In Touch with Copdock - November 2015

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2015

Image by Svetlana Sewell www.fotobay.co.uk

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

“Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.”

A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits “The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.”

J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more:

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“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs: “There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.” The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age.

Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather. As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated.

Please take care over the winter months.

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

01473 400380 Disclaimer:

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

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

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

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

We also publish In Touch with... magazines in the following areas:• Hadleigh NEW • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Capel St Mary • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill & Woolverstone • Woodbridge & Melton

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DECEMBER DEADLINE

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

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NEWS COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK AUTUMN VILLAGE LITTER PICK Please help us clean up Copdock and Washbrook once again.

Our autumn village litter pick will take place on Saturday, November 14, 10am-noon. We will meet at the Church Room in The Street and rubbish sacks, litter pickers and hi-vis vests will be available there. Please bring your own gloves. Upon returning to the Church Room (hopefully with plenty of rubbish) refreshments will be available for all our volunteers.

2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway.

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

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

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

Please drop off boxes and donations as soon as possible in November, either at Woodview Nurseries (Bentley IP9 2DG) during the day or at one of the drop off points listed on the website. For further information call: 01473 310254/716437

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NEWS IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in. Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak.

So will you join us in supporting The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter again this year when we open our doors to some of the most vulnerable people of Ipswich? Ipswich Winter Night Shelter works alongside The Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage homeless people to regain their self-esteem and gain help and advice to restore their lives.

Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit

down supper and breakfast the following morning.

This year we are also expanding our services to provide a Sunday afternoon shelter and a Christmas project, times when the homeless feel even more vulnerable and lonely.

Every person coming into the shelter arrives with a different story, but we are there simply to provide a warm and safe place to stay.

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

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

If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm-7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.

HELP OLDER PEOPLE IN SUFFOLK STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER Unbelievable as it may sound, 450 vulnerable people in Suffolk die in the winter months from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions. The vast majority of individuals affected are over 65 years old.

In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg – almost 30,000 households in Suffolk currently live in fuel poverty. Many will suffer in silence during the coldest months, hidden from view, withdrawn from their community and surrounds.

Now in its fifth year and spearheaded by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Suffolk and the East Anglian Daily Times, the Surviving Winter campaign rallies around these vulnerable older individuals, offering them respite from the anxiety of managing fuel costs and the opportunity to stay warm and healthy during the winter. Incredibly and with thanks to the generosity of Suffolk pensioners, over £85,000 was raised in the winter of 20142015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county.

• Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat appropriately, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Age UK Suffolk.

• Grants to local charities and groups with a track record of looking after older, vulnerable people and ensuring their continued support throughout the winter months.

This truly is an extraordinarily worthwhile campaign, so please…

IF YOU DON’T NEED IT, PLEASE DONATE IT!!

• To donate online visit: www.justgiving.com/suffolksurvivingwinter • To donate by card please call: 01473 602602 • Please send cheques made payable to Suffolk Community Foundation to Surviving Winter Appeal, Suffolk Community Foundation, The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BB To claim please contact Age UK Suffolk: 01473 359911

Suffolk Community Foundation is now asking you to pledge your Winter Fuel Payment to help those desperately in need of extra support during the winter.

The money raised by the Surviving Winter campaign will be used in two ways:

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PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT REQUIRED An understanding person/persons is required to work on a one-to-one basis to assist a lady with a chronic arthritic condition in Stutton.

Able to use their own initiative and be well organised.

No heavy lifting.

Flexible hours, which includes alternate weekends and some evening shifts.

Competitive rates of pay with enhancements.

Call 01473 327558 with your details and for more information.

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NEWS REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY IN COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK

THANK YOU A massive thank you to the residents of Capel St Mary and Bentley who kindly donated to our charity cycle ride in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice. We cycled 324 miles with 51 other cyclists and have raised nearly £100,000 for the hospice. Special thanks to the customers, staff and volunteers from The Case is Altered, residents of Old London Road and Upstix for their generous donations. All your support kept us going through the hills of the South Downs and Northern France, constant rain, headwinds, ferocious dogs and crazy French lorry drivers.

Thank you!

Mary-Jane and Andrew Budd

The annual Remembrance Sunday Service will take place at 10am on Sunday, November 8 and as usual wreaths will be laid at the First World War Memorials in the church and by the path to the porch and also on Ernest Harvey’s grave in the NE section of the churchyard.

In addition two ceramic poppies from last year’s Tower of London installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red have been donated to the church and will be placed near the Memorial. Readers may also remember the suggestion that those who subscribe and bought ceramic poppies might be prepared to lend them to be laid on the altar for the duration of the service. If anyone would like to do this please contact Ruth Lincoln: 730430

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK PARISH COUNCIL The parish council met on Tuesday, October 6 in the Church Room.

Following the accident on the Old London Road on Sunday, September 27 in which a motorcyclist was seriously injured much discussion took place. PC Sam Gilkes was in attendance at the meeting.

Residents reported speeding vehicles and motorcyclists are an ongoing issue on this stretch of road, particularly on Sundays. Vehicles have been seen travelling the wrong way along the carriageway giving great cause for concern. Suffolk County Council has requested a meeting with the police and Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council which will be open to residents and members of the public. The meeting will be sometime in November, date to be confirmed. This will be publicised on noticeboards around the village, in the village hall and by word of mouth. It was also suggested that residents should contact Suffolk County Council Highways Department to express their concerns regarding traffic and accidents, including when traffic backs up as this type of data is useful. Contact: steve.merry@suffolk.gov.uk The website www.crashmap.co.uk shows accidents, where they have happened, and the severity.

The police are holding a meeting in Pinewood Community Hall on Wednesday, November 25, 7.30pm. This may also be an opportunity for residents to express their concerns about traffic and accidents.

It was reported by a resident that a group of young men were intimidating people using the underpass that leads to the Park and Ride/Tesco area.

If anyone sees this happening or experiences this, please call the police immediately to report and for assistance.

Several trees are struggling to grow at The Marvens in the area that leads down to Chapel Lane. Two dead trees need to be removed for safety reasons. It is hoped Hastoe Housing will carry out this work.

The first phase of replacement street lighting on Old London Road is almost complete, with the second phase starting shortly.

Councillor Tina Sutters reported there will be a ‘mini’ litter pick on Saturday, November 14 starting from the Church Room at 10am. All welcome to help keep our villages clean and tidy.

Councillor Laura Butters and Clerk Angela Chapman have attended village hall committee meetings with a view to assist in boosting committee member numbers and the running of the complex.

The parish council was contacted by Dr Frank Wells, a member of the newly-established Patient Participation Group (PPG) for Constable Country Medical Practice, with a view to liaising with parish councils over concerns of the provision of primary care in the parish due to this practice being deemed inadequate. Due to a very busy diary Dr Wells was unable to attend our parish meeting. Kathy Pollard, a member of the PPG, was due to take his place but was unwell on the evening and didn’t attend. Hopefully, a member of the PPG will attend our next meeting to explain the initiatives of the practice, with a view to helping make the necessary improvements.

Jennifer Jones, village historian, advised that plans for First World War celebrations in 2017 are going well. Framlingham College are also to be involved.

Keith Armes, chairman

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Registered charity 304731

Invite you to the AGM on Monday, November 16 at 7.30pm in the Roger Taylor Lounge For more information, please call: 07729 863223 6

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THE PAPER DOLLS

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

“Skilled, stylish and perceptive work for ages three to seven” The Stage

THE PAPER DOLLS

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

For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups

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

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

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

New Wolsey Studio

01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

Paper Dolls Creative_150930.indd 1

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD, OCTOBER 2015 District Councillor John Hinton

There is still considerable activity around the issue of “devolution” with the September 7 bid to government being returned with a suggestion that Suffolk involve surrounding areas! Basically it was a “you are too small create a partnership and try again” notice.

This has now been done and in conjunction with Norfolk a revised bid or notice of intention put in. There has been no sign-off from the democratic level, the councils, and there are already some concerns being expressed about areas of emphasis and others that are not included. It had to be rushed and so is imperfect, but without input from local members and the public it will not work, in my view.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team meeting went ahead on September 16 and there will be no

more official priority setting meetings, although they worked in this area. It was agreed that an informal committee will meet bi-monthly, which the police promised to attend, so the public’s concerns can be conveyed to the police. It will save the police money and relies on a wealth of good will form parishes and individuals and in my opinion will work provided we all create some input.

I attended the Highways England East Of England Strategic Review where, as will have seen on regional TV, they announced £8 billion of roads spending over the next five years.

Don’t get your hopes up: this does not affect the problem areas in this locality like the A12 and Copdock, but is swallowed up on the A14 Cambridge Huntington and A47 plus the A428 near Bedford, plus some M1 junction work.

I highlighted the lack of confidence in Highways

England and its record of delivery and also questioned their rationale of three lanes each way on the A12 Colchester Bypass when the new football stadium bridge isn’t wide enough! This is a later proposal so they have time to think of an answer. A12 junctions are not mentioned despite a supposed emphasis on safety and accident reduction. They seem to think that telling people there is a problem ahead cures the problem! I will be keeping up the pressure.

A lot has been made nationally and in the devolution bid about skills shortages. Great, but we still don’t have the high skilled jobs so any high skilled workers move elsewhere creating a chicken and egg situation. It will take some sorting out. Meanwhile there is a national shortage of HGV drivers!

Councillor John Hinton

REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: OCTOBER 2015 Babergh District Councillor, Alastair McCraw Now that I feel more or less settled in this role, it seems time to go into print. It’s impossible to cover everything taking place within a council and I give a monthly report at parish council meetings, but this might highlight a few areas.

DEVOLUTION FOR SUFFOLK? Suffolk were encouraged to come up with a bid for September and duly did so. However this was promptly marked ‘Return to Sender’ with the suggestion that it was not ambitious enough and perhaps we’d like to talk to Norfolk about a joint bid. Exploratory discussions are taking place, but what it will mean in practical terms for us all is anybody’s guess. I fear, though, that whatever group, or individual, ends up running this (whatever it turns out to be) will not have much room for any alternative viewpoints. Personally I find that a little worrying. Localism or devolution that increasingly looks less local isn’t really localism at all.

Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/q7hkn93 2016/17 All councils are waiting to see what proposals are made in the autumn

spending review later this month (November 25). This will allow us to make our forward planning for the forthcoming year, and hopefully some medium term planning as well. One thing is certain, money will still be tight and the council will be looking for ways to use what it has more efficiently. Babergh/Mid Suffolk in particular has developed a Treasury Management Strategy which looks to cover any shortfalls with the continuing reductions in central government support. None of this is very exciting to most of you, but it lies at the heart of every service the council provides.

Minutes and reports of council meetings can be found at: http://bdcdocuments.onesuffolk.net/council/ COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The 2016 Award Nomination process has started, sponsored this year by the East of England Co-op. We all know of unsung heroes, individuals (young and older), groups and businesses who quietly get on with helping others, often year after year. This is their chance for recognition, and yours to nominate them. The closing date is noon on December 21, 2015: http://tinyurl.com/ozluewu alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)

NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Thursday, November 12 and Wednesday, December 9, 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.

and 26 pneumococcal vaccinations on the day and also gave out a large number of friends and family test feedback forms. I’m pleased to say we had all positive comments about our service. As always, if you haven’t had such a good experience, we would prefer to deal with this immediately so please contact reception and ask to speak to me.

Stutton Support Network Thank you to Stutton Support Network that provides transport, for a small fee, to and from the surgery for those who are unable to get to us. They are also able to bring prescription requests and support residents in many other ways. Please contact them on 01473 327753.

Stockpiling drugs: please only order the drugs that you need as unused medications cost the NHS an estimated £300million a year. These drugs cannot be re-used and have to be destroyed safely. We have been collecting unused medication at Shotley for the last six months and will be having a Christmas competition to guess how much this has cost our surgery.

Flu day feedback: Our first flu day on September 30 saw a nice steady flow of patients receiving their vaccinations. The weather was warm and patients went through quite quickly. We gave 329 flu vaccinations

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Practice Manager Julia Smith

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE New appointment system On September 7 we launched a new appointment system. So far feedback from patients and staff has been very encouraging. We want to ensure that any patient who needs advice from a doctor receives it the same day, and so far we have been able to achieve this. We now have more pre-bookable appointments, of which some are released on a daily basis. Also, some pre-bookable and on-the-day appointments can be booked online. When our on-the-day appointments are fully booked we open up a triage list and any patient who contacts us needing to speak with a doctor will be phoned back by a doctor or nurse practitioner, and seen if needed.

The system seems to be working well so far. However, as demand continues to be very variable some days are very busy. On these days we need to place patients on our triage list earlier as on-theday appointments get booked up more quickly, but every patient will still receive the medical advice they need. We find that in many cases the doctor can address the patient’s problem over the phone. Also, some of these patients could have sought advice from a pharmacy. As demand continues to increase nationally, NHS England is encouraging patients to seek advice on minor ailments from their local pharmacy.

Pharmacists are often able to provide excellent advice and many are also able to prescribe medication if it is not available to purchase over the counter.

If you have had need to contact the practice we would value your feedback, especially on the new appointment system. You can provide feedback on NHS Choices or by completing a Friends and Family Test comment card available in our waiting areas. You can also provide

feedback to the new Patient Participation Group by completing a special PPG comment card and posting into the card boxes at Capel and East Bergholt.

Flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations Eligible patients who were unable to attend one of our flu days are now able to book an appointment at one of our weekly mini clinics for their flu and/or pneumococcal vaccination. All patients who are eligible for a free NHS flu or pneumococcal vaccination will have received a letter from the practice in September. If patients wish to decline any of the vaccinations offered, please would they inform the practice. Children eligible for free NHS flu vaccination will be contacted separately.

The practice is also offering shingles vaccinations. Patients aged 70, 71, 72, 78 or 79 on September 1, 2015 are eligible for a free NHS shingle vaccination. Please contact the practice to book an appointment.

Training days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, November 12; Wednesday, December 9; Wednesday, February 10.

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

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

NOTES FROM THE CASE – Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub! COMING UP • Children’s Halloween Party: Sunday, November 1, at 4pm.

• St Edmund’s Day: Friday, November 20 – a medieval theme night to celebrate England’s true patron saint.

• Mini Craft Fair: Saturday, November 28, 10am-noon • Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch: Wednesday, December 16 • Carol Singing: Sunday, December 20, from 4pm • New Years Eve Party Night Our opening hours at the weekend (except when we have events on, see above) are now noon-3pm and 6-11.30pm on Saturday, and noon-4pm and 7-10.30pm on Sunday.

Our Christmas menu will be available from Wednesday, December 2 to Christmas Eve. Full menu and prices are shown on our website and available at the pub. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Please note we will be open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but will not be serving food.

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

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

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle to Dance Fitness Fun

"Strictly" style Dance-a-cise Classes St Mary's Church Hall

The Street Capel St Mary every Thursday morning & evening spaces are limited to reserve yours

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

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

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janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk

FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

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NEWS A CRIME FREE CHRISTMAS Yes please Santa!

As Christmas approaches we are all busy rushing around to get everything done; presents to be purchased, office functions, parties to attend and the house to be decorated.

A thief loves Christmas too. That’s because it gives them the opportunity to have Christmas on you, in lots of different possible ways!

To ensure that doesn’t happen Suffolk Police is offering the following simple advice to make sure you stay safe and crime free this Christmas.

• Parking: Choose a safe place to park (look for a www.parkmark.co.uk accredited car park), physically check your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave anything attractive to a thief on display within the car which includes presents, keys, satnavs and yes, even a carrier bag.

• Purse, wallet or handbag: A handbag on the back of a chair, in a trolley, a purse sitting in an open bag, a wallet in the back pocket, a mobile phone on the table in a restaurant are all calling out to a thief to steal. Don’t make it simple for them by providing the easy opportunity to steal it. If it’s a crowded place or somewhere you are likely to be distracted, you are more at risk. Property mark your items and register them on www.immobilise.com for free along with all your other electrical belongings.

• Out for a drink? Enjoy a drink but don’t make yourself vulnerable by drinking too much, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, don’t be distracted when using a mobile phone or personal music device, use a reputable taxi company – don’t jump into any car – and if you think your nominated driver has drunk too much, strongly discourage them from driving, and do not get in a vehicle with anyone who you think may have drunk too much to drive.

• Home: When you are out, make your house appear occupied (lights on timers, radio on, alarm set), make sure your house, gates and shed/ garage are shut, locked and secure, don’t leave presents under the Christmas tree in full view from the outside, and after Christmas don’t advertise your new goods by displaying the packaging and boxes for rubbish in front of your house – turn the boxes inside out or tear them up and bag them/put them in your wheelie bin.

• Social Media: When using Facebook be wary of announcing to the world that you are away and your house is empty, or showing what you got for Christmas. Make sure your profile does not contain private information that would identify you or your address to a stranger.

And what should you also do? Do have a wonderful crime free Christmas and Happy New Year!

Suffolk Police Crime Reduction

PROJECT ETERNITY UPDATE Work has begun to explore the possibility and feasibility of doing some of this prior to the current forecast start date of September 2016. This ‘sub project’ will focus on trying to bring the current social area up to a much better standard, notably in the flooring, ceiling and lighting dimensions. This work will be presented to the working group for a decision at the November meeting.

Phase 3: Addition of changing rooms 3-4

1 implementation: The complete refurbishment of the current Phase player and official changing facility

The tender process for phase 1 has been concluded and a preferred contractor has been chosen who we believe will offer the project good value and a quality implementation. The cost for this work including a small contingency fund comes in at just under £61k.

A great deal of effort was put into the primary grant applications to the England and Wales Cricket Board and Babergh District Council and I’m delighted to report that Babergh District Council has formally confirmed its financial support for the project in the form of a capital grant of just over £13,000. The grant offer is subject to a few conditions, the most critical being planning consent being granted.

This application is currently being reviewed. On behalf of the project I would like to recognise the very positive and supportive position BDC has taken over the past three years, and look forward to its support being valued by all who use the facility. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all who have helped to pull all the supporting information together to support the funding applications.

Phase 2 implementation: Extension to the social area and improvements to the kitchen, bar, lounge, and toilets

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Consultation continues on the best way to meet this need, though the majority of efforts have so far gone into ensuring phase 1 is delivered.

Once this is secured time and resource will then be put into developing this area further.

Phase 4: Installation of renewable sources of energy The great value tender and levels of potential support from the ECB have allowed us to include a solar thermal system within the scope of phase 1. If successful, this will allow the sun to generate most of the hot water used for showering, notably during the summer season, thus saving money on gas and reducing our carbon footprint.

Fundraising The fantastic work from the cricket club continues with just over £20k now pledged to the project. They will continue this work through the winter, spring and summer as they are determined to hit the £50k target they have pledged as a minimum.

As ever if anybody would like to know more about progress, has any queries or can help in any way we would love to hear from you: 07985 308305 Simon Bissett

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK VILLAGE HALL ages. There is plenty of space for little ones to let off steam and the stage is ideal for a disco. The kitchen has provision for both outside and self catering.

When wedding bells are ringing, the hall dresses up to meet a bride’s dream and at a modest cost. The availability of the well stocked bar adds to these occasions.

Local organisations like the PTA use the hall for their fundraising events.

Commercial ventures include the monthly antiques fair which brings visitors from far and wide buying and selling their treasures. The medal fair comes annually for the specialist collector and there are other occasional fairs.

The grand opening of Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall in 1991, replacing the old hall which had given 70 years service. Were you there?

Do you recognise anyone?

The hall still provides a meeting place for the village 24 years later for a variety of local events and celebrations. There are weekly opportunities to play badminton on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you are a thespian the drama group is always looking for new recruits, both on stage and behind the scenes. They gather on Wednesdays and have just finished a run of Abigail’s Party.

The carpet bowls club meet on Thursday, unless they have an away match. Every third Tuesday the Women’s Institute fills the hall with members from all over the area… certainly the place to be.

Families and friends use the hall for every type of celebration. Recently there has been christenings, wedding anniversaries and birthdays for all

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

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

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

So call us today, we are here to help.

Being central with good parking we are increasingly being used for training meetings, and opportunities are being planned for singing. No dancing at the moment, a pity as the wooden floor could host a Suffolk Strictly.

All this requires organisation and the management committee and staff work hard behind the scenes and have just begun a program of refurbishment. We are mixture of paid staff and volunteers and new members are welcome.

The hall manger/bookings secretary post is vacant, a flexitime paid position. We also need a treasurer. If interested please contact Des Feasey, acting chair, or other committee members at: copdockvillagehall@outlook.com All village organisations can send a representative to the management meetings. The Annual General Meeting is on Monday, November 16 at 7.30pm and all are welcome.

EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY East Bergholt Dramatic Society presents 13 Past Midnight, a mysterious thriller by Billy St John, from Wednesday, November 26 to Friday 28 at 7.30pm in the Constable Hall.

The action takes place in the games room of Victor Winslow’s mansion. Attendants at his party from the show-biz world are expecting to have a murder mystery party. Do they get more than they bargained for? Be prepared… With a variety of characters, this play will keep you on your toes in suspense, as well as amusing you with its witty comedy.

Tickets are now on sale at Fountain House Tea Room, East Bergholt, priced £6 if ordered in advance and £7 on the door if there are remainders. You may also book by calling 01206 396674 or texting 07891 974844.

NOVEMBER CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR IN HADLEIGH This hugely popular fair organised by Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity will take place in the beautiful Town Hall and Guildhall Complex (IP7 5DN) on Sunday, November 1, 10am-4pm.

Admission is £1 for adults, accompanied children under 13 free, wheelchair users 50p (limited access). There will be several stalls selling foods and various crafts throughout the complex, including jewellery, Christmas decorations and wreaths, cards, woodturning, children’s craft kits, painted canal art, bags, scarves, prints, cosmetics, fused glass, candles, linens, marquetry, sweets, Indian foods and cakes, to name just a few. Refreshments will be available in the dining room.

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OUT & ABOUT FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY It was great to see all the children who took part in this year’s reading challenge receiving their certificates and medals. Good too to see the parents who came along to support them. Well done to all of you, and to those who came to help out.

Please watch out in the next issue for an evening promoted by the friends. At the time of writing details had not yet been finalised.

We have been pleased to welcome several new members over the past weeks, and we hope to increase the number of prizes in our 100 Club draw to three a month from January. October’s winners were M Turner (£10) and Marion Parnell (£5).

CAPEL LIBRARY

The winter evenings are turning cold and dark so why not cuddle up on the sofa with a good book or the latest DVD release? Some good films have been released that you may have missed at the cinema and the latest premier ones are only £3 to hire for a week. Do browse the catalogue for some inspirational films, such as Cinderella, Insurgent and Woman in Gold, and the latest books. Or spend some time dreaming of the next holiday location, or take up a new craft – we have plenty for everyone.

Bourne ballet on Wednesday, November 25 at 1.30pm. Tickets are £8 per person. Do come along and support the programmes we have lined up for you to enjoy.

When you order books online or when your books are due for renewal you will receive a text message or an email. For this to happen you need to update your records with us. Please speak to a member of staff who can do this for you with identification of who you are. Please also remember to bring in your library card when you visit as it helps the staff and you can use the self-service machine to check books out yourself.

Look out for posters advertising the crafts available on Sunday mornings.

Don’t forget that we loan out jigsaw puzzles – something else to do during the long winter hours. We also sell postage stamps and book tokens.

The next showing in our Creative Arts East programme will be a Matthew

Baby Bounce continues every Tuesday at 2pm this month and the book group will meet on November 20 at 2.30pm. Don’t be shy – come along and join in with the members of the group to talk about the latest book they have read and enjoyed (or not!)

Opening times 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 Tel: 01473 311699

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

PENINSULAR PIX CELEBRATE 10 YEARS ABBA STYLE The ever-popular Peninsular Pix celebrate 10 years of showing films in Tattingstone Village Hall on November 5. To celebrate this amazing milestone we asked our loyal customers to vote for their favourite film over those 10 years. The result by more than 50% of the votes cast was Mama Mia, the feel good musical based on Abba songs.

So to make things slightly different to our normal films we are showing the singalong version of this super feel good movie on November 5, and changing the format for one night only. Instead of the normal seating arrangement we are providing tables to create a party atmosphere. You can even bring your own drink along if you feel like you need some Dutch courage to be a Dancing Queen. We are also providing Prosecco and birthday cake before the fun starts, and on this occasion there will not be an interval so the fun won’t be interrupted as you say Thank You For The Music and sing your way through the evening.

So say I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, spend some Money, Money, Money

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– £4 in advance from The Wheatsheaf, The White Horse or Stutton Community Shop, or Take A Chance and pay £4.50 on the door and say Gimme, Gimme, Gimme a ticket please!

If you want to dress up for the night and be a Super Trouper feel free, you won’t be the only one who will want to send out an SOS for looking like you just stepped out of the 70s.

December’s film is the very funny Paddington which is not just for children. It has bucket loads of adult humour in it and will set you up with a smile on your face in time for Christmas.

So come and sing along to Mama Mia in Tattingstone Village Hall on November 5, put on your sparkly cat suit and platform boots, bring your own drink, and get some free Prosecco as well. Doors open at 7.30pm and the fun starts at 8pm. See you there.

Ben Connor, chair

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT FAMILY BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS EVENING A family bonfire and fireworks display is being held on November 5 at Copdock Hall Barn, starting at 6pm. Barbecue, refreshments, sweets and drinks will be available.

Gates open at 6m, the bonfire will be lit at 7pm and a fantastic fireworks display follows.

There is free parking on site at the Copdock Hall Barn events venue, Church Lane, next to Copdock Church.

Adults £5, children (under 16s) £2.

CHELMONDISTON SYNERGY CAFÉ We are delighted to welcome so many regular visitors to the café in Chelmondiston Village Hall on alternate Wednesdays and to welcome new people. From the feedback we receive you enjoy the company, the food, the friendship and assistance that you find in the café.

We are now able to extend the role of the café by inviting a wider group of people to join us for our Living Well Sessions. If you are caring for an elderly or frail person, we would like to include you in our invitation to join us for the first café of each month from 1pm. There will also be good tea and excellent cake in addition to the usual good company.

We are planning future sessions which will include Wills and Power of Attorney, nutrition, chair-based exercise, falls prevention, first aid and other subjects that contribute to our ability and wellbeing.

Do come and join us and find out more, if only for the cake.

Our future dates are: November 11 – Synergy Café, 11am-3pm, with Living Well Session from 1pm November 25 – Synergy Café, 11am-3pm

BELSTEAD CHRISTMAS SALE

Saturday, November 21, 10am-12.30pm, in Belstead Village Hall

Contact details: 01473 295200 / community.services@sueryder.org Visit: www.sueryder.or/synergysuffolk

A variety of stalls, gifts, cakes, raffle. Refreshments available.

Photo opportunity with Father Christmas; these photos make ideal Christmas presents.

In aid of St Mary’s Church.

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFT? Following on from Suffolk Open Studios in June, where many of those who came asked to visit again nearer Christmas, I have decided to open my studio up again for two Sundays, November 22 and December 6, 10am-4pm each day. I will have originals, limited edition prints, gifts, cards and hand painted decorations available to buy. Come and see where I work and what’s on the drawing board. There will be mulled wine and mince pies too!

So pop the dates in your diary and come to see me. I have a bit of space left for commissions too. So treat a loved one or even yourself to something unique this Christmas.

If you can't make those dates but want to visit do ask. I'm here most days so welcome arranged visits.

My studio is at 48 Great Harlings, Shotley Gate IP9 1NY. Emma Graham www.egrahamillustrations.co.uk / @bluebutterfly48

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For a great start to your family Christmas, join us for Bypass Nurseries’ annual

Christmas Charity Evening 6-8.30pm Thursday 3rd December FESTIVE GIFTS & CRAFTS

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

20%ations, E SAV decor mas christ all on

lights, artificial and real trees

DON’T MISS OUT!

Visit

Father Christma s Carols with three local

BBQ School Choirs XMAS HAMP ERS Children’s

Make & Take Craft Workshop

SEASONAL

MINCE PIES MULLED WINE

and much more!

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

01473 310604

www.bypassnurseries.co.uk 20

supporting In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We didn’t meet in August, so at our September meeting we had more than the usual amount of business reviews, along with reports from our book club and a possible plan for reviving our walking group.

The 100th birthday of the British WI was on September 16; some of you may have seen or heard media coverage of events and interviews.

The WI was originally formed to encourage countrywomen to become involved in growing and preserving food to help with supply during the war. It has grown to be the largest women’s voluntary organisation in the UK, and is a highly relevant group today. The original aims continue, but these have also been expanded and the WI campaigns on many life-changing issues as well as providing local, everydaylife community support and companionship.

Our speaker was Carole Wheatley, a very engaging speaker who had visited our group some time ago speaking on another topic. On this occasion her talk was entitled

A Glimpse of China. Carol and her husband had been to China some years ago on holiday, and they clearly thoroughly enjoyed their time there. Carole shared some great stories of the differences between our two cultures as well as describing some of the places that they visited.

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

All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed.

We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August) at the village hall. The next meeting will be on November 17 when the speaker will be Christopher Parfitt with a talk entitled On The Trail of St Edmund. Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.

CAPEL SINGERS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT This year’s carol concert takes place at St Mary’s on Tuesday, December 15 at 7.30pm.

There will be the usual mixture of carols, several

by John Rutter, and this year we include a Welsh traditional lullaby, Suo Gan, as well as a spiritual, Tell Me, When Was Jesus Born?. In between the carols there will be readings from a wide selection of sources, some poetry, and a good deal of humour.

We are looking forward to performing in a warm church where the audience have comfortable chairs to sit on, a real change from previous years. After the concert there will be seasonal refreshments, and if previous years are anything to go by, plenty of time to catch up with friends old and new.

Admission as always is free, there will be a retiring collection given to a charity chosen by the singers.

Christmas starts here!

COPDOCK HALLOWEEN FAMILY DISCO 2015 We invite you to join us at our annual family Halloween disco on Friday, October 30, 5-10pm, at Copdock Hall, Church Lane, Copdock.

Games, best ghoul, best dancing (parents and children), competitions and much more! Cakes, snacks, drinks and bar....

Join us if you dare!

A STITCH IN TIME RAISES £840

Tickets (adults £3.50, children £1.50) available from Copdock School Office or the PTA: 07777 693234

BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB October saw the return visit of Ann Day from the Ipswich Tourist Board who gave us another interesting armchair talk, accompanied by slides, on the history of the Cobbold family and the influence they had with the legacy of Christchurch Mansion, Holywell Park, the brewery, and latterly Ipswich Football Club. For our second meeting of this month we welcomed back Jenny Gibbs who spoke to us on her varied life in Turkey, which was most fascinating.

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

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

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

Julie Hodges

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On November 3, John Eley will be talking on the life and times of the ‘Cooking Canon’ which should prove to be a most entertaining afternoon. We conclude the month on November 17 with a session of chair aerobics (gentle exercise to keep us flexible) followed by whist and Scrabble.

Please note that from November our meetings will start at 2pm for the duration of the winter months. You and your friends are very welcome to join us at any of these meetings.

We will conclude our yearly programme in December with our Christmas lunch and our Christmas party. The 2016 programme will begin on Tuesday, January 12, 2pm in Bentley Village Hall. If you would like to join us, please call 310655 for more details.

Margaret Blackmore, secretary

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OUT & ABOUT CAMEO

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday, November 2

Sequin Christmas Decoration (Jill)

Saturday, November 21 Workshop: Advent Calendar (Debbie) Monday, December 7

Angels plus Christmas Celebration

Other kits will be available. Samples of each month’s project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

We decided, albeit fairly last minute, to join in the Macmillan Coffee Morning campaign for September’s CAMEO. Around 30 villagers were at the meeting with all proceeds going to Macmillan. CAMEO paid for the hall rental out of cash already held. We held a raffle, sold cakes and had a couple of cake-based competitions, all of which raised £155. Thank you to everyone who came along – it was a good start and we aim to make it bigger and better next year.

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

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

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

We meet at Belstead Village Hall, usually on the third Monday of the month (excluding July and August), but are also planning to have another social evening in December. The dates for the rest of the year are: October 19 and November 16 from 2.30-4pm and the evening of December 18.

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

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

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next talk on November 11 will be A Sound Safari, presented by Malcolm Clark.

Future talks: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; History of Advertising; Lady Alice de Breyne; NT coast of East Anglia; Secrets of the Royal Jewels; Galapagos Islands and Dive.

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

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE CONSTABLE GROUP Around 70 members of Bentley, Brantham, Copdock and Washbrook, Capel St Mary and East Bergholt WIs attended the autumn group social on September 25. It was very ably hosted by Bentley WI and the theme celebrated our 100 years of development.

The members in attendance included Jane Sago, the new chair of SEFWI, who came along with our group advisor, Sarah Swallow.

Presidents and officials present received button holes very similar to the WI centenary rose named Inspiration. Quite beautiful!

Then the fun began! We enjoyed two competitions, the second of which involved 33 questions about the history of the WI over its 100 years. The questions were ranged around the wall of the hall

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so there was much socialising, conversation and laughter as we talked with other groups, tried to deduce the answers, shared thoughts and realised that our knowledge was severely wanting!

Yes, the WI has a great history, all of it well worth knowing, but we are an organisation of today which realises that support for all groups is key to our ongoing success.

Many thanks go to Bentley WI for a hugely successful event which brought us together through chatting, laughter and the gathering of knowledge along with delicious food and good cups of tea, at least as delicious as the banquet being prepared on television to officially celebrate the WI’s 100 years.

Louise Amphlett Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS JUNCTION YOUTH CLUB The Friday night youth club at Capel Methodist Church is open for School Years 7-9 (ages 11-14). Each evening there is a choice of table tennis, badminton, Wii, and Xbox. There is also often an activity like cooking, knitting, craft, nail painting and karaoke, as well as a place to just chill with your friends, and not forgetting our ever popular tuck shop. The club runs from 7-9pm. The young people are expected to attend for the two hours so that parents know where they are! If school is on, then club is on. Either turn up, or contact Jill Sharp for more information: 311546

BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB At the September meeting the excellent speaker was John Dyter from Notcutts, famed as a Suffolk Show judge and for their Chelsea Show exhibits.

Following this the AGM, where the club was officially formulated, the constitution being available for members to read.

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB

Sue Keen won the competition for the best fuchsia grown from a plug, which were handed out in June. She has VERY green fingers!

Congratulations to Sue (pictured).

Our next talk on November 10 will be What Happens Here in Suffolk, presented by Pip Wright.

Matthew Tanton-Brown was the speaker at the October meeting.

Future talks in 2015: NT Ickworth Visitors are welcome to join us for these talks which take place in the lounge of Capel Methodist Church at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Refreshments are provided after the talk.

As the club goes from strength to strength, we thank members old and new for making the meetings so enjoyable. Come along, gardeners or not, and join us on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.

Marilyn

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB Our September speaker was Mr Bob Booker from Ladybird Nurserys in Snape. We had a brief history of the nursery, including some pictures of the devastating damage caused by the 1987 storm and of his parents who started the business 60 years ago. These were followed by details on planting winter containers. One of Bob’s specialist plants was cyclamen and he brought several unusual ones along to show members.

After the talk we were able to buy some of his beautiful plants and get some face-to-face advice from an expert.

Our meeting on November 26 will be a talk by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and we will make an early start to our Christmas celebrations with coffee/tea and mince pies.

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

Edwina Cox, chairman 01473 311121

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK RAMBLERS The Copdock and Washbrook November village ramble will explore some of the picturesque countryside well known to the painter John Constable.

The route will be approximately 4.5 miles and take in East Bergholt, the River Stour and Flatford.

We will meet, as usual, at the Church Room in The Street, but please note a change to the date and time – it is Wednesday, November 18 at 10am. All are welcome. For more information please contact: tina@thegrindle.co.uk

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JUMBLE SALE

CLEAR THE CLUTTER – BAG A BARGAIN Saturday, November 28, from 2pm, at Bentley Village Hall Bentley Toddler Group (Registered Charity No: 1026973) is holding a jumble sale to raise funds on November 28 at Bentley Village Hall.

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 on (311311), who will arrange to collect from you.

If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm. Tea and coffee will also be available.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

STAY AND PLAY AT WOODLAND PRE-PREP Stay and Play sessions for 0-3 year olds take place at The Woodland PrePrep at Ipswich High School on Mondays, November 2, 9, 16 and 23.

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

Refreshments included.

To book your place call: 01473 201011

In Touch online:

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SCHOOLS COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK PRE-SCHOOL So much has happened in such a short space of time.

This half term we have been learning about the autumn season, exploring the changes we can see around us in our local environment.

The apples from our tree have been picked and we have made apple crumble. The children enjoyed helping in the whole process, collecting, washing, chopping, carefully mixing and then tasting. It was a great success.

Our sand tray is full of conkers, acorns and cars. As the children explore they can count how many conkers will fit into the trucks, test out which ones will squash into bottles and sort the different sizes.

What great fun is to be found in nature.

This year to end the term we are holding an autumn activity morning where our grown-ups have been invited to join us for a fun packed morning of paint, autumn colours and games.

BENTLEY CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL We have had such a fabulous month here at Bentley. The older children have been on their residential trip to African Adventure and had an amazing time den building, landmine clearing, bridge building, wall climbing and archery among many, many other activities.

They returned home exhausted and grubby, but exhilarated by what they had seen, done and achieved.

few days after our best ever Macmillan Coffee and Cake fundraiser where an amazing £150 was raised for the charity. When you consider the size of our school, these two events show the generosity within our school community.

A big thank you to everyone who donated to either of these good causes.

help of Mr Robinson, the children made their own pasta from scratch and a delicious, healthy Bolognese to go with it. So many children were inspired by the afternoon, they went home and pestered parents to buy them pasta makers. By far the best bit of the whole project was the tasting. Everybody tried a bowl of homemade pasta and Bolognese, some even managed three bowls!

We are still in need of a midday supervisor for three days a week. If you are interested in finding out more about the job, please contact the school for information and an application form.

OPEN EVENING

As a church school we are not only inspected

by Ofsted, but also by the Diocese. This SIAMs inspection looks at how faith is integrated into learning as well as the management of the school overall. We are very pleased to report that we have been given an overall grading of ‘good’ to go with our recent Ofsted result of the same. Our thanks go to all those people at St Mary’s Church and the Baptist Church who give us so much encouragement and support and help make this school the wonderful place it is to learn and grow in. This cooperation was evidenced again this month as the children took part in a special Harvest Service at the church. Families of the school showed yet again their generosity by sending in an impressive amount of food items to be donated to families in need at West Villa. This followed on just a

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Not to be outdone on the excitement front, Wolves class were visited by a real life superhero as part of their current topic. Josh the paramedic even brought his ambulance with him. We were very grateful to him for taking the time to come and share with us what it is like to be a paramedic, even if we did panic the SIAMs inspector when an ambulance turned up on the playground!

Adders class have taken their topic on Italy to heart (and stomach) and have even started cooking Italian. With the kind

Looking forward, we are pleased to confirm that the open evening for prospective parents will be held on Wednesday, November 18 from 6pm. If you have, or know anyone who has, a child due to start school in September 2016, please feel free to come along and find out more about us. If you would like to book a visit during school hours to see our brilliant pupils in action, please call the school office on 01473 310253 to arrange this.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE Finally, the Christmas Fayre this year will be held on Friday, December 11 from 3.30pm.

Please support the children by coming along to it if you can. The pupils are organising the fayre and all funds raised will go into their Enterprise Fund. There will be an array of stalls and perhaps even a visit from someone very important!

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SCHOOLS COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOL The children have had a busy few weeks in school.

The Circus in Bentley workshops provided the children with new skills which challenged them. They enjoyed sharing their experience with their parents at the after school performances. Cooking club has been running every Wednesday with the children making fruity salsa and dips, an ‘eat well’ pizza and a Moroccan chickpea stew so far.

The new Foundation children have settled in well and are enjoying their time at school.

Years 5/6 have had a fantastic residential trip away at African Adventure in Sizewell. The weather was kind to them for their week away. The children were looking at what Africa is like and how it would feel to live

there, compared to their own lives. In some parts of Africa children walk many miles to fetch water or go to school everyday. By the age of seven they will be able to carry a full bucket of water on their heads or carry younger siblings on their backs to school. The children went on a two mile circular journey along the coastal footpath and back along the seashore, collecting objects along the way. Then when they returned they took part in a water team challenge carrying containers of water on their heads in a race to fill up the villager’s well. A memorable week where they also experienced sleeping in mud huts, having fun and games around the camp fire and lots more activities.

The school’s final total for our Macmillan Coffee and Cake afternoon in September was £191.80. Thank you to everyone who baked and sent in cake donations and who contributed to the afternoon.

A big thank you goes out to Oakdene Tree Services who generously supplied some wood chippings for our school grounds.

OPEN EVENING Don’t forget the school’s open evening for prospective parents on November 11 at 6pm in the school hall. Come and find out more about our friendly school and how we can meet the individual needs of your child as they continue their learning journey through primary education.

ROBIN’S CHILDCARE marched through them. We have painted using leaves, rolled acorns in paint creating our marks, taken leaf rubbings and made a hedgehog collage. We even made our very own forest using twigs and leaves and played inside our forest with different types of small world objects.

Gruffalos This term the Gruffalos have been focusing on ‘outdoor learning’ which means lots of our time has been spent in our coats and wellies! We’ve been talking a lot about the autumnal season and incorporating this into our learning by looking at the weather, colours and the nature changes. We have all noticed the leaves changing colour and falling from the trees.

The Gruffalos have been on nature walks collecting nature resources such as leaves sticks and pine cones which are used outside to make all kinds of creations, such as crowns and sashes.

Baby Bears have continued to create lots of lovely artwork. Working together they have created wonderful colourful pictures using their whole bodies!

Working hard together the Gruffalos have built an amazing den to enjoy our crafts and activities in. The children put into practise their eye-hand co-ordination skills to find the corners of the tarpaulin and spread it out and their fine motor skills and big muscles to push the tent pegs through the holes into the ground.

Baby Bears are looking forward to Halloween at the end of October as they have lots of exciting activities planned, from exploring slimy jelly and wiggly spaghetti, to making ghosts spiders and bats with hand and foot prints to hang around our room!

The importance of outdoor play is that it’s a large area for children to master not only their developing physical skills through running, jumping and climbing, but also working with each other and problem solving.

Toddling Tigers

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

Baby Bears

The Tigers have been busy with the autumn season and started off the activities with leaf week! With wellies on we went for a walk, finding all the different colour leaves and listening to them crunch as we

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SPORT CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB As I write these notes on October 5 the Saturday First team have moved up to second in the Senior Division after recording six consecutive victories and collecting 18 points from their first seven games. Recent wins included a 4-0 result at Grundisburgh which included a Stephen Morrison hat trick and a 2-1 win at Haughley United with new signing Shaun Webb scoring his first goal for the club. Their next home game is on November 14 against Achilles.

The Reserves beat Cornard Reserves 3-2 in the County Cup with Andy Wilshaw scoring twice and Harry Taylor getting the third goal, then drew 1-1 with Coplestotians thanks to an Adam Brand goal. Gary Treanor has been playing well in goal with teenagers Joe Bigmore, John Gray and Kieran Tynan putting in some good performances.

Our Sunday side won their first four league games which included a 6-3 win over Eastern Electric Old Boys with Richard Farnam

grabbing a hat trick, but lost 3-2 against Greshams in the County Cup after being two goals up.

Meanwhile our Veterans beat Leiston Town 6-1 with Chris Smith and Jon Chenery both scoring twice before they had a bit of an off day losing 5-1 at Woodbridge with Lee Partridge our scorer.

Our youth teams play at Capel St Mary Playing Field and the village school most Saturday mornings.

With age groups from six to 16 and some promising youngsters on show, many are expected to go on to play for our adult teams as they progress.

Finally the club continues to be faced with a dog fouling problem on the playing field so to those dog owners who read my notes, please can you clear up after your dog. This would be much appreciated by all those who use the field.

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

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

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

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

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

CarolerConcert ing together Rememb this Christmas

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

Led by

Civil Celebrant, Tina Hayward and the Ipswich & Norwich Co-op Band & Special Guests Call to book your place

01473 257242

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

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE IPSWICH CANOE CLUB Club needs a new boat store – Can anyone help?

The Ipswich Canoe Club has been running for 36 years. The club prides itself on being a very inclusive, family orientated club. As a new member myself this spring, and new to kayaking/ canoeing, I experienced this first hand. I couldn’t have asked for more support, camaraderie and well-timed tips, all freely given by club coaches and ‘old hands’. I have made new friends and had a great time kayaking this summer.

The club operates under the British Canoe Union coaching, training and safety standards for children and adults. A key goal of the club is to make canoeing/kayaking accessible and engaging to new and existing members alike. This year the club has run 15 training courses from beginner to advanced. Ninety places overall were taken on the courses. The club also

has an organised programme of weekly river paddling and sea kayaking through the summer, as well as trips further afield. As the winter draws in, regular indoor pool sessions allow members to continue to develop their skills. Members can engage in any or all of these activities.

Accessibility is a key theme, with current annual membership at £15 and boat hire for a few pounds a day (www.ipswichcanoeclub.org.uk/ membership/). The club has a significant stock of boats to store to make this possible.

The current club boat store will not be available from March as the owner needs it again. The club now has to find something comparable: secure storage located on the Ipswich to Dedham/Cattawade ‘corridor’ or thereabouts, with 10m by 10m floor or similar area, and access for boat pickup and drop off.

If you can help or know someone who might, please contact: Bob Turner, 07940 825531 / bob.turner5@btinternet.com I will be delighted to discuss any and all possibilities.

THE WHEATSHEAF PÉTANQUE TOURNAMENT Six pairs of pétanque enthusiasts took part in the annual Wheatsheaf Tournament held in glorious Tattingstone sunshine on Sunday, September 27. It was a fiercely fought knockout competition that was won by Airavata Carroll and Paul Lee (pictured) with the runner-up position going to John Pipe and Ray Savage.

If you are interested in playing pétanque for the Wheatsheaf pop in and give your name and details to Anna or Kevin.

Congratulations to our 2015 champions.

EBONY’S BLOG: Life at The Shelley Centre We may have survived the ghosts and ghoullies of Halloween, but I have been watching the ponies and horses spooking at one particular corner of the arena! You would think they should all be used to branches waving and pheasants chattering by now, but there are some (I won’t mention names) who still feel anxious about this corner, and pass their fears onto their friends in the herd.

I have a little friend in my ‘room’ too. She is called Babs but neither of us is at all silly about spooks. So long as we are serviced regularly and there are no power cuts we are the steadiest of mounts. Babs has been here much longer than me and she has a very loyal bunch of riders. Poor old

girl, she is no looker, like I am. I have a fine figure and gorgeous tack, and you should just see my mane and tail! They are black like me, made of real horse hair.

Talking of hair, a most amazing thing happened recently. Heather Barrie, a 13-year-old pupil at East Bergholt High School, decided to raise money for us by having a sponsored hair cut! This is what she wrote to our chairman: “I wanted to raise money for the RDA because you’re local and you’re a small charity that relies on donations and volunteers, and you help loads of people with disabilities through riding. I love riding and compete on my own pony, Lolly. The problem with having very long hair is that I have to wear a hair net when I am doing showing classes. So I decided to have it cut. I looked on the Virgin Money Giving website and found that The Shelley Centre had a registered charity page.”

She says the rest was easy, but I bet it took a lot of courage. Everyone here is very grateful for the money she raised and we always bless the many kind people who help us to keep going. Our supporters were racing frogs last month, would you believe? I have heard that last year’s running costs were just over £73,000, a hair raising amount, but you’ll not catch me having my mane and tail cut, not for all the apples in the bucket! I don’t want to end up looking like Babs, do I? www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

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ON THE GRAPEVINE KENNY’S SESAW NEWS Dog gone it! That cat’s done it again! While I was recovering from meeting and greeting, Ollie (the Black) slipped in with last month’s news. Mind you, he doesn’t do a bad job (with mum’s supervision of course) and I’m too excited about the 2016 calendar to worry. There are some smashing photos of great looking ex-SESAW dogs (and cats). You can buy it at our Christmas Fair in the Old School, Long Melford on November 15, order it on 07576 927741, email pfrenchm@aol.com or call into SESAW during opening hours.

Maybe next year some of our current dogs will be featured, speaking of which, do you know Blaze (pictured here)? He is a typical ‘in your face’, lick-lick-giz-a-cuddle boisterous Staffie thug. Loves everybody and everything. Blaze is currently in a foster home with two other dogs, several cats and a toddler. He is desperate for a home of his own and someone to love him and take him for nice long walks.

Anyway I don’t want him here as he would soon scoff Wendy’s wonderful doggy deli treats.

They are absolutely scrumptious and I can’t afford to share them with more dogs. I’ve heard she will be making some for our Christmas Fair. Make sure you get them before mum buys the lot for me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua!

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP / open 10am-1pm, Thursday-Sunday 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk

FROM THE ARCHIVES THE BENEFICE FALLEN: NOVEMBER CENTENARIES This month we remember two men from the North Samford Benefice, PJ Braybrook of Bentley and D Warne of Sproughton.

Pte. 17074 Percy John Braybrook was born in Copdock, enlisted in Ipswich and served with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. He was killed in action on November 22, 1915 at the Battle of Loos. His name is inscribed on the memorial containing wall of the War Cemetery at Loos with more than 20,000 other British soldiers killed in the battle who have no known grave.

Two Ipswich survivors of the battle, Private Samuel Harvey and Sergeant Arthur Saunders, won VCs for their bravery and last month their Centenary Paving Stones were laid at the southern entrance to Christchurch Park for passers-by to see and remember.

Pte. 12528 David Warne was born in 1895 at Kettleburgh and enlisted in Ipswich. He is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery in the Pas-de-Calais in France. At the moment it’s not clear what connection he had with Sproughton where his name is on the War Memorial.

WILLIAM HENRY HEWITT CENTENARY PAVING STONE PRESENTATION The first step has been taken for the presentation and dedication of the Centenary Paving Stone for the Copdock born VC hero, W H Hewitt. It will take place on September 17, 2017, the Sunday before the centenary of the action on September 24.

The position of the stone and the format of the ceremony will be arranged over the coming months.

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THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE

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

Dear Friends Memories! Sad or happy, good or bad. Memories we don’t want to forget and those we can’t forget. Oscar Wilde said: “Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” So for those of us who keep a diary, recording dayto-day events is important. But if like me you only jot down meetings, appointments and birthdays it is a reminder but not much else.

November is a month for memories. We remember loved ones at the Bereavement Service and light candles. We remember the Gunpowder Plot and light bonfires and fireworks. We remember the fallen of two world wars and the many conflicts since and this perhaps is the most poignant as conflicts never seem to end. Some say that remembering those lost in conflict is glorifying war. Analissa Range’s poem To Remember the Fallen has a verse that reads: to remember the fallen is not to remember how they fought but to remember who they fought for How different our lives would have been if those we remember had not fought and died.

Remembering is important, but beware of rose tinted spectacles. What are the things that help us remember? A piece of music? A song? A poem? A photograph? A particular smell? There are many things that trigger our memories. Memories which are important because they help make us the people we are.

Looking though a photo album brings back memories. We say: “I’d forgotten all about that!” Out with a friend we meet someone in the street who says with pleasure: “Hello, it’s lovely to see you. How are you?” You desperately try to remember a name, asking questions that might give you a clue. You say: “Good-bye,” and your friend asks: “Who was that?” You have to admit, sadly, you cannot remember their name.

Memory sometimes plays tricks on us too. Like the experiment when people were shown fake photos of things they were told they had done and were convinced that they had done just that, which is rather scary.

And our Christian faith is about remembrance. We remember and give thanks for the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. And for most Christians, when we celebrate Holy Communion we remember what Jesus has done for us. Remembering the night before he died when he had supper with his friends. Paul records what happened: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you; do this to remember me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people – an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.”

(1 Corinthians 11:23-25) So a time for remembering is an important part of our humanity. And remembering what God has done is vital to a fulfilling life.

With my prayers and good wishes, Sandra Mehen

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Copdock Fireworks November 5 at Copdock Hall starting at 6pm. Barbecue, refreshments, sweets and drinks will be available. Bonfire lighting is at 6.30pm, with a fantastic fireworks display at 7.15pm. Parking on site at Copdock Hall Events Venue, Church Lane, next to Copdock church. Adults £5, children (under 16s) £2.

Sproughton Fireworks November 6, Millennium Green. 7pm barbecue, 7.15pm bonfire, 8pm fireworks. Large bonfire and great fireworks. Entrance is by donation of £5 adults and £2 children. Excellent barbecue selling reasonably priced food. This is a popular family event. Car parking at school and in village.

Belstead Christmas Market November 28, 10am-12.30pm in the village hall.

Sproughton Christmas Bazaar November 28, 11am-3pm in the church hall.

FROM THE REGISTERS Baptisms Lilly Hill, Copdock DIARY DATES NOVEMBER 4 Bentley Home Communion, 10am 5 Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

Copdock Fireworks (see above)

Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am 6 Sproughton Fireworks (see above) 7 Copdock and Washbrook monthly market, 10am 10 Copdock PCC meeting 14 Sproughton monthly market, 10am 17 Ministry meeting 18 Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook, 10am 21 Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm 25 Tattingstone PCC meeting 28 Burstall Christmas Bazaar and coffee morning, 10am-noon

Belstead Christmas market in the village hall, 10am-12.30pm

Sproughton Christmas Bazaar, 11am-3pm DECEMBER 2 Bentley Home Communions, 19 The Link, 10am 3 Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

Bentley Coffee and Company, 10-11.30am 5 Copdock and Washbrook Christmas Market, Church Room, 11am-1pm 8 Ministry meeting 10 Bentley carols and mulled wine in Bentley Village Hall, 7.30pm 12 Sproughton monthly market, 10am 13 Copdock Nativity Service 16 Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook, 10am 20 Bentley Carol Service, 10am

Sproughton Carol Service, 6.30pm

Burstall Carol Service, 4.3 pm

Tattingstone Carol Service, 6pm

Belstead Carol Service, 6pm

Copdock Carol Service, 6pm SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE NOVEMBER 1 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone

Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion

In Touch online:

11am 4pm

Sproughton Sproughton

Holy Communion Bereavement Service

NOVEMBER 8 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock

10.15am Sproughton 10.50am Bentley War Memorial 10.50am Belstead War Memorial 10.50am Tattingstone

Remembrance Service Remembrance Service and Holy Communion Remembrance Service Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance

NOVEMBER 15 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton 6pm Tattingstone

Holy Communion Simply Sunday Family Praise Matins Holy Communion

NOVEMBER 22 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley

Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion

10am 10am 10am 5pm

Copdock Belstead Tattingstone Sproughton

Holy Communion Morning Celebration Family Praise Christingle

NOVEMBER 29 10am Tattingstone

Benefice Service

DECEMBER 6 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

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

DECEMBER 13 9.15am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone

Croissant Church Christingle Nativity Holy Communion Evensong

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

CAPEL ST MARY AND HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES FROM BROKENESS TO WHOLENESS Have you ever broken something that you treasured, or worse still someone else has broken it and didn’t realise it was precious to you?

What do you do? Depending on how badly it’s broken you might gather up the pieces and lovingly and carefully glue them back together. We have a few family treasures that have been repaired several times.

They have little commercial value, but they are precious to us. If however you dropped a clay flower pot that broke into shards, you probably wouldn’t give it a second thought, but would sweep up the bits and put them in the bin.

Many people feel bruised and broken by life. It may be the feeling of rejection from being an unwanted pregnancy or you are part of a broken relationship. Perhaps someone you trusted was unfaithful or you suffered a financial crash. Illness or death of a close friend or relative has broken you. Some have been bullied at work or in school or hurtful, abusive words have been spoken. Many things can cause us to feel broken, like shards, just to be swept up and thrown away.

Sometimes we despair of ever being able to rebuild our lives.

David was broken by life, he felt shattered by events. He complained to God: “I have been ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.”

Although he was King of Israel, he saw no hope of his life being put together again. As he continued in relationship with God eventually he was able to say: “You answered my prayer when I shouted for help.”

David discovered that he was precious to God, who was prepared for the patient task of rebuilding someone. Having had that help from God to rebuild his broken life he said to others who were broken: “The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.”

He was speaking as someone who had been rescued and because the Lord had done it for him, so He could do it for all who turned to Him. Paul also knew what it was to be hard pressed but never crushed – he talked about being fragile, like clay jars, but having this treasure inside.

Indeed he turns conventional wisdom on its head, as often it is those who have been through difficult times who are the more able to help others. Henri Nouwen describes it as ‘The Wounded Healer’.

God is in the business of restoring broken lives, he is looking to heal, renew and make us whole. And he often uses those of us who have been through some brokenness to share in that healing process.

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I would reaffirm David’s words: “He is there to rescue all who are discouraged.” I would affirm that you are precious to God, he doesn’t wish to discard you. He is waiting for you to respond. It is often helpful to have someone journey with you. If you wish to start a conversation please be in touch, or come to a Healing Service at Capel Methodist Church at 6.30pm on November 8.

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel and Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Sunday 1

10.30am, Worship with Jayne Green 6pm, Prayer

Sunday 8

10.30am, Worship with Brian Ward 6.30pm, Healing Service with The Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 15

10.30am, Worship with Paul Walker

Sunday 22

10.30am, Communion with The Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 29

10.30am, Worship with Peter Davison

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST Sunday 1

10am, Worship with Chris Finbow

Sunday 8

10am, Remembrance service at All Saints with The Revs Geoffrey Clement and Michael Ayden

Sunday 15

10am, Communion with The Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 22

10am, Worship with Paul Finch 6.30pm, Something Different with The Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 29

10am, Worship with Alicia Holmes

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COME AND SING THE SOUND OF MUSIC SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER, 3PM

READE MUSIC SCHOOL, Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RX

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Sound of Music

£5

Tickets available from www.ipswichregent.com or just turn up & sing your heart out!

SUITABLE FOR ALL THE FAMILY. FANCY DRESS IS OPTIONAL WITH PRIZE FOR BEST COSTUME. 36

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