In Touch with Claydon - November 2015

In Touch

™© ™©

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2015

Image by Svetlana Sewell www.fotobay.co.uk

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In Touch online:

NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently an old college friend posted a link on Facebook entitled 20 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Adult Should Know and I’d like to share my favourites with you.

“Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits “The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more:

In Touch

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL

A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs:

Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway.

“There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.”

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age.

Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather.

As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated.

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 We also publish In Touch with...

Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk magazines in the following areas:-

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

claydon@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising and Distribution: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Advertising: Carol Lingley Email: carol@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Disclaimer:

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the Publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the Publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

Printing: Colourplan Print 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP 01473 400379

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

A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries, Bentley IP9 2DG

If you would like to make up a gift for a child you should cover a shoebox and lid separately with wrapping paper and label it for a boy or girl with one of these age ranges: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.

Contents could include: • Pencils, crayons, chalk, notebooks and colouring books • Soft toys with CE label, puppets, dolls, small games, children’s playing cards, balls, skipping ropes, toy cars, jigsaws, whistles, mouth organs • Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels or sponges, combs • Hats, gloves, hair slides and beads • Sweets with a long date but not chocolate as it doesn’t travel well We would appreciate a £3 donation towards transport. This can be cash or a cheque inside the box or a payment online through the Samaritans Purse website. Please use an elastic band to secure the box until we check and tape it up.

If you are unable to make up a shoebox but have items from the above list to donate we can use them to make up extra boxes at the warehouse.

Please drop off boxes and donations as soon as possible in November, either at Woodview Nurseries during the day or at one of the drop off points listed on the website. For further information call: 01473 310254/716437

Hadleigh NEW East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter Capel St Mary Sproughton & Burstall Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Bramford, Somersham & Offton Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham Stowmarket & Stowupland

The fantastic sum of £474.60 was raised at the Henley MacMillan Coffee Morning this year. A big thank you to everyone who donated cakes and draw prizes and supported on the day. Not forgetting all those who gave their services to run the event. Well Done!

Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead

Rosy Fox

Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St Martin Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone Kesgrave & Rushmere Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill & Woolverstone Woodbridge & Melton

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

DECEMBER DEADLINE 10 NOVEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

EARLY NOTICE OF GALA DAY 2016 The Claydon and Barham Local Community Trust are organising a gala day to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday on Saturday, July 9, 2016.

We hope as many local organisations as possible will take part. This time we are also looking for organisations, individuals and artisans who can make and produce crafts to come and show the community the amazing talent, skills and diversity that resides in our village and local area.

Please contact Gail Cornish on info@candbcc.co.uk / 0793 247 8878 if you wish to have a stall or leave a message on 01473 831805 and someone will return your call when possible.

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NEWS SAVE THE DUKE CAMPAIGN UPDATE writing, we know of at least £25,000 worth of investment that has come from elsewhere in the country, from people who spotted the project and felt it worthy of investment!

We haven’t reached our target yet, so shares are still on sale. Please send cheques to our treasurer, Gerard Kroon. The prospectus and details of where to send your cheque are available on the website.

We are currently waiting on an important decision by the Power to Change Big Lottery fund: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/powertochange We have applied for a substantial sum from them to help with the purchase of the pub. This fund is aimed at projects just like ours so we have everything crossed for a positive outcome!

In the meantime we are continuing to approach businesses in the hunt for corporate sponsors, and talking to the breweries about possible ways they could help. Can you think of a company we could approach?

After a busy period of promoting the project, the deadline for buying shares on our online crowdfunding platform has now closed. At the time of writing in early October, the total stands at over £135,000.

Amazing! (If all were UK tax-paying investors, we have saved them a total £40,000 off their collective tax bill!) We were pleased we selected the Crowdfunder website to partner with as, at the time of

We have lots more ideas and are very determined – we WILL make this happen! If you can help, we would be very happy to hear from you. Keep up to date with the latest news at: www.savetheduke.net Sarah Caston Save the Duke Chair

IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in.

Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak.

their self-esteem and gain help and advice to restore their lives.

Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit down supper and breakfast the following morning.

This year we are also expanding our services to provide a Sunday afternoon shelter and a Christmas project, times when the homeless feel even more vulnerable and lonely. Every person coming into the shelter arrives with a different story, but we are there simply to provide a warm and safe place to stay.

In order for the shelters to run, we are entirely dependent on volunteers from the Ipswich area to offer their help and as we expand the need is even greater.

The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is a project operating under Selig (Suffolk) Trust, headed up by The Rev Canon Paul Daltry. Selig Trust is also working with Hope into Action providing permanent accommodation to the homeless, a befriending service working with IWNS to link homeless people to trained befrienders, a possible domestic abuse project providing education and support through the church network and a vision for connecting ex-offenders to local businesses.

If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk

So will you join us in supporting The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter again this year when we open our doors to some of the most vulnerable people of Ipswich? Ipswich Winter Night Shelter works alongside The Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage homeless people to regain

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The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm-7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS 1 - 3 Ipswich Road, Claydon, Suffolk, IP6 0AA Tel: 01473 832111 www.travel-stop.co.uk email: claydon@travel-stop.co.uk

Tuesday 24th November Come and meet Wendy Wu, specialist operator to China and Japan, Drop in to our Claydon office between 9:30am and 12 noon

Tuesday 8th December Fundraising Coffee Morning in aid of ABTA LifeLine Join us and ‘Typically Italian Holidays’ for a latte or expresso at our Claydon office from 10am - 2pm

SCOUT CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY SERVICE Once again this year, 1st Claydon Scouts and Guides have joined forces with nine other groups in and around Ipswich to offer a Christmas card delivery service for the bargain price of only 25p per card. Cards and the postage can be dropped into one of our collection boxes and we will arrange for delivery to any of the under mentioned villages or postcodes of Ipswich before Christmas Eve. However, be warned, in order to do this massive task, the last posting date must be December 9.

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

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

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

THE GOING WAS TOUGH BUT IT WAS WORTH IT The challenge was for 100 people to cycle 300 miles from London to Paris over four days, and between us raise £100,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice. During all the training and meetings we were aware that this was no easy challenge, but the word ‘rain’ was not mentioned.

However, rain it did – not a fine drizzle or a quick shower but hour after hour of heavy, sometimes torrential rain throughout three of the four days. There were strong head winds to contend with, a thunderstorm and at one point even hailstones. Just occasionally the rain let up briefly, and heads lifted to admire the pretty countryside, adorned with verges of colourful wild flowers, the sleepy villages and quaint towns we cycled through.

The challenge took us from London to Dover over the South Downs, across the channel by ferry to Calais, from Calais to Abbeville to Beauvais and finally on day four from Beauvais to Paris.

Thankfully on day four the weather improved and we headed for Paris in high spirits, jubilant that we had almost reached our destination.

Throughout the four days there were tears and laughter, highs and lows, injuries, friendships made, but above all I will always remember the great camaraderie that was obvious from the start. Offers of assistance and advice and words of encouragement abounded and each evening when the days cycling was over, there was time to regale

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one another with events of the day.

The challenge is not quite over. It was hoped that the fundraising would be shared between 100 cyclists but in the event there were only 51 of us. When we set out on our adventure the total amount raised was less than £80,000, but this has now risen to more than £95,000 and we are determined to hit the £100,000 target.

We all had our reasons for taking on the challenge, but for many it was because the hospice had been there for a loved one in their time of need. Very often the hospice is seen as a place to be in the last weeks of life but it offers so much more and has such a crucial need in our part of Suffolk.

I would like to thank friends and acquaintances in Bramford and beyond who have donated to the cause, whether by supporting my ’justgiving’ fundraising page or sponsoring me. Particular thanks to Graham at John Keeble Garage for your generous sponsorship.

For anyone who may be interested, St Elizabeth Hospice is looking to organise a similar fundraiser challenge in 2017 – if you like a challenge you have plenty of time to train and to fundraise.

Corinne Beaumont

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT John Field’s Report to Gipping Valley, October 2015

Locality Budgets Your district councillors for this year only have a £5,000 budget to deploy in their wards to fund projects by community groups. They must of course align with Mid-Suffolk’s objectives. Forms to request grants of £500+ are available and your councillors will make final decisions by early January.

As a county councillor, I also have my Locality Budget available and about £12,000 remains after providing support for a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) in Henley and Hemingstone, pond refurbishment at Henley Primary School and LED floodlights for Bramford Football Club.

I would like to support local community organisations to meet the needs of local residents, ideally but not exclusively, where county money leverages in funds from other bodies. Further VAS might be an idea.

Devolution The devolution discussions are wending their way forward. The government has stated that both Norfolk and Suffolk must be involved as in the LEP. A number of powers will be handed down only if an elected mayor controls a combined authority.

There is now a Norfolk and Suffolk Framework Document for Devolution which gives a clearer list of ambitions. It opens: “Devolution offers an exciting opportunity for greater local decision-making and influence to power economic growth and productivity and unlock the potential of Norfolk and Suffolk. The two counties have the scale, ambition and leadership to maximise the opportunities offered by additional freedoms and responsibilities. We also have the potential to grow our economy faster, with strengths in key sectors such as agri-tech, food and health, energy and the digital economy.”

The framework claims strengths as: • National hubs for key business sectors, e.g. financial industries, that need to be nurtured to become magnets for global inward investment • An all-energy coast at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind • Globally-leading research in life sciences and agri-tech, and pioneering technical innovations in ICT research and development.

• The UK’s busiest container port, in Felixstowe • A fast-growing creative digital sector, with Norwich recently recognised

by Tech City UK • Market-leading food and drink producers • Our first-class cultural heritage attractions mean tourism is worth £4.6bn annually across Norfolk and Suffolk

However, while our employment figures are among the best in the country, our skills and productivity levels are below the national average.

I believe the need to work with Norfolk and a wider variety of political parties has helped clarify the way forward. Negotiations continue.

Community Transport This month a cabinet decision to tender for continuing community transport using a new structure was ‘called in’. Community transport is services like Dial a Ride that provide on demand transport to people not served by scheduled buses or trains. There have been a number of these services under various brands serving different communities and user groups. Their vehicles have been provided by the county and the services largely specified by county officers.

The proposal is that seven contracts would be let, one per district council, so that people can easily know which they should phone to book a journey. The current vehicles would be sold to the providers, a move that would allow a wider range of customers to be served. When the county owns vehicles providers cannot use them to provide some desirable services. In addition, they can then select vehicles to meet the need as they see it rather than having to use what the county provides.

The county hopes that this will allow competition for services such as some forms of home to school transport that will use the assets more intensively.

So why was this called in? Well, among other issues, the intention was that the county would no longer provide free vehicles (saving some £570k), and would also reduce the subsidy from £1.4m to £700k over the next four years. The revenue from the new freedom to provide services was supposed to compensate. Scrutiny believed it more likely that, although the providers would survive, service to people without other transport options will be cut.

We referred the decision back but the paper to cabinet on October 13 recommends no change.

County Scrutiny I will report on our scrutiny of the Keir contract and the energy-fromwaste programme in my next report.

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

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY SUEZ, the new name for SITA UK, the company which runs the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility, has been listed in the Archant Green 100.

The list, which is compiled by the publishers of the East Anglian Daily Times and the Eastern Daily Press, celebrates the efforts being made by 100 Suffolk and Norfolk businesses that are actively leading the way in sustainable and environmental business practice.

All the companies on the list will feature in a green supplement in both papers, and have been invited to a green conference at the Orbis Energy Centre in Lowestoft.

The site is also in line for another national

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award. It has been short-listed in the British Construction Industry Awards in the major civil engineering project of the year category.

In the meantime, the site’s first major shutdown to allow all of the equipment to be thoroughly inspected, maintained and cleaned, takes place from October 25 until November 17. Around 50 extra contractors are expected on site during the shut down, but there is not expected to be any impact on local residents. Work on the two lines will be staggered, so there will only be a few days when the site is shut-down completely, and waste will continue to arrive throughout.

The site’s community liaison group, which

includes parish council representatives and local residents, is looking for new members.

The group meets quarterly and provides an opportunity for local people to hear about developments on the site and to ask any questions. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 15. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Manda Henry: 01473 8368321 / manda.henry@sita.co.uk Useful contact numbers Site offices: 01473 839149 Site control room: 01473 836828 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910

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NEWS

CLAYDON AND WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL

Service of Remembrance: The parish council has arranged a Service of Remembrance which will be held at Claydon and Barham Village Hall on the morning of Wednesday, November 11. Tea and coffee will be served from 10am.

There will be a short service inside the hall at about 10.45am followed by the Act of Remembrance outside at 11am. Everyone is encouraged to attend to remember those from the village who lost their lives fighting for our country in the two world wars.

See and be seen: A seasonal reminder to all road users in the village that now it is dark by early evening it is important they can see and be seen by other road users and pedestrians. It is a legal requirement for cyclists to have lights on the front and rear of cycles, but unfortunately our local PCSO regularly stops cyclists who are riding in the dark without lights. Also some cyclists continue to ride on public footpaths, which is an offence as well as being a hazard and a danger to pedestrians. Those who cycle, or those that carry out any form of exercise along footpaths or roadsides, are asked to wear either light and/or reflective clothing so that they can be seen in good time by drivers of motor vehicles.

Police Connect: Information from the public is a major help in the fight against crime and helping to make our community a safer place. By taking a few moments to fill out a simple form you can become more informed about what's happening in your community and be more involved in

helping to prevent and reduce crime. Police Connect is a messaging service connecting you to the very latest policing news for your area via email, text or phone. You can register to receive information about the issues that most matter to you and be among the first to be alerted by the police in the case of an emergency affecting your area. There is no charge for this service and there are two ways that people can register: 1. Go to the Police Connect web page on the Constabulary website, and sign up online.

2. By completing a Police Connect registration form that can be handed into a local police station or posted to: Community Safety Unit, Suffolk Police, Landmark House, Ipswich IP1 5PF. Meetings in November: The next parish council meeting is on Monday, November 9 at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Time will be set aside at the beginning of the meeting to give the opportunity for members of the public to speak briefly on items included on the agenda or to raise other issues about which they have concerns. Agendas are available in advance from our parish clerk, Mrs S Eagle: 01473 687384 (answer machine available) / claywhit@btinternet.com / 7 Leicester Close, Ipswich IP2 9EX. www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net / Twitter: @claywhitpc

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE Having been to Belarus last month I have returned with details of the six children who will be travelling to the UK on December 4. This is the first time this Link has brought a winter group and everyone is really looking forward to it, especially as the visit will continue through the Christmas period with the children returning on December 30.

This visit will be more low key than our usual summer group visit as there will be less time for organised activities with the Christmas period taking up almost two weeks of the children’s stay. Not only will this visit be especially beneficial to the children as they will be able to leave the bitter cold of Belarus for the month, but also, for the first time, we are inviting older children. One child is almost 11 and the others range from 12 to 15. As the children selected are usually between the ages eight to 10 these children usually miss out on the chance to join a group trip. Also, as they have been learning

English since the age of nine communication with their host families should prove easier, although of course we will have an interpreter on hand as always. All of the children have been selected by the local education authorities based on their circumstances and all come from families who cannot afford to send them abroad for health recuperation. As we have never had a group here during the winter it will be interesting to see what they make of our cold weather when they are used to temperatures plunging to as low as minus 30!

As usual, we will be providing clothing and other essential items for the children so if you, or anyone you know, has any clothing you could donate for this age range we would be extremely grateful. Shoe sizes for the children range from three to seven. All the children are tall and very slim so leggings and trousers with elasticated waists are especially welcome.

It doesn’t all have to be winter clothing as

it would be nice for them to be able to take home some things for the following spring/ summer months. Donations can be dropped into our charity shop in Needham Market or alternatively I am always happy to arrange collection if you give me a call.

The charity shop continues to welcome your donations. We have a great selection of fancy dress items and we find we are holding an excellent range of evening and special occasion wear so with the festive season looming do come and browse our stock. We look forward to meeting you and thank you all for your continued support.

Best wishes to all, Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

WHAT A WHOPPER! A year ago we reported that Derek Ritchie has caught 58 fish, the biggest of which was 61lb, on a trip to the Iktus Lakes in the South of France.

This year’s trip coincided with severe storms across the region with winds of up to 112kph, but once things had calmed Derek caught 86 fish, the biggest of which was 64lbs.

Well done Derek.

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NEWS HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL Our parish council meeting towards the end of September heard the disappointing news that a footpath running from the community centre car park to the rear of the primary school is not going to happen.

Councillor Martin Redbond looked into this very carefully because it would have been a sure way of creating a safe route to school for the pupils and would have taken pressure off the stretch of Ashbocking Road outside the school that, as everyone knows, is congested and hazardous at the beginning and end of the school day. A footpath would have gone a long way to improving the situation and it was supported by the school itself, the Mid Suffolk safety team, the police and the parish council itself.

However, it could not be built without the cooperation of the landowners whose fields it would skirt, and unfortunately two of them said they were not prepared to make the land available.

Needless to say there is another issue – cost. Building footpaths of the necessary quality is expensive. But there’s no point in even contemplating a fundraising exercise unless the land is available, and it is not.

The problem continues meanwhile, and something will have to be done to make the road outside the school safer for everyone. Other villages have established ‘Respect Zones’ outside their schools which are monitored by volunteers and also supervised by the police. By coincidence, there is a possibility that Henley might be able to secure some policing time by part funding a Police Community Support Officer for the area which includes our village and also Great Blakenham, Claydon, Somersham and

Barham. A regular police presence outside the school combined with proper coning might encourage more responsible parking. After all, it’s not far to walk from the community centre car park – and a walk along the pavement is safer than parking immediately outside the school.

To be continued, no doubt…

Henley and Hemingstone parishes are sharing part of the cost of a new vehicle-activated speed sign on Main Road. Councillor John Field is paying most of the cost from his budget for special projects. He is also carrying the cost of the new safety signage in Henley Square, which we hope to see before too long now that installation has all been agreed with the county council.

And preparations for this year’s Henley Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 12 are in full swing – if you would like a stall or to make any other contribution to a great event just contact: henleychristmasfayre@gmail.com 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 the meeting on Monday, October 5 at Claydon and Barham Village Hall Reports from the county and district councillors: Councillor John Field reported on the county council’s devolution bid process, a Scrutiny Call In to look at rural community transport services in Suffolk and his County Locality Budget to help local groups who should contact him direct to apply for funding (see page 9).

Report of the community police officer: PCSO Phill Brill attended the meeting and gave councillors an update on crimes since the last meeting.

PCSO Funded Scheme: Following Great Blakenham Parish Council’s decision to reconsider their withdrawal from the scheme, Barham Parish Council is to reinforce its commitment to the scheme by writing to the chief constable. The future of the scheme was still being considered by Suffolk Police.

Barham Picnic Site: The parish council asked County Councillor Field to approach Suffolk County Council’s legal team for their views regarding Sport England wanting to place a covenant in the lease the parish council has with Claydon Football Club that if the football club ceased to exist it would allow Sport England to dispose of the picnic site as they wished. SCC legal team’s initial response had indicated that the matter would need to be considered by the parish council and not with Suffolk County Council. The parish council is awaiting the formal response.

Various reports Claydon and Barham Village Hall: Mr Musson reported that he had

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attended a recent meeting. A lot of work had been carried out at the hall with minimal expense, but the kitchen was in need of an overhaul. He had informed the committee that if they wished to apply for a grant from the parish council that they should apply before the beginning of November. There was still concern regarding the village hall’s constitution and this was being investigated.

Community centre: Mr Musson reported that he had attended a recent meeting. The grant awarded by Sita had now been used to finance the replacement windows including all the fascias and shiplap boarding. They were now looking at signs and a noticeboard.

Road signs and markings: Councillors agreed to approach SCC Highways to ask them to investigate the installation of roundel road markings highlighting the speed limit along Norwich Road and Barham Church Lane.

Next meeting Monday, November 2 The next meeting of the parish council is at 7pm on Monday, November 2 at the village hall. If you would like a specific topic discussed as an agenda item then please contact the parish clerk Claire Lee: 07827 223929 / 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; and Phil Usher, 830168.

More parish councillors needed There are still two vacancies on the parish council. Please contact any of the councillors or the clerk if you are willing and able to help serve your local community by taking up the role of parish councillor.

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THE PAPER DOLLS “Skilled, stylish and perceptive work for ages three to seven” The Stage When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. They face the Jurassic clutches of a toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, and then a very real boy with very real scissors threatens to snip their adventure short…

1 DEC 2015 - 2 JAN 2016 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS...

THE PAPER DOLLS

For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups

Adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music. This is a new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre; reigniting an inspiring creative partnership between Peter Glanville and Lyndie Wright who last worked together to produce Macbeth and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Suitable for ages three to seven. Studio theatre seating is unreserved. All five rows offer excellent views in the heart of the action so you choose your seats on arrival.

To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

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New Wolsey Studio

01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE I think we can safely say that summer is well and truly over because at the time of writing it is cold and wet.

We have a few things coming up over the next month or so, on top of our usual events:

CLAYDON AND BARHAM VILLAGE HALL Dates for November Monday 2

CDC Street Dance Barham PC Meeting

4.45-6.45pm 7pm

Tuesday 3

Claydon Table Tennis

7.15pm

Wednesday 4 Bar-Clay Music Makers

7.30pm

Thursday 5

Young Families Silver Surfers Slim ming World

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

Friday 6

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Sunday 8

Bar-Clay Music Makers

5.30pm

Saturday, Dece mber 19: Christmas Family Party – family disco with a sprinkle of seasonal sparkle.

Monday 9

CDC Street Dance Claydon/Whitton PC Meeting

4.45-6.45pm 7.30pm

Thursday, December 31: Live Music – ring in 2016 with local vocal harmony group The Skittlez. This year, this will be a family event.

Tuesday 10

Mums and Tots Women's Institute

1-3.30pm 7pm

We are looking to expand our entertainments team so if you are a whiz with marketing and promotion and think you could help us, please do contact us by email: events@candbcc.co.uk

Wednesday 11 Armistice Day Remembrance

Bar-Clay Music Makers

10am-noon 7.30pm

Thursday 12

Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 13

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Sunday 15

Bar-Clay Music Makers

1.30pm & 5.30pm

Monday 16

CDC Street Dance

4.45-6.45pm

Tuesday 17

Mums and Tots Claydon Table Tennis

1-3.30pm 7.15pm

Friday, October 30: Halloween Family Disco – come in fancy dress to win a prize.

Saturday, November 14: Live music with The Harley Street Band, one of best bands in West Suffolk. Guaranteed to get you up and dancing.

Saturday, November 21: Craft and Gift Fair – the hall will be brimming with stalls and stands with something for everyone.

Don’t forget our standing agenda of zumba, karate, bowls and dancing too. For details visit: www.candbcc.co.uk

Reliable, experienced bar staff required for casual shifts at Claydon and Barham Community Centre.

For more information, please contact the centre manager, Michelle Parnwell, at: management@candbcc.co.uk

Henley Christmas Village Fayre 12th

Saturday December 2015 9:00am to 4:30pm Many stalls & refreshments Santa’s Gro3o -­‐ Carol Singing Christmas Bouncy Castle Grand Charity Raffle

Henley Community Centre Contact email: henleychristmasfayre@gmail.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Wednesday 18 Bar-Clay Music Makers

7.30pm

Thursday 19

Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World

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

Friday 20

Stowe School of Dance Bar-Clay Music Makers Play

4-5.30pm 7.45pm

Saturday 21

Bar-Clay Music Makers Play

7.45pm

Monday 23

CDC Street Dance

4.45-6.45pm

Tuesday 24

Mums and Tots Village Hall AGM

1-3.30pm 7.30pm

Wednesday 25 Bar-Clay Music Makers

7.30pm

Thursday 26

Sunshine Service Silver Surfers Slimming World

10am-noon 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 27

Stowe School of Dance

4-5.30pm

Sunday 29

Bar-Clay Music Makers

1.30pm

Monday 30

CDC Street Dance

4.45-6.45pm

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

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Henley Community Centre Presents…..

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

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

GIRLGUIDING SUFFOLK Want to join in the fun... Join us!

To challenge yourself as a young member or volunteer (14+), please contact us.

Suffolk: www.girlguidingsuffolk.org.uk HQ: www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested / 0800 169 5901

Remembering together this Christmas For over a decade, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services has brought people together at Christmas to celebrate and remember the lives of those close to them, who are no longer with us.

This December, they will again be hosting a number of Carol Concerts and Services across the region, as well as collecting special messages and memories on their Trees to Remember at their funeral branches.

Andrew Dawes of the East of England Co-op Funeral Service, said: “Having been supporting generations of local families for 90 years, we understand that Christmas can be particularly difficult for those who have lost someone dear to them.

“Tree to Remember and the Carol Concerts are an important part of the ongoing support services we offer bereaved families in the local community. It gives people chance to come together, share their treasured memories and know that they are not alone.”

As well as providing support and comfort to hundreds of families across the region, Tree to Remember has also helped to raise over £18,000 for six local hospices, through donations at carol concerts and in branches, including the East Anglian Children’s Hospice, St Elizabeth Hospice, St Helena Hospice, St Nicholas Hospice, Farleigh Hospice and the Norfolk Tapping House.

CarolerConcerts ing together Rememb this Chr istmas

Wednesday 2nd December 2015

7.30pm, The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts Church Walk, Stowmarket Free admission

Led by

Civil Celebrant, Lynn Banham and the Co-op Singers

Call to book your place

01449 612765

Thursday 10th December 2015 7pm, Sir Bobby Robson Suite Ipswich Town Football Club, Portman Road, Ipswich Free admission

Led by

Civil Celebrant, Tina Hayward and the Ipswich & Norwich Co-op Band & Special Guests

Call to book your place

01473 257242

Andrew continued: “Our trees have collected thousands of memories of those who left a special mark on our lives. This Christmas we invite you to share your own message or memory, and look forward to welcoming you to one of our carol concerts or services.”

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OUT & ABOUT HENLEY COMMUNITY CHOIR: CHORUS VESTRA

BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS Panto rehearsals have started Rehearsals have started for our pantomime. It's Cinderella. Yes I know, we've done it before (probably more than twice before) but Tom Hitchcock's fresh script reaches parts of Cinderella other panto groups merely dream of.

Bold new ideas are interwoven into the tapestry of the traditional story to create a striking theatrical experience. (A bit over the top that but you get the drift) It'll be on Friday, January 22, Saturday 23, Friday 29 and Saturday 30, 2016. Look out for posters nearer the time for full details. And there's more good news: we have new chairs in the village hall, so the 'sitting down sensation' should be enhanced for our adoring audiences.

And while I have your attention, please remember that we are keen to welcome new members to the group, both on stage and behind the scenes. Please phone Sharon on 833846 and we'll make a plan.

Bar-Clay Players

in association with Bar-Clay Music Makers

Present

ACTING UP! Tickets are now on sale for this hilarious new comedy by Hannah Carley which involves past and present members of Bar-Clay Music Makers including Sarah Hitchcock, Leanne Webb, Clive Webb, Sally Scurrell, Phoebe Scurrell, Kirsty Mower, Jacob Mower, Sue Bound, Hannah Carley and newcomer Millie Hockley.

There will be a limited number of tickets available for this production as seating will be cabaret style to create a more relaxed atmosphere, which means that we can only accommodate 60 people per performance. To make sure you don’t miss out please email webbfamily1@googlemail.com The play focuses on new girl Claire Rogers’ journey when, for the first time, she is put in charge of directing the local am dram panto. Through Claire’s eyes you will experience the highs, lows, laughs and definitely a few diva meltdowns as she tries to knock the members of the group into shape. It will have you laughing, wincing and even cringing, but in the end you will be willing them to do their best.

There will be two performances at Claydon and Barham Village Hall on Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21, starting at 7.45pm.

Tickets are £8. Soft drinks and nibbles will be available but please feel free to bring a bottle and your own snacks if preferred.

For further information about this exciting production please ring Hannah or Linda: 01473 831954

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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

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

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

Come

with Chorus Vestra

Find us on Facebook too!

LOCAL MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES EXCITING 2016 PROGRAMME

The New Year holds new challenges for Trianon Music Group as they perform at Ipswich Corn Exchange in January and April then return to Snape Maltings Concert Hall for their third concert in September.

There are currently opportunities for musicians and singers to take part in the January concert. On the Bright Side includes popular music from shows and films and features Eric Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!

You can pick up a copy of the 2016 brochure at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre or download a copy from www.tmg.org.uk where you will also find details of community concerts in local venues and details of how to book your tickets.

Rehearsals begin in November, so if you are interested in taking part please contact Nigel Walker (01394 460500 / 07734 846939) or John Barratt (01394 283170 / 07876 787029) and you could be performing with Trianon in the New Year!

For further details visit www.tmg.org.uk or follow @MusicTrianon on Twitter.

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5

Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A

Sproughton

Church Lane

0910 – 0925

MIP/5B

Sproughton

Wild Man

0930 – 0945

MIP/5C

Bramford

St Mary’s Close

0950 – 1005

MIP/5D

Bramford

Paper Mill Lane

1010 – 1025

MIP/5E

Great Blakenham Chequers

MIP/5F

Great Blakenham Blue Leighs

A STITCH IN TIME RAISES £840

1035 – 1055

Mobile Home Park

1100 – 1115

MIP/5G

Baylham

Post Box

1125 – 1145

MIP/5H

Claydon

Crown

1155 – 1300

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens

1405 – 1420

MIP/5J

Claydon

Bacon Road

1425 – 1550

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

1600 – 1630

Calling every four weeks on Tuesdays: 2015: 24 November, 22 December 2016: 19 January

Members of Sproughton Quilters turned their attention to charity on Saturday, September 12 when they held their quilt exhibition in Sproughton Church. As you can see from the picture, they filled the church to great effect.

The money raised from the day, which featured an exhibition of quilts and other crafts, a craft stall and a coffee and cake stall has been donated to two local charities – Families In Need (Ipswich) and Headway Suffolk.

The members of Sproughton Quilters would like to thank everyone who attended and helped them raise the money.

GRAND CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Claydon and Barham Church’s Grand Christmas Bazaar in aid of the Church Fabric Fund is at 2pm on Saturday, November 14 in the high school hall, Church Lane, Claydon.

Lucky admission – adults 20p. There will be stalls with bargains galore including cakes, handicraft, tombola, raffles, pickles, jams, sweets, nextto-new household and toys, white elephant, books and jewellery.

Enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a cup of tea.

Be there to meet Father Christmas. Quality gifts for only £1.50.

Julie Hodges

WI BAZAAR The WI will be holding a bazaar on Saturday, November 21, 1.30pm, in the Victory Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford. There will be a variety of stalls, and refreshments will be available.

For further details and offers of help call: 01473 833014 / 784535

AUCTION OF PROMISES Want something to look forward to on a chilly November evening? Then why not book up for a fun evening on Saturday, November 21 when there will be an Auction of Promises at The Limes Hotel (now under new ownership), High Street, Needham Market, starting at 7pm? A three course meal and coffee will be served from 7.30pm, a raffle will take place at 8.45pm, and a retired auctioneer will commence the Auction of Promises at 9pm.

Local businesses and individuals have donated some fantastic prizes for us to auction or raffle, all in aid of the Roof Repair Fund for the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market – lovingly known as Needham Market’s Medieval Masterpiece. Lots include a pair of tickets to a match at Ipswich Town Football Club in December, a family day pass to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Aspall and a voucher for afternoon tea for two at Hintlesham Hall in Suffolk. A full list is available by contacting me: ann.levett@btinternet.com / 01449 721502 Entrance to this event is by ticket only, sold in advance, and tickets are now on sale by contacting me on the above details, or from Paul’s

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Hardware Store, High Street, Needham Market. The cost is £18 per person.

For those who are unaware of the problems the church faces, the leaking roof has resulted in wet rot and an infestation of death watch beetle. The PCC wish to ensure the repairs are carried out as soon as possible to ensure the community are able to continue access to this wonderful 15th century building. However the estimated cost of the roof repairs is £250,000 – hence this, amongst other, fundraising events (also see page 18).

So, if you want to shake off the winter blues why not come along and do something different, and have fun with friends and family while raising funds for a wonderful cause?

Ann Levett, PCC Member The Limes Hotel is offering a special B&B rate of £75 per room for the night of November 21 should anyone attending the auction wish to stay over.

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OUT & ABOUT HENLEY FOLK NIGHT The next Henley Folk Night is on Friday, November 20 at Henley Community Centre, starting at 8pm.

The evenings are in the format of a singers’ and players’ night – 10 performance spots of three songs (up to 15 minutes for a set), 'up front' performance with optional, sensitive PA available. To book a slot, for enquiries and to receive my newsletter for future announcements contact me at: 01473 831465 / mike@mikesound.co.uk The audience is especially welcome. Bring your friends for a great night out with room for more than 50. Come and exercise the vocal cords by singing along to support the action or just sit and enjoy a pint or a glass of wine while listening to talented local musicians. Adnams and other drinks at good prices from the bar are only a few steps away.

Come along to support live music. It has always been a fun night with sing-along songs. Come and continue the tradition. No compulsory community singing – I promise!

FABULOUS FIREWORK FUNDRAISER Come to a fabulous firework fundraiser in aid of St Peter’s Church, Henley on November 7 at Walnut Tree Farm, Henley, 7pm. It costs £5 a family, with food and hot drinks available.

There will be apple bobbing, a lucky dip, and other games. Tickets are available from: Sarah Hazelwood, 01473 831539; Mandy Walczak, 01473 831156; Judy Harvey, 01473 831221.

Bring a firework to share and make a village firework night to remember. Fireworks must comply with BSEN regulations please.

Please note this event is covered by our insurance and has been fully risk assessed. We hope to see you there for a safe, fun evening

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

Looking forward to meeting you – you will be very welcome.

Mike Briggs

COFFEE MORNING AT ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, NEEDHAM MARKET As our coffee mornings have proved to be popular during the summer months we have decided to run them on the first Saturday of the month during the winter season

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY IN AID OF ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE AND SUFFOLK FAMILY CARERS Saturday, November 21, 10am-4pm, at Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton IP8 3AA Fabulous gift ideas from stalls including White Cottage Candles, Tamwood Turnery, Coppaskye Wildlife Photography, Phoenix Cards, Tanglefoot Glass Jewellery, Usborne Books, Croome Crafts (handmade seasonal decorations including wreaths), Suffolk Hampers and many more. Also pre-loved books, raffle and tombola, bacon/egg rolls and homemade cakes. Entry fee: 50p.

Tea, coffee and cake will be available in church on Saturday, November 7 from 9am.

All proceeds to the roof restoration fund.

So if you are out doing your shopping why not pop along and enjoy a chat plus a cup of tea or coffee and a piece (or two) of cake?

See Auction of Promises on page 17

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday, November 28 from 2pm at Needham Market Community Centre.

Henley Village Annual Quiz is BACK!

Hot Food included

Good value Bar open

Cakes, cosmetics, raffle, gifts, games of chance and hopefully a visit from Father Christmas.

Refreshments will include hot mince pies.

Come along and join in the fun – all welcome.

All proceeds to church funds.

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Friday 27th November 2015 7:30pm Tables up to 6 persons £4.00 per person Henley Community Centre Church Meadows Henley Nr Ipswich IP60RX To guarantee a table -­‐ Email: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com

In Touch online:

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ITNOV15 Terms and Conditions: Valid for the purchase of East of England Co-op memorial headstone cleaning and alteration services ordered before 31/12/15. Only one voucher can be redeemed per transaction and cannot be used retrospectively or in conjunction with any other discount or voucher. No cash alternative is available. This voucher is non-transferable. Qualifying spend is eligible for East of England Co-op dividend points on production of a valid membership card. The East of England Co-op reserves the right to reject any voucher it deems, in its sole discretion, to have been forged, defaced or otherwise tampered with. This offer for memorial headstones is also valid at H.L. Perfitt, Vinces Road, Diss.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT HENLEY SENIOR CITIZENS

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

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

CLAYDON & BARHAM WI On Tuesday, October 13 we were welcomed to Great Blakenham WI. Their speaker was Pippa Moss who gave an interesting talk about the Amish people, the way they live and the quilts they make, which must be practical and not highly decorative. Pippa showed us many quilts she has made in the Amish style, which were beautiful and must have taken her so much time and effort.

The sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn, a very interesting and talented young man, presented a talk at our last meeting in September. After leaving school Sean worked as a landscape gardener for a few years, before decided in his early 20s to go to university. After graduating he worked in the film industry making figures for children's programmes including Thomas the Tank Engine, Doctor Who, Harry Potter and the James Bond films.

Once married and having started a family Sean decided he wanted to come back to Ipswich in order to see his children grow up rather than just weekends as he was working mostly in London. Being a big Ipswich Town fan he contacted David Sheepshanks when Ipswich had just won the Old First Division and suggested that a statue of Sir Alf Ramsey would be a fitting tribute to the club and town. After a lot of talking Mr Sheepshanks agreed and that was the start of his success.

He also did the Sir Bobby Robson statue and other famous football legends. His talk was on the one of Arthur Lowe (Mr Manwaring in Dad's Army) which is situated in Thetford. He showed photos of various stages in the process, which in all took him five months.

We were then treated to tea, coffee, and homemade cakes. A most enjoyable evening.

Sean’s business has gone from strength to strength for (in his words) "being in the right place at the right time." One of his projects for next year is to make a statue of Gracie Fields to be erected in her home town.

Next month is our annual meeting, followed by a harvest supper. The competition is to make a witch on a broomstick!

HENLEY PLAYERS PRESENTS OUR FIFTH AND BIGGEST PANTOMIME YET

If you are interested in joining our happy group, please call: 832330

HENLEY 100 CLUB October prize-winners are Sonia Hancock, Jane Parker, and Cathy Austin.

As we approach the end of the year it’s time to think of 2016. Would you like to join the 100 Club for the new year? The odds of winning are quite high and you will be supporting the village church. New members are welcome at any time.

The cost is just £4 a month, and the more members we get the greater the prize money. All profits will go to St Peter’s Church, Henley. Please contact Richard Self: 01473 831930 / rselfhomefarm@gmail.com

AT

Wri$en by Tom Hitchcock

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

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

HENLEY WI We celebrated the centenary of the WI with entertainment from the Lagabag Company of Mixed Morris Dancers. We were given a brief history of how the dancing developed. Apparently, men originally went into the fields with sticks to create fertility. As you can imagine, during the free for all a good deal of blood was spilt. All good for fertility, no doubt.

We were told that the term 'Morris' covers a great variation of dancing as each village had its own version. In Shakespeare's time, Kempe, an author with Shakespeare's acting company, decided to impress by Morris dancing his way from London to Norwich. He was watched by crowds.

Unsurprisingly, his shoes fell apart at Chelmsford. Hopefully he was furnished with a new (and comfortable) pair. Much later Morris dancing was in decline owing to the movement of people from the land into urban factories.

It found a saviour in Cecil Sharp who tried to record different dances in what is now known as the Morris Bible. During the two world wars women took over and now some groups are mixed. Some dancers

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blacked their faces. This may be for two reasons – a Moorish influence and as a disguise. For various reasons, a farm worker may not want to be recognised in a neighbouring village.

We were then brilliantly entertained by the company who did dances with coloured handkerchiefs or noisy sticks, perfectly accompanied by a lady on the piano accordion. Then it was our turn to join in. There were plenty of volunteers, but we hadn’t realised just how exhausting it was, or how complicated, and some of us dropped out after the first session.

The energetic ones continued with a handkerchief dance. Our members made significant, if graceful, variations on the original dance. Obviously, true to tradition, we were making Henley's own version of the Morris dance.

We were more than ready for a drink and refreshments, made of course by the committee and including the most delicious and beautiful sunflower buns made by Alice – a fitting end to a lovely centenary evening.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham, but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. 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 Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind the hall. It is fully accessible and has disabled facilities within.

At our meeting on October 14 members were asked to bring along their oldest or most favourite item and tell a little of its history and what it means to them. The idea was to get everyone talking and stir a few memories about the changes we have seen in our lifetime. We had a very pleasant afternoon with dolls, kitchenalia, letters sent both from the First and Second World Wars, birthday cards received at the age of two and newspaper articles about a challenge undertaken by a members' husband to score a million points throwing darts, a feat which lasted nonstop for over days before he had to give up. The aim was a Guinness World Record, but unfortunately it was refused acknowledgement at the time.

Our programme for the remainder of 2015 is: November 11 November 25: December 9:

Napkin Folding for Christmas Social afternoon featuring Quiztime with Brenda Christmas party – a social afternoon with afternoon tea and games, everyone contributing a plate, details to be agreed nearer the time.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

STAY AND PLAY AT WOODLAND PRE-PREP

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB The next event for the gardening club is on Monday, November 9.

We will be meeting at 7.30pm in Offton and Willisham Village Hall when Bryan Thurlow will give a talk on perennials.

This should be an interesting talk so come along and see – you will be made most welcome. For any further information please contact Janet: 01473 831949

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB September prize winners were: No. 21: Bridget Wyatt, £20.10 No. 25: Bridget Wyatt, £10.05 No. 45: Carole Lee, £3.35 New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 per month and the draw takes place on the last Friday of each month from September through to July. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance the lives of our children within the pre-school.

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

CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project that has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 24 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 a family.

This month we meet on November 5 and 19, 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.

Stay and Play sessions for 0-3 year olds take place at The Woodland Pre-Prep at Ipswich High School on Mondays, November 2, 9, 16 and 23.

The sessions are a great opportunity to enjoy some planned activities and develop friendships in an inspirational and fun environment. £2.50 per child. Refreshments included.

To book your place call: 01473 201011

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Felicity, James, James and George who all celebrate in November.

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

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

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Once again an action packed few weeks. On Wednesday, October 7 we welcomed more than 500 prospective parents/carers and their children to our school for our annual open evening. Following a short presentation, visitors were able to tour the school and experience our fantastic resources and facilities. Staff and students were on hand to showcase their work and visitors took part in various activities including: the English department’s Punctuation Face Challenge; combustible Jelly Babies in science; interactive maths applications, including programmable robots in maths; French and Spanish food tasting in languages and much, much more. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our 200 Claydon High School student helpers who helped to make the evening such a success.

Much of the feedback I received from visitors commented upon how helpful, friendly and polite our students were.

On Thursday, October 8, author and filmmaker Matt Dickinson visited Claydon High School to talk to Years 7 and 8 about his life, travels and his teenage books – the Mortal Chaos trilogy and The Everest Files. The rest of the morning was spent with a selection of Year 8 boys, exploring ways in which to engage boys in writing with the aim of raising their achievement in English.

In the afternoon, Matt enjoyed afternoon tea

with our Year 11 media students, helping them to analyse film techniques. Matt has visited Claydon High School in the past and proved to be very popular with students and staff.

As an experienced speaker, the stories of his real life adventures in Everest, Antarctica, the Sahara Desert and the jungles of South America provided a fascinating insight into the world of exploration.

A range of activities were on offer, including table tennis, dodgeball and fitness and rowing challenges. Our Year 11 Leaders made the sessions really fun and competitive and were a credit to the school.

In other areas of the school, students have been busy with various activities including a trip to the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge for our Year 10 art students, where they were able to sketch and photograph exotic plants and use these images back at school to inspire and develop further their ideas for the ‘natural forms’ element of their GCSE coursework. Year 11 GCSE PE students had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills when they ran a successful Year 6 sports morning for more than 100 students from our feeder primary schools.

Finally, as I write this article, WOW Week is nearly upon us and I look forward to sharing all of the wonderful activities our students will have experienced in December’s edition.

Please watch this space.

The start of November will see the official opening of our newly refurbished food technology room. This has been completely transformed with a new layout including new worktops and equipment. Students and staff are enjoying working in this fresh and modern environment. Brightly coloured cupboards line the room and we are eagerly awaiting delivery of new ovens to replace the old ones and complete the refurbishment. I very much look forward to sampling the dishes our students are inspired to create.

If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, then please come along to one of our open mornings. The date of the next one is Wednesday, November 18. Please contact my PA, Mrs J Pedersen, on 01473 836110 to book a place.

Sarah Skinner, headteacher

CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL We have had a wonderful month watching more than 100 new children settle over our year groups, with 60 children welcomed into our Reception classes and 24 children into Nursery.

Although the summer holiday seems a distant memory, our summer holiday challenge, Hooked on a Book, continued the summer fun for a little longer, with winners in each year group being presented with a book token.

Congratulations to Faye Chenery, Shannon Noble, Leah Lovitt, Kai Hall, Jack Bowler and Joshua Allan who all proved that reading can be done in some very interesting places.

Monday, September 21 saw us celebrating harvest by collecting donated gifts of food for Ipswich Food Kitchen. Thank you to all who gave so generously to such a worthy cause; more than 100 cans of soup and more than 50 cans of tuna were collected, along with tea, coffee and other goods.

As the month drew to a close, Year 5 experienced what life would have been like in a Viking village for a day. They thoroughly enjoyed candle and jewellery making, weaving and painting. The day also included a battle where the pupils, rather convincingly, took on the role of warriors in a mini battle ordered by the chiefs. We are glad to report that all

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Claydon Primary ‘warriors’ returned safely from battle and lived to write some very realistic diary entries. In addition, they worked collaboratively to incorporate what they had learnt into colourful, informative posters to share with Year 6.

On a sporting note, we are delighted to have achieved the School Games Bronze kite mark.

This is a government led awards scheme, launched in 2012, to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. As a member of the School Games we are able to offer our children a unique opportunity to be motivated and inspired to take part in more competitive school sport.

There are four levels of activity: competition in schools, between schools, and at a county/ area level.

Currently members of the school staff are running lunchtime and after school clubs for Years 5/6 in netball, football for girls and boys and tag rugby. We are also running a football club for Year 4 girls and will be taking part in the Suffolk FA Girls Football Week 4v4 fun festival.

In addition, there is an early morning basketball club run by Nick Drain, the head coach at both Ipswich Basketball Club and Academy, again for Years 5/6. Furthermore, Premier Sport are running after school clubs for football, multisports and gymnastics, which cover all year groups. Our heartfelt thanks go to all staff

members who give up their precious time to enable these clubs to run.

After all that exciting news, one small but extremely important request from us to you.

We have, unfortunately, still had daily problems with dogs fouling on the school site that obviously causes a health risk to our pupils. We would, therefore, like to respectfully remind everyone in our community that dogs are not permitted on the school site at any time.

Finally, do you have a child who is due to start school in September 2016, a child born between September 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012?

If so, your child is eligible to start school in our Reception class in September 2016 and applications need to be made by January 15, 2016. We would be delighted to welcome your child at our school and, therefore, if you would like to visit before applying, we are offering some visits while the school is in operation.

The dates available are: Monday, November 16 at 9.30am; Tuesday, November 17 at 9.30am; Monday, November 23 at 9.30am; Tuesday, November 24 at 1.30pm.

Please telephone the school office on 01473 830439 to book in advance.

Date for your diary: Christmas Bazaar, Friday, December 4, 3.30-5pm – we look forward to seeing you there!

In Touch online:

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

Tel: 01473 831247 Mob: 07810 291157

E: claydontilingltd@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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SPORT CONTES DE LA 19E TROU (TALES FROM THE 19th HOLE) The HOGS 11th French Tour saw Roland replacing Peter who had recently undergone planned surgery. We look forward to his return next year.

Setting off earlier than usual, apprehensive as to the impact of enhanced check-in procedures and well-publicised events at the Channel Tunnel, it turned out to be extremely quiet and we were on the train within no time. Coming back however was another matter.

We stopped at Buffalo Grill for a relaxed meal en route and, with freshly translated menus organised by the ‘Director of Solids’, this year everyone received exactly what they thought they had ordered. Our hotel, just five minutes away, afforded us a quick wash and brush up prior to visiting ‘The Vole Hole’ for a couple of beers before bedtime. The routine is almost second nature and we could almost do it in our sleep by now – in fact one somnambulist in the group has been known to do so in the past.

The conditions for golf were great this year, dry, not too warm or humid, and no mosquitoes. The courses were in very good condition; over the years we’ve seen them mature and become established, with subtle changes here and there, a bit like us really.

Simon set down a marker on the first day at Hardelot, winning by five clear strokes, ahead of Brian and three times former champion, Tim. Alan was the only other person scoring in the 30s that day. Under tour rules Simon would lose two shots for the next day while Scott would gain two having struggled all day – or was this a shrewd tactic? For the first time in 11 years Simon, Tim, Keith and Roland won the ‘car competition’ by an unbelievable 13 points.

We made a welcome return to Le Doyen for dinner that evening. Again, translated menus had been produced and the chosen fare was, as usual, delicious. Fines were duly issued while we waited for dessert followed by a brisk walk up the hill for a good night’s sleep; uncharacteristically most went straight to the hotel while the usual suspects felt obliged to have a nightcap with the locals at The Vole Hole.

he appeared that evening with the correct attire. Closer examination

by Simon however appeared to show that a counterfeit had been manufactured overnight, with some help from someone with access to transfer paper and the artwork. A hefty fine was inevitable for such scurrilous actions although the supplier got away with it, for now.

The final day saw Tim and Simon leading by four strokes and save for a meltdown one of these would likely be taking home the trophy. It’s never quite that cut and dry though as Wimereux has proved to be Scott’s favourite course allowing him to storm up the leader board in previous years.

Starting in joint 10th this would be unlikely, but incredibly, for 10 years out of 11, he made the day’s best score, moving up to seventh overall.

Unfortunately Simon didn’t have the best day, coming home with the lowest score of the day; Steve also started to wobble on the back nine and only just managed to secure runners-up spot by a point ahead of playing partner Shaun, who managed to equal Tim’s score on the day.

Tim however was consistent across all three days and was duly crowned champion for the fourth time – a fantastic achievement which caused a minor prize issue, as he’s now got most of the shirts from the club shop, so a sweater was selected instead.

Huge thanks go to Keith for his fantastic organisation, to Steve for his hard work with the daily competitions and score collations, ably assisted

by Tim, and of course Nick, Simon and Scott for forfeiting that second post-game beer and driving us around for the four days. As I write this article next year’s trip has been booked, deposits are being collected and we look forward once more fun and camaraderie in September 2016.

The second round at Le Touquet was a yellow ball competition. With his team losing theirs after just four holes it was back to an individual game which saw Tim laying down the gauntlet, scoring 37 points; Steve and Shaun were both just behind with 36, Simon and Alan kept steady in the low 30s again, as did Scott making his newly acquired extra strokes count.

Ian and Brian would each gain extra shots for the last day, both with surprisingly low performances. A new clubhouse is under construction at Le Touquet so refreshments were enjoyed at Le Manoir hotel opposite, an opportune time also to distribute the new shirts. Thanks go to Caroline of Class Act Embroidery for her excellent workmanship, particularly enjoyed by Simon, Nick and Roland who were now 20 euros up after guessing purple would be the 2015 colour choice.

Dress code for Chez Jules that evening was last year’s anniversary shirts, a problem at the 11th hour for Brian as he realised that his wife had mistakenly donated his to the charity shop. Surprising therefore that

2015 French Champion, Tim Clarke (left) being presented by last year's winner Paul Challener

INDOOR KURLING DEMONSTRATION Mike McCarthy will be giving a demonstration of Indoor Kurling at Henley Community Centre on Tuesday, November 24, 7.309.30pm.

This is a new sport particularly accessible for the 60 plus age group.

There are several groups now playing regularly in Ipswich.

This is another opportunity to introduce another activity in the community centre. Do come along for an evening that is completely different. If this is well supported it could be another activity for the centre. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided by the bowls club.

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SPORT BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers, Now the nights are drawing in and your mood starts to match the autumnal gloom it is useful to have something to lift the spirit. I take the view that things could always be worse. Consider, if you will, how much teeth gnashing and muttering there is in Yorkshire just now with the news that they will have to pay 5p for a plastic shopping bag. If you see a gloomy looking chap in a flat cap walking a couple of whippets, best not offer the view that it has turned out nice again.

My demeanour is briefly brightened by the prospect of winter tennis – an enlightenment usually curtailed by the early arrival of the first defeat of the new season, such as that suffered by the ladies floodlit side in their first fixture. They can be consoled in the thought that someone has to lose, although whenever I play I always think that it would be nice if the opponents tried the experience for once. So, as Yazz sang in the nineties, The Only Way Is Up.

CLAYDON FC Claydon U10s Sponsored By Melvyn Lambert, Claydon Skip Hire and Rackhams The U10 teams have had three games since the start of the season and the Tigers have got off to a good start. They won the opening league game at home to AFC Kesgrave and followed that up with cup wins against Woodbridge and Whitton. The Dragons won their opening game against AFC Kesgrave, coming from behind in the second half. Their cup game against IVR Red was a tough one against a strong team but despite the other team’s dominance the lads didn’t give up and gave a great account of themselves. Their last game against Ipswich Exiles ended in a draw, which was an excellent end-to-end game from both teams.

We have been lucky to have a number of players accepted into PDC or advance player programmes and Sam, Liam, Alfie and Omarion were all accepted by Inspire PDC or ITFC advance player programmes and these players join a number of the other squad members at PDCs. Well done to all of you.

Claydon U8s Sponsored By Pitkin & Ruddock

Corrine, our very own Radio Suffolk personality, captained the side, fresh from her successful charity bike ride from London to Paris in some of the heaviest downpours of the year.

Congratulations to her for her efforts. I think she may have got less wet had she attempted to swim it though! It seems churlish to mention that Eurostar run regular services between the two cities in comfort – and they take bikes. Just a thought.

At the time of keyboard tapping no winter league results are to hand. Nick and Graham (yes Graham drew the short straw again) were scheduled to play Adam and Matt (Graham's sons) in division 2.

Graham was a bit stumped as to what tactics to employ now that they are grown up and don't get pocket money (thus ruling out withholding it as an ‘incentive’ to go easy on the oldies). Ever helpful, I suggested that he tried playing without Nick as this might improve his prospects of victory, but he countered that, effectively, saying he does that anyway (I know how he feels). On a bright note, as Ipswich Town supporters they are well acquainted with regular disappointment.

The first of an annual fixtures between Bramford and Sproughton tennis clubs was played on September 13 to commemorate the sad passing of Maureen Sillett. Sproughton were the victors in the round robin mixed doubles format and so become the holders of the rather magnificent Maureen Sillett Memorial Trophy.

Congratulations to the winners and all of the participants, we look forward to challenging for the trophy next year.

Club sessions are scheduled to continue throughout the winter, though it may be a good idea to check whether other members are attending in dubious conditions.

Any new prospective members are invited to contact the treasurer Clive Jones: 01473 464589 / bramfordtc@outlook.com JOKE OF THE MONTH A man goes into a pub and orders three pints and five double whiskies, as the barman is lining them up, the man downs them one after the other in about 30 seconds. "Wow! I have never seen anyone drink that fast,” said the barman. “You would too if you had what I have got,” said the customer. “Why, what have you got?" enquired the barman. "50p,” said the customer.

I won't be able to use that trick anymore – more guff next month.

Mick Russ

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Under 8 Tigers The U8 teams have made a great start to the season as they moved to five-a-side this year. The Tigers have had a couple of wins and a single defeat this month, the wins by some margin and the defeat by a narrow margin. The Dragons have won all three games so far, which is impressive as they have a number of U7 players stepping up this season to play a year ahead of themselves.

Claydon U14s Tigers The U14 Tigers have made a super start to the season winning both cup games and drawing their league fixture. The team are coming on strong and have been scoring a lot of goals in their matches, which bodes very well for the future.

Claydon U7s The U7 squad is increasing in size and the players are all enjoying their training at Blue Circle. A number of them have already had a few tournaments playing 4v4 futsal, with some playing at Ipswich Town on the all weather pitch. They are growing in ability week on week and further tournaments and festivals over the coming season will see them prepared well for the transition to five-a-side next year.

Claydon FC Café A reminder to all parents and players that the Blue Circle Café is now open on match days and is serving bacon rolls, tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweets. We are also looking for helpers from the teams who are at home on match days to assist in the café. If you can help when playing at home please contact admin@claydon-fc.co.uk with your details.

You can follow all the Claydon teams on Facebook\claydonfootballclub or Twitter @claydonfc or online at: www.claydon-fc.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE IMPROVING YOUR HEARING IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

By Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA, Audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre Ipswich Borough Council is joining forces with Suffolk’s Green Shoots Learning and Business Mapper to offer people in business subsidised places to attend a new six part digital training and networking breakfast programme at IP-City. The Connecting Online Marketing or .COM initiative is both a business networking breakfast as well as a six month programme of monthly bite-sized digital marketing training sessions. Anyone running or marketing a business can attend if the business is not related to the digital marketing industry and they personally are not professional digital marketers.

There is nothing like the festive season with one social engagement after another. From the Christmas office party, drinks with friends and the buzz of the family gathering on the big day, December is a time for fun and social interaction.

But is it? For those experiencing hearing loss, this can be something of an annual nightmare, causing a variety of communication issues!

Imagine if you can, being unable to hear speech clearly because Christmas music is being played in the background, or not being able to hear the excitement of children opening presents because they are all talking at once and you cannot separate the sounds clearly. Imagine dreading Christmas dinner on a large table with 15 other people because you won’t be able to hear what is being said around you. These are issues a normal hearing person doesn’t normally even consider.

Each month .COM events can host to up to 40 delegates in IP-City from 8-9.30am. The programme will include a light breakfast and refreshments, an opportunity to network and ‘how to’ training on a specific digital topic.

There’s also a further opportunity for up to six people to join in a small group session to get 1-2-1 attention for their business.

Local sponsors Kingsfleet Wealth, Larking Gowen, Blocks Solicitors and WMA Video have stepped in to help subsidise the cost as well as Ipswich Borough Council’s Economic Development Team. They all see the need to support local businesses right now as superfast broadband is rolled out and businesses are under pressure to have a clear web presence which makes money. Their subsidies mean the breakfast training is being offered at only £20 + VAT a session (or six sessions for the price of five at £100 + VAT) and the 1-2-1 sessions are only £45 + VAT. The topics being covered in the first six sessions are: October 29: 7 Steps to sell through your website Surgery: Website Surgery (one to one session) November 20: 7 Steps to effective LinkedIn networking Surgery: Business Networking Online

Over 119,000 people in Suffolk have a hearing loss but the number is far smaller for those who have sought professional help from their local audiologist.

January 28: 7 Steps to securing profitable customers online Surgery: Target Customers

Hearing aids can make such a difference to someone's quality of life at this time of year. Hearing aids are so much smaller and discreet than they ever used to be and packed full of amazing features that will help during the festive period.

March 31: 7 Steps to understanding SEO and Keywords Surgery: SEO & Keyword

You may have thought that with so much noise at a party or family dinner, hearing aids would just make things louder, but modern digital hearing aids aren’t simple sound amplifiers. They are designed to filter out all the unwanted noise – like the clanging of dishes in the kitchen or the background music – and help you focus on speech.

Features such as directional microphones work to reduce the amount of noise allowed to enter your hearing aids. In noisy environments, like at a Christmas party, the system will work to pick up the least amount of noise. If the noise is located behind you, your directional microphones will adapt to pick up sound from in front of you and dampen noise from behind you.

February 25: 7 Steps to selling through Facebook Surgery: Facebook

April 28: 7 Steps to build your brand through Twitter Surgery: Building your brand online All tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting either Eventbrite. co.uk and searching ‘Connecting Online Marketing’ or calling 0333 344 4031.

For more information visit: www.connectingonlinemarketing.com / @suffolkcom / Facebook

If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing problems, don’t struggle through another festive season not being able to join in and have fun. I urge you to book a hearing test now and find out what could be done to help you in time for Christmas.

Karen Finch is the managing director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 20 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk. For more information visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call 01473 230330.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

MARRIAGE, MORTGAGES & MONEY: Pre-nuptial financial considerations If you are about to get married, there are a number of financial issues that you should consider. When the honeymoon is over, what are your financial planning priorities and where can you get the best advice?

Colin and Sharon are busy planning their forthcoming wedding. They will be buying a new home together soon, and they plan to start a family. Colin is an electrician and Sharon is a part time office assistant. Colin had a flat before he met Sharon, and they plan to keep this and rent it out. They contacted me to discuss how their financial planning needs will change after they marry and move into their new house.

First on Colin and Sharon’s checklist was to get the best possible deal on a mortgage for their new home. Choosing the right mortgage can be a minefield. Don’t be tempted by attractive headline rates or discounts now that dramatically increase in later years. Look for a rate that you can afford to pay over the longer-term. For new home owners, a rate that is fixed or capped is a good idea, as this will give you some long term stability and the security of knowing what your mortgage will cost each month.

Also, don’t assume that you will get the best deal on a mortgage from your own bank or building society. Most banks and building societies only offer a limited range of their own mortgage products, so although you may have banked there for years, they may not necessarily offer you the best deal. Colin and Sharon have taken their mortgage advice from my colleague, Graham Spearman. Graham is an independent mortgage adviser, and he looked at every lender in the mortgage marketplace to make sure he found the best deal for Colin and Sharon.

It’s also important to protect the outstanding mortgage in case either Colin or Sharon were to die. Again, the insurance policy you are offered by your mortgage lender may seem convenient when it is all arranged ‘under the same roof’, but an independent adviser can almost certainly find you a better deal with lower premiums and better benefits.

It would also be a good idea for Colin and Sharon to consider adding Critical Illness cover to their mortgage protection policy. Critical Illness cover would pay out the policy sum assured in the event of Colin or Sharon suffering one of around 30 serious illnesses, such as cancer, stroke or heart attack. A lump sum payment that enabled them to pay off their mortgage would be very welcome at such a time, and would enable them to maintain their lifestyle.

As Colin works for a small local electrical business, he receives no long-

term sick pay benefits. Statutory Sick Pay is not going to replace Colin’s wages if he suffers long term ill health or if he is injured as a result of an accident and is unable to work. As he is likely to be the main source of income into the household when he and Sharon start a family, he should consider taking out some form of income protection cover. This type of policy will replace a large proportion of his income if he cannot work due to long-term ill health or disability. Benefits would usually be paid monthly until Colin was well enough to return to work or until he retired if this was earlier.

I would also suggest that Colin and Sharon should re-consider their decision to rent out Colin’s flat. The rental market is not great at the moment, and there is no guarantee that they will find a long-term tenant. That could leave them paying two mortgages on one income. In the longer term, if they buy a new place, the flat would no longer be Colin’s main residence, so it would not qualify for ‘main residence relief’ from Capital Gains Tax. That could leave him facing a hefty tax bill on any future gain in value. If he sells now while it is still his main residence he will still make a profit of just over £20,000, which could either be used to reduce the mortgage they need for their new home, or could be invested now while the markets are low in order to build up capital for their longer-term future together or for children’s school fees.

If they keep the flat, I would suggest that they put it into Sharon’s name as she is a lower rate taxpayer and will actually become a non-taxpayer when she stops work to raise children. That means they will pay less income tax on the rental income ongoing. They should also keep their cash savings at the building society in Sharon’s name when she stops working because, as a non-taxpayer, she will be able to reclaim the tax deducted on those savings.

Finally, I have advised Colin and Sharon to make Wills. This is particularly important for them as home-owners and potential parents, as it will ensure that their assets will go to who they would wish on death.

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 call Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice.

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

CITIZENS ADVICE HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS WITH HMRC PHONE LINES Citizens Advice has said long phone queues to speak to HMRC means some people could face fines for late tax returns or receive over or underpayments for tax credits.

The warning comes as data from national Citizens Advice highlights how frustrated callers tweeted HMRC over 11,500 times in the last 12 months to complain about long phone line queues, the average being 47 minutes. While official figures suggest an average wait of 10 minutes, the study from Citizens Advice shows many people are waiting longer.

Reasons for calling HMRC include explaining a change in circumstances that will impact on tax credits, for example losing their job or having a child, or to clarify income tax payments.

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Carol Eagles of Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “Time and time again we are seeing people who know they need to update HMRC on their tax or circumstances but are really struggling to get through on the phone. If a person can’t update HMRC about their tax credit circumstances they may not get all of the support available or instead are overpaid which can cause debts further down the line.

“Similarly a worker may not be able to file their self assessment return on time if they cannot get through on the phone to ask a question, and could face a fine for missing the deadline.

With Citizens Advice staff and volunteers also facing similar queues it is important HMRC urgently addresses the problems many people are experiencing with phone lines.”

HMRC phones lines are 0300 numbers meaning calls are charged at the same rate as a standard landline call and could be included in some phone package’s free minutes. However, if a person is waiting 47 minutes it could cost them £4.66. The charity is also warning that the roll-out of Universal Credit and changes to tax credits could mean waiting times will further soar as more and more people try to speak to someone.

The local CAB in Stowmarket is in Milton Road South, 01449 676060 or 676280. Opening times: Mondays and Tuesdays 9.30am-3.30pm, Wednesday 9.30am-3.30pm for telephone advice only, Thursday 9.30am-6.30pm, and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm only. The bureau can also be contacted at: www.midsuffolkcab.org.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK Many constituents have written to me regarding the debate in parliament on Rob Marris MP’s Assisted Dying Bill. Back in 2012, when assisted dying was being debated in parliament for the first time in a generation, I wrote about my concerns of the impact the bill will have on vulnerable people. The circumstances faced by patients with terminal illnesses are always challenging and unique to that person and their family, and I am still doubtful whether these can effectively be written into law.

As you are probably aware, as well as being a Member of Parliament, I am also an NHS hospital doctor and my work as a frontline NHS professional has given me an insight into the nature of death and dying. I was at one time a strong supporter of individuals with terminal illnesses being given greater power to end their lives. Who was I to stop someone with a terminal illness from ending their life when they had expressed a consistent wish to do so?

But an experience as a junior doctor changed my views. Alice (not her real name) was a woman in her 40s with advanced multiple sclerosis, no longer able to speak, and completely dependent on family and carers for all her activities of daily living. She was regularly admitted to hospital with chest infections, and on this occasion had been admitted with a pneumonia that was not responding to antibiotics. She was clearly in great pain and distress.

Conversations with her family suggested that much as they loved and cared for her, they believed her illness was at a stage where medical treatments were prolonging her suffering. Her husband said: “she would never have wanted to be like this.” The palliative care team were called to provide specialist care and advice for what was likely to be the last days of Alice’s life.

Against all odds, Alice pulled through and left hospital. Several weeks later, I met her husband again at the hospital shop. He told me the involvement of the palliative care team meant that she and her family had received specialist care and support in the community. He said he felt guilty for having even contemplated the end of her life.

As an NHS hospital doctor, I have witnessed at first-hand how palliative care can help patients and their families better deal with very difficult issues and circumstances of death and dying, as well as providing support in coping with the long term pain that often accompanies terminal illness.

My experience tells me that the ability to end life prematurely could in some circumstances be abused and undue pressure brought to bear on the vulnerable and terminally ill. As a result I believe that we should give greater priority and funding to the development of high quality palliative care services, both nationally and locally for patients in Suffolk.

For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com

THE ‘UNSINKABLE’ SHIP It’s over 100 years since the infamous sinking of the Titanic. The disaster has been made into a blockbuster film as well as inspiring countless books and documentaries on the subject. Here a few interesting facts about the amazing ship:

years from now it won’t matter how much money you had, how much power you had in your job, or how many people you managed to influence. Each soul will be known by one of the same two labels as the passengers of the Titanic: LOST or SAVED.

• The Titanic is about as long as the Empire State building is tall.

• Originally, the Titanic’s design only included three funnels (smokestacks). The aftmost funnel (towards stern) was added to make the Titanic look more impressive – it gave the feeling of ‘power and grace’. It only functioned as an air vent.

• There were 13 couples on board celebrating their honeymoons.

• Captain Smith was planning to retire after Titanic’s maiden voyage.

• The Titanic carried 900 tons of baggage and freight.

• The Titanic used 14,000 gallons of drinking water every 24 hours.

• Coal consumption per day: 825 tons.

The good news of the Bible is that God desires all people to be saved.

The offer of salvation is freely available to all who are sorry for the wrong things in their lives and put their trust and hope in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

One of the main themes of the Hollywood film about the Titanic is the huge diversity in class between the passengers. The people who boarded the ship were made up of the rich and famous, nobility, migrants hoping for a better life in America, the holidaying middle class, musicians, entertainers, laundry maids, cooks, engineers, and manual labourers.

However, whatever they were known for when they boarded the ship, once the iceberg had been struck, and the ship’s fate had been sealed, each passenger would soon be known by one of two very simple labels: LOST or SAVED. The story of the Titanic is very similar to the message of the Bible. It tells of the huge diversity in class and life experience in our world.

Some people are super rich and have every possible financial benefit in life. Others are poor and have to get by with very little, experiencing poverty and poor healthcare. And, of course many live somewhere between the two. There is one thing that all people have though, in fact it’s really the only thing we ever truly own. It’s called a soul. It’s the spirit inside us, given by God that makes us human.

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8: 36 Michael Lawrence SERVICES Sundays: 10.45am at Great Blakenham (including Sunday Club for children); 6.30pm at Mickfield.

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

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

Carols by candlelight Sunday, December 13 at 4pm at Great Blakenham Baptist Church Sunday, December 20 at 6.30pm at Mickfield Evangelical Church For more information email info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / call 01449 720357 / or visit: www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

Everything we see around us is ultimately passing away, and in 100

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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

Diary Dates for November Sunday, November 1

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

Monday, November 2

Monday Prayers at 5 Phillipps Road, 8pm

830205

Thursday, November 5

Young Families in village hall, 9.30am

Churchwardens Robin Hooper Greenhill Des Groom

832243 831804

Hall bookings

831804

Remembrance Sunday, November 8

Holy Communion (said), 8am

First Sunday Communion, 10am

USEFUL NUMBERS Clergy

Priest-in-Charge – vacant Self Supporting Minister – The Rev Jenny Ablett

Zoe Groom

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

Wednesday, November 11 Act of Remembrance at village hall

memorial, 10.45am

Coffee in hall from 10am Friday, November 13

Service of Remembering at Alasdair Place, 2.30pm Open the Book, primary school, 2.45pm

Saturday, November, 14

Christmas Bazaar, 2pm

Sunday, November 15

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

Departed We offer our sympathy, love and prayers to the families and friends of those who have recently died including Derek Hastings of Alasdair Place, Cyril Rowe of Orchard Grove and Donna Cathmoir of Willow Close.

Thursday, November 19

Young Families in village hall, 9.30am

Sunday, November 22

Holy Communion (said), 8am Community Worship, Theme of Love and Marriage, 10am

We will remember them With Remembrance Day falling on a Wednesday, the Act of Remembrance at the war memorials in the church will take place at 11am on Sunday, November 8 as the concluding part of our 10am Sunday Worship. We are once again pleased to have representatives from the army based at Wattisham as well as the Air Training Corps and our local Scouts participate in the Act of Remembrance.

Tuesday, November 24

PCC meets in church hall, 7.30pm

Baptisms We welcome those who have joined Christ’s Church through Holy Baptism, including Ffion-Enfys Winterburn.

The Act of Remembrance in front of the war memorial outside the village hall will take place on Wednesday, November 11 at 11am with a short service starting at 10.45am. Coffee will be served inside the village hall from 10am.

Church Christmas Bazaar, November 14 We shall again be holding our annual church Christmas bazaar in the high school hall and running all our usual popular stalls. Santa has it booked in his busy diary and your children will be able to visit for the very reasonable price of £1.50, which includes a good value gift.

If anybody would like to run a stall for the church you would be most welcome. Our only condition is that the proceeds all go to the Church Fabric Fund. Please speak to Beverley on 833014 or Gill on 784535 if you are interested in running a stall or have any new ideas or offers of help.

Advent Sunday, November 29 Advent is when the church starts to look forward to the coming of Christ at Christmas. This year Advent Sunday will be particularly special within our church. In the morning we are delighted to have our new diocesan bishop, Bishop Martin, officiate and preach at our 10am service. This will be a joint service for all three parishes.

In the afternoon we are reintroducing Families at 4.30 aimed at whole families. This will start at 4.30pm with activities and a short service and end with a meal to finish around 6pm. This will be a great opportunity to make sure that among all the excitement and fun of Christmas the children understand what it is that we are celebrating and remember that Christmas starts with Christ. Everyone is welcome, but as we are providing food it would be good to have an idea of numbers in advance so please let Ann Colthorpe know if you intend coming and if any of your family has any special dietary requirements: 01473 831079 / rogercolthorpe@aol.com

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Wednesday, November 25 Communion at St Peter’s Court, 2.30pm Thursday, November 26

Sunshine Service, village hall, 10am

Advent Sunday, November 29

No 8am service today

Parish Communion with Bishop Martin, 10am

Baptism of Isabelle and Noah Wylie, 2pm

Families at 4.30 (see above) Monday November 30

Ministry team at 10 Phillipps Road, 7.30pm

Sunday, December 6

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

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

Sunday 1 9am Said Communion Monday 2 9.15am Prayer Group Saturday 7 7pm Bonfire Party, Walnut Tree Farm,

Henley (see page 18) Sunday 8 10.30am Remembrance Service

(note time change) Tuesday 10 7.30pm PCC meeting in the Vestry Sunday 15 10am Family Communion Saturday 21 10.30am Vestry Café – tea coffee, cakes and

produce, followed by light lunches,

served from noon-1pm – all welcome Sunday 22 6.30pm Evensong Sunday 29 (Advent) 10am Joint Benefice Communion at

Barham with Bishop Martin

attending Sunday 6 9am Said Communion

In Touch online:

YOUR LOCAL SERVICES

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

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

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA • FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll,VAT and bookkeeping services • Personable and professional advice tailored to your individual needs • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies

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

MID-SUFFOLK FENCING

SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING

SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR

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

www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk

YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

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

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 16 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon