In Touch with Copdock - March 17

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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook Volume 7 • Issue No. 4 • MARCH 2017

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Bentley Church by Sue Wolger

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS SURPRISE PARTY FOR MRS VERA CARR A well planned secret was kept and Vera had no idea she was being taken to a party to mark her 90th birthday until she walked into Blakenham Village Hall.

Past and present members of Copdock and Sproughton Church Choirs and Belstead Singers had gathered with family and friends to mark the occasion, some having travelled from Northumberland, Norfolk and Dorset.

A wonderful array of sandwiches, scones, sponges, birthday cake and numerous cups of tea were much enjoyed, as was watching her greatgrandchildren with Vera’s four-year-old great-granddaughter Xanthe sharing the party.

There were photographs of past times, Vera having lived for many years with husband Tom and the boys at Copdock Hall Farm. They enjoyed Scottish dancing when not busy on the farm, Vera was a loyal member of Copdock choir until recently as were the boys when young. May she enjoy many more happy days with her family.

THE GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN Chalkboard outside a small convenience store and bakery in Co Kerry.

For once I’m going to let the picture do the talking!

Happy shopping.

Sharon

In Touch

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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Send editorial copy to: copdock@intouchnews.co.uk

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

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh • 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

Copdock & Washbrook Village is taking part in The Great British Spring Clean on Saturday, April 1.

You may be aware of the nationwide campaign taking place in villages and towns across the whole country. Our village has an ever-growing band of volunteers who have had enough of other people’s rubbish, and are willing to donate their time to help clear it up. We want to see an end to littering!

It would be fantastic if we could have a mega turn-out as by April we will need to clean up our village verges and open spaces once more.

Please do come to help us on Saturday, April 1 between 10am and noon.

We will meet at the Church Room in The Street, where rubbish sacks, litter pickers and hi-vis vests will be available (bring your own gloves).

Upon returning to the Church Room delicious refreshments will be available for all our volunteers.

For further information, contact Tina: 01473 730162 Next month we launch our 18th title, In Touch with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock & Woolpit.

To advertise in this new edition contact the sales team on 01473 400380. All editorial enquiries to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

APRIL DEADLINE 10 MARCH 2017

is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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NEWS THANK YOU

PHASE 2 WELL UNDERWAY Following work done in January 2016 to improve the changing rooms, work has now started on improving the social areas. An extension of some 50m square has been added to the front of the building which will allow reconfiguration of the existing space, particularly to improve the toilet facilities for all, notably the ladies, and to double the size of the current kitchen. In addition the whole of the space will be refurbished to bring it all up to a good modern standard.

Last year the following members of of our In Touch delivery team retired: Maureen Aldous, Steven Stephenson, Sheila Pryke and Muriel Pearsons. Their time given totals many years of delivering our news notes/newsletters, to finally a magazine, in all weathers, so a very big grateful thank you is sent to you all. We would also like to thank our new deliverers for taking over their routes and not forgetting the rest of the team for their time and effort in getting In Touch out so quickly. We couldn’t do it without you all.

Ruth Lincoln and Dianne Benn

CALLING ALL STALL HOLDERS – SAVE THE DATE Tattingstone Fete is being held this year on Saturday, September 9 and will be an ideal platform for you to sell your wares. We are running a traditional fete with lots of fun and activities for children and adults, plus lots of stalls selling local produce and crafts.

The whole of this phase of the project will see £140,000 being invested in the building. These funds have been assembled by the following very kind support.

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Copdock and OI Cricket raising and investing £87,000 in this phase alone

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Viridor credits making a grant to the project for £50,000

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Within the Viridor credit Dave Busby making a 10% donation from his locality budget

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Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council making a grant of £3,000

For as little as £15 (includes a £5 deposit) you can have a stall at the fete. if you are interested in coming along please contact Andrea Mendel at andrea.mendel@me.com or Sue Gipps at suegipps@btinternet.com.

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK ALLOTMENTS

After four and a half years of hard work it’s great to see the work pressing on at a rate. This phase of the improvements will be complete by March 31, just in time for the cricket season. Once complete the new building will be a big improvement for all who currently use it, and those who may wish to.

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?

Copdock and Washbrook Allotment Group currently have a number of plots (full, three-quarter or half) for rent. Rates are very reasonable – currently £24 for a full plot. Fresh air, exercise and wonderfully healthy fruit and vegetables guaranteed.

Tempted? Contact Anne Kell: 01473 730087

We have significant day time hire availability time so if you would like to come and have a look please contact bookings and facilities manager Jacky Taylor: jackytaylor1@hotmail.com / 07807 546125 My personal thanks to the project group for over four years hard work to get to this point.

HOME HELP REquired Support/home help needed for elderly couple living in Bentley.

Part-time, flexible working hours.

Please contact: 07949 376475

Project Manager Martin Taylor

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NEWS COPWASH NEWS THE BENEFICE FALLEN Sadly the centenaries of Private William Coleman, Corporal Robert Dale and Sergeant Arthur Dale were omitted in the February edition.

Private William Coleman 41408, 13th Battalion Essex Regiment Husband of Matilda Coleman of Cooperative Cottage, Bentley and the son of Abraham and Susannah Coleman of Capel St Mary. Born in 1877, William was 39 when he died on February 7 in Rouen Hospital. The following was published in the EADT on February 23: “No loved ones stood around him, To bid a fond farewell, No word of comfort could he have to those he loved so well.”

Corporal Robert Dale 2839, 20th Brigade Royal Field Artillery Sergeant Arthur Dale 2840, 20th Brigade Royal Field Artillery Two of the five sons of Ephraim and Eliza Dale of Tattingstone. Robert was married to Eliza and had two daughters.

Noticing the sequence of their army numbers, Jennifer Jones published a plea for more information about the Dale brothers in the Tattingstone Newsletter 14 years ago. She subsequently received a call from ‘Jimmy’ Cook, Robert Dale’s daughter aged 93, who was able to provide more pictures of the brothers and their family. They had enlisted together, served together and when they were to return to UK from Greece on separate transports Robert delayed his departure so they could sail together. The ship was destroyed by a mine shortly after leaving harbour and so they drowned together. Their bodies were not found, but their names are on the Mikra Memorial south of Salonika in Greece.

Tattingstone Village Recorder Jane Kirk has written a detailed piece about the Dales (as she has done for all the Tattingstone Fallen) in the Tattingstone Newsletter.

Centenaries to be remembered in March Private 20813 Harry Gull, 5th Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry Killed in action on March 28, 1917 near Arras. Born in 1880, Harry was the son of Daniel and Emily Gull and the husband of Emily Gull of Tattingstone. His body was never found and he is named on the Arras Memorial. Sadly the memorial has weathered badly over the years but his is one of the names that is easy to read.

Driver 122489 Frank Edward Warner, 101st Battery Royal Field Artillery Frank was born in Tattingstone on December 23, 1898, one of the 12 children of Robert and Lucy Warner. He was fatally wounded in what was then India “in an accident in the execution of his duty” (Tattingstone Liber Vitae quoted by Jane Kirk) on March 18, 1917. He may be buried in a local cemetery no longer known, but his name is on the Karachi Memorial in Pakistan.

2nd Lt Wilfred Howard Mason, Royal Enginers Wilfred’s name is not on the Belstead War Memorial, but Jean Austen found it on his parents’ grave in Belstead churchyard. He was the eighth son of George and Loetitia Mason and the husband of Gladys Mason of Probus in Cornwall. Killed during the crossing of the Dialah River in Mesopotamia (Iraq) on March 9, 1917, he is buried in Baghdad.

Research by Jean Austin William Henry Hewitt Centenary Celebrations, September 17, 2017 It’s now only six months before Copdock & Washbrook receives the government Centenary Paving Stone for Copdock born William Henry Hewitt. A small parish council working party has been researching and preparing for the

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big event. Some passers-by will already have noticed that the diseased overhanging tree near the village sign has been removed (to be replaced later by a more suitable one) in preparation for the placing of the stone. The Department for Communities and Local Government hopes these commemorative stones will be sited where they will be visible to members of the public. Here it was decided that a spot near the junction of The Street and Back Lane could not be bettered.

W.H. Hewitt (Harry to his UK family and Billy to his army colleagues and his South African family) was educated at Framlingham College. After his death his widow Lily gave his VC medal to the college (it is now on permanent loan to The Imperial War Museum) so the college will be well represented at the celebration as will the Royal British Legion and local civic bodies.

It had been thought that it would be hard to find any relatives as the family had moved away from the village in 1915 and Hewitt himself had settled in Africa after the war. However, by some unexpected happenstances, his grandson was found in the New Forest, his eldest granddaughter in Australia, one great nephew in Bournemouth, two more in California and even a niece aged 94 in Oxfordshire.

Some have never met, some were not even aware of the existence of the others, but they will all come together by the Centenary Stone on Sunday, September 17. It is hoped that they will be joined by a good turnout from the village both for the ceremony and the community tea afterwards in the Brook Inn. The plans have been greatly helped by a lottery grant from Celebrate England, a body set up to encourage communities to get together to celebrate.

Street names in Copdock & Washbrook The paragraph in the last In Touch asking for suggestions for new street names reminded the village recorder that possibly not everyone knows the origins of the existing ones. The Street and Back Lane and the two Church Roads are all fairly obvious, but why does The Street turn into School Hill? Who was Marven? Why Elm Lane? There are all sorts of explanations, many of them to be found in Richard Pipe’s Village Walkabouts (now available on the village website under the Footpath heading).

Using Richard’s book and starting in the south, Folly Lane is called after a 19th century Folly Farm. Before then it was Old Ley Lane and even earlier Gigges Lane. Now, of course, the farm in Folly Lane is called Lane Farm The Avenue was once the way to Belstead. A former rector put in a gate to try to make it a private road to his rectory and it became Rectory Avenue.

The house is now called Felcourt and the word rectory has disappeared, but not the gate-posts.

Church Lane, Copdock is also known as Pound Lane where the village pound was established by the Ipswich to London Turnpike Commissioners for, to quote Richard Pipe, “the interment of animals found straying on the highway”. The road ran through the village – hence Tollgate Cottage in the Street.

Elm Lane is named after White Elm Pub which had been there since the 16th century. It is recorded that the publican provided torches for George II on a journey from Lowestoft to London and in 1812 two sons of George III spent the night there having dallied too long in Ipswich. The old building was pulled down in the mid-19th century, but its name lingers on in the road and the cottages built on the site.

In In Touch Touch online: online:

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NEWS BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: FEBRUARY 2

REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: MARCH 2016

The parish council meeting was preceded by a meeting of the Playing Field Society at which it was agreed to plan for a firework display and associated activities around Guy Fawkes night. It was also agreed to formalise agreements and a fee charge for external organisations wishing to use the field, e.g. for football training.

Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw

Apologies were received from two councillors. The meeting received reports from District Councillor John Hinton and County Councillor Gordon Jones.

A major planning application for 16 houses, including three affordable homes and five bungalows, on a site off Station Road was discussed and approved, with the reservation that this development would add to the difficult and potentially dangerous road traffic problems at this part of the village, with speeding cars, poor visibility at the junction with Bergholt Road and increased pedestrian use associated with the Case pub, the village shop and the playing fields. It was noted that the police were planning to undertake a further speeding survey in the village and that the possibility of further calming measures including an ANPR camera were still under consideration.

It was noted that the police had apprehended a suspect in two recent break-ins in the village.

After a site meeting with the incoming churchwarden, the council agreed to review maintenance work in the closed churchyard of St Mary’s Church and to offer a grant of £500 to cover some additional tree work and tidying up.

Please note that the next parish council meeting will be on Thursday, March 9 in the committee room at the village hall.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP Two PPG members spent a morning at Capel and East Bergholt surgeries and were impressed by the helpfulness and attitude of the staff and the systems in place. Phone calls were constant and answered on average in 30 seconds. There were many requests for input from doctors, from prescriptions to urgent queries. These requests are immediately passed on electronically and an ‘urgent task’ pops up on the doctor’s screen. One item of feedback from patients was acted on immediately – you will notice that your name is now on the screen for much longer!

Verbal abuse of receptionists We were very sorry to hear that receptionists have recently been victims of an increase in personal abuse from patients. You may be frustrated, worried and angry when you call, but please don’t take it out on the receptionists.

Follow-up appointments If a doctor wants to see you again, ask them to book this for you as receptionists aren’t usually able to do this.

Problems with prescriptions The recent changes to electronic prescriptions have meant there is increased delay in providing the prescribed medicine. Please ensure that you get your repeat prescriptions in early.

Kathy Pollard, Chair Constable Country PPG 01473 311384 / constablecountryppg@gmail.com

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Greater Anglia’s Maintenance Depot in Brantham By now most will have heard that Greater Anglia/Abellio will be building a brand new state of the art train maintenance depot at the former factory site in Brantham. This is a major investment that will serve the brand new trains due to arrive in 2019. It also provides the Industrial Regeneration Area with the Prime User necessary to provide a solid base for future employment, as many in the village hoped. I don’t propose to go through all the details here though.

Most importantly, the village will be kept informed and briefed as the process starts shortly. With Babergh, Abellio, Taylor Woodrow (the contractor) and Saint Francis Group we have arranged for Brantham and the parish council to receive a full briefing at the village hall from 7pm on March 7. Please attend if you can. It’s important that everybody gets the full facts and has all their questions answered. There will be a planning application and that will be subject to the consultation process, possibly around the same time. A lot of work has been done to make this happen and I’m going to pay tribute to Babergh, our MP and my ward colleague Harriet in particular here, but it’s the community who will be most affected. I believe that will be a positive effect, so feel free to ask me anything you want to know in the meantime.

What does a councillor do? Part 2: Training and Committees Nobody starts off knowing this job, although good parish experience gives you a head start. You need some serious training. We’re governed by the Local Government Acts so we have legal responsibilities. If we’re going to serve on either of the quasi-judicial committees (Planning and Licensing/Regulatory) we must know those things and the rules governing them. Otherwise we’d just be accepting officer advice blindly without being able to apply our own judgement and understanding.

That is, after all, what we’re elected to do. But the initial training, the regular refreshment and the constant updating is essential just to stay on top of a system that never stands still. When I started, I grabbed every opportunity to gain a background to all the committees and functions. That continues, although I’m pressing for more. There’s a lot of information available through the various papers, policies and press coverage, with some translation required! This involves a lot of reading, then some more. We recently undertook a survey of the time we spent on various council activities. I worked out that, all told, a 30-40 hour week was quite common for me. Thank God, I actually enjoy a lot of it.

I’m now on two committees, Regulatory/Licensing and Joint Audit (the books). Plus I’ve been appointed to a Task and Finish group looking at our Public Realm (green spaces, dog bins, fly tipping, etc.).

Shotley Pier: A New Life I started off with positive news. Here’s some more. The 122-year-old Shotley Pier is to receive matched funding up to £100,000 through the Co-op. This locally launched initiative to renovate has been going from strength-to-strength in recent months, thanks in large part to my Independent colleague Derek Davis in Berners Ward. If you’d like to help this effort to get things done, look up the Pier Interest Group, Shotley Suffolk on Facebook.

As always, if anything concerns you please contact me via the methods below – or just say hello sometime. I’m on a Blue Claud Butler bicycle, usually with a yellow winter cycling jacket. alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)

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ADVERTORIAL TUCKWELL’S TO CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING WITH TURF AND LAWNCARE OPEN WEEKEND The Tuckwell family are opening the doors to their Ardleigh Showroom on April 1 and 2 for a special family weekend of turf, lawncare and clothing offers to get your garden into shape for 2017.

The business, established in 1954 by Len Tuckwell, has a long and successful history of supporting the agricultural industry through both sales and service. Starting with just three employees, Len was one of the first four John Deere dealers in the UK. Ten years later his son Paul established the Ardleigh depot aged 21.

Following university, Len’s grandson James also joined the business and the company has continued to grow. As a result Tuckwell’s is now one of the largest machinery dealers in the South East, with a strong focus on quality of service.

Agriculture still remains at the heart of the business, but Tuckwell’s has more to offer. Garden and turf machinery, including a full range of John Deere mowers, are all on offer. Lawn and garden machinery specialist Bruce Davie said: “At our main lawncare showroom in Ardleigh, we offer specialist advice on mowers and help you decide on the best option for your lawn and budget.” Bruce and his colleagues are on hand six days a week. Bruce added: “We will also come to see your garden if that suits you better. The beauty of buying a machine from us is that we can provide you with the

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aftercare that you need. We have lawnmower parts in stock and a service team ready to help you look after and repair your machine.”

Another growing sector of the business is Tuckwell’s expanding range of men’s and women’s country clothing, Out and About, stocking a handpicked selection of brands with a country/contemporary feel including Dubarry, Fairfax & Favor and Crew and Joules. As well as Ardleigh, the range is also in their Worlingworth branch and will also be at a number of country shows throughout the year.

In addition to John Deere machinery, Tuckwell’s also stock toys.

From ride on gators and farming toys to children’s John Deere overalls, there is a vast children’s selection in all depots.

Managing Director James Tuckwell said: “We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our Ardleigh open event on April 1 and 2. It will be a fun weekend with prizes, special deals on lawnmowers and great discounts off our best-selling clothing brands. Come and join us for a bacon roll and coffee while your children enjoy the fantastic play area.”

For more info please visit: www.tuckwell.co.uk P Tuckwell Ltd, Ardleigh Hall, Dedham Road, Colchester CO7 7LG

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON My lottery tickets keep failing, my premium bonds award me zero and the news from Babergh is still depressing!

This report is too early for the budget to be included, but I think there will be fireworks over some items in the light of the additional intention to decriminalise parking. This means the police will hand it over to the highway authority, Suffolk County Council, and they are delegating it to districts. There is an initial cost to make the parking restrictions legal, which will cost Babergh a £10,000 contribution. The shadowy part comes in later years over who gets the income and who maintains the car parks and street marking. The report to strategy was confusing and although I’m sure it will be rubber stamped, it can only be scrutinised via the budget. (Ipswich is already operating its own parking enforcement, but it took six years for them to break even on the set up costs.)

The budget will also have to explain the rocketing costs of legal support for planning. Babergh has just lost the East Bergholt JR, costs are not explained accurately and the Bildeston JR is now delayed until July, but there are others in the wings, as well as apparently 14 applications covering 650 homes which have to be revisited to make sure they comply with the judges’ comments from the East Bergholt JR. Basically it’s complicated, but what’s important is the cost to Babergh and thus to us as council tax payers. Bills so far equate to approximately 4% on the council tax bill unless the savings supposedly being made from the joint working are redirected, which is likely.

No doubt the new housing white paper will further complicate the system.

The ‘move’ to Ipswich is now delayed until August/September, but we still do not have definitive costs. Again the budget should help! I am still fighting over the Customer Access Strategy, which quite frankly at the moment does not work, so anything with regard to contact with staff via telephone, computer or text will have to be good. Not so good for the non-computerised residents who will probably find themselves in a telephone queue. We all love those don’t we?

Devolution appears to be dead in its current form, but we will have to keep an eye open as Brexit will take the headlines and other less palatable items will no doubt be slipped in under the radar.

An invitation to be the keynote speaker at a conference on community pubs is a real feather in the cap for Bentley. Well done, and it’s nice to see the combination of pub and shop, although different entities, working well. Add some development that the villages want rather than statistics say they should have, and it could be a rosy year for Bentley and an example to other communities.

The ‘cabinet’ system of governance at Babergh is due to start in May. It’s nice to see comments from the controlling group on Babergh District Council reported in the East Anglian, as it is to hear the completely inaccurate comments from portfolio holders at meetings.

Do they read their own reports and information sheets, or is it just a dogma that they are following? I had expected more action from Suffolk County Council as the elections approach in May, but their highways team in particular seem to have their hands tied and are thus unwilling or unable to respond to the concerns of residents. It’s nearly as bad as dealing with Highways England over substandard and potholed junctions like the Four Sisters.

The nights are getting shorter and it appears the days are colder, but spring is on its way and we can look forward to the Suffolk countryside blooming. See, I do have a happy side!

If anyone has any questions, please contact me at: john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309

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NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk First and foremost, a reminder that we have now re-launched our popular share offer. You may have received one of our flyers, with the picture reawakening memories of the day Bentley celebrated its success in buying the Case for the community. Can we repeat that massive effort by recruiting more shareholders? You don’t have to be resident in Bentley – we have shareholders from the other side of the world. Our target is £72,000 but every little counts and just £15,000 would replace the bay windows, which are on their last legs. For more information see the flyer, or log on to the website. Please join us and part-own your own pub!

Our first quiz of the year was a huge success, fuelled by a delicious Chinese menu to celebrate the Year of the Rooster. The next quizzes will be on February 25 and March 25, and these will be curry nights. If there’s sufficient demand, they’ll become a regular feature, so book your table early.

Following the success of our Chinese night, we are planning an exciting Round the World menu, starting with A Taste of America on Saturday, March 11. We hear home-made burgers will feature, so book early. More Tastes of… will follow! Keep an eye on the website.

Other events to look out for are an Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Competition on April 17 and a Garden Party in July, featuring all the home-made cakes we enjoyed so much at the Queen’s Birthday.

And following the success of our Bentley Celebration of Beer last year, how could we not do it again? Plans are on-going for around the early May Bank Holiday so keep the date and join us to sample some superb real ales.

Finally, a reminder that none of this happens by itself. We rely on our wonderful volunteers to provide support in lots of ways, from pulling pints to tidying the garden. No one gets thrown in at the deep end, so even if you’re not sure about joining us, pick up a leaflet from the pub or come in for a chat.

BENTLEY VILLAGE HALL The AGM took place on Monday, January 23 with the chairman, Mr Blackmore, reporting that the hall continues to be well used each month with the user groups meeting on a regular basis. We accommodated the usual number of children’s parties, receptions, anniversaries and quizzes, not forgetting the annual boules competition held in the car park.

The outside woodwork was treated to a coat of stain this year. We trust this will now last another 10 years as previously. The front door locking mechanisms were replaced with a much simpler and fool proof system. A first aid refresher course was run for the benefit of users with 18 representatives taking advantage of some expert instruction. During 2017, it is intended to treat the car park surface that is now beginning to look a little threadbare in places.

Treasurer Mr Mark Usher ran through the balance sheet and explained certain items, and confirmed that finances remain satisfactory with a healthy contingency fund (as required by the Charity Commission) which is available if so required. The finances were adopted. The treasurer confirmed that hall hire fees would remain unchanged for the coming year.

No nominations had been received so the six trustees were all re-elected to serve for a further term of one year. They are: Mr J Blackmore, Mr Mark Usher, Mr Keith Phillips, Mrs Veronica Howe, Mrs Margaret Blackmore and Mrs Sandra Mehen.

Finally, our cleaner, Ann Ratford, was thanked for all her hard work over the year and also Frank Calvert for keeping the grassed areas under control. The committee were thanked for all their input and unpaid work carried out on behalf of the Bentley community during the year, and for keeping the borders neat and tidy.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Thursday, March 23 and Wednesday, April 26 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.

Housebound patients Please only request a GP visit, district nurse visit or medication delivery if you are genuinely housebound and cannot get anyone to bring you. Each housebound visit puts enormous pressure on the GPs and reduces the number of appointments we can see in the practice. There are a number of local voluntary groups and neighbourhood schemes who can collect medications or provide transport, mostly free of charge or for a small fee.

GP appointments 12 hours a day, seven days a week You will have noticed the controversy in the press regarding the necessity to offer appointments for 12 hours every day and the need for additional GP appointments to reduce pressure on A&E. Did you know that we already offer this service?

The practice is open from 8am until 6.30pm Tuesday to Friday and from 7.30am on Mondays. We also work until 7pm some evenings. Both sites are open every morning and one or other site opens for appointments in the afternoons. We also offer our appointments at GP+ in Ipswich from 6.30-9pm Monday to Friday. At the weekend we have a pre-booked clinic on Saturday mornings, but again we can book you into GP+ which is open from 9am-9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. To book into GP+, you will need to contact the surgery during normal opening hours or out of hours on 111, as appropriate. If you need to cancel your GP+ appointment please ring 01473 344938.

We are lucky to have a full complement of GPs and tend to use a small group of locum GPs for holiday and sickness cover to provide continuity.

When we know we are going to be short staffed, we offer only onthe-day appointments to ensure that patients can be seen if there is a genuine need.

DOCTORS SURGERY ROTA January and February so far have been relatively quiet months, which is good for the scheme. We sometimes get requests from Holton St Mary, but these should be covered by the East Bergholt transport scheme.

We also get requests about transport to hospital. Our scheme is for the local surgeries only, but you can ring the WRVS on 08456 005 885 and they can often help. We had one patient needing to get to Papworth who was helped by them. You do have to meet the mileage costs however.

EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY Something is rotten and really quite stinks in the Kingdom of Lancre. The King is dead. Long live the King!

Well, no actually, because the new king, the evil Duke Felmet, murdered the previous one… The missing true heir, the baby prince, finds protection with three local witches, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and their protégé Magrat Garlick. Although witches have a rule never to interfere with the life of a child at stake and the fate of the kingdom in their hands, they take granny’s advice about rules: If you’re going to break them – break them good and hard!

Terry Pratchett’s marvellous Discworld characters are brought to life in this hilarious and fast paced adventure playing at The Constable Hall in East Bergholt on March 30 and 31 and April 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets £6 in advance from: 01473 311553 / 07803 475750

TEA & COMPANY Monday, March 20 at Wenham View, Dove Close

If you have pre-booked an appointment and find you don’t need it, please let us know so we can offer this to another patient. In December we had more than 20 hours’ worth of appointment lost when patients did not attend and 15½ hours in January.

All welcome to come along from 2.30pm £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes Raffle Supported by The Capel Ladies

ATTENTION GENTLEMEN Prostate cancer is the one of the most common cancer types in men.

Speak to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: poor urine flow, passing urine more frequently, passing blood in the urine, pain when passing urine. Not everyone with these symptoms has cancer, but it needs further assessment. If you are concerned, please book an appointment to see one of our doctors.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

Dad always brought her roses, today was no different It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01473 602414

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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OUT & ABOUT QUIZ IN AID OF 1st HOLBROOK GUIDES & SHOTLEY PIER Holbrook Primary School on Thursday, March 9, 7-9pm. £5 per person, teams of six maximum.

Cake stall, teas and coffee and a raffle.

To book a table email: holbrookguides@outlook.com One-third of the proceeds will be donated by the Guides to Shotley Heritage Communicate Benefit Society Ltd.

BUMPER BOOK SALE Attention to all you book lovers.

Another bumper book sale is planned for Easter Monday, April 17 at Manningtree Methodist Church in South Street from 10am-4pm. This will be run alongside our highly successful four day art show.

EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION QUIZ NIGHT At East Bergholt High School on Friday, March 24 at 7.30pm.

Individuals and teams of eight welcome.

Tickets £5 per person including nibbles. Licensed bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks opens at 7pm.

For further information please phone: 01206 298122 / 07753 422474 Over 18s only unless accompanied by an adult.

CAPEL LIBRARY ‘Spring into something new’ is the catchphrase we have come up this month, whether it be a new book, DVD or just something different that you want to try. We have a great selection of books and DVDs to captivate you, from re-designing and updating your garden to new curtains for the lounge or bedroom, new knitted tops and cardigans for yourself or the grandchildren or just treating yourself to a different and exciting holiday.

One happy borrower is currently reading a book on the Trans-Siberian railway ahead of his journey in the summer so that he knows what to expect.

Groups meeting regularly this month Baby Bounce: Tuesdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 2pm. Join our little group for some shaking of instruments and enjoy action nursery rhymes. Open to all children from birth to five years old.

Book Group: Friday, March 17 at 2.30pm. Come and join in the discussions of the latest book. Open to all.

Minecraft Group: Meeting every alternate Sunday (March 12 and 26) from 10.30am-12.30pm. All you need to bring is a tablet or phone with Minecraft Pocket edition loaded or a laptop with Minecraft Windows 10 edition. Make sure to charge the device that you bring. Children undereight must be accompanied by an adult.

The next Friends of Capel Library Community Cinema presentation is Sully on Tuesday 21; doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm.

Members advance tickets are £4, non-members £4.50 or £5 on the door.

May we kindly ask that borrowers bring in their library card on each visit and that you update any new address by bringing in an official letter for verification? Thank you.

OPENING TIMES Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm & 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Contact: 01473 311699

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Many thanks to all of you who came to our Annual General Meeting on January 28. It was good to see so many faces, and to be able to talk about how we might go forward developing our library as a community hub.

Make a date now for our Community Cinema. This will happen every third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. You will save by being a friend of the library and we will have some great films for you to see. We began in February with Bridget Jones Baby and this month we present Sully. You can get a drink at the bar, as well as tea and biscuits. One big benefit… there’s no rustling of popcorn tubs and packets and everyone actually wants to watch the film, which isn’t always the case at Cineworld.

Membership of the 100 Club has increased to 66, which means that from March onwards our treasurer is able to increase the size of the prizes.

First prize each month now goes up to £20, with second prize up to £8 and third prize up to £6. If you haven’t joined yet now is a good time. You could make a profit on the year’s subscription of £12.

The winners for January were Marion Parnell £20, Dudley Davies £5, Nicola Moxey £5 and for February Ann Hawes £20, Sandra Robson £5, Irene Carder £5.

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OUT & ABOUT EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15

On Sunday, April 2 from 2-5pm at Capel St Mary Village Hall in aid of Somersham Ward Supporters Group.

Route 15 Town/village MIP/15A Washbrook MIP/15B Washbrook MIP/15C Washbrook MIP/15D Burstall MIP/15E Elmsett MIP/15F Whatfield MIP/15G Hintlesham

Coffee, tea and hot chocolate, homemade cakes, biscuits and confectionery for sale, second hand book sale table, raffle with Easter prizes, indoor Easter Egg Hunt for the children. Every child will get an Easter egg from the Easter Bunny and his special guest!

Balloon release in memory of all those who have faced cancer.

Why not come and join in the fun and have cup of tea and a delicious slice or two of homemade cake and help us to raise money for this amazing charity?

Who are Somersham Ward Support Group?

The members, who work on a totally voluntary basis, come from all walks of life and many have had first-hand experience of cancer. There are many ways in which the group has improved the quality of life for those on the ward at Ipswich Hospital, both in the provision of medical equipment and added comforts. In addition, there is also a visitor’s room with tea and coffee making facilities and overnight accommodation is available. In recent years the group has expanded its activities to include the oncology unit and radiotherapy department.

Why am I raising funds for this group?

I am currently being treated for breast cancer and have had first-hand experience of the difference this organisation makes, having had to stay in Somersham Ward twice in the last few months.

If you would like take part in the balloon release or the Easter Egg Hunt, or would like to donate books or a raffle prize, please contact me on: 07713 888231 Fiona Wilson

Capel St Mary CEVC Primary School

Nearly New Sale

Saturday, March 18, 1.30-3pm

Location Time Pearson’s Way 9.50-10.40 Brook Inn Car Park 10.45-11.15 Fenn View 11.20-11.40 Telephone Kiosk 11.50-12.15 Rose and Crown 12.40-13.05 Wheatfields 14.05-14.50 Timperleys 15.05-16.00

2017 DATES: March 1, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 13, October 11, November 8, December 6

PRAISE FOR PENINSULAR PIX Penpix recently organised a site visit from Chris Milton from the British Film Institute to evaluate our system. The good news is that he praised our setup, grading it ‘Very Good’, especially the picture quality. It’s great to know that the investment in the new 16ft screen was money well spent.

Chris did agree with us that we could improve on dialogue clarity and we therefore experimented on our audience (willing and informed guinea pigs) on February 2 when a large audience enjoyed Bridget Jones’s Baby, A central ‘dialogue’ speaker was added to the four we already use, and adjustments were made at half-time. The very positive feedback we received has led to our ordering three powerful new speakers, which should be in place when we present Sully: Miracle on the Hudson on March 2.

Starring Tom Hanks as the plucky air pilot who saved the lives of all 155 passengers and crew by landing his plane on the Hudson River, this true story occurred in 2009. Captain Chesley Sullenberger was initially hailed a hero, but a later investigation threatened to destroy his career.

“Hanks is the only living actor who can make decency a special effect – and in Sully, both he and Eastwood (Clint Eastwood, director) have found a vehicle they seem born to co-pilot.” Robbie Collin, Telegraph We present Sully at Tattingstone Village Hall on Thursday, March 2 at 8pm, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4.50 on the door or £4 in advance from The White Horse, The Wheatsheaf, Stutton Community Shop, The Case is Altered, Bentley Community Shop, Lloyd (326882) or Rosie (328315). Or try our text service – just text your name and the number of tickets required to 07732 709656.

The entrance fee covers a glass of wine or fruit juice. There are choc-ices for sale, but if you join our mail list – list@peninsularpix.co.uk – you’ll get a voucher for a free one!

For more information on Sully and Penpix visit: www.peninsularpix.co.uk See you there!

Capel Community Church Days Road, Capel St Mary GOOD QUALITY ITEMS ONLY Maternity clothes, baby equipment, clothes (0-11 years), toys, books and games 50p entrance fee (children free) For more details or to order a seller’s pack, please contact: Lisa 01473 312248 / Jo 07709 724133

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CLEAR THE CLUTTER – BAG A BARGAIN Bentley Toddler Group is holding a fundraising jumble sale on Saturday, April 29 at Bentley Village Hall from 2pm.

If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or contact Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) to arrange collection.

We hope to see you there; the hall will be open from 2pm and tea and coffee will be available.

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OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE This is always a quiet time of year so it’s good to look forward to plans for 2017. We have started to make plans for taster lunches and our traditional strawberry tea and our show organiser is arranging for our participation in the Suffolk Show and a dinner to celebrate our 97th birthday.

St Mary’s, Belstead is holding a Table Top Sale on Saturday, March 11 from 2-4pm in Belstead Village Hall.

Tables are £7.50 each – first come first served!

St Mary’s is having a bric a brac stall and will be serving refreshments including cream teas.

Proceeds will be going to the general and fabric funds of St Mary’s.

Contacts: Zandra 730371 / Valerie 730268

HARKSTEAD VILLAGE SPRING AUCTION Our very popular twice yearly auction will be held on Saturday, April 1 in the village hall starting at 10am.

If you haven’t been before, this is good fun and an enjoyable and profitable way of recycling those household goods that are too good to throw away.

For buyers and those of us with an eye for a bargain it’s an opportunity to pick up collectors’ items.

Please put this date in your diary. If you would like more information or to book lots in for sale, please contact: 01473 328649 / harksteadauction@btinternet.com Lots will be taken in between 2 and 4pm on Thursday, March 30, but it’s essential to book in items for sale in advance as we will again be limiting the number of lots to about 250. First come first served!

The hall is open for viewing the items for sale on Friday, March 31 from 11am-1pm and 4-8pm, as well as from 9am on the day of the auction itself. There is ample parking and refreshments will be available (IP9 1DG).

EASTER BRIC-A-BRAC SALE 1st Sproughton Brownies are holding their Easter Bric-a-Brac Sale on Saturday, March 25 from 2-4pm in Sproughton Church Hall in aid of Save the Children, H.O.P.S. (Holiday Opportunity Play Scheme for children with disabilities in Suffolk) and Brownie funds. Admission free.

Stalls will include bric-a-brac, toys, books, next-to-new, clothes, games, cakes, tombola, draw and refreshments.

Please come and support us and grab a bargain. Everyone welcome.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, March 22, 7pm: The Midland Railway Society and Stainer Pacifics We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich.

Entrance via rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.

Our speaker in January was Catherine Dell who gave a very interesting and detailed talk on the Pilgrim Route which covers 500 miles across Northern Spain. There are two routes across the Pyrenees from France which pilgrims from as far north as Sweden take to Santiago de Compostela and the shrine of St James (Sant Lago) who was one of the Twelve Apostles. The cathedral stands on the shrine of St James.

For over a thousand years pilgrims have visited the shrine, stopping on their journey at other shrines and resting at pilgrim hospices on the route. There was a revival of the pilgrimage in the 1980s and there are associations, guides and advice available for anyone who may wish to take the pilgrim route.

There are many good reasons to join the WI. We enjoy a wide variety of interests and outings, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the campaigns supported by the WI, to learn new skills or improve existing skills or just to come along to the meetings for companionship and interesting speakers. You can come to three meetings as a visitor to see what goes on before deciding if you would like to join. All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed.

We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August) at the village hall. The next meeting is on March 21. Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.

Sandra Howard and Margaret Briggs

BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB We began the New Year with a return visit by Moira Usher who presented a very informative illustrated talk on her holiday to Cambodia. At our second meeting in January we had a session of chair aerobics followed by our Annual General Meeting when annual reports are filed by both the treasurer and the secretary. It was agreed that the annual subscriptions should remain at £5 and thanks were extended to all the helpers at the meetings and also the members for their ongoing support. The club presented gift vouchers to the treasurer, Veronica Howe, and the secretary, Margaret Blackmore, in appreciation for all their hard work during the year.

In February, Tom Tyler presented an amusing talk entitled When Motoring was Fun that members thoroughly enjoyed. Later in the month we welcomed back Catherine Dell whose illustrated talk entitled Cider with Rosie – The Sequel was a follow up to her talk when she visited us back in 2016.

The dates for our March meetings are March 7 when the Bass Hicks will be entertaining us, followed by March 21 with our two monthly sessions of chair aerobics, cards and Scrabble. Both start at 2pm in Bentley Village Hall.

If you would like a copy of our programme please contact me.

Margaret Blackmore, 01473 310655

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the first Monday each month (except on Bank Holidays when it’s the following Monday) in Wherstead Village Hall, 7.30-10pm.

Details from: 01473 414746/422145

Monday, March 6: Felt Tissue Holder with Jill Monday, April 3: Flower Brooch with Debbie Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

www.idhts.co.uk

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

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Presents

a Klezmer Ceilidh with live music from Tanz

Saturday 11th March 2017 7:30 to 11pm Copdock Village Hall Old London Road, Copdock. IP8 3JN Fancy a Freylechs?

Think you can handle a hora?

Then take a trip from East Anglia to Eastern Europe at a Klezmer Ceilidh. Learn some classic dances from a rich tradition based on Jewish wedding celebrations.

Dances will be taught by Jon Hooton, with music from Tanz, a Norwich-based Klezmer trio with Helen Boreham on accordion and clarinet, Fran Broady on fiddles and vocals and Louisa Young on clarinet and vocals.

Bring you own refreshments and enjoy a great evening of dancing with live music.

Price £8 per person on the door (£7 if pre-paid) Open to all aged 16 and above Spaces are limited so best advised to book

For Booking & Pre-payment before Friday 3rd Mar 2017 email: janet@fundancing.co.uk call / text: 07506 350 455 FolkEast 2016 - Klezmer Workshop

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OUT & ABOUT CAMEO

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB On Wednesday, February 1, Peter Gant presented a talk entitled 100 Years of Postcards and on February 15 Dudley Chignell presented The Four Seasons in East Anglia. Both meetings were much enjoyed by our members.

On Wednesday, March 1, Joyce Kimber presents Ciphers & Enigma and the Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 15 when club president Hew Naylor will stand down after his year in office.

On April 5 Julian Wong will talk about the good work undertaken by the charity Mary’s Meals.

February was a normal ‘chat and refreshments’ get-together – very enjoyable and relaxed. Several people played dominos and judging from the laughter the game included quite a bit of cheating and bending of rules. Others exchanged stories of Christmas gatherings and plans for 2017. Whatever the conversation, it was all done while enjoying homemade cake, locally filtered coffee and a range of teas.

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 very welcome at a charge of £1 – the setup 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 notice boards 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. It’s always good to know if somebody in the village has recommended the businesses whose cards and information we display.

We meet from 2.30-4.30pm at Belstead Village Hall, usually on the third Monday of the month (excluding July and August). The next meeting is on March 20. In April we have moved the meeting to Monday 24 to avoid Easter Monday.

Sandra Howard

DIABETES UK IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Please note a change of date and venue for our March meeting which will now be on Wednesday 15 in Tattingstone Church.

At our January meeting, Simon Gallup spoke about how Lavenham, Dedham and surrounding villages became very prosperous in Tudor times as a result of the woolen cloth industry in the area.

In February, Alicea Holmes spoke about her role as chaplain of Norwood Care Home (one of the Methodist Homes), catering mainly for the elderly who are unable to fend for themselves due to dementia. Methodist Homes are a not-for-profit organisation relying on volunteer carers and charitable donations to cover costs. After the meeting we decamped to a local hostelry where members enjoyed our annual pub lunch.

Future talks: Wolves, Dogs & Us (March); Easter Parade (April); The Building of Bury Tower (May).

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. 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.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

The next open meeting is on Thursday, March 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH at 7pm. The main speaker will be Caroline Sager, a HQ officer from Diabetes UK, and Martin from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, who is sponsoring the evening, will give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills.

This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee.

For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org ADVANCE NOTICE: Easter Fair at Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre on Sunday, April 2, 11am-3pm, with stalls, cakes, face painting, toys and much more.

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Join us at Highfield Road Centre (26 Highfield Road, Ipswich IP1 6DA) on alternative Tuesdays and Thursdays for entertainment (crafts, flower arranging, games, music and much more) and home cooked meals for a small charge.

Subsidised taxis to and from home can be arranged.

Contact: David 01473 677054 / Rosemary 01474 311049 New members very welcome.

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OUT & ABOUT EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK RAMBLERS

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

Our penultimate ramble of the winter season will take place on Sunday, March 12, setting off from the Church Room in The Street at 1.30pm. It is one of our favourite walks – across the beautiful meadows by the Spring Brook – and hopefully we will see lots of daffodils and wild flowers.

Everyone is welcome, especially new residents who wish to get to know the paths around the village and join our friendly crowd. For further information contact Tina on 730162.

On March 21 Paul Forecast, the new regional director for the East of England National Trust, will be setting out his plans for the next 10 years and, in particular, how the trust will play a more active role in saving nature. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. On April 25 Horry Parsons will be talking about the construction of the Millennium Tower at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, featuring the installation of the vaulted ceiling. Horry is a very entertaining speaker, as many will remember, and this should be another interesting talk.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, February 8 Prof John Midwinter FRAE, FRS, formerly of BT and UCL, presented a talk entitled The Truth about Climate Change.

His lecture explored evidence that we are changing the climate of our planet, probably irreversibly, and this was linked to a discussion of what this probably portends and why we should be very concerned.

On Wednesday, March 8 Mark Mitchels will speak on The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial. This will be an illustrated lecture that attempts to re-create the moment. It will tell the story of the excavation and when a remarkable people sent their leader on his final voyage.

On Wednesday, April 12 Amanda Richmond will present Two Teachers Ascent of Everest. Amanda is a teacher, mountaineer skier, traveller and bell ringer and will tell of the six years spent in preparation and the hardships involved in tackling this formidable ascent.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full 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 and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. 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, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

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

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

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BENTLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY On Wednesday, February 8 the society organised a coach outing to Walsingham in Norfolk to see the display of snowdrops which normally come into flower at Candlemas (February 2) and continue into early March. It is thought that they were originally introduced into this country by the Romans and became popular by the 17th century.

There are many different varieties and Walsingham Abbey has instigated a programme to introduce some of the rarer varieties into the 18 acres of grounds. Our party was well wrapped up to counter the seasonally cold weather and it was a very enjoyable day.

The next horticultural meeting will take place on Friday, March 17 at 7.30pm in Bentley Village Hall. Sonya Burrows will present a talk entitled Planning your Summer Garden.

CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB On January 20 we held our annual lunch at Hintlesham Golf Club. We had a lovely meal followed by a raffle and exchange of Christmas related gifts.

On March 23 we will be holding our spring show in the library, which will be open to the public from 8.15pm when judging has finished. If any member requires a schedule, please contact me.

Please come and look around; it may inspire you to join the garden club.

And refreshments will be available!

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

Edwina Cox, chairman: 01473 311121

BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB By popular request, Bob Booker from Ladybird Nursery in Snape came along for a second time to help us ‘blow away the winter blues’ by focusing on how we can achieve success with cucumbers, aubergines and peppers this coming summer. Not many of us try growing these crops, but we are all ready to try our luck this year, especially as we now know all the secrets.

Our next meeting on Wednesday, March 15, will see Ken Abel coming along to give a talk about getting the best from pelargoniums, a flower most of us enjoy for continued flowering throughout the summer.

Why not come along to one of our meetings which are held in Belstead Village Hall at 7.30pm on the third Wednesday of each month? It is a friendly club where you would be made very welcome.

Contact: Eileen, 01473 730498

In Touch online:

February 2017 has been a very busy month in politics with the House of Commons debating and voting on Article 50. Despite this, my focus has remained firmly in South Suffolk and I am pleased to say that we have had two major developments involving transport in the constituency.

Firstly, I am delighted to say that John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Transport, has agreed to visit the constituency to see the long-standing safety issues on the South Suffolk A12 junctions. Despite the accident rate being relatively low, I believe that the junctions at East Bergholt/ Holton St Mary are some of the worst in the country; the run ups are very short and visibility is extremely poor. Many constituents have raised the matter as a major area of concern so I am pleased that I will be able to make a case of the necessary structural improvements in person and on site.

Secondly, we had the fantastic news that the long-decaying Brantham industrial site will be regenerated with a £70m Japanese funded inward investment boost from Abellio, our regional train operator. A brand new 13 siding, 22 acre rail maintenance depot will be constructed on the site to support the brand new fleet of rolling stock that Abellio have promised to deliver as part of their new franchise.

I quite understand why many people in Brantham were opposed to Babergh’s plans for the industrial site, and the most common negative view expressed to me was scepticism that any decent companies would occupy the new employment land, once remediated. And many thought the roads would suffer if they did.

Yet we have confirmation of a high quality new occupant, committed for the long-term creating quality jobs and apprenticeships, with most traffic after construction coming via the railway. We should be proud that the single largest inward investment project in Babergh’s history is happening in Brantham and contributing to the broader transformation of our region’s economy. www.jamescartlidge.com

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL An evening with psychic medium Ryan Gooding We still have tickets available for this event on Wednesday, March 22. It starts at 7.30pm at Claydon & Barham Community Centre. Tickets can be purchase from Claydon Pre-school, the community centre or by calling/ texting: 07856 845163 We will once again be running our Easter Holiday Club on Tuesdays, April 4 and 11 and Wednesdays, April 5 and 12 from 9am to 3.30pm for pre-school aged children. It’s £20 for a full day (bring a packed lunch) and £12 for either a morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (12.303.30pm) session. For more details or to book spaces please contact the administrator – details below.

Don’t forget to get your applications in now for places in September 2017.

From the summer term the pre-school will be open Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm during term time. Children can start from the age of two until they go to reception. Fees are £3.20 per hour and we offer a lunch club (12-12.30pm) 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 pre-school aged children.

For 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

ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears We had a busy month celebrating Chinese New Year and tried many new foods. The Baby Bears also created ‘love bugs’ to hang in our room and have been busy cooking biscuits to take home and share with their families. By allowing the Baby Bears the opportunity to get involved with food preparation at a young age we hope to encourage turn taking, sharing and an enjoyment of working together.

Toddling Tigers We have been learning about our emotions and looking at our expressions in the mirror. We have also created a new birthday board so we can celebrate our birthdays and look at our smiling, happy faces. Our role play area has been extended and we have been on many picnics and tea parties both inside and out. We have celebrated Valentine’s Day by making heart shaped pizzas and cows and we have even visited the library and brought back a selection of books to enjoy during our group times.

Gruffalos The children became fantastic ornithologists for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, excitedly telling us that they had just seen a bird in the garden and beginning to correctly identify and name them. They loved hiding in the garden with binoculars, waiting to see the birds. Some children created their own bird feeding stations and we made fat balls for the birds to eat.

We followed this with a big Chinese New Year celebration. The children particularly enjoyed tasting different Chinese foods at each snack time.

They made Chinese dragons and created wonderful dragon dances. We also tried to do Chinese writing, made lanterns and fans and explored the tradition of money envelopes.

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

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SCHOOLS / SPORT COPDOCK & BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOLS

As spring approaches we turn our attention to getting outdoors. The pupils have begun taking part in Forest Schools activities and the number of sporting events and tournaments is constantly increasing. We are looking forward to some tag rugby, cross country and maybe even some cricket.

Just before half term, the children were excited to be involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Some of them made fat balls to encourage the birds into our grounds so that we could get a closer look at them.

Everyone has taken a keen interest in trying to identify the different varieties.

The Change4Life festival saw 12 of the federation’s pupils given the opportunity to participate in a bowling event to celebrate the effort and learning that they had put in during the previous term. An enjoyable time was had by all.

As part of Science Week, KS1 will be visiting the synagogue and science museum in Colchester. Squirrels and Wolves classes have already been practising being scientists with several experiments involving rocks, liquids, flames, oranges, balls and erupting volcanos.

E-Safety has been a focus this term. Pupils have explored the advantages and the dangers of social networking. Some pupils have been creating their own emojis. Digital Parenting magazines (available from the school) contain useful information about staying safe online and reinforce some of the children’s learning.

The schools are collecting Sainsbury’s vouchers to help fund sports and cooking equipment. If you are wondering what to do with any you receive, please pop them in our postbox or send them into the office.

Please encourage friends and relatives to share their vouchers with the schools too. Thank you.

BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB

A look at the league results will tell you that we did exactly the same as every other club this season; we lost 10-0 at Barking. What the results do not show is that we lost two games by one shot, one game by two shots and the fourth game by six shots so the result could and probably should have been very different.

The next match was at Bealings and we inflicted their first home defeat of the season by 7-3, a big improvement all round. The question then was whether this could be sustained as the pattern seems to be up one week and down the next. The short answer was no as we then went to Stutton who were bottom of the league and lost 6-4. In all four games we got away to steady starts, but our opponents came back at us as we started to struggle so once again potential point were lost.

We have five home games left to try and finish in a respectable league position for the season.

BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS Annual club singles competition On Tuesday, January 31 Colin and Deirdre Rose organised our annual singles competition. They drew out our names and put us into four leagues and we each played two matches.

The winner of each league played in the semi final in which Colin Rose won against Peter Ratford on the last end and Margaret Blackmore won against Veronica Howe on the last end. Two very entertaining matches to watch.

The final between Colin and Margaret was then played and Margaret ran out winner for the fourth consecutive year. Congratulations Margaret from all the club members.

A big thank you to Colin and Deirdre for organising the matches and to all the members who helped set up of the hall and refreshments.

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SPORT COPDOCK & WASHBROOK BOWLS CLUB We would like to invite you to a free taster afternoon on Saturday, April 22 from 2.30pm.

Members will be available to help get you started and bowls will be provided. Please wear flat soled shoes. Refreshments will also be provided.

We are a village lawn bowls club. Our green is on the playing field complex, behind the village hall.

Please contact us to let us know if you can attend: 01473 730438 / c.pearsons@sky.com

BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB The start of the season is fast approaching. We shall be opening the green towards the end of April with our first game on Wednesday, May 3 away to Margaret Catchpole. We shall be playing in the first division of the Samford League and with the rearranging of teams in the Ipswich Triples League we shall be playing in division two.

A reminder that our quiz is in Bentley Village Hall on Saturday, May 6, starting at 7.30pm with teams of up to six which can be made up on the night if necessary. We shall have a raffle, bar and supper. The price of tickets will be announced shortly. We hope you can support us as this raises much needed funds to keep the green in good order.

Lillian Calvert, 01473 311756

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB A few seasons ago our club started a Veteran team for players over 35 who still fancied a game of football in their twilight years. Under the management of Archie Arnold the team won promotion four years running to reach the Premier Division of the Norfolk and Suffolk League.

With Stephen King now in charge, the team plays in Division One with their latest game being a 5-1 victory over Ipswich Valley Rangers which included a hat trick from Aaron Marsh.

Our Sunday morning side are mid-table in their league having lost 4-3 against The Features Public House with two goals from Kevin Long. This was followed by a 6-2 win against Claydon which included goals from Liam (livewire) Cole and Adam Moore.

Our Saturday Reserves have had a tough season and are currently bottom of the Reserve league. They lost 6-3 to Stowupland with Nick Tigges scoring a brace, then beat Stonham Aspal 2-0 thanks to goals from Adam Oleary and Harry Taylor. Twice this season they have been unable to raise a side and have been deducted points by the league.

The team are still looking for a manager so if interested please contact a club member.

Our Saturday First team beat Shotley 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Bob Coleman Cup, but lost 3-0 in the next round against AFC Kesgrave. The first game between the sides was abandoned after a Kesgrave player suffered a double leg break with our lads 2-0 in front with 10 minutes left to play so the game had to be replayed.

The team has suffered this season with players being unavailable due to working commitments, holidays and injuries and are fourth from bottom in the Senior Division. They did beat bottom club Ipswich Athletic 10-0 which included a Gary Collins hat trick, but lost 5-0 to leaders Henley Athletic and thanks to Adam Rawthorn also scoring a hat trick drew 3-3 with Ransome Sports. Home games in March see the team play Leiston St Margarets in the Senior Cup on March 11 and Grundisburgh a week later.

100 Club Winners December: 1 The Warren Family; 2 The Felton Family; 3 The Fair Family January: 1 Eric Blacksell; 2 Brian Marr; 3 The Percy Family Bob The Ploughman

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB January was a good month for the First team. They advanced through to the quarter finals of the Bob Coleman Cup with a comfortable win at Witnesham Wasps and then at Trimley Red Devils. A tough draw means a home game with Achilles awaits. In the league they registered one victory, one draw and one defeat. The draw came from a very good performance against Cranes, which would have brought them all three points had they been able to convert a stoppage time penalty.

The Reserves are still in third place in League A despite a surprise home defeat at the hands of Wenhaston Utd Res. They are also in the quarter finals of the Goals of Ipswich Cup as a result of a great win at second placed AFC Hoxne Res. The A Team’s fortunes are looking up. They progressed first to the quarter finals and then the semi finals of the Club Colours Cup and also recorded a much need victory against high flying Coplestonians A. An excellent darts night was won by Dave Pettman with Jamie McGrath runner-up.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st TEAM Senior Division Saturday, February 25: Bramford Utd (A) Saturday, March 4: Ransomes Sports (H) Saturday, March 18: Bramford Utd (H) Saturday, April 1: Westerfield Utd (H) RESERVES League A Saturday, February 25: Framlingham Town Res Goals of Ipswich Cup QF (H) Saturday, March 4: Achilles Res (A) Saturday, March 11: Mendlesham Res (H) Saturday, March 18: AFC Hoxne Res (A) Saturday, March 25: Framlingham Town Res (H) Saturday, April 1: Sporting ‘87 Res (A) A Team League B Saturday, March 4: Stowupland Falcons Res (A) Saturday, March 11: Haughley Utd Res (H) Saturday, March 25: Claydon Res (A) Saturday, April 1: Stonham Aspal Res (H) Fixtures are subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition to confirm: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether on the playing side or just in the background.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners and boards on match days are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

TATTINGSTONE CARPET BOWLS CLUB Sadly we are not doing very well in our league at the moment. We’ve had some very close games, but always seem to lose by the odd shot or two.

We always take it on the chin and walk away with smiles on our faces.

Surely our luck must change soon.

On Sunday, February 5 we held an in-house pairs competition. After four games each of nine ends we packed up the woods and made our way to Ipswich Hotel in Copdock for a well-earned lunch. This was well organised by and thanks to Pat Enefer.

On Sunday, March 5 we will be having an in-house competition, this time randomly picked pairs, and a singles competition on Sunday, April 2. The lunch venue for both dates is yet to be decided.

Tony Coward

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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713 863023 Some years ago when I was working for the World Bank in Russia I was invited to a working dinner by two Christians who worshipped in the Russian Orthodox Church. Just before I left my hotel I was advised that the meal would be ‘fast food’, which I thought rather strange, but nevertheless anticipated a relaxing evening. Dinner was indeed a small bowl of thin soup and an equally small bread roll plus a small glass of water! To my shame I had overlooked the fact that we were meeting during the season of Lent when Christians of the strict Russian Orthodox Church are required to fast.

Although I am writing this in the period of Epiphany, you will be reading it, I suspect, during the season of Lent. How is Lent to be observed on Shotley Peninsula? You will already have made your own decision to accept or reject the invitation, or perhaps even to ignore it. Whether the result is a negative give-up or a positive take-up it will, almost inevitably, involve a change in behaviour which will result from the exercise of discipline.

For many discipline is not a very comfortable word as it often conjures up thoughts of punishment. It need not be like that. It’s impossible to fully address a topic so complex it has been the subject of many full-length books and erudite studies here so let’s concentrate on two types of discipline. Firstly, the sort of discipline encouraged by strict hierarchical control (as in the Royal Navy, the Army and the Air Force), generally demanding instant unquestioning obedience.

Outside of these services there are other areas of life where externally imposed discipline is exercised by us all so regularly that we take our habitual behaviour for granted, such as driving on the left-hand side of the road and stopping at red lights. The reaction of an individual to any imposition will depend on its nature: was it stimulated by love or law, by desire or fear, by inclination or intellect? Driving on the left is demanded in law, but is intellectually accepted by us all. So why do we need to understand the differences? Does it matter? Well, yes it does.

It matters because the quality of our behaviour is largely a response to our exercise of discipline. Take away the external pressure and the wish, desire or need to change or adopt an acceptable form of behaviour can vanish following the withdrawal of the demand. Discipline exercised as a response to external imposition encourages a restricted form of behaviour: take away the imposition then there is nothing to respond to and personal confusion follows.

Secondly, there is that form of discipline we all exercise in varying intensity: self-motivation. Internally motivated, it’s not reliant on any external pressure and, in its most basic form, is little more than habit.

On the other hand, internally motivated self-discipline will influence acceptance or rejection of the rules and mores of society. Discipline exercised as a response to internal motivation can change and adapt

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without seeking approval of an external power. It is that strength of discipline that the Christian is attempting to achieve, seeking only the blessing of Christ. For the Christian the focus of Lent is on ‘discipline’, a word that has its roots firmly embedded in the Latin (disciplina=teaching) so, not surprisingly, from the same Latin root we take the word ‘disciple’ (disipulus=pupil). The Christian is the disciple (pupil) of Christ the teacher.

As our thinking has now taken us to consider teachers and pupils we should not finish without a quick reference to the word ‘discipline’ as used to describe an area of study. The pupil who exercises the internal personal discipline to study a subject benefits from an enormous freedom of action. The pupil who is sufficiently self-disciplined to practice long hours, days and months at the piano will be able to exercise freedom in an ability to play Grieg, Chopin or Shostakovich, whereas the pupil who only responds to external pressure is unlikely to get beyond the ability to play the chorus line. The express practice of Christian discipline during Lent provides us all with an opportunity to demonstrate strength of discipline stimulated not by law but love, not by fear, but desire. Therein lies freedom.

Christ the teacher evokes Christian discipline in those (pupils) who, in faith, follow his teaching.

Peter Green, Reader All services and events will be updated at: www.facebook.com/northsamfordbenefice From the Registers Baptisms Evelyn Tilly-Ann Last, Sproughton Funerals Kathleen May Bugg, Tattingstone Mary Ann Turner, Copdock Burial of Ashes Irene Evans, formerly from Washbrook Albert Collins, Tattingstone On Sunday, January 22 we had the sad news that Albert Collins, churchwarden and organist at Tattingstone, had died suddenly in his sleep. The benefice has been deeply affected. We are holding his family and friends in our prayers as they come to terms with their loss. We are left with many fond memories of him as a supportive and devoted member of our church. He handled every situation, however difficult, with calmness and patience and this was much appreciated.

He also had many roles within the community, from being the chair of the parish council and treasurer for several organisations to offering compassionate support through the good neighbour scheme in the village. He was known to the young people of Tattingstone School as part of the Open the Book team, where he played several parts including God, Abraham and Noah. He would arrive to take part in the assemblies ready to be dressed in some wonderful outfits which included headdress and sandals! An intimate, family cremation service was held. This is to be followed in the future by a thanksgiving service in Tattingstone Church.

The Rev Annette Shannon

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE DIARY DATES Women’s World Day of Prayer March 3, Burstall Church at 7pm MARCH 1

Ash Wednesday, 10am at Burstall and 7.30pm at Copdock Bentley Home Communions, 10am

2

Sproughton Approval and Adoption of Accounts Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

3

Women’s World Day of Prayer Burstall, 7pm

4

Copdock Morning Market, 10am

5

Bentley Adoption of Accounts

11

Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am

15

Tattingstone Adoption of Accounts Copdock Home Communions, 10am

18

Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm

20

Belstead Approval of Accounts

APRIL 1

Copdock Morning Market, 10am

3

Bentley APCM

4

Copdock Adoption of Accounts

5

Ministry Meeting, 7.30pm

Bentley Home Communions, 10am

6

Sproughton APCM Bentley Coffee & Company, 10 am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

8

Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am

11

Belstead APCM

12

Burstall Vestry Meeting

13

Maundy Thursday, Sproughton, 7.30pm

14

Good Friday, 9am Copdock and 11am Bentley, followed by lunch

19

Copdock Home Communions, 10am

22

Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm

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APCM Copdock

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APCM Tattingstone

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE MARCH 1 ASH WEDNESDAY 10am Burstall Benefice Service 7.30pm Copdock Benefice Service MARCH 5 8am Copdock Holy Communion 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Bentley Family Service 10am Copdock Morning Prayer 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion 11am Sproughton Holy Communion MARCH 12 9.30am Sproughton Croissant Church 9.30am Burstall Family Service 10am Copdock Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 6pm Tattingstone Evensong MARCH 19 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Copdock Simply Sunday 10am Bentley Morning Prayer 11am Sproughton Matins 3pm Tattingstone Holy Communion MARCH 26 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Sproughton Burstall Tattingstone Copdock Belstead Bentley Sproughton

Holy Communion Mothering Sunday Mothering Sunday Mothering Sunday Mothering Sunday Mothering Sunday Mothering Sunday

APRIL 2 8am Copdock Holy Communion 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Copdock Morning Prayer 10am Bentley Family Worship 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion 11am Sproughton Holy Communion APRIL 9 9.15am Sproughton Croissant Church 9.30am Burstall Family Service 10am Copdock Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 6pm Tattingstone Evensong

Please submit church letters and copy for the April edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by March 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

FOLLOW MY LEAD St Elizabeth Hospice has launched a brand new dog walking event, Follow my Lead, and they’re looking for four-legged friends to sign up.

A competition was held to find the furry face of this new event, and more than 100 pet photos were submitted. The final choice was decided by a public poll of the top six, and the winner was Oakley (pictured), a two and a half year old cocker spaniel.

The walk, taking place on March 12 at Alton Water, will cost each dog £10 and they can bring their human friends for free.

Oakley will start the walk at 10.30am on Sunday, March 12, followed by his canine companions, and dogs signed up will receive a doggy bag and Follow my Lead tag.

Nigel Donkin, Community and Volunteer Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We regularly have dogs popping into the hospice to see their owners so we thought it’s time we organised an event just for them!”

To sign up, contact: 01473 723600 / fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

For more information, visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/followmylead

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES Turn around when possible

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST

Have you ever missed your junction on a motorway and had to drive many unnecessary miles to get back on route? In my former life as a transportation engineer (before the days of Sat Nav and GPS systems) I remember a shocking statistic describing the number of miles we drive in the wrong direction. It was between 10 and 20 per cent of our journey.

Saturday 4

3.30pm

Messy Church

Sunday 5

10.30am

Worship with Mr Brian Ward

Sunday 12

10.30am

Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis

Sunday 19

10.30am

Worship with Rev Diane Smith

I suspect it may not have improved much with Sat Navs. How many times has it told you to turn around when possible? When we lived in Downham Market, people driving to our house would be told to take a short cut only to find concrete bollards blocking the narrow lane. How many times do we find ourselves going down the wrong pathway in our lives?

Selfishness, greed and pride can lead us to do things that hurt others.

Impure thoughts can get us dreaming of a wrong relationship. Arrogance that we’ve got it all sorted can lead us to make bad decisions. Personal ambition can lead us to override the feelings and ambitions of others and prejudices can lead us to judge others harshly.

Sometime we may hear a voice in our head telling us to turn around when possible. In a recent service I was challenged by this prayer: “For the sin that has made us quick to condemn those who sin differently from us… For the sin that has caused us to be quick to divide people into us and them, and seek the welfare of us and ours above them and theirs.”

I knew I was being told to turn around when possible. I knew this attitude was wrong.

March is a good time to reflect on our lives and ask: Are we going in the wrong direction? Do we need to turn around? ‘Repent’ is an old fashioned word we sometimes use. Although I made a decision to follow Christ many years ago, I still find myself going in the wrong direction at times and end up in a cul-de-sac.

Life is a journey, our destination is heaven but not all will get there. As I love maps for road travel, I also love the Bible. It is my road map for life; it gives me warnings and it shows me a wonderful way to live.

Sunday 26 10.30am Worship and Communion with Rev Sankey

6.30pm United Prayer at Capel Community Church AT HOLBROOK METHODIST What’s on in March (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Mondays, 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT) Conversations is an evening group meeting at the chapel to discuss puzzling questions.

Thursday 2 2pm

Saturday 4

Fellowship Meeting at 16 Ipswich Road, Holbrook

10-11.30am Coffee morning

Sunday 5 10am Worship and Communion with Rev Keeble

6.30pm Lent 1 Friday 10

9am Tiddlers / 10am Family Live (HCT)

Sunday 12

10am 6.30pm

Worship with Rev Sankey Lent 2 with Rev Sankey

Wednesday 15

10am-4pm 7.30pm

Knit-in at the Chapel Conversations

Thursday 16 2pm

Fellowship Meeting at 16 Ipswich Road, Holbrook

Sunday 19 10am

6.30pm

Family Friendly Worship with Mrs Holmes Lent 3

Friday 24

9am Tiddlers / 10am Family Live (HCT)

If you want to discuss turning around or need a Bible, please get in touch.

Sunday 26 Monday 27

10am 7.30pm

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events.

For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478

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Worship with Mrs Watsham Conversations

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SCHOOL CHOIRS’ CONCERT SATURDAY 25 MARCH, 7PM

Featuring the Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Concept vocal ensemble and the Holbrook Choral Society.

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