In Touch with Copdock - December 2015

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

Volume 6 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2015

Merry Christmas © Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

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

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

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

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

This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!).

Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing.

It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

In Touch

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

In Touch with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

copdock@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.

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

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

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

NEWS IMPROVEMENT WORK BEGINS IN SUFFOLK AND ESSEX Improvement work on the A12 and A14 worth £3million will begin on Monday, November 30 and continue until April, providing smoother and safer journeys for drivers.

The first phase will focus on new road markings, installing new road signs, replacing sections of safety barrier and resurfacing sections of the road on the A12 junctions 13 to 15 (Trueloves Interchange to Webbs Farm Interchange), between junctions 29 and 30 (Crown Interchange to Stratford St Mary Interchange) and junction 27 (Spring Lane) slip road.

In December, the work will involve embankment repairs at Braiswick and Chelmer, resurfacing at junction 16 (Galleywood) and new road signs and markings junction 29-30.

Highways England project manager, Homy Atife, said: “This work will make journeys better for local people by improving safety for the thousands of drivers that use these roads each day. We understand this scheme will cause some disruption for drivers and we have planned to carry out the work overnight to reduce the impact. I would urge motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time in case of any delays. Local residents directly affected by the work have been informed and will be escorted through the work where appropriate.”

In the New Year work will take place on the A12 at Stratford St Mary, A14 junction 56-58 (Wherstead to Levington) safety barrier replacement, drainage work on the A12 junction 2729 and resurfacing on the A12 between junctions 27-28 and 30-31.

The £3million contract is part of Highways England’s commitment in the region to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads.

The final two phases of work will begin early next year and all work will be suspended during the Christmas period to enable motorists to get away over the festive period.

Further details of the work, including diversion routes will be provided in the East of England weekly roadwork summary.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available at: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

JANUARY DEADLINE

4 DECEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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NEWS THE BROOK INN Customers of the communityowned Brook Inn in Washbrook are being urged to dig out their best Christmas jumpers for a festive quiz night on December 13.

CAROL SINGING IN THE VILLAGE There will be carol singing around Copdock and Washbrook on Tuesday, December 22, starting from the Church Room at 6pm. Anybody who can sing is very welcome to join us, but children should be accompanied by an adult.

As in previous years we shall collect for EACH. Your support is always appreciated.

Landlord Dave Clarke said prizes would be handed out to the quiz winners and the entrant with the most ‘festive’ sweater.

He said: “It’s a bit of fun – we’ve all got a Christmas jumper hiding in the cupboard so this is a good chance to get it out and show it off for an evening. The best (or should I say worst) will win a prize with all the money raised from the event going to a charity of the winner’s choice.”

This Christmas period will be the first since major renovation work

at the Brook Inn last January.

The pub has earned a growing reputation for its gluten-free menu and in the summer won accreditation from Coeliac UK after a lengthy application process.

As well as the quiz and Christmas jumper evening, the Brook Inn will hold a Christmas Carol evening on December 17 at 6pm and a pyjama party and karaoke celebration on New Year’s Eve, with the Christmas menu available throughout December.

Dave Clarke added: “It’s been a great year for the Brook Inn and we’re going from strength to strength. We’d like to thank all our customers for their patronage and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

GRANTS OF £20K AVAILABLE TO HELP COUNCIL TENANTS BUY THEIR OWN HOMES Council tenants who want to buy their own homes are being urged to apply for £20k grants to help them onto the property ladder.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were successful in applying for funding from the government’s £84m Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund which was launched earlier this year. This two-year funding opportunity, called HomeOwn, is designed to help Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation and to buy a home that best suits their needs on the open market.

The scheme enables Babergh and Mid Suffolk to make one-off payments to council tenants of up to £20,000 as a cash incentive to buy a house for the first time – freeing up a council house for someone else in the process. Initially the scheme was offered to tenants living in one and two-bed-homes. It has now been opened up to all eligible tenants regardless of the size of their current property.

A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for. Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi.

Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property.

Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before.

“The application form was extremely easy to fill in and we received a quick decision from Babergh and Mid Suffolk allowing us to have our own home and to free up a council house for someone in need.”

Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These grants are a great opportunity for our council tenants to be in a really good position to buy their own home. We all know how difficult it is for people to actually get a foot on the housing ladder so any assistance we are able to offer is fantastic.

“Housing is a strategic priority for both councils. We need to free up council properties to help more people move off of the housing register so if you think may be able to do just that and eligible for one of these grants, then get in touch.”

And Councillor Jennie Jenkins, Babergh’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Both councils are delighted that our first family to take advantage of these grants have bought their house and are now enjoying family life in their new home.

“I am so pleased that we were successful in gaining this government funding. Babergh and Mid Suffolk tenants can now have access to a choice of homes on the open market which they may otherwise have not been able to afford. Anyone who thinks they could take advantage of this offer should contact us immediately.”

To apply for the incentive, tenants will need to show that the purchase of a property on the open market will be a sustainable one, they must have a clear rent account for the past 12 months, be purchasing a property that meets their current housing needs (all of the household must move into the new property) and prove that they can re-pay a mortgage.

For further information on this scheme – and to check eligibility – please contact Paulina Malinowska, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Home Ownership Officer: paulina.malinowska@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 724753

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NEWS SIGNED BOOKS TO AID FUNDRAISING

ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP?

East Bergholt Sports Centre is raising money for a specialised piece of kit for disabled users.

We run sessions with a very experienced and qualified member of staff for people referred by physiotherapists and specialists at Ipswich Hospital. The equipment we would like to purchase is for the very frail and would only be used for these sessions.

We are holding a number of events and fundraising efforts to reach the goal.

A kind benefactor who worked in the publishing industry has donated two signed hard back copies of books by well-known authors Jacqueline Wilson and joint authors of the Edge Chronicles Paul Steward and Chris Riddell. The books in question are Love lessons

by Wilson and The Last of the Sky Pirates by Steward and Riddell.

These two books will be auctioned with the money raised going towards the total needed for this new piece of equipment. Anyone interested in acquiring these books should send their sealed bid to East Bergholt Sports Centre, Heath Road, East Bergholt CO7 6RJ or email: christine.marsh@ebhigh.org.uk The bidding process will close on Friday, December 4 so you need to get your skates on to get copies of these wonderful children’s books.

This is an appeal to all those who want to see Copdock church stay in good repair and continuing to serve the village community as it has done for many centuries.

While monetary help is always welcome, we are also looking for help from all the local handymen and women who would be prepared to carry out some of the outstanding tasks.

The latest inspection of the church building shows that there are a large number of repairs and improvements which should be attended to immediately, some of which can be carried out without having to hire outside contractors.

If anyone feels that they could help out with some of the work, please contact Adrian Basham, chairman of the Heritage Trust, (405579), or Eddie Knight, trustee, (730659).

NOTES FROM THE CASE – Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub! Bentley Community Pub wins Age UK Award Bentley Community Pub has won another award to add to our collection. The Usherwood Award, Inspiring Age 2015, has been awarded to all our older volunteers by Age UK Suffolk.

The award was presented at the Age UK Suffolk AGM in Kesgrave on Wednesday, November 11. There to collect the award were Ted Poole, Jackie Tiller and Jenny Lingard, who were chosen to represent the pub via a poll of all our regular volunteers.

This award recognises that older people have been at the very heart of our journey to save the Case is Altered and restore it as a hub of the village. They serve on the committee, provided expert advice during the initial difficult period of buying the pub and now with ongoing matters, and rolled their sleeves up to help renovate the pub when we bought it. Nowadays our volunteer teams, who do all the gardening, maintenance and most of the bar work, consist of many stalwart older people.

Without our amazing senior citizens, Bentley would not have a pub today. We extend our congratulations and heartfelt thanks to every one of them.

One of our older citizens gave us a brilliant quote: “Before we rescued the pub, the village was in black and white – now it’s in colour!”

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS •

Sunday, December 20: open all day from noon-10.30pm, carol singing from 4pm.

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Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday 24: normal hours

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Christmas Day and Boxing Day: noon-2pm and 7-10.30pm (no food)

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Sunday, December 27: noon-4pm and 7-10.30 pm (food noon-3pm)

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Wednesday, December 30: normal hours

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New Year’s Eve: Party night with an optional Shrek fancy dress theme: noon-2pm and 8pm ‘til late (no food)

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New Year’s Day: noon-2pm and 7-10.30pm (no food)

COMING UP IN JANUARY

Volunteers (l-r): Jenny Lingard, Annie Owen, Diane Clover, Dave Lingard, Jackie Tiller, Pat Keenan, Ted Poole, Chris and Gill Pink and Peter Cross

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Live music from Louie 2 Tone on Saturday, January 16.

Singing two tone, reggae, ska, mod and northern soul hits. Food served from 6-8pm, music starts at 9pm.

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Quiz Night, Saturday, January 30. Food served from 6-8pm, quiz starts at 9pm.

For more information on these events, please visit www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SaveTheCaseBentley), telephone The Case on 01473 805575 during opening hours, or email us at: savethecase.bentley@gmail.com

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Get 10% off any item bearing the Copdock Mill brand. It’s our Christmas present to you!

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NEWS IN OTHER NEWS £421 RAISED FOR MACMILLAN The Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Brook Inn in September raised a splendid £230 which when added to the £191.80 raised at Copdock School Macmillan afternoon makes a total of £421.80 and means that the village has maintained its reputation of generosity to this very worthwhile good cause. Thank you to all involved.

ARMISTICE DAY BROOK INN COFFEE MORNING The 11am silence was observed in the Brook Inn at the end of a coffee morning which added £91 to the village British Legion Poppy Collection.

Many thanks to those who gave draw prizes and produced cakes.

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK BONFIRE NIGHT Again with the hospitality of Ian and Diane Evans of Copdock Hall, the village bonfire night successfully survived poor weather with great enthusiasm. Andrew Knight provided a great display which could be seen all over the village. Food under the supervision of Ruth and David Lincoln satisfied the inner ‘man’ (person) and the church has benefited by more than £800. Many thanks from the organisers to all who helped on the night and before and, of course, to all those who ventured out to join in the fun.

RIP ALAN FISHER

Copdock and Washbrook remembered the 20 Fallen of the two World Wars in time honoured fashion. The names were read out by Peter Jones, retired RAF, two War Memorial wreaths were laid by Darren Barton, who is still serving in the RAF, and the Last Post was played by Vince Steensna.

Two ceramic poppies from last year’s Tower of London display have been given to the church and are now permanently displayed adjacent to the First World War Memorial. Two others were temporally placed near the altar. Poppy crosses with the names of the Second World War Fallen were placed on the Garden of Remembrance by those relatives of the Fallen who were present and a number of young people. Then a bouquet of poppies was put on the grave of Ernest Harvey.

It was good to see some young REME cadets and a Scout in uniform.

Afterwards the young people scattered poppy seeds near the western hedge of the churchyard.

Hopefully by next year there will be a fine display. As in the past few years, poppy crosses were sent to Holland to be laid on November 11 on the graves of Ray Daniels and the other six airmen buried in Diepenveen near Deventer. Frits Loggen has kindly sent a photograph of the joint memorial with the wreath that was placed there in May by the Burgemeester on Dutch Memorial Day. REMEMBERING PTE F.T. PICKESS OF BENTLEY This month sees the centenary of the death of PTE F.T. Pickess of Bentley.

Frederick Thomas Pickess was the son of Joseph and Ada Pickess of Bentley. Aged only 18 when he died, he was born in Bentley and enlisted in Ipswich. He died of his wounds on December 20, 1915 and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery in the Pas de Calais where, when photographed in 2003, a beautiful rose was growing on his grave (see above).

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St Matthew’s Church in Ipswich was crowded on November 7 for a celebration of the life of Alan Fisher who died last month. He and Celia moved into one of the brand new Charlottes houses in Back Lane some 40 years ago. Their sons grew up there and went to Copdock School. In the early 1970s Alan and Celia ran the village youth club and were involved with the village Silver Jubilee celebrations. Later their main commitment was centred on the community of St Matthew’s, with its youth organisations, music groups and innovative ideas. He was also an integral member of the Ipswich Town Pastor team which works with young people partying on weekend nights. Apart from this and his career as a chartered electrical engineer, Alan’s other interest was in sailing, and Orwell Yacht Club in particular.

His was a life well lived, ended far too soon. The sympathy of the community is offered to Celia, Andrew and Martin and their families.

RIP MRS ANGELA PAYNE-JAMES Those who have lived long in the village will be saddened by the news of the death of Mrs Payne-James at the age of 94. It is some years since she moved out of her home in Church Lane to be nearer her son and later she returned to reside in Park View in Ipswich. Many older residents will remember when her husband Dr Ian Payne-James had a surgery with an entrance at the side of the Brindles. In her time she was much involved in the community, a stalwart of the Copdock, Washbrook and Belstead Conservative Association and a generous supporter of the church and village charitable activities.

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)

Flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations

The new patient group has been meeting regularly since July. A list of members along with contact details is available at both surgeries and on the practice website: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk

We held flu clinics at East Bergholt on October 6 and Capel on October 15. This year we had more clinicians than in previous years and representatives from the Patient Participation Group helped to direct patients. As a result queues were minimal on both days and feedback from patients was very positive. We vaccinated more than 1,800 patients over the two days and raised £853.26 for St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Thank you for your generosity.

Patients who are eligible for free NHS flu or pneumococcal vaccination but were unable to attend one of our flu days can book an appointment at one of our weekly mini clinics.

We have also now sent out letters to children eligible for a free NHS nasal flu vaccination and have set up clinics after 4pm. The parents/ guardians of all eligible children will have received a letter by midNovember inviting them to book an appointment. This includes all children aged two-four on August 31, 2015, and children at risk because of their health condition. Note that children in School Years 1 and 2 may be offered a vaccination at school.

The practice is also offering free NHS shingles vaccinations to patients aged 70, 71, 72, 78 or 79 on September 1, 2015. All eligible patients will receive a letter and can have the vaccination at any time over the next year. Please contact the practice to book an appointment.

Practice feedback We have been monitoring patient feedback over the last few months since we started to address the concerns highlighted by the CQC in April. We are delighted to have received generally positive feedback on the changes we have made so far. On September 7 we launched a new appointment system and this appears to be working well. We have committed to never turn a patient away, though they may need to speak to a doctor or nurse practitioner on the phone and then be seen in person if necessary.

We have taken notices down from doctors’ doors stating that only one problem is to be discussed per 10 minute consultation and our doctors will aim to spend the time necessary to fully address a patient problem. Of course they do operate under time constraints and appointments are nominally 10 minutes long, so if you think you need longer then please let the receptionist know and they can book a double appointment. However, feedback is positive and suggests patients feel they are being listened to and treated appropriately.

We have also been working with all staff to ensure that the overall experience when patients need to contact the practice is professional and helpful, and again your feedback is generally very positive.

We value feedback, both positive and negative, so please either complete the Friends and Family Test or PPG comment cards available in waiting areas, or leave a comment on the NHS Choices website.

Clearly we should be alerted when problems arise, but we also want to hear about positive experiences as this provides confirmation that the changes we are making are having the desired effect.

Training days Just a reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, December 9; Wednesday, February 10; Thursday, March 10.

On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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We also have comment boxes in both waiting rooms and our email address is: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Group members helped at the two flu days in October. We hope that your experience this year was much improved. At the beginning of November we gave our views on patient care to the inspectors from the Care Quality Commission. By the time you read this we should know the result of the re-inspection.

We thought it would be helpful to explain the role of PPGs and here is a summary.

PPGs and practices work in unique partnerships to: • contribute to the continuous improvement of services and quality of care • foster improved communication between the practice and its patients • provide practical support for the practice and help to implement change • help patients to take more responsibility for their health PPGs can also help with: • Advising the practice on the patient perspective • Organising health promotion events • Running volunteer services and support groups to meet local needs • Carrying out research into the views of those who use the practice (and their carers) Please contact us if you have any comments and suggestions which you feel would help us with our objectives of improving the patient experience.

We are also still hoping to get more volunteer drivers so we can ensure that people without transport can get to appointments at either surgery. Please get in touch if you can help.

Kathy Pollard Chair, Constable Country Patient Participation Group

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Call Janet on 07506 350 455

classes also in: - Brantham - East Bergholt - Hadleigh - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary

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janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, January 14, when we will be shut from 1pm. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Christmas opening We will be closed for Christmas from December 25 to 28 inclusive. Please ensure you have enough medication to last over the Christmas period. If you are unwell over Christmas, as above, please ring 111 for advice or 999 if it’s an emergency.

First time heating project from Suffolk County Council We have contacted a number of patients with respiratory conditions regarding a limited, one-off grant that is available for those with no central heating. This includes those with only storage heaters. Eligibility is means tested. For further information, please ring the local rate helpline: 03456 037 686.

Flu vaccinations Our four flu clinics saw 1,077 patients attend for their flu vaccinations.

We have, at the time of writing, vaccinated nearly double that number now but still have flu vaccinations available for those who are eligible.

Please phone for an appointment if you haven’t yet had your vaccination or let us know if you wish to decline this for this year so that we can update our records.

CHRISTMAS COMPETITION We have been collecting unused medication at Shotley for the last six months and you may have seen our crate filling up. We will now have a competition to guess the cost of the medications collected.

These medications will be destroyed at additional cost. Please let your GP know if you are no longer taking medications so they can be removed from your list.

With all the advice on Christmas and keeping warm above, we wish all our patients a happy and healthy festive season.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Have you sampled the presentations from the Globe Theatre or the Royal Ballet yet? With the projector in the library supported by the Arts Council there will be a programme of great productions to watch in the coming year. Look out for posters, and Jackie’s article, for these are top London productions that you can see here in Capel.

The friends are now planning new events for 2016 so check the January edition for details. With Wi-Fi now operating in the library, we are offering help to those who find the brave new world of computers a bit tricky. Let Jackie know and we will spend time at the library with you to try and help. After all your computer or tablet can keep you in touch, not just with your bank but with far away family. I find it a delight to talk to my granddaughter in North Devon over Skype.

The winners of the 100 draw for November are Wendy Perkin (£10) and

Isla Budgen (£5). If you haven’t yet joined, get a form from the library; it’s just £12 to have your name in the draw every month. While you are about it, why not join the Friends and support the work we are doing to keep the library going? Our next venture will be aimed at those of you who find the weight of those large print books heavy when you are reading. We hope to purchase some mini iPads for loan. Not only are they light to hold but the print is infinitely enlargable.

Our annual general meeting is set for Saturday, January 16 at 4pm in the library, and our next Friends meeting is on December 7 at 7.30pm. The public are very welcome to come and sit in, and there will be a slot for questions about our work. Finally, don’t forget to get your book tokens from the library… they make a really good present.

Chris Yule

CAPEL LIBRARY Christmas closing We shall be closed on the following dates over the Christmas/New Year period: December 25/26 and January 1. If you are returning books when we are closed you may post them through the letterbox in the wall and they will be dealt with when the library re-opens, or you may choose to renew online at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk providing no one has requested that title. The website is full of information so take a browse.

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Don’t forget that you can also borrow jigsaws – we also accept good quality used complete ones for people to borrow.

Advance closure notice for New Year To enable our friends the Orchard Players to prepare for their pantomime we will close at 5pm on Friday, January 15 and at 12.30pm on Saturday, January 16. Again you may post books for return through the letterbox.

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Babybounce will meet until December 15 and then re-start on January 5.

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The Library Book Group meets on Friday, December 18 at 2.30pm.

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Some latest DVD releases to look for on the catalogue: The Minions and Inside Out for younger viewers and Woman in Gold and Insurgent for adults. Premium DVDs are £3 a week to hire.

Other DVDs are £1 a week. Spoken word CDs are free to borrow for a period of three weeks.

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We sell stamps in books: 12x2nd class are £6.48, 6x1st are £3.78 and 12x1st are £7.56.

Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm and 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

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Looking for a present for Christmas or birthdays? We sell book tokens in any denomination.

Contact: 01473 311699

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May we wish all who come into our library a very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year.

OPENING TIMES

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New

Opening

Times at

East Bergholt Sports Centre 01206 299340 From 1 November 2015 our Fitness opening 5mes increased to: Monday 7am – 1pm & 4 – 10pm Tuesday 7 – 9.30am & 4 – 10pm Wednesday 7 – 9.30am & 4 – 10pm Thursday 7am – 1pm & 4 – 10pm Friday 7am – 1pm & 4 – 9pm Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 9am – 1pm Christmas present ideas – 8 Personal Training sessions for £200 Family Annual Membership from £30 per month per family of 4

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OUT & ABOUT BROOK PLAYERS CELEBRATE 40 YEARS IN STYLE Congratulations to the Brook Players following their production of Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh. Having entertained the village (and further afield) for 40 years this party was adjudged a winner by the audience.

The excellent acting talent shown by all five members of the cast brought the characters to life and the obvious team spirit lead to a very polished performance of this well-known play. We look forward to their next production in 2016.

CAROL SERVICE St Mary’s Church, Belstead on Sunday, December 20 at 6pm.

Followed by seasonal refreshments.

Everyone welcome.

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY Hot Mikado is coming soon; tickets on sale from December 1.

BATS next big production is Hot Mikado; a wonderful jazzy updating of the classic Gilbert & Sullivan show, with great catchy songs in swing, jazz, big-band and gospel styles. We have a fabulous band to back us, exciting costumes and lively dancers. Highly recommended as a family show, just the treat for half-term.

In case you don’t know the storyline, Nankie-Poo is the son of the Mikado. Travelling incognito as a wandering minstrel he meets and falls in love with Yum-Yum, who is just about to marry Ko-Ko. Nankie-Poo also cannot marry Yum-Yum as he is engaged to be married to Katisha. An unusual law threatens Nankie-Poo with execution. Will he escape it? Will he marry Yum-Yum? Hot Mikado will be performed at Brantham Village Hall from Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday 20 at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 20. Tickets (adults £8 / children £6) are available from Bakes & Blossoms Café, Acacia Court, Brantham, or: www.ticketsource.co.uk All other enquiries to 01206 396674.

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OUT & ABOUT HI DE HI ACTOR CELEBRATES CONSTABLE COUNTRY WITH NEW DVD A former Hi De Hi actor turned film maker is set to release a DVD celebrating the charm of Constable Country and the local area.

David Webb, who with his brother Tony played the twin Yellowcoats in the popular BBC comedy series, has spent the last three years making A Journey through Constable Country… and Around.

From the Dedham Vale to the Stour Estuary and from Roman Colchester to medieval Lavenham the video explores towns and villages John Constable would have known and loved and which inspired him to create some of England’s best loved paintings.

David, who grew up in Mistley, hopes that his video will appeal not just to the many tourists who visit, but to local people keen to know more about the area in which they live. A Journey through Constable Country… and Around is presented by his daughter and TV journalist, Victoria Lampard.

The DVD, priced at £14.99, is available from Co-op stores as well as local tourist centres and independent shops. It can also be obtained directly from David who can be contacted at: webb.springbank@btinternet.com

CAROLS WITH THE CAPEL SINGERS

Tuesday, December 15 at 7.30pm Christmas starts here. Definitely not a nine lessons and carols, this selection of carols is interspersed with readings drawn from a wide range of sources, some traditional favourites, some in dialect, some humorous, and some thought provoking.

With carols by Ireland, Rutter, Willcocks and Britten telling the Christmas story this is an evening to enjoy, especially when followed by seasonal refreshments in the Church Hall after the concert. Stephen Smith supports the Capel Singers on the historic Father Wills organ and for the first time for many years we can promise a warm welcome and a comfortable chair in our refurbished church.

So make a date for December 15 at St Mary’s Church, Capel St Mary at 7.30pm. For further details contact Chris Yule: 01473 310992 There will be a retiring collection for the work of Save the Children amongst the Syrian Refugees.

GIPPESWYK SINGERS CONCERTS After a successful tour to Holland in the summer of 2014, the Gippeswyk Singers are setting off again in the summer of 2016, but this time in the UK. The choir are travelling to Yorkshire in June to Fountains Abbey, Harrogate and York to sing a delightful summer programme of English music entitled Forever England. Their tour concert will be repeated locally at the Salvation Army Citadel in Felixstowe on July 2, 2016.

Before then the Gippeswyk Singers, conducted by Geoff Lavery, are celebrating the festive season with a New Year Concert called What Sweeter Music on January 2 at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church, Martlesham Heath with special guests Martlesham Brass. This will be a lovely programme of carols with the choir performing many of the beautiful choral arrangements of John Rutter, the nation’s favourite Christmas composer. Come and enjoy a spirited and uplifting evening of music with the choir, Martlesham Brass (led

by Adam Cable), seasonal readings and congregational carols too.

Gippeswyk Singers are also presenting a spring concert featuring, amongst other choral pieces, the magnificent Nelson Mass, one of the most loved and well known choral works by Joseph Haydn, with four professional soloists on April 9, 2016 at St John’s Church, Felixstowe. This thrilling choral music has become known as a celebration of Lord Nelson’s victory over Napoleon in 1798 and moves from dark and dramatic, through peaceful contemplation to joyful jubilation with much sparkling vocal vitality from the soloists supported by the Gippeswyk Singers chorus and Andrew Cantrill, a nationally acclaimed organist.

An exciting and busy season for this accomplished and expressive chamber choir under the artistic musical direction of Geoff Lavery which will provide delightful music for performers and audience alike, with profits from the concerts going to support local Ipswich charities Got to Read and Home-Start. We hope to see you at one or all of our performances www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT PENINSULAR PIX HAS A FABBA ABBA NIGHT! Tattingstone’s Peninsular Pix celebrated its 10th birthday on Guy Fawkes Night with a bang. The sing-along version of Mama Mia was shown to a packed house, while they drank Prosecco, wine and beer and ate birthday cakes.

Everyone was in fine voice and sang right from the first song to the last.

One very happy patron said: “This was the best night at Pen Pix in the 10 years I have been going. It’s really great that they put a brilliant film on once a month. It’s always a really good social occasion as well great films.”

Pen Pix would like to thank all of those that have supported us over the last 10 years. In that period we have shown 110 films to approximately 6,500 people.

If you would like to give Pen Pix a try, then come along to our December film, Paddington, on December 3. As it’s our Christmas film we will be serving mulled wine and mince pies during the interval.

With a ‘Please look after this bear’ label around his neck, and lost and alone in London, this Peruvian bear meets the kindly Brown family

only to find himself at the mercy of a taxidermist at the Natural History Museum. Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw, (Q in the latest Bond films), causes a series of accidents when living with the family of Hugh Bonneville, (Downton Abbey) and Sally Hawkins, (Made in Dagenham) which cause him to be alienated and complicates all attempts to keep him safe. However, due to a series of exploits he eventually ends up adopted by them and finds a home at last.

This is a great family film with both child and adult humour and will have you laughing throughout. One review said: “This is, without doubt, one of the funniest and most heart warming films that I expect to see in my life. A true ‘family’ film, it should appeal to children of all ages as well as to adults who are still children at heart.”

Paddington shows on December 3 in Tattingstone Village Hall. Doors open at 7.30pm and the film starts at 8pm. Tickets are £4.50 on the door, or £4 in advance from The Wheatsheaf, The White Horse, Stutton Community Shop, Lloyd (326882) or Rosie (328315).

Ben Connor, chair

SALVATION ARMY NATIVITY FESTIVAL

VICTORIAN STREET MARKET A Victorian Street Market will be held in the Church Room, Washbrook, on Saturday, December 5 from 2pm. Entry is free. There will be cakes, preserves, sweets, and presents for sale, as well as a tombola, a draw and mulled wine.

Christmas Carols at the Wild Man, Sproughton

Come and sing carols with the community from our carol booklets, or perhaps play your own instruments in between as well. There may even be time for Christmas poems and prose.

Would you like to take some time out during December?

Our Nativity Festival at The Priory Centre on Queens Way is an opportunity to see more than 100 different nativity scenes from around the world and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, or just a quiet, unhurried space to unwind during the busy holiday season.

There will be a quiz to take part in, an activity table for children and craft and gift tables. Refreshments will also be available including hot drinks, soup, mince pies and gingerbread. Entry is free and you can take part in as much or little as you choose.

Opening times • Friday, December 11, 1.30-7pm • Saturday, December 12, 10am-3pm • Sunday, December 13, 1.30-4pm For further information please contact: 01473 710721 / ipswich.priory@salvationarmy.org.uk

The Wild Man bar will be open as usual.

We meet in the lounge.

When: Sunday, December 6 from 7pm Who: Maggie and Stan from Suffolk Folk

Why? Because it’s good to celebrate Christmas together For more details contact Jackie Sears: 01473 214125

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Christmas at Bypass Nurseries

Everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas!

Colourful Decorations & Christmas Trees Festive Food & Hampers, Gifts & Cards Beautiful Poinsettias & Cyclamen Enjoy a magical visit to see

Father Christmas

He’ll be here for our Christmas Charity Evening 6-8pm Thursday 3rd December and during the weekends of 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th & 19th & 20th December from 11am & 3pm

London Road, Capel St Mary, Ipswich, IP9 2JR Open Daily Mon-Sat 9.00-5.30, Sun 10.30-4.30

01473 310604

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OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK WI

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next talk on December 9 will be It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Eve Regelous.

Future talks include: History of Advertising; Lady Alice de Breyne; NT Coast of East Anglia; Secrets of the Royal Jewels; Galapagos Islands and dive.

We had our usual business announcements and reviews at our October meeting and also heard updates from our book club and progress on maintaining a walking group. We heard from members who had attended our area-group social evening, and also our last taster lunch of the year.

There are always invitations to events, both from WI and other groups, and also campaigns for good causes, many of which are local issues.

November’s meeting was to include our annual meeting, so there was some preliminary work on that too.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. After the August and February meetings, we normally hold a members’ lunch – funds permitting.

Our speaker was Ann Kirkham, who told us about her interest in weaving.

She was excellent and really ‘hands on’. She gave a demonstration of weaving and had brought quite a few examples to show us what could be achieved. She encouraged people to walk up close and ask questions – it was like having a friend explain how to do it. Like all good speakers, she inspired us to want to try it for ourselves.

In October Gerald Jenkins gave a talk on plant heritage. Mainly concentrating on the carnation family, he explained how he has set up a seed bank and propagation area where he has effectively become the custodian of disease free varieties to maintain their heritage.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday, December 7 Angels plus Christmas celebration Monday, January 4 Make prick and stitch cards with Paula Monday February 1 Smocking with a difference with Debbie Other kits will be available each evening. Samples of each month’s project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

The Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

For information contact Ann (01473 780298) or Jill (01473 713534).

CAMEO October was just a straight ‘coffee and chat’ event, with about 20 villagers and was a very social afternoon. At our November meeting we were joined by Garry from the Coffee Caravan, which not only guaranteed even more local news and information, but also excellent filter coffee that he brings with him each time. He also brought Mike to teach us Boccia and New Age Kurling – activities entirely new to me.

The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come And Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a dropin basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated. (Non-residents are welcome at a charge of £1 – the set-up costs were part funded

by the parish council so in fairness we need to levy a small fee for anyone not paying council tax to the parish.)

Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, both on personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have noticeboards showing events, along with information on businesses and charities. You would be amazed at the wealth of talent and scope of business in our small village.

We meet at Belstead Village Hall, usually on the third Monday of the month (excluding July and August), but we are also planning to have another social evening on December 18.

There are many good reasons to join the WI – we enjoy a wide variety of interests and outings; there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, improve your existing skills or just come along to the meetings for companionship and interesting speakers. You can come to three meetings as a visitor to see what goes on before deciding if you would like to join.

All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed.

We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August) at the village hall – the next meeting is on December 16. This meeting will be slightly different from our usual format and will include some Christmas celebration with carols, food and drink and some entertainment. Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.

BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB At our first meeting in November we welcomed the ‘Cooking Canon’ – The Rev John Eley, who gave members a very interesting, entertaining, and humorous talk. He has a fascinating background – his father was a shepherd and he initially became a lighting engineer in the film industry before studying for the priesthood. From then, and after contributing a recipe for a church fundraising book, he was asked to appear on television and became the ‘Cooking Canon’ – the rest is history. We concluded the month with a session of chair aerobics followed by cards and Scrabble.

Our Christmas Lunch is on December 1 at Acorn Village, Mistley when members are reminded that the coach will depart the village hall at 11.30am. Our yearly programme concludes on December 15 with our Christmas Party when we have arranged for John Mills to entertain us.

The club will resume next year on Tuesday, January 12 at 2pm with a return visit by Tom Tyler whose talk is entitled What a Stroke of Luck, and on January 26, after another session of chair aerobics, we will hold our annual general meeting.

Margaret Blackmore, secretary Wishing all members, friends, and speakers a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Sandra Howard

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OUT & ABOUT

1st CAPEL ST MARY SCOUT GROUP JUMBLE SALE The 1st Capel St Mary Scout Group will be holding a jumble sale on Saturday, January 23, 2-4pm in the Scout Hut, at Capel St Mary Primary School. Admission is 50p, accompanied children free.

Please leave your jumble outside by 9.30am for collection.

We regret we are unable to take underwear, furniture or electrical goods.

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB Barry Gayton gave an illustrated talk about the wildflowers of Britain at our October meeting. Our final meeting for 2015 will be on December 8 with a talk on NT Ickworth.

Visitors are welcome to join us for these talks that take place in the lounge of Capel Methodist Church at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Refreshments are provided after the talk.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK RAMBLERS Our third circular ramble this season will take us across lovely meadows and along interesting lanes towards the Sproughton area, then back via footpaths across the fields – one of our favourite walks.

We will be rambling for about two hours over a distance of approximately 5¼ miles. Do join us on Sunday, December 13, starting from the Church Room in The Street, Washbrook at 1.30pm.

For further information please contact: tina@thegrindle.co.uk

CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB Our October meeting was a hands-on experience. Brandon Plumby from Tattingstone Garden Centre came with his family – and many varieties of bulbs and plants. After his demonstration on planting winter containers, including hanging baskets, we had a go at doing our own thing. We were also able to buy bulbs and plants to take home. Charles Heath won the first prize in the raffle, which was Brandon’s demonstration container.

We don’t have a meeting in December. On January 28 we are going to Hintlesham Golf Club for lunch. If any member has not already received details, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

We are always happy to welcome new members, £8 a year or £2 if you want to just come to a particular meeting as a visitor. Any queries, please let me know.

Edwina Cox, chairman, 01473 311121

JOIN US AND FIND OUT WHY 100s ALREADY HAVE Could you spare some time to help with Rainbows, Brownies or Guides?

Our volunteers give girls, and themselves, the opportunity to build their confidence, raise their aspirations and have fun. They run activities that give the girls the opportunity to realise their potential, learn new skills and make new friends.

There are a lot of ways that you can volunteer with Girlguiding, it’s flexible and can be tailored to fit around your busy lifestyle. No matter how much or how little time you have, every hour counts.

Rainbows are girls aged five to seven, Brownies are girls aged seven to 10, Guides are girls aged 10 to 14.

If you are interested in volunteering with Girlguiding or if you have a daughter who would like to join, please email our district commissioners on for further help and information: baberghandsamford@gmail.com You may also register your interest online and fill in the details on the Join Us section: www.girlguiding.org.uk

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Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445 Kingsbury & Saunders 61 George Street Hadleigh 01473 823117

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB Last month we enjoyed an informative talk by Robert Booker of Ladybird Nursery at Snape. He specialises in annual plants and brought some fine specimens with him to sell. His nursery is well worth a visit.

The competition was a photo of a single flower bloom from the garden and was judged by Robert. The winner was Linda Fotheringham with her photo of a dahlia, many congratulations to her.

On December 16, Myrtle and Mint florist is bringing Christmas flowers, which, if the shop is an indicator, will be stunning. The evening will end with mulled wine and nibbles. All are welcome.

Our programme for 2016 is complete, so do join us whether you are a gardener or not.

A Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year to you all.

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK PRE-SCHOOL With our autumnal activities now over we are looking forward to starting our Christmas celebrations.

We will learn traditional and new songs. One of our favourites is 10 Little Christmas Trees which provides the opportunity to learn about numbers, counting one more and one less, recognising numerals and recording numbers.

To finish the term we will attend the New Wolsey Theatre and have a traditional Christmas party which children and parents attend. If you would like any more details or to join us please contact: 01473 731047

Marilyn Wosahlo

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

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

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

If you would like more information regarding any of the above events or just to find out more about Claydon Pre-school please contact the administrator Lisa Read: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk We are now sorting applications for children to come and join us in January 2016 for the Spring term. The Pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 0900-1530 during term time. Children can start from the age of 2 until they go to Reception. Session fees are £9.60 and we offer a lunchclub (12.00-12.30) for £1.60. We are happy to accept Childcare Vouchers and we offer 2 year funded places for any eligible children.

We also run a holiday club in the Easter and Summer Holidays for 2 to 8 year olds – further information can be obtained by contacting the Administrator.

BENTLEY CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL What another exciting month we’ve had here at Bentley. We’ve had visits from a knight, a children’s author and The Dog’s Trust to name but a few. The knight, Sir Cumference, came in to judge the children’s medieval shield designs. Both Wolves and Adders have been learning about Saint Edmund and had created beautiful shields as part of their learning.

Wolves winner was Hugo and Adders winner was Ben, whose lion motif most impressed the visiting knight.

Children’s author Anne Stairmand came and spoke to the children about reading and writing and shared some of the exciting characters in her books. The children even got to dress up as some of them. Her visit has really inspired our own brilliant writers and we are enjoying reading all the creative writing that they are doing.

Jan from The Dog’s Trust came to talk to the children about dog safety.

Pupils particularly enjoyed taking turns playing the ‘dog’ and behaving in a most mischievous manner. The message was important though and we all learnt a great deal about how to read a dog’s body language and when it is ok or not to approach a dog.

Children in Need Day was a fabulous success again this year. Thank you to everyone who contributed pennies to our buckets. We all had great fun at our Teddy Bears Picnic and raised a lot of money for this worthwhile cause.

Road safety has been the watchword this month, with the children designing road safety posters, helping to speed check passing drivers and learning about how to keep themselves safe on the road, especially

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in these winter months. Our thanks go to the Community Speedwatch Team who kindly volunteered their time to help the children and teach them about why it is so important that people don’t break the speed limit. We gratefully acknowledge all those people in the village who drive slowly and carefully past the school. It means so much that our wonderful community cares about the safety of all the children. Thank you.

Coming up in December – Adders are travelling to The Museum of East Anglian Life to take part in a workshop about Christmas in the Victorian era. This supports our theme this year and if you come along to our Christmas Fayre on Friday, December 11, you will get to see some of the lovely Victorian costumes the children and their families have prepared. The Christmas Fayre will run from 3.15-5pm and will have a host of stalls. The children from the school council will be running the fayre and your support, as always, would make a real difference to their fundraising efforts.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year from us all at Bentley CEVC Primary School.

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SCHOOLS

TATTINGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL The autumn term is fast coming to an end, but life is very busy in school. The youngest children have been learning about life at school, enjoying their outside area, creating houses out of cardboard boxes and learning that you have to share the swing!

In Puffins (Years 1 and 2), The Great Fire of London was a great talking point, especially when the children re-created the event on a much smaller scale with Tudor houses made out of cardboard boxes.

They were then set on fire in the playground with all health and safety requirements in place. Another event of great excitement was when the Fire Service visited with a fire engine that was driven into the school grounds.

As you walk through Kingfishers class (Years 3 and 4) the sounds of French can be heard. They have also been learning about and writing their own fables. Upstairs in Grebes class (Years 5 and 6) it’s been all Greek. The children have designed a storyboard and then created their own mythological story. The display at the top of the stairs is a credit to their work.

We understand that last year’s Year 6 have settled well into their high schools and are beginning to find their feet.

The school was joined on a very wet Wednesday by a volunteer team from Ford as part of their community work. They were able to clear some of the cabin area, dig a large hole for the new play boat as well as helping to sort the new library. Their help was very much

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appreciated and the children are enjoying the new experiences.

Some of the children will again be going to the O2 in January to take part in The Young Voices. Lots of singing can be heard going on at lunchtimes in preparation. Angela Neale from the church (lay reader) has started a Wednesday creative club at lunchtimes and the children created craft for Harvest Festival and are now preparing for Christmas. Other clubs include dance, gymnastics, mad science, choir and orchestra. The new school council has hosted their first Muffin Monday… there weren’t too many cakes left.

The school website contains a wealth of information as well as dates for the many sessions open to parents and the wider community.

Each class teacher produces a newsletter on a Friday giving a taste of what the children have been up to and what they will be looking forward to. The school values contributions that the community and from parents – if you feel you have a skill you think could benefit the children please contact the school.

Diary dates Monday, December 14, 2pm: Celebration of Achievement Wednesday, December 16, 2pm: Nativity to the Community Friday, December 18, 2pm: Nativity at Tattingstone Rebecca Wallis, governor

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SCHOOLS ROBIN’S NEWS to understand the difference between loud and quiet.

Baby Bears We have been busy with the autumn season and events that come with it such as Halloween and fireworks night. We went on the school field to run in the crunchy leaves and collected some to make our leaf mobiles.

We have also made stained glass leaves that are displayed on our outside door.

World Nursery Rhyme Week has been great and we have been singing and dancing to Miss Polly Had A Dolly, 1.2.3.4.5, The Grand old Duke of York, Ring A Ring A Roses and Horsey Horsey.

We have lots of exciting activities and crafts planned for the lead up to Christmas including our winter wonderland main display.

The Gruffalos have continued to enjoy the great outdoors, building dens and shelters, walking the tight ropes, leaf throwing, leaf burying and collecting items for our crafts.

We are looking forward to going out on some wintry walks and hope to regularly attend Baby Bounce sessions at the library. Make sure you give us a wave if you see us.

Gruffalos As you are reading this the Christmas festivities are well under way. As well as getting creative with lots of sparkle and glitter we have been working hard on our nativity, What a Star! The children have been singing beautifully and we are looking forward to sharing it with the parents/carers and families.

Toddling Tigers

We took part in World Nursery Rhyme Week. This involved us learning a nursery rhyme each day. We had great fun getting together with the children and staff from the other rooms and having a sing and dance.

The Tigers have been exploring the spooky textures of pumpkin insides and looking at what we can find in there. We have been making water and jelly turn different colours and from fireworks night we have begun

If you would like any information about Robin’s Childcare please contact Vicki on 01473 310767, visit us at www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook

NEWS FROM COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN Squirrels We have been enjoying our Superhero topic. We have created our own superheroes who will help us to stay safe online. We have also been learning about real life heroes such as Roald Amundsen and William Wilberforce.

using Google Earth to admire Italy from afar. The children have been very interested in this topic, especially with its links to volcanoes, looking in particular at Mount Etna and exploring Venice and its canals. The children ended this topic with an Italian day in which all the Woodpeckers parents were invited to come to our Italian café.

In Forest School we have been learning about micro-habitats and we went on a spider hunt. Did you know that spiders have 48 joints? Mrs Witherall brought in her tarantula, a Chilean rose tarantula called Chilli, and Year 2 pupils held her. We have also been learning about the seasonal changes in autumn.

We continued to learn algebra and write equations to show commutative law, as well as linking it to our place value learning.

Woodpeckers In maths we have been learning about place value and working hard to secure our understanding in this area. The children have carried out problem solving, investigations and activities around the areas of partitioning, rounding and adding numbers mentally using partitioning.

In literacy we have been writing our own adventure stories based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We have been using lots of adjectives in our writing and focusing on structuring paragraphs around a theme. Woodpeckers have created their own room in the chocolate factory, written a new ending to Roald Dahl’s book and have written their own adventure stories. The children have been very excited about this.

Our topic this half term has been A Quest to Italy. We have been looking at the human and physical features of Italy, comparing Italy to Britain and

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Foxes Life is always exciting in Foxes’ class. Our class teachers are really encouraging and are always trying to push you out of your comfort zone, but not so far that you get uncomfortable. They always say that “you can’t do it yet” because you need to actually try before giving up. Recently we have been really excited to go on a residential trip to Sizewell (African Adventure) and using our growth mindset we have surprised ourselves with what we can do when faced with lots of challenges.

In science we have learnt all about forces and used this knowledge to build Halloween-themed cam toy models.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the school this year. The staff, children and parents wish you all a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2016.

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SPORT BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS Club doubles competition On Tuesday, October 13 we held our club doubles competition. A draw was made for partners and the matches were played over seven ends.

On the evening we always play on three mats, and also put the mats in a difference place and use different bowls. This makes the evening more competitive as we all have to find the sweet spot on each mat.

After the preliminary matches had been played the two teams who gained the most points were Veronica Howe and Frank Calvert and Colin Rose and David Howe. A final match was played and the overall winners were Colin and David – congratulations to them.

Thank you to Frank and Lillian Calvert for organising the evening and to all the members who took part in the competition.

BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB At last we have started our winter league programme. The first match was a home game against Chelmondiston, who after one season had regained their first division status. They very seldom do well when they visit us and this year was no exception as we won 10-0.

Our second game was a visit to Sproughton and a 5-5 draw was an excellent result considering we failed to score on our previous visit on their somewhat tricky church hall floor. The following evening we went to Copdock where after a reasonable start we came unstuck and lost 2-8.

After our late start we now have to play a further seven games before the new year and even with two very promising newcomers in the team, we are already looking at four games where we will not have a full team.

John Hayward

FANCY A SWIM? Shotley Peninsula Swimming Club is now celebrating its 12th year. Over that time the club has provided evening swimming sessions for hundreds of people living in the area to enjoy a leisurely swim in an excellent facility in Woolverstone.

Beetle Drive We are pleased to report that after our very successful Beetle Drive we were able to make a donation to the Eden-Rose Coppice Trust, a local charity that Charlie Haylock supports.

This natural woodland retreat is specifically designed as a stress-free refuge for people living with cancer or terminal illnesses. Working in partnership with educational institutions, most of the woodland development is carried out by young people living with learning disabilities, complex needs or life limiting conditions.

Jill Mills

At present there are nearly 200 members swimming in seven sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The year is divided into quarterly sessions and members pay per session.

We swim for all kinds of reasons, from training for triathlon events to enjoying the social benefits of meeting other people. But most of us just want to become and stay a little fitter. We are not a competitive club.

To join you need to be over 18 and a competent swimmer. With Christmas upon us, it might be a excellent time to consider joining us while we have spaces available before the January blues set in, aided by the belief the scales need replacing because they must be totally misreading! Or you might just like the idea of swimming in a warm pool on a bleak winter’s day.

If it appeals we offer a free taster session. Of course you might even be looking for a present for a loved one. What better than a gift of a session of swimming?

If you would like to find out more please contact our secretary: 07546 528336 / spsc@btinternet.com

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB One-hundred-and-twenty teams play in the nine divisions that make up the Suffolk and Ipswich League and the point gained by the Saturday First Team at Wickham Market after a goalless draw on October 24 saw our side go to the top of the Senior Division for the first time in the club’s history. This was a fantastic achievement by our players who are all local lads who don’t get paid for playing in their league, unlike some. However, after only a week at the summit the team lost the local derby 2-1 against East Bergholt and slipped to third place. Our run in this seasons Suffolk Senior Cup ended at the first hurdle when we lost 3-2 to Sudbury Town Reserves with goals from Gary Collins and Lee Barrett.

Our Saturday Reserves have been struggling to raise a side this season and are bottom of the Senior Reserve league after defeats against Coplestonians 2-1 (scorer Joe Bigmore) and Ipswich Valley Rangers 1-0.

We are hoping to sign some more players on in an effort to keep the

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team going. Better news from our Sunday side who top Division Two of the Sunday Morning league after winning five of their first six games with new managers Tom Harris and Kevin Morrison doing a good job.

Tony Chopping has been playing well in defence with Nick Woolgar putting in some good performances in midfield. Our Veterans side beat Suffolk Punch 3-0 with goals from Gary Russell, Chris Stewart and Chris Smith, but after manager Archie Arnold stood down they were unable to raise a team for the County Cup game at Sole Bay and are currently looking for a new manager.

The 120 plus youngsters who play for our nine youth sides are enjoying their football, especially the under eights who don’t seem to be worried about getting muddy as autumn turns to winter. Just think that in ten years time they could be knocking on the First team door! Finally, 100 Club winners will be announced next month.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

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The bespoke, state-of-the-art AGA Mobility Systems showroom was launched three years ago, and is still the only showroom in Suffolk with three fully functional, full size stair lifts available for you to come and try. With three comprehensively equipped wet rooms and level access showers on display as well, alongside an expansive array of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, profiling beds, rollators, wheelchairs and everyday living aids, we can show you just how your home can be revolutionised through these products, making every day life that much easier. We are based in Needham Market (Lion Barn Industrial Estate), there is ample free parking and the easily accessible showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE HAT TRICK OF TITLES AND SUFFOLK COUNTY RECORD FOR BENTLEY SWIMMER REG LLOYD Bentley’s own Reg Lloyd dominated the Men’s Freestyle events at the ASA East Region 2015 Short Course Championships recently held at the Inspire: Luton Sports Village. The Teamipswich swimmer won the 100m, 200m and 400m titles breaking the 200m Suffolk County Record on the way. He became the only Suffolk swimmer to ever hold all three titles and the second swimmer from the eastern region to have his name on all three trophies in one year. His performances have gained him entry into the ASA National Swimming Championships this December at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

It’s a great start to the season for 18-year-old Reg following on from the decision to dedicate all his time to

swimming, after completing his A Levels at Suffolk One in the summer. His dedication cannot be questioned.

Since moving to Bentley he is up at 4am every morning to train at Crown Pools in Ipswich and returns in the afternoon for more pool and land training.

As a Sporting Ambassador for Abbeycroft Leisure he has free use of The Gym in Ipswich and hopes in the coming months to obtain further sponsorship to help continue to compete at the highest level. Unfortunately training, nutrition and rest periods limit the time for Reg to work, so he is reliant on his parents for funding.

If any local business people would like to sponsor Reg please email him at: reg.r.lloyd@sky.com

EBONY’S BLOG – LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE What an autumn we’ve had. My door has been hooked open most of this term, and I have been able to watch all sorts of comings and goings.

Our long-serving pony, Holly, has been retired to live with Sue in Polstead and is enjoy eating and sleeping to her heart’s content. Two of our very recent additions to the herd were also moved on because they couldn’t really behave the way we expect RDA ponies to. They were nice looking little black chaps, like me, so I was sad to see them go.

Alfie

Hazel drove here from Bury St Edmunds every Friday and helped with grooming, side walking, teaching and leading. She has helped at RDA centres for 30 years or so, and The Shelley Centre was fortunate to have enjoyed her expertise for the last four of those. Now she feels the drive over here in the winter is just too much (for an octogenarian!).

Here we see her leading Camilla with a very happy Alexander getting his physiotherapy on Camilla’s comfy padded back.

We have welcomed two new members to the herd, and I’ve been watching them learn the ropes. Alfie is a ‘flea bitten’ grey Connemara fellow who is shaping up well. April is a bay New Forest pony, the perfect size for our nine to 12-year-old riders. Typical girl, she really likes her leaders to chat to her in the arena.

Both ponies are hoping to be sponsored as their stable mates are, so if a kind reader would like to support them in their new work please talk to their Auntie April Di on 01473 658552 to discuss a sponsorship contribution.

Makes a nice Christmas present!

At half term we had to say goodbye to a very special volunteer, Hazel Ormsby. Well she was special to me because she helped my riders in my room every Friday, standing up on the plinth there beside me. With her encouragement some of my riders achieved enough core strength to graduate on to live ponies, so now I only see them on really wet days. (I can’t mind about that, it’s partly what I’m here for.)

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Hazel leads Camilla

Now we are getting ready for the end of term. Already Margaret has enlisted her cast for the nativity play in Shelley church. Only Squidgy and Camilla ever get to walk there by lantern light with our riders; the rest of us have to make do with a blessing from the vicar up here at the centre, but we love seeing the parents and carers being introduced to the whole team. I’ve always wondered why our guests hold plastic cups as they wander round the yard!

We shall have a Christmas tree, tinsel on our stable doors and pretty lights under the eaves. I’m quite excited just writing about it. When we close for the school holidays, some of the herd go off to enjoy themselves with their other families and some of us stay here and rest. I hope you have a very happy Christmas, wherever you are. www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

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ON THE GRAPEVINE KENNY’S SESAW NEWS Oh dear! Yes, it’s that time of the year again and I’m going to be in trouble with Sharon, the editor.

No one has time to help me write this month’s news because they are busy preparing for the festive season. This gives me a chance to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 12 months.

Lots of nice people have donated time, money and goods to the sanctuary and many SESAW animals are now happily rehomed.

We wish you health and happiness this Christmas and hope 2016 will be a good year for all of us.

If you are looking for a last minute present, there is still time to sponsor a SESAW animal or purchase SESAW calendars at £6 each.

Leave a message on 01787 210888 or visit: www.sesaw.co.uk That’s all folks, because I have to find out where mum hides that Santa hat from me.

Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP

Christmas & New Year

Waste & Recycling Collection Schedule 2015/16 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

IMPORTANT CHANGES

Due to the bank holidays during the Christmas and New Year period it has been necessary to amend the usual collection schedules. Please see below for your revised collection days.

Please ensure your bins are presented by 06.30am on the day of collection.

Usual Collection Day Monday 21 December 2015 Tuesday 22 December 2015 Wednesday 23 December 2015 Thursday 24 December 2015 Friday 25 December 2015 Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Friday 1 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Recycling collection this week

Revised Collection Day No Change No Change No Change No Change Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Saturday 2 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Saturday 9 January 2016 Rubbish collection this week

All brown bin collections are suspended for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. Please check www.babergh.gov.uk for details.

From Monday 11th January normal waste and recycling collections resume

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?”

Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die.

As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands).

If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing.

Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?”

The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many with-profits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you.

Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option. In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this under-performing with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE

Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook & Belstead and Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713863023

Dear Friends Every now and again David and I do something very impulsive. This summer we bought an eight-week-old brown Labrador puppy. To put this in context we already have a beautiful, if neurotic, rough collie called Storm, and four very contented rescue cats.

I had seen the photo of Daisy and her three sisters that morning when surfing the internet on my day off. I emailed it to David expecting the usual joke and rebuff about us having plenty of animals already. I still got that email, but when he finished work he telephoned me to ask me to book to meet the puppies.

No preparation, no long discussions, just a sudden rash decision to grow our family by one. And so we became the proud owners of Daisy. Having brought her home one of us then had to dash to the shop for puppy supplies as we were not in the least prepared for our new arrival.

Three months on and she has brought nothing but pure joy and rather interesting ministry meetings. We have all fallen in love with her (well perhaps not so much the cats who cannot communicate their lack of enthusiasm for some rough play and ear chewing), but certainly the rest of the family including Storm who now has a very enthusiastic buddy.

Lack of preparation doesn’t always work out so well. Most of the time careful ground work can make all the difference to whether something has an enjoyable, good and successful outcome or not.

Christmas takes a lot of preparation. Buying and wrapping presents, writing and sending cards, putting up decorations, buying extra food and lots of planning.

In the midst of all this rushing around we are also called to prepare our hearts spiritually to come before Jesus with child-like wonder and recognise afresh the awe and wonder of the Christian message. It is a time to put aside cynicism and self-reliance so we may experience the joy and wonder of the season. Christmas is a time to receive the gift of Jesus anew, but also to share that gift with others.

Advent provides a chance for self-reflection. A time before we get to Christmas to look at ways we can shine as lights in the world and share the message of love, joy, peace and hope that the birth of Jesus brought to the world. It is an opportunity for each one of us to reflect the light of Christ in a dark world by going that bit extra to help anyone who may be living in darkness around us.

Advent is such a beautiful church season that can so easily be lost in the busyness of Christmas preparation. Ironic, given its spiritual purpose. It takes real determination to attend to Advent spirituality within our own hearts and lives. But it is worth it.

Love and prayers, The Rev Annette

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Copdock and Washbrook Christmas Market: December 5 in the church room, in support of St Peter’s Church Copdock Heritage Trust, 2-4pm Bentley carols and mulled wine: December 10, Bentley Village Hall, 7.30pm Carol Services, December 20 Bentley, 10am Sproughton, 6pm Burstall, 4.30pm Tattingstone, 6pm Belstead, 6pm Copdock, 6pm Sproughton Burns Night: January 23 in the church hall, 7.30pm FROM THE REGISTERS Funerals Simon Peck, Sproughton Joan Bird, Sproughton Evelyn Twinn, Copdock DIARY DATES DECEMBER 2 3

5 8 10 12 13 16 20

Bentley Home Communions, 19 The Link, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee and Company, 10-11.30am Copdock and Washbrook Christmas Market, church room, 2-4pm Ministry meeting Bentley carols and mulled wine in Bentley Village Hall, 7.30pm Sproughton monthly market, 10am Copdock Nativity Service Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook, 10am Bentley Carol Service, 10am Sproughton Carol Service, 6.30pm Burstall Carol Service, 4.30pm Tattingstone Carol Service, 6pm Belstead Carol Service, 6pm Copdock Carol Service, 6pm

JANUARY 6

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7 9 16 20 21 23 27

Bentley Home Communions, 10am Clergy meeting, The Rectory, 10am Readers’ meeting, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Sproughton monthly market, 10am Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Copdock Home Communions 10am Ministry meeting, 7.30pm Sproughton Burns Night, 7.30pm Burstall approval of accounts

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE DECEMBER 6 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communion Christingle Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion

DECEMBER 13 9.15am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm

Sproughton Burstall Copdock Bentley Tattingstone

Croissant Church Christingle Nativity Holy Communion Evensong

DECEMBER 20 10am

Belstead

Holy Communion

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10am 10am 11am 4.30pm 4.30pm 6pm 6pm 6.30pm

Copdock Bentley Sproughton Burstall Belstead Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton

Simply Sunday Carol Service Holy Communion Carol Service Carol Service Carol Service Carol Service Carol Service

DECEMBER 24 3pm 3pm 4pm 11.30pm 11.30pm 11.30pm

Christmas Eve Bentley Crib Service Sproughton Crib Service Tattingstone Crib and Christingle Service Copdock Midnight Mass Sproughton Midnight Mass Tattingstone Midnight Mass

DECEMBER 25 9.30am 10am

Christmas Day Burstall Bentley

Holy Communion Holy Communion

11am

Sproughton

Holy Communion

DECEMBER 27 10am

Belstead

JANUARY 3 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton

JANUARY 10 9.15am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm

Sproughton (Church Hall) Croissant Church Burstall Family Service Copdock Holy Communion Bentley Holy Communion Tattingstone Evensong

Benefice Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion

Church letters and copy for the December edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by December 4 please: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

CAPEL ST MARY AND HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE What sort of year has it been for you? Are you in good health or have you suffered a little or much? Have you experienced bereavement this year, still grieving loss? Have you lost your job, your home, a friendship?

Or have things fallen into place for you, new opportunities, new relationships, joy and love? I guess many have a mixture of emotions.

On the day of writing this article, Sierra Leone has been declared free of Ebola. Christmas will be celebrated without Ebola, but the pain of loss won’t go away for the relatives and friends of the 28,600 who have died of Ebola.

The day this magazine is published, December 1, we will be observing World AIDS Day. I worked in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and early 1990s.

We learnt new words – HIV+ and AIDS. I founded a local branch of the Family AIDS Caring Trust to provide education about AIDS in schools and the workplace to prevent the spread of HIV. We employed two people to provide counselling for HIV positive patients in our local hospital. One of our staff was already HIV+. At that stage with no antiretroviral drugs it was an almost certain death sentence.

100% of soldiers from our local barracks returning from a war in Mozambique tested HIV+. People we knew were dying, including one of our ‘adopted’ Zimbabwean daughters. It is a predominantly heterosexual problem in Zimbabwe and children were often born HIV+. The first World AIDS Day was called by the United Nations on December 1, 1988. Research, conferences and huge sums of money have led at last to the reduction. Since the millennium new infections are down by 35% and in children down by 55%. Millions now can access treatment and live full and active lives. In the past 10 years AIDS related deaths have reduced by 30%, but it was still 1.2 million in 2014.

In 2012 there were still an estimated 35 million people living with HIV, so although millions are receiving drug treatment, there is a vast inequality of access to this life saving therapy. The poorest and marginalised communities are still suffering, and compassionate people need to do what we can. I’m grateful for the lead of people like Elton John.

Those without hope of treatment almost certainly have a death sentence hanging over them. Those receiving this treatment have hope. World AIDS Day is a reminder that we can do something to help poor and marginalised people. Whether you are in Sierra Leone this Christmas without fear of Ebola, or in a poor community which is just receiving medicines for healing, hope has been rekindled.

The Christmas story reminds me that it was a poor marginalised group of people, the shepherds, who first received the message of a Saviour born for this world. Their response was to find Jesus and worship him

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and then to spread this amazing news. They discovered a hope that changed their lives. They saw something beyond their difficulties that gave them hope, a belief there was a God who loved them despite their mistakes, knew what they went through and had a plan for them.

The Christian faith doesn’t protect you from ill health or bereavement, but gives companionship on the journey. Whatever this past year has been like for you, I invite you to join us to worship Jesus and discover one who gives hope, not just for next year, but forever.

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel and Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Sunday, December 6

10.30am 6pm

Worship with Terry Tennens Prayer Stations

Sunday, December 13 10.30am

6.30pm

Worship with Thursday Afternoon Home Group Healing & Communion with The Rev Sankey

Sunday, December 20 10.30am

6.30pm

Family Worship with The Rev Sankey Candlelit Carol Service

Thursday, December 24 7pm

Christmas Eve Carols in the Precinct

Friday, December 25 9.30am

Christmas Family Worship with The Rev Sankey

Sunday, December 27 10.30am

Worship with The Rev Chris Jowett

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST Sunday, December 6

10am

Sunday, December 13 10am

Sunday, December 20

10am 4.30pm

Worship with Roger Hulford Worship with The Rev Charlie Connor Family Nativity Service Carols at the Swan

Tuesday, December 22

7pm

Candlelit Carol Service

Thursday, December 24

11.30pm

Midnight Communion

Friday, December 25 10.30am

Christmas Family Worship with Richard Brooks

Sunday, December 27 10am

Worship with The Rev David Keeble

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