In Touch News with Claydon - August 2016

In Touch

™© ™©

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 6 • Issue No. 10 • AUGUST 2016

Image by Stuart Pearce

2

In Touch online:

NEWS

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

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

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

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

In Touch

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

In Touch with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: claydon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural 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 • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

URGENT APPEAL FOR COLLECTORS Up to eight poppy collectors are urgently needed in Claydon, Barham and Great Blakenham to carry out house to house collections over a twoweek period in October/November If anyone is able to help please contact me on 01473 830976 / sheilah63@talktalk.net or at 63 Norwich Road, Barham. Thank you.

Sheila Harvey, Area Poppy Organiser

The senior residents of Henley would like to express their sincere thanks to Mrs Waters and all her staff at Henley Primary School for the afternoon tea given to them in June to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. It was delicious and sincere thanks to all who produced the excellent spread.

Also a big congratulations to the children who entertained us with their singing, which was most enjoyable.

A lot of hard work had obviously been put in to achieve such a successful afternoon and we all appreciated it.

CLAYDON & BARHAM ANNUAL COMMUNITY QUIZ This year’s annual quiz for the John West Trophy will take place on Friday, October 7 at Claydon and Barham Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm.

More details to follow next month.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 Here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

3

NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4

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

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

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

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

Cabinet has agreed a new Highways Maintenance Operational Plan.

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

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

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

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

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

In Touch online:

Summer Sale Now On

furniture

£399

£399

Sale price RRP £599

£375

Sale price RRP £599

Only available at the Stonham store

Cane sofas

from

£299

Sale price RRP £529

£89

Sale price RRP £139

furniture www.harpersfurniture.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

£549

Only available at the Ipswich store

Sale price RRP £769

York solid oak slat bed

Sale price RRP £549

£299

5

NEWS CLAYDON & WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL Claydon Churchyard The parish council is committed to ensuring that Claydon churchyard is maintained for the benefit of the community and visitors to the church. Therefore we are urgently seeking volunteers to help Claydon and Barham PCC to maintain the burial site surrounding Claydon church by cutting and strimming grass and generally keeping the area tidy. The necessary power tools will be provided and work can be carried out at any time, but will need to be done on a regular basis as directed. If a number of volunteers come forward, consideration could be given to operating a rota. Anyone who is interested in helping with this very essential task should contact the parish clerk in the first instance.

Grass cutting and overhanging vegetation in the village The parish council has contacted Suffolk County Council (SCC) on a number of occasions to express concern about the overgrown vegetation on the roundabout under the A14 and verges on the approach road into the village. In response SCC have advised that the verges adjacent to roads and visibility splays at junctions in Claydon should have been cut by Suffolk Highways twice this year in accordance with a predefined schedule. In addition, visibility splays at junctions are generally cut back to a distance of 3m from the give way or stop lines, although this may be extended in some cases due to the junction’s layout.

However, because of the exceptionally wet weather it has been necessary to request additional cuts which have been paid for by the parish council.

Other public areas within the village that become overgrown are also regularly reported to SCC for action. The parish council is also responsible for ensuring that the public are protected from overhanging vegetation

from private or business premises. Any resident who has concerns on any of these matters should contact the parish clerk.

Parish Councillor Vacancies There are three vacancies for parish councillors. The duties and responsibilities of the parish council are wide ranging and varied. If you would like to contribute to the running of your community on a voluntary basis and help make a difference, becoming a parish councillor is an ideal way in which to do so. Please contact our parish clerk for further information.

Meetings in August The next parish council finance committee meeting is in Claydon and Barham Village Hall on Monday, August 8 at 7.30pm. Members of the community are very welcome to attend and opportunity will be given at the beginning of the meeting for them to speak on items included on the agenda or other issues about which they have concerns. Agendas will be available prior to the meeting from our parish clerk, Mrs. S Eagle: 01473 687384 (answer machine available) / claywhit@btinternet.com / 7 Leicester Close, Ipswich IP2 9EX. The parish council is always interested to receive comments from residents on any matters of concern. Please send these with your name and address to one of our councillors whose details are on our noticeboard on the village hall or contact our parish clerk.

For the very latest news and information about village life and other items of interest visit: http://claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net / Twitter @claywhitpc

HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL, JULY 2016 Our vehicle activated speed sign (VAS) spent the month of May 25 to June 28 on a post near the primary school so that we could get an accurate record of vehicle speeds coming into the village from Ashbocking and Henley Square.

The winding road up past the school is probably the most worrying in the village from a traffic safety point of view, for obvious reasons. The Respect Zone outside the school has been in force since the beginning of the year in an attempt – pretty successful, it would seem – to make the bend safer for pedestrians and drivers, but it is important to find out whether the speed limit in that area is being observed.

We were slightly hampered by the fact that for a short while the speed sign was pointing directly at the fence at the side of the road rather than at oncoming cars. Some irresponsible joker no doubt thought that was hilarious (it wasn’t).

But we still got a clear overall picture.

21,913 vehicles passed the sign during the period. 15% of them were travelling at more than 37 mph, but a large number were going at much lower speeds, which meant that the overall average speed of vehicles passing the sign was 29.8 mph.

More people speed on Sunday than on other days of the week. The average speed of people exceeding the limit overall was about 35 mph.

Speeds during the period 8-10am were generally lower; in that time slot 85% of drivers were doing about 34 mph. In busy afternoon periods

6

speeds were slightly higher with the equivalent 85% doing about 37 mph.

That 85% figure is important. Highways authorities use it as a means of setting the speed limit on a particular stretch of road; it’s called the 85th percentile. The argument is that if 85% of drivers are doing a particular speed, setting the limit at that figure or slightly below it will encourage the other 15% to slow down.

The truth of the matter is that although it’s quite common to think from your own observation that huge numbers of people drive too fast, in reality most people actually don’t. It’s the minority who break the speed limit and they are the ones who cause problems. Like the person who passed our VAS outside the primary school heading into the village on Monday, June 6 at 6.25am at 70 mph.

One benefit of the VAS is that we know that happened, and we can publish it. Maybe the person who was driving that morning will see this and realise he or she was spotted. Hopefully the combination of the VAS and the Respect Zone, and the general awareness both will bring, will make Henley a safer place to drive, walk, go to school and work.

If you are not on our village email list and would like to be, just send a simple request to henleyparishcouncil@gmail.com or rodcaird@yahoo. co.uk and we will sort it out. And don’t forget to keep an eye from time to time on our own website where we publish all sorts of useful (we hope!) information and contacts: www.henley.onesuffolk.net Rod Caird, clerk, 07785 331217

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

7

Snipe Lawns & Landscaping ARTIFICIAL LAWNS SPECIALIST Natural looking lawns with 10 years manufactures guarantee

• Sovereign Turf Supplies & installation • Hand Crafted Pergolas • Rail Sleeper Raised Beds • Decking & Fencing • General Landscaping www.snipelawns.co.uk For a free Quote Call: 07747805599 Email: info@snipelawns.co.uk

8

In Touch online:

NEWS SIGN UP AND GET CONNECTED WITH POLICE CONNECT Police Connect is a free messaging service connecting you to the very latest policing news for your area via email, text or phone.

Police Connect will provide you with localised information for a variety of situations, including emergency alerts, missing people appeals, crime reports, neighbourhood policing news and events.

To register, contact 101 and we will get a form to you or register online at: www.Suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect Suffolk Police supports the use of social media as a means of talking with and listening to the communities we serve. Our networks provide people with an alternative source of the latest information in real time, often accompanied by images or videos. Suffolk Police can also be found on Facebook, Google, Instagram and YouTube.

Officers in Hadleigh have recently joined social networking site Twitter and will be issuing regular updates about news, events, arrests and what’s happening in your neighbourhood. Follow us @ HadleighPolice.

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

The short updates, known as tweets, will give a better insight into police work and help build relationships alongside the day-to-day work carried out by officers. In addition to @SuffolkPolice, our main corporate account, we also have the district accounts providing information at local level, as well as some departmental accounts and personal ones of senior officers.

It is important to remember however that Twitter is not the place to report a crime or raise an issue you need to discuss in confidence: For non-emergency matters call 101.

In emergencies always dial 999.

Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

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

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

Please call James on 07789 691434 for more information or visit: www. savetheduke.net FUNDRAISING EVENTS NEWS

Reel the night away at our Harvest Ceilidh at Church Farm, Somersham on Saturday, September 3, 7.30pm. Tickets (£15 adults / £7.50 under 18s / Under 5s free) include supper and are available from Somersham shop, Somersham Garage or Lucy on 01473 831042 (evenings only).

See website for further details.

All welcome.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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

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

9

NEWS / OUT & ABOUT CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE

FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP

Sunday, July 5 saw the arrival of the group of children from Belarus who have joined us for a one month health respite visit. The 18 children and two interpreters arrived at Gatwick Airport after a long and tiring journey, having left home very, very early in the morning. Thank goodness at least the sun was shining, but many of the children were shivering as they left the airport having come from a blistering 35 degrees at home.

The Four Communities Action Group (4CAG) was created in 2010 by members of the churches of Barham, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Henley, Age UK (Suffolk) and interested members of the wider community. Its aim is to work together as four parishes to develop new activities and support networks, especially for those in need, and to provide spiritual support and encouragement with a view to enhancing the lives of all members of the community.

We were fortunate to miss the traffic problems on the way home and arrived in Stowmarket where all the host families were waiting in anticipation to meet their new house guests. Thank you to the Cedars Hotel who stepped in at the last minute and gave us the use of their conference room for the meeting point.

The group currently supports five organisations: • 4Ever Young Men’s Group meeting at the Crown in Claydon on the third Wednesday of each month (see page 18 • Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club at the Parish Rooms, Great Blakenham on the first Friday of each month (see page 18) • Gipping Valley Art Society meeting at the Parish Rooms, Great Blakenham every Tuesday afternoon • The Book Club is an informal group which meets at the Crown in Claydon on the last Thursday of the month • The Knitting Group is a relaxed and friendly group meeting at Alasdair Place, Claydon on the first Thursday of the month

A big thank you to the team of ladies who got together the previous week to iron all the clothing that had been donated so the program could start with them all being able to choose clothes for themselves and for siblings back home. Donations this year have been amazing with a tremendous amount of new clothing received from our very generous supporters.

Our aim is to increase awareness of these groups, plan future projects and also to attract like-minded people in the community to join us.

The Crown at Claydon has always offered us a venue for some of our meetings, coffee and the chance to stay for a bite to eat afterwards, and we would like to thank the team there for their support.

If you would like to know any more about our work, pop along to one of our activities or email: 4CAG@bigvax.co.uk

CLAYDON & BARHAM VILLAGE HALL Dates for August Tuesday 2

Claydon PC meeting

Thursday 4

Slimming World 5.30 & 7.30pm

One little girl had a big surprise as it was her eighth birthday on the Tuesday after arrival and we held a surprise party for her (probably for the first time in her life) and there was a visit from Steff N Nonsense who provided fantastic entertainment. Not only is Steff an all round children’s entertainer she is also a Bubbleologist and it was fantastic to see the huge range of bubbles she produced.

Saturday 6

WI / Craft Addicts Jumble Sale, 2-4pm

Monday 8

Craft Addicts

1-4pm

Tuesday 9

Women’s Institute

7pm

Thursday 11

Slimming World 5.30 & 7.30pm

Our program is now in full swing and the children are looking forward every day to experiencing something new and exciting. We meet daily Monday to Friday at Bloomfield Football Club and again we would like to express our thanks to them for their support as without this facility, allowing working parents to host, we would not be able to bring the children. The children are now all busy working on their memory books and will go home with them full of memories they will be able to look back on and remember forever.

Friday 12-Sunday 21: HALL CLOSED FOR KITCHEN UPGRADE

We never forget that without your support these children would not be here and whatever your contribution, big or small, it all adds up to what we need to bring each child so from us and from them, thank you very much.

7-8pm

Slimming World on Thursday, August 18 will be held in the community centre Monday 22

Craft Addicts

1-4pm

Thursday 25

Sunshine Service

10am-noon

Slimming World 5.30 & 7.30pm

For more information on village hall activities visit the Claydon and Barham website and follow the links.

Hall bookings now only online.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 Support our children: www.justgiving.com/chernobylmidsuffolk

10

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

11

 







         

  







  

 



  

    



 



 



 

 



  

 





 

           



 

   

 

  

 

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

Nutritious and delicious.

The clue is in the name.

Those clever chefs at Wiltshire Farm Foods know how to make really healthy food, really tasty. Take the Nutritious & Delicious range – each flavoursome meal is under 400 calories, contributes to your 5 a day, and is low in salt and fat.

All delivered free.

Diced Beef Chilli £3. 65 from our Nutritious & Delicious range

Call us today for your FREE brochure

01371 876 970 wiltshirefarmfoods.com

12

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON & BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

The gala on July 9 was very well attended. The school field was busy all afternoon with families and children enjoying all the stalls, displays and skill challenges including SCD Street Dance, majorettes, carpet bowls and tug-of-war for the small people. There was a display of artwork and other craft orientated original works in the hall.

The day was blessed with good weather and everyone enjoyed crepes cooked by the Scout Troop, ice cream from Peter’s Ice Cream and burgers and sausages cooked on charcoal.

The C&BCC committee would like to thank all of community who made the day a complete success. The evening event with local band The Preservatives couldn’t have been better attended. Dawn and Richard Cullum (Culley) and Linda Clark said the group were amazing. The hall rocked all evening.

Our next event, on Friday, September 2, is a jazz evening with Jonny Herbert and his Band.

Don’t forget the community café is open in the hall from 8am-4pm serving teas and real coffee plus delicious cakes.

We have a wide and varied range of ales, ciders, and lagers both draft and bottled, including Guinness and Mild, and our Premium Larger, San Miguel, is now on tap. We have pints of bitter starting from just £2.50 per pint and lager from just £2.90.

Church Lane, Claydon, IP6 0EG www.candbcc.com / 01473 831805 Facebook: Claydon Community Centre

We stopped to look at our favourite view It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

0800 0744362

www.eastofengland.coop/funerals for your local funeral director

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

13

OUT & ABOUT

CLAYDON AND BARHAM WI JUMBLE SALE

OUR LOCAL MEN’S HEALTH CHARITY

There are numerous health programmes devoted to women’s care, but few equivalent services exist for men, while men themselves remain largely unaware of health issues and reluctant to use the services that do exist. For instance, NHS health checks aimed at detecting the top seven causes of premature death are offered to men aged 40-74, yet less than 50% are actually taken up! Furthermore, although prostate cancer kills 11,000 UK men annually, there is no national screening programme and only 8% of UK men avail themselves of the PSA prostate cancer screening test available to them via the NHS. Our objective is to raise awareness on the premise that if a man knows what can go wrong, he at least will have the knowledge to make an informed choice as to whether to take preventative action.

Over the last five years CHAPS has run men’s health days, typically at football stadia, where we have provided free tests to men for aortic aneurysm screening, heart disease and stroke risk assessment, diabetes, skin cancer and prostate cancer screening.

At ITFC last October 138 men attended and we even had a team from the Medical Detection Dogs collecting urine samples from men having prostate checks to train their dogs to recognise prostate cancer! So far we know 11/94 prostate checks were abnormal and one man with an unknown aneurysm underwent potentially life-saving surgery within two weeks of the event. Another first on the day was a successful seminar, Mental Health in The Workplace, run by Suffolk User Forum, Suffolk Mind and Picasso HR. At our last event in Clacton in December an exceptionally high attendance thoroughly endorsed our raison d’être. For instance, 21 heart checks and eight prostate checks were abnormal while eight skin cancers were diagnosed. These results typify our activity and overall in 2015 we performed a total of 1,944 clinical tests for 814 men at eight major events.

We are concentrating our activity in Essex and Suffolk on the principle that ‘charity begins at home’ and in recognition that there are considerable local unmet health needs. Sadly we have all lost friends to preventable and curable diseases, but through local support at local events we can make a difference. We are therefore encouraging male orientated groups such as Rotary, Masons and Lions and employers of male workforces to commission us to provide smaller, private health check events for the members or employees. To fine out more, please check our website or contact us at: chris.booth@chaps.uk.com / info@chaps.uk.com / 07734 747854 This year’s event at Ipswich Town Football Club on Thursday, November 3 will offer the following health checks: • Aneurysm screening • Cardiovascular risk assessment – your risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years • Diabetes screening • Skin cancer • Prostate • Physiotherapy, blood pressure and BMI checks The day is co-ordinated by CHAPS and the clinical services will be provided

by Onelife Suffolk, Ipswich Hospital, the Suffolk Nuffield Hospital, Day Lewis Pharmacy and the Co-op (hearing tests).

Clinical Director Chris Booth www.chaps.uk.com

14

Claydon Village Hall Saturday, August 6, 2-4pm Admission 20p. Donations welcome on the day Info: 07769 265480

FESTIVAL OF CLASSIC & SPORTS CARS The annual Festival of Classic and Sports Cars will take place at Helmingham Hall on Sunday, August 7. Held in association with Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiast’s Club (SVEC), this year’s event is the biggest yet and will showcase more than 800 cars representing the last 100 years of motoring history. It will also raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), a charity which gives support to families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. ©Mark Ward Media

CHAPS is a men’s health charity dedicated to raising awareness of men’s health problems. Why? Because UK men’s health statistics are so poor in comparison to both women and our European neighbours across the whole spectrum of disease. Sixty-thousand UK men of working age die prematurely every year at a rate one and a half times that for women.

The causes are well known: heart disease, smoking, cancers, diabetes, suicide and risk-taking behaviour to name but a few.

The list of cars expected this year is impressive and includes marques such as Alvis, Bristol, Jensen, Lagonda and Gordon Keeble. At past events the oldest vehicle seen on display was a 1914 Ford Model T and sports cars have included the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang as well as cars from Ferrari and Porsche. From mass produced models to custom built vehicles, the finest cars will be on show. A number of these will also parade down the main drive in concourse throughout the day, allowing visitors an insight into how the vehicles perform.

Set in the grounds of the stunning 15th century moated Helmingham Hall with its Grade I listed gardens, the backdrop for the festival could not be more beautiful. The garden will be open and visitors are invited to wander through the fragrant rose garden, pause a while on the stunning parterre and explore the kitchen garden with its overflowing borders and tunnels of ornamental vegetables.

The festival is a highlight in the Helmingham Hall calendar of events and attracted more than 7,000 visitors in 2015, raising £5,500 for The Treehouse hospice in Ipswich. Lord Tollemache, owner of Helmingham Hall, says: “The money raised helps with the everyday running costs of the hospice, as well as days out for the children and their families. We are grateful to everyone who supports the event and for their generosity.”

This is very much a family day out and there are plenty of activities planned for children. There will be mini Land Rovers for them to drive, fairground stalls, birds of prey demonstrations and other events in the main entertainment ring. There will also be over 40 craft and trade stalls and plenty of refreshment choices ranging from pies to Pimms, to homemade cakes and other delicacies with an international flavour from around the world.

Folk singers The Broadside Boys, The Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band and Itchy Feet will provide musical entertainment and the Chocks Away dance troupe will be demonstrating their jive, swing and lindy hop skills.

The Festival of Classic and Sports Cars is on Sunday, August 7 from 10am to 5pm and admission is £9 for adults, £4 for children and £22 for a family of four. Tickets are available on the gate (cash only) or in advance via the Helmingham Hall website. www.helmingham.com

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

15

AKENHAM CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, offices, windows, doors, staircases etc in any timber • Kitchen fitting service available on your own units • All interior and exterior carpentry • Competitive rates

NO VAT

Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com

16

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

In Touch online:

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

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

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

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

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

OPEN DAY AT BLUE CROSS ANIMAL REHOMING CENTRE There will be an open day at the new Blue Cross Animal Rehoming Centre, Bourne Hill, Wherstead IP2 8NQ on Saturday, August 27, noon-4pm.

This an opportunity to see behind the scenes of a working animal rehoming centre.

As well as refreshments there will be various stalls. Entry is free but donations will be gratefully received.

Further information can be obtained from Ian Hendry, vice-chairman of the events and fundraising committee: 01449 767747

CLAYDON AND BARHAM WI AFTERNOON TEA Claydon Village Hall Saturday, September 3 at 2.30pm

In aid of Lighthouse Women’s Refuge £5 per ticket. Please support this worthwhile charity.

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

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

Alison Mayston

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A Sproughton

Church Lane

9.10-9.25am

MIP/5B Sproughton

Wild Man

9.30-9.45am

MIP/5C Bramford

St Mary’s Close

9.50-10.05am

MIP/5D Bramford

Paper Mill Lane

10.10-10.25am

MIP/5E

Chequers

10.35-1055am

MIP/5F Great Blakenham

Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park

11-11.15am

MIP/5G Baylham

Post Box

11.25-11.45am

MIP/5H Claydon

Crown

11.55am-1pm

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens

2.05-2.20pm

MIP/5J

Barham

Bacon Road

2.25-3.50pm

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

4-4.30pm

Great Blakenham

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

17

OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB CLAYDON AND BARHAM WI We met on the evening of July 12 for an ‘in-house’ cake decorating evening. We were all dressed decoratively in pretty aprons, and the finished results were pretty and decorative, as were the competition entries of decorated plates. Linda K came first, second was Linda Fl. We seem to have a surfeit of Linda’s in the group now! This was followed by a quiz on parts of the body led by Bridget. For this writer, the questions were quite obscure, but the answers, when revealed, were simple and amusing.

Last month we had a most interesting talk on wood carving by Maureen Midwinter. She displayed many of her beautiful carvings and also judged our competition where members brought in items made of wood. Linda Fotheringham was first and Linda Flude second.

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

On August 6 the WI will be running a jumble sale in the village hall from 2-4pm. Our next meeting on August 9 will be run by the members. We are requested to dress in red, white and blue and the competition will be for a floral arrangement in a wine glass.

We also said goodbye to Thelma, a long standing member of Claydon & Barham WI who has moved to Capel St Mary. We will miss her very much. Should anyone wish to get in touch please contact Barbara on 832330.

4 EVER YOUNG MEN’S CLUB Our AGM in June passed without incident. We got the formal bit over very quickly and concentrated on what we’re going to do in the next 12 months. I’m working on a number of ideas for trips out to local venues and have already booked a number of guest speakers for the rest of the year. In September we are meeting Jan, a volunteer from Blue Cross. In October we will have a presentation from the Hearing Care Centre Ltd and Mark Page, our Police Community Support Officer, will visit in November.

The Crown at Claydon very kindly accomodates us and provides coffee for our meetings. Some of us often stay for a spot of lunch afterwards. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 10.30am with the chance to sit and chat with old friends, meet new friends and learn of new interests and ideas. We’re always looking for members and speakers, so if you fit the bill please come along to listen or talk (or both).

Contact Mike Biddle on 07805 507497 for more information or just turn up on the third Wednesday of the month. You will be very welcome.

MEET ‘N’ EAT LUNCH CLUB The Meet’n’Eat Lunch Club meet at noon on the first Friday of each month at the Parish Rooms in Great Blakenham. We now have to charge £4, but for that we serve a light lunch (usually soup and a roll or a ploughman’s lunch) followed by homemade puddings with cream or custard and a cup of tea or coffee.

In addition, we offer the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo and have a bit of fun.

If you’re interested, contact Sue Broomfield on 07890 512828, Mike Biddle on 07805 507497, or just come along on the first Friday of the month – you will be very welcome.

18

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

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

We would be pleased to welcome new members, but if you would just like to come to one of the talks there is no obligation to become a member so do come and join us Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm. Our next meeting is on September 20 when our speaker will be Hugh Belsey, a renowned art historian who was curator of Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury for 23 years. He is a lecturer, book reviewer and a contributor to the TV programme Fake or Fortune. Hugh has travelled extensively throughout the world visiting galleries and unearthing many unexpected treasures. In his talk he will be sharing some of his discoveries, so it promises to be an interesting evening.

On October 18 architectural historian Dr Simon Bradley will be exploring the life and work of Sir Nikolaus Pevsner.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome for an entrance fee of £2. National Trust members/volunteers can join us at half the normal price (£4/£6 for a couple at the same address) for the rest of 2016. We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

In Touch online:

ClaydonTiling Ltd CERAMIC TILER Shaun Richardson 4 Rowan Close, Claydon, Suffolk IP6 0RD

Tel: 01473 831247 Mob: 07810 291157

E: claydontilingltd@btinternet.com www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

19

Beauty in your own home

Mobile Service Waxing ..massage.. spray tan..eyelash extensions.. eyelash & eyebrow tinting.. pedicure..manicure..gel polish.. nail extensions..facials..

Over 20 years experience

Please call

07757 813023

Our Private Client team offers individuals a high level of personal service, tailored to your peace of mind. needs, ensuring you have Wills and Trusts Financial Planning

Lasting Powers of Attorney Court of Protection

Ipswich Office Appointments at your convenience enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com 01473 556 900 Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336

20

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL HENLEY WI Barbara Faulkner gave us a most interesting talk about Ladies Day at Royal Ascot at our June meeting. Apparently there is no such event as it is known in racing circles merely as Ascot Thursday, but is recognised by everyone as Ladies Day. All our members who attended were dressed in their posh frocks and hats with prizes being given to Jenny and Angela.

Barbara told us about the history of Ascot and after her very informative talk we were all able to have ‘A Day At The Races’. We divided into teams and bet on a horse which ‘galloped’ along a table-top track to the winning post. Great fun was had by all with some teams being rather more successful than others. We finished off the evening with an indoor picnic with food provided by the committee. It was an extremely enjoyable evening and we can thoroughly recommend the speaker.

Our next event was the summer quiz which took place at Needham Market on July 4. Our team of Sue, Kay, Jan and Janet were trying their best to improve on fifth place achieved at the spring quiz.

BRAMFORD ART GROUP We have now moved into the Loraine Victory Hall and at present we are able to invite more budding artists and beginners to join our group.

We meet every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm; the cost is currently £10 a month, so just £2.50 per session.

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

1ST WESTERFIELD SCOUT GROUP The Westerfield Scout Fete was held on Sunday, June 26 and despite the poor weather in the morning and being on the same weekend as Witnesham Church Fete, we raised £1,176. This is only achieved with the help of many and the support of local organisations. We thank everyone who came to support us.

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB May prizewinners No. 39: Ann Gardiner, £21.90 No. 25: Bridget Wyatt, £10.95 No. 57: Emma Harman, £3.65 New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 per month and the draw takes place on the last Friday of each month from September through to July. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance the lives of our children within the pre-school.

For an entry form please contact Nadine Harrison: 01473 831857 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mother’s Union project which has been run by Mothers Union members and supporters for 25 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 per family.

We don’t meet in August, but I look forward to seeing you all on September 8.

At our regular sessions we welcome anyone with babies or children under five for imaginative play, storytime, songtime and lots of fun.

Families can enjoy a different craft activity with a theme where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. We also share songtime for a bit of noise.

For parents/carers it is a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children.

This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Tilly, Leo, Addison-Rose and Emily.

Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.

Michelle

21

SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL The summer term has been an exhausting but fun-packed end to the year.

Finally in June, Years 5 and 6 ended their Ancient Greek history theme with a dramatic performance of Greece Goes to Pieces where a selection of Greek stories depicted on pots were performed. Well done to the actors, singers, stage hands and technical crew.

Summer term sports round-up The summer term is always a busy time for sports. During May, we entered the School Games Key Steps gymnastics competition and were delighted to be awarded the silver position. Good luck to all participants in the finals. Year 3 PE lessons saw Sam Moss come in to teach dance.

This culminated in an impressive dance performance to parents at the end of the month. Finally in May, the Year 5/6 girls’ football team started their first matches in the IPSSA league.

May 2016 Both Year 4 classes spent two days at Minsmere, with a night at Blaxhall Youth Hostel. Linked to their learning in science, they enjoyed exploring a range of habitats at the nature reserve. They also enjoyed being away from home for the first time as a class and had a night walk in the countryside to the pit.

Years 5 and 6 were visited by a Greek warrior who shared with them his knowledge of warring city states, the birth of democracy and Greek legends. Pupils were involved in a range of interesting activities to learn about the Ancient Greeks.

Meanwhile, pupils who attended Mars, Venus and Pluto clubs decorated and planted donated wellington boots for The Great Suffolk Wellington Hunt. The activity was organised by Recycle Suffolk and the colourful creations were sold at the Suffolk Waste Partnerships stand at the Suffolk Show, raising £337 for EACH. June 2016 Year 6 spent a morning at Crucial Crew, a personal safety education programme for ages 10 and 11. They experienced a series of real-life scenarios related to personal safety in an interactive and exciting way.

Year 5 were inspired to read by a visit from author Jo Franklin who came to talk about her writing and books.

Year 2 enjoyed an active morning at Piper’s Vale gymnastics club where they had fun doing gymnastics and karate.

22

Moving on to June and July, the children practised and prepared for our School Games Day. They researched different countries, looking at the differences in culture and festivals. They then made flags to represent what they had learnt and displayed them at the Key Stage 2 School Games Days. The children showed great sportsmanship and determination and represented the Olympic values throughout the events (despite the drizzle for Key Stage 2). Congratulations to the Orang-utans who were the overall winners.

During our School Games Day, we also celebrated the fact that 60% of Key Stage 2 children had participated in extra-curricular sports activities. Those children who had represented the school in the School Games competitions received a Claydon Primary School Sports Performer wristband.

Year 6 took part in the School Games cricket tournament, winning gold and progressing to the next round and the county finals.

Years 5 and 6 represented the school in swimming at the School Games where all the children took second or third place in their races with Jensen Wagstaff winning gold for the backstroke. Year 6 represented Norway at Quadkids where they took part in running, jumping and throwing. They finished 37th out of 64 schools and had an enjoyable afternoon.

Well done to everyone who participated in a School Games competition throughout the year and thank you to those who made it possible and who came along to support the children.

Fond farewells With the end of term fast approaching, we look forward to sharing leaving celebrations with Year 6 and we wish them well as they move on to their high schools. In addition, we hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.

In Touch online:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mrs S Skinner, Headteacher

HENLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL It was a busy end to the year at Henley Primary School. As always in the last term it was a case of comings and goings. In Class 1 we welcomed our new Reception children with a series of induction sessions. It was lovely to meet them and see their personalities come through.

After doing us proud with their SAT’s results we bade farewell to our Year 6s. At a leavers assembly we reminisced about their time at the school and sent them off on their next adventure with fond memories and soggy tissues.

Our KS2 children excelled themselves with a polished performance of Pirates of the Curry Bean on a balmy evening in the orchard. The play was presented with humour and confidence and a good time was had by all.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Probably the highlight of the term was the tea party celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday. We invited the grandparents and senior members of the community to join us for afternoon tea.

The children provided entertainment with a medley of songs and by all accounts it was a very successful event.

Part of our success as an Outstanding School is down to the band of volunteers who give freely of their time to assist with reading, school trips, gardening and such like.

If you feel you can spare even an hour to come and join us please give us a call on 01473 831556.

Thank you for sharing our news and enjoy the rest of the holidays.

23

SPORT TALES FROM THE 19TH HOLE

Dunston Hall in late June was the venue for our annual golf break, the only course where we’ve had to abandon a round and having witnessed biblical storms in the weeks leading up to the event, it was looking unpromising for a smooth weekend. Arriving early to be told that rounds had been delayed by two hours meant that we were unlikely to start until 3.30pm, our evening meal not until 10.30pm! On the bright side, the Bunker Bar had just put on a new barrel of Wherry so there are worse ways to kill three-and-a-half hours.

Around 1pm, Keith announced that if we could get ready in the next 10 minutes we could go out. Whatever he said to the starter is unknown, but we were now going off earlier than originally scheduled. A quick necking of our beers, some fuller than others, and our 2016 golf was underway.

There was a lot of water around the course. The natural lakes and ditches were full, some overflowing, bunkers resembled ponds, even some fairways squelched underfoot. Mike was unable to retrieve one of his balls that rested on a sodden fairway although this was nothing in comparison to the group in front of the HOGS who’s radio controlled buggy lost control, toppling into a bunker pond. Generally though we had a swift, uninterrupted round, only catching one short shower in the entire round.

Day one was a Yellow Ball competition although most teams offered theirs to the course on the first, third and fifth holes, concentrating on individual scores and blow the team ethic. Mike, Paul C and Peter kept theirs however, scoring a credible 36 points. The 14th green had dried sufficiently to allow Keith to win the NP. Brian drove a monster on the 17th to win the LD prize. Brian had learnt by now that the fairway was the safest place as, having gone into the rough earlier in the round, he had to contend with a pair of very protective, hissing swans overseeing their nearby cygnets. Scott hit long, but inaccurate, hitting the wall bounding the large marquee. Fortunately there were no weddings that day. Shaun had the best round of the day scoring 35 points, just two ahead of runner-up Tim. We enjoyed a pleasant evening meal and adjourned to the hotel bar for a well-deserved rest and good conversation. Upon retiring to his room, Peter mistakenly left via the door to the cellar, much to everyone’s amusement. Funnier however was when the barman, having gone searching for Pete, returned unaccompanied. We had visions of secret tunnels beneath this historic hotel leading out into the grounds, and Peter wandering around the 18th in the dark.

The following morning was a contrast weather wise, with sun-screen having to be applied. Well practised from the day before, and with better conditions, we would have expected enhanced scorecards. As it was, more than half the scores were worse. The Team Stableford competition was won by Chris, Paul C and Scott on 68 points. Keith repeated his NP success on the 14th, while Chris won the additional NP prize on the 18th. Scott (who should be fined for going straight to bed after the meal) realigned his driver sights and won the LD competition.

His day was complete having also carded the highest of the day with 29 points, one ahead of both Roland and Tim. In terms of the overall weekend, where consistency is the key, Tim won with a total of 61 points, five ahead of runner-up Pete. At the other end of the scale, the Golden Boot surprisingly went to Ian, finishing with 36 points. A special prize was also awarded to the person who landed in the various lakes the most. This went to Alan who lost three balls this way. His prize, appropriately, a box of Lake Balls.

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB Since I last wrote we have had to endure a great deal of rain which has resulted in more matches than normal being postponed. Hopefully we are now in a period of more settled weather and the greens will dry out and speed up.

Our teams are having some success this season with the Tuesday A team challenging for top spot with eight wins in 10 matches, Tuesday B are recovering from a slow start winning their last two games by seven points to zero. With eight wins from 11 matches the Wednesday team are also in a challenging position in their league.

Our Thursday night ‘development’ team is doing ok and providing our new bowlers with an introduction to league bowling. We have also progressed to the semi-finals of the Marie Curie with two very good wins so far.

competition with club members making up teams representing the club president, John Holloway, and the club captain, Alastair Bailie.

The competition was a win for the captain’s team by three rinks to one. Congratulations to them. This was followed by a tea for players, partners and invited guests provided by our president. A big thank to John from us all.

Notice to members: We are holding a Triples Competition on Sunday, August 28 with a barbeque. Get your names on the list as soon as possible so that a schedule can be worked out and a good time can be had by all.

Pat Hadden, 01743 831308 / Alistair Bailie, 01449 720759

Wednesday roll-up (social) bowling at 2pm is still popular and offers bowling, tea/coffee and biscuits for 30p, so if you fancy a go you will be made most welcome. If you wish to speak to someone, contact numbers are listed below.

Presidents Day was held on Sunday, July 10. This is a ‘friendly’

24

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

LOVE OR JUSTICE?

Greetings guff lovers,

There is a story told about a man who was from a loving family, but he had fallen in with the wrong crowd. He had become dependant on drugs and alcohol, and after many misdemeanours he was eventually arrested on numerous counts of shoplifting.

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

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

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

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

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

More guff next month, Mick Russ

Because it wasn’t his first offence, when he was found guilty the judge determined that he had the choice of either a £5,000 fine or two months in prison. The man had no money to pay the fine so a guard approached him to take him to a cell.

What happened next surprised everyone. The judge took off his gown, stepped down from his platform and wrote a cheque for £5,000. He handed it to the man who gratefully took it and paid the fine. The judge then reached out his hand to the man and welcomed him back to his own house to clean him up and offer him a meal. It was later discovered that the criminal was his own son.

While this is just a story and I understand that the justice system doesn’t actually work like that, the story paints a similar picture of what God offers to do for us. If there are two things primarily true about God they are that he is loving and he is just. He loves you, he always has. He cannot love you more and will not love you less. He loves you and he is just. He always renders a just verdict.

Those two things put him in an interesting situation when it comes to us, because every one of us has broken his laws. We are guilty before him.

So which would win out? His love, which would want to let us off freely, or his justice, which demands a penalty be paid?

The Bible declares that we are in fact guilty and says that sin earns us a death penalty, so God, being both loving and just, took that upon himself He stepped down from heaven and died to pay it with his own life.

He offers his life on our behalf. Just like the judge/father did in the story with the cheque, he stands before you and says: “I’ll take the blame for every wrong thing you’ve ever done, and give you credit, for my perfect life. All you need to do is accept it.”

We see in the gospel accounts that Jesus had no time for the religious leaders and people who were sinless in their own eyes. He said that he “came to seek and to save the lost.” He spent his time with thieves, prostitutes and the rejects of society. He didn’t despise them for their sins and poor choices, rather he loved them and lifted them out of them to give them freedom and a fresh start. He has done the same for me, and he continues to do so every time I fail.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Sport for Everyone COME AND TAKE PART IN ACTIVE FAMILY SPORTS FROM TUESDAY 9 - FRIDAY 12 AUGUST ON THE RECREATION GROUND BETWEEN 10AM AND 12NOON (LOOK FOR THE RED SHIELD MARQUEE)

EACH EVENING BETWEEN 7-9PM THE RIO OLYMPIC GAMES WILL BE STREAMED AT THE SALVATION ARMY, VIOLET HILL ROAD BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG

SERVICES Sundays: 10.45am at Great Blakenham (including Sunday Club for children); 6.30pm at Mickfield Wednesday: Fortnightly prayer and Bible study, 10am Friday: Action Bible Club, meeting at the church, 6.30-7.30pm – games, crafts and stories for ages five to 12 For more information contact: info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / 01449 720357 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

EVENTS AT THE SALVATION ARMY

THURSDAY 11 AUG FILM NIGHT 6PM FRIDAY 12 AUG FAMILY SPORTS QUIZ 7PM SATURDAY 13 AUG BBQ AND BEACH GAMES 6PM SUNDAY 14 AUG FAMILY PICNIC ON THE REC 4PM THE SALVATION ARMY IS A CHURCH AND REGISTERED CHARITY IN ENGLAND (214779), WALES (214779), SCOTLAND (SC009359) AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (CHY6399)

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

25

CHURCH NEWS CLAYDON & BARHAM PARISH CHURCH The church of St Mary and St Peter in Barham Church Lane is the parish church for Claydon and Barham USEFUL NUMBERS Clergy: Priest-in-Charge – to be announced

Self Supporting Minister –

The Rev Jenny Ablett 830205

bike ride on Saturday 10 and our Harvest Festival on Sunday 18 when we shall have our Harvest Community Worship and our Harvest Lunch. Keep a look out for further details of both events.

Dates for August Sunday, July 31

No 8am service today Benefice Communion, 10am at Gt Blakenham

Sunday August 7

Holy Communion (said), 8am First Sunday Communion, 10am

Churchwardens: Mr Robin Hooper

Mr Des Groom

832243 831804

Wednesday, August 11

J-Team Holiday Club, 9.15am

Thursday, August 12

J-Team Holiday Club, 9.15am

Hall bookings

831804

Friday, August 13

J-Team Holiday Club, 9.15am Communion at Alasdair Place, 2.30pm

Sunday, August 14

Holy Communion (said), 8am Parish Communion, 10am Wedding of David Saunders & Natalie Everett

Friday, August 19

Communion of Barham Care Home, 11am

Baptisms We welcome those who have joined Christ’s Church through Holy Baptism, including Alfie-Jack McDowell, Renee Ewers and Albie Colthorpe.

Sunday, August 21

Holy Communion (said), 8am Community Worship, 10am with Baptism of Mabel Mulock

Weddings We offer our congratulations and prayers for the future to those who have recently married, including Rebecca Groom & James Cousins and Maria Page & Nicholas Cheetham.

Tuesday, August 23

PCC meets in Church Hall, 7.30pm

Thursday August 25

Sunshine Service in the village hall, 10am

Sunday, August 28

Holy Communion (said), 8am Parish Communion, 10am

Mrs Zoe Groom

For news, history, information and pictures visit: www.achurchnearyou.com/claydonandbarham St Peter’s Church in Claydon is closed for regular public worship and maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust

Departed We offer our sympathy, love and prayers to the families and friends of those who have recently died, including Pat Bailey, formerly Pat Martin of the Mace Shop in Bacon Road.

Community Gala Day Our thanks to those who helped run the three church sideshows at this year’s event on the high school field. We congratulate the organising committee on once again organising this event to bring together a variety of local organisations to run this great social event.

J-Team Holiday Club, August 10-12 Applications have flooded in over the past month, but at the time of writing there were still a few spaces left in each age group. At this late stage it is best to ring 831079 or 833014 to check whether spaces are still available for your child’s age group before submitting your application and fee. You can download a form from the church website or request one from either of the above numbers.

J-Team is held in the church and church hall and is open to any child aged five to 11 as at August 31, 2016. There is a small charge of £10 per child for the three days to cover the cost of materials.

Wednesday, August 31 Communion at St Peter’s Court, 2.30pm Saturday, September 3

Wedding of Christopher Garnham & Joanne Hines

Sunday, September 4

Holy Communion (said), 8am First Sunday Communion, 10am

ST PETER’S CHURCH HENLEY Clergy: The Rev Cathy Austin, 830100 Churchwardens: Richard Self, 831930 Margaret Gerrard, 831463

This year’s club is based on the Scripture Union holiday club Guardians of Ancora. This is also the title of a Scripture Union electronic game available for tablets and smart phones free from your app store. Access to this game is by no means a prerequisite of joining the holiday club, but if your child plays electronic games you may like to try this one.

Guardians of Ancora is a new digital environment for eight to 11-yearolds that combines the excitement and creativity of a high-spec online game with an immersive experience of Bible content and faith formation.

SERVICES FOR AUGUST Monday 1 9.15am

Prayer Group

Sunday 7

9.am

Said Communion

Sunday 14

10am

Family Service

Saturday 20

No Vestry Café – closed for holidays.

See you in September!

Barham Hall Picnic Concert We are very pleased to be able to announce that, following a year’s break, the very popular picnic concert will return on Saturday, July 8, 2017. We haven’t yet booked the entertainment, but you can now put the date in your long term planner.

Sunday 21

10am

Family Communion

Sunday 28

6.30pm

Evensong

Sunday, September 4 9am Date for your Diary:

Said Communion

Harvest Weekend, October 15/16

Looking to next month September sees the annual Suffolk Historic Churches Trust sponsored

26

In Touch online:

YOUR LOCAL SERVICES

March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA

• FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll, Auto Enrolment,VAT, Self Assessment, and full accounting service • Personable and professional tailored support • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies

Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

ADVERTISE HERE FOR

£20

*

A MONTH PLEASE CALL

01473 400380 *Terms & Conditions apply

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

MID-SUFFOLK FENCING

SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING

SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR

TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG

www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk

YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505

27