In Touch with Copdock - May 2016

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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook Volume 6 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2016

Blackthorn Blossom

by Martin Chambers

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In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Yesterday we had thunder, lightening, rain, hailstones… Today the most glorious spring day of the year so far. I think this is it! I can feel it in my bones. Summer is finally on the way. Time to get out the sun cream, to pack away the woolly jumpers and to open the doors and windows and let the fresh air in. At last!

It’s a busy, busy year with many extra events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in addition to annual fun days, galas, regattas, fairs and fetes. There isn’t a single weekend between now and the end of June when there isn’t at least one event every Saturday and Sunday and many more on Bank Holiday Mondays. I’m currently trying to organise a Star Wars birthday party for my six-year-old son and the kitchen table is covered in scrapped invitation cards (Jack was writing the names!), lists (food, games, shopping, goodie bags, decorations), recipes (Chewy Wookiee Cookies look particularly challenging!), and information about keeping rabbits! Don’t ask! This I have to do but those who plan, organise and promote local events often do so by choice and I can only imagine how much time and energy, never mind the blood, sweat and tears, they invest to bring it all together and pack it all away again.

I’m hoping at least 10 of Jack’s friends turn up, but at least I’ll know in advance and can plan accordingly. I may not need 16 inflatable lightsabers after all and I may be eating Obo-Wan Kabobies for a month, but I’m not sure I could cope with not knowing if anyone would turn up! Yet our valiant teams of local event organisers do it year after year, hoping the weather will play along, hoping their neighbours will roll up, hoping there will be a sufficient number of people to make all the effort worthwhile, hoping to raise a significant sum for the cause, whatever it may be.

Surely the least we can do is turn up. Make the effort this year and you may find new reasons to appreciate your local community.

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: copdock@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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01473 400379 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 . . .

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JUNE DEADLINE 10 MAY 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

NEWS BROOK INN CHARITY GOLF DAY

A record 43 golfers took part in this year’s Charity Golf Day held at Seckford Golf Club near Woodbridge. The weather started off with some light showers but the sun soon came out to make it an enjoyable day’s golf.

After the golf everyone enjoyed a two course meal followed by a draw and the presentation of prizes.

The trophy winners were the Keith Armes team with 79 points.

Runners up were the Kevin Bayes team with 78 points OCB. Nearest the Pin was won by Steve Peck.

Longest Drive for men was won by Lea Friston.

Ladies best Stableford score was won by Jane Burl with 27 points.

The day was enjoyed by all and a satisfying profit of £683 was realised for the Copdock with Washbrook Church Heritage Trust.

The feedback from all the competitors suggests we should hold it again next year.

THE BROOK INN BREAKS TRADITION WITH MONDAY OPENING Landlord Dave Clarke said a growing number of customers wanted to dine at the community-owned pub on Monday evenings so the time was right to open the doors.

He said: “We’ve listened to customers and drawn up a special Monday Madness menu which we hope will be as popular as our regular menu and specials board. It’s now more than 18 months since the pub was bought in the community buyout and we seem to be as popular as ever, especially with gluten free customers.”

As well as Monday night opening, the pub will be staging an Oriental Evening on May 19 and the monthly quiz has been moved from Sunday to Wednesday nights with the next one on May 4.

The Brook Inn is still the only independently-owned pub in Suffolk to be accredited by Coeliac UK, with 90% of its food gluten free. Staff and cooking procedures had to undergo stringent testing from the GF support and campaign group which offers help and advice to coeliacs who are thought to number 1% of the UK population.

Dave added: “Spring is a lovely time of year in Suffolk and there are plenty of good walks around Copdock and Washbrook. What better way to start or finish a walk than to visit the Brook Inn for a drink and some home-cooked food?”

REMINDER! Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council would like to remind all residents to fill in the survey they have received regarding development in the village area.

Your comments do matter!

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NEWS COULD YOU HELP OUR SCHOOLS? Could you spend a little time sharing your experience and skills to help support our local successful primary schools?

Education has always faced changes, never more so than at the present time of financial austerity with a new National Curriculum, new assessment strategies and plans to convert all schools to academies by 2020.

SPROUGHTON PRIMARY SCHOOL SET TO PACK A MIGHTY PUNCH Sproughton Primary School, one of the smallest schools in Suffolk with just 105 pupils, is set to pack a mighty punch, slip, slide and other fun and raise some much need funds this summer at the first annual Sproughton Family Knockout – and they need you!

To help schools manage these changes, while maintaining good and outstanding teaching and learning for all our children, voluntary school governors work alongside the management teams in schools to provide strategic leadership, ensuring accountability through evaluation and maintaining financial probity by setting and monitoring the budget annually.

To achieve this, our teams of governors need a wide range of skills and experience from public life including management, finance, business, public service, IT, marketing, communication and many more.

Most people have new skills to broaden the experience in a team of governors. All governors want to help our schools provide the very best opportunities for all our children so that they can grow into confident individuals, successful learners and responsible citizens.

Training is available in how to start being a governor and on relevant aspects of education. Governors would normally expect to attend two governing body meetings over a term and to take part in an aspect of monitoring our schools.

We should welcome new governors to our team and if you would like to find out more, please contact our schools.

The fun and frolics will take place on Saturday, July 2, 10am-4pm, at Jimmy’s Farm and local businesses, friends and families are invited to enter a team or simply come along and watch the hilarity as the charity teams pit their agility and wits against their peers as they are pushed to their absolute limits. Giant inflatable courses, water and full-on games warfare, the event is all in the name of some jolly good fun and all for a worthy, local cause.

Paul Baker, chair of Sproughton School Association, said: “We are really excited about the It’s a Knock Out event and are looking for teams to compete and join in the fun. The event is to raise much needed funds to replace the playground equipment at Sproughton Primary School and simply by entering you will help the school and have a great laugh!”

There will be free entry for families to come and watch the tournament, visit the market stalls, enjoy the children’s entertainment, take up the sport and health opportunities on offer and to savour some of the most spectacular summer activities seen in the area, sponsored by First Strokes Swim Schools. An event simply too good to miss!

To learn more about booking a charity team to compete for your chance to win great prizes please visit: www.pta-events.co.uk/sproughton

Bentley CEVC Primary School 01473 310253 / admin@bentley.suffolk.sch.uk Copdock Community Primary School 01473 730337 / admin@copdock.suffolk.sch.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

Dennis Kell Chair of Governors Partnership of Bentley and Copdock Primary Schools

REFERENDUM DEBATE 7.30pm on Thursday, May 26 at Harkstead Village Hall We will be staging another one of our popular hustings, this time to give everyone the chance to listen to the pros and cons of Britain remaining in the European Economic Community. We will have a panel of politicians and other experts, including MP Ben Gummer, to answer your questions.

This is probably the most important decision that British people have had to make since the referendum of 1975, when we chose to stay in the Common Market, as we then knew it.

Come along and make your views known!

For details contact Kester Clarke: 01473 780564

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE There is still time to enter for the Midnight Walk being run by the hospice in Ipswich on Saturday, May 7.

Anyone interested please contact 01473 707043. The walk leaves Ipswich Town football ground at 10pm and routes are five or 10 miles.

Thank you to all those who have kindly donated items for the hospice tombola at Capel Funday on June 4. If you wish to donate items please take them to 86 The Street on Saturday mornings between 9.30 and 11.30am.

Linda Morrison, Hospice Rep for Capel St Mary

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SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 Here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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NEWS THE COPWASH EYE EASTER AT ST PETER’S CHURCH, COPDOCK

CELEBRATING THE QUEEN’S 90th BIRTHDAY

As usual the church was most beautifully decorated by the talented army of flower arrangers. Each window had its own arrangement as well as the lilies on the altar.

The Easter Candle was particularly attractive this year.

Old photographs and stories of events in the village over the past 90 years are still needed for the display at the Street Party. Don’t forget wedding groups!

The Easter Sunday morning service was very well attended. In the old days this would have meant a hefty increase in the rector’s stipend – the Easter Offering – but alas for him/her no more. In times past it was part of his (always his in those days) income. As such it had to be declared to the Inland Revenue so many wealthy worshippers, hoping to help him, used to slip the money in an envelope through the Rectory door. It was then up to the rector and his conscience whether the money was added to the declared ‘Easter Offering’! Now it all goes into the general fund. It seems a suitable time to be remembering this old custom!

01473 730431 / jmkj.copwash@gmail.com / Leaside, Mill Lane IP8 3HU

Please contact Jennifer Jones ASAP as the display will be prepared in May for the day in early June:

PROGRESS AT THE WILLOWS For those of you who aren’t able to pass by slowly enough to note the changes!

ThEPAVILION ThEPAVILION AT AT COPDOCk COPDOCk

PROJECT ETERNITY UPDATE

Phase Phase11Jan Jan2016: 2016:Inspiring Inspiringmore morepeople peopletotoplay playmore moresport sport

Copdock and Washbrook Playing Field, Old London Road, Copdock IP8 3JN BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER

Kingspan 40 solar tube panels

Pitch facing elevation to South West

Entrance elevation to North West Materials: Walls: Dark stained timber boarding to match Roof: Pantiles to match Gutters: Black uPVC to match Fascia: Dark stained timber to match Frames: Woodgrain effect uPVC Rev. A: Solar tubes added Rev. B: Entrance doors moved Rev. C: Clubroom openings amended

Side elevation to South East Ian Smillie Architectural Services 75 Camden Road, Ipswich IP3 8JN

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telephone 01473 714209 Do not scale from this drawing - If in doubt ASK

Scale bar 1:100 @ A3

drying area

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As proposed elevations Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich, Suffolk For COPDOCK and WASHBROOK PLAYING FIELD CHARITY Scale 1:100 @ A3 drg. number 2013018/32 Rev. C

showers

away changing

home changing

wc.

umpire

garage dis.wc.

drying area

part M. fit out

boiler + utilities

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lobby

ladies

gents

store

showers

cold store

lobby

store

bar

club room 94m²

piers removed subject to structural engineers design

After three years of consultation, fundraising and discussions, the first phase of the long-awaited and vital upgrade to the pavilion has been completed. The before and after pictures show the massive difference in the facilities that has been achieved and also highlight the change that could and needs to happen in the social space to match the revamped changing areas.

Thus we are in the early stages of phase 2 of the redevelopment. The provisional plans are presented here and more details and images can be found at http://tinyurl.com/zlg53eg or through the cricket club website: www.copdockcc.hitscricket.com

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indicates phase two works

servery

Thanks Thanks to the to the following following who who made made it financially it financially possible: possible: England England andand Wales Wales Cricket Cricket Board, Board, Babergh Babergh District District Council, Council, Copdock Copdock andand OI OI Cricket Cricket Club Club

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kitchen 14m²

possible servery window for spectators

Rev. A: Plan updated generally Rev. B: Clubroom openings amended Ian Smillie Architectural Services 75 Camden Road, Ipswich IP3 8JN telephone 01473 714209 Do not scale from this drawing - If in doubt ASK

As proposed floor plan - Phase Two Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich, Suffolk For COPDOCK and WASHBROOK PLAYING FIELD CHARITY Scale 1:100 @ A3 drg. number 2013018/35 Rev. B

The website also gives ways of donating to the project via the cricket club, but if you would like to donate through the charity please contact me at: simbis@sky.com / 07717 704550 Simon Bissett Chair PFMC and Project Eternity sponsor

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837

364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445 310 Nacton Road Ipswich 01473 860040 247a Hawthorn Drive Chantry, Ipswich 01473 602414 Kingsbury & Saunders 61 George Street Hadleigh 01473 823117

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

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

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD District Councillor John Hinton

The last month has been one of disappointment for many. For the people of East Bergholt the approval against Babergh’s existing planning policies, as well as national ones, was, in my and others opinion, just the start of a battle to see local opinion respected. We often hear of localism and of “all being in it together”, but at times like this it is difficult to reconcile the rhetoric with the facts.

There are now some 500+ homes approved in Babergh so far this year with another 300+ in the immediate pipeline. That is on top of the over 1,000 permissions already granted but as yet not started. Do we need all these houses? Last year employment in Babergh actually fell and income from business rates is flat. The Core Strategy as well as the Strategic Objectives of the council talk of “the right homes in the right areas with the right jobs”. Need I say more?

Devolution rumbles on with the Chancellors Budget announcing the grand East Region Devolution Bid being approved. Since then Cambridge City and Cambridge County have both voted against the proposals and soon Suffolk Councillors will be told what is involved, assuming the proposal is still valid! A lot of time and effort with so far little to show for it.

We now have elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner followed by the EU Referendum. Hopefully facts on both subjects will help people make up their minds.

Some funding has been approved for road maintenance, not enough but it never is, and Suffolk has been highlighted as a growing area for IT industries. Just what we need as for too long we have relied on low skill, low paid jobs and then watched our house prices rise and our qualified young people move away to find work. Skills we can develop, but we must encourage the high skilled jobs to go with them.

Babergh has its annual council meeting in April with the committees and lead roles agreed. It will be interesting to see what direction that takes us in as the past year has been marked, in my opinion, by a lot of running on the spot. Decide on Europe, sort out the PCC positions and then we can concentrate on what is right for the UK, Suffolk, Babergh and, of course, Dodnash Ward.

Councillor John Hinton

East Bergholt High School Association Registered Charity no. 1017476

CAR BOOT SALE Sunday, May 22

In the grounds of the high school 9.30am-noon Admission 50p – free car parking

PITCHES In advance: cars £5, cars with trailers £7, domestic vans £10 On the day: cars £6, cars with trailers £8, domestic vans £11

NO TRADERS Gates open 8.30am for sellers, 9.30am for buyers To book please phone: 01206 298122

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK PARISH COUNCIL REMINDER! We would like to remind all residents to fill in the survey they have received regarding development in the village area. Your comments do matter!

The parish council met on Tuesday, April 5 at the Church Room, Washbrook. The minutes from the March meeting were approved and can be seen on the village website.

Reports were given by County Councillor Dave Busby and District Councillors Nick Ridley and Barry Gasper. The police no longer attend parish meetings due to restructuring.

County Councillor Dave Busby reported that work on the street lights on Old London Road is now being completed which will result in a reduction of lighting. However, junctions will still be lit. Racing cars have been reported on Old London Road. County Councillor Busby also asked Suffolk County Council to clear the drain at the bottom of The Street with the junction of Chapel Lane and commented on the importance of continuing the village plans.

District Councillor Ridley reported that a planning application for houses in East Bergholt had caused a fair amount of excitement and the council is waiting to see if the Secretary of State will be called in. Babergh Annual Meeting will take place shortly, posts are still to be agreed.

District Councillor Barry Gasper says he is disappointed Neighbourhood Plans are being disregarded.

Several planning applications were discussed with concern from residents over a listed property.

Payments were raised and approved.

Community Led Development Plan Thanks were given to parish councillors Tina Sutters, who hand delivered surveys to every house in the village, and Terry Corner for his work in getting the survey to print.

Chairman Keith Armes Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council

I would like to reply to Mr Peters’ Letter to the Editor – April 2016 regarding low cost housing in Copdock and Washbrook.

It has not been suggested that our villages be considered for more low cost housing. To say that the extension to the Marvens was not wanted is completely inaccurate. Back in 2005 the village survey indicated that we needed more homes to enable youngsters to remain in the village. The parish council contacted Babergh District Council and they carried out a Housing Needs Survey. This showed that there was a demand for more low cost housing in the village.

After protracted negotiations, land was purchased by a housing association next to the existing Marvens site. When the houses were built they were immediately let to local people, including children of existing Marvens tenants.

To say that the village has few amenities is correct as these are to be found in Capel St Mary, five minutes away by car and at Tesco a 15 minute walk away. We also have a regular bus service to Ipswich, Capel St Mary and Colchester. There is still a thriving pub which was purchased by selling shares to 120+ villagers. The school is very successful and is constantly being expanded to meet local needs.

The comment regarding the sale of houses in the village is misleading as houses which are marketed at the correct price are not difficult to sell, according to local estate agents, as the convenience of the A12/A14 and proximity to Ipswich make highly attractive selling points.

Copdock and Washbrook are great villages in which to live with residents who care for their community.

Keith Armes Chairman, Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council

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NEWS HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Thursday, May 19 and Wednesday, June 22 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.

These dates are subject to change at short notice due to junior doctors strike action.

Goodbye and Welcome Karen Irwin has been a nurse at the practice for more than 12 years, but having agreed to extend her hours at Ravenswood Surgery she will be leaving us on April 22. We wish her the very best of luck for the future.

Our new nurse, Mary Brown, will be starting on April 18 and we look forward to welcoming her to the team.

Dementia Fidget Quilts The first batch of quilts is now ready to send to Ipswich Hospital and they look beautiful. We will continue to collect these and have a small supply of wool and buttons, zips and accessories to add to quilts if anyone needs them. Please ask at Holbrook reception.

Sponsored Walks Mr Colin Redmonds is kindly undertaking the Orwell Walk on June 26 at the age of 83. He will be walking 25 miles to raise money for our surgery fund, which we use to buy equipment to benefit our patients. This has recently funded new chairs for the nurses’ rooms, two pulse oximeters and an ECG machine totalling over £2,000. Two of our staff are also taking part in the Midnight Walk for St Elizabeth Hospice on May 7. If you would like to sponsor either of these events, please complete a sponsorship form at Holbrook or Shotley surgeries.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Route 15 MIP/15A MIP/15B MIP/15C MIP/15D MIP/15E MIP/15F MIP/15G

Town/village Washbrook Washbrook Washbrook Burstall Elmsett Whatfield Hintlesham

Location Pearson’s Way Brook Inn Car Park Fenn View Telephone Kiosk Rose and Crown Wheatfields Timperleys

Time 9.50-10.40 10.45-11.15 11.20-11.40 11.50-12.15 12.40-13.05 14.05-14.50 15.05-16.00

2016 DATES: May 25, June 22, July 20, August 17, September 14, October 12, November 8, December 7

PENINSULAR PIX HITS HIGHEST ATTENDANCE EVER When Pen Pix screened Lady in the Van in April it was attended by 120 people! This is our highest attendance ever for one film in our ten-anda-half year history. Thank you everybody who came along and had a truly enjoyable night.

We are also very proud to announce our forthcoming season of Shakespeare films, kicking off with the critically acclaimed 2015 production of Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender. The season, under the banner of Bardy Pix, is part funded by the British Film Institute and starts on May 20 with a more relaxed style than our regular Pen Pix screenings. Tattingstone Village Hall will be laid out café style and you can bring your own drinks. Wine will also be on sale. Entry is £3; check out our website for more details.

May’s film is Bridge of Spies for which Mark Rylance won his Oscar for best supporting actor. Steven Spielberg directs this fascinating Cold War tale about the tense situation that develops when an American spy plane is shot down over Russia and a Soviet spy is in a US prison. Enter lawyer James B Donovan, played by Tom Hanks, who had successfully stopped the Russian spy Rudolph Abel (Mark Rylance) from being executed. He is now tasked with negotiating with the Russians for the release of the spy plane pilot Gary Powers, using Abel as their bargaining chip, a task not helped by the political machinations taking place on both sides of the Iron Curtain. Bridge of Spies is a tense thriller not to be missed.

Due to the very welcome high attendance we are now experiencing it is advisable to get tickets for Bridge of Spies in advance from our usual outlets. We apologise to those who came along to Lady in the Van and couldn’t get in as they didn’t have tickets.

Bridge of Spies shows on Fridaay, May 6 (due to the Police Commissioner Elections) in Tattingstone Village Hall, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 in advance from our usual outlets – The Wheatsheaf, Stutton Community Shop, Lloyd (326882) or Ben (327258) – or £4.50 on the door if you want to take a chance.

Ben Connor www.peninsularpix.co.uk

Bardypix

TEA & COMPANY Monday, May 16 at Wenham View, Dove Close

The Penpix film team are pleased to announce the first of our Shakespeare Season films "#$#%

Macbeth

SHAKESPEARE ON FILM Michael BFI Fassbender and Marion Cotillard are a dream-team LOGO LOCK-UP VERSIONS - Peter Bradshaw Shakespeare in the wild, ... visual poetry - Mark Kermode.

Please find below all the available versions of the Fassbender was born this - Robbie Collin Shakespeare on Filmfor lock-up.

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

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Tattingstone Village Hall Friday, May 20th, 8.00pm £3.00 on the door Bring your own refreshments.

Also wine for sale COLOUR 1 POSITIVE LOCK-UP BFI presents Shakespeare on Film

COLOUR 1 NEGATIVE LOCK-UP BFI presents Shakespeare on Film

MONO NEGATIVE LOCK-UP BFI presents Shakespeare on Film

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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EAST BERGHOLT SPORTS CENTRE Heath Road, East Bergholt CO7 6RJ. www.eastbergholtsportscentre.co.uk 01206 299340 Your local Sport and Leisure Centre

Half Term Activities for Children

Chelsea Football Foundation

Increasing Football skills, confidence and having fun on Wed 1 June for young people aged 5 – 13 years – in the hall or on the Astro, depending on age, contact Sean Hillier for details of booking and payment 07720 975201 or email sean.hillier@chelseafc.com.

Flexible Holiday Programme 9am – 5pm

We will be running activities from 9am – 5pm on Tuesday 31 May, Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June where children can stay all day for £15, half a day £8 or £3.50 per hour or 2 hours for £5. Activities include Rounders, Treasure Hunt, Roller Skating, Dodgeball, Hand Ball, Fitness Studio session, Table Tennis, Badminton, Short Tennis, Nerf Wars, Assault Course building and more. See our website or pick up a leaflet for details.

Open all day during Half Term from 7am – 10pm Tue 31 – Fri 2 May for fitness, court & 3G hire

Fitness studio -­‐ Sports halls -­‐ Exercise classes -­‐ Astro turf -­‐ Parties.

The best value Fitness Membership for families – Get Fit for life.

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OUT & ABOUT NEWS FROM CAPEL LIBRARY

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY

The days and nights are elongating with the prospect of sitting out in warmer sunshine to read books, accompanied by a nice cup of tea or maybe a glass of rosé. What will be on your wish list? Many people have just discovered the Cormoran Strike crime books by Robert Galbraith (aka J K Rowling) and are enjoying the style of writing. Our library book group have recently read H for Hawk by Helen Macdonald, The Son by Jo Nesbo and Us by David Nicholls, each of which generated a good level of discussion about the merits and dislikes. The group meets in the library at 2.30pm on Friday, May 20 to talk about their latest read. Do come along and join in – new members are very welcome.

March was quite a busy month for the friends. At the end of March we welcomed Andrew Bailey who gave us a visually stunning presentation of both landscape and wildlife. He also let us into some of the ways in which one ‘persuades’ the wildlife to come into camera view. We were really pleased to have nearly 30 people attend, and the comments afterwards were very positive. We helped with the teas for the library screening of Billy Elliot the day after.

Baby Bounce continues meeting every Tuesday, including half term, at 2pm for action songs and shaking instruments and is open to all under 5s and their parents/carers. There is no charge for this activity.

We are currently without a chairman and are one trustee short, so if anyone out there feels that they would like to help the friends to support and maintain our library services in this financially strapped time, please let Jackie know.

Talking of which, a great big thank you to Katherine and Ali who ran the Colchester Half Marathon being sponsored for the friends. The photo shows they had a great time and have probably raised enough money for our project to offer iPads for loan. We are truly grateful to them and it was good that they came and shared their experience with us. It takes a lot of hard slog and determination to complete a half marathon.

Our next showing in the Creative Arts East programme is Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake on Thursday, May 26. Doors open at 1.30pm with the showing starting at 1.45pm. Tickets cost £8 each and include refreshments. We look forward to seeing you.

Storytime for the Queen We will be holding storytime and craft sessions entitled The Queen’s Knickers on Friday, May 10 at 4pm and Saturday 11 at 12.30pm. The sessions are open to all children. To help us with the craft activity we are looking for donations of any unwanted lace or fabric.

Message from Katharine and Ali who completed the Colchester Half Marathon It was a perfect day to do a run; the weather was cool but the sun was out. There was a wonderful camaraderie with friendly smiles and encouragement. This was the most nerve wracking experience of our lives, but as we had raised money for the Friends of Capel library there was no backing out. The run was hard, it was the longest distance we had ever run but we did it. We ran 13.1 miles and in doing so we have raised more than over £600. Thank you so much for all the sponsorship, support and encouragement.

Jurassic Encounters Thirty-five children over two sessions partook in this activity on Friday, April 8. The children were able to hold/stroke several different animals ranging from a meerkat called Dink to a snake, a ferret and a tortoise. The children were very well behaved and had a wonderful time. Some comments received were: “I loved holding the snake”; “I liked the skunk and the snake and learnt the chameleon has cells that reflect the light to show different colours”; “Fantastic afternoon”; “I loved the soft animals, especially the meerkat and the skunk”.

The children also learnt about conservation and re-homing of abandoned animals. We must thank the East of England Co-operative society who very kindly donated the refreshments enjoyed by the children and supporting adults.

OPENING TIMES

Thanks also to the Co-op for providing the refreshments for the children at the Jurassic Encounters Event on April 8 which sold out.

The April 100 club winners are Linda Phillips (£10) and Linda Morrison and Pauline Wiseman (both £5) Chris Yule

BATS PRESENT HOLIDAY SNAP Holiday Snap, a comedy by Michael Pertwee and John Chapman, runs from Thursday, June 9 to Saturday 11 at Brantham Village Hall with performances at 7.30pm.

This tale of comic predicament and mistaken identity unfolds with real wit and style. A Portuguese time-share villa has been double-booked, but the company rep, the myopic tippler Commander ‘Chitto’ Chittenden, is in the dark. When Mary and Henry arrive shortly after Eve and Leslie, Chitto manages to remain unaware that there is more than one couple on the scene. Watch the confusion compound with the missing housekeeper and her husband. How will the arrival of Henry’s mother-in-law cause even more problems? Who is the real Sir Piers? Answer these questions by coming along to see this hilarious play.

Tickets are £7 and available from: Bakes & Blossoms Café at Acacia Court / 01206 396674 / 07891 974844 (text).

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY We are holding another Bumper Book Sale at Manningtree Methodist Church in South Street on Saturday, June 25, 10am-3pm.

Many thanks to all who supported our last book sale by braving the weather on Easter Monday.

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

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St Mary's Church Hall

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

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

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

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

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK BLUE CROSS ANIMAL REHOMING CENTRE

FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN BELSTEAD PLANT SALE Saturday, May 21, 10am-noon, at Belstead Village Hall

This year’s Paws for Tea event is at our new flagship centre at Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ on Saturday, May 14, 11am-3pm. Entry is free, but donations will be gratefully received.

A variety of plants and gardening items will be for sale and refreshments will be available.

In aid of St Mary’s Church, Belstead general and fabric funds.

If you have any spare seedlings or plants we would be grateful. Please contact Zandra 730371 or Valerie 730268.

Do come and support us.

OPEN DAY AT THE TUDOR BARN

Ian Hendry, volunteer fundraising and events vice chairman

Sunday, June 5, 11am-3pm A chance to come and see our new wedding and events venue.

JUKEBOX SUMMERTIME

Free admission. Light refreshments available.

Presented by the award winning Orchard Players This show has a summertime vibe, with all the fun and excitement of holiday time. The songs are mostly from the jukebox era of the 1960s and include numbers from iconic artists such as The Beatles, The Kinks, Dusty Springfield and The Beaachboys.

For a trip back to the 1960s come and join us at Capel St Mary Village Hall from July 7-9.

Box office: 07754 175399

COPDOCK WITH WASHBROOK MORNING MARKET

Ipswich Hospital Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is holding a celebratory concert on Saturday, July 9 to mark the occasion.

We would particularly like to invite past conductors and band members, including those who have learnt to play as beginners in our training band, to celebrate with us at the concert which, as well as playing some of our favourite music, will be a trip down memory lane.

Past conductors and members are invited to join current members for a get together party after the concert. Tickets are £5 and will include concert admission and after party refreshments. Admission to the concert will be by ticket only. We are hoping that many will come along to celebrate with us. To reserve a ticket please contact Betty Green: bgreen144@btinternet.com / 01473 725144

10-11am on the first Saturday of each month in the Church Room on The Street Bric-a-brac and freshly made cakes and sausage rolls

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next meeting is on May 11 when Lesley Krohn will present a talk on Galapagos Islands Diving. This will be followed by our AGM. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

IPSWICH HOSPITAL BAND CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY

COPDOCK WITH WASHBROOK VILLAGE PLANT SALE At the Church Room on Saturday, May 14, 9am-noon Any spare garden plant contributions would be helpful.

Thank you.

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM’S ANNUAL MEGA CHARITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, June 11, 9.30am-4.30pm Open garages throughout the village will be selling a treasure trove of household items needing a new home at bargain prices. Look for the balloons and signs throughout Brantham on the A137.

The village hall will host a table top sale with WI refreshments, handicrafts, preserves and plants. There will be a barbecue, tombola, ice cream van and much, much more.

Why not make a day of it, grab a bargain and help the charities? Last year’s grand total was £6,000, with half going to St Elizabeth Hospice (Carla Dawson’s Tribute Fund) and the other half split between Clic Sargent, Lego Therapy at Brooklands School, the Maisie Hayward Charity and Woolverstone Wish at Ipswich Hospital.

Over the last 12 years we’ve raised more than £36,400 for charity, but this year may be our last event unless we get more volunteers to help organise it. Come along and help us make it a huge success.

For more information contact Ronnie Dawson (01206 395557) or Yvonne Amoss (01206 392296).

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday, May 9: 3D Decoupage Cards Monday, June 6: Talk and demonstration on basketry Other kits available on the evenings. Samples of each month’s project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

The Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.3010pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

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

CAMEO There were 20 of us at the March get together, and while we didn’t have a specific theme we did run a collection for Sport Relief which raised £14. We have invested in a couple of cafetieres and so can now provide delicious filter coffee to go with the homemade cakes and goodies at each meeting!

As I write, rain and strong winds are lashing my conservatory, but spring and summer will soon be here and we are aiming to have tables and chairs outside whenever possible for CAMEO meetings. Let’s hope we get some good weather!

The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come And Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a drop-in basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated.

Non-residents are welcome at a charge of £1; the set-up costs were part funded by the parish council so in fairness we need to levy a small fee for anyone not paying council tax to the parish.

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

We meet at Belstead Village Hall, usually on the third Monday of the month (excluding July and August) between 2.30 and 4.30pm.

Sandra Howard

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STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, April 13 Rebecca Parry BSc, director of conservation, education and research, spoke on zoos and conservation. Her talk included the history of zoological collections, including Colchester Zoo, the zoo’s current modern roles, its breeding programmes and conservation projects in the wild.

On Wednesday, May 11 Dr Roger Simpson BFA Calgary, MA Victoria and PhD Essex University, will present a talk entitled John Constable – Man in a Landscape. Perhaps we have seen The Hay Wain so often that we no longer see it at all. Was Constable one of the greatest religious painters that this country has ever produced?

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

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, computer studies and 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 and have more than 200 members and 18 groups.

For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Val Pretty can be contacted.

By the time you’ve read this magazine another child will have come into care.

In all likelihood you read faster than I give you credit for, but still recent statistics from the Fostering Network suggest that on average in the UK one child comes into care every 20 minutes.

Why? The fact remains there are many reasons for a child to come into care: poverty, debt, homelessness, breakdown of relationships, war, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, ill mental health, sexual abuse – the list goes on.

The reasons are varied and as a result the needs of the children in care differ greatly. However, many of these children are looking to foster care to support them. The Fostering Network estimates that fostering services in England need to recruit approximately 7,600 foster carers this year to stand a chance of meeting this evergrowing demand.

“There is a massive shortfall of foster carers in this region,” says Eleanor Vanner, director of Eastern Fostering Services, an independent agency providing services in Essex and Suffolk. “People often don’t know why children can’t live with their birth families and labour under misconceptions around who can and can’t foster.”

Common themes are cited as barriers to fostering: being in full time employment, being a single parent, not owning your own home, being too young or too old, not fitting the mould. Eleanor says that very few applications to foster are rejected for any of these reasons: “Children come in all shapes and sizes and so should foster carers so that the differing needs of all children can be met.”

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit: www.easternfosteringservices.com

In Touch online:

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

MARCH MEETING After our usual business review and special interest reports, we heard from members who had participated in the litter pick on March 12. Many thanks to Tina Sutters for organising this. We entered two teams in the village quiz on March 8 who enjoyed a fun evening with fair to middling results and attended the annual federation meeting in Trinity Park, which was very interesting and included speakers on a wide variety of subjects.

On April 6 David Carman interviewed Hew Naylor, our new president, on his Desert Island Discs. It was interesting to hear of Hew’s views, life and achievements. On April 20 David Ablewhite spoke on George and Mary, the First Windsors.

Following a talk about code-breaking by Joyce Kimber, quite a few of our members expressed an interest in visiting Bletchley Park. We have now organised this for July and it should be a very good day out with an opportunity to walk around the gardens as well as the mansion and various exhibits.

About ten of our members attended another of our taster lunches which, being held on St Patrick’s Day, had a theme of All things Irish. We will hear a report at our next meeting, but they are usually fun with everyone contributing food or wine and one of the members kindly hosting the lunch.

Our speaker was Gerry Baxter, the Pearly King of Streatham. While many people will have heard of the pearly kings and queens and be familiar with their attire, I suspect fewer will know the origins of the institution, I certainly didn’t! The concept was started in 1875 by Henry Croft who decorated his suit with mother of pearl buttons to draw attention to his fundraising for an orphanage. The charitable aims have grown and continue to this day. Each ‘pearlie’ must decorate their own clothes; a suit can take 20,000 buttons, making it a time consuming task and resulting in a very heavy suit! Gerry gave us a very entertaining and informative talk with an insight into the commitment and history of the organisation.

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

All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed.

We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August) at the village hall. The next meeting is on May 17 when Sonia Burrows will present a talk entitled Bulbs through the Year. Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.

Sandra Howard

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, May 24: Transport related presentations by members of the Norfolk Railway Society Meeting at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors £3.50 admission at door including refreshments For further details call: 01473 414746/422145

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK FOOTPATHS TEAM

On Wednesday, May 4 we have a musical event planned when Grant Elliot will talk about the history of jazz and on Wednesday, May 18 Harry Parsons will talk to us about the building of the Millennium Tower at Bury St Edmunds. We meet at the convenient St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB. 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 to develop acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am.

For further details please contact Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

CAPEL ST MARY COUNTRYSIDE CLUB On April 12 we had a very interesting and informative talk by Alex Bass on Suffolk estuaries and wildlife. Alex had some wonderful slides of the Rivers Stour, Orwell, Deben, Alde, Blythe and Waveney and the numerous birds that live and feed on the plants and animals in the saltmarshes and on the shoreline. He told us about the nightingales at Fingringhoe, the deer at Minsmere, the increase of Avocets in Suffolk and the best places to go bird watching on the estuaries.

This followed on from a short extra general meeting to propose a new updated constitution and discuss finances.

We would welcome new members to our meetings. We meet at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday evening of the month (not in the summer) in the lounge at Capel Methodist Church. You would be made very welcome; members £2.50 / non-members £3.50, refreshments included.

We will be having a bluebell walk on April 26 and another walk in May. Our indoor meeting on May 10 is a talk on Ipswich Waterfront by Ann Day. Contacts: Roger Felgate, 01473 311684 / Linda Evans, 01473 311262

GARDEN OPEN IN AID OF AGE UK SUFFOLK Sunday, May 22, 2-5pm, at Windmill Cottage, Mill Hill, Capel St Mary IP9 2JE Tea/coffee, homemade cakes, books and plants for sale. Admission £3 (children free / no dogs).

With another enjoyable rambling season completed, we now turn our attention to maintaining the village paths. Our friendly team of volunteers will be gathering to strim and rake some of the footpaths. We hold twice monthly afternoon and occasional evening sessions throughout the summer.

If anyone would like to make a cake or has any books for the book stall, please let me know. Any books left over will go to the Age UK shop.

Are there any new villagers who would like to join us from time to time?

If you are interested please contact Tina: 730162

Eddie Cox, 311121

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

We hope, with a bit of luck, that our very rare and beautiful tulip tree will be out.

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SCHOOLS / SPORT NEWS FROM COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL March was a very busy and fruitful month for fundraising.

The school council organised a sponsored camp in/out (for those who were brave enough!). The children built dens in which to sleep and raised £450.75 in aid of the UNICEF Syrian Children Appeal. The children also took part in a Sport Relief sponsored run/walk/jog and raised a staggering £752.85. A huge thank you to the children and their family and friends for their support with these two activities.

The PTA provided refreshments for the CTC Suffolk & Audax UK cycle ride again this year and with 59 riders completing the course on the day they raised in excess of £270. Thank you.

The children have been working hard in the classroom too. Squirrel’s class have been looking at the story of Handa’s Surprise. Handa took different fruits with her when she went to visit her friend, but these fruits were taken from her basket by the animals. As part of their learning the children looked at different ways in which Handa could carry her fruit.

They also made a weather chart to compare African and English weather.

Woodpeckers have been learning about persuasive writing, and the style and content used to try and persuade someone to do something, for example letters to prospective parents of the school. These letters were filled with all the things the children enjoy about school. Woodpeckers have also been learning about our European neighbours, their capital cities and landmarks.

Foxes have been looking at Tim Peake’s experience from being chosen to enter the International Space Station, the food that will be eaten during his stay and life aboard the ISS. Learning included simulator building (using a chair from the office!), allowing the children to experience dizziness, and making miniature 3D space scenes.

We ended the term with an Easter Bonnet Competition and would like to thank members from Open the Book for coming along to judge the entries.

BURSTALL CARPET BOWLS CLUB IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS

ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears The Baby Bears have been busy with a range of exciting Easter activities and crafts. Some of the bears went for an Easter Egg hunt in the garden and everybody made Easter Cards and baskets with chocolate eggs to take home.

We have ventured out to the park a couple of times and had a trip to Bypass Nurseries to see the animals and fish. Lots of time is being spent in the garden and we have enjoyed watching the flowers we planted starting to grow.

Our Spring is Sprung display is now up. It uses our fantastic hand and feet prints to create flowers, minibeasts, bees, butterflies and ladybirds.

Toddling Tigers The Tigers have been growing runner beans indoors, observing pictures of the different stages and matching progress to the pictures.

The garden area has been tidied by the Tigers in readiness for the summer and they have restyled the mini beast area. The Tigers have been creating their own bugs during arts and crafts to add to the area.

Gruffalos The Gruffalos have been very busy fluttering around as butterflies while looking at The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. We have explored colours and how they change and categorising food as either healthy or unhealthy and why. We used our fine motor skills to cut and make Easter baskets and worked as a team to find many eggs for our Easter egg and spoon race! We also put our technology skills to the test to find the Easter Story on CBeebies and to discover what Easter is really about!

Meerkats What an ‘eggcellent’ Easter break we had in Meerkats Club! We have been very busy baking biscuits, brownies and our own pizzas! Wearing our onesies was so much fun, and we make bracelets and Easter nests and we even did a spot of gardening!

The Meerkats have loved bringing their bikes and scooters in, allowing them to spend the majority of the day whizzing around on the playground! We were excited to have some new holiday Meerkats and we look forward to meeting more in the future.

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

The club meets twice a week on Mondays and Fridays at 7.45pm in Burstall Village Hall IP8 3DR.

BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS

In addition to social play, the club competes in the winter and summer Suffolk Carpet Bowls Leagues and individual members play in various other inter-club competitions.

On Tuesday, March 22 we held our 27th annual general meeting. The officers and club captains were all elected to serve for another year.

We are looking for new members of all ages, including families from the village or the surrounding area. The game is easily learnt and lots of help and encouragement will be offered to anyone thinking of taking it up. All equipment is provided so there is no expensive outlay. Please call in and join us at any time.

After a very enjoyable season with a lot of good bowling we finished second in Division 2 which means we are now promoted to play in Division 1. This is only the second time in the history of the club that this has happened. Congratulations to all the players and our thanks must go to our winter league captains David and Veronica Howe.

OPEN DAY We are holding an open day on Saturday, June 11, 10.30am-4pm, so come and have a try at this friendly sport.

We as a club have decided that the time is right to change our club colours and with a generous donation of sponsorship from TGC (Tattingstone Garden Centre) and Bentley Parish Council the club is able to provide all members with a new shirt. Our grateful thanks to them both.

For more information contact Wendy Minchin (01473 652487) or club secretary Jane Sago (01473 742468 / j.sago@btinternet.com).

We are thriving as a club and very lucky to have such strong membership with lots of members keen to play.

Further bowls information can be found at: www.carpetbowls.org/suffolk/

Thank you all for your support.

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Jill Mills, chairperson

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

21

SPORT CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB

The club had 20 games still to play when I wrote these notes on April 4, including several evening games. Other clubs called off games during the wet winter, but we called off the most and it is hoped that some work on the drainage system will be carried out during the next six months.

After being top of the senior league in early December any chance of our First team winning it disappeared after we lost 1-0 against Framlingham Town, then 2-1 against Haughley United, but we did beat Felixstowe Harpers United 2-0 with goals from Stephen Morrison and Lloyd Dodsworth.

Our Reserves have had a tough season and are bottom of the senior Reserve league and looking for a new manager for next season. They drew 0-0 at Wenhaston, then beat Crane Sports 3-2 with Nick Middlebrook scoring a brace with all other games ending in defeat. Liam Cole has played well in goal while Joe Bigmore and Gideon Spencer have put in some good performances.

Our Sunday team beat Worlingworth 2-0 with goals from Warren Campbell and Abdul Kaium, then drew 3-3 with Gladwells with Adam (Speedy) Rawthorn scoring two of the goals. Only one game for our Veteran side in the last month with them losing the senior cup final 3-0 to Gorleston with a lack of available players forcing them to call off a couple of other matches.

Next season we will be looking to start an Under 17 team. Any lads interested please phone our Under 16 manager Peter Reddaington on 07899 997439. Finally, the club’s AGM is to be held at the clubhouse on Monday, May 16 at 7.30pm.

Bob the Ploughman

SPROUGHTON TENNIS CLUB Sproughton Tennis Club is holding an Open Day on Sunday, May 15 from 2pm.

This is part of the LTA Great British Tennis Weekend and is your opportunity to come along and play for free for the afternoon. We expect families to come along between 2 and 4pm while from 4 to 6pm it’s the turn of over 14s and adults .

We hope to see people of all ages, not only juniors. So, if you have played tennis in the past or just want to try something new, dig out that racket and come along. If you don’t have a racket, come along anyway and we will find you one to play with. We’re hoping for fine weather and there may even be prizes available too.

A reminder that our quiz is on Saturday, May 7 in Bentley Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 and available from Lillian Calvert (311756) or David Howe (310344).

The green will open on Friday, April 22 (weather permitting} for roll up from 6.30pm. We would welcome anyone who would like to try the game. The entrance to the green is in Grove Road, behind the closed shop. We have woods in the hut – you would just need flat soled shoes.

Lillian Calvert, secretary

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB The last month Inactivity as a result of Storm Katy and a couple of indifferent results had seen the First team concede top spot in the senior division. The team has still seven fixtures to play in April, which is quite a tough task. However, that is also true of our rivals for the title and fixture congestion often brings some odd results, so there is still everything to play for.

The Reserves have continued their good run of results and now look likely to finish as runners up.

The A team has now completed their fixtures and will finish in a very creditable third position in the table.

You can follow the progress of our teams at http://touchlinesil.co.uk/, referring to the Fixtures and Results tab, and selecting the appropriate date(s) and competitions.

For further details visit: www.sproughtontennis.co.uk/gbtw

Fixtures Tuesday, April 26: First Team v Capel Plough (H) Thursday, April 28: Reserves v Capel Plough Res (A) Saturday, April 30: Final matches of the 2015/16 season First Team v Grundisburgh (A) Reserves v Ipswich Valley Rangers Res (H)

BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB

Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm please refer to http://tinyurl.com/hlv54p6 and chose the appropriate competition.

The club can be found at The Playing Fields in Church Lane, Sproughton IP8 3AX.

I ended my last report saying that we still had a chance to win the league but other results would have to go our way, We finished with two home wins, Copdock 7-3 and Bealings 9-1, which put us four points ahead and a wait until the other matches were played.

As it turned out the results did go our way and we finished league winners for the tenth time by the smallest of margins, 13 shots. This represented 10 wins in 29 years as in our first season we won the second division, were promoted and haven’t been out of the top league since.

Events Saturday, May 21: Awards Dinner We are always looking for people who can help the club as a committee member, whether it be 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.

The timing was spot on as later this month we are celebrating our 30th year of carpet bowls with an evening with Copdock and Hintlesham Bowls Clubs.

EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village. Please come along and give us a look sometime.

John Hayward

Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

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In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

23

ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

QUESTIONS ON CASH

With independent financial advisor Nick Plumb

A platform for investment success?

Allan from Ipswich wrote to me to ask about investment platforms. He asked: “Our financial adviser is suggesting that my wife and I should move our existing investments onto a platform with Novia. We have ISAs with different companies and Investment Bonds with Aviva and Prudential. Surely we would be better to keep these spread between several different companies rather than having all our eggs in the same basket?”

Investment platforms have become very popular in the last few years, for a number of reasons. Primarily, the main attraction of these platforms is investment choice. An investment platform will usually offer access to a range of investment wrappers, such as ISAs, collective investments, bonds and pensions, within which investors will have access to hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of individual investment funds and, in particular, to managed portfolios where a professional fund manager actively manages a portfolio of investments for you in line with your chosen risk profile.

No single fund manager will ever be top in all investment sectors and most fund managers have a specialist area in which they are known to have particular knowledge or ability. That is where a ‘portfolio’ manager will come into their own, as they can pick the very best investment managers and funds from each sector, thus giving you as an investor access to a wide choice of the best funds, rather than a range of funds that are ‘jack of all trades but master of none’.

You can also save money on charges by using a platform, particularly when you have older investments with high ongoing management charges, or if you currently have your ISAs with a lot of different fund managers. For example, in the case of Novia, our clients can access their platform for just 0.40% per annum with no initial charges deducted when you invest.

Most platform managers will also have negotiated discounted initial and ongoing charges with many top fund managers, so you can often end up paying less to access those funds through the Novia platform than you would by investing direct with the individual fund or portfolio managers.

Having all your investments on a platform is not really a case of ‘having all your eggs in the same basket’, as the platform manager would not actually hold your money. Your investments would actually be held by each of the fund or portfolio managers that your money would be invested with, so your exposure to any one company will be greatly reduced as your investments are likely to be spread across several different investment managers and funds.

A final benefit of using a platform is simplicity and ease of access to information. Although you can hold many different investments on the same platform, you will receive just one statement from the platform provider, showing all your individual investments and their values. You can also access your account online at any time and get up-to-date investment valuations in between your usual statement dates, arrange a withdrawal or income payment, and even conduct investment fund switches if you wish to.

All in all, a platform can be a good way to simplify your current investment arrangements, and reduce your ongoing charges.

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

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich 01473 684963

Sunday 22 9am

We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up to date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk

Tuesday 24 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the church front door.

Services for May Sunday 1 9am

Sixth Sunday of Easter Mass

Tuesday 3 Ascension of The Lord 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 8 9am Mass Tuesday 10 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 15 9am

Pentecost Sunday Mass: Children’s Liturgy

Tuesday 17 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

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Sunday 29 9am

The Most Holy Trinity Mass

Corpus Christi Mass

Tuesday 31 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Catholic commentary A Lenten Study Group met at Holy Family over four weeks to read and discuss the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si (the Care of our Common Home). This encyclical is addressed to the whole world, not just Roman Catholics.

A CAFOD study guide highlighting just 24 of the 245 numbered paragraphs was used and much discussion followed on questions such as: What kind of world do we want for those who come after us, the children who are now growing up? What do you think it means to flourish in relationship to God, our neighbour, ourselves and the earth? How do my actions show that I love my neighbour, especially those who are living in poverty? The encyclical Laudato Si is published by The Catholic Truth Society: www.CTSbooks.org

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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 Friends, May is quite a special month for me because it’s the month I married John and when I know that summer is just around the corner. I think of flowers, trees, shrubs and landscapes, full of life and colour – God’s wonderful creation wherever I look.

But there are many, many people who have had to flee from their homes which have been destroyed. They now live in tents or makeshift shelters, cramped and squashed together and I wonder where they look to see God’s wonderful creation.

Last month I was asked to give a short talk about study at a Cursillo weekend, a talk to encourage others and to show that study isn’t always as daunting as it seems. Initially my heart sank because I wasn’t keen to give a talk, even if it was short. It reminded me of when I was asked to study in order to become a reader. I always thought study was for others, not me, and I was too old. The last time I had written an essay was at school.

But study doesn’t always mean head down in a book or writing essay after essay. That is very important, but there is a different form of study which I think is important too – and we don’t always know we are doing it. Every day I look out of my kitchen window. I see plants, trees and a beautiful landscape which changes from day to day throughout the year.

I watch birds and insects and see the wind blowing through the trees and hear birds singing. Because I study the view regularly, I soon spot if anything has changed or if something is there that wasn’t before. I stand in awe of God’s wonderful creation.

Then I go to church on Sundays, where God’s word is read and then taken apart in the sermon. And often something makes me think, ‘O I hadn’t thought of it that way – it makes sense of what is happening to me now.’

I don’t think of this as study, because I am with my friends in the church I love, but in fact it is study because it is helping to develop my spiritual growth. I have time to sit and listen, trying to discern what God wants me to do.

This year the Lent group I belonged to studied the Beatitudes. There is a quote by Philip Yancey in The Jesus I Never Knew, which says: “The more I study Jesus the more I realise that the statements contained in the Beatitudes lie at the heart of his message. If I fail to understand this teaching, I fail to understand him.” As a group we discovered each Beatitude begins “with the assurance of God’s blessing, each one describes a kingdom characteristic which Jesus says is foundational to living as a child of the Heavenly Father, and each one ends with a promise of what lies ahead for those on this particular path.”

None of us thought of this as study. We were a group of friends meeting and chatting. But taking part in the group opened our eyes and developed what Christ meant to us. Study has turned out not to be as intimidating as I thought it would be, in fact it has become a pleasure and a joy.

All these thoughts came to mind as I stood at my kitchen window studying the world in front of me. And as I listen and let God in I have found he is with me, guiding me towards him. I think this is called ‘work in progress’. I’m not sure if that refers to the actual study or to me, in reality I expect both.

In the Cursillo Lay Talk Workbook it says: “Study can be seen as an ongoing process of growth in Christ. We never stop learning in our faith, and our learning leads us to deeper holiness.”

With love and prayer, Gwen Runnacles All services and events are updated at: www.facebook.com/northsamfordbenefice

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Bentley Evening Prayer: Fridays, May 13 & 27, June 10, July 1 & 15, August 5 & 26 and September 2 & 23, all at 6.30pm in the church Copdock Plant Sale: Saturday, May 14 in the Church Room, 9am-noon Pentecost Service, Sunday, May 15: Holy Communion Service at Burstall at 9am and outdoor Benefice Service at Nine Oaks, Tattingstone, at 11am. Please bring a picnic if you would like to stop for lunch afterward.

Tattingstone Finnish Service: Noon on Saturday, May 21 at St Mary’s, led

by The Rev Mariaana Harkonen Belstead Plant Sale: Saturday, May 21 in the village hall, 10am Sproughton Concert: Saturday, June 25 at 5pm. English music performed

by London Choir Illumination. Tickets £5 on the door, including tea and cake with the singers afterwards.

FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Robin Johnson and Laura Quinn, Belstead Robert Shaw and Lucy Lavender, Tattingstone Chris Reid and Emily Andrews, Sproughton Edward Day and Morag Constable, Bentley Baptisms Freya Brennands, Sproughton Freya Regan, Sproughton Funerals Gwendolin Etheridge, Sproughton DIARY DATES MAY 4 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 5 Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am 7 Copdock Morning Market, 10am 13 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm 14 Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am

Copdock Plant Sale, Church Room, 9am-noon

Copdock PCC meeting 15 Pentecost Burstall Benefice Service at 9am and Tattingstone

at 11am 18 Copdock Home Communions, 10am

Churchwarden’s meeting, Church Room, Copdock, 1pm 21 Belstead Plant Sale, village hall, 10am

Finnish Service at St Mary’s, Tattingstone / Led by The Rev

Mariaana Harkonen, noon

Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm 26 Ministry Meeting at The Rectory, 7.30pm 27 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm 28 Burstall Coffee Morning and Plant Sale, village hall, 10.30am JUNE 1 2

4 10 11 14 15

16 22

25 26

Bentley Home Communions, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Copdock Morning Market, 10am Bentley Evening prayer, 6.30pm Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Copdock PCC meeting Burstall PCC meeting Copdock Home Communions, 10am Benefice Coffee Morning at Belstead Hall, 10.30am Ministry meeting at The Rectory, noon Tattingstone PCC Sproughton Concert, 5pm Tattingstone Pet Service Patronal Service Copdock

In Touch online:

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday, May 1 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton

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

Thursday May 5 7.30pm Belstead

Ascension Day Service

Sunday, May 8 9.15am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm

Sproughton Burstall Copdock Bentley Tattingstone

Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong

Friday, May 13 6.30pm

Bentley

Evening Prayer

Pentecost Sunday, May 15 9am Burstall 11am Tattingstone

Holy Communion Nine Oaks outdoor service

Sunday, May 22 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock

Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion

10am 10am 10am 11am

Bentley Belstead Tattingstone Sproughton

Holy Communion Morning Worship Family Service The Fourth Sunday

Friday, May 27 6.30pm

Bentley

Evening Prayer

Sunday, May 29 10am Copdock

Benefice Communion Service

Sunday, June 5 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton

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

Friday, June 10 6.30pm

Bentley

Evening Prayer

Sunday, June 12 9.15am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm

Sproughton Burstall Copdock Bentley Tattingstone

Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong

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

CAPEL AND HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES AUTHENTIC I entered the darkened room, the curator shone her light to the floor to direct us in, but it was as though the darkness swallowed the light.

There were two fixed benches in the middle of this space and a video installation was just beginning. It was complete darkness. I turned the screen of my mobile on to find the benches, but it made no impression in the darkness and I had to cautiously move forward, feeling with my hands to find them. We sat to watch a Bill Viola video/sound installation at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (Tristan’s Ascension & Fire Woman). It was immersive art, with visual images, amazing sound touching some of the deep questions of life and death using people, water and fire. It is impossible to describe the experience and the emotions it touched. His art springs from his experience of life and death, a near death experience of almost drowning when he was a child and later watching his father die. In his installations, he seeks to be authentic, so it is real water and a proper drenching and real fire and the sound of fire. The audio is finetuned to fit the space in which this was installed, so you feel as though you are there. It was an immersive experience that you cannot replicate by watching a video clip of it. It is difficult to describe the experience in words, but it was profound.

We stopped off at this sculpture park as we were returning from a conference at the Scarborough Spa where the theme had been Authentic – as the maker intended! We looked at Authentic Living, Authentic Giving, Authentic Mission and Authentic Community. Again you cannot convey five days of material in a few words. Authentic means real, genuine, and I certainly want to be real. I don’t want to put on a mask to pretend to be someone I am not, but how often do we try to live up to other people’s expectation of us? I want to live in a community which is authentic, people being real and true to themselves and caring for one another. There are some wonderful communities around, villages and suburbs and urban areas where there is genuine care for one another, but there are probably more where there is discord, hatred, fear and isolation. However, even within these places, small groups of people can and do learn to love one another and to be a transforming force within a fractious community. I believe I am called to live authentically as Jesus intended, to be part of an authentic community that is learning to love and care. This then gives us an authentic mission to make a difference in our authentic giving to one another. To receive this teaching on authenticity and then to be immersed in the video/sound installation of Bill Viola was truly life enhancing.

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel and Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Sunday 1

10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Mr Ted Jack Prayer Stations

Sunday 8 10.30am Worship with Mr Roger Hulford YWAM Bolivia

6.30pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 15

10.30am

Worship with Mr Simon Scott of CYM

Saturday 21

3-5pm

Messy Church

Sunday 22 10.30am

7.30pm

Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer Time at St Mary’s (CoE)

Sunday 29 10.30am

Family Celebration with Tom and Lou Boswell

HOLBROOK METHODIST / HCT Holbrook Churches Together Mondays

2-4pm

Tea and Chat (HCT)

Sunday 1

10am

Worship with Mr Harry Chicken

Saturday 7

10-11.30am Coffee Morning

Sunday 8

10am

Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Thursday 12

2pm 7.30pm

Fellowship Group at 16 Ipswich Road Fellowship Group at Chapel

Friday 13

9am Tiddlers / 10am Family Live / 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT)

Sunday 15 10am

Pentecost Family Service with Mrs Alicia Holmes

Wednesday 18 11am-4pm Knit In with soup lunch (HCT) Sunday 22 10am

6.30pm

Worship with Mrs Heather Bentley Something Different with Rev Sankey (HCT)

Tuesday 24

7.30pm

Fellowship Group at Chapel

Thursday 26

2pm

Fellowship Group at 16 Ipswich Road

Friday 27

9am Tiddlers / 10am Family Live (HCT)

Sunday 29

10am

Communion Service with Rev Allen

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