In Touch with Hadleigh - October 2015

™©

In Touch

™©

with Hadleigh

Volume 1 • Issue No. 1 • OCTOBER 2015

The firs t EDITION Image by Pete Smith

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In Touch with Hadleigh

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the first edition of In Touch with Hadleigh We look forward to working with you to create a relevant, engaging and entertaining magazine every month. Our aim here at Mansion House Publishing is to publish local magazines which reflect the local community.

We can only achieve this with your input so if you represent a local organisation, club, school, church or charity please submit to the next edition.

Mansion House is an independent publishing company owned and run by Sue and Steve Stone alongside Colourplan Print, Musical Marketing and Boswell Office Suppliers. We actually publish 17 In Touch magazines every month which are delivered free to a total of 59,000 homes and businesses, but each magazine is unique because the editorial content is generated by local residents and consequently echoes the values, interests and concerns of its readers. Our role is simply to reflect your achievements and to support your efforts, and by doing so we aim to stimulate and celebrate community engagement, an aim which is very close to my heart. I’m particularly pleased to feature Don’t be Alone this Christmas by Sarah Thompson on page 4, a tangible example of community – your community – at its very best.

Last year many of our contributors and advertisers joined us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of In Touch with Stowmarket and Stowupland, the oldest of our 17 titles, at The John Peel Centre in Stowmarket. It’s very exciting to add In Touch with Hadleigh to our little family and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.

I thought you might like to hear from some of our regular contributors.

Damian Levington, Sproughton Playing Fields Management Committee: “As a regular contributor to In Touch I find the activity generates huge returns for my organisation. Not only am I able to guarantee I get my message physically delivered, I’m continually reminded that the magazine

In Touch with Hadleigh In Touch with Hadleigh 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:

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.

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

In Touch with Hadleigh

We also publish

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

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

actually gets read! I regularly get comments and feedback on my (and other) articles, which is incredibly useful when trying to make sure we get the right message across. In Touch is and remains a popular community asset.”

Sue Woolgar, Capel Ladies Club: “In Touch does just what it says on the tin - keeps its readers abreast with what’s going on in their immediate area, plus adds some interesting articles and comments, and it’s also the place to look through for the local tradespeople you might need! A very useful, informative and entertaining magazine!”

Sallie Davies, East Bergholt Cinema: “We have been able to build the audience for our community cinema with the help of In Touch. It enables us to reach people outside the village and we know people come as a direct result of In Touch. It has become an essential method of advertising our events.”

Elizabeth Parker, Chernobyl Children’s LifeLine: “Over the years there has been a wealth of support from the readers of In Touch, both in respect of our need for host families and to help us raise the funds we need to bring the children to the UK for much needed health respite. Donations of items required for the children and for our charity shop have also increased as a result of the coverage given by the magazine.”

If you would like to contribute to a future edition please contact me or submit to my email address and I will be in contact with regard to future deadlines.

Happy reading.

NEWS OPEN DAYS IN HADLEIGH TO HELP THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS One in six people in the UK has a hearing problem, and if you or someone you know is starting to notice a change with your hearing, there has been no better time to have it checked.

Hearing assessments and professional advice are being made available free of charge this month to encourage people to take that first step.

Local hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, who have a hearing centre within Hadleigh Health Centre, will be holding two free Hearing Care Open Days on Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday 28, 9am-5pm.

All services are available by appointment only and to book call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

NOVEMBER DEADLINE 20 OCTOBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy Hadleigh audiologist Michael Shade with a patient

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NEWS DON’T BE ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS I really need your urgent attention to this article. The upshot is, I am organising a very special event at Christmas and I am relying on the wonderful people of Hadleigh to make it go with a swing! So I am going to start with the classic journalistic questions and add detail as we go, if that’s ok with you?

What? A Christmas Dinner with an afternoon of entertainment When? Christmas Day 2015 Where? The Ansell Centre in Hadleigh Who? Residents from Hadley and surrounding areas who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day

Raising funds: Local groups like Fidelis and Hadleigh Community Choir have pledged to fundraise, as have the good people of Market Square. All offers of cash, kind, sponsorship or of organising a fundraising activity gratefully received.

The guest list: Could be singles; could be couples or pairs who will have problems getting Christmas together; all suggestions (which will be treated as confidential) welcome.

Travel: Could you spare a short time from your Christmas Day to do some driving?

How? With YOUR help

The menu: We’ve already been promised sausage and chestnut stuffing and free vegetables from a local business and from an allotment owner. Now ALL we need is the rest of the ingredients – or the money to buy them with.

Yes, it’s a great idea, and I already have a small team of willing organisers, but if we’re going to make it happen we’re going to need help – lots of it – with:

Cooking: My husband Simon Thompson will act as chief caterer, heartened by the promise of an industrial potato peeler! However, he’ll need a fair bit of help.

Why? Isn’t that obvious?

Decorating: The Ansell Centre has been booked for Christmas Eve as well as on the day itself so we can set up and decorate, but we will need Christmas decorations, crackers, table linens and all the other paraphernalia to create a really memorable experience – and of course an army of volunteers.

Entertainment: Offers and ideas would be appreciated.

I’m not asking anybody to devote their entire Christmas to this event, but if lots of people make a small contribution of time and/or money, together we could make it a memorable day and probably have quite a lot of fun ourselves If you would like to volunteer, can help to raise funds, would like to sponsor this special event, or have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me: 01473 829246 / sarahtooley10@hotmail.com And thanks in advance for all offers of help.

Sarah Thompson

CRIME REDUCTION ADVICE FROM SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY The county of Suffolk has always been a low crime area and a safe and beautiful place to live and work. Suffolk Constabulary is committed to ensuring it stays that way. Burglary is one of the most emotive crimes.

We all like to think our house is the safest place on earth so it can be a very distressing for victims.

If you see any persons or vehicle at a suspicious location, or they just look out of place, please record the location and time you see them, a description including the registration number of the vehicle and telephone the police on 999 if an offence is occurring there and then, otherwise please dial 101. Genuine people do not mind being questioned by police as to their entitlement to be on the premises.

Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary. Here are a few tips: •

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Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’ve just popped out to the neighbours or to work in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn the key).

Consider upgrading locks if they do not reach current British Standards or Kite Marked approved, and fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and those upstairs that are easy to reach from flat roofs.

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Remove all keys from view, including car keys, and keep them out of sight but nearby should you need them (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox).

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Install an intruder alarm in the property, with a visual external box to deter offenders before they even try to set foot over the property.

Look on www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.org for police approved alarm companies that operate in your local area.

•

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Install good outside lighting such as ‘dusk till dawn’ lights at the

front door/s and on your garages and sheds if there is a chance that you or neighbours would see suspicious activity by having them.

Otherwise they just aide an offender.

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Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property if you are planning to go away, and ask them to pick up mail.

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Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied.

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Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows and store any high value items (jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe that’s bolted to the wall and floor.

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Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition, and cut back hedging and shrubs so they don’t ‘hide’ an offender and help improve natural surveillance of your property.

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Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage.

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Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.

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Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.

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Mark your property with your postcode and house number in a UV pen and register your property for free with www.Immobilise. com (UV pens can be purchased for £1 from Sudbury and Hadleigh Police Stations). Alternatively a property marking solution such as www.smartwater.com could be utilised.

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Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and call your local NHW Officer on 101 if you’d like more information.

•

The Master Locksmith (MLA) has a list of approved locksmiths for your area. Visit www.locksmiths.co.uk to find yours.

www.suffolk.police.uk

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In Touch with Hadleigh

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OUT & ABOUT

HADLEIGH AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY Don’t be sheepish – come to our events!

HADS have been busy over the past few months arranging and rehearsing for future events.

Our next event is our variety show at the URC Church on October 10 at 7pm. This show is part of the Year of The Sheep and is the encore event to round it all up. The show is a mix of HADS drama, music, comedy and magic also featuring The Walking Sax, Elmsett Fellowship Brass Band, VIP Balloons and Taylor McCarthy and Harry Planck. The show is open to all ages and tickets (£5) are on sale now at Keith Avis Printers.

Looking ahead to next year, HADS are busy working on their next panto, Robin Hood of Wolves Wood, which this year is kindly sponsored by The Hadleigh Thrift Shop. Performances will take place at St Mary’s Church in January 2016 and the show is a mix of pantomime and slapstick comedy with some fantastic toe tapping music. Like last year the panto has been locally written by SarahJane Clarke and myself and features lots of local landmarks and references to Hadleigh.

So as you can see HADS has been busy and being involved with the Year of The Sheep has been brilliant for all. To keep up with all that’s happening check out our Facebook page or visit: www.hads.moonfruit.com Trev Clarke, HADS Chairman

LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES AT THE THEATRE ROYAL Sponsored by Gross & Co. Solicitors The lunchtime concert series at the Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, continues on Monday, October 12 with Danielle Perrett on concert harp and clarsach (folk harp) and David Gough on guitar.

Danielle Perrett with clarsach (folk/ Celtic harp), 12 Oct

Famous for collecting traditional English folk songs and well-known to classical and folk music audiences alike, composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was born on October 12, 1872. Through the ever-popular Vaughan Williams’ arrangement of Greensleeves and his Six Studies in English Folksong, and their own compositions and arrangements, the versatile harpist Danielle Perrett returns with both concert harp and clarsach and with composer-guitarist David Gough will tell the story of what we owe to the 20th century folk music collectors.

On November 9 virtuoso solo cellist/composer/ conductor Orlando Jopling will perform J S Bach’s Suite No. 5 in C minor and the stunning Solo Sonata in B minor, composed in 1915 by the Hungarian, Zoltán Kodály, who was famous for developing the Sol-fa (DoRe-Me) system for learning music by ear and who was influenced by Hungarian folk music. A programme to make any Olympian feel weak!

On January 18 The Edmund Octet, a male voice close harmony ensemble, will brighten up a winter’s day with light and entertaining music from Mozart and Bach to Gershwin and Cole Porter. On February 22 pianist and teacher Trevor Cordwell, well known to Colchester and south Suffolk concert audiences, will bring an emotionally inspiring programme to Bury St Edmunds, to include music by Beethoven and Debussy.

Margo Pigott of ArtsOptions, which organises the series, said: “I hope everyone with a lunch hour may like to spend it getting away from their usual routine and come along to hear live music performed by our wonderful professional musicians in this beautiful setting.”

All concerts are on Mondays, start at 1.10pm and end c. 2pm, followed by light refreshments kindly provided by Gross & Co. All will be at The Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR (nearest parking behind old Shire Hall/Police Station, off Raingate Street: £3 all day) Book online via www.theatreroyal.org or call 01284 769505. Tickets are £8.50 per concert.

Orlando Jopling, 9 Nov

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In Touch with Hadleigh

Legal support for you and your family

So you won’t need to go anywhere else for your legal needs

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 CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE For the first time since this link began we are going to bring a second group of children in the same year, this time during the winter months.

The group will be much smaller than usual and we have decided to try to give a chance to some slightly older children who wouldn’t normally be on the selection list. Further details of the children will be given after I have returned from my forthcoming visit to Belarus to discuss this with the education authorities who are responsible for selecting the children.

To help finance the visit we are holding another pig racing evening

Forthcoming Event PIG RACING!

Saturday, October 17 Cedars Hotel Stowmarket Supper of “Pigs in Blankets” & dessert included Tote and Pig Races hosted by Stowmarket Lions Doors open 7pm / first race 7.30 prompt

!

Tickets £8 each Tickets available on the door or call 01449 760343/07770 478933 A charity event for Chernobyl Childrens Lifeline Mid Suffolk Registered Charity Number: 1014274

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on Saturday, October 17 at The Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket. This promises to be an exciting event with the tote and pig races being provided as always by Stowmarket Lions. Supper will be pigs in blankets together with a dessert and is included in the ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased at our charity shop in Needham Market or at Stowmarket Tourist Information Centre. I do hope you will be able to come along and support the event.

We are also preparing for the 2016 visit and would like to hear from anyone who might be interested in hosting children. Please do get in touch as soon as possible as we have to have all placements confirmed by the end of December.

We are looking for families to host one or two children for four weeks from the beginning of July. All that is needed is a minimum of a mattress to sleep on and a loving home with people who care.

Financial circumstances are immaterial.

Age is not a barrier and single parents will be considered. Families may or may not still have their own children at home. Hosts are able to follow their own occupation and interests as the children meet daily Monday-Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and helpers are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed.

Recycling The collecting of textiles, clothing, shoes, bags and belts which go for recycling and for which we are paid is a great asset to our fundraising.

We take everything with the exception of pillows and duvets (coverings are fine). Shoes must be in a wearable but not necessarily in perfect condition. Clothing does not have to be in a wearable/ saleable condition. We have been told that some schemes offer to take these items as “your local charity shop will not take them”. This is definitely not the case as far as we are concerned. If you have more than you are able to drop into the shop please call me and we will arrange collection.

With grateful thanks as always to all of our supporters.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

In Touch with Hadleigh

29/11/2015

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In Touch with Hadleigh

OUT & ABOUT HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY Hadleigh Choral Society’s autumn concert takes place at St Mary’s Church on Saturday, November 21, at 7.30pm. The programme includes Faure’s much loved Requiem and Pavane, and Poulenc’s Gloria.

The Colchester Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Phelps, will perform Franck’s Chorale No 1. Soloists Julie Roberts (soprano),

ST JOHN’S VOICES CONCERT St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh Saturday, November 14, at 7.30pm St John’s Voices is a mixed-voice choir, formed of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, which sings Choral Evensong in the chapel every Monday as well as performing at college concerts and functions. St John’s College are the patrons of St Mary’s, Hadleigh, and we are very glad to be welcoming them.

Owain Browne (baritone), with John Cooper (organ).

Tickets (£14 / £12 concession / £2 under 16) are available from The Idler bookshop, High Street, Hadleigh, or on the door. www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk

St John’s Voices Concert

from St John’s College Cambridge

They will perform a concert on Saturday, November 14, and will then sing the 10.45am Eucharist the next day.

The choir usually performs music from the Anglican Choral tradition, and the concert at St Mary’s will feature Fauré’s Requiem, Vierne’s Messe Solenelle, and works by Mozart, Brahms and Bruckner.

Graham Walker is the musical director of St John’s Voices. He was first a chorister and later a choral scholar at St John’s. He subsequently studied cello at the Royal Academy of Music, and now directs a range of choirs and orchestras.

Tickets £10, available from the Deanery Office: 01473 527499 / office@stmaryshadleigh.co.uk If you are unable to collect your tickets in person, they will be reserved for you on the door for collection and payment on the evening of the concert.

Fauré: Requiem Vierne: Messe Solenelle and works by Mozart, Brahms and Bruckner

St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh Saturday 14 November at 7.30pm Tickets £10, available from the Deanery Office 01473 527499 office@stmaryshadleigh.co.uk

BURSTALL ORAL HISTORY PROJECT To launch the village oral history project Burstall WI members would like to invite all those who have lived in the village, have memories, souvenirs or photographs of Burstall, or an interest in local history, to a coffee morning/reunion on Saturday, October 31, 10am-noon, in Burstall Village Hall.

There will be displays from the Burstall archive, teas, coffee and homemade cake. All are welcome, particularly present day villagers.

Please contact Ann (652619 / annfday@gmail.com) if you would like to be involved in the project but cannot come to the coffee morning.

GREAT BURSTALL BOOK SALE In addition there will be the opportunity to purchase books from The Great Burstall Book Sale in aid of Bumblebee Children’s Charity.

There will be books of every description including all your favourite authors and many non-fiction books to teach you new skills and help you to win that next quiz.

All welcome.

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OUT & ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE Autumn Bird Walk, Sunday, October 11 Join us on Sunday, October 11 for an ornithological adventure as we take a guided bird walk around the museum site.

From the woodlands to the lake on the rear of Abbot’s Hall, through to the centre of the site where the house martins nest along the Boby building, down to the Mill Pond and finally along the marvellous river nature trail walk of the river Rattlesden, our 75 acre site is host to a number of different habitats for over 50 bird species.

The walk will be guided by staff, volunteers from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the volunteers who perform the bird surveys.

Please make sure that you are wearing adequate outdoor footwear and bring appropriate clothing, and don’t forget your binoculars.

Tickets are available from Stowmarket Tourist Information Centre or from our website: £5 per adult, £10 a family of two adults/two children, £1 per child.

October Half-Term This October half-term we’ve got some fantastic activities to keep little ones amused.

PMR-GCA EAST ANGLIA SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting of the PMR/GCA East Anglia Support Group is at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, October 22. The hall will be open at 10.30am to register and refreshments will be available. Admission £1. We will have a speaker from Vasculitis UK who will help us to better understand PMR and GCA. Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that affects mainly women and often those over 50 years of age. It affects the muscles of the upper arm and shoulders and sometimes the hips and thighs. It can be extremely painful and causes great tiredness and may last for several years. Giant Cell Arthritis can affect those suffering from PMR causing extreme headaches and if left untreated can cause blindness.

If you suffer from either condition or both and feel alone and need support, come and join us and learn more about your illness with those who understand and can offer encouragement.

For further information contact: 01787 379400

On Tuesday, October 27 we have Sunny Snapshots drop in sessions.

Grown-ups will enjoy a look at our current temporary exhibition, Edgelands, a photography exhibition by Tom Owens, before the kids have a go at sun-printing their own images using photosensitive paper. The exhibition also has a special photobooth – grab a silly hat and pull a pose!

On Thursday, October 29 the museum is holding a Shaun the Sheep Day. We’ll be watching Shaun the Sheep shorts on the big screen and doing some sheepy activities. Why not have a look at the Wool Unravelled exhibition while you visit and have a go at our sheep trail around the museum site?

For more information about these activities visit www.eastanglianlife.org.uk or call 01449 612229

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Bonfire Night Celebrations, Saturday, November 7 Make sure your Bonfire Night goes off with a bang as you join the crowds at the Museum of East Anglian Life for their annual Bonfire Night Celebrations on November 7. With a spectacular fireworks display, roaring bonfire, as well as amusements and engines in steam, the museum is the perfect location for an evening of family fun!

Gates are open from 5.30pm giving you the chance to enjoy the selection of Old Tyme Amusements and traction engines in steam before the main event. Food and refreshments provided by the Osier Cafe will be available to buy throughout the evening.

Keep toasty by the bonfire, which is lit on the top field at 7pm before the fireworks begin at 7.30pm, a brilliant display that’s guaranteed to wow all the family.

Take advantage of our advance tickets available from Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre and online at www.eastanglianlife.org.uk: adults £4.50 / children £3.50 / and the special £12 family ticket which is only available in advance (two adults and up to three children). Alternatively, buy your tickets on the night: adults £5 / children £4

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Saturday 28 November 2015 11.30am - 4pm Lunch available 12-2pm

St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh Proceeds enable St Mary’s to be alive and active in the community

In Touch with Hadleigh

LITTLEGARTH – THE IDEAL INDEPENDENT PRIMARY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE Littlegarth is a non-selective independent preparatory school for children between the ages of two-and-a-half and 11 situated in the beautiful Stour Valley and overlooking the village of Nayland. The school prides itself in preparing children thoroughly for the rigours of entrance exams to grammar and selective independent schools while embracing a broad and exciting curriculum. Specialist teachers offer guidance in key subjects and the children achieve extremely high standards in a wide range of activities.

The school has been judged as ‘Outstanding’ in all four categories by a recent ISI Early Years inspection and the excellent reputation the school has for academic success was highlighted by the most recent ISI Standard Inspection Report which commented: “The overall achievement of the pupils is excellent, because of the exemplary attitude to learning by the pupils, who approach every task with delightful enthusiasm” and “The evidence from the inspection is that pupils make exceptional progress when compared with those of similar above average ability.”

Littlegarth children also achieve excellent standards in music, art and drama and in recent years, sports teams have achieved unbeaten seasons and have won regional and national titles in major sports.

Children of all abilities acquire a passion for a wide variety of activities inside and outside the classroom and the school works hard to feed that enthusiasm to ensure that each child leaves Littlegarth a confident member of a successful team.

One key indicator of the level of success gained by the children of Littlegarth can be found in the number of scholarship awards gained by the Year-6 children. In the past four years, more than half of the leavers have been awarded scholarships to senior independent schools with 100 children gaining over 150 scholarship awards.

Headmaster Peter Jones is delighted with these excellent results: “The children and staff work extremely hard and we are very proud of the achievements of all our children. They really enjoy supporting each other and children of all ability levels feel that they are making a valuable contribution to the success of this very exciting school’.

For further information regarding Littlegarth School, please contact: Headmaster Peter Jones, Littlegarth School, Horkesley Park, Nayland, Colchester, CO6 4JR Tel: 01206 262332 • Fax: 01206 263101 Email: office@littlegarth.essex.sch.uk

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FRESHFILLS

SANDWICH BAR & BAKERY, CLAYDON 10 Norwich Road, IP6 0DF Freshly made Sandwiches & Filled Rolls Salads• Soups • Jacket Potatoes Hot Sausage Sandwiches • Bacon Rolls Made using local ingredients Tiptree Jams • James White Juices • Free Range Eggs Honey • Lots of other local produce We do BUFFETS for Business Lunches and Events FREE PARKING - SHOP LOCAL Bread & Confectionery from the ancient brick ovens of the oldest bakery in Suffolk, Palmers of Haughley

Call 01473 831856 Fast & Friendly Service 14

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SCHOOLS The performance of The Taming of the Shrew is at Jerwood Dance House in Ipswich on Tuesday, November 10, at 7pm. Anyone is welcome to watch the performance. To book tickets call 01473 295230. We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

OPEN WEEKS / OPEN EVENING The headteacher, governors, staff and pupils warmly invite you to our: Open Weeks: Monday, October 5 to Friday 16 Tours of the school available at 9am and 11am – places must be booked prior to arrival This year, Hadleigh High School is running a Shakespeare Festival for Year-10 students. It’s a great way for our aspiring actors to participate in this event as it will enhance their skills and encourage them to act in later life. It’s going to be a lot of fun and all the actors will thoroughly enjoy it.

Mr Day, one of the teachers running the festival, said: “it will be an excellent opportunity as we will be studying Shakespeare for GCSE and will get an idea of the language he uses in his plays.”

The Rosa Simon Music Fund has funded part of the Shakespeare Festival in order for us to perform at DanceEast. We are all very grateful for this contribution. Another generous donation was from The Hadleigh Thrift Shop also means we have the funding to perform.

Open Evening: Thursday, October 22, 6.30-8.30pm Meet staff and pupils; see quality learning in action in this highly successful school.

There will be a formal address at 6.45pm and 7.30pm.

We look forward to meeting you!

If you are unable to attend, please telephone for a brochure and an appointment to meet with Caroline Gibson, headteacher: 01473 823496 / office@hadleighhigh.net Hadleigh High School, High Lands Road, Hadleigh IP7 5HU

LAYHAM PLAYGROUP We have had lots of fun this month as our new resources have started to arrive.

We have also had lots of fun playing in the boxes and making lots of dens!

Our new shed has also arrived, and our volunteers are busy making a new patio area. A very, very big thank you – your hard work is very much appreciated.

CURRY AND QUIZ NIGHT Plans are underway for our next social evening, a curry and quiz night on Friday, October 16, at 7.30pm, at the Ansell Centre. Tickets (£10 includes meal and quiz) are available from 07999 866419. Cash prize for winners.

Bar available.

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Layham Playgroup is a feeder group for all three primary schools in Hadleigh and neighbouring villages. Government funding is available for three-year-olds and in certain cases for some two-year-olds. If you are looking to creatively occupy your two to four-year-old and would like an information pack, or would like to arrange a visit, please contact us: 07999 866419 / admin@layhamplaygroup.co.uk TODDLER GROUP Our toddler group takes place every Wednesday morning during term time, 9.30-11am, and is open to all children up to five years. This month we have enjoyed playing in the garden with the sand, painting, gluing and playdough. www.layhamplaygroup.co.uk

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A number of special antiques and collectables valuation events take place soon in Lavenham, Stowmarket and Hadleigh.

The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations on Tuesday, November 10 from 1-5pm at Lavenham Village Hall, on Wednesday, November 11 from 10am-2pm at The John Peel Centre, Stowmarket, and on Thursday, November 12 from 10am-2pm at Hadleigh Town Hall.

Valuations will be available for the following types of collectables: coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives and proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals and militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books and maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes and tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets and de-activated weapons. No appointment necessary.

Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms and conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110 / sales@lockdales.com For further information visit: www.lockdales.com

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In Touch with Hadleigh

SPORT HADLEIGH SWIMMING CLUB: THE DOLPHINS www.hadleighswimmingclub.co.uk Hadleigh Swimming Club was formed in 1971 and caters for swimmers of all ages and abilities. There are weekly swimming sessions for non-swimmers through to advanced swimmers, with progressive training leading to squad training and competition.

Everyone has the potential to be a good swimmer and the benefits will stay with you for a lifetime. Swimming provides for all round fitness, good health and positive body image. The contribution to self confidence for young swimmers is all embracing, creating a positive attitude to competition and knowing that you can always strive for a Personal Best time in your swimming strokes.

In October we hold the club championships when all swimmers can enter swimming races which (depending upon age group) can see them achieve swimming times which will allow them to qualify for county championships, and in turn for regional competitions.

Medals are awarded for those placed first, second and third. It’s a fun event with family and friends cheering on all competitors. The

warm friendly atmosphere has inspired many young children to feel the “yes I can do it attitude” which can contribute so positively to other areas of their life.

The club has a coach, Alex Deal, and a manager, Jackie Kirk, who carefully encourage and nurture swimming talent. The club has a committee which consists of volunteers and parents who help and support the managing of the club and its members. The club encourages young members to acquire teaching qualifications and some of our more senior youngsters have this experience to add to their CV when they move on to university and enter the workplace.

If you would like more details please visit www.hadleighswimmingclub. co.uk or come along to our club championships on the weekend of October 10/11 at Hadleigh Leisure Centre.

Feel free to contact us via the website – we would like to hear from you.

HADLEIGH CRICKET CLUB A hard core group of supporters made the long journey to Mildenhall CC on Sunday, September 20 for the semi and final T20 games.

Handley from next season as he will be over the age limit; the rest of the squad will be eligible to play again.

We played Easton CC in the semi, batting first. Easton posted 122 with Suffolk development player Chris Wells making 50, Josh Cantrell 15 and Hadleigh old boy Phillip Carlstroem 14. Dom and Sam taking two wickets apiece, two great bits of fielding from Cory and Owen to produce run outs and a top catch from Olly rounded off a very good fielding performance.

Thanks once again to all those fans who made the journey. The lads were really grateful for your vocal support. Thanks to Debs for scoring in all our games and very well done to Andrew Blanchard in pulling the whole thing together. It is a top format and really worked well. Finally congratulations to Mildenhall CC who on the day outplayed us to become worthy winners of this year’s competition.

In reply we raced to 31 off four overs but then lost the in-form Sam Handley. Callum quickly followed. Dom made 21 but Daniel Shanks was the standout batter reaching 50 and mandatory retirement. Chris Wells and Freddie Heldreth bowled very well for Easton, but they couldn’t prevent us getting over the winning line in the 17th over.

That’s a long 2015 season finished. We hope you all enjoyed it and hope to see you next season.

In the final we played a strong Mildenhall side and in sporting one liners, we did not turn up! Mildenhall reached 179 in 20 overs. We put down four catches during their innings which may possibly have reduced the total by a fair margin.

Another run out from Owen Tampion was really good, Sam and Dom took another two wickets apiece, but we struggled to maintain the intensity shown in the semifinal.

In reply we struggled. Dom made 39 which included a massive six into the car park.

Sam made 11 but couldn’t continue his excellent form from the earlier rounds and with no other batter reaching double figures we fell a long way short. The in-form Daniel Shanks was done like a kipper and needed the pace of an Olympic sprinter to make his ground after a quick single call!

So, we played six games, won five and lost Back row (l-r): Daniel Thornton, Sam Handley, Dom Manthorpe, Callum Morrin, Daniel Shanks, Tommy Newbigging one which isn’t bad at all. We only lose Sam Front row (l-r): Cory Stone, Owen Tampion, Jamie Colcomb, Ollie MacMillan, Arran Tampion

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ON THE GRAPEVINE BUY ONCE AND GIVE TWICE Cards for Good Causes, which sells charity cards across the UK every year opens in a selection of Suffolk Libraries, throughout October Area organiser, Mary Cronin said: “Not only are Christmas cards an important source of funding for charities, they also help to raise awareness of their work. By popping into one of our Suffolk shops, you can choose from a fantastic array of charity cards.”

Shoppers can buy cards from more than 25 charities giving customers a varied choice of designs and the ability to help the charity of their choice.

A selection of designs from the Cards for Good Causes range is available from Hadleigh Library during library opening hours.

There are also pop up shops in Stowmarket and Sudbury Libraries where

a complete range of designs can be found. These two shops are open, mainly, between 10am and 4pm. By popping into the Stowmarket and Sudbury shops you can also stock up on all your Christmas essentials, such as wrapping paper and gift tags.

Mary Cronin said: “We are delighted to be opening again this year.

Everyone is so generous and really helps us raise more for our charities.

Charity cards are a great way to buy once and give twice – once to the person who receives the card and once to your favourite charity.”

Cards for Good Causes operate a national network of around 300 temporary shops.

Look out for the red triangular Santa sign!!

SUFFOLK’S LEADERS LAUNCH BID TO FIND LOCATIONS FOR SHORT STAY STOPPING SITES Leaders across Suffolk’s public sector are calling for landowners and other interested parties to suggest sites that could be used for Short Stay Stopping Sites for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

for Communities, Councillor Sarah Stamp, said: “All public sector leaders are committed to delivering these sites as part of our responsibility to ensure the needs of all the people who live in our community are met.

Launched on September 23, the Call for Sites aims to identify land on which to locate three Short Stay Stopping Sites for the Gypsy and Traveller community. The county currently does not have any sites of this type.

“Our commitment is to provide the right sites, in the right locations. Any potential site will have to meet strict suitability criteria.”

Between 2009 and July 2015, Suffolk has seen 280 unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller encampments. These encampments cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds each year to deal with.

Other counties which have established short stay stopping sites have seen a significant reduction in unauthorised encampments.

Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member

Russell Williams, Gypsy and Traveller Lead for the Suffolk Chief Executives Group (SCEG), said: “Valuable time and resources are currently being used to deal with these encampments. We believe that if we have Short Stay Stopping sites available, the encampments will decrease, freeing up those resources.

“Of course, by having these sites available it also strengthens the position of local authorities and the police when we do have to

take legal action.”

The Call for Sites closes on November 16. All sites submitted will be carefully assessed against the criteria so the Public Sector Leaders Group can decide which sites to put out for consultation in December 2015.

Views received as part of the December consultation will be analysed to help inform the decisions the Public Sector Leaders Group take in February 2016 about which sites to put forward to the planning process.

As part of the planning process there would be further periods of public consultation. The aim is to have the sites up and running by the end of 2016.

The Call for Sites booklet, a series of FAQs and details of how to respond are all available at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/shortstay

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS Oh dear! Kenny is so dog tired after his outing that he missed his deadline. Never mind, it’s Ollie to the rescue again with our news this month.

Our little mascot was a great hit at the IT Fleet Automotive Fun Day in Raydon and enjoyed meeting the lovely employees who are currently supporting several charities, including SESAW. Back at the sanctuary we have lots of black and black & white kittens this year. One poor girl had seven! Mother thinks herself quite the big game hunter, went out trapping and guess what? Returned with more black cats!

Now the bonfire season is upon us please check for hibernating hedgehogs before you light up. There are so few of our prickly friends left that each one is precious.

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FUNDRAISING EVENTS Our fundraisers are holding an autumn sale with a Christmas flavour on October 25 at Great Bentley Village Hall, 11am-4pm. Our big Christmas Fair and Annual Draw will be held on November 15 at The Old School in Long Melford, 10am-3pm.

Kenneth may well fret over my little exposés, but I’ll save them for another time. Mother is in need of my company on her evening rounds, then it will be back to a nice warm hay barn for another 80 winks for me, Ollie (the Black) Cat! Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP / 01787 210888 www.sesaw.co.uk

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Rick’s Antiques and Reclaim have now been trading in Suffolk for 10 years and are presently based in Suffolk Heritage Antiques and Reclaim Centre at Copdock on the Old London Road close to Hadleigh and Ipswich.

All items are sourced as used originals and restored on site. Specialising in period ironmongery and country pine furniture, Rick has all kinds of period furniture and their fittings restored to their original condition for use around the home, from door furniture to fireplaces, lighting, chests of drawers and tables.

Rick sells at the centre along with the other 20 dealers displaying their own antique items. All the dealers specialise in a wide range from collectables, objet d’art and tribal carvings to books and ephemera.

Every couple of months on the first Sunday of the month the centre has an indoor Brocante. On the same day there are two other antique fairs on the Old London Road. With three venues within a mile of each other it makes a good outing on winter Sundays.

The next Brocante is on November 1. Keep an eye on the Suffolk Heritage website for when these events are happening: www.suffolkheritage.co.uk.

Bring this article along to receive a 10% discount of Rick’s Antiques and Reclaim lighting and fireplace items.

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In Touch with Hadleigh

ON THE GRAPEVINE

MID SUFFOLK CITIZENS ADVICE WARNS ABOUT ‘BOGUS SELF-EMPLOYMENT’ Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice says that people working for themselves in Suffolk could be bogusly self-employed, meaning workers miss out on holiday pay, government loses tax revenue and responsible businesses could be undercut.

status or your rights at work then you can get in touch with Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice for help and support.”

The research also identifies specific financial losses felt by the bogusly self-employed and the government:

National Citizens Advice surveyed 491 people who identified as working for themselves, but found one in 10 of them could be wrongly self-employed.

• An average of over £1,200 per worker per year is lost in holiday pay.

Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice highlights how unscrupulous employers can compel staff to be self-employed when they should in fact have employee status. This means employers can avoid paying the minimum wage, employers’ National Insurance, sick pay, holiday pay and pension contributions.

• The loss of employer National Insurance contributions costs the government over £300 per person per year.

In its new report Neither one thing nor the other national Citizens Advice reveals as many as 460,000 people could be ‘bogusly selfemployed’ meaning workers miss out on holiday and have to pay extra National Insurance. The report also finds that bogus self-employment could cost the government up to £314m a year in lost tax and employer national insurance contributions.

Employers who want to do right by their staff can also lose out as firms forcing people into self-employment means the savings they make puts them at a competitive advantage to their rivals.

A combination of factors including work hours set by the employer, using the business’ equipment and having tax deducted from their pay by their employer could mean an individual should be an employee rather than self-employed.

Carol Eagles, manager at Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “For many people in Suffolk self-employment is a fulfilling career choice. But Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice is concerned that some people are being forced into working for themselves, when in fact they have the right to be a regular employee and the benefits this brings. This can have a negative impact on workers and their income, as well as on local businesses who do right by their staff. If you are worried about your employment

• People pay an extra £61 per year in National Insurance that they would not pay were they classified as employed.

As part of Citizens Advice’s self-employment campaign it is calling on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to use the government review into self-employment to address key issues including: • Clarity and consistency around the definition of self-employment.

• Support for people looking to save for retirement.

• Pay for parental leave.

Government departments, including the HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions, have different definitions of self-employment, making it hard for workers and businesses to be clear about employee status.

The only way to prove employee status and secure the rights this provides is to go to an employment tribunal, a lengthy process which many cannot afford since fees were introduced in 2013. Last year research from Citizens Advice showed seven in 10 potentially successful cases are not pursued by people at employment tribunals.

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

RADIO 4 PRESENTER TO HOST LUNCH IN AID OF CHILDREN’S CHARITY Martha Kearney, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The World at One, will speak at a lunch event being held in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) later this year.

Tickets are available now for the event, entitled Lunch at One with Martha Kearney, at The Hanger at Kesgrave Hall.

The lunch will be held on Friday, November 6 with an arrival time of 12.30pm for a 1pm start, and will include a two course luncheon followed by a talk from Martha.

The event has been organised by the Woodbridge Friends of EACH – a group of volunteers who support the work of the charity through events and promotion.

Tickets for the lunch are available now, priced at £28 which includes a two course meal with coffee. For more information and to book your space, please contact the EACH Suffolk Fundraising Team: 01473 276196 / treehouse@each.org.uk

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In Touch with Hadleigh

ON THE GRAPEVINE EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE For the last three years, while on loan to The Shelley Centre, Thyme has proved himself to be a very versatile and willing pony, much loved by those special riders at Shelley for whom he provided valuable therapy and also became a great friend.

He took readily to the new skill of carriage driving which he greatly enjoyed, and with his owner, Lucy, he has kept himself extremely fit doing Pony Club events, show jumping, cross country and endurance riding, as well as his ‘day job’ with the disabled children and adults at Shelley. So we will miss him as he has now moved on to a new home, but thank him and his owners for his time with us at Shelley and hope he enjoys the next stage in his life.

Difficult to replace, but we are now looking for another Thyme – a 14hh ride and drive pony with a good temperament, on permanent loan or to buy. If you know of such a pony we would really like to hear from you. Please contact Lyn, our stable manager.

Our new term is progressing well and we are delighted to see a few

new faces in our team of volunteers. September saw a working party of 20 very keen volunteers from BT who came to lift ragwort, cut grass, hedges and tidy the garden, as well as some carpentry work.

We are very grateful to them all for their enthusiasm and assistance, as well as for their donation of some tools for our future use.

We are also grateful to all who took part in the long distance sponsored ride, to those of our helpers and supporter who spent the day stewarding the route, also to the local landowners who allowed us to cross some of their private property which made the route so enjoyable for the riders.

Our next fundraising event is an evening of frog racing at Nayland Village Hall on October 17 with a fish and chip supper. For details contact Di on 01473 658552. Sounds like fun so do come and join us.

The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding, Layham Road, Shelley, Ipswich IP7 5QY www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

HALL FARM – SHOP, CAFE/RESTAURANT AND FREE FARM TRAIL Hall Farm is situated on the outskirts of Stratford St Mary with views overlooking the Dedham Vale.

We offer fine food, a relaxed friendly atmosphere in our café, as well as when out and about on the farm trail, shop and snack shack. It’s the kind of place we would want to visit if we didn’t work here!

Why not peruse our wide choice of quality produce in the shop? In addition we have an extensive deli counter and butchery where you can place your orders in advance or pop in for those last minute bits and pieces.

Our visitors can enjoy a relaxed walk around our free farm trail, taking in the breathtaking views of the Dedham Vale, along with feeding the animals or picnicking in selected areas. Alternatively, why not book in advance and treat yourself to a breakfast, lunch or afternoon cream tea, before or after you have walked around our fantastic trail or visited our shop?

HALL FARM SHOP The farm shop was opened in 2001, responding to a demand for high quality local produce at reasonable prices. This enabled Hall Farm to retail their prize-winning beef and lamb, farmed with sympathetic methods and a high level of animal husbandry, direct to their customers. As well as the livestock, the farm currently plants, grows and harvests six acres of potatoes, all of which are retailed through the shop.

The shop has expanded dramatically over the years and the addition of chillers, deli counters and gifts to the large range of vegetables, fruit

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and eggs, enables the shop to appeal to a wider customer base. It now has an extensive range of quality produce, and has become the perfect place to do the weekly food shop.

DELICATESSEN Delicatessen is a term meaning ‘delicacies’ or ‘fine foods’. We like to think our deli counter is well stocked, housing about 30 different cheeses from around the world. We aim to keep a good selection of wine and breads to accompany any cheese or meat purchased here at Hall Farm. We offer fresh daily made pasties, Scotch eggs, meat pies, sausage rolls, paté, coleslaw, potato salad, salad dressing and quiches.

BUTCHERS We provide a very large range of speciality selected meats and poultry along with a very popular, well known and respected range of sausages. Our butchery staff are friendly and knowledgeable and have time to answer questions and be helpful. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back reinforces our belief that our meat is among the best! We are friendly butchers who pride ourselves on providing the freshest of meat, including British beef, lamb and pork.

CAFÉ/RESTAURANT We have transformed an old cattle byre into a warm, elegant cafe restaurant. Whether it’s for breakfast, morning coffee, a light bite, a more leisurely three-course lunch, or afternoon tea with a slice of homemade cake, there is something to suit everyone. Children are very welcome and we

have a full menu for our young diners. We are also able to adapt any of our dishes from the main menu to suit.

We home bake and hand make everything we possibly can. Scones and bread are baked daily, and our cakes will make your mouth water! Our menu changes regularly, keeping in rhythm with the seasons and what local produce is available.

Hall Farm beef, lamb and potatoes are also frequently listed, and cooked to perfection, plus you have the opportunity to take home a taste of Hall Farm too as the chefs prepare cakes and pastries for the shop daily.

SNACK SHACK The Snack Shack is the newest addition to the Hall Farm experience. This friendly little ‘pit stop’ is a welcome little break at the beginning of your walk around the farm trail to purchase animal feed, hot or cold drinks, snacks or ice creams, or for a wellearned rest afterwards.

FARM TRAIL The farm trail was opened in June 2014. There’s Dilly the Digger to clamber on, and be sure to look out for the Hall Farm tyre monster! For those a little less energetic, there are lovely spots to stop and stare, relax, and take in the beautiful surroundings. The trail is open all year round except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year Day. Come and enjoy with family and friends.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE SCAMS GO UP IN FLAMES THANKS TO SUFFOLK SCAMNESTY More than 400 pieces of scam mail and other fraudulent printed documentation have been binned and taken out of circulation as part of Suffolk Trading Standard’s successful Scamnesty campaign that ran throughout July, in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk’s Mark Murphy Show.

The campaign came to an official end with a spectacular bonfire containing all the scam materials collected. The bonfire also included more than 8,000 pieces of scam mail that has been sent to Suffolk Trading Standards since January 2015.

The mail is being logged and the information sent to the National Trading Standards Scams Team for them to utilise in their enforcement and in their training work with other agencies, such as Royal Mail.

Every year, more than three million people in the UK fall victim to scams, losing thousands of pounds to fraudsters. Scamnesty was a month-long initiative managed by Suffolk County Council’s Trading Standards team, encouraging people to report potential scams and help prevent others from falling victim.

Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Sarah Stamp said: “The volume of scam mail successfully binned as part of Scamnesty and the other work Trading Standards does highlights the extent of the issue. Professional con artists and scammers commonly play upon the trust, vulnerability and good nature of residents.

“If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Never provide your bank details unless you are completely sure you know the person or company asking for it. People are changing their behaviour as a result of the campaign. If they suspect a scam, they are binning the mail themselves and not responding. If you think you have received a potential scam, contact Suffolk County Council’s Trading Standards Team.

I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the Scamnesty campaign, together you have made a big difference. ”

And the fight continues…

The end of Scamnesty certainly does not mark the end of the work being carried out to stamp down on scammers and con artists. Suffolk Trading Standards’ Join the Fight campaign is steadily building a network of consumer champions to act as a bridge between Trading Standards and the local community.

The Consumer Champion Network, which was initially set up in 2001, helps Suffolk Trading Standards to reach residents directly through the dedication of individuals willing to volunteer in their community.

Champions can spread the message by holding talks at their local library, chatting with friends and family or simply sharing information on social media. Each individual can make a huge difference.

There are consumer champions all across Suffolk. They educate people around them about their rights and empower them to say no to scammers. To join the fight and become a Consumer Champion for Suffolk, visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/jointhefight A consumer champion video can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAoA1F_TdGs Councillor Sarah Stamp continues: “Our Consumer Champion Network is going from strength to strength, but we still need more people to step up, Join the Fight and make Suffolk a rogue free zone. If more people sign up as consumer champions, we have the best opportunity possible to catch those who try and take advantage of vulnerable residents in our community.” #JoinTheFight

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS PENSION FREEDOM “Pension Freedom” is the new buzz word in managing our money, but what does it mean for you?

drawdown – with funds taken directly from the pension pot, which remains invested.

From April 2015, traditional restrictions on what you can do with your pension fund have been lifted. These new pension freedoms enable savers aged 55+ to be able to decide for the first time exactly how they access their pension fund.

Annuities remain unpopular among savers however the benefits of a consistent income in retirement means they still have a role to play.

You are able to take the whole fund in one go, take smaller lump sums when required or take up to 25% tax-free and a regular taxable income from the rest. So-called ‘flexi access income drawdown’ will be a new method of funding retirement for those of us who may previously have opted to purchase a lifetime annuity, guaranteeing a fixed annual income for life.

Under the new rules, if you decide to take your whole fund as cash, 25% will be tax-free, with the rest taxed as income; this could however push some into higher rate tax bands.

Should you choose to take smaller lump sums as and when you like, 25% of each withdrawal will be tax-free. Alternatively, you could take up to 25% tax-free and generate a regular income from the remaining funds, taxed at your marginal rate. This could be done via income

Given the significant changes we are seeing in pensions there is a danger that uncertainty among savers may cause poor choices, ultimately resulting in a poor deal on their savings.

A key concern is that many people on the brink of retirement now find themselves with new options that they are either not aware of or do not fully understand.

I encourage anyone in that position to seek professional advice. Not doing so may mean the potentially excellent advantages of new pension freedoms could pass many of us by. Should you like some help, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 01473 225662.

Russell Wiles, Suffolk Wealth Management Ltd, 21 Cotswold Avenue, Ipswich IP1 4LL

ELMSETT METHODIST CHURCH What is your reaction to the refugee/migrant crisis?

My heart has been both touched and horrified by some of the reactions.

There have been some amazingly gracious and generous responses.

The applause from predominantly German people as people arrived at Munich station was such a contrast to the brutal tactics of the police in Hungary. The overwhelming generosity of volunteers of CalAid contrasts with the mercenary nature of the traffickers making excessive money from facilitating journeys to and across Europe and the callousness of crowding people onto flimsy unseaworthy vessels to cross the seas.

There is also the contrast between those who say that no refugees, asylum seekers or migrants should come to our shores and those who believe we should offer sanctuary, and even those who have offered a room or two in their own homes.

But what is the right thing to do? There are no easy or simple answers and our politicians need our prayers and support in making pragmatic decisions in the wake of the humanitarian disaster which is far from over.

Most of us reading this article won’t be in a position to make the big decisions but we can influence the way we as a society responds to this situation. Many of us have already responded by giving (either money or clothing or food) to the variety of charities that are working with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers and that is wonderful.

Situations like this bring out both the best and the worst in people and some of the rhetoric has been disturbing. Some have used negative or offensive words in describing the people who are on the move which encourages us to treat them as less than human. Then if we think that they are less than human we can treat them badly. The history of the world is littered with some groups of people belittling others and then treating them badly. All of the people on the move are human beings, they have a mother and father, siblings and children. They are escaping war or persecution or abject poverty, they haven’t taken the decision lightly (but may have hurriedly left in imminent danger). They have each made an immense sacrifice in leaving homes, possessions and relatives

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behind and with no security for the future, but depending on the compassion and mercy of others.

Often what drives negative views of people is fear of people who are different from us, fear of our comfortable way of life being invaded by others, fear it may cost us more, and when we are fearful we put up barriers and turn away from need. Some newspapers, commentators, politicians by their rhetoric fuel these fears and increase hostility. For myself, I cannot be indifferent to need, I recognise that each one is a human being like me, each one has values and family. None of us can solve the problem on our own, but each of us can change our attitude from fear and hostility to love and compassion.

Andrew Sankey, Minister at Elmsett and Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 ELMSETT METHODIST Sunday 4 9.45am Worship with Roger Theobald 6.30pm Worship with Roger Fern Sunday 11 9.45am All Age Worship with The Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm Worship with William Glasse Sunday 18 9.45am Worship with Alicia Holmes 6.30pm Worship with The Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 25 9.45am Worship with Irene Sayer 6.30pm Communion with The Rev Derek Grimshaw

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• Knowledgeable staff • Ample parking • Help loading if required Opening hours; Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA 01473 731117 gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk

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In Touch with Hadleigh

CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S HADLEIGH

www.stmaryshadleigh.co.uk 01473 527499 (note new number)

The Hadleigh Deanery Office at St Mary’s is open from 10am-noon, Monday-Friday Sunday, October 4 10.45am Sung Eucharist Sunday, October 11 10.45am Morning Worship 12.15pm Shortened Eucharist Thursday, October 15 7.30pm High Mass Sunday, October 18, St Luke 10.45am Healing Eucharist 4pm Deanery Healing Service at Polstead Church Sunday, October 25, Bible Sunday 10.45am Morning Worship 12.15pm Shortened Eucharist EVERY SUNDAY • 8am: Said Eucharist (BCP)

In Touch with Hadleigh

EVERY TUESDAY • 11am: Matins (or Communion on first Tuesday) at the Row Chapel, George Street • 1.30-2.45pm: Tadpoles, for babies, toddlers and their carers • 6.30-8.30pm: Porch Project (for teenagers) EVERY WEDNESDAY • 7.30am: Morning Prayer and Communion followed by breakfast EVERY FRIDAY • 9.30am-noon: Café Church, including short all-age service at 10am • 7.30-10pm: Porch Project NEWS AND EVENTS FOR OCTOBER • Farmers’ Market: Friday, October 2, 9.30am-1pm • Suffolk Singers Concert: Saturday, October 10, 7.30pm • FROGs (for all primary school aged children): Wednesday, October 14, 6-7.15pm • Also FROGs Light Party: Saturday, October 31, 6-8pm COMING UP • St John’s Voices Concert: Saturday, November 14 at 7.30pm (see page 11) • Christmas Market: Saturday, November 28, 11.30am-4pm (see page 12)

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