imperial War Museum for breakfast on July 3 as part of the 2016 Hero Ride? A group of us are leaving in the ‘wee small hours’ to be part of this Help for Heroes fundraiser. As things stand at the moment we have a van and driver to return with the bikes (no cycling back unless you want to!) and some of the team are organising a return coach. This is not a race but a social cycle with a few laughs chucked in along the way I’m sure, and regular grub stops to keep everyone fully fuelled. Please contact me if you fancy the idea. It’s a special year for me as its 25 years since I was involved in the first Gulf War so I know what a difference organisations like Help for Heroes make. Many thanks, Andy White 01473 830135 / 07854 876722 / wandywhite216@aol.com
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NEWS BOOKSEAST ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST FESTIVAL LINE-UP
From May 9 to 15, East Anglia’s newest book festival, BooksEast, brings a range of celebrated authors to Suffolk’s county town for a festival with a difference. Ipswich Corn Exchange, Film Theatre, Town Hall and its gallery spaces and café and other venues across the town will be buzzing as a wide range of writers descend on the town to inspire and delight audiences of all ages. Horrid Henry author Francesca Simon will be talking about her latest book The Monstrous Child. Intrepid adventurer and explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes will be in conversation with his long-time collaborator Anton Bowring in Life at the Limits in an evening sponsored by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. Granta ‘Best of British’ novelist Xiaolu Guo will discuss her book I Am China. A Bright Futures panel will include Eimear McBride (author of the Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction 2014 winning novel A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing currently touring the UK in an acclaimed stage production), Andrew Michael Hurley (The Loney, winner of the Costa First Book Award 2015) and Jessica Cornwell (The Serpent Papers, subject of an international bidding war). Laura Dodsworth will talk about her beautiful and inspirational book Bare Reality. Britain’s leading thinker Charles Handy will reveal the thinking behind his latest book The Second Curve. Many more events are planned, including pro-cyclist David Millar and Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris, creators of the hugely popular Ladybird books for grownups (The Husband: How it Works, etc.) in conversation with comedian Katy Brand. Adding theatre and community
spirit to the festival, there will be a literary pub crawl created by Eastern Angles’ Ivan Cutting, inviting audiences to join George Orwell and Arthur Ransome as they work out their differences while wandering from pub to pub. Best-selling adult colouring author Millie Marotta has provided colouring sheets for a competition everyone can take part in. There are short story competitions for young people and writing workshops from the likes of Jill Dawson whose latest novel, The Crime Writer, will also be launched during the festival. BooksEast was born out of Ip-Lit, which from 2006 until last year brought writers to Ipswich as part of the town’s annual Ip-Art Festival. The festival is supported by Arts Council England, the Seckford Foundation, Ipswich Borough Council, festival sponsor Gotelee Solicitors, the Salthouse Harbour Hotel and Kite Opticians, Ipswich Institute, Jayrest, Let’s Talk Reading and the Ipswich Children’s Book Group. BooksEast Director Assis Carreiro said: “I’m thrilled that our vision to create an exciting and vibrant book festival for Ipswich has become a reality. Thanks to the incredible support of our funders, sponsors and partners, the first BooksEast Festival brings an eclectic mix of events with something for audiences of all ages.” Festival details and updates are available at: www.bookseast.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @books_east Like our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/bookseast
During the evening there will be the chance to win a beautiful cultured white freshwater baroque pearl pendant kindly donated by Woodbridge jeweller Chenevix. Bid for a holiday in the auction as well as many more exciting opportunities. For tickets or further information please contact: 01473 621104 / office@homestartcoastal.co.uk You can also book your tickets online at: www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk
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The Stables Coffee Shop is set in a picturesque location at Brightwell Barns, just on the outskirts of Ipswich. Eve Hughes and her partner Graeme Cheshire opened The Stables in April 2014 and business is going from strength to strength as they approach their second birthday. The Stables is open Monday to Saturday, 8.30am-4pm, and serves delicious, locally sourced, homemade food all day. Eve and Graeme pride themselves on using local ingredients and about 80% of their produce is sourced locally from in and around Suffolk. Eve makes homemade cakes every day and often receives compliments that her chocolate cake “is the best that they have tasted!”
The Stables tries to cater for all allergies and stocks gluten-free bread, dairy-free cakes, soya and lactofree milk. It is currently listed in the top three coffee shops in Ipswich on Trip Advisor and this is one of the comments:
If you are a local business who would like to support this event sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact: ella@homestartcoastal.co.uk
“Fab setting, fab food, fab staff. This is a bit of a local for us. The Stables Coffee Shop is set back on a bend in the road to Waldringfield. It’s a lovely setting with a huge pond in front and a lovely grass area to sit in when the weather is better. The staff and owner are all brilliant, friendly and fast. The food is all sourced within Suffolk, so if it’s a full English you’re after, this has to be the place.
The ball will have a snowflake theme as every child Home-Start supports is as unique and fragile as a snowflake. Home-Start supports families in the East of Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal areas for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone this can be for many differing reasons such as bereavement, physical and mental health problems. Families are matched with a trained volunteer who supports them on a weekly basis enabling them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, improve their health and wellbeing and widen their links locally.
“The presentation is great; no grease floating around the plate. Local mushrooms (not tinned) and the sausages and bacon are the best I have tasted in a while. Tea for two in a huge pot so lots of refills. I cannot fault this place and highly recommend whether you are locals or visitors that you pop along and try The Stables. Homemade cakes as well, so forget the diet. 100% brilliant.”
Tickets on sale via: www.ipswichregent.com / 01473 433100
HOME-START SNOWFLAKE BALL Come along to our Snowflake Ball on Friday, May 20 at Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall for a glamorous night of fine dining, music and entertainment. Tickets are £55 to include an arrival drink and three-course meal with entertainment provided by the band Soul Kitchen.
THE STABLES COFFEE SHOP
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OUT & ABOUT BROKE HALL GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 21, 10am-2pm There wil be hundreds of bargains for sale all over the estate. Local people who are taking part have each given a £6 donation to Operation Christmas Child, which will enable children around the world to receive a gift later this year. The sale takes place around the estate, just off Foxhall Road in Ipswich. Purchase a map (only available on the day) from 76 Arundel Way IP3 8QQ or from other points around the estate. Last year 120 residents held sales and £1,300 was raised for the charity. St Elizabeth’s Hospice
also benefited from sellers donating their unsold items to be sold in the charity’s shops. If you are supporting this event, could we please ask you to be aware of parking issues? There is lots of on-street parking on the estate, but there are always problems. Please don’t park across anyone’s drive. Please don’t block roads. Be aware that ambulances, police cars and buses need to have access through all the roads on the estate. We want everyone to have a fantastic day and help us raise lots of money for the charity. See you there.
HARD AND FAST RELAY Running from Cambridge to Ipswich Hospital, Sunday, April 3
EACH TREEHOUSE COLOUR DASH BACK FOR THIRD YEAR East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) have announced that, due to popular demand, The Treehouse Colour Dash is back for 2016. Now in it’s third year the event will take place on Sunday, May 29 at Christchurch Park, starting at 11am, and online registration is open now! We only have 1,000 places so make sure you book to join in the fiesta of colour. Colour dashes are the latest craze to hit the UK and see participants race around a 5km course as they are showered with clouds of coloured powder – creating truly impressive multicoloured results. Hannah Walker, EACH Suffolk Community Fundraiser, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing our colour dash back to Christchurch Park for the third year running. Ipswich held it’s first ever colour dash back in 2014 and the event is growing all the time. “These events are such an impressive sight and great fun for all the family. It’s not a race, you can run, jog or walk the 5km route – just be prepared to be covered in colourful powered paint by our colour pirates!” EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across the region and supports their families. For both families accessing care, and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. All the funds raised at this event will go towards providing these vital services. Tickets: adult £20 / child (five-16) £10 / Under 5s free / family £45 / team (minimum 10 people) £17.50 a person. To book your place visit www.each.org.uk/colour-dashes or call the EACH fundraising team on 01473 276196.
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In support of these organisations, Jonathan and his friend Gary Jarvis have organised a relay running event making the same journey as Jonathan took on his way home.
On August 23, 2015 Jonathan Jenkyn (38) suffered a cardiac More than 60 athletes from across the UK will arrest while at home asleep. support the relay covering a combined total of He was resuscitated by his over 500 miles. wife and paramedics, and has If you want to support this unique event, please now made a good recovery. use the following JustGiving sites to donate to His survival and recovery Hard and Fast Relay these well deserving charities: would not have been Running from Cambridge to Ipswich Hospital possible without the www.justgiving.com/JJsPapworthRelayIHC combined work of three organisations: 3rd April 2016 www.justgiving.com/JJsPapworthRelay • Ipswich Hospital Paramedic Team, On the 23rd August 2015 Jonathan Jenkyn (38) suffered a cardiac arrest while at home www.justgiving.com/JJsPapworthRelayPHC asleep. He was resuscitated by his wife and paramedics, and has now made a good Intensive Care Unit and Cardiology recovery. His survival and recovery would not have been possible without the combined work of three organisations: You can find out more about Jonathan’s Professionals ● Ipswich Hospital Paramedic Team, Intensive Care Unit and Cardiology Professionals story in a blog post written by his wife: ● British Heart Foundation Research into ICD technology and CPR awareness • British Heart Foundation research into ICD campaign http://ladyjames.org.uk ● Papworth Hospital Cardiology Professionals technology and CPR awareness campaign In support of these organisations, Jonathan and his friend Gary Jarvis have organised a relay running event making the same journey as Jonathan took on his way home. Contact Jonathan directly to find out how Over 60 athletes from across the UK will support the relay covering a combined total of over • Papworth Hospital Cardiology 500 miles. else you can get involved with this event: If you want to support this unique event, please use the following JustGiving sites to donate Professionalsto these well deserving charities: jonathan@jenkyn.co.uk ● https://www.justgiving.com/JJsPapworthRelayIHC ● https://www.justgiving.com/JJsPapworthRelay ● https://www.justgiving.com/JJsPapworthRelayPHC You can find out more about Jonathan’s story in a blog post written by his wife (http://ladyjames.org.uk) Contact Jonathan directly to find out how else you can get involved with this event: jonathan@jenkyn.co.uk
MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia
Please join us on April 16 at 7pm in St Michaels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, when our main band presents a concert featuring movie and TV themes. Tickets are £3.50 each (primary school age children free), and are available from www.martleshambrass.co.uk, 2nd Stop Charity Shop (next to Tesco in Kesgrave) or by calling 07802 868924. Sadly, we have had to temporarily close our waiting list to new inquiries for players with no experience of playing a brass instrument, but would still like to hear from experienced players. Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
GIPPESWYK SINGERS IN PASSIONTIDE CELEBRATION AN ENGLISH THEME A concert of gloriously uplifting music to celebrate Passiontide and the coming of spring is being presented by the Gippeswyk Singers on Saturday, April 9 at St John’s Church, Orwell Road, Felixstowe at 7.45pm. Geoff Lavery conducts a lovely programme which includes choral pieces by Parry and Stanford, culminating in a very special performance of Haydn’s magnificent Nelson Mass featuring the sparkling virtuosity of four young professional soloists and the nationally acclaimed organist, Andrew Cantrill. Tickets (£10) are available at the door or from Phil Speirs, 2 Treetops, Felixstowe IP11 9ER (please send a SAE with a cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers). Profits from this season’s concerts go to local charities Got to Read (providing one-on-one help for adults needing to improve literacy and numeracy skills) and Home-Start (providing home help volunteers for families in need of support). Drinks and nibbles will be available after the concert with the opportunity to meet the singers. www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE DEVELOPING WORLD PROJECTS St Joseph’s College’s Developing World Projects continue to flourish. The college has established an ongoing partnership with Osiligi Obaya School in Kenya, a school for the most needy children living in the Maasai. Each summer staff and students visit the school so that over a sustained period of time the college family can follow the development of the children, the school and its community. This summer five sixth form students will spend two weeks running a summer school for these children accompanied by staff from the college. Every child attends. Not only because the learning activities are fabulous, but also because each child receives a midmorning meal of porridge and tea, as well as a wholesome lunch. It is likely that this will be their only solid meal of the day.
A WONDERFUL LIFE AN EXHIBITION OF WORKS OF ART BY HILLI THOMPSON Hilli Thompson shares over five decades of her artistic life in an eclectic exhibition entitled A Wonderful Life at The Frame Workshop, Gallery 22 Nicholas Street, Ipswich IP1 1TJ from Wednesday, March 30 to Saturday, April 23 (open Monday-Saturday). The exhibition includes explorations in a wide range of media from embroidery, botanical illustration, print making, painting and more recently, fused glass.
DIABETES UK IPSWICH SUPPORT GROUP The next open meeting is on Thursday, April 14 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. Instead of having a speaker, we are going to have a quiz night on knowing your diabetes. This is nothing special, just some fun, but there will be some interesting answers. This is a free event and there is no charge.
The group is a social gathering of people who have Type1 or Type2 diabetes, but anyone interested in diabetes can attend. Refreshments will be available free of charge and there will be a draw to raise funds for the group. For further information please contact our vicechairman Peter: 07799 607951
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY On Wednesday, April 27 Neil Marshall will present an illustrated talk entitled The New Brighton Belle at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend (£3.50 including tea/coffee). An annual excursion is also In addition, the school needs culturally relevant learning resources: English, mathematics and science equipment, teachers’ resources, thinking activities and games, art and design materials; musical instruments; consumerables (pens/paper, etc) and construction equipment. Dr Hine, head of the prep school at St Joseph’s College, also works regularly with Osiligi’s headteacher and all the school’s teaching staff on their school development plan. This is really taking shape and a new set of locally sourced reading books will be in situ in the coming weeks. HORN FACTORY FUNDRAISING CONCERT Friday, April 22 at St Joseph’s College, Belstead Road IP2 9DR If you would like to support the staff and the fabulous-five St Joseph’s College students who will be travelling to the Maasai during summer 2016, please join with the incredible Horn Factory Band (featuring Steve Stone from Mansion House Publishing!) in concert at St Joseph’s College on Friday, April 22, 7.30-10pm. For tickets (£14 / under 16s £7 – including nibbles) please visit: www.redrosechain.com For further details or to make a donation to enable the purchase of practical equipment from local Kenyan sources for these worthy children please contact Martin Hine: M.hine@stjos.co.uk
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CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.3010pm. We are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments.
arranged to a place of transport interest, this year to the Great Western Society premises at Didcot. For further details, please contact Mervyn Russen (01473 414746) or Martyn Hunt (01473 422145) or visit: www.idhts.co.uk Our next meetings are: Thursday, March 24: Beaded Bracelet (Jill) Thursday, April 28: Needle Felting (Emma) The 2016 monthly projects list is now available and other projects are always available. New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).
MIKE LEIGH AND TRIANON SHARE PETERLOO LINK On August 16, 1819 a crowd of 60,00080,000 people gathered in St Peter’s Field, Manchester. They were demanding a reform to parliamentary representation. Organised by the Manchester Patriotic Union, the rally was to be addressed by orator Henry Hunt, but shortly before the rally began the cavalry tried to disperse the crowd. In the resulting confusion it was estimated that 18 protestors were killed and a further 700 were injured in what became known as the Peterloo Massacre. As a native of Manchester and Salford, Mike Leigh was drawn to the story and work will start in 2017 to shoot his new film, Peterloo. Former Trianon president Sir Malcolm Arnold composed his Overture Peterloo for the TUC’s centenary in 1968. The piece will be performed in Trianon’s spring concert, entitled The
Presidential Suite, which takes place at Ipswich Corn Exchange on April 16 at 7.30pm. Trianon will also perform its current president John Rutter’s Mass of the Children with the choir of St Albans Catholic High School, as well as music by Tchaikovsky, Dukas and Vaughan Williams. Tickets (£9.50, concessions £8.50, students and U16s £5) can be purchased from: Trianon 01394 283170 / 07876 787029; Ipswich Tourist Information Centre; www.ipswichregent.com / 01473 433100 Tikets purchased from Ipswich Entertainments will be subject to an additional £1 a ticket booking fee. For further details visit: www.tmg.org.uk You can also follow Trianon on Twitter @MusicTrianon
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our next meeting is on Wednesday, April 6 when Dr Sam Newton (of Time Team fame) will be telling us all about the Easter Festival in Early England, how significant it was and how it was celebrated. In March lecturer Ian Swankie took the audience through the story of Grayson Perry. With wonderful illustrations Ian recounted how Turner Prize-winning Perry progressed from Chelmsford punk to become a veritable national treasure. His wonderful creations (pots, frocks, tapestries and even a holiday home in Essex) highlight his individualistic take on art. A great lecture about a unique, multitalented character. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures which are presented by national and international lecturers start at 2.15pm, but we advise people to arrive by 2pm if possible. Guests and nonmembers are welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked. For more information contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet. com. www.orwelldfas.org.uk
ARLINGTON’S WRITING GROUP We’ve all been busy scribbling away at Arlington’s Writing Group and I just had to share this fantastic piece by one of our members, Joe Ward (top left in picture). Joe has been with us for about six months. He says he is enjoying writing pieces of different lengths and trying out a greater range of genres. THE BLACK GATE In twenty five years my Father has still not mended that gate. In the winter it freezes and grates and swells yet still this quarter century old charade continues. The black paint peels and flakes and every Spring he recites his usual oath; this summer I will fix that gate. But the struggle, the toil, the scrapes and the excuses all mean one thing. I am home. Back to tradition, to constants, to safety, to love. In twenty five years my Father has still not mended that gate. And here’s to twenty five more.
Mai Black
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION
CONCERT IN AID OF FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
Our next meeting is on April 19 when Veronica Bennett, a volunteer speaker for the National Trust, will be telling us about Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk. Begun in the early 17th century Felbrigg surprises and delights visitors with its architectural variety, wonderful rooms and beautiful garden and woods. We look forward to another of Veronica’s fascinating and insightful talks.
A concert in support of Home Start East Suffolk will take place in Woodbridge Community Centre on Sunday, April 10, at 2.30pm, where the Community String Orchestra and guest choir Tutti Frutti Voices will present While in Music and Verse, a varied programme of orchestral and choral music by Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Purcell, and Gershwin.
As a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, you can get more out of your membership by joining the East Suffolk National Trust Association which meets (September to May) at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF) at 7.15pm.
We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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To find out more go to: suffolkwritersgroup.com
By Joe Ward
May 17 sees the return of one of our regular speakers, Peter Lawrence, with a talk entitled From the Krays to the Crown. Peter is an exLondon policeman and this promises to be a fascinating insight into crime from the 1960s through to the 1980s.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350
We have two wonderful new members at group but there’s still space for a couple extra.
Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome for a £2 entrance fee. National Trust members/volunteers can join the association for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). For more information contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761. Vsit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
The conductor is Andrew Fairley and the choir leader is David Lewis. Tickets costing £8 are available on the door or in advance from the Box Office on 01394 279005. Home-Start East Suffolk support families in the East Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal areas for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone. This can be for many different reasons such as: poverty, physical or mental health problems, isolation, drug or substance misuse, bereavement and many more. Home-Start matches each family to a trained volunteer, who builds a trusted relationship with them, offering them a professional friendship enabling them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, improve their health and well-being and widen their links locally. Also see Home-Start Snowflake Ball on page 4
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out & about BROKE HALL WI
Friday, April 8: Frock Horror! by Pauline Baker Friday, May 13: WI Resolutions Friday, June 10: Small Collectables – valuations of items brought in by Sheila Bullard (one per person) We meet at 7.30pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. New and former members are welcome. For more information contact Sue (414746) or Chris (713546).
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB International Women’s Day on March 8 is very important to us. This year members got involved in four different events. On the previous Saturday a group of us met in Cambridge with Soroptimists from clubs throughout our region. After the morning together we all went off to the festival organised by Women of the World (WOW). Some very high powered speakers led a session entitled Seen But Not Heard. We women have to stand up for ourselves in the workplace. On March 8 itself some of us were similarly inspired at an evening organised by the Suffolk Feminist Society at University Campus Suffolk. For one member March 8 meant the quarterly meeting of CAAA, Coastal Action Against Abuse, the domestic violence forum on which she represents us. This is a community link which we value enormously. The forum brings together people from the wide range of agencies working in Suffolk Coastal to support victims of domestic abuse. By exchanging information they have a good overview of what is being done, develop collaborative links and identify gaps. Still nothing could really compare with the Women’s Group party at Suffolk Refugee Support. We look forward to our invitation each year – it’s all colour, music, laughter and wonderful foods. This time there were 28 nationalities represented and nobody will forget the sight of the Albanian ladies in their elaborate costumes dancing the Gay Gordons! If you would like to know more about Soroptimism please call Jackie on 01473 659314 or visit: www.soroptimistinternational. onesuffolk.net
GROWING GUIDING... BRITANNIA DISTRICT We are currently looking for adult leaders, helpers and young leaders (14-18 yrs), to help us re-open the 27th Ipswich Guide Company, and to help at existing brownie and rainbow units in the Britannia area of East Ipswich. Guides are young women aged 10-14 years. As a guide you will make new friends, enjoy learning new skills, take part in adventures and most importantly of all, have fun! All adults (18+) within guiding require an enhanced DBS check and two referees. Full training will be given for your role and no previous experience of girlguiding is necessary.
Why not come along and visit a session, to see how you could make a difference in young women’s lives and perhaps change your own. If you or your daughter is interested in joining, or want to find out more about girlguiding, please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or contact Jo Dixon, County Outreach Worker: jo.d@btinternet.com
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, April 28, 7.30pm: The World of the Heir Hunter – A Lifetime Challenge by Maurice Clarke Maurice will talk about what a heir hunter/ probate researcher is and where they fit into the world of intestacy, i.e. where a person dies without a will and with no obvious next of kin. Maurice founded the Heir Hunters Association in 2009 to help people become heir hunters and it has grown into a vast international organisation. He edits a monthly newsletter and helped found The Federation of
Probate and Asset Researchers Ltd (www.fpar. org.uk), a non-profit organisation concerned with standards and professionalism within the probate industry. We meet at The Co-Op Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street and the car park entrance is on Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £3 for society members and £3.50 for non-members who are warmly welcomed. For more information contact Howard King: 01473 274300
U3A MOVES INTO SPRING U3A (The University of the Third Age) hopes that the many recent visitors to the talks and website are finding the information inspiring and have now joined in with some of the many groups that flourish in the East Suffolk area. At the last count there were more than 145 groups with several additions in the pipeline. Whether you wish to learn something new or brush up on talents you thought you had left behind when there were so many other claims to your time, U3A could be that breath of fresh air for the future. Come and join in the Kesgrave U3A talks which take place at 2pm in Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acres Approach, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the centre around every 20 minutes. Refreshments follow the meeting.
On Monday, April 25, Juliet Dearlove will be telling the story of the family who took a year out to sail to the Carribean in a talk entitled Atlantic Children. U3A members and visitors would also be welcome to attend talked at Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Woodbridge. The campus coordinators at these locations will be delighted to give visitors more details of how to join U3A, an organisation for retired and semi-retired people. For information on venues, dates and subjects visit at www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or call 01473 273395. Spring is a good time to decide on new activities whether they be music, reading, poetry, history or outdoor activities such as petanque, walking or something with less exercise like a social lunch club. U3A can be a good starting point for everyone.
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY
DEBEN FLOWER CLUB QUIZ NIGHT
The next meeting is on Monday, April 11 when Paul Constantine will present a talk about Sutton Hoo Longship Reconstruction Project. This heritage project is based on the redeveloped site of the former Whisstock’s Boatyard in Woodbridge. The talk will cover the Sutton Hoo Mound 1 ship itself, its significance in Scandinavian boatbuilding, and the relevance of such boats to the Anglo-Saxon migration. Recent developments with the replica longboat Sae Wylfing will also be discussed. Meetings are held at the Pavilion on Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
Deben Flower Club is holding a quiz night on Saturday, April 23 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU, 7 for 7.30pm. Once again this will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a ploughman’s supper. Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six/ If you don’t have six people for your team you may be able to share a table with other club members. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are £6.50 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses. For further information and tickets contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk
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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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OUT & ABOUT SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM We put our money where our mouth is, so to speak, and give talks outside our club meetings. An invitation led to us giving a talk on a rural theme to a local club. We set our agenda and included a 15-minute speech which I gave on Carriage Driving in East Anglia, which seemed suitable. Having such a short time was a problem, as was choosing only 10 photographs for the slide show, but I rehearsed and refined it over about 10 days until I was happy. Then someone suggested I take some props, so I found a brass ornamented driving bridle and decided to wear my tweedy jacket and favourite hat to get into character. Our audience was friendly, attentive and most appreciative on the night, asking interested questions. Over a cup of tea afterwards, one lady said she was named after a horse. I asked the obvious question…
FREE SEED POTATOES AT PEOPLE’S COMMUNITY GARDEN Free seed potatoes are being offered to schools and community groups at the People’s Community Garden courtesy of Ipswich Organic Gardeners. A wide variety of organic potatoes are available by the sack-load or smaller quantities.
Call Jo: 07760 583950 / jo@ activlives.org.uk or ActivLives on 01473 345350. You can also pick up what you require for your allotment or garden for a small donation to ActivGardens. Did you know you can grow potatoes in a bucket or large pot?
ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet at Rushmere Golf Club on the second Thursday of each month for lunch, usually followed by a speaker. What is Probus? Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people who appreciate similar interests. Some Probus clubs are for men only, as we are, others are for ladies and some mixed. We have social events, for example, a recent Burns Supper, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Brian Ling, for further details: 01473 464743 / brian.ling47@gmail.com
Even if you don’t have a garden you can get a good crop from just one potato – at least enough for a portion of oven baked chips or mash. This is a fun activity to do with children at home or school, so get in touch with us if you’d like to come down and find out how.
Bright Stars is open to all babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to come along to with their parents, grandparents and/or carers. Each session is full of fun children’s activities, for example singing and Bible stories for children, plus crafts and games. We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day at any of the sessions, but if you would like further information please give us a call. We look forward to welcoming you! Our session dates for the summer term are: April 11 and 25, May 9 and 23, June 13 and 27 and July 11. For further information please contact: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729; Sonya & Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196; Sue Lambert, 01473 624130
“Molly – she was his favourite horse! I was supposed to be Ruth but he was sent to register my birth and he called me Molly.” I love Suffolk! Visit Speak Easy at Martlesham to find out more about public speaking: Thursdays, April 7 and 21, 7-9.30pm, Richards Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB or call Sonya Burrows on 07968 372563. Guests and refreshments are free. www.speak-easy.org.uk
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SPORT IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL After a slightly disappointing result in February’s six-a-side Indoor Series tournament, in March we were delighted to put in our best performance to date finishing overall third with three good wins out of four games. Being below only Norwich Towers and Diss, this meant we were the highest placed of all the Suffolk clubs – not bad for a club which started only two years ago! Our players are really gelling together well now and benefiting from some excellent support work behind the scenes by our coaches, who work with all players from the most experienced down to complete beginners. Later in Division 2 our second team put in another sound performance with two comfortable wins and two close defeats in the round robin. Division 2 continues to provide an ideal level of competition for our improving beginners where they can gain their first taste of tournament play, while being supported by players with more experience.
And last but by no means least, we’re proud to say we have now started a Ravens ladies team. We have just played our first match which was a resounding 4-1 sets victory against SCC Seagulls. All but one of our ladies have joined the club within the last 12 months so it’s a great start and we’re hoping for much more to come. Why not give volleyball a try yourself? It’s a lively team sport, it will help with your fitness and coordination, and it’s a lot more fun than going to the gym! Ipswich Ravens hold club practice sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner and any age from 11 upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875.
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KESGRAVE AND NORTHGATE KARATE CLUB Kesgrave, Northgate and Associated Clubs enjoyed a fantastic presentation evening on Saturday, January 9 to celebrate the clubs’ many successes over the past year, with more than 130 club members and their families attending. A huge thank you to Heather Lawson and all her helpers for organising the event and of course to Bill Williams and all our brilliant instructors, without whom such an event wouldn’t be happening at all. The following students received awards for their efforts over the past year.
We also congratulate Georgie Lawson who was selected to represent England at the European championship in Cyprus in February. February saw Georgie Lawson competing in the European Junior, Cadet and U21 Championships in Cyprus and is now seventh in Europe in her class of 54+kg. A big well done to Georgina for all her hard work and achievements and many thanks to our sponsors M+C Diesels, IS Electricals, Austwick Berry and Chris Clow whose generosity in sponsoring the club means that we are able to support club Kesgrave Student of the Year went to Jack Rowland, members with competition entry fees. Most Improved Student of the Year to Sophia Don’t forget that classes are held in and around Standring and Best Beginner to Lilly Melton. Kesgrave and Ipswich throughout the week – so Northgate Student of the Year went to Oscar Hunt, there’s no excuse for not being able to make a Most Improved Student of the Year to Amelia Clow session. and Best Beginner to Cameron Fulcher. Classes are on a Tuesdays at Heath School and on In Bury St Edmunds, Student of the Year was Jessica Thursdays at Gorseland Primary. Both classes start Etherington, Most Improved Student of the Year at 6pm for Red Dragons and then run from 6.30went to Ruby Beales and Best Beginner was Chloe 7.30pm for juniors and adults. Campbell. Kata class is on Saturday mornings from 10amThe Team Kata Award went to Lucy Linnasi, Sophie noon at All Saints Church Hall and there are also Swann and Amy Byford, the Paired Kata Award two classes at Northgate Sports Centre - one on to Sofia Standring and Amelia Clow and Wednesday evenings 7-8pm and the the Individual Kata Award to Dylan Barnes. other on Sunday mornings 11am-noon. The Northgate Red Dragons Student of the The Red Dragons Class runs along side Year was Harry Witmore, Most Improved the junior and adult class from 11Student of the Year went to Jeremie Guy 11.30am. and the Best Beginner Award went to If you think this is the year to introduce Jessica Collinson something new into your life, come The Kesgrave Red Dragons Student of the along and give karate a try. The first class Year was Freddie Brow, Most Improved is free and you only pay for those that Student of the Year, Akshar Bezgone and you attend. Best Beginner was James Simpson. For further information visit Well done to all of you and to all club Rhekia Turner, www.northgate-karate.co.uk or our T J Turner, members who make our clubs such Facebook page. We look forward to Teliah Turner seeing you in 2016. enjoyable places to train!
IPSWICH WANDERERS FC The magnificent run by Ipswich Wanderers in the prestigious FA Vase is now over. The team lost 2-1 to Bowers & Pitsea in the fifth round replay. The match had to be moved to Canvey Island FC because of problems with the home side’s pitch. Glenn Read’s Wanderers came so close to making the quarter-final, but what a great run in the cups we have had this year! Now the First Team get down to catching up with all the postponed league games. If we win our games in hand we will stand in sixth place. That would be a ‘best ever’ for Wanderers. So there is still plenty for the lads to play for. Come and cheer them on. Kevin Baker’s Under 18s are still in with a fighting chance of finishing top of the Youth League Central Division. They play at home on Tuesdays so come and give the young and aspiring Wanderers youths your support. Our postponed Partnership Day will be on Saturday, April 30, our final home game of this season. There will be a lunch and presentation in the new clubhouse for past, present and future sponsors
and local business partners. If you or your business are interested in joining the Ipswich Wanderers Partnership, please get in touch (07734 321259) and come along on the day to find out more. You will have complimentary admission to the match with high-flying Godmanchester. For all the latest club news visit: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipswichwanderers Home fixtures for April Saturday, April 2: League v Thetford Town (3pm) Wednesday, April 6: League v Felixstowe & Walton (7.45pm) Saturday, April 9: League v Fakenham Town (3pm) Wednesday, April 27: League v Hadleigh United (7.45pm) Saturday, April 30: League v Godmanchester Rovers (3pm) Admission to First Team games is £6 for adults, £3 concessions. Bar, refreshments, programme, golden goal, club shop, free car parking – entrance in Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere.
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Many talk of having a vocation or a call on their lives, to be doctors, teachers… However, all of us have a call on our lives only most of us don’t realise it. One of the exciting things about being a Christian is that we know we have a call, but of course it takes time to discover what it is, which is an interesting journey in itself. We know that our call will bless others and at the same time bring us to the place of being fulfilled ourselves – it’s an exciting life. A Christian’s life was never meant to be dull and boring but filled with joy, sharing with others, being a good neighbour. New Life Community Church meets at 10.30am on Sunday mornings at Heath Primary School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave
the
Spring is in the air and it’s time to get back into the great outdoors. We are looking forward to summer with all it brings in sunshine and warmth church but remembering those people living in less fortunate circumstances and loving those who feel unloved. Let’s help them back into a good life with our generous spirits. After all, as the Bible tells us, it’s in giving that we receive.
ARK
Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Café & Children’s Church at 10.30am), for Wednesday Bible Study at 8pm, Young People’s Night on alternate Fridays from 7.30pm and prayer sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, both am and pm. We also run Care For The Family courses dealing with parenting, pre-marriage and marriage. The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. Get in touch with us at www.arkipswich.co.uk / Facebook arkofthelord / Twitter @arkipswich / arkipswichuk@gmail.com Our monthly newsletter is available via free subscription on email.
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GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
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