In Touch with Copdock - January 2016

In Touch

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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook Volume 6 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2016

Image by Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

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In Touch online:

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

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

NEWS CELEBRATION OF 20 YEARS TEACHING FITNESS Happy New Year to past and present fitness customers. 2016 marks 20 years of teaching fitness in Capel (and now Bentley). I invite those who have been along to classes in the past, as well as current fitness fans, to join with me for a knees up on Saturday, April 9 at 7pm in Capel Methodist Church. No guilt or excuses required as to why you don’t come to classes any more. The church band will be playing favourites from the 60s onwards – dancing is optional rather than obligatory!

If you can come please let me know: jill.sharp@btinternet.com / 01473 311546

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

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK NEWS

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

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK CHURCH HERITAGE TRUST ANNUAL VICTORIAN STREET FAYRE

In Touch

There is very little to report this month and all the Christmas activities, expect the Victorian Street Fayre, are taking place after the copy date.

However, I am pleased to include a report from Chris Phillips on the 2015 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

In Touch with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• 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

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2016

is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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A splendid £870 was raised at the Victorian Street Fayre on Saturday, December 5. The weather was kind and it was a very happy village fun afternoon – doubtless assisted by the excellent mulled wine on offer! The trust wishes to thank everybody involved, those who helped to set up, those who provided the goodies and all those who came along to give support. A truly great village occasion!

EXCELLENT REMEMBRANCE RESULT IN COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK This year, including gift aided donations, a grand total of £1810.13 was raised for the Royal British Legion.

I would like to thank all of you who gave so generously to this good cause. This would not have been possible without the team of volunteers who give up their time to go out collecting so a big thank you to you all. Thank you also to the local businesses that allowed collecting boxes to be sited at their premises and a special mention for the fortnightly Brook Inn Coffee Morning that raised £91.95.

A number of the volunteers are wishing to give up after many years’ service helping the Royal British Legion. If anybody would like to assist next year and collect in a small part of the village please contact me.

Chris Phillips, 07710 457152

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NEWS

JAMES BOND TO THE RESCUE

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

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

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

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

We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

So call us today, we are here to help.

REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: DECEMBER 2015 Babergh District Councillor Alastair Mccraw Local government continues to undergo the greatest changes it has faced since the 1970s. From the Localism Act to the Devolution Agenda, we find ourselves examining every aspect of our operation and services. This applies to all levels, from towns and parishes, to district and county. For the moment, the devolution discussions between Suffolk and Norfolk et al can continue at a less frantic, and hopefully more considered, pace now that the rush to get proposals on the table has passed. The best way to follow this might be through the front page on Babergh’s website: www.babergh.gov.uk That’s also a starting point for nearly everything the council do, or can do. The website is much improved and easier to navigate.

END OF YEAR REPORT As a newly elected member, I’ve spent a lot of time getting up to speed with the practicalities of this job. I’m a member of the Independent group on the council, the second largest group. A Conservative majority has been elected, the first time that Babergh has ever had a majority party. Much of what we do is, of course, non-political, but it must inform decisions to be made.

I serve as a member on the Regulatory and Licensing Committee, the Joint Staff Consultative Committee, and will represent Babergh on the Suffolk Rail Policy Group. I shadow the Economy Programme Steering Board and grab hold of every bit of training I can. That’s been extensive enough to allow me to substitute for absent members on the Strategy, Planning and Joint Scrutiny Committees. Next month, I will complete the set with Joint Audit. There are the three parish council meetings each month, casework for individuals and businesses on the wide variety of matters that concern them and just trying to throw some light on how things work. There is a lot of reading and research.

Am I allowed to say that I’m enjoying it? It’s hard work at times, but anything worthwhile should be hard. It’s also incredibly interesting, challenging and more open ended than you might think. I’m not alone in this view as half the council are in the same position and I’ve heard the same sentiments over and over again. We all bring different life experiences to the table, but the level of engagement would be

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surprising to many in this cynical age. I would add that we conduct ourselves in a civil manner without the ‘argy bargy’ people sometimes associate with politics.

This is a link to the Council and Democracy page which covers much of the above: http://tinyurl.com/h8s9ono BRANTHAM REGENERATION AREA The planning application for this site and the associated greenfield land is likely to come before the planning committee in the first two months of 2016. There are some additional supporting documents from the applicant (SFG) to be presented and there will be a consultation period for anybody concerned to comment, just on these. As this application will have an impact on the surrounding rural road network, people and groups in neighbouring parishes on both sides of the River Stour may wish to make a response. The Planning Application page will contain these new documents: http://tinyurl.com/jy9rtqm Responses can be made in writing, by email or online through that page (after registration). The consultation period is, as yet, unknown.

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE As you may have heard Suffolk Fire Service is facing proposals that will considerably reduce the potential cover available, or cuts as we usually call them. I think that’s a very worrying prospect given the rubbish nature of our road network and the distances involved. So I would encourage people to strongly consider responding to the consultation on these proposals. This can easily be done online at http://tinyurl. com/juulwwy until February 22. It’s a questionnaire response, so you may want to read up on the subject first, just in case the questions are leading.

I hope for a Happy New Year for us all. If any issue about the council and what it does concerns you please contact me via the methods below – or just say hello sometime. I have no problem in talking with people at the drop of a hat. I want to stay informed and to stay In Touch. alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)

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Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA • 01473 731117

Opening hours; Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm

Knowledgeable staff • Ample parking • Help loading if required gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk • www.copdockmill.co.uk

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NEWS NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY

Training days

Our next training afternoons will be on Thursday, January 14 and Wednesday, February 10 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.

Thank you A big thank you to all those patients who kindly gave our doctors and staff gifts of chocolates and biscuits over the Christmas period. These are much appreciated by all in recognition of the service we provide.

Future articles We hope that our previous monthly articles have given an insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the surgery and the value of our hardworking team. We have been asked by the

Patient Participation Group to include some articles on the national changes to the NHS and how these are affecting the practice.

Our main challenge, as with any business, is balancing the income we receive against our costs. Our contractual requirements are increased every year with minimal, if any, reimbursement to cover the additional work.

One example of this is the requirement to advise all patients over 75 of their named GP. We have 938 patients over the age of 75, i.e.

12% of our total population, and were required to send a letter to each one. Once the cost of the stationery, postage, and staff time are taken into account, this has easily cost the practice £500, which is the annual equivalent of a member of non-clinical staff for an hour a week

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016

Anglo Chinese Cultural Exchange (ACCE), an award winning local charity, proudly presents this year’s spectacular show to welcome the Chinese New Year 2016 at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Bring along the entire family to enjoy our loud and colourful celebrations.

This year we have an amazing Chinese Lion Dance, martial arts, a Chinese dance group and other performers. There will also be local performers, including a couple of surprises!

All funds raised and donated go towards keeping the ACCE charity running throughout the year, delivering their services and activities to everyone in our local community. Come along to enjoy the fun and to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Monkey.

or six months’ worth of printing costs across the entire practice.

New Year’s resolutions Some patients may wish to give up smoking, lose weight or reduce their alcohol intake to improve their health over the next year. Our nurses can help you with this so please book an appointment.

Or you could join our Patient Participation Group and be an active participant in shaping the future of the practice. We are particularly keen to recruit those who work or are students as we run our group mainly by email. If you feel this would be of interest, please feel free to contact me for more information.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD District Councillor John Hinton Having satisfactorily recharged the batteries I have been wading through the issues that have challenged the council while I have been away.

The ‘Devolution’ issue rumbles on but apart from the grand announcements of homes to be built and jobs created there is little of substance yet to get one’s teeth into. Information gathering for Whitehall seems to be the main issue. Let’s hope that 2016 will bring some progress.

Progress on devolution could also help decide the issue of corporate headquarters for the council and what to do with the old ones. As we have a joint officer team their transient life between Needham Market and Hadleigh does not scream efficiency, but we have to remember that ultimately the council, officers and members are there to serve the constituents and so access must be easy.

Various repairs to the A12 are scheduled, but a definitive timetable is not easy to find. All the works are relatively small scale and the main issues of safety and adequate access onto the carriageway are still not being discussed, despite yet another major incident at the B1070 junction. The pressure from all the proposed development in the area will

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not make things easier and I will be pressing for an overall joined up approach to all of the issues. 2016 is going to be a year of decisions and hopefully they will be the practical and sensible ones!

East Bergholt’s Neighbourhood Plan is getting closer to completion and my congratulations to all involved for their hard work and patient efforts.

Travelling as I have across Europe, the differences in road traffic densities is astonishing.

Add to that the approval for 1.5 million square metres of Logistics Park at Felixstowe and the additional wharf space for the big container ships and that road pressure is bound to increase. While the employment opportunities are welcome, the infrastructure pressures must be addressed by government. Dare I say that extra capacity at Heathrow will count for nothing if 1) we can’t get there as the M25 is full and the trains as well, and 2) the business they crate cannot be delivered because the road and rail freight system is also full!

As they all fall ostensibly under the department for transport, can one ask if anyone talks to anyone else within the corridors of power in Whitehall?

A Happy New year to you all, Councillor John Hinton

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SPRING 2016 AT THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE

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

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

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

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

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

Gogol’s satirical masterpiece is a hilarious riot of corruption, lies and greed that has lost none of its original bite. The mayor is in a cold sweat. News has reached him of an imminent visit from a government inspector. His fear is well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his official duties.

The hospital is a health hazard, the school is a war zone, the soldiers don’t have trousers to march in and he never quite got around to building that church!

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

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

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NEWS CRIME REDUCTION ADVICE FROM SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY Start the new year by keeping yourself and your family safe.

With the new year under way, we are constantly reminded of new and good intentions! So this month we ask you to think about making sure your financial and personal information is safe and healthy.

Crime is not always committed by someone you can see in the street.

It can come via a telephone call, an email, a text or through your letter box! Are you aware of scams and fraud? Pass on the information to your elderly relatives or neighbours.

Follow these quick steps to help protect you and your family from becoming a victim of crime.

1.

Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials. Remember organisations such as the police or financial institutions WILL NEVER ask for account details over the phone.

11. Shred all documents containing personal data (including name and address details). Keep personal and financial information secure.

12. Be suspicious of emails that look like they come from the online auction or payment site you’re registered with. Check the web address in the browser. A tactic often used by fraudsters is to change the address very slightly (if they’re spoofing an eBay site, for instance, they may have an address such as ‘@ebayz.com’ whereas the real site is ‘@ebay.com’) 13. Beware of bogus scam calls. Fraudsters can telephone victims, informing them that their accounts have been fraudulently accessed or that the bank has increased security. They instruct you to contact a false helpline or to redial another number, but your current line is still open. We advise you to wait five minutes before calling any numbers back, never give out personal bank details or withdraw requested cash to give to a courier.

14. For further information visit: www.getsafeonline.org

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Don’t respond to unsolicited post, phone calls or emails offering business deals or asking for information. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

15. Remember to lock down all of your personal information on social media sites: don’t give out home addresses, telephone numbers or email addresses to people you don’t know.

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Always ask for and check identification of anyone you do business with and never let anyone you don’t know into your home. Do not use door step sellers or tradespeople.

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Always take time and seek independent advice when paying for goods or services. If you are put under pressure to make a decision just say no.

16. Finally, don’t forget to security mark your property (phones/ laptops/tablets) with an ultra violet pen, recording your post code and house number, keep details of your phone IEMI and serial numbers. Register your property with www.immobilse. com, a free national property register monitored by the police.

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Never pay money before you receive goods or services unless you are certain that the supplier is legitimate.

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When paying online only use a secure site and avoid using your debit card. Unlike credit cards, debit cards don’t always offer payment protection, and if compromised put your main account at risk.

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Protect computers, tablets and smart phones; always update your firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Only buy them from a reputable supplier.

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Make your pass words strong; use three random words and change it regularly.

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Is your Wi-Fi secure? Only complete financial transactions on a secure Wi-Fi connection.

10. Read the small print before signing up to free or low cost trial goods.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

To report fraud please contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre where you can directly report fraud if you have been scammed or defrauded. It provides a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime.

Telephone 0300 123 2040, textphone 0300 123 2050, or visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk/about-us/who-we-are To report suspicious vehicles or people please contact Suffolk Police on 101. If a crime is in progress dial 999.

Be the eyes and ears for your community. Start up or join your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

Call 101 and ask to speak to your local Community Watch Liaison Officer about NHW schemes.

For security and safety advice speak to your local Crime Reduction Officer.

Jackie Norton, Crime Reduction Officer/Architectural Liaison Officer

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT The balance of the £61,000 being invested is coming from the cricket club’s funds.

The investment will transform the entire current changing room block into a very modern, fit for purpose experience, and will play a major part in continuing to inspire people of all ages to play sport.

Below is a summary of the improvements being made in this phase:

PROJECT ETERNITY UPDATE

The project team is delighted to announce that after three years of hard work on the feasibility and design phase of Project Eternity, work has started on site to deliver phase 1 of the improvement programme.

This has been possible due to the ongoing hard work of the project team and all those supporting this quest, and two major grant investments in the building and the people who use it from: 1.

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The England and Wales Cricket Board who are investing £45,000 to support the ongoing continued growth of Copdock and OI Cricket Club Babergh District Council who are supporting this phase with a £13,200 grant

• • • • • • • • •

Major overview of all changing rooms Improved shower experience Bespoke player furniture throughout New flooring New LED lighting throughout controlled by movement sensors Full redecoration Integral player toilet facilities New entrance door, and windows in changing rooms Solar tubes on roof to provide FOC hot water, and reduce carbon footprint.

The work in phase 1 will be completed by January 31.

As well as supporting the implementation of phase 1, the project group is now very focused on phase 2, the expansion and improvement of the social area which, subject to funding, it is hoped will proceed in September 2016.

Martin Taylor, project manager • martin_w_taylor_@hotmail.com / 07985 308305

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY 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 halfterm.

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 from: www.ticketsource.co.uk All other enquiries to 01206 396674.

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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So Much More Than a Dance Class Any Age & Ability Very Welcome No Partners Required

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle to Dance Fitness Fun

"Strictly" style Dance-a-cise

St Mary's Church Hall

The Street Capel St Mary every Thursday 10am & 7pm spaces are limited to reserve yours

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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OUT & ABOUT FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY First may we wish all friends and members a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Our December 100 Club winners were June Hall (£10) and Nancy Hunt (£5). If you haven’t yet become a member of the 100 Club, why not join?

It’s only £12 per year, and as more people join the number of prizes will increase. Our year runs from January to December so now is a good time to join.

Our Annual General Meeting is on Saturday, January 16 in the Vine Lounge. This is a public meeting and all are welcome, not just friends and members. There will be opportunity for questions to the current management group, especially about the county council’s plans to cut costs, and hopefully by then the picture will be clearer.

The management group are looking for more help; this can be of a purely practical nature helping with refreshments, or by assisting with future planning of events or publicity. We may well have a vacancy for a trustee and hopefully an election will be necessary!

It was pleasing to note the increase in numbers attending the library for the film show. Do make a date in your diary for the next show on the January 24. the National Theatre’s production of The Duchess of Malfi. The Friends are currently exploring the possibility of showing more mainstream films on a regular basis. The licence for each film is quite expensive which means that we need to attract a reasonable audience to cover costs. Watch out for developments as the year progresses.

We are planning a series of evening talks for 2016 which will begin in February with a presentation from wildlife photographer Andrew Bailey. Every member will receive a card detailing dates and times once these are fixed.

If you are not yet a member of the Friends at the ridiculously low cost of £1 per year, now is the time to join. Forms are available in the library, and if you join before the AGM, you can vote!

Chris Yule, chair

BRANTHAM’S CHARITY GARAGE SALE 2016 Happy New Year to all.

Spring is just around the corner, and its time to start spring cleaning and tidying up after Christmas and to think about all those items that are looking for a new home. Maybe you’ve got some unwanted Christmas presents – they make great Tombola prizes, as do any good condition spare items.

We’ve chosen Saturday, June 11 as the provisional date for our 2016 Garage Sale. We’ll confirm the date in the next issue.

For more information or to book your garage or a table at the village hall call: Yvonne (01206 392296) / Ronnie (01206 395557) Last year we achieved a fantastic total of £6,000. Half went to St Elizabeth Hospice – The Carla Dawson Tribute Fund, and £750 each to Clic Sargent, Lego Therapy at Brooklands School, the Maisie Hayward Charity and Woolverstone Wish at Ipswich Hospital.

This brings our grand total raised to £36,454. All the leftover items were donated to Acorn Village at Mistley who were very grateful.

CAPEL LIBRARY Hello and a Happy New Year to all who come into the library.

What does the New Year mean to you? Taking up a new craft, deciding on a new holiday destination or just deciding to take up reading all over again. The library service has something to offer to everyone.

Notice: A reminder that we shall be closed from 5pm on Friday, January 15 and from 12.30pm on Saturday 16 due to the Orchard Players preparing for their pantomime. You may post books for returning through the letter box and they will be dealt with upon our next opening time. Many thanks.

Our clubs re-start again after the Christmas break.

download and keep free magazines through Zinio and borrow free eBooks and eAudio books. For further information visit: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk To take advantage of all of these services you only need a Suffolk Library card. Could borrowers also tell us if they have recently moved house so that your records can be updated and notify us if you have updated your email address so that all notifications are received correctly.

We have a wide variety of withdrawn and donated books for sale, do browse the sale trolleys.

Baby Bounce: Tuesday, January 5 at 2pm

Don’t forget that we sell stamps (6 x 1st Class £3.78 / 12 x 2nd Class £6.48) and we sell book tokens in any denomination.

Minecraft: Sunday, January 11 at 10.30am

OPENING TIMES

Book Club: Friday, January 15 at 2.30pm The next showing of the Creative Arts program will be on Thursday, January 29, doors open at 1.30 for a 1.45pm start. Do come along see The Duchess of Malfi, tickets are £8.

Did you know that Suffolk Libraries offer free internet and Wi-Fi, Freegal music with more that six million tracks to choose from, and you can download up to five songs or two music videos a week which you can keep forever by transferring them to iTunes? You may also

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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 Contact: 01473 311699

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Get Fit For Life at East Bergholt Sports Centre Our Great Membership Offer £30pm for 2 adults & 2 children U18. £18pm for concessions.

Couples £30pm & singles £25pm.

Pay for 10 months & get 2 for free.

These classes are free for members: Mon 6 – 7pm Body Tone Wed 6.30 – 7.30 Circuits Thu 10 – 11am Trim in the Gym Sat 10-­‐11am Boot Camp Classes & Studio available at £4.50 each session

Membership includes a free induction, 4 Exercise Classes, Fitness Studio, Roller Skating; ½ price Badminton, Table Tennis & Short Tennis sessions booked a week in advance. Children must be over 10years to use the Fitness Studio and accompanied by an adult until 14 years of age.

CHILDREN’S PARTY OPTIONS – TOTS 2 – 5 YRS, TRADITIONAL 6 – 8 YRS, SPORTS, ROLLER SKATING & NEW NERF PARTIES FOR 6+YRS.

You can call us for details of booking the 3G Astro Turf, Pitches, Hall & Court hire for your Community Sport

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Phone 01206 299340 or check our website www.eastbergholtsportscentre.co.uk In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

TABLE TOP SALE East Bergholt High School

CAPEL SINGERS We are planning to perform Stainer’s Crucifixion in March and would be grateful to hear of any singers who would like to join us. Reasonable knowledge of the piece, or reasonable sight reading is needed. We particularly need sopranos and basses.

Contact Chris Yule: 310992

Sunday, February 28, 10am-noon Admission: 50p Refreshments and free car park available For sellers: tables in advance £5 / on the day £7.50 Doors open 9am to set up 01206 298122

SING OUT SATURDAYS Love to sing?

Not sure if you can? Want to have fun and sing with a group? Help is at hand.

Starting in January 2016, choirmaster Chris Rowbury is inviting anyone who loves to sing to join him at his monthly Sing Out Saturdays. These fun and friendly singing sessions are open to all: men and women, experienced singers and complete beginners alike. No musical experience is necessary, there are no auditions or solos and Chris will soon have you singing in beautiful harmony, even if you think you can’t sing.

On the third Saturday of every month you can join Chris at a morning session in Copdock. Every session is self-contained with brand new songs each month.

The first Sing Out Saturday is on Saturday, January 16 in Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall at 10.30am. The sessions run for twoand-a-half hours and cost £8 each.

There is no need to book, just turn up on the day. Refreshments will be available.

Can’t commit to a weekly choir?

Sing Out Saturdays are the ideal solution. And it’s good for you too.

Lots of recent scientific studies have shown that singing in a group has enormous health and social benefits.

TEA & COMPANY 2016 Good news! From our first afternoon meeting on Monday, January 18 we will continue to convene on the third Monday of every month at the Dove Close complex off Day’s Road, Capel St Mary. From time to time we’ll try to provide a little extra by way of entertainment, maybe the occasional guest speaker or stall.

The dates for your 2016 diary are January 18, February 15, March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21 and December 12, all on the third Monday of the month, except for December which is a week early.

So put these dates into your new diary and come along and join us! Tea, coffee and homemade cakes are served for £1.50, and you can relax and catch up on local news in very pleasant surroundings.

There’s a raffle, too.

Make a resolution to join us on January 18! Everyone’s welcome.

We look forward to greeting you then.

Enquiries to: Celia Warr, 310825; Di Barker, 311870

All songs will be taught by ear (Chris sings, you copy) and have been specially arranged for voice only: not an instrument or backing track in sight. Sessions will cover a wide range of song styles and a free recording of the session will be made available afterwards.

Chris Rowbury is based in Woodbridge where he leads The OK Chorale. He has 30 years’ experience as a patient, charismatic teacher with a relaxed style laced with plenty of humour. He will get you singing in wonderful harmony in a matter of minutes.

Find out more at www.SingOutSaturdays.co.uk or contact Chris: chris@singoutsaturdays.co.uk / 01394 610486

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST BANDS COME TO HOLBROOK

A STYLISH ADAPTATION OF HITCHCOCK’S THE LADY VANISHES Pupils at the Royal Hospital School recently put on a stylish rework of the British comic thriller The Lady Vanishes as their end of term play.

The BBC Big Band, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading and most versatile orchestras, will soon be making its way to The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook to perform a workshop and concert with the pupils.

Described as “a wonderful band” by the legendary Tony Bennett, the BBC Big Band is hailed as one of the leading performers of the music of the great swing bands, and on Saturday, February 6 they themselves will be in full swing as they put on an evening of music inspired by some of the giants of the 20th century big band scene such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Artie Shaw.

This superb ensemble piece showcased some highly entertaining character roles. Simone Rossouw captured the clipped aristocratic tones of Iris Henderson, while Serena Brown also stood out as the glamorous Mrs Todhunter. For the men, Sam Dixon’s sinister ‘brain surgeon’ and Sam Christmas’s buffoonish young man doing the ‘tour’ of Europe stood out, while Matt Adams as the heroic musicologist, Gilbert, moved deftly through the action, unravelling a conspiracy and getting the girl. The staging cleverly managed the wide variety of locations through the use of a selection of vintage trunks and a range of well-placed ‘silent movie’ style placards.

During the afternoon pupils will have the unique opportunity to take part in a workshop with the band’s musicians, followed by a concert at 7pm in the assembly hall. The band’s lead trombonist, Gordon Campbell, said: “We love the opportunity to work with and hopefully influence the next generation of young musicians, and we as a band see it as an important part of what we do.”

Under the direction of their conductor, Barry Forgie, the band has recently performed with stars such as George Benson, Van Morrison and Georgie Fame, and in the past has backed the likes of the late, great Ray Charles.

You can be there for this unforgettable evening of swing which is sponsored by Colourplan. To book tickets (£15 / concession £10 / under 18 free) call 01473 433100 or visit: www.ipswichregent.com

PENINSULAR PIX Pen Pix would like to wish all of their kind supporters a Prosperous New Year. Thank you everybody for your kind support over the past year, when we have shown some great films, comedies, period drama and even singalongs.

On December 3 we screened Paddington as the Christmas film. It was thoroughly enjoyed by a full house and everybody who came along really got into the Christmas spirit – with the help of complementary mulled wine and mince pies!

Coming to a Pen Pix film is not just ‘going to see a film’, it’s a great social event as well, at a great price with a drink included. Last month we welcomed newcomers from surrounding villages for our 10-year anniversary film. We, and they, were so glad that they came and hope that they will now make it a regular slot in their calendars.

January’s film is Love & Mercy, the biopic of The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson. In the 1960s, Brian struggles with emerging psychosis as

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he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 1980s, he is a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist Dr Eugene Landy.

With Brian barely functional under the domination of the unscrupulous Dr Landy, he meets and falls in love with Melinda Ledbetter. As their relationship grows, she observes Brian’s crippling subservience to the abusive psychotherapist with growing alarm. Ultimately, she must take action with a love willing to stand up to oppression she cannot ignore.

With a Beach Boys soundtrack this movie is the love story between Brian and Melinda. God Only Knows this is a must see film, where you will feel Good Vibrations. Wouldn’t it be Nice! So come along and have Fun, Fun Fun. Pen Pix presents Love & Mercy on January 7 in Tattingstone Village Hall; doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are £4 in advance or £4.50 on the door.

Make it your New Year resolution to come along to a Pen Pix movie and have a great night.

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OUT & ABOUT BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB On Tuesday, December 1 more than 40 members and friends had a most enjoyable three-course lunch at Acorn Village at Mistley when the staff were most attentive and friendly and we extend our thanks to them for making us so welcome.

On our return we visited Hearts Delight Garden Centre where members could enjoy the Christmas displays, purchase gifts, or enjoy a cuppa. A draw was held on our return to Bentley and thanks are extended to members for contributing to this. Father Christmas

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accompanied us on this outing to add to the festivities.

We resume club activities on Tuesday, January 12 at 2pm in the village hall with a return visit by Tom Tyler whose talk is entitled What a Stroke of Luck. You are very welcome to come and join us. We hope that you all had a good Christmas and we wish you all the best throughout 2016.

Margaret Blackmore, 310655

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OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE November’s meeting included our annual meeting (see below), held after our usual round-up of event reports and announcements.

We heard from members who had attended the group craft day, a group social evening and the delivery of a petition for toilet facilities at the Cattle Market in Ipswich (some of you may have seen the latter reported in the media). We also had a collection of toys and gifts for the children whose mothers are being helped by the wonderful Lighthouse Women’s Aid. Quite a few members attended a group carol concert in December, which is usually very good and a fitting start to the Christmas celebrations.

The December meeting was our Christmas social and we all brought a plate of food for a festive evening!

The annual meeting covers the formal reporting of the financial statement and annual report, the president’s address, reviews of the last year from special interest groups and the appointment of the committee and president for the following year.

Our president for the past four years, Louise Amphlett Lewis, has resigned from that role and Pam Taylor will be our new president. Louise has been an excellent president and I have no doubt that Pam will continue that tradition.

Our speaker was Chris Parfitt who has carried out extensive research on St Edmund as there are very few facts about him, but many theories regarding him after his death. He was patron saint of England for 500 years and his saint’s day is November 20, although he is not officially a saint.

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 will be January 19 when Mandy Bouttell will talk about embroidery. Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.

stories of two local lads that he really brought to life. Jennifer Jones was our February speaker with a talk entitled Romania – Mountains, Monasteries and my Father, fascinating and illustrated with both personal and historical anecdotes. In March Pippa Moss told us about Amish quilts, bringing along some beautiful examples of her work. In April Dr Geoffrey Kay’s talk was about the construction and usage of the Crystal Palace. May’s speaker was David Prynn who told us of the plight of the Amur Tiger, followed in June by Jill Dean from Lighthouse Women’s Aid. Despite horrifying statistics, Jill’s gentle passion about such shocking events was encouraging without leaving listeners with an impression of despair.

The speaker for July was Joyce Kimber with a talk entitled Codes, Ciphers and Enigma – a marvellously educational speaker who clearly inspired us as a trip to Bletchley Park was listed several times on suggested outings. In September Carole Wheatly returned to tell us of her holiday in China. In October Ann Kirkham gave us a very practical talk and demonstration on her interest in weaving – it was like having a friend explain what to do. This evening we will hear from Christopher Parfitt (see above).

In addition to our monthly meetings we have maintained an active social calendar. Last year’s Christmas gathering included the usual refreshments and Linda Scoles hugely entertaining talk. Our 96th birthday dinner, held at The Brook Inn, was a fun and relaxed social evening – and also supported the village community pub, so a win-win really. The strawberry tea in July was as successful as ever, and we were blessed with fine weather which made everything easier. We had three taster lunches in 2015 with themes of ‘afternoon tea’, ‘cold cuts and chilled desserts’ and ‘holiday meals’ – all were thoroughly enjoyed.

spring social evening was hosted here and in addition to being a fun and successful evening with Debbie Hudd as speaker, we also won the competition.

Our community activities included participation in village litter picking and a quiz, representation on the village hall committee, contributing to a monthly collection for a food bank, and (this evening) collecting toys for the children whose mothers are under the protection of the Lighthouse charity.

Liz Stowe and her team did us proud again at the Suffolk Show. Despite the programme not being as popular as the previous year, and some of the team having health issues to deal with, we obtained an average mark of 87.5% – a magnificent score. One of our entries was a beautiful dress made by Sue Mundy from two men’s shirts, which she very kindly donated to the Lighthouse charity. Our members much preferred the ethos of making items for charity in last year’s show (2014), and Sue found a way to do the same this year (2015).

2015 was the WI centennial year and there were extra events to celebrate. Ruth Lincoln and Liz Carr attended the Royal Garden Party, having a great day; Maureen Frost submitted artwork into the competition to design the cover of SEFWI magazine and Gwen Carey attended the AGM at the Royal Albert Hall, which she reported as being “joyful and inspiring” (which is a wonderful description of what a WI event should be). Gwen and Fran Hartley also represented us at the SEFWI Federation Annual Meeting.

The National Federation of WI labelled 2015 “A century of inspiring women”, and I have certainly been inspired by speakers, as well as members’ reports and ideas.

Our August outing was a guided tour of Ipswich entitled 1915 Ipswich in the Year the WI Began.

This was a very wet walk, although enjoyed by members and husbands who attended. We also had a trip to Southwold with a cream tea at the Swan Hotel followed by the theatre to see an energetically funny farce.

I hope that this review has brought back pleasant memories. As ever, our achievements have been possible by the generosity of time, talent and experience of our 49 members, led and inspired by Louise, our retiring president, and I have no doubt that the new president will continue to do so.

Members also attended the Constable Group carol concert, craft day, social evenings as well as the WI quiz and other social evenings. The

Jennifer Jones

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK WI ANNUAL REPORT This was our 109th meeting and brings us to the end of our WI year. Looking back through the 2015 minutes I realised not only how much we have done again this year, but also how many times I had used the word ‘inspiring’ in the minutes! I have tried to restrain myself in this report.

Our first speaker of 2015 was Chris Matson talking on the First World War, in particular the

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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.

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK CLUB

STOUR VALLEY U3A Recent meetings

For our November meeting, Malcolm Clark gave a talk entitled Sound Safari which was based around his hobby of recording bird song in which he played a variety of bird calls demonstrating greetings and warnings.

Our next meeting is on January 13 when Stuart Bowells will present a talk on the History of Advertising.

Future talks will include: Lady Alice de Breyne, NT Coast of East Anglia, Secrets of the Royal Jewels, Diving in The Galapagos.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall starting 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.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

In place of the usual speaker event in December, we held our Christmas lunch at the Constable Hall and it was much enjoyed by all.

Future meetings On Wednesday, January 13 Bryan Thurlow, actor in film and on TV, will speak on Music Hall Memories – a pocket history of music hall featuring songs and monologues. Hear about the artistes, their songs and the many other acts that contributed to the success of British music halls.

time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships.

We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking, computer studies and gardens, churches and historic buildings visits.

We meet at the Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 and this entitles members to attend the meetings that take place on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon, and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, and have more than 200 members and 18 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Val Pretty may be contacted.

Membership

Remember

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full

It’s never too late to learn. Join the 361,477 members in 969 U3As throughout the UK today.

Meeting venue

CAMEO For our November meeting we were joined by Garry from the Coffee Caravan and Mike from ActivIpswich. Garry is a regular visitor and as usual brought a huge array of information leaflets, along with delicious cake and excellent, locally roasted filter coffee.

This was Mike’s first visit to Belstead CAMEO and he explained the purpose of ActivIpswich, a community-based sports programme for people who don’t currently play sport which is a partnership between ActivLives and Ipswich Borough Council. The programme is targeted particularly at people over the age of 45 (there is no upper age limit), with emphasis upon the social as well as the physical benefits that can be gained from regular physical activity.

Mike is a good and patient teacher, explaining clearly the basics of both Boccia and New Age Kurling and enabling everyone to enjoy a game without feeling overloaded with information. Boccia is played seated, which meant that anyone with balance or mobility issues could play comfortably. New Age Kurling is less frantic than the game of ice curling on which it is based, and is played with a ‘pusher’, so no need for low bending. There were 26 of us at the meeting and I think every person tried one, if not both sports several times. It was a huge success and a fun afternoon; we are very much hoping that we will be able to buy the equipment for the CAMEO group to enable us to play on a regular basis.

Mike said: “It was a real pleasure to visit the Belstead CAMEO group and to introduce these new sports. It would be great if in the near future you could establish a regular Kurling/Boccia group in the village – there are plenty of groups in Ipswich as part of the ActivIpswich project who would be interested to play friendly games with and against you.”

If you would like to find out more about the ActivIpswich project and how you can get involved please feel free to contact Mike: 01473 345350 / mike@activlives.org.uk Another visitor was our county councillor David Busby. He was interested in what CAMEO is about and as well as joining in both games he managed to speak to most people at the meeting.

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 drop-in 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), from 2.30 to 4.30pm.

I wish you a very happy and healthy 2016 Sandra Howard

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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 310 Nacton Road Ipswich 01473 860040 247a Hawthorn Drive Chantry, Ipswich 01473 602414 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 EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, then we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Our next meeting on January 19 sees the return of the popular Mark Mitchels. His talk will be on the Duke of Wellington, ‘the man who saved the world’. On February 16 David Brown will be talking about China – The Land of the Dragon. This illustrated talk will focus on a number of famous and less famous attractions, both ancient and modern, as well as aspects of Chinese history and culture.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; entrance fee £2 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

Become a member in January and gain the full year’s benefit of membership. You will receive the January newsletter giving full details of the year’s excursions and future talks.

For more information contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761.

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK ALLOTMENTS Over indulged over the Christmas period?

Fed up with being cooped up indoors watching dreary TV repeats?

In need of some fresh air and light exercise?

Why not take on an allotment?

Fresh air, exercise and wonderfully healthy fruit and vegetables guaranteed.

Copdock and Washbrook Allotment Group currently has a number of plots (full, three-quarter or half) for rent. Rates are very reasonable – currently £24 for a full plot.

Tempted?

Contact Anne Kell: 01473 730087

www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB Pip Wright gave a talk entitled What Happens Here in Suffolk at our November meeting in which he highlighted some notable events ranging from the 1600s to present day.

Our first meeting for 2016 will be on January 12 when we will hold our AGM, followed by a quiz.

Visitors are welcome to join us for these talks which 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

CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB On November 26 we had a very informative and interesting talk

by Carole Wilson from Suffolk Wildlife Trust who began with the formation of the trust in the 1920s and brought us right up to date with their current projects. They own a large number of nature reserves in Suffolk (unfortunately not many are near Capel), virtually all of which are free to enter and are open every day. A lot of their work is ongoing and involves the protection of animals like the water rat and, probably much closer to home, the hedgehog.

They are always interested to hear about hedgehogs in gardens, even deceased ones.

The information they collate

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helps to build a map of their whereabouts, or not as the case may be! Many other species are in big decline and the trust is in constant contact with landowners and farmers in an effort to improve the situation.

On January 28 we are going to Hintlesham Golf Club for lunch.

If any member hasn’t already yet received details, please contact me. I need your orders

by January 7 please.

We are always happy to welcome new members for just £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

BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB The November meeting was well attended and Matthew Tanton-Brown from The Walled Garden at Saxmundham gave an amusing and very entertaining talk about shrubs with winter interest.

He brought a lovely selection of plants in tip-top condition, giving facts about each one. He was very knowledgeable and gave some excellent advice regarding planting, and caring for each different variety.

Members are going for a meal at The Claydon Country Club for the January meeting. On February 17 we have an interesting and different subject to learn about. Orchard Barn Project will talk about barn restoration using traditional skills. Looks like another great evening. Newcomers will be made very welcome.

A Happy New Year to you all, Marilyn Wosahlo

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK RAMBLERS Our first parish ramble of 2016 will start from Hintlesham Village Hall on Wednesday, January 13, giving people the opportunity to walk off the excesses of Christmas and explore the footpaths in Hintlesham, Burstall and Flowton. Our route will cross fields, woodland, pasture and streams typical of south Suffolk.

We will meet, as usual, at the Church Room in The Street, Washbrook, for a 10am departure. Where possible we will aim to share cars to transport the group to Hintlesham. The walk will take about two hours and we should be back in the village in time for lunch. All are welcome.

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

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SCHOOLS BENTLEY CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL Bentley pupils were invited to design shields for a competition as part of a festival about St Edmund. The wonderful shields that the children made have been on display at The Case Is Altered pub.

We have heard that visitors to the pub have enjoyed seeing them.

Well done to those children who put such effort into their designs.

Road Safety Week was a huge success and the children have been taking part in a number of activities. Our thanks go to all the parent helpers who came with us when we walked all the children from Reception to Year 4 to the village to look at crossing the road and moving around the village safely.

We were also visited by the Community Speedwatch team who talked to the children about the importance of drivers sticking to the speed limit and what their team does to keep us safer. The children had the opportunity to see how speed guns work as well as the speed alert board. Again, this was only possible with parental help and we would like to thank those parents who turned out even though it was such grotty weather. The Eco Council has also been running a poster design for road safety and you should be able to see the winning design around the school and village very soon.

The annual Tree Service was as popular as ever, but this year we had some special guests. Heart FM were here to record the children singing and some of them talking about the run up to Christmas. Dave and Heidi from the Heart FM Breakfast Show turned on the lights and joined in with the celebrations. The children sang brilliantly and represented the school really well. We had a superb turnout by parents for the service too which all made for a great atmosphere. The children had been making decorations all day and by the time they had finished, the hall and the tree looked fantastic! A copy of the radio broadcast can be found at: www.bentley.suffolk.sch.uk Finally, thank you to everyone who came to support our Christmas Fayre.

The children of the school council organised and help run the event and worked really hard. Support from the community makes a huge difference to a little school like ours so all those extra visitors were very welcome.

Wishing you all a prosperous and healthy New Year!

NEWS FLASH On December 10, the Department of Education published the Primary School League Table in which Bentley CEVC Primary School is in the top 1,000 (out of 16,000 state primary schools across the country) and eighth in Suffolk.

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TATTINGSTONE CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL I don’t think anyone would deny that we live in a mnemonic, acronymic, abbreviated society or an ARE (acronym rich environment).

Ubiquitous text messages have so conditioned us that we begin to wonder why anyone bothers to write “see you in the morning” when, with less effort and perhaps for the initiated, more clarity, the same message could be written as “C U in the AM”. Why trouble with “see you at three o’clock for tea on Tuesday, March 15, 2016” when you could invite your friend more succinctly with “C U @ 3 4 T on Tu.15.03.16”?

By now you might be itching to say “here is ?4U” and then ask me “Y R U so concerned?” Are you getting the lingo?

Well, it’s because abbreviations introduce an additional layer of interpretation that is very easy to dismiss or even ignore. It becomes another hurdle to understanding, another process for the brain to go through. As I passed through the school gate recently I looked at the attractive notice announcing its welcome to Tattingstone CEVCPS, but since the rain was seeping its way down my neck I only registered Tattingstone School and completely cut out the CEVCP. You may be familiar with the letters CEVCPS or CEVAPS, but others have to translate them into Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School or Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School (and where does the Church of St Mary fit into our thinking?) before they can ask what they mean and how do they differ? What does it all mean? What are Voluntary Controlled (VC) and Voluntary Aided (VA) schools and how do they differ?

It all began in 1944 with the famously influential Rab Butler Education Act when the state assumed responsibility for church schools.

Various voluntary bodies, especially the churches, which had an active interest in providing educational resources, agreed to a two-category distinction. Tattingstone has a VC primary school so how does that differ from a VA primary school? In

both categories the church retains the ownership of the land and buildings.

Each type of school has a governing body (GB). In a VC school the foundation governors appointed by the church are in the minority whereas in a VA school they represent a majority within the GB. Although the state pays the salaries of staff in both types of school, VC school staff are employed by the local education authority and VA school staff are employed by the GB. When it comes to capital expenditure the VC school receives 100% grant from the local authority but the VA school finds itself in the contrary position of having to find some, if not all, of the expenditure.

The religious education of pupils in VA schools follows the denominational teaching of the agreed syllabus of its foundation.

That is not the case in a VC school where the local authority agreed syllabus is followed which usually incorporates the study of many differing faiths and denominations.

Again there is a clear distinction on admission policies. The VC school admission policy is ultimately decided by the local authority, but that of the VA school is decided by the governing body. @TEOTD it all comes down to what is the difference between being VA and being VC? In a small nutshell it is the local education authority that holds the ultimate responsibility: it is they that do the aiding and controlling.

T U 4 reading this; we didn’t get through all of that without the use of abbreviations. Let’s T+ or perhaps U would prefer a F2F or a 1-2-1? There is nothing new in the use of abbreviations. We cannot blame young mobile phone users 4 the present situation. Before the age of the mobile phone I worked 4 long periods overseas when I wrote many letters home 2 my wife and children which were always sent SWALK. TTFN - CUL8R Peter Green MBE Foundation governor, Tattingstone CEVCPS

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SCHOOLS / SPORT NEWS FROM COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL We hope you have had a good Christmas. The children had a great time in the lead up to Christmas.

Our Christmas Fair on Friday, December 11 was a success with the children singing carols and running the stalls that they had organised.

Thank you to all the local businesses who provided our lovely raffle prizes which helped with our fundraising for the school.

KS1’s performance of The Raggedy King and KS2’s performance of The Little Match Girl were spectacular!

The hard work of the teachers and children produced two wonderful plays for parents to enjoy.

The school would like to thank Bypass Nurseries for inviting our children to their annual Christmas Charity Evening. The children sang their Christmas carols and had a

great time. A special thank to Bypass Nurseries who very generously donated our 9ft Christmas Tree which looked fantastic in the school hall.

The school would like to thank Martin Taylor and Washbrook Service Station for their help with our mini bus in December. Due to the rain we had during the month the school mini bus became stuck on our school grounds. A great effort by all concerned.

H.G. Gladwell & Sons have generously made a substantial sponsorship donation towards our mini bus diesel costs. Their logo will appear on the side of our bus. Thank you to them for their support.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2016. Best wishes for the New Year.

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

The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am-3.30pm during term time. Children can start from the age of two until they go to Reception.

Session fees are £9.60 and we offer a lunch club (noon-12.30pm) for £1.60.

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

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

BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS On Wednesday, November 25 we played our away match at Capel St Mary for the Rick Seal Trophy. We play for the trophy twice a year and Capel St Mary Bowls Club retained the trophy this time by winning three mats to one.

This match is played on a Wednesday afternoon, which means that we can play our club members who usually just enjoy a social roll up, giving them the experience of playing under match rules.

After we had all enjoyed a very tasty tea the raffle was drawn. The proceeds of the raffle and the fees to play came to £100 and Capel St Mary Bowls Club were able to donate this to a cancer charity.

Thank you to Pam and Sandra, our friendlies captains, for arranging this successful afternoon.

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ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears Our Christmas festivities included lots of creativity making cards using our footprints as Christmas trees and penguins, making reindeer food, painting salt dough tree ornaments and much, much more! We also had a party which our families were invited to, Father Christmas came to visit and we had some yummy festive snacks!

The Baby Bears are taking part in the Festival of Trees and Lights at Capel Church (see page 3). Our theme is Walt Disney; make sure you pop along and see it.

Toddling Tigers We really enjoyed our nativity for parents. We had so much fun wearing our animal hats, singing lots of songs and joining in with our shakers. We love our Christmas tree and have enjoyed putting the tinsel and baubles on and off every day!

We have been talking about our emotions and the different facial expressions we can make such as happy, sad, funny and angry. This has been a lovely experience and the faces being pulled have been brilliant.

Gruffalos Thank you for coming to see our great nativity! The children all enjoyed it and also an early visit from a very special person – Father Christmas!

We in Gruffalo’s are very excited to welcome our new preschoolers in the new term and explore our new topic of traditional fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and The Three Bears.

From all the children and staff we hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and we wish you a Happy New Year!

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

BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB We started the month with an away game at Claydon in the Joe Rice Cup and after some very good bowling we came home with an 8-2 win, meaning that the return at home was almost a non event and we won 10-0.

The league matches are our main concern and success was gained at Tuddenham and Old Felixstowe with 6-4 wins at both venues.

Next up was a home game against our rivals from Great Blakenham who like ourselves have lost players this season. Things didn’t go our way to start with and at half time we were two games and 14 shots adrift, but with some very good bowls we managed to pull the match out of the fire and finish with a 6-4 win, especially pleasing as our new players were involved in the turn around.

John Hayward

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB The Saturday First team lost the top of the table battle against Westerfield United 4-2 after being two goals in front at half time thanks to goals from Shaun Webb and Nick Middlebrook.

A week later a goal in the last minute from Daniel Alderson earned the team a point after a hard fought 1-1 draw with Achilles. After a 1-0 win away against Stanton with a Lee Barrett goal the team moved back to the top of the Senior League on November 28 after beating Wenhaston United at home 2-1 thanks to goals from Chris Stewart and a Stephen Morrison penalty. Nine wins and a couple of draws have given the team 29 points with just 14 goals conceded, which is the best in the league.

Home games in January sees the lads playing Old Newton on January 2 in the Bob Coleman Cup and then facing last season’s champions Crane Sports on January 16.

Our Saturday Reserves have had a couple of games called off due to

waterlogged pitches, but played away to Felixstowe Harpers United losing 5-2 with goals from Adam Bland and Joe Bigmore. Our new manager is 17-year-old Kieran Tynan and the club wish him all the best in his new role.

Our Sunday team are second in Division Two of the Sunday Morning League, but lost the chance to go top after losing 3-0 to bottom club Northan Celtic after having a bit of an off day. New signing James Garwood has been playing well in midfield with Adam Moore putting in some good performances up front.

No games for the Veteran team during the last month, but they should be back in action at Whitton on January 3.

Finally, I would like to wish all our players, officials and supporters a happy and prosperous New Year. Enjoy your football.

Bob the Ploughman

EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE Happy New Year.

Did you eat too much over Christmas? The beauty of being a simulator (yes, that’s what I am, just like the big one at Wattisham that trains the Apache helicopter pilots) is that I don’t need any food during the school holidays, unlike my friends in the Shelley herd who need hay, water and checking over right throughout the long winter weeks. A group of dedicated volunteers keeps their show on the road even when the centre is shut.

Since we have been closed to our special riders for the last four weeks there isn’t much to report until all our friends return for yet more physiotherapy and fun back here at the yard. Are you on our waiting list?

Margaret tells me it’s a long one, but don’t despair, she is adept at squeezing people in wherever she can.

The reason we have a frog in this month’s blog is that the old subject of frog racing has come up

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again! Last year’s race had to be postponed, so this is your chance to enjoy a very funny evening while raising money to keep my greedy friends in the manner to which they have become accustomed. It costs almost £75,000 per annum to run the centre.

I’m glad to say you won’t be racing real frogs, thank goodness, but you do get a chance to name the ten frogs in every race. Got some good ideas? I’m planning to call mine Black Beauty, so don’t choose Camilla and Squidgy earning their keep that please.

The date of this, the social event of the year, is February 27. Tickets are £12.50 and a call to Di Godfrey on 01473 658 552 will secure your place.

Bring a table of friends and have a real laugh.

Our own volunteers have also been working hard to raise cash. People had to guess the weight of a gorgeous Christmas cake, there was a lucky dip from the contents of someone’s attic, and a sale of delicious Christmas puddings. Each ‘day’ has been asked to come up with an idea for making money and there are plenty of inventive schemes afoot, so watch this space.

Till February then, and thank you for reading my blog this month. Have a really good 2016. www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html • 01473 824172

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ON THE GRAPEVINE KENNY’S SESAW NEWS Well here am I, at the computer in early December, wondering what to tell you because like many editors, Sharon and her team have an early deadline due to Christmas.

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

The key tasks include: •

•

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

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

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

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

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

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

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I hope you enjoyed the festive season and perhaps a few leisurely walks with your pooch pals. We’ll be stepping out more briskly this month if the weather predictions are correct, but some are looking forward to a warm up with Burns Night celebrations at the end of January. He must have been a kind man judging by his poem To a Mouse which he wrote after ploughing up the little creature’s nest by mistake. Just the sort of thing mum would do – the sentiment, not the ploughing!

We don’t have any mice but there are degus, ferrets and dumbo rats for rehoming at the time of writing. By the time you read this we may well have more dogs and cats abandoned over Christmas so

please check our website or call in during open hours, 10am-1pm Thursday-Sunday.

Some of our volunteers are looking forward to the spring bank holiday, not just for the better weather but because they will be attending Middy in the War Years over two days.

SESAW will be selling books in keeping with the event at The Mid Suffolk Light Railway in Wetheringsett. For more information visit: www.mslr.org.uk I had better click send quickly before I press the wrong key and delete my hard work. In fact it’s time I had a little nap by the Rayburn so move over everyone and make space for me, Kenny the Boss, Chihuahua Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP / 01787 210888 www.sesaw.co.uk

HOME SELLERS BEWARE Most of us are aware of the saying ‘let the buyer beware’, but house sellers also need to be vigilant when selecting an agent to market their house.

It’s good practice for a seller to invite two or three agents to provide a marketing plan, together with a sales price that the seller should expect to achieve. When the quotes come in it’s tempting to choose the agent with either the highest sales value or the lowest fee. But these are not always the best criteria.

Some agents offer to achieve a sale at a price that is above the market expectation. This may seem attractive, but may lead to the seller being tied into a contract of 16 or more weeks. During this time as the house does not sell the agent will gradually seek to bring the price down until it matches the market value and a buyer is found. For the seller this means the sale is delayed and may lead to them losing the house they were hoping to buy.

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

Also if an agent is offering to sell for a low, fixed fee paid in advance the seller can expect to get a service that reflects the price. This may mean there will be a less than detailed advertising with no floor plan and the seller being asked to conduct viewings.

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

The moral of this is that people who want to sell their own houses should use web sites like Rightmove and On the Market so they already have a good idea of what their house is worth and then find a reputable selling agent who is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents.

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CHURCH NEWS

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES February 10: Burstall at 10am and Tattingstone at 7.30pm

THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE

LENT GROUPS Burstall: February 17 & 24, March 2, 9 & 16 at 2.30pm Bentley: February 17 & 24, March 2, 9 & 16 at 7.30pm

Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook & Belstead and Bentley with Tattingstone

FROM THE REGISTERS 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 / 07713 863023 Packing Christmas away If you were fortunate enough to be able to celebrate Christmas within a family, January 5 or Twelfth Night is traditionally the time to take down the Christmas decorations, although many do it the next day. It’s time to put away all that Christmas stuff: the inflatable Father Christmas and the Christmas tree, hopefully with its leaves still on instead of in the carpet.

Also going are the decorations, mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, cards and the stockings, now empty of presents. Already gone are the mince pies, crackers, mulled wine, Christmas pudding and, at last, the turkey! Gone too the novelty and excitement of presents received.

When did we get all those things together? Weeks ago it seems. Now it’s time to dust them off and pack them away in the hope of using them next year. But Christmas 2016 seems far away. We may forget where we have put the decorations before next time. We may also forget the meanings attached to the season. Late last year an opinion poll showed 67% of those asked felt that, for them, Christmas had no special connection to Christ. Lots of the traditional Christmas things mattered, but not baby Jesus born on Christmas Day. One church that began its Christmas season early was the Holy Child Jesus Church in New York City. They put up their crib scene in November. On November 23 the church caretaker discovered that baby Jesus was not in his manger asleep. Instead there was another baby, wrapped in towels still with his umbilical cord attached. He was just four or five hours old and in a healthy stable condition. In New York the law declares churches to be ‘safe havens’ where babies can be legally abandoned. However, the authorities need to be notified by someone, usually the desperate mother, to ensure the baby’s safety.

Unlike the doll that represents him in our crib scenes, the real baby Jesus could not be packed up and left in a box for 12 months. Just like that abandoned baby in New York he needed love and care every hour of every day. Even when grown up his mother Mary still tried to protect him, as she had done in his infancy. But her attempts to pull him away from his purpose to obey his heavenly father and die for us failed.

(Matthew 12:46-50) It is perhaps easier to take the baby Jesus into our hearts at Christmas than it is to open the door to the grown up Jesus. Yet all the wonderful potential there in the baby can be realised in the adult. It is the grown up Jesus who can save us for life enfolded in his love now and always. So when all the traditional Christmas things lie boxed and forgotten, let’s make sure that the man whose birthday began it all, now risen from death, is remembered and welcomed into our hearts and lives right through this New Year 2016.

With my prayers and best wishes, Don Mehen Sproughton Beetle Drive: January 16 in the church hall, 7.30pm Sproughton Burns Night: January 23 in the church hall, 7.30pm

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Baptisms Freddie William Fairs, Bentley Funerals Paul Hinchcliff, Ipswich Crematorium DIARY DATES JANUARY 6

7

9 16 19 20 21

23 27

Bentley Home Communions, 10am Clergy meeting, The Rectory, 10am Reader’s meeting, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Treasurer’s meeting at the Rectory, 10am Copdock Home Communions, 10am Ministry meeting, Sproughton Church Hall (Bring and Share), 7.30pm Sproughton Burns Night, 7.30pm Burstall PCC and approval of accounts, 7.30pm

FEBRUARY 3 4

6 8 9

10

13

17

18 24

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Bentley Home Communions, 19 The Link, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Copdock Morning Market, 10am Bentley approval of accounts Copdock approval of accounts Tattingstone approval of accounts Ash Wednesday Morning Service at Burstall at 10am Evening Service at Tattingstone at 7.30pm Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook, 10am Burstall Lent Group, 2.30pm Bentley Lent Group, 7.30pm Churchwarden’s meeting at Copdock Church Room, 1pm Burstall PCC and adoption of accounts, 7.30pm Burstall Lent Group, 2.30pm Bentley Lent Group, 7.30pm Ministry meeting, noon

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 9.15am Sproughton (Church Hall) 9.30am Burstall

Croissant Church Family Service

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10am 10am 6pm

Copdock Bentley Tattingstone

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton 6pm Tattingstone SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Belstead 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong

Holy Communion Simply Sunday Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion

Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Celebration Family Service The Fourth Sunday

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 10am Bentley

Benefice Service

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 8am Copdock 10am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Holy Communion 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Candlemas Tattingstone Candlemas

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10: ASH WEDNESDAY 10am Burstall Holy Communion 7.30pm Tattingstone Holy Communion SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 9.15am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone

Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong

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

CAPEL ST MARY AND HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES WHAT LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE?

thrilled at this response and sense of belonging.

The sinking of the Titanic over 100 years ago reminds us that what you see of an iceberg is only the tip. About 90% of the iceberg is hidden beneath the water. I think the same is true for people. A large percentage of our lives is very private and only a few know us intimately. Often people will label us with a particular characteristic, a sad person, or a happy person. Sometimes it could be an activity we are involved in, an outdoor type or a TV couch potato. Sometimes the label we put on someone reflects our own insecurities or prejudices.

When we belong, we are comfortable in each other’s company and can be our real selves, not having to live up to other people’s expectations or putting on a mask. Then we can flourish as a person in acceptance and love.

As a child, my brother and I would play in the front garden. An old lady regularly walked down the pavement and stopped to look over the low wall into our garden where we had disappeared into the hydrangea bushes to hide. She called out: “where are the shy boys?”.

I think for the most part we remained hidden, but we named her “the shy lady”. We reflected back to her the label she had given us, but she was far from shy.

I hate it when people put a label on me because it may reflect a part of me, the 10% bit that is above water that people see, but there is more to me than this 10% as in the iceberg. I’m a complex being.

Probably my wife and family know me best and they continue to love me. Then there are those small groups and individuals that I am part of where together we share what’s happening in our lives and pray and support each other in good and difficult times. It’s a place where people listen to me and I listen to them. It’s a place where we can belong.

In the first church we went to after our marriage, in my mind I labelled the people who attended as ‘holy people’ and I now realise that we had pretended to be holy too! After a year we started small home groups for those who wanted and I began to discover real people like myself, people who sometimes made mistakes, found it difficult to pray and got angry for selfish reasons. In this environment we felt wanted and loved despite our imperfections.

In four of my churches we run what is called Messy Church, an informal gathering of families, with craft activities, games, celebrations and food. Recently after one such Messy Church when we had baptised three children, the mother wrote: “it was such a joy to be welcomed in and I really feel we have a place now.” I was

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More to follow on this next month.

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Chelmondiston, Holbrook and Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 HOLBROOK METHODIST Saturday 2 10-11.30am Sunday 3 10am Sunday 10 10am

Sunday 17 10am Sunday 24 10am

Sunday 31 10am

5pm

Coffee morning Worship with Paul Walker Covenant service with The Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Brian Clow United Service at CoE – Worship with Colin Westren Worship with The Rev Glyn Jones Something Different café style with The Rev Andrew Sankey

CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Sunday 3 10.30am

6pm Sunday 10 10.30am

6.30pm

Sunday 17 10.30am Sunday 24 10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 31 10.30am

Worship with Andrew Fairweather Prayer Stations Worship with Graham House Healing & Communion with The Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Mark Firmin Covenant Service with The Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at St Mary’s Worship with Guy Fairweather

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