In Touch with Bramford - March 2016

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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 6 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2016

Bramford Church by Beryl Sims

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I went along to an e-safety workshop for parents at Jack’s school last week and I’m still shaking my head in horror. I’m relatively tech-savvy, or at least I though I was, but I’m not what they call a ‘digital native’, i.e. a person born or brought up in the age of digital technology and familiar with computers and the internet from an early age. In fact I can remember being introduced to a fax machine in my first year at university and being utterly amazed that we could send a sheet of paper from one side of the room to the other! Those of us who aren’t digital natives acknowledge the wonder of digital technology and most of us use it daily, some more effectively that others, but I don’t suppose I will ever truly appreciate how ‘normal’ it is for natives like Jack. That said it is my responsibility to protect him from the negative aspects of digital communication ­– such as the possibility that someone could be watching him through the webcam on my iPad using a remote access tool! How creepy is that?

Taking what I’d learned at the e-safety session I went into Settings on the iPad and set all the appropriate restrictions. I also downloaded a child-friendly version of YouTube called YouTube Kids and a childfriendly browser. Jack hasn’t actually noticed the difference yet, but I know he’s not going to be bombarded with inappropriate content or accidentally follow links to sites which aren’t age appropriate.

For now he’s safe, but kids being kids, I know he will challenge the boundaries and find ways to circumvent my efforts to control his digital adventures so I have to stay one step ahead at all times.

Ironically there are some very useful websites you can visit to learn more about setting restrictions and understanding how young people use social media.

NEWS LOCAL FLORIST HOPES TO RAISE £4,000 FOR CHARITY Lucy Ransome of Barham has donned her running shoes and embarked on a challenging training programme in preparation for this year’s 26.2 mile London Marathon. This will be Lucy’s first marathon and she will join approximately 36,000 other runners as they pound the streets of London on April 24 Lucy hopes to raise around £4,000 for the NSPCC and the critical care unit at Ipswich Hospital, the latter being a personal motivation after one of her closest friends spent four weeks on the ward before unfortunately loosing her battle. Lucy said: “The support, care and courage of the staff was amazing and they were there 24 hours, seven days a week.” Lucy hopes to turn a huge negative into a positive and by raising funds she hopes to help others in a similar life threatening/life changing situation.

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The e-safety session ended with a question: “Would you abandon your children in central London unsupervised and unaccompanied?”

If No is your answer, find out what you can do to protect them online.

As well as running her busy floristry business, Lucy Jane Flowers at Debenham, she is also working hard organising fundraising activities prior to the marathon. One of these is a Charity Family Night at Claydon Community Centre on March 19, 7-11pm.

The evening will be great fun for all the family and will include a disco, ploughman’s supper and a raffle with Family Charity Night @ Claydon Community Centre some fantastic prizes generously donated Saturday 19 March 2015 – 7pm – 11pm by local businesses. The list of prizes Tickets: Adult £10 Child £5 (14 and under) include a mini cruise for two to Honfleur from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, afternoon tea at The Limes in Needham Market and a round of golf for four at Fynn Valley Golf Club, plus so many more fabulous prizes. Tickets for the event are £10, children £5. Tickets are available by contacting Lucy on 07885 909713 or 01728 860190. Raffle tickets are also available so please pop by the shop in Debenham or contact Lucy. th

In Touch

with Bramford, Offton & Somersham

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01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: bramford@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.

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Help Lucy Ransome raise her total of £4,000 for the London Marathon.

All funds go to:

In Touch with Bramford, Offton & Somersham is published by: Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

Includes: Ploughmans Supper, Padmans Disco, Quiz and Raffle with some fantastic prices including a Fred. Olsen Mini Cruise.

We also publish

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

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

Lucy has a JustGiving page if you would like to make a monetary donation in support: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/lucyransome To keep up to date with Lucy’s fundraising events please see her Facebook page, Lucy Jane Flowers.

We would like to wish Lucy the best of luck with her fundraising and we look forward to a celebratory photo with her medal on completion of the marathon.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

APRIL DEADLINE 10 MARCH 2016 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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NEWS SALVATION ARMY LAUNCHES NEW EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLE

SOMERSHAM / CHALLAINLA-POTHERIE VILLAGE LINK

The Salvation Army’s new emergency response unit to support emergency service personnel and the community was launched in January.

The next visit to our link village of Challain-la-Potherie in the Loire Valley area of France will be during the first May Bank Holiday of the year, from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2.

The Salvation Army’s previous emergency response vehicle attended 210 events and emergencies, providing hot food and drink to emergency personnel such as the fire service, the police and the council’s emergency response team. This saw Salvation Army volunteers and officers serving those working on the front line and the community in emergencies from large fires to hunts for missing people, floods or even providing support for people at sporting events.

This will be the 16th year of our link between our villages and many longstanding friendships have been made over the years. Each year we have new people travelling with us who then go on to make new friends themselves, both in France and locally.

The replacement vehicle is funded by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and The Salvation Army after the previous van became unreliable after 13 years of use. The vehicle is based at Stowmarket Fire Station.

Mike Baker, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Co-ordinator for Suffolk, said: “The Salvation Army has a long history of supporting the community in times of need. People think it is God’s work with its sleeves rolled up. We are in partnership with the fire services – they support the community and we are pleased to support them. As a church and a charity The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing compassionate support, a listening ear and practical help to those in need in the community, and see our support of emergency personnel and the local community at emergencies as a vital part of our work.”

Since 1978, The Salvation Army’s emergency response team in Suffolk has supported 28,685 emergency personnel and members of the public, served more than 51,331 hot and cold drinks, made 3,487 loaves of bread into sandwiches and served 2,300 hot meals.

We travel by comfortable coach from Somersham to Challain where we stay with host families and all our accommodation, food and entertainment is provided. There is always a good mix of English and French on these occasions and language does not present a problem. We welcome people from our surrounding villages to join with us. The cost is the price of the coach divided by all who go along, so the more who go the less cost.

It’s a fantastic group of people who go from our local villages and we’d love to have new people of all ages, either individuals or families, join our next trip. Over the time we have been going to Challain we have had all ages, the youngest being three years old and the oldest 80, and everybody in between.

So if you’d like to know more please contact one of the following: Gill Fordham, 831529; David Haughton, 831511; Janet Hodge, 832296; Pat Woolhouse, 831080

BRAMFORD FLOWER SHOW The 2016 Flower Show is on Saturday, July 2. Schedules will be available soon from either the chemists or 7 Packard Place.

Just to give you a head start, the photo competition for adults is Clouds and for ages 12-16 its Animals.

Maureen Renton

Major Derek Jones, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for its Anglia division, said: “The dedication of Salvation Army volunteers and officers in this emergency services support is a real asset. They respond and serve at any time of the day or night to support emergency services personnel working at the front line with hot drinks, soup, sandwiches or hot dogs. The emergency services often put their lives at risks to support people in the community during fires and floods, and we look to do what we can to make their time easier while serving, while also supporting the local community.”

(l-r) Chief Fire Officer Mark Hardingham, Temp Deputy Police Constable Steve Judd, Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Derek Jones, Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, Emergency Group member Mike Caley, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for the Environment & Public Protection Matthew Hicks, SA Territorial Emergency Services Officer Major Maureen Hepburn In the hatch – Mayor of Ipswich Councillor Glen Chisholm, Mayor of Stowmarket Councillor Barry Salmon, Mayor of Bury St Edmundsbury Councillor Patrick Chung

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NEWS

Our annual Easter Bunny Chocolate Bingo is on Saturday, March 5. Please get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. It’s not your normal bingo! Using a big screen all the bingo numbers are called by celebrity voices such as Michael Cane, Victor Meldrew, Ozzie Osborne and others. Prizes are given for one line, two lines and a full house and everything is of course chocolate related. That doesn’t mean to say it’s all edible chocolate! We have in the past had chocolate smelling socks, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory DVDs and Hot Chocolate CD’s to name a few. Of the six games of the evening, game three will be for children only. Cards for games one to five are £1 each and for game six they will be £3 each as the full house prize is £100 cash! There is an interval for food service when a hot meal is provided followed by scrummy deserts. During the interval there will be a free competition with a prize for the winners. We also have a magnificent raffle with over 30 prizes, all Easter and chocolate themed. If you want a really good family night out, where children are welcome, a full bar is available and you even get fed, all for an entry fee of £6 (half price for under 10s), tickets are now available from the charity shop on Coddenham Road in Needham Market, Stowmarket Tourist Office, 01449 760343 or 07974 424374.

Can you help us to help our children?

As many of you may know, the children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. We are busy collecting ‘nearly new’ items which we give to the children at a clothing party the day after arrival. They take clothes not only for themselves but also for siblings at home. If you have any clothing suitable for ages six to 13 that you would like to donate we would be extremely grateful. Donations can be left at the charity shop or collected by calling the numbers as given above.

We also give each child a selection of basic medical items to take home with them, any of which are either not available to them, of inferior quality to our products or just not affordable. If you could donate any of the items listed below it would be a tremendous help. No donation is too small and everything is really appreciated: We are collecting: plasters, blister plaster, Lemsip, paracetamol (caplets not capsules so can be halved), ibuprofen (caplets not capsules so can be halved), Lockets or Strepsils throat sweets, thermometers, mouth ulcer cream for children, decongestant capsules or drops, vapour rub, menthol nasal sticks, cold sore cream, Drapolene cream, menthol crystals, lip chap sticks and Immodium.

If you are interested in finding out more about the charity, our charity shop, hosting or helping with the children please do feel free to get in touch.

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY UPDATE The contruction team

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE

The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility has been confirmed as one of the greenest buildings in the country with an ‘outstanding’ rating from leading international assessors. The BREEAM scheme measures a building’s environmental performance – more than two million buildings worldwide have been assessed with less than 2% achieving the outstanding rating.

The Suffolk energy-from-waste site, a joint initiative between Suffolk County Council and SUEZ, uses household and business waste which would otherwise go to landfill as a fuel to generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes.

Metals are recycled and ash left after the incineration process is used as an aggregate for local building projects, so virtually nothing goes to waste.

The facility began operating in December 2014 following three years of construction and commissioning. It was designed by world-renowned architects Grimshaw and the main contractors were CNIM/Lagan.

Under the BREEAM scheme, points are awarded for every environmental feature incorporated into the design, construction and operation of a building.

The architectural watchdog, CABE, has previously praised the building – describing it as an ‘exemplar’ in setting the standard for future industrial design.

Claydon Football Club has received nearly £60,000 from the SITA Trust towards the refurbishment of its clubhouse and changing facilities (see page 18). The trust distributes money donated by SUEZ and funding is available for projects within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk energy-from-waste site. The next deadline for applications is April 25. www.sitatrust.org USEFUL NUMBERS Site offices: 01473 839149 To book a visit: 01473 836812 Evironment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910

BRAMFORD WATER MEADOWS A restored pond on the meadows

Best wishes to all and thank you, Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868

Last month I reported that digging works were taking place on the water meadows to restore the pond near Hazel Woods and to dig a ditch back across the former Fison’s land. I am pleased to say that the works went well and we have our new-look smart pond.

www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

Easter Themed Chocolate Bingo!

Saturday 5th March Fantastic Family Night Out!

Needham Market Community Centre doors open 7.00pm Full Bar Open — Entry £6.00 (Under 10’s half price) To include hot Supper with dessert

Bingo with a real difference!

Six exciting games with Special “Kidz only” Game Chocolate related prizes and raffle. Final Game Cash Prize First game 7.30 prompt ONE FREE BINGO CARD £££££££££ WITH EACH £7.00 TICKET Tickets£££££££££ available from CCLL Charity Shop Needham TICKETS ON SALE AT : NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE Mkt PURCHASED(adjacent to Rampant Horse Public House) NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE

Tourist Office Stowmarket (opposite Asda) Or call 01449 760343 or 07974 424374

A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDRENS LIFELINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014274

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

We have applied for a grant from the SITA Trust and part of this is to put

some staging on the ledge in the pond to allow children from the school to go pond dipping. The pond is actually a backwater of the River Gipping, but has always been referred to as a pond and is shown on the site maps that way as well.

In the meantime please take a walk down to have a look at what has been achieved. Although it looks bare at the moment with a lot of spread mud around we are sure that it will be looking grassy and have reeds and other plants growing in it within the year.

We have already seen a bank vole swimming across the water to its nest and a weasel seemed to be enjoying running around on the mud as well. If you spot something interesting please let us know as we record all sightings as part of our commitment to protect the natural environment.

John Hooker, trustee, 240843

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NEWS CARING HANDS RUSSIA Wherever you live, life is not easy if you have to cope with a disability. In some places, it’s even more difficult than in others. In Russia, practical help for people with disabilities has depended almost entirely on the initiative, persistence and sheer determination of families and individuals.

Twenty-five years ago, the town and region of Volkhov had nothing. One woman made it her mission to establish a centre to provide therapies, activities and general support to disabled children and their families. Galina is planning to visit this country in April to see what is offered here and to talk with people involved. We’re arranging a programme of visits and meetings to enable her both to gather useful ideas and to share her own experience.

COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT John Field’s Report to Gipping Valley: February 2016 Grants: Kevin Welsby and I agreed the use of the £10,000 district grant funds allocated to us. We couldn’t meet all requests in full so I decided to top up some applications to the full amount using £2,300 from my County Locality budget. Bramford Church, Little Blakenham Parish, Bramford Primary School PTA, Bramford Open Spaces and Bramford Playing Field received grants.

‘We’ are Caring Hands Russia, a very small charity with no capital, no property, and no paid staff, working from a house in Sproughton.

Young Families: I had an enjoyable visit to Claydon Young Families, meeting toddlers, mums, organisers and other councillors. This is a vibrant wellorganised group (see page 17) run by enthusiastic volunteers who are clearly providing activities the toddlers enjoy and a chance for all to chat.

We are looking for: • Suggestions of people and places that Galina might profitably visit • Someone who could offer accommodation (for two ladies, together, for two weeks) • Help with transport • Good English-Russian translation; someone able to cope easily with technical terminology, particularly in relation to disability

Police and Crime Panel: I have been involved this month with the confirmation of the appointment by Tim Passmore, the police and crime commissioner, of the chief constable and the setting of the police precept. There was only one applicant for the chief constable role due to the restriction to people with experience as chief or deputy chief constable. However, the recruitment process had been sound and Gareth Wilson, whose appointment was confirmed, has been performing well asacting chief for a year.

Please let us know if you can help. Contact Tony Wilcox: 01473 461561 / tony.wilcox@caringhandsru.org

I used the opportunity to raise the issue of part funded PCSOs that has been concerning parishes in Gipping Valley and since then it has been decided that current arrangements will continue for this year.

Galina will be accompanied by Vera who leads the work of Scripture Union both in Volkhov where she grew up and in and around St Petersburg. She has been involved for many years in helping people in need – children, single (often abused) mothers, the elderly and the disabled.

We are also looking to bring together a team of volunteers to work with us in Russia for two weeks in August (practical work in fairly spartan conditions) to support and encourage the staff of a centre for children in care.

For more details, contact Tony or visit: www.caringhandsru.org

We agreed that the PCC should raise the precept by 2% to address the challenges of abuse and cyber-crime.

Pension Fund: At the Pension Fund Committee we agreed to join the pool of similar county funds covering most of the south east of England. Government is forcing local government funds to pool to achieve £25billion funds. This approaches the size of a fund like BTs but is still much smaller than sovereign wealth funds. The aim is to reduce management fees and probably to encourage investment in UK infrastructure.

Final Budget Setting: You will have seen that the cabinet is to adopt the chancellor’s proposal for a 2% rise in council tax to fund care as we asked at Scrutiny. This helps solve the funding problem in Adult and Community Services. The number of frail elderly with complex needs is rising and they need help. It cannot be good to see tax increases but this will go to services that limit the increased demand the NHS is suffering.

Art for Cure 2016 is expected to be the largest contemporary art and sculpture show held outside London in 2016.

Art for Cure 2016 will be held in the magnificent grounds and stately residence of Glemham Hall from Saturday, April 30 to Monday, May 2.

This second show follows after the staggering success of Art for Cure 2014 when £200,000 of art and sculpture was sold in one weekend and over £100,000 was donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Art for Cure 2014 was the most successful privately run event for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in terms of funds generated for the charity. The organisers Belinda Gray and Sally Ball are organising a second show for spring 2016 and once again, will be supporting Breast Cancer Now (formally Breakthrough Breast Cancer) and also helping East Anglian services that provide care and support to those affected by breast cancer.

There will be over 70 artists and sculptors exhibiting, great names such as Vanessa Gardiner, Henrietta Dubrey, Maggi Hambling, Michael Speller, Carol Peace and Paul Vanstone, as well as a superb selection of artists drawn from Suffolk’s great wealth of talent. All have agreed to donate a percentage of their sales to support the charity and generate a really significant total to help fight breast cancer, a disease that over 50,000 women are diagnosed with each year.

The event kicks off with a glittering private view party on Friday, April 29 for 350 guests and artists and then the exhibition continues over the bank holiday weekend Saturday, April 30 to Monday, May 2, 10am-5pm.

For more details please visit: www.artforcure.org.uk

The forecast deficit has fallen sharply from £48.7m to £39.6m as estimates of council tax base and collection fund surpluses are now less pessimistic. £34.4m savings and the £5.2m social care precept will meet this deficit.

The very recent £3.6m Suffolk gets from the government as a rural county will reduce the sum taken from reserves to £1.6m, leaving only £35.3m contingency reserve!

At council, we debated a proposal to use an additional £10.72m from reserves, equal to the amount added per year in recent years. It would have removed the need to cut social care, young people’s services, health and transport. The need for reserves “for a rainy day” won.

Procurement: This month’s scrutiny covered procurement, which now accounts for some 70% of council spend. There are about 3,000 contracts ranging from £15m to £488 with 120 contract managers. Scrutiny revealed that, although we do quite well by local government standards, the commercial approach still needs sharpening significantly. Our proposal from 18 months ago to add private sector skills to the team still needs action.

Devolution: Our scrutiny of the devolution proposals gave a rather confusing picture of a process going I am not quite sure where, with many changes of direction. Norfolk’s involvement now appears certain but Cambridge is reluctant to join. Their desperate need for housing that even well paid workers can afford is an incentive to join. The combined authority would benefit from Cambridge’s world-class organisations and university which are a major economic powerhouse. We understand that there are items which have been agreed with government and that details of these will be revealed soon. Not before time if we are to keep you informed before the inevitable consultation.

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

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ADVERTISING FEATURE NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN AHEAD Taking control of your future and planning ahead for your funeral gives you the opportunity to share your ideas on how you would like to be remembered, and how your life should be celebrated. It can also provide you with the comfort of knowing your family won’t be faced with financial strain and worries in the future, making planning ahead for your funeral all the more worthwhile.

East of England Co-op Funeral Services has been trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance when helping to create unique and personalised tributes.

By combining their knowledge and experience they have created five pre-payment funeral plans for you to choose from. Alternatively, a member of their team can help you create an entirely bespoke plan, so you can rest assured that every last detail will be just as you wish so you can get on with enjoying life.

Clearly priced, and with no hidden costs, their plans allow you to pay for your funeral in full now, or in manageable monthly payments over a time that suits you. All of their funeral plans are completely inflation proof, so by planning ahead you pay today’s price no matter how much costs may rise in the future.

If you are a member of the East of England Co-op you can also collect dividend points on your pre-payment plan, which you can use visiting new places, treating yourself or doing things with friends and family.

Find out more about East of England Co-op pre-payment funeral plans, or order a brochure, by visiting eastofengland.coop/funerals.

Alternatively, you can contact your local funeral branch who can also arrange a home visit for you.

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NEWS SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP

DAVID CARD, MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

A COMMUNITY SHOP FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, RUN BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Covering the parishes of Barking, Baylham, Darmsden, Nettlestead, Offton, Somersham and Willisham

The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416

District Councillor ‘one off’ £5,000 Community Locality Award In total I was asked for some £31,137 from 11 organisations: • Somersham Community Shop: £250 • Somersham Tennis Club: £500 • Somersham Duke Community Pub: £1,000 • Somersham Play Area equipment To Minor Grants scheme • Somersham/Offton Link magazine: £250 • Barking Village Hall: £1,000 • Offton/Willisham Village Hall playground: £1,000 • Baylham Church community facilities: £500 • Barking Church community facilities: £500

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday, 8am-1pm Spring is coming. We’ve been lucky enough to escape the floods and the weather has been quite mild this winter, but the days and evenings were still dark. During this time we’ve been pleased to welcome customers to our shop which has been warm, light and welcoming. This is the time when a local shop comes into its own.

Our Tea and Chat afternoons in the Coffee Corner on the last Wednesday of each month through the winter have been well-attended. There’s generally been about a dozen people having a hot drink, a piece of cake and a chat with others for a couple of hours. It’s good to have time to relax and catch up with the news. We will be hosting the next meeting, the last this winter, on Wednesday, March 30, 2-4pm. If you haven’t been before do come along – you will be made most welcome.

We know that our volunteers are the people, along with the customers, who make the shop a success, and we are always happy to welcome new volunteers as well as customers. It’s a friendly place to be and to get to know others in the village and locality. Pat G, who has been with us since the very beginnings of the shop and has worked tirelessly as a volunteer – thanks Pat, you’ve done fantastically well for us – is now having to give up working on a Saturday morning. We will miss Pat then and it will leave a big hole in our rota, so if anyone is able to help out on the occasional Saturday that would be extremely helpful. Please let Lucy know if you think you could help.

Volunteering is a useful way for young people to gain work experience and provides a good basis on a CV and we are always happy to have young people with us. They are excellent, quick to learn and friendly. If you know any young person who might be interested in working a few hours over the Easter holidays and the coming longer summer holidays, do suggest they come along and have a look. The more volunteers the easier it is for Lucy to prepare the rota.

Of course as a shop we sell all the essential goods and household needs, fresh baked bread and cakes, local vegetables, eggs and meat and pies, and we take orders for anything you might want to be sure of being there when you need it. Our successful new line is the wine, cider and beer we now have on our shelves. We also promote reuse and recycling so would be pleased to receive reusable plastic carrier bags and egg boxes. And don’t forget our other services: Coffee Corner, book exchange, dry-cleaning service, delivery to those with mobility difficulties, Tea and Chat afternoon, newspapers and magazines can be ordered for collection at the shop, and a village diary so that events don’t clash. Seasonal goods – look out for the Easter eggs.

Management team: Lucy Barrett, 831890; Terry Fordham, 831529; Jenny Hitchcock, 832060; Peter Jousiffe, 833577; Anne MacFadyen, 831288; Steve Woolhouse, 831080

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 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.

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

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Two other applicants were not ward specific and were referred to the grants team .

Community Infrastructure Levy A scheme was adopted at a full council meeting in January. One-off self-builds are exempt and the scheme will be kept under review with a full review within the next three years. CIL will raise about £10,000 a house. Parish councils may claim at least 15% for homes built in their patch.

Housing growth The pressure is on to meet demand for new homes by a significant uplift in annual completions from 400 to 550.

• MSDC currently do not have the five-year land supply sought by government.

• New Homes Bonus (about £1,000 a home paid each year for five years from central government funds) acts as another incentive for the council Devolution of powers debate The government’s Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill continues to be talked about behind the scenes. Suffolk and Norfolk (now without Cambridgeshire) continue to meet together hoping that there is something in this idea that will benefit us.

For further information contact David Card: 01449 722267 / david.card@midsuffolk.gov.uk

HENLEY PLAYERS’ Wow! What a show! Superb entertainment! They exceeded themselves once again!

Just some of the comments we received from our recent production of Snow White & Dwarf Club 7.

Once again we sold out all three performances and were well supported by the local community and further afield. This truly was the biggest pantomime the Henley Players have managed in the past five years.

Well done to the entire cast new and old, our backstage team who worked hard weeks before, the front of house crew and the ‘best five-piece live band’ in Henley. Finally, a special mention to our director Marina (her first attempt) and committee members.

Our next planned production is our summer show, The Wizard of Oz, on June 4 at 2.30 and 7.30pm.

Tickets are on sale in early March: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Our next pantomime dates are January 6 and 7, 2017. If interested in joining us, cast or back of house, please email: henleypanto2012@gmail.com

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL Report from the February meeting Temporary road closure of C450 Members of the parish council met with Mr Stevens, Assistant Director for Operational Highways, Suffolk County Council (SCC) following the concerns the parish council had raised over the management of the road closures through the village last summer. Mr Stevens explained his role within SCC and his plans for the future management of the highways department and the relationship with Kier, SCC’s highways contractor.

One of the main concerns from councillors was the discontinued bus service, including the school bus service, especially during the exam period. Mr Stevens explained that this would have been the responsibility of the transportation service within SCC not County Highways, but in future he was hoping that all the related departments within SCC would communicate better.

Councillors also raised concerns regarding notification of updates about the progress of the works, the lack of communication from the workforce, that there appeared to be no forward planning by SCC, whether the roads were inspected by SCC once the works had been completed and that the rat runs that drivers had used during the period were still at an adequate standard, proposed future works in the village and how these are managed in conjunction with highway works taking place in adjoining villages, as is the case with Barking at the present time.

Mr Stevens addressed all the concerns raised and felt that SCC would learn from the mistakes that happened last summer and would be looking at ways to aid communication with parish councils in the future and also look at ways the utility companies keep local residents updated.

County Councillor Truelove’s Report Councillor Truelove reported on the budget proposals for Suffolk County Council including the proposal to close one fire station and to remove some functional fire engines at others and the closure of the Park and Ride at Copdock. The report also contained information regarding the proposals to build seven new primary schools for nearly 1,500 pupils, two new schools for Ipswich and others across the county, the initial feedback from Ofsted inspection relating to looked after children and those leaving care and Suffolk’s GCSE and A level results rise.

Decision notices The following decision notice had been received: B/15/00193/FUL/AS – Erection of an agricultural livestock building – Land north of Elmsett Hall Farm, Offton Road, Elmsett – Permission granted by MSDC. Future meetings Wednesday, March 2, 7.30pm Wednesday, April 6, 7.30pm: the annual parish meeting which all parishioners are invited to attend Wednesday, May 4, 7.30pm: annual meeting of the council If you would like a specific topic discussed as an agenda item then please contact the parish clerk, Claire Lee: 01473 839784 / somersham.pc@outlook.com Your councillors (and their phone numbers): Richard Browne (chairman) 831321, Nick Dodd (vice chairman) 832806, Chris Mills 831667, Alan Bromwich 832900, Penny Pearson 831436, James Caston 07789 957444 and Keith McKeown 832000.

NEWS FROM BRAMFORD LEGION Dry January is over thank goodness and the shortest month has gone. Now we can look forward to spring with lighter nights and warmer days to come.

We are spring cleaning our entertainment this year and introducing some new nights to the club, starting with country and western on some Thursday nights.

We will be alternating with jazz so hopefully we can offer music to suit all tastes.

We will also be having some disco nights where you can strut your stuff.

Please look at the board outside, join our Facebook page or visit our website to see what we have coming up.

We also need to raise some much-needed funds for the club so if anyone wants to get involved or has any ideas please let me know. We will be having a fundraising dance on Saturday, April 5 with our great supporters Shoot The Drummer and are looking for raffle/auction prizes so please help us if you can.

Hopefully all the problems that head office created with the new membership system are, at last, sorted out and our own club membership will continue to grow. Pop in or call the club on 01473 745198 for anything you may want to discuss. Membership forms are available from the bar.

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Trusted by local families since 1925 Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket 01449 612765 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445

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.

BRAMFORD ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment for March www.bramfordrblclub.co.uk Tel: (01473) 745198 or join us on Facebook Thurs 3 Quiz Sat 5 The Houseshakers Thurs 10 New Country and Western with “Country Law” Sat 12 Mr Toucan Thurs 17 Quiz Sat 19 Special Nite !!!

– Adam Harrod and The Glamtastics Wed 23 Karaoke Thurs 24 Bingo Sat 26 New to club “Idreiss” Sat 2 April Club Fundraising Nite with Shoot the Drummer

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 Route 5 Town/village MIP/5A Sproughton MIP/5B Sproughton MIP/5C Bramford MIP/5D Bramford MIP/5E Great Blakenham MIP/5F Great Blakenham

MIP/5G Baylham MIP/5H Claydon MIP/5I Claydon MIP/5J Claydon MIP/5K Bramford

Location Church Lane Wild Man St Mary’s Close Paper Mill Lane Chequers Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Post Box Crown Edinburgh Gardens Bacon Road Packard Place

Time 9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-1055am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm

DATES: March 15, April 12, May 10, June 7, July 5, August 2, August 30, September 27, October 25, November 22, December 20

SWISH UP! The Creeting St Mary super stylish Swish Up returns to Creeting House Guest House on Friday, April 15 at 7.30pm, the perfect opportunity to smarten up your style while having a fun night out with friends.

Bring along five special items plus accessories that you would be proud to hand on.

Each item you bring entitles you to pick an item someone else has donated.

Tickets (£15 in advance / no tickets available on the door) include a glass of wine and canapés.

All profits to British Red Cross Refugee Crisis Appeal and Breast Cancer Care.

Advanced booking essential. Book now (only 50 places available!) by calling Jacqui on: 01449 721713

Take a moment to think about where the products we buy come from…

At the Fair Trade Shop in Upper Brook Street, Ipswich we make it our aim to sell only products which have been fairly-traded, through reputable suppliers, or are environmentally-friendly. We are run as a not-for-profit organisation so that all the proceeds after expenses are spent in buying more stock to help those in countries where they have so little. The Fairtrade premium means that the artisans and farmers are paid a fair wage and the community benefits too. The shop is run by volunteers, with a part-time paid manager and is enjoying its new location in the centre of town.

Ready for Easter we have Fairtrade Easter Eggs and beautifully decorated papier-maché eggs, chickens and bunnies, a good selection of cards and many beautiful craft items for gifts. We also stock a range of fairly-traded foods and beverages which you may not find elsewhere. Perhaps you will also find just what you’re seeking for Mother’s Day.

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www.thefairtradeshopipswich.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MAMMOTH BOOK SALE Saturday, March 12, 11.30am-2pm, St Mary’s Church Room, Ship Lane, Bramford Paperbacks at 30p, hardbacks 50p.

There will also be refreshments available.

Proceeds towards the upkeep of our historic church.

Stewart McGinty Friends of Bramford Church

SPROUGHTON BROWNIES EASTER BRIC-A-BRAC SALE 1st Sproughton Brownies are holding their Easter Bric-a-Brac sale on Saturday, March 5 at Sproughton Church Hall, 2-4pm. Admission free.

In aid of Save the Children, HOPS (Holiday Opportunity Play Scheme for children with disabilities) and Brownie funds. Stalls will include bric-a-brac, toys, books, next-to-new clothes, games, cakes, a tombola and a draw and refreshments.

CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE We are happy to announce the following events.

Saturday, March 12: Celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a Suffolk based Irish themed group, The Waxies Darbles. Doors open at 7.30, music from 8pm.

Good Friday, March 25: Suffolk Duo Soul Serenity. Doors open at 7.30, music starts at 8pm. Members £4, guests £5.

Saturday, April 30: A charity dance with Son of Elvis. Doors open at 7.30, music starts at 8pm. Entry £5.

Saturday, May 7: The very famous Dolly Parton tribute act. Doors open at 7.30, music from 8pm. Members £10, guests £12.

All tickets are available from the bar.

The venue is becoming popular and we are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, plus Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes. IPA from our cellar is only £2.50 a pint. Other refreshments are available from the well-stocked bar. www.candbcc.co.uk / 01473 831805

Please come and support us and get a bargain, or two!

Everyone welcome.

SIXTH RANSOMES AND RAPIER REUNION Sunday, March 6 at Kesgrave Social Club (Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE), 12.30-5pm.

Former employees of this iconic Ipswich firm, families and friends are all welcomed. The hall has good seating and plenty of room. About 120 attended last year.

Easy parking and near the No 66 bus route. Food (toasties, sandwiches and salads) and drinks at reasonable prices. Please don’t bring your own food.

Admission £2 per person. To confirm attendance please contact: Elizabeth Townsend: 01206 734581 / estownsend@btinternet.com

OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT LOUGHBOROUGH BELLFOUNDRY If you are interested in visiting Loughborough Bellfoundry & Museum please contact Pauline Shinn on 01473 744297. Added attractions include the vintage steam and diesel train museum, the Carillon Tower and War Memorial and an opportunity to watch a ball being founded. Bell ringers may also ring a carillon bell in the tower.

The first possible date is March 24 but there are other dates coming up in the summer. The cost will be £34.25 (coach) and entry to the foundry gallery is £10 per person. Number limited to 16 so don’t delay.

BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Our next meeting is on Thursday, March 17 when Stephen Govier will be talking about Architecture in Suffolk, with special mention of the Bramford area. As usual the meeting will be in the Church Room starting at 7.30pm.

Visitors are welcome – £3.

BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP This month we meet on Tuesdays, March 8 and 22 in the Loraine Victory Hall, 9.30am-noon.

Everyone is welcome to come and do something crafty, play Scrabble or just be sociable, but we do ask for £3 to help pay for the hall.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

Lt Blakenham Village Hall on Saturday, March 5, 2-4pm.

Entry is free and all funds raised will be in aid of Lt Blakenham Church.

CHARITY RACE NIGHT In aid of 1st Bramford Scout and Guide Headquarters Friday, March 4 from 7pm Lorraine Victory Hall, Bramford • Paddocks open at 7pm • £1 entry adults • Free for children • First race on the big screen at 7.30pm • Great fun for all the family • Bar and tuck shop available • Please come and support this local charity

If you would like to sponsor a race and receive publicity of your company services on the night it will only cost £20. Or if you would like to sponsor a horse for £5 or a jockey for £2 please email Group Scout Leader Claire Bickers at: clairebickers28@googlemail.com 15

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS

BRAMFORD WI Our next meeting will be on Monday, March 14 at 7.30pm in the Loraine Victory Hall when Ann Day will present a talk entitled Ipswich Then and Now. So many places have changed, so this should be very interesting.

The competition will be any picture of old Ipswich.

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD Our February meeting was somewhat different to the usual ‘speaker’ as a representative from Actilives taught us gentle exercises to music, mostly from the comfort of a chair. It was very good and thoroughly recommended. We range in age from 50s to 90s with varying stages of fitness, all of whom joined in and enjoyed it.

If you would like to join us, we meet on the first Monday in the month, except for bank holidays, from 2-4pm at Bramford Scout and Guide HQ. For further information contact Pat Caddick: 01473 402152 / pandj83@gmail.com

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB We are open to anyone over 50 living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham, from 2-4pm. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a 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’s fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS March 9: Social Afternoon March 23: Lewis Tyler of the River Gipping Trust will give a presentation entitled Rebuilding History – Baylham Lock and Sluice April 13: Social afternoon including the occasional series A Walk Down Memory Lane April 27: Peter Banham will lead an interactive talk on old sayings and their meanings May 11: Social afternoon May 25: Mrs Jane Paley with a light-hearted talk entitled What Do You Know About Tea? Visitors and new members are always welcome so do come and join us.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB It was proposed to visit The Good Old Music Hall Days show at the Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe on February 25 as the first club outing in 2016. However, only four members were interested so it was cancelled in favour of a private visit to the show, the four participants travelling by car and paying for their own admission.

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB We had a very interesting talk about the Isles of Scilly from Chris Parfitt in January. Chris is a very good speaker and the slides were excellent.

Our meeting on Monday, March 14 will start with a short AGM followed by a talk entitled A Year in the Life of a Beehive by Laurie Wiseman. All our meetings are held in Offton and Willisham Village Hall and start at 7.30pm. Anyone is welcome to come along.

For more information please contact Christine: 01473 830600

BRAMFORD PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP It’s hard to believe that we are already half way through the spring term.

The children have been learning about Chinese New Year and we have made paper plate monkeys and sampled some Chinese food. We have also been making Valentine’s Day cards and practising our phonics.

Co-op token scheme A big thank you to all who supported the green token scheme in the local co-operative stores. We have been told that a cheque for £300 will be winging it way to us soon. This money will go towards the further development of our garden area.

TABLE TOP SALE We are holding a table top sale at Bramford Primary School on Saturday, March 19, noon-3pm. A table costs £10 and all proceeds will go to the playgroup. If you would like further information or would like to reserve a table, please call Karen: 07875 552236 A reminder that our Tots Group is held at the primary school on Thursday afternoons, 1.30-3.15pm (term time only). Watch the children play while you have a cuppa and a chat. It costs £1 a child, 50p for each subsequent child, and includes a drink and a snack for parent/carer and tot.

We have limited sessions remaining for this school year and are now taking applications for 2016/17. If you are interested in your child joining us or would just like some more information about the playgroup, please contact: 01473 740782 / info@bramfordplaygroup.org or visit: www.bramfordplaygroup.org

BRAMFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Bramford CEVC Primary School held its annual Have a Heart Day on February 12. The children replaced their uniform for the day, wearing anything red, and were taught CPR, the recovery position and basic first aid skills. The Reception class and Year 1 had a visit from a paramedic and the Fire Service also attended to help educate in fire and personal safety.

The day was introduced in 2013 by a parent from the school whose mother had died from a cardiac arrest and could have been saved if a defibrillator had been close by. The family set up the charity Rosemary Remembered and a defibrillator was donated to Bramford School for the village to use. This training has continued in the school ever since and we are thrilled to see how the children embrace the training and are becoming confident first aiders with important life saving skills.

The day ended with a fun disco for all to enjoy, a wonderful start to the half term break!

Bramford School would like to thank all the volunteers for giving their time to help make the day a success.

The only other comment is about the weather; the chilly winds recently have not made going out much of a pleasure, although this has been offset by the early abundance of daffodils. So far my snow boots have remained in the cupboard unused for the last three winters. However, we do have some things to welcome this month. Mothering Sunday is on March 6, the first day of spring on March 20, and British Summer Time starts on March 27 which is also Easter Sunday.

Club meetings will revert to the summer schedule on March 30 with meetings held from 2-4pm.

Happy Easter to all our readers, John Bates

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL The children are all getting quite excited now for the Easter break and maybe a visit from the Easter Bunny with some chocolate. They have been doing lots of activities based around Easter and, of course, sorting out cards for Mother’s Day. We are holding our Easter Holiday Club on Tuesday, March 29, Wednesday, March 30, Tuesday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 6 from 9am-3.30pm for children aged two to eight. Prices are £20 for a full day (bring a packed lunch) and £12 for either a morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (12.30-3.30pm) session. For more details or to book spaces please contact the administrator – details below.

Don’t forget to get your applications in now for places in September.

The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am-3.30pm during term time. Children can start from the age of two until tåhey 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 in the Easter and summer holidays for two to eight year olds.

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

If you would like more 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

Dry Carpet Cleaning JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL (SPROUGHTON) AT NEEDHAM MARKET As you may be aware, Jigsaw Pre-school is coming to Needham Market.

We are due to open ready for the summer term 2016. We would like to say a huge thank you to Sackers Ltd who have donated two skips to help us clear the very overgrown outdoor play area, David Bayes from Bosmere Gas Services who provided a boiler check and LJH Electrical who did the electric and fire safety checks ready to get the pre-school up and running.

Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

Jigsaw is a registered charity offering quality childcare, fun and education to families in the local area and is Ofsted registered. We are opening in The Drift, School Street, Needham Market, to offer quality childcare for children from two years of age to school age. Jigsaw will be offering young children a wealth of activities to enhance their learning and development both inside the purpose built building and outside in the large garden area.

Our staff are dedicated and highly qualified with qualifications ranging from level 3 to EYP and have a vast amount of experience and knowledge of child development and the wellbeing of young children.

For further details of this exciting opening, please contact Jigsaw Sproughton at 01473 745716 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk or visit: www.jigsawsproughton.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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SPORT BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

BRAMFORD COCK FC

Greetings guff lovers. The storms that have been battering us recently have also been having an effect on the fixture lists of the winter league pairs. Only last week Nick and Graham’s match versus Matt and Adam fell foul of the conditions, the gale force wind forcing an abandonment after just one set had been played (though Nick’s serve was helped by the strong headwind, as it kept 10% of his serves in the court... a tenfold increase!). Naturally there was disappointment among the spectators, not least those with a video camera hoping to get an easy £250 from You’ve Been Framed, but Nick was sanguine about it as he has suffered from wind affected matches before – though not since we banned him from eating curry the night before a game.

Sunday, January 17: At home to Felixstowe Harpers, the lads were looking to improve on their up and down results with a good performance and complete a league double. The first 20 minutes saw both teams lacking quality in the final third. It was Bramford who made the breakthrough when Foxy slotted home in the 25th minute. Following a good move down the right, Josh evaded two tackles and found the bottom corner of the net in the 40th minute to put Bramford two up.

The winds of change are blowing through the committee as the AGM hoves into view. It’s on March 20 at noon in the sports pavilion and all club members and members of the public are welcome to attend. There will be the usual rush of hot air followed by gales of laughter and the usual chill wind of realisation as we clamp the leg irons on the volunteers. Many thanks to all the outgoing members for their time and efforts and a warm welcome to the new suckers, sorry successors.

There are no other ill winds to report on the injury front this month, apart from Graham suffering a minor head wound incurred when bending to pick up a 50p piece he had dropped – it hit him on the back of the head!

Clive had a nasty reoccurrence of his heart rate going through the roof, however he soon recovered when Lorna found the emergency corkscrew to replace the one he had just snapped. Apparently she keeps one in a small red box on the wall with a window that you have to break in an emergency.

Corrinne is on the road to recovery (literally) as she is back on her bike complete with small scarf over her tee shirt now that the wind chill is getting up.

Just time for joke of the month while you are still awake: A man gets a Chinese takeaway and upon getting home starts to unpack the containers from the carrier bag. He notices that the lid of one of the boxes is slightly open and he is alarmed to see a small pair of eyes looking out at him.

Hurriedly he slams the lid down and phones the takeaway to complain. After describing what has happened the owner laughs and says: “Don’t worry, that’s your Peking Duck!”

I don’t expect to get blown away with laughter at that one.

More guff next month, Mick Russ

RAYDON HALL ARCHERY CLUB – INDOOR AMERICAN

More than 80 archers from across Essex and Suffolk, including some of the counties elite archers, attended Raydon Hall Archery Club’s sixth annual shoot at the Wix Equestrian Centre. The competition, based on the American round but set as an indoor shoot, comprises of 90 arrows split over the distances of 60, 50 and 40 yards.

Raydon Hall Archery Club have already booked the venue for next year, and have also set a date for their annual soup shoot in April at their shooting ground in Raydon.

If you would like further details please contact tha club by email: richard@raydonhallac.co.uk

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The second half resumed with our visitors pushing forward and almost pulled a goal back straight from the kick off. They were rewarded on 55 minutes when from poor defending, they scored. After this, they started to press forward but as in the first half, their finishing lacked any quality. Bramford were playing slightly the better football, but neither goalkeeper was tested. Final score: 2-1 Sunday, January 24: A break from league action with a home match against Martlesham Old Boys in the Peter Cocker Senior Cup. A rarity for manager Gary was an almost full strength team. Liam Woodhouse and brother Ben made welcome returns. The lads knew that this competition was their only chance of any silverware this season. As if to underline this, they immediately started to create goal scoring opportunities with both Josh and Yani going close. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Matty Cunningham started the move in his own half, continued forward and after playing a delightful onetwo with Matty Sharland, found the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards.

Bramford were playing some of their best football seen for a number of weeks with Liam Woodhouse who was playing in an unfamiliar midfield role having a really good game. He was rewarded when he scored Bramford`s second in the 40th minute.

The second half started the same as the first with Bramford taking the game to the visitors. It took until the 60th minute for Bramford to finally increase their lead when Josh scored after rounding off another good move.

Matty Cunningham scored his second and Bramford’s third goal in the 75th minute. As if not to be outdone by Matty, Liam Woodhouse scored his second in the 85th minute. Bramford progressed into the next round. Final score: 5-0 Sunday, January 31: Back to league action with an away match against struggling Boxford Rovers. Bramford were looking to complete a double over the hosts but due to unavailability of some key players, manager Gary had to shuffle his team with assistant manager Damian Brown making a rare appearance in the centre of the back four alongside Matty Sharland. Unfortunately just the bare 11, with no substitutes. On a very heavy and sticky pitch and with the constant rain, Bramford started the better. From a cross by Jordan Mussington in the 30th minute, the home goalkeeper let the ball slip over his head into the goal to put Bramford a goal up. The heavy pitch was making passing difficult, but Bramford started playing wider and were rewarded when Josh scored in the 43rd minute.

On the stroke of half time Foxy, who had earlier missed a sitter from two yards out, scored from an acute angle.

The hosts started the second half the better and finally found the net in the 60th minute. Bramford then scored their fourth goal two minutes later when Josh slotted home. Back came the hosts and in the 75th minute scored their second. This lifted them and in the 86th minute they scored their third goal from the penalty spot. The hosts sensed that they could get something out of the game, but another good move involving Matty Sharland and Sam Clay ended with Yani scoring from six yards in the 88th minute. So another good team performance with all the lads working together on a difficult heavy pitch and more importantly three points and three consecutive matches unbeaten.

Final score: 3-5 Sunday, February 7: At home to Yourshirts, the lads were looking to increase their unbeaten run to four matches. However, the lads could not get going and Yourshirts deservedly took the lead in the 25th minute and continued to dominate the first half. They scored their second in the 44th minute. At this point, it seemed that our unbeaten run would certainly come to an end.

The second half started with Yourshirts sitting back on their two-goal advantage and it was Bramford who raised their game and looked a totally different team.

Chances were being created and they were rewarded in the 60th minute when Yani slotted home. Bramford were getting closer and equalised in the 80th minute. Sharland sent a free kick into the Yourshirts penalty area and with their defence standing still, Cunningham ghosted in to score from six yards. Bramford then pressed for a winner but had to settle for a point. On reflection, the lads were pleased with the way they improved in the second half. Final score: 2-2

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SPORT CLAYDON FOOTBALL CLUB Café Grand Opening

out from Alfie found Fabian on the right wing. Fabian let the ball bounce once and unleashed an absolute thunderbolt in the back of the IVR net that the keeper could do nothing about.

Going two goals down seemed to spur IVR on and they increased tempo with their attacking play. Some very talented young players were shining as Claydon struggled to contain them. The pressure paid off as IVR pulled a goal back with Alf unable to keep out a low drive into the bottom corner.

Inside of Claydon FC new Cafe The café grand opening was performed on Saturday, January 23 when Chris Studd cut the tape and officially opened the café for business. The café was made possible thanks to the generosity of Claydon and Whitton Parish Councils and Suffolk Empowering Communities Fund with backing from Councillor John Field and the hard work and dedication of Tony Adams and Mark Keely (known as ‘Bod’) who spent many hours at Blue Circle working on the interior and exterior of the building.

Claydon FC chairman Tim Carr gave a short speech thanking everyone for their hard work and financial support to provide the club with a superb café venue for its 18 teams and visitors to enjoy.

Claydon FC receives funding from SITA Trust

Claydon U10 Tigers celebrate Omarion’s goal in the cup quarter final Many fantastic individual performances towards the end of the game served to frustrate IVR as they couldn’t break down the Claydon defence to draw level. Sam and Josh displayed great grit and determination, priding themselves on forming the defensive backbone we have come to rely upon.

Alfie pulled off a double wonder save in the dying moments which had many members of the crowd wondering just how he had managed it!

Full time: IVR U10 1 / Claydon U10 Tigers 2 – final against Felixstowe & Walton the team on March 12.

Claydon FC Race Night Claydon Football Club are holding a horse race night at Claydon and Barham Community Centre on March 5. Tickets are available at £6 for adults and £4 for under 12s, which includes a sausage and chips supper. Opportunities to sponsor a race are also available – sponsors get two free tickets, two free drinks, can name a horse and hand out business cards.

For tickets or to get more information on sponsor opportunities please call Stuart: 07796 785961

Tony Adams in front of the Claydon FC clubhouse as renovations begin

Groundsman wanted Have you recently retired and have time on your hands? Claydon Football Club is looking for a groundsman at its Blue Circle site. This would only involve a few hours a week at a time to suit you. If you are interested please contact Simon: 07903 398460 / admin@claydon-fc.co.uk

Claydon Football Club, which has around 250 members across 18 teams, is celebrating the news that it has received £59,146 from SITA Trust for refurbishment of the clubhouse and changing facilities. The works will include a new roof, new external walls and renovation of the social room.

Mr Adams said: “The clubhouse, which was formerly the cricket pavilion for Blue Circle, is very old, has a leaking roof and the exterior is rotting away. It is through grants of this nature that small sports clubs are able to improve their facilities.”

Marianne Ivin of SITA Trust said she could see that the facilities were very poor and in great need of modernisation. She added: “Our funding will see a huge change in the provision on offer at the club and it is impressive to see that they have maintained high user numbers until this point.”

SITA Trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund. The funding has been available since 1997 and has provided worthy projects with more that £1.4billion. (See page 8) Claydon FC U10 Tigers Claydon FC U10 Tigers took on an exceptionally good IVR U10 side at Greshams in the Suffolk Cup quarter-final on January 30. The game started off at a frenetic pace with both teams contesting the ball. Omarion was clearly a man on a mission with something to prove as his challenges and early possession contributed hugely to Claydon’s early attacking play.

Good interchanges between Harry and Fabian saw Omarion with the ball at his feet on the left wing just outside of the IVR goal area. Omarion had only one thing on his mind as he lined up his shot. The result was a joy to watch as the ball went sailing over the IVR keeper with both power and precision.

IVR were perhaps having the better share of possession and presented a constant attacking threat. The Claydon fans’ nerves were eased as a long kick

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB

WE REMEMBER…

Sproughton Bowls Club is gearing up for the start of the new outdoor bowling season, with the greens team working hard to have the playing surface and surrounds ready for our green opening ceremony which will be performed by the Mayor of Ipswich Glen Chisolm, on Saturday, April 16. This will be followed on Sunday 17 by the club blocks competition.

Private Thomas Ebner Elmer, Suffolk Regiment

As the winter draws to a close club captain Joy Mackie’s intrepid indoor bowlers headed to Mid-Suffolk Bowls Club at Stowmarket for their penultimate friendly on February 6. Once again our predominantly outdoor team put up a good fight, winning three of the six rinks, but coming off second best on aggregate scores. Our final match will be at Sole Bay Bowls Club on February 20, always an enjoyable afternoon completed by a fish and chip supper.

Private Elmer was the son of Thomas and Eliza Jane Elmer of The Angel Inn, Bramford and from the very beginning of the project to research the lives, war service and deaths of the 54 men on the Bramford Great War Memorial, Thomas Ebner Elmer was a bit of a mystery. Initially there was the problem with the spelling of his middle name. On the memorial it’s EBINER but looking at other records it is variously recorded as ABNER and EBNER. However the births register has the spelling EBNER and this is the name his parents had inscribed on his headstone when he died. How the spelling mistake on the memorial came about we can only guess, but it’s possible that when the names for the memorial were compiled the information was passed on verbally and in the Suffolk dialect Ebner could easily become Eb-i-ner. The inscription on the memorial is actually ELMER, T EBINER as he appears to have been better known by his middle name to avoid confusion with his father – not unusual when first names were passed down the generations.

The club now has its own defibrillator which has been purchased with funds raised by outgoing president Davis Craigie. This should be in place in the clubhouse prior to the start of the new season.

If you would like to know more about our club visit: www.sproughtonbowlsclub.com or email: sproughtonbowlsclub@outlook.com

BRAMFORD UNITED FC Following our 6-1 win over Coplestonians in the Bob Coleman Cup we now meet AFC Kesgrave & Willis away in the quarter finals on March 5 so more on our progression in the cup in next month’s notes.

Our Reserves were having a good run in the Goals of Ipswich Cup, but this ground to a halt with a 3-1 defeat against AFC Hoxne Reserves. Hopefully better luck next season.

First team matches have fallen to the wet weather. Our home match on January 9 against Capel was called off as they had to play a Bob Coleman Cup match. Then our trip to Framlingham on the 16th was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. So no action until January 23 when we hosted Stanton, slightly ‘rusty’ from the wet weather though we dug out a 2-1 win. Next up was Wenhaston at the Acton, arriving on the back of an 8-0 drubbing the previous week so we had to be our toes for this one. We were, as we ran out 5-1 winners with Dale Munson scoring a hat-trick.

Saturday, February 6 saw us visit last season’s champions, Cranes, at a blustery Greshams where we gave away an early penalty and finished up losing 3-0, a defeat which saw us drop out of the top five. There is still plenty to play for as we could finish higher at the end of the season.

After their cup defeat the Reserves have only played twice – a 3-3 draw against Coplestonians A, followed by a 3-0 loss against Ipswich Athletic. The scheduled match at home to Wickham Market Reserves was called off as they could not raise a team.

January 100 Club winner: Ball number 68 owned by player Tom Phipps.

More ramblings next month.

The first of this year’s We Remember articles begins with an unusual case. The first casualty from Bramford in 1916 is not the usual story of the majority of new recruits. This is the story of how we ‘found’ Pte Thomas Ebner Elmer of the Suffolk Regiment.

Having established his identity, family and place of residence the next thing was to find out about his service in the army and how and when he died. The memorial is very helpful in this respect as it lists each man with his battalion and regiment but Ebner is the only one with a regiment but no battalion number. Usually a search of the Commonwealth War Graves records will bring up the persons record – date died, age, regiment, battalion, service number, where buried/commemorated and possibly who his relatives were. In Ebner’s case however there was no record that matched. A further examination of another database, Soldiers Died in the Great War, failed to find anyone that fits Ebner’s profile. No service records of a man of this name survive but if a soldier had served abroad he would have been awarded campaign medals, posthumously. Again nothing turned up in Ebner’s name in the comprehensive Medal Index Cards. It was, of course, possible that Ebner never served abroad and died in the UK. In these cases the Commonwealth War Graves Commission would still record him if he died (from whatever cause) as a serving soldier.

Ebner could have died anywhere in the UK of course but a quick search of death records during the war years on a family history website did turn up a Thomas ‘C’ Elmer who died in the Bury St Edmunds area in the first quarter of 1916. Was the ‘C’ another error? A check of the original data did reveal that it was indeed Thomas ‘E’ Elmer. Having a time frame for the death of this man the next thing to check was the local newspaper archives for an announcement to see if it was our Ebner.

The Deaths column in the Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury of March 31, 1916 revealed the following: On March 24th Thomas Ebner Elmer of the Angel Inn Bramford And then later on April 7: Bramford On Wednesday week, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends, the remains of Thomas Ebner Elmer were interred in Bramford Churchyard. The coffin was covered with floral tokens of sympathy from the deceased’s father and mother (T and J Elmer), the Bramford VTC, Aunt and Uncle and Linda, Mr and Mrs Denny (Bramford), Mr Ruffles and family (Garden House, Bramford), Mr and Mrs Stollery (Red Lion, Ipswich) and others. The deceased died in Bury Military Hospital, after being attested for the Army, only being absent from home five days; his age was 33. The funeral service was conducted by the curate, in the unavoidable absence of the Vicar.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Southgate of Bramford.

An examination of the Burials Register of Bramford Church confirmed that he was buried on March 29, 1916. So we know knew when and where he died and the location of his burial but not how he died. A copy of his death certificate tells us that he died of delirium tremens and heart failure. It also states that he was a Private in the Suffolk Regiment and gives his previous occupation as a Barman.

Delirium tremens is a state of confusion of rapid onset that is usually caused by withdrawal from alcohol. If it occurs it is often three days into the withdrawal symptoms and lasts two to three days. People may also see or hear things that other people do not. Physical effects may include shaking, shivering, an irregular heart rate and sweating. Occasionally a very high body

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temperature or seizures may result in death. Delirium tremens typically only occur in people who have had a high intake of alcohol for more than a month.

How Ebner developed his reliance on alcohol should be quite obvious and the time frame of the onset of this condition fits well into the fact that Ebner had only been in the army for five days. In 1916 conscription was introduced and Ebner would have had little choice but to go when he was called up. As a new recruit in the Suffolk Regiment barracks in Bury St Edmunds he would not have had access to alcohol and this sudden withdrawal would have brought on the attack.

The reference to the Bramford VTC in the article infers that Ebner was a member of the local Volunteer Training Corps – a Home defence organisation that was created early in the war for men who were ineligible for the regular services due to age or physical condition, similar to the Home Guard in the Second World War. They wore an armband which had GR on it for Georgius Rex – the King’s cipher. This earned them the nickname the Gorgeous Wrecks.

So why wasn’t Private Thomas Ebner Elmer commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission? A number of cases of noncommemoration have been discovered over the years and especially during the years of the centenary as more people research their relatives or local war memorials. It’s not hard to appreciate that with the millions of men and women serving in the armed forces during the Great War and the mountain of administration that this entailed that some records could easily go astray.

Indeed many records were destroyed or badly damaged in the Second World War which makes researching individuals very difficult. In Ebner’s case very little of this paperwork would have been generated in the very short time he was in the army and what there was probably lost or destroyed over time.

Evidence was therefore provided to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission about Ebner’s case based on his death certificate and the newspaper article. Eventually they agreed that he should be officially commemorated and he is now included in the national register of war dead.

In time it is likely that he will have a Commonwealth War Grave headstone installed.

To find out more about the men of Bramford who died in the Great War go to: www.bramfordww1project.org.uk A book has been published by the Bramford Local History Group detailing the lives and military careers of the men. It’s available at £7 from Kelvin Dakin: 01473 464502 / kelvin.dakin@btinternet.com

Join the local team that makes a difference

I’m a self-employed woman and I’m thinking about starting a family. Am I able to take paid maternity leave?

Maternity entitlements are different for self-employed women but financial support is still available.

Self-employed women who have a baby may be entitled to a total of 39 weeks Maternity Allowance. The maximum weekly rate you can receive is £139.58 but it does depend what your individual circumstances are.

In order to get the full amount you need to have worked (either employed or self-employed) for at least 26 out of the 66 weeks prior to your baby’s arrival. You should also have paid National Insurance contributions for at least 13 of those weeks and are required to have earned an average of £30 per week over 13 of the 66 weeks.

However, if you don’t meet all of these criteria it’s possible that you’ll still be able to receive some support.

You can put in a claim once your pregnancy reaches 26 weeks by filling in a MA1 claim form online or popping it in the post. The earliest you can receive the first payment is 11 weeks before your baby is due, or you can elect to start it as late as the day after the birth.

Employees often have ‘keeping in touch’ days and the same stands for self-employed workers. You can work for up to 10 days whilE receiving Maternity Allowance, but go over this threshold and you risk losing your allowance altogether.

The Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk is a charity. Our advice is delivered by volunteers.

Will you join us?

Please contact us on 01449 676060 or email advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk

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If your household income isn’t enough to cover your costs you might also be entitled to further financial aid such as the Sure Start Maternity Grant or income-related social security benefits.

For advice and further information please contact Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk: 01449 676060 / advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk

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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest in charge:

Assistant Curate: Assistant Priest:

The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / stmarybramford@aol.com The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250 The Revd Pat Wright

www.stmarybramford.co.uk Morning Prayer at Bramford: 8.30am, Monday to Friday Wednesday morning quiet reflective Communion Service: 9.30am at the vicarage, unless otherwise advised.

Please check porch notices for any changes.

March 2 7pm

Lent Group 3

Vicarage

March 3 3pm

United Service

Cherryfields

March 4 2pm

Women’s World Day of Prayer Methodist Church

TIME MARCHES ON Dear Friends, Well it seems like only yesterday when the Christmas decorations came down and we are already finding Easter rapidly approaching, with signs of Easter in the shops and in the gardens and countryside with those welcoming spring flowers changing the bleakness of winter into something new… spring. It shows us that time really is marching on and we can’t stop it no matter how much we want the world to stop so we can catch our breath for a moment.

In the church of course, in the period leading up to our major Christian festival of Easter, we’ve been travelling through Lent, using this time to press the pause button and to reflect on ourselves and the world around us. In Holy Week we have a whole range of services going on in our local churches.

This gives us a time to engage with the Easter message which is all about new life and new birth, so why not come along to one of our reflectiveservices in Holy Week.

Fourth Sunday of lent (Mothering Sunday) Mothering Sunday Service Little Blakenham Parish Communion Bramford for Mothering Sunday Evening Prayer Baylham for Mothering Sunday

So give yourself time this Easter to enjoy not only the beauty of creation springing into life again, and of course the chocolate eggs, but also time to reflect on what Easter is really all about, the freely given gift of life, a life that when engaged with stops rushing around looking for something that’s actually been there all the time – God’s love for us, as he brings us peace in our busy lives this Easter in the form of the risen Jesus who transforms, changes and challenges us, giving that message of faith so wonderfully written down in the book of Corinthians in the Bible which talks about faith, hope and love, but of course the greatest of these is love.

March 9 7pm

Lent Group 4

Vicarage

With love and blessings, Julian

March 13 8am 10am 5pm

Fifth Sunday of Lent Holy Communion Holy Communion Five O’clock Service

Bramford Baylham Bramford

March 15 11am

2.30pm

Fundraising There will be no coffee morning this month as it would have fallen at Easter.

However, there will be a book sale with refreshments on Saturday, March 12.

We have lots more fresh books so come along and see for yourselves.

Communion from reserved sacrament The Gathering

Baylham Care Centre

Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church

March 16 7pm

Lent Group 5

Vicarage

March 17 7.30pm

Healing Service

Methodist Church

March 20 8am 10am

Palm Sunday Parish Communion Parish Communion

Bramford Nettlestead

HOLY WEEK March 21 7pm

Evening Service

Methodist Church

March 22 7pm

Evening Service

St Mary’s Bramford

March 23 7pm

Celtic Evening Service

Methodist Church

Lectionary Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It’s good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world.

March 24 7pm

Maundy Thursday Communion St Mary’s

Bramford

March 6 Exod 2:1-10

Mothering Sunday 2 Cor 1:3-7

Purple Luke 2:33-35

March 25 10am

2pm

Good Friday Procession of Witness and Meditation, starting at the Methodist Church Last hour at the Cross St Mary’s Bramford

March 13 Isaiah 43: 16-21

Lent 5 Phil 3:4b-14

Purple John 12:1-8

March 27 8am 8am 10am 10am

Easter Day Easter Day Communion Easter Day Communion Easter Day Communion Easter Day Communion

March 6 10am 10am

6pm

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Church Room

Little Blakenham Baylham Bramford Nettlestead

January 15: In memory of Diana Curtis January 15: In memory of John Andrews and Sandra Bickers January 30: In memory of Irene (Rene) Cracknell on her birthday February 24: In memory of Edgar Backhouse on the 15th anniversary in heaven above

March 15: In loving memory of Vick Tester on his birthday with love from Julie, Ben and Victoria If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 a week.

Cleaning rota: Mrs Bardwell Flower rota: 5-19 Lent, 26 Easter

March 20 Palm Sunday Isaiah 50: 4-9a Phil 2:5-11

Red Luke 22:14-23:56 or 23:1-49

March 30 Easter Day Acts 10:34-43 1 Cor 15:19-26

White or Gold John 20:1-18 or Luke 24;1-12

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