In Touch News with Bramford – August 2016

In Touch

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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 6 • Issue No. 10 • AUGUST 2016

Early Summer at St Mary’s by Gavin Hodge

Summer Sale Now On

furniture

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Only available at the Stonham store

Cane sofas

from

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furniture www.harpersfurniture.co.uk

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£549

Only available at the Ipswich store

Sale price RRP £769

York solid oak slat bed

Sale price RRP £549

£299

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My parents celebrated their golden anniversary in June and, as you do at times such as this, we have talked at length about the trials and tribulations they faced over the years, some good, some not so. I’m proud their marriage was rock solid throughout, even when faced with tough financial times on the farm, a variety of health challenges, a rather rebellious teenage daughter and, in recent years, the collapse of the Irish economy which has impacted on everyone in one way or another.

Married in 1966 and parents for the first time in 1967, my mum and dad showed remarkable resilience when it may have been easier to walk away. Back then when farm machinery was either unavailable or unaffordable, farming was not for the fainthearted, but they were a formidable team. Mum was the ultimate survivor. She baked, she sewed, she kept a garden, she helped on the farm, she managed the books… she did what had to be done to make ends meet and she and dad were totally committed to giving my brothers and I every opportunity they had been denied. They also knew how to have fun. My mum could turn a Sunday picnic in the garden into an unforgettable adventure. That said I don’t ever want to eat ox tongue sandwiches again as long as I live.

Our annual daytrip to Kinvarra beach and the annual pilgrimage to Knock were the highlights of summers spent in the garden and on the farm. Every year I bought red heart-shaped sun glasses in Kinvarra and one of those little toy camera picture viewers in Knock and I was the happiest little girl in the world.

My life is remarkable different to theirs, but I suspect my everyday worries are not entirely dissimilar. Making my own butter or knitting socks aren’t realistic money-saving options for me, but, thanks to my parents, I do have a ‘pull your socks up and get on with it’ approach to most things, and this I’m grateful for in these rather disconcerting political times.

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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham

NEWS PLANT SALES AT BRAMFORD FUN DAY Despite the unwelcome heavy showers during the afternoon, the weather didn’t diminish the prevailing carnival atmosphere. In fact it was a joy to observe visitors with purses in hand perusing the various stands. However an even more important factor emerged from my observations – a compelling desire to support our beautiful St Mary’s Church.

Photo submitted

by Steve Pye

As usual my role of many years standing, accompanied by Barry Earthy who once again provided transport and invaluable help with sales, was the plant stall. Thanks also to Steve Reeve for helping us out and to Samantha and Rob for jazzing up the stall with posters and plant information sheets.

Throughout the day we enjoyed constant support by neighbours and friends arriving with donations of plants, not forgetting all our loyal customers. During this busy time I managed to visit the flower show and noted a number of high quality exhibits. This reflects great credit to growers who have contended so well with awful weather conditions.

Very well done to them.

Upon returning to the stall I was delighted to hear that plant sales on the day had generated £141.70, including a £10 donation from Eric and Linda Munson form Claydon. Since then Barry has handed a further £50 to the treasurer from his gate sales.

Barry and I wish to thank all supporters for their generosity and thoughtfulness.

Dennis R Page

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SEPTEMBER DEADLINE 10 AUGUST 2016 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS During the summer holidays the children’s tennis club is holding camp mornings from 10am-1pm on: Tuesday, July 26; Thursday, July 28; Tuesday, August 2; Thursday, August 4.

The coach has said these will be multi sport camps with tennis playing a large part. Any child over the age of five may attend, whether they are regular club members or not. The cost will be £5 per session. All welcome.

Please bring your own drinks for the morning.

ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING Every third Tuesday in the month, 2.30-4pm, in the Church Room.

Do come and join us; we will be very pleased to see you.

If transport is required please contact Janet: 741331 3

NEWS

L BRAMFOR D C OF E PRIMARY SCHOO

We celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday with a street party on June 10, a fantastic celebration for the students, staff and guests from the community. Organised by the Home School Association, the bunting was hung, tables set and cakes made.

The event started at noon with a town crier announcing the Queen impersonator entering the balcony, the children sang Happy Birthday and we also had the Red Arrows Fly Past. You had to see it to believe it!

The Rev Jenny Seggar gave us a royal blessing and the children had lunch with plenty of cake. Each schoolchild was presented with a commemorative medal to mark the occasion. The medals were donated by Bramford Parish Council and the Home School Association. Teachers ran Victorian games for all to take part in and the event ended with the children singing the National Anthem. A fabulous event to remember for all time.

My thanks go to all my team on the Home School Association who worked incredibly hard to make the event a dream come true. Thanks so much to all involved.

Caroline Wolton

DISCOVER AN ALADDIN’S CAVE AT THE SHED We hear the word WOW uttered most days when people visit The Shed in Sproughton. How lucky are we?

We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-4.30pm and from 11am4pm on Sunday. Parking available on site.

We chose The Shed as the name for our new business as the outside appearance of the building is rather ‘shed like’. However, once inside our tardis-like building our customers have over 5,000sq ft of vintage, antique, retro, chic and brocante to tempt them.

Come and pay us a visit, you will be amazed by what lies within.

The Shed has three main areas. Just inside the entrance is the ‘man cave’ area where salvage, quirky and heritage items can be found.

Upstairs is the beautiful main room, filled with stunning items from more than 20 talented traders. Hayley, our onsite upholsteress, will answer any questions for you.

Take the stairs down to the lower floor and you will find an amazing choice of European vintage stripped pine and kitchenalia. Leading from this room is our vintage tea room, serving an array of deliciousness from chef Simon. If the weather is nice you can sit outside and enjoy your lunch in the stunning courtyard garden. We have some fabulous gardenalia on sale outside too.

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NEWS St Mary’s Church Gathering, June 10 On behalf of all our members, I write to express our more sincere and grateful thanks to the headteacher, fellow teachers and pupils of Bramford Primary School for so thoughtfully and kindly inviting us along to join in the fun at their street party to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Upon arrival it didn’t escape our notice that considerable planning had taken place. Indeed we found ourselves completely overwhelmed and not a little emotional with the vast number of flags and banners draped across the various buildings. It reminded us of the numerous victory parties held to celebrate the end of the Second World War. While not wishing to enter the arena of politics, it is well known that a percentage of teacher’s time is absorbed with ever-changing policies. This is where the Home School Association featured prominently, providing copious amounts of food and drink with excellent service and making us feel so welcome (so important for older people). We also enjoyed games, a Queen impersonator, a town crier and the school’s own Red Arrows team.

Most touching was the lining up of the children to be presented with their commemorative medals which hopefully they will always treasure.

Above all our most sincere and grateful thanks to the school. It was heart-warming to observe the interaction and respect the children showed for the elderly and I hope we will be privileged to share future school events.

Dennis R Page

As we head into summer the Save the Duke team are working on a big push to raise the final sums needed to make an offer on the Duke of Marlborough in Somersham. We are getting dangerously close! We are proud to announce the total raised, in both shares and loans, at the time of writing is more than £265,000. This figure is getting very close to the valuation we undertook last year and we are hopeful of attracting a few more investors to reach a point at which we can make an offer. Huge thanks to everyone who has helped make this happen so far.

We will still need a further sum to get the pub open – to buy equipment and stock, cover the overheads and start paying staff. If you could spare a sum upward of £250 to buy shares, or £5,000 to loan to us over a four years period, now is the time to do your bit. Whether buying shares or lending us money, in both situations you can claim 30% of the value of your investment off your tax bill, subject to terms and conditions. We are happy to talk this through with anyone thinking of making an investment.

Please call James on 07789 691434 for more information or visit: www. savetheduke.net Reel the night away at our Harvest Ceilidh at Church Farm, Somersham on Saturday, September 3, 7.30pm. Tickets (£15 adults / £7.50 under 18s / Under 5s free) include supper and are available from Somersham shop, Somersham Garage or Lucy on 01473 831042 (evenings only). See website for further details. All welcome.

Save the Duke was pleased to get a visit from Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett in May, pictured here outside the pub with James and Lucy Batchelor-Wylam and Councillor Anne Killett 6

Once again thank you to everyone who put exhibits in the show making it another success. Because of the weather we didn’t have many vegetable entries, but we had a lot more children’s entries, which is good.

I’m giving you the subject for next year’s adult photograph – Cobwebs – as it may take time to find one! I think winter is best for them. I am also limiting the size next year to 6” x 4”.

In conclusion I would like to say a big thank you to Brenda Ransome (my right hand woman) for all her hard work, to Maggie Dakin and Bridghe Ford for manning the stall, to Barry Earthy, Stewart McGinty, Kelvin Dakin and Iain Renton for getting the tables out and putting them away. I was recovering from a broken arm so couldn’t lift anything.

So once again thank you very much to everyone who was involved and congratulations to all the cup winners.

Maureen Renton

SUFFOLK ENERGY FROM WASTE FACILITY

SAVE THE DUKE

FUNDRAISING EVENTS NEWS

BRAMFORD FLOWER SHOW

Staff at the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility went all out to support the Rio Roadshow, a massive charity event which aims to raise £75,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Over five weeks the roadshow visited more than 130 SUEZ sites from Scotland to Cornwall with a giant truck kitted out as a mobile gym. At each site staff were encouraged to run, row and ride as many miles as they could in a bid to cover the 5,761 miles between London and Rio. While in Suffolk, staff clocked up an incredible 227 miles towards the overall target and managed to raise more than £500 through a mini Olympics competition, a cake sale and a mocktail bar. Their efforts were filmed by Anglia TV. The roadshow follows on from the Big Ride in 2014 when SUEZ staff raised nearly £50,000 for Macmillan.

USEFUL NUMBERS Site offices: 01473 839149 To book a visit: 01473 836812 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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NEWS

COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: JULY 2016 Park & Ride At the cabinet meeting in June, the member responsible for the Park and Ride systems withheld letters from the chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership and from the leader of Ipswich Borough. The letters gave qualified support for the changes if the county alters road layouts that cause delay. He felt his colleagues would be confused. At a call in to scrutiny, we sent the decision back and there have been improvements. The issue now will have to go back to cabinet if there is no viable alternative to the current scheme. It won’t just close.

Our scrutiny of the library service investigated what has been a successful transition from local government organisation to a cooperative. We agreed that they should seek to improve the service and encourage more engagement with customers, communities and volunteers. The aim should not be one of managing decline. In addition, we believed that performance measures should not be just about book loans but take into account the wider benefits of libraries to the Suffolk community.

This year’s budget cuts might well terminate the mobile library service. Expensive library vans need replacing. We believe we need proposals now, not when it’s too late to investigate options.

For instance, it is possible that community transport could take people to the library rather than large vehicles bringing the library to the people?

Devolution At both the county and the district, we debated the final devolution proposals. At the county, the debate was long and thorough, highlighting many views. Both councils decided that we should now move to public consultation, unlike a number of councils in Norfolk who decided devolution is not for them. Councillors and officers see this as a beginning, leading to opportunity to take control of a wider range of services including aspects of health and social care integration.

A combined authority headed by an elected mayor would be in control. The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership that incorporates business leaders would support it. The mayor would have a deputy and a small but senior officer group. Much of the staff necessary to deliver on the mayors’ plans would come from the two county councils. The mayor would work with the leaders of the constituent authorities, the county, district and borough councils.

Many of us are concerned that the mayor, elected by around 15% of the population, working with leaders from just the largest parties in constituent authorities, would represent only some 30% of the population. I fear that people’s belief that they are not represented and that their views don’t count will be confirmed.

You can find the consultation at www.eastangliadevo.co.uk/ consultation and it will still be open when you read this. Please make your views heard.

The combined authority would manage various budgets. This would include £25m a year for 30 years from government to invest in

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infrastructure, economic growth and jobs. Norfolk and Suffolk would receive £100m to invest in shared ownership housing and could use up to 15% of it for houses for social rent. Finally, £30m to Norwich and Ipswich over five years, that’s £3m a year each, about 30 houses, will be useful but hardly game changing for these two towns.

Mayoral Development Corporations could be set up to help deliver the substantial schemes necessary to build 200,000 houses over the two counties by 2037. The combined authority would also receive a single budget for public transport guaranteed for four years, replacing the numerous annual budgets that government currently provides.

This would provide certainty on funding that is currently not possible.

Roads We appear to have had a spate of emergency road closures where communication to local people via the parish councils has been less than effective. This highlights my need to point out yet again to Highways just how inconvenient these events are: something I have done several times. I did check the notices that were sent out and they did get to the parish, the police, bus operators and education.

Cabinet has agreed a new Highways Maintenance Operational Plan.

This plan re-sets the defect intervention levels and requires more rapid response times. Things should improve!

The Referendum This is not the place to re-run the debate or even to make my views known. However, I do feel that it made the need to communicate clear. Advised by ex-journalists to keep it simple, we tend to shout dramatic oversimplifications at each other. We need to produce a clear but concise overview of the issues needing decisions. We must aim to ensure people can understand quite complex issues in the time they have available. Few can afford to spend many hours searching for information and reading vast amounts of detail. A lesson to learn if we want to re-build faith in democracy.

District Council We continue to get new proposals for housing and some for employment as developers try to fill the vacuum caused by the lack of a five-year housing supply. The proposal in Barham has expanded, but it is still very early in the planning process. The infrastructure offered to cope with shopping, community, medical and educational needs is very much exploratory. It shows the developers have recognised what will be needed and are discussing it with the community, but at this formative time, we must make local wishes known.

There was some concern that emerging plans to extend Claydon Primary might be at risk, but that is not so. In the Early Years arena, I am pushing county to plan the provision in Great Blakenham, Claydon, Barham and Bramford. We must ensure we can give you all a clear view on the likely developments and get your views.

If you have queries please contact me: 01473 831306 / john.field@suffolk.gov.uk www.john.field@suffolk.libdems.org

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   

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NEWS SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP

794 and the second prize by ticket number 889. Thanks to all who took part.

A Community Shop for the local community, run by the local community The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm Saturdays: 8am-1pm

It takes many people to keep the community shop such an active, lively and well-stocked facility for our local area. As well as our volunteers who work in the shop, we have the often unseen and unsung volunteers who do various jobs that need doing without praise or recognition and the management team who organise the daily running of the shop and make it appear all so easy. Thank you to all those committed people who do so much for our community, and also to the customers without whose support it could not happen.

As you can see, we are most proud to have had our community shop working so well over the past four years. It has proved to be not only a superb asset selling everyday goods and groceries, much of it locally sourced, but also a great meeting place and social venue. We are also pleased to report that the finances are well-ordered and on an even keel. It is, of course, all down to our very much appreciated volunteers and customers.

Congratulations to our Lucy who, with Tina and other friends and family, organised a well-attended jumble sale in aid of the church lighting fund.

Many of our volunteers helped and there were delicious home-made cakes and teas and coffees on sale which made for a very happy social occasion as well as much needed funds for the church. This shows the commitment to our wider community as well as to the local shop by our volunteers. A stunning £600 plus was raised. Great stuff Lucy!

There was a lovely buzz and chatter from the community shop in July when we celebrated our fourth anniversary with customers and volunteers joining us for a cup of coffee and piece of cake.

This was our way of saying ‘thank you’ to all who have supported the shop since its opening. New customers arrived and said what a wonderful shop and community we have here. Of special interest were the lovely roses on display outside. Barry, our flower provider, had engaged his dad, Stan, to come along and set up a stall.

The wonderful aroma and colourful display attracted many customers.

Thanks to all who helped with the coffee/tea making and washing up, and to all the volunteers and customers who came along to make it such a happy event. Our anniversary hamper raffle was won by ticket number

A competition has been organised in which every child at Somersham school took part. The children were asked to do a drawing of the shop and the winner received a £5 voucher. Two other prizes were also awarded and all the drawings are on show in the shop for all to see. Well done to all our budding artists at the school. We hope you enjoyed doing the pictures as much as we enjoyed seeing them.

So, as you can see we aim to be involved in all aspects of the community and if you haven’t volunteered yet and are thinking about it, come and join us and be part of the life in our lovely locality We always have fresh local goods in the shop including bread, cakes, meat, vegetables, pies and eggs, as well as household items. Other regular services include dry cleaning collection, coffee corner, book exchange, newspapers and magazines to be ordered for collection and a delivery service for those with mobility problems.

We look forward to seeing you in the shop and to all contributing to a successful fifth year.

Management team Lucy Barrett, 831890; Terry Fordham, 831529; Jenny Hitchcock, 832060; Anne MacFadyen, 831288; Steve Woolhouse, 831080.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS ANGLIAN WATER CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT day to the stringent drinking water standards set by our regulators.

A chemical that we find particularly difficult to treat is Metaldehyde, which is found in the most commonly used slug pellets. If Metaldehyde finds its way into water it can be very persistent and we have to dilute the water with other sources to bring levels down.

Over the last two years we have been working with local farmers to encourage the use of an alternative slug pellet ingredient called Ferric Phosphate, which isn’t an issue in water. Although agriculture covers three-quarters of East Anglia it is not the sole contributor of Metaldehyde in our watercourses. Ditches and drains connect to watercourses so it’s very important to consider your allotment and garden use of pesticides.

Water is a valuable resource and despite what it feels like sometimes, we are in one of the driest regions of the UK. With that in mind, it is very important to ensure we keep our river water as clean as possible to meet the ever increasing drinking water needs of the region.

Alton Water Reservoir supplies over 200,000 people around the Ipswich, Felixstowe and Shotley area with wholesome drinking water. Anglian Water’s treatment works can treat up to 10 million gallons of water every

MAKE A WISH COMES TO BURSTALL Fundraising event at Burstall Village Hall on Saturday, August 13 The Make a Wish Foundation has been close to my heart since I was a child. It brings back very fond memories of fun and outings the whole family enjoyed at a time when hospitals and treatment were a daily occurrence. Today, now that I have established my own business with the help of the Prince’s Trust, I am able to give back to this worthwhile charity that made all the difference to me.

Ferric Phosphate pellets work just as well as Metaldehyde and stop slugs feeding straight away, sending them underground to die so you do not see the slug trails or slugs the next day. Ferric Phosphate based pellets are available at most garden centres so give them a try.

Gary Hodgetts, Catchment Advisor, Anglian Water 07802 856632 / ghodgetts@anglianwater.co.uk

BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP Just one morning this month as it’s summer holiday time (so I hope it has stopped raining) on Tuesday, August 9 at 9.30am in the Loraine Victory Hall as usual.

I am once again holding what is becoming an annual craft fair in Burstall Village Hall. The prize draw this year has been donated by Barrett & Coe to raise much-needed funds for Make A Wish. They have generously donated three vouchers worth £160 for a family photography gift experience and this alone I hope will raise a lot of money for Make a Wish. Tickets are only available on the day.

This year I ring the changes by offering taster workshops ranging from making polymer clay beads and animals to fabric printing with ink pencils and a chance to create and design a Zentangle drawing to start your own mindfulness colouring book. The Craft Loft will also be holding workshops over the summer holidays for children to experience the range of crafts available.

See the website for the timetable and programme or to book a craft party.

As a young ambassador for the Prince’s Trust this year, my aim is to inspire and motivate people, on this occasion your inner craving to learn something new and be creative. Many people have seen The Craft Loft at local events and perhaps wondered what it’s all about. Now is your chance to come along and get a taste of what it has to offer and to support a worthy charity at the same time.

So what are you waiting for? Here’s your invitation to come along and find out what we do, enjoy some homemade cake (yes, made by me) tea/ coffee, and browse the many other craft stalls taking part.

For more details on booking a space on the taster sessions please contact me at: alison.mayston@gmail.com I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, August 13, 10am-4pm.

Alison Mayston 12

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BRAMFORD ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment for August www.bramfordrblclub.co.uk Tel: (01473) 745198 or join us on Facebook

Sat 6

Dave Cass

Thurs 11 Jazz with the Gipping Valley Stompers Sat 13

Geoff Cook

Thurs 18 Quiz Sat 20

Kevin Barry

Weds 24 Karaoke Thurs 25 Bingo Sat 27

Rodders

Bingo every Sunday night from 8pm.

As well as a snooker room and pretty outside seating area we now have hot drinks available at the bar, so come and join us for coffee or beer. www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5

BRAMFORD ART GROUP

Route 5 Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A Sproughton

Church Lane

9.10-9.25am

MIP/5B Sproughton

Wild Man

9.30-9.45am

MIP/5C Bramford

St Mary’s Close

9.50-10.05am

MIP/5D Bramford

Paper Mill Lane

10.10-10.25am

MIP/5E

Thank you to everyone who visited our display in Bramford Parish Rooms on Saturday, July 2 in conjunction with Bramford Village Fete. We would particularly like to thank the person who has the watercolour of two boats on Lake Orta in Italy which we hope you enjoy.

Chequers

10.35-1055am

MIP/5F Great Blakenham

Great Blakenham

Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park

11-11.15am

MIP/5G Baylham

Post Box

11.25-11.45am

MIP/5H Claydon

Crown

11.55am-1pm

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens

2.05-2.20pm

MIP/5J

Barham

Bacon Road

2.25-3.50pm

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

4-4.30pm

DATES: August 2, August 30, September 27, October 25, November 22, December 20

BRAMFORD WI Marianne Brame will give a presentation about silver and gemstones at our next evening at the Loraine Victory Hall on Monday, August 8 at 7.30pm.

The competition will be a piece of homemade jewellery.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind the hall. It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

We now meet in the Loraine Victory Hall and at present we are able to invite more budding artists and beginners to join our group. We meet every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm; the cost is currently £10 a month, so just £2.50 per session.

For further details please contact me on 01473 743794 or come along and meet us any Wednesday after 10am.

Ann Woolnough

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB In last month’s magazine I stated I would give members’ reaction to 90 Glorious Years at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe on June 13. In spite of being assured during a recce the previous week that catering facilities would be available, only a cup of coffee was available on the day. Later, our group of four shared a packet of crisps. This was obviously due to some last minute catering problem as the menus were still on view. Not a very good start to our outing!

The show itself started rather slowly, but improved towards the interval.

However, in spite of the few cast members (who were very good) the second half livened up and had most of the audience joining in the singing. It was quite something to see some of our usually quiet members, standing, singing and waving their Union flags. Our members enjoyed the show very much and we have 11 booked for Christmas Matinee Nostalgia by the same company at the Corn Exchange on December 12.

It recently became apparent that some of the rules we follow at the club were doubtful as they were not listed, but were ‘as they had always been done’. At a recent committee meeting we drew up a list of a few rules to follow and I hope to produce a club rule book to cover the formation and running of the club. This will be added to piece-meal and then agreed to form a reference document. I often wonder how we have managed for so long without such a book.

My best wishes for your holidays, John Bates

HOORAH – IT’S A GOER!

For our second meeting in June we had a strawberry tea party with red, white and blue outfits optional.

July 27, or last meeting before our summer break, will be a social afternoon including quiz time with Brenda Cooper. We will start back again on September 14 with our AGM and our new programme will follow in due course.

We would be pleased to welcome new members, but if you would just like to come to one of the talks there is no obligation to become a member so do come and join us

The newly formed Somersham WI is now up and running and we are looking forward to meeting and welcoming many new members.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, August 15 in Somersham Village Hall. We will then be meeting on the third Monday of each month. Each meeting will start at 7.30pm. There is still lots to discuss, especially the speakers we want to book for our forthcoming meetings so please bring your ideas with you.

If you are looking for fun and friendship the WI will be what you make of it and will be everything you want it to be.

In the meantime should you have any questions or need some further information then please contact Suffolk East Federation of WI (SEFWI) on 01473 251632 or Liz on 01473 717830.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690 www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL As you read this article we are all busy enjoying the summer holidays.

However, the last few weeks of term were once again action packed, full of trips, events, productions and, of course, learning.

I must start by saying congratulations to the extremely talented cast and crew who transformed the school into Rydell High and took us back to 1950s America with a fantastic production of Grease on July 4 and 5. With high energy, humour, great choreography and all the well known and loved songs, the students did the school proud with outstanding vocals and strong performances all round. My thanks go to everyone involved including performers, back stage crew, front-of-house, staff and parents/ carers for their support during a very demanding rehearsal schedule. It really was a fantastic show.

On Thursday, July 7, 150 Year 6 students joined us for an induction day to prepare them for the start of high school in September. Despite a few anxious faces in the morning, students soon settled into their activities, taking part in specially designed maths, geography, art, PE and French lessons throughout the day. By break time it was clear that many students had made new friends and are excited to be joining our warm and friendly school. Staff involved in the day were extremely impressed with the positive attitudes and enthusiasm shown by all students and we look forward to them joining us in the autumn.

Year 5 students from our feeder primary school joined us on Tuesday, July 12 for an arts festival. Students were split into groups and took part

BRAMFORD PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP OFSTED We have recently been inspected by OFSTED and are pleased to announce that we have been rated as ‘good’. We have also received a 5-star food hygiene rating from Mid-Suffolk District Council.

SPORTS AFTERNOON This year’s sports afternoon was great fun. The children enjoyed a variety of races and received a medal at the end of the afternoon.

The event was well supported by parents, grandparents and friends.

The sale of refreshments afterwards enabled us to raise £40 for our garden fund. A huge thank you to the parents who provided cakes and to the primary school for the use of their field and hall.

LEAVERS By the time you read this, the summer holidays will be well under way. The school year has flown by and it’s hard to believe some of our ‘little ones’ will be starting primary school in a few weeks. We would like to wish our leavers all the best in their new schools, where we know that they will enjoy many new adventures in fun and learning.

Of course we have lots of new children joining us in September and look forward to welcoming them to the playgroup.

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in drama, dance, music and art based activities all designed around the theme of the sea.

The afternoon of July 18 saw the school’s annual Headteacher’s Praise Tea Party which is held in order to celebrate those students who have been awarded four or more Headteacher Awards on their school reports and those who have 100% attendance throughout the year. I am delighted that a huge number of students were eligible for invitations. On the same evening the PE department hosted a Sports Award Evening. Celebrations got off to a brilliant start with certificates awarded to students in Years 7-10 for Endeavour, Excellence and Team Sports with the awards culminating in a trophy for Claydon High School’s Sports Personality of the Year. The winner of this special award was nominated and voted for by students in a secret ballot. It was a lovely evening celebrating so many individual and team sporting achievements across the year.

On July 20, 28 Year 9 students took part in a residential, three day Battlefield Tour of Ypres and The Somme. Travelling by coach and ferry, students visited the key battlefield sites of the First World War in Belgium and France to mark the centenary and to pay their respects. Students stayed at The Poppies School Hotel in Ypres and while there took part in the Last Post Ceremony held at the Menin Gate, where two students laid a wreath on behalf of Claydon High School at this famous memorial for the soldiers who have no known grave.

In other areas of the school we have had a trip to the Globe Theatre in London with Year 7 English students, KS3 students travelled to the market town of Boulogne in France for a day to practise their language skills and do some shopping, selected Year 9 science students visited the Big Bang Fair in Newmarket, the PE department held its most successful Sports Day with three school records (held since the early 1990s) being broken by one student, and Year 10 students experienced the exciting world of work on their work experience placement.

I would like take this opportunity to thank colleagues who will be leaving Claydon High School for pastures new come September and welcome new teachers who will be joining us for what I hope is another very successful year. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please contact my PA, Mrs J Pedersen, on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term.

Mrs S Skinner, Headteacher

AVAILABILITY We have a handful of sessions remaining for the entire new school year, so if you are interested in your child joining us or would just like some more information about the playgroup, please contact info@bramfordplaygroup.org or visit: www.bramfordplaygroup.org BRAMFORD TOTS Please also remember that our tots’ session is open to all children under school age.

It takes place at the primary school between 1.45-3.15pm on Thursday afternoons (term time only). Watch the children play while you have a cuppa and a chat. It’s just £1 a child, 50p for each subsequent child, and includes a drink and snack for parent/carer and tot.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY October 1: Quiz Night October 28: Annual Photoshoot November 25: Shopping and Pamper Evening (details to follow) Have a great summer, Playgroup Staff and Committee Members

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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

We are all really grateful for our well-earned break and are going to enjoy what sun we can get! It will be really exciting in September to say hello to all our new starters. There are still a few spaces available so if you are interested in joining us please speak to the administrator or send us an email.

Greetings guff lovers,

Our open event was really successful and a big thank you to everyone who was involved, either helping out or just coming to look around.

Summer Holiday Club There are still spaces available for some days. Please call us on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 9am and 3.30pm if you would like to book a day. The club for ages two-to-eight and will run until September 1. It’s £20 for a full day (bring a packed lunch) and £12 for either a morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (12.30-3.30pm) session.

The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am-3.30pm during term time. Children can start from the age of two until they go to Reception. Session fees are £9.60 and we offer a lunchclub (noon-12.30pm) for £1.60. We are happy to accept childcare vouchers and we offer two-year funded places for any eligible children.

We also run a holiday club at Easter and in the summer holidays for two to eight year olds – further information can be obtained by contacting the administrator.

For information regarding any of the above events or just to find out more about Claydon Pre-school, please contact the administrator, Lisa Read: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB At long last the weather seems to be improving and bowlers are getting used to playing without the added bulk of wet weather gear. This season has seen an unprecedented number of postponements due to waterlogged greens.

Despite the amount of rain we have been subjected to, the Sproughton Green is receiving a lot of favourable comments from home players and visitors alike. The huge amount of work put in by the greens team is paying handsome dividends.

The club recently hosted one of the semi-finals in the Suffolk Senior Cup between Lowestoft Railway and Rookery and both sides complimented the playing surface.

At the time of writing the club have a good number of players in county competitions. Adrian Beecroft and June Laws have reached the area semifinals of the mixed pairs in the EBF competitions. Adrian has also reached the same stage in the 2-wood singles. Joy Mackie is area champion in the senior singles and Julie Spice is area champion in the 4-wood singles. Both Julie and Joy now contest the county semi-finals on July 9/10. In the Bowls England competitions Julie Spice and Lesley Morgan have reached the county final to be played at Framlingham on July 30 and will represent Suffolk at the national finals in Leamington Spa starting on August 17.

Find out more about our club, results and fixtures at: www.sproughtonbowlsclub.com

SPROUGHTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB From July 27 we train at Sproughton Playing Field on Wednesday nights from 7pm. If any local lads (16+) would like to join us in the hope of playing in the SIL on Saturday afternoons we would be pleased to welcome you.

The SIL season starts on Saturday, September 3, but we will hopefully play several pre-season friendlies.

G Studd, 747017 18

After the customary humiliating exit for the England football team at the Euro championships you could be forgiven for assuming that all of our sportsmen are as woeful as Roy’s boys. In tennis at the moment it certainly isn’t the case that abject failure is a given, particularly with our men’s team who are blazing a trail in the summer league (by blazing a trail I mean they have “won a few and lost a couple” to quote Graham).

There is also a certain Mr Murray who, should he win Wimbledon, will once again become British – and revert to Scots in the event of a defeat.

It is important to ensure that you always have the correct kit when you play tennis and the decision by our team to bring snorkels and flippers along to matches have undoubtedly helped with the results given the monsoon like conditions so far this summer. In one of the matches last week Graham was given the choice of ends after winning the toss and elected to start in the shallow end. Unlike Wimbledon, we don’t have a roof over the courts so it is tricky playing a double handed backhand while holding a brolly.

The season usually starts to wind down in July as holidays (and trench foot) start to impact upon availability. Then just around the corner is the start of the winter and floodlit leagues. One of the quirks of the winter Sunday morning league is that the conditions, particularly early in October, can be better than June / July. The benefit for me is that the pub is open after the game, although the rumour that I will play badly so that we can finish in time for opening is false. Any of my tennis partners will tell you I always play that way. More than once it has been said that I play better after being in the local hostelry.

Just time for Joke of the Month: A man and his father were out fishing together. The man told his father that he was thinking of divorcing his wife. When his father asked why he replied that she hadn’t spoken to him in over six months. The man’s father took a long slow sip of beer and then said: “You need to reconsider it son, women like that don’t grow on trees you know!”

More guff next month, Mick Russ

BRAMFORD UNITED More of a report from behind the scenes this month. At our AGM on June 12 the chairman John Parker thanked the committee and players for their support over the last year. Hopefully the coming season will see both teams achieve more, if not better, success.

All the existing committee stood for re-election and were all voted in to their respective positions. Bob Wakeling also takes on the role of vicechairman. Behind the scenes Bob has had his ‘curator of turf’ hat on as he has been repairing the pitch for next season. He has been ably assisted by ‘chief stone picker’ Trevor Lay. Their work is invaluable as we try to achieve an excellent playing surface for both teams.

Both teams remain in their respective SIL Leagues from the previous season. The Senior League (our First team) will see three different clubs visit The Acton with Wickham Market and Ipswich Valley Rangers being relegated and Framlingham being promoted to the Eastern Counties League. Coplestonians, Henley Athletic and Ransomes Sports have been promoted to the Senior Division. The Reserves remain in Intermediate B League.

Pre-season training has begun with the players training twice a week to regain their fitness. The league should begin on Saturday, August 20 (to be confirmed along with the fixtures). As fixtures will not be published until after this edition has gone to print I will list some fixtures in the September edition. Along with friendly matches a complete list of fixtures when available will be posted at: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ bramfordunitedfc/teams/71463 Enjoy the summer if we get one, until next month.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND: MAY 31-JUNE 1, 1916 This famous naval battle of the Great War took place in the North Sea off the coast of Denmark and involved 250 ships and more than 100,000 men. Research has revealed that at least two Bramford men served in and survived the battle.

STERLING NEVILLE COBBOLD (Cobbie) DSC RN RAN 1895-1975 One of three sons of Alfred and Bessie Cobbold of Bramford House, he gained admission to the Royal Naval College, Osborne at the age of 13 and then went on to the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth two years later. In 1915 he was a midshipman on the battle cruiser HMS Lion, but later that year made sub lieutenant. His older brother Rowland was killed in action in 1915 serving with the Royal Artillery at Ypres.

During the Battle of Jutland he was serving in HMS Ariel – a destroyer – as part of the First Destroyer Flotilla providing a protective screen for the Fifth Battle Squadron.

Later that year the Ariel was credited with sinking the U29 for which Sterling was awarded the DSC (Distinguished Service Cross).

After serving in other vessels Sterling left the navy in 1919 and went to work in Australia as a ‘Jackaroo’ on a sheep station. He volunteered at the outbreak of the Second World War and in 1940 was appointed as lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserve. Posted to Darwin from 1940 to 1942 he was the senior naval officer when the Japanese bombed the city after the fall of Singapore. Transferred back to his home in Brisbane later in 1942, now aged 47, he was promoted to commander on the emergency list.

More of Sterling’s life story can be found on the Cobbold Family History Trust website at www.cobboldfht.com from which the information for this article is taken, with the kind permission of Anthony Cobbold.

ABLE SEAMAN WILLIAM COLEMAN, RN William was born on February 28, 1883 to Robert and Sarah Coleman who lived in The Street. His birth was registered as William George Ernest Coleman, but when he enlisted in the navy used the name William Ernest Joseph. ‘Ernest Joseph’ was a younger brother’s name, but why he did this is not clear.

William’s service record shows that he joined as a boy sailor (second class) at age 16 and on enlistment he had been working as a postman.

On attaining his 18th birthday he was rated as an ordinary seaman and eventually progressed to able seaman. He bought himself out in May 1906 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve. He married Gertrude Harvey in Willesden later that year and records show that they had at least two children. In 1911 William and his family are living with his father-in-law in Cricklewood and he is working as a postman again. He was recalled when war broke out and served in a number of vessels and shore establishments until being demobbed on February 11, 1919.

One of the ships that William served in from March 1916 to August 1918 was the Minelayer HMS Abdiel. The Abdiel was present at the Battle of Jutland and in the early hours of June 1 ordered to lay mines in the www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

path of the retreating German Fleet. Later that morning the battleship Ostfriesland ran into one of the mines and caused damage that kept her in dock for many weeks.

His brother Bertie also served in the navy and both men are listed on Bramford School’s Roll of Honour.

WE ALSO REMEMBER… CAPTAIN ALEXANDER ARBUTHNOTT HUGHES, 2nd SOUTH WALES BORDERERS Killed in action July 1, 1916 Alexander was born into a military family (his father was a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Artillery) and he attended the Royal Military College as a cadet. He was “Gazetted” as a second lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers in 1907. Having been promoted to lieutenant in 1909 he was seconded for service with the Colonial Office in 1912. This appears to have resulted in him going to Africa and serving with the East African Rifles (Kings African Rifles). In November 1914 he was promoted to captain while still seconded to the Colonial Office and medal records confirm that he was in the Cameroons when war was declared. At some point he was recalled to his regiment to serve on the Western Front and was in command of a company of men on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers were part of the 29th Division tasked with the initial assault on the German front line at Beaumont Hamel.

Witnesses saw him being shot within about 100 yards of the enemy trenches, but such was the intensity of the fighting in this area, his body was not found until the next year. He is buried in “Y” Ravine Cemetery in the Newfoundland Memorial Park – Beaumont Hamel.

The Hughes family lived at Darmsden Bushes (now Tye House) in Tye Lane but moved to Sussex around 1920.

SERGEANT 17010, THOMAS JAMES WOOLLARD, 10th BATTALION, ESSEX REGIMENT Died of wounds July 10, 1916 Although not on the village war memorial, Thomas was described in the newspaper report of his death as a “Bramford man”.

Research into his family history has revealed that the Woollard family ran the Bramford Cock from the 1870s to the 1890s so they would have still been remembered in the village by many.

Thomas had enlisted in the army in the 1890s and had served in the South African War. He had married in 1900 and settled in Cranham, Essex with his family where he worked on the railways. As a time served veteran Thomas volunteered early in 1915 and was made a sergeant before crossing to France in September that year.

Continued over...

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / SPORT On July 1 the 10th Essex was in reserve for the 53rd Brigade, but according to the War Diary two of their platoons were attached to the 6th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment who were to take part in the initial assault.

According to newspaper reports Thomas was wounded on July 1 while waiting to go “over the top” with his platoon and it’s likely that Thomas was in one of those attached to the 6th Royal Berkshires.

Just before the main attack at 7.27am two mines were exploded in this area under the German front line. The larger one of 5,000 pounds of explosive was at Casino (or Kasino) Point just in front of the trenches occupied by the waiting troops. The War Diary entry for 7.27am states that: “The mine which was put up at KASINO POINT at this time inflicted a large number of casualties on the two platoons attached to the 6th R Berks.”

This was probably the incident that caused Thomas’s wounds and as a result he was transported to the No 1 Stationary Hospital in Rouen where he died on July 10, 1916. He is buried in the St Sever Cemetery, Rouen and commemorated on the Ipswich War Memorial.

PRIVATE 22844, ERNEST ALBERT PRYKE, 2nd BATTALION, SUFFOLK REGIMENT Killed in action July 20, 1916 PRIVATE 20236, WILLIAM EDWARD PRYKE, 2nd BATTALION, SUFFOLK REGIMENT Killed in action July 20, 1916 In the summer of 1915 William and Ernest followed their older brother Frederick, a regular soldier in the Suffolks, into the same Regiment.

Frederick had gone to France with the 2nd Battalion in December 191, but was killed in action in June 1915. It’s possible that his death prompted the brothers to enlist. The brothers joined the 2nd Battalion in France in 1916 and took part in The Battle of Delville Wood (July 15-September 3).

This heavily contested area of woodland (known as Devil Wood by the troops) to the east of the village of Longueval had been taken earlier by the South African Brigade but lost again on June 19. The 2nd Suffolks took part in an attack to regain the woods as the regimental history relates: “The two Suffolk companies in the forward line moved in double lines of platoons with a front of 140 yards each. Much bitter fighting followed, which, though indecisive locally, enabled a footing to be gained in High Wood by a division [33rd] containing another Suffolk battalion – the 4th, and the British line to be linked up thence with Longueval.”

Ernest and William have no known graves and are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

To find out more about the men of Bramford who died in the Great War go to: www.bramfordww1project.org.uk The book Remembered – The Men of Bramford who fell in the Great War – is available at £7 from Kelvin Dakin: 01473 464502 / kelvin.dakin@btinternet.com

BRAMFORD COCK FC Well, we have all no doubt had enough of the tittle tattle of the referendum and its pros and cons along with who is the new prime minister and what’s happening in the Labour leadership, and hopefully welcome some sanity... a new football season.

Firstly the committee apologise for not having an end of season presentation evening, but due to not having a chairman and with the pub changing hands there was no available date.

The new season gets underway on Sunday, August 21. With a few changes in the team management structure, new signings and possibly a new chairman in place things are looking positive. The club are hoping to improve on the fifth place achieved last season. Some preseason friendlies will be played and the results of these will be in next month’s notes.

Someone who will be missing is Pete Welsh who no doubt many of you would have known and whose untimely death at the end of last season shocked us all. Pete will be sadly and painfully missed not only by friends and family, but his presence and support every Sunday morning will be fondly remembered.

The club would like to thank the Stoddart family for their very kind and generous donation and although sadly we lost longstanding chairman Bill Stoddart, his memory lives on.

The England v Scotland football match for The Bill Stoddart Cup takes place on Bramford United’s pitch (accessible from Acton Road or Fraser Road) on Sunday, August 28. Our thanks to them for the use of the pitch and facilities. There will be a variety of stalls, raffle prizes and much more and everyone is welcome. The football is interesting to say the least with the teams made up of, well footballers, those who have been press ganged or those who just want to be a part of this special day in memory of Bill.

England, unlike the overpaid flops of the recent Euros, will be eager for revenge and try to wrestle the cup from the Scots’ clutches after their victory last year in dramatic fashion following a penalty shoot out. It seems even this England team do have something in common with their professional counterparts. Let’s hope the summer has lasted long enough to be around for this bank holiday weekend.

As mentioned, the 2106/17 season kicks off on Sunday, August 21 and will finish on Sunday, May 14, 2017. Now that is a long way off. No doubt there will be sun, rain, gale force winds, frost, ice and snow and whatever else waits until a Sunday morning. Oh the joys of Sunday morning football!

For those of you who may wish to watch Bramford Cock FC, we play in the Premier Division of the Ipswich Sunday Morning Football League.

Our home games are played at Sproughton Playing Field, Church Road, Sproughton and kick off is 10.30am.

Our ‘base’ is the Bramford Cock pub and by the time these notes are read a new landlord/landlady will be in place. Join us after a match and listen to the bravado from players who scored and temporary deafness from the ones who missed open goals. It’s a great way to get to know committee members and the players.

Throughout the season it is hoped to arrange discos and raffles for much needed club funds and possibly an end of season trip to Great Yarmouth dog track for an evening of greyhound racing.

Here’s to a good season for Bramford Cock FC and all those who support the blue and white local championship team – not the other championship club (a friendly dig at the Bramford Tennis Club scribe).

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SPORT BRAMFORD BOWLS CLUB

Castle. The scores were Jean Taylor, Linda Fairs, Diana Wolton and Janet Paternoster 23-15; Maureen Higgins, Jo Whiting, Rachelle Barber and Stella Utteridge 20-15; and Joyce Thompson, Ann Thaine, Ruby Rudge and Mary Saunders 27-14.

The semi-final was played on July 6 against a combination team of Margaret Catchpole/Holywells Bowls Clubs. Once again we produced a fine performance, winning on all three rinks. The final will be held on September 7 at Hadleigh Bowls Club against Ipswich & District Bowls Club.

Our men played the Millennium Cup against Sproughton BC on June 22. It was an intriguing game throughout with many highs and lows. Christian Barber in the 2-wood singles was the first rink to finish, but unfortunately after a close game lost 11-14. The triples’ set of Mike O’Shea, Mel Milne and Andy Roberts had an easy win 26-6. The fours set of Allen Davey, Ray Paternoster, David Thompson and John Sharman could never really get their act together and lost 6-26. The pairs’ rink of Martin Barber and Roy Prentice had a very close game throughout, but managed to finish 25-18.

The match of the day was the 4-wood singles between Jason Smith and Adrian Beecroft. Jason was 9-14 down on the 15th end. Adrian, who had bowled consistently well throughout the game, held three to win the game when Jason took the jack into the ditch and eventually ended up winning 22-18. It was an exciting game to watch. The result was a win of three rinks against two.

The next round against Otley BC was a somewhat different affair and unfortunately we lost both the 2-wood and 4-wood singles at the start, and when we lost on the triples’ rink we knew that it was well and truly over. However, well done to the pairs’ rink of Martin Barber and Roy Prentice, and the fours’ rink of Mike O’Shea, Allen Davey, David Thompson and John Sharman who both won their respective rinks.

The second round of the Ladies BE County Top Team was played against Ipswich Ladies Bowls Club on June 15 and we successfully won through by three rinks to two.

The third round was played on June 29 against Felixstowe & Suffolk BC in cold inclement weather (what’s new?). Jean Taylor had to play an extra end in the 2-wood singles after being level 15-15 on the last end. She held shot but her opponent bowled her last wood and cruelly pipped her to the post.

Janet Paternoster’s game in the 4-wood singles was a close one throughout but Janet came out the winner 18-15. One rink each at this point. The triples’ rink of Ann Thaine, Jo Whiting and Stella Utteridge had a very close game throughout but came out winners 18-16 after a crucial measure on the last end. The fours’ rink of Zoe Barnard-Rowland, Linda Fairs, Diana Wolton and Rachelle Barber were also having a ‘close encounter’, but scored a four on the 14th end to edge in front, eventually coming out winners 20-13. The pairs’ rink of Joyce Thompson and Mary Saunders were having a nightmare game and were 2-14 down after seven ends. They managed to get their heads into gear, coming out eventual winners 27-19. This resulted in a four rinks to one win against very strong opposition. Very well done all the ladies. The next round is the final at Ipswich Ladies BC on July 13 against a combination team of Ipswich Bowls Club and Debenham.

The ladies foray into the BE Hadleigh Cup continued with another resounding win against Framlingham Bowls Club on June 22 when the weather was actually kind to us playing in front of Framlingham www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

The ladies from our club have been having continued success in the BE national Johns’ Trophy, namely Rachelle Barber, Janet Paternoster, Stella Utteridge and Zoe Barnard-Rowland, and also in the BE Walker Cup (which is a knock-out competition), Janet Paternoster and Stella Utteridge. Steve Zarkos has again been selected to play for Suffolk in the Federation Adam’s Trophy.

Ann Thaine and Mary Saunders reached the BE ladies county pairs’ semi-final and Jean Taylor, Rachelle Barber, Stella Utteridge reached the semi-final of the ladies triples. The pairs’ match was tightly contested and Bramford were holding game when Julie Spice from Sproughton BC bowled the perfect wood with the last wood of the match to snatch victory. Julie and her partner Lesley Morgan will now represent Suffolk at the BE national finals in Leamington Spa. Here’s hoping they go far in the competition.

In the triples they were down going into the last end when Stella hit the offending shot wood with her last bowl to hopefully push it through and gain some shots, but unfortunately it moved slightly and then sat back down again. Oh well, there is always next year!

Roy Prentice and Stella Utteridge reached the quarter-final of the BE Mixed Pairs, but unfortunately lost at this stage. Two sets have won through to the BE county Benevolent Triples semi-finals – namely Jo Whiting, Diana Wolton and Janet Paternoster and Jean Taylor, Rachelle Barber and Mary Saunders – which will be played at either the end of August or beginning of September.

Yot Dodds reached the Federation ladies county semi-final in the Champion of Champions competition, but unfortunately lost at this stage.

Several have reached the area finals of the Men’s and Mixed Federation county competitions, namely: Roy Prentice: Champion of Champions Jason Smith: 4-wood singles Steve Zarkos: 2-wood singles Christian Barber, Rachelle Barber and Jason Smith: Mixed triples John Sharman: Veteran’s singles Joyce and David Thompson: Senior mixed pairs Diana Wolton and Terry Griffin: Senior mixed pairs Steve Zarkos, John Parnell and Jason Smith: 2-wood triples We played the first round of the Stowmarket Knock-out Cup on July 1 against Woodfield BC and won overall by 83 shots to 46.

We don’t seem to be doing much better in the leagues at the time of writing, apart from the D team who are still top of their league, as is the A team in the Samford Afternoon League, and we are near the top in the Stowmarket & District League.

Dare I say it, but I think the weather is improving – slightly!

Mary Saunders 21

CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / stmarybramford@aol.com Assistant Curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250 www.stmarybramford.co.uk Morning Prayer at Bramford: Monday to Friday, 8.30am Quiet Reflective Communion Service: Wednesday at the vicarage, 9.30am Please check porch notices for any changes.

AUGUST SERVICES Thursday 4 3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 7 8am 10am 6pm

Trinity 11 Holy Communion, Little Blakenham Holy Communion with Prayer for Healing, Bramford Evening Prayer for Rogation, Baylham

Sunday 14 8am 10am

Trinity 12 Holy Communion, Bramford Parish Communion, Nettlestead

Sunday 21 10am 10am

Trinity 13 Holy Communion, Bramford Holy Communion, Baylham

Sunday 28 10am

Trinity 14 Parish Communion, Bramford

Dear Friends As I write this we are still recovering from the village fun day, and the last ‘parachuting bear’ has come down from the church roof.

Actually it was a CBeebies character called Woolly, a large multicoloured spider who goes on adventures. We told the family who had been looking for him that he had been on an adventure with the gargoyles on the church roof. I think he deserves the fun day award for bravery!

The fun day was a wonderful success, and at the time of writing we have raised a little over £2,000 for church funds. Thank you so much to everybody who was involved from the church and the community, especially Caroline Walton who yet again co-ordinated things with great energy.

Fun days, fetes and fundraising events are a necessary part of our life as a church, one of our must popular this year has been the coffee mornings started earlier this year. They have proved surprisingly popular, with homemade cakes and, occasionally, bacon rolls! Our coffee mornings are taking a break during August, but will resume in September. They are a great chance to meet people and have a coffee and a chat. If you are new to the village, or if you feel in need of some companionship, come to the next one in September and get to know us. There is usually a member of the ministry team available to talk to.

Our one piece of news is that The Rev Pat Wright, our Self Supporting Minister, retired at the end of July. She will be given a licence so that

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she can still take services if she wishes to, but she will no longer be an official part of the ministry team. We hope that she will continue to minister in the village as she feels able to and will keep up her long association with the church.

I am on holiday for most of August, but The Rev Julian Fennell, our curate, will be available to answer any queries, and you will find his telephone number at the top of the page.

Blessings to you all, Jenny Coffee Morning Please note that there will not be one in August, as it’s the holiday season, but this popular event will resume again in September PARISH REGISTERS Baptism June 5 Finley Thomas Brill, Bramford

Henry David Newstead, Bramford May they grow in grace and the knowledge of God. Weddings June 10 Matthew Reese and Claire Fitzmaurice, Baylham May they grow in their love for each other.

Funerals June 23 June 29 June 30

Iris Pontet, Baylham Care Centre / Ipswich Crematorium David Mayhew, St Mary’s Bramford Frank Burton, Ipswich Crematorium

We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers.

Cleaning Rota: C Thacker & W McGinty Flower Rota: August 6 – W McGinty; August 13 – Wedding; August 20 – H Hart; August 27 – Wedding.

Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church July 20: In memory of Patricia Brown on her birthday August 15: In memory of Maria Whight If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week Lectionary Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good share the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world.

August 7 Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Trinity 11 Hebrews 11: 1-3,8-16

Green Luke 12: 32-40

August 14 Isaiah 5: 1-7

Trinity 12 Jeremiah 23:23-29

Green Luke 12:49-56

August 21 Jeremiah 1:4-10

Trinity 13 Hebrews 12:18-29

Green Luke13: 10-17

August 28 Jeremiah 2:4-13

Trinity 14 Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16

Green Luke 14:1, 7-14

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