In Touch with Claydon - March 2016

In Touch

™© ™©

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 6 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2016

Garden Robin by Barry Mark Pullen

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In Touch online:

NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I went along to an e-safety workshop for parents at Jack’s school last week and I’m still shaking my head in horror. I’m relatively tech-savvy, or at least I though I was, but I’m not what they call a ‘digital native’, i.e. a person born or brought up in the age of digital technology and familiar with computers and the internet from an early age. In fact I can remember being introduced to a fax machine in my first year at university and being utterly amazed that we could send a sheet of paper from one side of the room to the other!

Those of us who aren’t digital natives acknowledge the wonder of digital technology and most of us use it daily, some more effectively that others, but I don’t suppose I will ever truly appreciate how ‘normal’ it is for natives like Jack. That said it is my responsibility to protect him from the negative aspects of digital communication ­– such as the possibility that someone could be watching him through the webcam on my iPad using a remote access tool! How creepy is that?

Taking what I’d learned at the e-safety session I went into Settings on the iPad and set all the appropriate restrictions. I also downloaded a child-friendly version of YouTube called YouTube Kids and a child-friendly browser. Jack hasn’t actually noticed the difference yet, but I know he’s not going to be bombarded with inappropriate content or accidentally follow links to sites which aren’t age appropriate. For now he’s safe, but kids being kids, I know he will challenge the boundaries and find ways to circumvent my efforts to control his digital adventures so I have to stay one step ahead at all times. Ironically there are some very useful websites you can visit to learn more about setting restrictions and understanding how young people use social media.

The e-safety session ended with a question: “Would you abandon your children in central London unsupervised and unaccompanied?”

If No is your answer, find out what you can do to protect them online.

In Touch

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

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SALVATION ARMY LAUNCHES NEW EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLE The Salvation Army’s new emergency response unit to support emergency service personnel and the community was launched in January.

The Salvation Army’s previous emergency response vehicle attended 210 events and emergencies, providing hot food and drink to emergency personnel such as the fire service, the police and the council’s emergency response team. This saw Salvation Army volunteers and officers serving those working on the front line and the community in emergencies from large fires to hunts for missing people, floods or even providing support for people at sporting events.

The replacement vehicle is funded by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and The Salvation Army after the previous van became unreliable after 13 years of use. The vehicle is based at Stowmarket Fire Station.

Mike Baker, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Co-ordinator for Suffolk, said: “The Salvation Army has a long history of supporting the community in times of need. People think it is God’s work with its sleeves rolled up. We are in partnership with the fire services – they support the community and we are pleased to support them. As a church and a charity The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing compassionate support, a listening ear and practical help to those in need in the community, and see our support of emergency personnel and the local community at emergencies as a vital part of our work.”

Since 1978, The Salvation Army’s emergency response team in Suffolk has supported 28,685 emergency personnel and members of the public, served more than 51,331 hot and cold drinks, made 3,487 loaves of bread into sandwiches and served 2,300 hot meals.

Major Derek Jones, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for its Anglia division, said: “The dedication of Salvation Army volunteers and officers in this emergency services support is a real asset. They respond and serve at any time of the day or night to support emergency services personnel working at the front line with hot drinks, soup, sandwiches or hot dogs. The emergency services often put their lives at risks to support people in the community during fires and floods, and we look to do what we can to make their time easier while serving, while also supporting the local community.”

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 . . .

• 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

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

APRIL DEADLINE 10 MARCH 2016

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(l-r) Chief Fire Officer Mark Hardingham, Temp Deputy Police Constable Steve Judd, Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Derek Jones, Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, Emergency Group member Mike Caley, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for the Environment & Public Protection Matthew Hicks, SA Territorial Emergency Services Officer Major Maureen Hepburn In the hatch – Mayor of Ipswich Councillor Glen Chisholm, Mayor of Stowmarket Councillor Barry Salmon, Mayor of Bury St Edmundsbury Councillor Patrick Chung

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NEWS THANKS FROM THE CATTERMOLE FAMILY LOCAL FLORIST HOPES TO RAISE £4,000 FOR CHARITY We would like to say thank you to

Lucy Ransome of Barham has donned her running shoes and embarked on a challenging training programme in preparation for this year’s 26.2 mile London Marathon. This will be Lucy’s first marathon and she will join approximately 36,000 other runners as they pound the streets of London on April 24

everyone who helped in any way to raise money for Luke’s electric wheelchair. We are pleased to say he finally has his chair and it is already making a big difference to him and family life.

We can’t thank you all enough.

During rehearsals for the recent pantomime, Cinderella, in Claydon and Barham Village Hall, Bar-Clay Music Makers were pleased to welcome Luke with his parents Kirsty and Peter. Like many other groups and individuals, Bar-Clay Music Makers had made a contribution towards the purchase of Luke’s electric wheelchair, which has made his life much more comfortable.

We wish him well for the future.

SPROUGHTON BROWNIES EASTER BRIC-A-BRAC SALE 1 Sproughton Brownies are holding their Easter Bric-a-Brac sale on Saturday, March 5 at Sproughton Church Hall, 2-4pm. Admission free. st

In aid of Save the Children, HOPS (Holiday Opportunity Play Scheme for children with disabilities) and Brownie funds. Stalls will include bric-a-brac, toys, books, next-to-new clothes, games, cakes, a tombola and a draw and refreshments.

Please come and support us and get a bargain, or two!

Everyone welcome.

Lucy hopes to raise around £4,000 for the NSPCC and the critical care unit at Ipswich Hospital, the latter being a personal motivation after one of her closest friends spent four weeks on the ward before unfortunately loosing her battle. Lucy said: “The support, care and courage of the staff was amazing and they were there 24 hours, seven days a week.” Lucy hopes to turn a huge negative into a positive and by raising funds she hopes to help others in a similar life threatening/life changing situation.

As well as running her busy floristry business, Lucy Jane Flowers at Debenham, she is also working hard organising fundraising activities prior to the marathon. One of these is a Charity Family Night at Claydon Community Centre on March 19, 7-11pm.

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The evening will be great fun for all the family and will include a disco, ploughman’s supper and a raffle with some Saturday 19 March 2015 – 7pm – 11pm Tickets: Adult £10 Child £5 (14 and under) fantastic prizes generously donated by local businesses. The list of prizes include a mini cruise for two to Honfleur from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, afternoon tea at The Limes in Needham Market and a round of golf for four at Fynn Valley Golf Club, plus so many more fabulous prizes. Tickets for the event are £10, children £5. Tickets are available by contacting Lucy on 07885 909713 or 01728 860190. Raffle tickets are also available so please pop by the shop in Debenham or contact Lucy.

Family Charity Night @ Claydon Community Centre th

Includes: Ploughmans Supper, Padmans Disco, Quiz and Raffle with some fantastic prices including a Fred. Olsen Mini Cruise.

Help Lucy Ransome raise her total of £4,000 for the London Marathon.

All funds go to:

Lucy has a JustGiving page if you would like to make a monetary donation in support: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/lucyransome To keep up to date with Lucy’s fundraising events please see her Facebook page, Lucy Jane Flowers.

I don’t usually publish anonymous submissions, but I’m making an exception in this instance. Not many people appreciate how dangerous dog mess can be, but I know a little girl who lost an eye to toxocara canis a couple of years ago so this is one of my ‘pet’ hates. In addition to the pain and suffering she has experienced already and is likely to experience throughout her life, the inaction of one irresponsible dog owner has had an irreversible impact on Alice and her family. When you leave dog mess in public areas you are putting others, particularly children, at risk. Think shoes, bicycle tyres, buggy wheels… even hands.

We would like to wish Lucy the best of luck with her fundraising and we look forward to a celebratory photo with her medal on completion of the marathon.

Do you really want that on your conscience?

NOTE FROM A LOCAL RESIDENT We have over the past few weeks experienced dogs mess on the paths in Hazel Rise. We have previously cleaned it up, but this is not a pleasant job.

Yesterday outside on the path a very large clump of mess has been left again.

Dog owners please clean your animals mess up, if a human did this it would cause out rage.

Please be responsible for your animals, if they did it outside your house would you just leave it?

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CINDERELLA – A SMASH HIT!

The cast and crew in festive mood before the last performance of Bar-Clay Music Makers pantomime in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

Written by Tom Hitchcock (he’s in the tasteful dress at extreme left), the show was a hit with full house audiences during the last two weekends of January.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS BARHAM AND CLAYDON SURGERY

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE

Spring is on its way and with it the promise of new beginnings. That’s how it feels at the surgery too as we strive to make progress towards improved facilities and a better building.

Our annual Easter Bunny Chocolate Bingo is on Saturday, March 5. Please get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. It’s not your normal bingo!

Using a big screen all the bingo numbers are called by celebrity voices such as Michael Cane, Victor Meldrew, Ozzie Osborne and others. Prizes are given for one line, two lines and a full house and everything is of course chocolate related. That doesn’t mean to say it’s all edible chocolate! We have in the past had chocolate smelling socks, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory DVDs and Hot Chocolate CD’s to name a few. Of the six games of the evening, game three will be for children only. Cards for games one to five are £1 each and for game six they will be £3 each as the full house prize is £100 cash!

Dr Dan Poulter MP continues to offer his support and indeed has pledged to make this one of his special projects. We are in discussions with NHS England and the local Clinical Commissioning Group and they have appointed someone to look at the best way forward for the practice with regard to the building, bearing in mind our increasing list size and desire to offer more services for our patients. In this context we have also had a meeting with the CEO of Ipswich Hospital to explore the possibilities of what could be offered at the surgery once we have increased capacity.

We have introduced a walk-in clinic most Wednesday mornings. This has proved a great success. Patients can arrive anytime between 9.30 and 11.30am and will be seen in turn by the duty clinician. No appointment is needed, but this session is strictly for one problem only as the slots are only intended to be for five minutes. Please check with the surgery as to which dates these clinics are in operation.

Please visit www.thebarhamandclaydonsurgery.co.uk to find out more about us, to read the latest newsletter and see our recent results from the Friends & Family Test. When visiting the surgery, you will see cards and a post box for the Friends & Family Test reviews, which we urge you to complete. You can also have a look on NHS Choices to see what is being said about us.

Our list is still open so any prospective new patients can be sure of a warm welcome from the staff. We have a new member on the admin team, Kim Holland, who is settling in nicely, covering reception among other things and generally helping us to provide an efficient service for our patients.

To our current patients – thank you, as always, for your continued support. Your feedback is invaluable. If any of you wish to become involved in our Patient Participation Group, the next meeting is on Wednesday, March 23 at 1pm.

Best wishes, Sue Turner, business manager

GALA DAY TO CELEBRATE QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

There is an interval for food service when a hot meal is provided followed by scrummy deserts. During the interval there will be a free competition with a prize for the winners. We also have a magnificent raffle with over 30 prizes, all Easter and chocolate themed. If you want a really good family night out, where children are welcome, a full bar is available and you even get fed, all for an entry fee of £6 (half price for under 10s), tickets are now available from the charity shop on Coddenham Road in Needham Market, Stowmarket Tourist Office, 01449 760343 or 07974 424374.

Can you help us to help our children?

As many of you may know, the children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. We are busy collecting ‘nearly new’ items which we give to the children at a clothing party the day after arrival. They take clothes not only for themselves but also for siblings at home. If you have any clothing suitable for ages six to 13 that you would like to donate we would be extremely grateful.

Donations can be left at the charity shop or collected by calling the numbers as given above.

We also give each child a selection of basic medical items to take home with them, any of which are either not available to them, of inferior quality to our products or just not affordable. If you could donate any of the items listed below it would be a tremendous help. No donation is too small and everything is really appreciated: We are collecting: plasters, blister plaster, Lemsip, paracetamol (caplets not capsules so can be halved), ibuprofen (caplets not capsules so can be halved), Lockets or Strepsils throat sweets, thermometers, mouth ulcer cream for children, decongestant capsules or drops, vapour rub, menthol nasal sticks, cold sore cream, Drapolene cream, menthol crystals, lip chap sticks and Immodium.

If you are interested in finding out more about the charity, our charity shop, hosting or helping with the children please do feel free to get in touch.

Best wishes to all and thank you,

Please come and join in the fun at Claydon and Barham Gala Day on Saturday, July 9.

We are looking for local organisations to run a stall, display crafts, display their skills or take part in some way.

We have already booked a bouncy castle, ice-cream seller, donkey ride, Punch and Judy show and carousel and are now looking for local groups and individuals to join in.

As in previously run events, all the money raised after costs will be pooled and every organisation will get a share of the profits raised. The idea is to give an excellent event for the local villagers to support while raising money to support the organisations that work so hard in your community.

So if you are involved in the community get involved and help us help you.

This year we are also looking for local craftspeople to showcase their work so if you know a skilled card maker, wood turner, cake maker or other crafters who would be happy to display their skills and possibly sell their wares please let them know about this event and get them to contact us.

We also need helpers happy to set up from 8am and help clear away from 4pm to assist the organising team.

For more information contact Gail Cornish, c/o Claydon and Barham Community Centre: gailcornish974@btinternet.com / 0793 247 8878 We hope you can help us make it a successful day by offering your support.

Claydon and Barham Local Community Trust Ltd

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Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

Easter Themed Chocolate Bingo!

Saturday 5th March Fantastic Family Night Out!

Needham Market Community Centre doors open 7.00pm Full Bar Open — Entry £6.00 (Under 10’s half price) To include hot Supper with dessert

Bingo with a real difference!

Six exciting games with Special “Kidz only” Game Chocolate related prizes and raffle. Final Game Cash Prize First game 7.30 prompt ONE£££££££££ FREE BINGO CARD £££££££££ WITH EACH £7.00 TICKET Tickets available from CCLL Charity Shop Needham TICKETS ON SALE AT : NEEDHAM MARKET POST OFFICE Mkt PURCHASED(adjacent to Rampant Horse Public House) NEEDHAM MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE

Tourist Office Stowmarket (opposite Asda) Or call 01449 760343 or 07974 424374

A CHARITY EVENT FOR CHERNOBYL CHILDRENS LIFELINE REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014274

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NEWS CLAYDON AND WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL Parish Precept 2016/17

VACANCIES AT HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE

Each year the county and district councils and Suffolk Constabulary enclose information on how your council tax will be used with your annual council tax bill, but it was felt that it might be helpful to provide some information on how the parish council tax for 2016/17 has been calculated and on what it will be spent.

The trustee directors of Henley Community Centre Charity are pleased to announce the following vacancies

Current legislation requires the parish council to set an annual budget which is then used to set the annual precept or council tax, which is expressed as the charge for a property in council tax Band D. Owners of properties above or below Band D pay proportionately more or less precept. Although this is collected by Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) the total amount raised by the precept is repaid in full to the parish council so that every penny is spent within the local community.

Experience would be preferred. All tools provided, flexible hours.

The parish council’s finance committee begins work on the budget for the next financial year in October and this, together with the precept, must be formally approved by full council, normally by the end of January in the following year.

It is always difficult to estimate expenditure for the next financial year up to six months in advance but work on the 2016/17 budget has been particularly challenging due to the uncertainty surrounding the future costs of our local Police Community Support Officer due to the reorganisation of policing in Suffolk from April 2016.

Casual Paid Glass Collectors / Washers For large events only

The parish council always tries to avoid having to increase the precept, but because of additional costs due to above inflationary price increases, the introduction of the ‘Living Wage’ from April 1, which has added over £900 per annum to the cost of street cleaning, fully funding our share of the recreation ground running costs with Barham Parish Council and a reduction in grant from MSDC, this has been necessary in 2016/17. Therefore, at its meeting on January 18 the parish council formally approved a budget of £42,405 and a precept of £55.24 for 2016/17, an increase of 9.9% or 42p a month for a Band D property. The chart below shows how the parish council intends to spend its budget in 2016/17.

How your money will be spent in 2016/17

Part Time General Gardener Paid position: 12mth contact / up to 6hrs per week in high season (April to Sept)

Casual Paid Bar Staff For large public events only Flexible hours – late nights required. Full training and uniform provided.

Must be over 18.

Flexible hours – late nights required. Full training and uniform provided.

Volunteer Bar Staff To support the current volunteer team Mainly community events. Flexible shifts. Some late nights might be required. Full training and uniform provided. Must be over 18.

If you are interested in any of these positions contact: 01473 833226 / henleycommunitycentre@googlemail.com

HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE We are pleased to announce that we now have the following weekly times available to hire for 2016. If interested please contact: henleycommunitycentre@googlemail.com / 01473 833226 All rooms include full access to toilets and kitchen, tables and chairs – also bar an option depending on event. Reduced prices for regular hire bookings.

Large Main Hall: Monday, 9am-5pm and 6-11pm Tuesday, 2-7pm Wednesday, 9am-6pm (three times a month) Thursday, 9am-6pm and 8.30-11pm Friday, 9am-5pm

Parish Clerk & Administration £16,650

Grass Cutting (Recreation Ground) £380

Grants & Donations £6,900

General Repairs & Maintenance £1,430

Subscriptions £800

PCSO – Contribution to salary £8,470

Public Lighting £820 Street Cleaning Costs £4,640

Smaller Boughton Room: Monday, 4-11pm Tuesday, 2-11pm Wednesday, 4-7pm Thursday, 5-11pm (three times a month) Friday, 4-6pm

Misc Expenditure & Reserves £2,315

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL A lively parish council meeting in January discussed the new Respect Zone outside the school, which by that point had been operating for a couple of weeks. The idea is to keep the road immediately outside the school free of parked cars in the interests of traffic and pedestrian safety. This is a joint venture by the school, the police, the parish council and Mid Suffolk and it’s intended to be to everyone’s benefit.

The weather was particularly wet and cold in the first few days of the scheme which made the walk from the community centre car park a bit daunting and various other issues have been aired including parking congestion elsewhere on Ashbocking Road, the lack of a formal footpath for part of the route from the community centre to Church Meadows, and the perception that traffic is now actually travelling faster along Ashbocking Road in the absence of parked vehicles.

Parents’ representatives came to the PC meeting and a number of letters had been received on the same subject. All the points raised were noted and acknowledged as helpful observations as the zone develops over time. The weather has been a problem for walking and traffic congestion around Pond End has been heavier. Speeds outside the school can be monitored using the vehicle activated sign and Councillor John Field will inquire whether funding is available for a ‘walking bus’ from the community centre to the school.

The contruction team

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY UPDATE

The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility has been confirmed as one of the greenest buildings in the country with an ‘outstanding’ rating from leading international assessors. The BREEAM scheme measures a building’s environmental performance – more than two million buildings worldwide have been assessed with less than 2% achieving the outstanding rating.

The Suffolk energy-from-waste site, a joint initiative between Suffolk County Council and SUEZ, uses household and business waste which would otherwise go to landfill as a fuel to generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes. Metals are recycled and ash left after the incineration process is used as an aggregate for local building projects, so virtually nothing goes to waste.

The facility began operating in December 2014 following three years of construction and commissioning. It was designed by world-renowned architects Grimshaw and the main contractors were CNIM/Lagan.

Under the BREEAM scheme, points are awarded for every environmental feature incorporated into the design, construction and operation of a building. The architectural watchdog, CABE, has previously praised the building – describing it as an ‘exemplar’ in setting the standard for future industrial design.

Claydon Football Club has received nearly £60,000 from the SITA Trust towards the refurbishment of its clubhouse and changing facilities (see page 18). The trust distributes money donated by SUEZ and funding is available for projects within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk energy-from-waste site. The next deadline for applications is April 25. www.sitatrust.org USEFUL NUMBERS Site offices: 01473 839149 To book a visit: 01473 836812 Evironment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910

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Footpath provision on Church Meadows will be investigated. It was agreed to monitor progress and to consider all opinions expressed, including the many positive views which had been passed on. It was particularly noted that the parish council values and welcomes the school as a vital part of the community. Councillor Martin Redbond was thanked for his hard work in bringing the zone into existence. No doubt this will continue to be discussed at future meetings and all views are of course very welcome either in person or by letter or email.

The new vehicle activated speed sign is now in use and will be moved from time to time between the posts on Henley Road (northbound), Main Road in Hemingstone (southbound) and Ashbocking Road near the school. Hopefully it will encourage slower speeds and we will be able to report information from its data collection unit to the police.

Also at the parish council meeting it was decided to make small grants under Section 127 to Henley Senior Citizens, St Peter’s Church (for improvements to the churchyard) and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

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

BARHAM PARISH COUNCIL Report from February BT phone box Councillors agreed to adopt the BT phone box on Norwich Road for £1 from BT. It is proposed the box will be managed by two local residents and converted into a magazine exchange point for the local community.

Parking on Coopers Way The chairman reported that following the number of complaints received from local residents concerning the parking problems, Councillor Musson had met with a Suffolk County Council Highways Officer on site to discuss what measures can be put in place to alleviate these problems. Following this meeting the officer has agreed to speak to Suffolk Police to see what can be done, but the installation of double yellow lines has not been ruled out.

Parish councillors are aware that the installation of double yellow lines could cause further problems for residents and therefore it was agreed that the parish council would do a leaflet drop to all the residents of Coopers Way and roads off Coopers Way to encourage residents to think about how they park and that a copy be sent to Suffolk Police. This will be considered again at the next parish council meeting to see if the parking has improved following the leaflet drop.

Recreation Ground Management Committee The management committee is looking for local residents to join them. If you have an interest in how the recreation ground is managed and maintained and can spare a few hours a month please contact Parish Councillor Phil Usher or the parish clerk (details below).

Future of the PCSO for Barham Village Barham Parish Council has agreed to commit to the PSCO Scheme from April 2016 until March 2017 following confirmation from Suffolk Police that the scheme would be funded 50/50 by the police and local parishes. It was confirmed that Great Blakenham, Henley, Claydon & Whitton Parish Councils would also join the scheme.

Future meetings Mondays, March 7, April 4 and April 25, all 7pm at Claydon and Barham Village Hall. April 25 is the annual parish meeting where all parishioners are welcome to attend.

If you would like a specific topic discussed as an agenda item please contact the parish clerk, Claire Lee: 01473 839784 / barhampc@outlook.com Your councillors (and their phone numbers) are: Stephen Carr (chairman) 831122; Gordon Musson (vice chairman) 830759; Neil Cooper 01449 760493; Jeremy Lea 07956 149905; Darren Millward 830891; Claire Webb 832622; Phil Usher 830168.

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Making sense of it all… www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT John Field’s Report to Gipping Valley: February 2016 Grants: Kevin Welsby and I agreed the use of the £10,000 district grant funds allocated to us. We couldn’t meet all requests in full so I decided to top up some applications to the full amount using £2,300 from my County Locality budget. Bramford Church, Little Blakenham Parish, Bramford Primary School PTA, Bramford Open Spaces and Bramford Playing Field received grants.

Young Families: I had an enjoyable visit to Claydon Young Families, meeting toddlers, mums, organisers and other councillors. This is a vibrant wellorganised group (see page 17) run by enthusiastic volunteers who are clearly providing activities the toddlers enjoy and a chance for all to chat.

Police and Crime Panel: I have been involved this month with the confirmation of the appointment by Tim Passmore, the police and crime commissioner, of the chief constable and the setting of the police precept. There was only one applicant for the chief constable role due to the restriction to people with experience as chief or deputy chief constable. However, the recruitment process had been sound and Gareth Wilson, whose appointment was confirmed, has been performing well asacting chief for a year.

I used the opportunity to raise the issue of part funded PCSOs that has been concerning parishes in Gipping Valley and since then it has been decided that current arrangements will continue for this year.

We agreed that the PCC should raise the precept by 2% to address the challenges of abuse and cyber-crime.

Pension Fund: At the Pension Fund Committee we agreed to join the pool of similar county funds covering most of the south east of England. Government is forcing local government funds to pool to achieve £25billion funds. This approaches the size of a fund like BTs but is still much smaller than sovereign wealth funds. The aim is to reduce management fees and probably to encourage investment in UK infrastructure.

Final Budget Setting: You will have seen that the cabinet is to adopt the chancellor’s proposal for a 2% rise in council tax to fund care as we asked at Scrutiny. This helps solve the funding problem in Adult and Community Services. The number of frail elderly with complex needs is rising and they need help. It cannot be good to see tax increases but this will go to services that limit the increased demand the NHS is suffering.

The forecast deficit has fallen sharply from £48.7m to £39.6m as estimates of council tax base and collection fund surpluses are now less pessimistic. £34.4m savings and the £5.2m social care precept will meet this deficit.

The very recent £3.6m Suffolk gets from the government as a rural county will reduce the sum taken from reserves to £1.6m, leaving only £35.3m contingency reserve!

At council, we debated a proposal to use an additional £10.72m from reserves, equal to the amount added per year in recent years. It would have removed the need to cut social care, young people’s services, health and transport. The need for reserves “for a rainy day” won.

Procurement: This month’s scrutiny covered procurement, which now accounts for some 70% of council spend. There are about 3,000 contracts ranging from £15m to £488 with 120 contract managers. Scrutiny revealed that, although we do quite well by local government standards, the commercial approach still needs sharpening significantly. Our proposal from 18 months ago to add private sector skills to the team still needs action.

Devolution: Our scrutiny of the devolution proposals gave a rather confusing picture of a process going I am not quite sure where, with many changes of direction. Norfolk’s involvement now appears certain but Cambridge is reluctant to join. Their desperate need for housing that even well paid workers can afford is an incentive to join. The combined authority would benefit from Cambridge’s world-class organisations and university which are a major economic powerhouse. We understand that there are items which have been agreed with government and that details of these will be revealed soon. Not before time if we are to keep you informed before the inevitable consultation.

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

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OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE We are happy to announce the following events.

Saturday, March 12: Celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a Suffolk based Irish themed group, The Waxies Darbles. Doors open at 7.30, music from 8pm.

Good Friday, March 25: Suffolk Duo Soul Serenity. Doors open at 7.30, music starts at 8pm. Members £4, guests £5.

Lt Blakenham Village Hall on Saturday, March 5, 2-4pm.

Entry is free and all funds raised will be in aid of Lt Blakenham Church.

Saturday, April 30: A charity dance with Son of Elvis. Doors open at 7.30, music starts at 8pm. Entry £5.

Saturday, May 7: The very famous Dolly Parton tribute act. Doors open at 7.30, music from 8pm. Members £10, guests £12.

All tickets are available from the bar.

The venue is becoming popular and we are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, plus Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes. IPA from our cellar is only £2.50 a pint. Other refreshments are available from the well-stocked bar. www.candbcc.co.uk / 01473 831805

MAMMOTH BOOK SALE Saturday, March 12, 11.30am-2pm, St Mary’s Church Room, Ship Lane, Bramford Paperbacks at 30p, hardbacks 50p.

There will also be refreshments available.

Proceeds towards the upkeep of our historic church.

Stewart McGinty Friends of Bramford Church

STOWMARKET LIONS’ ANNUAL ART SHOW AT THE JOHN PEEL CENTRE

Take a moment to think about where the products we buy come from…

At the Fair Trade Shop in Upper Brook Street, Ipswich we make it our aim to sell only products which have been fairly-traded, through reputable suppliers, or are environmentally-friendly. We are run as a not-for-profit organisation so that all the proceeds after expenses are spent in buying more stock to help those in countries where they have so little. The Fairtrade premium means that the artisans and farmers are paid a fair wage and the community benefits too. The shop is run by volunteers, with a part-time paid manager and is enjoying its new location in the centre of town.

Ready for Easter we have Fairtrade Easter Eggs and beautifully decorated papier-maché eggs, chickens and bunnies, a good selection of cards and many beautiful craft items for gifts. We also stock a range of fairly-traded foods and beverages which you may not find elsewhere. Perhaps you will also find just what you’re seeking for Mother’s Day. www.thefairtradeshopipswich.co.uk

Seven Sisters 4 by David Robinson ARPS

The Stowmarket Lions are getting ready for their fourth annual art show and sale taking place over the weekend of March 4-6. The show will again be held in the wonderful venue of the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts. It is anticipated that more than 300 entries by local artists and photographers will be on display offering a wide and varied range of exhibits for sale.

The Stowmarket Lions perform all their fundraising work on a voluntary basis and since its inauguration in 2013 the art show has raised thousands of pounds to help our local community.

The show will be open for general admission on Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6 from 10am. Admission is £1 with under 16s free when accompanied by an adult.

A cheese and wine preview evening will be held on Friday, March 4 from 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £6 each and numbers are limited. The preview evening is a great opportunity to view and purchase exhibits in an exclusive social setting.

All enquiries including requests for preview tickets to: artshow2016@stowlions.org.uk

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IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Ipswich and District Photographic Society (IDPS) is holding its annual exhibition of prints and projected images in the Council Chamber at Town Hall Galleries (Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH) from March 1-12, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (closes at 4pm on Saturday 12). Admission free.

We have weekly meetings at Burlington Baptist Church Centre, London Road, Ipswich, IP1 2EZ from September to May. Our programme includes monthly print and projected image competitions, illustrated talks by visiting photographers, days out and practical evenings which are great for anyone wanting help with their photography. New members are always welcome and you can come along as a visitor (£5) for a particular evening if you wish to give us a try.

For more information please visit: www.idps.org.uk

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

The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years.

We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.

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OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM VILLAGE HALL DATES FOR MARCH Thursday 3

Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 4

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Monday 7

Craft Addicts CDC Street Dance Barham PC Meeting

1-4pm 4.45-6.45pm 7pm

Tuesday 8

Women’s Institute Claydon Table Tennis

7pm 7.15pm

Thursday 10

Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World

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

Friday 11

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Monday 14

CDC Street Dance Claydon PC Meeting

4.45-6.45pm 7.30pm

Thursday 17

Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 18

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Monday 21

Craft Addicts CDC Street Dance

1-4pm 4.45-6.45pm

Tuesday 22

Claydon PC Meeting

10am-noon

Thursday 24

Sunshine Service Silver Surfers Slimming World

10am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Monday 28

CDC Street Dance

4.45-6.45pm

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5

Thursday 31

Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Route 5 Town/village MIP/5A Sproughton MIP/5B Sproughton MIP/5C Bramford MIP/5D Bramford MIP/5E Great Blakenham MIP/5F Great Blakenham

MIP/5G Baylham MIP/5H Claydon MIP/5I Claydon MIP/5J Claydon MIP/5K Bramford

For more information on village hall activities visit www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net and follow the links.

Hall bookings now only online.

HENLEY PLAYERS’ Wow! What a show! Superb entertainment! They exceeded themselves once again!

Just some of the comments we received from our recent production of Snow White & Dwarf Club 7.

Once again we sold out all three performances and were well supported by the local community and further afield. This truly was the biggest pantomime the Henley Players have managed in the past five years.

Well done to the entire cast new and old, our backstage team who worked hard weeks before, the front of house crew and the ‘best five-piece live band’ in Henley. Finally, a special mention to our director Marina (her first attempt) and committee members.

Our next planned production is our summer show, The Wizard of Oz, on June 4 at 2.30 and 7.30pm.

Tickets are on sale in early March: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Our next pantomime dates are January 6 and 7, 2017. If interested in joining us, cast or back of house, please email: henleypanto2012@gmail.com

Location Church Lane Wild Man St Mary’s Close Paper Mill Lane Chequers Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Post Box Crown Edinburgh Gardens Bacon Road Packard Place

Time 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: March 15, April 12, May 10, June 7, July 5, August 2, August 30, September 27, October 25, November 22, December 20

SWISH UP! The Creeting St Mary super stylish Swish Up returns to Creeting House Guest House on Friday, April 15 at 7.30pm, the perfect opportunity to smarten up your style while having a fun night out with friends.

Bring along five special items plus accessories that you would be proud to hand on.

Each item you bring entitles you to pick an item someone else has donated.

Tickets (£15 in advance / no tickets available on the door) include a glass of wine and canapés.

SIXTH RANSOMES AND RAPIER REUNION Sunday, March 6 at Kesgrave Social Club (Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE), 12.30-5pm.

Former employees of this iconic Ipswich firm, families and friends are all welcomed. The hall has good seating and plenty of room. About 120 attended last year.

Easy parking and near the No 66 bus route. Food (toasties, sandwiches and salads) and drinks at reasonable prices. Please don’t bring your own food.

Admission £2 per person. To confirm attendance please contact: Elizabeth Townsend: 01206 734581 / estownsend@btinternet.com

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society (IDHTS) was established in 1963 by transport enthusiasts for followers of rail, road, air and water related subjects. Local and national speakers give presentations on their specialised subject at monthly meetings (usually held on the fourth Wednesday) held at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, 7 for 7.30pm.

On Wednesday, March 23, Squadron Leader Ray Barrett (retired) will present an illustrated talk entitled Vulcan at War (Falklands War).

All profits to British Red Cross Refugee Crisis Appeal and Breast Cancer Care.

For a modest entry charge (currently £3.50 including tea/coffee) visitors are very welcome to attend. An annual excursion is also arranged to a place of transport interest, this year to the Great Western Society premises at Didcot.

Advanced booking essential. Book now (only 50 places available!) by calling Jacqui on: 01449 721713

For further details, please contact Mervyn Russen (01473 414746) or Martyn Hunt (01473 422145) or visit: www.idhts.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MEET ‘N’ EAT LUNCH CLUB CLAYDON AND BARHAM WI We had a change of scenery for our meeting on February 9 with a meal out at the Mermaid in Ipswich. A very happy time and a chance to meet Sue. We hope that she enjoyed her evening with us as we did with her. Thanks to Thelma, Mary and Bridget for providing transport and getting us there and back safely.

Future get-togethers SEFWI annual meeting at Trinity Park on March 3 Clean for the Queen on Saturday, March 5 On March 8 we will be back in the village hall when Elizabeth Simpson will speak about Guide Dogs for the Blind. The competition will be for an Easter bonnet.

If you would like to know more about our local WI, please contact Barbara on 832330. We would love to hear from you.

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on March 22 when Luke Potter, the new East Suffolk general manager for the National Trust, will give us an insight into the current work and future plans of the trust for our area. This will be preceded by a short AGM. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £2. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, contact membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

HENLEY 100 CLUB January winners: Brenda Curl, Ivan Fisher and John & Jenny Underhill February winners: Margaret Gerrard, John & Jenny Clements and Clare Thomas You can join at any time of year. The cost is just £4 a month and the more members we get, the greater the prize money. All profits go to St Peter’s Church, Henley.

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

HENLEY SENIOR CITIZENS We started our New Year on a sad note with the death of Sonia Hancock. She will be greatly missed by her domino friends and all the members but will be remembered for her gentle and generous personality.

Moving on from that sad news we had two meetings during January with bingo and dominoes. We had a busy time with events as we celebrated Peter and Pat’s Diamond Anniversary, Linda’s birthday and John and Jenny’s special birthdays. Cakes were flowing from all directions so we had to have the blowing out of candles for John and Jenny belated to the last meeting.

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD Our February meeting was somewhat different to the usual ‘speaker’ as a representative from Actilives taught us gentle exercises to music, mostly from the comfort of a chair. It was very good and thoroughly recommended. We range in age from 50s to 90s with varying stages of fitness, all of whom joined in and enjoyed it.

If you would like to join us, we meet on the first Monday in the month, except for bank holidays, from 2-4pm at Bramford Scout and Guide HQ. For further information contact Pat Caddick: 01473 402152 / pandj83@gmail.com

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

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

4 EVER YOUNG MEN’S CLUB The 4 Ever Young Men’s Club meets at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of the month at The Crown in Claydon. We 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.

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

If you would like to join us, contact Mike Biddle on 07805 507497 or just come along on the third Wednesday of the month – you will be very welcome.

HENLEY WI The speaker at our January meeting was Gordon Paley with a talk intriguingly titled Brief Encounters with Mandela, Orbison and Hippos. It transpired that Gordon had led a very varied life, acting as bodyguard and protector to Nelson Mandela, a motor home salesman and a hospitality driver to stars such as Roger Daltry and Roy Orbison in Hollywood. Roy Orbison became a personal friend to Gordon and gave him many signed albums, but unfortunately all were stolen.

And the hippos? Apparently at Mandela’s home there was a rhino and a hippo who lived happily together until one day the hippo was killed by the rhino. The hippo was found to be pregnant and the baby was saved and put with a cow that successfully reared the baby hippo until such time that it could be reunited with other hippos.

The talk was most interesting and we all felt exhausted after our trip around the world with Gordon and were ready for our refreshments supplied by Sue, Caroline and Maxine.

Now we look forward to our birthday meeting in March.

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB We had a very interesting talk about the Isles of Scilly from Chris Parfitt in January. Chris is a very good speaker and the slides were excellent.

Our meeting on Monday, March 14 will start with a short AGM followed by a talk entitled A Year in the Life of a Beehive by Laurie Wiseman. All our meetings are held in Offton and Willisham Village Hall and start at 7.30pm.

Anyone is welcome to come along.

For more information please contact Christine: 01473 830600

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB January prizewinners were: No 43: John Harrison, £18.60 No 42: Lisa Read, £9.30 No 34: Brian Wylie, £3.10 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

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50’s CLUB

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL

We are open to anyone over 50 living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham, from 2-4pm. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea.

The children are all getting quite excited now for the Easter break and maybe a visit from the Easter Bunny with some chocolate. They have been doing lots of activities based around Easter and, of course, sorting out cards for Mother’s Day.

The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind the hall. It’s fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS March 9: Social Afternoon March 23: Lewis Tyler of the River Gipping Trust will give a presentation entitled Rebuilding History – Baylham Lock and Sluice April 13: Social afternoon including the occasional series A Walk Down Memory Lane April 27: Peter Banham will lead an interactive talk on old sayings and their meanings May 11: Social afternoon May 25: Mrs Jane Paley with a light-hearted talk entitled What Do You Know About Tea?

We are holding our Easter Holiday Club on Tuesday, March 29, Wednesday, March 30, Tuesday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 6 from 9am-3.30pm for children aged two to eight. Prices are £20 for a full day (bring a packed lunch) and £12 for either a morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (12.30-3.30pm) session. For more details or to book spaces please contact the administrator – details below.

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 (noon-12.30pm) for £1.60. We are happy to accept childcare vouchers and we offer two year funded places for any eligible children. We also run a holiday club in the Easter and summer holidays for two to eight year olds.

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

Visitors and new members are always welcome so do come and join us.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project that has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 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 only meet on March 10, 9.30-11.30am, in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

Thank you to everyone who came along to our big 25th birthday party. We had a lot of fun and I was very pleased with the article that the Ipswich Star produced for us. They published some really lovely photos of the children.

We are also celebrating our Mid Suffolk District Council Locality Award of £275. Many thanks to Councillor John Whitehead for helping us with this.

This award will help ensure that we can continue to provide this valuable and fun resource for many more years to come.

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

For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com

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JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL (SPROUGHTON) AT NEEDHAM MARKET As you may be aware, Jigsaw Pre-school is coming to Needham Market.

We are due to open ready for the summer term 2016. We would like to say a huge thank you to Sackers Ltd who have donated two skips to help us clear the very overgrown outdoor play area, David Bayes from Bosmere Gas Services who provided a boiler check and LJH Electrical who did the electric and fire safety checks ready to get the pre-school up and running.

Jigsaw is a registered charity offering quality childcare, fun and education to families in the local area and is Ofsted registered. We are opening in The Drift, School Street, Needham Market, to offer quality childcare for children from two years of age to school age. Jigsaw will be offering young children a wealth of activities to enhance their learning and development both inside the purpose built building and outside in the large garden area.

Our staff are dedicated and highly qualified with qualifications ranging from level 3 to EYP and have a vast amount of experience and knowledge of child development and the wellbeing of young children.

For further details of this exciting opening, please contact Jigsaw Sproughton at 01473 745716 / info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk or visit: www.jigsawsproughton.org.uk

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SPORT CLAYDON FOOTBALL CLUB Café Grand Opening

out from Alfie found Fabian on the right wing. Fabian let the ball bounce once and unleashed an absolute thunderbolt in the back of the IVR net that the keeper could do nothing about.

Going two goals down seemed to spur IVR on and they increased tempo with their attacking play. Some very talented young players were shining as Claydon struggled to contain them. The pressure paid off as IVR pulled a goal back with Alf unable to keep out a low drive into the bottom corner.

Inside of Claydon FC new Cafe The café grand opening was performed on Saturday, January 23 when Chris Studd cut the tape and officially opened the café for business. The café was made possible thanks to the generosity of Claydon and Whitton Parish Councils and Suffolk Empowering Communities Fund with backing from Councillor John Field and the hard work and dedication of Tony Adams and Mark Keely (known as ‘Bod’) who spent many hours at Blue Circle working on the interior and exterior of the building.

Claydon FC chairman Tim Carr gave a short speech thanking everyone for their hard work and financial support to provide the club with a superb café venue for its 18 teams and visitors to enjoy.

Claydon FC receives funding from SITA Trust

Claydon U10 Tigers celebrate Omarion’s goal as a team in the cup quarter final Many fantastic individual performances towards the end of the game served to frustrate IVR as they couldn’t break down the Claydon defence to draw level. Sam and Josh displayed great grit and determination, priding themselves on forming the defensive backbone we have come to rely upon.

Alfie pulled off a double wonder save in the dying moments which had many members of the crowd wondering just how he had managed it!

Full time: IVR U10 1 / Claydon U10 Tigers 2 – final against Felixstowe & Walton the team on March 12.

Claydon FC Race Night Claydon Football Club are holding a horse race night at Claydon and Barham Community Centre on March 5. Tickets are available at £6 for adults and £4 for under 12s, which includes a sausage and chips supper. Opportunities to sponsor a race are also available – sponsors get two free tickets, two free drinks, can name a horse and hand out business cards.

For tickets or to get more information on sponsor opportunities please call Stuart: 07796 785961

Tony Adams in front of the Claydon FC clubhouse as renovations begin

Groundsman wanted Have you recently retired and have time on your hands? Claydon Football Club is looking for a groundsman at its Blue Circle site. This would only involve a few hours a week at a time to suit you. If you are interested please contact Simon: 07903 398460 / admin@claydon-fc.co.uk

Claydon Football Club, which has around 250 members across 18 teams, is celebrating the news that it has received £59,146 from SITA Trust for refurbishment of the clubhouse and changing facilities. The works will include a new roof, new external walls and renovation of the social room.

Mr Adams said: “The clubhouse, which was formerly the cricket pavilion for Blue Circle, is very old, has a leaking roof and the exterior is rotting away. It is through grants of this nature that small sports clubs are able to improve their facilities.”

Marianne Ivin of SITA Trust said she could see that the facilities were very poor and in great need of modernisation. She added: “Our funding will see a huge change in the provision on offer at the club and it is impressive to see that they have maintained high user numbers until this point.”

SITA Trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund. The funding has been available since 1997 and has provided worthy projects with more that £1.4billion. (See page 8) Claydon FC U10 Tigers Claydon FC U10 Tigers took on an exceptionally good IVR U10 side at Greshams in the Suffolk Cup quarter-final on January 30. The game started off at a frenetic pace with both teams contesting the ball. Omarion was clearly a man on a mission with something to prove as his challenges and early possession contributed hugely to Claydon’s early attacking play.

Good interchanges between Harry and Fabian saw Omarion with the ball at his feet on the left wing just outside of the IVR goal area. Omarion had only one thing on his mind as he lined up his shot. The result was a joy to watch as the ball went sailing over the IVR keeper with both power and precision.

IVR were perhaps having the better share of possession and presented a constant attacking threat. The Claydon fans’ nerves were eased as a long kick

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SPORT TALES FROM THE 19th HOLE

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

The HOGS AGM was held on January 27. It was an opportunity to look back on the last 12 months and discuss where we would like to play in the upcoming year.

Greetings guff lovers. The storms that have been battering us recently have also been having an effect on the fixture lists of the winter league pairs. Only last week Nick and Graham’s match versus Matt and Adam fell foul of the conditions, the gale force wind forcing an abandonment after just one set had been played (though Nick’s serve was helped by the strong headwind, as it kept 10% of his serves in the court... a tenfold increase!). Naturally there was disappointment among the spectators, not least those with a video camera hoping to get an easy £250 from You’ve Been Framed, but Nick was sanguine about it as he has suffered from wind affected matches before – though not since we banned him from eating curry the night before a game.

Scott, having struggled to make many of the events last year, felt it was time to step down after four years as club captain. He was thanked for what he had brought to the role and a hope that his renowned joke telling may return in the future having alleviated himself of the ‘responsibility of office’. Shaun had also decided to relinquish the vice-captaincy so rather than a simple elevation in roles, both positions were up for election.

There were a number of nominations on the night but the majority of nominees preferred not to take on the role. It therefore came down to a single nominee who was happy to fulfil such obligations and Roland Addicott became the fifth HOGS captain. If his end of year report isn’t as long winded as Scott’s then we’ll all be happy!

Brian Shaw was recognised for his consistently high results and attendances by being appointed vice-captain – unsure about what the role entailed he was reassured by Shaun that he would draft him a list of duties and responsibilities once he could work out what he was supposed to have been doing for the last few years. The current incumbents were all unanimously re-elected: Keith as club secretary, Ivan as treasurer (who has managed to get the books back in a far more healthy position than last year, thanks to our October fundraiser), Steve the competitions officer and Grahame as subscriptions officer. Each was thanked for their respective work.

A selection of golf courses was proposed for the 2016 programme including some that were particularly enjoyed in 2015 and some that we haven’t played for a number of years. We await with keen interest to see which make the final cut once Keith has worked his magic and done the deals. We are also keen to build on the success of the Food and Quiz Night and early preparations are being made for a repeat event in the autumn; we look forward to welcoming as many as possible once again.

Finally, Steve produced a comprehensive analysis of each player’s performance statistics for 2015. While nearly half the members’ handicaps ended the year as they started, it was also notable that six were lower (good) and six higher (not so good). Top performer in that sense was Alan, closely followed by Paul C and Steve. The best attendees, each making seven domestic events, were Keith, Mike and Shaun, although this didn’t necessarily mean that practise made perfect for at least one of these. Overall, collating the scores of those who attended at least half the events, the top ranked player was Alan, scoring an average of 30.4 points, closely followed again by Paul on 29.0 points with Ian third on 28.5. That’s the benchmark for 2016 so here’s to another great year’s golf.

Join the local team that makes a difference

The winds of change are blowing through the committee as the AGM hoves into view. It’s on March 20 at noon in the sports pavilion and all club members and members of the public are welcome to attend. There will be the usual rush of hot air followed by gales of laughter and the usual chill wind of realisation as we clamp the leg irons on the volunteers. Many thanks to all the outgoing members for their time and efforts and a warm welcome to the new suckers, sorry successors.

There are no other ill winds to report on the injury front this month, apart from Graham suffering a minor head wound incurred when bending to pick up a 50p piece he had dropped – it hit him on the back of the head!

Clive had a nasty reoccurrence of his heart rate going through the roof, however he soon recovered when Lorna found the emergency corkscrew to replace the one he had just snapped. Apparently she keeps one in a small red box on the wall with a window that you have to break in an emergency.

Corrinne is on the road to recovery (literally) as she is back on her bike complete with small scarf over her tee shirt now that the wind chill is getting up.

Just time for joke of the month while you are still awake: A man gets a Chinese takeaway and upon getting home starts to unpack the containers from the carrier bag. He notices that the lid of one of the boxes is slightly open and he is alarmed to see a small pair of eyes looking out at him.

Hurriedly he slams the lid down and phones the takeaway to complain. After describing what has happened the owner laughs and says: “Don’t worry, that’s your Peking Duck!”

I don’t expect to get blown away with laughter at that one.

More guff next month, Mick Russ

YOGA FOR ALL It is with regret that after more than 10 years our yoga class has moved.

The Boughton Room in Henley Community Centre is no longer able to accommodate our growing numbers and so we have moved to The Thomas Wolsey School gym on Defoe Road in Ipswich. Our class will aim to start at 7.35pm as we have to be out of the gym by 9.15pm.

We would like to thank Rosie and Doreen for their helpfulness and understanding over the many years at Henley and look forward to meeting the caretakers at our new venue.

If you would like more details about this class please call Lavinia (01473 690762) or Jemma (01473 832646).

STOWMARKET TOWN YOUTH FC U15 WASPS REQUIRES ADDITIONAL PLAYERS This friendly team is part of a charter standard club and is looking for additional U15 footballers (Years 9 or 10) to play in the Ipswich and Suffolk Youth League.

The Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk is a charity. Our advice is delivered by volunteers.

Will you join us?

Please contact us on 01449 676060 or email advice@midsuffolkcab.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

The team is run by FA qualified coaches with matches on Sunday mornings and training once a week.

If you are interested, please contact David Ellis: 07767 207504 / davidreginaldellis@yahoo.co.uk

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CHURCH NEWS CLAYDON & BARHAM PARISH CHURCH The church of St Mary and St Peter in Barham Church Lane is the parish church for Claydon and Barham USEFUL NUMBERS Clergy

Priest-in-Charge: Vacant Self Supporting Minister, The Rev Jenny Ablett: 830205

Churchwardens

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

been held in the enclosed space of the Rectory Gardens in York Crescent. This venue created a unique atmosphere which always attracts huge support from parishioners past and present.

While we have been without a parish priest since last July, it has been financially necessary for the diocese to rent the rectory out on a short-term lease to private tenants. Although the process of appointing a new priest is underway and interviews are scheduled for April, we have to assume that the rectory will not be returned to its normal use before June and we have had to look for a different venue for our fete.

We have now decided to hold this year’s fete on the grass area behind Barham Church which is a similar sized area. It has the advantage of being able to use the church hall as well. There is plenty of car parking space but we shall be seeking to also run a shuttle bus service from the centre of the village for those who don’t have a car.

As the church is already booked for our normal date, we have also brought the fete forward a week to Saturday, June 4. We are still in the very early planning stage but please support us now by putting the date in your diary and spreading the word. We shall be running all the usual attractions plus a few more that the venue makes possible.

DIARY DATES FOR MARCH Wednesday, March 2

Lent Group at 10 Phillipps Road, 7.30pm Compline at Henley, 9pm

Friday, March 4

Lent Group at 20 Lincoln Gardens, 2.30pm

Sunday, March 6

Holy Communion (said), 8am Family Communion – Mothering Sunday, 10am

Wednesday, March 9

Lent Group at 10 Phillipps Road, 7.30pm Compline at Henley, 9pm

Thursday, March 10

Young Families at the village hall, 9.30am

Friday, March 11

Communion at Alasdair Place, 2.30pm Lent Group at 20 Lincoln Gardens, 2.30pm

While the church building is owned and maintained by the trust, the churchyard has remained the responsibility of Claydon & Barham Parochial Church Council (PCC). The PCC are very appreciative of the time Linda and Eric have given to keeping the main churchyard neat and tidy.

Sunday, March 13

Holy Communion (said), 8am Parish Communion, 10am Baptism of Jacob Groom, 2pm

It will not be easy for the trust to find a replacement and in the meantime we assume that the church will remain locked. Meanwhile the PCC would be pleased to hear from anyone who would be willing to take on the care of the main churchyard.

Monday, March 14

Ministry Team Meeting, 8.00pm

Wednesday, March 16

Lent Group at 10 Phillipps Road, 7.30pm Compline at Henley, 9pm

Friday, March 18

Communion at Barham Care Centre, 11am Lent Group at 20 Lincoln Gardens, 2.30pm

Palm Sunday, March 20

Holy Communion (said), 8am Community Worship, 10am

Monday, March 21

Monday Prayers, 7.45pm

Tuesday, March 22

Stations of the Cross, 7.45pm

Wednesday, March 23

Compline at Henley, 9pm

Thursday, March 24: MAUNDY THURSDAY

Sunshine Service at the village hall, 9.30am Supper at Gt Blakenham, 6pm Communion at Gt Blakenham, 7.30pm

Friday, March 25: GOOD FRIDAY

Messy Church for Families, 10am Hot + Buns & Drinks for all, 11am Short All-Age Worship, 11.30am

Sunday, March 27: EASTER DAY

Holy Communion (said), 8am Easter Day Communion, 10am

Tuesday, March 29

PCC meets in Church Hall, 7.30pm

Wednesday, 30

Communion at St Peter’s Court 2.30pm

Friday, April 1

Communion at Barham Care Home, 11am

Sunday, April 3

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

DEPARTED We offer our sympathy, love and prayers to the families and friends of those who have recently died including Jessie Connor formerly owner of Mace Stores in Bacon Road and Ray Allatson from Alasdair Place St Peter’s Church, Claydon Sadly Eric and Linda Munson have reluctantly resigned from their roles as custodians of the church building in Claydon. They have fulfilled this voluntary role for the past 18 years on behalf of the Churches Conservation Trust which owns the building. Over that time they have given many hours of their time to lovingly care for the building and to unlock and lock it every day so that it could be used by visitors for prayer or just to enjoy the ancient architecture and craftsmanship.

Easter Greetings We wish all readers a meaningful Holy Week followed by a very Happy Easter.

You will all be very welcome at your parish church for any or all of the services and events from Palm Sunday through to Easter Day. Please see the diary for details. Children of all ages will be very welcome with their parents at the Children’s Good Friday Messy Church in the Church Hall for an hour of Easter crafts. This will be followed by hot cross buns and a short service in the church for all ages.

Please note that there will be a supper in Gt Blakenham Parish Room at 6pm on Maundy Thursday to remind us of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples.

Keep an eye open for details as you will need to book a place in advance for catering purposes. Following this there will be a Maundy Thursday Service in Gt Blakenham Church at 7.30pm.

Claydon & Barham Annual Church Meeting Our annual meeting is on Tuesday, April 5 at 7.30pm. Prior to the meeting, a copy of the annual report and accounts for 2015 will be available for everyone whose name is on the revised Church Electoral Roll. The annual meeting is your opportunity to ask questions about the past and to make suggestions for the future – please make an effort to be there. There are forms available in church to have your name added to the Church Electoral Roll as well as forms to nominate Cchurchwardens and PCC members for the next year.

Church Fete: Saturday, June 4 The church has held an annual fete in Claydon and Barham in June without fail for as long as anyone can remember. Over the last half century it has

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CHURCH NEWS THE MIRACLE OF DUNKIRK When Britain was close to defeat during the Second World War, and the entire British Army was trapped at the port on the coast of France, in desperation King George VI called for a National Day of Prayer to be held on May 26, 1940.

In a broadcast he instructed the people of the UK to turn back to God in a spirit of repentance and plead for divine help. Millions of people across the British Isles flocked into churches praying for deliverance. People could be seen queuing to get into Westminster Abbey streets away.

Two events immediately followed. Firstly, a violent storm arose over the Dunkirk region, grounding the Luftwaffe which had been killing thousands on the beaches. Secondly, an unbelievable eerie calm descended on the channel, the like of which had never been seen by that generation. This allowed hundreds of tiny boats to sail across and rescue 335,000 soldiers. This was 10 times greater than the best hoped for estimates that 20-30,000 might be able to be evacuated. From then on people referred to what happened as ‘The Miracle of Dunkirk’ and Sunday, June 9 was officially appointed as a Day of National Thanksgiving.

government that they might know what to do in these difficult times, and like the wartime generation before us, turn back to God in a true spirit of repentance and plead for help for our country.

In the Bible, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

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.

During the course of the war, National Days of Prayer were held at critical times. After each one, it seems that God responded with blessing, guidance and help for our nation. Seventy-five years on, it’s clear that things have gone very wrong and our country is in a huge mess. We have a national debt of over a trillion pounds, prisons are packed to bursting, sexual crimes, child abuse and physical violence is rife, the threat of terrorism is ever present, and there is little peace throughout our land. The problems facing our country have got well beyond our ability to sort out. We need to pray for those in

For more information contact: info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / 01449 720357 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

ST PETER’S CHURCH HENLEY

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Clergy:

The Rev Cathy Austin, 830100

Churchwardens:

Richard Self, 831930 Margaret Gerrard, 831463

SERVICES FOR MARCH Wednesday 2

9pm – Compline

Sunday 6

10am – Mothering Sunday Family Service (please note change of service)

Monday 7

9.15am – Prayer Group

Wednesday 9

9pm – Compline

Thursday 10

7.30pm – PCC meeting in the vestry

Sunday 13

9am – Said Communion (please note change of service)

Wednesday 16

9pm – Compline

Saturday 19

10.30am – Vestry Café – tea, coffee, cakes and produce followed by light lunch served from noon-1pm. All welcome.

Sunday 20

10am – Family Communion

HOLY WEEK Monday 21

7.45pm – Prayer at Barham Church

Tuesday 22

7.45pm – Stations of the Cross at Barham Church

Maundy Thursday 24

Time TBC – Maundy Service and supper at Great Blakenham Church

Good Friday 25

9.30-10.30am – Children’s workshop: sign-up sheet in the church. Children under five to be accompanied by an adult

10.45am – Good Friday walk

Noon – Service at the Cross – followed by Hot Cross Buns

7pm – Service of Meditation

Saturday 26

8pm – Easter Eve Vigil at Barham Church

Sunday 27

10am – Festal Communion (Easter Sunday)

Sunday, April 3

9am – Said Communion

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