In Touch News with Claydon – June 2016

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In Touch

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with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 6 • Issue No. 8 • JUNE 2016

Cover image by Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

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In Touch online:

NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’ve gotten to know the lollipop lady outside Jack’s school quite well over the years. We have talked about her daughter, who is in high school, her son, who is in college, the fact that she’s been on a diet and her yellow coat is now far too big… Now you may wonder when we have time to chat and rather surprisingly it’s as we stand waiting for cars to stop each morning. She holds her lollipop aloft, arm outstretched to prevent eager children from running across the road, and we wait, and wait, and wait as driver after driver pretends not to see us, gaze focused directly ahead, determined to get to somewhere awfully special (I assume). Occasionally they will wave as if to say “I acknowledge your existence but you must realise how incredibly busy and important I am so I’m going to ignore your request”. And we carry on waiting. Just the other morning a driver stopped, forcing the driver coming from the other direction to reluctantly (there are some words it’s rather easy to lip read!) to do the same thing. Just as the lollipop lady set off another car overtook one of the stopped cars, forcing her to jump back onto the footpath. What was he thinking? If the prospect of being 30 seconds late is so appalling then get up earlier or take a different route.

If you are driving past a school please be sensible and respectful and let’s show those impressionable boys and girls waiting to cross how it should be done.

On the subject of responsibility, we just got two rabbits, yet unnamed but very cute. I’ve been telling Jack it’s his responsibility to look after them, stressing time and time again how important it is to make sure the hutch is properly closed. As we came downstairs this morning he shouted “the rabbits are running around the garden” – and so they were! And who was the last person to visit the hutch? Me!! By the time we got to school Jack had told eight people what I’d done, including the lollipop lady. My authority has been completely undermined, but I’ve come up with a way to make this work to my benefit. Clearly I’m not up to the task so Jack really has to take over in order to keep those rabbits safe!

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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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

CLAYDON & BARHAM CHURCH FABRIC FUND

CELEBRATION IN FLOWERS A weekend to celebrate our Queen’s 90th year at Barham Church IP6 0PT Saturday, June 4 to Monday 6 There will be flower arrangements depicting life in each decade from the 1920s, when the Queen was born.

Come along and enjoy the beauty of the flowers and allow yourself to wallow in nostalgia.

Open from 10am on Saturday, 11.30am on Sunday and 10am on Monday, with tea, coffee, cake and books

ANNUAL TRADITIONAL VILLAGE FETE Saturday, June 4 from 2pm in the church grounds All the usual popular stalls, sideshows and refreshments (no commercial stalls) Free admission, free shuttle service from York Crescent and Edinburgh Gardens Ample parking at the church For further information contact Roger (831079) or Des (831804) Proceeds from both events will go to the maintenance of the church building for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.

NEW BOOK DETAILS HISTORY OF HEMINGSTONE Hidden Hemingstone Revealed by Chris Codd

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

It has taken five years to research and write. It covers the development of the village from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day and the people who lived and worked there.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

Revised rural transport tenders affecting several areas of Suffolk will be implemented on June 13. In order to explain the changes, there will be a public meeting at all district councils. In order to participate, SCC has asked interested people to contact them on the Suffolk On Board website so that they are aware of numbers: www.suffolkonboard.com

JULY DEADLINE 10 JUNE 2016

is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Subjects covered include ancient families, farm estates, the parochial workhouse, the brewery, the brickworks, armed forces, the school, tradesmen, biographies, St Gregory’s Church and much more. In total 31 chapters. 400+ pages and 300+ photos.

The book will hopefully go into print at the end of July/early August. If you would like to order a copy (price between £15-£17.50), please contact Chris Codd: 01449 761707 / chriscodd@btinternet.com

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL’S CONNECTING COMMUNITIES EVENT

The meeting for Mid Suffolk District Council residents will be held in the Dove Room, MSDC offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market starting at 10.30am on Wednesday, June 8 and is expected to last about one hour.

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NEWS LUCY’S LONDON MARATHON JOURNEY A huge undertaking. A challenge.

Turning a negative situation into a positive for others and myself. The Virgin London Marathon 2016.

GUIDE DOG AWARENESS

I trained hard and stuck to an intensive training schedule, and it paid off on the day. I completed the 26.2 miles in four hours 33 minutes and raised £2,500 for the Critical Care Unit at Ipswich Hospital and £3,000 for the NSPCC – so far.

Hello, my name is Carolyn and I have a black Labrador guide dog called Ally. Most of you have probably seen us wondering around the village. We have been together now for three years and my life has completely changed. Not only is she my independence, but my lovely companion. After working with me for about a year Ally was attacked outside the One Stop Shop. Her face was bitten and her confidence was diminished. A few weeks later, whilst enjoying a free run at the local park, she was attacked again by a larger dog which resulted in her having veterinary treatment. Needless to say this has left my dog with confidence issues, sometimes resulting in her showing bad behaviour.

I traveled up on the Ipswich Jaffa coach with my brother Marcus Catlin and many amazing runners. The atmosphere and trepidation was starting to build even at 6am. On arrival I got my running shoes and my NSPCC running vest and number ready and prepared myself for the huge challenge I was about to begin. As I joined the other runners on the start line the atmosphere was electric, and I along with 37,000 other runners were poised ready to run our socks off. The countdown began and we all clapped and cheered as we started off.

Occasionally when I am out working with her she will growl at other dogs, which can obviously trigger a reaction which can be traumatic for me, Ally and the other dog and owner. I have had help and advice from trainers at guide dogs, they have assured me that this is fear and not aggression.

This behaviour only occurs when Ally is in harness and working, which is when she feels vulnerable. She is actually a very sociable girl and lots of your dogs often play with her at the park. So I am asking you to consider the following if you see me out with her.

I set into a steady pace, my breathing was good and I was feeling okay.

I was running past a rhino, fireman, even Jesus made an appearance, and the Rhino came past me again along with a dinosaur and camel!

I am completely blind, therefore unaware that you are approaching me with your dog. So please let me know verbally in plenty of time so that I can prepare for you to pass me with your dog without incident. If I can sit her down, drop a harness and reassure her, she is absolutely fine. I have had two recent incidents outside the One Stop. On one occasion the other person refused to speak to me at all. This left me oblivious to what actually happened, which dog started it and how to rectify the problem.

The spectators and family along the route were amazing and cheered me on. The thought of my dad, friends whom I have lost, my family and the money raised provided huge motivation. Knowing the support received from friends, customers of Lucy Jane Flowers in Debenham, my son Hayden’s football team, Claydon FC, and the wonderful donations received including Tesco’s from Stowmarket who donated more than £100 worth of food, Hamilton Smith, Riverhills, Arcade Tavern, Fred Olsen, Highland Motors, the list is endless, meant that every mile I completed my legs were spurred still further on.

The finishing line was nearing and the last few miles were proving difficult.

I kept my breathing under control and although my legs felt tired I was nearly there. Thoughts of my dear friend Helen (in whose memory I was running) moved me further on. Finishing and crossing the line was simply amazing. I was hit by tiredness and elation and was very emotional, but I had succeeded.

I had prepared for so long for this day and I did it. A huge achievement, a fantastic amount of money raised and I loved every minute of it.

I really want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped, supported and donated since January as without you I would not have been able to achieve what I have.

Lucy Ransome I will find out in October if I am running the Marathon again. I can’t wait, and for all of you who feel that you could do it, it’s definitely worth every moment.

A MIDSEMER NIGHT’S DREAM – THE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW As mentioned in the May edition, Six Acre Productions will be performing a new murder mystery by Tom Hitchcock on July 1, 2, 8 and 9 at Manor Farm in Semer (IP7 6JB).

These shows always prove popular so don’t miss out. As usual, there will be some stunning raffle prizes each night to raise money for Suffolk Community Foundation. There will be a licensed bar, ample parking and a light supper (included in the price) provided by Le Petit Paris, Hadleigh. Tickets are £12 and seating is allocated around tables (eight max per table). To book your tickets, contact: 07508 472142 / sixacreproductions@live.co.uk For more information, please visit www.sixacreproductions.co.uk or find us on Facebook.

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I am very approachable and hopeful that with time and patience Ally will settle down again. I would be very grateful for your cooperation to help me and Ally achieve our harmonious partnership again.

Many thanks, Carolyn Allum

SUFFOLK ENERGY FROM WASTE FACILITY Staffing Five staff have recently left, or handed in their notice, and this has led to new job opportunities on site.

John Tatton, one of the original staff recruited in 2012, has been promoted from technical engineer to maintenance manager.

Other positions to be filled, either through internal promotion or new candidates, include: two shift managers; technical engineer, assistant maintenance manager, mechanical technician, operations technician and day operative.

Interviews for some of these have already been held, but others are yet to be advertised. All job opportunities are listed at: www.sita.co.uk Shut-down The spring shut-down, to allow for routine maintenance and cleaning, was completed slightly ahead of schedule. There were no major issues and everything ran smoothly. Extra staff needed on site during the shutdown parked at the nearby football club, and shuttle-buses brought them to site. The next shut-down will be in November.

Landscaping The meadow at the front of the site and the banks of the pond will shortly be re-seeded to create a haven for wildlife. Unfortunately, the original seeding had not established before sections had to be dug up because of a leak in a water pipe, which has now been mended.

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

In Touch online:

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NEWS CLAYDON & WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL

Members: Gail Cornish, 4 Alasdair Place, Drury Road, Claydon IP6 0ET / 834035 Anne Dunford, 30 Newell Rise, Claydon IP6 0AQ / 831846

Annual meeting At the recent annual parish council meeting it was

with great regret that we accepted the resignation of Councillor Fenella Blastland who is moving away from the village.

On behalf of the parish council the chairman thanked Fenella for her work and wise counsel over many years and gave her very best wishes for the future.

Nigel Gutteridge, 54 Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / 830072

There are now three vacancies on the parish council which we are very keen to fill. Councillors receive no payment for their work, but are not volunteers because they are either elected or co-opted to serve by law. Parish councils are given powers by parliament to act on behalf of their local communities as a third tier of government. They have a statutory right to be informed and comment on certain matters and also obligations to carry out a range of duties. This gives a unique opportunity for councillors to really make a difference within the community that they serve by improving the quality of life and the local environment through the delivery of services to meet local needs. If you are interested please contact our parish clerk for further information.

John Williams, Tregona, Station Road, Claydon IP6 0HT / 830698

Other matters of interest which were discussed included: Our new Police Community Support Officer, Mark Page, began duties on May 8 and will be shared with Barham, Great Blakenham and Henley Parish Councils until March 31, 2017.

Discussions are on-going between residents, the parish council and Suffolk County Council regarding the inconsiderate and dangerous parking on Old Ipswich Road.

Very early discussions have taken place to decide whether CCTV cameras within the village would be appropriate and/or affordable.

Your parish councillors for 2016/17 Chairman: Chris Studd, Valley View, Church Lane, Claydon IP6 0EG / 831816 Vice-chairman: Gavin Wood, 56 Edinburgh Gardens, Claydon IP6 0DU / 832047

Linda Kitchen, 5 Station Road, Claydon IP6 0HS / 833693 Mary Le-May, 813 Old Norwich Road, Ipswich IP1 6LH / 462072 Glenn Risbridger, Fieldview Cottage, 7 The Slade, Claydon IP6 0EX / 832590 John Whitehead, 9 Highfield Drive, Claydon IP6 0EY / 833279 Claydon Pharmacy As a result of our article in the May edition of In Touch we thank all residents who called into the pharmacy and signed the petition against possible closure. The parish council will continue to monitor the situation and take any action necessary to maintain this vital service to the community.

Responsible dog ownership We have been asked to remind dog owners of their responsibility to control dogs where walks involve close contact with farm animals. Although we are not aware that this is a problem within the Claydon area, the number of attacks by dogs on sheep and other farm animals is increasing nationally. Therefore if you walk your dog in fields where farm animals are roaming free, please ensure that they are kept on a lead and are not allowed to cause distress in any other way.

Parish clerk, Mrs S Eagle: 01473 687384 (answer machine available) / claywhit@btinternet.com 7 Leicester Close, Ipswich IP2 9EX Please include your name on all correspondence.

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

HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL We’ve got some information now from the vehicle activated sign, which you will have noticed encouraging drivers (not you, obviously) to stick to the speed limit.

In addition to warning drivers if they are driving too fast, it also records every vehicle’s speed as it goes by. In April the sign was on the southbound side of Main Road, in the 30mph zone not far inside the village limit. An impressive 24,374 vehicles passed the sign during the month; 85 per cent of them were travelling at 38mph or less.

Over the course of the month the average speed of vehicles passing the sign was 29.9mph. Of those which exceeded the speed limit, the average speed was just less than 40mph.

At 8.25am on April 5 someone drove past the sign at a shocking 65mph.

The fact that we have this information and will publish it regularly may help encourage legal driving speeds – and if we detect a pattern at particular times we can of course pass that on to the police so they can help identify offenders. There is a bit more speeding on Thursdays and Fridays and considerably less at the weekends.

We will be moving the sign around so that we get a picture from the other approach roads to the village – and we’ll find out whether people are observing the 20mph zone outside the school.

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At our annual village meeting on May 10 it was great to receive so many reports from village groups and organisations – the primary school, the church, the community centre, the bowls club, the senior citizens, the WI, HOGS, the WEA, Henley Players and the folk night. We are publishing all the reports on the village website and through our regular email list.

If you haven’t seen one of the reports and would like a copy, just contact the clerk.

At the AGM on the same evening Kevin Griggs was elected chairman of the parish council for another year and we would like to thank the two people who have (tentatively) come forward to express an interest in being parish councillors.

The parish council has also decided to go ahead with construction of a footpath that will join the community centre car park to the footpath on Church Meadows. This should be a benefit to everyone, particularly those who use the car park and walk to the school.

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

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: MAY 2016 DEVOLUTION Norfolk’s involvement is now not so certain and there appears to be considerable disquiet among our MPs. The benefits of greater local control of transport and planning still remain for those likely to exercise that control but are less obvious for the rest of us.

Councils will debate the issue in June and final ratification of the agreement that the Chancellor announced will then take place, or not depending on the make-up of the councils and the power of the whips.

ROADS A long meeting with Highways management yielded some useful information. On the positive side, additional government money is allowing some work to proceed.

Re-surfacing of Bramford Road in Great Blakenham in June and removal of the normally mud obscured central bollards will eliminate a perpetual problem. Two will return later as part of the Blakenham Fields work at the entrance junction.

Patching then surface dressing on Fitzgerald Road and part of Loraine Way in Bramford, Bulls Road, Lower Road and part of the B1078 in Hemingstone and Back Lane (Circular Road) in Baylham will be welcome improvements.

On the down side, the county team that translates our requirements into a scheme, agrees price and gets the work under way, will shrink.

Maintenance work will be under a government incentive scheme that relies on machine inspection of surfaces not local judgment. That makes firm dates for the work you want even more difficult to get. We did discuss a range of works you want but the dates and funding are just too uncertain to present as plans.

DISTRICT COUNCIL The Conservative group has changed leadership and the portfolio holders responsible for political control of the major elements of council work.

Meanwhile the chief executive is moving to Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Charlie Adan has masterminded the amalgamation of Babergh and Mid Suffolk employee teams and several rounds of management re-organisation and reduction.

A strategic plan refresh after the election has produced some change in emphasis but leaves much ambiguity. We all want to deliver good services for Suffolk at a reasonable cost, but some just want the lowest possible cost. What does the plan deliver?

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL The replacement for the 1987 Local Plan is progressing but there have been more changes of senior staff. The completion date is now 2019. This plan must be finished and more land for housing allocated, a five-year supply, or we will have to tolerate developments wherever developers own land.

We need more housing if price rises are to be moderate so that young people have a chance to own their own home. However, none of us wants an approach that destroys the aspects of Suffolk we value.

The impact of recent budget changes on the plan to build council housing and to invest the £25 million the council has given itself the authority to borrow is still not clear.

POLICE AND PARKING The new safer neighbourhood team, partly based in Landmark House but controlled via a sergeant in Hadleigh, is learning the territory.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

They have responded to requests from residents and me to look at parking by schools but appear to find what is clearly obstruction difficult to deal with.

POLICE AND CRIME PANEL After the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, which returned Tim Passmore for a second term, the panel has looked for improvements in its approach to supporting and challenging him. The panel decided to examine his performance on domestic violence, fatalities on Suffolk roads, and the techniques he uses to monitor police performance.

FULL COUNCIL The meeting opened with a petition presented by a firefighter and signed by some 3,675 people asking that full council and not just the cabinet should vote on the Fire Service reductions. The administration rejected that view. We then debated at length a motion supported by all opposition members to reverse the proposed reductions in the Fire and Rescue Service that in the Ipswich area amounted to 50%. The vote was very close and losses from the Conservative ranks are making this more likely.

In Ipswich, which was to have three appliances, there are high-rise buildings that require four appliances in attendance before rescue work can begin. In a fire, they are particularly hazardous structures.

We were also concerned that across the county resources will reduce to such an extent that risk to property and life will increase significantly.

The argument is that a reduction in call outs produced by the preventative work undertaken by the service, allows a reduction in staff and appliances. Improvements in building construction standards, materials and safety rules have also helped. Improvements in vehicle safety features, seat belts, airbags, reduction in risk from materials and improvements to the basic strength of the passenger compartment have had similar effects.

The response to the consultation, which was overwhelmingly against the staff and appliance reductions, has been to reverse a number of the reductions. In Ipswich four fire engines will remain, meeting the attendance standard for high-rise buildings, providing all are available.

However, the number of full time firefighters who are able to respond 24/7, not just when they are not at work, will still drop by sixteen.

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 CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK

INTRODUCING YOUR NEW SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

Time is now marching on and we are very busy preparing for the arrival of the main group of children at the beginning of July this year.

Dear Readers, The new county policing model for Suffolk Police has been in operation since April 4. These changes have been made to the structure of local policing and the way in which we deliver our services to the public. There are now nine locality teams strategically located across the county who will work with partners to deal with local priorities.

We now have all the children’s ages and sizes so can be more accurate in the clothing we are collecting for them. We have one eight-year-old child who is very small for her age at only 1.22m tall, a few tall and slim eight and nine year olds, many at the regular size for their age but some up to 1.41m tall and some children who are bigger than average size for their age. So, if you have any good quality second-hand clothing you can donate we would be very grateful. In particular we are looking for good winter coats, leggings and elasticated waist skirts, plus the usual T-shirts and tops. In particular we would like to be able to provide a swimsuit for each child. We only have two boys coming this year, one aged eight who is a big boy and needs clothing sized for 9/11yrs and one boy of nine of average size. Our host families provide a great deal for the children during their visit so everything we can provide can only help to keep the costs down for them.

We do buy a new pair of trainers for all the children, but in an effort to allow them to take them home in the best condition possible we also aim to give each child a pair of good quality second hand trainers to be used for messy activities. We currently need two pairs boys 3/4, and for girls three pairs size 1/2, four pairs size 2/3 and two pairs size 4. Any donations can be dropped for my attention to the charity shop in Needham Market, open Tuesday to Saturday.

We have received many donations of the simple medicines that we give to the children to take home to their families. These might not seem that valuable but to the families we support they are priceless as they are not allowed to buy any goods that are not manufactured in Belarus and the quality of the product is much, much lower than in the UK. It may say the same thing on the box but the contents can be entirely different. If you would like to contribute to the medicine collection or any of the other items we need for the children you can contact me by phone or email and I will be happy to send a list. Alternatively, if you can’t get to us but would still like to support the children we have now setup a specific justgiving page for this purpose: www.justgiving.com/chernobylmidsuffolk A big thank you as always to everyone for all their support Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

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.

Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is currently based at the police station in Hadleigh, however, we do cover a vast area of some 49 villages – from Hemingstone to the north, Brantham to the south, Nayland to the west and Shotley to the east.

THE TEAM Inspector Kevin Horton: covers whole of Ipswich West / Hadleigh Sgt Gary Milbourne: covering Hadleigh and surrounding villages) PCs: Chris Garrod, Enise Bala, Di Porter and Sarah George PCSOs: Julia Bignell, Jo Adams, Denise Ford and Stephen Cooper SNTs will work with partner agencies to deliver local solutions to local problems, focusing on early intervention and prevention. Emergency calls will be responded to by response teams covering the whole area.

In next month’s article I will go into more depth about the way we will be working and useful information regarding contacting us about issues within your community.

But for now, can I just remind you that the police station front desk at Hadleigh is no longer open to members of the public. The closest one for us would be Museum Street, Ipswich.

For emergency calls 999 / non-emergency calls 101 Email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Until next month, PCSO 3173 Julia Bignell, Hadleigh SNT, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD

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

The group currently supports five organisations: • 4Ever Young Men’s Group (see page 17) meeting at the Crown, Claydon on the third Wednesday of each month • Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club (see page 17) meeting at the Parish Rooms, Great Blakenham on the first Friday of each month • Gipping Valley Art Society meets at the Parish Rooms, Great Blakenham every Tuesday afternoon • The Book Club is an informal group which meets at the Crown, Claydon on the last Thursday of the month • The Knitting Group is a relaxed and friendly group meeting at Alasdair Place, Claydon on the first Thursday of the month.

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

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

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

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In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS

Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett

LONG AWAITED NEWS WILL HELP SAVE THE DUKE Hooray! At long last HMRC has approved our proposed loan scheme for Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR).

We’re one of only a handful of community pub projects to have approval for SITR borrowing – and we’re determined to make the most of this new opportunity. We strongly believe it will help us raise enough money (over and above the £200,000 already raised through shareholding) to put in an offer for the Duke of Marlborough.

What makes us so sure? Well, a number of people have already registered their intent to lend lump sums from £5,000 to £50,000.

Given the impressive return on investment (equivalent to approximately 7% per annum) others are sure to come forward. If you, or friends or family are in a position to invest such sums and are interested in benefiting from this opportunity, please read the detail further down, and contact us straight away.

Remember shares are still on sale, and 30% tax relief is also available on those through HMRC’s Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). The more shares we sell, the less we need to pay back in loans, so please keep encouraging your contacts to invest in this way too. Shareholders will be invited to join our members’ club and receive discounts and offers – and invitations to special events.

Advertise here for

£30

Hopefully, now things will at last get moving and we will be in a position to buy our pub in the not too distant future. We will be organising an update meeting in the village in the next few weeks and will let you know the details soon. Let’s keep in touch. Any questions, please contact us, it’s always good to hear from you!

James: marlboroughsomersham@gmail.com / 01473 831352

*

a month

Please call 01473 400380 * Terms & conditions apply

SITR The scheme was set up by the government to stimulate investment in community-owned businesses such as ours. The investment has to be for a set number of years (four) to allow time for the businesses to develop.

Anyone can lend a lump sum and can offset 30% of their investment against their tax bill. Clearly this is dependent on personal tax liabilities of at least the same amount as the investment.

SITR – DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH AND YOUR LOAN Interested in lending a lump sum? Great: you will get a fantastic return on investment!

Main conditions • To be entitled to 30% tax relief you need to be a UK taxpayer and have tax liabilities at least equivalent to your investment.

• Loans are for four years and need to be from £5,000 to £50,000

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

Tel: 01473 831247 Mob: 07810 291157

E: claydontilingltd@btinternet.com 12

• Your loan will be paid back in full at the end of the four-year term For full details, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/hqskzrr Main benefits • You’ll receive 100% of your loan back, plus the extra 30% offset against your tax bill. This works out as the equivalent of around 7.5% APR, a very favourable rate compared to most savings accounts or cash ISAs. • You’ll be enabling us to put in an offer for the Duke and get it up and running.

Next step If you, or friends or family are in a position to benefit from this scheme, you need to register your interest straight away – or in any case by Monday, June 13. Please email James on marlboroughsomersham@gmail.com for a loan pack or call him on 01473 831352. Loans need to be from £5,000 to £50,000. Your support will enable us to make an offer to Roger and Hazel and finally get this community pub project off the ground.

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OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Church Lane, Claydon IP6 0EG The club has a full range of events in June, some organised by the community centre and other private events and bookings. The hall, lounge and Compton Room have seen a steady increase in bookings.

FUTURE EVENTS Saturday, June 11: An evening of karaoke, starting at 7.30pm. Come along and be a star for the night and dazzle your friends.

Saturday, June 19: Peter and the CBCC invite you to a joint musical evening with live music from the very popular Suffolk group Harley Street Band: www.harleystreetband.co.uk Doors open at 7pm and the band starts at 8pm. This is a free event to all in the community. If you are going to attend, could you please contact the centre and register your interest, as we will have to restrict numbers to the first 100.

BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS In the course of a lively AGM, members of Bar-Clay Music Makers voted to stage a production of Goldie Locks and Some Other Guys, a new pantomime written by BMM member Sharon Hulm. This will be staged on the last two weekends of January 2017. That seems a long way off, but the process starts in July with a read-through on Wednesday, July 6 and an audition on Wednesday, July 13, both at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

Director Alex Jolly and an enthusiastic production team are in place. What we need now is you! If you would like to be involved, either on the stage or behind the scenes, please come along to these meetings and make yourself known. There is a wide choice of roles, whatever your age or experience, and this is your chance to become part of a well-established and much-loved panto group based in Claydon.

For more information please contact Vera: 01473 836972

Wednesday, July 6: Ryan Gooding Psychic Night, Claydon Pre-School fundraising event. This event is not organised by CBCC. Saturday, July 9: The CBCC has organised a gala day with live music in the evening with The Preservatives: www.thepreservatives.wix.com/band We have a wide and varied range of ales, ciders and lagers both draft and bottled. Also available is Guinness and mild and our premium lager, San Miguel, is now on tap. We have pints of bitter starting from just £2.50 a pint, and lager from just £2.90. www.claydonandbarhamcommunitycentre.co.uk / 01473 831805 Facebook: Claydon Community Centre

Henley Community Centre Friday 3rd June 7:30pm Saturday 4th June 2:30pm & 7:30pm

01473833226

CLAYDON AND BARHAM VILLAGE HALL Dates for June Thursday 2

Sunshine Service Silver Surfers Slimming World

10am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Monday 6

CDC Street Dance Barham PC Meeting

4.45-6.45pm 7pm

Thursday 9

Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World

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

Friday 10

Stowe School of Dance

4- 5.30pm

Monday 13

Craft Addicts CDC Street Dance

1-4pm 4.45-6.45pm

Tuesday 14

Women’s Institute

7pm

Thursday 16

Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 17

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Monday 20

CDC Street Dance

4.45-6.45pm

Wednesday 22 Slimming World

5.30 & 7.30pm

Thursday 23

European Referendum

7am-10pm

Friday 24

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Monday 27

Craft Addicts CDC Street Dance

1-4pm 4.45-6.45pm

Thursday 30

Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Come and join the

Celebrations

Flower Festival at St Peter’s Henley June 25 – 26 from 11am Stalls - cakes, plants, raffle Children’s activities – crafts, face painting and more Handbells Chorus Vestra Henley Chamber Tower bells

Saturday 11-12 Saturday 2-3 Choir Sunday pm Sunday 3.30

Sunday at 4pm Hymns and Pimms 13

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 MIP/5A MIP/5B MIP/5C MIP/5D MIP/5E MIP/5F

MIP/5G MIP/5H MIP/5I MIP/5J MIP/5K

Town/village Location Time Sproughton Church Lane Sproughton Wild Man Bramford St Mary’s Close Bramford Paper Mill Lane Great Blakenham, Chequers Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park, Baylham Post Box Claydon Crown Claydon Edinburgh Gardens Barham Bacon Road Bramford Packard Place

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

DATES: June 7, July 5, August 2, August 30, September 27, October 25, November 22, December 20

YOUR LOCAL RAINBOWS NEED YOU! Claydon Rainbow Unit is currently looking for some special people to volunteer on a regular basis, taking over the weekly running of the unit and helping the Rainbows learn more about their world. The current leadership team will be standing down in July and, having started the unit 22 years ago, would love to see it continue to offer fun activities for girls aged five-seven with new committed leaders at the helm.

Adults (18+) and young people (14+) alike can help our young members continue to experience their guiding journey. Being a guiding volunteer can help enhance your CV and count toward the service element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. No previous experience is necessary, training is provided and a DBS check is required for all those over 18.

If you can commit to one or two hours per week, we’d love to hear from you.

Rebecca, Rainbow Guider: barker_bradgate@yahoo.co.uk

CHATTISHAM OPEN GARDENS Sunday, June 19, 11am-5.30pm A great family day out with 14 gardens open in this friendly village.

Visit a wide range of types and ages of gardens including formal, natural and aquatic features.

Attractions include plant sales, cakes, lunches, cream teas and a family competition.

Jo Dixon, Suffolk Outreach Worker: jo.d@btinternet.com www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

CLAYDON AND BARHAM WI We welcomed Sue Herbert on May 10, our representative at the annual meeting in Brighton on June 11. Led by Thelma and Pat, we had a lively debate in respect of the two resolutions going forward to that meeting, followed by a a most enjoyable sing song, and a ‘remember what is on the tray’ game, won by Linda K.

Admission £4, accompanied children under 14 free. Tickets on the day.All proceeds to Chattisham Church Restoration.

The spring flowers in a vase competition was won by Jill, second June.

Location: three miles west of Ipswich, one mile south of the A1071 at Hintlesham / Sat Nav Ref IP8 3QE.

Extra activities to look forward to

For further information contact 01473 652359 / r.d.chase@uwclub.net or visit: www.hintleshamandchattisham.onesuffolk

SUFFOLK BLUE CROSS TEA PARTY Suffolk Blue Cross Animal Rehoming Centre is holding a tea party at the Old Schoolroom, Mendlesham, Suffolk IP14 5SA on Saturday, June 18, 10am-2pm.

On June 4 we will present a floral arrangement depicting the 1970s at Claydon & Barham Church Fete. On June 9 we will make cakes and man a stall for Suffolk Carers. On July 9, the WI will provide refreshments in the Compton Room at the community centre for the village gala day. On August 6 there will be a jumble sale in the village hall with tea and cake. Please get in touch in respect of any jumble you may wish to donate.

This month’s meeting will be on June 14 when Maureen Midwinter will speak about wood carving. The competition will be to bring something made of wood.

Should anyone wish to get in touch, please contact Barbara: 832330

Entry is free. There will be refreshments, cakes, a tombola, a draw and other sideshows.

Please come and give your support to this event.

IPSWICH HOSPITAL BAND 40th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY

Saturday, July 9 at 7pm at St Peter’s by the Waterfront

Our next event, a coach excursion to the Great Western Society at Didcot, is on Saturday, July 9, departing from Ipswich Transport Museum at 8am.

The total cost is £40 which includes coach travel, entrance to Didcot and a two-course early evening meal. For further details visit: www.idhts.co.uk This excursion is open to non-members but must be booked in advance.

Contact Pat Caddick (01473 402152) or Martyn Hunt (01473 422145).

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

If you, or someone you know who was a past member, would like you to join us at this celebration tickets are £8 and available from: 40@ipswichhospitalband.org / 01473 225269 We look forward to hearing from you.

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OUT & ABOUT HENLEY SENIOR CITIZENS HENLEY WI Our April meeting was well attended, our speaker being Mr Andy Malcolm from the Fishermen`s Mission. He was not only most informative about the true cost of the fresh fish which is so readily available in this part of the country and about the perilous conditions which so many fishermen have to endure in order to make a living, but he also had a lighter side to his talk.

At our meeting on April 20 we were all given a tot of sherry and raised our glasses to wish The Queen a very happy 90th birthday for the following day. A cake had been made by Doreen Powell (Gill Earey’s mother-in-law) and decorated appropriately for the occasion. This was cut and distributed to enjoy with our cuppas later in the afternoon.

He had us all singing along to sea shanties and answering silly questions to do with fish and fishing. All in all he was an excellent speaker and we all gained a much greater and clearer insight into how the fish so many of us enjoy arrives on our table.

In May we will discuss the resolutions being put to the vote at the WI’s annual meeting in Brighton on June 4, specifically how to solve the problem of food waste and the provision of facilities to enable carers to stay in hospital with people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, both worthy causes we look forward to debating.

In June we will visit the Spa Theatre in Felixstowe to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday by watching 90 Glorious Years. It should be well worth seeing.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB

After a lot of worrying as to what the weather was going to be like, we were lucky to have sunshine all day for our trip to The Hut at Felixstowe on May 5. Teas and coffees were served on arrival and later everyone enjoyed a relaxing lunch of fish and chips. For the next hour or so everyone did their own thing. Some headed off with their 2ps to spend in the arcades, others decided to take a stroll along the prom or just sit and people watch. However, there were those who were brave enough to paddle in the sea with lots of laughter being heard by the rest of us. Afternoon teas were served and the day finished with a game of bingo before everyone headed off for home having had a most enjoyable day.

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

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

Over the past few meetings we have been very pleased to welcome new members Jenny Burgess, Paul Warne, Bert Leech and Jane Neal to our club.

We had a very enjoyable meeting in April when Mr Peter Banham led an interactive discussion about old sayings and their meanings. These are sayings and phrases we use all the time and we had to guess their derivation with quite a bit of prompting! Members thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and as Peter has researched many more sayings we will no doubt have a repeat visit next year.

Forthcoming meetings June 8: Woodworking and Inlay Work – My Job and my Hobby, by one of our new members, Paul Warne June 22: Social afternoon including the next part of our occasional series A Walk Down memory Lane July 13: Mrs Pauline Walker on The History of the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company July 27: Our last meeting before our summer break, a social afternoon including quiz time with Brenda Cooper We would be pleased to welcome anyone who would like to come to one of the talks. There is no obligation to become a member.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS 4 EVER YOUNG MEN’S CLUB

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL

Our April meeting took the form of a general get-together and the chance to chat with each other about our hobbies and interests. It turned out that several members are keen musicians, budding musicians and listeners, and we decided that the meeting in May would involve some of us bringing instruments along, mainly to talk about them as we don’t want to upset any of the other customers in the Crown.

Well the recent sunshine has been well received and the children all liked the chance to play out in the garden. They have been doing lots of fun things and finding new ways to play with all the equipment. Fingers crossed it stays with us.

The Crown at Claydon very kindly accomodates us and provides coffee for our meeting, and some of us often stay for a spot of lunch afterwards.

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 10.30am and often have a guest speaker for an hour or so, along with a chance to sit and chat with old friends, meet new friends and learn of new interests and ideas. We’re always looking for members and speakers, so please come along to listen or talk (or both). Our meeting in June is our AGM – a time to reflect on the last 12 months and make plans for the next year, and I would encourage you to come and meet us and help to shape our future.

For more information, contact Mike Biddle on 07805 507497, or just come along on the third Wednesday of the month – you will be very welcome.

MEET ‘N’ EAT LUNCH CLUB The lunch club enjoyed a lovely sunny day in May for our meeting. To celebrate the good weather, we replacyed our usual soups and offered a ploughman’s lunch instead, which was very well received. This month we will be celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday – the menu isn’t finalised yet, but union flags and scones, jam and cream are bound to feature somewhere.

We meet at noon on the first Friday of each month in the Parish Rooms in Great Blakenham. For only £3.50 we serve a light lunch with homemade puddings with cream or custard and a cup of tea or coffee. In addition, we offer the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo and have a bit of fun.

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

Summer Fete Come along and join us on Saturday, June 25 from noon-3pm at the pre-school. There will be lots to do and everyone is welcome. Entry is free. Come and have a look and enjoy our barbecue.

Ryan Gooding Psychic Night We are hosting a Ryan Gooding Psychic Night on Wednesday, July 6 from 7.30pm at Claydon and Barham Community Centre. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from the pre-school or the community centre. Please feel free to contact the administrator if you would like any further information.

Summer Holiday Club We will once again be running our summer holiday club from 9am3.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 26 until September 1 for children aged two to eight years old. It’s £20 for a full day (bring a packed lunch) and £12 for either a morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (12.30-3.30pm) session. Please contact the administrator for more details or to book spaces.

Open event If you are interested in sending your child to Claydon Pre-school, and would like to come and have a look around, we are holding an open day event from 4-6pm on Thursday, July 7. Just come along, everyone is welcome. We look forward to meeting you all.

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

The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am-3.30pm during term time. Children can start from the age of two until they go to Reception. Session fees are £9.60 and we offer a lunchclub (noon12.30pm) for £1.60. We are happy to accept childcare vouchers and we offer two-year funded places for any eligible children. We also run a holiday club in the Easter and summer holidays for two to eight year olds.

For more information please contact our administrator, Lisa Read: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB March prize winners were: No. 11 Jemma Newson £20.70 No. 29 Lyndsey Firman £10.35 No. 9 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 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

SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday, June 13 in Offton & Willisham Village Hall when Sonya Burrows will present a talk entitled Flowers Through The Year. Sonya is a very knowledgeable person, so this should be an informative talk. Come along and see us, refreshments are available.

For further information and directions call: 01473 830600

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL As I write, the sun is shining and summer feels just around the corner. We had a very busy spring term with lots of trips, activities and good news to share and the summer term is proving to be just as eventful.

In April, we were delighted to hear that Claydon High School has been nationally recognised for its exceptional 2015 performance by the Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT). The school is in the top 20% nationally for progress made by students between their Key Stage 2 results at primary school and their Key Stage 4 results. We were presented with an Educational Outcomes Award at a regional celebration event held in London on May 3.

We are now in the midst of exam season for our Year 11 students who will leave us at the end of this month. Students have made the most of revision days and catch-up clubs and have demonstrated maturity and resilience as they approach their final exams, qualities that will stand them in good stead for their chosen career paths. I wish them the very best of luck for the future and hope that all their hard work will be rewarded with success on results day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents/carers of Year 11 for their support during the last five years.

During the month of May a large number of Year 10 students applied and were interviewed for the role of prefect. Claydon High School appoints prefects each year to undertake various roles and responsibilities around the school, both during the school day and at extra-curricular events.

This is a perfect role for students in Year 10 and 11 who want to take on extra responsibility, extend their experience, develop leadership skills and provide themselves with opportunities which will support their applications to sixth form, college or an apprenticeship.

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

This month we meet on Thursday, June 9 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

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.

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

The interview process is quite formal and applicants were questioned about the qualities they possess to be an effective leader, as well as their solutions to making an impact on the future development of Claydon High School. As usual, I was very impressed, not only by the original and creative ideas that students presented to us on the day, but also the effort and commitment that each applicant had put into the process.

Prefects are expected to establish and maintain the highest standards of behaviour and attitude at all times, providing a positive role model for other students across the school and I have no doubt that the successful candidates will do a fantastic job when they are trained and take up their posts in September.

On Monday and Tuesday, July 4 and 5, the school hall will be rocking to the sounds of 50s. America as students stage the popular all-singing, alldancing musical Grease. The cast has been extremely busy rehearsing and are looking forward to showcasing its art, music, drama and performance skills. Tickets are now on sale and can be obtained from reception from 8am-4pm. We hope you will be able to join us for a fantastic evening.

Both performances start at 7.30pm with refreshments available. If you would like to be involved in sponsoring the show, please contact Nikki McGuinness; nmcguinness@claydonhigh.com Finally, we have lots still to look forward to in the last half-term of this academic year including: Sports Day, Year 5 Primary Arts Festival, Community Tea Party (please see our separate advert for more details of this event), Transition Days, GCSE Art Exhibition, Headteacher’s Praise Tea Party and Sports Award Evening.

If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Wednesday, June 29. To book a place please telephone Mrs J Pedersen, the headteacher’s PA: 01473 836110 Mrs S Skinner, headteacher

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In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL A belated welcome to the summer term from everyone at Claydon Primary School. Our last catch-up was written in March while Year 6 were enjoying their residential trip to Hilltop. The Hilltop motto is Challenge by Choice and the pupils and staff enjoyed rising to the many challenges while there, despite the never-ending mud. The assault course looked like a swamp, but it didn’t deter the children from crawling through it. The mountain bike course provided some rivers to cross, all approached with great enthusiasm. The high ropes and tree top trail provided lots of different challenges for the children, but with support and encouragement from each other, the children attempted, and mainly achieved, the goals they had set themselves.

The new ‘Air Jump’ proved to be a great success; it can only be described as stepping off a platform into nothingness, to land on a large inflated mattress. If you were able to land correctly (on your back) you were able to progress from 5m to 7m, then 8m, with the ultimate challenge being 10m, which a few children achieved. Well done to all the children for setting and achieving goals as well as working co-operatively and thank you to all the staff members who accompanied them.

During March, we marked National Science Week by planting trees and wildflowers on our school field. Pupils also enjoyed observing signs of spring in our grounds.

More planting took place in April by Year 1 and 2 as part of their farming theme. They are learning about growing and were helped by our expert volunteer gardener, Mrs Bound, to plant potatoes which they are looking forward to harvesting, cooking and eating in the summer. A huge thank you to Mrs Bound for her help from everyone involved.

Years 3 and 4 enjoyed a special day learning about food, farming and the countryside at the Farm Fair at Trinity Park. They spent an action-packed day learning through a range of interactive activities.

Closer to home, Year 2 visited Barham Care Home. They were invited to sing to the residents and finished by singing Happy Birthday to Dorothy Ablett who was celebrating her special day; they also gave her a gift of flowers.

March and April were busy for sporting events too. March saw Year 5 take part in the School Games Quicksticks competition at St Joseph’s College. They lost the majority of their games, but did show improvement throughout the afternoon and managed to draw a game. The play-off game was very close and exciting, being 1-0 down with only minutes left to play. Undeterred, they continued playing well and were rewarded when Harrison scored a spectacular goal to equalise just before the final whistle sounded. Well done to all the children who took part and enjoyed the afternoon.

Cross country at The Royal Hospital School for Years 5 and 6 was very pleasant with some sunshine for a change. The overall entry was nearly 1,000 children. Our children rose to the challenge well, despite thinking it looked rather a long way when they arrived. They all supported each other to cross the finish line and were a credit to the school. Josh Cook produced a very exciting finish for the Year 6 boys in fifth place, having maintained a strong run throughout. He was extremely proud to wear his medal.

April saw the basketball team compete in the IPSSA competition at Copleston. Unfortunately the late change of rules to 4v4 did not suit our style of play. However, despite only drawing one game, we only lost by one basket in all the other games. The play-off game had to go to extra time and, in a very close fought game, we lost in the last minute by one basket. However, two of our players were selected to join Ipswich Basketball Club.

We also took part in the School Games netball tournament at Westbourne Academy with teams from Years 5 and 6. There were two leagues, games being seven minutes one way, with rotation between games. Our Year 5 girls have not played many competitive games, but approached the games with enthusiasm and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The Year 6 girls went with a steely determination to do well. They were rewarded for their commitment and teamwork by winning four, drawing one and only losing one. This saw them compete in the semi-final where they won with a goal in the final minute. Despite this being a tight game, they lost 2-0 in the final but were delighted to achieve silver place. Well done, girls.

One final sporting achievement to share is that we received the final results for the boys’ football medium league where we finished third, which is our highest placed result. Well done to the boys for all their effort and commitment, and the parents for their support.

Hopefully, when we report on our next fun-filled month, the sun will still be shining on us all.

JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL Jigsaw Pre-school at Needham Market is now open from 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday in term time, and we currently have spaces for children aged two years up to school age.

We are very lucky to occupy a purpose-built building with a spacious, open plan classroom area with lots of wonderful resources. We are also extremely lucky to have a large outdoor/garden area.

Government funding of 15 hours a week is available for two (subject to criteria), three and four year olds.

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Come along and meet Rosemary, Sharon, Emily, Laura and Heidi, and see what we can offer you and your child.

We look forward to hearing from you, and welcoming you and your child to Jigsaw Pre-school (Sproughton) at Needham Market.

01449 722717 (Needham) / 01473 745716 (Sproughton) info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk The Drift, School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB

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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON MUMS ‘N’ TOTS GROUP

YOGA FOR ALL

Calling all mums, dads, grandparents and carers with children up to four years old. Are you looking for somewhere to entertain your children and make new friends at the same time?

This yoga class in The Thomas Wolsey School gym, Defoe Road, Ipswich IP1 6SG is open to participants of all ages and abilities. Yoga is an excellent way to strengthen muscles, keep joints mobile and improve balance. If you haven’t been to a class before, just bring along a sleeping bag and pillow. There’s no need to rush out and buy special equipment.

Claydon Mums ‘n’ Tots meet every Tuesday in term time from 1.15-3pm in Claydon & Barham Village Hall. We charge just £1.50 a family (one adult and children) which includes a drink and a biscuit for both the adults and children. There is a great selection of toys and activities to stimulate the children and help them let off some steam.

Each week we have a different theme at our arts and crafts table where the children can make and create something amazing to take home and show the family. We always end our session with a sing-a-long.

We will meet on Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28 and new faces are always welcome. So why not come along, have a cuppa and meet some people in your area? We look forward to seeing you and your little ones soon.

The Monday evening class starts at 7.35pm and ends, after a short relaxation session, at 9.05pm. Sessions cost £7 a week or £30 for six sessions. We are currently looking into running the class throughout the summer holidays, subject to demand. For more information please call Lavinia on 01473 690762 or Jemma on 01473 832646.

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Summer is now well and truly upon us, and the children are making the most of the warm weather and getting out in the garden. We are donning our sun hats and glasses, slapping on the sun-cream and enjoying free play and tending to our little garden patch in which the children planted flowers and vegetables in the spring. We have also started practising our sports day, ranging from the classic running races, to egg and spoon and bean-bag on the head races.

This year we celebrate 30 years of Henley Pre-school and our anniversary is being embraced by the village with Henley Flower Festival inviting us to create a display within the church. Our church display will be made up of smaller displays all created by the children themselves, so June will be a busy month preparing, making, sticking and arranging. Henley Flower Festival is on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26 at St Peter’s Church, Henley. Please come along, support the festival (there are really some magnificent arrangements), the village and the pre-school and enjoy the children’s work.

We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room within Henley Community Centre which is less than a 10 minute drive from Ipswich town centre (straight out on Henley Road). There is a large car park on site making drop off and collection of your child a safer and easier experience.

We have sessions available for both grant-funded and paid sessions for two to five year olds. Lunch club is also available (noon-1 pm). You don’t need to live in the Henley School catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Needham Market and other surrounding areas. If you would like to come and join in the fun, please ring 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning and Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons before 3pm.

Out of hours, or if you wish to leave us a message, please ring the pre-school mobile on 07979 468467.

Carol and the team www.henleypreschool.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Greetings guff lovers. With all the furore over performance enhancing drugs and their increasing use by sportsmen, I am pleased to report that I have been given a clean bill of health from the tennis authorities following their recent investigation into my performances. After video analysis of my game they have concluded that no amount of artificial stimulants could improve my performance to the point where I may possibly beat an opponent unfairly, so that was a weight off of my mind.

I was just relieved that they didn’t test for the presence of Adnams Ghost Ship in the blood samples.

Not much to report this month (as if you didn’t know already) with the summer league yet to start and most of the players recovering from winter league injuries. We have taken the lull in activity to indulge in some court maintenance, steam cleaning the surfaces to make them safer after the wet winter algae growth. We usually repair the fences too as they get damaged from having to climb over to find Nick’s serves in the long grass, and we had the added bonus of having one of the balls we thought he had lost after a particularly high lob returned to us from Tim Peake in the Space Station.

By the time this report has appeared in In Touch we will have begun the summer league season, although a good indicator of how we are faring may be gauged by the amount of tennis rackets thrown over the fences in frustration. Dog walkers may benefit if they have an Ebay account as there is usually a good secondhand value on tennis rackets before Wimbledon starts.

JOKE OF THE MONTH Two bird watchers were out in the woods when a giant grizzly bear appeared at the top of a hill and with a ferocious roar immediately ran down towards them. One of the men took a pair of trainers out of his backpack and started to put them on. “Are you mad?” asked the other man, “You can’t outrun a bear.” “I don’t have to outrun the bear,” said the man tying up his trainer laces, “I just have to outrun you.”

More guff next month, Mick Russ

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SPORT TALES FROM THE 19th HOLE

After more years than many could remember, 11 HOGS made a welcome return to Fynn Valley Golf Club. Young saplings and fairways in their infancy were now established thoroughfares and a more defined course layout. Those of a superstitious disposition may have been wary of turning out on Friday 13, but the weather, being bright and sunny, was far from sinister. Those who could get to grips with the moderate, but devilish, breeze and the challenging greens would reap the rewards.

Alan Farnish and Brian Shaw are members at the club and I had the pleasure, along with Grahame Hughes, of watching how they navigated the course with great skill and guile. We were unaware of their affinity with the course as we gathered on the first tee and were partnered against them in a little side bet. Suffice it to say we had to dip into our pockets as we walked off the 18th hole.

It took a few holes for everyone to come to terms with the wind speed and direction but by the sixth, the short downhill Nearest the Pin hole, most had worked out that aiming around 15 yards left of the pin would give the best chance of your ball landing next to the target. This was certainly the case with our four-ball and for a few seconds Grahame looked like he may be the first HOG to hole-in-one. The breeze however inexplicably dropped for a second resulting in his ball just overshooting the hole and trickling onto the back fringe. The breeze reset for the last group out and saw Scott Vincent take this prize.

A masterful demonstration of controlled driving resulted in Alan winning the Longest Drive competition on the 10th; one or two drove longer but finished off the fairway. The greens were tricky. Initially I thought I’d heard that, like a train announcement, they comprised the ‘wrong type of grass’. This was clarified however as having a large and recent flourish of seed buds, a scenario which is difficult for the greenkeepers to manage, but thankfully a short term issue. This did mean that the greens on the day were slower than a Bandit Bill backswing, keeping many scores frustratingly low.

Brian Shaw was crowned the overall winner with 29 points, just one ahead of Alan, proving that local knowledge, as well as some quality play, was a big factor on the day. The closest player to them, Scott, finished with 23 points. The Golden Boot was fiercely contested and it was thought that a complicated count-back exercise would need to be undertaken with Keith, Mike, Peter and Shaun all finishing with 18 points.

However, Steve Brock kindly negated this requirement with his score of 15 points. A special presentation was also made to Peter Cleave, this being his first outing since August following knee surgery. For this reason Peter had regrettably missed last year’s French Tour, but attendees had unanimously agreed that his absence should not see Peter miss out on a tour shirt. We all contributed towards a new one so that he won’t look conspicuous when he returns this year.

The pre-match bacon rolls were probably the best we have eaten for many a year at these events and the post-match roast dinner was equally welcomed; along with the complimentary ‘goodies bag’ from the proshop. We would like to express our gratitude to Fynn Valley Golf Club and I would hope that it won’t be such a long period of time before we are back again.

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NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB Hello again from NNBC. As I write the outdoor season is two weeks old and there couldn’t have been a bigger contrast in the weather. The first week commencing April 25 was bitterly cold with a hailstorm causing the abandonment of our Tuesday afternoon B team game at Mendlesham, while the second week saw blue skies and much higher temperatures.

We have had mixed fortunes for our league teams. Monday A Team one win, one loss. Monday B have yet to start their season. Tuesday A have had two wins, Tuesday B one win, one loss. Wednesday two wins and Thursday one loss.

Sunday, May 8 saw a very enjoyable friendly against Dovercourt at Needham, resulting in a win for Dovercourt.

Our ‘meet and greet’ mornings were a great success resulting in seven new members. If you didn’t attend but are interesting in talking up bowls see the contact details below. We hope to have more ‘meet the greet’ days later in the season.

Club secretary Pat Hadden: 01473 831308 Alistair Bailie: 01449 720759

GIVE VOLLEYBALL A TRY THIS SUMMER Volleyball is loads of fun and a very friendly game. It’s the only high-energy, no-contact mixed team sport you can play indoors and outdoors – whatever your ability. It’s energetic enough to help with your fitness but without placing high demands on your body, and good teamwork is important as well as individual skill.

This summer is the perfect time to give volleyball a go and find out why it is one of the top three most-played sports in the world!

The sport is thriving in Suffolk thanks to the support of Volleyball England’s Go-Spike campaign. tthere are clubs in Ipswich and Stowmarket with members of mixed abilities, male and female, and all ages from teenagers to their grandparents. The clubs will all give a warm welcome to prospective new players whether experienced or complete beginners, and you can go along to join a session and play some friendly games at a park near you this summer.

Ipswich Ravens and Ipswich Volleyball Club play in Christchurch Park (near the Westerfield Road entrance) on Saturday afternoons, while Stowmarket VC play on the Recreation Ground on Tuesday and Sunday evenings (all sessions are subject to weather and other fixtures).

All sessions are completely free!

The clubs are happy to accommodate people who want to play either competitively or at a more recreational level. All sessions are organised by a qualified coach who also gives playing advice to each individual.

So why not go along and take a look? If you like what you see please introduce yourself and you will be very welcome to participate in a session under no obligation.

To find out more, visit: www.suffolkvolleyball.org.uk

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH With independent financial advisor Nick Plumb A platform for investment success?

Allan from Ipswich wrote to me to ask about investment platforms. He asked: “Our financial adviser is suggesting that my wife and I should move our existing investments onto a platform with Novia.

We have ISAs with different companies and Investment Bonds with Aviva and Prudential. Surely we would be better to keep these spread between several different companies rather than having all our eggs in the same basket?”

Investment platforms have become very popular in the last few years, for a number of reasons. Primarily, the main attraction of these platforms is investment choice. An investment platform will usually offer access to a range of investment wrappers, such as ISAs, collective investments, bonds and pensions, within which investors will have access to hundreds and in some cases, thousands of individual investment funds, and in particular, to managed portfolios, where a professional fund manager actively manages a portfolio of investments for you in line with your chosen risk profile.

No single fund manager will ever be top in all investment sectors and most fund managers have a specialist area in which they are known to have particular knowledge or ability. That is where a ‘portfolio’ manager will come into their own, as they can pick the very best investment managers and funds from each sector, thus giving you as an investor access to a wide choice of the best funds, rather than a range of funds that are ‘jack of all trades but master of none’.

You can also save money on charges by using a platform, particularly when you have older investments with high ongoing management charges, or if you currently have your ISAs with a lot of different fund managers. For example, in the case of Novia, our clients can access their platform for just 0.40% per annum with no initial charges deducted when you invest.

Most platform managers will also have negotiated discounted initial and

ongoing charges with many top fund managers, so you can often end up paying less to access those funds through the Novia platform than you would by investing direct with the individual fund or portfolio managers.

Having all your investments on a platform is not really a case of ‘having all your eggs in the same basket’, as the platform manager would not actually hold your money. Your investments would actually be held by each of the fund or portfolio managers that your money would be invested with, so your exposure to any one company will be greatly reduced as your investments are likely to be spread across several different investment managers and funds.

A final benefit of using a platform is simplicity and ease of access to information. Although you can hold many different investments on the same platform, you will receive just one statement from the platform provider, showing all your individual investments and their values. You can also access your account online at any time and get up-to-date investment valuations in between your usual statement dates, arrange a withdrawal or income payment, and even conduct investment fund switches if you wish to.

All in all, a platform can be a good way to simplify your current investment arrangements, and reduce your ongoing charges.

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 answers to reader’s questions 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.

VOLUNTEERS’ VITAL ROLE IN HOSPICE WORLD Currently St Helena Hospice has approximately 800 volunteers of all ages giving their time to support the hospice in lots of different ways, whether on a regular basis or every so often to help at events for example.

All of its volunteers play a vital part in the work that it does, and as its services expand, so does it need its volunteer team to. Volunteering is a great way to increase confidence and make new friends, learn new skills, gain experience in a work environment and most importantly make a difference. By donating your precious time and valuable skills you could save the hospice money which it can use to support patients and their families and carers.

The hospice recently spoke to Bev Adams, one of its volunteers who works on the reception desk at its Inpatient Unit, Myland Hall, about what she would say to someone thinking about volunteering: “Do it. You would get so much satisfaction and you would know you’re helping to support people in your community. Those few hours from your day could make a huge difference to someone else’s.”

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for St Helena Hospice like Bev please contact the volunteer team: 01206 931466 / volunteer@sthelenahospice.org.uk For all current volunteer and paid roles visit: sthelenahospice.org.uk/vacancies

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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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: to be announced Self-Supporting Minister: The Rev Jenny Ablett: 830205 Churchwardens: Mr Robin Hooper Greenhill: 832243 Mr Des Groom: 831804 Hall bookings: Mrs Zoe Groom: 831804 For news, history, information and pictures visit: www.achurchnearyou.com/claydonandbarham

We hope that all those who have supported us over the years will make the effort to support us in this different venue. For those who would rather not walk, we are running a shuttle service to the church from the rectory, picking up from the bus stop in Edinburgh Gardens. For those who are able, the church is also easily accessible on foot using the footpath leading off the bottom of Thornhill Road opposite the bus stop then The Slade to come out opposite the church gate. There is lots of parking at the church for those wishing to drive.

We will have all the traditional stalls and sideshows and refreshments.

Please put the date in your diary. Any queries or offers of help please ring Roger on 831079 or Des on 831804.

Celebration in Flowers, June 4-6 With this being the Queen’s 90th birthday year we are celebrating this occasion by decorating the church with themed flower arrangements recalling each decade that she has lived in from the 1920s to the present day.

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

The church will be open for viewing and tea, coffee and cake all three days, Saturday June 4 to Monday 6, other than service time on Sunday.

Please drop in for what promises to be a wonderful display and enjoy a little nostalgia. (See page 3)

Baptisms We welcome those who have joined Christ’s Church through Holy Baptism, including Matthew Best, Scarlett Taylor and Finley Cattermole.

Summer Family barbecue On Sunday, June 12 from 4.30pm we are holding a barbecue at the church to which the whole church family, both young and not so young, is invited.

Tickets at £2.50 each (£1.50 for children) are available in church or by ringing Ann on 831079 or Zoe on 831604. This is an ideal opportunity to get to know each other – come along if you are free. This event is not intended to make a profit and you will get a full meal including dessert.

Drinks will be available for which you will be invited to make a donation.

Activities are being arranged for the children.

Weddings We offer our congratulations and prayers for the future to those who have recently married including Anna Harvey and Ian Turner.

Departed We offer our sympathy, love and prayers to the families and friends of those who have recently died including Doreen Clarke, formerly of Kirby Rise, Fred Taylor of Morgan Court, William Bloom of Kirby Rise and Ros Organ, formerly of The Crescent.

The whole church was saddened to learn of the passing of Ros Organ on May 10 aged 90. In all her years in the parish until her health deteriorated, Ros was an extremely hardworking and caring member of the church family and the Mother’s Union. She will be fondly remembered by all and particularly by past members of the MU’s Young Families group which she founded. We extend our sympathy to Barbara and Robin and all her family.

The search goes on While some good candidates applied for our vacancy as Priest-in-Charge and went through the selection process on April 14/15, the decision was unanimously taken by the interview panel that none were the right people to take our three parishes forward at this point in time. The post will now be advertised again. We thank those who applied and our six representatives (two from each parish) who gave considerable time to this very important process and came to this brave decision.

Welcome We welcome The Rev Bruce Wakeling and his wile Sue who have retired from the parish of Rushmere St Andrew to live in our parish. We are very pleased that Bruce has been given the bishop’s permission to continue exercising his ministry in retirement and that he has agreed to take some services here. His first service here was on Sunday, May 8.

Church Fete – Saturday, June 4 at 2pm As previously reported, this year’s event is going to be held in the church grounds as the rectory gardens will not be available until our new priest moves in. For those who are unfamiliar with the church, there is a goodsized grass area behind the church which is bounded by the church building and a row of trees and should make an ideal place to hold a fete.

We will also have the added benefit of being able to use the hall and church to escape to if the weather is less than ideal.

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Church Recorders If you drop in at Barham Church on the morning of the second or fourth Monday in the month you will find a group of people busy at work. They are members of NADFAS, the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, known as church recorders. They explore and research the inside of a church and record, in a specific manner, the details of the contents. They do not record anything outside the building. Their final record will have sections related to memorials, stonework, woodwork, windows, metalwork, paintings, library, textiles and miscellaneous.

When we have finished there will be a record for the church and copies will go to the V & A, the Church Care Library, Historic England (English Heritage) and to the Records Office in Ipswich.

The church recorders would welcome visitors who would like to see what they are doing and how they are progressing. They would also love to hear from anyone who has any information on the history of any of the items in the church.

On Monday, June 13 at 10am historian Clive Payne will be giving one of his famous talks about the church building to the church recorders.

They are inviting any other interested persons to come along to hear this fascinating history of your local church. Admission is £5 payable on the door.

J-Team Holiday Club, August 10-12 Applications have been flowing in since the forms were sent out to previous attendees at Easter. Because of space and the number of leaders we do have to set a limit for the numbers we accept in each age group, so please don’t leave it until the last moment to book if you want to be sure of getting a place.

J-Team is held in the church and church hall and is open to any child aged five to 11 on August 31, 2016. There is a small charge of £10 for the three days to cover the cost of materials. Application forms are available from the church website or from 5 Phillipps Road / 01473 831079

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

CHURCH NEWS DATES FOR JUNE

Monday, June 13

Clive Payne at Barham Church, 10am

Thursday, June 2 Saturday, June 4

Sunshine Service in village hall, 10am Celebration in Flowers from 10am Annual Church Fete, 2pm, in church grounds

Wednesday, June 15

Bishop Martin at Needham Church, 7pm

Friday, June 17

Communion at Barham Care Home, 11am Songs of Praise at Alasdair Place, 2.30pm

Sunday, June 5

Holy Communion (said), 8am First Sunday Communion at 10am with baptism of Oscar and Harvey Gould Celebration in Flowers from 11.30am

Sunday, June 19

Thursday, June 23

Holy Communion (said), 8am Community Worship, 10am Young Families at village hall, 9.30am

Friday, June 24

Open the Book – primary school, 2.45pm

Monday, June 6

Thursday, June 9

Celebration in Flowers from 10am Ministry Team at 10 Phillipps Road, 8pm Young Families at village hall, 9.30am

Friday, June 10

Communion at Alasdair Place, 2.30pm

Saturday, June 11

Wedding of Josephine Smith and Jamie Smith, 1pm

Sunday, June 12 Holy Communion (said), 8am

Parish Communion, 10am

Family BBQ in church grounds, 4.30pm

THE SERVANT QUEEN AND THE KING SHE SERVES At 2.40am on April 21, 1926 a little girl was born. She was named Elizabeth after her mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. At that time, it was never thought that that little girl would become Queen. However, 10 years later, after the abdication of Edward the VIII, her life was to be changed forever. Following the death of her father, King George VI, she was crowned Queen on June 2, 1953 at the age of 25. This year we celebrate her 90th birthday and look back over her 64 years of service as our Queen.

Whatever your view on the monarchy, I think it’s safe to say of the Queen, that her life and her attitude to the role have been truly remarkable.

She is the longest reigning monarch in British history.

She never went to university, but has been the adviser and confidante to 12 British prime ministers.

She is now 90 years old but still works over 40 hours a week. She takes her role very seriously and never seems to do anything half-heartedly.

She once learned how to strip and rebuild the six-cylinder, 3462cc engine of an Austin K2 ambulance.

She has a gruelling work schedule, last year fulfilling more than 340 Royal engagements at the age of 89 years old.

She is possibly the most famous person in the world, yet despite her very public life and busy schedule, as Andrew Marr once pointed out, “there are no reliable recorded incidents of the Queen losing her temper, using bad language, or refusing to carry out a duty expected of her.”

It’s clear from the Queen’s many Christmas speeches, that her relationship with Jesus Christ is central to her life. Her attitude of service and her personal conduct are shaped by the example of Jesus Christ. Over the years, she has used the Christian gospel to share messages of hope, joy, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, acceptance, perseverance and grace.

So what is it about this message called the Christian gospel that keeps her humble in her conduct and gives her daily strength?

At the heart of the message is the fact that we are all sinners in need of a saviour. We have all fallen short not only of God’s standards but perhaps more surprisingly of our own, for who can truly say they have never done anything wrong against their own conscience?

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Sunday, June 26 Holy Communion (said), 8am

Parish Communion, 10am

Baptism of Alfie McDowell, 2pm Tuesday, June 28

PCC meets in church hall, 7.30pm

Wednesday, June 29

Communion at St Peter’s Court, 2.30pm

Saturday, July 2 Wedding of Rebecca Groom and James Cousins, 3pm Sunday July 3

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

This fact alone places us all on an equal footing before a Holy God. Whether you are a struggling drug addict, a successful businessman, a homeless person down on his luck or the Queen of England, we are all equal before God: sinners in need of a saviour.

At the cross, Jesus took all of our sins and failings upon himself, and in exchange he offers us His record of perfect righteousness. For those who will receive it, this is a gift of forgiveness and grace from the God of the universe. The remarkable thing about this message is that all must receive it in the same way: by faith.

It doesn’t matter if you are a refuse collector, a CEO of a major company, a farmer, an electrician, a doctor, a milkman or the Queen of England.

All must come in faith, humility and repentance to accept the love and forgiveness of a Holy God. I’ll close with some words from the Queen’s 2011 speech. They seem very appropriate for the days in which we find ourselves living: “Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves, from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.

“Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships, and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.”

Queen Elizabeth II 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, 10am Friday: Action Bible Club, meeting at the church, 6.30-7.30pm – games, crafts and stories for ages five to 12 For more information contact: info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / 01449 720357 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP

I have recently come back from holiday, a spring break in the Derbyshire Peak District. I had hoped to see lots of little lambs and to be able to go on many long walks. Well, I did see lambs, but no tiny ones, and I did walk, but quite frankly the weather wasn’t desperately inspiring (that’s my excuse!). However, it was a pleasant break, a change of scenery, and an opportunity to have some ‘down time’, so all in all it can go down as a good holiday.

Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist): 01787 372738 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: Monday 9.30-11am (term time) For mums and toddlers, 12 months to four years.

Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon Always with a selection of cakes for sale.

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm Children’s Musical Theatre: Tuesday, 4-6pm. Contact Faye: 01449 722354 Karate: Wednesday; juniors 6.30-7.30pm / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Self Defence: Thursday, 8-10pm Hall lettings: 07851 742847 Church contact: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575 www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

FOSTERING TEENAGERS Do you have a spare bedroom and experience in caring for children – have you ever thought about fostering?

Suffolk County Council is urgently looking for new foster carers, in particular for teenagers. Over half of the children in care are aged 11 or over, yet fewer people come forward to offer care for them.

Therefore many teenagers may not be living with Suffolk carers, and will be away from friends, school and their local community. This is where you come in!

In return, the county council provide a highly competitive payment scheme, where you can receive up to £606 per week per child.

The scheme allows career opportunities as you develop as a foster carer, recognising your skills, experience and the type of fostering you are offering.

If you think you could become a foster carer, come along to an information drop-in session, visit: www.fosterandadopt.suffolk.gov.uk or call: 01473 264800.

If you’re currently registered with another Fostering Provider, the county council would love to hear from you too as there are many benefits of moving to their Fostering Service.

I guess we are coming up to the main holiday season with June, July and August being prime ‘getaway’ months. Some of you will stay in the UK and others will venture aboard hoping for guaranteed sunshine and heat.

Some will want an energetic, action packed holiday, while others will want to relax and unwind after months of exhausting work.

If you are going away then perhaps you relish the thought of spending time with your family, or maybe you are of an age when the children have left home and you are looking forward to a less hectic break. And of course some will not be travelling and are planning a ‘staycation’, going out for day trips in the beautiful Suffolk countryside with all its many attractions.

It’s important to schedule a time of rest into your calendar – whether it’s for an annual holiday, a long weekend away, or simply a day a week to kick off your shoes and relax.

Do you recall the story in the first book of the Bible, the account of God creating the world? In it we read that after all the busyness, God looked at everything he had made, was pleased with it, so on the seventh day he stopped working and had a rest!

Getting the balance between work and rest is very important, so I hope you all will be able to have a break over the summer – turn the phone off, leave the laptop behind and enjoy yourselves!

The Rev Mary Playford

ST PETER’S CHURCH HENLEY Clergy: The Rev Cathy Austin, 830100 Churchwardens: Richard Self, 831930 Margaret Gerrard, 831463 SERVICES FOR JUNE Sunday 5

9am

Said Communion

Monday 6

9.15am

Prayer Group

Sunday 12

10am

Family Service

Thursday 16

7.30pm

PCC meeting in the vestry

Sunday 19

10am

Family Communion

Sat 25 – Sun 26

Flower festival weekend (see page 13)

Sunday, July 3

9am

Said Communion

More information is available on their website.

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In Touch online:

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To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas accross Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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