In Touch with Claydon - December 2015

In Touch

™© ™©

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

Volume 6 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2015

© Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

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

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

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

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

NEWS ALBERT GEORGE POTTER AWARDED RANK OF CHEVALIER Local resident Albert George Potter was recently awarded the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre National de la Légion d'honneur in recognition of the part he played in the D Day Landings and the liberation of France.

Congratulations Bert. I’m sure everyone is incredibly proud that you have received this award, the highest decoration in France which is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).

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 Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

In Touch with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural is published by:

Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

claydon@intouchnews.co.uk

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Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

Bert and his family with the contingent of soldiers from the REME Unit based at Wattisham following the Remembrance Sunday Service at Barham Church

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NEWS SCOUT CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY SERVICE Once again this year, 1 Claydon Scouts and Guides have joined forces with nine other groups in and around Ipswich to offer a Christmas card delivery service for the bargain price of only 25p per card. Cards and the postage can be dropped into one of our collection boxes and we will arrange for delivery to any of the under mentioned villages or postcodes of Ipswich before Christmas Eve. st

However, be warned, in order to do this massive task, the last posting date must be December 9.

Deliveries can be made to: Ipswich IP1, IP2, IP3, IP4 and IP5, Pinewood Estate, Martlesham Heath, Grundisburgh, Henley, Westerfield, Witnesham, Tuddenham, Playford, Culpho, Bealings and Kesgrave as well as Claydon, Barham, Bramford and Great Blakenham.

As from November 25 the collection boxes will be placed at: St Mary’s and St Peters Church, Barham; Alasdair Place; Fresh Fills Bakery; St Peter’s Court; Claydon Primary School; Choices Shop; Bea’s Boutique; Claydon Community Centre; Melmerby House, Gipping Road, Great Blakenham; Crown Public House; Hillside Café, Claydon.

If you need any assistance or wish to check addresses, please call: 01473 833014 Remember: post early and save money.

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

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

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

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

ANNUAL QUIZ NIGHT Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s annual quiz night at Claydon Community Centre on October 9. Competing for the John West Memorial Trophy, 14 teams fought over 10 rounds of various categories.

Congratulations go to Universally Challenged who won the quiz with 94 points and also received the trophy. The runner-up was Claydon Primary School on 84 points and The Village People came in third place with 76 points. These teams also won prize money of £50, £30 and £20 respectively which they all kindly donated to East Anglian Children’s Hospice. This kind gesture in addition to the money raised on the raffle enabled us to send £300 to EACH. Many thanks to Tim who helped prepare the music round and for scoring. Thanks also to Mandy and Andy for scoring, and to Roger, Ann, Jenny and Mick for organising and helping with the raffle.

The date for the 2016 quiz will appear in the magazine sometime next year. Thank you, once again, for your continued support of this popular annual event.

HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL Anyone can apply to the parish council for small donations – known as Section 137 grants – which are intended for ‘a direct benefit for the area or part of the area or to some or all of the inhabitants’.

Section 137 refers to the 1972 Local Government Act which gives powers to councils to spend in this way. The money of course comes from the public in the form of council tax, and the parish council can redistribute a fixed amount (currently limited to £7.20 per person on the electoral register, or less) as it sees fit.

Traditionally the parish council has made donations to groups such as Henley Senior Citizens, the pre-school, the Air Ambulance and Suffolk Carers. This year, without wishing to exclude anyone, we are asking for suggestions and proposals to reach the clerk by no later than January 4, 2016, and will make decisions at our meeting on January 12.

The parish council’s decisions on this are final and groups given grants will be expected to account for their spending as part of the process of openness and transparency. Please send proposals and requests to the clerk (details below) as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, as I write we are waiting to hear the outcome of the planning application by the owner of the Cross Keys pub for change of use to residential. The parish council is opposed to the application: ‘The parish council does not accept the argument that the Cross Keys pub business was failing and required closure; does not believe that the terms on which the pub is being offered for sale (an asking price of £295,000 plus 50% of any uplift in value over 20 years if change of use is allowed) are fair or reasonable; is aware of very considerable support in the Henley area for the continuing existence of the Cross Keys as a pub.’

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

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NEWS

CLAYDON AND WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL

Snippets from the last parish council meeting The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations A gala day will be held on July 9, 2016 to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Queen. An organising committee has been formed and we encourage all members of our community to be part of this occasion. More information will become available in the new year so please watch for details to see how you can get involved.

River Gipping Trust It was agreed that the parish council should support and become a member of this charitable trust whose work includes restoration of locks, bridges and river banks, and keeping footpaths accessible to walkers, cyclists and, where appropriate, wheelchair users. The trust’s long-term aim is to make the whole of the River Gipping navigable from Ipswich to Stowmarket.

Freedom of Information Act The parish council has now fully adopted the model publication scheme approved by the Information Commissioner. This means that a range of information about the parish council’s role, its financial accountability, and how it carries out its responsibilities, is now available to the public.

For full details of what information is available and how this can be obtained, visit our website or contact the parish clerk.

Claydon Church Lane The parish council, with the help of County Councillor John Field and local residents, continues to put the case to Suffolk County Council for the 30mph speed limit on Church Lane to be extended to Reed Lane before anyone is seriously injured.

Fly tipping at Claydon Bottle Bank An incidence of fly tipping has taken place in the fenced off area of the Greyhound car park which is specifically for the glass bottle banks. MSDC has kindly agreed to remove the offending items free of charge on this occasion, but if this happens again the parish council will have to pay for this service which will be reflected in the council tax paid by all residents.

We would like to point out that if this area is not used for the designated purpose and fly tipping continues to happen, the site could be closed. If any resident has information about this incident or sees someone leaving waste other than glass bottles in the future they are asked to send details, including vehicle registration numbers, to the parish clerk.

Suffolk SafeKey Every year the police are handed thousands of lost and stolen keys that they are unable to return to their rightful owners. Therefore residents are reminded about Suffolk SAFEKey, an online key fob recovery and keyholder database service run by Suffolk Constabulary. Members of Suffolk SAFEKey receive a constabulary branded key fob with a unique reference number that assists the police in returning keys lost or stolen in the UK or EU. Also, members can register a ‘keyholder’ as someone the constabulary can contact to gain access to a property when they are away. Membership starts from £1 a month. To join simply call the Suffolk SAFEKey hotline on 08444 121 802 or visit: www.suffolk.safekey.org.uk Meetings in December The next parish council finance committee meeting is on Monday, December 7 at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Community Centre. Time will be set aside at the beginning of the meeting to give the opportunity for members of the public to speak briefly on items included on the agenda or to raise other issues about which they have concerns. Agendas are available in advance from our parish clerk, Mrs S Eagle: 01473 687384 (answer machine available) / claywhit@btinternet.com / 7 Leicester Close, Ipswich IP2 9EX. The members of Claydon and Whitton Rural Parish Council wish everyone a very Happy Christmas.

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 twobed-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

www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net / Twitter: @claywhitpc

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NEWS

END OF AN ERA Doris and the late Derek Lockwood have been running country music dances on the first Saturday in every month for the last 25 years.

They also organised concerts three times a year until competition from bigger venues made it time to call it a day. All profits from both went to Great Blakenham Village Hall.

Sadly Derek died in May, but Doris said she would carry on until the end of the year. The last dance is on December 5.

All the country music lovers who have enjoyed the dances and concerts would like to wish Doris all the best and to thank her for all her dedication and hard work.

Thanks to Brian who has been a great MC and for printing tickets.

He also organises country dances every third Saturday of the month so there will still be dances at Great Blakenham Village Hall. See you there.

COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT John Field’s Report to Gipping Valley, November 2015 Locality Budgets We still need requests to help local groups fund their projects. For Little Blakenham I am hoping to provide the 11% matched funding that Suez Environmental need to unlock funding for a playground upgrade. Claydon Village Hall needs a replacement kitchen. Do you have a project that will help the community?

Devolution The councillors directly involved appear satisfied with their ‘challenge’ meeting with Michael Heseltine. They were told to press ahead with negotiations and not worry about the need to complete before the autumn statement from the chancellor. What should we call Norfolk and Suffolk combined council?

County Scrutiny On October 29, we looked again at the performance of the highways contract with Kier. We felt that the new assistant director (Highways Operations) was taking necessary steps with Kier management to improve operations. Despite our concerns, we saw signs of progress. I cannot list all our recommendations here but the gist of the most significant was: • To improve performance – the Babergh lean systems pilot must be completed as a priority and the processes rolled out across the county at the earliest opportunity.

• That sampling inspection techniques for ensuring the quality of works provided should be developed. They should provide clear evidence of quality achieved and clear corrective measures to be undertaken without incurring high inspection costs.

• To welcome moves to speed up and reduce costs of the design process by moving to standard detail and from fit for purpose to special service standards.

• That the work to improve highways online information and reporting systems should continue, ensuring problem reporting is easy and feedback effective.

• That officers and councillors should make every effort to ensure that people use the online information and reporting system as it is effective and saves tax payers money.

Disruption due to works by utilities Julia Truelove and I have been fighting for a reduction in the disruption caused by utilities work. There is a problem in that all utilities must inform the county when they intend to undertake work, but it is their responsibility to plan the work, communicate with the population and undertake the work safely.

It is essential that accuracy of information and effectiveness of the communication is improved. We must ensure roads are not closed unnecessarily, that they are re-opened as soon as possible and that signs do not advertise closure long before it occurs or long after it ceases.

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Fire and Rescue A 14-week consultation looking at the future of Suffolk’s Fire and Rescue Service started on November 16. The service wants inputs from the public, staff and interested parties. Please get involved if, like me, you are concerned that we retain the fire and rescue service we need. Suffolk’s service is currently low cost but high performance and we want to keep it that way. We must be sure we have a service that keeps risk to a level we can accept.

Driven by the chancellor’s cuts, the Conservative administration proposes to reduce funding for the fire service by £1.3million from £22million. This is much less that the 30% cut in government grant we are told is on the way, but still severe. The £22million is half government grant and half council tax.

The change would recognise the 30% reduction in 999 call demand over the last 10 years. However, this reduction is largely in false automatic fire alarm calls. Fire engines are dispatched if there is a real risk, to a care home for instance.

In 2014/15 Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded to 4,780 emergency calls. These include false alarms, fires in homes or businesses, industrial accidents, rescuing people from road traffic collisions and dealing with chemical incidents.

In outline, the changes proposed are to reduce the number of fire engines and associated fire-fighters: •

Ipswich from six to three, for 1,992 call outs per year

•

Lowestoft from four to three, for 972 call outs

•

Bury St Edmunds from three to two, for 634 call outs

•

Sudbury two to one, for 273 call outs

•

Close Wrentham Fire Station

Call outs are of course only part of the picture. The number of engines needed at an incident and the probability of two incidents at the same time is critical. In addition, some appliances are crewed by fulltime and some by on-call fire-fighters. This complex subject needs a look at the full data!

The full details, including aerial appliances and other equipment not listed above, are on the county website.

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

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NEWS POSSIBLE DISRUPTION TO FIRST BUS SERVICES 88/88A AND 89 Major work to install a new main is taking place in Great Blakenham and will gradually move into Claydon, being scheduled to finish by December 6. Gipping Road is already closed west of the level crossing which is why large goods vehicles are travelling through the middle of Claydon. At present bus services 88/88A and 89 which use Station Road and Chapel Lane are not affected.

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility has won Civil Engineering Project of the Year at this year’s British Construction Industry Awards, with judges describing the site as providing ‘an elegant solution’ to waste management.

When the work moves nearer Claydon along Station Road, the 88/88A and 89 services may have to be diverted. However, signalled one way working may be possible in which case bus services will not be affected.

Should diversion be necessary, it is likely that the 88/88A will pick up and set down at the end of Old Ipswich Road near the grass island, but the 89 will still run through the village to serve the Barham ‘loop’.

This will mean that stops in Station Road and Chapel Lane will not be served during this period. Unfortunately at this stage it’s not possible to be more definite but it is hoped that this note will alert local bus passengers.

Galloway Services 113/114 (Ipswich to Diss) will not be affected by these works.

Barry Moore Transport Representative, Claydon and Whitton Parish Council E: baz@bandm3.plus.com

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE On October 16 we held a pig racing evening at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. It was a great evening and very well attended. Everybody appeared to have a great time and I achieved something I had always wanted to do. Someone was kind enough to donate back to us their raffle prize of a plate of handmade piggie cup cakes. For a few minutes I was able to become an auctioneer which was amazing fun and a very big thank you to the final bidder who bought the cakes for £20!

The atmosphere was buzzing, the company was great and the food delicious. A big thank you to everyone involved in the event and in particular to the Stowmarket Lions who are Keepers of the Pigs and are kind enough to bring them along and run this event for our charity. I must also thank The Cedars Hotel for all their hard work.

The total (profit) raised was almost £1,400 with further pledges to be received which will take the total over £1,500. A very big thank you to the gentleman who bet on every race and then donated his winnings back to the charity.

Well done everyone and we hope to see you all at our next big event, the return of Chocolate Bingo on March 5 at Needham Market Community Centre.

The charity shop continues to enjoy your support and for that we are extremely grateful. Please remember, if you are having a clear out before Christmas, all those unwanted gifts you have put away and don’t know what to do with make fantastic raffle prizes for our fundraising.

Also before we close for Christmas we will be donating the best unsold stock to needy families. We will close at 1pm on Wednesday, December 23 and we would please ask that you don’t leave donations outside the shop as it is in a residential area and causes inconvenience to our neighbours and could attract vermin. The shop will reopen on Tuesday, January 5 as usual.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy festive season and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

The awards recognise outstanding achievement in building and civil engineering projects and aim to showcase and celebrate the best the British construction industry can offer. The Suffolk site won the award for schemes costing £10-50million.

Construction of the facility, a joint project between Suffolk County Council and SUEZ, started in January 2012, with Lagan Construction Group as the principal civil contractor. Their work was valued at £43million out of a total project cost of £180million.

Work was completed on time and on budget, and with an excellent health and safety record – no-one had time off because of an accident at work during the full three years of construction.

Since becoming fully-operational at the beginning of December last year, the site has met or exceeded every target for putting Suffolk’s waste to good use. It had its first major shut-down for maintenance and cleaning at the end of October into early November this year.

Useful contact numbers Site offices: 01473 839149 Site control room: 01473 836828 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910

CASUAL BAR STAFF REQUIRED AT HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE We are looking for bar staff on a casual basis to support events such as weddings and large birthday parties in 2016.

• Good rates of pay • Flexible shifts – mainly Friday or Saturday evenings • Full training given • Uniform provided • Fun and friendly environment • Must be over 18 years old If interested please email henleybarmail@gmail.com or call 01473 833226.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MAGNIFICENT START TO SAVING THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH It’s not too late to buy shares, but you’re urged to do so soon

The CrowdfunderUK campaign to help save the Duke of Marlborough in Somersham has ended on a high with more than £185,000 of shares already bought – and there’s still an opportunity to join in.

“This is a fantastic achievement,” says Dr Sarah Caston who started the campaign, “and just goes to show how keen people are on re-opening the doors of the pub and turning it into a vibrant hub of the community – with a welcome for all. The challenge now is to push up the total raised so far so that an offer can be put in for the pub.”

The Duke of Marlborough closed because the owners retired, not because it was losing money. Campaigners are determined to make a success of it, ensuring a welcome for drinkers as well as diners. They are urging people to become hero investors – and if they can’t afford the £250 minimum shareholding, to make a donation. All contributions are welcome.

“Whatever you can afford to chip in, you will be helping create a fabulous asset, a vibrant hub,” says Sarah. “A great place to eat, drink and socialise, whether for coffee in the morning, lunch in the middle of the day or dinner or drinks in the evening.

“By investing in shares, you will become part-owner of a picturesque rural pub with centuries of history, and a future full of promise. You will be helping ensure that 500 years of hospitality doesn’t come to an end under this generation.”

Anyone putting capital into shares should, as a UK taxpayer, be entitled to 30% tax relief on their investment. Also, once the pub is making enough, the aim is to pay interest to shareholders at two per cent above bank rate. Additional benefits will come in the form of rewards and special offers. You can find out more at: www.savetheduke.net There are four community-owned pubs in Suffolk: the Sorrel Horse in Shottisham; the Case is Altered in Bentley the Punchbowl in Battisford; and the Brook in Washbrook. David Westley, who led the fundraising campaign for the Case is Altered says: “The whole process of raising the money took longer than anticipated. We had to keep reminding people to buy shares.

“Yet here we are now with a thriving village pub at the very heart of our community. It’s a social hub used by people in our area – and further afield. It’s brilliant to have it up and running, busy and successful!

“Our message to everyone who cares about the Duke of Marlborough is to keep going, to refuse to give up. You’ve made a magnificent start – and you will get there. We did. Best of luck.”

You can pay for shares by cheque or BACS. You’ll need to fill in a sharepurchase form which is available on the website, as magazine inserts or can be sent to you on request.

For information, please contact Save the Duke treasurer Gerard Kroon: grdkroon@gmail.com / 01473 657178

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CLAYDON AND BARHAM VILLAGE HALL Dates for December Tuesday 1

Mums and Tots

1-3.30pm

Wednesday 2

Bar-Clay Music Makers

6.30pm

Thursday 3

Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 4

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Monday 7

CDC Street Dance Barham PC Meeting

4.45-6.45pm 7pm

Tuesday 8

Mums and Tots Women's Institute

1-3.30pm 7pm

Wednesday 9

Bar-Clay Music Makers

6.30pm

Thursday 10

Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 11

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Saturday 12

Claydon Pre-School Craft and Gift Fair

11am-2pm

Monday 14

CDC Street Dance

4.45-6.45pm

Tuesday 15

Mums and Tots Claydon Table Tennis

1-3.30pm 7.15pm

Wednesday 16

Bar-Clay Music Makers

6.30pm

Thursday 17

Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Sunday 20

Bar-Clay Music Makers

1.30-5.30pm

Wednesday 23

Slimming World

5.30 & 7.30pm

Tuesday 29

Slimming World

5.30 & 7.30pm

Wednesday 30

Bar-Clay Music Makers

5.30-10pm

For more information on village hall activities visit the Claydon and Barham website and follow the links. Hall bookings now only online.

Treasurer needed for Claydon and Barham Village Hall We are looking for a new treasurer to join our management committee. The main activities are primarily bookkeeping and sending out invoices to our regular hirers approximately every six months.

We use email for sending invoices, so familiarity with email and the ability to send and receive attachments is a prerequisite. We have an automated online booking system and most of the transactions are by electronic transfer so there is no day-to-day involvement, with most of the duties condensed into a few hours a month. If you are interested please contact Geoff Rogers: 836972 / cbvillagehall@btinternet.com

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OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Wow, where has 2015 gone? We have had a wide variety of acts gracing the stage this year, from soloists to groups, from swing to blues, from pop to country, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported us through the year. This is on top of the special events for St Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s and Halloween. So what have we got lined up for the last month of 2015?

Feedback from last year suggests that parents want their children in bed early on Christmas Eve so we have decided to move our Christmas Disco forward to Saturday, December 19. This will be a family disco and as well as some great music, there will be a visit from Father Christmas and a present from him for all children who have pre-booked. Tickets are on sale behind the bar. Please contact us on 01473 831805 to reserve yours.

And to say goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016 we welcome back local vocal harmony trio The Skittlez. They are guaranteed to have you dancing the night away with their range of hits from across the years. This event is a family event and therefore children are welcome. We only ask that young children are supervised at all times, including on the dance floor to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable evening. We have designated the members lounge as an adult only area. However, there are limited tables so if you do require a table in this area, please make this known when you book your tickets. Tables will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Ticket are available now – member adult £12.50, child £5 and we have a special offer for members with a family ticket (2+2) £30. Guest adult is £15 and child £7. A child is 16 years and under.

We wish you a very happy festive season and look forward to seeing you in 2016.

Bar-Clay

Music Makers

C I N D ER L A L E Present

Claydon Village Hall

FRIDAY 22 Jan at 7.30pm t l SATURDAY 23 Jan at 2.30 & 7.30pm Child Adu7 £3 FRIDAY 29 Jan at 7.30pm £ SATURDAY 30 Jan at 2.30 & 7.30pm To order tickets phone 01473 830538 or email Webbfamily1@googlemail.com www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

HENLEY COMMUNITY CHOIR: CHORUS VESTRA NOW RECRUITING! We meet at St Peters Church, Church Lane, Henley IP6 0RQ every Monday evening, 7.30-9.30pm. Our musical director is Edith Peck and sessions are just £4 per person.

We are friendly, welcoming, patient and encouraging and our aims are community engagement, having fun, building confidence, meeting new people, creating an uplifting experience and raising money for charity. No previous singing experience necessary.

For further details contact: Sarah Hazelwood: minesapimms@gmail.com Edith Peck: 07909 009349 / edithpeck@yahoo.com Or just come along on the night. More men needed too, so come along fellas and join in the fun!

Come

with Chorus Vestra

Find us on Facebook too!

BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS Are you ready to pantomime?

What better way to keep the Christmas mood going into January than coming along to the annual pantomime in Claydon and Barham Village Hall?

If you have been before then you'll know it's always a hoot. And if you haven't been before, shame on you!

This year it's Cinderella and has a cast bursting with fizz and talent, including some new faces. As usual it's on the last two weekends of January. So this means you need to choose between the following dates: Friday, January 22 at 7.30pm; Saturday, January 23 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Friday, January 29 at 7.30pm; Saturday, January 30 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

If you fancy coming along to either of the two matinee performances, then do book early because they always sell out fast. What else is there to say? Oh yes, it's being put on by Bar-Clay Music Makers and the tickets are £7 for adults and £3 for children. You can book them by calling 01473 830538 or by emailing: webbfamily1@googlemail.com HENLEY PLAYERS PRESENTS OUR FIFTH AND BIGGEST PANTOMIME YET

AT

Wri$en by Tom Hitchcock

HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Fri 8th Jan (7:30pm) and Sat 9th Jan 2016 (2:30pm & 7:30pm) HOW TO BOOK TICKETS Email: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Box office open every Sunday from 3pm to 4:30pm (From November)

PRICES £7 Adults Concessions £4 £18 Family of 4

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OUT & ABOUT HENLEY FOLK NIGHT DO YOU WANT TO FIND THE TRUE FESTIVE SPIRIT? Maybe in a rich, slow steeped Christmas cake or pudding, or a special festive preserve?

Are you looking for a unique, handcrafted gift that offers something different this year?

You’re not too late!

Ipswich Country Market at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane can provide all your festive needs. We are ready and waiting with a warm, truly festive welcome on Thursday mornings from 10.15 until 11.30am.

As well as our festive fayre we offer a wide range of handmade pickles and preserves, savoury and sweet baking, including gluten free items. Our crafts include practical sewing, fine beadwork and colourful knitwear and all producers of both food and craft are happy to make to order.

Our last market before Christmas is on Thursday, December 17 and we re-open again on January 7. So come and see what we have to offer before it’s too late!

Henley Folk Night has been running on the third Friday of each month (not December as it’s too near the festive season) from 8pm in the Boughton Room at Henley Community Centre for several years. So this announcement is for the first folk night of the new year on Friday, January 15.

The evenings are in the format of a singers and players night – 10 performance spots of three songs (up to 15 minutes for a set), 'up front' performance with optional, sensitive PA available. To book a slot, for enquiries and to receive my newsletter for future announcements please call 01473 831465 or email: mike@mikesound.co.uk Audience members are especially welcome – bring your friends for a great night out. There is room for more than 50. Come and exercise the vocal cords by singing along to support the action or just sit and enjoy a pint or a glass of wine while listening to talented local musicians. No compulsory community singing, I promise! Adnams and other drinks at good prices are available from the bar only a few steps away.

We don't charge for entry, but if you enjoy the evening, a donation to the hall to defray the cost of room hire, lighting and heating would be welcome.

Looking forward to meeting you – you will be very welcome Mike Briggs

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5

ALASDAIR PLACE CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Route 5

Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A

Sproughton

Church Lane

0910 – 0925

MIP/5B

Sproughton

Wild Man

0930 – 0945

MIP/5C

Bramford

St Mary’s Close

0950 – 1005

MIP/5D

Bramford

Paper Mill Lane

1010 – 1025

Residents at Alasdair Place, Drury Road, Claydon invite you to their Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 5 from 2pm.

MIP/5E

Great Blakenham Chequers

MIP/5F

Great Blakenham Blue Leighs

Mobile Home Park

1100 – 1115

There will be lots of stalls, tombola and refreshment so come along and show your support.

MIP/5G

Baylham

Post Box

1125 – 1145

MIP/5H

Claydon

Crown

1155 – 1300

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens

1405 – 1420

Henley Community Centre Presents…..

New Year Eve’s Resident & Friends Party December 31st 2015 - 8pm to late Live Disco Admission Dona+on Adults only £1.00 – Concessions free Buffet food available or bring your own Interested? – contact henleycommunitycentre@googlemail.com or register at the Community Bar / RecepCon Office

This event is being funded for the Village By Henley Parish Council & Henley Community Centre Charity

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

1035 – 1055

MIP/5J

Claydon

Bacon Road

1425 – 1550

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

1600 – 1630

Calling every four weeks on Tuesdays: December 22 and January 19

Henley Christmas Village Fayre Saturday 12th December 2015 9:00am to 4:30pm

Henley Community Centre Ashbocking Rd Henley

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

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.

THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE presents

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OUT & ABOUT

Charity Coffee Morning

in aid of Combs Church Roof Fund and unveiling of extension and refurbishment Thursday, December 3, 10am-2pm The Nutshell, Milton Road South, Stowmarket IP14 1EZ 01449 771666 / www.stowmarketfunerals.co.uk

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Saint Mary’s Church, All Saints Road, Creeting St Mary Saturday, December 5, 10am-5pm Sunday, December 6, 11am-4pm Crafts, draw, refreshments, teas/cakes and warming soup lunches in the vestry on both days. On Sunday there will be a performance by the Needham Market Skylarks Choir at 3pm, followed by a closing service at 4pm. Entrance: adults £1 / children free.

IN AID OF THE CHURCH ROOF FUND

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not only in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from 2-4pm. The cost per meeting is £1.50 and 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 and has disabled facilities within.

At our meeting on October 28 we enjoyed a social afternoon playing games such as Rummycub, Kan-U-Go, Ludo and Snakes and Ladders. It had been a long time since many of us had played these games and proved most enjoyable. We also had a small bring and buy of items that may be useful for Christmas presents.

HENLEY WI This short report details our AGM on October 15.

For the third year running, Sue remains our chairperson and the committee is almost unchanged except that Jill has resigned to be replaced by Susan and Jan has handed over her secretarial duties to Alice so that she can become media secretary in place of Janet. The financial statement was approved. (Thank you Angela).

Jill was presented with a plant in recognition of her long service on the committee and Jan was given a flower arrangement for her hard work as secretary. Doreen gave a vote of thanks to Sue for her hard work as chairperson.

We had a much appreciated refreshment break prepared by the ‘old’ committee and still had time for bingo with Jill as our caller.

A reminder that the Henley Christmas Fayre is on December 12 at the community centre where the WI will have a produce stall. If any member has cakes, savouries or jams to donate we would be delighted to receive them on the morning of the fayre or Janet would be willing to collect them from you.

The Carol Service will be at St Peter’s Church, Henley on Thursday, December 17.

HENLEY 100 CLUB November prizewinners: Pam Morgan, Olive Briner and Margaret Self I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported the 100 Club throughout 2015. I hope that you will be able to support us through the coming year.

Our last meeting for 2015 is the Christmas party on December 9.

This will be a social afternoon with afternoon tea and games, and everyone contributing a ‘plate’. Details to be agreed nearer the time.

Would you like to join in the 100 Club for the new year? The odds of winning are quite high and you will be supporting the village church.

New members are welcome at any time. The cost is just £4 a month and the more members we get, the greater the prize money. All profits will go to St Peter’s Church, Henley.

We will start back again on Wednesday, January 13, and will be pleased to welcome new members.

A Happy Christmas to you all and a good 2016.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

Please contact Richard Self: 01473 831930 / rselfhomefarm@gmail.com

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OUT & ABOUT 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.

With the holidays approaching everyone will soon be in a panic to do their Christmas shopping. Most people will drive to their nearest town, race around the crowded shops, and maybe even come away with a present or two.

We meet on Wednesday mornings between 10am and noon; the cost is currently £8 a month.

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

PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP Saturday, January 23, 2.30pm, at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ: Bulbs at Kew by Kit Strange Kit looks after the extensive bulb collection at Kew, maintains the collection in the Davies Alpine House and exhibits for events at Kew and UK colleges. She has travelled widely in the course of her career.

Plant stalls will include rare and unusual plants. Delicious refreshments available for purchase. Admission: free to members, non-members £5.

No need to book. New members and non-members are most welcome.

Local contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832 www.suffolkplantheritage.com

SILVER SURFERS Following on from the Get Online day in January, we now have a regular local Silver Surfers group that meets on Thursdays from noon-2pm in Claydon Village Hall. We are a friendly, supportive group offering help for you to get the most out of your computer, tablet or phone.

No need to worry if you have never used a computer – there is something of interest for all and we are very patient. Just give it a try, you may enjoy it. In a world where almost everything is now online we realise that it can be difficult to get started.

Complete beginners are now regularly using Skype to contact their family abroad, while others have found out how to book appointments or to copy, print or send photos to their friends.

We can also help if you just need to fill an online application but don't have a computer or printer.

Contact John on 830084 for more information or just drop in to one of our sessions.

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MID SUFFOLK AXIS Daytime club for adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities

For an adult with a physical and/or sensory disability the mad rush is even more challenging. Imagine you are in a wheelchair and dependent on public transport: not only must you wait in the cold, but most buses only have one suitable seat. If this seat is taken you have no choice but to wait, with no guarantee of a seat on the next bus either.

Once you get to the shops, aisles can be too narrow and parts of shops completely inaccessible. With an aging population these are problems that more and more of us will soon be facing.

Here at Mid Suffolk Axis we are helping to tackle such issues.

Every Christmas we take our members on a Christmas shopping trip to a disabled friendly shopping centre and their only worry is what presents to buy!

We are a social and active club for adults with physical/sensory disabilities and this is just one example of life at Axis. As a user led organisation we like to get out into the local community and enjoy new experiences. As part of our mystery tours, members recently watched a fantastic play at St Felix Independent School in Southwold, as well as enjoying a trip to visit local chocolatier The Chocolate Lady.

We pride ourselves on the atmosphere of our club. Whether we are enjoying one of our regular trips or simply taking pleasure in each others company, we are always having a laugh. In this sense Axis is similar to being part of a sports club, social group or going for a meal with friends.

Every session members catch up with a cup of tea, take part in the day’s activity, and enjoy one of two freshly cooked meals from our very own trained chef. (Or the “damn good cook” as one of our member’s recently described her!)

As one of the few charities in Suffolk that accepts any adult with a physical/sensory disability we have a diverse membership: our members range from 30 to 70+ (we accept anyone over 18) and members also have a variety of backgrounds, including teaching, finance and floristry.

There are of course a number of reasons why people are attracted to Axis, but the main reason our members enjoy themselves so much are the friendships they make.

So if you are an adult with a physical/sensory disability, or if you know anyone interested in joining a vibrant and friendly club, please contact Axis today. We would love to hear from you.

Call Axis today on 01379 678703 or email us at: midsuffolkaxis@outlook.com

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CLAYDON AND BARHAM WI We met in the village hall on November 10. A very busy evening started with our harvest supper, a ploughman's followed by fruit pies and custard. Delicious as usual. We do enjoy our food.

Following that, our monthly meeting and annual meeting, where a new committee was adopted.

Our extra activities in the following weeks are as follows: December 2: Christmas lunch at Claydon Country House December 6: Group Carol Service at Barham Church with Stowmarket Brass Band, 2pm December 8: Christmas party in the village hall.

Competition: a pine cone table decoration.

December 14: Visit to the waste facility Our evening came to a close with the judging of a witch on a broomstick competition and the raffle.

If you are interested in joining our friendly group please ring Barbara on 832330. We will be very pleased to hear from you.

CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project that has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 24-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 a family.

This month we meet on December 3 and 10, 9.30-11.30am, in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Our Christmas party is on December 10, so please let Michelle know (833788) if you wish to attend.

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’s 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 Ned who celebrates in December.

Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there.

For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on: netmums.com Michelle

CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL The autumn weather always brings a line of tiny Wellington boots into the nursery corridor, so it is from here that we begin our autumnal reflections.

Throughout the year in nursery, we plan activities based around the children's interests, making sure they are making great progress and moving forwards in all areas of the Foundation Stage Curriculum. Every half term we have an open morning in the nursery where parents can come in and spend some time taking part in activities with their child. This term we planned lots of interesting autumn activities for the children to explore with their parent/carers. They made autumn spiced moon sand and pumpkin plates, along with leaf rubbing, our own version of apple bobbing and a number matching game.

In addition, they went on an autumnal walk in the local environment looking at the colours of the leaves on the trees and collecting interesting objects in as many different colours and textures as possible to bring back to nursery. The excited children had a tick sheet of different things to spot on their walk and they listened to the sounds they could hear too.

On Friday, October 22, Reception and Key Stage One children dressed up as their favourite characters from Julia Donaldson books as part of a special day. During the day children participated in many fun activities, including dance and craft in the morning and a character hunt in the afternoon. They even ate Gruffalo Crumble for lunch.

Again, October proved a busy month for sports at Claydon Primary School and, therefore, an exhausting time for Mrs Kitchen. Many events took place, kicking off with some of the Year 4 girl footballers taking part in the first ever National FA Girls’ 4v4 Festival run by Suffolk FA. The 4x4 format makes no provision for a goalkeeper, enabling all members of the

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team to remain actively involved in play. Two teams were entered and they played five games each. During the games there were no referees and the girls were encouraged to take ownership and run the games themselves. They all thoroughly enjoyed their first experience of playing football and scored lots of goals.

The following week saw some of the players from Years 5/6 girls’ and boys’ football clubs take part in the School Games mixed football tournament at Westbourne Academy. They played five games, and at the end of the afternoon were delighted to have won four matches and to have drawn one. This saw them achieve gold position – receiving certificates and a trophy to display in school.

The week after that, some of the Year 5/6 girl footballers took part in the IPSSA tournament. They also played five games as there were three groups. They won, drew and lost some games and, again, thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

We were delighted by the excellent attitude all the pupils displayed while representing the school at the aforementioned events, accepting all decisions made by the coaching staff and officials. Heartfelt thanks to Mrs Kitchen and other staff for supporting the children by providing lunchtime training and preparation, as well as accompanying the pupils to events – we couldn’t do it without you.

In addition to the many football events, we had a visit from Fynn Valley Golf Club to deliver a golf taster session to Years 3 and 4. This proved very successful and we are now running a weekly early morning golf club.

Committed to improving our teaching, we had eight members of staff take part in futsal, quick sticks, netball, dance and gymnastics training courses. They all found them very enjoyable and beneficial, albeit hard work.

As the nights draw in and the Christmas shopping begins in earnest, we end this catch-up full of anticipation for the event that never fails to make everyone feel festive: lower school’s Christmas performance.

Happy rehearsing everyone.

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL The children are all getting into the festive spirit with lots of activities going on. They are enjoying lots of Christmas themed activities as well as practising their singing for their Christmas concert. They are all getting really excited for December 2015 and looking forward to a well-earned break.

Our carol concert will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 4pm and our Christmas party is on Wednesday, December 16, 4-6pm.

We are also holding a Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 12, 11am2pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend. There will be lots to do with stalls, raffles, refreshments and also a chance to visit Father Christmas!

If you would like more information regarding any of the above events or just to find out more about Claydon Pre-school please contact the administrator Lisa Read: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk We are now sorting applications for children to come and join us in January 2016 for the spring term. The pre-school is open Monday to Friday, 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

lunch club (noon-12.30pm) for £1.60. We are happy to accept Childcare Vouchers and we offer two year funded places for any eligible children.

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

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB October prize winners were: No 32: Kirsty Cattermole, £20.70 No 26: Anthea Welham, £10.35 No 55: Colin Dawson, £3.45 New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 a 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

CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Our annual WOW Week took place at the end of October and was action-packed, exciting and very rewarding for all year groups.

Year 7 had a fabulous time at camp (despite some wet weather), taking part in adventurous activities such as the high ropes and assault course as well as art, science and drama activities, all designed to build confidence and encourage creativity, curiosity and collaboration.

Years 8-10 certainly wowed us all with their talent, fresh ideas and commitment to their enterprise tournament. Students were split into 25 teams and tasked to choose one of four ordinary household objects and create and present a marketing campaign, including producing a leaflet, poster and billboard as well as a filmed TV commercial and recorded radio advert plus jingle. Guest judges and speakers from the world of media and advertising were invited in to support the event and choose an overall winner of the prestigious WOW Week Cup. I would like to say a big thank you to Town 102 FM, Mansion House Publishing, Archant, Banbury Howard, Suffolk One, I.E.M. and the school’s governing body for their help.

Year 11 demonstrated great maturity and focus, impressing our business guests and the outside agencies they visited during WOW Week, preparing them for the next step of their education/training. They spent a day at a college/sixth form of their choice, a day at the Suffolk Skills Show held at Trinity Park and a day in school listening to talks from guest speakers and completing application forms and CVs in preparation for a Learning About Work Day on Wednesday, December 9.

Well done to everyone for their positivity and hard work over the three days. I am pleased that Claydon High School can develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning and I hope to be able to provide more stimulating experiences beyond the classroom that engage, excite and challenge students.

Now that the weather has turned and we are moving swiftly into the festive season, I hope you will be able to join us at our Christmas concert, Once Upon a Christmas, on Tuesday, December 8, 7pm at the Church of St Mary and St Peter in Barham (tickets on sale at the school). Our talented students are busy preparing some wonderful instrumental, vocal and poetry pieces, interspersed with traditional congregational carols, all performed in the backdrop of the beautifully decorated church.

GCSE drama students are busy rehearsing for their Christmas panto which will be toured round the local residential care homes and watched in school by our feeder primary schools. Selected music students are also rehearsing for a singing event at Snape Maltings Concert Hall which will be broadcast live across the world. Claydon High School will join around 800 students from other schools in Suffolk for the performances.

The rest of the school is busy creating fabulous Christmas hampers which will be donated to a local charity for the homeless.

If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, then please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Thursday, December 17. To book a place, please telephone my PA, Mrs J Pedersen: 01473 836110 Finally, I would like to thank staff, parents/carers, governors and the wider community for their support this term and wish everyone a Happy Christmas. I look forward to keeping you updated with all our news in the New Year.

The winning team, Trigger Can, pictured with the WOW Week trophy

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Sarah Skinner, headteacher

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SPORT BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Christmas greetings guff lovers. The run up to the festive bun fight that passes for Christmas is usually marked by the media doom mongers splashing headlines about how the NHS will break under the strain of the expected rush to A&E, so it is perhaps fortunate that no reporters were present for our ladies match vs.

Woodbridge when from all accounts the courts resembled the opening scenes from Saving Private Ryan.

First Ann decided that suffering a rather bad ankle sprain in the first game would not affect her mobility (having partnered her it is difficult to disagree) and decided to play on, which in turn meant extended after-match application of frozen peas, resulting in a rather magnificent bit of bruising. Now that she knows what it looks like I suspect a tattoo will not be her gift of choice this Yuletide.

Not to be outdone, Corrine then suffered a face injury (which to add insult was self inflicted) that ended up with the courts and

Corrine looking like a scene from a Hammer Horror! Fortunately no lasting damage was done and Corrine is probably back on her bike in customary winter kit of a tee shirt and cut offs (sleeveless fleece if the temp drops into the minus). Unsurprisingly given the sequence of events, the match was lost, even though some of the opposition probably needed counselling afterwards, but more importantly no permanent damage was done and I have already contacted BUPA who are thinking of sponsoring our next match. I have also given the blood transfusion service advance notice of our two fixtures before Christmas.

usually caused to passers-by or their dogs who are the unsuspecting recipients of a blow from a miss-hit serve. They normally calm down when I point out that it was obviously an accident as he very rarely hits anything he aims for.

I have had my share of injuries including a rather nasty one when Graham's wallet fell out of his sports bag and landed heavily on my foot. Luckily I was wearing a sturdy pair of tennis shoes that prevented a fracture, though the bruising was extensive (and in the pattern of several £50 notes). Nick is very familiar with a lot of injuries, though in his case they are

If you would like to find out more about our club please contact the treasurer, Clive Jones: 01473 464589 / bramfordtc@outlook.com

Just time for a festive joke of the month.

A man goes into a large toy store at Christmas and buys the biggest train set on display.

The assistant starts to wrap it and says: "I am sure your son will love this."

The man pauses and then says: "You're right, I had better have another one!"

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

More guff next month, Mick Russ

TALES FROM THE 19th HOLE

SUFFOLK TAI CHI

It’s been a busy couple of months since the International HOGS returned from France, with our inaugural quiz and food evening sandwiched between two golf days.

We have new classes starting in Henley and Witnesham.

On September 20 we enjoyed fine weather when just eight members met at Cretingham Golf Club. Roland Addicott was unable to make this meeting as he was running the Ipswich Half Marathon, finishing in 2hrs 12mins, despite running with a calf injury on a sunny day. Having raised £700 for Prostate Cancer Research Centre and £610 for East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group I’ve been asked by the HOGS to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement.

We played a yellow ball competition – Brian, Darren, Mike and Steve starting on fire, the latter particularly well by chipping in for a birdie on the second, a further birdie on the third and a steady par on the fourth.

Unfortunately his contribution to the team ceased when they lost their ball on the fifth. Team 1 managed to hold on to theirs until the 11th to secure the prizes. Congratulations to Alan, Grahame, Keith and Shaun.

Shot of the day saw Brian re-enacting a shot famously played by Bernhard Langer in the 1981 B&H International, hitting his ball from the tree where it had lodged. The last time we’d seen Brian up a tree was at Hardelot trying to recover his club, which had also become lodged following an uncharacteristic fit of temper.

The Longest Drive winner was Keith, a remarkable achievement on a dogleg right for a leftie with a renowned slice. He almost didn’t make it for his second shot having found a boggy patch of rough, reminiscent of quicksand, while trying to find a playing partner’s stray ball. Alan won the NP prize, one of only two players to actually hit the green on the day. The day’s overall scorer was Steve with 32 points; one place better than his achievements in France just a fortnight before.

There was a Tai Chi class at Henley Community Hall for many years until the previous Tai Chi organisation ceased. Some of our class members have now revived this very popular class and venue and the first class will be on Thursday, January 7 at 2pm. A new beginners class will also start at Witnesham Village Hall on Church Lane on Thursday, February 4 at 5.45pm.

If you are interested in any of our classes please contact Ray and Dawn Norris (01394 383076) or visit: www.suffolktaichiacademy.uk The Suffolk Tai Chi Academy formed in April 2013 to allow interested people low cost access to Tai Chi instruction as an exercise and relaxation form without any religious influence. We have grown beyond our expectations. Over the last two-and-a-half years we have grown from one class in Ufford with eight members and are about to progress to 10 classes with nine instructors.

Health and fitness to most people means how fast or far they can run or how heavy a weight can be lifted, or winning a sports match. But Tai Chi is health and fitness through flexibility, improved circulation, healthier internal organs, improved posture and balance, calmness and a lessening of work stress.

We have classes in Ipswich, Ufford and Southwold with new classes to open in January at Henley, Witnesham and Sudbourne.

We now have nine instructors and encourage our members to freely exchange knowledge and experience in class to help others with their Tai Chi. Our classes are designed with the community in mind.

Finally, thanks to all who attended our fundraiser on October 17, and further to Rob, Jim and Mike for the superb catering, and quizmasters Shaun and Keith for being the driving force and the glue that bonded the whole event together. Special thanks however should be reserved for those residents of Henley with no association to our club who made up a third of the attendees – we are most grateful to you all and, from the feedback we have gleaned since, are encouraged to do it all again next year.

Class fees are minimal. They cover hall hire, insurance and instructor travel costs. This makes our Tai Chi easily accessible to all. The remaining balance is donated to charity.

Merry Christmas to you all from the HOGS

For full details visit: www.suffolktaichiacademy.uk

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A typical beginner class meets weekly and lasts for one hour. An improver class usually comprises of one hour of Tai Chi, followed by a social break for refreshment then a further 30 minutes of Tai Chi practise.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK Should we legalise cannabis? Over the last few months a new system has been introduced to allow members of the public to petition parliament by e-petition. Under this new system a petition with more than 100,000 electronic signatures may be put forward for debate in the House of Commons and I was recently pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to one of these parliamentary debates on the controversial subject of the legalisation of cannabis, which was put forward by Paul Flynn MP.

However, an important issue that I raised in the debate is the growing evidence from around the world which supports the use of cannabis and cannabis products in the treatment of people with chronic pain and its medicinal use for palliative care. I believe that there is a case to review the law to better facilitate the research and use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, but this is quite a different matter to supporting the legalisation of the drug.

As an NHS doctor working in mental health, I am unable to support the legalisation of cannabis not only because of my medical experience but also on the evidence evaluated by the Royal College of Psychiatrists which outlines both the mental and physical health problems associated with cannabis use. Although there is currently a de facto decriminalisation of the possession of cannabis in many parts of the country, the legalisation of cannabis is a very different matter to decriminalisation as legalisation would provide a legitimacy to the supply of a substance which we know to be physically and mentally harmful.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has made clear the strong link between cannabis use and poor mental health, especially in young people. For example, a study of 1,600 Australian school-children aged 14 to 15 found that children who use cannabis regularly have a significantly higher risk of depression than non-users. Adolescents who used cannabis daily were five times more likely to develop depression and anxiety in later life.

There is also growing evidence of a link between cannabis and physical health problems. New research has found that the cannabis plant contains cancer causing materials that can damage peoples’ lungs. In this country we have long taken measures to discourage cigarette smoking and it would be inconsistent to legalise the supply of cannabis given the increasing evidence of the harm it causes to physical health.

Dr Dan Poulter MP in the House of Commons Chamber I valued the opportunity to bring my medical knowledge and experience to bear in this important Parliamentary debate, and it is important to remember that most countries in the world have not legalised cannabis.

I remain unconvinced that legalising the supply of, and access to, a substance that is harmful to both physical and mental health would be a good thing for people in Suffolk or for this country.

For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com

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

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

All clients are fully consulted about their needs. A piece of equipment is then designed and made to solve their specific problem. Some devices are made from scratch – others are modifications or attachments to standard products. Sometimes it may only be advice that is required.

All of this is achieved by a network of some 1,000 volunteers organised into about 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

REMAP volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers as well as DIY enthusiasts.

You may think that companies already exist to help people with disabilities

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and you would be correct. However, the difference is that REMAP is not a commercial organisation and is not in competition with them. More importantly, our volunteers will determine a solution for the very specific need of the individual which cannot be satisfied by any current product that may exist. Also by working closely with the client and their family or their support service the needs can be better understood and targeted.

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

Finally, we never ask for payment and our services are free to the user. We do however welcome voluntary donations to cover costs of materials. To make an immediate donation, please text REMP33 followed by the amount (for example – £10) to 70700. An SMS to the value of your donation will be billed to your mobile account. To donate online, please go to our JustGiving page. Our registered charity number is 1137666. You can make a single or regular donation. A monthly donation of £10 with Gift Aid would enable us to help two people every year.

Bob Barnett

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CHURCH NEWS ST PETER’S CHURCH, HENLEY Clergy: The Rev Cathy Austin, 830100

Wednesday 16

Churchwardens: Richard Self, 831930, Margaret Gerrard, 831463

Saturday 19 10.30am Vestry Café – tea, coffee, cakes and

produce, followed by light lunches

served from noon-1pm. All welcome!

Services for December

Sunday 5 9am

Said Communion

Monday 7

9.15am

Prayer Group

Wednesday 9

9pm

Compline

Saturday 12 2-4pm

Christmas workshop in church. Please reserve a place for you child(ren) by December 5 (clipboard in church).

Under 5s to be accompanied by an adult

Sunday 13

Family Service

10am

9pm

Compline

Sunday 20 6.30pm Carol Service – please note: no morning service Wednesday 23

9pm

Compline

Thursday 24

5pm

Crib Service

Friday 25

10am

Festal Communion

Sunday 27 10am

Carols and Communion Service at Great Blakenham Church

Sunday, January 3 9am

Morning Prayer

PEACE ON EARTH? “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 The above is a quote from the Gospel of Luke that we often remember at Christmas. It was the message declared by the angels to the shepherds who were hopeful of a coming saviour. Look at the words though. Are they true? Do we really see peace on earth? Is it even possible?

The following is a quote from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

He wrote it on Christmas Day in 1863. He had recently been widowed when his wife had lost her life in a house fire, and his son had that year been severely wounded while fighting in the American Civil War. This last verse declares his hope in God despite all the misery and sorrow around him.

And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

This has been a tumultuous year in many ways. The ongoing economic problems, civil unrest in many cities, terrorism on a scale we’ve never before seen, and wars and hatred are rife, obvious around the world for all to see.

So why did the angels sing, proclaiming peace on earth and good will towards men at Jesus’ birth?

The message that the angels are declaring is a message from God to mankind, not a prediction of how the world will be. It was a message from God offering peace and hope to all who will put their trust in this saviour given to us. It is goodwill offered from God to man, not a statement that from that day mankind will always have goodwill towards one another.

The message may seem irrelevant or unimportant in our day compared to all the wars, terrorism and many other problems that many countries and individuals face on a daily basis, but it is truly a message of eternal hope that everyone in the world needs more than anything else. It will have significance to your life in one way or another long after all the wars on earth are finished.

It’s an olive branch from God offering complete peace with him despite all our sins and failings, and it’s the declaration of God’s love and hope for the world and his desire that all turn back to him for salvation. In Jesus Christ we also have the hope that (as it says in the last book of the Bible) he is to return to make all things new. There will one day be no more tears, death or sadness.

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SERVICES Sundays: 10.45am at Great Blakenham (including Sunday Club for children); 6.30pm at Mickfield.

Wednesday: Fortnightly women’s meeting, 2.30pm; fortnightly prayer and Bible study, 2pm.

Friday: Action Bible Club, meet by Great Blakenham Village Hall, 6.307.30pm – games, crafts and stories for ages five to 12.

Carols by Candlelight • •

Sunday, December 13 at 4pm at Great Blakenham Baptist Church Sunday, December 20 at 6.30pm at Mickfield Evangelical Church

For more information email info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / call 01449 720357 / or visit: www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

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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 – vacant Self Supporting Minister – The Rev Jenny Ablett

830205

Churchwardens Robin Hooper Greenhill Des Groom

832243 831804

Hall bookings

831804

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.

Baptisms We welcome those who have joined Christ’s Church through Holy Baptism, including William Stannard and Henry Rogers.

Departed We offer our sympathy, love and prayers to the families and friends of those who have recently died including Walter Abbott of St Peters Close, Trevor Cain of Great Blakemham, Ros Farrow of Eddowes Road, Audrey Loram of Barham Care Home and Leslie Nightingale of St Peters Close.

WE DID REMEMBER THEM Remembrance Sunday saw a packed church when we once again welcomed representatives from the army based at Wattisham as well as the Air Training Corps and members of our local scouting and guiding organisations to participate in the Act of Remembrance.

It was also good to have Bert Potter and his family with us to celebrate his recent award of the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur by the French government (see page 3).

Lighten our darkness Image by John Holloway

The particularly popular services in the past have been the Sunday afternoon Candlelit Carol Service, the Children’s Service of Light on Christmas Eve afternoon and the Midnight Communion to welcome Christmas Day. If you are planning to attend one of these please try to arrive in good time to park and get your seat. The 10am Family Communion on Christmas morning is at Henley to which Claydon and Barham and Great Blakenham parishioners are always warmly invited.

On the Sunday after Christmas we are all invited to Great Blakenham for Communion with Carols at 10am which will be the only service in the three parishes that day.

Epiphany shared lunch When you are making your plans for Christmas and the New Year, please make a note in your diary that we shall again be holding a shared Epiphany lunch in Barham Church Hall after the service on Sunday, January 3. Everyone is welcome – just bring along some food to share.

This is a very informal opportunity to enjoy a meal together without all the pressure of preparation.

CHURCH BAZAAR RESULT A big thank you to all our loyal supporters who turned out in horrendous weather to support our annual Christmas Bazaar on November 14. Also our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, skills, money, surplus possessions and enthusiasm which all came together to deliver a marvellous £1,430 profit towards the Church Fabric Fund.

We wish all readers and very happy and meaningful Christmas.

Diary Dates for December Tuesday, December 1

Open-the-Book rehearsal, 4pm

Thursday, December 3

Young Families Nativity, village hall, 9.30am

Sunday, December 6

Holy Communion (said), 8am First Sunday Communion, 10am WI Carol Service in church, 2pm

Monday, December 7

Open-the-Book, primary school, 2.45pm

Tuesday, December 8

High School Carols in church

Wednesday, December 9

Air Training Corps Carols in church, 7.30pm

Sunday, December 13

Holy Communion (said), 8am Parish Communion, 10am Carol Singing: Barham Care Home, 4.15pm; St Peters Court, 5pm approx; Alasdair Place, 6pm approx. All welcome.

Sunday, December 20 Holy Communion (said), 8am Community Worship, 10am Candlelit Carol Service, 3pm After years of deliberation, we finally have a magnificent set of new nave lights made especially for our church. It has however been worth the wait. The church can now be well illuminated when necessary or dimmed to low level lighting when required. The long wait has also enabled us to take advantage of the latest technology to deliver much improved lighting at a fraction of the running cost of a couple of the bulbs that we were using a few years ago. Our thanks to Robin for the hours he spent wiring up the new lighting frames and to Des, Robin and Jonathon for the evenings they spent hanging the new lights.

Christmas at St Mary and St Peter’s Christmas is always that much more enjoyable and meaningful if Jesus Christ, whose birthday we are celebrating, is included, so please come along and join in the celebrations. All the services over the Christmas period are listed in the church diary opposite and you will be very welcome at any or all of them.

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Wednesday, December 23 Communion at St Peter’s Court 2.30pm Christmas Eve Service of Light, 4pm Midnight Mass, 11.30pm Christmas Day Christmas Communion at Henley, 10am Sunday, December 27 No 8am service today Communion with Carols at Great Blakenham, 10am

Sunday, January 3 Holy Communion (said), 8am First Sunday Communion, 10am Epiphany shared lunch in hall, noon

In Touch online:

YOUR LOCAL SERVICES

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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