In Touch News with East Bergholt – May 2016

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 3 • Issue No. 8 • MAY 2016

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

NEWS PROMPT NEPAL HELP AFTER FUNDRAISER £910.52 was raised for SUPPORT Nepal in a single day in Bradfield with lots of support from other villages. This money was intended to boost funds as the Nepal Children’s Trust was due to visit Nepal.

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

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

Surely the least we can do is turn up. Let’s make the effort this year and we might all find new reasons to appreciate our local community.

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

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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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

Children at Basuki School using the desks supplied in July last year Their team of three, who travelled at their own cost, included Maya, who founded the charity. She is from Nepal but now lives in Brantham.

The team visited Basuki School where NCT had helped after the earthquake.

Maya writes: “The school was provided desks after the earthquake so we were very interested to take a look. NCT was warmly welcomed with the national song. We handed over some more stationary and sport materials.

Teachers and the school management team were very thankful.”

Much of the £900 raised in Bradfield was intended to supply badly needed blankets to an isolated village which so far had been entirely missed by the larger charities. Maya writes: “Rani Pani is a village which takes seven hours of driving from the city called Pokhara. It was the place where no help had yet reached. The villagers were victim of the earthquake and were in need of so many things. Their most important need was blankets and clothes which were distributed by NCT. Due to the government corruption, we visited the affected area ourselves to manage distribution.”

The third place visited by the team was a children’s welfare home in Pokhara. Maya writes: “Children were more than happy to welcome us.

The entire team enjoyed the moments with the children. Management of home was in need of various things. We purchased shoes, towels, clothes, school bag, slippers, footballs and other things. Children really liked all the things and thanked us with lots of joy. Children were taken out for the day to explore. We had lovely lunch together and so much fun. “ Many thanks to everyone who supported the SUPPORT Nepal event. For more about the charity and their visit to Nepal follow Nepal Children’s Trust on Facebook.

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JUNE DEADLINE 20 MAY 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: APRIL 2016 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Micro-chipping of dogs Dog owners should now be aware of the legislation which makes it compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped. If they are not, a notice can be served requiring a chip to be implanted. Failure to do this can result in a fine of up to £500, as well as the dog being taken in to be chipped.

The new law applies to all dogs over eight weeks of age. It is already a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar and ID tag in a public place.

Anyone who finds a dog can then easily contact its owner. Dogs seized as strays by the council don’t just incur charges to the owner, but also cost the public purse. It typically costs £92.20 to reclaim a dog if it is seized by the council. This includes a statutory fine and costs incurred in collecting and kenneling. The stray dog service costs approximately £15,000 to run across both councils. In 2015, 124 dogs were collected as strays by Babergh (54) and Mid Suffolk (70), of which only 24% had any identification. Eighty-eight of the dogs collected were reclaimed by their owners.

Councils and Fire Service – mixed use buildings Private Sector Housing officers from Babergh and Mid Suffolk are to work with Suffolk Fire and Rescue to assess and identify buildings that are used for both business and residential purposes, particularly flats above shops and restaurants. This initiative directly stems from the devastating fire in Sudbury which ripped through the town last year, destroying residential flats and businesses. Fire detection, prevention and means of escape from fire will be checked with guidance given to occupiers, owners and

landlords. Both the Private Sector Housing teams at the councils and Suffolk Fire and Rescue have enforcement powers if owners or landlords are unwilling to carry out the necessary work.

Proposed shared legal service Some of Suffolk’s councils have been considering the merits and practicalities of developing a shared legal service. West Suffolk councils, Babergh and Mid Suffolk have agreed to progress this initiative, which started formally at the beginning of April. The aim is to use combined learning and expertise better so as to reduce reliance on external legal help, but also to improve the resilience within the teams. The door remains open for other councils to join.

Devolution Councillors currently know no more than residents might have gleaned from reading the local press. However, there is to be a briefing on April 14 when we hope to receive an update. There are a lot of questions that people want answers for, including: the cost of the new combined authority; implications for a supporting secretariat; impact on existing council budgets and allowances for the lead members involved on the board; the real role and powers of the directly elected mayor; and, perhaps, of more than a passing interest to many residents of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, will the public get to have a say in the final decision? sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Joint Strategic Plan The councillors of both Babergh and Mid Suffolk gave their approval to the Plan on a Page overview of the updated Joint Strategic Plan ‘refresh’ for 2016-2020. This outlines the high level strategic outcomes to be achieved over the next five years, and the outputs needed to deliver those outcomes.

Now that we have the refreshed Plan on a Page in place, alongside a Joint Medium Term Financial Plan and budgets set for 2016-2017, the senior leadership team will be working with all managers and teams at Babergh to look at work programmes and make sure resources are being used to best effect.

A full Joint Strategic Plan document is being developed, containing more detail behind each outcome and output, including how the outputs are planned to be delivered and the activities, both service delivery and service development, to bring about positive, sustainable change.

New Enterprise Zone site A new government initiative to create rural Enterprise Zones to stimulate rural growth and enterprise was announced in the autumn statement 2015. On Friday, April 1, the rural Enterprise Zone for Norfolk and Suffolk, Space to Innovate, was launched at King’s Lynn Innovation Centre.

Secured by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and its local authority partners, the whole Enterprise Zone, consisting of 10 business parks, will help to create 18,500 jobs in its 25 year lifetime, including 5,000 jobs by 2021. Two of these developments are in the Mid Suffolk and Babergh districts. Sproughton Enterprise Park is a 14 hectare site between the A14 and Sproughton Road, located on the former British Sugar Corporation regeneration site. The Enterprise Park will be delivered by Babergh in collaboration with Ipswich Borough Council, the current landowners. It is anticipated that on-site infrastructure work will commence late 2017. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

EXHIBITION BY AWARD-WINNING LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER A Stone’s Throw is an exhibition of photographs by award-winning landscape photographer Justin Minns in the Boat House Gallery, National Trust, Flatford CO7 6UL. The exhibition opens on Saturday, April 30 and continues until Sunday, June 26.

A Stone’s Throw is a collection of landscape prints from across East Anglia.

At the heart of the collection are Justin Minns’ beautiful photographs of the area around Flatford and Dedham known as Constable Country.

He said: “Having grown up in the area, the Stour Valley has always been close to my heart. Walking along the river as it gently meanders through timeless meadows towards Flatford, the banks dotted with gnarled and twisted trees, it feels as if little has changed since Constable’s day.”

Justin Minns is a professional landscape photographer based in Suffolk who specialises in capturing atmospheric East Anglian scenes for clients including the National Trust. His photography has been widely published and has appeared in the Landscape Photographer of the Year exhibition on several occasions. This is his first solo exhibition.

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NEWS EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD

Matters at the March 2016 meeting

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON

• Five members of the public attended for various items on the agenda.

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

• Four planning applications considered with four approvals recommended, including one from SCC regarding extending the Cherry Blossom Children’s Centre opening hours.

• Parish council successful in short listing for Tesco Bags of Help grant – awarded second place £10,000 towards a piece of play equipment for Gandish Road.

• Councillor Woodcock reported a frightening amount of litter collected in Clean for Queen – please take your litter home or use the litter bins provided. Let’s keep our village litter free.

• Suffolk County Council approved taking 200 Syrian refugees over the next four years.

• The parish council to consider Judicial Review if Babergh approve the Moores Lane 144 house and Hadleigh Road 10 house applications.

• East End playground equipment replacement completed. Gandish Road to be completed early April.

• The windows and doors in the sports pavilion to be replaced with funding from a Big Lottery Grant.

• East Bergholt Parish Council to host a session for all Suffolk parish and town councils.

Valerie Ayton, parish clerk

MANNINGTREE AND DISTRICT FRANKENBERG PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATION 2016 marks a very special year for the town’s partnership with Frankenberg (Eder), Germany as we celebrate 45 years of friendship, understanding and visits. It also marks 40 years of the partnership between Stour Choral Society (Manningtree) and the Liebfrauenkirche Kantorei (Frankenberg).

To mark this celebration a party of just under 50 from Frankenberg will be visiting Manningtree from May 26-29 to be hosted and entertained by members of the partnership, Stour Choral Society and friends. The visit will include a visit to Sutton Hoo, a dinner on the Friday evening, a conducted tour of Manningtree and a musical soiree on the Saturday evening.

This partnership has involved Manningtree High School and the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, footballers, singers, organists, church members, town mayors and councillors. New groups are being invited to make links. The Frankenberg area owes much to our country, starting with St Boniface taking Christianity to what is now the state of Hessen, and family links stretching over the centuries. It has been a very rewarding friendship for many residents of Manningtree past and present and hopefully for many years to come.

EAST BERGHOLT OPEN GARDENS East Bergholt Open Gardens, in aid of the Church Preservation Society, will be on Sunday, June 5.

Thank you to those gardens already kindly offered. We would love a few more, perhaps some new ones! Also calling for cake makers and for helpers on the day.

If you are interested or need more information contact Sara Eley (01206 298385) or Valerie Ayton (01206 298692 / v.ayton@sky.com).

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

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

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

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

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

Councillor John Hinton

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA Friday, May 6: Carol (15) Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) spots the beautiful, elegant Carol (Cate Blanchett) perusing the doll displays in a 1950s Manhattan department store.

The two women develop a fast bond that becomes a love with complicated consequences.

The Telegraph called it: “an exceptionally beautiful film, with a careerbest performance from Cate Blanchett.”

Friday, June 3: Room(15) Brie Larsson won best actress at the Oscars for her performance as a mother kept prisoner with her son by ‘Old Nick’. Raw, realistic and a portrait of love that remains with you after you have seen the film All films start at 8pm. Bar and refreshments available from 7.30pm.

All shows at the Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt. Advance tickets from the Fountain House Tearoom, East Bergholt or call 01206 299774 to reserve tickets. Adults £4; under 18s £2.

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OUT & ABOUT VENTURE CENTRE 2000

PUBLIC MEETING RUN BY THE GO/LEAVE CAMPAIGNS

Monday, May 2: Blood Day

FOR THE EU REFERENDUM

Wednesday, May 4: Flower club with demonstrations from Christine Brazier Thursday, May 5: Police Elections Saturday, May 7: 1st Lawford Guide Group Quiz Night All welcome for a friendly fun evening. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Six per team, £6pp including a cheese ploughmans per table. Fully licensed bar with table service will be available on the night. To book your tickets and support this local group please contact: 07826 527150 Monday, May 9: Little Acorns demonstration of clairvoyance by Jon and Pauline Sawyer, 7.30-9pm. Doors open 7pm, admission £3.50.

Sunday, May 22: The Essex Reptile & Amphibians Club with Snakes Alive are holding an exhibition of members’ animals from 11am-3pm. You will be able to see and handle a wide range of these fascinating animals. The day will also offer the opportunity for help and advice on keeping reptiles in captivity. Adults £2, concessions £1 (under fives free). We look forward to seeing you all. Contact: Ppuffadder@aol.com Saturday, May 28: Manningtree Museum and Local History Group display of Roman finds from Dale Hall, Lawford, 10.30am-3.30pm. Information on the excavation will be displayed and the implications of the Roman settlement on local history will also be explored and explained. The display will cover the sequence of settlement on the site from the late Bronze Age through to more intensive use during the Roman period.

Three large areas were excavated and key finds included a well, stones for grinding corn, a pottery kiln and a number of burials in a small cemetery area. The site now known as Summers Park is being developed for houses

by Rose Builders, who commissioned and paid for all the excavation and report work. www.manningtree-museum.org.uk May half term: Papworth Holiday Club, 10am-3pm Suitable for young people aged 11-18 with special needs. Activities include crafts and games. Just £5 a session. Please bring your own packed lunch. To book your place please contact Gayle on 07955 010069 or 0800 952 5000.

Thursday, June 2, 7.30-10pm / doors open at 7pm Hear from our local MP and Parliamentary Candidates as to why we should leave the EU. The speakers are: • Bernard Jenkin, Conservative Member of Parliament for Harwich and North Essex • Maria Vigneau, former UKIP Parliamentary Candidate for Ipswich (lives in Dedham) • Mark Cole, former UKIP Parliamentary Candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich (lives in Wrabness) New class by Emperor Theatre Arts on Tuesdays from June 7 Emperor Theatre Arts offers weekly classes in dance, drama and singing for ages five-11: dance 4-5pm, drama 5-6pm. We welcome students of all levels and abilities with no experience necessary. The main focus is building confidence in a fun and friendly environment while learning technique for the stage. Classes are led by qualified, first aid trained and DBS checked professionals. For booking and information contact Faye Simons: emperorcamps@gmail.com / 01449 722354 www.emperorcamps.co.uk Music is fun with Jo Jingles! Enrol now for your first free class Jo Jingles is the country’s largest pre-school music and movement provider. We aim to give young children a fun introduction to music, singing and movement. Each week we run age-specific classes that are tailored to meet the needs of your little one’s age group. Babies from as young as three months can join and for a limited time, babies up to five months can join for free.

And what’s best about Jo Jingles is as your child grows and develops, so do our classes, meaning you can enjoy this special time with your child right up until they go to school. Classes run on Thursday mornings in term time from 9.30am. Get in touch now to book your free trial class: 07877 343307 / jojinglestendring@hotmail.com Baby Ballet Baby Ballet is coming to the Venture Centre from May 19 for boys and girls from six months.

www.papworthtrust.org.uk Wednesday, June 1: Flower club with demonstrations from Crystal Dyball REGULAR CLASSES Monday: Table tennis, quilting, patchwork classes, Active 4 Life keep fit, Debbie Millar dance exercise Tuesday: Yoga, art classes, choir Wednesday: Weight Watchers, body conditioning and pilates for beginners and improvers Thursday: Self-help upholstery, Jo Jingles, Slimming World Friday: Active 4 Life, pilates, Boogie Shoes Saturday: Available for private hire Sunday: Fortnightly Link Line meetings / available for private hire Sunday: Join us in our new fellowship – everyone is welcome. Hear the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus with our lively worship and service with refreshments afterwards. We meet every Sunday morning at 11am.

For further information on times and contact details visit: www.venturecentre2000.co.uk

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Babyballet movers: 3-5 years 1.20pm Babyballet Tinies: 18 months-3 years, 2pm Babyballet Tots: 6-18 months, 2.45pm To book your place or for more information contact Katie: 01206 210522 / 07960 642467 / colchester@babyballet.co.uk

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

FOR CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

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

The Reach for the Stars musical theatre group, led by local dance teacher Debbie Millar, in association with actress and director Kerry King and music and singing teacher Susie Hyman, are shortly to start work on their production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The group is starting up on Tuesday, May 17 and runs from 4.306.30pm at Ogilvie Hall in Lawford. This is a fun, friendly and exciting class to encourage confidence, self-expression and imagination through dance, drama and singing and is open to boys and girls aged five to 11. No previous experience is necessary.

For further details contact Debbie: 01206 230806 / debbie@debbiemillar.co.uk

DEDHAM FILMS The Assembly Rooms Dedham

Wednesday, May 18, 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm: West Side Story (A) Directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. This is the original musical film from 1961 and is part of the BFI Shakespeare Festival marking the 400 anniversary of the playwright’s death.

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

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

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

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS

Tickets £4 from Shakespeare House Gallery Dedham High Street or online at: www.dedhamfilms.co.uk DEDHAM FILMS LIVE Sunday, June 12: 4pm, doors open at 3.30pm: Peter Morgan’s The Audience An NTLive Encore presentation, directed

by Stephen Daldry and starring Helen Mirren. Come and help us celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday with all proceeds going to Dedham Primary School.

Tickets £10 from Shakespeare House Gallery Dedham High Street or online at: www.dedhamfilms.co.uk

BRANTHAM 5 MILE & JUNIOR FUN RUN Friday, July 22: Brantham Leisure Centre, New Village, Brantham CO11 1RZ Junior race starts at 7pm / Senior race starts at 7.30pm

THE HILARIOUS COMEDY BY

MICHAEL PERTWEE & JOHN CHAPMAN

7.30

Junior race runners must be 14 years or under and senior race entrants must be 15 years or over.

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE www.runbritain.com/race/brantham-friday-five-adult-main-event www.runbritain.com/race/brantham-friday-five-child-fun-run Any queries should be directed to Janet Webb (01206 398027) or Phil Wainwright (07721 591748).

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& 11TH June 2016

Tickets £7 from Bakes & Blossoms Acacia Court, Brantham For details call 01206 396674 or 07891974844 In Touch online:

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

Half Term Activities for Children

Chelsea Football Foundation

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

Flexible Holiday Programme 9am – 5pm

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

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

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

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

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Trusted by local families since 1925 89 Wimpole Road Colchester 01206 793492 The Centre, Greenstead Colchester 01206 860584 98 The Commons, Prettygate Colchester 01206 560988

33/35 Long Wyre Street Colchester 01206 767675 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 310 Nacton Road Ipswich 01473 860040 247a Hawthorn Drive Chantry, Ipswich 01473 602414 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 Century House, Station Road Manningtree 01206 391855 W.H. Shephard 93/94 High Street, Colchester 01206 572305

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT NEWS FROM CAPEL LIBRARY

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open garages throughout the village will be selling a treasure trove of household items needing a new home at bargain prices. Look for the balloons and signs throughout Brantham on the A137.

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

Chris Yule

BRANTHAM’S ANNUAL MEGA CHARITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, June 11, 9.30am-4.30pm

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

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

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

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

For a trip back to the 1960s come and join us at Capel St Mary Village Hall from July 7-9. Box office: 07754 175399

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

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

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

On Wednesday, May 4 we have a musical event planned when Grant Elliot will talk about the history of jazz and on Wednesday, May 18 Harry Parsons will talk to us about the building of the Millennium Tower at Bury St Edmunds. We meet at the convenient St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB.

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

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost.

The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity to develop acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking, computer studies and gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust and have more than 200 members and 18 groups.

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

For further details please contact Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

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

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

NOW RECRUITING JUNIOR ARTWORKER Mansion House Publishing, Ipswich seeks to recruit a junior artworker who is competent in InDesign and Photoshop to join our small and very busy team.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS At least one year’s experience in a studio environment The ability to work well within a team To work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines A keen eye for detail Natural creative flair If you meet the criteria outlined above, or wish to discuss the position further, please contact our studio manager Jo Wain as soon as possible: jo@intouchnews.co.uk / 01473 400380 To see some of the publications we produce visit http://issuu.com/mansionhousepublishing or www.GrapevineLIVE.co.uk Mansion House Publishing 20 Wharfedale Road • Ipswich IP1 4JP

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This year we remember 100 years since the Battle of the Somme which claimed so many lives on both sides of the conflict. Today we continue to fight a different battle, the one to help our ex-forces personnel and their families when they are in difficulty.

Last year the people of East Bergholt donated more than £3,000 at the annual Poppy Appeal. To help collect that money we need volunteers.

The old adage of “many hands make light work” is as relevant here as whenever it was first coined.

Furthermore the Royal British Legion needs members. We have a rapidly ageing population and unfortunately each year we attend more funerals as we say goodbye to old colleagues. New members are always welcome.

Their comradeship and, if needed, their assistance is always welcome because, as with any organisation, without new participants it will eventually die. The challenge for forces personnel leaving today’s Armed Services are perhaps greater than ever before and for all of us, ex-service personnel or not, the chance to help can be rewarding.

Even the ‘old soldiers’ still receive recognition as exampled by a recent award of the Legion d’Honor to the relation of one of our members for his participation at D Day. He was made aware of his eligibility via a routine circular from the RBL. If I was to be slightly corny I would quote from the First World War and say “Your Country Needs You”. I am sure we all realise that, but your local branch of the RBL needs new members as well.

For further details please contact the secretary, John Hinton: 01206 298309 / ajohn.hinton@btinternet.com

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NOW OPEN!

Shop local this Spring with the launch of the Pippin Farm Shack, now stocking delicious strawberries, raspberries and blueberries grown in the glass houses directly behind the shack itself – you can’t get fresher than that!

produce

Opening times: Wednesday & Thursday 1pm - 5pm | Saturday & Sunday 10am - 4pm

Drop in at your convenience. We look forward to seeing you!

Pippin Farm Shack, 30 Harwich Road, Lawford CO11 2LS. Tel: 01787 210348

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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Peter Pan at Flatford Saturday 13 August - Gates open 5.30pm Join us for what promises to be the most magical evening of the whole summer as we present a fantastic, family friendly performance of Peter Pan set in the heart of Constable country. A real treat for the whole family! ***TICKETS NOW ON SALE*** Adults - £14 Children & Students - £10 Under 3's - Free Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) - £42

01206 297200 nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford

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Registered charity number 205846. © National Trust Images /Justin Minns, Chapterhouse Theatre Company

outdoor theatre

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OUT & ABOUT MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY We were delighted to welcome Roy Essery to judge our Street Scenes competition in March. This is a particular forte for Roy who delights in recording street life, just as it is, all over the world. From among nearly 50 entries Jonathan Day’s Golden Hour in Lodz and Barry Weaver’s Made of Steel jointly topped the leader board.

The Members Critique Evening on March 24 was enjoyed by all. Nothing too serious but an opportunity to air favourite shots and to discuss techniques with others – a live and literal interpretation of ‘social media’ at it’s very best. Ian Parker’s Breakfast, a wildlife close-up, and Andy Cresswell’s Downlooker Snipefly were voted overall winners.

At our final March meeting Philip Shaw gave us a peep into The Secrets of the Digital Darkroom. A consummate professional, ecologist and nature photographer, Philip, really did give us a technical insight into the world of digital processing. He also brought along examples of his work, which were without doubt some of the finest images ever displayed at a society meeting. You can savour the quality at: www.naturephotopro.com As our current season draws to a close the final meetings are to be held on: May 12 : Tips on Nature Photography (e.g. birds in flight, butterflies, etc.) with Bob Cowling May 19: AGM and members show photographs from the evening out New members will be welcome to join the society or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Meetings are held at the St John’s Centre, Station Road at 7.30pm.

For more information please contact our secretary (01206 396958 / madps@post.com) or visit: www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

East Bergholt High School Association Registered Charity no. 1017476

CAR BOOT SALE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, May 22

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

PITCHES

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

NO TRADERS

Gates open 8.30am for sellers, 9.30am for buyers To book please phone: 01206 298122

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

Do come and support us.

Ian Hendry, volunteer fundraising and events vice chairman

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

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OUT & ABOUT DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP

CAPEL ST MARY COUNTRYSIDE CLUB

Sunday, May 15: Meet at Stutton Community Hall at 10.15am for a 6½-mile walk.

Leader: Margaret Smith, 01206 822797

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

Sunday, June 17: Meet at public car park at Pin Mill at 6.30pm for a four to five-mile walk.

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

Leaders: Jan Jukes, 07283 276367 / Helen Edevane, 01206 395265 Wednesday, May 18: Meet at Salary Close Bromley Road Colchester at 6.30pm for a walk of 4½ miles.

Leader: Sheila Beeton, 01206 322171

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

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

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

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

OPEN DAY

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

Eddie Cox, 311121

at Mistley & Manningtree Bowls Club New Road, Mistley CO11 1ER (next to the church) Saturday, May 7, 10am-4pm

EAST BERGHOLT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Come and try bowling and see what fun it can be!

All you need are flat-soled shoes or trainers.

PLANT SALE

FREE TUITION

Saturday, May 21 at Lambe School, 10am-noon If you are able to donate any vegetable and flower plants or shrubs please contact James on 392520 or bring along on the day. Thank you.

TARGET BOWLS Free tea, coffee and soft drinks

EAST BERGHOLT PLACE

Light refreshments also available

Guided tour by Rupert Eley on Wednesday, May 25 at 6.30pm, followed by drinks and nibbles on the terrace.

For further information contact: 01206 230996 / 395856

Members £3, non-members £5. Tickets available from The Fountain House Tea Rooms.

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Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

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Rest and Recuperate at an Anchor Care Home

25% off* a short stay

Choosing an Anchor care home for dad’s recuperation took a load off my mind Cared for day and night, he is warm, safe and eating freshly cooked meals.

The friendly carers provide interesting activities and great company he’s even made new friends. Soon, he’ll be back on his feet coming home rested and his old self once more.

More than 45 years’ experience. Not-for-profit group.

Enjoy 25% off* your short stay at: Blackbrook House – Dedham (near Colchester) Canterbury House – Hadleigh (near Ipswich) St Mary’s – Holbrook (near Ipswich) The Firs – Felixstowe Devonshire House – Cavendish (near Sudbury) St Joseph’s – Sudbury

Call us FREE on 0808 115 6809 or visit www.anchor.org.uk/offer for more information *Valid 1/05/16 – 30/06/16. Terms and Conditions apply- call us or see website for details.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle to Dance Fitness Fun

"Strictly" style Dance-a-cise

Constable Memorial Hall

Gandish Rd, East Bergholt every Monday at 10am spaces are limited to reserve yours

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

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

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

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SCHOOLS / SPORT ROBIN’S NEWS

DEDHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

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

The spring term was a busy one at Dedham Primary with a wide range of exciting activities and events taking place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights for our youngest children would certainly have been activities linked to the natural world and hatching chicks in school would no doubt feature in the top three. A visit from Zoo4You also caused great excitement, especially the opportunity to hold snakes and see meerkats up close. The plant world was also explored in school as our youngest children in Reception grew daffodils, Class Two grew beans, having been sent some magic beans by Jack, and Class Six made their own mini composters.

We love role-play and dressing up at Dedham Primary and the opportunity to step into character was one enjoyed by every member of the school as this year’s Book Day theme was ‘animals’. As always, costumes were incredibly imaginative and this year they included characters such as: Toad of Toad Hall, Paddington Bear, Tigger and Fantastic Mr Fox. Fancy dress also supported work in history as children in Class Four became Celts and Romans for a play about Boudicca, Class Three became ancient Egyptians for the day and Class One became Victorian children for a day in order to learn ‘the Victorian way’.

In sport, Class Five and Class Six travelled to Colchester Garrison for an athletics afternoon and Class Three and Class Four had the opportunity to play squash. Our Class Three team came third in a local tournament and our Class Four team finished in first place. Our Class Six team went on to compete in a county tournament and finished in a fantastic second place. In March, we also held the first Dedham Primary cross-country run with all children taking part in a long distance run. Every member of key stage two ran one mile around the village playing field and terrific effort and sportsmanship made it a really wonderful occasion.

And that is just scratching the surface of last term. There was also: a Lego day when the whole school built an Olympic city out of Lego; a trip to the O2 Arena for the Key Stage Two Choir; a visit to Colchester Castle for Class Four; an infant music festival with five other local schools; performances by visiting professional musicians; Bible Explorer for Class Six and a First Aid course for Class Five.

Let the summer term begin!

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

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

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

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

Fixtures Tuesday, April 26: First Team v Capel Plough (H) Thursday, April 28: Reserves v Capel Plough Res (A)

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Saturday, April 30: Final matches of the 2015/16 season First Team v Grundisburgh (A) Reserves v Ipswich Valley Rangers Res (H) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm please refer to http://tinyurl.com/hlv54p6 and chose the appropriate competition.

Events Saturday, May 21: Awards Dinner We are always looking for people who can help the club as a committee member, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you.

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

Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE EAST BERGHOLT BOWLS CLUB The carpet bowls team finished the league season in fourth place with a total of 101 points.

The drawn pairs one day event was won by John Mann and Robbie Goodchild who overcame Reg Dines and Brian Tyler in a close fought final.

Carpet bowls continues on Monday evenings throughout the summer at Holton St Mary Village Hall commencing at 7pm. New members welcome.

Forty members attended the Outdoor Green Opening on Saturday, April 16. Unfortunately the weather didn’t read the script, as it rained with a cold wind, but the bowlers braved the elements and played half a game, contesting the President v Chairman’s contest. The chairman’s team won the honours.

OPEN MORNING The club is holding an open morning on Saturday, June 4, starting at 10am.

Anybody who fancies trying out the game is welcome to come along.

Bowls will be available, just wear a pair of flat shoes. Light refreshments available.

Melvyn Powell, melpowell46@gmail.com

EAST BERGHOLT TENNIS CLUB East Bergholt Tennis Club is situated behind the playing fields in Gandish Road. The club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities. We currently have more than 40 adult and 55 junior members.

The club has three all weather floodlit courts and teams take part in interclub friendlies, men’s, ladies’ and mixed league teams. Two professional coaches offer group and individual coaching sessions for children and adults and club night is on Tuesdays from 7.30-10pm.

Current membership subscriptions (allowing free use of the courts until 10pm every day) are: adults £50 or £90 per couple, juniors (under 18) £15, students £25, plus special offers for family membership.

If you would like to know more, please visit: eastbergholttennis.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Bob the Ploughman

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QUESTIONS ON CASH

With independent financial advisor Nick Plumb A platform for investment success?

Allan from Ipswich wrote to me to ask about investment platforms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE WIN A WEDDING WITH ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Just a Day; makeup up by Victoria Bradfield; hair and nails by Hair Ministry; suits from Coes; chair covers by Table Angels; catering by Serendipity Street; rings from Carats; cake made by Amelie’s Kitchen; invites, name cards and seating plan by Lemon Pie Stationary; flowers by Kaye Souter; mobile recording studio from Songstream Studios; photography by Patrick Stockley; videography by TJS Video; aerial videography by Echo Alpha; and registrar from Suffolk County Council.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET MARRIED FOR FREE? St Elizabeth Hospice is offering one lucky couple the chance to Win a Wedding!

The local charity launched the new challenge at Glemham Hall which has also been donated as the venue for the big day. Local businesses have sponsored the challenge, donating their services for the wedding, including the dress, suits, rings, catering and everything you could want for your special day.

The wedding package is worth £15,000 and couples can now enter the competition to win their big day, all paid for!

When the couples enter, they have to give reasons why they deserve to win the wedding package. Their stories will then be shared on the hospice’s social media pages and the public will vote for the six couples they want to go forward to be semi-finalists.

The six semi-finalists then have four months to fundraise as much as they can for St Elizabeth Hospice, with the top three fundraisers going into the final. The final three couples then have another four months, until February 2017, to raise even more charity cash, with the couple raising the most winning their dream wedding.

Miss Rodger added: “If you just got engaged this is the ideal opportunity for you to get married for free, whilst supporting the hospice and helping make a difference to the lives of our patients and their families.”

To enter the competition to Win a Wedding and for full terms and conditions, please visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/winawedding, call 01473 723600 or email: fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk St Elizabeth Hospice provides vital care and support to around 2,000 local people every year. It costs millions of pounds a year to run the hospice and it relies on the generosity and support of the local community to meet the majority of these costs through fundraising, donations and the income generated from its shops. www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

DO YOU STRUGGLE TO LIVE WITHOUT CENTRAL HEATING? Suffolk’s Warm Homes Healthy People service (supported by all the district, borough and county councils in Suffolk) has secured funding from central government to help 270 households across Suffolk have fully-funded central heating. Terms and conditions apply.

The runners-up are also rewarded for their hard work and support of the hospice, and they will win vouchers for money off their wedding.

Joanne Rodger, the hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “We’re really excited to be launching our Win a Wedding challenge and we’re sure that there are lots of local couples who are planning to get married, but can’t meet the expense of a £15,000 wedding at the moment.

“By entering our competition they can not only win their wedding, all paid for, but they will be supporting and raising vital funds for their local hospice to help provide care and support for local people living with a progressive illness, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure. We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses who are sponsoring the challenge, donating their services to give the lucky winner a beautiful and special wedding package.”

Sponsors of Win a Wedding include: Glemham Hall, providing the venue; The Bridal Lounge supplying the wedding dress; bridesmaid dresses from

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

To qualify, households must meet one or more of the following financial criteria: Have a household income of less than £17,000; or be in receipt of Pension Credit; or be in receipt of any other means tested benefit; or spend more than 10% of net household income on fuel; or be in substantial fuel debt (over £1,000). In all circumstances the property must be owned by you or be privately rented (i.e. not a council house or housing association property) and must only have room heaters, open fires or storage heaters. Personal saving must also not be in excess of £20,000.

In most circumstances the works will be carried out at no charge to you, but if you rent privately your landlord may be expected to fund some of the costs. This will be determined as part of the assessment process.Due to the limited funding more vulnerable residents will be given priority.

To find out more, contact Sue Hall at the Warm Homes Healthy People service – whhp@eastsuffolk.gov.uk / 03456 037 686 – and quote ‘DECC Central Heating Fund 01’.

For more information visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/warm-homes-healthy-people

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In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT HOUSING? SNAP may be able to help...

SNAP is a government funded organisation that can assist you if you find yourself in housing difficulties, are facing eviction or repossession. SNAP has been established since 2008 and offers free housing advice, support and guidance to those who are worried that they may lose their home or are already homeless. Supporting more than 380 people at any one time, the only conditions are that you must have a housing need, be able to access public funds, live in Suffolk and are aged 16 or over. SNAP is committed to helping people in Suffolk to maintain their homes and live independently.

SNAP is made up of five charitable organisations: Orwell Housing Association, Anglia Care Trust, Ipswich Housing Action Group, Centra and Family Action. The consortium employs dedicated housing related support workers who work with service users face to face, offer telephone support and run drop-ins throughout the Babergh, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal, St Edmundsbury, Ipswich and Forest Heath districts of Suffolk.

SNAP has found that referrals and the need for housing related support has increased dramatically over the past couple of years, possibly due to reforms in the welfare system. Low income households have faced increased bills in the form of under-occupancy charges (bedroom tax) and council tax bills. In addition, those claiming Job Seekers Allowance often find themselves subject to harsh sanctions which have a knockon effect on their housing benefit and council tax benefits and can lead to rent arrears. Those with disabilities have faced changes to benefits and have to pass stricter medical assessments in order to claim. This has left many households in the county facing extreme poverty and, in some cases, homelessness. In addition, the current economic climate and the lack of well paid jobs in Suffolk means that more and more people are desperate for social housing but unfortunately there are very few houses available at any one time and this has left many with no option but to rent in the more expensive, and less secure, private rented sector. Other factors which might impact on housing include anti-social behaviour, alcohol or substance misuse, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse and redundancy, all of which can lead to homelessness.

SNAP is able to assist those whose housing is at risk, for whatever reason, by working with them to address rent or mortgage arrears and debts, to apply for social housing or look at alternative housing options. Support workers are trained to liaise with landlords and local authorities in order to claim discretionary housing payments and backdated housing benefit if clients are eligible for these. SNAP workers can also provide support with form filling, help set up utilities, maximise income, advise on applicable benefits and offer budgeting and debt guidance. SNAP has had great success in helping service users to avoid eviction and can also signpost those with additional needs, for example mental health issues, severe debts, physical or sensory disabilities and learning disabilities to appropriate organisations who, in many cases, work alongside SNAP to offer a holistic approach.

If you, or anyone you know is experiencing difficulties with their housing they can get in touch with SNAP via the referrals team, CARA, on 01473 467727. Everyone who applies will be offered advice on their housing issues. Those deemed eligible for further assistance will receive an individual assessment, followed by short term telephone or face to face support, in order to address their housing needs.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE NEON PARTY This year marks the 10th birthday of St Elizabeth Hospice’s biggest event of the year, the Midnight Walk – and there’s still time for you to sign up!

This year’s Midnight Walk takes place on Saturday, May 7 and will have a neon theme to celebrate this landmark birthday. There is a variety of great entertainment lined up on the night, including music and a fun packed warm-up to get the party started on the night.

There are two circular routes to choose from, a five mile or a new, special ten mile, both starting and finishing at Ipswich Town Football Club, with all participants poignantly passing the hospice on their journey, with the opportunity to hang a tag on the Tree of Remembrance in memory of a loved one, if they wish.

Catherine Sheppard, event organiser, said: “We are very excited for our 10th Midnight Walk and we hope this year will be the greatest event yet, with previous and new participants joining us for this fantastic fundraiser.

“We would love everyone who has ever taken part in the Midnight Walk to come along again and walk with us for this special year and to bring along all their friends, family, colleagues and neighbours.”

All participants will receive an exclusive, neon Midnight Walk 2016 T-shirt, a special edition 10th birthday medal and a hot chocolate at the finish line.

Registration is £15 and closes at 5pm on Thursday 5 May. Be part of Suffolk’s biggest celebration of life and sign up now at www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk or call 01473 707043 or email midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk to request a paper form.

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Sunday, May 1 8am 10am

Easter 6 BCP Communion East Bergholt Benefice Communion East Bergholt

Sunday, May 22 8am 10am 11am

Trinity / Christian Aid Week BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt Choral Matins East Bergholt Informal Service Brantham

Wednesday, May 4 9.30am BCP Communion

East Bergholt

Thursday, May 26 Archdeacon’s Visitation, East Bergholt

Thursday, May 5 9.30am

Ascension BCP Communion

East Bergholt

Sunday, May 8 8am 10am 11am

Easter 7 BCP Communion Communion Service Family Service

Saturday, May 28 Noon

Wedding of Zoë Burgess and Ryan Strike, East Bergholt

East Bergholt East Bergholt Brantham

Sunday, May 29 8am 11am

Trinity 1 BCP Communion East Bergholt Benefice Communion Brantham

Thursday, May 12 2.30pm MU Deanery Banner Service and

admission of new members, East Bergholt Sunday, May 15 8am 10am

11am

Pentecost BCP Communion East Bergholt Communion and Baptism of Oliver Goggin, East Bergholt Healing Communion Brantham

Saturday, May 21 1pm Wedding of Tia Eagle and

Joel Cooper, East Bergholt

Wednesday, June 1 Justin Martyr 9.30am BCP Communion

East Bergholt

Sunday, June 5 8am

Trinity 2 Growing in God, BCP Communion, East Bergholt

10am

Benefice Communion East Bergholt

This schedule may change without notice if needed.

Concert by the Stowmarket Salvation Army Songsters on May 7 at 7pm to celebrate the new kitchen and toilet in St Michael’s Brantham. For details contact Maureen Stuttaford: 01206 3924446

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

Parish priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up to date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the church front door.

Services for May Sunday 1 Sixth Sunday of Easter 9am Mass Tuesday 3 Ascension of The Lord 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 8 9am Mass Tuesday 10 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 15 Pentecost Sunday 9am Mass: Children’s Liturgy Tuesday 17 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 22 The Most Holy Trinity 9am Mass Tuesday 24 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 29 Corpus Christi 9am Mass Tuesday 31 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

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Catholic commentary A Lenten Study Group met at Holy Family over four weeks to read and discuss the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si (the Care of our Common Home). This encyclical is addressed to the whole world, not just Roman Catholics. A CAFOD study guide highlighting just 24 of the 245 numbered paragraphs was used and much discussion followed on questions such as: What kind of world do we want for those who come after us, the children who are now growing up? What do you think it means to flourish in relationship to God, our neighbour, ourselves and the earth? How do my actions show that I love my neighbour, especially those who are living in poverty? The encyclical Laudato Si is published by The Catholic Truth Society: www.CTSbooks.org Diary dates A bring and buy coffee morning takes place from 10.30am to noon at Viv and Wyn’s home (Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR) every last Thursday of the month to raise funds for refurbishment of the Parish Room. All are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, May 26.

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are being asked to collect used postage stamps all year, not just at Christmas, 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 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:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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CHURCH NEWS EAST BERGHOLT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt CO7 6RZ Pastor: Mrs Maralyn Bambridge, 35 Birch Drive, Brantham, Manningtree CO11 1TG / 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com Where Jesus is Love and love is Jesus

Services

COME AND JOIN US IN OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP – EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

Sunday morning at 10.30am; all welcome Communion at the end of the service on the second Sunday of each month Coffee Mornings: Every Thursday morning, 9.30-11.30am Services in May Sunday, May 1

The Rev Peter Beard

Sunday, May 8

Ted Wheatley, Communion Service

Sunday, May 15

Nick and Jane Pavett

Sunday, May 22

The Rev David Searle

Sunday, May 29

Derek Bailey

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 contact us.

David and Rosie Rhule: 07787 572977 / 01206 397533 / info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.thekeytoloveministries.co.uk

BRANTHAM AND CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES AUTHENTIC I entered the darkened room, the curator shone her light to the floor to direct us in, but it was as though the darkness swallowed the light. There were two fixed benches in the middle of this space and a video installation was just beginning. It was complete darkness. I turned the screen of my mobile on to find the benches, but it made no impression in the darkness and I had to cautiously move forward, feeling with my hands to find them. We sat to watch a Bill Viola video/sound installation at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (Tristan’s Ascension & Fire Woman). It was immersive art, with visual images, amazing sound touching some of the deep questions of life and death using people, water and fire.

It is impossible to describe the experience and the emotions it touched.

His art springs from his experience of life and death, a near death experience of almost drowning when he was a child and later watching his father die. In his installations, he seeks to be authentic, so it is real water and a proper drenching and real fire and the sound of fire. The audio is fine-tuned to fit the space in which this was installed, so you feel as though you are there. It was an immersive experience that you cannot replicate by watching a video clip of it. It is difficult to describe the experience in words, but it was profound.

We stopped off at this sculpture park as we were returning from a conference at the Scarborough Spa where the theme had been Authentic – as the maker intended! We looked at Authentic Living, Authentic Giving, Authentic Mission and Authentic Community.

Again you cannot convey five days of material in a few words. Authentic means real, genuine, and I certainly want to be real. I don’t want to put on a mask to pretend to be someone I am not, but how often do we try to live up to other people’s expectation of us? I want to live in a community which is authentic, people being real and true to themselves and caring for one another.

There are some wonderful communities around, villages and suburbs and urban areas where there is genuine care for one another, but there

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are probably more where there is discord, hatred, fear and isolation.

However, even within these places, small groups of people can and do learn to love one another and to be a transforming force within a fractious community. I believe I am called to live authentically as Jesus intended, to be part of an authentic community that is learning to love and care. This then gives us an authentic mission to make a difference in our authentic giving to one another. To receive this teaching on authenticity and then to be immersed in the video/sound installation of Bill Viola was truly life enhancing.

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

11am

Worship with Mr Roger Theobald

Sunday 8

11am

Worship with Mr David Welbourn

Sunday 15

11am

Worship with Rev Yvonne Haye

Sunday 22

11am

Worship with Mr Martin Ellis

Sunday 29

11am

Worship and Communion with Rev Smith

CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Sunday 1

10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Mr Ted Jack Prayer Stations

Sunday 8

10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Roger Hulford YWAM Bolivia Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 15

10.30am

Worship with Mr Simon Scott of CYM

Saturday 21 3-5pm

Messy Church

Sunday 22

10.30am 7.30pm

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

Sunday 29

10.30 am

Family celebration with Tom and Lou Boswell

In Touch online:

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To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas accross Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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Thousands of new buyers register with us each week. So choose us and you get access to a constant stream of people who are searching for a home like yours. But we also know more about each buyer, from their financial situation to their taste in property.

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