In Touch with Martlesham - April 2016

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham 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).

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

In Touch with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham 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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The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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NEWS 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

GROWING GUIDING IN MARTLESHAM In the last year Martlesham and Brightwell Guides have been on camp, cooked on wood fires, abseiled, zorbed, go karted, sung round a campfire, Bollywood danced, eaten loads of chocolate and much, much more.

Three of our current Leaders will be standing down by the summer, so we are looking for some special people to come forward and keep both our guide companies open for future generations.

Adults (18+) and young people (14+) alike can help our young members continue to experience their guiding journey. Being a guiding volunteer can help enhance your CV and count toward the service element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

No previous experience of guiding is necessary, training is provided and a DBS check is required for all those over 18.

If you can commit to one-two hours a week, we’d love to hear from you.

Thank you Jo at jo.d@btinternet.com or www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

MARTLESHAM HOLIDAY AT HOME 2016 Martlesham Holiday at Home 2016 is taking place from Monday, June 20 to Sunday, June 26.

Holiday at Home is a holiday with a difference; a week of activities organised specially for the over 55s who live in Martlesham and the surrounding areas. An interesting programme has been arranged to include entertainments and outings plus lots of tea and cake. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet others and you are welcome to come to just one event or as many as interest you.

Programmes and booking forms will be available from April 3 in the foyer of St Michael’s Church, the Runway Café, Martlesham Heath and at Martlesham Post Office, Blacktiles Lane, Martlesham.

For more information or programmes contact John and Ruth Mellen: 01473 805989

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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 grown-ups (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 Tickets on sale via: www.ipswichregent.com / 01473 433100

celebrate walking in the county, promote walking events and encourage new walking opportunities. The festival does a wonderful job of demonstrating how easy and inclusive walking is, and what a fantastic county Suffolk is to walk in. It is making a very positive contribution to our ambition of becoming the most active county in England.”

The 2016 Suffolk Walking Festival kicks off on Saturday, May 14 and continues for three weeks until Sunday, June 5. The varied programme of 77 themed walks across the county range in length from a gentle stroll of one mile, to a challenging 60 miles in 24 hours and will take place along Suffolk’s glorious coast, through scenic, gently undulating countryside and around our medieval towns and villages.

The annual walking festival is a partnership project supported by all of Suffolk’s local authorities and is spearheaded by the Discover Suffolk project at Suffolk County Council. This year’s festival launch, which is sponsored by Suffolk Coastal District Council, takes place at RSPB Minsmere on the Suffolk coast. The event will also mark the launch of Suffolk’s Year of Walking, which starts in May 2016 and ends in May 2017.

“The Year of Walking will be celebrating two of my very favourite things: walking and Suffolk,” says Lesley Dolphin from BBC Radio Suffolk and patron of the festival. “The aim is to inspire people to build more walking into their everyday lives and to discover what fun it is!”

“We are delighted that this year’s walking festival marks the beginning of Suffolk’s Year of Walking,” adds Councillor Goldson, cabinet member for health at Suffolk County Council. “The purpose of the initiative is to

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There are three lots of challenge walks planned, which have been sponsored by the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Mega Challenge, for the ultra fit, is a walk which will be undertaken over a 24-hour period, covering 60 miles from Lowestoft to Felixstowe. The Classic Challenge, a firm favourite among regular festival goers, is made up of five walks of between 11 and 14 miles each. As with The Mega Challenge, the route goes from Lowestoft to Felixstowe, but will be at a rather more sedate pace and spread over five days. The Mini Challenge consists of three walks of around nine miles each: Oulton Broad to Beccles, the ‘Trimley Loop’ and a walk ending with refreshments at the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge.

Other walks include two stress-relieving mindfulness walks, a ‘prambling’ walk for parents with prams, photography, birdwatching and Pilates walks, a gentle stroll for sufferers of dementia and their carers which includes views of early marsh orchids, a speed-dating ramble and the ever-popular Horrible History For Families in Ipswich.

Some include a cream tea or other refreshments and all are an informal and sociable way to explore the county, meet like-minded people and to indulge in a leisure activity which benefits both body and soul.

To view the full walks programme and book tickets, visit: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

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NEWS SUFFOLK COASTAL BUSINESS & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2016

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN KELSO’S REPORT

The businesses whose sponsorship enables the Suffolk Coastal Business & Community Awards to continue to go from strength to strength gathered at Kesgrave Hall to celebrate the launch of the 2016 awards.

MY COMMUNITY ENABLING BUDGET SPEND FOR 2015/16 Martlesham Parish Council improvements to bike trail £850 Martlesham Parochial Church Council wheelchair and cabinet for defibrillator £500 Woodbridge Deben Rotary Club Memory Café £500 The Runway Coffee Shop for sail banners £200 Martlesham Heath Aviation Society to purchase new computer £509 Homestart Treasure Hunt £250 Martlesham Scouts £150 Cancer awareness training at local schools £500 CAT minibus service £500 Martlesham Primary School Blacktiles Lane Assault Course £1,500 I will be able to deal with new applications from April 1.

The awards recognise the contributions, initiatives and successes of businesses, groups and individuals within the Suffolk Coastal District over the past 18 months. This year’s awards categories cover teamwork, growth, services to the community and charities, environmental impact, customer service, health and wellbeing and tourism.

The line-up of 2016 sponsors includes EDF Energy, EB Carpets, Melton Day Nursery, Places for People Leisure, The Local Strategic Partnership, The Suffolk Coast DMO, Ufford Park and Suffolk Coastal District Council.

Anglia Radio’s Town 102 and The Beach Radio Stations are also supporting as 2016 media partners.

The awards open for nominations on April 15 and close on June 30. The winners will be announced at a black tie awards dinner at Kesgrave Hall on September 15.

Councillor TJ Haworth-Culf, Suffolk Coastal District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Customers, Communities and Leisure, said: “We’re very grateful to the sponsors for supporting these awards.

Many have been with us from the beginning. These awards provide a platform for the unsung heroes and shining stars of Suffolk Coastal to be recognised for their contributions to this diverse district.”

Nicola Cannon, owner of Melton Day Nursery, said: “These awards give local businesses and groups the recognition and encouragement they deserve and we are very happy to be a part of that.”

Tarnia Robertson, managing director of Ufford Park, said: “These awards are the perfect chance for us to acknowledge other local businesses and individuals within the local community and to give them the recognition they deserve. We are delighted to be part of them this year and we wish everyone entering the best of luck!”

For more information visit: www.scbca.co.uk The full list of awards and sponsors is as follows: • New Business of the Year sponsored by Suffolk Coastal District Council • Business Growth Award sponsored by Suffolk Coastal District Council • Services to the Community (group) sponsored by EDF Energy • Services to the Community (individual) sponsored by Place for People • Innovation sponsored by the Local Strategic Partnership • Charity Champion sponsored by EB Carpets Felixstowe • People Development sponsored by Melton Day Nursery • Health and Wellbeing sponsored by Ufford Park • Encouraging Tourism sponsored by The Suffolk Coast DMO • Customer Focus • Great and Green Award • Team of the Year • Club of the Year

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Possible merger of Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Councils Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils are to consider a permanent merger to form one large East Suffolk Council which would result in a reduction of councillors who would be representing larger wards. Also, councillors from Waveney wards would decide on issues affecting Suffolk Coastal areas and vice versa. The earliest date that these changes could occur is May 2019 but consultations will need to take please much sooner. I envisage many problems with these proposals but would appreciate your views on this important matter.

Planning applications The Gladmans planning application to develop the Bridge Farm area at Top Street and adjacent to Dukes Park was refused by the Suffolk Coastal Planning Committee. However the applicant may decide to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn this decision.

The proposal to build 300 houses off Bell Lane was deferred so that officers could hold further discussions with the developer to consider increasing the housing numbers to 1,000 plus and to consider what additional infrastructure could be made available .

If you wish to discuss any of the above issues or any other district council matters please contact me.

John Kelso, District Councillor Martlesham Ward john.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk / 01473 631682

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.

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 If you are a local business who would like to support this event sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact: ella@homestartcoastal.co.uk 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.

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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Forthcoming events Annual meeting of the parish, Wednesday, April 20, 7.30pm Not a meeting of the parish council – please see below.

Clean for The Queen on Saturday, May 21 – annual litter pick As part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations we are taking part in the Clean for the Queen project and will be carrying out a litter pick on The Common and surrounding areas. Please meet at 10am in the Parish Room, Felixstowe Road. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Refreshments and equipment provided. All ages welcome.

Planning issues affecting Martlesham • Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) rejected the major planning application for 215 homes to the east of Bridge Farm, off Top Street and Ipswich Road. However they deferred a decision on the 300 dwellings to the east of Bell Lane, Kesgrave, asking the developer to come back with proposals for a larger development, despite huge opposition. The parish council objected to both applications.

• A pre-planning application consultation organised by Michael Howard Homes took place on March 2: a proposal to build 47 houses on land off Black Tiles Lane. The developer has informed us that the overwhelming message from parishioners was their concern about parking problems and the knock on effect to traffic flows. We expect a full planning application to be submitted by Michael Howard Homes in the near future.

• Land at Top Street, The Street, Martlesham – Erection of 15 affordable and nine open market dwellings (SCDC reference: DC/16/0682/OUT): this outline planning application has been submitted to the district council.

We have been given an extension to April 14 to submit comments so will consider the application at the Development Plans Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 13 (details below). This is a meeting open to the public where parishioners will be given the opportunity to speak during an adjournment.

provide details. The in-memoriam inscription or the sponsor’s name should be brief and appropriate please. The estimated cost for the full project is £700 and we will also be happy to accept contributions. The council will oversee the work, using its contractor, and once installed we will adopt the seat.

Requests to replace one of our seats should be made by contacting the clerk by Friday, April 29.

What have we been doing recently?

• Improved lighting at the community hall car park entrance. Thanks to Councillor O’Brien for funding this through her locality budget.

• ‘Bird mouth’ fencing to be installed around the edge of the community hall car park to prevent the grass verges being damaged through antisocial behaviour. This will also be funded by Councillor O’Brien so many thanks to her.

• Supporting residents in their objections against development in Angela Close.

• The Greenways Project continues to implement our management plan for the common, this time in partnership with Barker Gotelee staff.

They cleared the vast majority of the cut material along Main Road into dead hedges.

New timetables for bus services 72, 163, 173 and 179 operated by Suffolk Norse Revised timetables for the above services are available online at: www.suffolkonboard.com/buses/bus-service-changes/ Forthcoming meetings Wednesday, April 6: Parish Council Wednesday, April 13: Development Plans Committee Wednesday, May 4: Annual Parish Council meeting All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, and are open to the public, who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment.

• BT is now working again on its planning application for 2,000 homes south of Adastral Park and we are expecting some form of consultation in the next few months.

Contacting the council Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB / 01473 612632 / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk

Please note that decisions are made by SCDC as the local planning authority and the parish council is only a consultee in planning matters.

For the latest news and events visit: www.martlesham.onesuffolk.net

Farewell to our Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) The Suffolk Local Policing Review means that we will see significant changes in the way local policing is delivered. One outcome for the parish is that we will no longer see PCSO Sally Thomas walking the beat.

She has moved to the control room at police HQ. PCSO Justin Moss will continue as a PCSO but, as the Kesgrave Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is closing, he will be based at the Ipswich East SNT. Martlesham will now be covered by the Woodbridge SNT. The Ipswich East, Woodbridge and Felixstowe SNTs will be working as part of one large team so may still work in our area as the need arises. We are very grateful for all the support and advice provided by our PCSOs over a number of years. They will be missed.

Parish office opening times 9am-noon, Monday-Friday, excluding public holidays, but please book an appointment in advance.

In-memoriam and sponsored public seats Martlesham Parish Council has identified three public seats within the parish that need replacing. We are happy for any of these seats to be replaced by an ‘in-memoriam’ seat or by a ‘sponsored seat’ so would like to hear from anyone interested in funding a seat.

The three locations are: 1) Main Road, opposite Martlesham Antiques, by the brick bus shelter; 2) Black Tiles Lane, far end overlooking green area with a good view; 3) Martlesham Common, near the Tesco underpass.

Please note that we are currently unable to offer new sites for seats.

We are seeking the cost of the seat and installation, as well as the cost removing the existing seat. The seat will need to be suitable for outdoor public use, preferably with arm rests. The seats we have installed most recently are made from vandal resistant recycled plastic and we can

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ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH Wednesday, April 20, 7.30pm, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Martlesham Parish Council Chairman Mike Irwin welcomes all members of the parish to this meeting which gives parishioners an opportunity to hear about and discuss what is going on in Martlesham. The parish extends from the southern edge of Martlesham Heath right up to Seckford Hall Road and California and east to Martlesham Creek and the River Deben.

The council presents its grant cheques and there is a chance to find out more about those receiving them. There are annual reports on the activities of the council and its committees and also on village organisations.

This year we will have a short talk from Sue Vincent, a representative of the Alzheimer’s Society, raising awareness of dementia issues.

Come along, meet your neighbours and have your say about issues that affect Martlesham.

All welcome. Light refreshments included.

For further information please contact the parish council clerk, Susan Robertson: 01473 612632 / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HARD OF HEARING GROUP

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET

An independent social group for people with any type of hearing loss.

Partners and hearing dogs welcome.

Are you a keen gardener who has more plants or produce than you can use? If so your country market needs you! You could join us and find an outlet for your surplus produce. Our customers appreciate home grown items and we would like to welcome some new members to fulfil this need! Our logo says ‘COOK, CRAFT, GROW’. If you like to do any of those and would like to be part of a local cooperative, please get in touch.

Our group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion, 10.30am-noon. We charge £3.50 per session and frequently have a speaker. This year we have had everything from a local historian speaking to us about Prettys corset making in Ipswich to running a bed and breakfast in Colchester, as well as a lady who told us about her trip to Iceland (the country not the shop!).

We always have time to chat over coffee/tea and biscuits. We are very sociable and always welcome new people to the group. The pavilion has an excellent hearing loop and a lady voluntarily text types so even people with the most sever hearing loss don’t feel left out, something lots of people with hearing loss suffer. There is also free parking.

Why not give us a try – we would love to see you?

KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts: 10am-noon • Sunday, April 3: Spring is here – make a 3D spring rabbit • Sunday, April 10: Keep losing your page when reading? Create an insect peg bookmark.

• Sunday, April 17: Design a colourful owl to pin on your wall • Sunday, April 24: It’s Ninja Turtle time! Make a 3D Ninja Turtle.

Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

BookStart: every Thursday, term time only Free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers.

Why not come along and join Emma every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories?

• Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Story Time, every Friday morning in term time, 9.45-10.15am Why not pop along to see Emma and join in with the stories, songs, rhymes and activities? This session is funded by the Library’s Community Group.

YOUR MARKET NEEDS YOU!

Each week we have a tempting selection of sweet and savoury bakes (including gluten free), pickles preserves and marmalades and local honey. We sell seasonal plants and garden produce, freshly picked. You will also find a wide range of craft items on offer, all locally made by our skilled crafters.

You can find our more about the market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open from 10.15-11.30am on Thursday mornings at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, and home baked refreshments too. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what we can tempt you with.

If you haven’t been for a while, come and see what we’re up to and give us your feedback.

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

KESGRAVE LIBRARY REFURBISHMENT AND TEMPORARY CLOSURE Kesgrave Library will be closing for a week in April to enable extensive redecoration to take place. The library will be closed from Monday, April 18 to Friday, April 22 and reopening on Saturday, April 23 at 10am.

Customers can use any other library during the closure with Rosehill and Woodbridge libraries being the closest. There is also a mobile service which will visit stops in Rushmere and Martlesham on Tuesday, April 19, and other stops in Rushmere, Playford and Little and Great Bealings on Thursday, April 21. Any library loans due back during the closure will be extended to the following week.

Saturday, April 23: World Book Night – all day. We will be handing out some adult fiction books to encourage people back to reading.

Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

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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.

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OUT & ABOUT GIPPESWYK SINGERS SPRING CONCERT 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

RINGING THE CHANGES At the weekly Martlesham Country Market a room full of warmth and useful things, lovely treats, edible and otherwise, awaits your visit.

William ‘the wood-turner’, Helen ‘Beady’ Evans and knitting supremo Val take turns to bring their unique hand-made offerings throughout the month – and the last week of April is Pie Week. Do drop in and admire the pies: you can buy one to support the cause.

There is always a mouth-watering choice on the food counter, from biscuits and cakes to pastries, savouries and quiches, many in handy small portions. The new season’s marmalade, fruit preserves, jellies and jams vie with Wan Sung’s dangerously hot chilli jam, all locally made by our artisan cooks. See delightful indoor plants and hand-painted pots, local eggs, cards and beaded jewellery, so-soft fleece mittens, hats and scarves to fit all sizes, lovely crochet-work, hand-finished bags, and musttouch wooden bowls: a good source of gifts at a sensible price.

Kesgrave Country Market continues at the monthly Community Market, 9am-12.30pm, with two tables of locally-made crafts and home-baked goods at the Scout Hut every third Saturday of the month.

Now you know where we are and when we’re open, come and see what you fancy, collect your orders and enjoy a refreshing cuppa among friends. Remember the weekly Tuesday morning market at Martlesham Pavilion, behind the Douglas Bader pub, 9.15-11.15am.

Find us on Facebook: Kesgrave Country Market / Martlesham Heath Country Market

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Our spring markets will be held on April 9 and 23, 9am-12.30pm, at Woodbridge Community Hall. All the food we sell is grown, reared, baked, roasted, harvested or cooked within 30 miles of Woodbridge, usually by the stallholder. We’re always happy to answer your questions and to give information and recipe ideas. We have a fine range of produce which is seasonal, tasty and real.

For more information visit www.woodbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk / email Cordelia at woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com / or follow us on Twitter @WoodbridgeFmMkt We’re always interested in hearing from new stallholders so do get in touch if you think you can offer something special.

Local flavours, familiar faces.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

CONCERT IN AID OF FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP 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.

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 6

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 mid-morning 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.

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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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Deben and Gayfer Avenues Saturday, May 7, 9am-noon Bargains galore!

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION 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.

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 ex-London policeman and this promises to be a fascinating insight into crime from the 1960s through to the 1980s.

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.

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 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

MARTLESHAM WI If you are looking for a WI that meets in the afternoon rather than the evening, or if you are looking for a smaller group where its easy to get to know one another and make friends, then Martlesham WI could well be the one for you.

We usually meet on the third Friday of the month for a convivial get together, with competitions, a second-hand book table and interesting and amusing speakers, followed by refreshments. Outside of this, we have a monthly lunch club where we try out various local hostelries and have several outings planned for this year, although we’d love more suggestions. Plus, it’s our 70th birthday in August so our party planner hats are very much on.

Our next meeting is on Friday, April 15, 2.15-4.15pm, at Martlesham Heath Pavilion (next to St Michael’s Church). Our speaker will be Chris Parfitt who will present an illustrated talk entitled Himalayan Journey – Darjeeling, Sikkhim and Bhutan If you would like to try us out you would be made very welcome. Please either just turn up on the day or give me a call if you’d like further details.

June Parkin: 01473 625382

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY 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.

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We were delighted to welcome Steve Atkin of The Hangar 11 Collection based at North Weald Airfield in Essex on Friday, March 4. His talk, to another full audience, was about four pristine Second World War ‘warbirds’ (a Hurricane, Spitfire, P51 Mustang and American Kittyhawk), opening our eyes to the incredibly meticulous work done to keep these planes in tip-top condition.

In all cases the planes have been virtually rebuilt from the tyres up... not surprising since all were built in the early to mid 1940s. Steve showed how this was done, with a look at (among other things) the paint schemes that have been applied and the hunt for spare parts. The Kittyhawk required a refurbished Allison engine. Steve went on a trip to an engine refurbishing firm in the Mojave Desert in Western USA, and was amazed to see what they are doing and just how many refurbished vintage engines they have. He showed us images of these and the huge site and we were similarly impressed. There will certainly never be a shortage of Merlin and similar engines while this firm is in operation.

Unsurprisingly the planes mentioned, in full flying condition, can fetch up to £2m each.

Steve then talked about how these aircraft are made ready for the busy display season, starting shortly. This was a fascinating talk, given by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic and friendly speaker.

Our next talk at Martlesham Heath Community Centre takes place at 7.30pm on Friday, April 1, when Diana Patten presents Redhead in the Clouds about her life as an adventurous lady pilot, a member of a flying family, who took part in Kings Cup Air Races, flew around Africa in a light aircraft and founded her own airfield, Headcorn in Kent. Turn up and pay on the door.

Finally. I remind readers that Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum reopens on Sunday, April 3 from 2-5pm and every Sunday thereafter until Sunday, October 30. It is located behind Parkers Place, off Eagle Way IP5 3UX. Admission by donation. Special group visits by arrangement.

For more information call Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.mhas.org.uk

C O F F E E

The East Anglian Committee of the eve appeal

Saturday 16th April 10am - 12.30pm

The Shire Hall

Market Hill Woodbridge

eveappeal@nealshouse.co.uk

M O R N I N G

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OUT & ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Congratulations to Rotarians David Houchell and Robin Pivett on receiving The Paul Harris Award for Exceptional Service to Rotary.

(r-l) Robin Pivett, Nigel Barratt and President David Houchell

The Paul Harris Fellowship originally acknowledged individuals who contributed, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation to help fund Rotary programmes around the world. This still remains a criteria, but in more recent years it has also come to be associated with Rotarians who have given exceptional service. David and Robin fill both criteria.

DAVID HOUCHELL David has a long history in community service within Woodbridge – Round Table, 41 Club and a member of Woodbridge Rotary Club for 22 years. David attended the Abbey and Woodbridge Schools and is still very much involved in the Old Woodbridgian Association. He was made a Freeman of the town of Woodbridge a short while ago in recognition of his services to the town.

David was president of this club in 2010-11 and served for many years as chairman of the fundraising committee. Since the turn of the millennium the club has raised approaching a quarter of a million pounds for good causes, and while by no means all down to David, it is certain that his untiring efforts have ensured that recent years have seen great successes in this area. There are too many fundraising projects to mention, but as a keen golfer, the annual Rotary Charity Golf Day certainly attracts a lot of people for a hugely enjoyable day as well as raising significant funds, and is largely down to his energy. When the Woodbridge Carnival was resurrected recently and he offered his and the club’s services, there must have been a sense of déjà vu, as he was part of organising the carnival in the 1980s with Round Table.

ROBIN PIVETT Robin became a member of Woodbridge Rotary in 2004 so while he can only boast half David’s service he had crammed a lot into those years.

Robin first came to Chairman Nigel Barratt, Helen Glenholmes Woodbridge’s attention as its community policeman and Rotarian Robin Pivett and has worked for Suffolk Police both as an officer and as part of the civilian staff for 37 years.

For the last few years with the police service he has concentrated on substance abuse, serving with distinction as the Substance Misuse Officer on the District Community Service and Vocation Committee. In this capacity he has helped raise awareness around the 70 clubs in the district, visiting and talking to many of them.

In the Woodbridge Club, we remember Robin as the 2013-14 president, but more importantly for the huge efforts he puts in both for the community and our own social calendar (let’s remember the Tower of London visit, organised almost singlehandedly by Robin), as well as fundraising.

There are lots that could be mentioned in this latter regard, but the most successful must be his latest project, raising around £7,500 almost single-handedly for the Woolverstone Project to provide a state of the art chemotherapy centre at Ipswich Hospital.

Possibly the best story around Robin’s community service was in 2008 when his home in Kesgrave became a temporary depositary of 40 bags of rubbish. Volunteers from the club had given up their free time to support the Keep Suffolk Tidy fortnight, but in attempting to leave it at Foxhall Waste centre were told it was the “wrong type of waste”. Robin looked after it until SCC applied a little common sense.

Please join with me in acknowledging these two members as we offer them recognition as Paul Harris Fellows, and may they continue to thrive and contribute for many years to come.

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…

“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

WOOLLY WONDERS If you are looking for a knitting group to join on Martlesham Heath, you’ll find us in the Runway Café, next to St Michael’s Church Centre.

In April we will be there on Thursdays 14 and 28, from 10am-noon . You are very welcome to join us whatever your level of skill. There is always help available, plenty of chat, tasty scones and excellent coffee.

More details from Rachel: 01473 610437

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm.

We are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments.

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).

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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, multi-talented 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 non-members 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

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

OVER THIRTIES AND OTHERS Firstly, I would like to thank those who supported the IMI (Institute Of The Motor Industry) annual charity fundraiser at the Cameo Hotel in Copdock on Saturday, March 5. Money was raised for the motor trade’s own national charity known as BEN, plus donations will be made to two local causes – The Woolverstone Wish Appeal and local Marie Currie Nurses. An enjoyable evening was had by all.

The next local function on the calendar will be Saturday, May 7 at Kesgrave Social Club where Rodders will be entertaining with music from the 60s to the 90s. Non-members are very welcome and can just turn up and pay on the door.

Anybody looking for mid-week entertainment can see Curt n Rod on Thursday, May 5 at the Truck Stop-Orwell Crossing. Meals are available and the music starts at 8.30pm and goes through to 11.30pm. There is no charge on the door.

Curt n Rod will be playing at Felixstowe Royal British Legion on Friday, May 20 and non-members are also welcome, so please come along and support the Legion and all the good work it does.

Still trying to sort out a date and venue for an Over Thirties Dance. Will advise as and when.

For further information on the above contact Keith: 01473 624538

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WHAT’S COOKING AT DEBEN ROTARY? The district final of the Rotary Young Chef competition took place on February 27 at Suffolk One Sixth Form College in Ipswich. The finalists were all from Rotary District 1080, and the senior judge, Peter Senior, also known as the Master Chef of Melton, was a member of Woodbridge Deben Rotary Club. An extremely high standard was evident in all the dishes produced, and one of the two winners was Richard Mayhew of Farlingaye High School. Richard will now go on to the regional final in Harlow in April, and we wish him all the best.

The college also hosted the district final of Youth Speaks where teams of young people aged 11 to 17 spoke eloquently on subjects as diverse as: Is technology affecting our health? and Feminism: a dirty word?

MEMORY CAFÉ The February session of the Memory Café was particularly successful and we were pleased to welcome several new visitors. A reminder that the café welcomes all dementia sufferers and their carers and takes place at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of every month. Our next sessions are on March 30 and April 27. If you would like to know more about this or any aspects of Rotary please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE The Inner Wheel Club of Woodbridge would like to thank all those who supported our recent charity quiz. Twenty-two teams competed on the night with team ‘Wheel Meet Again’ emerging the eventual winners.

Including the proceeds from the raffle a grand total of £1,054 was raised for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Thanks are also due to club member Deirdre Griffin and husband Tom for organising the event, setting the questions and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

District 8 chairman, Catherine Forsdike, was the speaker at our March meeting. Catherine was made aware of Rotary in her youth through family connections and held several positions within Inner Wheel before becoming district chairman. She has an impressive CV having had a career in nursing and midwifery and is also an ordained priest. It was easy to understand why she has been dubbed ‘Superwoman’ by those who know her. During her working life Catherine had experience of working with those experiencing mental health issues and has chosen to support MIND during her year in office. To raise money for this charity she has set herself Cath’s Challenge. Each Inner Wheel Club she visits is asked to donate 3lbs of fruit which she makes into jams, preserves and chutneys.

These are sold at district events and club meetings and the jars on sale were quickly snapped up, demand exceeding availability. Catherine was given a presentation pack of Tidemill flour with a recipe book as a memento of her visit.

Our club is currently collecting haberdashery items for Tools with a Mission (TWAM) and donations of tinned food, squash and a ride on toy were collected for Lighthouse Women’s Refuge to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

For more information about Inner Wheel please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT U3A MOVES INTO SPRING

KESGRAVE WI Kesgrave WI continues to flourish with yet more new members joining us at our March meeting – but there is always room for more.

Our speaker was Dan Wheal who spoke on herbal medicine. Dan introduced us to a variety of traditional remedies using a wide variety of plant and plant extracts, many of which we had all heard of in our youth.

Those brave enough tried herbal teas, cough mixture and a chocolate and rose ‘rescue’ type remedy. There were a wide variety of herbal products available to purchase. His light-hearted amusing approach was much appreciated by all members.

Our monthly competition was an old family remedy. This was well received with many entries. Dan had a difficult time judging them but ended up choosing the one supplied by Jo Bradley.

Jo’s winning remedy was as follows: ALL STITCHED UP My great grandma was a herbalist in the hamlet of Culpho during the 1800s. At the end of every October she would spread goose fat from neck to waist on her six children and stitch them up in red flannel until spring.

The aroma must have been awful, but the remedy worked. Her children, including my grandfather, all lived healthily into their 90s.

Great Grandma died two days before her 100th birthday.

After coffee Delcie gave a report from the Suffolk East Federation meeting held at Trinity Park earlier in the day. Attended by 800 women, the main speaker was Colin Alderson, former head pastry chef to the Royal household.

Members were given details of planned trips to Brick Lane Concert Hall, East London, East Ruston Gardens, Norfolk and our annual visit to The Hut at Felixstowe in July for our fish and chip lunch and a paddle in the North Sea. Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday, April 7, when our speaker will be Jason Salisbury from Suffolk Cheeses and the competition will be six cheese straws made from a provided recipe. Visitors are very welcome to join us.

For further information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

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 co-ordinators 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 call 01473 273395 or visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk 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.

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 likeminded 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.

Please contact our secretary, Brian Ling, for further details: 01473 464743 / brian.ling47@gmail.com

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB Our bring and buy evening in February raised £70.25 for our chosen charity. This year we are supporting the Felixstowe Mencap Saturday morning drop-in centre for children with learning difficulties. These meetings provide planned activities which help improve the children’s social skills and also provide a much-needed respite for their parents and siblings.

We have two meetings planned for April. On April 14 John Read is giving a talk entitled The History of Soap and Soap Powders and on April 28 Joan Bostock will tell us about Home Start, a charity which works with young people.

The first meeting in May is a talk by Paula Juster about the dump and recycling, just in time for spring cleaning.

All ladies are welcome to these friendly meetings which are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in the Richards Room. To find out more ring Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

BRIGHTWELL MEN IN SHEDS As we move into spring we will be looking to get out of the shed a bit more to do some outside visits to local places of interest. By the time this is published we will have put together a programme for April, May and June so if you are nterested please contact me so that I can get one to you.

The ukulele group is now practising hard and we welcome new members.

We haven’t advanced very far yet so there is time to catch up. Two of our members are experienced guitar players so help is at hand.

It’s difficult to explain our many activities in a short passage like this but we welcome new members by way of our open door and welcome new interests and extend our friendship to all. At present we are about 12 members and look toward expanding this number.

Contact Geoff Lambert, 01473 624130

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OUT & ABOUT 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 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

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

MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM How long have you lived in Martlesham?

Whether you have lived in the parish of Martlesham for the last 20 years or are a newcomer to the area, Martlesham in Bloom’s AGM on Thursday, April 28, 7.30pm in the Martlesham Parish Room, Felixstowe Road IP12 4PB will be of interest to you.

Martlesham in Bloom began in 1997 so next year will be our 20th anniversary. At the AGM we will be having on display all of our portfolios that we made during those years for our entries into the Anglia in Bloom competition, The Doomsday Book made in 2000 and a book of photographs of the parish made for the A Moment in Time exhibition in July 2010 (part of the Open Weekend in Suffolk). The portfolios are filled with photographs and information on many aspects of the parish of Martlesham such as gardens, people, clubs and societies, views and various events that took place during those years.

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If you would like further details please contact J Maureen Burrows, secretary: 01473 625196

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OUT & ABOUT BEALINGS ANNUAL PLANT SALE Saturday, April 23, 10am-noon – Bealings Village Hall, IP13 6LJ With an entry fee of just £1, there will be the usual vast array of plants including perennials, shrubs and vegetable plants to delight gardeners and stalls with produce, cakes and fruit to delight everyone. In aid of Great and Little Bealings Churches, the sale has become a major event in the annual Bealings calendar. There will be a raffle with great prizes and refreshments will be served all morning.

A very special offer has come in and will be raffled separately – a flight experience in a small light aeroplane, a Piper PA28 Warrior, which will be piloted by a qualified pilot. The flight will last about an hour and transport to the airport is included. This would make a wonderful present for someone special – or for yourself!

We look forward to seeing all our regular supporters as well as welcoming new ones. The children’s playground at the back of the hall is ideal for the children to let off steam and you will find good parking facilities Further information from: 01473 735565

WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB February is traditionally our hands-on meeting so we were pleased to see so many members keen to try their hand at making a small floral parcel.

There will be a change to our meeting date for June because of the EU Referendum. We will now be meeting on Thursday, June 30 in the village hall. All other details remain the same.

The quiz night is now booked for Friday, May 20 at Wickham Market Village Hall. Tickets are £8, and include fish and chips. Bring your own nibbles and drink. To book tickets contact June: 01394 384803 Guided by Jenny and Sandra and using the cut foam and stem tube put out for us, along with our prepared individual leaves and a variety of small spring flowers and apple green pins, we all progressed with our designs.

Using a third of a block of floral foam standing on its end we slowly inserted the stem tube into the centre. Then we did a circle of leaves around the tube and another layer after that. Folding over the edge and pinning as we went, we eventually covered the block of foam. As we had all used different leaves there were no two the same. Next a length of ribbon to match the chosen flowers was pinned on to look like

a present. Then we put 5/6 of the flowers in the tube along with a slightly taller piece of foliage or catkins. Very simple yet extremely eye catching if displayed on a sideboard or in a window. Many thanks to Jenny and Sandra for guiding us along.

IMPORTANT Tickets are now available for our 50th celebration open meeting on Thursday, April 28. This is at Wickham Market Primary School with doors opening at 6.30pm. Tickets available from Geraldine Thompson on 01728 746697. These are priced at £12 for non-members and include a ‘show plate’ of food and a demonstration by Nigel Whyles entitled Magic of the Musicals. There will be a raffle and other stalls for you to enjoy also. Book early to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited.

Mandy Pryke

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS DEBEN FLOWER CLUB QUIZ NIGHT 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.

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

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP On a windy Sunday morning in February, the Nature Explorers had the task of checking the bird boxes for the bird box survey, and also doing any necessary maintenance. We cleared Memorial Bird Boxes, out the old nests and made the boxes nice and

by S Corley clean for the new spring bird families to nest in. Our two new memorial bird boxes, put up by the Nature Explorers on the same day, commemorate the lives of our friend Katie Webb, a volunteer and committee member who sadly passing away at just 21, and Ina Staines, the late mother of Richard Staines, another of our volunteers.

Because of the impending high winds, all this had to be done in a shorter time than usual for health and safety reasons as all the boxes have to be reached by ladder. We found that 19 of the 36 bird boxes had been inhabited, mostly by blue tits. A squirrel is currently still living in the owl box.

The Explorers joined the work party and we cleared the dirt and dead leaves off the perimeter track. Who needs to go to the gym for a work out?

Six red deer were spotted on February 19 by hawk-eyed Duncan Sweeting.

They passed through the woods and went down the Western Corridor towards the Autovon Communications Centre on Foxhall Road.

Dates for your diary Sunday, April 3: Nature Watch Club, 9-11am (5-11 years). Please book a place via the email address below.

Sunday, April 17: Volunteer Work Party, 10am-noon. All welcome – come and join us.

Saturday, May 21: Nature Explorers, 9-11am (11-18 years) New volunteers for the work party and members for Nature Watch Club and Nature Explorers are always welcome. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, 01473 612632 or visit: pwcg.onesuffolk.net Chloe King – Publicity Officer and Nature Explorer

CALLING ALL MUMS… We celebrate 16 years of Martlesham Mums’ Club on Tuesday, April 12 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath between 12.45 and 2.30pm. After a birthday lunch (with cake of course) all mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited to take part in our party activities. Come along and join in the fun.

Looking further ahead − our May meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 3 when Sue Lovey, who works as a primary school teacher, will talk to us about preparing children for school.

The Drinks and Dribbles Baby Café will meet in St Michael’s between 10am and noon on Thursdays, April 7 and 21. All mums, grans and carers with babies and small children are invited to join us for refreshments, friendship and toys. Drop in or stay awhile.

For more information on the above please contact Sue: 01473 624130

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

MARTLESHAM AND KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS Thursday, April 21 at 6pm will see the first of the Community Twilight Walks in aid of Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools. The circular walk will start at Martlesham Playschool in Deben Avenue and along the way there will be fun activities for children and adults to take part in. Each walking child will need to purchase a £2 ticket which includes a Glo-stick, a chocolate treat and some face painted stripes on their face. Children are encouraged to come in fancy dress if they wish and of course if the adults wish to they can also come as their favourite character.

At the end of the walk we invite everyone into Martlesham Playschool for some refreshments. Should you wish to purchase tickets please contact either playschool on the phone numbers listed. This event is open to everyone in the community and surrounding villages, and it is hoped to make this an annual event for all families to enjoy.

Should you wish to find out about either of our settings please contact Martlesham (01473 625986) or Kesgrave (07746 907060) and any one of our staff will be happy to help.

The Kesgrave setting in particular is continuing to grow in line with demand and therefore interested to hear from you if you hold a relevant childcare qualification and have experience with early years. We are open term time only but may be able to offer a variety of hours to suit, pay is dependent on the level of qualification and we encourage continuous training with a variety of courses.

Charlotte, play manager Martlesham Playschool: Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060

MARTLESHAM HEATH BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Martlesham Heath Baby and Toddler Group is a small informal group run by mums. We meet every Wednesday and Friday morning from 9.30 to 11.30am at the Pavilion.

Throughout the spring term we have organised a host of wonderful activities for your children to enjoy. We have lots planned for April, including our craft table on April 6 and 8 where your children can participate in a fun craft activity.

We have our favourite photographer, Sadie from Big Fish Photography, visiting in May. She will take pictures of our sessions which will then be for sale to all our members. For every photo sold Sadie kindly makes a donation to our fundraising. Please support us if you can and thank you Sadie.

We would love to see some new faces so, please come along and join us.

We have plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits on a weekly basis we even have a sing song. We look forward to seeing you there.

Contact us at mhbabyandtoddlergroup@yahoo.co.uk or find us on Facebook and Netmums.co.uk

FACILITIES FOR HIRE AT GORSELAND SCHOOL Gorseland School is lucky enough to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), large Astroturf pitch, playground and large indoor hall. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on weekday evenings and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee. The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, sporting groups, scout and guiding groups, fitness classes and other one-off events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed.

Parking is available on site.

For further information or to make a booking please contact the school office: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

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SCHOOLS / SPORT Bright Stars is open to all babies, toddlers and preschoolers 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

DEBEN YACHT CLUB

Sailing by the Deben

by Robert Simper

Local author Robert Simper treated the club to a very entertaining talk on The Day the Deben was the Star for Channel Four Television. Robert gave us a behind the scenes glimpse of what was involved in making an episode of Time Crashers TV series on the River Deben. The programme revolved around the recreation of a Victorian fishing village. The Deben was the chosen location because it is still so unspoilt. After eight months of detailed research and planning, the filming took place in one day when there were 10 camera crews, four boats under sail and 140 people in Ramsholt.

The club supports local charities. This year these are East Coast 50 and the Woolverstone Project. We also host fundraising events for other charities, the first of which will be the RNLI Fish and Chip Quiz on Saturday, April 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8.50 and include supper. This is a popular event so contact Tony Wilman on 01394 386867 to book your team’s place. Please don’t just turn up on the night.

Club racing started at Easter and training courses for beginners and improvers dinghy sailing are in full swing. There are exciting plans for later in the season including a Pirates of the Deben pursuit race to capture Captain Jack, and a Sole Star Run − a challenge to transport a mini-keg of beer from Southwold to the club.

MARTLESHAM OUTDOOR BOWLS Martlesham Bowls Club members have been busy during the winter months preparing for the coming season which begins on April 16.

We are a small, friendly club and actively enjoy playing bowls, playing both friendly and league matches as well as social bowling on Thursday and Saturday afternoons for members new to bowls and those who just enjoy a friendly roll up.

We will be holding an open afternoon on Saturday, May 7 between 2-5pm for anyone to come along and see for themselves whether bowls might be for them.

If in the meantime you would like more information or wish to join our bowls club please feel free to contact the secretary: 01473 622598 / mary.drake@talktalk.net

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BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Winter news from Woodbridge Bowls Club

The last time I wrote, in the autumn, I talked about putting the green to bed. Well, just as the body uses sleep periods for minor repairs, so the green is repaired and cosseted by Malcolm Ord and his band of volunteers during the winter months.

The clubhouse too gathers no cobwebs as there is a social programme for members including our famous Christmas quiz, whist and beetle drives and regular committee meetings. In addition East of England Co-operative Society have included Woodbridge Bowls Club in their Community Chest scheme for February, March and April, so if you are shopping at the Co-op please put your green tokens in our box.

By Sarah Bynom

The opening drive this year will take place on April 17 and the opening league matches are on April 25. On May 7 we have the club open day when all are welcome to visit, have a cup of tea or coffee and try your hand with some bowls. There will be a qualified coach on hand to assist newcomers to the game. Before that, on May 5, we inaugurate our club night when members get together for some social bowls, giving them the chance to practise and improve without the pressure of a league game.

We hope to set aside the first open night of each month as a time when interested members of the public can come along and find out about the club and the game of bowls. Again we hope to have our qualified coach on standby, ready to assist.

One further highlight. We shall be going to Windsor on August 13 where we will play a friendly against the Royal Household Bowls Club. I’m sure we shall have an enjoyable day.

For further information please visit www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk or email me, Anthony Bynom, at: malfrazy@yahoo.com

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 practise 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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CHURCH NEWS

YOUR LOCAL SERVICES GUIDE

A NEW VICAR FOR MARTLESHAM AND BRIGHTWELL What image comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘vicar’?

Perhaps Dawn French the vicar of Dibley, or James Norton in the BBC’s Granchester. Two days ago I was in a race that went across the Granchester meadows and through the village. Hearing the church bells ring as I jogged along made me consider what it would be like to be the vicar of a picturesque village.

Well Martlesham certainly has its beauty and history and so I am proud that I will be starting as the new vicar of Martlesham and Brightwell on April 18. I come with my family to live on the heath and my job is to bring the love of God to all who live, work and visit in the two parishes.

I can’t promise to solve crime or tell bad jokes as my TV counterparts were famed for. But what I can offer is friendship and accompaniment as we all walk the path of life and search for meaning. I believe that meaning is found in Jesus who leads us and makes our faith complete (Hebrews 12:2).

Do get in touch as I would love to meet people and share in your faith journeys – whatever stage they are at. Email clergy@martleshamcofe. org.uk or drop by the Runway Coffee Shop – more contact details when we actually move.

Reverend Toby Tate

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