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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 7 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2017
Inch Strand at Sunrise by Barry Freeman – see page 10
e h t h t i w n i d l o e h t h t i w Out
SOLD
Ipswich 01473 396296 Martlesham 01473 396007
TS ESTATE AGEN
Westminster Homecare provides support and assistance for people who in later life want to live at home and maintain their independence for longer. We offer a range of services including: • • • • • •
Personal Care Companionship Medication Assistance Waking Night Support Shopping & Cleaning Specialist Dementia Care
• • • • • •
Pension Collection Sleep in Support Personalised Support Palliative Care Respite Care for Carers End of Life
Visit us on the First Floor, 20 Queen Street, Ipswich, call 01473 226 868 or email Ipswich@whc.uk.com If you are interested in working for Westminster Homecare please e-mail recruitment@whc.uk.com
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS SNOWFLAKE BALL IN MAY? With the British weather as it is, it wouldn’t be unheard of to see snow in May. Local charity Home-Start can (unlike most weather reporters) guarantee it. Home-Start will be hosting their second annual Snowflake Ball at Kesgrave Hall, Milsoms on Friday, May 19. Attendees will once again be dancing along to the band Soul Kitchen and after an arrival drink, will enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner and a variety of entertainment. During the evening there will be the chance to win some amazing prizes and to bid on our silent auction. There is also the opportunity to be involved with a variety of sponsorship packages available to local businesses and prizes needed for the evening’s activities.
Chalkboard outside a small convenience store and bakery in Co Kerry. For once I’m going to let the picture do the talking! Happy shopping. Sharon
In Touch
So why a Snowflake Ball? The snowflake represents the unique, fragile and vulnerable nature of the children and families we support. Home-Start supports families for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone; this can be for many differing reasons such as bereavement, physical and mental health problems. Families are matched with a trained volunteer who supports them on a weekly basis enabling them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, improve their health and wellbeing and widen their links locally. If you would like to find out more or to purchase tickets (£55) contact Home-Start at office@homestartcoastal.co.uk / 01473 621104 or visit: www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk
EXCITING COLLABORATIONS FOR MENDELSSOHN’S ELIJAH
with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath
In Touch with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: ipswicheast@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 Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
01473 400379 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. While 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. © 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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Bramford, Somersham & Offton •C opdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
IN TOUCH WITH . . .
APRIL DEADLINE 10 MARCH 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy
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ICS at Christchurch Mansion, by Matthew Clarke of Ipswich & District Photographic Society
A live concert is the culmination of hours of rehearsals which audience members are blissfully unaware of when enjoying the performance. An exciting collaboration between two long established Ipswich societies will highlight the work involved in staging a very special concert at Snape Maltings Concert Hall on Saturday, April 29 at 7.30pm.
Ipswich Choral Society has begun work on Mendelssohn’s Elijah with rehearsals being caught on camera by members of Ipswich and District Photographic Society. Add the oldest choral society in the world to this collaboration and there’s the making of a very special experience indeed. Halifax Choral Society celebrates its 200th anniversary this year and will be performing with Ipswich Choral Society at the Snape concert and in Halifax on March 19. Members from Ipswich and District Photographic Society will travel to Yorkshire with Ipswich Choral Society to capture the pre-concert rehearsal and the concert itself at The Victoria Theatre in Halifax. These photographs and rehearsal photos taken in Ipswich will be exhibited at Snape Malting Concert Hall on April 29. Tickets are available direct from ICS members or Snape Maltings Box Office: 01728 687110 / www.snapemaltings.co.uk Next month we launch our 18th title, In Touch with Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock & Woolpit. To advertise in this new edition contact the sales team on 01473 400380. All editorial enquiries to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk 3
NEWS IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION Ipswich and District Photographic Society (IDPS) is holding its annual exhibition of prints and projected images in Ipswich Town Hall in March. It’s a Pigs Life – Matthew Clarke
We are a long established, friendly club with members of all photographic abilities, from beginner to very experienced. We have a full and varied programme from September to May which includes competitions and guest speakers. We also hold practical evenings once a month and four times a year we have ‘digital imaging’ days, which are held on Sundays.
NEW CREATIVE WRITING GROUP FOR BEGINNERS
If you would like to join us, or just want further information, please visit: This year, I celebrate five years of running creative writing groups www.idps.org.uk/index.html in Ipswich. Here’s a picture of the class of 2012 meeting at ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF PRINTS AND PROJECTED IMAGES Gainsborough Library. Council Chamber, Town Hall, Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH Five years later and I’m starting a new class for beginners at my house Tuesday, March 7 to Saturday, March 18 Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm / closing at 4pm on March 18 ADMISSION FREE
MINDFULNESS? Head chatter? Overthinking? Life on autopilot? Are you living in the past or in the future and ignoring the present? Are molehills becoming mountains? It is happening to us all and sometimes seems to take control of our lives so we may become anxious, stressed and over tired. Mindfulness is a current buzz word. Schools are doing it, MPs are doing it, tennis players are doing it and newspapers are reporting it, but what actually is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a learnt technique that encourages moments of mental stillness and awareness to help develop strategies for dealing with life’s stresses and strains. You learn how to reflect on rather than react to strong emotions, develop coping strategies for dealing with anxiety and stress and to become more aware of the present moment. Mindfulness will not eliminate life’s pressures, but can help us respond to them in a calm manner. Mindfulness enourages us to enjoy the present moment, what’s going on right here, right now. My name is Annemarie Bealing. I was a secondary school teacher for 25 years and over the past few years I took up practising mindfulness to enhance my quality of life. I was so encouraged by its benefits to me and my pupils that I have now trained to teach mindfulness to adults and children. I am passionate about mental health for teenagers. If you are interested I am running an eight-week courses in Ipswich and Woodbridge. The next courses are due to start in April. Contact me at amb@rightnowworks.co.uk or through my Facebook page: Right Now Works Enjoy the moment!
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in Ravenswood. I’ve had a couple of people sign up already and need another seven before we can get going. Ideally, I want to attract people who are a bit unsure about getting going, but keen to learn alongside others in a supportive environment. The new group will meet every Tuesday evening from 7.30-9.30pm at my house on Damselfly Road, Ravenswood IP3 9TS. I’ll lead a variety of activities to help people find their writing ‘voice’. Most likely, it’ll be a mix of favourite authors and poets together with a pinch of what is unique to everyone. We’ll also work on creating characters, settings and thinking up ideas for stories. I’m still running a Thursday evening group for more experienced writers. It’s fully booked at the moment although a place may open up in the spring. For more details contact me at: maielizabethblack@gmail.com / 01473 711639 Mai Black www.suffolkwritersgroup.com
SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with Iain Sinclair, one of Britain’s foremost writers on London. Iain Sinclair has been described as a “documentarist, film maker, poet, flaneur, metropolitan prophet and urban shaman, keeper of lost cultures and futurologist”. Recent work has been described as “an ambitious and elaborate literary recuperation of the so-called occultist psychogeography of London” and includes the non-fiction London Orbital. His most recent book, My Favourite London Devils, is described on his ‘official unofficial’ website as a “delirious gathering of some writers, living and dead who haunt Iain Sinclair and who inform his own London books”. Iain will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street) on Wednesday, March 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for league members and £8 for nonmembers. Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door, but if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk For further information about Suffolk Book League, including the benefits of membership, visit: www.sbl.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET
MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia Everyone is welcome to our AGM at 7.30pm on Friday, March 10 in St Michael’s Church Centre when we will be reviewing the past year and electing new committee members for the coming year. We would love to hear from 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 would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
VIVA ACAPPELLA If you are female, love singing, have tried other groups but now want something more challenging and personal, perhaps a group where you can influence the choice of music, you’ll be pleased to know that a brand new, all-female acappella group is starting in Ipswich. It starts on Wednesday, March 1 and the first five sessions are completely free. So if you love singing and want to meet up with like-minded and able female singers, why not come along and be there at the start of what could be Suffolk’s premier harmony group? We will meet from 7-9pm at The Coffee Room, Museum Street Methodist Church, 17 Black Horse Lane, Ipswich IP1 2EF every Wednesday from March 1. To find out more contact musical director Gaynor Schofield: 07879 604388 / gaynordugay@btinternet.com www.vivaacappella.co.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen. The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We meet at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / kenstanley4@gmail.com
WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME TO A FREE PIE TASTING? This month we are especially focused on pies! March 6-12 is British Pie Week and we would like to invite you to a free pie tasting on March 9. Apparently 75% of people enjoy a pie at least once a month and 79% of people say they are willing to pay more for a homemade one, so why not come along to our market and try one of ours? We have steak & kidney pie which contains 40% steak and kidney. Our pork pies contain 30% locally reared pork with sausage meat, bacon and homemade pork stock. We also have cottage pie and Cornish pasties. Gluten-free fruit pies are also available. All our pastry is made from scratch and we never use artificial additives. We are more than happy to tell you what’s in our food; in fact we are proud to do so. You can ask us what’s in our recipes, whether you want to check for food allergens or know how something is made. All items can be ordered in advance so that you never need to be disappointed or without your favourite food. We also have a full range of crafts on offer, all created by members of our cooperative and locally made. You can buy a traditionally made item that harks back to an era when we all had time to make our own and skills were passed down the generations. You can keep up to date with the market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, home baked refreshments and free tea or coffee on your first visit.
THE MASQUE PLAYERS PRESENT WHEN WE ARE MARRIED Set in the early 1900s, a group of three couples, old friends and all married on the same day in the same chapel, gather at the Helliwells’ home to celebrate their silver anniversary. When they discover that they aren’t legally married, each couple initially reacts with proper Victorian horror (what will the neighbours think?) and then finds themselves reevaluating their marriages. Hovering closely over the proceedings is the Yorkshire Argus’ alcohol-soaked photographer, keen to record the evening’s events for posterity, and a wickedly destructive housekeeper who is hoping to use the couples’ mortification to her own advantage. Playing at Kesgrave Community Centre from Wednesday, March 29 to Saturday, April 1 at 7.45pm, tickets (£9 / £8 concessions) can be reserved via www.masqueplayers.com / 01473 725633 and will be available on the door.
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ADVERTORIAL
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.
Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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DAY CARE AND COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAY STAYS FROM MARTLESHAM HEATH
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Martlesham 01473 623 661 Rendlesham 01394 420 468
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OUT & ABOUT MARCH BRINGS CHANCES FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction? Have you ever wondered about the story behind antiques through history and in modern life?
Members of the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk have already dusted off their walking and gardening boots ready to challenge themselves and get going for a new season of outdoor activities. If you are a U3A member you will know that groups don’t close their doors when March winds blow because there are always plans to make for the next meeting or outing. You don’t have to be physically active to make U3A friends as there are also indoor groups for reading, writing, poetry or pastimes including Mah Jong, Scrabble and cards, in fact something for everyone.
If you do, we are sure you will enjoy the following event.
Plus of course the talks in our four campuses where visitors as well as members are welcome to attend one of the interesting talks before applying to become a full member. The campus coordinator or volunteers at each venue will be available to give further details of applying for membership on the day.
Join us at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Monday, March 6 at 7.30pm.
Kesgrave Community Centre • Monday, March 27, 2pm: The Colonial Service and the Path to Independence – How Northern Rhodesia became Zambia by Anthony Shur Saxmundham Market Hall • Thursday, March 9, 2pm: The Globe Theatre by Mark Mitchels • Thursday, April 13, 2pm: The Brave Men of Suffolk in the First World War by Dave Empson Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall • Thursday, March 2, 10.30am: The talk given by John Midwinter at Saxmundham last year on the impact of climate change • Thursday, April 6, 10.30am: A Year in the Life, looking back at a 25-year career as a theatrical agent by Eve Regelous Woodbridge Community Hall • No meeting in March • Monday, April 3, 2.30pm: Giles and Ipswich, the life of the famous cartoonist by John Field
Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt? The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents by popular demand another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS when she will talk about Antiques in Context. Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It.
Light refreshments, admission £6. The venue is fully accessible and there is free adjacent parking. Further details from the Burrows family: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk
GET AHEAD AT WORK Trying to advance your career? Already managing people? Want to be more confident giving those work presentations? If you step up to be a supervisor, manager or professional (or want to), formal training in management skills isn’t always available. We can give you a head-start by helping you become a more effective communicator and developing your leadership skills along the way. Let Speak Easy at Martlesham, your friendly neighbourhood speakers’ club, help you improve your speaking and leadership in 2017. Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club. We meet every Thursday fortnight at the Richards Room in Martlesham. Our meetings are structured to include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation. For further details please call 07968 372563 or visit: www.speak-easy.org.uk Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you soon.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY At our February meeting a full hall heard a wonderful talk from Dr Peter Webb about his friend the Bradford artist David Hockney. As well as detailing the amazing career of the artist with many colourful illustrations of his work, Dr Webb also added a series of anecdotes of his meetings and experiences with Hockney. It was a truly fascinating and enjoyable lecture. Next month promises to be another gem. On March 1 Antony Penrose will talk on Picasso, Man Ray and Max Ernst through the eyes of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose. Antony is the son of photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose and, as a boy, had personal experiences of these three great figures of 20th century art. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures are presented by national and international lecturers and start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised). Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £6 donation is asked. For more information contact Wendy Robbins: 07736 417347 / info@orwelldfas.org.uk www.orwelldfas.org.uk
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DIABETES UK IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP The next open meeting is on Thursday, March 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH at 7pm. The main speaker will be Caroline Sager, a HQ officer from Diabetes UK, and Martin from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, who is sponsoring the evening, will give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills. This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee. For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org ADVANCE NOTICE: Easter Fair at Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre on Sunday, April 2, 11am-3pm, with stalls, cakes, face painting, toys and much more. 9
OUT & ABOUT MARWYN SCHOOL OF DANCING Marwyn School of Dancing was formed in 1947 and opened its Ipswich branch in 1977. Principal Jackie Bloomfield, who has run the Ipswich school for all of its 40 years, started the school with her mum, Mrs Hedley, originally in St Augustine’s Hall. The ethos is to be a friendly yet professional dancing school, while promoting the love of dance. Generations of families have been taught by the school, and children of ex-pupils are still coming through. The school offers classes from three years in ballet, tap, modern and acrobatic dance and even offers adult tap and ballet classes. We pride ourselves on taking in cygnets and transforming them into swans, at any age. Join us at Highfield Road Centre (26 Highfield Road, Ipswich IP1 6DA) on alternative Tuesdays and Thursdays for entertainment (crafts, flower arranging, games, music and much more) and home cooked meals for a small charge. Subsidised taxis to and from home can be arranged. Contact: David 01473 677054 / Rosemary 01474 311049 New members very welcome.
The school regularly puts on a show at a local theatre and profits from every performance are given to charity. Over the years, money has been donated to ARMS, Malcom Sargent Cancer Fund (and others) and currently Clic Sargent Cancer Care for Children and Families. To date, more than £40,000 has been donated by the school. The dancing school meets after school at The Scout Hut on Foxhall Road from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Jackie can be contacted with enquiries on 01394 272851. For more information visit: www.marwyndance.co.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED
John Griffiths present a talk entitled Ipswich Airport Remembered on Monday, April 10.
A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm.
Aviation started in the Ipswich area in 1912, but the first airfield wasn’t created until 1927, followed by the Nacton Heath airfield in 1930. Civil aviation flourished there until its takeover by the RAF for the duration of the war. It was thereafter used for flights to the continent and as a centre for private flying. The sad end came in 1996 with development for housing. Meetings are held at Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all. Kim Quinton
Thursday, March 23: Butterfly Banner (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members. New members are always welcome. For more details contact: Jill 01473 713534 / Emma 01787 373850
TUESDAY TEA DANCES Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich IP4 4HZ, 2-4pm.
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm. On March 21 Paul Forecast, the new regional director for the East of England National Trust, will be setting out his plans for the next 10 years and, in particular, how the trust will play a more active role in saving nature. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. On April 25 Horry Parsons will be talking about the construction of the Millennium Tower at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, featuring the installation of the vaulted ceiling. Horry is a very entertaining speaker, as many will remember, and this should be another interesting talk. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk 10
If you have danced in the past and feel the urge to pick up those steps again, there is still room for you to try it out. Dancing classes continue with waltzing, cha cha, rhumba and other ballroom and Latin dances on Wednesday evenings, with refreshers from 7-8pm and improvers from 8-10pm. Just £3 for members, including refreshments. Facebook: sidegatelanecommunitycentre
IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY At our last meeting we enjoyed a talk from Jeremy Gaskell about the treaty ports in China, both British and Foreign, as European countries tried to influence and gain trade from the Chinese. The French, German, Russian and Japanese, as well as the British, were represented in these ports, one of which was 500 miles up the Yangtze River. On March 1 Norman Emeny will present Astronomy & Archaeology and on March 15 we have a competition where members can show up to 10 sheets on any subject of their choice. On April 5 we will be holding our annual auction where we sell stamps and philatelic material. There will be approximately 450 lots to bid for; viewing is on the evening from about 4pm, with the auction starting at 6.45pm sharp. Put the date in your diary if you would like to improve your collection or start a new hobby. Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
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OUT & ABOUT BRIGHTWELL UKULELES
CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS
It is pleasing to be able to report that we have now reached capacity at 22 members, but at the same time it’s a pity that we have to create a waiting list. If you would still like to join please get in touch with me so that we can let you know if and when we have a vacancy. All members are now working hard on a concert programme for performances later in the year which is a fair undertaking for us all. However, we remain calm and light hearted, if a little sore fingered. At last meeting we tried the introduction of a bass line to some of our items and this seemed to work well, giving a solid basis to our rhythm. One or two light percussion instruments may creep in later. If you would like to try contact me, Geoff Lambert, at 01473 624130 / brightukes@btinternet.com or visit: www.facebook.com/groups/235900156864383
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, March 23 at 7.30pm: Stephen Govier presents a fascinating talk on the De La Pole Family, Dukes of Suffolk, a very influential family who rose from lowly origins as wool merchants in Hull to the highest echelons of late 15th century society. De la Poles were also involved in The War of the Roses and one was even a pretender to the throne at one point. The De La Poles are probably best known in Suffolk for their links in the Wingfield area, but come along and be surprised! We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Our members live all around the area but we share an interest in what is happening in our county town. In January we learned a lot from our very entertaining speakers about Ipswich Citizens Advice Bureau. They gave us a picture of the different people who come to them and of the types of issues that they seek help with. We were impressed by the detail and reliability of the information which their national system provides for their advisers and the respect and empathy which we sensed in their approach to their clients. Volunteers play a valued role in many aspects of their work. February was focussed on our conference at the University of Suffolk in celebration of Lighthouse’s 40th anniversary. As In Touch’s submission deadline is the actual day of our event, we can only say that we have everything crossed! We are very much looking forward to our regular monthly meeting on March 8 when Abby Grace from Suffolk Refugee Support will speak about experiences of the Syrian refugees in Ipswich over the past year. This is such an important topic for all of us locally that we wonder if other women would like to come and hear her. You would be most welcome. Please call Jackie on 01473 659314 for directions or for more information about Soroptimism.
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The Lions Club of Ipswich will again be hosting their annual art show at the beautiful Tithe Barn in Sproughton this May and the club is now taking entries from local artists who wish to exhibit Artists can show up to four pieces of work, which must be ready to hang. The Lions club take a small commission from any pieces that are sold over the weekend, which will go towards president’s charity appeal. This year the club is supporting The Red Rose Chain Community Project. The show opens on Friday, May 26 with a special cheese and wine preview evening. Tickets are just £7 and the it’s a fantastic opportunity to be amongst the first to view more than 300 pieces by local artists. The show is open to the public from 10am-5pm on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 and from 10am-4pm on Monday 29, with entry just £1. For more information about the show or to exhibit your work contact Lion Terry Hunt: 01473 747600
BROKE HALL WI Friday, March 10: The Art of Fine Wood Carving with Barry Marshall We meet at 7.30pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. New and former members are welcome. For more information contact Sue (414746) or Chris (713546).
WILDLIFE OF SHINGLE STREET Bawdsey Bird Club annual illustrated talk This year’s public illustrated talk will be given by Jeremy Mynott and takes place in Sutton Memorial Hall, Old Post Office Lane, Sutton, Nr Woodbridge IP12 3JQ on Saturday, March 25 at 7.30pm. Jeremy is a resident of Shingle Street who has published and broadcast widely on the natural world, especially on birds. He led a survey of the wildlife of Shingle Street which is summarised in his 2016 booklet, Knowing your Place: Wildlife in Shingle Street. Who could be better equipped to deliver this talk than someone living among the wonderful diversity of flora and fauna this unique area has to offer? Jeremy’s stunning photographs and amazing enthusiasm for nature conservation and study will enhance what promises to be an evening not to be missed. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available during the interval. Admission is £3 for adults, under 18s £1.50 and there is ample free parking. For directions and further information please contact: wa@sandlings.co.uk / 01394 411422 13
OUT & ABOUT
Hello there! Spring is almost here at last – can’t you just feel it in the air? By the end of March the clocks will go forward and the evenings will start getting longer and we’ll really start to see the back of winter at last. Keep your eye on the weather forecasts though – it’s not too late to get cold snaps so you’ll need to be on the ball in case you need to whip out the frost protection. The growing season is starting to get underway and early potatoes can be planted out as soon as possible, second earlies and maincrops will follow later in the month. If you started off any peas, broad beans and the like earlier on, then you’re probably okay to transplant these now too. Seeds for a whole variety of crops can be planted outside (check your seed packets), but get things like your French beans and cauliflowers started off in the greenhouse if you have one. We’re looking forward to being able to get things growing in our new polytunnel this year. I’ll let you know how we get on as we’ve never had one before. If you don’t know where on earth (see what I did there?) to start, have a look in the newsagents for the various gardening magazines available. Many of them are aimed at beginners and several even come with free packs of seed and full step by step growing instructions. It’s a great place to start and everyone has to start somewhere, after all. If you’ve ever fancied growing your own, we do have a few plots available at our picturesque Rushmere St Andrew site. New members are always made very welcome. If you’re unsure if allotmenting is for you, why not go for one of our half-plots? For more information, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Becki Ritson
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We welcomed Susan Horne from Gt Baddow with a demonstration entitled Pick a Colour, any Colour on February 23. Susan can always be relied upon to give a most entertaining demonstration, her flowers are always of the highest standard and she always has interesting tales. We are now looking forward to our next meeting on March 23 when Jennie Baker from Harlestone presents Chosen for You. This is a return visit from Jennie and I’m sure she will give us an entertaining evening. Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm, but the doors open at 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the displays created in the demonstration and raffled at the close of the meeting. Annual subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £40 and visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, March 22, 7pm: The Midland Railway Society and Stainer Pacifics We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via rear car park. Visitors welcome for just £3.50 including tea/ coffee. Details from: 01473 414746/422145 www.idhts.co.uk 14
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MEET YOUR LOCAL SUPERVISING SOCIAL WORKER FOR SUFFOLK Hi, my name is Antoinetta D’Allessandro, your local supervising social worker for the Eastern Region covering Suffolk. I have been working with the Sunbeam/Pride Fostering Service for more than three years and am 100% committed to my role within this company. I have both a personal and professional interest in fostering and feel this gives me the passion and insight to recognise what makes a good foster carer. I feel I am able to go the extra mile needed to support and understand my foster carers journey, which may at times be challenging but brings with it its own rewards. I like to adopt an individual approach to all my foster families, encouraging them to believe in the personal qualities they bring to the role of fostering, which in turn can motivate and inspire the foster child in their care to reach their potential. Pride Fostering is presently looking to recruit foster carers within the Suffolk area. For further information around what makes a good foster carer and the reasons why children become looked after, please go to our website for more information, where you can also apply: www.pridefostering.com/fostering-in-suffolk If you live in Suffolk or the surrounding areas and would like to know more about how Pride can support you as a foster carer visit www. pridefostering.com where under Events you’ll see the types of activities Antoinetta does with her foster families. Antoinetta is holding information days at Woodbridge Library on Wednesday, March 15 and Monday, March 27, 9.30am-5.30pm, and looks forward to meeting you for an informal chat and exchange of leaflets and further information.
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In Touch online:
SCHOOLS / SPORT EASTER AT BRIGHT STARS Soon we will be finding out about Easter, with singing, Bible stories, games and crafts. If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a fun start to your week we would love you to come along with family and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars. We are a friendly group who meet from 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath. The free half hour sessions are followed by refreshments and a chance to play until noon. You are welcome to turn up on the day, but if you would like further information please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you. Our remaining dates for the spring term are March 13 and 27. Jennie Fidler: 07584 420729 / Sonya & Maureen Burrow: 01473 625196 / Sue Lambert: 01473 624130
IPSWICH WANDERERS FC Our local Step 5 football club are currently sitting in eighth place in the Premier Division following a home win against basement club Swaffham Town.
KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE NEWS Tayler Evans (pictured below with Georgie Lawson) made the step up from representing her club to representing her association at the EKF National Kyu Grade Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield on Sunday, January 15. This was the fifth Kyu Grade National Championships and marks the first major national level competition of 2017. This event was established by the English Karate Federation as a ‘stepping-stone’ to the full National Championships held in April.
This time last season, Wanderers were beginning a post-FA Vase slump that led to a tense relegation battle.
Both of these events contribute to the selection process of the English National Karate Team so all competitors have an added incentive to perform.
It seems that Shane Wardley’s team have avoided a repeat of that and a top-half finish looks on the cards. His side are playing well and the form of the whole squad has been excellent. Fans of football should get along to Humber Doucy Lane in March (and early April) to support their local semi-pro team.
Tayler did not disappoint as she picked up a bronze medal in the cadet girl’s individual kumite as well as a gold medal in the cadet girl’s team kumite. This is her best performance to date at a national competition and is a result of her dedication to training. Well done Tayler.
Upcoming home fixtures at The Doucy
Georgie Lawson attended her first international of 2017 on Saturday, January 14 in Estonia. This was part of her preparation for the European Championships to be held in Bulgaria in February where she represents her country for the third time. The standard was really high with international teams from Sweden, Finland and Latvia to name but a few.
Saturday, March 11: v Stanway Rovers (League) KO 3pm Tuesday, March 21: v Hadleigh United (League) KO 3pm Saturday, April 8: v Gorleston (League) KO 3pm On Thursday, March 23 the club is hosting the Big Fat Football Quiz, a fine opportunity to test your football knowledge. The first prize is a splendid trophy. Teams of up to four are invited. You can enter by phoning 07734 321259 or register at 7.15pm on the night. The quiz begins at 7.30pm in the Wanderers clubhouse. Refreshments and the Wanderers bar will be available during the evening.
Georgina attended the competition without a coach, which was a big ask, but managed to fight her way to the gold tactically and physically and was over the moon with the result. This was another fantastic result for Georgie, massive congratulations to her. Club members also took a part in a Polish charity day on January 15. The club donated a voucher for a monthly-unlimited training pass to all Northgate Karate Clubs for the auction that took place.
Before that, the regular and popular Wanderers Bingo will be taking place on Friday, March 3, eyes down at 8pm with cash prizes.
The club would like to thank all the Red Dragons and juniors who took part in the karate demonstration: Lilly, Jessica, Harry, Nicholas, Arnas, Calum, Alex , Riagan and Bart.
Keith Lloyd
The club also participated in the Chinese New Year show at the New Wolsey Theatre on February 5. Participants in this event were Harry Witmore, Lilly Melton, Emma Buckley, Sophie Swan, Amelia Clow, Lauren Berry, Ruby and Oscar Hunt.
ST JOHN’S URC LAWN BOWLS CLUB St John’s Club is looking for new members, with or without bowling experience, to join our very friendly club at Westbury Road. We play league matches during the week and friendly bowling on Tuesdays and at weekends, along with other social activities. If membership appeals to you, please contact David and Helen, our joint secretaries, for further details: 01473 717979
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We are also delighted to say that Ipswich Audi is now a club sponsoralong with M+C Diesel, IS Electricals and Chris Clow. A huge thank you to all our sponsors who help our club members realise their goals. Eleanor Legg
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL It’s been a fantastic month for Ipswich Ravens which fittingly included our third anniversary of forming the club in 2014. We began with an excellent showing in the monthly indoor six-a-side tournament at Maidenhall Leisure Centre. After finishing bottom of Division 1 last month with a depleted squad due to seasonal flu, our First team was back to normal this month and put in a strong performance finishing third out of seven teams with two good wins and defeats against only the two very strong sides from Ipswich VC who are by far the strongest club in the competition. Our elated captain Chris Giles summed it up: “Frankly we smashed it this month, although we only won two and lost two it feels like we won the tournament!” In Division 2 we were delighted to be able to enter a composite team consisting of three of our ladies and two juniors. This was the first time our juniors have competed at this level having previously played in just the occasional school tournament, and it showed our intention to develop players of all levels and help them to improve as quickly as they can manage. The team performed admirably with two good wins against Stow Aces and SCC Seagulls, and two defeats.
The match was played in excellent spirit and after a rather sluggish start Ravens raised their game to romp home with a win by three sets to nil 26-17, 26-12, 26-8. Finally, with the club continuing to grow we are thrilled to say we have now started running an extra volleyball session every Tuesday from 7-9pm, also at St Alban’s School in Rushmere, to whom we are hugely grateful for their continued support. This is in addition to our established session on Saturdays from 2-4pm. All our sessions are run by experienced coaches and are open to male or female players, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk or.
Probably the most pleasing event of the month was when Ravens Ladies hosted a full scale match against SCC Seagulls in the Suffolk Ladies League. This is the first season that the Ladies League has ever been held and it’s a sign of how volleyball has grown in popularity throughout the county in recent years.
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW At this time of year my mind starts to think about spring cleaning. What have I kept for too long that I need to get rid of? What cupboards need a good clear out? Every time I switch on my PC I get a message about apps that I haven’t used for a while and a suggestion that I might like to get rid of them to make space for new software. When you have a clear out do you, as I do, think that you should hang on to that thing as you might need it someday? Or perhaps, you are like my wife who thinks that some things just don’t need to be kept. Once you have cleared the space you will then have room for something new. Does this principle also apply to our time, making room to try something new? Perhaps that new thing could be coming to church? If you would like to come and see us we meet every Sunday morning from 10.30am-noon at Heath Primary School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave. You will receive a warm welcome.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. 18
the
ARK church
This month sees our 32 anniversary and preparations are underway to make it a special celebration with invitations going out to all the churches in our region both within our organisation and the wider church body locally. Over the years we have seen much change, both in ourselves and in the world around us, but our hope in the power of God remains the same. Jesus is the same today, tomorrow and forever. There is a comforting stability that contrasts strongly with a fast paced and ever-changing world we live in. What He said more than 2,000 years ago still holds true, that only love can make a real change in what is happening – we must love God and love our neighbours. nd
Join us on Sunday mornings throughout the year at 11.30am (Café & Children’s Church at 10.30am), for Wednesday Bible Study at 8pm or for Young People’s Night on alternate Fridays (see website for details). The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR / arkipswichuk@gmail.com www.arkipswich.co.uk / Facebook @arkofthelord / Twitter @arkipswich Our newsletter is available via free subscription.
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