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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2015
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently an old college friend posted a link on Facebook entitled 20 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Adult Should Know and I’d like to share my favourites with you. “Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits “The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more:
In Touch
NEWS
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
SCOUT CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY SERVICE
A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs:
Once again this year, 1st Claydon Scouts and Guides have joined forces with nine other groups in and around Ipswich to offer a Christmas card delivery service for the bargain price of only 25p per card. Cards and the postage can be dropped into one of our collection boxes and we will arrange for delivery to any of the under mentioned villages or postcodes of Ipswich before Christmas Eve.
“There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.” The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age. Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather. As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated.
However, be warned, in order to do this massive task, the last posting date must be December 9. Deliveries can be made to: Ipswich IP1, IP2, IP3, IP4 and IP5, Pinewood Estate, Martlesham Heath, Grundisburgh, Henley, Westerfield, Witnesham, Tuddenham, Playford, Culpho, Bealings and Kesgrave as well as Claydon, Barham, Bramford and Great Blakenham. As from November 25 the collection boxes will be placed at: St Mary’s and St Peters Church, Barham; Alasdair Place; Fresh Fills Bakery; St Peter’s Court; Claydon Primary School; Choices Shop; Bea’s Boutique; Claydon Community Centre; Melmerby House, Gipping Road, Great Blakenham; Crown Public House; Hillside Café, Claydon. If you need any assistance or wish to check addresses, please call: 01473 833014 Remember: post early and save money.
with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead
In Touch with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:
blakenham@intouchnews.co.uk
Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
Advertising and Distribution: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Advertising: Julie Mullett Email: julie@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Disclaimer:
The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the Publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the Publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.
Printing: Colourplan Print 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP 01473 400379
Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . town” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... magazines in the following areas:Hadleigh NEW East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter Capel St Mary Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Bramford, Somersham & Offton
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING SUCCESS The Macmillan coffee morning at Baylham Village Hall made £601.70p. Many thanks to all who donated cakes, and to those who attended.
Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham Stowmarket & Stowupland Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Sproughton & Burstall Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St Martin Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone Kesgrave & Rushmere Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill & Woolverstone Woodbridge & Melton
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DECEMBER DEADLINE 10 NOVEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy
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NEWS HELP OLDER PEOPLE IN SUFFOLK STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER
IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in. Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak.
Unbelievable as it may sound, 450 vulnerable people in Suffolk die in the winter months from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions. The vast majority of individuals affected are over 65 years old. In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg – almost 30,000 households in Suffolk currently live in fuel poverty. Many will suffer in silence during the coldest months, hidden from view, withdrawn from their community and surrounds. Now in its fifth year and spearheaded by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Suffolk and the East Anglian Daily Times, the Surviving Winter campaign rallies around these vulnerable older individuals, offering them respite from the anxiety of managing fuel costs and the opportunity to stay warm and healthy during the winter. Incredibly and with thanks to the generosity of Suffolk pensioners, over £85,000 was raised in the winter of 2014-2015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county. Suffolk Community Foundation is now asking you to pledge your Winter Fuel Payment to help those desperately in need of extra support during the winter. The money raised by the Surviving Winter campaign will be used in two ways: • Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat appropriately, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Age UK Suffolk. • Grants to local charities and groups with a track record of looking after older, vulnerable people and ensuring their continued support throughout the winter months. This truly is an extraordinarily worthwhile campaign, so please… IF YOU DON’T NEED IT, PLEASE DONATE IT!! To donate online visit: www.justgiving.com/suffolksurvivingwinter To donate by card please call: 01473 602602 Please send cheques made payable to Suffolk Community Foundation to Surviving Winter Appeal, Suffolk Community Foundation, The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BB To claim please contact Age UK Suffolk: 01473 359911
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So will you join us in supporting The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter again this year when we open our doors to some of the most vulnerable people of Ipswich? Ipswich Winter Night Shelter works alongside The Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage homeless people to regain their self-esteem and gain help and advice to restore their lives. Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit down supper and breakfast the following morning. This year we are also expanding our services to provide a Sunday afternoon shelter and a Christmas project, times when the homeless feel even more vulnerable and lonely. Every person coming into the shelter arrives with a different story, but we are there simply to provide a warm and safe place to stay. In order for the shelters to run, we are entirely dependent on volunteers from the Ipswich area to offer their help and as we expand the need is even greater. The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is a project operating under Selig (Suffolk) Trust, headed up by The Rev Canon Paul Daltry. Selig Trust is also working with Hope into Action providing permanent accommodation to the homeless, a befriending service working with IWNS to link homeless people to trained befrienders, a possible domestic abuse project providing education and support through the church network and a vision for connecting ex-offenders to local businesses. If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm-7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL At our August parish council meeting Mr P White was elected as our new chairman, and at our parish council meeting in September Mr S Plume was co-opted as a parish councillor, and was also elected as our new vice chairman. We have vacancies for parish councillors. If you are interested in the community and the village and would like to influence decisions that affect your community, we would like to hear from you. We have a parish council meeting one evening each month and the parish council is an elected tier of local government. If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor or would like some more information, please contact the parish clerk, Mrs Julia Scott: 07432 605750 / greatblakenhampc@btinternet.com Our next parish council meeting is on Wednesday, November 11 at 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms. An agenda will be on all noticeboards and all residents are welcome to attend. Your parish councillors are: Chairman, Paul White: polly193@googlemail.com Vice chairman, Steve Plume: steveplume@me.com Councillor Karen Peters: karenpeters1@yahoo.co.uk Councillor Guy Scott: eightninesixcel@yahoo.co.uk
2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries, Bentley IP9 2DG Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway. If you would like to make up a gift for a child you should cover a shoebox and lid separately with wrapping paper and label it for a boy or girl with one of these age ranges: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.
DAVID CARD, MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Covering the parishes of Barking, Baylham, Darmsden, Nettlestead, Offton, Somersham and Willisham Long-term 24/7 road closures In recent weeks concerns have been raised with me over the frustrations caused to individuals and businesses by long-term 24/7 road closures. Given the width of some of the roads I would have thought that complete closure could have been avoided or minimised, especially at weekends, by better work planning. This may be challenging for the administration and management of the project but would go some way to mitigate the inconvenience caused to road users whose car and fuel taxes pay for roads to be open. I have offered my support for any action needed to address the general problems caused. Let me know if you agree with me that the time is right to take stock of the impact that these 24/7 long-term road closures have on our lives. An emerging debate: devolution of powers The government’s Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill is getting more talked about. Suffolk has expressed an interest with some initial ideas only to be told by the officials at central government to think again. They tell us to ask for what they want! Share powers with Norfolk and go for a directly elected joint Norfolk/Suffolk mayor. Hardly in the spirit of local decision-making, devolution and subsidiarity. Is this a script from Yes Minister? Community Emergency Planning Group The group’s first AGM will take place on November 13 from 11am-1pm at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. This is a great opportunity for volunteers from across Suffolk to represent the Community Emergency Planning Group and help to shape the future for this valuable work. After the AGM various volunteer groups will be available to talk about their work. If you have questions or require more information please get in contact. David Card 01449 722267 / david.card@midsuffolk.gov.uk
Contents could include: • Pencils, crayons, chalk, notebooks and colouring books • Soft toys with CE label, puppets, dolls, small games, children’s playing cards, balls, skipping ropes, toy cars, jigsaws, whistles, mouth organs • Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels or sponges, combs • Hats, gloves, hair slides and beads • Sweets with a long date but not chocolate as it doesn’t travel well We would appreciate a £3 donation towards transport. This can be cash or a cheque inside the box or a payment online through the Samaritans Purse website. Please use an elastic band to secure the box until we check and tape it up. If you are unable to make up a shoebox but have items from the above list to donate we can use them to make up extra boxes at the warehouse. Please drop off boxes and donations as soon as possible in November, either at Woodview Nurseries during the day or at one of the drop off points listed on the website. For further information call: 01473 310254/716437
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SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350
We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help. So call us today, we are here to help.
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NEWS COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT John Field’s Report to Gipping Valley, October 2015
Locality Budgets Your district councillors for this year only have a £5,000 budget to deploy in their wards to fund projects by community groups. They must of course align with Mid-Suffolk’s objectives. Forms to request grants of £500+ are available and your councillors will make final decisions by early January. As a county councillor, I also have my Locality Budget available and about £12,000 remains after providing support for a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) in Henley and Hemingstone, pond refurbishment at Henley Primary School and LED floodlights for Bramford Football Club. I would like to support local community organisations to meet the needs of local residents, ideally but not exclusively, where county money leverages in funds from other bodies. Further VAS might be an idea. Devolution The devolution discussions are wending their way forward. The government has stated that both Norfolk and Suffolk must be involved as in the LEP. A number of powers will be handed down only if an elected mayor controls a combined authority. There is now a Norfolk and Suffolk Framework Document for Devolution which gives a clearer list of ambitions. It opens: “Devolution offers an exciting opportunity for greater local decision-making and influence to power economic growth and productivity and unlock the potential of Norfolk and Suffolk. The two counties have the scale, ambition and leadership to maximise the opportunities offered by additional freedoms and responsibilities. We also have the potential to grow our economy faster, with strengths in key sectors such as agri-tech, food and health, energy and the digital economy.” The framework claims strengths as: • National hubs for key business sectors, e.g. financial industries, that need to be nurtured to become magnets for global inward investment • An all-energy coast at the centre of the world’s largest market for offshore wind • Globally-leading research in life sciences and agri-tech, and pioneering technical innovations in ICT research and development. • The UK’s busiest container port, in Felixstowe • A fast-growing creative digital sector, with Norwich recently recognised by Tech City UK • Market-leading food and drink producers • Our first-class cultural heritage attractions mean tourism is worth £4.6bn annually across Norfolk and Suffolk
However, while our employment figures are among the best in the country, our skills and productivity levels are below the national average. I believe the need to work with Norfolk and a wider variety of political parties has helped clarify the way forward. Negotiations continue. Community Transport This month a cabinet decision to tender for continuing community transport using a new structure was ‘called in’. Community transport is services like Dial a Ride that provide on demand transport to people not served by scheduled buses or trains. There have been a number of these services under various brands serving different communities and user groups. Their vehicles have been provided by the county and the services largely specified by county officers. The proposal is that seven contracts would be let, one per district council, so that people can easily know which they should phone to book a journey. The current vehicles would be sold to the providers, a move that would allow a wider range of customers to be served. When the county owns vehicles providers cannot use them to provide some desirable services. In addition, they can then select vehicles to meet the need as they see it rather than having to use what the county provides. The county hopes that this will allow competition for services such as some forms of home to school transport that will use the assets more intensively. So why was this called in? Well, among other issues, the intention was that the county would no longer provide free vehicles (saving some £570k), and would also reduce the subsidy from £1.4m to £700k over the next four years. The revenue from the new freedom to provide services was supposed to compensate. Scrutiny believed it more likely that, although the providers would survive, service to people without other transport options will be cut. We referred the decision back but the paper to cabinet on October 13 recommends no change. County Scrutiny I will report on our scrutiny of the Keir contract and the energy-fromwaste programme in my next report. If you have queries please contact me: 01473 831306 / john.field@suffolk.gov.uk www.john.field@suffolk.libdems.org
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY SUEZ, the new name for SITA UK, the company which runs the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility, has been listed in the Archant Green 100. The list, which is compiled by the publishers of the East Anglian Daily Times and the Eastern Daily Press, celebrates the efforts being made by 100 Suffolk and Norfolk businesses that are actively leading the way in sustainable and environmental business practice. All the companies on the list will feature in a green supplement in both papers, and have been invited to a green conference at the Orbis Energy Centre in Lowestoft. The site is also in line for another national
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award. It has been short-listed in the British Construction Industry Awards in the major civil engineering project of the year category. In the meantime, the site’s first major shutdown to allow all of the equipment to be thoroughly inspected, maintained and cleaned, takes place from October 25 until November 17. Around 50 extra contractors are expected on site during the shut down, but there is not expected to be any impact on local residents. Work on the two lines will be staggered, so there will only be a few days when the site is shut-down completely, and waste will continue to arrive throughout. The site’s community liaison group, which
includes parish council representatives and local residents, is looking for new members. The group meets quarterly and provides an opportunity for local people to hear about developments on the site and to ask any questions. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 15. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Manda Henry: 01473 8368321 / manda.henry@sita. co.uk Useful contact numbers Site offices: 01473 839149 Site control room: 01473 836828 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910
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“Skilled, stylish and perceptive work for ages three to seven”
1 DEC 2015 - 2 JAN 2016 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS...
The Stage
When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly Photo: Ellie Kurttz through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. They face the Jurassic clutches of a toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, and then a very real boy with very real scissors threatens to snip their adventure short…
THE PAPER DOLLS
For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups
Adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music. This is a new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre; reigniting an inspiring creative partnership between Peter Glanville and Lyndie Wright who last worked together to produce Macbeth and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Suitable for ages three to seven. Studio theatre seating is unreserved. All five rows offer excellent views in the heart of the action so you choose your seats on arrival.
New Wolsey Studio
01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk
To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
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01/10/2015 01:55
NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAVE THE DUKE CAMPAIGN UPDATE
BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS Panto rehearsals have started Rehearsals have started for our pantomime. It's Cinderella. Yes I know, we've done it before (probably more than twice before) but Tom Hitchcock's fresh script reaches parts of Cinderella other panto groups merely dream of. Bold new ideas are interwoven into the tapestry of the traditional story to create a striking theatrical experience. (A bit over the top that but you get the drift)
After a busy period of promoting the project, the deadline for buying shares on our online crowdfunding platform has now closed. At the time of writing in early October, the total stands at over £135,000. Amazing! (If all were UK tax-paying investors, we have saved them a total £40,000 off their collective tax bill!) We were pleased we selected the Crowdfunder website to partner with as, at the time of writing, we know of at least £25,000 worth of investment that has come from elsewhere in the country, from people who spotted the project and felt it worthy of investment! We haven’t reached our target yet, so shares are still on sale. Please send cheques to our treasurer, Gerard Kroon. The prospectus and details of where to send your cheque are available on the website. We are currently waiting on an important decision by the Power to Change Big Lottery fund: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/powertochange We have applied for a substantial sum from them to help with the purchase of the pub. This fund is aimed at projects just like ours so we have everything crossed for a positive outcome! In the meantime we are continuing to approach businesses in the hunt for corporate sponsors, and talking to the breweries about possible ways they could help. Can you think of a company we could approach? We have lots more ideas and are very determined – we WILL make this happen! If you can help, we would be very happy to hear from you. Keep up to date with the latest news at: www.savetheduke.net Sarah Caston Save the Duke Chair
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NOVEMBER MONTHLY NETWORKING MEETINGS • Coffee & Cake Where? Needham Market Community Centre, 23 School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB When? Friday, November 6, 10am-noon • Breakfast Networking Where? Cedars Park Community Centre When? Friday, November 20, 6.45am start DECEMBER CHRISTMAS LUNCH Where? Stowmarket Golf Club When? Friday, December 11, starting at noon To book visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk
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It'll be on Friday, January 22, Saturday 23, Friday 29 and Saturday 30, 2016. Look out for posters nearer the time for full details. And there's more good news: we have new chairs in the village hall, so the 'sitting down sensation' should be enhanced for our adoring audiences. And while I have your attention, please remember that we are keen to welcome new members to the group, both on stage and behind the scenes. Please phone Sharon on 833846 and we'll make a plan.
Bar-Clay Players
in association with Bar-Clay Music Makers
Present
ACTING UP! Tickets are now on sale for this hilarious new comedy by Hannah Carley which involves past and present members of Bar-Clay Music Makers including Sarah Hitchcock, Leanne Webb, Clive Webb, Sally Scurrell, Phoebe Scurrell, Kirsty Mower, Jacob Mower, Sue Bound, Hannah Carley and newcomer Millie Hockley. There will be a limited number of tickets available for this production as seating will be cabaret style to create a more relaxed atmosphere, which means that we can only accommodate 60 people per performance. To make sure you don’t miss out please email webbfamily1@googlemail.com The play focuses on new girl Claire Rogers’ journey when, for the first time, she is put in charge of directing the local am dram panto. Through Claire’s eyes you will experience the highs, lows, laughs and definitely a few diva meltdowns as she tries to knock the members of the group into shape. It will have you laughing, wincing and even cringing, but in the end you will be willing them to do their best. There will be two performances at Claydon and Barham Village Hall on Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21, starting at 7.45pm. Tickets are £8. Soft drinks and nibbles will be available but please feel free to bring a bottle and your own snacks if preferred. For further information about this exciting production please ring Hannah or Linda: 01473 831954
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/village MIP/5A Sproughton MIP/5B Sproughton MIP/5C Bramford MIP/5D Bramford MIP/5E Great Blakenham MIP/5F Great Blakenham MIP/5G Baylham MIP/5H Claydon MIP/5I Claydon MIP/5J Claydon MIP/5K Bramford
Location Church Lane Wild Man St Mary’s Close Paper Mill Lane Chequers Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Post Box Crown Edinburgh Gardens Bacon Road Packard Place
Time 0910 – 0925 0930 – 0945 0950 – 1005 1010 – 1025 1035 – 1055 1100 – 1115 1125 – 1145 1155 – 1300 1405 – 1420 1425 – 1550 1600 – 1630
Calling every four weeks on Tuesdays: 2015: 24 November, 22 December 2016: 19 January
AUCTION OF PROMISES Want something to look forward to on a chilly November evening? Then why not book up for a fun evening on Saturday, November 21 when there will be an Auction of Promises at The Limes Hotel (now under new ownership), High Street, Needham Market, starting at 7pm? A three course meal and coffee will be served from 7.30pm, a raffle will take place at 8.45pm, and a retired auctioneer will commence the Auction of Promises at 9pm.
CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE I think we can safely say that summer is well and truly over because at the time of writing it is cold and wet. We have a few things coming up over the next month or so, on top of our usual events: Friday, October 30: Halloween Family Disco – come in fancy dress to win a prize. Saturday, November 14: Live music with The Harley Street Band, one of best bands in West Suffolk. Guaranteed to get you up and dancing. Saturday, November 21: Craft and Gift Fair – the hall will be brimming with stalls and stands with something for everyone. Saturday, Dece mber 19: Christmas Family Party – family disco with a sprinkle of seasonal sparkle. Thursday, December 31: Live Music – ring in 2016 with local vocal harmony group The Skittlez. This year, this will be a family event. We are looking to expand our entertainments team so if you are a whiz with marketing and promotion and think you could help us, please do contact us by email: events@candbcc.co.uk Don’t forget our standing agenda of zumba, karate, bowls and dancing too. For details visit: www.candbcc.co.uk
A STITCH IN TIME RAISES £840
Local businesses and individuals have donated some fantastic prizes for us to auction or raffle, all in aid of the Roof Repair Fund for the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market – lovingly known as Needham Market’s Medieval Masterpiece. Lots include a pair of tickets to a match at Ipswich Town Football Club in December, a family day pass to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Aspall and a voucher for afternoon tea for two at Hintlesham Hall in Suffolk. A full list is available by contacting me: ann.levett@btinternet.com / 01449 721502 Entrance to this event is by ticket only, sold in advance, and tickets are now on sale by contacting me on the above details, or from Paul’s Hardware Store, High Street, Needham Market. The cost is £18 per person. For those who are unaware of the problems the church faces, the leaking roof has resulted in wet rot and an infestation of death watch beetle. The PCC wish to ensure the repairs are carried out as soon as possible to ensure the community are able to continue access to this wonderful 15th century building. However the estimated cost of the roof repairs is £250,000 – hence this, amongst other, fundraising events (also see page 12). So, if you want to shake off the winter blues why not come along and do something different, and have fun with friends and family while raising funds for a wonderful cause? Ann Levett, PCC Member The Limes Hotel is offering a special B&B rate of £75 per room for the night of November 21 should anyone attending the auction wish to stay over.
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Members of Sproughton Quilters turned their attention to charity on Saturday, September 12 when they held their quilt exhibition in Sproughton Church. As you can see from the picture, they filled the church to great effect. The money raised from the day, which featured an exhibition of quilts and other crafts, a craft stall and a coffee and cake stall has been donated to two local charities – Families In Need (Ipswich) and Headway Suffolk. The members of Sproughton Quilters would like to thank everyone who attended and helped them raise the money. Julie Hodges
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OUT & ABOUT HENLEY PLAYERS PRESENTS OUR FIFTH AND BIGGEST PANTOMIME YET
COFFEE MORNING AT ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, NEEDHAM MARKET AT
Wri$en by Tom Hitchcock
HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Fri 8th Jan (7:30pm) and Sat 9th Jan 2016 (2:30pm & 7:30pm) HOW TO BOOK TICKETS Email: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Box office open every Sunday from 3pm to 4:30pm (From November)
PRICES £7 Adults Concessions £4 £18 Family of 4
Henley Christmas Village Fayre
Saturday 12th December 2015 9:00am to 4:30pm Many stalls & refreshments Santa’s Gro3o -‐ Carol Singing Christmas Bouncy Castle Grand Charity Raffle
Henley Community Centre Contact email: henleychristmasfayre@gmail.com
As our coffee mornings have proved to be popular during the summer months we have decided to run them on the first Saturday of the month during the winter season Tea, coffee and cake will be available in church on Saturday, November 7 from 9am. All proceeds to the roof restoration fund. So if you are out doing your shopping why not pop along and enjoy a chat plus a cup of tea or coffee and a piece (or two) of cake? See Auction of Promises on page 11
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday, November 28 from 2pm at Needham Market Community Centre. Cakes, cosmetics, raffle, gifts, games of chance and hopefully a visit from Father Christmas. Refreshments will include hot mince pies.
NOVEMBER CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR IN HADLEIGH
Come along and join in the fun – all welcome. All proceeds to church funds.
This hugely popular fair organised by Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity will take place in the beautiful Town Hall and Guildhall Complex (IP7 5DN) on Sunday, November 1, 10am-4pm. Admission is £1 for adults, accompanied children under 13 free, wheelchair users 50p (limited access). There will be several stalls selling foods and various crafts throughout the complex, including jewellery, Christmas decorations and wreaths, cards, woodturning, children’s craft kits, painted canal art, bags, scarves, prints, cosmetics, fused glass, candles, linens, marquetry, sweets, Indian foods and cakes, to name just a few. Refreshments will be available in the dining room.
GRAND CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Claydon and Barham Church’s Grand Christmas Bazaar in aid of the Church Fabric Fund is at 2pm on Saturday, November 14 in the high school hall, Church Lane, Claydon. Lucky admission – adults 20p. There will be stalls with bargains galore including cakes, handicraft, tombola, raffles, pickles, jams, sweets, nextto-new household and toys, white elephant, books and jewellery. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine or a cup of tea. Be there to meet Father Christmas. Quality gifts for only £1.50.
Baylham Village Hall
Quiz with
Fish & Chip Supper Saturday, November 14, 7.30pm Fish & Chips to be ordered by November 7 Tickets from: Jan, 01473 832260 / Wendy, 01473 830615
For further details and offers of help call: 01473 833014 / 784535
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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY IN AID OF ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE AND SUFFOLK FAMILY CARERS Saturday, November 21, 10am-4pm, at Tithe Barn, Lower Street, Sproughton IP8 3AA Fabulous gift ideas from stalls including White Cottage Candles, Tamwood Turnery, Coppaskye Wildlife Photography, Phoenix Cards, Tanglefoot Glass Jewellery, Usborne Books, Croome Crafts (handmade seasonal decorations including wreaths), Suffolk Hampers and many more. Also preloved books, raffle and tombola, bacon/egg rolls and homemade cakes. Entry fee: 50p.
GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB These were the winning tickets for: September £25 301 Lee and Joanne Chamberlaine £15 80 Alan Rose £10 84 Emma and Phil Harman £10 242 Alison Eastwick £5 210 Julia Thrower £5 199 Rosemary Longdon October £25 £15 £10 £10 £5 £5
22 54 249 157 65 55
David Hall David (Chequers) Maria Jones Hilary de Lacey Joyce Bruce Chris Varley
During 2015 there will be at least six prizes of £5 to £25 every month. Tickets are still £1 a month and all the money raised by your membership of the 200 Club goes toward the repair and preservation of St Mary’s Parish Church. If you would like to take part and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building (and have the chance of winning a cash prize each month), please contact Marion on 01473 830915. You can join at any time during the year and you only pay for the remaining months.
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, November 19, at 7.30pm: You May Wish You Had Never Started This! with the well-known and popular speaker Ian Waller Keeping effective records on paper or on a computer is a sticking point for many researching their family trees. Even seasoned researchers don’t always have a good system. This talk examines how to keep good records and looks at ways of overcoming the challenges of research, how to turn the negatives into positives. NOTE NEW VENUE The Co-Op Education Centre – Pedestrian Entrance, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW. Car park entrance: Waterworks Street IP4 1JG Admission is £3 for members, £3.50 for non-members who are welcome and can join the society on the night if they wish. Tickets are not required; just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact H King: 01473 274300
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GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB The club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham, 2-4pm. Members pay £1.50 a meeting and this covers hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. As Christmas is now approaching, our October workshop was a Christmas project of a small cross stitch kit to sew of a robin on a post box and then fit into an aperture card so at least they will have one card made. Our remaining programme for 2015 is: November 2: Wreathed in Ribbon December 7: Christmas party The year is passing by all too quickly and I am now putting together the programme for 2016, the 12th year I have been running the club. Where does the time go? There is currently room for new members so if you are interested in joining us please get in touch. Although the club is all ladies at present gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome but I'm sorry I cannot accommodate children. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
GREAT BLAKENHAM WI We didn’t have our normal meeting at the Parish Rooms on September 15. Instead we had all been invited to Claydon WI’s meeting which about 12 of us attended. The speaker was Scarlet Valentine telling us about her fascination for hats through the ages. Initially making hats was a hobby but it wasn’t long before she gave up her day job and she now has a thriving business making some amazing creations and has often been requisitioned by some very prominent ladies for their special occasions. We then had a really good time trying on some of those beautiful hats. The speaker for our October meeting was Pippa Moss talking about the lives of the Amish people and showing us a very colourful array of her Amish quilts. Claydon WI made a visit to us for this meeting and we returned their hospitality. November 10: First Annual Meeting followed by Mr Reg Barton, a well-known local figure, telling us about the lighter side of his time working at a crematorium. December 6: WI Christmas Concert at Barham Church, 2pm. December 8: Party time again at the Parish Rooms. All enquiries please call Margaret: 01473 836442
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OUT & ABOUT STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB The new season got off to a good start on September 14 with a lot of old members and quite a few new potential members turning up. After greeting the new potential members and explaining roughly what the club is about, several members – new and old – showed prints that they had taken over the summer for critique by the members. A huge pat on the back for the new people who showed their prints, not knowing what us ‘oldies’ were like! An enjoyable night was had by one and all. On September 26 we went on our first photo shoot of the season to Woodbridge. The weather was very good all day and I’m sure some of the
photographs taken on the day will be seen in some of our competitions. The ‘cracked lens’ competition was a great success and took place on September 28. Sixty-seven images were entered with the results as follows: First: Moraine Lake, Canadian Rockies by Glenda Taylor Second: Vienna Reflections by Roy Fidler Third: Grasshopper by Geoff Chapman New members are always very welcome at the club. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30 start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham, but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind the hall. It is fully accessible and has disabled facilities within. At our meeting on October 14 members were asked to bring along their oldest or most favourite item and tell a little of its history and what it means to them. The idea was to get everyone talking and stir a few memories about the changes we have seen in our lifetime. We had a very pleasant afternoon with dolls, kitchenalia, letters sent both from the First and Second World Wars, birthday cards received at the age of two and newspaper articles about a challenge undertaken by a members’ husband to score a million points throwing darts, a feat which lasted non-stop for over days before he had to give up. The aim was a Guinness World Record, but unfortunately it was refused acknowledgement at the time. Our programme for the remainder of 2015 is: November 11
Napkin Folding for Christmas
November 25:
Social afternoon featuring Quiztime with Brenda
December 9:
Christmas party – a social afternoon with afternoon tea and games, everyone contributing a plate, details to be agreed nearer the time.
Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
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ORCHARD BARN ACHIEVEMENTS Autumn is traditionally a time for looking back over the year just gone and remembering our achievements. The past few months at Orchard Barn have been particularly busy, both on and off site. Over winter we completed a seat/display board at West Stow Anglo Saxon Village as part of the Heritage Lottery funded Brecks Building Skills day schools. We had a stall at the Grand Designs Live Exhibition in London. We exhibited both at the Latitude Festival and Folk East and introduced youngsters to mud sculpting. A stall was manned at Combs Fete where one of our benches was raffled. The Heritage Open Afternoon was attended by more than 40 visitors on a gloriously sunny day. The repairs to the rest area at the back of the barn have progressed with the basic timber frame in place, the roof up with wattle and daub insulation and a mixture of glass and conventional pantiles. Site maintenance has been a priority over the summer months with pond clearance, ditch digging plus stingers, brambles and grass to control. This has provided lots of greenery for our compost bins, so much so that we’ve had to build more. Come and help us celebrate our eight birthday at Offton Village Hall on Saturday, November 7. There’s always something going on at Orchard Barn so why don’t you pay us a visit? Come along any Wednesday, we are SW of Mill Road, Battisford, visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or call: 01473 658193
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SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Once again an action packed few weeks. On Wednesday, October 7 we welcomed more than 500 prospective parents/carers and their children to our school for our annual open evening. Following a short presentation, visitors were able to tour the school and experience our fantastic resources and facilities. Staff and students were on hand to showcase their work and visitors took part in various activities including: the English department’s Punctuation Face Challenge; combustible Jelly Babies in science; interactive maths applications, including programmable robots in maths; French and Spanish food tasting in languages and much, much more. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our 200 Claydon High School student helpers who helped to make the evening such a success. Much of the feedback I received from visitors commented upon how helpful, friendly and polite our students were. On Thursday, October 8, author and filmmaker Matt Dickinson visited Claydon High School to talk to Years 7 and 8 about his life, travels and his teenage books – the Mortal Chaos trilogy and The Everest Files. The rest of the morning was spent with a selection of Year 8 boys, exploring ways in which to engage boys in writing with the aim of raising their achievement in English. In the afternoon, Matt enjoyed afternoon tea
with our Year 11 media students, helping them to analyse film techniques. Matt has visited Claydon High School in the past and proved to be very popular with students and staff. As an experienced speaker, the stories of his real life adventures in Everest, Antarctica, the Sahara Desert and the jungles of South America provided a fascinating insight into the world of exploration.
A range of activities were on offer, including table tennis, dodgeball and fitness and rowing challenges. Our Year 11 Leaders made the sessions really fun and competitive and were a credit to the school.
In other areas of the school, students have been busy with various activities including a trip to the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge for our Year 10 art students, where they were able to sketch and photograph exotic plants and use these images back at school to inspire and develop further their ideas for the ‘natural forms’ element of their GCSE coursework. Year 11 GCSE PE students had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills when they ran a successful Year 6 sports morning for more than 100 students from our feeder primary schools.
Finally, as I write this article, WOW Week is nearly upon us and I look forward to sharing all of the wonderful activities our students will have experienced in December’s edition. Please watch this space.
The start of November will see the official opening of our newly refurbished food technology room. This has been completely transformed with a new layout including new worktops and equipment. Students and staff are enjoying working in this fresh and modern environment. Brightly coloured cupboards line the room and we are eagerly awaiting delivery of new ovens to replace the old ones and complete the refurbishment. I very much look forward to sampling the dishes our students are inspired to create.
If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, then please come along to one of our open mornings. The date of the next one is Wednesday, November 18. Please contact my PA, Mrs J Pedersen, on 01473 836110 to book a place. Sarah Skinner, headteacher
CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL We have had a wonderful month watching more than 100 new children settle over our year groups, with 60 children welcomed into our Reception classes and 24 children into Nursery. Although the summer holiday seems a distant memory, our summer holiday challenge, Hooked on a Book, continued the summer fun for a little longer, with winners in each year group being presented with a book token. Congratulations to Faye Chenery, Shannon Noble, Leah Lovitt, Kai Hall, Jack Bowler and Joshua Allan who all proved that reading can be done in some very interesting places. Monday, September 21 saw us celebrating harvest by collecting donated gifts of food for Ipswich Food Kitchen. Thank you to all who gave so generously to such a worthy cause; more than 100 cans of soup and more than 50 cans of tuna were collected, along with tea, coffee and other goods. As the month drew to a close, Year 5 experienced what life would have been like in a Viking village for a day. They thoroughly enjoyed candle and jewellery making, weaving and painting. The day also included a battle where the pupils, rather convincingly, took on the role of warriors in a mini battle ordered by the chiefs. We are glad to report that all
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Claydon Primary ‘warriors’ returned safely from battle and lived to write some very realistic diary entries. In addition, they worked collaboratively to incorporate what they had learnt into colourful, informative posters to share with Year 6. On a sporting note, we are delighted to have achieved the School Games Bronze kite mark. This is a government led awards scheme, launched in 2012, to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. As a member of the School Games we are able to offer our children a unique opportunity to be motivated and inspired to take part in more competitive school sport. There are four levels of activity: competition in schools, between schools, and at a county/ area level. Currently members of the school staff are running lunchtime and after school clubs for Years 5/6 in netball, football for girls and boys and tag rugby. We are also running a football club for Year 4 girls and will be taking part in the Suffolk FA Girls Football Week 4v4 fun festival. In addition, there is an early morning basketball club run by Nick Drain, the head coach at both Ipswich Basketball Club and Academy, again for Years 5/6. Furthermore, Premier Sport are running after school clubs for football, multisports and gymnastics, which cover all year groups. Our heartfelt thanks go to all staff
members who give up their precious time to enable these clubs to run. After all that exciting news, one small but extremely important request from us to you. We have, unfortunately, still had daily problems with dogs fouling on the school site that obviously causes a health risk to our pupils. We would, therefore, like to respectfully remind everyone in our community that dogs are not permitted on the school site at any time. Finally, do you have a child who is due to start school in September 2016, a child born between September 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012? If so, your child is eligible to start school in our Reception class in September 2016 and applications need to be made by January 15, 2016. We would be delighted to welcome your child at our school and, therefore, if you would like to visit before applying, we are offering some visits while the school is in operation. The dates available are: Monday, November 16 at 9.30am; Tuesday, November 17 at 9.30am; Monday, November 23 at 9.30am; Tuesday, November 24 at 1.30pm. Please telephone the school office on 01473 830439 to book in advance. Date for your diary: Christmas Bazaar, Friday, December 4, 3.30-5pm – we look forward to seeing you there!
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SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Great Blakenham Parent and Toddler Group runs every Wednesday term time only, 9.30-11.30am. We welcome mums, dads, grandparents and carers with babies or children under five. Entry is £2 for first child plus 50p for an extra child. We provide a sit down at table snacks with drink. There is plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits for the adults to help themselves. We provide a large range of toys for imaginative play, ride-ons, kitchen area, baby area, play dough, bricks to name a few. We have song time every two weeks and health visitors come in every third Wednesday, 9.30-11am, for weigh-in. As she did last year, Gemma from Gemma B Photography is taking photos of our little ones in November for Christmas. We are a relaxed, friendly, sociable group, a great place to try if you are new to the area.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB September prize winners were: No. 21: Bridget Wyatt, £20.10 No. 25: Bridget Wyatt, £10.05 No. 45: Carole Lee, £3.35 New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 per month and the draw takes place on the last Friday of each month from September through to July. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance the lives of our children within the pre-school. For an entry form please contact Nadine Harrison: 01473 831857 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
DIARY DATES Wednesday, November 4: Gemma B Photography Wednesday, December 2: Christmas Nativity Wednesday, December 9: Christmas Party
STAY AND PLAY AT WOODLAND PRE-PREP
We look forward to seeing new faces. For more information contact Jo McLaren: 01473 833308 / 07531 857788 Check our listing on Facebook: Great Blakenham Parent and Toddler Group
CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project that has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 24 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 a family. This month we meet on November 5 and 19, 9.30-11.30am, in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. At our regular sessions we welcome anyone with babies or children under five for imaginative play, storytime, songtime and lots of fun. Families can enjoy a different craft activity with a theme where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. We also share songtime for a bit of noise. For parents/carers it’s a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children. This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Felicity, James, James and George who all celebrate in November. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on: netmums.com Michelle
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Stay and Play sessions for 0-3 year olds take place at The Woodland Pre-Prep at Ipswich High School on Mondays, November 2, 9, 16 and 23. The sessions are a great opportunity to enjoy some planned activities and develop friendships in an inspirational and fun environment. £2.50 per child. Refreshments included. To book your place call: 01473 201011
GIRLGUIDING SUFFOLK Want to join in the fun... Join us! To challenge yourself as a young member or volunteer (14+), please contact us. Suffolk: www.girlguidingsuffolk.org.uk HQ: www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested / 0800 169 5901 17
SPORT BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers, Now the nights are drawing in and your mood starts to match the autumnal gloom it is useful to have something to lift the spirit. I take the view that things could always be worse. Consider, if you will, how much teeth gnashing and muttering there is in Yorkshire just now with the news that they will have to pay 5p for a plastic shopping bag. If you see a gloomy looking chap in a flat cap walking a couple of whippets, best not offer the view that it has turned out nice again. My demeanour is briefly brightened by the prospect of winter tennis – an enlightenment usually curtailed by the early arrival of the first defeat of the new season, such as that suffered by the ladies floodlit side in their first fixture. They can be consoled in the thought that someone has to lose, although whenever I play I always think that it would be nice if the opponents tried the experience for once. So, as Yazz sang in the nineties, The Only Way Is Up.
CLAYDON FC Claydon U10s Sponsored By Melvyn Lambert, Claydon Skip Hire and Rackhams The U10 teams have had three games since the start of the season and the Tigers have got off to a good start. They won the opening league game at home to AFC Kesgrave and followed that up with cup wins against Woodbridge and Whitton. The Dragons won their opening game against AFC Kesgrave, coming from behind in the second half. Their cup game against IVR Red was a tough one against a strong team but despite the other team’s dominance the lads didn’t give up and gave a great account of themselves. Their last game against Ipswich Exiles ended in a draw, which was an excellent end-to-end game from both teams. We have been lucky to have a number of players accepted into PDC or advance player programmes and Sam, Liam, Alfie and Omarion were all accepted by Inspire PDC or ITFC advance player programmes and these players join a number of the other squad members at PDCs. Well done to all of you. Claydon U8s Sponsored By Pitkin & Ruddock
Corrine, our very own Radio Suffolk personality, captained the side, fresh from her successful charity bike ride from London to Paris in some of the heaviest downpours of the year. Congratulations to her for her efforts. I think she may have got less wet had she attempted to swim it though! It seems churlish to mention that Eurostar run regular services between the two cities in comfort – and they take bikes. Just a thought. At the time of keyboard tapping no winter league results are to hand. Nick and Graham (yes Graham drew the short straw again) were scheduled to play Adam and Matt (Graham's sons) in division 2. Graham was a bit stumped as to what tactics to employ now that they are grown up and don't get pocket money (thus ruling out withholding it as an ‘incentive’ to go easy on the oldies). Ever helpful, I suggested that he tried playing without Nick as this might improve his prospects of victory, but he countered that, effectively, saying he does that anyway (I know how he feels). On a bright note, as Ipswich Town supporters they are well acquainted with regular disappointment. The first of an annual fixtures between Bramford and Sproughton tennis clubs was played on September 13 to commemorate the sad passing of Maureen Sillett. Sproughton were the victors in the round robin mixed doubles format and so become the holders of the rather magnificent Maureen Sillett Memorial Trophy. Congratulations to the winners and all of the participants, we look forward to challenging for the trophy next year. Club sessions are scheduled to continue throughout the winter, though it may be a good idea to check whether other members are attending in dubious conditions. Any new prospective members are invited to contact the treasurer Clive Jones: 01473 464589 / bramfordtc@outlook.com JOKE OF THE MONTH A man goes into a pub and orders three pints and five double whiskies, as the barman is lining them up, the man downs them one after the other in about 30 seconds. "Wow! I have never seen anyone drink that fast,” said the barman. “You would too if you had what I have got,” said the customer. “Why, what have you got?" enquired the barman. "50p,” said the customer. I won't be able to use that trick anymore – more guff next month. Mick Russ
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Under 8 Tigers The U8 teams have made a great start to the season as they moved to five-a-side this year. The Tigers have had a couple of wins and a single defeat this month, the wins by some margin and the defeat by a narrow margin. The Dragons have won all three games so far, which is impressive as they have a number of U7 players stepping up this season to play a year ahead of themselves. Claydon U14s Tigers The U14 Tigers have made a super start to the season winning both cup games and drawing their league fixture. The team are coming on strong and have been scoring a lot of goals in their matches, which bodes very well for the future. Claydon U7s The U7 squad is increasing in size and the players are all enjoying their training at Blue Circle. A number of them have already had a few tournaments playing 4v4 futsal, with some playing at Ipswich Town on the all weather pitch. They are growing in ability week on week and further tournaments and festivals over the coming season will see them prepared well for the transition to five-a-side next year. Claydon FC Café A reminder to all parents and players that the Blue Circle Café is now open on match days and is serving bacon rolls, tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweets. We are also looking for helpers from the teams who are at home on match days to assist in the café. If you can help when playing at home please contact admin@claydon-fc.co.uk with your details. You can follow all the Claydon teams on Facebook\claydonfootballclub or Twitter @claydonfc or online at: www.claydon-fc.co.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE TOP THANK YOU THANK YOU to whoever left a bag of coloured tops on my doorstep. They were very welcome. Unfortunately, the company now says they only want tops from the plastic milk bottles, nothing else, just the red, green and blue tops.
For anyone else who is interested and would like to collect these tops I would be very happy to take them from you. I give them to a friend who sells them to the company. They then extract the colour from the tops. My friend saves the money she gets and puts it towards the Ormond Street Hospital. I believe she has already purchased two wheelchairs for them. Wendy Lindley, 01473 832885
CITIZENS ADVICE HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS WITH HMRC PHONE LINES Citizens Advice has said long phone queues to speak to HMRC means some people could face fines for late tax returns or receive over or underpayments for tax credits. The warning comes as data from national Citizens Advice highlights how frustrated callers tweeted HMRC over 11,500 times in the last 12 months to complain about long phone line queues, the average being 47 minutes. While official figures suggest an average wait of 10 minutes, the study from Citizens Advice shows many people are waiting longer. Reasons for calling HMRC include explaining a change in circumstances that will impact on tax credits, for example losing their job or having a child, or to clarify income tax payments. Carol Eagles of Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “Time and time again we are seeing people who know they need to update HMRC on their tax or circumstances but are really struggling to get through on the phone. If a person can’t update HMRC about their tax credit circumstances they may not get all of the support available or instead are overpaid which can cause debts further down the line.
“Similarly a worker may not be able to file their self assessment return on time if they cannot get through on the phone to ask a question, and could face a fine for missing the deadline. With Citizens Advice staff and volunteers also facing similar queues it is important HMRC urgently addresses the problems many people are experiencing with phone lines.” HMRC phones lines are 0300 numbers meaning calls are charged at the same rate as a standard landline call and could be included in some phone package’s free minutes. However, if a person is waiting 47 minutes it could cost them £4.66. The charity is also warning that the roll-out of Universal Credit and changes to tax credits could mean waiting times will further soar as more and more people try to speak to someone. The local CAB in Stowmarket is in Milton Road South, 01449 676060 or 676280. Opening times: Mondays and Tuesdays 9.30am-3.30pm, Wednesday 9.30am-3.30pm for telephone advice only, Thursday 9.30am-6.30pm, and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm only. The bureau can also be contacted at: www.midsuffolkcab.org.uk
DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK Many constituents have written to me regarding the debate in parliament on Rob Marris MP’s Assisted Dying Bill. Back in 2012, when assisted dying was being debated in parliament for the first time in a generation, I wrote about my concerns of the impact the bill will have on vulnerable people. The circumstances faced by patients with terminal illnesses are always challenging and unique to that person and their family, and I am still doubtful whether these can effectively be written into law. As you are probably aware, as well as being a Member of Parliament, I am also an NHS hospital doctor and my work as a frontline NHS professional has given me an insight into the nature of death and dying. I was at one time a strong supporter of individuals with terminal illnesses being given greater power to end their lives. Who was I to stop someone with a terminal illness from ending their life when they had expressed a consistent wish to do so? But an experience as a junior doctor changed my views. Alice (not her real name) was a woman in her 40s with advanced multiple sclerosis, no longer able to speak, and completely dependent on family and carers for all her activities of daily living. She was regularly admitted to hospital with chest infections, and on this occasion had been admitted with a pneumonia that was not responding to antibiotics. She was clearly in great pain and distress.
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Conversations with her family suggested that much as they loved and cared for her, they believed her illness was at a stage where medical treatments were prolonging her suffering. Her husband said: “she would never have wanted to be like this.” The palliative care team were called to provide specialist care and advice for what was likely to be the last days of Alice’s life. Against all odds, Alice pulled through and left hospital. Several weeks later, I met her husband again at the hospital shop. He told me the involvement of the palliative care team meant that she and her family had received specialist care and support in the community. He said he felt guilty for having even contemplated the end of her life. As an NHS hospital doctor, I have witnessed at first-hand how palliative care can help patients and their families better deal with very difficult issues and circumstances of death and dying, as well as providing support in coping with the long term pain that often accompanies terminal illness. My experience tells me that the ability to end life prematurely could in some circumstances be abused and undue pressure brought to bear on the vulnerable and terminally ill. As a result I believe that we should give greater priority and funding to the development of high quality palliative care services, both nationally and locally for patients in Suffolk. For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com
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CHURCH NEWS THE ‘UNSINKABLE’ SHIP It’s over 100 years since the infamous sinking of the Titanic. The disaster has been made into a blockbuster film as well as inspiring countless books and documentaries on the subject. Here a few interesting facts about the amazing ship: • The Titanic is about as long as the Empire State building is tall. • Originally, the Titanic’s design only included three funnels (smokestacks). The aftmost funnel (towards stern) was added to make the Titanic look more impressive – it gave the feeling of ‘power and grace’. It only functioned as an air vent. • There were 13 couples on board celebrating their honeymoons. • Captain Smith was planning to retire after Titanic’s maiden voyage. • The Titanic carried 900 tons of baggage and freight. • The Titanic used 14,000 gallons of drinking water every 24 hours. • Coal consumption per day: 825 tons. One of the main themes of the Hollywood film about the Titanic is the huge diversity in class between the passengers. The people who boarded the ship were made up of the rich and famous, nobility, migrants hoping for a better life in America, the holidaying middle class, musicians, entertainers, laundry maids, cooks, engineers, and manual labourers. However, whatever they were known for when they boarded the ship, once the iceberg had been struck, and the ship’s fate had been sealed, each passenger would soon be known by one of two very simple labels: LOST or SAVED. The story of the Titanic is very similar to the message of the Bible. It tells of the huge diversity in class and life experience in our world. Some people are super rich and have every possible financial benefit in life. Others are poor and have to get by with very little, experiencing poverty and poor healthcare. And, of course many live somewhere between the two. There is one thing that all people have though, in fact it’s really the only thing we ever truly own. It’s called a soul. It’s the spirit inside us, given by God that makes us human. Everything we see around us is ultimately passing away, and in 100 years from now it won’t matter how much money you had, how much power you had in your job, or how many people you managed to influence. Each soul will be known by one of the same two labels as the passengers of the Titanic: LOST or SAVED. The good news of the Bible is that God desires all people to be saved. The offer of salvation is freely available to all who are sorry for the wrong things in their lives and put their trust and hope in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8: 36 Michael Lawrence SERVICES Sundays: 10.45am at Great Blakenham (including Sunday Club for children); 6.30pm at Mickfield. Wednesday: Fortnightly women’s meeting, 2.30pm; fortnightly prayer and Bible study, 2pm. Friday: Action Bible Club, meet by Great Blakenham Village Hall, 6.307.30pm; games, crafts and stories for ages five to 12. Carols by candlelight Sunday, December 13 at 4pm at Great Blakenham Baptist Church Sunday, December 20 at 6.30pm at Mickfield Evangelical Church
ST MARY’S CHURCH, GREAT BLAKENHAM Churchwardens
Jane Corbett, 01473 830201 / Judith Williams, 01473 832423
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL November 27-29, 10am-4pm
The church will be open each day. All welcome – entry is free. There will be refreshments and other stalls in the Parish Room from 10am-4pm. Soup and a roll will be available from noon-2pm. Are you able to support this event by decorating or sponsoring a tree, providing a raffle prize or advertising in our programme? Please contact Jane or Paul Corbett: 01473 830201 All money raised at the Christmas Tree Festival will go towards the work and ministry of the church.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Saturday, November 28, 10am-noon, in the Parish Room There will be refreshments, a raffle, teddy tombola, cakes and much more. If you would like a table at this event, please contact Jane or Paul Corbett: 01473 830201
CAROL SERVICE Sunday, November 29, 4pm
SERVICES IN NOVEMBER Remembrance Sunday Service – November 8, 10.45am We are pleased that Archdeacon David Jenkins will be joining us for this very important service. Family Service – November 22, 10am Join us for coffee and cake afterwards.
COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING Saturday, November 14, 10am-noon Great Blakenham Parish Room ALL WELCOME
HELP NEEDED We need someone to PAT test Christmas tree lights for our Christmas Tree Festival. If you can help, please contact Jane or Paul Corbett: 01473 830201
CAROL SINGING We will be carol singing in the village on Saturday, December 19. If you would like to join us, contact Jane Corbett: 01473 830201
For more information email info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / call 01449 720357 / or visit: www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk
Harvest Supper on September 26
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / Stmarybramford@aol.com Assistant curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250 Assistant priest: The Rev Pat Wright www.stmarybramford.co.uk Morning Prayer at Bramford: 8.30am, Monday to Friday Wednesday morning Communion Services: 9.30am at the vicarage, unless otherwise advised. Please check porch notices for any changes. November 1 8am 10am 4pm 6.30pm
All Saints’ Day Parish Communion Parish Communion All Souls’ Service Evening Prayer for All Souls
Little Blakenham Bramford Bramford Baylham
November 2 7.30pm
All Souls’ Service
Bramford
November 5 3pm
Remembrance Sunday Holy Communion Remembrance Sunday Service (Jointly with the Methodist) Remembrance Sunday Service Remembrance Sunday Service
November 9 10.30am
Remembrance Service
November 10 10.30am Remembrance November 15 10am 10am 5pm
Bramford Bramford Baylham Little Blakenham Primary School Baylham Care Centre
Second Sunday before Advent Parish Communion Bramford Parish Communion Baylham 5 o’clock Service Church Room
November 17 2pm The Gathering
Church Room
November 21 1.30pm Village Bazaar
Bramford
November 22 8am 10am 10am
Bramford Bramford Nettlestead
Christ the King Holy Communion Family Worship Morning Prayer
November 28 10am-noon Coffee Morning Christmas Bazaar and Crib Festival
Church Room Little Blakenham
November 29 Advent Sunday 10am Parish Communion 4pm Christingle and Crib Festival
Bramford Little Blakenham
Dear Friends November is the time when we turn our faces backwards to remember those who fought and died for our freedom. Again on Remembrance Sunday the community will come together to remember those who died in the various conflicts which have affected this country over the past 100 years. I am writing as the news about refugees and migrants fleeing from conflicts across the world is much on our minds. It is easy for us to dismiss this and see it as someone else’s problem, but in fact it is likely to remain
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I have had a number of conversations with people asking why God would put people through this. Why does God cause war? Why does he let this happen? Let us have no doubt in our minds that war is man-made – people cause wars, not God. God is there with those affected, with the aid agencies, with the peacekeepers, and prayer can only help. November is also the time when we turn our eyes towards Christmas. As usual we have a full and busy programme of Christmas activities planned, starting with the various bazaars and craft fairs across the parishes. Please support these, many of them are great for the early purchase of Christmas presents and cards, and they also help us to raise funds for the ministry and mission of the church. I look forward to seeing you there.
United Service at Cherryfields
November 8 8am 10.30am 3pm 3pm
a world problem for the foreseeable future. There are a number of reputable charities dealing with the problems on the ground and attempting to help people before they have to leave their own countries, easier said than done in a climate of fear and danger. One of the things we can do is to hold those in need in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings to you all Jenny Coffee Morning November 28 is our coffee/tea morning in the Church Room, Bramford, 10am-noon. This month we will also be having a Christmas draw. Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Bike or Walk Ride May I offer a big thank you to our gallant cyclists who visited 25 churches and those who kindly gave donations. Also to the volunteers who sat in the church to welcome those visiting St Mary’s. We raised £50 this year, half of which is returned to us to aid the running and upkeep of our church. Many thanks, Janet Jackaman PARISH REGISTERS Funerals 14 September: Charles Bertie Frost 30 September: Jackie Derienzo We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church September 29: To mark the eighth anniversary of Phil Sawyer October 14: In memory of Gertie and Clifford Freeman If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 a week. Cleaning rota: J Kemish Flower rota: November 7 – Remembrance; November 28 – Advent Lectionary Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world. November 1 Isaiah 25: 6-9 November 8 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 November 15 Dan. 12:1-3 November 22 Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14 November 29 Jer. 33:14-16
All Saints’ Day Rev. 21:1-6a Remembrance Sunday Heb. 9:24-28 2nd before Advent Heb. 10:11-14(15-18)19-25 Christ the King Rev. 1:4b-8 Advent Sunday 1 Thess. 3:9-13
Gold or White John 11:32-44 Red or Green Mark 1:14-20 Red or Green Mark 13:1-8 Red or White John 18:33-37 Purple Luke 21:25-36
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Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk
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GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 16 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
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