In Touch with Kesgrave - March 2016

In Touch

™© ™©

with Kesgrave & Rushmere

Volume 6 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2016

Shard Angles by Lynda Robinson LRPS, Ipswich & District Photographic Society

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

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I went along to an e-safety workshop for parents at Jack’s school last week and I’m still shaking my head in horror. I’m relatively tech-savvy, or at least I though I was, but I’m not what they call a ‘digital native’, i.e. a person born or brought up in the age of digital technology and familiar with computers and the internet from an early age. In fact I can remember being introduced to a fax machine in my first year at university and being utterly amazed that we could send a sheet of paper from one side of the room to the other! Those of us who aren’t digital natives acknowledge the wonder of digital technology and most of us use it daily, some more effectively that others, but I don’t suppose I will ever truly appreciate how ‘normal’ it is for natives like Jack. That said it is my responsibility to protect him from the negative aspects of digital communication ­– such as the possibility that someone could be watching him through the webcam on my iPad using a remote access tool! How creepy is that?

Taking what I’d learned at the e-safety session I went into Settings on the iPad and set all the appropriate restrictions. I also downloaded a child-friendly version of YouTube called YouTube Kids and a childfriendly browser. Jack hasn’t actually noticed the difference yet, but I know he’s not going to be bombarded with inappropriate content or accidentally follow links to sites which aren’t age appropriate. For now he’s safe, but kids being kids, I know he will challenge the boundaries and find ways to circumvent my efforts to control his digital adventures so I have to stay one step ahead at all times. Ironically there are some very useful websites you can visit to learn more about setting restrictions and understanding how young people use social media.

The e-safety session ended with a question: “Would you abandon your children in central London unsupervised and unaccompanied?”

If No is your answer, find out what you can do to protect them online.

Kesgrave In Touch with & Rushmere

NEWS BUS NOTES There are no changes to bus services to report. Work has started on a rebuild of Ipswich Railway Station: a pictorial on the Suffolk website shows that there will be two new bus shelters outside – one where the present taxi rank is, the second in a new lay-by roughly in the present position. Taxis will have a new shelter alongside Burrell Road.

The new program for Ipswich Buses’ Real Ale Runabouts to Suffolk’s excellent village pubs has just become available. There are several more daytime excursions than in recent years: some of these are on Saturdays, a new venture. The usual choice of evening visits continues. Fares this year will be £8.50, with a 50p reduction for bus pass holders and CAMRA members.

A handbill listing all trips will soon be available at the Tower Ramparts bus office. On those excursions that start along the A12 via Kesgrave, passengers can be picked up at the stop opposite The Bell if requested at the time of booking. It is pleasing that Jeremy Cooper, the new managing director, is as enthusiastic about these excursions as Mr Robson was.

Happy Wanderer

FAURÉ’S REQUIEM AT ST ANDREW’S, RUSHMERE This year’s musical offering for Good Friday, March 25, from St Andrew’s Church, Rushmere St Andrew, is a devotional performance of Fauré’s muchloved Requiem.

For this performance, which will be interspersed with readings and prayers, occasional choir St Andrew’s Singers will be joined by soloists Sarah Gallop (soprano) and Patrick McCarthy (baritone), with William Baldry accompanying on the organ and Alan Loader conducting. The performance starts at 6pm and lasts approximately an hour. Admission is free with a retiring collection in aid of Christian Aid, and there is plenty of parking available at the church.

Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

HELP US CELEBRATE THE RICH HISTORY OF RUSHMERE ST ANDREW VILLAGE

Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

We also publish

Are you interested in helping us put together an exhibition to be held in the village this summer?

• Hadleigh NEW • 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 • Bramford, Offton & Somersham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

Do you have some historical information to contribute?

In Touch with Kesgrave & Rushmere is published by:

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

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Would you like to take an active part in compiling and helping to present the exhibits?

We would like to include as many contributors as possible and to enhance the enjoyment of people who come to the exhibition and further increase the affinity of people with the village. We would be delighted if you could help us.

If you would like to do so please contact Ron Spore: 07880 734126 / ron.spore@icloud.com Alternatively contact us via the SORRI blog spot: www.sorrinews.blogspot.co.uk

SECRETARY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR KESGRAVE FRIENDSHIP CLUB Our social club urgently requires a volunteer to take on the role of club secretary.

We meet from 2-4pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month in the Orwell Room at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. We have about 40 members, mostly over the age of 60, who live in the Kesgrave area, but new members from further afield are welcome. Potential new members are welcome to try two free taster afternoons.

The position of secretary is ideal for someone who is retired or wishing to build a CV. Some expenses will be covered. For further information, please contact Elaine Self (01473 333002) or Sue Theobald (01473 620709).

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NEWS ALL CHANGE AT KESGRAVE LEGION HALL Bringing Kesgrave Royal British Legion Hall to a wider audience.

Keith Read explains why and how.

The Royal British Legion hall was opened on August 24, 1963 by Major General W R Goodman CD, DSO, MC. Since then the hall has provided a venue for ex-service people to meet and socialise as well as a focus for the annual Poppy Appeal. However, in recent years the membership numbers have been in steady decline as that generation, to whom we all owe so much, has gradually died away.

Many of the smaller RBL branches have been hit particularly hard including Kesgrave. A few years ago a small group of us joined the RBL so we could do what we could to prolong the life of our local ‘old boy’s’ much loved hall – you may be surprised to know that you don’t have to be an ex-serviceman to join the Royal British Legion.

At first we thought if we could help the last of the local old soldiers manage the decline and passing of their branch and its headquarters with dignity then that would be a good and respectful goal. But then we began to realise that there may a better way forward if we could open up the hall to the public as a venue for hire and at the same time preserve its Legion heritage and maintain a long term focus for the Poppy Appeal.

We already knew that a new roof was needed and it had already been priced up and, thanks to a substantial grant from local charity group SPARK, the work is scheduled. But part of our cunning refurbishment plan needed some work doing to the building electrics. When we got a professional in to give us a quote he hit us with game changing news that the very old wiring system was falling apart and was no longer fit for purpose.

It became blindingly obvious that something far more substantial than a bit of spit and polish would be required. Thankfully, the ‘real old soldiers’ have had the vision to agree to our plans for a major upgrade of the whole site which will set Kesgrave’s RBL Hall firmly in the 21st century. Starting in mid-March, the premises will get a brand new roof, completely new electrical system including the heating, a bang up-to-date kitchen facility, new toilet and babychanging facilities and be re-decorated from top to toe. The hall will need to be shut down for a month while all this takes place, but rising from the ashes will be a venue the branch can be proud of for many years to come.

Our plan then will be to offer the hall to the public for hire. We will also launch a website, hopefully in time to coincide with the start of the refurbishment in mid-March. The web address will be www.kesgraverbl.org – I hasten to add that it doesn’t exist yet, but keep an eye open for it!

We’re hoping to be open for full use by early May and have a grand official opening ceremony and open day around about the time of The Queen’s Official 90th Birthday – watch this space for more details.

If you know of any, group, club or individual looking for a meeting venue and who would like to take a look at the hall before we’re open for business (perhaps with a view to making an advance booking), then contact me, Keith Read: 01473 624395 / enquiry@kesgraverbl.org Finally, we hope that eventually perhaps we can find a new generation of local ex-service men and women who’d like to develop a more 21st century meeting venue where they can socialise and reminisce with old colleagues long into the future. Now that really would be a legacy that the 20th century old soldiers could be proud of!

HOME-START’S BIGGEST FUNDRAISER YET Enjoy a glamorous night of fine dining, music and entertainment at Home-Start Suffolk East Ipswich & Coastal’s Snowflake Ball on Friday, May 20 at Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall.

Tickets are £55 to include an arrival drink and three course meal with entertainment provided by the band Soul Kitchen. During the evening there will be the chance to win some amazing prizes and bid for a holiday in the auction as well as many more exciting opportunities.

For tickets or further information please contact 01473 621104 / office@homestartcoastal.co.uk or book online at: www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk

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KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following craft activities will be taking place during March: • Sunday, March 6: It’s almost spring time. We’re making a hatching dinosaur egg.

• Sunday, March 14: To celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17, come along and make a leprechaun hat.

• Sunday, March 20: Join us at our Spring Fayre and make a free Easter Bunny mask.

• Sunday, March 27: CLOSED Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

BookStart: every Thursday (term time only).

These are free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Why not come along and join Emma every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories.

• Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Story Time: every Friday morning (term time only) 9.45-10.15am Why not pop along to see Emma and join in with the stories, songs, rhymes and activities? This session is funded by the Library’s Community Group.

Spring Fayre: Sunday, March 20, 10am-noon There are loads of stalls with fun games for Easter including a free craft activity for the children and an Easter egg hunt. Refreshments and homemade cakes are available. Watch out for posters advertising the event.

Easter Closing Please be aware that the library will be closed Friday, Sunday and Monday, March 25, 27, and 28. The library will be open as normal on Saturday, March 26. Normal opening times will resume on Tuesday, March 29.

OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm

Wednesday: 2.30-6pm

Thursday: 2.30-8pm

Friday: 9am-noon

Saturday: 10am-5pm

Sunday: 10am-3pm

SUFFOLK AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM A busy close season has included the realisation of two significant milestones for the museum. After many years operating with a limited capacity generator, the project was given a major boost in November with the installation of mains electricity – made possible by a direct works grant by broadband company Buzcom Wireless Innovation. The agreement will also see free broadband connection onto the museum, eventually enabling development of the long planned for online and virtual aspect of the project.

A further boost was received in January when Suffolk Aviation Heritage Group attained registered charity status after many years spent under the qualifying income threshold. Registration brings with it a significant broadening of the group’s potential fundraising base, and the very real prospect of seeing final completion of the museum in 2016.

The agreement with Buzcom has also seen the installation of movement sensitive stills cameras, which it is hoped will help tackle the problem of unwanted incursions into the site which continue to be a significant problem despite the many appeals and notices over the years. It is intended that any photographs of culprits caught in the act will be passed to the police and also made public on the group’s website.

The museum opens its doors again on Easter Sunday, where this year visitors will be able to view the ongoing project completion work. The first of many special events for 2016 kicks off on Sunday, April 24 with another popular traditional car boot sale. Details of this and all events can be found at: www.suffolkaviationheritage.org.uk

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET Country markets have a great reputation for delicious home cooked preserves and you can try several traditional and more unusual tasty marmalade recipes, all made by local artisan cooks. Baked savouries and sweet treats are available at our markets as usual and, of course, gluten-free and special diet needs can be met – and you can place an order. Come and talk to our cooks. Crafts are well represented with locally made cards, hand-sewn bags, beaded jewellery and lovely knitted clothes for babies and infants and all ages. We’re a good source of Easter gifts, too.

Take the time to pay us a visit: you’ll get a warm welcome at Martlesham Heath Country Market at the Pavilion every Tuesday morning, 9.15-11.15am, and at Kesgrave’s monthly community market on Saturday morning, March 19, at the Scout Hut. Enjoy a cup of tea or other refreshments and have a nice sit-down with your friends.

Enquiries please to Margaret Gayfer on 01473 623849 or to our Facebook pages: Kesgrave Country Market / Martlesham Heath Country Market

KESGRAVE WAR MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTRE Have you just got engaged, planning a wedding?

Whether you are looking for inspiration for your wedding day or just want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, there is no better place to be than at a wedding fair. The centre is once again hosting its very own in association with Let’s Party on Sunday, May 8 from 11am-3pm. Talk to florists, bespoke caterers, the photographers who can capture those special moments just for you and everyone else that you could possibly need to help plan and organise your special day.

New casual badminton session: Due to the continued success of the casual badminton sessions on Tuesday and Friday mornings, the centre is pleased to announce that a new Thursday session has been added. The sessions will be term time only from 1-3pm in the sports hall for just £2 a person per session.

No booking required – simply turn up, pay and play.

Easter holiday fun: For youngsters age five to 12 years with Premier Sport at Kesgrave Community and Sports Centre. For further information please visit: www.premier-education.com For all enquiries or to arrange a viewing or book a function room at the centre, please contact: 01473 612648

Seven Sisters 4 by David Robinson ARPS

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Ipswich and District Photographic Society (IDPS) is holding its annual exhibition of prints and projected images in the Council Chamber at Town Hall Galleries (Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH) from March 1-12, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (closes at 4pm on Saturday 12). Admission free.

We have weekly meetings at Burlington Baptist Church Centre, London Road, Ipswich, IP1 2EZ from September to May. Our programme includes monthly print and projected image competitions, illustrated talks by visiting photographers, days out and practical evenings which are great for anyone wanting help with their photography. New members are always welcome and you can come along as a visitor (£5) for a particular evening if you wish to give us a try.

For more information please visit: www.idps.org.uk

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month we are especially focused on pies! March 7-3 is British Pie Week.

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.

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.

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.

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 too. On March 3 we are offering our bacon rolls as a breakfast butty with the addition of an optional egg. www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

www.kwmcc.co.uk

WHAT’S ON AT KESGRAVE SOCIAL CLUB MARTLESHAM BRASS

The club’s AGM is on Tuesday, March 8 at 7.30pm in the main lounge. You must have a full membership card to attend.

Everyone is welcome to our band AGM at 7.30pm on Friday, March 4 in St Michael’s Church Centre, when we will be reviewing the past year and electing new committee members. Please join our preliminary band on March 12 for Tea & Tunes at St Michael’s Church Centre, 10am-noon. This is a chance to showcase the talents of our preliminary band. There will be refreshments throughout the morning, a raffle and a chocolate tombola. Admission is free.

Looking forward into April, there will be a concert with our main band on Saturday, April 16 at St Michael’s Church Centre.

On Tuesday, March 1 we have the Heartbeat meeting – a mine of information if you are facing any kind of heart surgery or procedure. Come along and discuss any issue or concerns.

www.martleshambrass.co.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who would like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere, meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm.

Thursday, March 24: Beaded Bracelet (Jill) The 2016 monthly projects list is now available and other projects are available.

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

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On Saturday, March 5 we have Marshall King with an Elvis night. This event is almost sold out so get your tickets now.

Foxy Rock dancers are with us on Sundays, March 6 and 20. New dancers always welcome, learn some new steps then practise.

There is a quiz night on Wednesday, March 9. Come and take on the resident experts, teams of four.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20 we have a country and western weekend – Martin Kaye on the Saturday and Martin Ruddy and Kevin Barry on Sunday. The kitchen will be open for breakfast and lunch on the Sunday so you can make a day of it and enjoy every song from these excellent artists.

To close the month we are proud to be hosting the fantastic Air Ambulance event on Saturday, March 26. Stephen Foster from BBC Radio Suffolk is the host, and the Martells will be performing with Herongreen and Shoot the Drummer. There will be a huge raffle with great prizes, many donated by local business. Tickets at £10 are available now – be sure to get in early as numbers are limited.

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OUT & ABOUT ART BRIDGES THE GAP 2015 Local artist Theronda Hoffman organised the third Art Bridges the Gap exhibition at Kesgrave Arts from December 5-24 and raised £1,332 for Age UK Suffolk. The exhibition featured a variety of work by Theronda, some of her students and other artists from Suffolk. A sale of work by Theronda also took place with half of the proceeds going to Age UK Suffolk.

Theronda said: “I have been supporting Age UK Suffolk for over three years as they provide so many valuable services for older people in Suffolk.”

Individual Giving Officer Maggie James said: “We thank Theronda who is such a great supporter of Age UK Suffolk and all the artists and supporters who donated paintings or items for the raffle.”

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction? Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt? If you do then put this date in your diary.

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. 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.

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

SIDEGATE LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE Take steps in time to music at Sidegate Lane Community Centre in our ballroom and Latin dance classes on Wednesday evenings: refreshers 7-8pm / improvers 8-10pm. Just £3 per person. Further details contact 01473 723070 or visit: www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk/ballroom

SUFFOLK PHOENIX BRASS Suffolk Phoenix Brass is keen to welcome new players including visitors/ students working in the area and currently has a number of vacancies, particularly for cornet players, and a number of good quality spare instruments available for loan. Many of the band have played brass instruments all their lives but several have returned to playing later in their life. Our younger members find it easy to fit us in around school/college and university commitments.

The band has a yearly programme of events including appearances at fetes and park engagements, as well as charity concerts and rehearses at Museum Street Methodist Church in Black Horse Lane from 7pm every Tuesday (free parking). So, if you fancy joining us, we would love to meet you. For further details contact: Bob, 01473 438821 / Glenn, 01394 386584 www.suffolkphoenixbrass.co.uk

ANOTHER BULLSEYE FOR DEBEN ROTARY The club recently presented a cheque for £550 to Homestart, a national charity which helps parents to build better lives for their children. The money will be used to provide a much-needed holiday for a local family who have two children with autism. The money was raised

by Deben Rotary’s Summer Darts League and our thanks go to all the darts teams who have supported the league over the years.

Our January Memory Café at Woodbridge Football Club was well attended and we were delighted to

welcome several new visitors who, on this occasion, were entertained by local concertina maestro David Nuttall.

The Memory Café meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 10.30am-noon at Woodbridge Football Club, where we extend a warm welcome to all dementia sufferers and their carers. The next sessions are on February 24 and March 30. If you would like to know more about this or any other Rotary activity please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE DISTRICT HELP CENTRE We will be holding some afternoon teas this year. If you would like to know more please come along to our weekly coffee mornings held every Thursday in Kesgrave Community Centre, 10-11.30am.

Can you help us with some occasional transport to enable some of our local residents get to our coffee mornings? This could be on a ‘as needed’ basis or more permanent if you would like to be involved. This is to cover for us when any of our volunteers are on holiday or not well. Contact us at our coffee mornings for details.

GIPPESWYK SINGERS SPRING CONCERT A concert of gloriously uplifting music to celebrate Passiontide and the coming of spring is being presented by the Gippeswyk Singers on Saturday, April 9 at St John’s Church, Orwell Road, Felixstowe at 7.45pm. Geoff Lavery conducts a lovely programme which includes choral pieces by Parry and Stanford, culminating in a very special performance of Haydn’s magnificent Nelson Mass featuring the sparkling virtuosity of four young professional soloists and the nationally acclaimed organist, Andrew Cantrill.

Tickets (£10) are available at the door or from Phil Speirs, 2 Treetops, Felixstowe IP11 9ER (please send a SAE with a cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers).

Profits from this season’s concerts go to local charities Got to Read (providing one-on-one help for adults needing to improve literacy and numeracy skills) and Home-Start (providing home help volunteers for families in need of support). Drinks and nibbles will be available after the concert with the opportunity to meet the singers.

For more information please visit: www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

KESGRAVE WI Ken Stone, a keen royal photographer, was our February speaker. Ken spends all his spare time and holidays photographing members of the Royal Family. He had some delightful natural photographs of not only the Queen and her immediate family but also some of the lesser well-known royals. We followed the Royal family from Christmas 2014 to Christmas 2015, with pictures of Easter, the opening of Parliament after the election, various commemorative services, family gatherings at Windsor, holidays in Scotland, Trooping the Colour, the Queen at the races, Princess Charlotte’s christening, Remembrance at the Cenotaph and the family walking from church at Sandringham. Ken added to the enjoyment by adding in little quips of knowledge about various royals and comments about their choice of attire. The competition for the evening was to make a crown suitable for a child, which was won by Monica Collins.

The next few months will be very busy for the WI with a spring quiz at Stradbroke, the Suffolk East Federation meeting at Trinity Park, visits to other local WIs, preparation for the Suffolk Show and our yearly visit to the Hut at Felixstowe for our fish and chip lunch, as well as our regular monthly activities – carpet Bowls, Scrabble and the walking and craft groups.

Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday, March 3, when Dan Wheals will talk about herbal medicine. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require any information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

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ADVERTISING FEATURE NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN AHEAD Taking control of your future and planning ahead for your funeral gives you the opportunity to share your ideas on how you would like to be remembered, and how your life should be celebrated. It can also provide you with the comfort of knowing your family won’t be faced with financial strain and worries in the future, making planning ahead for your funeral all the more worthwhile.

East of England Co-op Funeral Services has been trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance when helping to create unique and personalised tributes.

By combining their knowledge and experience they have created five pre-payment funeral plans for you to choose from. Alternatively, a member of their team can help you create an entirely bespoke plan, so you can rest assured that every last detail will be just as you wish so you can get on with enjoying life.

Clearly priced, and with no hidden costs, their plans allow you to pay for your funeral in full now, or in manageable monthly payments over a time that suits you. All of their funeral plans are completely inflation proof, so by planning ahead you pay today’s price no matter how much costs may rise in the future.

If you are a member of the East of England Co-op you can also collect dividend points on your pre-payment plan, which you can use visiting new places, treating yourself or doing things with friends and family.

Find out more about East of England Co-op pre-payment funeral plans, or order a brochure, by visiting eastofengland.coop/funerals.

Alternatively, you can contact your local funeral branch who can also arrange a home visit for you.

Your local East of England Co-op funeral branches are:

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139 Main Road, Kesgrave 01473 860030 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 64 New Street, Woodbridge 01394 385456 213 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe 01394 670100 183 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe 01394 583010

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To order a brochure and find out more, call our funeral plan advice line on 0800 0744361* or visit your local funeral branch.

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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE AND DISTRICT Having run successful Young Leader programmes in recent years, we are now looking to launch a further programme in 2016. The Lions’ Club Young Leaders award is aimed at young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who would like to get a taste of volunteering within the community.

MASQUE PLAYERS Masque Players present Wedding of the Year, a comedy by Norman Robbins, at Kesgrave Community Centre from Wednesday, March 16 to Saturday 19 at 7.45pm. For tickets (£9 / £8 concessions) visit www.masqueplayers.com or call 01473 624692. Tickets will be available on the door.

Alison Murchinson, fat, straight-haired, bespectacled, has been entered into a Wedding of the Year competition by her uncle – even before he has found her a suitable husband! Could Melvyn, a frustrated inventor and an appallingly clumsy young man possibly fit the bill? However, the best laid plans...

Do come and see this comedy which has a surprise ending!

Kesgrave U3A talks take place at 2pm in Kesgrave Community Centre.

The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the centre every 20 minutes. Refreshments follow the meeting.

On Monday, March 21, Chloe Cockerill will give an introduction to heraldry in a talk entitled Helms, Hatchments and Hedgehogs.

U3A is an organisation for retired and semi-retired people. For more information visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or call 01473 273395.

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY The next meeting is on Monday, April 11 when Paul Constantine will present a talk about Sutton Hoo Longship Reconstruction Project.

This heritage project is based on the redeveloped site of the former Whisstock’s Boatyard in Woodbridge. The talk will cover the Sutton Hoo Mound 1 ship itself, its significance in Scandinavian boatbuilding, and the relevance of such boats to the Anglo-Saxon migration. Recent developments with the replica longboat Sae Wylfing will also be discussed.

Meetings are held at the Pavilion on Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

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 Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on March 22 when Luke Potter, the new East Suffolk general manager for the National Trust, will give us an insight into the current work and future plans of the trust for our area. This will be preceded by a short AGM. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £2. 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.

For more information, contact membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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Activities can include working alongside the Lions at their events, but often extend much wider. Silver and gold awards are available for young people completing 50 or 100 hours respectively in the community in a 12-month period. Participation is documented and can also count towards other award schemes.

Parents of young people who have taken part have commented to us on the noticeable increase in their son or daughter’s self-confidence when dealing with other people. To learn more about the Young Leaders scheme, please contact our secretary, John Wood: secretary@woodbridgelions.org.uk / 0845 833 2820

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY On Wednesday, March 2, Ian Swankie will present a lecture entitled Pots and Frocks – the World of Grayson Perry. As well as being an official London guide and a guide at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, Ian lectures on a variety of subjects.

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 which are presented by national and international lecturers start at 2.15pm, but we advise people to arrive by 2pm if possible. Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked.

For more information contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet.com. www.orwelldfas.org.uk

KESGRAVE CO-OPERATIVE WOMEN’S GUILD Our first speaker of the year was Debbie Boother who had been an Olympic Games Maker in 2012. She was helping at Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire where she welcomed visitors and assisted behind the scenes.

On February 2 Ken Stone gave us a fascinating talk on the Royal Family during 2014. He illustrated this with his photographs that often captured charming moments between the various royals.

March 29: Volunteer John Chapman will tell the story of how a visit to Minsmere six years ago changed his life in a talk entitled What a Difference a Day Makes.

April 12: John Adam-Baker will be taking us behind the scenes of the New Wolsey Theatre.

April 26: A talk by Carole Wheatley about the history and places of interest on the island of Guernsey.

For information please contact our chairman, Gloria Everett: 01473 614991

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Drones add a whole new dimension to exploration and photography At the end of January Rotarian David Mortimer presented a talk about drones and the wide range of their growing use, including photography, surveying, roof inspections and getting into places that it would cost a fortune to examine in any other way. After an in-depth talk and a brilliant slide show of pictures and jobs he had been involved in with his drones he went on to explain how everybody will soon be forced to be licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority to fly drones. David then showed the audience how drones were flown by taking off and flying it across the local golf course.

A vote of thanks was given by the president, Rotarian Nigel Barratt.

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OUT & ABOUT MARCH AT TOYS ‘N’ NOISE

KESGRAVE KESTRELS FOOTBALL CLUB

Toys’N’Noise is a group for babies and pre-schoolers and their mums or carers that meets every Thursday in term-time at Rushmere Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane from 1.45-3pm. This is a term-time activity so there won’t be a session on March 31 but we will meet on March 24, the last day of term.

At the end of the season we will be looking to appoint a new secretary to support our adult section. If you have the time available to support this growing section of the club we would like to hear from you and get you involved – please get in touch with David Hall: 01473 620562

HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP

For up-to-date team news and events please visit: www.kesgravekestrelsfc.co.uk

Closing for Easter on Thursday, March 24 and returning on Monday, April 11.

We are registered for children from the age of two years onwards. Please feel free to come in to meet our friendly Early Years team and to pick up a registration form or visit: http://tinyurl.com/hb9fpeq We are situated inside Kesgrave Community Centre. Contact us on 07837 154081 during term time or our manager Sally Cutts on 01473 625998.

MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOL Martlesham Playschool: Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 mplayschool@btinternet.com

THREE BEARS PLAYGROUP If you would like to add your child to our waiting list, please return a completed registration form to playgroup. Forms can be downloaded from www.threebearsplaygroup.org.uk / requested by emailing threebearsplaygroup@btconnect.com / or collected from the playgroup on Wilkinson Drive.

KESGRAVE BOWLS CLUB Open day: Saturday, April 16 at 1.30pm with a drive for the Bob Adams Trophy Pre-season meeting: Wednesday, April 6, 6.45pm for 7pm

KESGRAVE AND NORTHGATE KARATE CLUB Classes are held on Tuesday at Heath School and on Thursday at Gorseland Primary. Both classes start at 6pm for Red Dragons and then run from 6.307.30pm for juniors and adults. Kata class is on a Saturday morning at All Saints Church Hall, 10am-noon. There are also two classes at Northgate Sports Centre: one on a Wednesday evening from 7-8pm and the other on Sunday morning from 11am-noon. The Red Dragons class runs alongside the junior and adult class from 11-11.30am.

For further information visit: www.northgate-karate.co.uk

IPSWICH WANDERERS FC Home fixtures for March Saturday 12: League v Whitton United, 3pm Saturday 26: League v Kirkley & Pakefield, 3pm

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Dates for your diary • The PWCG Annual General Meeting is at 7pm on Monday, March 21 in the Parish Room – all are welcome. Please send nominations for posts on the committee using one of the contact methods below.

• Nature Explorers meet 9-11am, Saturday, March 19 (11-18 yrs) • Volunteer Work Morning 10am-noon, Saturday, March 19 (All welcome – come along for a free work-out) • Nature Watch Club meets 9-11am, Sunday, April 3 (5-11yrs) New volunteers for the work party and members for Nature Watch Club and Nature Explorers are always welcome. For further information please contact pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632 or visit: pwcg.onesuffolk.net Chloe King, publicity officer and Nature Explorer

KESGRAVE ALLOTMENT AND LEISURE GARDENING ASSOCIATION KALGA was established in 2009 and has rented a five-acre site at Lux Farm since 2012. As the site is a non-council run allotment, the administration falls to its members and the committee. General maintenance of the site relies on its members’ support and working parties are organised throughout the year. Development of the site has largely been down to grants and have been grateful for a grant from Kesgrave Town Council for £500 and from SPARK (Sport Amenities and Recreation in Kesgrave) for £952 which will allow us to buy a shipping container so we have somewhere to store our tools securely.

It’s an ideal time to take over an allotment and we have a few available.

If you are interested, contact Angela, our membership secretary: 01473 612283 / angsan.brown@yahoo.co.uk For more information visit: www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We welcomed Alan Smith with a demonstration entitled Fun with Flowers on February 25 and are now looking forward to our next meeting on March 24 when we will be having an in-house hands-on evening lead by our chairman Janet Greengrass. This will be a friendly meeting and visitors are welcome to join us.

The club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew. 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 arrangements created in the demonstration.

Yearly subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £37 and visitors are always welcome at £4 a meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com

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Easter signifies a time of rebirth and the celebration of new life – that’s where eggs and bunnies come in – and the church shows its gratitude for the sacrifice made for all of us on the cross. The Ark church Church marks the occasion with an Easter Service on Sunday, March 27 at 11.30am. Why not join us then or any Sunday morning at 11.30am (Café and Children’s Church at 10.30am), for Wednesday Bible Study at 8pm or for 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

The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR We can also be found at: www.arkipswich.co.uk / Facebook/@arkofthelord / Twitter @arkipswich or email: arkipswichuk@gmail.com (our newsletter is available via free subscription) Recently a friend of mine died. She was one of those people who you were always glad to see. To be in her presence was to feel warm and comfortable, she always brought out the best in you. She had that gift that included bringing you into her family and her life – there was always laughter and joy.

Coming into the Lord’s presence is much like this, always warm, always inclusive, always kind and loving, you always feel the better for it – the stresses and strains of life disappear to be replaced by peace. Because of his great love for us we have access to all that heaven has for us – love, peace and joy. Come and join us on the journey into his heart.

New Life Community Church meets at 10.30am at Heath Primary School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave

Declaring God’s Way - Sharing His Love

EASTER SERVICES AT RUSHMERE BAPTIST CHURCH Palm Sunday, March 20: Services as usual Maundy Thursday, 24 March: 7.30pm Communion Service Good Friday, March 25: 10.30am Worship with friends from Rushmere Christian Fellowship Easter Day, March 27: 10.45am Worship with Communion; 6.30pm Evening Worship – Easter Reflection Minister: The Rev Heather Marsden Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting

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From expert care to delicious home-cooked food and engaging activities, our staff pride themselves on making everyone we care for at Alice Grange feel at home. It’s all part of the first-class care and support that we provide to the people of Suffolk.

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