In Touch with Capel - December 2015

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CAPEL CAPERS

Volume 6 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2015

© Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Touch with Capel St Mary In Touch with Capel St Mary is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Send editorial copy to:

capel@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising and Distribution: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

Carol Lingley

carol@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Disclaimer:

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

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© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Capel St Mary is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

We also publish

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh NEW • Stowmarket • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton Rural • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Kesgrave & Rushmere St. Andrew • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • 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

Girls and boys, Santa will be in Capel St Mary on December 5 and 6 so watch for him between 4.30 and 8pm.

Saturday, December 5 London Road, Thorney Road and all roads off Sunday, December 6 The Street, Windmill Hill, Days Green, Rembrow Road and all roads off This does depend on how many volunteers we have. We start at Bypass Nurseries if you want to find us.

If you would like to help with the collection please contact Sandra: capelcommunitytrust@gmail.com / 312026

The community trust would like to thank Graham Whybrow and his team for an excellent firework display on November 7. More than 1,000 people paid to watch and £3,000 was raised towards trust funds that will go towards maintaining the hall, play areas and playing field.

We have just received £200 from the Co–op Green Token Scheme so thank you to everyone who put a green token in our slot. These funds will go towards replacing the lighting in the main hall.

If you would like to help with a village event please join us on the Christmas float on December 5 and 6.

For more information contact Mandy on 312026 or Sandra at: capelcommunitytrust@gmail.com

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

JANUARY DEADLINE

4 DECEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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NEWS CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING Saturday, December 5, 10am-12.30pm The Friends of St Mary’s Registered Charity Number 286971

Festival of Trees and Lights

The parish church is holding a festive coffee morning from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, December 5 to which you are warmly invited.

The parish hall will be solely for teas/coffees, bacon rolls and cake, so lots of room to sit and enjoy the refreshments on offer. In the lovely warm church there will be a variety of stalls offering Christmas gifts, stationery, cakes, preserves, games and lots more. There will be the usual grand hamper raffle full to the brim with goodies. The allotment committee will be on hand with Christmas wreaths, bird food and a multitude of other items, and Phoenix Stationery will stock all your Christmas needs from cards to paper and calendars.

Capel ’s h"to#c St Mary’s Church Saturday, 9 January 2016 - 4pm to 7.30pm Sunday, 10 January 2016 - 4pm to 7pm Admission free - refreshments available

Donations will be used to preserve the fabric of the church, the oldest building in Capel

Preview evening Friday, 8 January 2016 -7.45pm Admission, tickets, quiz form and refreshments £5 - members £4.50 Switching on the lights - 8.15pm

Tickets available from Chris Terry 311102 and Ondra Butler 310524

Put the date in your diary and enjoy a fun morning with us. Admission is free. Bring the family!

Further details from Jean: 310992 CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHS Canon Jim Pendorf will be at St Mary’s Christmas Coffee Morning to take individual or family group photographs, ready for Christmas inclusion in cards and letters. Do come to St Mary’s between 10am and 12.30pm if you would find this service helpful. Very reasonable prices! All profit to the church. For further details call 312225.

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

For some years the southwest side of the churchyard has been open for new graves. However, there is now just about no room.

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

Accordingly, the Parochial Church Council has been advised by the Diocesan Registrar that the unmarked open section on the northeast side of the churchyard may be reused in the near future as any previous burials in that section are at least one 100 years old and for which no records are available.

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

Anyone with any queries and/or concerns should contact the Priestin-Charge, Canon Pendorf, at The Rectory, Days Road IP9 2LE / 01473 312225 / CanonPendorf@aol.com

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

CAPEL ST MARY CHURCHYARD

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NEWS DROP-IN WAS A GREAT SUCCESS Three hundred Capel residents have said how they would like their village to develop in the coming years. They gave their opinions at an interactive and successful drop-in event at the end of October. The drop-in was hosted by the parish council in association with Babergh District Council.

improvements and new facilities were wanted. Babergh officers now have the task of summarising and analysing the information. Following that a housing needs survey will be conducted. The whole village will have the chance to express views.

Residents followed a series of displays on tables and gave their views, including by putting dots on maps and comments on sticky notes, on how they wanted, or didn’t want, Capel to be developed.

“Information and views collected from the drop-in and the housing needs survey will help the parish council as it tries to influence the scale, type and location of future housing development.”

Parish councillors and Babergh officers answered questions and district and county councillors who represent Capel dropped in.

Parish council chairman, Les Bryant, said: “The drop-in was very successful. There was a steady stream of people and there wasn’t a slack moment throughout the afternoon. The views expressed were positive and helpful.

“We were told by residents what type of housing development might be appropriate in the future, where this should take place and what

NOTES FROM THE CASE – SUFFOLK’S FIRST CO-OPERATIVE PUB! Bentley Community Pub wins Age UK Award Bentley Community Pub has won another award to add to our collection.

The Usherwood Award, Inspiring Age 2015, has been awarded to all our older volunteers by Age UK Suffolk.

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

This award recognises that older people have been at the very heart of our journey to save the Case is Altered and restore it as a hub of the village. They serve on the committee, provided expert advice during the initial difficult period of buying the pub and now with ongoing matters, and rolled their sleeves up to help renovate the pub when we bought it.

Nowadays our volunteer teams, who do all the gardening, maintenance and most of the bar work, consist of many stalwart older people.

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

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

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS •

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

•

Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday 24: normal hours

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Christmas Day and Boxing Day: noon-2pm and 7-10.30pm (no food)

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Sunday, December 27: noon-4pm and 7-10.30 pm (food noon-3pm)

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Wednesday, December 30: normal hours

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New Year’s Eve: Party night with an optional Shrek fancy dress theme: noon-2pm and 8pm ‘til late (no food)

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New Year’s Day: noon-2pm and 7-10.30pm (no food)

COMING UP IN JANUARY

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

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•

Live music from Louie 2 Tone on Saturday, January 16. Singing two tone, reggae, ska, mod and northern soul hits. Food served from 6-8pm, music starts at 9pm.

•

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

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

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CAPEL ST MARY & LITTLE WENHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IN THE VILLAGE HALL COMPLEX

“CHRISTMAS FLOAT” SATURDAY 5th & SUNDAY 6th December See Santa around the Village from 4pm

BT SPORT Available on the Big Screen in the Vine Lounge!

“RACE NIGHT” SATURDAY 12th December - DOORS OPEN AT 7pm In the Village Hall Adults and Children welcome!

“CHRISTMAS BINGO” THURSDAY 17th December- DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm

In the Vine Lounge Books £1 Or 6 Books £5 EYES DOWN 8.30pm

FREE WI-FI In both Bars!

“CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY” SUNDAY 20th December 3pm-5pm In the Village Hall Tickets £5.oo

“NEW YEARS EVE PARTY”

THURSDAY 31ST December In the Village Hall from 7pm Tickets : Adult £4 Child £2 Family (2 Adult 2 Child) £10

CARD PAYMENT SERVICE now available!

FREE TABLE TENNIS Subject to Hall availability!

The Member’s Draw takes place every Friday night in the Vine Lounge.

BIG CASH PRIZES The winning member must be present in the Village Hall Complex to win or have had a go on the FRIDAY NIGHT DRAW!

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“CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS” Xmas Eve - 12pm-3pm & 7pm-11.30pm Xmas Day - 12pm-2pm & CLOSED Boxing Day - 12pm-3pm & 7pm-11pm Sunday 27th Dec - 12pm-10.30pm Monday 28th Dec - 12pm-3pm & 7.30pm-11pm New Years Eve - 12pm-3pm & 7pm-1am New Years Day - 12m-3pm & 7.30pm-11pm Saturday 2nd January - Usual Hours

“MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR” Tickets available from the Village Bar Ruth - 07548130293 Fiona - 07528725658 Tracy - 07917440459

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EVENTS MENTIONED ON THIS PAGE VISIT CAPEL VILLAGE BAR FACEBOOK PAGE OR THE WEBSITE

2016 Association Membership Membership renewal is due in January each year. The costs for 2016 are: Junior 16-17 £2.50, Single including Over 65’s £6, Family £10

www.capelstmary.org

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

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

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

A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for. Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi.

Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property.

Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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affected by the work have been informed and will be escorted through the work where appropriate.”

In the New Year work will take place on the A12 at Stratford St Mary, A14 junction 56-58 (Wherstead to Levington) safety barrier replacement, drainage work on the A12 junction 27-29 and resurfacing on the A12 between junctions 27-28 and 30-31.

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

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

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

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

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NO VAT

Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: NOVEMBER 2015 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Suffolk and Norfolk devolution

the Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) was developed in 2013/14.

The team charged with putting the case for Suffolk and Norfolk devolution met with government representatives, including Lord Heseltine, in London on November 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

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

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

They will be advertised via ‘Gateway to Home Choice’.

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

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accommodation to buy a home best suited to their needs. At the same time, this will free up a council property for new tenants.

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

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

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

Funding workshop at St Mary’s The council’s communities team organised a second ‘Get Your Project Funded’ event in Capel St Mary in October. This was run in partnership with The Church of England Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Suffolk County Council and the National Churches Trust. Sixty-three delegates attended a very successful morning of talks and workshops. The aim is to help residents, groups and community projects to maximise their community assets. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)

Flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kathy Pollard Chair, Constable Country Patient Participation Group

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

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

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE presents

New

Opening

Times at

East Bergholt Sports Centre 01206 299340 From 1 November 2015 our Fitness opening 5mes increased to: Monday 7am – 1pm & 4 – 10pm Tuesday 7 – 9.30am & 4 – 10pm Wednesday 7 – 9.30am & 4 – 10pm Thursday 7am – 1pm & 4 – 10pm Friday 7am – 1pm & 4 – 9pm Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 9am – 1pm Christmas present ideas – 8 Personal Training sessions for £200 Family Annual Membership from £30 per month per family of 4

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NEWS CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL Capel St Mary Parish Council meeting held Monday, November 9.

Present at the meeting were councillors Amoss, Bishop, Bryant (chairman), Harris, Kilby, Matthews, Powell, Rogers, Streatfield, Thomas, Thompson, White, County Councillor Jones, District Councillors Carpendale and Swan and two members of the public.

The council recommended approval to Babergh District Council for the following planning applications: Dovefield Farm, Old London Road and Capel Grove Farm House, Capel Grove. Refusal was recommended for 7 Mowlands.

A licence application for Capel Service Station has been received to serve alcohol 24 hours a day seven days a week. The council has recommended refusal for this application.

The village drop-in event was very successful with a wonderful turn out. See page 6.

Capel Community Trust reported an attendance of 1,100 residents at the fireworks display, with very positive feedback.

Gas works continue to take place within the village with an anticipated end date of March 2016 around Rembrow Road, Link Road and The Street leading up to Mill Hill.

Funding opportunities are being sought for the financing of a war memorial within the village and a website is available to register your interest. For regular updates visit: www.capelmemorial.org.uk Accounts were approved and presented for signing.

Julie Lawes, clerk The next meeting of Capel St Mary Parish Council is on Monday, December 14, in the library. There is an open session at each meeting when members of the public can air any problems.

The actual minutes of the meeting are available for viewing at the parish council office at 27a The Street, Capel St Mary, which is open from 10am-noon on Tuesdays and from 1-3pm on Fridays. The parish clerk can be contacted on 01473 314103 during these times. An answer phone operates outside these hours and messages are picked up everyday. Alternatively contact can be made by email to: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com

PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY Following the recent elections the parish council has one vacancy for a parish councillor.

To become a parish councillor, which is a voluntary position, you must be an elector of the parish, or during the whole of the last 12 months have either occupied as owner or tenant, land or other premises in the parish, or your principal or only place of work is in the parish, or you live within three miles of the parish boundary.

As part of a local council you will have responsibility working with the parish council to manage many aspects of the village, including setting the council tax in order to deliver your council’s services, influencing and shaping the development of the village and as part of the planning process, commenting on planning applications. You would look to improve the quality of life and the environment in the local area, working to identify issues which are important to the lives of the residents you represent and working to bring about

improvements through local projects.

Capel St Mary Parish Council meets in the evening on the second Monday of each month in the library to which you would be expected to attend. We do not meet in August. In addition we also have further working parties and committees to cover additional needs, for example allotments, finance, planning, parish plan, which are optional to be a member of.

If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor, or would like further information, please contact the parish clerk Julie Lawes on 01473 314103 or visit the office (see times above).

Alternatively, applications can be made in writing or via email: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com The parish council office is situated to the rear of Mallwoods Insurance Services.

GLASS RECYCLING UNITS Capel St Mary is very fortunate to benefit from having recycling facilities provided at Bypass Nurseries on London Road.

We have two paper bins, four glass recycling units and a Scope clothing bank.

However, some feel it is acceptable to use this as a dumping area, leaving all manner of items from mattresses to hamster cages for others to clear away.

When items aren’t placed within the appropriate recycling unit Capel St Mary Parish Council has to pay for them to be removed

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which significantly reduces the revenue received. We understand some of these items are most likely from people passing through, but it is clear from the types of items left that some are from local residents.

Please do not use this area to leave your unwanted items.

If your items are not suitable for your household wheelie bins, please use the waste recycling centres provided in Hadleigh and Ipswich. Alternatively Babergh District Council can provide a collection service at a small charge.

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Christmas at Bypass Nurseries

Everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas!

Colourful Decorations & Christmas Trees Festive Food & Hampers, Gifts & Cards Beautiful Poinsettias & Cyclamen Enjoy a magical visit to see

Father Christmas

He’ll be here for our Christmas Charity Evening 6-8pm Thursday 3rd December and during the weekends of 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th & 19th & 20th December from 11am & 3pm

London Road, Capel St Mary, Ipswich, IP9 2JR Open Daily Mon-Sat 9.00-5.30, Sun 10.30-4.30

01473 310604

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT EACH NOOK APPEAL FUNDRAISING FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Many thanks to all who supported the flu clinic collection which raised approximately £350 for the hospice.

There is still time to put your name down for the Christmas Day Dip at Felixstowe Sea Front on Christmas morning if you fancy a refreshing start to the day!

I would like to thank all those in the village who gave to the appeal for NOOK. Special thanks go to the ladies at Meeting Point, the ladies at Dove Close, Capel Ladies Club and the Belstead Crafters who made generous donations. Also all the WI ladies browbeaten into buying Christmas cards!

Altogether through their efforts we are able to send £350 to the appeal for the new children’s hospice in Norfolk to replace the hospice at Quidenham.

Thank you all so much, Linda Bloomfield

A Christmas Jumper Week (December 14-18) has been organised by the hospice which involves wearing your silliest sweater and making a donation. For more details call 723600.

I will be running a raffle in aid of the hospice at the Replay dance in the village hall on Saturday, December 19 and any donations of prizes would be appreciated.

I am still collecting used stamps, unwanted mobile phones (with charges where possible), ink jet cartridges and foreign and old British currency which can be left at 86 The Street or in the foyer at Capel Surgery.

A date for your diary is May 7, 2016 which will be the Midnight Walk in Ipswich.

Thank you again and seasons greetings to you all.

Linda Morrison, Capel Hospice Rep.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

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

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

So call us today, we are here to help.

CLASH AVOIDER This diary has been introduced to help avoid date clashes in the village. Every effort will made to keep this list up-to-date, but please be aware that sometimes dates may be cancelled, postponed or re-arranged at short notice. This diary is not intended to be an all-inclusive what’s on and will only highlight significant dates.

If you want to add an event please submit in the following format (date, event, venue and contact) to sharon@intouchnews.co.uk with Capel Event Diary in the subject line.

December 5: Christmas Coffee Morning, St Mary’s Church Contact: Canon Jim Pendorf, 312225 Saturday & Sunday, December 5 & 6: Christmas Float Contact: Sandra 312114/ capelcommunitytrust@gmail.com

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January 8, 9 and 10, 2016: Festival of Trees and Lights Thursday, January 14 to Saturday 16: Orchard Players present Peter Pan at Capel Village Hall Box Office: 07754 175399 February 13: Quiz Night Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com March 12: Michael Buble tribute night Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com March 26: Children’s Easter Party at Capel Village Hall Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com

April 16: Band in the Vine Lounge Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com May 7: 80s disco at Capel Village Hall Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com Sunday, June 26: 2016 Orwell Walk, Run and Ride June 26: Car boot sale on the playing field Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com August 20: Quiz Night at Capel Village Hall Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com September 10: Barn Dance at the village hall Contact Tracy: 07917 440459 / novatrax@hotmail.com

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY – DECEMBER 2015 Tuesday 1 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8 pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 2 Carpet bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 3 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Saturday 5 Dog training, 9.30-11.15am, hall Association’s Christmas float, 4.30-8.30pm Sunday 11 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Association’s Christmas float, 4.30-8.30pm Tuesday 8 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1.30-5.30pm Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8 pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 9 Carpet bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Flower arranging, 6.30-10.30pm, library Thursday 10 Coffee shop, 10am-1pm, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Women’s Institute, 7-10.30pm library

Saturday 12 Dog training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Association race night, 7.30-11.30, hall Sunday 13 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 2-6pm, hall Monday 14 Parish council meeting, 7.30-10.30pm, library Tuesday 16 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1-5pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7 -8 pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 16 Carpet bowls, 5.30-10pm, hall Thursday 17 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Capel Ladies, 7-11.30pm, library Bingo, 7.30-11pm, Vine Lounge Saturday 19 Dog training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Replay, 7.30-11.30pm, hall Sunday 20 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Association’s children’s Christmas party, 3-5pm, hall Monday 21 Association meeting, 8-10.30pm, library Tuesday 22 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet bowls, 1-5 pm, hall

Wednesday 23 Carpet bowls, 5.30-10pm, hall Monday 28 Blood donating all day, hall Tuesday 29 Carpet bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Wednesday 30 Carpet bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 31 Association’s New Year’s Eve party, 7.30pm-early hours, hall FUNCTION ROOMS FOR HIRE Are you organising a birthday, social event, anniversary, wedding, engagement, christening, children’s party, celebration, business meeting or just want a get together with family and friends?

Why not book the village hall, Vine Lounge, library or stage? We can cater for parties between 20 and 200 people all at very competitive rates. Rooms are available during the daytime or evenings.

Facilities include a fully licensed bar and a kitchen preparation area, with prices starting from as little as £10 an hour for the library, £15 an hour for the hall. The Vine Lounge is £88 for an evening. For all enquires please phone Mandy.

CONTACT Village bar: 01473 311766 Mandy Marshall, events and hiring: 01473 312026 / bookings@capel-trust.freeserve.co.uk

COFFEE SHOP NEWS Hi there. Yet again I start my report by threatening this machine with all sorts of repercussions! I have written to Father Christmas begging for a new one so fingers crossed!!

We now have our Christmas dinner to look forward to, then on December 10 we finish until January 21 when we start all over again.

Eighty-four of us will be going to London on December 21 to see a Christmas show at Brick Lane Music Hall. I’m looking forward to that and hope everyone joins in the spirit of the day and dresses up – there will be lots of laughs.

I’d like to wish everybody a happy and peaceful Christmas, and a

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healthy and prosperous New Year.

I could use the report to moan a little but this year we have been reminded of the sacrifices made on our behalf all those years ago, and still being made today, so let’s make a New Year’s resolution – no more moaning. Look after each other, don’t pass on the other side of the street, say hello – it won’t hurt you and you might make a new friend.

If there is anybody out there who will be alone on Christmas Day there will be room at my table – just ring the bell.

Any enquiries ring me, Joan, on 310929, and of course George (Father Christmas may bring him a new cage)

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Yule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONSTABLE SINGERS

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

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

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

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

THE ORCHARD PLAYER PRESENT PETER PAN Panto time and this year we travel to Neverland!

We shall be singing Christmas music at Wivenhoe Congregational Church on December 5 at 2pm and at the Hare and Hounds Public House on December 11 at 7pm. We will also sing at Wenham View, Dove Close, Capel St Mary and Hadleigh and Ipswich Nursing homes in December.

New members are always welcome – no audition and first session free. We sing songs from the shows and popular songs.

We meet to rehearse at Lambe School, East Bergholt each Thursday at 7pm and at Holton Village Hall on the second Thursday of each month. For further information contact Yvonne (01206 298428) or Mel (01206 298628).

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With pirates on board the Jolly Roger and the nasty Captain Hook, will Peter Pan and Tinker Bell take back the island?

Meet the Lost Boys, Tootles, Wendy, Michael, John, and not forgetting Nana the dog! Join us on a magical journey from London through the clouds to Neverland in a panto full of music and dancing. Come and fly with Peter Pan! We look forward to entertaining you all at Capel Village Hall from Thursday, January 14 to Saturday 16 with performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets (£5 children, £6 concessions, £8 adults) are available now from: 07754 175399

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OUT & ABOUT CAROLS WITH THE CAPEL SINGERS

Tuesday, December 15 at 7.30pm Christmas starts here. Definitely not a nine lessons and carols, this selection of carols is interspersed with readings drawn from a wide range of sources, some traditional favourites, some in dialect, some humorous, and some thought provoking.

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

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

STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC Thursday, December 3, 8pm Lecture by Professor John Deathridge – Historic Buildings, Magnificent Performances: Evoking the Lives of Great Classical Composers – at East Bergholt High School, Heath Road.

Tickets £10, students £5.

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

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

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

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS With Hadleigh Choral Society at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh on Saturday, December 12 at 6.30pm.

Come and listen. Come and sing! Join us for mulled wine and refreshments.

Free admission. Retiring collection for St Elizabeth’s Hospice.

ACORN VILLAGE Christmas at Acorn is always a joyous occasion as the decorations go up and the residents eagerly await the visit from the Rotary’s Sleigh. We welcome you to join our celebrations on December 22 at 11am as we hold our annual Carol Service held by our dear friend The Reverend Derek Lang.

We would like to thank you all for your support and for making our 40th year a spectacular one. If you would like to support our charity over Christmas there are plenty of ways to help us. Enter into our grand draw – tickets are available from reception, charity shops and the coffee shops. Come for a Christmas meal, buy a Christmas cake or pudding at our coffee shop, buy Acorn Christmas cards and d iaries and bring your friends along to visit the fantastic Emerald Forest, open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday, until December 18.

From all of us at Acorn Village, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

RIVERSIDE ROAD CHALLENGE On January 23, 2016, three drivers from Riverside Taxis will be doing a 1,925 mile road trip to help raise money for Acorn Village and Children with Cancer UK. They will travel non-stop from Manningtree to Lands End to John O Groats and back to Manningtree, stopping only for fuel and food and taking turns to sleep and drive through the wintry conditions.

To make the challenge that bit more interesting we will be driving a 1988 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 4 Speed. The trip is estimated to take around 38 hours to complete.

Please follow these links to make donations.

Acorn Village: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/riversidetaxis1 Children with Cancer UK: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/riversidetaxis2 All donations are gratefully appreciated. On behalf of everyone at Riverside Taxis, thank you for your support

Acorn Village Charity Fundraising Clacton Road, Mistley, Manningtree, CO11 2NJ Tel:01206 394124

The Emerald Forest’ Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm From Monday 23rd November to Friday 18th December 2015

At Acorn Village Entrance to The Emerald Forest by Donation

Come and experience our Magical Winter Wonderland, don’t forget to book with the Coffee Shop if you would like a Christmas Lunch at the same time.

Call: 01206 394124 for details. **Please ask about potential appearances from Mr Claus** The Acorn Village Charity was established in 1975 by a group of parents to provide a secure and posive future for adults with Learning Disabilies. Registraon number:263954.

Acorn’s philosophy is that people with a learning disability are people first with their disability second and the right to lead as full and fulfilling a life as possible. Thank you for helping us to do that.

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OUT & ABOUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday 20th December In the Village Hall

3pm-5pm Party Games & Disco!

Nibbles!

And………..a visit from a special guest!

Tickets £5.00 per Child Available from the bar Ruth 07548130293 Fiona 07528725658 Tracy 07917440459

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LET’S RAISE THE ROOF Raising money for Stratford St Mary Church Roof Fund

Come and enjoy a cuppa and cakes in our beautiful church.

Browse around local crafts and other stalls accompanied by a variety of musical interludes.

STRATFORD ST MARY CHURCH Saturday, December 12 10am-3pm Whether you’re an artist, a baker, a candlestick maker or indeed if you simply want to de-clutter, any items you wish to donate for the stalls will be greatly appreciated.

Contact Julie: 07989 639583

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT TEA AND COMPANY On Monday, December 14, the Tea and Company team will host an afternoon of seasonal entertainment when we are joined by the Singing for Fun group, ably led by Chris Yule, who will deliver a variety of Christmas songs.

Refreshments and a raffle will follow, so come along and join us for this delightful event, starting at 2.30pm. The cost is £1.50, and everyone is welcome. It’s chance to sit and relax, and to sing along if you’re so inclined.

Recently, we were able to make another donation from proceeds of £200 to Capel Community Trust for the village hall refurbishment fund, a worthwhile outcome from these popular social occasions.

Contacts: Mary Butters, 310859; Celia Warr, 310825

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

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

Future talks include: History of Advertising; Lady Alice de Breyne; NT Coast of East Anglia; Secrets

of the Royal Jewels; Galapagos Islands and dive.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am.

Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. After the August and February meetings, we normally hold a members’ lunch – funds permitting.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

CAPEL LADIES CLUB Outing to Orwell Park Observatory, Thursday, October 15 Unfortunately for our group of intrepid members, the evening of October 15 was a rather damp and cloudy one. They were on a visit to the Observatory at Orwell Park School, and so were hoping for a clear dry night. Nevertheless, the trip went ahead, and they bravely climbed the 100 steps to the top of the tower where the telescope is housed.

out the River Orwell, Pin Mill and the Butt and Oyster inn. Shame about the weather, but still a very interesting and informative evening.

The telescope is now used regularly by the pupils at Orwell Park School and by the Ipswich Astronomical Society, who keep both it and the dome in good working order.

Christmas craft evening, November 5

The Orwell Park estate on which the observatory stands has been the home of some influential and flamboyant characters from the 18th and 19th centuries. The first of these was Admiral Vernon who built the original mansion in 1725.

The second was Colonel George Tomline. He was educated at Eton and had several scholarly friends; among them Gladstone, Disraeli and Peel.

He bought the Orwell Park Estate in 1848, adding 20,000 acres of land to it, and rebuilt the mansion in Victorian red brick. He also built the Ipswich to Felixstowe railway, and began work on the site of the present Felixstowe Docks. He was a keen amateur astronomer and commissioned Wilfrid Airy, son of the then Astronomer Royal, to design and build the observatory. The ornate brick tower is topped by a copper dome lined on the inside with mahogany. The building was completed in 1874.

Tomline engaged the services of a full-time professional astronomer named Isaac Plummer in February 1874, and his observations and publication of results gained the observatory a worldwide reputation for astronomical study at that time.

The telescope has a 10-inch object glass made by Mertz of Germany, and sits on a 55-foot supporting pillar, eight feet in diameter. It is thought that the local firm of Ransomes was employed in installing this equipment, a complex task of precision engineering. The original clockwork mechanism for turning the telescope still works, although today it is powered by electricity. When the tower was first built there was a four-stage waterpowered lift for easy access, but this had to be dismantled in later years due to its deteriorated state.

Our gallant group of ladies, having made it up the 100 steps of the spiral staircase, listened to a very informative talk by Paul Wilding, the visitors’ co-ordinator, and then took turns to look at the images that could be seen on what was a rather cloudy night. As the sky was not visible the telescope was turned on the surrounding area and it was possible to pick

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Our Christmas crafts session created an evening of concentration and coordination interspersed with chuckles, chat and chocolate fudge. It was all down to Linda Bloomfield who, as usual, brought along lots of new ideas for decorative things to make, either to hang on your Christmas tree or stick to your fridge door. This year each activity used sequins and polystyrene shapes to create baubles of various colours and styles, or sparkly fridge magnets in the shape of hedgehogs. The chocolate fudge was created by Linda herself, who brought it along as a seasonal treat for Bonfire Night. There were also some of Linda’s homemade Christmas cards on sale, which several of us bought. Everyone succeeded in making something as well as enjoying the social time, and at the end of the evening Linda announced that she was donating her expenses and card money to the East Anglian Children’s Hospices.

For more information about what we get up to please visit: www.capelladies.com Meanwhile here’s wishing everyone reading this a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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OUT & ABOUT CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday, December 7 Angels plus Christmas celebration Monday, January 4

Make prick and stitch cards with Paula

Monday February 1

Smocking with a difference with Debbie

Other kits will be available each evening. Samples of each month’s project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

The Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

For information contact Ann (01473 780298) or Jill (01473 713534).

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

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

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

1st CAPEL ST MARY SCOUT GROUP JUMBLE SALE The 1st Capel St Mary Scout Group will be holding a jumble sale on Saturday, January 23, 2-4pm in the Scout Hut, at Capel St Mary Primary School. Admission is 50p, accompanied children free.

Please leave your jumble outside by 9.30am for collection.

We regret we are unable to take underwear, furniture or electrical goods.

CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB Our October meeting was a hands-on experience. Brandon Plumby from Tattingstone Garden Centre came with his family – and many varieties of bulbs and plants. After his demonstration on planting winter containers, including hanging baskets, we had a go at doing our own thing. We were also able to buy bulbs and plants to take home. Charles Heath won the first prize in the raffle, which was Brandon’s demonstration container.

We don’t have a meeting in December. On January 28 we are going to Hintlesham Golf Club for lunch. If any member has not already received details, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

We are always happy to welcome new members, £8 a year or £2 if you want to just come to a particular meeting as a visitor. Any queries, please let me know.

Edwina Cox, chairman, 01473 11121

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB Barry Gayton gave an illustrated talk about the wildflowers of Britain at our October meeting. Our final meeting for 2015 will be on December 8 with a talk on NT Ickworth.

Visitors are welcome to join us for these talks that take place in the lounge of Capel Methodist Church at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Refreshments are provided after the talk.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs, and involve members at minimal cost.

The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and to providing the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month in Manningtree at 10.30am. For further details please contact our secretary, Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

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

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

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

January 14: Creative Photography with Barbie Lindsay EFIAP MPAGB FBPE New members are welcome to join the society or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Meetings are held at the St John’s Centre, Station Road at 7.30pm.

Please contact our secretary for more information (01206 396958 / madps@post.com) or visit: www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION’S GUIDE TO GARDENING IN DECEMBER Season’s greetings to all our members and readers VEG PLOT Continue winter digging incorporating recycled garden waste.

• A 1m3 dumpy bag at £55: 07771 881458 • An eight-ton load of farmyard manure from Sluice Farm Woodbridge at £85: 01394 383431 • Mushroom compost at £30 a ‘bucket’ load delivered to the Pound Lane site: 01473 310380

GREENHOUSE Empty and wash down with Jeyes. Line with bubble plastic. Bring in all frost tender plants.

Check for and spray white fly. Sow carrots in a pot and main crop onions and leeks in trays on Boxing Day. FLOWERS Tidy borders and mulch. Ventilate chrysanthemum stools in cold frames. Wrap potted plants in fleece.

LAWNS Aerate badly-drained areas. Mow with blades set high. Clean and overhaul equipment.

We have a Christmas stall at St Mary’s on Saturday, December 5 – see you there for garden sundries, fresh wreaths, curly willow, bird food, and cyclamen.

ALLOTMENT NEWS RENT A PLOT Half plots are available at £16 per annum so if you live in Capel and fancy a go at ‘growing your own’ please contact Dennis: sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk

All items are available to our members from a range of quality products provided to meet basic gardening needs. Membership is just £5 per annum. Find an application form on our website.

Sow or plant lettuce under cloches. Feed compost heaps with sulphate of ammonia.

Check brassicas for white fly and spray as necessary. Harvest sprouts and winter cabbage. Leeks and parsnips can be left in the ground until needed. Check, clean and oil tools. Replacements make excellent Christmas presents. Check stored crops for damage.

FRUIT Apply a winter tree wash to fruit trees and bushes to control over-wintering insect pests.

Order and plant trees and bushes with a dusting of bone meal.

PLACES TO VISIT Jimmy’s Farm Christmas Fayre was worth a visit last year. The 100 plus stalls were varied and interesting with lots of samples, local produce and Christmas gifts and demos which were motivating and entertaining. Attractions also included mulled wine and cider, a beer tent, live entertainment and Santa’s Grotto. December 5 and 6, 10am-4pm – £5 pre-book online only.

THE HUT – WINTER CLOSING The Hut is now closed for the winter and will reopen on the first Saturday in February 2016.

Also Blackthorpe Barn at Rougham Estate near Bury St Edmunds for Christmas trees, decorations and a wonderful selection of 60 British craft stalls. Every weekend from November 14 to December 13, 10am-5pm.

Check their website to see what craft stalls are on which weekends. £2 entry.

A more extensive version of this report appears on our website.

And finally we hope you have had a productive year and are looking forward to the new season.

We have already ordered our stock for The Hut, planned improvements for the site and we are in advanced stages of preparation for the show and barbecue. See you in 2016.

www.capelallotments.co.uk Email: info@capelallotments.co.uk

Capel St Mary Primary School took part in Young Readers Day on November 10.

Here we see them reading in unusual places. www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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SCHOOLS ROBIN’S NEWS to understand the difference between loud and quiet.

BABY BEARS We have been busy with the autumn season and events that come with it such as Halloween and fireworks night. We went on the school field to run in the crunchy leaves and collected some to make our leaf mobiles.

We have also made stained glass leaves that are displayed on our outside door.

World Nursery Rhyme Week has been great and we have been singing and dancing to Miss Polly Had A Dolly, 1.2.3.4.5, The Grand old Duke of York, Ring A Ring A Roses and Horsey Horsey.

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

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

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

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

TODDLING TIGERS

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

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

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

NEWS FROM COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN Squirrels We have been enjoying our Superhero topic. We have created our own superheroes who will help us to stay safe online. We have also been learning about real life heroes such as Roald Amundsen and William Wilberforce.

using Google Earth to admire Italy from afar. The children have been very interested in this topic, especially with its links to volcanoes, looking in particular at Mount Etna and exploring Venice and its canals. The children ended this topic with an Italian day in which all the Woodpeckers parents were invited to come to our Italian café.

In Forest School we have been learning about micro-habitats and we went on a spider hunt. Did you know that spiders have 48 joints? Mrs Witherall brought in her tarantula, a Chilean rose tarantula called Chilli, and Year 2 pupils held her. We have also been learning about the seasonal changes in autumn.

We continued to learn algebra and write equations to show commutative law, as well as linking it to our place value learning.

Woodpeckers In maths we have been learning about place value and working hard to secure our understanding in this area. The children have carried out problem solving, investigations and activities around the areas of partitioning, rounding and adding numbers mentally using partitioning.

In literacy we have been writing our own adventure stories based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We have been using lots of adjectives in our writing and focusing on structuring paragraphs around a theme. Woodpeckers have created their own room in the chocolate factory, written a new ending to Roald Dahl’s book and have written their own adventure stories. The children have been very excited about this.

Our topic this half term has been A Quest to Italy. We have been looking at the human and physical features of Italy, comparing Italy to Britain and

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Foxes Life is always exciting in Foxes’ class. Our class teachers are really encouraging and are always trying to push you out of your comfort zone, but not so far that you get uncomfortable. They always say that “you can’t do it yet” because you need to actually try before giving up. Recently we have been really excited to go on a residential trip to Sizewell (African Adventure) and using our growth mindset we have surprised ourselves with what we can do when faced with lots of challenges.

In science we have learnt all about forces and used this knowledge to build Halloween-themed cam toy models.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the school this year. The staff, children and parents wish you all a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2016.

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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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAPEL ST MARY BOWLS CLUB Once again, with our season behind us, we are taking time to review what has been achieved this year, and to look forward to next year. Members and their guests attended our presentation evening on October 24 and once again the Harvest Moon Restaurant provided an excellent meal before the formal presentation of trophies to winners of the various club and social competitions. Many thanks to the management and staff for all their hard work.

Our president, Chris Dyer, announced her decision to award the President’s Cup in this her final year in post to Jim Ross. Chris reminded us that the award represented her personal special recognition for both service and achievement, and all agreed that Jim was a worthy recipient on both counts.

We held our AGM on Monday, October 26, and our thanks go to Tony and Liz Gulliver for hosting once again. Various club officials gave their reports, and in summary it had been an enjoyable season although results were patchy, the green has been in good shape thanks to hard work by a number of helpers and our finances remain sound. Our chair, Gerald White, thanked the many people involved in the running of our club for their hard work and dedication all the year round. It was especially encouraging to see two new members join us and we will continue to try to attract more.

Club officials were appointed as follows: Chair – Gerald White; secretary/publicity – Les Bryant; treasurer – Lew Dyer; club captain – Pam Peers; competitions secretary – Carol Howe; site co-ordinator – Graham Brewster; auditor – Stan Banham.

Team captains for next year were confirmed as George Wiseman, Mick Howe, Fran Wiseman, Gerald White, Jim Ross and David Evans.

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We will have held a music quiz on Saturday, November 7, and then, looking to the future, the next date in the diary is our annual trip to the World Indoor Bowls Championships at Potters Leisure Resort on January 20. Dates for next year’s social programme will follow in the New Year.

In the meantime I would like to wish all our members, readers, their families and loved ones a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. If you haven’t already done so, make a New Year’s resolution to join us when the season begins – you’ll have fun, both on and off the bowls green, with a great bunch of people.

Jack High

CAPEL CARPET BOWLS CLUB First I must start with an apology. Last month I reported that we had played the outdoor bowlers and made a donation to the First Responders. Unfortunately, I reported the wrong amount. We actually donated £100 – very sorry for the slip-up. Again we are plagued by the ‘deadline date’.

We have yet to play the club fours competition. We hope to have four teams all playing each other to decide the winner, but the report will have to wait till next time.

It only remains for me, on behalf of the club, to wish all my readers a very happy and restful Christmas and a very healthy and prosperous New Year. Also to remind you that if you want to give yourself and your partner something else to do in the New Year to consider giving carpet bowls a thought. We would be very pleased to see you any Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday evening (upgrades to the hall or Orchard Players permitting). For more details contact Ernie: 310628 Happy Christmas, Derek

In Touch online:

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

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

We are hoping to sign some more players on in an effort to keep the

team going. Better news from our Sunday side who top Division Two of the Sunday Morning league after winning five of their first six games with new managers Tom Harris and Kevin Morrison doing a good job.

Tony Chopping has been playing well in defence with Nick Woolgar putting in some good performances in midfield. Our Veterans side beat Suffolk Punch 3-0 with goals from Gary Russell, Chris Stewart and Chris Smith, but after manager Archie Arnold stood down they were unable to raise a team for the County Cup game at Sole Bay and are currently looking for a new manager.

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

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

EBONY’S BLOG – LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE What an autumn we’ve had. My door has been hooked open most of this term, and I have been able to watch all sorts of comings and goings.

Our long-serving pony, Holly, has been retired to live with Sue in Polstead and is enjoy eating and sleeping to her heart’s content. Two of our very recent additions to the herd were also moved on because they couldn’t really behave the way we expect RDA ponies to. They were nice looking little black chaps, like me, so I was sad to see them go.

Alfie

We have welcomed two new members to the herd, and I’ve been watching them learn the ropes. Alfie is a ‘flea bitten’ grey Connemara fellow who is shaping up well. April is a bay New Forest pony, the perfect size for our nine to 12-year-old riders. Typical girl, she really likes her leaders to chat to her in the arena.

Both ponies are hoping to be sponsored as their stable mates are, so if a kind reader would like to support them in their new work please talk to their Auntie April Di on 01473 658552 to discuss a sponsorship contribution.

Makes a nice Christmas present!

At half term we had to say goodbye to a very special volunteer, Hazel Ormsby. Well she was special to me because she helped my riders in my room every Friday, standing up on the plinth there beside me. With her encouragement some of my riders achieved enough core strength to graduate on to live ponies, so now I only see them on really wet days. (I can’t mind about that, it’s partly what I’m here for.)

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Hazel drove here from Bury St Edmunds every Friday and helped with grooming, side walking, teaching and leading. She has helped at RDA centres for 30 years or so, and The Shelley Centre was fortunate to have enjoyed her expertise for the last four of those. Now she feels the drive over here in the winter is just too much (for an octogenarian!).

Here we see her leading Camilla with a very happy Alexander getting his physiotherapy on Camilla’s comfy padded back.

Hazel leads Camilla

Now we are getting ready for the end of term. Already Margaret has enlisted her cast for the nativity play in Shelley church. Only Squidgy and Camilla ever get to walk there by lantern light with our riders; the rest of us have to make do with a blessing from the vicar up here at the centre, but we love seeing the parents and carers being introduced to the whole team. I’ve always wondered why our guests hold plastic cups as they wander round the yard!

We shall have a Christmas tree, tinsel on our stable doors and pretty lights under the eaves. I’m quite excited just writing about it. When we close for the school holidays, some of the herd go off to enjoy themselves with their other families and some of us stay here and rest. I hope you have a very happy Christmas, wherever you are. www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

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ON THE GRAPEVINE KENNY’S SESAW NEWS

HEARTFELT THANKS FOR SUPPORT The family of Ken Green would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the many people who have supported them recently. We are very grateful to all those friends who have shown their love and support in so many ways over the last 10 months and to those who joined us in a beautiful service of thanksgiving held in Capel church.

We are particularly grateful to Canon Jim and Chris for leading the services, and to the WI and church community who supported us by providing refreshments after the service.

We strongly wanted to care for Ken at home, but this was only really possible thanks to the expertise and compassion of the wonderful Ann Mason Care Team, Doctor Omar and the staff at Capel Surgery, the district nurses, Marie Curie and the Hospice at Home Team. Their support made it a very special time for all of us.

Oh dear! Yes, it’s that time of the year again and I’m going to be in trouble with Sharon, the editor.

We wish you health and happiness this Christmas and hope 2016 will be a good year for all of us.

No one has time to help me write this month’s news because they are busy preparing for the festive season. This gives me a chance to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 12 months.

If you are looking for a last minute present, there is still time to sponsor a SESAW animal or purchase SESAW calendars at £6 each. Leave a message on 01787 210888 or visit: www.sesaw.co.uk

Lots of nice people have donated time, money and goods to the sanctuary and many SESAW animals are now happily rehomed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Happy 2nd Birthday to Charlotte Harris on December 19.

Lots of love from mummy, daddy, Sophie and all the Hill and Harris families

That’s all folks, because I have to find out where mum hides that Santa hat from me.

xxx

Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua

Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP

Happy 40th Birthday to Richard Baker on December 31.

SIGNED BOOKS TO AID FUNDRAISING

Lots of love from Abby, Tamzin, Ryan and all the family

East Bergholt Sports Centre is raising money for a specialised piece of kit for disabled users.

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

A kind benefactor who worked in the publishing industry has donated two signed hard back copies of books by well-known authors Jacqueline Wilson and joint authors of the Edge Chronicles Paul Steward and Chris Riddell. The books in question are Love lessons by Wilson and The Last of the Sky Pirates by Steward and Riddell.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

xxx

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST CHURCH FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE What sort of year has it been for you? Are you in good health or have you suffered a little or much? Have you experienced bereavement this year, still grieving loss? Have you lost your job, your home, a friendship?

Or have things fallen into place for you, new opportunities, new relationships, joy and love? I guess many have a mixture of emotions.

On the day of writing this article, Sierra Leone has been declared free of Ebola. Christmas will be celebrated without Ebola, but the pain of loss won’t go away for the relatives and friends of the 28,600 who have died of Ebola.

The day this magazine is published, December 1, we will be observing World AIDS Day. I worked in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and early 1990s.

We learnt new words – HIV+ and AIDS. I founded a local branch of the Family AIDS Caring Trust to provide education about AIDS in schools and the workplace to prevent the spread of HIV. We employed two people to provide counselling for HIV positive patients in our local hospital. One of our staff was already HIV+. At that stage with no antiretroviral drugs it was an almost certain death sentence.

100% of soldiers from our local barracks returning from a war in Mozambique tested HIV+. People we knew were dying, including one of our ‘adopted’ Zimbabwean daughters. It is a predominantly heterosexual problem in Zimbabwe and children were often born HIV+. The first World AIDS Day was called by the United Nations on December 1, 1988.

Research, conferences and huge sums of money have led at last to the reduction. Since the millennium new infections are down by 35% and in children down by 55%. Millions now can access treatment and live full and active lives. In the past 10 years AIDS related deaths have reduced by 30%, but it was still 1.2 million in 2014.

In 2012 there were still an estimated 35 million people living with HIV, so although millions are receiving drug treatment, there is a vast inequality of access to this life saving therapy. The poorest and marginalised communities are still suffering, and compassionate people need to do what we can. I’m grateful for the lead of people like Elton John.

Those without hope of treatment almost certainly have a death sentence hanging over them. Those receiving this treatment have hope. World AIDS Day is a reminder that we can do something to help poor and

marginalised people. Whether you are in Sierra Leone this Christmas without fear of Ebola, or in a poor community which is just receiving medicines for healing, hope has been rekindled.

The Christmas story reminds me that it was a poor marginalised group of people, the shepherds, who first received the message of a Saviour born for this world. Their response was to find Jesus and worship him and then to spread this amazing news. They discovered a hope that changed their lives. They saw something beyond their difficulties that gave them hope, a belief there was a God who loved them despite their mistakes, knew what they went through and had a plan for them. The Christian faith doesn’t protect you from ill health or bereavement, but gives companionship on the journey. Whatever this past year has been like for you, I invite you to join us to worship Jesus and discover one who gives hope, not just for next year, but forever.

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 SERVICES IN DECEMBER Sunday, December 6

10.30am 6pm

Worship with Terry Tennens Prayer Stations

Sunday, December 13 10.30am

6.30pm

Sunday, December 20 10.30am

6.30pm

Worship with Thursday Afternoon Home Group Healing & Communion with The Rev Andrew Sankey Family Worship with The Rev Andrew Sankey Candlelit Carol Service

Thursday, December 24 7pm

Christmas Eve Carols in the Precinct

Friday, December 25 9.30am

Christmas Family Worship with The Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday, December 27 10.30am Worship with The Rev Chris Jowett

EAST BERGHOLT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt CO7 6RZ

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Pastor: Mrs Maralyn Bambridge, 35 Birch Drive, Brantham CO11 1TG 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com

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

Organist: J Stuart Rees GRSM, LRAM, ARCO / 01255 508222 Services: Sunday at 10.30am – all welcome Communion: Taken at the end of the service on the second Sunday of each month.

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

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

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

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

Maralyn

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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTIANS IN CAPEL The members of all the churches foster a closer fellowship and understanding between the respective Christian communities in Capel St Mary. They endeavour to co-ordinate common interests and where practical share common resources to meet specific needs.

MESSY CHURCH The next Messy Church is on Saturday, December 12 at Capel Methodist from 10.30am-12.30pm. What is Messy church, I hear you ask? Well it’s a fun, new way of doing church relevant to families today. We have an hour of craft activities and sports challenges suitable for all ages, followed by a short celebration including some singing and a Bible story related to the theme for the day. After that we all sit down for a meal together – and it’s all free.

Our theme this time will be ‘Christmas is Coming!’

Who can come? All age families. Kids – you must bring at least one adult.

If you haven’t been before, talk to someone who has and I’m sure they’ll tell you it’s great and you must come. No need to book, just turn up. Hope to see lots of you there.

For more information please contact: Maggie Boswell, 01473 310766 / Maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France, 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com NATIVITY TRAIL Following the success of our sheep trail last Christmas there will be a ‘nativity trail’ around the village this year from December 5-19.

All the characters that tell the story of the real meaning of Christmas will be hiding in people’s windows. Hunt them down and record where you found them and return your forms to the addresses given for a chance to win a prize. Entry forms are available from the school and the library or by email from: Maggie3@btinternet.com We would then like to invite you to our Christmas Family Celebration on Sunday, December 20 at 10.30am at the Methodist Church, where a ‘Host of Angels’ will be looking for homes.

For times and details of Sunday services, Alpha and Home/Life Groups, please contact one of the following: The Parish Church, St Mary the Virgin The Rev Canon Jim Pendorf The Rectory, Days Road, Capel 01473 312225 / 07973 265037 The Catholic Church Father Christopher Smith, St Mark’s Church 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich 01473 684963 Capel Community Church David Owen, 18 Bushey Close, Capel www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk 01473 310454 / 07752 921135 The Methodist Church The Rev Andrew Sankey 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 INTER-CHURCH MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES The following church groups welcome new members: TREKKERS For ages 7-11, meets on Thursdays at the Methodist Church from 3.45 to 5.15pm during school term time. Contact Carolyn Love, 01473 311490 YOUTH GROUP Fridays at The Methodist Church, 7-9pm, for school years 7-9.

Contact The Rev Andrew Sankey, 01473 311178 PARENTS AND TODDLERS • Tuesday – 9-11.30am, Capel Community Church, Days Road Contact Margaret Beard: 01473 311219 • Wednesday – 9-11.30am, Busy Bees, Methodist Church Contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 • Wednesday – 10am-noon, Twins & Multiples Group at CCC Contact Chris Matthews: 01473 311368 • Thursday – 1.45-3.30pm, St Mary’s Church Hall SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCH CLUBS • First Monday, Capel Community Church, 01473 311368 • Third Tuesday, St Mary’s Church Hall, 01473 310596 • Last Thursday, Methodist Church, 01473 310635 NETWORK FELLOWSHIP Third Tuesday, from 2.30pm, Methodist Church. Anyone welcome to come to the meeting. Contact Judy Steward, 01473 310799 BEACON COFFEE SHOP EVERY TUESDAY 9am-12.30pm, in the Vine Lounge, Capel Village Hall AEROBICS AT CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH Fridays from 10.45-11.45am, Young at Heart (slower paced). Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 PILATES • Tuesdays – 7 and 8.10pm, Capel Methodist Church • Fridays – 9.30am, Capel Methodist Church Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 R.O.M.E.O. Lunch for Men at The Harvest Moon, Capel First Thursday, 12.30pm. Book with Peter Ellis: 01473 310096

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH, BRANTHAM Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 01473 684963

Christians in many countries simply because of their faith and religious practice. Why we must ask and why do we not use our influence in our dealings with these countries to protest about the offences against human dignity and religious freedom?

Diary dates

We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up to date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk

A very successful autumn garden tidy up took place on Saturday, November 7. Grateful thank you to all those who gave their time to help.

The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the church front door.

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

Services for December 2015

Tuesday 1 9.30am Morning Prayer

10am Mass

Sunday 6 9am Mass – Second Sunday of Advent

Tuesday 8 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration

10am Mass

Sunday 13 9am Mass – Third Sunday of Advent

Tuesday 15 9.30am Morning Prayer

10am Mass

Sunday 20 9am Mass – Fourth Sunday of Advent /

Children’s Liturgy

Tuesday 22 9.30am Morning Prayer

10am Mass

Thursday 24 5.30pm Children’s Mass, St Joseph’s Chapel, Ipswich

8pm Mass, Holy Family, Brantham

11pm Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich

Friday 25 9am Mass at Brantham – Christmas Day

11am Mass at St Mark’s Ipswich

Sunday 27 9am Mass – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary &

Joseph

Tuesday 29 9.30am Morning Prayer

10am Mass

100 Club, now renamed the 200 Club As we continue to grow and now have 134 numbers taken the club has been renamed. The club was set up to raise much need funds to support the life and mission of our parish and we welcome new members. Already a member? Then why not take out another number? Application forms may be found at the back of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish. org.uk The next monthly draw is planned to take place at Holy Family after mass on Sunday, December 20 when the prize pool will be £133.

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

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are being asked to collect used postage stamps, ALL YEAR, not just at Christmas and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

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

All are very welcome at Holy Family, Brantham All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services. It’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic Faith are always welcome.

Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know to be a Catholic.

Catholic Commentary Sometimes it seems the practice of religion in Britain is a no-go area for many people, but we should not be mistaken about what we lose if our Christian roots and religious habits are replaced by secular ideologies.

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

Also in October there was the launch, at a reception in the House of Lords, of a report by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (www.acnuk. org) highlighting the extent of persecution and discrimination against

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