In Touch News with East Bergholt – March 2017

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 4 • Issue No. 6 • MARCH 2017

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA On Sunday, April 2 from 2-5pm at Capel St Mary Village Hall in aid of Somersham Ward Supporters Group.

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

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

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

Who are Somersham Ward Support Group?

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

Chalkboard outside a small convenience store and bakery in Co Kerry.

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

Happy shopping.

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

Sharon

In Touch

Why am I raising funds for this group?

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

with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

Fiona Wilson

In Touch with Dedham, East Bergholt & Flatford is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Dedham, East Bergholt, & Flatford is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

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

ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE AT CAPEL Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

APRIL DEADLINE 20 MARCH 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS NOTES FROM THE CASE

EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub

Hadleigh Road development The Judicial Review transcript has been received and can be seen by accessing a link on the village website. The £26,250 payable by Babergh to the parish council has also been received. No progress from Babergh on the reconsideration of the Moores Lane development application.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matters at the January parish council meeting: • Neil Winship from Suffolk Quiet Lanes took questions and explained the scheme – roads, footpaths and Flatford committees to consider Flatford Lane for the scheme • District Councillor Hinton informed that the whole of Babergh Planning Department has moved to Needham Market (Mid-Suffolk) offices • Three planning applications were considered – one approval, two refusals • Councillor Woodcock is looking to identify a new polling station for East End • SALC offer for NP/JR article accepted • Village Spring Clean scheduled for Saturday, March 25 from Lambe School • Setting up of East Bergholt Speedwatch progressing • Parish council to subscribe to planning resource for updates and guidance • Budget for 2017/18 and precept approved – letter to go to residents to explain increase needed • Councillor Moss and the parish clerk received formal acknowledgement of their work on the Judicial Review.

For up-to-date village information, road closures and events visit: www. eastbergholt.org.uk Parish Clerk Valerie Ayton

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: FEBRUARY 2017 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Judicial Review (JR) CO/2375/2016 Councillors recently had a briefing on the outcomes and potential impact of the JR relating to East Bergholt Parish Council’s claim against Babergh DC and the planning permission given with respect to 10 single-storey dwellings for the over-55s on a site off Hadleigh Road between two listed buildings – Gatton House and The Gables (Ref. No: B/15/01678). There were four challenges. The one upheld, concerned proven ‘local need’, and how this is defined. Babergh has specific policies relating to land outside a settlement’s built up area boundary. They affect ‘core villages’ like East Bergholt or Capel St Mary.

That permission has now been quashed. At some stage the application should be re-heard. There are implications from the ruling on other development applications currently tabled (there are presently 14) are now subject to further deliberation. Two applications in Capel St Mary fall within this group.

Many Capel residents will know about a duplicate application submitted relating to 100 homes on land north and west of Capel Community Church, off Days Road (Ref. No: B/17/00122.). The original application (Ref. No: B/16/01365) is now unlikely to be decided within the accepted time frame. Residents are advised that any comments made to the first application need to be re-submitted.

Some issues for core and hinterland villages arise from policies intended to remove the shackles from settlements where some development was desirable but prohibited under older regulations.

Unfortunately these policies, and a number of sites identified (but not ‘allocated’) under the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, have invited applications in locations which are more opportunistic than strategic. At this time, we have no indication of when two major applications in Capel St Mary will be decided, but site visits and referral to committee have been requested, and they are likely to be heard in due course on the same day.

I am pressing the point that combinations of applications have a cumulative impact on infrastructure and that random, windfall development proposals are not in the best interests of our communities.

Civil Parking Enforcement in Suffolk Parking enforcement powers are presently vested in the police but are to be transferred to Suffolk County Council. Parking offences are a low priority for the police whose resources are better directed elsewhere. Babergh have agreed that a working group should be set up to develop the case for a whole system approach to on- and off-street parking across the county. Implementation should start in spring 2019, and be much more robust and effective than at present.

The responsibility will rest with SCC but Ipswich BC, West Suffolk and East Suffolk will undertake the enforcement for the whole county.

Babergh does not anticipate significant additional costs impacting on the budget. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Babergh HQ Move Following the decision to move the headquarters of both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils to Endeavour House in Ipswich, the councils have announced that the locations of the customer services points will be in Stowmarket and Sudbury.

The number of residents making visits to council offices in both districts is extremely low and the council have had to make the decision to end the expensive and inefficient maintenance of two HQs while also recognising the need to continue to have customer service points in the communities they serve.

The specific locations in Sudbury and Stowmarket are yet to be announced. The council is also still committed to having a small office in Hadleigh, but are not yet in a position to announce where.

Public Realm Service Councils are responsible for cutting approximately two million square metres of grass, emptying 1,800 dog and litter bins and maintaining around 19,000 trees across the districts? These responsibilities and many more – including street cleaning, litter clearance and highway verge work – come under the remit of the Countryside and Public Realm Service.

Currently, Public Realm services in Mid Suffolk are largely delivered by an in-house team; in Babergh, the service is largely contracted out. Community litter pickers and community caretakers also play a role in keeping many towns and villages tidy. The Public Realm Transformation project is now getting underway and will be looking at how Public Realm services, worth over £2m, should be delivered in the future. Consultants have been commissioned to carry out

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an options appraisal and will be speaking to officers, external stakeholders and elected members. The consultants are expected to report back in late April.

Hadleigh Tidy Town Volunteers Each spring, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils look at ways to continue to support community litter-picking groups. Public Realm officers decided to try and expand on the litter-pick theme in 2016 with an initiative to create civic pride in prime shopping areas; spread the anti-litter message to retailers and their customers and staff; show how to store waste so it doesn’t become an eyesore or add to litter; and encourage people to let Babergh know if street bins need emptying.

In April, the Clean For the Queen initiative was launched and the litter-pickers joined-in with the support of Babergh DC supplying them with pick sticks and bags and collections of bagged waste. As the litter-pickers attracted more people, Hadleigh Town Council provided a start-up grant of £250 to buy equipment.

Throughout 2016, there were picks twice-weekly for two hours each week in prearranged locations around the town. In the early part of the year, there was a considerable amount of litter, hidden and buried, much of it having been there for a long time. The group identified places where additional bins were required and have since been placed. ‘Hot spots’ for litter have greatly improved, some disappearing, and it has proven to be the case that if offenders don’t see litter they are much less likely to throw it. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD

YOUR HOME – YOUR RIGHT TO SAY NO!

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON

Police are warning residents to be mindful of rogue traders or doorstep sellers who turn up at your home uninvited. Bogus callers can be men, women or even children, offering a variety of stories to encourage you to buy items such as household products and food or offering services such as gardening work and property repairs.

My lottery tickets keep failing, my premium bonds award me zero and the news from Babergh is still depressing!

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

The budget will also have to explain the rocketing costs of legal support for planning. Babergh has just lost the East Bergholt JR, costs are not explained accurately and the Bildeston JR is now delayed until July, but there are others in the wings, as well as apparently 14 applications covering 650 homes which have to be revisited to make sure they comply with the judges’ comments from the East Bergholt JR. Basically it’s complicated, but what’s important is the cost to Babergh and thus to us as council tax payers. Bills so far equate to approximately 4% on the council tax bill unless the savings supposedly being made from the joint working are redirected, which is likely. No doubt the new housing white paper will further complicate the system.

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

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

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

These individuals frequently deceive you into paying for work or goods you don’t actually need and may also provide a substandard service if they do any work at all. Occupants often feel pressurised and agree to work being done at over-inflated prices. Do not pay for work before it is satisfactorily completed – and remember you are entitled to a 14 day cancellation period if you pay over £42 for services or goods.

IF SOMEONE CALLS: • Ensure you lock your back door before answering • Check who is there before you answer the front door (a spyhole is a good idea) or go to an upstairs window and look out • If you do decide to answer the door make sure you put on a door chain/ bar before you open it • Ask the caller for identification and check it carefully – do not allow them access to your property. Genuine callers will not mind waiting while their identities are being verified.

WHO CAN HELP? Police: If someone is refusing to leave your property or becomes aggressive towards you then call 999. If you see someone acting suspiciously call 101.

Trading Standards / Citizens Advice Consumer Service: If you have received substandard services or wish to find out about NO COLD CALLING ZONES, a scheme setup in areas where unsolicited cold calling is becoming an increasing problem. Police can also provide residents with door/window stickers which can be displayed to deter unwanted callers.

Contact: 03454 040506 (9am-5pm) / tradingstandards@suffolk.gov.uk Police: 999 emergencies only or 101 for non-emergencies Local police: Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

The ‘cabinet’ system of governance at Babergh is due to start in May. It’s nice to see comments from the controlling group on Babergh District Council reported in the East Anglian, as it is to hear the completely inaccurate comments from portfolio holders at meetings. Do they read their own reports and information sheets, or is it just a dogma that they are following? I had expected more action from Suffolk County Council as the elections approach in May, but their highways team in particular seem to have their hands tied and are thus unwilling or unable to respond to the concerns of residents. It’s nearly as bad as dealing with Highways England over substandard and potholed junctions like the Four Sisters.

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY

DEDHAM FILMS The Assembly Rooms Dedham

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

Well, no actually, because the new king, the evil Duke Felmet, murdered the previous one… The missing true heir, the baby prince, finds protection with three local witches, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and their protégé Magrat Garlick.

Although witches have a rule never to interfere with the life of a child at stake and the fate of the kingdom in their hands, they take granny’s advice about rules: If you’re going to break them – break them good and hard!

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

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

Individuals and teams of eight welcome.

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

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

Wednesday, March 15, 7.30pm: Sully (2016), directed by Clint Eastwood Tickets £4 from Shakespeare House Gallery, Dedham High Street, or online at: www.dedhamfilms.co.uk

DEDHAM PLAYERS God of Carnage – a comedy of manners... without the manners! A must see for any couple with children.

In this black comedy by Yasmina Reza (Art), two sets of parents, one of whose child has hurt the other at a public park, meet to discuss the matter in a civilised manner. As the evening progresses the parents’ behaviour disintegrates, ultimately devolving into chaos.

The play’s English-translated productions have won awards in both London (Lawrence Olivier Award) and New York (Tony Awards).

God of Carnage plays at The Assembly Rooms in Dedham from Wednesday, April 26 to Saturday 29 at 7.45pm. Tickets (£8) include refreshment served during the interval. Order today at: www.dedhamplayers.org / Shakespeare House Gallery, Dedham High Street / 0333 666 3366. The phone number is for ticket sales only and a telephone booking fee applies.

East Bergholt Horticultural Society

Cottage Cures and Superstitions A talk by Andrew Sankey Garden Designer/Landscaper, Nurseryman and Lecturer

FRIDAY 24 MARCH 2017 7.30 pm Constable Hall East Bergholt Tickets are available from the Fountain House Tea Room in East Bergholt If£3you would like to go please write your name, address and for members, £5 for non-members

telephone number plus preferred pick up point on an envelope www.eastbergholthorticulturalsociety.onesuffolk.net email: ebhs@btinternet.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ONE OF THE LARGEST, FINEST AND MOST COMMITTED CHAPEL CHOIRS I HAVE EVER FOUND IN A SCHOOL JOHN RUTTER

©Jet Photography

SCHOOL CHOIRS’ CONCERT SATURDAY 25 MARCH, 7PM

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

Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE 01206 573948 | experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic

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OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA

STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC

Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt

Sunday, March 5, 4pm: Young Musician’s Concert, Constable Hall, East Bergholt

Both films are shown with the assistance of Creative Arts East and the British Film Institute. As usual doors open at 7.30pm and the film starts at 8pm. Tickets available on the door, from the Fountain House Tearoom or call 01206 299774 to reserve tickets until 7.45pm on the night – £4 for adults, £2 for 18 years and under.

Friday, March 3: Mustang (15)

It’s the beginning of summer in a village in rural Anatolia, northern Turkey. Lale and her four sisters come home from school innocently playing with boys. The supposed debauchery of their games causes a scandal with unexpected consequences.

The family home is progressively transformed into a prison; instruction in homemaking replaces school and marriages start being arranged.

The five sisters who share a common passion for freedom, find ways of getting around the constraints imposed on them. Nominated for best foreign language film at the 2015 Oscars.

Friday, April 7: A United Kingdom (12A)

A film about the interracial marriage of clerk Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike) and African prince-in-waiting Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo), who became the first president of Botswana after leading the former British protectorate to independence. A little-told real-life story that caused a scandal in post-war Britain.

Another opportunity to hear some of the many talented young musicians in our area. This is an extra event not included in the season ticket. Tickets are just £6 which includes refreshments.

Sunday, March 19, 4pm: Kammerphilharmonie Europa at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt

Back by popular demand this exciting ensemble is an excellent finale to our 66th season. The Chamber Philharmonic Europe was founded in 2001 in Cologne. The orchestra engages talented young musicians from 18 European nations. Generously sponsored by Scrutton Bland, Colchester.

Box office and information: www.svam.org.uk / 01206 298426 / svamtickets@btinternet

Critic Mark Kermode says: “Watching the film for a second time with a packed audience who swooned at its romance, laughed at its wry humour and cheered its moments of triumph, it struck me that, for all its progressive importance, this is first and foremost an impressively crowdpleasing piece of intelligent screen entertainment. Its true-life tale of unity in the face of cultural apartheid and political expediency remains as relevant as ever in these divided times.”

CLEAR THE CLUTTER – BAG A BARGAIN

As usual the bar will be open and there will be ice creams, tea and coffee at the interval. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Bentley Toddler Group is holding a fundraising jumble sale on Saturday, April 29 at Bentley Village Hall from 2pm.

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

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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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

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

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

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

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

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, March 11, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier.

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190 Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

BUMPER BOOK SALE Attention to all you book lovers.

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

Capel St Mary CEVC Primary School

Nearly New Sale

Saturday, March 18, 1.30-3pm Capel Community Church Days Road, Capel St Mary GOOD QUALITY ITEMS ONLY Maternity clothes, baby equipment, clothes (0-11 years), toys, books and games 50p entrance fee (children free) For more details or to order a seller’s pack, please contact: Lisa 01473 312248 / Jo 07709 724133

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OUT & ABOUT ART EXHIBITION AND SALE The 45th Art Exhibition and Sale will be held for four days over Easter (April 14-17) in the Methodist Halls, South Street, Manningtree. The very first art exhibition was held in the derelict Manningtree Maltings and moved to Manningtree Methodist Halls when they were developed.

Each year hundreds of paintings from all over East Anglia are displayed with many satisfied customers adorning their houses with local and professional talent. In recent years a book sale has been added on Easter Monday.

The exhibition is added to with refreshments and stalls and a photographic display. Entries for the art exhibition are already well supported. Further entries can be made by phoning 01206 298635/391145.

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with Iain Sinclair, one of Britain’s foremost writers on London.

Iain has been described as a “documentarist, film maker, poet, flaneur, metropolitan prophet and urban shaman, keeper of lost cultures and futurologist”. Recent work has been described as “an ambitious and elaborate literary recuperation of the so-called occultist psychogeography of London” and includes the non-fiction London Orbital. His most recent book, My Favourite London Devils, is described on his ‘official unofficial’ website as a “delirious gathering of some writers, living and dead who haunt Iain Sinclair and who inform his own London books”.

Iain will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street) on Wednesday, March 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for league members and £8 for nonmembers. Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door, but if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk For further information about Suffolk Book League, including the benefits of membership, visit: www.sbl.org.uk

STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY Performing Faure’s Requiem and Rutter’s Magnificat at East Bergholt Church on Saturday, April 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets (£10 / under 18s free) available from 01206 844754 or on the door.

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

Cake stall, teas and coffee and a raffle.

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

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

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

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

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

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

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

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

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

01206 391855

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP Sunday, March 5 at 10.30am Meet at Dedham War Memorial for an approx 5 mile walk Leaders John Osborn (07919 521607) and Marlene Townes

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Sunday, April 2 at 10.30am Meet at the free car park High Street, Wivenhoe for a 4/5 mile walk Leader Margaret Smith: 01206 822797 Sunday, May 7 at 10.30am Meet near the bridge at back of car park on Mill Lane, Dedham (charge will apply) for a 4/5 mile walk Leader Geoff D’Arcy: 01206 323489 Friday, May 26 at 6.30pm Meet at Dedham War Memorial for a short walk prior to the AGM which will commence at the Marlborough Head at 8pm Leaders Martin and Pauline Broom: 01206 322578 Sunday, June 4 at 10.30am Meet at Stour Wood car park for a woodland ramble of approx 4 miles Leader Alan Bridges: 01206 323901 Friday, June 16 at 6.30pm Meet at old road (dead end) to the left of The Street, Wherstead immediately south of the A137/A14 junction for 4/5 mile evening walk Leaders Jan Jukes (01473 684893) and Helen Edevane

VILLAGE LINK CLUB

Our New Year started with a fun evening hosted by Ed Bacon, also known as ‘Ed The Light Monkey’. Colourful patterns were produced by LED wands, swirled around in the dark and captured at long exposure to produce some intriguing, almost psychedelic images. We all joined in and it really made us think about light and colour like never before.

There were fewer colours in the monochrome competition which followed, but a great deal of wisdom from Alan Sarsby, an engaging judge and first rate communicator who gave us lots of advice. A well-attended evening produced at lot of high scoring entries. Best in show went to Russell Hynard with this fascinating creation titled Watch Repair (pictured).

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

In February, Alicea Holmes spoke about her role as chaplain of Norwood Care Home, catering mainly for the elderly who are unable to fend for themselves due to dementia. Methodist Homes are non-profit and rely on volunteer carers and charitable donations to cover costs. After the meeting we decamped to a local hostelry where members enjoyed our annual pub lunch.

In early February we were pleased to welcome back Roy Essery, chairman of Colchester Photographic Society, who told us all about making photobooks. What are we going to do with all those electronically stored pictures in the long term when we’re wearing computers on our wrists?

Perhaps this is today’s answer. Roy, a passionate photographer, explained that the quality of a print far exceeds that of an electronic display. He took us through some professional internet based options and brought along a number of very high quality books he had compiled. Good examples are Blurb.co.uk and Yophoto.co.uk should you wish to pursue this option.

We have been pleased to welcome new members who have joined us for the last two evenings.

FUTURE MEETINGS March 9: Night-time and Low Light / Competition Judge: Graham Parry March 23: Dick Williams ARPS & Dave Wilcox Digital Show: Audio-visual Presentation

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

March 30: Critique Evening: Review and discussion of member’s own work

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at St John’s Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Please contact Margaret for more information: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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100

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I’ve always imagined they’ll let fireworks off to say goodbye

Terms and conditions: Valid for the purchase of East of England Co-op funeral plans taken out before 30/6/2017. Only one voucher can be redeemed per transaction and cannot be used retrospectively or in conjunction with any other discount or voucher. No cash alternative is available. This voucher is non-transferable.

This voucher can be redeemed at any East of England Co-op funeral branch or by calling the Funeral plan advice line on 0800 0744361.

Cannot be used for any other purchases.

A pre-paid funeral plan with us can mean your loved ones aren’t left with the financial burden, or second guessing your wishes

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...with Copdock Mill’s complete Wild Bird Care range, available from Gladwells Pet & Country Store.

Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA 01473 731117 Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

EAST BERGHOLT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY March gardening tips Signs of spring are appearing daily and if the weather is dry enough there’s lots to be done. Patios and paths could be pressure washed – if you haven’t got a washer these can be hired. Any leaves that have ‘huddled’ in corners, blown by the wind, can be collected.

‘Tufty’ bits of grass can be mown with the cutters set at their highest.

Treat moss and scarify lawns, it always builds up over winter. Deadhead hydrangeas before new growth appears, cut to about a third of last season’s growth. Finish pruning roses – make sure all ties on ramblers and climbers are secure. Keep deadheading pansies and make sure those in baskets and tubs have enough moisture. Plant summer flowering bulbs such as gladiolus and lilies, and don’t forget the birds.

Tomatoes can be sown in pots in a greenhouse or placed on a windowsill.

Plant out broad bean seedlings started off indoors. Plant potatoes, sow beetroot, plant onions and shallot sets. Prune gooseberries and redcurrants. Plant new strawberry beds.

RHSPA Presents

So, as I said, plenty to do if the weather is kind and these a just a few suggestions. A lovely thought to finish on – the clocks go forward at the end of the month!

Janet Alcoe

East Bergholt Horticultural Society Founded 1895

Advance notice of

GIANT PUMPKIN COMPETITION Friday 13 October 2017 Open to all - members and non-members Adult and Under-12 classes Seeds need to be sown soon! www.eastbergholthorticulturalsociety.onesuffolk.net www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt email:ebhs@btinternet.com

SATURDAY 13TH MAY Close Up Magicians • Table Magicians • Sleight-of-Hand Magicians Casino • Dancing to Electric Band • Auction Royal Hospital School Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RX 7.30pm Drinks Reception • Carriages 1.00am Tickets £65pp rhspa@royalhospitalschool.org | 01473 326110

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Leave the car behind, wander down Tunnel Lane with the trees just coming into leaf overhead, become aware of the birdsong all around…

There is the glint of sunlight on water through the trees and the curve of an old wooden bridge. An ancient thatched cottage peeps out from beneath its eaves, and suddenly the modern world recedes and you find yourself transported back 200 years. Walk down the hill and as you cross the old hump-backed wooden bridge, views which have not changed since Constable’s time open out in front of you. Wide flood meadows stretch westwards towards the spires of Dedham Church, punctuated by knarled willow pollards which bend over their reflection in the silvery Stour River. Thus begins your morning at Flatford, a tiny hamlet tucked into a corner of the Stour Valley, frozen in time…

There’s more than just history here, though. The RSPB also runs a wildlife garden in Flatford – a place designed to show people how they can help with wildlife conservation within their own gardens, big or small. The garden aims to teach people how their choice of plants and management of their outdoor space can genuinely benefit wildlife such as bees, hedgehogs, butterflies, frogs and even struggling birds such as house sparrows and songthrushes. The RSPB owns over 300 000 acres of nature reserve in Britain, but gardens cover much more than this area, meaning there is huge potential for ordinary householders to really help our struggling wildlife.

The garden opens for the year on April 1, when primroses and cowslips will be peeping in the apple orchard and the wildflower meadow, daffodils will be turning their faces to the sun, and the blue tits will be hatching their chicks in the nestboxes. Another main aim of the wildlife garden is to show children the magic that is nature – those first wonderful experiences are the ones that stay with us for a lifetime, enriching our lives and opening our eyes to the beauty that is around us. My love of nature began in the garden, where as a small child I would run barefoot in the morning dew, just exulting in the sunshine and the smell of damp earth and green grass… As a mother now myself, I am determined that my child will also have the opportunity to develop a love of nature and a joy in the outdoors. Who knows who is nurturing the next David Attenborough!

So Flatford, although it may feel like it belongs to the past, also offers hope for the future – children growing up with a sense of wonder about the natural world around them, and people who are inspired by- and care for- the natural world, even if it all they have space for is a window box full of thyme and chives for the bees!

The RSPB’s garden is open daily from April 1 between 10.30am and 4.30pm, and is free to enter. Park in the National Trust car park at Flatford (£4 all day) and save some space for cake at the tea room.

What’s on in the Easter Holidays There’s a free children’s nature trail round the garden daily, as well as other activities such as planting wildlife-friendly seeds to take home and grow, and hands-on activities for even the smallest children (donations gratefully received.) For the grown-ups, there are plenty of ideas to take home to your own gardens, as well as free plant lists, and seeds and inexpensive wildlife friendly plants to buy.

Shirley Sampson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cuckoo Bumblebee at Flatford Gardens, Grahame Madge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Presents

a Klezmer Ceilidh with live music from Tanz

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

Think you can handle a hora?

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

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

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

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

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

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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FHP IPSWICH – CHARLOTTE DOWE I decided to train as a foot health practitioner while working within the care industry. I noticed that most of the clients I visited required routine foot care. However many found it difficult to arrange transportation or just to leave the house to attend appointments. Having now set up my own mobile foot clinic I am thoroughly enjoying visiting my own patients in the community, many of whom had been suffering with painful feet for months. So if you have painful feet or would just like to be pampered I look forward to meeting you.

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SPORT MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

January 100 Club Winners 1: John Stuck (20) £110 2: Patrick Moore (85) £50 3: John Goff (10) £50

A few seasons ago our club started a Veteran team for players over 35 who, instead of retiring and taking up bowls, still fancied a game of football in their twilight years. Under the management of Archie Arnold the team won promotion four years running to reach the Premier Division of the Norfolk and Suffolk League. With Stephen King now in charge, the team plays in Division One with their latest game being a 5-1 victory over Ipswich Valley Rangers which included a hat trick from Aaron Marsh.

Work continues behind the scenes to prepare for the 2017 season.

Senior cricket practice started on Wednesday, February 22 at Royal Hospital School, 8.15-9.30pm. The sessions run for seven weeks with sufficient space to accommodate men and women.

New players of all abilities are welcome. If you are new to the area and would like to join us please contact the club via Robin Mills: r.mills239@btinternet.com / 07742 293830 The club runs sides in the 2 Counties Championship in Divisions 1, 3, 9 Division C, NECL; our ladies play in the 2 Counties 20/20 and the Beaumont Seymour league on Friday nights.

We are also in the middle of junior practice at Manningtree School so pop along if you are interested; these sessions are on Friday nights and last until the Easter holiday break.

Mistley CC is a community club with strong traditions. Please come along and give us a look sometime. New players are always welcome, please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com Look out for more news on Natwest Cricketforce weekend on April 1.

LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB Lawford U18s are playing in Division A of the Colchester and District Youth League and realistically challenging for a top spot. They have played nine games, won seven, and drawn and lost one. Eight players of the current squad have completed six consecutive years of loyal service to the club and league at 11-a-side level. Incredibly, two players have also played for 12 seasons and many others for 10. If we can transition the core of this team into the senior teams next season, the future is good.

Congratulations to the ladies team who are still unbeaten in the league since the start of the season. They are through to the second round of the league cup after knocking out last year’s winners and favourites Harlow Town Ladies with a 3-0 win, while in the Essex Cup they are through to the quarter finals.

Lawford Vets had a strong season last year and this season has been no different. They are currently placed second in the league with a game in hand, they are also through to the semi-final of the cup. All the Vets are aged 35-54 and the majority have played youth and/or adult football at Lawford throughout the years.

Everyone who visits School Lane remarks on how good our facilities are, especially and most importantly our pitches. Dave Atton, Steve Rand, Jason Tilstone and John O’Mara, all club volunteers, work tirelessly every week to maintain and prepare the pitches. Last year the Essex Playing Fields Association awarded certificates of merit to Lawford Parish Council for School Lane in both the category for Playing Fields and the Best Kept Football Pitches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The club has been delivering a programme of awareness of the FA Respect Code with our youngest players. Half-hour workshops with our U6, U7, U8 and U9 squads involved a series of hands-on activities where players and their parents worked together to discuss important scenarios under the headings of being self-aware, spotting dangers, respecting rules and helping others. Some of our U14 players have also been working with the youngsters on Saturday mornings during training sessions. This is part of our ‘one club’ ethos in which we are encouraging safeguarding to be everyone’s responsibility and at the forefront of everything we do.

If you are interested in playing football for Lawford FC or supporting the club in any way, please visit: www.lawfordfc.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Harold and Audrey from Woodbridge sent me a copy of their wills. They ask: “We have changed ownership of our house to common ownership so that we each own half our house and we have also made wills incorporating special trusts. As I understood it, this would save Inheritance Tax on half of the house, but a friend who has made similar plans tells me that my trust will not save tax. What do you think?”

Unfortunately, I think your friend is right. Severing the joint tenancy on your main residence and using this asset in conjunction with a trust in your wills can be an effective Inheritance Tax planning tool, but only with the right kind of trust. The trust should be a Discretionary Will Trust. With this type of trust, as the name implies, you give complete discretion to your trustees over who can benefit from the trust, and what assets can be placed in the trust after your death.

However, your wills contain a property trust. The trust wording in your will states that the asset to be used is “the half share of my residential property situated at….” This is a specified asset. Also, the beneficiary is named as “my wife Audrey Smith…” This is a specified beneficiary. This makes the trust specific as opposed to discretionary. Also, when the will specifies that your spouse is to be granted the right to occupy the house for the remainder of her lifetime, this creates a life interest or interest in possession, which means that the trust assets would form part of the estate of the life tenant (your wife) for Inheritance Tax purposes.

Only a Discretionary Will Trust can be used to save Inheritance Tax. For this to be effective, it must be correctly drafted, and if residential property is to be a trust asset, the trusts should include an IOU or debt charge clause. The trustees must also be seen to exercise their discretion in the management of the trust, and should never grant an exclusive life interest to a surviving spouse to the exclusion of any other discretionary beneficiaries.

To ensure that your wills and trusts are correctly prepared, take professional advice. Appointing a professional executor or trustee can also help to ensure that your trustees are correctly advised and the trust is correctly managed after your death. If you get it wrong now, it could cost your children thousands of pounds later.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice.

If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

PMR-GCA SUPPORT EAST ANGLIA The next meeting for sufferers and carers of the Polymyalgia Rhuematica and Giant Cell Arteritis Support East Anglia Group will be held at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, April 20. Doors will be open from 10.30am for refreshments and support discussion. At 11am AGA Mobility Systems Ltd will demonstrate a selection of aids. This will be followed by a short AGM and a group discussion on the possibility of funding research into PMR/GCA for sufferers and carers.

We will be pleased to see you and enable you to gain support from those who understand.

For further information please contact: 01787 379400 / eastanglia-pmrgc@outlook.com

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ACUPUNCTURE AWARENESS WEEK – 6 TO 12 MARCH 2017 Our seasons dictate what we choose to wear in the morning, what food we prefer to eat, whether to go out for the evening or stay tucked up for a cosy night in.

But can they affect our health? In short: yes, but I won’t bore you with a list of seasonal ailments!

It is no secret that one of the keys to good health is a strong and fully functioning immune system, so it’s important to prepare and support your defences all year round.

Acupuncture and seasonal change Eastern practices such as Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine have a strong focus in the seasons and how they affect us individually.

Especially within Five Element Acupuncture, a practice that suggests that we’re made up of five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.

The five elements are perceived as the basal components of our energetics and we present traits of each one: through our emotional behavior, complexion, habits and other general observations to varying degrees.

Acupuncture’s underlying principle, a holistic approach to health, acknowledges the impact of the seasons throughout the year as it is understood that we reflect each season through the energetics of our body, which shows the importance of living in tune with them in order to balance our health, both in body and in mind.

Why should I try seasonal acupuncture treatments?

With over 200 common cold viruses and various types of flu virus, it’s hard to avoid catching a bug. On average, it is thought that adults in the UK catch two to four colds a year.

It could be assumed that statistically a major part of the 172 million days lost each year to sickness, costing the economy over £13 billion*, could be attributed to preventable colds and flu.

A seasonal session with an acupuncturist can help improve overall health by enhancing the body’s immune system to keep illness at bay. It can also provide a boost in energy levels, lifting mood and improving a person’s sense of wellbeing, allowing the body to function more effectively.

In addition, during treatment the acupuncturist will discuss things to be aware of depending on the specific season: for example with the ‘winter season treatment or tune up’, this could include the suggestion to eat warming foods and the need to keep warm and conserve energy in winter months, and not to rush into starting new projects.

It seems simple but how many of us forget to be more aware of our surroundings when carrying out our daily routines, taking on additional work or ‘burning the candle at both ends’?

With Monday March 6 being the start of Acupuncture Awareness Week, there is a great chance to learn more about the various styles of Acupuncture as well as how this system of eastern medicine perceives both the individual and their external environment.

If you’d like more information, take a look at the British Acupuncture Council website. There you will find out about how Acupuncture may benefit you and your needs, how to find a practitioner in your area and much more about the importance of good health: www.introducingacupuncture.co.uk *CBI Absence & Labour turnover Written by Emma Harvey Lawrence, Partner and General Manager at Woolpit Complementary www.woolpit-complementary.co.uk emma@woolpit-complementary.co.uk / 01359 408 011

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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CHURCH NEWS EAST BERGHOLT & DISTRICT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt CO7 6RZ Pastor: Mrs Maralyn Bambridge 35 Birch Drive, Brantham, Manningtree CO11 1TG 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com SERVICES Sunday: 10.30am, all welcome Communion: taken at the end of the service on second Sunday of each month Coffee Mornings: Thursday mornings, 9.30-11.30am This congregational chapel was built in 1856/7 but it is known that an independent chapel meeting has been held in East Bergholt since 1672. With legalisation of freedom to worship in 1689, the congregation was free to call ministers and worship openly. This chapel, with its congregational tradition, serves the areas of Brantham, Cattawade, Lawford, Little Bromley, Dedham, Stratford St Mary, Holton St Mary and Bentley. The worship is informal; we are not judgemental and all are welcome at our meetings. The congregational tradition is alive and well although many people think that all the churches became members of the URC back in the 1970s.

We are currently looking ahead to April when we will be celebrating the 160th anniversary of our church building and the refurbishment which has taken place over the last year.

We are holding a concert on April 22 with a special service of thanksgiving on the afternoon of Sunday, April 23. There will not be a charge for the concert but please contact John Jeffreys to reserve a place.

Throughout March our services will be led by our pastor Maralyn Bambridge with the exception of March 29, when The Rev Pete Beard will lead us. We do not have any events planned for March but, as always, you will be most welcome at any of our Sunday services or coffee mornings.

OPEN TO OFFERS! We have two items of equipment looking for a new home: a Bontempi electronic organ in working order with tempo, rhythm and sound effects and a Jem stereo keyboard in need of attention with instrument and voice selection settings. All offers considered.

Secretary: John Jeffreys, 01206 298737

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

I suspect it may not have improved much with Sat Navs. How many times has it told you to turn around when possible? When we lived in Downham Market, people driving to our house would be told to take a short cut only to find concrete bollards blocking the narrow lane. How many times do we find ourselves going down the wrong path in our lives? Selfishness, greed and pride can lead us to do things that hurt others. Impure thoughts can get us dreaming of a wrong relationship.

Arrogance that we’ve got it all sorted can lead us to make bad decisions.

Personal ambition can lead us to override the feelings and ambitions of others and prejudices can lead us to judge others harshly.

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

March is a good time to reflect on our lives and ask: Are we going in the wrong direction? Do we need to turn around? ‘Repent’ is an old fashioned word we sometimes use. Although I made a decision to follow Christ many years ago, I still find myself going in the wrong direction at times and end up in a cul-de-sac. Life is a journey, our destination is heaven but not all will get there. As I love maps for road travel, I also love the Bible. It is my road map for life; it gives me warnings and it shows me a wonderful way to live.

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

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Brantham & Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday 5

11am

Worship with Mr Harry Chicken

Sunday 12

11am

Worship with Rev Michael Allen

Sunday 19 11am

Worship and Communion with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Sunday 26

Worship with Mrs Carole Almond

11am

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST

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Saturday 4

3.30pm

Messy Church

Sunday 5

10.30am

Worship with Mr Brian Ward

Sunday 12

10.30am

Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis

Sunday 19

10.30am

Worship with Rev Diane Smith

Sunday 26 10.30am

Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey

United Prayer at Capel Community Church

6.30pm

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk Sunday, February 26 / Next before Lent 8am BCP Communion 10am Choral Matins 11am Informal Service

East Bergholt East Bergholt Brantham

MARCH Wednesday 1 / Ash Wednesday 9.30am Imposition of Ashes & Communion 7.30pm Imposition of Ashes & Communion

East Bergholt Brantham

Friday 3 / Ecumenical 3pm Women’s World Day of Prayer

East Bergholt

Sunday 5 / Lent 1 8am BCP Communion 11am Benefice Communion (Healing),

Speaker Ed Smith on his trip to India Sunday 12 / Lent 2 8am BCP Communion 10am Communion 11am Family Service Sunday 19 / Lent 3 8am BCP Communion 10am Family Service 11am Communion

Lent begins). There are only places for 10 people so book soon.

East Bergholt Brantham East Bergholt East Bergholt Brantham East Bergholt East Bergholt Brantham

Sunday 26 / Mothering Sunday 8am BCP Communion 10am Family Service 11am Family Service

East Bergholt East Bergholt Brantham

Friday 31 9.30am East Bergholt Primary

Easter Church Assembly

East Bergholt

Sunday, April 2 / Lent 5, Passion Sunday 8am BCP Communion 10am Benefice Communion (Healing)

East Bergholt East Bergholt

Wednesday evenings in the West End, St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt from 7pm, beginning on March 8. If you wish to attend, please let me know so that I can organise sufficient material.

Reserve your place by contacting The Rev Steph: revstephvdt@googlemail.com / 01206 392646 Your invitation to Alpha Exploring the Christian faith in an informal way with plenty of opportunity for discussion. Morning course at 52 Richardsons Road, East Bergholt beginning on September 12 at 9.30am. Booking essential. There are only places for 10 people so book soon. Enquiries to The Rev Steph: 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com Knitting for Christmas For Christmas 2017 our project is to knit Mary and the baby Jesus.

Patterns will be available at the back of St Mary’s Church and on the church website. Contact Carrie Hinton for more information.

Missing from the crib at St Mary’s Some of our small crib figures including Joseph and some sheep wandered away and are still missing. If you locate them hiding in your Christmas Crib, please return them to the church.

Bank Holiday Market at St Mary’s, East Bergholt: Monday, May 29, 10am-2pm Donations are welcomed for this annual event. We need jewellery, brica-brac, nearly new gifts and books. Regretfully, even we, with our most persuasive expressions, can’t sell old atlases, school text books, maps, books without covers, old format videos or broken vases! Donations may be left in the church porch. Cakes welcome on the day please. Helpers will be needed to set up at 8am and clear away at the end. Thank you very much indeed. Refreshments including light lunches will be served in the West End. PLEASE NOTE: At the annual church meeting it was decided that this year’s August Bank Holiday market will be moved to Saturday morning, September 9.

Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral. Matins is usually on the fourth Sunday. This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

Women’s World Day of Prayer This international annual ecumenical event takes place this year in St Mary’s East Bergholt on Friday, March 3 at 3pm. It’s not just for women, everyone is welcome! The service this year was designed by the women of the Philippines and the theme is justice. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Five week Lent Course: Using Your Gifts Tuesday mornings at Joyce and Derek Fox’s home, 52 Richardsons Road, East Bergholt, beginning at 9.30am on Tuesday, February 28 (just before

Benefice Retreat Bishop Woodford House, Ely, May 26-28. Contact Stephne for more information or to book a place.

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and love is Jesus COME AND JOIN US IN OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP – EVERYONE IS WELCOME Hear the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, with our lively worship and service. Refreshments served afterwards.

Every Sunday morning at 11am in The Ivell Suite at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE. If you or someone you know needs prayer for anything, please contac David and Rosie Rhule 07787 572977 / 01206 397533 info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.thekeytoloveministries.co.uk

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational / meeting at the Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE (unless otherwise stated) Sunday Services: 3pm Saturday, March 4: Special event to celebrate Link Line’s 25th birthday at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street. Doors open at 10.45am. Welcome tea and coffee, lunch at noon, various stands. Live music and song competitions. £8 fully inclusive, free transport. Now booking.

Sunday March 5: Outreach Service conducted by our pastor Friday, March 17: Prayer Meeting at the Venture Centre, 10am-noon Sunday, March 19: Spring Songs of Praise Tuesday, March 21: Coffee, Cake and Chat, 10am-noon Tuesday March 28: Minibus Fellowship visit to Hadleigh For pastoral visits, further information and bookings, contact: 01206 272064 / 01255 714544 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk www.linklinecmnortheastessex.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For all up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet at the front door.

SERVICES FOR MARCH Sunday 5

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

9am

Mass

Tuesday 7 9.30am

Morning Prayer

10am

Mass

Sunday 12

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

9am

Mass

Tuesday 14 9.20am

Eucharistic Adoration

10am

Mass

Sunday 19

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

9am

Mass

Tuesday 21 9.30am

Morning Prayer

10am

Mass

Sunday 26

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

9am

Mass

Tuesday 28 9.30am

Morning Prayer

10am

Mass

Catholic Commentary Sr Marian Davey, port chaplain with Catholic charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), and Fr John Barnes were both able to support the crew of the Manhattan Bridge following the explosion that killed one seafarer and injured another. She spoke about her admiration for the faith and dignity of the crew who had berthed at Felixstowe Port on January 19. “Strong leadership on board was very evident from the captain and his officers.

All the crew were trying to help each other to come to terms with all that’s happened,” she added.

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Sr Marian was informed of the incident in the early hours of the morning by the harbour master and port health and safety manager. On hearing the news, she travelled immediately to offer assistance to the crew.

“They wanted to make sure that the remaining crew got as much support as possible,” said Sr Marian, who visited the ship several times over the weekend.

Sr Marian commented: “The crew had to cope with a very lengthy process of investigation procedures by both the police and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch throughout the 48 hours the ship was berthed, so I had to snatch slots of time in between to give both oneto-one and collective moments of support. The captain was extremely grateful for the support offered by Apostleship of the Sea and to Fr John for celebrating mass.

“I am now focusing the energies of the AoS chaplaincy team on supporting the injured seafarer who is the burns unit at Chelmsford Hospital. He is making good progress and we will continue visiting and supporting him until his repatriation.”

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, February 26 when three lucky winners shared £145. The next draw takes place on March 26.

The club has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, which includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, March 30.

Supporting our local hospice Parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps and to place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please contact him if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services.

All are very welcome at Holy Family All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services. It’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic Faith are always welcome.

Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

In Touch online:

F.A.O - Club Secretaries:

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POTENTIAL “At all levels of the school, pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent. They have naturally enquiring minds, eagerly express their own perceptive opinions and question probingly.

They are enthusiastic and willing learners with a thirst for knowledge.”

ISI Report 2016

FORTHCOMING OPEN MORNINGS 2017

QUEEN’S HOUSE & THE ABBEY DROP-IN MORNING Friday 17 March 9.30am to 12 noon OPEN MORNING Saturday 6 May 10am to 12.30pm

SENIOR SCHOOL DROP-IN MORNING Friday 5 May 9.30am to 12 noon

For more information, or to book a personal visit, please contact our admissions team: 01394 615041 www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk