In Touch with Claydon - January 2016

In Touch

™© ™©

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 6 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2016

Image by Alan Baldry

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In Touch online:

NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I have always loved New Year’s Day, even as a child when I’d watch The New Year's Concert by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on TV. Granted I was probably doing other things at the same time, but it would be on in the background and I loved the drama of it all. It felt like a fitting way to welcome in a new year and was also quite a private moment. My brothers were probably still in bed so it was usually me, my diary – and the vacuum cleaner! In those days in rural Ireland the male and female roles were clearly defined – the boys helped on the farm, I did the cleaning and the baking, but that’s a subject for another day!

Cleaning is still part of my new year ritual and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Yes, I admit it, I like cleaning! I love that sense of satisfaction I get when I sit down to admire my handiwork, that oh so precious five minutes before it all falls apart again. I do become a bit of a tyrant when I go into cleaning mode so it’s best to stay out of my way (Daniel consider this your advance warning and if you don’t believe me, just ask mum!), but when it’s done I’m sweetness and light, as per usual!

This year I have an extra incentive as I will be looking for something rather special. Last summer Jack found an old key when we were planting seeds with grandma. It is his most precious possession and he presents it to visitors and friends as such. We have mislaid it! I know it’s in the house somewhere but in none of the obvious places and I have (stupidly!) promised to find it. If I do turn out every toy box and every cupboard, as I plan to, surely it will reappear. If not I’m going to have a very sad little boy – and I’ll be a very guilty mummy. Wish me luck.

I hope your new year begins with hope for the year ahead and that you too find joy in the small things.

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

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FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2016

is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

DO YOU HAVE SOME SPARE TIME TO HELP A LOCAL CHARITY? Suffolk Family Carers is based on Hill View Business Park in Claydon. We provide information, advice, guidance and support for anyone who is caring for a friend, family member or neighbour. The person they are caring for may be ill, have a disability, a mental health issue or be elderly and frail.

How can you help?

By helping in our new drop-in centre in Claydon – welcoming visitors, making refreshments and providing a non-judgemental listening ear.

By calling a family carer each week – either from your own home or from our Claydon office – offering emotional support, a listening ear and a friendly chat.

What do we offer?

Training and support for your volunteer role, travel expenses and the opportunity to meet new people and to make a difference to the lives of family carers.

Who do I contact?

If you are interested in either of these roles, or would like to find out more, please contact the volunteer team: 01473 835450 / volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org

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 phone Geoff Rogers on 836972 or email: cbvillagehall@btinternet.com

JAMES BOND TO THE RESCUE Sony Pictures and The Regal Theatre in Stowmarket have come together to offer a charity screening of the new James Bond film, Spectre, for a charitable cause. The film is classified as a 12A and the screening will take place on Sunday, January 24, at 7.45pm.

All proceeds from the screening will go towards exercise equipment for disabled people on a referral scheme operated by East Bergholt’s High School Sports Centre. People are referred by Ipswich Hospital and local NHS physiotherapists for sessions with the Referral Consultant Mrs Zoe Connelly. The scheme does not receive NHS funding but is so well attended that the existing equipment available is not sufficient for the demand and the piece being purchased will enable the frailest clients the opportunity to maintain or increase their fitness.

Tickets will be £6 and on sale from The Regal Box Office: 01449 612825 Please help us to help others by coming to see this cracking good film.

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NEWS BARHAM PARISH COUNCIL Report from November meeting Funding for local community groups District Councillors James Caston and John Whitehead have a Mid Suffolk Locality Award which local clubs and societies can apply for. If you are interested the final application date is January 8. It is a ‘one off’ programme for not-for-profit community groups, organisations and projects. There is a total of £10,000 available, but awards will be from £250 upwards. If you are interested please contact James on 07789 957444.

Road markings County Councillor Field is to approach Suffolk County Council Highways to investigate the possibility of installing speed limit roundalls on Old Norwich Road and Barham Church Lane.

Finance Councillors considered the first draft of the budget for 2016/17 and at its meeting in December the council will have considered the precept.

Future meetings in Claydon and Barham Village Hall Monday, January 4 at 7pm Monday, February 1 at 7pm If you would like a specific topic discussed as an agenda item then please contact the parish clerk, Claire Lee: 01473 839784 / barhampc@outlook.com Your councillors are: Stephen Carr (chairman), 831122 Gordon Musson (vice chairman), 830759 Neil Cooper, 01449 760493 Jeremy Lea, 07956 149905 Darren Millward, 830891 Claire Webb, 832622 Phil Usher, 830168

COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT John Field’s Report to Gipping Valley: December 2015 I hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas and will have a prosperous New Year.

COUNTY NEWS The budget setting process is reaching the point where, following the Autumn Statement, we will discover what funds the county will get at the end of December. Budget scrutiny is at this point, so there is a chance that the views of the wider councillor group will have an effect on the cabinet’s decisions.

What money will the county receive?

A 9% per annum cut in the grant from government to meet the chancellor’s budget surplus ambition. The county will raise £269 million from Council Tax and expects to gets £198m from government, £34m less than last year. Government cuts will then continue at £10m per year for each of the next three years.

Since 2011 reserves have increased steadily to £140.5m, all kept for a ‘rainy day’. Reserves are very necessary for some purposes but there is now £36.9m in the contingency reserve. This is money not spent boosting the economy or protecting vulnerable people.

What will be needed next year?

Last year’s budget plus inflation and cash for demand and population changes. Salary costs are expected to rise by 1% and purchased goods and services by 2%. Then add some financial items for a total £48m more than income.

Cabinet proposes some £34m cuts with the rest delayed a year by some use of reserves.

That will make the 2017-18 reductions greater at £38m What will be cut?

The list is long but the major items for next

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year that are concerning are care purchasing, re-ablement services, home to school transport, highways, waste, public health, Fire and Rescue, support services and £5m from ‘contracts’. The largest item is an expected £11.5m saving from a change to capital financing. This should be painless.

It is far harder to have a clear view of the effect on Suffolk’s residents. Services have been re-designed and the higher emphasis on preventative work and care at home should have an effect. The number of older people receiving a service decreasing despite the increasing number in population but increased complexity need is driving costs up.

I believe that, bearing in mind the increases in reserves, the estimate of income should be less pessimistic and that more care is taken to understand the impact of the continual ‘demand management’ on vulnerable people.

As a scrutiny committee, we wanted a re-think on cuts to items like support to the arts that pull in major tourist and other income to the county. We also want the cabinet to consider the chancellor’s proposal for a 2% rise in Council Tax to fund care. There is a serious possibility of failures in this area.

At a Corporate Parenting seminar, we looked at our responsibilities to children in care, our promise to them, how we gain children’s views and support for young people with disabilities.

I was pleased to see that the emphasis on help for those with mental health issues appears to be gaining centre stage.

The Pensions Committee met this month to review performance to date and to consider if any changes to our investment strategy and fund allocations were necessary. We considered the allocations to bonds, shares,

property and infrastructure along with the split between passive index-based investments and active managers. This is aimed at getting the best secure return for public sector workers and their employers.

DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS Another round of organisational change is underway at Mid Suffolk and Babergh. The proposal is that the top two levels combine as a senior leadership team of chief executive, two directors and seven heads of service. The heads of service will run between three and five teams each led by a corporate manager.

The names of the services give a better clue to their functions than at present, better matched to the still emerging functions of the refreshed council.

Developers are taking advantage of the council’s lack of a five-year supply of housing land proposing a number of substantial developments. You will be aware of those in Bramford and Great Blakenham, but there have been others in Stowupland and close to Sproughton. Although people need housing and the council need the funds from New Home Bonus these applications are not all succeeding. The requirement to demonstrate sustainability is having an overriding effect.

A new Housing Allocations policy has been produced containing more detailed guidance for officers and I hope less confusion for others on issues like the extent to which housing may be reserved for local people.

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

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS CLAYDON AND WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL ONE STOP SHOP The parish council was shocked, saddened and angry to hear of the robbery that took place at the One Stop shop in the village early on Sunday, November 22. Although serious crime in Claydon is extremely rare, such events send a feeling of unease throughout the whole community and we feel affronted that those who work in our local shops and serve us well, and to whom many of us are known personally, can be threatened by those who have no regard for anyone other than themselves. Fortunately the two members of staff involved were not badly injured but nevertheless suffered an extremely traumatic ordeal.

We wish them all the very best for a full recovery and are very pleased that they have felt able to return to their jobs in the One Stop shop.

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING ‘Real’ Christmas trees less than seven feet tall can be recycled after Christmas by taking them to Claydon Recreation Ground between 7am on Saturday, January 2 and 7pm on Tuesday, January 12. Please remove all decorations, pots and stands.

LOCALITY BUDGET Our two Mid Suffolk district councillors, John Whitehead and James Caston, have been given a locality budget between them of £10,000. This is a ‘one off’ allocation for not-for-profit community groups, organisations and individual projects. Grants will be made from £250 upwards on a competitive basis, but no more than 20 will be approved in total. The application form is relatively simple to complete and is available, with additional information, from the parish clerk. Completed forms should be returned to Emma Bendall in the Communities Team at Mid Suffolk District Council by January 8.

CYCLING ON FOOTPATHS The parish council is very concerned that cycling, sometimes at speed,

by school children and grown-ups on the pavement that runs past the brick bus shelter, seems to be getting worse.

Apart from being a criminal offence, it really is very dangerous for the people waiting at the bus stop who tend to stand and look in the direction from which the bus will come and then step out onto the pavement to get on board when it arrives. In so doing they could easily walk into the path of a cyclist, which could result in a serious injury accident. The onset of winter weather will only make this situation worse as passengers will be waiting in the bus shelter, where visibility is restricted, and the path narrower. Cyclists should be in no doubt that if they ride on any public footpath in Claydon and cause injury to a pedestrian they will be in serious trouble with the police. The parish council has a duty to ensure the safety of all members of the local community and will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure this happens.

MEETINGS IN JANUARY The next parish council meeting is on Monday, January 18 at 7.30pm in the offices of the Suffolk Association of Local Councils, Unit 11A, Hill View Business Park, Old Ipswich Road, Claydon IP6 0AJ. 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 Parish Council wish everyone a very happy and peaceful New Year. claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net / Twitter: @claywhitpc

HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL Henley residents have long been worried about the traffic congestion outside the primary school during drop-off and pick-up times. Everyone who has driven past there knows the visibility on the bend, with a long line of parked cars right outside the school, is terrible – and the risk to children is obvious.

The old cliché of “it’s an accident just waiting to happen” never seemed so true.

The parish council has discussed this many times, mindful of the need to improve road safety for everyone and also of the importance of helping the school, its teachers, pupils and their parents or carers to function effectively and without unnecessary restrictions.

Various different schemes have been discussed, most recently the idea of creating a path from the community centre car park along the fields to the rear of the school. That didn’t work out because the land for the path wasn’t available and costs were astronomical.

But now, thanks to the efforts of parish councillor Martin Redbond, an agreement has been reached between the headteacher (Ann Waters), the chair of governors and Mid

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Suffolk’s Communities Officer (Safe) Stephanie Osborne to establish a Respect Zone outside the school from the beginning of the new term in January 2016.

This will mean that during busy times the road outside the school will be coned off, with special green cones, and drivers will be encouraged to use the community centre car park instead of the main road. The zone will be supported by the police and it will be promoted with leaflets, signage, posters and one-to-one explanations.

Village volunteers will be needed to help put out and remove the cones on a daily basis – anyone able to do this and to give up a bit of time on a regular basis is asked to contact the parish clerk.

Everyone hopes the zone will be of long-term benefit to drivers who visit the school and to passing traffic; ultimately also to the school and the village generally.

On another note, people may already be aware that the change of use planning application at the Cross Keys was turned down

by Mid Suffolk Planning Control Committee by six votes to four at its meeting in December.

The reasons given by the committee were: “The application fails to satisfactorily demonstrate that the public house has been appropriately marketed with clear independent valuation and fails to satisfactorily demonstrate that the business is not viable. Furthermore it is considered that there is significant support from the community for the retention of the public house demonstrated and as identified as an Asset of Community Value.”

If you are not on our village email list and would like to be, send a simple request to one of the following email addresses and we will sort it out: henleyparishcouncil@gmail.com / rodcaird@yahoo.co.uk 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

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NEWS CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD BUS AND RAIL SERVICES I have summarised the Christmas and New Year holiday period services below. For the first time for many years Galloway will run their Sunday timetable through Claydon on Boxing Day, also Ipswich Buses are running a special Boxing Day service in Ipswich (phone 0800 919390).

Ipswich – Stowmarket First 88/89 and Galloway 87

Ipswich – Diss Galloway 113/114

Christmas Eve Thur 24.12.15 Normal 88/89 Normal 113/114 Christmas Day No service No service Boxing Day 87 Sunday service No service Sun 27.12.15 87 Sunday service No service Mon 28.12.15 88/89 Saturday service No service Tues 29.12.15 ) Wed 30.12.15 ) 88/89 Saturday service Normal 113/114 Thur 31.12.15 ) New Year’s Day No service No service Sat 2.1.16 Normal 88/89 Normal 113/114 Sun 3.1.16 87 Sunday service No service Mon 4.1.16 Normal services resume (hooray!)

Train services from Ipswich Finishing early from approximately 19:00 No service No service Special service* Special service* Saturday timetable Special service* Special service* Special service*

Note * On these days trains will be replaced by buses and underground between Ingatestone and London owing to engineering works. Phone Abellio Greater Anglia on 0345 600 7245 for details or go online.

Barry Moore, transport representative, Claydon and Whitton Parish Council: baz@bandm3.plus.com

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

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk.

Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone.

The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

So call us today, we are here to help.

In Touch online:

NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Mid Suffolk residents are getting better at recycling – but there is still room for improvement.

you want to dispose of, to get re-use advice and information about options available if an item is beyond repair.

According to figures released just before Christmas, the recycling rate in Mid Suffolk last year was 43.1% – up 1.3% on the previous year. This is pretty much in line with the rest of the country – with most areas either staying the same or seeing a slight increase, with just a few large urban areas seeing a decrease.

For example – a toothpaste tube needs to go in your black bin, and will end up at the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility, while toothbrushes can be recycled at household waste recycling centres. Electric brushes need to go in the bin for small electricals, while manual toothbrushes go in the hard plastics section.

The overall recycling rate for the county is 53.1% – ahead of the national target of 50% by 2020.

To find out more visit: www.greensuffolk.org/recycling/a-z-of-recycling/

One of the biggest obstacles to recycling is people not knowing if a particular item can be recycled.

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

To help with this Suffolk County Council has launched a new webbased A-Z of recycling which allows you to key in the name of what

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE As I write this both myself and the host families involved are excitedly looking forward to the group of children arriving on December 4.

We have a great program of events planned for them and once again have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people who are prepared to help. Jill Geaney from Wedgewood Dental Practice will be providing dental treatment for the second time in one year and for the first time Browns Opticians of Stowmarket have very kindly offered to give all of the children eye tests.

Remember, in our charity shop in Coddenham Road we take or can collect clean old clothing, curtains and sheets as well as non-saleable books and shoes that are still wearable as we can raise funds through recycling.

Good saleable books are of course sold in our shop as are children’s toys and an excellent range of clothing and other items.

We recently made a request for people to send a shoe box of gifts to each of the children who came in the summer 2015 visit and I am pleased to report that all of the children will be receiving a surprise parcel for Christmas. Some people who sent parcels last year have continued their support and sent further presents this year. I regularly hear back from Belarus via our interpreter and she assures me all of the families are extremely grateful and are always expressing their surprise that people in a different country who they will probably never meet can show their children such kindness.

Next year will be 30 years since the Chernobyl Disaster and yet people still continue to suffer despite the passage of time. In our charity shop we have a 2016 Commemorative Calendar on sale for only £3.99. The calendar features pictures of the children who have enjoyed a respite break here in Mid Suffolk and would make a really nice gift.

Following the success of our Pig Racing event in October we are pleased to announce another evening of Pig Racing to be

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

held at Bloomfields Football Ground in Needham Market on Saturday, February 13. This promises to be another exciting night with the tote and pig races being provided as always by Stowmarket Lions. Supper will be Pigs in Pyjamas together with a dessert and is included in the ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased at our charity shop or from Stowmarket Tourist Office. We hope to see you there!

We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us, you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive.

May 2016 bring you everything you wish for.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

Come & join us for Pig Racing!

Saturday, February 13 Bloomfields Football Club,

Quinton Road, Needham Market

Supper of “Pigs in Pyjamas” & dessert included

Tote & Pig Racing hosted by Stowmarket Lions Doors open 7pmTickets – first race £87.30pm prompt

Available from

Available from

Tourist CCLL CharityONE ShopFREE BINGO CARD WITH EACHStowmarket £7.00 TICKET TICKETS ON SALE AT: NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE Office PURCHASED Needham Market NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE

Or call 01449 760343/ 07974 424374/ 07770 478933 A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDRENS LIFELINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014274

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Please call 01473 400380 * price excludes VAT

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

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

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

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS Not long now before this year's panto hits the stage. So if you haven't got your tickets yet, it's time to think about doing it.

To reserve your tickets (adults £7 / children £3) call 830538 or email: Webbfamily1@googlemail.com The two Saturday afternoon performances are particularly popular and sell out fast. The show this year is Cinderella by Tom Hitchcock and it's a lot of fun. As usual, it's on at Claydon and Barham Village Hall and the dates are: Friday, January 22 at 7.30pm; Saturday, January 23 at 2.30 and 7.30pm; Friday, January 29 at 7.30pm; and Saturday, January 30 at 2.30 and 7.30pm.

That's all the information you need so stop reading this and get your tickets!

CLAYDON AND BARHAM VILLAGE HALL Now is a good time to plan your birthday parties and other events for the coming year, and what better place to hold them than at the village hall in the centre of Claydon? We offer a bright, clean, warm venue that is ideal for a children's party or similar event. Even an adult occasion!

Thanks to a recent grant from Mid Suffolk District Council, we have new chairs that make sitting down a pleasure. (We’ve had rave reviews from recent 'sitters'!) And we are extremely good value; the hire charges are not going up this season so book now to reserve your chosen date.

Simply go www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net and follow the links to the village hall. You can check what dates are free and then fill out a booking form. It's all very straightforward. We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions contact Geoff Rogers: 836972 Dates for January Sunday 3

Bar-Clay Music Makers

1.30-5.30pm

Monday 4

Craft Addicts Barham PC Meeting

1-4pm 7pm

Tuesday 5

Claydon Table Tennis

7.15pm

Wednesday 6

Bar-Clay Music Makers

6.30pm

Thursday 7

Sunshine Service Slimming World

10am 5.30 & 7.30pm

So what have we got in store for 2016?

Sunday 10

Bar-Clay Music Makers

1.30-5.30pm

Saturday, February 13: Valentine’s Night with live music from The Preservatives, a local covers band covering hits from across the decades.

Tuesday 12

Women's Institute

7pm

Wednesday 13

Bar-Clay Music Makers

6.30pm

Saturday, March 12: St Patrick’s Day celebrations. This year we bring a local band, Waxies Dargle, to the club who will bring a bit a Pogues feel to proceedings.

Thursday 14

Young Families Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 5.30 & 7.30pm

Sunday 17

Bar-Clay Music Makers

1.30-10.30pm

Monday 18

Craft Addicts Bar-Clay Music Makers

1-4pm 6.30pm

Saturday, May 7: The Dolly Show with support from Tim Staff. This is going to be a jam-packed night of entertainment so if you love a bit of country or middle of the road, you won’t want to miss this.

Wednesday 20

Bar-Clay Music Makers

6.30pm

Thursday 21

Slimming World

5.30 & 7.30pm

Keep up to date via our website and Facebook page as well as posters at the club and around the village.

Friday 22

Cinderella Panto

7.30pm

Saturday 23

Cinderella Panto

2.30 & 7.30pm

Tuesday 26

Claydon Table Tennis

7.15pm

Wednesday 27

Bar-Clay Music Makers

7.30pm

Thursday 28

Young Families Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 29

Cinderella Panto

7.30pm

Saturday 30

Cinderella Panto

2.30 & 7.30pm

CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE We hope you had a lovely Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year. Our pre-Christmas family disco (Saturday, December 19) or our evening with local vocal harmony group The Skittlez to welcome in the New Year are still due at the time of writing, but I’m sure both will be well attended and enjoyed by all.

Saturday, April 23: St Georges Day. We welcome back old favourites The Houseshakers who will get you on the dance floor with their rock and pop covers.

Who likes a game of pool? The pool table is now a regular fixture in the Compton Lounge, so please do pop in for a game – or three.

We would love to see the table get some use. It has been levelled and is apparently a very good surface to play on so why not come up and give it a go?

But now we need your help… We are looking for people to join our entertainments team and bar staff so that we can continue to put on these fabulous events at the community centre. If you think you could help, please do contact us. All help is gratefully received.

We look forward to seeing you soon, whether it’s at one of the above events or just for a drink one evening. Everyone is welcome.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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

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OUT & ABOUT Sponsored by C V S Anglia Ltd ……Mot Tes(ng in Ipswich HENLEY PLAYERS PRESENTS OUR FIFTH AND BIGGEST PANTOMIME YET

SEVEN !

AT

HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Wri$en by Tom Hitchcock

Fri 8th Jan (7:30pm) and Sat 9th Jan 2016 (2:30pm & 7:30pm) PRICES £7 Adults Concessions £4 £18 Family of 4

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS Email: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Box office open every Sunday from 3pm to 4:30pm

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 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

MIP/5E

Great Blakenham Chequers

MIP/5F

Great Blakenham Blue Leighs

1035 – 1055

Mobile Home Park

1100 – 1115

MIP/5G

Baylham

Post Box

1125 – 1145

MIP/5H

Claydon

Crown

1155 – 1300

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens

1405 – 1420

MIP/5J

Claydon

Bacon Road

1425 – 1550

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

1600 – 1630

Calling every four weeks from January 19

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Did you know that one in four consumers skip breakfast?

At Ipswich Country Market we are inviting you to ‘Shake Up Your Wake Up’ on Thursday, January 28 with a free tasting to celebrate Breakfast Week.

We have fresh bread, marmalades, jams and local honey. You can taste, smell and buy fresh produce while supporting local producers.

Our marmalades contain vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit and peel. Did you know that it is thought that there are 20 times more antioxidants in 1g of marmalade than in your ordinary glass of orange juice?

If you can’t wait for January 28 why not come and join us for bacon rolls when we re-open after Christmas on January 7?

If you are feeling low and lethargic in the morning, try our local honey.

Spread it on hot toast or replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.

You will find us at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane from 10.15 until 11.30am.

There is plenty of free parking and tea and coffee are available. We look forward to welcoming you.

As well as being a tasty start to the day, one of our many varieties of jam will contribute to your Vitamin C and iron intake.

For photos and regular updates find us on Facebook – just look for Ipswich Country Market.

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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 contact: henleybarmail@gmail.com / 01473 833226

HENLEY WI We welcomed Glenda Price from Stowmarket Sugarcraft Club to our November meeting. She gave us many tips on decorating a Christmas cake. Glenda, who has been a teacher for more than 35 years, runs classes in sugarcraft and cake decoration in Stowmarket.

She spent about 50 minutes showing us how to marzipan, ice and decorate a Christmas cake to the most professional standards and like any good professional made it look so easy.

Some of the tips that she gave us were so obvious it made you wonder why you had never thought of it! After a refreshment break she showed us how to make a sugar paste poinsettia to add the finishing touch to our Christmas cake. Again she made it look so easy that it certainly made me want to try, with what results remains to be seen.

We hope everyone has had a Happy Christmas and we pray for a peaceful New Year.

TRIANON MUSIC GROUP Music from Frozen in January concert programme Frozen, which tells the story of princess Elsa and her power to create ice and snow, won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Let It Go, and it is this song which will feature in Trianon’s January concert.

Trianon Music Group – On the Bright Side takes place at Ipswich Corn Exchange on Saturday, January 9 at 7.30pm. It also celebrates the 40th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The programme includes music from Harry Potter, Gilbert and Sullivan, a medley from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and a moment of nostalgia with the theme tune from the BBC’s Top of the Form. There’s pre-

concert busking in aid of Suffolk Mind and The Sunrise Appeal by the Ipswich Hospital Charity. For the children, there’s a fancy dress competition, so there really is something for all the family.

Tickets (£9.50 / concessions from £8.50 / students and U16 from £5) purchased from Ipswich Entertainments will be subject to an additional £1 booking fee per ticket: www.ipswichregent.com / 01473 433100 Tickets can also be purchased from Trianon on 01394 283170 / 07876 787029 and from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre.

For further details visit: www.tmg.org.uk You can also follow Trianon on Twitter @MusicTrianon

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT HENLEY FOLK NIGHT ON JANUARY 15

HENLEY WEA Murder, Mystery and Mayhem That is not a description of Henley WEA, most of our existing members are quite nice people although a few more would be very welcome.

It’s the title of our spring term course starting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 13 in the Boughton Room at Henley Community Hall.

The course will cover crime and criminal justice in East Anglia, 17501950. Rogues, villains and vagabonds. A lively look at the changing nature, prevalence and impact of crime and criminality.

Henley Folk Night has been running for several years on the third Friday of each month in the Boughton Room at Henley Community Centre starting at 8pm. January 15 will be the first folk night of the new year so come and experience what you've been missing!

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

The tutor is Mark Mower, a respected lecturer on these matters and the author of a number of books on these and related subjects.

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.

The fee for the eight meetings is £45. Come along and broaden your range of interests. Further details if required from Pat Nicholson (01473 743177) or Arnold Hornsby (01473 831105).

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

HENLEY 100 CLUB

Mike Briggs

December prizewinners are: Peter Little, Pam Morgan and John Woods

HENLEY COMMUNITY CHOIR: CHORUS VESTRA

It’s still not too late to join the 100 Club for 2016. January’s draw will not take place until the middle of the month, but if you miss this you can join at any time of year.

NOW RECRUITING!

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

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

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham, but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room on Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 and includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle.

On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind

the hall. It’s fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

On November 11 we had fun learning napkin folding in time for Christmas, and on November 25 a quiz afternoon courtesy of Brenda Cooper which really taxed the grey cells. Our last meeting for 2015 was on December 9 when we enjoyed some games and quizzes followed by afternoon tea and an exchange of gifts in a Secret Santa.

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

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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!

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Somersham and District Gardening Club is a small club that meets on the second Monday of the month in Offton and Willisham Village Hall.

For members it costs £8 a year, and for guests and visitors £1.50 a meeting.

At the next meeting on January 11 we will be welcoming Chris Parfitt who is well known for his travels and expeditions. He will be speaking on the Isles of Scilly, which should be very interesting.

For further information about the club please contact Janet: 01473 831949

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OUT & ABOUT

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

CLAYDON & BARHAM WI A most enjoyable year came to its conclusion on December 8 with our Christmas party. The table was laid out with twinkling fairy lights courtesy of Katrina, candles and fir cone arrangements, the arrangements being the competition of the evening. June's beautiful display came first, followed closely by Jill's.

Our meal, as usual, was delicious. Later in the evening the lights were dimmed and we sang our choices of Christmas carols by candle and fairy light, A most enjoyable and moving experience. Later on there was a quiz arranged by Marilyn, a raffle prize for all, and Pat our president handed out our Secret Santa gifts.

We have had some superb speakers this year, meals out and visits to places of interest. Our group carol service was held at Barham Church where our singing was accompanied by Stowmarket Brass Band and some wonderful readings.

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.

We now look forward to 2016, with an interesting programme of events, which we are sure will be as enjoyable as those of 2015.

A very happy New Year to all, and should anyone wish to join our friendly WI, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Barbara: 832330

HENLEY SENIOR CITIZENS For the last meeting in November we met at Laurel Farm for a demonstration of how to create a Christmas wreath. Many thanks to Sam and her helpers for the lovely spread and for making us so welcome.

Once again our Christmas meal on Sunday, December 6 was prepared and cooked by Robert, Jim and Mike. A big thank you to them for all their hard work and the professional way in which it was served. Thanks also to Barbara, Lilly, Ellie and Anita for helping the chefs, also Barrie who made sure that the wine kept flowing, especially for all the washing-up afterwards.

We were entertained firstly by the Barking Bell Ringers which was most enjoyable and we were able to sing along with some of the carols they played. While we enjoyed tea/coffee and mince pies Lilly and Ellie transformed themselves and came out in glittering attire to gave us some ballroom dancing which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

We were sad that Sonia and Pat Wright were unable to join us and we did really miss them.

The day concluded with a rose bush being presented to Peter Wright for his and Pat's forthcoming Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

We wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

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In Touch online:

SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL Christmas is fast approaching as we write this report (although it will all be over by the time you read it!) and the children are busy preparing Christmas songs and performances and working on festive DT projects.

were exhibited in December. Thanks to all staff and parent helpers who worked so hard to create such an amazing display and congratulations to the children involved – we have received such warm feedback about their hard work.

In particular, the Nursery have been learning to sing the Christmas Conga, The Reindeer Dance and Five Little Elves, ready to sing on stage for parents and carers at an open morning with Christmas crafts.

At the end of November, Years 3 and 4 explored the Anglo Saxon burial mound at Sutton Hoo as part of their topic work. They explored the exhibition and had a go at being archaeological detectives.

Children continue to enjoy reading throughout the school and we were delighted that Year 5 were able to visit the LRC at Claydon High School and choose books to borrow, which they are now reading in school. Back in our library, they enjoyed reading books to Reception children.

To support learning about Christianity in RE, Years 3 and 5 visited Barham Church where The Reverend Ablett explained how the church is used

by Christians for worship and what contribution the church makes to the community. In addition, the school was approached by Helen Woodroffe, the Education Officer for St Edmundsbury Cathedral, to participate in a Big Crib exhibition where a selection of cribs are displayed in local churches. Some are made by schools and community groups as well as traditional scenes that are loaned by individuals.

Many cardboard boxes were collected, taped and assembled. Then the children drew around their silhouettes and decorated their designs using collage and paint. Year 1 created Baby Jesus and the Crib, Class 4O created Mary and Joseph and Year 3 created The Three Kings. These were then collected by Beryl Mee of St Mary’s Church at Stoke where they

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL We hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and had a very happy New Year. We are all ready for the start of the spring term with lots of lovely events to look forward to in the coming months. The children should all be well rested and ready for the new term.

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 lunch club (noon-12.30pm) for £1.60. We are happy to accept childcare vouchers and we offer twoyear funded places for any eligible children. We also run a holiday club in the Easter and summer holidays for two to eight year olds – further information can be obtained by contacting the administrator.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Catching up with sport, although the tag rugby club hasn’t been running long, on November 19 some of the players took part in the school games tournament at Westbourne Academy. Despite the good weather forecast, it decided to rain all afternoon. The first game saw us playing very deep and constantly defending our own try line. Despite this, the players enjoyed their first experience. With three games left, we improved our tactics and managed to draw our third game before being outplayed again in our last game. We had one additional game to decide the league positions. The break between meant we had lost some focus and struggled again to attack. Despite the rain and mud, the whole team enjoyed the experience and appreciated how much they had improved during the afternoon.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has supported Claydon Primary School throughout 2015 and we look forward to seeing you all throughout 2016. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and we wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB November prizewinners were: No 18: Nadine Harrison, £20.70 No 13: Elaina Bennett, £10.35 No 17: Marianne Allan, £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 the 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

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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES IS 25 THIS MONTH We will be celebrating our 25th birthday on January 28 with a lovely party. If you have been involved with Young Families in the past, please come along and join us on that day. Our first meeting this year is on January 14. (Both dates 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall).

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.

Our Christmas party was a huge success. A big thank you to Father Christmas who, although very busy, came along to distribute gifts to the children. Our ladies’ raffle went very well, as always, raising more funds for the group. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a fantastic success.

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 preschool children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children.

This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Katie who celebrates in January.

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

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers. As this is the new year edition I thought I would ask the old favourite Mystic Mick for his almanac predictions for the year.

January: Following his Davis Cup success Andy Murray is delighted to find out that Disney is making a cartoon of the event, less so when he discovers that Eeyore is playing his part.

February: The tennis club purchases a speed gun to test players serving speed. Nick is overjoyed to win, but the result is declared void when it’s discovered that a passing tortoise had erroneously been clocked as his tennis ball.

March: Graham is so despondent over Ipswich Town’s latest performance that he nails his season ticket to the Portman Road gates in protest, returning later after regretting his action he is dismayed to find someone has stolen the nail.

April: World Climate Conference issues a new warning on colder winters after Corrine is seen wearing a fleece with sleeves.

May: Home Secretary Theresa May is flattered that this month will be named after her and in future will be known as Useless.

June: Bramford Tennis Club players prepare for Wimbledon. I cannot participate as my Uncle Bulgaria costume needs letting out and my litterpicking tool is broken.

July: Holiday chaos averted at UK airports as baggage handlers vote for a go slow, thus ensuring their speed increases in time for the rush.

August: Clive and Lorna enter the Tour de France. Sensationally they lead throughout the first day until the route passes the first vineyard offering tastings.

September: C4's Time Team features the tennis club in a televised dig when Saxon groats are found on the field. Graham ruins it by finding that they had fallen out of his wallet.

October: Nick hits a clean ace! An extra terrestrial alien race land in Washington and takes over the USA. Delete whichever sounds more unlikely!

November: Alex Neil sensationally quits Norwich City with them top of the Premiership to take up a new career as Gollum in the next Lord of the Rings movie.

December: Oxford archaeologists discover a copy of Mick Russ' monthly guff jokes believed to date from 250BC. They were dated forensically from the whiskers on them.

No space for joke of the month (I have taken pity on you all). I wish you all a very Happy New Year and hope you keep reading (it has to improve at some point).

Mick Russ

TALES FROM THE 19th HOLE Our sixth, and penultimate, event of 2015 took place at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club on October 20. The event had to be rescheduled twice due to essential tree maintenance around the course, and this being a Tuesday proved difficult for many to attend. This was a great shame as it was one of the best outings we’d had for a long time with the club staff so welcoming; they even gave us a great discount on the day. Not only was breakfast gratis, but the post-match bar bill was also covered as part of the original cost. I think that Bury will be first on the list for proposed venues for 2016 at January’s AGM. Eight players competed in two four balls, the highest individual Stableford score would be named the winner. Having experienced a short spell of wet weather and high winds the day before we couldn’t have been luckier on the day with a dry, clement autumnal day. Despite being located behind the busy A14, it was surprisingly peaceful, ideal for the local wildlife busy getting ready for winter. The squirrels in

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particular were plentiful, and busy collecting and storing their nuts ahead of the impending colder climate.

Although not in the same four balls, there were two distinct groups when it came to final scores – Alan, Brian, Keith and Tim averaged close to 30 points while Mike, Paul C, Shaun and Steve had mean scores of under 24. It was no surprise therefore that the prizes went to Tim for the Longest Drive, Alan for Nearest the Pin and Keith winning the day on 32 points, just one ahead of Brian. Battling for the Golden Boot was equally surprising with Paul C taking home the booby prize.

Our Christmas event at Seckford Hall towards the end of December will conclude the 2015 programme. I realise that this will have already taken place as you read this article, so it seems apt to wish you all a Happy New Year with good health and happiness for 2016 from the HOGS.

In Touch online:

Will month

February 2016

Over two thirds of people in the UK do not have a will.

Are you one of them?

If you would like to take up the offer to make a Will for a donation to Age UK Suffolk please contact 01473 359911 to request the details of all participating solicitors, or email: maggie.james@ageuksuffolk.org

Alternatively, do visit our website: www.ageuksuffolk.org • Choose your solicitor • Make your donation to Age UK Suffolk • Write your Will with your chosen solicitor

NOW RECRUITING SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Responsible for advertising sales, account management, business development and sales team and portfolio management for Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print, Boswell Office Supplies and Musical Marketing.

The key tasks include:

In association with

Supported by Registered charity no. 1085900

11/15

WE ARE RECRUITING! Join Headway Suffolk - one of the UK's largest brain injury specialists

•

Responsible for managing and developing an experienced sales team, with a requirement to establish targets and objectives and to motivate staff, develop new business opportunities and revenue streams and to deliver projects successfully.

•

Working closely with the MD to devise and implement marketing strategies (including digital), increasing sales through marketing and reporting on marketing success.

Applicants must have several years of senior media sales experience, ideally within a publishing environment, a proven track record of hitting and exceeding sales targets and excellent experience of managing and motivating sales people.

We are looking for a candidate who can deal professionally with high level clients. The ideal candidate will have experience of successfully developing large accounts and also experience of new business development. Furthermore, we would expect the candidate to have a desire to be a real leader in driving team success.

MAGAZINE DESIGNER / LAYOUT An experienced print and magazine designer / layout to join our small and very busy team.

Community Support Workers Required To support clients with rehabilitation at home and in the community with time to deliver quality care

Good rates of pay | Pension Scheme | Training Paid mileage, time travel & expenses Career progression | Flexible working hours

Tel: 01473 712225 Email CV: nicolacooper@headwaysuffolk.org.uk www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/recruitment www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

You will need to be skilled in page layout, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator with proven ability to make design judgements in relation to page layout and at least three years experience working in print or publishing design.

You will need to work effectively and efficiently under pressure, have a keen eye for detail, natural creative flair and possess strong communication and teamwork skills.

For full details including how to apply please visit: www.grapevinelive.co.uk/category/jobs 17

SPRING 2016 AT THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE

The Last Five Years, an award winning musical from Jason Robert Brown and recently a major motion picture starring Anna Kendrick and Jordan Jamie, headlines the New Wolsey Theatre’s 15th birthday season.

Running from February 25 to March 11, The Last Five Years starts and ends with the beginning of a passionate love affair. Cathy’s story starts with the end of their relationship and follows their tale backwards to when she first fell in love with her young talented lover. Jamie’s story begins with their first passionate encounter and heads forward towards heartache.

The unique style of storytelling and the infectious score makes this one of America’s best modern musicals. Songs include Moving Too Fast, If I Didn’t Believe in You and Goodbye Until Tomorrow.

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(15) 

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Birmingham Repertory Theatre will present The Government Inspector, the first production in the Ramps on the Moon touring project, at the New Wolsey from April 6 to 15. Ramps on the Moon is a ground-breaking touring project that sets out to put more deaf and disabled people on our stages, in our audiences and our workforce. Bringing together seven major theatre companies, it will change the way theatre made by and for D/deaf and disabled people is seen. These companies, which include the New Wolsey Theatre, are committed to putting D/ deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work and stimulating awareness of disability issues within arts and culture.

Gogol’s satirical masterpiece is a hilarious riot of corruption, lies and greed that has lost none of its original bite. The mayor is in a cold sweat. News has reached him of an imminent visit from a government inspector. His fear is well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his official duties. The hospital is a health hazard, the school is a war zone, the soldiers don’t have trousers to march in and he never quite got around to building that church!

Directed by Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director Roxana Silbert, the production includes a creative use of audio description, captioning and British Sign Language.

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      

Katie Birtill, who took the title role in Sweet Charity last autumn, stars with a talented live band to create Cathy and Jamie’s world as it crumbles and reforms around them. It will be directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s artistic director Peter Rowe.

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For full details of the New Wolsey’s jam-packed spring season visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk where you can also book or call the sales team on: 01473 295900 In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

Sue from Woodbridge asks: “My husband and I have a whole of life insurance policy with Scottish Provident with a sum assured of £80,000 payable if either of us dies. For the last 10 years we have paid a premium of just over £29 a month, but they have just written to us to say that following a 10 year review, this will increase to £66 a month. My husband says there is no point in looking around for a better deal, as we are 10 years older than we were when we took the policy out, so all insurance companies will charge about the same premium for that level of cover. Is that true?”

Not necessarily Sue. If you do some shopping around before you accept the increase, you could save yourselves a lot of money.

A whole of life policy runs until you die or until you cancel the policy.

At outset the insurance company calculates how much they need to charge you in order to provide a set level of cover if you die. This calculation is based upon your age, health, lifestyle, and your job, as all these factors will influence the risk. Unless you have a policy with guaranteed or fixed premiums, most whole of life policies are reviewed after 10 years, and again every five years after that.

Your husband is right to say that the premium will cost you more now because you are 10 years older, but it’s definitely worth shopping around for a better deal. Not all companies apply the same rates for a new policy as they do for an existing policy after it has been in force for a few years.

A few months ago I saw a couple who had a whole of life plan with Aviva with a sum assured of £70,000. At the 10-year review point, Aviva wrote to them to tell them that the premium would increase from £24.31 a month to £114.51 if they wished to maintain the same level of cover. That was an increase of 375%!

I did some shopping around and found them a similar whole of life policy with Canada Life International with the same sum assured.

The premium for this plan was £32.60 a month, which was again guaranteed for another initial period of 10 years. Obviously, these clients will face another potential premium increase after 10 years have elapsed, but switching the policy means they will have saved over £9,800 in premiums over that 10-year period for the same level of cover.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice.

Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK Our children and grandchildren deserve the very best start in life and it is our responsibility to provide them with the skills that they need to be successful. A new year is a good time to reflect on our achievements of the last few months and look forward to the challenges ahead, and I am very pleased that at the end of last year I was successful in helping to persuade the government to reform the current unfair school funding formula.

We are very lucky in our part of Suffolk to have many high quality headteachers and schools. However, when it comes to funding, schools in Suffolk have historically received lower levels of funding compared to other local authorities. The 10 best funded areas in England on average received grants of £6,297 per pupil last year, compared with an average of just £4,208 per pupil in the 10 most poorly funded areas. In Suffolk, we have received only £4,362 per pupil, and this needs to change.

Different levels of funding for individual schools with similar pupil needs is arbitrary and unfair and is based on a historical calculation which is open to political manipulation. Currently, schools that are similar but in different parts of the country can receive very different levels of financial

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

support, despite educating children with the same needs. I have had many meetings with our headteachers and governors in Suffolk who have long acknowledged that the existing funding formula is unfair to rural counties like Suffolk.

I believe that the funding of schools should be fairer and more transparent, enabling schools to meet the needs of their pupils, and at a time of spending restraint it is more important than ever that funding is allocated based on pupil need. Extra resources should clearly follow those pupils who might need extra help and support, such as pupils from poorer backgrounds. Our current system falls well short of this. The distribution of funding is not fair, and that’s why I am pleased to have played a role in helping it to change.

For some time now I have been pushing the government to deliver a fairer school funding formula as a member of the f40 group, which represents a group of the lowest funded education authorities in England where government-set cash allocations for primary and secondary pupils are the lowest in the country. F40 has been campaigning since 1996 to change the way the government allocates funding to local authorities and schools with the support of MPs, councillors, education directors, governors, headteachers, parents

and teaching union representatives. For Suffolk, reforming the formula will mean an addition £178.06 for each and every pupil in Suffolk.

In October last year I called on Prime Minister David Cameron to deliver fairer funding for schools in rural Suffolk in a letter signed by 111 f40 MPs from all political parties representing poorly funded local councils. I was delighted when the chancellor, George Osborne, announced in his Autumn Statement on November 25 that the government has accepted our fairer funding formula proposal.

I then presented the petition on behalf of schools and pupils in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich to parliament.

I am delighted that 362 people signed the petition in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and I am enormously grateful to everybody who has taken the time to get involved. This effort underlines how much people want to see a fairer deal for our children and grandchildren and I will continue to push for the best deal possible for our pupils in Suffolk.

I would like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2016.

For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com

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

Tel: 01473 831247 Mob: 07810 291157

E: claydontilingltd@btinternet.com 20

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO WRITE YOUR WILL IN 2016 Age UK Suffolk is organising a Will Month during February 2016 and have invited solicitors in Suffolk to offer a free will writing service for a donation to the charity. The scheme in association with the East Anglian Daily Times aims to raise awareness of the importance of making a will.

Over two thirds of people in the UK do not have a will! As a new year approaches there has never been a better time to make sure you are prepared for the future.

Older people are living longer and care needs, lasting power of attorney, second marriages, extended families, civil partnerships, funeral costs, inheritance tax all need to be addressed. Planning for later life is essential and making a will is so important to avoid many complications and extra costs and to ensure your beneficiaries are protected and you will have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be fulfilled.

A basic single or mirror will is being offered for a suggested donation to Age UK Suffolk and the following solicitors are taking part: Goodwin Cowley Solicitors, Fosters Solicitors, Atkins Thomson Solicitors, Gross & Co Solicitors, Jackamans Solicitors, Norton Peskett Solicitors, Petersfields LLP Solicitors, Ellisons Solicitors, Watkins Stewart & Ross Solicitors, Christchurch Solicitors LLP, Michael Smith & Co Solicitors, Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors, Blocks Solicitors, Haywards Solicitors and Fairweather Stephenson & Co Solicitors.

Age UK Suffolk rely on legacies and donations, particularly as they are suffering major cuts in funding from statutory sources and will need to fundraise for almost 75% of the cos ts of its services in the future.

For more information contact Maggie James – 01473 359911 / maggie.james@ageuksuffolk.org – or visit: www.ageuksuffolk.org

ST PETER’S CHURCH, HENLEY

THE FUTURE’S...

A slogan is a memorable motto or phrase used in a political, commercial, religious, and other context as a repetitive expression of an idea or purpose. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slogan) There may be many you can remember and it may make a good game to play during this New Year holiday. To get you started here’s one: The future’s bright – the future’s orange.

In 2008, Orange’s slogan, ‘The future’s bright – the future’s Orange’ was dropped after many years by its CEO Tom Alexander in a bid to save its ailing fortunes. From July 2008 to 2013, ‘I am’ became the main slogan, shortened from ‘I am who I am because of everyone’, though subsidiary slogans were used to describe the company’s products and services, for example ‘I am more focus, less fuzz’ was used to describe the Samsung Soul handset.

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_(UK)

As we go into 2016 we go again into the unknown of what another year will bring. We are not sure what the future holds for any of us, which can lead to fear and anxiety. Maybe the future isn’t quite as bright as we were once led to believe.

It is interesting to see how Orange dropped its slogan in 2008 for the shortened one of ‘I am’. This was how Jesus called Himself and it didn’t go down well with many who heard him for they knew he was calling himself God. There is an old hymn, which I like to remind myself of when I think about the future. It goes like this: I do not know what lies ahead the way I cannot see Yet One stands near to be my guide, He’ll show the way to me: I know who holds the future, and He’ll guide me with His hand; With God things don’t just happen, everything by Him is planned.

So as I face tomorrow, with its problems large and small, I’ll trust the God of miracles, give to Him my all.

I do not know how many days of life are mine to spend; but One who knows and cares for me will keep me to the end: I do not know the course ahead, what joys and griefs are there; but One is near who fully knows, I’ll trust His loving care: Do you know the One to whom this hymn writer speaks of?

SERVICES

Clergy: The Rev Cathy Austin, 830100 Churchwardens: Richard Self, 831930

Margaret Gerrard, 831463

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

Services for January

Wednesday: Fortnightly women’s meeting, 2.30pm; fortnightly prayer and Bible study, 10am.

Sunday 3 9am Monday 4 9.15am Sunday 10 10am Saturday 16 10.30am

Sunday 17 10am Sunday 24 6.30pm Tuesday 26 7.30pm Sunday 31 5pm Monday, February 1 9.15am Sunday, February 7 9am

Morning Prayer Prayer Group Family Service Vestry Café – tea, coffee, cakes and produce, followed by light lunches served from noon-1pm.

All welcome Family Communion Evensong PCC meeting – in the vestry Fifth at Five Prayer Group Said Communion

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Friday: Action Bible Club, meet by Great Blakenham Village Hall, 6.30-7.30pm – games, crafts and stories for ages five to 12.

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

of our ancient church building. This has all been thanks to the generous hospitality of Mr and Mrs Burrows.

Unfortunately due to clashes of dates we will not be having a concert this year but it will hopefully return in 2017. In the meantime make a note in your diaries that the gardens will be open on Sunday, June 26 in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice so you don’t have to miss out on seeing the gardens.

SOME DATES FOR 2016 Below are some dates that have already been fixed by the PCC or phases of the moon.

Ash Wednesday – The beginning of Lent Mothering Sunday Palm Sunday – Start of Holy Week Easter Day Church Fete – Venue TBA Running Sideshows at Village Gala Day J-Team Holiday Chub at Church

These are always the most difficult notes to prepare as I need to hit a submission deadline of December 4. At this time I am only just starting to think seriously about Christmas let alone the end of January in another year!

February 10 March 6 March 20 March 27 June 11 July 9 August 10-12

DEPARTED

DIARY DATES FOR JANUARY

We offer our sympathy, love and prayers to the families and friends of those who have recently died including Joyce Marsh of Drury Road and Sue Whiting of Claydon Church Lane.

Sunday, January 3

Holy Communion (said), 8am First Sunday Communion, 10am followed at noon by the shared Epiphany Lunch

INTERREGNUM

Thursday, January 7

Sunshine Service at village hall, 10am

As most readers will be aware, our church, together with Henley and Great Blakenham, is currently in the middle of what is known in church language as an interregnum, as we have been without a parish priest for the past six months. The PCCs from the three parishes have their final consultation meeting with Bishop Martin on January 12 before active recruitment of a new priest begins. It is likely to be at least another six months before a new priest-in-charge is in post. Please pray that the right person will be called to serve here and to lead us into the future. During the interregnum the rectory is being privately rented out on a shorthold tenancy.

Friday, January 8

Communion at Alasdair Place, 2.30pm

Sunday, January 10

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

Monday, January 11

Monday Prayers at 10 Phillipps Road, 8pm

Tuesday, January 12

PCC joint consultation meeting with the bishop, Great Blakenham Parish Room, 7pm

Thursday, January 14

Young Families at village hall, 9.30am

Sunday, January 17

Holy Communion (said), 8am Community Worship, 10am, guest speaker from Support Tanzanian Orphans and Widows

Saturday, January 23

Wedding preparation morning, 9.30am

Sunday, January 24

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

EPIPHANY SHARED LUNCH

Tuesday, January 26

PCC meets in church hall, 7.30pm

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. This is a great opportunity to ease yourself out of the Christmas celebrations before everything returns to normal.

Wednesday, January 27 Communion at St Peter’s Court 2.30pm

St Peter’s Church in Claydon is closed for regular public worship and maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust.

A BIG THANK YOU It’s fair to say that any visitor to the church or parishioner requiring our services would probably be totally unaware that we were in an interregnum. For this we have to say a big thanks to our unpaid ministry team, churchwardens and others for the fantastic job they have done and continue to do on our behalf. When a new priest arrives he will find a group of churches that are in good heart and ready to move forward under his or her leadership.

BARHAM HALL GARDENS BAND CONCERT Over the past nine years many readers will have joined us for some wonderful July evenings in the beautiful gardens of Barham Hall. Here we have enjoyed good music, good food and good company in beautiful surroundings as well as raising many thousands towards the maintenance

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Thursday, January 28

Young Families 25th birthday party at village hall, 9.30am

Sunday, January 31

Sunday, February 7

Note: No 8am service today Fifth Sunday Communion with the archdeacon at Henley Holy Communion (said), 8am First Sunday Communion, 10am

We wish all readers and very happy and peaceful 2016.

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