In Touch with East Bergholt - December 2015

In Touch

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with Dedham, East Bergholt & Flatford

Volume 3 • Issue No. 3 • DECEMBER 2015

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Merry Christmas

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My son is remarkably indecisive and it’s not a trait he has inherited from me! He and I have attempted to write to Father Christmas on no less than eight occasions now and each list has been completely different save for a bouncy egg which has topped the list every time.

I kid you not! A bouncy egg is the thing he wants more than anything else. Basically it’s a egg shaped bouncy ball which costs about £1.50, but I suspect Jack will have hours of fun playing the same trick on us over and over again! Oh joy!

But despite the frustration of trying to force Jack to make a final decision I’m quietly pleased that he is so keen to have a simple, inexpensive gift.

I know Lego will make it onto the final list in one form or another and possibly some football ‘stuff’, but while Jack is still relatively immune to the power of advertising I clearly don’t need to overspend in order to have a happy five-year-old. Next year might be more difficult. I dread the day he asks for a mobile phone, but I’m going to copy my brother John and agree to Jack having a phone for his 14th birthday. I can hear you scoffing in disbelief, but John’s four teenagers still speak to him – when they’re not on their phones!

This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!).

Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing.

It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

In Touch

with Dedham, East Bergholt & Flatford

In Touch with Dedham, East Bergholt & Flatford is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

bergholt@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 and Distribution: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Advertising: Cameron Kerr Email: cameron@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 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.

Printing: Colourplan Print 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP 01473 400379 Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk © 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 Dedham, East Bergholt, & Flatford is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

NEW • Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

IMPROVEMENT WORK BEGINS IN SUFFOLK AND ESSEX Improvement work on the A12 and A14 worth £3million began on Monday, November 30 and will continue until April, providing smoother and safer journeys for drivers.

The first phase will focus on new road markings, installing new road signs, replacing sections of safety barrier and resurfacing sections of the road on the A12 junctions 13 to 15 (Trueloves Interchange to Webbs Farm Interchange), between junctions 29 and 30 (Crown Interchange to Stratford St Mary Interchange) and junction 27 (Spring Lane) slip road.

In December, the work will involve embankment repairs at Braiswick and Chelmer, resurfacing at junction 16 (Galleywood) and new road signs and markings junction 29-30.

Highways England project manager, Homy Atife, said: “This work will make journeys better for local people by improving safety for the thousands of drivers that use these roads each day. We understand this scheme will cause some disruption for drivers and we have planned to carry out the work overnight to reduce the impact. I would urge motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time in case of any delays. Local residents directly affected by the work have been informed and will be escorted through the work where appropriate.”

In the New Year work will take place on the A12 at Stratford St Mary, A14 junction 56-58 (Wherstead to Levington) safety barrier replacement, drainage work on the A12 junction 2729 and resurfacing on the A12 between junctions 27-28 and 30-31.

The £3million contract is part of Highways England’s commitment in the region to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads.

The final two phases of work will begin early next year and all work will be suspended during the Christmas period to enable motorists to get away over the festive period.

Further details of the work, including diversion routes will be provided in the East of England weekly roadwork summary.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available at: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

JANUARY DEADLINE 11 DECEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS COURSES FOR FAMILY CARERS – FIND OUT MORE FOR FREE Suffolk Family Carers is a Suffolk wide organisation which aims to offer support and information to anyone caring for a friend, family member or neighbour with any kind of illness, disability or frailty. If you offer support, help or encouragement to a friend or family member who is unwell then you are a Family Carer and are able to access our free Caring with Confidence courses.

These courses provide information and tips on ways to confidently care for your friend or loved one. A variety of topics are covered such as effective communication to get your needs met, ways to manage your emotions and take better care of yourself, balancing caring with other commitments you may have, and looking at day to day challenges. We

also have a wealth of resources which may help with a variety of issues and concerns you face within your caring role.

If you care for someone with dementia you could also access our Caring for Dementia with Confidence course which is specifically designed for those caring for someone with dementia or memory loss. These sessions are not only a great way to gain useful information, but also give you the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

These sessions run regularly so to find out more about either Caring with Confidence or Caring for Dementia with Confidence please contact us: 01473 835446 / cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org

GRANTS OF £20K AVAILABLE TO HELP COUNCIL TENANTS BUY THEIR OWN HOMES Council tenants who want to buy their own homes are being urged to apply for £20k grants to help them onto the property ladder.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were successful in applying for funding from the government’s £84m Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund which was launched earlier this year. This twoyear funding opportunity, called HomeOwn, is designed to help Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation and to buy a home that best suits their needs on the open market.

The scheme enables Babergh and Mid Suffolk to make one-off payments to council tenants of up to £20,000 as a cash incentive to buy a house for the first time – freeing up a council house for someone else in the process. Initially the scheme was offered to tenants living in one and two-bed-homes. It has now been opened up to all eligible tenants regardless of the size of their current property.

A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for.

Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi.

Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could

borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property. Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before.

“The application form was extremely easy to fill in and we received a quick decision from Babergh and Mid Suffolk allowing us to have our own home and to free up a council house for someone in need.”

Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These grants are a great opportunity for our council tenants to be in a really good position to buy their own home. We all know how difficult it is for people to actually get a foot on the housing ladder so any assistance we are able to offer is fantastic.

“Housing is a strategic priority for both councils. We need to free up council properties to help more people move off of the housing register so if you think may be able to do just that and eligible for one of these grants, then get in touch.”

And Councillor Jennie Jenkins, Babergh’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Both councils are delighted that our first family to take advantage of these grants have bought their house and are now enjoying family life in their new home.

“I am so pleased that we were successful in gaining this government funding. Babergh and Mid Suffolk tenants can now have access to a choice of homes on the open market which they may otherwise have not been able to afford. Anyone who thinks they could take advantage of this offer should contact us immediately.”

To apply for the incentive, tenants will need to show that the purchase of a property on the open market will be a sustainable one, they must have a clear rent account for the past 12 months, be purchasing a property that meets their current housing needs (all of the household must move into the new property) and prove that they can re-pay a mortgage.

For further information on this scheme – and to check eligibility – please contact Paulina Malinowska, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Home Ownership Officer: paulina.malinowska@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 724753

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NEWS SIGNED BOOKS TO AID FUNDRAISING East Bergholt Sports Centre is raising money for a specialised piece of kit for disabled users.

We run sessions with a very experienced and qualified member of staff for people referred by physiotherapists and specialists at Ipswich Hospital. The equipment we would like to purchase is for the very frail and would only be used for these sessions. We are holding a number of events and fundraising efforts to reach the goal.

A kind benefactor who worked in the publishing industry has donated two signed hard back copies of books by well-known authors Jacqueline Wilson and joint authors of the Edge Chronicles

Paul Steward and Chris Riddell. The books in question are Love lessons by Wilson and The Last of the Sky Pirates by Steward and Riddell.

These two books will be auctioned with the money raised going towards the total needed for this new piece of equipment. Anyone interested in acquiring these books should send their sealed bid to East Bergholt Sports Centre, Heath Road, East Bergholt CO7 6RJ or email: christine.marsh@ebhigh.org.uk The bidding process will close on Friday, December 4 so you need to get your skates on to get copies of these wonderful children’s books.

NOTES FROM THE CASE – Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub! Bentley Community Pub wins Age UK Award Bentley Community Pub has won another award to add to our collection. The Usherwood Award, Inspiring Age 2015, has been awarded to all our older volunteers by Age UK Suffolk.

The award was presented at the Age UK Suffolk AGM in Kesgrave on Wednesday, November 11. There to collect the award were Ted Poole, Jackie Tiller and Jenny Lingard, who were chosen to represent the pub via a poll of all our regular volunteers.

This award recognises that older people have been at the very heart of our journey to save

the Case is Altered and restore it as a hub of the village. They serve on the committee, provided expert advice during the initial difficult period of buying the pub and now with ongoing matters, and rolled their sleeves up to help renovate the pub when we bought it. Nowadays our volunteer teams, who do all the gardening, maintenance and most of the bar work, consist of many stalwart older people.

Without our amazing senior citizens, Bentley would not have a pub today. We extend our congratulations and heartfelt thanks to every one of them.

One of our older citizens gave us a brilliant quote: “Before we rescued the pub, the village was in black and white – now it’s in colour!”

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS • Sunday, December 20: open all day from noon-10.30pm, carol singing from 4pm.

• Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday 24: normal hours • Christmas Day and Boxing Day: noon2pm and 7-10.30pm (no food) • Sunday, December 27: noon-4pm and 7-10.30 pm (food noon-3pm) • Wednesday, December 30: normal hours • New Year’s Eve: Party night with an optional Shrek fancy dress theme: noon2pm and 8pm ‘til late (no food) • New Year’s Day: noon-2pm and 7-10.30pm (no food) COMING UP IN JANUARY • Live music from Louie 2 Tone on Saturday, January 16. Singing two tone, reggae, ska, mod and northern soul hits. Food served from 6-8pm, music starts at 9pm.

• Quiz Night, Saturday, January 30. Food served from 6-8pm, quiz starts at 9pm.

Volunteers (l-r): Jenny Lingard, Annie Owen, Diane Clover, Dave Lingard, Jackie Tiller, Pat Keenan, Ted Poole, Chris and Gill Pink and Peter Cross

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For more information on these events, please visit www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ SaveTheCaseBentley), telephone The Case on 01473 805575 during opening hours, or email us at: savethecase.bentley@gmail.com

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New

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NEWS ARDLEIGH SURGERY NEWS Everybody wants to be well for Christmas, but I am sure you can remember at least one Christmas that you spent in bed with a cold or flu. There is so much pressure now to have the ‘perfect’ day, but sometimes our bodies don’t co-operate and we are left facing a number of guests feeling less than our best. I can certainly remember spending one Christmas morning at the local out-of-hours GP service with a very poorly child.

Short of moving Christmas to the summer months, there will always be coughs, colds, flu and tummy bugs circulating around Christmas. The more families are together indoors, the more the likelihood of sharing these infections. So what can you do to protect yourself?

• If you are entitled to an NHS flu vaccination, make sure that you visit your surgery and have this done. If you are not entitled, but would like to have a vaccination, a lot of the supermarkets and larger pharmacies are offering private vaccinations at around £8. This year we are again vaccinating young children with the nasal flu vaccination and if your child has been invited, please contact the surgery to have this done.

This vaccination not only protects your child, but older people with whom they may come into contact.

• Other vaccinations are routinely offered to promote good health in the older age groups – there is a vaccination to help prevent pneumonia available for the over 65s and those under 65 with chronic diseases.

Unlike the flu jab, this is a one-off vaccination. Shingles, as anyone who has had it will know, is a painful condition and a vaccine has been developed to protect against it. This year, this is being given to those born between 2.9.1942 and 1.9.1945 and also those born between 2.9.1935 and 1.9.1937. Please contact the surgery for any further information on these vaccines or to book an appointment.

• Keeping yourself in tip top condition is obviously important. There is little time now to lose weight or stop smoking before Christmas, but exercise is important and a daily walk in the fresh air does wonders both for morale and fitness. Losing weight or stopping smoking can be one of your new year’s resolutions, and the surgery is able to help with both.

• If you are on medication, make sure that you take your medication regularly and ensure that you have enough medication to see you through the Christmas and New Year period. While you are going through your medicine cabinet, make sure that you also have a supply of ‘homely’ remedies –medicines that you can buy over the counter, like paracetamol, ibuprofen or indigestion medication.

• To avoid food poisoning, store all food correctly and cook thoroughly.

To avoid the spread of illnesses, make sure children (as I am assuming adults are good at this!), use tissues and dispose of them hygienically.

Good hand washing never goes amiss, but is particular important to stop the spread of illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

• Most importantly remember that although we may be shut, you are not on your own if you need advice. If you have a computer the NHS Choices website has lots of advice on how to treat various symptoms and if you dial 111 from your phone (which is a free call) you will be able to get advice from a clinician. The 111 service can also arrange for you to have an appointment with an out-of-hours doctor if they feel that is appropriate.

• Obviously the emergency services and the Accident & Emergency Department at Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals remain open throughout the holiday. Please use these services sensibly and for life threatening conditions only.

I really hope that you have a wonderful and above all healthy Christmas.

Ardleigh Surgery will be closed from Christmas Day and will reopen on Tuesday, December 29. On behalf of every one at the surgery, I would like to wish all our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Practice Manager Stephanie Durrant

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE MATTERS AT THE OCTOBER MEETING • • • • • •

Nine planning applications were considered – recommended three refusals, five approvals and one no comment Approval was given to commence the six week statutory Section 14 consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan and to commission a Health Check by a qualified planner Clerk to write to Babergh District Council and housing associations about housing stock availability for refugees Request for us all to support the police liaison meetings as they are now being organised by volunteers The parish council is now the lease holder for the Red Lion car park and conveniences for the next 19 years The parish council approved the Policy & Finance Committee proposed updates to the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

OTHER MATTERS • •

Please refrain from walking dogs in the East Bergholt cemetery – NO DOGS ALLOWED To allay concerns, the Neighbourhood Plan has been produced by many hours of volunteers time and mainly funded from the £15,000 obtained from grant applications

The parish council wish you a very Happy Christmas and a successful 2016.

Valerie Ayton, parish clerk

Christmas & New Year

Waste & Recycling Collection Schedule 2015/16 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

IMPORTANT CHANGES

Due to the bank holidays during the Christmas and New Year period it has been necessary to amend the usual collection schedules. Please see below for your revised collection days.

Please ensure your bins are presented by 06.30am on the day of collection.

Usual Collection Day Monday 21 December 2015 Tuesday 22 December 2015 Wednesday 23 December 2015 Thursday 24 December 2015 Friday 25 December 2015 Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Friday 1 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Recycling collection this week

Revised Collection Day No Change No Change No Change No Change Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Saturday 2 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Saturday 9 January 2016 Rubbish collection this week

All brown bin collections are suspended for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. Please check www.babergh.gov.uk for details.

From Monday 11th January normal waste and recycling collections resume

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)

Flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations

The new patient group has been meeting regularly since July. A list of members along with contact details is available at both surgeries and on the practice website: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk

We held flu clinics at East Bergholt on October 6 and Capel on October 15. This year we had more clinicians than in previous years and representatives from the Patient Participation Group helped to direct patients. As a result queues were minimal on both days and feedback from patients was very positive. We vaccinated more than 1,800 patients over the two days and raised £853.26 for St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Thank you for your generosity.

Patients who are eligible for free NHS flu or pneumococcal vaccination but were unable to attend one of our flu days can book an appointment at one of our weekly mini clinics.

We have also now sent out letters to children eligible for a free NHS nasal flu vaccination and have set up clinics after 4pm. The parents/ guardians of all eligible children will have received a letter by midNovember inviting them to book an appointment. This includes all children aged two-four on August 31, 2015, and children at risk because of their health condition. Note that children in School Years 1 and 2 may be offered a vaccination at school.

The practice is also offering free NHS shingles vaccinations to patients aged 70, 71, 72, 78 or 79 on September 1, 2015. All eligible patients will receive a letter and can have the vaccination at any time over the next year. Please contact the practice to book an appointment.

Practice feedback We have been monitoring patient feedback over the last few months since we started to address the concerns highlighted by the CQC in April. We are delighted to have received generally positive feedback on the changes we have made so far. On September 7 we launched a new appointment system and this appears to be working well. We have committed to never turn a patient away, though they may need to speak to a doctor or nurse practitioner on the phone and then be seen in person if necessary.

We have taken notices down from doctors’ doors stating that only one problem is to be discussed per 10 minute consultation and our doctors will aim to spend the time necessary to fully address a patient problem. Of course they do operate under time constraints and appointments are nominally 10 minutes long, so if you think you need longer then please let the receptionist know and they can book a double appointment. However, feedback is positive and suggests patients feel they are being listened to and treated appropriately.

We have also been working with all staff to ensure that the overall experience when patients need to contact the practice is professional and helpful, and again your feedback is generally very positive.

We value feedback, both positive and negative, so please either complete the Friends and Family Test or PPG comment cards available in waiting areas, or leave a comment on the NHS Choices website.

Clearly we should be alerted when problems arise, but we also want to hear about positive experiences as this provides confirmation that the changes we are making are having the desired effect.

We also have comment boxes in both waiting rooms and our email address is: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Group members helped at the two flu days in October. We hope that your experience this year was much improved. At the beginning of November we gave our views on patient care to the inspectors from the Care Quality Commission. By the time you read this we should know the result of the re-inspection.

We thought it would be helpful to explain the role of PPGs and here is a summary.

PPGs and practices work in unique partnerships to: • contribute to the continuous improvement of services and quality of care • foster improved communication between the practice and its patients • provide practical support for the practice and help to implement change • help patients to take more responsibility for their health PPGs can also help with: • Advising the practice on the patient perspective • Organising health promotion events • Running volunteer services and support groups to meet local needs • Carrying out research into the views of those who use the practice (and their carers) Please contact us if you have any comments and suggestions which you feel would help us with our objectives of improving the patient experience.

We are also still hoping to get more volunteer drivers so we can ensure that people without transport can get to appointments at either surgery. Please get in touch if you can help.

Kathy Pollard Chair, Constable Country Patient Participation Group

Training days Just a reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, December 9; Wednesday, February 10; Thursday, March 10.

On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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In Touch online: 29/10/2015 16:21

NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: NOVEMBER 2015 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Suffolk and Norfolk devolution The team charged with putting the case for Suffolk and Norfolk devolution met with government representatives, including Lord Heseltine, in London on November 4.

Representing all of Suffolk and Norfolk’s 16 councils and New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the team has been charged with outlining initial thoughts on what devolution could mean for the two counties following proposals drawn up by Suffolk and Norfolk councils and New Anglia LEP and to answer any challenges and questions put to them by senior civil servants headed by Lord Heseltine.

The discussions will set out the areas over which the councils and the LEP would like more local control with the aim of boosting economic prosperity and social cohesion. Long-term infrastructure and transport funding, plans to kick-start more housing projects and a focus on productivity, are some of the ideas up for discussion, as are greater control over youth and adult skills and more joined up health and care services.

At this stage, the main focus for the team is on the powers the partners would like to have from government rather than the structures in which those powers would be delivered. Any final deal document would need political and democratic sign-off by all 16 councils and the LEP. Update of Joint Strategic Plan Following the election in May this year, Babergh and Mid Suffolk are carrying out a review and update of the strategies of the two councils in light of key local, regional and national factors that have changed since the Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) was developed in 2013/14.

The management team has therefore started an exercise, working with portfolio holders from both councils, to refresh the JSP. Items on the agenda are: housing delivery; business growth; community capacity building; assets and investments; and efficient organisation.

The management team will be undertaking activity that will identify proposals for the 2016/17 budget. The focus of the activity will be to address the question ‘are we using our resources to have the optimum impact on the councils’ priorities’, and also to identify how we could generate a net reduction in budgets. They will be looking for good ideas, large or small, to change and improve how services are delivered in both the short and medium term throughout this process. They will also be looking for ways to increase income and generate new income for the two councils.

Management review Babergh have concluded the consultation for phase 1 of the Review of Management Capacity. The purpose of the management review is to make the best use of resources within the context of devolution, latest government initiatives, strategic priorities and delivering core services with less core revenue funding.

As a result of the feedback some key changes in management have been implemented. The purpose and focus of the review is to fine-tune the organisation and continue to develop the organisation from within through supporting the workforce to embrace change.

Fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE New council-built homes Work has finally begun on the first phase of council housing to be built in Babergh and Mid Suffolk in nearly 30 years. Sixty-five homes will be built across both districts.

Twenty-seven of these will be in Babergh on two different sites – 12 one-bedroom flats in Lavenham and 15 two- or three-bedroom homes in Glemsford. The homes will be highly energy efficient with low running costs, mostly targeted at ‘local needs’. All of the homes should be completed by mid-2017. They will be advertised via ‘Gateway to Home Choice’.

Grants for council tenants to move into open market housing Babergh and Mid Suffolk successfully applied for funding from the government’s £84M Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund. Current tenants who would like to become first-time home buyers can apply for a grant of up to £20K to help them get on to the property ladder. This ‘HomeOwn’ scheme runs for two years. It is designed to encourage tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation to buy a home best suited to their

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needs. At the same time, this will free up a council property for new tenants. A maximum of 10 tenants from each council area can use these grants. Anyone interested in taking up this offer should contact Paulina Malinowska on 01449 724753. (See page 9) Hadleigh Market Consultation has begun on how to increase footfall in Hadleigh High Street and how to enhance the town as a visitor destination for both visitors and local people. Babergh is asking local people to respond online at www. surveymonkey.com/r/HadleighMarket or to direct comments to Clare Boniface on 01449 724880. Council officers will also be at the weekly market until the end of November.

Community Achievement Awards Unsung heroes who give hours of their time to their communities are being sought for the 2016 awards. There are four categories: 1: for a young person or group of young people (under 18) who have made an outstanding contribution to their school or community

2: for someone who has given selfless service to a voluntary body or made a real difference to their community 3: for groups of people whose work affects the wider community by improving the environment or helping those in need 4: a local business which has contributed significantly to the social or environmental well-being of the district and its residents Full details are on the Babergh website or available from Jo Beever on 01449 724654.

Funding workshop at St Mary’s The council’s communities team organised a second ‘Get Your Project Funded’ event in Capel St Mary in October. This was run in partnership with The Church of England Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Suffolk County Council and the National Churches Trust. Sixty-three delegates attended a very successful morning of talks and workshops.

The aim is to help residents, groups and community projects to maximise their community assets. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT be local, so if you know of anyone over the age of 18 years who may wish to join the team, please encourage them to get in touch with us on 01206 298483/298553 to find out more. Anyone interested would receive full training, plus constant support from the team and would not be expected to respond alone until absolutely confident to do so.

We have a fundraising race night coming up on Saturday, March 12 at 7pm to support Heartwatch and enable us to keep all the community defibrillators going. Please hold the date and come along to Constable Hall to support us. More details will follow in the new year.

Urgent request: More community responders needed This is a call to action for any would-be community responders. At the moment East Bergholt Heartwatch is unable to cover 24 hours a day every day, due to a shortage of responders. If you do not get a local responder, it’s because we don’t have cover and therefore your responder may be from further afield and take longer to get to you.

We want you to get the best service we can offer and we want it to

The public community defibrillators are at the Royal Oak, East End; Constable Hall; Flatford Information Centre; Brantham Leisure Centre; Holton Village Hall and recently a privately donated defibrillator has been installed outside the East End Butcher. Heartwatch makes sure all are maintained and always ready for use.

Thank you for your on-going support.

Heartwatch Committee

VENTURE CENTRE 2000 MODERN DANCE CLASS Introducing new dance group, Just Dance, holding their first Sunday lesson and freestyle for modern jive on Sunday, December 6. A festive party with a fun lesson and two hour freestyle from 7.30-10.30pm which all levels (from beginners to experienced) are welcome to join. Tea, coffee and cakes provided in the £8 entrance fee. Come along and enjoy a lovely fun social evening .

Even though modern jive is our core we really don’t mind if you just want to come along to enjoy the music and do your own strictly style! For further information contact Caron: 07772 449781 VALUATION EVENT The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations at The Venture Centre on Wednesday, January 13, 11.30am-3.30pm.

Valuations will be available for the following types of collectables: coins (including British and World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives and proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals and militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre1900 documents/books and maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre1960 sporting programmes and tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets and de-activated weapons. No appointment necessary.

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms and conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110 / sales@lockdales.com ITALIAN EVENING Colchester Gateway Clubs is a local charity which runs social clubs for adults with learning disabilities in Colchester and Tendring. Fundraising is an essential part of the charity's income and for the first time, an Italian evening is being held at the Venture Centre on Saturday, March 12. Local support for this event would be greatly appreciated. Please contact charity manager Mandy Hudson: 07999 278472 / thursdaygatewayclub@hotmail.com

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SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

So call us today, we are here to help.

BRANTHAM LEISURE CENTRE Upcoming events December 6: Christmas HELL-OFF-A-DO, Christmas lunches December 20: Kid’s Christmas Party in aid of Meningitis December 31: House Party, 8pm-midnight Free to members / buffet £3 non-members. Charity raffle for AMECA, Alex's Medical & Educational Clinic in Africa, with two lots of two front row Club Wembley seats for the Carling Cup Final and also for England v Netherlands and lots of other great prizes.

01206 392506 / info@branthamlc.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT HADLEIGH COMMUNITY CHOIR’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2015 Hadleigh Community Choir presents its annual Christmas Concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 12 in Hadleigh United Reformed Church, Market Place, Hadleigh. Tickets (£8) are now on sale from Keith Avis Newsagents and The Idler bookshop in Hadleigh High Street.

The choir will be singing a mix of popular carols and seasonal music, with additional performances by choir soloists and a first appearance from some of the children in our newly formed junior choir. By popular demand we will again be inviting our audience to join in a Christmas carol sing-along (words will be provided).

After the concert everybody is welcome to the ‘afterglow’ with mulled wine or soft drinks, mince pies and other festive fare, all included in the ticket price (catering by Simon and Ros from Smugglers Catering). There will also be an opportunity to enter our now famous and popular prize gift draws. All proceeds after expenses will go the Sarah Thompson’s charity Christmas dinner.

The evening will be a unique mix of festive music, all carefully selected by our musical director Simon Thompson to make the event as enjoyable as possible. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information contact Peter: 01473 824033

STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY Hot Mikado is coming soon; tickets on sale from December 1.

BATS next big production is Hot Mikado; a wonderful jazzy updating of the classic Gilbert & Sullivan show, with great catchy songs in swing, jazz, big-band and gospel styles. We have a fabulous band to back us, exciting costumes and lively dancers. Highly recommended as a family show, just the treat for half-term.

In case you don’t know the storyline, Nankie-Poo is the son of the Mikado. Travelling incognito as a wandering minstrel he meets and falls in love with Yum-Yum, who is just about to marry Ko-Ko. Nankie-Poo also cannot marry Yum-Yum as he is engaged to be married to Katisha. An unusual law threatens Nankie-Poo with execution. Will he escape it? Will he marry Yum-Yum? Hot Mikado will be performed at Brantham Village Hall from Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday 20 at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 20. Tickets (adults £8 / children £6) are available from Bakes & Blossoms Café, Acacia Court, Brantham, or: www.ticketsource.co.uk All other enquiries to 01206 396674.

Thursday, December 3, 8pm Lecture by Professor John Deathridge – Historic Buildings, Magnificent Performances: Evoking the Lives of Great Classical Composers – at East Bergholt High School, Heath Road. Tickets £10, students £5.

Professor Deathridge’s talk will incorporate the lives of some of the great composers and their important works into a treasure trove of recordings and slides to illustrate how they are linked. Two 'music' buildings in particular will be central to the talk and he will interpret the buildings in terms of the music we associate with them, exploring our memories in relation to these architectural creations. He will talk about a number of them such as the Royal Albert Hall, as well as one or two that no longer exist and some that never existed except as models.

The season continues with: Sunday, January 10, 4pm Antara Duo (harp and flute) at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt Sunday, January 31, 4pm David Owen Norris piano, Camilla Scarlett violin and Jonathan Byers cello at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Saturday, February 20, 7.30pm: Extra event Jazz concert: Beauty of the Bossa Nova with singer Georgia Mancio performing Brazilian jazz at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt Sunday, March 13, 4pm Family Concert with Red Priest, Pirates of the Baroque, at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Tickets: weatheralld@btinternet.com / 01206 298426 / www.svam.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY Stour Choral Society presents a night of music with the most popular opera tunes for chorus and soloists along with Puccini's Messa Di Gloria at Mistley Parish Church on Saturday, December 5, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 can be had from society members or by calling 01206 395263.

The society will be joined with Paul Bloomfield (tenor), Patrick MacCarthy (bass baritone) and talented local soloists, all conducted by Duncan Archard ably accompanied by Stephen Smith.

Members of Stour Choral Society, Trianon and others from East Anglia joined Crescendo Vocale for three concerts in Ipswich’s twinned town of Arras (France) at the end of October. Crescendo Vocale is the music theatre group of Arras. The combined choir is pictured here in St Nicholas Cite church with shared conductors from Crescendo and David Shearmur of Stour Choral Society.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Have you sampled the presentations from the Globe Theatre or the Royal Ballet yet? With the projector in the library supported by the Arts Council there will be a programme of great productions to watch in the coming year. Look out for posters, and Jackie’s article, for these are top London productions that you can see here in Capel.

The friends are now planning new events for 2016 so check the January edition for details. With Wi-Fi now operating in the library, we are offering help to those who find the brave new world of computers a bit tricky. Let Jackie know and we will spend time at the library with you to try and help. After all your computer or tablet can keep you in touch, not just with your bank but with far away family. I find it a delight to talk to my granddaughter in North Devon over Skype.

The winners of the 100 draw for November are Wendy Perkin (£10) and

Isla Budgen (£5). If you haven’t yet joined, get a form from the library; it’s just £12 to have your name in the draw every month. While you are about it, why not join the Friends and support the work we are doing to keep the library going? Our next venture will be aimed at those of you who find the weight of those large print books heavy when you are reading. We hope to purchase some mini iPads for loan. Not only are they light to hold but the print is infinitely enlargable.

Our annual general meeting is set for Saturday, January 16 at 4pm in the library, and our next Friends meeting is on December 7 at 7.30pm. The public are very welcome to come and sit in, and there will be a slot for questions about our work. Finally, don’t forget to get your book tokens from the library… they make a really good present.

Chris Yule

CAPEL LIBRARY Christmas closing We shall be closed on the following dates over the Christmas/New Year period: December 25/26 and January 1. If you are returning books when we are closed you may post them through the letterbox in the wall and they will be dealt with when the library re-opens, or you may choose to renew online at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk providing no one has requested that title. The website is full of information so take a browse.

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Looking for a present for Christmas or birthdays? We sell book tokens in any denomination.

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Don’t forget that you can also borrow jigsaws – we also accept good quality used complete ones for people to borrow.

Advance closure notice for New Year

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Babybounce will meet until December 15 and then re-start on January 5.

To enable our friends the Orchard Players to prepare for their pantomime we will close at 5pm on Friday, January 15 and at 12.30pm on Saturday, January 16. Again you may post books for return through the letterbox.

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The Library Book Group meets on Friday, December 18 at 2.30pm.

May we wish all who come into our library a very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year.

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Some latest DVD releases to look for on the catalogue: The Minions and Inside Out for younger viewers and Woman in Gold and Insurgent for adults. Premium DVDs are £3 a week to hire.

Other DVDs are £1 a week. Spoken word CDs are free to borrow for a period of three weeks.

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We sell stamps in books: 12x2nd class are £6.48, 6x1st are £3.78 and 12x1st are £7.56.

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

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THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE presents

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OUT & ABOUT DEDHAM FILMS

The Assembly Rooms, Dedham Wednesday, December 16, 7.30pm: Cinderella (U) directed by Kenneth Branagh.

ST MARY’S CHURCH PRESERVATION SOCIETY Thank you to Dr Terry Marshall At the 19 annual general meeting of the preservation society, chairman Dr Terry Marshall announced that he was not standing for re-election.

The society and the church owe Terry a huge debt of gratitude for all his hard work over the 19 years since the society was founded. His drive and determination have seen big fundraisers including the open gardens and the annual golf day flourish. The money raised has enabled a great deal of work to be done on our beautiful church building, keeping it in good repair for the generations to come. Thank you, Terry, for all you have done. th

Looking forward Debbie Tuppen was elected chair and Sarah Eley deputy chair. We are planning for another open gardens on Sunday, June 5, 2016. If you feel your garden is up to the standard required and would like to open it up for others to enjoy, please contact Sarah on 01206 299224.

The Rev Steph

Tickets £4 from Shakespeare House Gallery, Dedham High Street, or online at: www.dedhamfilms.co.uk ​Mince pies, mulled wine an’all – ho ho ho! ​ DEDHAM FILMS LIVE Tuesday, December 8, 7pm: Jane Eyre, live from the National Theatre. ​ Tickets £10 from Shakespeare House Gallery, Dedham High Street, or online at: www.dedhamfilms.co.uk

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA Friday, December 4: Far From The Madding Crowd (12) Cary Mulligan stars in this version of Thomas Hardy’s novel of 19th century rural life about an independent woman farmer who must decide between three very different suitors. Is it possible to be sexier than Julie Christie, Terence Stamp and Alan Bates in the older version? See what you think!

Friday, January 8, 2016: Taxi Tehran (PG) A taxi driver is driving through the vibrant streets of Tehran. A variety of passengers enter the taxi, each candidly expressing their views while being interviewed by the driver who is none other than the director Jafar Panahi himself. His camera, placed on the dashboard of his car, transforms the car into a mobile film studio, and captures the spirit and contradictions of Iranian society through this comedic and dramatic drive. Panahi is banned from travelling and making films by the Iranian government, hence the secret filming in the taxi. Witty, brave and given five stars by The Guardian.

All shows at the Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt. Bar and refreshments available from 7.30pm. Tickets available on the door or in advance from the Fountain House Tea Room, East Bergholt: £4 adult, £2 under 18s. www.eastbergholtcinema.com

CAROLS WITH THE CAPEL SINGERS Tuesday, December 15 at 7.30pm

Christmas starts here. Definitely not a nine lessons and carols, this selection of carols is interspersed with readings drawn from a wide range of sources, some traditional favourites, some in dialect, some humorous, and some thought provoking.

With carols by Ireland, Rutter, Willcocks and Britten telling the Christmas story this is an evening to enjoy, especially when followed by seasonal refreshments in the Church Hall after the concert. Stephen Smith supports the Capel Singers on the historic Father Wills organ and for the first time for many years we can promise a warm welcome and a comfortable chair in our refurbished church.

So make a date for December 15 at St Mary’s Church, Capel St Mary at 7.30pm. For further details contact Chris Yule: 01473 310992 There will be a retiring collection for the work of Save the Children amongst the Syrian Refugees.

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Christmas Dinner Throughout December 3 Course £35pp

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IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN MOVING HOME Moving home can be a very stressful time and there are always things that we seem to forget in the process especially around this time of year with Christmas fast approaching. There can also be additional costs that you may not have originally taken into account at the start of the process. I have come up with a few helpful tips and ideas: • Whether selling or purchasing, ensure that you read the water, gas and electric meters on the day of completion so that you are not being charged for what you have not used.

has been made with the developer) so it can be useful to measure windows prior to completion to arrange fittings for blinds/curtains.

• Depending on when the build of the property has been completed, and usually the site/sales manager will advise, not to paint or wallpaper any walls for up to around 6 months to allow the walls to fully dry. It would be a shame to spend time and money on decorating your new home to find one day that your lovely wallpaper is no longer in place!

• Ensure all utility companies and the council tax department are made aware of your move and cancel any direct debits.

• Cracks can appear on the walls to the interior of the property. Ask the site office for a small tin of the paint used to touch up once the property has settled.

• When packing, label each box to make life easier. Especially Christmas presents!

• Buy a door number! Otherwise the postman will not be aware of which door to deliver to.

• Defrost your fridge/freezer before the day of completion.

• Register your address online.

When purchasing a new build property, there is the luxury of not having to carry out any DIY and to just look forward to putting your own ‘personal touch’ to your new home. However there are again important things to remember.

• Flooring may not be included and can be a substantial additional cost.

Shop around to ensure you get the best price. It is worth taking into account that if you do not arrange the flooring through the site office, let your chosen floor layer know that the bottom of the doors may need to be shaved. Some floor layers may charge extra for this service.

• Ensure that you register your boiler with the manufacturer for guarantee to be noted.

• Wheelie bins are often not provided and therefore must be ordered from the local authority of which there is an additional cost (dependant on the area the cost can vary).

• Landscaping in the rear garden may not be included and will again be an additional cost for you to consider.

Written by Sabrina Kwiecien a Conveyancing Executive working within our Residential Conveyancing Department

• Curtains and blinds are often not included (unless a specific agreement

For further information on this topic, call us on 01473 407110 Kerseys Solicitors, 32 Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 3HD • www.kerseys.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT HI DE HI ACTOR CELEBRATES CONSTABLE COUNTRY WITH NEW DVD A former Hi De Hi actor turned film maker is set to release a DVD celebrating the charm of Constable Country and the local area.

David Webb, who with his brother Tony played the twin Yellowcoats in the popular BBC comedy series, has spent the last three years making A Journey through Constable Country… and Around.

From the Dedham Vale to the Stour Estuary and from Roman Colchester to medieval Lavenham the video explores towns and villages John Constable would have known and loved and which inspired him to create some of England’s best loved paintings.

David, who grew up in Mistley, hopes that his video will appeal not just to the many tourists who visit, but to local people keen to know more about the area in which they live. A Journey through Constable Country… and Around is presented by his daughter and TV journalist, Victoria Lampard.

The DVD, priced at £14.99, is available from Co-op stores as well as local tourist centres and independent shops. It can also be obtained directly from David who can be contacted at: webb.springbank@btinternet.com

ROTARY CLUB MANNINGTREE STOUR VALLEY The Father Christmas float will be out and about on the streets of Manningtree and surrounding villages and at the Co-op Supermarket collecting for local and Rotary charities until Christmas Eve. Every year the response is so generous and Rotary says a big thank you.

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next talk on December 9 will be It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Eve Regelous.

In October Gerald Jenkins gave a talk on plant heritage. Mainly concentrating on the carnation family, he explained how he has set up a seed bank and propagation area where he has effectively become the custodian of disease free varieties to maintain their heritage.

Future talks include: History of Advertising; Lady Alice de Breyne; NT Coast of East Anglia; Secrets of the Royal Jewels; Galapagos Islands and dive.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

After the August and February meetings, we normally hold a members’ lunch – funds permitting.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

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BRANTHAM WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION Medieval Festivities and Entertainments in East Anglia This 10-week course begins on Tuesday, January 5 at Brantham Leisure Centre. Each meeting is on a Tuesday, 7.30-9pm, and the course fee is £48. The tutor is Kate Jewell.

Medieval people worked hard but also knew how to celebrate. We will explore the ways in which medieval East Anglians marked important festive occasions, and the activities they enjoyed at times of relaxation and entertainment.

You are welcome to join us for a free taster evening on January 5.

Refreshments are served at each meeting.

If you would like more details please contact: 01206 396376

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Recent meetings On Wednesday, November 4 Joy Bounds presented a most topical talk entitled The Ipswich Suffragettes and Tom Hodgeson’s presentation entitled Colchester Castle 2015 two weeks later was much enjoyed by members.

Future meetings On Wednesday, December 2 Tom Stanbury will introduce us to the delights of The East Anglian Railway Museum and two weeks later on December 16 Robin Finch will entertain members.

We now meet at the St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree.

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs, and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and to providing the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month in Manningtree at 10.30am. For further details please contact our secretary, Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

STOUR VALLEY TREFOIL GUILD Stour Valley Trefoil Guild would like to thank everyone very much for the support they received in donations of stationery, combs, toys, and knitted hats, gloves and scarves for the Samaritan's Purse boxes which go abroad via Manningtree Methodist Church's collection point. The final boxes are still being prepared, but we estimate that about 250 boxes will go from us this year, compared to 195 last year. Many people contribute from all walks of life, sometimes through our members and sometimes separately, from cricket supporters through community bus users to Yarn and Thread members. We couldn’t do it all without your help!

Thank you, Pam Robinson, chairman

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OUT & ABOUT DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP Friday, January 1, 12.15pm Meet in car park at Case is Altered PH in Bentley for a walk of under two hours. Pub afterwards; check with walk leaders as to limited lunch.

Leaders: John Osborn, 07919 521607; Marlene Townes, 07938 808157

WEA LAWFORD Colchester Part 2 with Patrick Denney, the next series of 10 sessions, starts on Monday, January 4, 2.30-4pm, at the Methodist Hall, South Street, Manningtree. All welcome. Fee £48.

Contact: 01206 547405

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY How pleasing to welcome back George Buxton who, like a favourite uncle, gave some kindly tips when judging the Pets and Children competition. He found it difficult to select the winners from a large number of well presented entries.

George Fossey of Artphoto Studio in Colchester rescued us later in October. As a substitute speaker he was ably assisted by son Chris to speak about Art in Photography. It was a fascinating and friendly talk with examples of their top quality work on display. These two really know and love their subject and are keen to help, offering personal tuition if required.

December 10: Seascape Competition / Judge: Peter Norris ATAGB DPAGB December 17: Christmas Social at the St John’s Centre Chairman Frank Pearson and the committee thank members old and new for their support in 2015 and wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.

January 14: Creative Photography with Barbie Lindsay EFIAP MPAGB FBPE New members are welcome to join the society or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Meetings are held at the St John’s Centre, Station Road at 7.30pm. Please contact our secretary for more information (01206 396958 / madps@post.com) or visit: www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

Mistley Church by Margaret Shaw

MISTLEY CAROE GOTHIC SOCIETY The society presents a traditional candlelit rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by Anthony Roberts, director of Colchester Arts Centre, at The Institute (Church Hall), New Road Mistley CO11 1ER on Saturday, December 12. Jamie Cunliffe will provide musical accompaniment with interludes from The Caroe Singers.

Doors open at 7 for a 7.30pm start. Tickets £5 / children (suitable for 8+) £2. All profits will go to the upkeep of the hall – pay on the door.

You are encouraged to come dressed suitably Dickensian/Victorian.

Please bring your own drinks. Mulled wine and mince pies (and tea/ coffee) will be available.

Further information from David G.A. Stephenson: dgastephenson@btinternet.com / 07719 846699 Drawing by Bob Allen

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Trusted by local families since 1925 The Centre, Greenstead Colchester 01206 860584 98 The Commons, Prettygate Colchester 01206 560988 33/35 Long Wyre Street Colchester 01206 767675 89 Wimpole Road Colchester 01206 793492 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 Station Road Manningtree 01206 391855

The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years.

We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.

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SCHOOLS ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears We have been busy with the autumn season and events that come with it such as Halloween and fireworks night. We went on the school field to run in the crunchy leaves and collected some to make our leaf mobiles. We have also made stained glass leaves that are displayed on our outside door.

and dancing to Miss Polly Had A Dolly, 1.2.3.4.5, The Grand old Duke of York, Ring A Ring A Roses and Horsey Horsey.

Gruffalos

We have lots of exciting activities and crafts planned for the lead up to Christmas including our winter wonderland main display.

As you are reading this the Christmas festivities are well under way. As well as getting creative with lots of sparkle and glitter we have been working hard on our nativity, What a Star! The children have been singing beautifully and we are looking forward to sharing it with the parents/carers and families.

We are looking forward to going out on some wintry walks and hope to regularly attend Baby Bounce sessions at the library. Make sure you give us a wave if you see us.

The Gruffalos have continued to enjoy the great outdoors, building dens and shelters, walking the tight ropes, leaf throwing, leaf burying and collecting items for our crafts.

Toddling Tigers

We took part in World Nursery Rhyme Week. This involved us learning a nursery rhyme each day. We had great fun getting together with the children and staff from the other rooms and having a sing and dance.

The Tigers have been exploring the spooky textures of pumpkin insides and looking at what we can find in there. We have been making water and jelly turn different colours and from fireworks night we have begun to understand the difference between loud and quiet.

World Nursery Rhyme Week has been great and we have been singing

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

BENTLEY CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL What another exciting month we’ve had here at Bentley. We’ve had visits from a knight, a children’s author and The Dog’s Trust to name but a few. The knight, Sir Cumference, came in to judge the children’s medieval shield designs. Both Wolves and Adders have been learning about Saint Edmund and had created beautiful shields as part of their learning.

Wolves winner was Hugo and Adders winner was Ben, whose lion motif most impressed the visiting knight.

Children’s author Anne Stairmand came and spoke to the children about reading and writing and shared some of the exciting characters in her books. The children even got to dress up as some of them. Her visit has really inspired our own brilliant writers and we are enjoying reading all the creative writing that they are doing.

Jan from The Dog’s Trust came to talk to the children about dog safety.

Pupils particularly enjoyed taking turns playing the ‘dog’ and behaving in a most mischievous manner. The message was important though and we all learnt a great deal about how to read a dog’s body language and when it is ok or not to approach a dog.

Children in Need Day was a fabulous success again this year. Thank you to everyone who contributed pennies to our buckets. We all had great fun at our Teddy Bears Picnic and raised a lot of money for this worthwhile cause.

Road safety has been the watchword this month, with the children designing road safety posters, helping to speed check passing drivers and learning about how to keep themselves safe on the road, especially

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in these winter months. Our thanks go to the Community Speedwatch Team who kindly volunteered their time to help the children and teach them about why it is so important that people don’t break the speed limit. We gratefully acknowledge all those people in the village who drive slowly and carefully past the school. It means so much that our wonderful community cares about the safety of all the children. Thank you.

Coming up in December – Adders are travelling to The Museum of East Anglian Life to take part in a workshop about Christmas in the Victorian era. This supports our theme this year and if you come along to our Christmas Fayre on Friday, December 11, you will get to see some of the lovely Victorian costumes the children and their families have prepared. The Christmas Fayre will run from 3.15-5pm and will have a host of stalls. The children from the school council will be running the fayre and your support, as always, would make a real difference to their fundraising efforts.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year from us all at Bentley CEVC Primary School.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

It’s Autumn Gardening Ti

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Blenheim Plant & Garden Centre on Bromley Road in Colchester is rapidly gaining a reputation for the excellent quality of its plants, many of which are grown on site.

At Blenheim you will always find an extensive range of garden plants whatever the time of year. Because many of the plants are grown and sold directly from the centre the longest journey they make is from the plant centre to your garden.

From early December they have a great selection of top quality freshly cut, potted and pot grown Christmas trees, both traditional and non-drop, in all shapes and sizes. They also have a wonderful large range of holly wreaths, which are all freshly made at the nursery. Inside their shop it looks very Christmas like, with a great range of English grown Cyclamen and a superb selection of ready planted baskets and arrangements to brighten up your home for the festive season. They all make ideal gifts and presents.

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In Touch online:

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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC All the Bergholt sides have had a fairly good time so far this season. All are well placed in the top half of their respective divisions and the Reserves are also through to Round 3 of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup. The teams were all victorious on the last day of October with the First Team recording a victory over close neighbours Capel, the Reserves booking their place in the next round of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup on penalties and the A Team scoring nine goals.

Fixtures DATE

1st TEAM Senior Division

Saturday, December 5

Crane Sports

A

Crane Sports Res

H

Stowupland Falcons Res

A

Saturday, December 12

Bramford United

H

Claydon Res Goals of Ipswich Cup R2

A

Westerfield Utd Res Goals of Ipswich Cup R2

H

Saturday, December 19

Framlingham Town

H

Ransomes Sports Res

A

Saturday, January 2

Ipswich Valley Rangers Bob Coleman Cup R3

H

Saturday, January 9

Leiston St Margarets

A

Leiston St Margarets Res

H

RESERVES Intermediate A

A Team Intermediate C

Westerfield Utd Res

H

Fixtures subject to change. Please refer to http://touchlinesil.co.uk/fixtures-results/ to confirm.

We are always looking for people who can help the club as a committee member, whether on the playing side or in the background.

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

Steve Butcher, secretary, stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

EAST BERGHOLT BOWLS CLUB September was a busy month for the outdoor section with another successful tour to Eastbourne to play local clubs. All three matches were very close on shots, but we won one and narrowly lost the other two.

The winners of the club’s knockout competitions were as follows: Sheila Poulton won the ladies singles Walter Stark won the two wood and the four wood men’s singles John Taylor was the winner of the handicap singles.

Brian Cassells and Terry Griffin won the three wood and the four wood pairs The season closed on September 27 with the Heartwatch Trophy, with all monies raised on the day donated to the local Heartwatch charity. The competition was won by the foursome of Andy Bowley, John Mann, Robbie Goodchild and Melvyn Powell, who will represent the club next year at the John Furnish Trophy.

On the social side, Brian Beeston organised another very successful fish and chip evening at the sports pavilion in October, with a donation from the evening being presented to Heartwatch.

The snooker club invited the bowls club to a return challenge match of snooker and crib in the snooker hall on Sunday, October 25. A very enjoyable morning was had, with the bowls club winning the crib by 10 games to five and winning the snooker by nine matches to five. I must add that the bowls club gets a 21 shot start in the snooker matches.

In the Winter Carpet League, with four matches played as at early November, we have won one and lost three, but gathered 21 points out of a possible 40, which is not too bad considering three of the matches were played away.

The Stratford Challenge played for the John Mann Trophy this year was won by Stratford St Mary by six games to four. With Stratford hosting and providing a splendid buffet, an enjoyable day was had by everyone.

The bowls club would like to wish a very Happy Christmas to all members, friends and readers of this magazine.

Melvyn Powell, secretary, melpowell46@gmail.com

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EAST BERGHOLT CRICKET CLUB To round off a very successful season, the cricket club held a presentation evening at the Gandish Road pavilion.

Club Chairman Dennis McGrath began the proceedings by thanking everybody who had contributed to make 2015 such a memorable season. The 1st X1 will play in the Two Counties Division 2 in 2016 and the Academy X1 gained promotion to Division 3 in the Hunts County Bats League.

Initially, it was thought that the Saturday 2nd X1 would also gain promotion but with the Two Counties Divisions 6 and 7 having fewer teams next season, they will remain in Division 7.

The following awards were made: 1st X1 Batsman of the Year – Richard Pickford 1st X1 Bowler of the Year – Nathan Philpot 2nd X1 Batsman of the Year – Jamie McGrath 2nd X1 Bowler of the Year – Kevin Crossley Academy X1 – Batsman of the Year – Jamie McGrath Academy X1 – Bowler of the Year – Ben McGrath Young Player of the Year – Charlie Bryant Fielder of the Year – Ross Taylor Performance of the Year – Richard Pickford Clubman of the Year – Aled Llewelyn As well as the two club awards, Jamie McGrath was selected as Junior Player of the Month for August/ September by the Hunts County Bats League.

Club Captain Nathan Philpot thanked Dennis McGrath for his considerable and valuable efforts in the role of club chairman. Thanks must also go to Janis Taylor and her helpers for proving such a marvellous spread of hot and cold food.

In Touch online:

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ADVERTISING FEATURE SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS MOBILITY OR DISABILITY REQUIREMENTS Looking after a family member with a severe illness or disability can be one of the most challenging things we tackle in our lifetime. We want our love and dedication never to waiver, to ensure we’re making those closest to us feel comfortable in their time of need. Through all our support though, it’s supremely important that the right facilities and solutions are readily and reliably available, that the needs and necessities of both carer and patient are taken care of, allowing us to properly focus on the day to day welfare of those in need; and that is what we here at AGA Mobility Systems are all about.

Started by Lee Thrower in 2003, AGA is a company kindled and brought to life by first hand experience. When Lee experienced the true extent of the difficulties of caring for an ill family member, he realised something had to be done to ensure those in his position had access to the utilities they needed. AGA Mobility Systems was born, dedicated to providing specialist solutions for every individual who has mobility or disability requirements. A family-run, personable company, AGA strive to imbue patients with a new level of independence, through dignified and easy-to-use solutions.

The bespoke, state-of-the-art AGA Mobility Systems showroom was launched three years ago, and is still the only showroom in Suffolk with three fully functional, full size stair lifts available for you to come and try. With three comprehensively equipped wet rooms and level access showers on display as well, alongside an expansive array of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, profiling beds, rollators, wheelchairs and everyday living aids, we can show you just how your home can be revolutionised through these products, making every day life that much easier. We are based in Needham Market (Lion Barn Industrial Estate), there is ample free parking and the easily accessible showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

As of December 2015, our brand new online shop will go live, ensuring you have immediate, round-the-clock access to our responsive and speedy ordering system. No matter the products or utilities you’re in need of, or the time of day, they are now just a click away. We offer free nationwide delivery on purchases over £50, and a free regional delivery and assembly service on certain larger items as well. With home visits and demonstrations, chair assessments, equipment hire, and expert help and advice available on all our products, give us a call today on 01449 720809 and speak to our friendly, knowledgeable team to find out more. Alternatively, point your browser to our new online portal at www.agamobilitysystems.co.uk or come visit us at our showroom today!

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB One-hundred-and-twenty teams play in the nine divisions that make up the Suffolk and Ipswich League and the point gained by the Saturday First Team at Wickham Market after a goalless draw on October 24 saw our side go to the top of the Senior Division for the first time in the club’s history. This was a fantastic achievement by our players who are all local lads who don’t get paid for playing in their league, unlike some. However, after only a week at the summit the team lost the local derby 2-1 against East Bergholt and slipped to third place. Our run in this seasons Suffolk Senior Cup ended at the first hurdle when we lost 3-2 to Sudbury Town Reserves with goals from Gary Collins and Lee Barrett.

Our Saturday Reserves have been struggling to raise a side this season and are bottom of the Senior Reserve league after defeats against Coplestonians 2-1 (scorer Joe Bigmore) and Ipswich Valley Rangers 1-0.

We are hoping to sign some more players on in an effort to keep the team going. Better news from our Sunday side who top Division Two of

the Sunday Morning league after winning five of their first six games with new managers Tom Harris and Kevin Morrison doing a good job. Tony Chopping has been playing well in defence with Nick Woolgar putting in some good performances in midfield. Our Veterans side beat Suffolk Punch 3-0 with goals from Gary Russell, Chris Stewart and Chris Smith, but after manager Archie Arnold stood down they were unable to raise a team for the County Cup game at Sole Bay and are currently looking for a new manager.

The 120 plus youngsters who play for our nine youth sides are enjoying their football, especially the under eights who don’t seem to be worried about getting muddy as autumn turns to winter. Just think that in ten years time they could be knocking on the First team door! Finally, 100 Club winners will be announced next month.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE Some of you may have heard of a very worthwhile charity called REMAP. For those who haven’t please allow me to do a quick introduction.

REMAP is an established national charity which designs, makes or adapts equipment for adults and children with disabilities. Ev ery year REMAP helps about 4,000 UK individuals in this way, helping them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

All clients are fully consulted about their needs. A piece of equipment is then designed and made to solve their specific problem.

Some devices are made from scratch – others are modifications or attachments to standard products. Sometimes it may only be advice that is required.

All of this is achieved by a network of some 1,000 volunteers organised into about 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. REMAP volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers as well as DIY enthusiasts.

You may think that companies already exist to help people with disabilities and you would be correct. However, the difference is that REMAP is not a commercial organisation and is not in competition with them. More importantly, our volunteers will determine a solution for the very specific need of the individual which cannot be satisfied by any current product that may exist. Also by working closely with the client and their

family or their support service the needs can be better understood and targeted.

We welcome referrals from individuals, carers or health professionals and we always welcome inquiries from individuals who are willing to volunteer some of their time to help us achieve our aims.

Finally, we never ask for payment and our services are free to the user. We do however welcome voluntary donations to cover costs of materials.

If you wish to make a donation please contact Ashley Slater, chairman of the North East Essex Panel, on 01206 272630, our secretary Lynne Askham on 01206 231327 or email: essexnorth@remap.info

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?”

Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die.

As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands).

If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing.

Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance

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of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?”

The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many with-profits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you.

Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option.

In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this underperforming with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM RAMBLING RECTOR

Services for December Sunday, November 29: Advent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt

“There must be more to life than this,” he thought. The pub was full but he managed to find a chair in the dark corner away from the noisy group at the bar. It was good to be able to take the weight off his tired feet.

“Maybe the time has come,” he thought, “to resign. I don’t think I can take the pressure any more. He doesn’t care about anything, or anyone, as long as the sales go through he’s happy.”

Wednesday, December 2 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, December 6: Advent 2 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion Service, East Bergholt 11am Communion Service, Brantham Friday, December 11 10.30am EBYE Nativity, East Bergholt Sunday, December 13: Advent 3 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am EBYE Nativity followed by shortened communion,

East Bergholt 11am Family Service, Brantham Monday, December 14 10.30am St Michael’s Pre School Nativity, Brantham Tuesday, December 15 2pm Brooklands Christmas Church Assembly, Brantham 7pm EB High School Carol Service, East Bergholt Thursday, December 17 6.30pm St Michael’s Carol Service with Brantham

Community Choir, Brantham

Friday, December 18 9.30am EB Primary Christmas Church Assembly, East Bergholt Sunday, December 20: Advent 4 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Carol Service, East Bergholt 11am St Michael’s Pre-school Nativity, Brantham Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Christingle, Brantham 3pm Family Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 5pm Family Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 11.30pm Midnight Mass in both churches, East Bergholt & Brantham Friday, December 25: Christmas Day 9.30am Christmas Family Communion in both churches, East

Bergholt & Brantham Sunday, December 27: Christmas 1 10am BCP Communion (Said), East Bergholt Thursday, December 31: New Year’s Eve 11.30pm Informal Communion in the Rectory: see the New Year

in with Jesus!, East Bergholt Sunday, January 3, 2016 8am BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion (Healing), East Bergholt The 3 and 5pm Christmas Eve Services in St Mary’s, East Bergholt will be identical. We are trying to spread the huge numbers of people who attend safely across two services.

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“How long,” demanded the bearded man, “can this go on? Coming home from visiting my brother along the road there were three people I didn’t like the look of at all. Foreigners they were, dressed funny. They’ll be taking over if we’re not careful. There aren’t enough houses for the locals never mind all these new people. Who knows where they’ve come from.

Or what they’ve done!”

The barman nodded. “I think money’s changed hands. Somebody’s getting rich and it’s not me! We should complain to the government.”

There was a roar of laughter. “What’s the point of that? They only look after themselves. When did the government ever do anything for us?”

“Oh, I don’t know. The school is very good here.” (This from a quiet person wearing a very loud jacket) “Hmph! The children can’t do multiplication, the spelling is terrible and no manners at all! All the old ways forgotten and nothing better in their place.”

“If only my husband didn’t shout all the time,” thought the sad eyed woman, wincing as her bruises throbbed.

“There were police on the square this morning,” said the Double Brandy.

“I heard that someone had died. They think they know who did it.

They were searching the house. Blood everywhere the neighbour said.

Horrible. I don’t know what the world’s coming to. It’s not safe to walk alone.”

“War is coming. It’s only a matter of time. Our borders are no longer under our control.” The bearded man nodded grimly as he put on his coat. “Ah well. Good night all.”

He strode into the night, clutching his stick firmly. “Better be careful,” he thought. Dark shapes suddenly loomed out of the darkness. Before he could utter a word, a warm voice spoke.

“Peace be upon you.”

“Humbug!” he said, unknowingly quoting Scrooge. “You mean there is more to life than this?”

The man pointed, smiling.

Above them a light shone in the dark sky, dazzling bright.

“Come with us and see for yourself,” he said, as they knocked on the back door of the pub.

Rev Steph

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CHURCH NEWS Wedding & Flower Festival at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt, July 2016

are welcome to join us, even if you haven’t been to toddlers before.

St Mary’s Church will be holding a wedding/flower festival at the end of July 2016. We would like to hear from anyone who was married at St Mary’s Church and still has their wedding dress and would be happy for this to be displayed in the church for the duration of the festival. We would also like to have a photo of your wedding day, clearly showing the bouquet as the flower ladies at the church will be making arrangements using (as far as possible) flowers that were in the bridal bouquets. We are sure this will be a spectacular event and will hopefully show the different fashion in bridal gowns across the decades. So far we have wedding dresses from the 30s, 50s, 60s, 80s and 90s, but we do need more. We would also be grateful for any dressmaking dummies you may have to loan for the festival. If you have a dress or a dummy to loan or need more information, please contact Liz Digby: 01473 312281

Our meeting dates after Christmas are fortnightly from Friday, January 8.

St Mary’s Toddler Group St Mary’s in East Bergholt has been running a toddler group for about four years now. It has grown in number and strength and is now an established part of our church calendar. We meet every fortnight on a Friday morning, 9.30-11.30am. The play is informal. There are lots of toys, puzzles, and books and also lots of noise! We meet in the West End of the church which is carpeted and very warm during the winter months.

We offer tea and coffee to mums/dads and carers and at 10.30am the children have a healthy snack and drink after a very short prayer.

We have a small team of regular helpers – Liz, Chris, Carrie, Janet and June – but from time to time we also have other volunteers. Our Toddler Group Christmas Party will be on Friday, December 4, 11am-1pm. If you would like to come along, please contact Liz Digby on 01473 312281. You

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COFFEE WITH THE CANON A great opportunity to have a chat, or talk about a wedding or a baptism.

• Fountain House Tearooms, East Bergholt: December 4, 10-11am • Bakes and Blossoms, Brantham: December 10 & January 14, 10.30-11.30am CHRISTMAS CARDS IN AID OF THE IPSWICH NIGHT SHELTER Instead of sending Christmas cards to friends you will see anyway, why not sign the big Christmas card in the church and put a donation in the collection box in an envelope marked Night Shelter. Cheques made out to East Bergholt PCC or Brantham PCC please.

TO THE PERSON WHO LEFT A MESSAGE IN RED ON THE CHURCH DOOR ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY I am sorry that you didn’t open the door and come in to hear what was being said in the services. We were not glorifying war. The message was one of repentance and a call to love as we remembered the sacrifice of so many lives, dreams and hopes. We prayed for peace in the hearts of all which would put an end to war.

Rev Steph Also see ST MARY’S CHURCH PRESERVATION SOCIETY on page 19.

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CHURCH NEWS EAST BERGHOLT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6RZ Pastor: Mrs Maralyn Bambridge 35 Birch Drive, Brantham, Manningtree CO11 1TG 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com Organist: J Stuart Rees GRSM, LRAM, ARCO / 01255 508222 Services: Sunday at 10.30am – all welcome Communion: taken at the end of the service on the second Sunday of each month.

Coffee Mornings: Every Thursday, 9.30-11.30am SPEAKERS, SERVICES & EVENTS Saturday, December 5 & Sunday 6: Christmas Tree & Children’s Crib Festival, 10am-4pm Sunday, December 6: Carol Service at 4pm led by Mike and Pam Drew Sunday, December 13: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Sunday, December 20: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Sunday, December 27: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Sunday, January 3: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE The very first Christmas saw Jesus born in a stable in Bethlehem. Born into a country occupied by a foreign power, Rome. As a young baby, the family had to flee from their home to Egypt when Herod, their own King, ordered the death of all babies under two years old. Why did the Roman Governor not interfere to prevent this massacre?

Any similarities to today? The immediate comparison is with Syria but there are so many places where people need to flee if they want to live and this is especially the case if you are Christian and living in the Middle East, North Korea, Iraq and many other countries. Christianity is now the most persecuted religion in the world.

Let me not take away the joy of Christmas and especially Advent, but please, as you enjoy this Christmas season, light a candle for the millions of Christians who will share this celebration in secret and in fear.

May you each have a happy, peaceful and joyful Christmas enjoying your family at this wonderful time of the year.

Maralyn

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up to date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the church front door.

Services for December 2015 Tuesday 1

9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

Sunday 6

9am

Tuesday 8

9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass

Sunday 13

9am

Tuesday 15

9.30am 10am

Sunday 20 9am

Tuesday 22

Mass – Third Sunday of Advent Morning Prayer Mass Mass – Fourth Sunday of Advent / Children’s Liturgy

9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

Thursday 24 5.30pm

8pm

11pm Friday 25

Mass – Second Sunday of AdvenT

9am 11am

Children’s Mass, St Joseph’s Chapel, Ipswich Mass, Holy Family, Brantham Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich Mass at Brantham – Christmas Day Mass at St Mark’s Ipswich

Sunday 27 9am

Mass – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

Tuesday 29

Morning Prayer Mass

9.30am 10am

Catholic Commentary Sometimes it seems the practice of religion in Britain is a no-go area for many people, but we should not be mistaken about what we lose if our

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Christian roots and religious habits are replaced by secular ideologies.

In October the Catholic Church marked the 50th anniversary of Nostra aetate (In our Time), the landmark encyclical about relations with other faiths which endorses religious freedom. Often it is ourselves, the ordinary people, along with the media, who are way behind the religious leaders in our attitudes to others who are different.

Also in October there was the launch, at a reception in the House of Lords, of a report by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (www.acnuk. org) highlighting the extent of persecution and discrimination against Christians in many countries simply because of their faith and religious practice. Why we must ask and why do we not use our influence in our dealings with these countries to protest about the offences against human dignity and religious freedom?

Diary dates Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR, 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment. All are very welcome to join us. We will not meet in December so the next coffee morning is on Thursday, January 28.

100 Club, now renamed the 200 Club As we continue to grow and now have 134 numbers taken the club has been renamed. The club was set up to raise much need funds to support the life and mission of our parish and we welcome new members.

Already a member? Then why not take out another number? Application forms may be found at the back of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The next monthly draw is planned to take place at Holy Family after mass on Sunday, December 20 when the prize pool will be £133.

Children’s Liturgy Children are very welcome to join the Liturgy of the Word that takes place on the third Sunday of each month.

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

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