In Touch
™ ™©©
with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 7 • Issue No. 11 • OCTOBER 2017
Image taken at East Ruston Gardens by Michele Doick – See Westerfield & District Gardening Club report on page 13
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service
01473 327596
orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Gosh life is a juggling act sometimes. I find myself running from one responsibility to the other at such a ferocious pace these days I wish I didn’t need to sleep and could use those hours to catch up instead. Add something extra to the mix, such as making an Iron Age costume for school, sewing on Beaver badges, ordering a guitar case which has no chance of arriving on time, feeding the neighbour’s chickens while they are away... well I don’t know which way to turn. But I cope, perhaps not to everyone’s satisfaction, least of all my own, and treasure the moments when I can hit the pause button, take a deep breath and just stop. Everything we do to relax has involved some degree of work or stress for someone else, whether it’s watching a movie (consider how many hours of planning and effort go into making a 10 second clip of a movie like Moana) or going to the football (imagine the paperwork required to run an Under 8 football team), but when I snuggle up on the sofa or sit on the side of the pitch with a nice cup of tea I really don’t care. It’s my turn to escape. I’m ashamed to admit I’m equally selfish when it comes to many local events. Of course I want them to happen, but I want to enjoy the experience without any of the responsibility. Thank goodness there are others who are far less selfish than I. Presumably they find other ways to escape, but as you read through this month’s edition consider those who do make things happen, who open village halls, who schedule speakers, who organise fundraising events, who make the calls, send the emails, get the quotes, who cajole and harangue others to help, who take the minutes, boil the kettles, buy the biscuits, put up the posters, complete the funding applications... These are the people who provide moments of escape and fun and togetherness for the rest of us to enjoy. One day soon I will raise my hand and get more involved, but right now I need to make a torque!
In Touch
with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: westerfield@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary • Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton • Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Baylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • Ipswich East • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Needham Market & The Creetings • Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone • Burstall & Sproughton • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Melton & Woodbridge
In Touch with...
NOVEMBER DEADLINE 10 OCTOBER 2017
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
NEWS
SSAFA FUNDRAISING EVENT SSAFA, the armed forces charity which offers lifelong support for our forces and their families, is holding a fundraising event as part of Operation Big Brew Up on Friday, October 13 from 10am-2pm. The event takes place at St Andrew’s Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere IP5 1DH. There will be coffee, tea, cakes and tombola.
CABARET NIGHT AT WITNESHAM VILLAGE HALL After last year’s sell out cabaret night at the village hall we are getting ready for the next one to take place on December 2. This year we are supporting The Lighthouse Women’s Aid. We are looking for performers, so if you can sing, play an instrument, tell a story or perform in any way here is your chance to perform in front of an appreciative audience. Contact Christine Laughlin: 01473 785138
WITNESHAM NURSING HOME FRIENDS SAY THANK YOU The Friends of Witnesham Nursing Home thank you very much for attending their Summer Fete on Saturday, August 12. With your generous donations we raised the splendid sum of £502.29. We shall use this money to provide entertainment, gifts for birthdays and at Christmas and craft materials for the residents. Heather Cade
GET ACTIVE STAY FIT Would you like to feel more energetic, regain strength in your muscles and suppleness in your joints? Perhaps you would like to improve your posture and balance and reduce the risk or falls? If so there is a keep fit class starting in Henley Village Hall on Tuesdays, commencing on October 17, from 2.15-3.15pm. The class is a low impact exercise to music class with a focus on building stamina, strength and balance. Each of the sessions start with a gentle warm-up, finish with stretching and relaxation and are easy to follow. You may be pleased to know that you would not need to get down onto the floor during the classes. As well as the physical benefits, exercise is known to be a great way to lift mood as our bodies release chemicals into the blood stream which give us ‘the feel good factor’. Research shows that keeping active is crucial in maintaining good memory and our ability to reason as we age. The classes are run throughout the year on a pay on the day basis and there is also an existing class in the Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Road, Ipswich on Mondays from 11am-noon. For more information please call Julia on 01473 620511.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 3
NEWS ASHBOCKING NEWS I normally like to concentrate on the positive when writing about Ashbocking. That’s not difficult. We are a small village with folk who care about and support each other. But this week people felt violated, angry and let down. We’ve had robbers in our village who have broken into cars and sheds and stolen possessions. Some people may only have had their sheds damaged and nothing stolen, but all feel violated. These robbers moved outside around our homes, lurked in the shadows and took piece of mind. They took from all of us. I hope everyone directly affected can recover from this blow, but now we will all, for some while to come, look over our shoulder, look more closely at that stranger and feel less comfortable in our village.
WESTERFIELD CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS Westerfield Bowls Club The club has more than 50 members who enjoy playing outdoors from April through to the end of September. Our teams compete in local leagues as well as playing friendly games against other clubs. For further information contact Tony Baker: 01473 411347 Village Coffee Mornings Held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Westerfield & District Gardening Club Meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm. • October 4: Autumn Planting for Spring Colour by Matthew Long • November 1: Seasonal Planting (Woottens of Wenhaston) by Lucinda Skinner Everyone is welcome. For further details contact Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 251 843). Beavers, Cubs and Scouts The 1st Westerfield Scout Group was founded in 1955. Using the village hall as its headquarters the group consists of:
Hopefully, if you were feeling somewhat bruised, it helped going down to the Community Land on September 9 and gathering together to celebrate what has been achieved on that land for the benefit of the whole community. And more importantly, achieved by people in the village, for the village. That’s what will endure. Viva la community!
Beaver Colony Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm Boys and girls, 6-8 years old Beaver Leader: Jenny Kent, 01473 218501 / jennyk.kent1@gmail.com Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years Cub Leader: Joan Gibson, 01473 785510 / gibsonjoan785@gmail.com
I would now like to take this opportunity in thanking Catherine Beaumont for all she has achieved in this village. We are sad that she will no longer be a part of our community but we thank her for all she has done, initiated and supported. She has been part of many of our lives and we will miss her energy and her interest. We thank you Catherine and wish you well.
Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years. Scout Leader: Peter Runnacles, 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com
Liz Stegman / Pictures by John Pollard
If your child is interested in joining us please use the contact form on our website from where your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate leader: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk
TALITHA KOUM
Westerfield WI Lively meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the village hall with different speakers on a variety of topics. The membership is 42 at present. • October 12: My Sister and Other Liars, Ruth Dugall • November 9: Annual Meeting New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749
The Hope Centre, Wash Lane, Witnesham IP6 9JE We are delighted to tell you that our CQC inspection happens in mid-September, after which we can admit women to the Hope Centre for treatment. Our team of staff will be on site 24/7 providing the rehabilitation care for women which will give them hope for their futures. No more than seven women can stay at any one time. It may be that our service, designed to help women manage their recovery from alcohol or drug addiction is something you want to know more about. Please do call us on 01473 857432 for more information and details of our residential centre.
SUFFOLK SINGERS CHORAL WORKSHOP Gloria by John Rutter, directed by Claire Weston, assisted by John Hutchings and Chris Milton, Sunday, October 22 at Framlingham College, 9.30am-5pm.
Pilates Classes in the village hall on Mondays from 10.45-11.45am. Beginners welcome and equipment provided, £6.50 in advance/£8 drop-in. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Exercise class at Westerfield Village Hall on Tuesdays from 2.15-4pm and Thursdays from 7.15-9pm. Cost £12 per class. Suitable for all ages. If you are interested please contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com
Adults £20, under 19s free. Includes all music, expert tuition and tea and coffee all day with delicious afternoon cakes. Please bring a packed lunch. Free public performance at 4.30pm.
Yoga Westerfield Village Hall on Thursdays from 9.40-11am. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches, breathing practices and relaxation. British Wheel of Yoga qualified teacher. £48 for block of six (£9.50 drop-in). Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380
To reserve a place or for more information contact: 01379 788143 / bvankoningsveld1@btinternet.com / www.suffolksingers.co.uk
Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability of the village hall. For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk
4
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
5
NEWS DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING Events take place in the village hall unless indicated otherwise: Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 01473 785798 It is always advisable to check with Anne to see if the village hall is available. Parish Clerk: Mr Steve Barron, 07719 176917 / swill-witpc@outlook.com The parish clerk or Anne will arrange between them to put notices on the noticeboards. WEEKLY EVENTS
Thursday 5 • Mobile Library visits Witnesham at Weyland Road (9.50-10.20am), Swilland outside Moon and Mushroom (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am) • Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm. Contact Christine Laughlin: 785138 Saturday 7: Witnesham St Mary’s Gift Day and Bring and Buy stall at the top of Coopers Close, 10am-noon Wednesday 11: WI meets to hear a talk on Gift Boxes by Sally Griffin, at 7.30pm
Tuesdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm • Drop-in Café at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm • Carpet Bowls from 7pm. Contact Mr Peter Elmy: 785754 Thursdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Tai Chi Classes from 5.45pm. Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Fridays • Mums and Toddlers Group in Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Mrs Jean Pearson: 785478 • Pilates Class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com • Carpet Bowls from 2pm
Saturday 14: Children and their parents/family are invited to a Messy Church session at Witnesham Baptist Church with friends from St Mary’s from 10am-1pm. There will be crafts and other activities as well as songs and a short talk. Following this there will be a lunch for everyone. Thursday 19: Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church, 7.30pm Thursday 26: Mobile Library The Green, Ashbocking, 12.15-12.35pm NEWS OF STUDENTS We congratulate the following students who have completed their A Levels or similar courses of study recently and will be continuing their studies:
Regular Sewing Classes: Please contact Mrs Kim Shaw: 785678 IN OCTOBER Monday 2: There will be drainage improvement works along High Road, Swilland between the B1077 and Swilland St Mary’s Church. These will continue for two weeks for 24 hours each day, subject to weather conditions. Access to properties and businesses will be available subject to ongoing operations. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times. Diversions for through traffic will be via the B1077, B1078, High Road and vice versa.
Matthew Cross from Witnesham is studying for a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University, sponsored by the RAF. Robert Doig from Witnesham is embarking on an MA in Spanish and Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh. Amilie Elden from Swilland is studying for a BA in Fashion, Communication and Promotion at Nottingham Trent University. Alicia Girling from Witnesham is studying for a BA in Early Childhood Studies with Psychology and Sociology at the University of Suffolk. Max Williams from Ashbocking has embarked on an apprenticeship at Hudson’s Electrical in Framlingham.
If you are searching for a venue for your activity or club on a regular basis, Witnesham Village Hall is now available on Mondays. To enquire about booking or for general one off bookings please contact Anne Debenham: 01473 785798 The prices for hiring the hall are as follows:
DAY
8am-1pm
1-6pm
6-11.30pm
ALL DAY
OUTSIDE HIRERS
Mon-Fri & Sun
£38.50
£38.50
£38.50
£105.50
Saturday
£44
£44
£55
£132
VILLAGE RESIDENTS
Mon-Fri & Sun
£22
£22
£22
£61.50
Saturday
£27.50
£27.50
£27.50
£82.50
He loved walking, so we all walked back from the service It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day
01473 851731
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 6
In Touch online:
ADVERTORIAL
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.
Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
Friendly and free expert advice
ballantines blinds & awnings
01473 411779 • 01449 613535 www.ballantinesblinds.co.uk • sales@ballantinesblinds.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
7
OUT & ABOUT WITNESHAM AND SWILLAND VILLAGES SHOW RESULTS 2017 VEGETABLES 1: Runner Beans 1 Martin Bloomfield / 2 David Thorn / 3 Philip Mead 2: Beetroot 1 Philip Mead / 2 Jerry Hindle 3: Broad Beans 1 Pat Roots / 2 Philip Mead 1 Olive Balaam 4: Cabbage 5: Carrots 1 Jerry Hindle / 2 Olly Calver/Steven Utteridge 6: Courgettes 1 David Thorn / 2 Stephanie Gould / 3 Philip Mead 7: Peas 1 M Bloomfield / 2 Stephanie Gould / 3 Pat Roots 8: Potatoes 1 Jerry Hindle / 2 Phil Mead / 3 Olive Balaam 9: Shallots 1 Pat Roots 1 Paula Saward / 2 Steve Henley / 3 Jerry Hindle 10: Rhubarb 1 Nick Stanley / 2 Phil Mead / 3 Jerry Hindle 11: Box Veg Jt. 1 Jerry Hindle / Olly Calver / Phil Mead 12: Ugly Veg 13: Allotment Holder 1 Martin Bloomfield SALADS 14: Cucumber 15: Lettuce 16: Radishes 17: Spring Onions 18: Tomatoes 19: Salad Box
1 Liz Farrow / 2 Stephanie Gould 1 Stephanie Gould 1 Olly Calver 1 Nick Stanley / 2 Jerry Hindle 1 Liz Farrow / 2 Pat Bloomfield / 3 Paula Saward 1 Nick Stanley / 2 Liz Farrow
FRUIT 20: Currants 21: Gooseberries 22: Raspberries
1 Nick Stanley / 2 Ann Kent / 3 Steve Henley 1 Ann Kent / 2 Steve Henley / 3 Olly Calver 1 Pat Roots / 2 Linda Dowdeswell / 3 Caroline Sherrod
FLOWERS 1 Pat Roots / 2 Steve Henley / 3 Ann Kent 24: 3 Roses 1 Ann Bennett / 2 Pat Roots / 3 Ann Kent 25: 1 Rose 1 Pat Stanley / 2 Maureen Thorn / 3 Anne Camp 27: Perennials 1 Paula Saward / 2 Olive Balaam / 3 Liz Farrow 29: 3 Pinks 30: Herbs 1 Stephanie Gould / 2 Ann Kent / 3 Anne Camp 1 Olive Balaam 31: Pansies 33: 1 Fragrant Flower 1 Nick Stanley 34: 1 Perfect Flower 1 Linda Dowdeswell / 2 Pat Bloomfield / 3 Nick Stanley 35: Foliage Plant 1 David Thorn / 2 Liz Farrow / 3 Olive Balaam 36: Flowering plant 1 Pat Roots / 2 Stephanie Gould / 3 Nick Stanley 37: Begonia 1 David Thorn FLOWER ARRANGING 38: Floating Flowers 1 Liz Farrow / 2 Anne Camp / 3Pat Stanley 1 Melanie Utteridge / 2 Pat Roots 39: Welly Boot 40: Jug of Flowers 1 Pat Stanley / 2 Pat Bloomfield / 3Hannah Wilks 41: Table Decoration 1 Olive Balaam / 2 Paula Saward
8
COOKERY 43: Victoria Sponge 1 Gemma Dempsey-Gray / 2 Olive Balaam / 3 Sarah Bailey 45: Handmade Bread 1 Caroline Sherrod / 2 Linda Dowdeswell / 3 Steve Weldon 46: Bread Maker Loaf 1 Derek Parker / 2 Ann Kent / 3 Nick Stanley 47: Vegetable Cake 1 Ann Kent / 2 Liz Barraclough 49: Ladies’ Gingerbread 1 Pat Bloomfield / 2 Pat Stanley / 3 Linda Dowdeswell 50: Men’s Gingerbread 1 Steve Utteridge / 2 Michael Sherrod / 3 Ian Bailey 51: Jam 1 Caroline Sherrod / 2 Ann Bennett / 3 Stephanie Gould 2 Ann Kent 52: Jelly 53: Marmalade 1 Ann Bennett / Jt. 3 Olive Balaam & Stephanie Gould 1 Gemma Dempsey-Gray / 2 Ann Kent 54: Lemon Curd 1 Stephanie Gould 55: Chutney 57: 3 Eggs 1 Stephanie Gould / 2 Paula Saward / 3 Martin Bloomfield HANDICRAFTS 59; Knitting/Crochet 1 Anne Debenham / 2 Linda Dowdeswell / 3 Ann Bennett 60: Tapestry/Crossstitch 1 Anne Debenham / 2 Linda Dowdeswell 62: Seeing Blue Photo 1 K Dempsey-Gray / 2 S Henley / 3 D Rushbrook 1 David Rushbrook / 2 Maureen Thorn / 3 David Thorn 63: Suffolk Photo 1 Michael Wilks / 2 Richard Nicol / 3 Paula Saward 64: Trees Photo 1 Anne Camp 65: Greetings Car 66: Jewellery 1 Linda Dowdeswell 1 Linda Dowdeswell / 2 Trudy Parker / 3 Paula Saward 67: Artwork 1 Hannah Roots / 2 Melanie Utteridge 69: Gift Wrap CHILDREN UNDER 5 71: Face Mask 72: Rainbow 73: Bling Bear 74: Garden Flowers
1 Joshua Godfrey / 2 Noah Rose / 3 Robin Lee H/C Logan Smith 1 Joshua Lummis / 2 Joshua Godfrey / 3 Margot Roots H/C Emily Godfrey & Sebastian Wilks 1 Margot Roots / 2 Georgia Weldon / 3 Imogen Weldon H/C Joshua Lummis & Blake Dempsey-Gray 1 Sebastian Wilks / 2 Margot Roots / 3 Joshua Lummis
CHILDREN 5-7 75: Garden on a Plate 1 Alexia Dempsey-Gray / 2 Thea Wilks 76: Rainbow 1 Thea Wilks / 2 Keeley Utteridge 77: Bling Bear 1 Keeley Utteridge/ 2 Alexia Dempsey-Gray 1 Alexia Dempsey-Gray 78: Gift Wrap CHILDREN 8-11 79: Gingerbread Man 1 Emilia Oxborrow / 2 Lilly Calver 80: Knight’s Shield 1 James Fiddaman / 2 Anna Cook 81: Bling Bear 1 Eloise Utteridge / 2 Emilia Oxborrow / 3 Mia Bailey H/C Anna Cook 82: Gift Wrap 1 Anna Cook / 2 Eloise Utteridge / 3 Emilia Oxborrow
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
9
ADVERTORIAL
ADVERTORIAL
GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Granite Transformations is the company that started with “the top that fits on top”. Owners Steven Leech and Darren Cribb – the current holders of the prestigious Franchisee of the Year award – have taken their business from strength to strength and now offer so much more. Not only do they do amazing worktops, splash-backs and flooring in the same amazing materials, they also offer hand cut glass mosaics, a large range of kitchen doors, full kitchen installation and bedroom wardrobes. Steve believes Granite Transformations is successful because the company’s products are unique: “Our extensive range of surfaces are made from Italian granite, natural quartz or recycled glass. All materials are mixed with a high-grade polymer resin to make them non-porous and heat, scratch and stain resistant. All worktops come with a lifetime warranty. The range of products we offer has something to suit every client. “Our growth over the past few years indicated to me that we needed bigger showrooms. With the opening of our showroom within Hatfield’s of Stanway and Ipswich we feel we are perfectly positioned to offer the best possible service and products to our ever-growing list of satisfied customers. “Our worktops are fitted directly over the top of existing surfaces so
10
there is no need to remove the old tops first, this means no mess. They are also perfect for new kitchens as we supply the substrate that we need to cover free of charge. “The sheets are engineered to be a flooring and has been used as a flooring since the 70s. We source all the materials ourselves and manufacture the sheets. We only have employed staff fitting the granite, quartz and doors. All of these factors enable us to offer a life time warranty.” Over the past three years the sale of doors has doubled, an increase which Darren believes is due to the quality for the doors. He explains: “We offer four types of doors that are made to measure and all come in 20+ colours and 20+ styles and with a six-year warranty. This increase has also been helped by the increase on new kitchens. All the units we offer are made to measure and come colour matched to the door given you a bespoke kitchen without the big costs. “You can use Granite Transformations for any project. The installations we do now are a lot larger than ever before as we now oversee everything. We can do it all for you making it simple to do major work on your home.” If you have a project you need help with then come and see us at one of our showrooms. Hatfields Home Furnishers Peartree Road, Stanway Essex CO3 0LA 01206 807347
Unit 3, Alstons Court Leslie Road Ipswich IP3 9PL 01473 851360
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER FIFTIES CLUB The club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from 2-4pm. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House. It is fully accessible and has disabled facilities within. Our programme up to the end of the year is: October 11: Social Afternoon October 25: Halloween History and Customs November 8: Beetle Drive with Jean November 22: Social Afternoon December 13: Christmas Meal at The Chequers We have quite a varied programme and new members are always welcome. If you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant
OTLEY & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Patron: Matthew Tanton-Brown We meet at 7.30pm on the first Monday of the month at Otley Village Hall, Chapel Road, Otley. Monday, November 6: Sir Cedric Morris – Iris Breeder, Gardener and Artist with Sarah Cook and Jim Marshall Compare gardening notes over tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome – join up or just come along. Admission is £1.50 for members, £4 for nonmembers, and annual membership is £10. To find out more, contact Alan Trevelyan (01473 890563), Emma Coomber (07814 112860) or Isabel Lincoln (01473 890826).
MUSIC AT THE ANGEL The Angel in Debenham is pleased to welcome back popular folk rock duo Silbury Hill to play another concert for them. Silbury Hill will be at The Angel on Saturday, October 7. The concert starts at 8.30pm and entry is free. To discover more information about Silbury Hill, their concerts and recordings,visit: www.silburyhill.net
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, October 25: The Seddon Atkinson Story, illustrated talk by Richard Grey We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee. Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
11
ADVERTORIAL
ADVERTORIAL FENCING TO BE PROUD OF
After 30 years in the timber trade, Charles Simpson decided to start his own business. On discovering Colourfence and replacing his mother’s wooden fence and gate with a Colourfence he became a franchisee. Ten years later, the fence still looks great and Colourfence in Suffolk is more popular than ever.
“I have seen almost every combination of soil, slope, height, colour and style imaginable and whilst not every site is suitable for Colourfence the vast majority are. Add ColourRail and our matching gates into the mix and we can transform front and back gardens so you never have to paint another fence.”
Now with more than 700 fence installations under his belt, Charles believes that Colourfence is the best general garden fencing product on the market today.
Colourfence is durable, strong, secure, versatile and good value with no ongoing maintenance costs. Find out more at www.colourfence.co.uk/Suffolk where you will also find lots of pictures and client testimonials.
“Let me explain the magic behind Colourfence and our famous 25 year guarantee. Colourfence is durable, treated steel with a finish that gives you rich, long lasting colour and prevents rotting, warping and peeling with just an annual hose down. What’s more, once fitted the fence withstands wind gusts up to 130mph so no more fence panels flapping around after a storm “And not only is our product great, our service is too. Our goal is to give you fencing that is attractive and remains fit for purpose without costly and time consuming annual treatments. To give you the best possible customer experience we offer national survey and fitting services via our fully trained franchise network rather than casual contractors. We strive to give value for money and publish our prices for all to see. Our free no obligation survey and quotations are just that, free, and with clourfence ad march2016 WIP_Layout 1 03/03/2016 09:25 Page 1 no obligation.
COLOUR F E N C E
Colourfence the smart choice for long lasting, low maintenance fencing
Attractive steel garden fencing, railings and gates professionally installed with up to a 25 year guarantee* C O LO U R F E N C E
DITED ACCRE
C O LO U R R A I L
ANCE INTEN LOW MA
PROFESSIONAL
INSTALLATION
Learn more about the innovative and long-lasting Colourfence range of products including satisfied customer video testimonials at www.colourfence.co.uk
Contact Charles Simpson now for a FREE no-obligation quote
The Limes Farmhouse, Saxtead Green, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9QH
Tel: 01728 685019 www.colourfence.co.uk email: charles.simpson@colourfence.co.uk
12
*full details available upon request
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS WESTERFIELD & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB After a full and varied spring/summer programme we had our annual members’ barbecue at the beginning of July, once again hosted by Monica and Andrew Ford. We were blessed with a fine evening and lovely food. The weigh-in of our potato growing competition also took place, with results from growing just one seed potato in a bucket varying from 3ozs to 53ozs! Our first outing also took place in July – a full day trip to Capel Manor Gardens in Enfield, home to Capel Manor College, with more than 60 different gardens to explore. It was a lovely day and a lot of walking was involved, with lots of us making a bee line for the plant sales area before we left. The second trip took place in August, when we visited firstly Blacksmiths Cottage Nursery/Shorelands Wildlife Gardens, just outside Dickleburgh. What a delight! After delicious cakes, scones and drinks in the tearooms accompanied by one of the 20 onsite free-roaming tortoises and an introductory talk by enthusiastic owner, Ben Potterton, we were shown the birds and animals living in the grounds. Somewhere, although we never saw them, there are uncaged monkeys as well as donkeys, alpacas, ducks, geese and dozens of other birds and animals. We moved on to the renowned East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens, arriving in time for lunch, and spent a glorious afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the old vicarage itself. We have had our first autumn presentation on The Oak Tree Carbon Free Farm in Rushmere St Andrew. Our next meeting, on Wednesday, October 4, is a talk entitled Autumn Planting for Spring Colour by Riverside Bulbs, followed on Wednesday, November 1 by a presentation by Woottens of Wenhaston. Visitors are welcome at our meetings in Westerfield Village Hall, with free adjacent parking. A £4 entrance includes refreshments and a draw ticket. Meetings commence at 7.30pm. For more information call Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 251843).
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL I am delighted to be able to write to you at the start of this school year as I step up to be headteacher at Claydon High School. This role is for two terms while Mrs Skinner undertakes the exciting position of CEO of the South Suffolk Learning Trust and executive headteacher at Claydon High School. I have already worked at Claydon for six years as assistant and deputy headteacher, with a focus on teaching and learning, and have been proud of how the school has developed in this time. I am excited about building on its many strengths, working with some excellent colleagues, governors and members of our community, especially parents/carers. The wait was finally over for our Year 11 students when they received their exam results in August. They were the first cohort of students taking the new exams which are designed to be more challenging. Of our 140 students, 65% achieved a grade 4-9 in both Maths and one of their English GCSEs; the grade 4 is equivalent to grade C in other subjects. Our students achieved 24% of passes at grade C or 4 in their EBacc subjects, which include a language and humanities subject. We had many strong performances in individual subjects including from some students who had faced significant challenges during their GCSE studies. We are proud of all our students. As well as celebrating exam results, I would also like to pay tribute to the contribution these students made to school life in sport, music, drama, art and the many other areas of achievement and creativity in which they excelled. I wish them all the very best with the next stage of their education and training. I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for their fantastic support and to highlight the hard work and commitment of all the teachers, staff, governors and wider community that has contributed to our success this year and helped students on their journey. Moving forward to this new academic year, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new staff and Year 7 students and their parents/ carers. We have had a very busy start to the autumn term and I am delighted at how well our new students have settled in. Starting high school is an exciting time and it is pleasing to see how brilliantly they have adapted to the big changes in their school day and environment. We have lots of events and activities organised for this half term. Year 11 students are particularly busy with planned trips for several departments including Business Studies, Geography, Leisure and Tourism and to the Suffolk Skills Show. As I write, staff are busy planning for WOW Week at the beginning of November. This will be three days of specially designed activities for each year group. Year 7 will be camping at Mersea Outdoor Centre, taking part in various team building activities such as orienteering and rocket building. Years 8-10 will participate in a media based enterprise challenge. This will focus on creating an entrepreneurial spirit, developing leadership skills and accelerating employability skills. Year 11 students will spend a day at a college, sixth form or university, work with the YMCA on activities in school and will begin to complete application forms for future study and jobs. I will let you know how they all get on in December’s edition. If you would like to know more about our school and were unable to attend the recent open evening, please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term. The date of the next one is Friday, October 6.
Images taken at East Ruston Gardens by Michele Doick
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
Headteacher Ms M Taylor
13
SCHOOLS / SPORT THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY
WITNESHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL
We welcomed all our children back for the start of the new term. They are very excited as we are thinking about the seasons, starting with autumn and all the woodland creatures, falling leaves, mixing colours, conker rolling and tractors that have brought in the harvest. The children will collect items of ‘store cupboard’ food from home to make up a harvest package for a gift to The Salvation Army to help in their centres during the winter months.
Partly due to the retirement of a much-loved midday supervisor, we are actively seeking two people to enhance our midday team.
We are going to do some digging in our garden and plant some seeds, as well as looking back on what we did in the long summer holiday. Circle time is the ideal time to gather everyone together and talk about what has happened in our families, where we have been, whom we spoke to and share the children’s treasures that they bring in to nursery. We have a great outside environment which has a water rill, willow house, wobbly bridge, big sandpit and slide and play houses as well as the very homely cottage style interior with graphics area, home corner, story room, allowing children to explore and build on their learning through their play. Also with the colder weather coming we have the advantage of being able to offer a hot cooked meal at lunchtime – something for everyone on the menu.
If you are available from 11.55am-1.10pm, Monday-Friday, during term time and wish to help develop children’s social skills at lunchtime, please contact Mrs Diane Baker at Witnesham Primary School: 01473 785252 / ad.witnesham.p@talk21.com Full training will be provided. DBS check will be compulsory. This is wonderful opportunity for someone who is looking to work just a few hours a week and who is young at heart!
WITNESHAM AREA PRE-SCHOOL This term we are learning about people who help us such as doctors, nurses, police officers and fire fighters. We will be visited by a policeman and a nurse so that the children can learn about what they do and we are even planning a trip to a fire station. Witnesham Area Pre-school is a friendly, rural pre-school situated next to Witnesham Primary School. We welcome all children aged two to four. If you are looking for a place to use your 15/30 hours free childcare we still have places available. For those without free hours we charge £3.60 per hour. If you need extended hours there is childminder nearby who picks up from the pre-school.
An autumn play day in the half term holiday will provide valued childcare while providing a day full of fun for the children. Do come and visit and see our quaint cottage turned into a thriving bustling nursery full of glitter, paint, castles, railways and lots and lots of smiles. To arrange a visit contact us on: 01473 890950 / theoldschoolhouse@btinternet.com www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB As the Caribbean gets acquainted with the sort of weather that our winter and floodlit teams have to contend with on a weekly basis, it makes me realise that the rest of the world have never spent a wet week in Clacton in August. I have played in gales where the wind was so strong that when I served I managed to ace myself! (Nick still managed to hit his serves out though) The summer season has finished and the teams are getting their survival suits ready for the start of the winter season. Winter leagues are Sunday mornings (when if you finish in good time the pub has just opened) and the midweek floodlit leagues (when if you finish in good time you can get a good hour in the pub afterwards). We usually enter two or three sides in the Sunday morning league and one men’s side in the floodlit league. The annual Maureen Sillett trophy match was played on September 3 versus our neighbours Sproughton. Sproughton ran out winners in the American Mixed Doubles tournament. The teams had an enjoyable time and look forward to next year’s match at Sproughton. If you think I haven’t a clue about tennis you should see me at a quiz! I’m pleased to announce that there will be a quiz on behalf of Bramford Tennis Club at the Sports Pavilion on Friday, November 17, start 8pm, teams of four. More details next issue. Why not come along to our ladies only tennis sessions at Bramford Tennis Club? The aim of these sessions is to encourage more female players to
14
engage or re-engage with the sport of tennis through a friendly noncompetitive and supportive coaching environment. The sessions are suitable for all levels of ability and will concentrate each week on a particular stroke or tactical aspect of the game using a mixture of shot progressions, drills and fun tennis related games (racquets and balls provided, all you need are trainers, comfortable clothing and a willingness to take part and have some fun). The following sessions started w/c September 11: Mondays, 9.3010.30am; Tuesdays, 6.30-7.30pm. Each session is run on a pay and play basis (members £3 / non-members £4)so just turn up five minutes before the start time, though if you are interested in attending, send a quick email to: carl.douglas@talk21.com Rather a lot of tennis news this month (stand up whoever said ‘for a change’ at the back) so only time for a quick Joke of the Month. My friend went on holiday to Yorkshire and said although it was lovely he wasn’t sure he would return. When I asked him why, he replied: “Well the locals weren’t that helpful – I went into the local department store in Bradford and asked where I could find towels, and they gave me directions to the bird sanctuary!” More guff next month, Mick Russ
In Touch online:
Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
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
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
15
CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING As I was thinking about what to write I was starting the kneeler I volunteered to embroider for Clopton Church. The kneeler I chose has musical notes on it, and the words ‘Sing to the Lord’. As Doris said when I went to choose which one I wanted to do, “I thought you would do that, what with Fred (my husband, retired vicar and organist) playing the organ for us and you being a page turner”. So here I am starting the kneeler and thinking, music and singing. We are very blessed to have people who will play the organ or piano at church, but there are occasions when it has to be karaoke, that is singing while being accompanied by CDs. Not easy, need to check the number of verses, will it be fast? Will everyone be able to hear the music? And for the person doing the music what track the hymn is on and remembering to have all the CDs and equipment ready for the service. It is great if you have Clare leading the service as she is an accomplished singer and can lead the music without the CDs. Then I thought of the time St John’s College Cambridge Choir came to the prison where I work to run a workshop for the prisoners and how both prisoners and students learnt new songs together and performed them.
WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE BENEFICE Monday 2 • PILGRIM in Grundisburgh Upper Room, 7pm • Otley and District Gardening Club, Otley Village Hall, 7.30pm Tuesday 3 • Baby Café, Grundisburgh Parish Room 9-10.30am • Craft and Coffee at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon, 10am-noon • Churchwardens meet with Ministry Team in Upper Room, 7pm Wednesday 4 • Hobbies Group, Clopton Village Hall, 10am-noon • Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am • Grundisburgh SWAPSHOP, 10.15-11.30am Friday 6 • PILGRIM at Sheila Snelling’s, 54 Gurdon Road, Grundisburgh, 10am • Hasketon Harvest Supper, Victory Hall, Hasketon, 7pm Saturday 7 Wedding of Oliver Christian and Chelsea Dorey, Ashbocking
So why do we Sing to the Lord – what is the point? If you are one of my stepsons you would say, “There is no point. I don’t like singing and that’s the part of the service that I least enjoy”. For some people the hymns are memories from school or church in the distant past. For others there are opportunities to learn new hymns and songs.
Sunday 8 Grundisburgh Sunday Club in the Parish Room, 10.45am
Did you know that the longest running outside broadcast on the radio is Choral Evensong on Wednesday afternoons? It started over 90 years ago on 7 October 1926. I recently wrote an essay for my Reader Course about the purpose of music within worship. I looked at Plainsong which is singing unaccompanied, and at that time sung by monks and nuns. Singing in church changed greatly through the ages, Bach’s cantatas, hymns by Charles Wesley (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing), Timothy Dudley Smith (Lord, For the Years), to today’s hymn-writers such as Matt Redman (The Heart of Worship) and Keith Getty (In Christ Alone).
Tuesday 10 Open the Book rehearsal in Grundisburgh Upper Room, 9am
When I looked further into plainsong I discovered that it is still popular today with choirs like The Sixteen undertaking world tours and their tickets selling out within hours of going on sale, selling as quickly as Ed Sheehan concerts. We read in both Matthew and Mark that the disciples and Jesus sang a hymn at the Last Supper. Monks used plainsong to sing psalms and canticles as the majority of people at that time would have been unable to read. Today we can go to different churches and find a wide variety of hymns, songs, choruses and meditative music. For some it is the music that decides if a person stays at a church or not. Singing and praising God is very important in worship. Martin Luther, whose anniversary we celebrate this year, instructed people to meet midweek to learn hymns and practise their singing so that they could sing well on Sunday. Luther wrote, “After the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world”. Singing can be a form of prayer, or putting it another way we can make our prayers into songs. Bishop J.C. Ryle, who was a vicar at Helmingham Church, said: “There is an elevating, stirring, soothing, spiritualising effect about a thoroughly good hymn, which nothing else can produce. It sticks in men’s memories when texts are forgotten. It trains men for heaven, where praise is one of the principal occupations. Preaching and praying shall one day cease for ever; but praise shall never die. The makers of good ballads are said to sway national opinion. The writers of good hymns, in like manner, are those who leave the deepest marks on the face of the church.” Jane Woods SERVICES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Sunday, October 1: 9.30am Holy Communion, Swilland Sunday, October 8: 11am Harvest Festival, Ashbocking Sunday, October 15: 11am Family Service, Swilland
16
Monday 9 • Grundisburgh Prayer Group, 5pm • PILGRIM in Grundisburgh Upper Room, 7pm
Wednesday 11 Ashbocking House Group at the home of John and Linda Pollard of Hawthorns, 7.30pm Thursday 12 • Woodbridge Deanery Chapter meet in Grundisburgh Church with Bishop Mike, noon • Grundisburgh Church Tiddlywinks Group, 2.30pm Friday 13 PILGRIM at Sheila Snelling’s, 54 Gurdon Road, Grundisburgh, 10am Saturday 14 • Visiting Bell Ringers in Grundisburgh, 2pm • Burgh Harvest Supper: 6pm at The Barn, Burgh House courtesy of Bill and Jacqui Mayne; tickets in advance £7.50 Monday 16 • PILGRIM in Grundisburgh Upper Room, 7pm • Monday House Group at the home of Malcolm and Sandra Green, 7.30pm Tuesday 17 • Open the Book performs at Grundisburgh School, 8.30am • Ministry Team Meet at 6pm Wednesday 18 Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am Friday 20 PILGRIM at Sheila Snelling’s, 54 Gurdon Road, Grundisburgh, 10am Saturday 21 Burgh Soup Lunch, Burgh Schoolroom, noon-1.30pm Sunday 22 Grundisburgh Sunday Club, 10.45am Wednesday 25 Ashbocking House Group at the home of John and Linda Pollard of Hawthorns, 7.30pm Thursday 26 Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm
In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS THANKS FROM WENDY Thank you everyone for a wonderful and memorable retirement celebration on the morning of September 3. Your kind words, written messages and exceptionally generous gifts somewhat overwhelmed me. I knew that saying ‘farewell’ to so many Benefice friends in both services at Hasketon and Grundisburgh would be an emotionally bitter-sweet occasion with my tears very close to the surface – which indeed they were. Yet, my memories now also recall moments of laughter, happiness and joy in being able to publicly thank and acknowledge certain aspects of my ministry with you. My spiritual growth and opportunities to minister in a broad and fulfilling way have, of course, been guided and nurtured by Clare to whom I owe an enormous debt of gratitude. Yet, so too, with many of you, who have shared prayers and pastoral occasions which have been meaningful and profound. Thank you Hasketon and Grundisburgh PCCs for arranging delicious refreshments at both coffee time and lunch, which enabled myself and Alister to mingle and chat informally with folk. I’d like to especially thank the parishioners of Hasketon who gave me a beautiful picture of St Andrew’s Church, which now graces my study. Also, I received an exceedingly generous gift of National Garden Vouchers, which I can assure you will be put to good use.
Furthermore, I received generous cheques from Hasketon, Burgh, Boulge and Grundisburgh which I have forwarded to my chosen charity, EACH (East Anglian Children’s Hospice). The combined donation to EACH will total £795.50 when they reclaim Gift Aid. This is a wonderful sum of which I am truly grateful. Thank you. I look forward to meeting with you in the not too distant future, and catching up with all your news. Heartfelt thanks, once again. Blessings and Good Health, Wendy FANCY A COFFEE? Grundisburgh: Wednesday 4 from 10.15-11.30am and Saturday 7 from 10.30-11.45am, both at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms Ashbocking: Friday 6 at the home of Sue and Mike Surridge, 9 Nelson Close, Ashbocking, 10am-noon Swilland: Saturday 7 at the home of Gina Wilden, 7 High Road, Swilland, 10am Otley: Thursday 12 at the home of David and Tess Papworth of Lavender House, Otley, 10am Clopton: Wednesday 18 at the village hall, 10am-noon
WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH The winter approaches as we turn the clocks back at the end of the month. Meanwhile this month we have a busy time beyond our usual Sunday and week-day activities. On Saturday, October 14 we are having Messy Church when all the family (from zero to 100 years young) can come along and enjoy being creative, having messy fun and hearing something about Jesus. The title or theme this time is simply Who is Jesus? Hopefully we will have a clearer idea by the end of the morning. Then on Tuesday, October 31, while others may be trick or treating, we are holding a Light Party. This will a family time party including games to celebrate good things and the light rather than darkness and the scary things portrayed at Halloween. As a fellowship of Christians we celebrate the Light of the World – Jesus – who came to dispel darkness in the world and our lives. Jesus is the Son of God and came to show us and invite us to be part of God’s Kingdom. The darkness people celebrate at Halloween, even if seen as fun, is the opposite of what Jesus came to show us and is against God. Christians follow, serve and trust in Jesus, celebrating the good in the world and pleasing God. Doing that is exciting and includes having fun while not threatening people with tricks or expecting others to give us treats just because we ask them to or even threaten them. The hallowed evening before All Souls’ Day has been turned into a time of superstition and not a time to give thanks to God for all those who trusted in Jesus and have died during the last year. It would be great to see you at any time to talk about these things, please feel free to contact me. Pastor Andrew Our main activity to which all are welcome is our worship and celebration of Jesus at 11am every Sunday. Also every Sunday morning is our Family Time Together at 9.30am for 30-45 minutes. This is a time of activity, story and song for all the family to learn more of Jesus. Sunday, October 1: Pastor Andrew, includes Communion Sunday, October 8: Mr Clive Spurgeon Sunday, October 15: Team Ministry Sunday, October 22: Pastor Andrew Sunday, October 29: We join with our friends at St Mary’s Witnesham WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesday • Drop-in Café, 2-4pm. All welcome to call in for a cuppa and biscuit, friendship and chat. Combine it with your visit to the post office. • Open House, 7.30pm. Informal discussion on wide range of topics from a Christian perspective.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
Friday: Mums and Toddlers Group, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Jean Pearson: 01473 785479 OTHER EVENTS/ACTIVITIES Monday, October 2: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, 12.30-2pm. A light lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, October 11: Prayer Fellowship, 2pm Wednesday, October 25: Bible Study, 2pm ONE-OFF SPECIAL EVENTS Saturday, October 14: Messy Church, 10am-1pm. For all the family from zero to 100 years (no children unaccompanied please). Games, activities, Bible story, songs and food. Tuesday, October 31: Light Party, 4-6pm. Alternative family party – no trick or treat, just good fun celebrating all that is good. The church is generally open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 9am and 5pm for prayer and listening. For personal prayer in confidence please contact Pastor Andrew. The post office is open in the conservatory on Tuesday afternoons (12.304pm) and Thursday mornings (9am-12.30pm). Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptisrt.org.uk MESSY CHURCH, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Calling all children, their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and all other young at heart members of our community. Witnesham Baptist Church and St Mary’s Church, Witnesham invite you all to join us for Who is Jesus? on Saturday, October 14 at Witnesham Baptist Church. Activities begin at 10am and include crafts, games, singing, stories and lunch, finishing at 1pm. Everyone, whatever your age, is welcome, but we do ask that children are accompanied. There will be something to appeal to all with plenty of choice of activities. There is no cost. Those of you who have been before for our ‘Messy’ events know what fun it is, so we hope you will all come again and bring your friends and neighbours. Please save this date; we look forward to seeing you.
17
In Touch with WTW Bringing Harvest Home We might not want to admit it, but perhaps we should recognise that Harvest Festivals are not what they used to be. Those rural communities where people dropped everything else when the corn was ripe to help cut, bundle and gather up the sheaves of wheat and barley simply don’t exist in our part of the world. The measure to which the barn is filled at harvest time being the measure to which our stomachs will be filled over the coming year disappeared long ago. Having said that, I’m not against the major effort that goes into decorating our churches for Harvest Festival, and I love a kneesup, but it's no more than a tradition that feeds on fond imaginations of a simple idyllic life that actually was tough. The importance of harvest in terms of raw survival in times past made it an annual feature in services of worship. People brought their offerings and either thanked God for the year’s abundance or prayed for his help in surviving - not every harvest was a time of joy and merriment. Because we now harvest the world all year round and have food trade routes that cover land, sea and air it would
The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
have to take a disaster on a world scale to bring us to our knees. Our ancestors of only a few generations ago were much more aware of what their knees were for. We in the West have little to be thankful for because we’ve cracked food security. The developing world may think differently.
Day / Date 1st October Trinity 16
8th October Trinity 17
15th October Trinity 18
18
St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin
How fresh and simple is the food? How far did it travel to the shop? How much am I influenced by advertising for processed foods? Father God, make me a wise and caring steward of the resources you have given us all our sustenance requires. Challenge me to eat well and fairly, and to thank you for my daily harvest. Amen. Paul
Annual Church Gift Days Westerfield: Sat 23rd September Witnesham: Sat 7th October Tuddenham: Sat 28th October The wardens will be writing to every parishioner and electoral roll member appealing for support for your local church. The churches rely on local donations since, contrary to popular belief, they receive no financial support from the national church. Between the three, they need to raise over £65,000 a year to maintain the buildings and a church presence in the villages.
This information was correct at the time of going to press (early last month) occasionally it can be necessary to make changes—please cross reference with our website for the most up-to-date information at www.wtandw.org.uk
St Mary’s Witnesham
St Mary Magdalene Westerfield
9.30am Family Communion
11am Harvest Festival Followed by lunch in church
9.30am All-Age Worship
10am Family Communion
9.30am Family Communion
10am Morning Worship
11am Family Communion
10am Family Communion
11am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion
All Saints Day
What am I eating?
How cheap can a chicken honestly and fairly be?
9.30am Morning Worship
5th November
How much am I throwing away?
Does my shopping trolley reveal my care for this world, its people and our environment?
Trinity 19
29th October
Is the Third World farmer getting a fair deal?
Spare some time, as today is another harvest day, to consider and pray:
22th October
Last Sunday in Trinity
Do I need summer fruits in winter?
Today we could consider some very modern questions. Why, for instance, are so many more people suffering from serious food allergies - where did all those intolerances to things we eat come from? Why is diabetes on the rise? Why are so many people eating themselves to ill health? There are no easy answers, as our modern living presents all sorts of environmental, economic, social and health challenges and issues that intertwine to form complex knots, but modern food processes may play some part in them, including our treatment of our environment.
CHURCH SERVICES October—November
page 1 of 2
Joint service with Baptist Church at Witnesham
11am Joint Benefice service with Baptist Church
9.30am Family Communion
10am All-Age Worship 3pm Thanksgiving for Life
11am Family Communion 8am Holy Communion 11am All-Age Worship
Joint service with Baptist Church at Witnesham 11am Family Communion
In Touch online:
In Touch with WTW
The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
Church Diary—October 2017
Who’s Who:
Mothers’ Union—Thursday 5th October Revd Alan talks about “Miss Meadows and Christchurch Park: the story of Hill House” followed by tea in the church room (contact Ann Bennett 785685).
MINISTRY TEAM:
Benefice Youth Group—Wednesday 11th and 25th October, 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—rehearse on Thursday 7th and meet again on 21st September, 7.30pm in the back room of Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138) Kingdom Kids—will meet in the south aisle of church on Sunday 8th October (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Wednesday Prayers—said Morning Prayer in Westerfield Church Room each week at 9.30am (Holy Communion is said on the first week of each month except January and August)
PARISH PRIEST: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk ASSOCIATE PRIEST: Rev’d Catherine Forsdike t: 01473 252904 e: Catherine@wtandw.org.uk To enquire about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, telephone or email Rev’ds Alan & Catherine Forsdike. READERS: Paul Laughlin
01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk
Carol Rivett
01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk
ELDER Julia Farmer
Annual Benefice Away-Day Sat 18th November at Playford Village Hall. We’ve been having these informative and interesting days for many years. They are an opportunity to work together as a benefice and share some valuable fellowship and make friends too. This year, the Revd Canon Sally Gaze the new Diocesan Dean of Rural Mission will be working with us to help us to listen carefully to how God is at work and to join in with that work. This event is open to everyone in the benefice. There’s plenty of room for a lot of people. We make no charge and there will be an excellent hot lunch and drinks throughout the day.
Thank You!
The benefice has had a very good year for Fetes. Blessed with fine weather and good attendances not only did everyone have a good time but the financial rewards have been pleasing and helpful.
Tuddenham church £2,565 Witnesham church £2,000 Westerfield church £2,377 [Westerfield Scouts £973]
Our churches receive no direct funding from the national church so everything needed to maintain the buildings and a church presence in the villages is through the generosity of the villagers and other supporters.
page 2 of 2
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk
CHURCHWARDENS: Tuddenham 01473 785296
Jim Punton Jim@wtandw.org.uk
Tuddenham 01473 785272
Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk
Westerfield 01473 230188
Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk
Witnesham 01473 785673
Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk
KINGDOM KIDS—WITNESHAM Gill Thorley 01473 890821
Gill@wtandw.org.uk
BENEFICE YOUTH GROUP Julia Farmer
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk
Along with the churchwardens and ministry team, I am very grateful to everyone who supported the events by attending, organising, preparing, donating, making, running stalls and, of course, clearing up afterwards. Rev’d Alan
More details will be available nearer the time but please put the date in your diary now and let Rev Alan know if you are coming asap.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
19