In Touch with Hadleigh - December 2015

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Volume 1 • Issue No. 3 • DECEMBER 2015

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My son is remarkably indecisive and it’s not a trait he has inherited from me! He and I have attempted to write to Father Christmas on no less than eight occasions now and each list has been completely different save for a bouncy egg which has topped the list every time.

I kid you not! A bouncy egg is the thing he wants more than anything else. Basically it’s a egg shaped bouncy ball which costs about £1.50, but I suspect Jack will have hours of fun playing the same trick on us over and over again! Oh joy!

But despite the frustration of trying to force Jack to make a final decision I’m quietly pleased that he is so keen to have a simple, inexpensive gift.

I know Lego will make it onto the final list in one form or another and possibly some football ‘stuff’, but while Jack is still relatively immune to the power of advertising I clearly don’t need to overspend in order to have a happy five-year-old. Next year might be more difficult. I dread the day he asks for a mobile phone, but I’m going to copy my brother John and agree to Jack having a phone for his 14th birthday. I can hear you scoffing in disbelief, but John’s four teenagers still speak to him – when they’re not on their phones!

This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!).

Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing.

It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

In Touch with Hadleigh In Touch with Hadleigh is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

hadleigh@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: Cameron Kerr Email: cameron@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.

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© 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 Hadleigh is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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JANUARY DEADLINE 11 DECEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

NEWS ST HELENA HOSPICE At St Helena Hospice we are always looking for new volunteers to join our team and we are currently looking for the following: Online Assistants Do you have experience in researching products, photographing and listing them on EBay or Amazon? We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our online team at the Angora Donation Centre to sell, package, dispatch and fill in relevant paperwork. If you have specialist knowledge or an interest in stamps, coins, jewellery, fashion, pictures, Warhammer or Pokémon cards we would also like to hear from you.

Customer Service Assistants Do you have experience working in a customer focused role? Our team of customer service assistants at the Angora Donation Centre is looking for new members to join them. You will be required to greet members of the public bringing in donations, promote Gift Aid and process the necessary paperwork.

Retail Assistants Have you previously worked in retail or would you like some retail experience? The furniture shop at Angora Business Park, Stanway, is currently looking for motivated volunteers to work as part of the busy team. You will be assisting the shop manager to maximise income from the sale of donated goods, lifting and moving items of furniture for customers and around the shop. Good communication skills are essential.

Hairdresser Our Tendring centre is looking for volunteer hairdressers to work once a fortnight on a Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It’s important for people to feel positive about themselves no matter how poorly they may be feeling; giving men and women a haircut can be that real confidence boost they need to feel good!

All the roles listed above have various hours and days available to fit around you. Apply via our website sthelenahospice/volunteer, by emailing volunteer@sthelenahospice.org.uk or by ringing 01206 931466 and speaking to our volunteer team.

REMEMBER SOMEONE SPECIAL THIS YEAR St Helena Hospice’s Tree of Memories Christmas appeal is now open for anyone wishing to make dedications and donations in memory of someone special or for those who wish to support the hospice during the festive time of year.

By taking part in this appeal, donors will be sent a bauble-shaped tag with their personal message to hang on their Christmas tree, with an identical tag being placed on one of the beautiful Tree of Memories in either Colchester in the quiet room at Myland Hall or in the Tendring Centre in Clacton-on-Sea. Extra blank tags can be purchased for a minimum donation of £1. These trees will be on display from Monday, December 7 until Monday, January 4, 2016 for people to visit and view.

The hospice will also be holding two Tree of Memories remembrance services. These services are held as a way to bring people together to take time to reflect, to sing Christmas carols, listen to readings and remember loved ones. The services will take place on: Wednesday December 16, 6.30pm: St Helena Hospice, Tendring Centre, Jackson Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1JP Thursday, December 17, 6.30pm: St Helena Hospice, Education and Research Centre, Myland Hall, Barncroft Close, Colchester CO4 9JU To take part in this appeal please visit www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/ treeofmemories15 or contact the fundraising office on 01206 931468.

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NEWS COURSES FOR FAMILY CARERS – FIND OUT MORE FOR FREE Suffolk Family Carers is a Suffolk wide organisation which aims to offer support and information to anyone caring for a friend, family member or neighbour with any kind of illness, disability or frailty. If you offer support, help or encouragement to a friend or family member who is unwell then you are a Family Carer and are able to access our free Caring with Confidence courses.

These courses provide information and tips on ways to confidently care for your friend or loved one. A variety of topics are covered such as effective communication to get your needs met, ways to manage your emotions and take better care of yourself, balancing caring with other commitments you may have, and looking at day to day challenges. We

also have a wealth of resources which may help with a variety of issues and concerns you face within your caring role.

If you care for someone with dementia you could also access our Caring for Dementia with Confidence course which is specifically designed for those caring for someone with dementia or memory loss. These sessions are not only a great way to gain useful information, but also give you the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

These sessions run regularly so to find out more about either Caring with Confidence or Caring for Dementia with Confidence please contact us: 01473 835446 / cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org

GRANTS OF £20K AVAILABLE TO HELP COUNCIL TENANTS BUY THEIR OWN HOMES Council tenants who want to buy their own homes are being urged to apply for £20k grants to help them onto the property ladder.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were successful in applying for funding from the government’s £84m Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund which was launched earlier this year. This twoyear funding opportunity, called HomeOwn, is designed to help Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation and to buy a home that best suits their needs on the open market.

The scheme enables Babergh and Mid Suffolk to make one-off payments to council tenants of up to £20,000 as a cash incentive to buy a house for the first time – freeing up a council house for someone else in the process. Initially the scheme was offered to tenants living in one and two-bed-homes. It has now been opened up to all eligible tenants regardless of the size of their current property.

A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for.

Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi.

Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could

borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property. Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before.

“The application form was extremely easy to fill in and we received a quick decision from Babergh and Mid Suffolk allowing us to have our own home and to free up a council house for someone in need.”

Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These grants are a great opportunity for our council tenants to be in a really good position to buy their own home. We all know how difficult it is for people to actually get a foot on the housing ladder so any assistance we are able to offer is fantastic.

“Housing is a strategic priority for both councils. We need to free up council properties to help more people move off of the housing register so if you think may be able to do just that and eligible for one of these grants, then get in touch.”

And Councillor Jennie Jenkins, Babergh’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Both councils are delighted that our first family to take advantage of these grants have bought their house and are now enjoying family life in their new home.

“I am so pleased that we were successful in gaining this government funding. Babergh and Mid Suffolk tenants can now have access to a choice of homes on the open market which they may otherwise have not been able to afford. Anyone who thinks they could take advantage of this offer should contact us immediately.”

To apply for the incentive, tenants will need to show that the purchase of a property on the open market will be a sustainable one, they must have a clear rent account for the past 12 months, be purchasing a property that meets their current housing needs (all of the household must move into the new property) and prove that they can re-pay a mortgage.

For further information on this scheme – and to check eligibility – please contact Paulina Malinowska, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Home Ownership Officer: paulina.malinowska@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 724753

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In Touch with Hadleigh

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE On October 16 we held a pig racing evening at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. It was a great evening and very well attended.

Everybody appeared to have a great time and I achieved something I had always wanted to do. Someone was kind enough to donate back to us their raffle prize of a plate of handmade piggie cup cakes. For a few minutes I was able to become an auctioneer which was amazing fun and a very big thank you to the final bidder who bought the cakes for £20!

The atmosphere was buzzing, the company was great and the food delicious. A big thank you to everyone involved in the event and in particular to the Stowmarket Lions who are Keepers of the Pigs and are kind enough to bring them along and run this event for our charity. I must also thank The Cedars Hotel for all their hard work.

The total (profit) raised was almost £1,400 with further pledges to be received which will take the total over £1,500. A very big thank you to the gentleman who bet on every race and then donated his winnings back to the charity.

Well done everyone and we hope to see you all at our next big event, the return of Chocolate Bingo on March 5 at Needham Market Community Centre.

The charity shop continues to enjoy your support and for that we are extremely grateful. Please remember, if you are having a clear out before Christmas, all those unwanted gifts you have put away and don’t know what to do with make fantastic raffle prizes for our fundraising. Also before we close for Christmas we will be donating the best unsold stock to needy families. We will close at 1pm on Wednesday, December 23 and we would please ask that you don’t leave donations outside the shop as it is in a residential area and causes inconvenience to our neighbours and could attract vermin. The shop will reopen on Tuesday, January 5 as usual.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy festive season and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343

HI DE HI ACTOR CELEBRATES CONSTABLE COUNTRY WITH NEW DVD A former Hi De Hi actor turned film maker is set to release a DVD celebrating the charm of Constable Country and the local area.

David Webb, who with his brother Tony played the twin Yellowcoats in the popular BBC comedy series, has spent the last three years making A Journey through Constable Country… and Around. From the Dedham Vale to the Stour Estuary and from Roman Colchester to medieval Lavenham the video explores towns and villages John Constable would have known and loved and which inspired him to create some of England’s best loved paintings.

David, who grew up in Mistley, hopes that his video will appeal not just to the many tourists who visit, but to local people keen to know more about the area in which they live. A Journey through Constable Country… and Around is presented by his daughter and TV journalist, Victoria Lampard.

The DVD, priced at £14.99, is available from Co-op stores as well as local tourist centres and independent shops. It can also be obtained directly from David who can be contacted at: webb.springbank@btinternet. com

SIGNED BOOKS TO AID FUNDRAISING East Bergholt Sports Centre is raising money for a specialised piece of kit for disabled users.

We run sessions with a very experienced and qualified member of staff for people referred by physiotherapists and specialists at Ipswich Hospital. The equipment we would like to purchase is for the very frail and would only be used for these sessions. We are holding a number of events and fundraising efforts to reach the goal.

A kind benefactor who worked in the publishing industry has donated two signed hard back copies of books by well-known authors Jacqueline Wilson and joint authors of the Edge Chronicles Paul Steward and Chris Riddell. The books in question are Love lessons by Wilson and The Last of the Sky Pirates by Steward and Riddell.

These two books will be auctioned with the money raised going towards the total needed for this new piece of equipment. Anyone interested in acquiring these books should send their sealed bid to East Bergholt Sports Centre, Heath Road, East Bergholt CO7 6RJ or email: christine. marsh@ebhigh.org.uk The bidding process will close on Friday, December 4 so you need to get your skates on to get copies of these wonderful children’s books.

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Legal support for you and your family

Happy Christmas from us all at Gotelee 6 Church Street Hadleigh IP7 5DU 01473 822102 info-hadleigh@gotelee.co.uk www.gotelee.co.uk Offices also in Ipswich & Felixstowe

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OUT & ABOUT

Christmas & New Year

Waste & Recycling Collection Schedule 2015/16 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

IMPORTANT CHANGES

Due to the bank holidays during the Christmas and New Year period it has been necessary to amend the usual collection schedules. Please see below for your revised collection days.

Please ensure your bins are presented by 06.30am on the day of collection.

Usual Collection Day Monday 21 December 2015 Tuesday 22 December 2015 Wednesday 23 December 2015 Thursday 24 December 2015 Friday 25 December 2015 Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Friday 1 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Recycling collection this week

Revised Collection Day No Change No Change No Change No Change Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Saturday 2 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Saturday 9 January 2016 Rubbish collection this week

All brown bin collections are suspended for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. Please check www.babergh.gov.uk for details.

From Monday 11th January normal waste and recycling collections resume

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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OUT & ABOUT Acorn Village Charity Fundraising Clacton Road, Mistley, Manningtree, CO11 2NJ Tel:01206 394124

The Emerald Forest’ Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm From Monday 23rd November to Friday 18th December 2015

At Acorn Village Entrance to The Emerald Forest by Donation

Come and experience our Magical Winter Wonderland, don’t forget to book with the Coffee Shop if you would like a Christmas Lunch at the same time.

Call: 01206 394124 for details. **Please ask about potential appearances from Mr Claus** The Acorn Village Charity was established in 1975 by a group of parents to provide a secure and posive future for adults with Learning Disabilies. Registraon number:263954.

Acorn’s philosophy is that people with a learning disability are people first with their disability second and the right to lead as full and fulfilling a life as possible. Thank you for helping us to do that.

STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC Thursday, December 3, 8pm Lecture by Professor John Deathridge – Historic Buildings, Magnificent Performances: Evoking the Lives of Great Classical Composers – at East Bergholt High School, Heath Road.

Tickets £10, students £5.

Professor Deathridge’s talk will incorporate the lives of some of the great composers and their important works into a treasure trove of recordings and slides to illustrate how they are linked. Two 'music' buildings in particular will be central to the talk and he will interpret the buildings in terms of the music we associate with them, exploring our memories in relation to these architectural creations. He will talk about a number of them such as the Royal Albert Hall, as well as one or two that no longer exist and some that never existed except as models.

The season continues with: Sunday, January 10, 4pm Antara Duo (harp and flute) at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt Sunday, January 31, 4pm David Owen Norris piano, Camilla Scarlett violin and Jonathan Byers cello at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Saturday, February 20, 7.30pm: Extra event Jazz concert: Beauty of the Bossa Nova with singer Georgia Mancio performing Brazilian jazz at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt Sunday, March 13, 4pm Family Concert with Red Priest, Pirates of the Baroque, at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt

The Friends of St Mary’s Registered Charity Number 286971

Festival of Trees and Lights

Capel ’s h"to#c St Mary’s Church Saturday, 9 January 2016 - 4pm to 7.30pm Sunday, 10 January 2016 - 4pm to 7pm Admission free - refreshments available

Donations will be used to preserve the fabric of the church, the oldest building in Capel

Preview evening Friday, 8 January 2016 -7.45pm Admission, tickets, quiz form and refreshments £5 - members £4.50 Switching on the lights - 8.15pm

Tickets available from Chris Terry 311102 and Ondra Butler 310524

In Touch with Hadleigh

Tickets: weatheralld@btinternet.com / 01206 298426 / www.svam.org.uk

RIVERSIDE ROAD CHALLENGE On January 23, 2016, three drivers from Riverside Taxis will be doing a 1,925 mile road trip to help raise money for Acorn Village and Children with Cancer UK. They will travel non-stop from Manningtree to Lands End to John O Groats and back to Manningtree, stopping only for fuel and food and taking turns to sleep and drive through the wintry conditions. To make the challenge that bit more interesting we will be driving a 1988 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 4 Speed. The trip is estimated to take around 38 hours to complete.

Please follow these links to make donations.

Acorn Village: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/riversidetaxis1 Children with Cancer UK: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/riversidetaxis2 All donations are gratefully appreciated. On behalf of everyone at Riverside Taxis, thank you for your support

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Sunday, December 6 Frozen Christmas For Ewe 3-6pm – Market Place

Tuesday, December 8 Late Night Shopping Event 6-8pm

Tuesday, December 15 Late Night Shopping Event 6-8pm

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OUT & ABOUT EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership and join our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. There is no meeting in December, we have a Christmas mystery outing instead, but a date for your diary is January 19, 2016 at 7.15pm when the ever-popular Mark Mitchels will be talking on the Duke of Wellington. He transformed the fortunes of the British Army and

played a major part in securing the abdication of Napoleon.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £2. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information contact our membership secretary at membershipesnta@gmail.com or phone 01473 723761.

Alternatively visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS With Hadleigh Choral Society at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh on Saturday, December 12 at 6.30pm.

Come and listen. Come and sing! Join us for mulled wine and refreshments.

Free admission. Retiring collection for St Elizabeth’s Hospice.

HADLEIGH COMMUNITY CHOIR’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2015 Hadleigh Community Choir presents its annual Christmas Concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 12 in Hadleigh United Reformed Church, Market Place, Hadleigh. Tickets (£8) are now on sale from Keith Avis Newsagents and The Idler bookshop in Hadleigh High Street.

The choir will be singing a mix of popular carols and seasonal music, with additional performances by choir soloists and a first appearance from some of the children in our newly formed junior choir. By popular demand we will again be inviting our audience to join in a Christmas carol sing-along (words will be provided).

After the concert everybody is welcome to the ‘afterglow’ with mulled wine or soft drinks, mince pies and other festive fare, all included in the ticket price (catering by Simon and Ros from Smugglers Catering). There will also be an opportunity to enter our now famous and popular prize gift draws. All proceeds after expenses will go the Sarah Thompson’s charity Christmas dinner.

The evening will be a unique mix of festive music, all carefully selected by our musical director Simon Thompson to make the event as enjoyable as possible. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information contact Peter: 01473 824033

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SCHOOLS

Ofsted 2015 Students and staff at Hadleigh High School have been celebrating the outcome of their recent Ofsted Inspection. The school was rated as ‘good’ in all areas as a result of leaders establishing a sustained culture of improvement across the academy which has caused further rising achievement in many subjects. Leaders have made improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment a priority and consequently good teaching over time has led to good progress across all year groups. Ofsted praised the dedication and skills of Hadleigh teachers who have high expectations of pupils’ work and behaviour.

The enthusiasm pupils have for their learning is based upon the uncommonly high quality relationships which exist between teachers and students. Inspectors felt this was a key strength at Hadleigh High.

Our whole school community is delighted to receive such a favourable report which recognises the excellent work undertaken by pupils and staff. Our success is based on teachers and students working together to achieve, supported superbly by our governors and parents. We remain committed to providing the very best educational opportunities available for our youngsters by offering top quality training for our staff, enabling them to deliver the highest standards.

South Suffolk Cross Country Championships We took part in the Cross Country Championships at the Royal Hospital School in October and all those students who finished in the top 60 have been invited to the Suffolk team trials to be held at Alde Valley School, Leiston on Saturday, December 5. Congratulations to all who took part and good luck to those students who have qualified for the next round of this championship.

a bridge to help some stranded survivors.

Students were given the parts for the car and asked to construct it, using minimal instructions. They were then given credits to spend at our resource base to buy all of the equipment they needed to build the longest bridge possible that was strong enough to carry the car and the supplies to the survivors. All the students gave some excellent feedback and were very competitive throughout the day. Mr McMillan would like to thank both staff and students who contributed to an excellent day.

Hadleigh High’s ‘Shakesperience’ On Tuesday, November 10, some aspiring Year 10 actors from Hadleigh High School performed The Taming of the Shrew at Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich. It was a truly fantastic evening and it was a great opportunity for the students who participated. The company, Shakespeare Schools Festival, were a really big help towards the performance. They worked with the students to help them develop their acting and team work skills.

Hadleigh High School were not the only school performing at Dance East that evening. Ipswich High School for Girls performed The Tempest as well as Castle Hill Primary performing Romeo and Juliet. All three schools did extremely well. It was really special for the schools to be part of something that was happening across the country. Twnety-six other schools were taking part in the festival, all performing a variety of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.

Jared White starred as the lead male, Petruchio, a gentleman from Verona who has come to Padua “to wive and thrive.” Jared commented: “The performance went really well. The other actors and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Lois Cooper starred as the lead female, Katherine, the “shrew” of the play’s title. She told us: “It was something new and exciting. It was a great way to understand the language of Shakespeare, which will benefit us as we will be studying Shakespeare later on in GCSE English.”

Year 11’s trip to Berlin

Just before half term, 21 Year 11 students flew to Berlin to experience German culture and learn more about German history. They flew from Southend Airport and were very impressed with their city centre hotel.

They did lots of walking and got to see all the sights. They even got to visit the Reichstag by night and got to experience the Berlin Festival of Light. A highlight of the trip included a visit to the Wannsee Memorial House where an excellent guide talked them through the history surrounding the conference there during the Second World War. RAF STEM Event Recently Year 9 students were fortunate enough to have the RAF run a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Event at the school. The day consisted of several challenges looking at improving our students’ STEM skills. An example of one of the challenges asked students to work in teams to build an electric car to carry supplies over

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We would like to say a big thank you to Mr Day, Mrs Reader and Mr Pryke for supporting the students and encouraging them throughout. We also would like to thank the Rosa Simon Music Fund and Hadleigh Thrift Shop for funding part of the money that was used for us to perform.

We are all very excited for September 2016 when we hope to perform another Shakespeare play.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Christmas Concert at the URC in Hadleigh on Tuesday, December 15 from 7pm It’s getting to that time of year again and Hadleigh High is getting into the Christmas spirit by putting on a Christmas Concert. This will take place on Tuesday, December 15 at Hadleigh United Reformed Church. There will be performances from the school orchestra, choir and production cast, the Give It a Go group, the flute choir and a number of Year 11 students who have never performed before! And an extra special staff performance!

High Lands Road, Hadleigh IP7 5HU T: 01473 823496 / F: 01473 824720 / E: office@hadleighhigh.net www.hadleighhigh.net

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ON THE GRAPEVINE GIVE YOUR VIEW TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE The public consultation looking at the future provision for Suffolk’s Fire and Rescue Service is now open. The 14-week consultation seeks the views of members of the public, fire and rescue service staff and all other interested parties regarding proposals for changing the way the fire and rescue service is set-up across the county. The consultation closes on Monday, February 22, 2016.

The proposed changes meet the on-going reductions in funding for the fire service and also reflect the significant reduction in 999 call demand over the last five years in Suffolk. The consultation launch was agreed at Suffolk County Council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, November 10.

The draft Integrated Risk Management Plan being considered through consultation identifies the following proposal: • Reduce the number of fire engines in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft • Replace the second fire engine at Sudbury with a rapid response fire fighting vehicle • Close Wrentham fire station These are challenging proposals but they will ensure that the service is fit to continue to provide a balance of Prevention, Protection and Emergency Response services to communities across Suffolk:

announcement of the proposed changes, many people have already shared their opinions on the proposals and we hope that everyone who shows an interest takes the time to respond to this consultation. In Suffolk, we are lucky to have such a highly skilled and dynamic fire service that has embedded a programme of protection and prevention work in the last 10 years to make Suffolk safer and reduce the demand for its 999 fire services.

“The council recognise the importance of our fire and rescue service and has, over recent years, done everything possible to protect it against reductions in grant funding from the government. We have progressed with investment in fire stations, training facilities, fire engines, firefighting clothing and equipment; and we have established a fantastic collaborative approach with Suffolk’s blue light emergency partners, with plans for more in the future.

“I am confident that these proposals mean we can continue to deliver an outstanding service to the residents of Suffolk. They have been developed after taking account of: the risk profile across the county; the number, location and type of fire stations and fire engines; the location of on-call and full-time firefighters; and the 999 call demand and casualty history over recent years – the details of which are all set out in the consultation documents. Once the consultation has concluded, the county council cabinet will fully consider the response to the proposals at a future cabinet meeting.

To give your views on the consultation:

• Prevention – working with young, elderly and vulnerable people to promote community safety and fire prevention

• You can email us at: FireServiceRedesign@suffolk.gov.uk

• Protection – working with business to support them meeting their legal fire safety protection requirements

• You can call the Service Redesign team on 01473 260457 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday

• Emergency Response – providing 24/7 999 emergency response services across the county and in support of significant emergencies across the country

• You can send us a letter: Service Redesign Team Manager, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service HQ, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX

Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, Councillor Matthew Hicks said: “Since the initial

Further details on the consultation can be seen at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/fireredesign

HAVE YOU GOT A GOLDEN TICKET? Suffolk County Council has launched a Golden Ticket campaign, informing parents of eligible two-year-olds they are entitled to 570 hours of free childcare a year, equalling up to 15 hours per week during term time or fewer hours per week stretched over the whole year.

The Department for Education has given Suffolk County Council a take up target of 2,586 two-year-olds. Currently, 1,908 are taking a place which represents 74% of the eligible two-year-old children in Suffolk.

Currently two-year-olds who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to up to 15 hours of free early education from the term after their second birthday right up until they start school. This scheme is an extension of the 15 hours of early education per week during term time, offered to all three and four year olds.

Suffolk County Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service have started issuing Golden Tickets to eligible families (via post) to let them know that they qualify for free childcare.

The non-transferable Golden Tickets will include a unique reference number which can be used with any childminder,

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nursery or pre-school that is registered with Ofsted and rated either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. If parents want to attend a childcare provider that is rated ‘requires improvement’ an additional eligibility check will be required.

Councillor Gordon Jones, cabinet member for Children’s Services said: “The early years of a child’s education are the most important. We need to make sure that parents across Suffolk are aware of this additional support on offer for their child’s development.

“This will ultimately help children get the best possible start in life. It could also give parents the chance to spend a bit more time with younger children, take up a college course or go back to work.

“Early learning and childcare is great for children, they can learn through play, make new friends, try different activities and get a good start to their education.”

Parents may still be eligible for two-year-old funding even if they did not receive a Golden Ticket. Eligibility can also be checked online at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/two

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?”

Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die.

As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands).

If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing.

Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has

large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?”

The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many with-profits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you.

Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option. In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this under-performing with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so.

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. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS Oh dear! Yes, it’s that time of the year again and I’m going to be in trouble with Sharon, the editor.

No one has time to help me write this month’s news because they are busy preparing for the festive season. This gives me a chance to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 12 months.

Lots of nice people have donated time, money and goods to the sanctuary and many SESAW animals are now happily re-homed.

We wish you health and happiness this Christmas and hope 2016 will be a good year for all of us.

If you are looking for a last minute present, there is still time to sponsor a SESAW animal or purchase SESAW calendars at £6 each. Leave a message on 01787 210888 or visit: www.sesaw.co.uk That’s all folks, because I have to find out where mum hides that Santa hat from me.

Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP

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ON THE GRAPEVINE GO WACKY IN WOOL FOR THE HOSPICE THIS CHRISTMAS

BE BRAVE AND TAKE A DIP THIS CHRISTMAS Are you brave enough to take a dip in the cold North Sea this Christmas morning for a good cause?

Join St Elizabeth Hospice and hundreds of other hospice supporters for the annual Christmas Day Dip – what better way to begin the festivities!

Every year around 400 people start their holiday celebrations on Felixstowe beach and at 10am when the horn sounds they run into the freezing sea to raise money for the local hospice.

Joanne Rodger, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “The Christmas Day Dip is in its 12th year and it’s still such a popular event. It’s a tradition now for families and friends to come down to the beach on Christmas morning and join together to take a dip or watch from pier as their loved ones run into the cold sea.

“There’s always such a great atmosphere at the event, not only with the hundreds of people taking part, but with the thousands who turn out to watch. A lot of people do it in memory of their loved ones who were cared for by the hospice, and all the sponsorship money raised from the event goes towards improving life for local people living with a progressive illness.”

L-R: Isabelle (aged 6), Jessica, Amelie (aged 2) and Oliver (aged 5) Prosser

St Elizabeth Hospice is urging friends, colleagues and classmates to go wacky in wool this December.

The charity is holding its first ever Christmas Jumper Week between December 14 and 18 and is asking local businesses, schools and groups to don their craziest knit and do their bit for their local hospice.

Organisations choose a day during the week and on their nominated Christmas Jumper Day, everyone has to wear their silliest sweater and donate £2 to St Elizabeth Hospice.

Felicity Rook, St Elizabeth Hospice’s head of fundraising, said: “Christmas jumpers have become such a popular phenomenon in recent years, nearly everybody has a festive top, and Christmas Jumper Week is a great excuse to get yours out and wear it to work, school or wherever.

“Holding a Christmas Jumper Day is sure to get you in the festive spirit in the run up to

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Christmas and is an easy and fun way to raise vital funds for your local hospice and help ensure nobody has to face their illness alone this Christmas.”

Throughout the week the hospice will be offering prizes for the best, craziest and most outrageous jumpers through their Facebook and Twitter pages, so if you want to get involved, make sure you like and follow the hospice’s social media channels for your chance to win some great giveaways.

To find out more or to request your Christmas Jumper Week festive fundraising pack, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org. uk/jumperweek or call 01473 723600 or email fundraising@ stelizabethhospice.org.uk

The event was launched in November with the help of Disney’s Frozen characters, Elsa and Olaf.

Miss Rodger added: “We get a lot of people dressing up to take part. We see all sorts, from people dressed as turkeys and Christmas trees, to others in their penguin onesies or even a mankini! This year we were joined by Olaf and Elsa to launch the event – and we attracted quite a bit of attention as Olaf lay on the sand, draped in tinsel. We expect to see quite a few Frozen characters on Christmas morning ready to run into the sea.”

Anyone from the age of 13 upwards can take part for just £5, or £10 with a T-shirt.

You can register in advance at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ events or on the day from 8.30am on Felixstowe beach, opposite Manning’s Amusements.

If you would like to donate £2, just text JUMPER to 70300. Every pound you donate will help make a difference to the lives of local people living with a progressive illness such as cancer, motor neurone disease or heart failure.

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Crockatt Advrt July 13:Layout 1

8/7/13

13:23

Page 1

Crockatt Garage Ltd Servicing - Repairs - Diagnostics - Air Conditioning - Tyres MOT Preparation & Arrangement • Pre MOT check and report • MOT arranged on your behalf

Tyres • Supplied & Fitted • Puncture Repairs • Wheel Balancing & Alignment

General Repairs • Diagnostics • MOT Repairs • Exhausts • Electrical • Brakes • Welding • Breakdowns • Steering & Suspension

Courtesy Car Collection & Delivery Available

Servicing • All makes and models • Manufacturer warranty not affected • Lease/Contract Hire/Fleet Vehicles welcome • Cars, 4x4 & Vans up to 3500kg GVW • OEM parts used

Air Conditioning Servicing • Check condition of drive belt • Check operating temperature • Evacuate & re-gas system • Check operation & temperature

Cambelt Replacement • Replacement due at mileage or time • Petrol or diesel engines • Associated parts also checked • Avoid costly engine damage

OPENING HOURS: Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm, Sat 8 am - 1 pm www.crockattgarage.co.uk info@crockattgarage.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 01473 824342 3 Seager Court, Hadleigh, IP7 6RL

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ON THE GRAPEVINE THE BURSTALL BOOK SALE AND COFFEE MORNING

MID SUFFOLK AXIS Daytime club for adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities

With the holidays approaching everyone will soon be in a panic to do their Christmas shopping. Most people will drive to their nearest town, race around the crowded shops, and maybe even come away with a present or two.

The Great Burstall Book Sale on October 31 was a huge success and raised £200 for Bumblebee Children’s Charity in Burstall Lane. Lesley would like to thank all those who attended and bought lots of books. She hopes to run another sale in the spring.

Alongside the book sale Burstall WI members launched their oral history project by inviting a number of ex-Burstall villagers to a coffee morning.

The Burstall village archive was on display which stimulated people’s memories and as a result names were put to some of the faces in the old photographs.

Everybody seemed to enjoy the opportunity to get together with old friends and neighbours, but most rewarding of all is that the WI has now made contact with people who are happy to have their memories recorded for posterity.

Thank you to all those who attended and helped – it was a very successful morning.

For an adult with a physical and/or sensory disability the mad rush is even more challenging. Imagine you are in a wheelchair and dependent on public transport: not only must you wait in the cold, but most buses only have one suitable seat. If this seat is taken you have no choice but to wait, with no guarantee of a seat on the next bus either.

Once you get to the shops, aisles can be too narrow and parts of shops completely inaccessible. With an aging population these are problems that more and more of us will soon be facing.

Here at Mid Suffolk Axis we are helping to tackle such issues.

Every Christmas we take our members on a Christmas shopping trip to a disabled friendly shopping centre and their only worry is what presents to buy!

We are a social and active club for adults with physical/ sensory disabilities and this is just one example of life at Axis. As a user led organisation we like to get out into the local community and enjoy new experiences. As part of our mystery tours, members recently watched a fantastic play at St Felix Independent School in Southwold, as well as enjoying a trip to visit local chocolatier The Chocolate Lady.

We pride ourselves on the atmosphere of our club. Whether we are enjoying one of our regular trips or simply taking pleasure in each others company, we are always having a laugh. In this sense Axis is similar to being part of a sports club, social group or going for a meal with friends.

Every session members catch up with a cup of tea, take part in the day’s activity, and enjoy one of two freshly cooked meals from our very own trained chef. (Or the “damn good cook” as one of our member’s recently described her!)

As one of the few charities in Suffolk that accepts any adult with a physical/sensory disability we have a diverse membership: our members range from 30 to 70+ (we accept anyone over 18) and members also have a variety of backgrounds, including teaching, finance and floristry.

There are of course a number of reasons why people are attracted to Axis, but the main reason our members enjoy themselves so much are the friendships they make.

So if you are an adult with a physical/sensory disability, or if you know anyone interested in joining a vibrant and friendly club, please contact Axis today. We would love to hear from you.

Call Axis today on 01379 678703 or email us at: midsuffolkaxis@outlook.com

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ON THE GRAPEVINE MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE Some of you may have heard of a very worthwhile charity called REMAP. For those who haven’t please allow me to do a quick introduction.

REMAP is an established national charity which designs, makes or adapts equipment for adults and children with disabilities. Every year REMAP helps about 4,000 UK individuals in this way, helping them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

All clients are fully consulted about their needs. A piece of equipment is then designed and made to solve their specific problem. Some devices are made from scratch – others are modifications or attachments to standard products. Sometimes it may only be advice that is required.

All of this is achieved by a network of some 1,000 volunteers organised into about 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. REMAP volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers as well as DIY enthusiasts.

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You may think that companies already exist to help people with disabilities and you would be correct. However, the difference is that REMAP is not a commercial organisation and is not in competition with them. More importantly, our volunteers will determine a solution for the very specific need of the individual which cannot be satisfied by any current product that may exist. Also by working closely with the client and their family or their support service the needs can be better understood and targeted.

We welcome referrals from individuals, carers or health professionals and we always welcome inquiries from individuals who are willing to volunteer some of their time to help us achieve our aims.

Finally, we never ask for payment and our services are free to the user. We do however welcome voluntary donations to cover costs of materials. To make an immediate donation, please text REMP33 followed by the amount (for example – £10) to 70700. An SMS to the value of your donation will be billed to your mobile account.

To donate online, please go to our JustGiving page. Our registered charity number is 1137666. You can make a single or regular donation. A monthly donation of £10 with Gift Aid would enable us to help two people every year.

Bob Barnett

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ON THE GRAPEVINE SAVE TIME AND MONEY: BUY YOUR HEATING OIL THROUGH A COMMUNITY BULK BUYING SCHEME If you are one of 50,000 households in Suffolk which is off the mains gas network, Community Action Suffolk (CAS) could be saving you money on your heating bill.

CAS runs a community buying scheme which has purchased over 1.6 million litres of oil in the last year, giving households an average annual saving of £74 and higher volume users, such as community groups and rural businesses, a saving of £181.

The scheme’s members have made a collective saving of over £60,000 in the last 12 months as heating oil is purchased in bulk. Deliveries are planned to provide an environmental benefit, with one oil tanker making a single trip to several customers in a village instead of making numerous trips to the same area. The tanker’s fuel consumption is also reduced and so is the heavy traffic through the village.

Natalie Lomas, Resources Officer at CAS, said: “Membership to Community Buying at CAS is open to all; we aim to reduce the price customers pay for their oil, whilst also removing the hassle and worry of phoning around different suppliers for quotes. Members simply like the consistently low prices that we get for them, and the hassle free process of the scheme.

“We take orders from our members across the county and place bulk orders twice a month (with the exception of December). We can also organise individual orders for people who miss a bulk order deadline, or find that they are running short.

“We aim to provide our members with the best possible customer service and members don’t need to be on the internet in order to benefit from the savings. Since the start of the scheme, the price our members have paid has been consistently lower than the average they would have paid independently.”

Customer service is something which members really appreciate from the scheme. Ms Hayward from Campsea Ashe, said: “There have been two occasions recently when the scheme has come to my rescue. On one occasion I needed an emergency oil order and had oil delivered to me within two days. Most recently, I actually ran out of oil and sent an email that evening. I certainly did not expect to hear until the following morning, but within an hour I received a response to my email and was assured I would have an oil delivery arranged as quickly as possible. It is very rare nowadays to find people who will go out of their way to help and support. The scheme is professional and whilst being kind and understanding. I cannot sing the scheme’s praises highly enough.”

As well as heating oil, CAS can also supply members with Fuel Additive, Red Diesel, Gas Oil and LPG. Membership starts from just £20 per year and members have the option of placing orders via the website, by email, post or telephone.

To become a member or for more information visit www.communitybuying.org.uk or call 01473 345400 for a membership pack.

CITIZENS ADVICE

SETTLED AND SAFE: A RENTER’S RIGHT Citizens Advice has been running a campaign throughout 2015 aimed at improving the private rented sector.

In the last year more than 80,000 people came to Citizens Advice suffering a problem with a privately rented home.

That’s 230 people every day, hit by issues from illegal eviction to harassment to lost deposits and struggles to secure the most basic repairs.

The private rental sector remains a market in which consumers are woefully under-protected. We want this to change. We don’t see why renters should expect anything less than the protections consumers take for granted elsewhere – repairs that get done, systems to protect them from cowboys, refunds when things go badly wrong.

Join us in demanding a safe and settled future for millions of renters.

We are campaigning for better protections for private renters. We believe that: • No renter should ever have to pay excessive and inexplicable fees for the basic services a letting agent provides.

We want to see an end to extortionate fees levied on renters by letting agents.

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• No renter should be at the mercy of rogue landlords who consistently break the rules, taking deposits unlawfully, harassing tenants or renting substandard homes.

We want to see all local authorities in England set up a register of landlords that tackles the specific problems in their area.

• No renter should ever be left out of pocket after renting a home which proves to be dangerous or uninhabitable.

We want tenants to be entitled to rent refunds where the property they’re living in is dangerous or not fit to live in.

• No renter should be evicted simply for complaining about bad conditions.

Success! From October 1, 2015, the Deregulation Act 2015 makes retaliatory evictions unlawful.

• No renter should ever lose their home at a moment’s notice.

We want all tenants to get reasonable notice before having to move out, even when caught up in a landlord’s eviction.

The local CAB (outreach service) is at Newton Road, Sudbury CO10 2RG: 01787 374671 / admin@sudburycab.cabnet.org.uk www.sudburycab.org.uk

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Community Buying at CAS Ltd

Want to save money on the cost of your heating oil?

So do we!

Join our new community-based countywide oil buying syndicate and see how easy it is

Community Buying at CAS Ltd Tel: 01473 345400 Email: oil@communitybuying.org.uk www.communitybuying.org.uk

Community Buying at CAS Ltd, reg. no. 04794467, is a subsidiary of Community Action Suffolk, a charity working to strengthen and champion commmunities across the County.

Registered office: Brightspace, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0HH Community Action Suffolk Registered Office as above. Registered Charity Number: 1150501.

A company limited by guarantee and registered in England. Number 08316345

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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK HIGHWAYS – SET FOR THE WINTER SEASON From now until early spring next year, the Suffolk Highways team will continue to closely monitor weather conditions around the clock to ensure the safety of the public as they travel on Suffolk’s highways and byways.

Roads are prioritised into two main categories for winter treatment – Priority One and Priority Two. These two categories cover approximately 51% of all roads maintained by Suffolk County Council. When ice or snow is forecast, a salt mix is used to treat all A and B roads, 24-hour fire stations, Accident and Emergency hospitals, and roads to/from main bus and rail stations.

Information from weather forecasts and the county’s own weather monitoring stations around the highway network enable our highly trained staff to accurately plan and deliver these winter services. The forecasts help to direct the timings of planned treatments to ensure they are completed before the onset of frost, ice or snow, using the right material to treat the conditions at the appropriate temperature.

Almost 1,250 miles (2,000km) of Suffolk’s road network receive precautionary treatment to keep them ice-free. The county has 39 gritters located at eight strategic depots (Ipswich, Rougham, Depden, Mildenhall, Broome, Halesworth, Melton and Mobbs Way). Suffolk retains a stock of over 24,000 tonnes of salt mix, as well as having access to further reserves should prolonged severe weather occur.

This year, Suffolk Highways has produced a short video to showcase the work it undertakes each year to keep the county’s roads clear of ice and snow during the winter months. The video can be viewed now on the council’s YouTube channel.

Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor James Finch, said: “Our winter service plan has been carefully developed to ensure that all of our winter operations maximise the resources we have available and the routes we have to treat. The video we have produced helps to inform residents regarding the important work that is on-going to keep us all safe and mobile when snow and ice comes.

“All of our routes are regularly checked and the fleet of maintenance vehicles has been fully serviced ahead of this winter. Our staff will be working hard to ensure we keep the roads of Suffolk clear of ice and snow. I am confident that Suffolk Highways are prepared for the season ahead, with ample stock of salt at our depots and 39 gritters (plus three mini gritters) on hand to tackle the winter.”

In this year’s National Highways & Transport Network consultation, Suffolk Highways improved its satisfaction ratings in regards to the work carried out during cold weather gritting. Rising from 59.5 points last year, the satisfaction rating is now 65%, which is above the national average.

Follow Suffolk Highways on Twitter @suff_highways for updates on salting and gritting across the county this winter.

For more information visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/gritting

SUFFOLK CAREERS ADVISOR WINS MAJOR NATIONAL AWARD A careers educator at Thomas Gainsborough High School at Great Cornard, Sudbury has fought off national competition to win a major award for her exceptional achievements.

Beverly Baker has been named Careers Educator of the Year in the 2015 UK Career Development Awards organised by the Career Development Institute.

WE WON’T LEAVE FAMILIES OUT IN THE COLD

Call us for Free Advice if you need help with: • An emergency fuel payment* • Making your home warmer as well as more energy efficient (free home based energy surveys available in some cases)* • Help with getting your home properly insulated and draught proofed • Emergency boiler and heating repairs* • Loan of temporary heaters in an emergency* • Cheaper oil prices • Access to interest free loans* Call local rate telephone

08456 037 686

www.suffolk.gov.uk/warmhomes *Eligibility criteria applies. To find out if you are eligible telephone the above number.

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Beverly Baker - Careers Educator of the Year

Judges recognised Beverly’s tireless efforts over many years and her enthusiastic and innovative approach. This has included the creation of a career hub at her school where students can get guidance, work with employers and develop research skills, and the introduction of portfolios for each student capturing their experience which can be presented as they move from school to college, work or higher education.

Recognition of the impact of Beverly’s efforts came from students, fellow professionals and local employers. Particular note was made that at the same time she was also studying for professional careers guidance qualifications and working towards the Career Mark quality award.

Speaking about her success, Beverly said: “I feel very proud to have brought this prestigious award home to Suffolk. I am passionate about careers education and the importance of employability skills in an ever changing competitive labour market.

“My success has only been possible thanks to the support of my headteacher, manager, colleagues, the fantastic local employers we work with, and the wonderful students who support the school’s Careers Working Party and careers club.”

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Elim leader and international speaker as our special guest to inspire us to have vision for the next 200 years! This promises to be a very special occasion and is open to everyone! A crèche along with teaching activities for 3-11CHURCH year olds will be NEWS available in the morning and refreshments will be served following both services.

Contact details and how to find us George Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 5BE Tel: 01473 829602 Website: www.hadleighbaptist.org.uk Twitter: @HadleighBaptist Facebook: HadleighBaptistChurch YouTube: Hadleigh Baptist Church

Special Events

This is a special year for our Church as we are celebrating Special Events 200th birthday! We were formed on 13 December 1815 a This is a special year for our Ch are holding several special events to mark this special 200th birthday!

We wereocca form

Special Events

holding several special eve This is a special year for ourare Church as we are celebrating ou 200th birthday! We were formed on 13 December 1815 and SPECIAL EVENTS are holding several special events to mark this special occas

COME AND MEET US Special Events We are a family of ordinary people who love God and trust Jesus Christ th isweaarespecial This is a special year for our This Church as celebratingyear our for our church as we are celebrating our 200 as our Lord and Saviour. We would be delighted to welcome toWe our 200thyou birthday! were formed on 13 December 1815 and we birthday!

We were formed on December 13, 1815 and we are holding are holding several special events to mark this special occasion. church office in George Street and to any of our services, activities, several special events5toDecember, mark this special occasion.

Jonathan VeiraWe onare Saturday 7.30pm courses and events. thrilled to be hosting an evening with the international We are thrilled to be hosting an evening with the international me and Meet Us Jonathan Veira Jonathan Veira on Saturday 5 December, 7.30pm singer Jonathan Veira.

He has established a reputation over the are a family of ordinary people who love GodVeira. and trustHe Jesushas Sunday Services (liveJonathan streaming) We are thrilled to be a hosting an evening with the international Saturday, December 5, 7.30pm singer established reputation over the We are thrilled to be hosting an evening with the international last 26 years entertaining and singing to millions across the UK ist as our10.30am: Lord and Saviour. wouldincluding be delighted to welcome All Age We Worship teaching andJonathan activities forthe He has established a reputation over the singer Veira. singer crèche, Jonathan Veira.

He has established a reputation over We areHis thrilled to be hosting an evening with last 26 years entertaining and singing to millions across the UK and the rest of the world. story telling has people rocking to our Church office in George Street and to any of our last 26 years entertaining and singing to millions across the UK three-13 year olds last years - entertaining and singing to millions across the UK and the rest of the world. His story26 telling has people rocking the international singer Jonathan Veira. He has vices, activities, courses and events. with laughter at the strangest things.

His easy, natural with laughter at the strangest things.

His easy, 6.30pm: Evening Service and the rest of the world.

His story telling hasHis people rocking and the restnatural of the world. story telling has established people rocking a reputation over the last 26 years, conversational style of sharing his faith journey combined with conversational style ofnatural sharing his faith journey combined with with laughter the strangest things.

His easy, superb music and hilarious anecdotes is enthralling,at engaging with laughter at the strangest things.

His easy, natural entertaining and singing to millions across the It’s a great entertainment.

Audio recordings of our services and areinspiring. available onfamily ourevenings website, YouTube music hilarious anecdotes is enthralling, engaging style of superb sharing his faithand journey combined with Tickets are priced at £8 eachconversational and include a complimentary drink.

UK and the rest of the world. His story telling has and as podcasts from iTunes. conversational ofselling sharing his faith journey combined with The tickets are fast sosuperb please act quickly by emailing music and hilarious anecdotes is enthralling, engaging and inspiring.

It’s a great family evenings entertainment. e, teaching and activities for 3-13 year olds style people rocking with laughter at the strangest admin@hadleighbaptist.org.uk or phoning 01473 829602. and inspiring. It’s aenthralling, great family evenings entertainment.

Tickets are priced at £8 each and include a complimentary drink. superb music and hilarious anecdotes is engaging things.

His easy, natural conversational style of sharing his faith journey Midweek Groups able on our website, YouTube and as podcasts from iTunes. Tickets areWinter pricedWonderland at £8The eachtickets and include a complimentary drink. combined with superb music and hilarious anecdotes isemailing enthralling, are selling fast so please act quickly by on and small inspiring.

It’s great evenings We have seven groups, six thata meet on family a Wednesday evening entertainment.

The ticketsSaturday are selling fast so please act quickly emailing engaging and inspiring.

Anby evening of great family entertainment.

12 December, 11am-3pm and one that meets on a Thursday during the day in the Chapel lounge admin@hadleighbaptist.org.uk or phoning 01473 829602.

Tickets are priced at £8 each and include admin@hadleighbaptist.org.uk or phoning 01473 829602. a complimentary drink.

Our building will be transformed into a glorious winter and in homes around Hadleigh and the surrounding area for Bible study, Tickets (£8 including a complimentary drink) are selling fast so please et on a Wednesday evening and one that meets on a Thursday wonderland. There will be craft activities, Christmas The tickets are selling fast actinquickly by emailing and prayer. in homesfellowship around Hadleigh and the surrounding area for Bibleso please act quickly by admin@hadleighbaptist.org.uk or calling 01473 characters costume, Christmas games and emailing gorgeous refreshments. This is a free event and it is open to all.

829602. admin@hadleighbaptist.org.uk or phoning 01473 829602. Winter Wonderland on Leadership Winterand Wonderland Dave Campbell on Sunday 13 December, 6.30pm Pastor Greg Frost and his wife Jenny have been with us since 2001. Our 10.30am Saturday, December 12,Saturday 11am-3pm 12 December, 11am-3pm e been with us sincepastor, 2001. Our Pastor assistant ChrisAssistant Todd, and his Chris wife Todd Lornaand joined us in 2011. We and join us on our 200th birthday! We are so thankful to God for His e one further six deacons.

Many theCome haveelder one and further elder and six members deacons. of Many members of the church faithfulness to us over the years and we are welcoming Dave Campbell, a regional Our building will be transformed intoa aglorious glorious Ourinto building will bewinte tran Our building will be transformed istries. participate in leading various ministries.

Elim leader and international speaker as our special guest to inspire us to have vision for the next 200 years! This promises to be a very special occasion and is winter wonderland.

ThereThere will be craft activities, Christmas wonderland. will be craft activities, wonderland.

There will open to everyone! A crèche along with teaching activities for 3-11 year olds will be characterscharacters in costume,inChristmas games gorgeou costume, Christmas available in the morning and refreshments will be served following both services. Christmas characters inand costume, l about but would like to games and gorgeous refreshments.

This refreshments.

This is a free event and isit ais free open toisall. refreshments.

This a nd informal ‘Christianity event and is open to all.

Contact details and how to find us George Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 5BE to read or pray aloud but Tel: 01473 829602 questions. Many people Our building will be transformed into a glorious win Website: www.hadleighbaptist.org.uk Dave Campbell Twitter: @HadleighBaptist Dave Campbell on Sunday 13 December, 10.30am and 6.30pm would like to take part in Sunday, December 13, There 10.30am and Facebook: HadleighBaptistChurch wonderland. will6.30pm be craft activities, Christmas rs on 01473 829602 and YouTube: Hadleigh Baptist Church nvolved. birthday! and We aregorgeo and join Christmas us on our 200thgames characters in Come costume, Come and join us on our 200th birthday! arefaithfulness so thankfultotous for His so thankful to God We for His over refreshments.theCome This is ajoin free itCampbell, isGod open toara usevent on our and 200th faithfulness to us over the years and are welcoming Davebirthday!

Campbell,We a regi yearsand and we welcoming Dave Christianity Explored a faithfulness regional Elim as leader and international speaker, Elim leader and international speaker special guest to inspire to have toour us over the years and weusare we One is forIf children in School called Linkis (Mondays you’re not sure Years what 3-6 Christianity all about but would like to find asElim our This special guest to inspire us special tospeaker haveoccasion vision vision for the next 200 years! promises to be a very and leader and international as our spe e in School (Thursdays 7.45-9pm) called 7-Up! out,Years we 7-9 regularly run free, friendly and informal Christianity Explored for the nextwith 200 years!

Thisactivities promisesfor to 3-11 be a very open to everyone! A crèche along teaching year olds vision for the next 200 years! This promises towb courses. You will not be asked to read or pray aloud but will be given the occasion and iswill open to everyone!

A crèche available in the morningspecial and refreshments served following both servic open to teaching everyone!

Abecrèche along with teaching opportunity to ask your questions. Many people have found this course along with activities for ages three to 11 isingly simple money management course that lasts three helpful and if you would like to take part in the next one please call one available in the morning will be available in the morningand and refreshments refreshments will b ontrol of your finances. Proven to be effective for thousands of of our pastors on 01473 829602 and they will be happy to chat about will be served following both services.

Contact details and how to find us what’s involved.

Jonathan Veira on Saturday 5Jonathan December, 7.30pm Veira on Saturday 5 December, 7.30

Winter Wonder Saturday 12 De

Winter Wonderland on Saturday 12 December, 11am-3pm

Dave Campbell on Sunday 13 December, 10.3

Dave Campbell on Sunday 13 December, 10.30am and 6.30pm George Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 5BE

ComeTel: and join829602 us on our 200th birthday! are s Contact details and how We to find us so thankful to God for His 01473 Children and youth Contact details and how to find us (free parking in nearby publicgroups car park on Magdalen Road) George Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 5BE Dave Campbell, a re Website: www.hadleighbaptist.org.uk to over the years and we are welcoming We currently hold two midweek groups. faithfulness One is for children inus School George Street, Hadleigh IP7 5BE Twitter: @HadleighBaptist Tel: 01473 829602 Years 3-6 called Link (Mondays 6-7.15pm) and the other for young Elim leader andpeople international speaker asTel:our special guest to inspire us to ha 01473 829602 Facebook: HadleighBaptistChurch in School Years 7-9 (Thursdays 7.45-9pm) called 7-Up! Website: www.hadleighbaptist.org.uk

visionYouTube: for theHadleigh next 200 years!

This promises to be a very special occasion an Baptist Church www.hadleighbaptist.org.uk Twitter: @HadleighBaptist

FREE CAP Money Management open to everyone! A crèche along with teaching activities for 3-11 year olds Facebook: HadleighBaptistChurch CAP Money is a comprehensive yet surprisingly simple money Twitter: YouTube: Hadleigh Baptist@HadleighBaptist Church available the and refreshments will be served following both ser management course that lasts three weeks to help youinget, andmorning then Facebook: HadleighBaptistChurch stay in control of your finances. Proven to be effective for thousands of YouTube: Hadleigh Baptist Church people.

Contact details and how to find us George Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 5BE Tel: 01473 829602

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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S HADLEIGH www.stmaryshadleigh.co.uk / 01473 527499 The Hadleigh Deanery Office at St Mary’s is open from 10am-noon, Monday-Friday Sunday, December 6 10.45am Sung Eucharist 4pm Christingle Service Sunday, December 13 10.45am Morning Worship 12.15pm Shortened Eucharist

Tuesday, December 15 11am Carol Service at The Row Chapel Wednesday, December 16 2pm Hadleigh Community Primary School Carol Service Thursday, December 17 2pm St Mary’s School Carol Service Saturday, December 19 10am CTiH Carol Singing at The Co-op

Sunday, December 20 6pm Civic Carol Service – Nine Lessons and Carols Thursday, December 24: CHRISTMAS EVE 4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass Friday, December 25: CHRISTMAS DAY 9am Said Eucharist (BCP) 10.30am Family Celebration Service Sunday, December 27 10.45am Benefice Eucharist We wish you a joyful and blessed Christmas, and a happy and prosperous New Year.

OTHER EVENTS FOR DECEMBER • Farmers’ Market: Friday, December 4, 9.30am-1pm • FROGs Activity Day for all primary school aged children: Saturday, December 5, 10am-2pm PLEASE NOTE THAT ST MARY’S CHURCH WILL BE LOCKED FROM LUNCHTIME ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND WILL REMAIN CLOSED ON BOXING DAY

ELMSETT METHODIST FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE What sort of year has it been for you? Are you in good health or have you suffered a little or much? Have you experienced bereavement this year, still grieving loss? Have you lost your job, your home, a friendship? Or have things fallen into place for you, new opportunities, new relationships, joy and love? I guess many have a mixture of emotions.

On the day of writing this article, Sierra Leone has been declared free of Ebola. Christmas will be celebrated without Ebola, but the pain of loss won’t go away for the relatives and friends of the 28,600 who have died of Ebola.

The day this magazine is published, December 1, we will be observing World AIDS Day. I worked in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and early 1990s.

We learnt new words – HIV+ and AIDS. I founded a local branch of the Family AIDS Caring Trust to provide education about AIDS in schools and the workplace to prevent the spread of HIV. We employed two people to provide counselling for HIV positive patients in our local hospital. One of our staff was already HIV+. At that stage with no antiretroviral drugs it was an almost certain death sentence.

100% of soldiers from our local barracks returning from a war in Mozambique tested HIV+. People we knew were dying, including one of our ‘adopted’ Zimbabwean daughters. It is a predominantly heterosexual problem in Zimbabwe and children were often born HIV+. The first World AIDS Day was called by the United Nations on December 1, 1988.

Research, conferences and huge sums of money have led at last to the reduction. Since the millennium new infections are down by 35% and in children down by 55%. Millions now can access treatment and live full and active lives. In the past 10 years AIDS related deaths have reduced by 30%, but it was still 1.2 million in 2014.

In 2012 there were still an estimated 35 million people living with HIV, so although millions are receiving drug treatment, there is a vast inequality of access to this life saving therapy. The poorest and marginalised communities are still suffering, and compassionate people need to do what we can. I’m grateful for the lead of people like Elton John.

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Those without hope of treatment almost certainly have a death sentence hanging over them. Those receiving this treatment have hope. World AIDS Day is a reminder that we can do something to help poor and marginalised people. Whether you are in Sierra Leone this Christmas without fear of Ebola, or in a poor community which is just receiving medicines for healing, hope has been rekindled.

The Christmas story reminds me that it was a poor marginalised group of people, the shepherds, who first received the message of a Saviour born for this world. Their response was to find Jesus and worship him and then to spread this amazing news. They discovered a hope that changed their lives. They saw something beyond their difficulties that gave them hope, a belief there was a God who loved them despite their mistakes, knew what they went through and had a plan for them. The Christian faith doesn’t protect you from ill health or bereavement, but gives companionship on the journey. Whatever this past year has been like for you, I invite you to join us to worship Jesus and discover one who gives hope, not just for next year, but forever.

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Elmsett and Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 SERVICES IN DECEMBER Sunday 6 9.45am Communion with The Rev Yvonne Haye

6.30pm Worship with Alyson Ellis Sunday 13 9.45am Worship with The Rev Sankey

4pm Advent Service for Hadleigh Churches Together Sunday 20 9.45am Worship with Marilyn Watsham

6.30pm Village Carol Service at the Methodist Friday 25 10pm Christmas Family Worship with

Mike Stock Sunday 27 9.45am Worship with Martin Ellis

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