In Touch with Ipswich East - January 2016

In Touch

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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 6 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2016

Sir Bobby Robson Bridge

by Ken Southhall

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I have always loved New Year’s Day, even as a child when I’d watch The New Year's Concert by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on TV. Granted I was probably doing other things at the same time, but it would be on in the background and I loved the drama of it all. It felt like a fitting way to welcome in a new year and was also quite a private moment. My brothers were probably still in bed so it was usually me, my diary – and the vacuum cleaner! In those days in rural Ireland the male and female roles were clearly defined – the boys helped on the farm, I did the cleaning and the baking, but that’s a subject for another day!

Cleaning is still part of my new year ritual and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Yes, I admit it, I like cleaning! I love that sense of satisfaction I get when I sit down to admire my handiwork, that oh so precious five minutes before it all falls apart again. I do become a bit of a tyrant when I go into cleaning mode so it’s best to stay out of my way (Daniel consider this your advance warning and if you don’t believe me, just ask mum!), but when it’s done I’m sweetness and light, as per usual!

NEWS ENABLING CHURCHES TO HOUSE THE HOMELESS Provision for the homeless in the Ipswich area has a new initiative with the establishment of Hope into Action: Ipswich. This is a franchise to run the model of the Peterborough based charity and is working via the same charitable organisation as the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter.

The HiA: Ipswich model works by bringing together property investors, a church partnering group and people whose first step in getting their lives back on track is to find a home. The key difference to other supported housing models is the presence of a church group who act as the family which is so often missing from the lives of people who are homeless.

This year I have an extra incentive as I will be looking for something rather special. Last summer Jack found an old key when we were planting seeds with grandma. It is his most precious possession and he presents it to visitors and friends as such. We have mislaid it! I know it’s in the house somewhere but in none of the obvious places and I have (stupidly!) promised to find it. If I do turn out every toy box and every cupboard, as I plan to, surely it will reappear. If not I’m going to have a very sad little boy – and I’ll be a very guilty mummy. Wish me luck.

Although it was only established in the summer the operation is already well on its way to its first house, with an investor having already come forward to buy a house, and a church interested in supporting the tenants of that house.

I hope your new year begins with hope for the year ahead and that you too find joy in the small things.

For more information go to www.hopeintoaction.org.uk or email: mervyn.dye@hopeintoaction.org.uk

In Touch

with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath

In Touch with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by:

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FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

Within four years the Peterborough operation has grown to having 15 houses, and it is hoped that Ipswich can reach four-six houses within the next two years.

BEAT THE POST-CHRISTMAS BLUES WITH HOME-START Have you had enough of those dark evenings in? HomeStart Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal are organising two events for you to come along to and shake off the postChristmas blues.

QUIZ NIGHT Come along to a fun quiz at the Bell Inn, Kesgrave, on Sunday, January 31, 8pm start. Tickets will be £5 to include a light supper (a vegetarian option will be available). Teams of four. Our thanks go to Debbie McCallum at the Bell for hosting us for this evening.

PUDDING NIGHT There will also be the chance to enjoy an evening sampling a variety of delicious home-made puddings with friends when we hold a Pudding Night at the Douglas Bader Pub on Thursday, February 11 at 7.30pm.

There will be lots of different home-made puddings for you to try with a chance to vote for the best pud! Tickets will be £5 to allow you to sample these delights and a recipe booklet of all the puddings will also be available for you to purchase. Our thanks go to Margaret Barrett at the Douglas Bader for hosting this occasion.

Tickets for both events are available from: Home-Start, 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath; 01473 621104; www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk All monies raised from these events will go to the charity Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who during this year will support more than 140 families in the East of Ipswich or Suffolk Coastal areas. These families will receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone this can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement and multiple births.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR VISITS SUFFOLK WRITERS GROUP

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

Author Ed Parnell recently visited Suffolk Writer’s Group at Arlington’s Brasserie in Ipswich. First Ed answered some of the group’s questions about his book, The Listeners, and then did a couple of writing exercises.

Here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Initially, the group wrote joint poems, each contributing one line. If you have ever played Consequences, it’s a bit like that, although in our version you can read what everyone has written before adding your own contribution.

This is the best of them: Year Six Art Class Scissors, glue and yoghurt pots, Daisies and Forget-me-nots.

All these things we used to know, When down the stairs was far to go.

Football boots and conkers, I bet you love Willy Wonka.

Verruca Salt gave up her Golden Ticket, And the factory gate slammed shut.

Childhood was behind us.

Participants then wrote short pieces in pairs. Tracey Skirrow was Ed’s partner and together they wrote: I love it when he tells me a story. We sit side by side, blanket heaped over us, yellow lamplight slanting over our shoulders. I follow his finger down the page, trying to say the words in my head. His voice is clear, and I am there, there in the words, there in the pages and it’s like the sky and everything else all around us has folded over and there’s just me and him and the sound of his words.

My head is full of the pictures, both the ones on the page and the extra ones his voice summons up for me.

Night and day, shadows and sunshine.

Ed will be judging the group’s first chapter competition, the results of which will be announced on our Facebook Page and website.

We’re always looking for new members so if you enjoy reading, discussing books and creative writing, visit www.suffolkwritersgroup. com or email: maielizabethblack@gmail.com Ed Parnell’s book, inspired by the poem of the same name, can be found at Amazon.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.

MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia A very Happy New Year to you all, and thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities: East Suffolk Association for the Blind; Kim, You’ll Never Walk Alone supporting Kim Sale, a pupil from Kesgrave High School; and Ipswich Hospital Sunrise Appeal. We shall report the final amount raised in next month’s article.

On January 2 our main band is taking part in a joint concert with Gippeswyk Singers at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm.

Our band welcomes new players young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go.

If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and feel that you would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below. Please note we currently have a waiting list for beginner players.

Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Did you know that one in four consumers skip breakfast?

At Ipswich Country Market we are inviting you to ‘Shake Up Your Wake Up’ on Thursday, January 28 with a free tasting to celebrate Breakfast Week.

We have fresh bread, marmalades, jams and local honey. You can taste, smell and buy fresh produce while supporting local producers.

If you are feeling low and lethargic in the morning, try our local honey.

Spread it on hot toast or replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.

(back row) Joe, Tony and Ed; (front row) Jen, Mai and Sandy

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As well as being a tasty start to the day, one of our many varieties of jam will contribute to your Vitamin C and iron intake.

Our marmalades contain vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit and peel. Did you know that

it is thought that there are 20 times more antioxidants in 1g of marmalade than in your ordinary glass of orange juice?

If you can’t wait for January 28 why not come and join us for bacon rolls when we re-open after Christmas on January 7?

You will find us at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane from 10.15 until 11.30am.

There is plenty of free parking and tea and coffee are available. We look forward to welcoming you.

For photos and regular updates find us on Facebook – just look for Ipswich Country Market.

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

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OUT & ABOUT TRIANON MUSIC GROUP Music from Frozen in January concert programme

THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND

Frozen, which tells the story of princess Elsa and her power to create ice and snow, won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Let It Go, and it is this song which will feature in Trianon’s January concert.

Have you ever been to an auction?

Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt?

Trianon Music Group – On the Bright Side takes place at Ipswich Corn Exchange on Saturday, January 9 at 7.30pm. It also celebrates the 40th anniversary of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

On Thursday, March 17 at 7.30pm, The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents an evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS talking about The Life and Work of an Auctioneer in St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL.

The programme includes music from Harry Potter, Gilbert and Sullivan, a medley from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and a moment of nostalgia with the theme tune from the BBC’s Top of the Form. There’s pre-concert busking in aid of Suffolk Mind and The Sunrise Appeal by the Ipswich Hospital Charity. For the children, there’s a fancy dress competition, so there really is something for all the family.

Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes, including Bargain Hunt and Flog It. There will be light refreshments, admission is £5.

If you do then put the date below in your diary.

Further details from: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

Tickets (£9.50 / concessions from £8.50 / students and U16 from £5) purchased from Ipswich Entertainments will be subject to an additional £1 booking fee per ticket: www.ipswichregent.com / 01473 433100

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

Tickets can also be purchased from Trianon on 01394 283170 / 07876 787029 and from Ipswich Tourist Information Centre.

If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, then we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

For further details visit: www.tmg.org.uk

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF.

You can also follow Trianon on Twitter @MusicTrianon

Group Disc ounts

Our next meeting on January 19 sees the return of the popular Mark Mitchels. His talk will be on the Duke of Wellington, ‘the man who saved the world’. On February 16 David Brown will be talking about China – The Land of the Dragon. This illustrated talk will focus on a number of famous and less famous attractions, both ancient and modern, as well as aspects of Chinese history and culture.

Bear for an Angel Presents their first

FUNDRAISING VALENTINE’S BALL The Manor Ballroom Sunday, February 14, 7-11pm SPONSOR OUR GOODY BAGS FOR JUST £40

SPONSOR A TABLE FOR JUST £10

Tickets £10

Disco • Buffet • Raffle • Bar Ball gown or evening dresses and suits and ties To book your ticket visit: www.bearforanangel.com/events.html

www.bearforanangel.com

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

Become a member in January and gain the full year’s benefit of membership. You will receive the January newsletter giving full details of the year’s excursions and future talks.

For more information contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761. www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month, except December, in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. We are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments. Our next meeting is: Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma) The 2016 monthly projects list is now available and other projects are available.

New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).

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Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 310 Nacton Road Ipswich 01473 860040 247a Hawthorn Drive Chantry 01473 602414 139 Main Road Kesgrave 01473 860030

183 Hamilton Road Felixstowe 01394 583010 213 High Street, Walton Felixstowe 01394 670100

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY The society takes its winter break now and our next meeting will be on February 3 when Shirley Smith will present a talk about the French royal the Duc du Berry and the famous Book of Hours he commissioned.

Our Christmas meeting on a sunny December afternoon featured Dr Sarah Pearson who gave us an enchanting look at the historical origins of many of the elements we associate with Christmas. With wonderful art illustrations she spoke about the crib, ice and snow, Christmas food, the Christmas tree, the snowman, Christmas cards, the Christmas cracker and finally how St Nicholas morphed into Santa Claus. A delightful lecture at this time of year.

We welcome new members. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? The wonderfully illustrated lectures start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised), last about an hour and are presented by national and international lecturers. We are a friendly group who meet on the first Wednesday of the month for nine lectures each year, and we also organise interesting day visits. Guests and nonmembers are welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked.

For more information contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet.com For the latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP! You can talk, can’t you? So what’s stopping you from speaking in public?

Did you know that speaking in public is at the top of most people’s list of ten terrors? It needn’t be. You can learn to overcome your fears in a friendly positive atmosphere at Speak Easy. We are a small group of people of all ages and backgrounds. We all want to improve how we speak in public. The only way to do that is to practise regularly so we meet every fortnight. We offer plenty of opportunities to talk, to listen, to learn by doing it yourself and by listening to others.

Make 2016 the year when you get that new job, persuade your boss to promote you, break your sales records, join that committee and voice your concerns, make the record-breaking fundraising phone call, give a talk to your work colleagues, speak at an important meeting or social activity…

Yes, it’s possible: breathe in, start talking – not too fast, make eye contact, remember your prepared phrases.

Speak Easy is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide non-profit organisation with a great track record. Whether you want to practise for a special occasion or improve your confidence and techniques, we offer the opportunity and all for around £7.50 a month – with free refreshments.

MARTLESHAM ART GROUP We are a small friendly group of people who currently meet in The Richards Rooms to paint together. Our meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon, 1.30-4pm, and we have a limited number of vacancies. Our sessions are not tutored, but we all gain from each other’s ideas and experience.

We meet all year round with the exception of August and two weeks over the Christmas period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer. If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or call Diane on 01473 659257.

WHY NOT MAKE U3A YOUR 2016 NEW YEAR RESOLUTION? How about signing up to join one of U3A’s 130 interest groups? Give 2016 a boost by refreshing one or more of your hobbies or talents or even learn something new. Outdoor pursuits like walking or visiting churches or architectural buildings can be cold in January, but the weather will get better throughout the year. Why not join a U3A lunch club or discussion group to warm up winter blues?

Ipswich’s first talk for 2016 is at 2pm on Monday, January 25 by John Ashdown-Hill and is entitled The Mythology of Richard III. Was he really a usurper and villain? How was his skeleton discovered and why was he buried in an Anglican cathedral? Come along on January 25 to find some answers.

The Ipswich U3A talks take place at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acres Approach, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the centre every 15 minutes.

Refreshments follow the meeting.

Visitors are welcome and the campus co-ordinator will be delighted to give you more details of how to join U3A (the University of the Third Age), an organisation for retired and semi-retired people. For more information call 01473 273395 or visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Our spring programme begins on Thursday, January 28 at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Doors open at 6.45 for a 7.15pm start. We meet every month on the fourth Thursday, except in August and December.

In January Vicki Hease from Stowmarket will present a demonstration entitled That’s Not What It’s For! Vicki will create six arrangements during the evening which will be raffled after our refreshment break.

Why not come to our meetings free as a guest to find out more?

If you are looking for a new club to join in 2016 why not come along and join us? We have a flower stall where you can buy all you need to create a flower arrangement.

We meet from 7-9.30pm at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB (behind Tesco). Our next meetings include a special open evening on January, 14 when guests are especially welcome, and a typical meeting on January 28.

Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome at all our meetings.

The fee is £4 per meeting and the yearly subscription is £35.

Find out more at www.speak-easy.org.uk, find us on Facebook and Twitter, or call Sonya Burrows: 07968 372563

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For further details contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com

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SPRING 2016 AT THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE

The Last Five Years, an award winning musical from Jason Robert Brown and recently a major motion picture starring Anna Kendrick and Jordan Jamie, headlines the New Wolsey Theatre’s 15th birthday season.

Running from February 25 to March 11, The Last Five Years starts and ends with the beginning of a passionate love affair. Cathy’s story starts with the end of their relationship and follows their tale backwards to when she first fell in love with her young talented lover. Jamie’s story begins with their first passionate encounter and heads forward towards heartache.

Chinese New Year 2016 Anglo Chinese Cultural Exchange (ACCE), an award winning local charity, proudly presents this year’s spectacular show to welcome the Chinese New Year 2016 at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Bring along the entire family to enjoy our loud and colourful celebrations.

This year we have an amazing Chinese Lion Dance, martial arts, a Chinese dance group and other performers. There will also be local performers, including a couple of surprises!

All funds raised and donated go towards keeping the ACCE charity running throughout the year, delivering their services and activities to everyone in our local community. Come along to enjoy the fun and to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Monkey.

The unique style of storytelling and the infectious score makes this one of America’s best modern musicals. Songs include Moving Too Fast, If I Didn’t Believe in You and Goodbye Until Tomorrow.

Katie Birtill, who took the title role in Sweet Charity last autumn, stars with a talented live band to create Cathy and Jamie’s world as it crumbles and reforms around them. It will be directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s artistic director Peter Rowe.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre will present The Government Inspector, the first production in the Ramps on the Moon touring project, at the New Wolsey from April 6 to 15. Ramps on the Moon is a ground-breaking touring project that sets out to put more deaf and disabled people on our stages, in our audiences and our workforce. Bringing together seven major theatre companies, it will change the way theatre made by and for D/deaf and disabled people is seen. These companies, which include the New Wolsey Theatre, are committed to putting D/ deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work and stimulating awareness of disability issues within arts and culture.

Gogol’s satirical masterpiece is a hilarious riot of corruption, lies and greed that has lost none of its original bite. The mayor is in a cold sweat. News has reached him of an imminent visit from a government inspector. His fear is well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his official duties. The hospital is a health hazard, the school is a war zone, the soldiers don’t have trousers to march in and he never quite got around to building that church!

Directed by Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director Roxana Silbert, the production includes a creative use of audio description, captioning and British Sign Language.

For full details of the New Wolsey’s jam-packed spring season visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk where you can also book or call the sales team on: 01473 295900 www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY The next meeting of the Ipswich branch of the Suffolk Family History Society is at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 28 in the Co-op Education Centre in Fore Street, Ipswich. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. In a talk entitled Can I see your papers?, Robin Durrell will explain how military-related documents and information can be used to help trace part of your family story. Bring along any family military documents, photos, details, or medals you have for examination and analysis.

Admission is £2 a person for society members, £2.50 for nonmembers who are also warmly welcomed and can join the society on the night if they wish to do so. Tickets are not required – just turn up and pay on the door.

For more information contact H King: 01473 274300

KESGRAVE SINGERS In October, the Kesgrave Singers, a community choir, and Lirica, the MSC workplace choir, joined forces to put on a concert to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. They entertained around 250 people with a varied programme covering popular music, songs from the shows, and even some opera, and raised £1,600 for this worthwhile cause.

All the singers are keen amateurs, singing for their own pleasure and to bring a bit of joy to other people.

The Kesgrave Singers are always looking for new members, both men and women, so if you enjoy singing and would like to join our choir then come along to Kesgrave Scout Hall on Monday afternoons, 2-4pm, to give us a try.

START THE NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS Would you like a fun start to your week?

Mondays are not always people’s favourite day, but if you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a cheerful start to your week we would love you to come along with your parents, grandparents and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars.

We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Each session is full of fun children’s activities, for example singing and Bible stories for children, plus crafts and games.

The half-hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day, but if you would like any further information feel free to telephone us on the phone numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our session dates for the spring term are: January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22 and March 14.

For further information please contact: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729; Sonya and Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196; Sue Lambert, 01473 624130.

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OUT & ABOUT /SPORT WELCOME BACK SPA PAVILION! HELLO GOOD OLD DAYS! It’s very exciting that the glorious jewel of a building, Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion positioned on the seafront of this stunning Suffolk coastline, has just re-opened to thrill and titillate us all with quality entertainment. Bravo to the team and their hard work! Encore to the future of live shows!

In recognition of the Spa Pavilion’s heritage and fascinating history we take you back in time to the date of this iconic venue’s opening in 1909 and present a dazzling display of variety in the style of the Victorian Music Hall. A quintessentially British afternoon of nostalgia, re-creating the precise format of this hugely popular form of entertainment both back in the day at the Spa, and later on the BBC with The Good Old Days. This was famously hosted on TV by Mr

Leonard Sachs and attracted an audience of 10 million viewers at its peak.

Mainstream music’s veteran entertainer Mr Leo Shavers expertly assumes the role of Worthy Chairman, and brings to you a brand new show in homage to the Spa Pavilion entitled The Good Old Days of Music Hall on February 25 at 2.15pm. Sit back and revel in the cream of variety entertainers from around the globe while taking a step into the eccentric, eclectic and enthralling world of Victorian Theatreland!

To book call 01394 284962 or visit: www.spapavilion.net The Spa Pavilion, Undercliff Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 2DX

IPSWICH WANDERERS FC

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL

While Kevin Baker’s Under 18s sit proudly at the top of their Thurlow Nunn League Central Division, the First team is still playing catch-up in the ECL Premier Division. Games in hand do not often bring maximum points, but too often this season we have given away a lead and settled for a point. In spite of this, supporters have been encouraged by our superb cup runs and the club is still optimistic of success. A key match was the tough away tie at Edgware Town in the FA Vase. If we have won it, the next round will be played in January. We are also still progressing in the League Cup.

December’s six-a-side indoor series tournament gave Ipswich Ravens another chance to pit themselves against the top volleyball clubs around Suffolk and beyond, and put the lessons we have been learning at our training sessions into practise. With a total of eight teams in Division 1 and six in Division 2 this was the biggest tournament yet, a clear sign that the sport is growing in popularity.

Glenn Read has signed Connor Ward from Needham on loan and Connor made his debut as sub at Clacton in early December. That was the game that saw the welcome return of full-back Shane Wardley after a very long absence through injury.

DIVISION 1 RESULTS Ipswich Ravens 20-15 Diss; Ipswich II 20-17 Ipswich Ravens; Stowmarket II 16-20 Ipswich Ravens; Ipswich Ravens 18-20 Norwich Towers; Ipswich Ravens 20-11 Bury Bobcats.

The club has formally applied for promotion to Step 4 football. We are signalling that we aspire to move up when we have the extra facilities in place and when the team finish in a promotion place. This is part of a three-year plan to move Wanderers forward. Provisional steps have also been made to introduce a football academy at Humber Doucy Lane and more on this will be revealed later.

DIV 1 Diss Ipswich II Ipswich Ravens Ipswich I Norwich Towers Bury Bobcats Stowmarket III

Up-and-coming games include: • Saturday, December 26: League Home v Brantham Athletic (KO 11am) • Saturday, January 2: League Away v Whitton United (KO 3pm) • Saturday, January 9: League Home v Stanway United (KO 3pm) or *FA Vase • Wednesday, January 20: League Cup QF Home v Norwich United (KO 7.45) • Saturday, January 30: Home v Felixstowe & Walton (KO 3pm) Off the field, we enjoyed bumper bingo and race nights in November and news of future events will be revealed on the club website. For details of matches and all club news visit: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipswichwanderers Admission prices for First team games are £6 for adults, £3 for concessions. There is a bar, hot food, programme, golden goal, club shop, free car parking with the entrance in Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere.

Keith Lloyd

www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

Our First team were without regular captain Chris Giles and this gave two of our recent recruits the opportunity to make their debuts in Division 1. We began with an excellent win against eventual winners Diss and finished overall third with three wins from five games.

Wins 4 4 3 3 2 1 0

Pts For 95 86 95 95 73 65 73

Pts Agst 65 77 82 82 93 93 100

Later in Division 2 we were able to give a first tournament experience to two of our new juniors as part of an eight-player squad. They fitted into the team well and contributed creditable performances, helping us towards two victories out of three games, also finishing third overall.

DIVISION 2 RESULTS SCC Seagulls 3-20 Ravens II; Bury Bobcats II 20-6 Ravens II; Alexanders Dragons 16-20 Ravens II. Why not start the new year by giving volleyball a try yourself? It’s a lively team sport, it will help with your fitness and coordination, and it’s a lot more fun than going to the gym.

Ipswich Ravens hold club practise sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 11 upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games.

If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk

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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 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: •

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

• •

Public Protection, Councillor Matthew Hicks said: “Since the initial 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: •

Email: FireServiceRedesign@suffolk.gov.uk

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

•

Call the Service Redesign team between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday: 01473 260457

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

•

Write to: 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

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

COUNCIL TAX SCAM Fraudsters have been phoning victims telling them that they have been placed in the wrong council tax bracket for a number of years and are entitled to a rebate. They normally say that this rebate should be worth about £7,000. Once the victim is convinced, the fraudster tells them that in order to receive the rebate they will need to pay an administration fee in advance.

The payment they ask for varies between £60-£350. The victim provides the details and makes the payment, but then is no longer able to make contact with the person they spoke to on the phone. When they phone their council about the rebate and the fact that they are in the wrong tax bracket, the council will confirm that they know nothing about it and that they have been contacted by fraudsters.

PROTECT YOURSELF Never respond to unsolicited phone calls. Your local council won’t ever phone out-of-the-blue to discuss a council tax rebate. If you receive a call of this nature, put the phone down straight away.

No legitimate organisation will ask you to pay in advance in order to receive money, so never give them your card details.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, hang up the phone and wait five minutes to clear the line as fraudsters sometimes keep the line open. Then call your bank or card issuer to report the fraud.

Where it is possible use a different phone line to make the phone call.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online or by telephone: www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud / 0300 123 2040

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In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

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ON THE GRAPEVINE TREATING HEARING LOSS CAN HELP KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

By Karen Finch, audiologist and managing director of The Hearing Care Centre

Every New Year brings with it a sense of renewal. For many, this renewal may include New Year’s resolutions pledging that the next year will prove better than the last. The challenge is not making these resolutions, but making sure they don’t melt away with the snow as winter turns to spring.

need to make new friends and experience new adventures in the coming year. Have you always wanted to volunteer with an organisation or join a club but have been too self-conscious about your hearing loss? Don’t let apprehension and worry keep you from meeting new people and enjoying all the sights and sounds that the world has to offer.

Some common resolutions might include reducing stress levels, staying in touch more regularly with family and friends, and being more socially involved. For those who struggle with hearing loss, keeping these and other perennial resolutions may prove challenging. Here are a few examples of how treating your hearing loss in the New Year can help you achieve your resolutions and improve your life.

Starting a new hobby Starting a new hobby, whether by yourself or in a group setting, can be both challenging and entertaining. If you would like to learn how to play a new instrument and want to better hear the notes, or if you are taking a class at your local college and want to be able to contribute to the discussion without feeling nervous, having the confidence to address your hearing issues can lead to new talents and friends.

Reducing stress Staying stress free in the New Year may seem like an insurmountable task, but we can all do a few things to make sure stress doesn’t dominate our lives. Hearing-related stress can present itself in everyday situations with the potential to significantly increase your overall stress level. If you have become nervous to speak up when clarifying what was said in a conversation, or avoid loud places for fear of being cut from the conversation, it may be time to address your hearing issues. Finding a solution could help you reduce some of your daily stress.

Staying in touch with family and friends Staying connected with family and friends is difficult whether loved ones are spread across the country or live just around the corner. If keeping in touch with the important people in your life tops your list of resolutions, addressing your hearing concerns may be a step in the right direction.

Being able to communicate with family and friends without worrying about what was said by a loved one over the phone, on Skype, or faceto-face is of the utmost importance. Not only does it put your mind at ease, it makes conversations with loved ones that much easier.

Branching out Hearing loss may hinder you from branching out and meeting new people. If you are nervous to extend your social circle because of your hearing loss, addressing the issue in the New Year could be the push you

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Taking action If any of the above scenarios resonate with you, your hearing loss could be a barrier to accomplishing your resolutions. It may be time to add another resolution to the list: book a hearing assessment. Seeking help, advice and ultimately treating your hearing loss will benefit not only your physical health but your mental and social health as well. Placing priority on your hearing health will not only help you to achieve your New Year’s resolutions, but will give you a renewed confidence in your hearing and social life. Invest in your hearing. Invest in yourself.

Karen Finch is the Managing Director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre in Ipswich. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 20 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk.

To encourage those affected by this article to take the first step, Karen and her team have organised a series of special open day events at their practice in Ipswich between Wednesday, January 27 and Friday 29. They are offering free hearing assessments and professional advice in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

To book an appointment please call 01473 230330.

In Touch online:

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 MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO WRITE YOUR WILL IN 2016 Age UK Suffolk is organising a Will Month during February 2016 and have invited solicitors in Suffolk to offer a free will writing service for a donation to the charity. The scheme in association with the East Anglian Daily Times aims to raise awareness of the importance of making a will.

Over two thirds of people in the UK do not have a will! As a new year approaches there has never been a better time to make sure you are prepared for the future.

Older people are living longer and care needs, lasting power of attorney, second marriages, extended families, civil partnerships, funeral costs, inheritance tax all need to be addressed. Planning for later life is essential and making a will is so important to avoid many complications and extra costs and to ensure your beneficiaries are protected and you will have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be fulfilled.

A basic single or mirror will is being offered for a suggested donation to Age UK Suffolk and the following solicitors are taking part: Goodwin Cowley Solicitors, Fosters Solicitors, Atkins Thomson Solicitors, Gross & Co Solicitors, Jackamans Solicitors, Norton Peskett Solicitors, Petersfields LLP Solicitors, Ellisons Solicitors, Watkins Stewart & Ross Solicitors, Christchurch Solicitors LLP, Michael Smith & Co Solicitors, Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors, Blocks Solicitors, Haywards Solicitors and Fairweather Stephenson & Co Solicitors.

Age UK Suffolk rely on legacies and donations, particularly as they are suffering major cuts in funding from statutory sources and will need to fundraise for almost 75% of the cos ts of its services in the future.

For more information contact Maggie James – 01473 359911 / maggie. james@ageuksuffolk.org – or visit: www.ageuksuffolk.org

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Responsible for advertising sales, account management, business development and sales team and portfolio management for Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print, Boswell Office Supplies and Musical Marketing.

The key tasks include: • Responsible for managing and developing an experienced sales team, with a requirement to establish targets and objectives and to motivate staff, develop new business opportunities and revenue streams and to deliver projects successfully.

• Working closely with the MD to devise and implement marketing strategies (including digital), increasing sales through marketing and reporting on marketing success.

Applicants must have several years of senior media sales experience, ideally within a publishing environment, a proven track record of hitting and exceeding sales targets and excellent experience of managing and motivating sales people.

Will month

February 2016

Over two thirds of people in the UK do not have a will.

Are you one of them?

We are looking for a candidate who can deal professionally with high level clients. The ideal candidate will have experience of successfully developing large accounts and also experience of new business development. Furthermore, we would expect the candidate to have a desire to be a real leader in driving team success.

If you would like to take up the offer to make a Will for a donation to Age UK Suffolk please contact 01473 359911 to request the details of all participating solicitors, or email: maggie.james@ageuksuffolk.org

MAGAZINE DESIGNER / LAYOUT

Alternatively, do visit our website: www.ageuksuffolk.org

An experienced print and magazine designer / layout to join our small and very busy team.

• Choose your solicitor

You will need to be skilled in page layout, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator with proven ability to make design judgements in relation to page layout and at least three years experience working in print or publishing design.

• Make your donation to Age UK Suffolk • Write your Will with your chosen solicitor

You will need to work effectively and efficiently under pressure, have a keen eye for detail, natural creative flair and possess strong communication and teamwork skills.

In association with

For full details including how to apply please visit: www.grapevinelive.co.uk/category/jobs

Supported by Registered charity no. 1085900

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NOW RECRUITING

11/15

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Sue from Woodbridge asks: “My husband and I have a whole of life insurance policy with Scottish Provident with a sum assured of £80,000 payable if either of us dies. For the last 10 years we have paid a premium of just over £29 a month, but they have just written to us to say that following a 10 year review, this will increase to £66 a month. My husband says there is no point in looking around for a better deal, as we are 10 years older than we were when we took the policy out, so all insurance companies will charge about the same premium for that level of cover. Is that true?”

Not necessarily Sue. If you do some shopping around before you accept the increase, you could save yourselves a lot of money.

A whole of life policy runs until you die or until you cancel the policy.

At outset the insurance company calculates how much they need to charge you in order to provide a set level of cover if you die. This calculation is based upon your age, health, lifestyle, and your job, as all these factors will influence the risk. Unless you have a policy with guaranteed or fixed premiums, most whole of life policies are reviewed after 10 years, and again every five years after that.

Your husband is right to say that the premium will cost you more now because you are 10 years older, but it’s definitely worth shopping around for a better deal. Not all companies apply the same rates for a new policy as they do for an existing policy after it has been in force for a few years.

A few months ago I saw a couple who had a whole of life plan with Aviva with a sum assured of £70,000. At the 10-year review point, Aviva wrote to them to tell them that the premium would increase from £24.31 a month to £114.51 if they wished to maintain the same level of cover. That was an increase of 375%!

I did some shopping around and found them a similar whole of life policy with Canada Life International with the same sum assured.

The premium for this plan was £32.60 a month, which was again guaranteed for another initial period of 10 years. Obviously, these clients will face another potential premium increase after 10 years have elapsed, but switching the policy means they will have saved over £9,800 in premiums over that 10-year period for the same level of cover.

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 opinions and views 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 and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

the

ARK church

It’s a new year full of fresh possibilities and so we would like to welcome you to come and join us as we show our appreciation to the God of hope.

The vision of the Ark Church is to know and share God’s story with our neighbours and the nations.

Our desire is to be a place where the un-churched, the formerly churched, and those who are interested to learn more about God can connect with new friends, learn about God and his plan, and grow together spiritually.

The Ark Church is a church passionate about God and his plan for men and women. We are a family of imperfect people seeking to learn and to grow in our knowledge of God, one another, and his plan for ourselves and for the world.

Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (café and Children’s Church at 10.30am), Wednesday Bible Study at 8pm or Young People’s Night on alternate Fridays from 7.30pm. We also run Care For The Family courses dealing with parenting, pre-marriage and marriage.

The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. Find us online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk / Facebook: arkofthelord / Twitter: @arkipswich or email: arkipswichuk@gmail.com (our newsletter is available via free subscription)

WE ARE RECRUITING! Join Headway Suffolk - one of the UK's largest brain injury specialists

Community Support Workers Required To support clients with rehabilitation at home and in the community with time to deliver quality care

Good rates of pay | Pension Scheme | Training Paid mileage, time travel & expenses Career progression | Flexible working hours

New Life Community Church meets on Sunday morning at 10.30am at Heath Primary School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave.

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Tel: 01473 712225 Email CV: nicolacooper@headwaysuffolk.org.uk www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/recruitment In Touch online:

YOUR LOCAL SERVICES

March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA • FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll,VAT and bookkeeping services • Personable and professional advice tailored to your individual needs • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies

Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk

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YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 16 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

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