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Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2015
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
Recently an old college friend posted a link on Facebook entitled 20 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Adult Should Know and I’d like to share my favourites with you.
A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs:
“Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
“There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.” The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits
Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age.
“The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather. As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated. Please take care over the winter months.
And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more:
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In Touch with Kesgrave & Rushmere, is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish In Touch with... Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk magazines in the following areas:-
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NEWS ROPES DRIVE WEST TRAFFIC LIGHT SWITCH OFF TRIALLED DURING NOVEMBER
A two week trial is due to take place during November to see how traffic flows in the Ropes Drive West area without traffic lights on the A1214 roundabout. The trial, which is being carried out at the request of Kesgrave Town Council, begins on November 12 and will see all traffic lights which currently control the flow of traffic around the roundabout switched off. The road markings will be temporarily modified and the eastbound slip road on the A1214 will be closed (except for cyclists) so all traffic has to use the roundabout and simulate what may be the future layout if the traffic lights were removed. Cameras on high poles will also be put in place from early November to carefully monitor queue lengths before and during the trial. Once the trial ends the data from the cameras will be carefully analysed with recommendations being made to Suffolk County Council, who will take a final decision on whether to permanently remove the lights or not. The trial is being jointly funded by Kesgrave Town Council and local county councillors Robert Whiting and Christopher Hudson via their locality budgets. The 3,000 home Grange Farm Estate is accessed by two roundabouts on the A1214. Both roundabouts were originally signalised to ensure there would be times when the estate traffic had priority to exit the estate onto the A1214. However, in 2008 the then Kesgrave Town Council requested a similar trial at the A1214/Ropes Drive east roundabout to see if traffic would flow better without traffic lights. The trial confirmed this was the case and the traffic lights were removed. Local county councillor Robert Whiting said: “This is a key junction for those trying to access/exit the Grange Farm estate but also for road users wanting to travel to the east of the county. Therefore, it is important that where a sensible idea is put forward which may improve journey times, we should look at it. The timing of the trial is deliberate to make sure the proposed new layout is being tested at a typical time, rather than when traffic would be lighter, such as in school holidays. Councillor Whiting continued: “We don’t know how the junction will cope, that’s the purpose of the trial. I would ask road users to be patient and remember that it is only for a short period of time. If there is no improvement or queues get longer during the two weeks then I would certainly not be recommending that the changes are made permanent. It’s important that people let us know their views during the trial so they can be considered as part of the decision making process.” Timeline for trial November 3-10: one week camera survey before switching off November 10-11: site preparation (temporary lining and signing works) November 12-26: two weeks trial November 26-27: reinstatement of the site afterwards Anyone who wants to give their views on the trial can do so by emailing RMEastAreaHighways@suffolk.gov.uk or writing to: Resource Management, Council Buildings, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham IP17 1AL
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NEWS IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in. Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak. So will you join us in supporting The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter again this year when we open our doors to some of the most vulnerable people of Ipswich? Ipswich Winter Night Shelter works alongside The Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage homeless people to regain their self-esteem and gain help and advice to restore their lives. Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit down supper and breakfast the following morning. This year we are also expanding our services to provide a Sunday afternoon shelter and a Christmas project, times when the homeless feel even more
vulnerable and lonely. Every person coming into the shelter arrives with a different story, but we are there simply to provide a warm and safe place to stay. In order for the shelters to run, we are entirely dependent on volunteers from the Ipswich area to offer their help and as we expand the need is even greater. The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is a project operating under Selig (Suffolk) Trust, headed up by The Rev Canon Paul Daltry. Selig Trust is also working with Hope into Action providing permanent accommodation to the homeless, a befriending service working with IWNS to link homeless people to trained befrienders, a possible domestic abuse project providing education and support through the church network and a vision for connecting exoffenders to local businesses. If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@ iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.
KESGRAVE HIGH SCHOOL SPACE CLUB ACHIEVE WORLD RECORD Very few schoolchildren can declare that that have a world record to their name, but after a year of dedicated preparation students from Kesgrave High School Space Club can proudly declare they hold the world record for the Highest Altitude Paper Plan Launch. Early on Wednesday, August 24 the Kesgrave High School minibus with 16 pupils were driven to the launch site by Mr Green of the science department who leads the club. Accompanying them was Steve Randall, a local high altitude ballooning expert who had constructed the payload and provided them with the necessary know-how. Steve had also assisted in the launch of two previous Stratos projects, so called because the height at which the balloon bursts is within the boundaries of the stratosphere. While some were instructed to arrange the equipment in the correct fashion, others prepared a live broadcast to be streamed to a YouTube Channel. Prior to launch day a prototype of the payload was created using polystyrene. It faintly resembled a cage so as to release heat generated by camera batteries in the atmosphere where there is little or no air in which convection or conduction can occur. Gaps were included to allow the two Go-Pros, mounted at different angles, to film the curvature of the Earth in one instance and the descent and releasing of the plane in another. A servo was also installed which performed as the dropping mechanism for the plane – namely the hook rotated at a programmed altitude and detached from a bar running the length of the plane. GPS was also used to track the progress of the balloon. The project began with a competition to determine the design of the plane. The best version was the plane that travelled furthest while gliding. The winning design was adapted to reduce the weight and it was converted to black to differentiate between cloud and plane when the time came to launch. Tests were also undergone to decide the coating of the plane to keep it intact while passing through a cloud. The plane was also ornamented with logos and text to be aesthetically pleasing, but also providing an address to return the plane should it be discovered. In order to gain an official record a whole variety of evidence had to be provided as well as a witness. Thankfully the assembled evidence (see the KHS Space YouTube channel) met with the conditions needed and the record has now been officiated. Congratulations to all involved.
2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL
A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries, Bentley IP9 2DG Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway. If you would like to make up a gift for a child you should cover a shoebox and lid separately with wrapping paper and label it for a boy or girl with one of these age ranges: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Contents could include: • Pencils, crayons, chalk, notebooks and colouring books • Soft toys with CE label, puppets, dolls, small games, children’s playing cards, balls, skipping ropes, toy cars, jigsaws, whistles, mouth organs • Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels or sponges, combs
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• Hats, gloves, hair slides and beads • Sweets with a long date but not chocolate as it doesn’t travel well We would appreciate a £3 donation towards transport. This can be cash or a cheque inside the box or a payment online through the Samaritans Purse website. Please use an elastic band to secure the box until we check and tape it up. If you are unable to make up a shoebox but have items from the above list to donate we can use them to make up extra boxes at the warehouse. Please drop off boxes and donations as soon as possible in November, either at Woodview Nurseries during the day or at one of the drop off points listed on the website. For further information call: 01473 310254/716437
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NEWS HELP OLDER PEOPLE IN SUFFOLK STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER Unbelievable as it may sound, 450 vulnerable people in Suffolk die in the winter months from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions. The vast majority of individuals affected are over 65 years old. In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg – almost 30,000 households in Suffolk currently live in fuel poverty. Many will suffer in silence during the coldest months, hidden from view, withdrawn from their community and surrounds. Now in its fifth year and spearheaded by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Suffolk and the East Anglian Daily Times, the Surviving Winter campaign rallies around these vulnerable older individuals, offering them respite from the anxiety of managing fuel costs and the opportunity to stay warm and healthy during the winter. Incredibly and with thanks to the generosity of Suffolk pensioners, over £85,000 was raised in the winter of 2014-2015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county. Suffolk Community Foundation is now asking you to pledge your Winter Fuel Payment to help those desperately in need of extra support during the winter. The money raised by the Surviving Winter campaign will be used in two ways: • Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat appropriately, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Age UK Suffolk. • Grants to local charities and groups with a track record of looking after older, vulnerable people and ensuring their continued support throughout the winter months. This truly is an extraordinarily worthwhile campaign, so please… IF YOU DON’T NEED IT, PLEASE DONATE IT!! To donate online visit: www.justgiving.com/suffolksurvivingwinter To donate by card please call: 01473 602602 Please send cheques made payable to Suffolk Community Foundation to Surviving Winter Appeal, Suffolk Community Foundation, The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BB To claim please contact Age UK Suffolk: 01473 359911
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 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. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help. So call us today, we are here to help.
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CAFÉ 66 IN KESGRAVE I just wanted to share with your readers the wonderful opportunity to meet friends and family for cakes, drinks and light lunches at amazingly cheap prices – somewhere right on their doorstep! Based in the smaller hall at Kesgrave Scout Hall on Ropes Drive, Café 66 provides opportunities for local adults with learning disabilities to work in a professional setting, acquire new skills, meet and serve the public as well as gaining experience to move on to employment. The café is a non-profit organisation and a wonderful place to pop into on the way to the shops or GP. Open Thursdays and Fridays at the moment and later this month to open Tuesdays as well. You would be hard pushed to find a better welcome anywhere in Kesgrave. Just look for the blue and yellow Café 66 sign outside. Trudie and Graham – very satisfied customers
IPSWICH VETERINARY CENTRE OPENS Ipswich Veterinary Centre opened its doors to clients on Tuesday, September 15. This modern stateof-the-art centre is part of the long established Stowe Veterinary Group, which also has practices in Bury St Edmunds, Elmswell, Stowmarket and Needham Market. As an independent practice with a commitment and reputation for providing a caring and professional service, the Stowe Veterinary Group is on call 24-hours every day of the year for pets, farm, equine and exotic animals. Ipswich Veterinary Centre provides a full range of veterinary and related services for pets, and hosts teaching facilities for the Central College of Animal Studies. The centre provides a 24-hour hospitalisation and emergency service, and a referral service for other veterinary practices including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. The addition of a new CT scanner will greatly assist with the diagnosis and treatment of a range of illnesses. The practice provides total lifetime care health plans, a dog grooming and stylist service, dog exercise training and behaviour services as well as a range of pet healthcare products and pet foods. Easy on-site parking and a spacious, welcoming reception area makes the practice convenient and
comfortable for clients to visit. The benefits for the feline visitors include a separate waiting area to reduce anxiety and a large cat condominium, where cats can play, exercise and relax. All breeds of dog will also have the benefit of spacious kennels and the use of a hydrotherapy pool and treadmill. Quiet, climate controlled wards are designed to ensure rabbits and exotic pets also have as comfortable a time as possible while at the centre. Veterinary surgeon and partner Tom Webster says: “We have been looking forward to opening our new centre. Clients have been registering with us prior to opening and its nice that we can now provide a complete veterinary service to pet owners in Ipswich and surrounding villages.” Ipswich Veterinary Centre, 1 Donald Mackintosh Way, Scrivener Drive, Ipswich IP8 3LQ / Post Code for Sat Nav: IP8 3SU 01473 555000 / www.ipswichvetcentre.co.uk
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Feel right at home with Alice Grange Care Home
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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If you would like a tour of our home or just need some friendly advice, please call us on:
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St Isidores, Ropes Drive, Kesgrave, IP5 2GA www.barchester.com
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SHARMAN CARAVANS LTD Established in 1974, Sharman Caravans on Colchester Road in Ipswich has positioned itself as one of East Anglia’s premier caravan suppliers and are Suffolk’s only approved Lunar Caravans dealer.
Paul Sharman and Paul Aldred
Family owned for over 40 years, Sharman Caravans continues to grow from strength to strength. And the secret to that success? Paul Sharman, the owner, explains: “My father Barry founded the business back in 1974 with a vision of becoming the most well respected caravan supplier in Suffolk and we continue with that vision and passion today. We continually focus on our customer needs and yes, I know it sounds a little clichéd, but we pride ourselves on trying to exceed our customers’ expectations, to go that extra mile.” This formula definitely seems to be working as in this tough economic climate business continues to grow. Paul continues: “The wonderful support we receive from our customers has helped us to offer growing local employment opportunities and we are very pleased to welcome our latest team member, Paul Aldred. Paul is a fully qualified caravan engineer who has recently joined us from Stowmarket Caravans and adds another dimension to our already highly experienced AWS Approved workshop team.” Visit Sharman Caravans and you’ll always find a wide selection of new and used caravans as well as one of the largest caravanning and motorhome accessory stores in Suffolk. Whether you’re planning to buy a new caravan or looking for first class servicing and repairs, Sharman Caravans should be at the top of your list.
Skilled Workshop Team
SHARMAN CARAVANS Ltd www.sharmancaravans.co.uk
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Colchester Road - Ipswich - Suffolk IP4 4RU 8
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NEWS RECONNECTING THE COASTAL PUBLIC FOOTPATH BETWEEN MARTLESHAM CREEK AND WALDRINGFIELD An update to my article in the July edition of In Touch Just to recap, breaches in the sea wall near Martlesham Creek were repaired recently, but it was a shame that more wasn’t done to reinstate the coastal public footpath so that it reconnects the South of Martlesham Creek with Waldringfield. The Deben Estuary Partnership (DEP) has now produced its final plan and it now includes the option of re-connecting this footpath. This is a big improvement on the draft plan. So thanks to all
those who wrote to the DEP to support the re-instatement of the footpath. The Deben estuary plan can be found at: www. debenestuarypartnership.co.uk Further to this, I have been informed that Natural England will soon be looking at the coast of Suffolk with a view to connecting public footpaths along the coastline. Funding for this project comes from the Coastal Access Scheme. Suffolk has many long estuaries, such as the River Deben, which will produce challenges
and dilemmas. However, the population of Martlesham and Kesgrave has grown significantly over the years, and more is planned. I believe it will improve the well-being of local residents if we open up more wild places to the public, rather than adopting a policy of fencing in the growing population. However, as with all government funding, expenditure on the Coastal Access Scheme could be cut at any time. So it is important to contact your MP, the Rt. Hon Dr Therese Coffey, and explain that you support
the reconnection of the public footpath from Martlsham Heath to Waldringfied, and as such funding for the Coastal Access Scheme in Suffolk should be maintained. Letters can be sent by email to therese.coffey.mp@ parliament.uk or by post to Rt. Hon Therese Coffey MP, House of Commons, Westminster SW1A OAA. I shall keep you updated with progress on this issue. Thomas O’Brien, a local resident and walker
MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLORS Suffolk’s leaders launch bid to find locations for Short Stay Stopping Sites Leaders across Suffolk’s public sector are calling for landowners and other interested parties to suggest sites that could be used for Short-Stay Stopping Sites for the Gypsy and Traveller community. Launched in October, the call for sites aims to identify land on which to locate three short-stay stopping sites for the Gypsy and Traveller community. Suffolk currently does not have any sites of this type. Between 2009 and July 2015, the county has seen 280 unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller encampments. These encampments cost taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds each year to deal with. Other counties which have established short-stay stopping sites have seen a significant reduction in unauthorised encampments. The Call for Sites closes on November 15. All sites submitted will be carefully assessed against the criteria so the Public Sector Leaders Group can decide which sites to put out for consultation in December 2015. Views received as part of the December consultation will be analysed to help inform the decisions the Public Sector Leaders Group take in February 2016 about which sites to put forward to the planning process. As part of the planning process there would be further periods of public consultation. The aim is to have the sites up and running by the end of 2016. The Call for Sites booklet, a series of FAQs and details of how to respond are all available at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/shortstay
Health teams in Suffolk launch new childhood illnesses app Public Health Suffolk and Suffolk’s clinical commissioning groups have launched a comprehensive guide to common childhood illnesses aimed at parents and carers. The new booklet and app will provide a helpful information package during times when they may need a bit of extra help or advice. The free booklet, The Guide: Common Childhood Illnesses and Wellbeing in Suffolk, contains information on wellbeing, common illnesses and how to keep children safe and healthy. It also provides advice on when to consult the GP or health visitor and information on common illnesses such as chickenpox, colds, sore throats and ear infections. Suffolk residents can also download and view the information on their phones and tablets via the App Store and Googleplay by searching Suffolk Child Health. As well as a booklet, the information is available to view online in a downloadable form on www.healthysuffolk.org.uk to be uses by everyone including children’s centres, health visitors and other healthcare professionals. Best wishes, Councillors Christopher H Hudson and Robert Whiting
Graduates take the first step on the teaching career ladder in Suffolk More than 50 graduates have started new careers in Suffolk schools thanks to an innovative internship programme. In a partnership between Schools’ Choice and Suffolk schools supported by SCC, interns get one academic year of paid experience, teaching and working with children and young people. Around 20 schools will host the interns including primary schools, a pupil referral unit, a special school, academies and local authority maintained schools. They will receive development support, the chance to work in specific interest areas, such as special education needs or social work, and help with making career choices or applications for further professional training.
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon): The following craft activities will be taking place during November. Sunday, November 1: It’s Bonfire Night on November 5. Make a fireworks sparkler to celebrate. Sunday, November 8: Today is Remembrance Sunday. Come along and make a 3D poppy to commemorate the day. Sunday, November 15: Design a crazy monster. How many eyes will yours have? Sunday, November 22: It’s Thanksgiving in America on November 26. Come along and make a turkey! Sunday, November 29 (Christmas Fayre): It’s nearly winter. Make a cheery Christmas CD robin. 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, 9.45-10.15am, from Friday, November 6 This new activity is being funded by the Library Community Group. Emma will be running this free story time session every Friday morning during term time for pre-school children and toddlers. There will be a different story, songs and activities each week. Why not pop along and give it a go? No need to book, just come along. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Body Shop Party: Thursday, November 19, 7pm Why not come along and have a look? Treat yourself or be really organised this year and buy your Christmas presents early? If you would like to order but can’t make the party, brochures will be available. A raffle is also being run. Either pop in or call the library on the number below. Christmas Fayre: Sunday, November 29, 10am-noon There will be lots of stalls with fun games and ideas for Christmas including a free craft activity for the children and a visit from Father Christmas. Refreshments including homemade cakes will be available. Scout’s Post Box Kesgrave Library is having the Scout’s post box again this year between November 25 and December 9 for all your local Christmas cards. Stamps Don’t forget that the library now sells first and second class stamps for all those Christmas cards that need sending this year! Maggie Lusher Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk 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
ART BRIDGES THE GAP 2015 EXHIBITION AND WAREHOUSE SALE
Local artist Theronda Hoffman is organising the third Art Bridges the Gap exhibition at Kesgrave Arts from December 5-24 to raise funds for Age UK Suffolk. This year’s exhibition will feature a variety of work by Theronda, some of her students and other artists from Suffolk. A warehouse sale of work by Theronda will also take place with half the proceeds going to Age UK Suffolk. The preview night is from 7pm on Friday, December 4 at Kesgrave Arts, 83 Main Road, Kesgrave, with the exhibition running on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from December 5-24. Theronda said: “I am always very keen to promote art in Suffolk and to encourage people of all ages to become creative, particularly older people who often find art classes beneficial, both socially and creatively. I live to paint and paint to live and art bridges all the gaps.” She continued: “I have been supporting Age UK Suffolk for over three years as they provide so many valuable services for older people in Suffolk.” Maggie James, Individual Giving Officer at Age UK Suffolk, said: “We thank Theronda who is such a great supporter of Age UK Suffolk. We also appreciate all the other artists who are either donating paintings or selling with a commission to the charity.” Maggie continued: “Theronda has also kindly donated half the proceeds of her warehouse sale which takes place during the exhibition. She is selling past work from over the years for affordable prices, so take the opportunity to buy yourself a painting at an affordable price or to give as a Christmas present to family and friends! The funds raised will go towards our services for older people in Suffolk.” If you are interested in attending the preview evening on December 4 or in coming along to the exhibition please contact Theronda on 01473 333553 for further details or email: info@kesgravearts.co.uk
KESGRAVE SOCIAL CLUB What’s on in November Tuesday 3: We open the month with our Heartbeat Meeting, 7.30pm. Saturday 7: Private party in the main hall but the two other bars are open for members. Sundays 8 & 22: Foxy Rock dancing – dance lessons following by practice, 7.30pm. Saturday 14: Ed Gasket and the Rockers, always a fabulous night with this excellent band. Friday 20: Mencap darts presentation night. Saturday 21: Country and western night with Pure Country. We have had to wait quite a while to get this very popular band back into the club, so come along and join in the dancing. Saturday 28: Nobel Ox, an excellent artist playing many favourite songs so it’s sure to be a busy night!
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM BRASS
Making music fun in East Anglia We hope everyone enjoyed our birthday concert on October 10 and congratulate all our members who received awards that evening. Our bands will be paying their respects on November 8 at the Remembrance Day Parade in Woodbridge, and also at St Mary’s Church in Martlesham. Some advance dates for your diaries: Coffee and Carols at St Michael’s Church Centre on Saturday, December 5; Carols in the Square, Martlesham Heath on Monday, December 14; Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 19, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Further details next month. Our band welcomes new players young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and feel that you would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below. Please be aware that we currently have a waiting list for beginner players. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
KESGRAVE TABLE TOP SALE Sunday, November 15, 10am-1pm, at Kesgrave Scout Hall, Twelve Acre Approach. Come along and browse!
THE MASQUE PLAYERS The Masque Players present Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn at Kesgrave Community Centre from November 25-28 at 7.45pm. The plot of Season’s Greetings involves nine adults and some unseen children meeting up for Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house. As the children lurk just out of sight, it’s the adults who are letting the side down! The adults consist of various family members and friends whose complex relationships and histories are laid bare over the Christmas festivities. Petty and not so petty squabbles break out and Christmas presents are rifled. This is a vintage piece of Ayckbourn theatre, mixing comedy and tragedy with a hilarious puppet show as the icing on the cake. Come and share in the familiar family frivolity and fiasco of Christmas! Tickets (£9 / £7 concessions) are available at www.masqueplayers.com, from Julie Waters on 01473 624692 and on the door.
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THE VENUE FOR ALL OCCASIONS AND EVENTS MACMILLAN FUNDRAISER A recent coffee and cake morning at Kesgrave Community Centre raised over £600 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Around 100 people attended the event organised by the centre and Kay Fletcher from Kay Fletcher Fitness. The event comprised of stands from local businesses, a tombola and lots of home baked cakes. The keen bakers amongst them were encouraged to enter their cakes into a Bake Off competition judged by Sue from Duncan’s Bakery and Mark from Ipswich24 who did a fantastic job of eating cake! The cakes were then auctioned off to the highest bidder to raise even more money for the charity. Congratulations to Jenny Clements for baking the winning cake and for taking home the much sought after prize of afternoon tea for two at Milsom’s Kesgrave Hall. The cake itself went on to raise £10 in the auction. The centre and Kay are hoping for an even bigger and better event next year and would like to thank everyone who
came along and made it such a special morning. CASUAL BADMINTON Due to continued success the Tuesday session of casual badminton has been extended from 9.30-11.30am and the Friday session from 11am-1pm. Come along and play badminton in a relaxed and fun environment. Improve your game and fitness levels. No booking necessary, just turn up and play for £2 per session. YOGA AND PILATES – only available as a series of classes Monday, 7.15-8.15pm Wednesday, 7-8pm: Yoga for beginners Wednesday, 8.15-9.15pm: Pilates for beginners Contact Manon Palmieri (07773 456078) or visit: www.yogawithmanaon.co.uk If you would like further information on activities and events or to book a function room at KWMCC, please call 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk
MODEL RAILWAY SHOW AT KESGRAVE HIGH SCHOOL The Ipswich Railway Modellers’ Association are again holding their autumn model railway show at Kesgrave High School on Saturday, November 7, 10am-5pm. The show will feature 10 themed operating railway layouts and traders selling models and spare parts. Light refreshments available. Modest admission charge. An extensive and interesting display.
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OUT & ABOUT LOCAL MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES EXCITING 2016 PROGRAMME
SOMERSHAM WARD SUPPORT GROUP COFFEE MORNING Somersham Ward Support Group are holding a coffee morning and sale on Saturday, November 14 at Rushmere Church Hall, 10amnoon, to raise funds for patients on the ward. The New Year holds new challenges for Trianon Music Group as they perform at Ipswich Corn Exchange in January and April then return to Snape Maltings Concert Hall for their third concert in September. There are currently opportunities for musicians and singers to take part in the January concert. On the Bright Side includes popular music from shows and films and features Eric Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life! You can pick up a copy of the 2016 brochure at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre or download a copy from www.tmg.org.uk where you will also find details of community concerts in local venues and details of how to book your tickets. Rehearsals begin in November, so if you are interested in taking part please contact Nigel Walker (01394 460500 / 07734 846939) or John Barratt (01394 283170 / 07876 787029) and you could be performing with Trianon in the New Year! For further details visit www.tmg.org.uk or follow @MusicTrianon on Twitter.
WHITE ELEPHANT SALE Saturday, November 7, 10am-noon, at The Richards Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB (behind Tesco). Includes bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws, plants and lots more. Entrance free. Profits will go to The Roger David Burrows Music Fund. GRANT APPLICATIONS Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2016. Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities. Further information about grants and application forms can be found at: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk Alternatively call 01473 625196 or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG
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YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET What is a local producer? It’s someone who lives in your neighbourhood, who grows vegetables and plants in season, who makes onion jam, chutneys and cakes from locally grown and milled ingredients, perhaps using eggs from their neighbour’s hens. Crafts are popular and your neighbours might surprise you with their skills and the quality of their products. Our country market brings everyone together – specialist cooks can make traditional and gluten-free pizzas and treats and take special orders for your family and freezer. There’s honey and beeswax: have the same bees been buzzing in your garden? Handmade crafts use locally sourced fabrics and materials for bags and pretty gifts. You’ll find knitwear, crochet work, and unique practical and pretty items in all shapes and sizes and to suit all pockets – and meet the makers. Prices reflect the work that is put into making, growing, baking and nurturing what you see at the market and the quality of the raw materials. There are bargains to be found and our prices are competitive, especially for one-off and special items you can’t find elsewhere. Our cooks use approved packaging and hold hygiene certificates. Jewellery, sewn and knitted garments and bags must be up to standard. We only sell what we make – nothing’s bought-in or mass-produced. You can talk to our butcher, our gardeners and bakers and makers and learn about the British Lop pig, a rare breed, about the pretty Kesgrave geranium, how to grow herbs and how to wash your new knitwear. Why not order some unique beaded jewellery to match your new outfit? You are not paying for mass-produced goods to be transported the length of the country nor putting money in the pockets of faceless shareholders nor exploiting underpaid sweatshop workers. Every penny you pay at the country market stays in the local economy, it pays for materials, skilled time and effort, and includes a tiny overhead to run the market. Get a bargain while you can! Visit us to see our range of fresh food and handmade crafts at Kesgrave Market on Saturdays from 9.30-11.30am at Scout H/Q, Twelve Acre Approach, near Tesco and at Martlesham Heath Market, behind the Douglas Bader pub, on Tuesdays, 9.30-11.15am. There’s tea, coffee and eatables at both venues. We need more cooks, crafters and producers: would you like to join us? For more information or to come and meet us please call Rita Jones: 01473 272276 Find us on Facebook: Kesgrave and Martlesham Country Market
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THE PAPER DOLLS “Skilled, stylish and perceptive work for ages three to seven” The Stage wwww When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. They face the Jurassic clutches of a toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, and then a very real boy with very real scissors threatens to snip their adventure short… Adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music. This is a new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre; reigniting an inspiring creative partnership between Peter Glanville and Lyndie Wright who last worked together to produce Macbeth and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Suitable for ages three to seven. Studio theatre seating is unreserved. All five rows offer excellent views in the heart of the action so you choose your seats on arrival. To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
1 DEC 2015 - 2 JAN 2016 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS...
THE PAPER DOLLS
For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups
New Wolsey Studio
01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT SUTTON HOO CHRISTMAS GIFT FAYRE
Saturday, November 14 and Sunday 15, 10.30am-4.30pm
CHARITY CONCERT IN AID OF THE CHILD MIGRANT CRISIS APPEAL
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the Sutton Hoo Christmas Gift Fayre. Browse crafts and gorgeous gifts, sample Suffolk produce and enjoy festive music. Relax over a cup of tea or coffee and cake or enjoy a scrumptious lunch in the King’s River Cafe. Visit Mrs Pretty’s house and listen to Christmas carols sung by local choirs. SPECIAL ADMISSION PRICE: adults £3, children £2 / including entry to the site (NT members free) Sutton Hoo, Sutton, Woodbridge IP12 3 DJ / 01394 389714
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. For those who don’t know us, we are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments. Thursday, November 26: Snowman plus Christmas Celebration Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma) Other projects are available. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust we invite you to get more out of your membership and join our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF and our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 17, starting at 7.15pm. The speaker will be John Field who will give a talk on the life and work of local cartoonist Giles. John will be showing us several of Giles’ cartoons, many set in and around Ipswich. Please note that this is a change to the talk mentioned in the previous edition. There is no meeting in December, but a date for your diary is January 19 2016 when the ever-popular Mark Mitchels will be talking on the Duke of Wellington. More details to follow in the next two editions. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £2 for each talk. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
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The Orwell Singers and the brass quartet Something Different present a charity concert in aid of the Child Migrant Crisis Appeal on Friday, November 6, at 7.30pm, at Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich IP1 2EF. Tickets are just £5 including refreshments. For further information contact: 01473 635955 / d.sharman@btinternet.com
KESGRAVE WI As autumn approaches Kesgrave WI seems to get even busier, what with planning for a theatre trip to Norwich, Christmas Lunch at Rushmere Golf Club and a craft day, besides all our usual monthly activities. WI centenary celebrations continued during September with a grand picnic in the grounds of Glenham Hall. Unfortunately, Wednesday, September 16 proved to be just about the wettest day of the year with rain heavy falling for nearly 24 hours. But the WI were undeterred and in true British fashion we soldiered on – squeezing several hundred ladies into the marquee to enjoy the celebrations. Can you imagine the noise and the ‘hot air’ that was produced? But a great time was had by all, especially when Enid Castle won the preserves competition. The speaker at our October meeting was Andrew Woods who spoke about his journey through the 40 mile Khyber Pass at the end of 1997. His journey started at Rawal Pindi and he travelled by chartered trains (British built in the 1920s and still running well). They were oil fired, not steam driven. It took 20 years to build the line and it was completed in 1921. He showed slides of how two engines were used to gain height on the zigzag line. Joan Keene gave the vote of thanks. The October competition was a jar of homemade chutney, which was won by Shirley Kendall. Our next meeting is on Thursday, November 5 when we will be holding our AGM. Visitors are very welcome to join us. For more information call our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415
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OUT & ABOUT INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE
Christian Bone, Head of Member & Community Services with the East of England Co-operative Society, recently gave us an interesting and enlightening talk about the history of the society which was established by a group of Rochdale Pioneers in 1844. This provided a touch of nostalgia for our president, Kay Hirst, who was raised in Lancashire and had fond memories of the local Co-op. Like Kay, many club members could recall share numbers and ‘divi’ days, but were less familiar with the support the society offers within local communities and also worldwide. Profits from tobacco sales are used to provide neo-natal equipment and defibrillators, one of which is situated at the Co-op on Hasketon Road, Woodbridge and is accessible 24/7. Their Cuppa scheme also provides free Fairtrade tea for one-off fundraising events and ventures such as the monthly Memory Café held at Woodbridge Football Club. The Memory Café was started by the two local Rotary Clubs and Inner Wheel provide the refreshments.
At the business meeting which following Linda Mortimer was inducted as a member of the club. Preparations for our forthcoming fashion show on November 11 in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance are well in hand. Tickets are still available from Hamilton Smith, Church Street. Inner Wheel is an international organisation and our club chose to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace last month with a coffee morning to highlight peace within the home. The £90 raised was donated to Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Ipswich.
MARTLESHAM WI Say the words ‘Annual General Meeting’, and everyone runs for cover! But our AGM at 2.15pm on Friday, November 20 is a really important meeting as we will be electing a new president, Pat Brown having completed her three year term. We elect our president each year, but we have a bylaw that limits her term to a maximum of three years – so it’s not a life sentence and we get the benefit of a continuous input of fresh ideas. We shall be having a WI advisor to help us through the formalities and after refreshments we will enjoy something more light-hearted, including a display of hobbies. So if you are already a member do come along to this important event and have your say, and if you are thinking of joining it’s a good time to see who’s who. And it might even be fun! And be assured, no one will be pressured into doing anything if they are not willing. Remember that in September we were looking forward to our centenary picnic at Glemham Hall? You may also remember that on that day the heavens opened and all thoughts of elegant picnics on the grass went out of the window. But hey – we’re the WI and a bit of rain wasn’t going to spoil our fun. About 700 of us squashed into a marquee, tea and cake was served, music was played and some people managed to find space to dance. A memorable afternoon. For more information contact Anne: 01394 380110 Susan Cunliffe
KESGRAVE CO-OPERATIVE WOMEN’S GUILD We had a busy summer break including a day at the Hut in Felixstowe. Although it was too cold for a dip in the sea, members and friends enjoyed a dry day and were able to walk along the prom and sit in the newly refurbished gardens near the Spa. A fish and chip lunch was provided and we returned home after our afternoon tea. Members of the guild also visited a friend’s garden near Woodbridge and were entertained with gardening tips and yet another cream tea! On September 15 Mr Geo Fradgley gave us a talk about crop circles. He did not profess to know how or why these appeared, but showed amazing aerial pictures of huge patterns often over 500 metres wide. They appear in various crops, usually cereal, but have been found in rapeseed, grass and reeds. He showed pictures of how the corn was bent without breaking and laid carefully in the various shapes. Although many people assume they are man made, the making of these patterns overnight, often in fields under observation, can not successfully be explained. The patterns are so precise and some include binary messages and usually appear near ancient monuments such as Stonehenge. Approximately 75 circles are recorded in the UK each year with many more across the world. There is a strong magnetic force within the circle which can be felt on entering a new circle. The first crop circle was described in the 1678 news pamphlet Strange News Out of Hartfordshire, now more commonly known as The Mowing Devil, so these are not new phenomina. We all agreed there was a lot more to this subject than could be covered in Mr Fradgley’s very interesting talk On September 29 Mr Conrad Lord gave us a very entertaining talk on his life in amateur dramatics and the various shows he appeared in. November meetings • November 10 Marion Gibbons began making jewellery in 2010 as a hobby and enjoyed it so much she started taking it to craft fairs and Beech Tree Jewellery has grown from there. She will be demonstrating and talking about her work. • November 24 Autumn social to be arranged. Any ladies who would like to join us for an evening to find out more about the guild are very welcome and further information is also available from Mrs Gloria Everett: 01473 614991
FRIENDS OF RUSHMERE COMMUNITY HUB Our winter fayre will be held at the hub on Humber Doucy Lane from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday, November 21. There will be Christmas stalls, games and raffles, refreshments and cakes for sale. Tables cost £7 each and can be reserved by calling 720488. All proceeds to the Friends who provides activities and learning opportunities for the adults with learning/physical disabilities who use our service. The hub hall is now available for private hire at very reasonable rates. Please contact the number above for details. Trudie Larter
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ADVERTISING FEATURE Helping you to create the perfect tribute The knowledgeable and friendly team at the East of England Co-op Funeral Services are here to help support you make the, what can be daunting, decision of choosing a lasting memorial for your loved one. Trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance, they can advise you on the best choice of stone, design and lettering to reflect your loved ones personality, whilst ensuring the memorial meets all relevant regulations for your loved ones final resting place. Whether you want to create a simple lettered headstone or an individual bespoke design memorial to reflect your loved ones life and interests, their award winning stonemasons combine both time-honoured traditional stone masonry techniques and modern technology to craft a memorial that will commemorate the life of your loved one for centuries to come.
Cremation Memorials Although smaller than traditional gravestones, their stonemasons take equal pride in creating cremation memorials with the same high standards of design, craftsmanship and care. If you would like to incorporate a longlasting photo of your loved one within their memorial, they are able to create porcelain plaques from any photograph you supply. When you commission a memorial from the East of England Co-op, they will not only advise you on how to keep it looking its best for many years to come, but also offer a range of aftercare services including memorial renovation services. Regardless of whether your memorial was created by the East of England Co-op’s stonemasons or not, they will use skilled and sensitive techniques to remove weathering, stains, lichen and any other organic matter, returning your memorial to its former glory.
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Kerb and Ledger Memorials If you would like a monument that offers more than the traditional headstone, then a kerb or ledger memorial is an elegant and popular choice. These memorials have a border of durable stone, which can be filled with a variety of materials such as marble chips, coloured glass or granite. Ledger memorials are both beautiful and very low maintenance. A ledger stone covers the plot, making it impossible for weeds or long grass to grow.
ITNOV15 Terms and Conditions: Valid for the purchase of East of England Co-op memorial headstone cleaning and alteration services ordered before 31/12/15. Only one voucher can be redeemed per transaction and cannot be used retrospectively or in conjunction with any other discount or voucher. No cash alternative is available. This voucher is non-transferable. Qualifying spend is eligible for East of England Co-op dividend points on production of a valid membership card. The East of England Co-op reserves the right to reject any voucher it deems, in its sole discretion, to have been forged, defaced or otherwise tampered with. This offer for memorial headstones is also valid at H.L. Perfitt, Vinces Road, Diss.
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Visit your local East of England Co-op Funeral Services branch, where you can look through a brochure with one of our knowledgeable and friendly team.
Trusted by local families since 1925 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 64 New Street Woodbridge 01394 385456 183 Hamilton Road Felixstowe 01394 583010 213 High Street, Walton Felixstowe 01394 670100
The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years. We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.
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Remembering together this Christmas For over a decade, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services has brought people together at Christmas to celebrate and remember the lives of those close to them, who are no longer with us. This December, they will again be hosting a number of Carol Concerts and Services across the region, as well as collecting special messages and memories on their Trees to Remember at their funeral branches. Andrew Dawes of the East of England Co-op Funeral Service, said: “Having been supporting generations of local families for 90 years, we understand that Christmas can be particularly difficult for those who have lost someone dear to them. “Tree to Remember and the Carol Concerts are an important part of the ongoing support services we offer bereaved families in the local community. It gives people chance to come together, share their treasured memories and know that they are not alone.” As well as providing support and comfort to hundreds of families across the region, Tree to Remember has also helped to raise over £18,000 for six local hospices, through donations at carol concerts and in branches, including the East Anglian Children’s Hospice, St Elizabeth Hospice, St Helena Hospice, St Nicholas Hospice, Farleigh Hospice and the Norfolk Tapping House.
CarolerConcert ing together Rememb this Chr istmas
Thursday 10th December 2015 7pm, Sir Bobby Robson Suite Ipswich Town Football Club, Portman Road, Ipswich Free admission
Led by
Civil Celebrant, Tina Hayward and the Ipswich & Norwich Co-op Band & Special Guests Call to book your place
01473 257242
Andrew continued: “Our trees have collected thousands of memories of those who left a special mark on our lives. This Christmas we invite you to share your own message or memory, and look forward to welcoming you to one of our carol concerts or services.”
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We were delighted to welcome some more new members to our recent talk about the Mission to Seafarers. We have two meetings planned for November. On November 12 we are holding a pottery workshop when artistic members can paint a plate or some other item for a Christmas present. Then on November 26 Jane Parker, a local registrar, will give a talk entitled Hatch, Match and Despatch. Plans are already being made for our Christmas Lunch (to be held in January) at a local restaurant. We are pleased to welcome new members to our friendly, informal evenings which are held on alternate Thursdays at 7.30pm in the Richards Room. For more information contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768
MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Our meeting on Friday, October 2 featured an illustrated talk by Krys Lanowski, the proud son of a former Polish airman. Witold Lanowski was born in 1915 and was destined to fly for the air force of four different air countries! At the fall of Poland in 1939 he was an instructor teaching Polish air force cadets. When his country was invaded he walked most of the way to the south of France and was captured on the way but managed to escape. He flew for the French air force against the Germans before escaping once more from the advancing German army. He arrived in England during the Battle of Britain and then flew with the Free Polish RAF where he flew the Spitfire, the Mk1, 2, VB and IXc. Witold Lanowski obtained a transfer to the USAAF in March 1944 and mostly flew the Republic P47 with Zemkes Wolfpack, the 56th Fighter Group USAAF at Halesworth. An extraordinary career and a vote of thanks was given by our vice president, Alan Smith. Our next monthly meeting will be on Friday, November 6 and we look forward to an illustrated talk by Clive and Linda Denney who run Vintage Fabrics, a company that renovates, re-covers and paints vintage aircraft. The talk, which includes video footage, is entitled, Biggin Boys. Clive is himself a display pilot and flew in the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain display at Biggin Hill. This promises to be a very good evening with an old friend of our society. Meetings are held in the community hall, Felixstowe Road and start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Non-members are welcome for a payment of £3 at the door. ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE We will be holding our annual memorial service on the Barrack Square on Sunday, November 8 at 3pm. Thankfully each year we are joined by a good contingent from the village, but we could always do with a larger turnout. We are able to use the BT car park to the left of the BT entrance so there is plenty of parking available. We look forward to seeing all of you! Alan Powell, 01473 622458 www.mhas.org.uk
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LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT As autumn moves on, the sun finally shone on our last car boot sale of the year and we saw a good number of stall holders and buyers. Our thanks to everyone who has supported this event over the summer and to the management of Budgens, Woodbridge for permission to use their car park. ART SALE AT QUAY STREET CHURCH, NOVEMBER 7 At this time of year our thoughts and fundraising efforts turn towards the Christmas parcels project. The growing number of customers at food banks testifies to the continuing value of this long-running project. Our next event will be an art sale on Saturday, November 7, held once again at the Quay Street Church. Thanks to Kesgrave Art Club for their support, a third of proceeds will be donated to Lions’ charities. With no painting priced over £25 there should be something to suit every pocket. For more about the Lions and what we do, and for reports of this year’s Martlesham Heath 10k, 5k and Fun Run, please visit: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk Or for a no obligation chat with one of the Lions, please call: 08458 332820
ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN The speakers at our meeting in late September were Majors Russell and Febe Pipe of the Woodbridge Salvation Army. They spoke of how they came to be stationed in Woodbridge, and of providing hot meals and washing facilities for people living rough in our area. Russell then went on to tell us how the Foodbank had been established and our president, Ian O’Brien Baker, presented them with a cheque to help with their efforts. We are looking forward to our Annual Charity Quiz at Waldringfield Golf Club on November 2 and our ever-popular Christmas Carol Concert and supper at Woodbridge School on December 3. We will also be manning Santa’s sleigh around Martlesham Heath in December – dates and routes to be advised later. If you are interested in any of these events or in finding out more about Rotary please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, November 19, at 7.30pm: You May Wish You Had Never Started This! with the wellknown and popular speaker Ian Waller Keeping effective records on paper or on a computer is a sticking point for many researching their family trees. Even seasoned researchers don’t always have a good system. This talk examines how to keep good records and looks at ways of overcoming the challenges of research, how to turn the negatives into positives.
NOTE NEW VENUE The Co-Op Education Centre – Pedestrian Entrance, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW. Car park entrance: Waterworks Street IP4 1JG Admission is £3 for members, £3.50 for non-members who are welcome and can join the society on the night if they wish. Tickets are not required; just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact H King: 01473 274300
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY At our next meeting and lecture on November 7, in the month of Remembrance, Dr Susan Owens will give a talk entitled In Spite of Bombs and Broken Windows: Queen Elizabeth and the Arts in Warfare. Dr Owens is a writer and freelance curator and was assistant curator of the print room at Windsor Castle from 2002-07. October’s meeting featured Stephen Taylor, an artist in his own right, talking about his hero, Victorian painter Walter Richard Sickert. Stephen recounted Sickert’s colourful life and gave the audience some insight into his style of painting. A most enlightening talk. This season will feature a broad range of illustrated talks to support all tastes, including lectures on the Duc du Berry, medieval Easter celebrations, the Queen Mother and her art interests, the world of Grayson Perry... and much more. We welcome new members. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? The wonderfully illustrated lectures last about an hour and are presented by national and international lecturers. We are a friendly group who meet on the first Wednesday of the month for nine lectures each year, and we also organise interesting day visits. Guests and 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 For the latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
WHEN DID YOU LAST GET A ROUND OF APPLAUSE? Once upon a time I had a computer that gave me an enthusiastic round of applause every time I turned it on. I often meant to change it but it was always uplifting and made my day start with a smile. At Speak Easy meetings we clap when the meeting begins, when each new speaker is introduced and takes the floor, when the speaker finishes and when the meeting ends. If this sounds a bit over formal, it’s something you quickly get used to and even enjoy. It’s satisfying for audience members to give something to someone who is playing their part in the meeting, who has prepared a speech, who makes an encouraging evaluation or who keeps the meeting to schedule. Or brings the doughnuts! Even if you don’t have a role to play, clapping those who do conveys your warmth and appreciation. Speaking in public is not just about what you say and how you say it. It’s about knowing your audience, sticking to the time allocated, making sure people can hear and see you clearly and listening, really listening. Basic ground rules and techniques help you overcome fears about speaking, grow your confidence and improve your skills. A round of applause for your efforts is sweet reward. Why not come along to Speak Easy at Martlesham and get your own round of appreciation? We are a small friendly group of all ages and backgrounds. We meet from 7-9.30pm on alternate Thursday evenings at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB. Our next meetings are on November 5 and 19 and December 3. Come free as our guest. Find out more at www.speak-easy.org.uk, find us on Facebook or Twitter, or call Sonya Burrows: 07968 372563
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN STAR YOUTH CLUB RUSHMERE
BEETLEDRIVE
Wednesday, November 18 6.30 for a 6.45pm start St Andrew’s Church Hall, Rushmere A night of fun for the whole family! 50p for STAR Club members Children £1 / Adults £2 Refreshments & Raffle To book your tickets contact: Jo 07857 763150 or Joan 01473 711888 To raise funds for STAR Club Equipment 22
Have you heard about U3A (University of the Third Age)? No it’s not about going back to school and having to do exams or win qualifications. It’s a chance for retired and semi retired people to try subjects and hobbies they may have had to miss due to other commitments. Now can be your chance. U3A has groups on many subjects including art, music, book-reading, geology, architecture, indoor and outdoor games like carpet bowls and petanque, as well as garden and church visits. With more than 130 interest groups there is bound to be a subject that will intrigue you. All this for only £12.50 per year. Find out more by visiting one of our monthly meetings with speakers in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Woodbridge. The campus coordinators at each venue will be happy to tell you more about the East Suffolk branch of U3A. The next Ipswich meeting is at 2pm on November 30 at Kesgrave Community Centre, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. In a talk entitled The Railway to Ipswich and Beyond, Mervyn Russen will discuss the building of the Ipswich tunnel and the line from Ipswich to Bury St Edmunds. For information on all dates, subjects and venues please visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or contact the secretary on 01473 273395.
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OUT & ABOUT KYSON PROBUS CLUB Kyson Probus Club met for its usual monthly meeting at 12.30pm on Monday, October 12 at the Ufford Park Hotel. After a convivial drink and lunch we heard a fascinating talk by Mr Malcolm Key, the leader of the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group who, on retirement from BT in 1996, bought some 22 acres of Suffolk countryside near Debenham in which to create a woodland habitat for birds and other wildlife. Malcolm described how the site had previously been farmland. With no use of chemicals the first few years saw the soil become less artificially enriched which allowed it to revert to a more natural state. During this time more and more trees were planted, meadows sown with wild flower seeds and hedgerows coppiced. With a great deal of hard work and despite the ravages of caterpillars, rabbits and various diseases the site has matured to the point where some of the timber can be sold as part of the site’s careful management to offset some of the costs. The woodland and meadows are now a diverse haven for birds, mammals, plants, insects and many naturally living things and will continue to develop and accommodate nature’s unpredictable ways for many years to come. It is a true oasis and our members were deeply impressed by the vision and commitment of Mr Key. Overall, it was an extremely informative and enjoyable afternoon. For information about Kyson Probus Cub, please call the secretary Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866
SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS FLORAL DEMONSTRATION Deben Flower Club is holding its spectacular Christmas floral demonstration at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall (Church Lane Kirton IP10 0PU) on Tuesday, November 10 when Susan Phillips from Orpington, a wellknown and very popular national demonstrator, will present Deck the Halls. What better way to kick-start the festive season than to watch Susan create inspirational
designs using a variety of fresh flowers and foliage with that extra special Christmas touch? Visitors are assured of a warm welcome, £4 payable on the night. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration. All Susan’s floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening. For further information please contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB On October 22 we welcomed Crystal Dyball from Norwich with a demonstration entitled Floral Passion which was enjoyed by all our members. We are now looking forward to our meeting on Thursday, November 26 when we will have our Christmas demonstration by Adele Kent. The title of Adele’s demonstration is Christmas is Coming. I’m sure we will get new ideas for our own Christmas arrangements. The Orwell Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Why not join us and enjoy the festive season? Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm. The doors are open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration which are raffled at the close of the meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
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KALGA: KESGRAVE ALLOTMENT & LEISURE GARDENING ASSOCIATION Winter is upon us but there are still jobs to be done at the allotment. We can’t rest up yet! It’s time to do some digging and to clear the plots of any remaining summer plants so they don’t rot over the winter. There are still some vegetables to harvest too: leeks are ready, and there will soon be Brussels sprouts and parsnips to gather. And an opportunity to sow broad beans. We held our mid-year AGM at Cedercroft School at the end of September and had an interesting talk about the use of fertilisers on our vegetables, learning about the three essential minerals for growing plants: potassium, nitrates and phosphates!
It’s been good to welcome new members recently, but there are a few plots remaining if you are interested. We offer starter plots (for those who would like to try growing their own without overcommitting themselves) or half and whole plots. There’s still time to dig the soil over and prepare your plot for the next season. If you are interested in joining us please contact Angela, our membership secretary, for further details: 01473 612283 / angsan.brown@yahoo.co.uk You’ll find more information about KALGA and the allotment, plus an opportunity to join our forum, at: www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Well, the Nature Explorers went on their fishing expedition to catch the goldfish in the pond. The first task was to remove some of the weed to make clear areas to be able to see the fish and catch them with nets. However, despite best efforts the fish were nowhere to be seen, but at least we did clear the pond which had become quite clogged with weed and bulrushes. We were surprised to find a nonnative invasive pondweed, called New Zealand pigmyweed, probably brought in by ducks which occasionally drop in. This weed could have been very destructive to the pond life due to the density that it grows and the amount of oxygen it removes from the water. Clearing the pond was also of benefit as the next day the Nature Watch Club members were pond dipping. This was another opportunity the spot the goldfish, but again no luck. In contrast, the pond dipping was very successful with lots of interesting creatures being caught, including dragonfly and damselfly larvae, water boatmen, backswimmers, snails and water beetles. Of particular note were freshwater pea clams – a good indicator of a healthy pond, and best of all, a great crested newt larva. The great crested newt is protected by British and European law due to its decline in numbers over the past century, so it is fantastic to know that we have a breeding population in our pond. So despite the fish we have a thriving and healthy pond. Perhaps the fish have become a nice meal for herons, or they might just be hiding well, so we will still keep an eye out for them. Dates for the diary: • Volunteer work morning: Saturday, November 21, 10am-noon • Nature Watch Club (5-11yrs old): Sunday, November 1, 9-11am (date changed from October 25). Subject: Nocturnal animals • Nature Explorers (11-18yrs old): Saturday, November 21, 9-11am New volunteers are always welcome. For further information please email pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, call 01473 612632 or visit: www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net
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SCHOOLS NOVEMBER AT BRIGHT STARS If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like to brighten up your week why not come along to Bright Stars? We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL and welcome all pre-school age children to come along with their parents and/or carers. Each session is full of fun children’s activities and worship. We do crafts of all kinds and so far this term we have coloured our own multi-coloured coats for Joseph and created our own paper plate of favourite foods. At sessions we have also enjoyed singing, storytelling and games. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us this autumn? You are welcome to just turn up on the day or feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions. We will look forward to welcoming you! The remaining session dates for the autumn term are November 9 and 23 and December 14. For further information please contact one of the Bright Stars team: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729 Sonya and Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196 Sue Lambert, 01473 624130
HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP The children have been engaging with different sensory activities derived from the weekly books we have been following to support the Early Years Foundation Stage Early Learning Goals. For example, to support ‘exploring and using media and materials’ with Goldilocks and the Three Bears the children described the texture of dry porridge oats, as ‘they feel silky, and soft’. By pouring water on the oats, the children were able to understanding how different medias can be combined to create different effects, discussing the wet oats as being ‘all sticky, and yucky!!’ The children had great fun at their Halloween party and dressed up in some great costumes. They played fun party games such as apple bobbing, pass the spider and musical chairs, and had lots of tasty party food. Please follow us on Facebook where you can see the children engaged in activities and read our newsletter about the books we will be covering which are linked to our ‘phonic letter of the week’. At Humpty Dumpty Playgroup we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum through implementing fun and engaging activities both childinitiated and adult-led. All activities are differentiated to support each child’s learning and ability. We are registered for children from the age of two years onwards. Please feel free to come in and meet our friendly Early Years team and pick up a registration form. We are situated inside Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach. Contact us on 07837 154081 during term time or manager Sally Cutts on 01473 625998. Wendy Payne
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SATURDAY DAD’S CLUB AT KESGRAVE CHILDREN’S CENTRE November 21, 9.30-11.30am: Ready, Steady, Cook Calling all dads, grandads and stepdads. Come along to our centre with your children aged 0-5 years for a fun play session. We’ll all be cooking this month so don’t forget to put the date in your diary. If you can’t make this date there is also a session on Saturday, December 12. These events are free and there’s no need to book. If you would like more information please call 01473 268533 or pop in and see what else we have to offer at 22 Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JQ.
HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT US? Do you have a child born between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012? Are you planning to make an application for a primary school place? Heath School is a large, friendly school with excellent facilities, and is situated in Bell Lane, Kesgrave. If you would like to visit the school, meet the headteacher, Mrs Bowditch, and have a tour of the school, you would be very welcome. Please call the school on 01473 622806 to make an appointment. We look forward to meeting you.
HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL & AFTER SCHOOL CLUB As we enter November we are exploring fireworks through beautiful glittery and sparkly pictures and other craft ideas. The children (and adults) thoroughly enjoyed the visitor who came to dance with us and explore rhythm and movement. Thank you to all the lovely grandparents who came to visit us during Grandparent’s Week, sharing skills and getting involved in arts/crafts and general play. We will be supporting Children in Need, coming dressed in our PJs and making and selling cakes for this worthwhile cause. Heathlands is a well-established, committee-run pre-school situated in the grounds of Broke Hall Community Primary School. We can offer funded places for eligible two-year-olds and for all other children the term after their third birthday. We can offer any mix of morning sessions, lunch-club or afternoon sessions dependent upon availability and run term time. Breakfast and afterschool clubs are also available. For further details please visit: www.heathlandspreschool.co.uk We are always happy for prospective families to visit the setting and we have some places available in the autumn term (September 2015) and beyond. Please contact acting manager Hannah Randall or administrator Julie Bedford on 01473 417517 to discuss your needs or to arrange a visit.
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SCHOOLS BROKE HALL PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENT AND TODDLER SESSIONS AT WOODBRIDGE METHODIST CHURCH Our parent and toddler sessions meet every Friday in term time from 9.30-11am. We have a spacious room where children can freely play safely with a variety of activities from ride-on toys to less energetic activities such as play dough. Free parking is available in an ideal location central to Woodbridge town. The charge of £1.50 per family includes refreshments for both child and parent. All under threes are welcome. Please feel free to visit. For more information please contact Deirdre Rothwell: 01394 386381 / deirdre@drothwell.co.uk
THREE BEARS PLAYGROUP
OPEN EVENING – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 We would like to invite all prospective parents and children who are due to start Nursery or Reception over the next two years to an Open Evening on Wednesday, November 4, 4-6.30pm. The whole school will be open for you to view. Our prefects are eager to give you tours of the school and show you some of the exciting learning activities that take place. Other children will be entertaining you with music and the kitchen staff will be preparing some samples of school lunch fare. Staff from Heathlands Out-of-School Club will also be available to answer your questions about care provision before and after school. Mrs Barr, the staff and governors look forward to meeting you. If you require information regarding the application process, please contact the school on 01473 729544 or call in to the school on Chatsworth Drive, Ipswich IP4 5XD and the office staff will be pleased to help.
What a busy half term! The children have been busy replanting the garden with broccoli and leeks. They have also been looking at the sunflowers planted before the summer holidays, measuring themselves next to them and seeing which is taller or shorter. The new ICT toys have been a great success. We have been making race tracks for the remote control cars and exploring with the metal detectors. Wonderful smells have come from the kitchen as the children have made pizzas, cheese on toast, flapjacks and their favourite – bananas and custard. The children have been looking at traditional fairy tales: reading and acting out the stories and making a big display board with a beanstalk, giant footprints, gingerbread men and stick men made from sticks collected on an autumn walk. Three Bears returns after the half term break on Monday, November 2. 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.
As we continue to have some wonderful weather the children are still able to enjoy our outdoor space, including our very popular mud kitchen! They love digging and learning about how things grow and change at this time of year. This ties in nicely with our autumn walks which allow the children to collect leaves of all colours, shapes and sizes which they use to be creative back at the nursery. We have had more new starters and would like to say a huge welcome to Bradley, Evan, Emily, Leon and Pieter. They have all settled into Saplings life brilliantly. On November 13 we will be holding a dress-up day to support Children In Need which is something we do every year. The children enjoy coming in dressed as their favourite film or book character, or even dressed as Pudsey. Christmas is fast approaching and we have been busy making plans for our annual Christmas fair. This year it will be held upstairs at The Saplings on Saturday, December 5,
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10am-noon. The event is very popular and will consist of craft stalls, creative tables and a raffle for our christmas hamper to name just a few. Please do come along – we look forward to seeing you all there. We currently have vacancies in all our rooms, including spaces for funded two and three-year olds. Don’t forget your child’s funded sessions can be used across our opening hours and ‘stretched’ across holiday club too. The Saplings is open MondayFriday, 7.30am-6pm, for children aged three months to 11 years. We offer termtime and year-round care, with a baby room, pre-school, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions, and a ‘walking bus’ to Birchwood Primary School. For further information on all our term-time sessions, or holiday club bookings, please call our friendly team of dedicated and experienced staff on 01473 614753, email news@thesaplings.org.uk or visit: www.thesaplings.org.uk
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SCHOOLS Before our thoughts turn to (dare I say it?) Christmas, I would like you all to check your diaries and see if you are free for a fun night out on Saturday, November 14 when we shall be holding a quiz night at the Millennium Jubilee Hall on Grange Farm. Please put together a team of up to eight and help raise money for our playschools. We are a charity run establishment and without these fundraising events we would find it very difficult to continue to provide such fantastic settings for your children to attend. Bring your own snacks and drinks (yes alcohol is allowed) and we can guarantee lots of fun and laughter. You may also leave with a raffle prize and a winner’s medal! Tickets are available from either settings or contact us on the details below. We are also very pleased to announce that from January our Kesgrave setting will be opening all days. Please contact us regarding sessions as they are already filling up quickly. We can offer places for two to five-years-olds, funded and non-funded.
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This is an amazing achievement as in November Kesgrave will be celebrating its first birthday. We would like to thank all the families who have supported us over the past year and look forward to many more years ahead. The setting provides a fantastic array of resources which allow the children to feel comfortable and confident and to develop life learning skills. The Early Year’s team provide support and guidance and have built strong relations with the children and their parents. The children really enjoy their time at the setting and are involved in a wide range of activities both inside and out. If you wish to find out more about either Kesgrave or Martlesham please contact us and pop in for a visit. Charlotte, play manager Martlesham Playschool, Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool, Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 Email: mplayschool@btinternet.com
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SPORTS IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The indoor volleyball season has started and the first tournament in the Suffolk six-a-side series at Maidenhall Sports Centre was an absolute humdinger with eight top sides from across the county joined for the first time by a team from Norwich. The competition was very evenly matched and produced exciting games from start to end. Ipswich Ravens, having bid farewell to a number of regular members over the summer, fielded a side with a new look to it with two players making their debut for the club. We performed exceptionally well to hold our own in such a strong level of competition, with two wins out of five very close and hard fought matches. RESULTS Stowmarket II 8-20 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 19-20 Norwich Towers Ipswich Ravens 16-20 Stowmarket III Diss 25-22 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich I 24-25 Ipswich Ravens FINAL TABLE Norwich Towers Diss Ipswich I Stowmarket III Ipswich Ravens Ipswich II Stowmarket II Bury Bobcats
Wins 5 4 4 3 2 2 0 0
Pts For 110 109 109 95 102 88 85 67
IPSWICH WANDERERS FC The first Ipswich Wanderers Partnership Day will be held on Saturday, November 7. This will be an opportunity to discover the ways in which individuals or businesses can become a partner of their local non-league football club. Participants will be given lunch, information about sponsorship options and will also be able to enjoy pre-match hospitality before watching the home game against Norfolk rivals Norwich United. Norwich are currently champions of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League. If you are interested in joining us on our free Partnership Day please contact 07734 321259. Forthcoming games at The Doucy Stadium include:
Pts Agst 83 76 95 97 97 97 110 110
Captain Chris Giles said: “With new faces mixing with the old in the team, this was always the start of the journey. We gave a very good account with our two victories against experienced teams. The three close defeats dampened our spirits somewhat, but at the same time created the hunger to train harder, create a bigger squad and have fun by winning volleyball matches!” Ipswich Ravens hold club practise sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from nine upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk
• Saturday, October 31: Home v Hoddesdon Town or Takeley (KO 3pm) FA Vase • Saturday, November 7: Home v Norwich Utd (KO 3pm) / Sponsored by Lloyd Education • Saturday, November 28: Home v Fakenham Town (KO 3pm) For details of matches and all club news visit: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipswichwanderers If Wanderers win their FA Vase tie, the next round will take place on Saturday, November 21. The draw for this will be made by the FA on Monday, November 2. The last round saw Wanderers defeat Clapton 2-0 in front of a larger than average crowd that included the London club’s vocal fans with their banners, flags and coloured smoke. Something a bit different for The Doucy! But man-of-the-match Billy Holland scored our first goal and set up Ben Deacon for the second goal that sealed the win. As I write this, Kevin Baker’s Under 18s have won all their league games. They play home games on Tuesday evenings on the main pitch with the usual club facilities open. Admission prices for 1st Team games: adults £6 / concessions £3. Bar, hot food, programme, golden goal, club shop, free car parking… entrance in Humber Doucy Lane, Rushmere. Keith Lloyd
KESGRAVE BOWLS CLUB We had a great day on September 12 in our open pairs tournament which was sponsored by haart Estate Agents. Thanks to them for their support. The winners were: Joyce and Roy Fisher, runners-up were Paul Oxborrow and Robert Johnson and third were Mike Rodwell and Ray Nunn.
Sally, Muriel and Rick and third, the two Jims and Steve. I can’t believe our season is well and truly finished! It seems to have flown by, but at least we have our dinner and presentation to look forward to on Friday, December 4. Anyone who hasn’t yet booked their place for the dinner can still contact me and they will be most welcome.
Again many thanks to all those who tirelessly helped to make it a good day, namely Muriel, Maureen, Jill, Gwyneth and John, and also to Sheila and Paul for doing the scoring. Thanks to all the members who provided cakes for the lunch and I apologise if I have left anybody out.
I hope everyone has a really good Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you all in April. If you would like to discuss joining the club next year, please give me a call.
Our final drive was won by Gloria, Trevor and Santo, second place was
Joyce Fisher, 01473 626075
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SPORTS KESGRAVE KESTRELS FOOTBALL CLUB At the time of writing this in early October our Saturday First Team are enjoying a 100% record in the SIL Division 4 and have progressed into Round 2 of the County Cup. Good wins for the team in the last month away at Stowupland and home to Sporting 87. After two early draws the Reserves are still searching for their first win of the season. The Reserves are predominantly youth players moving into senior football for the first time and it is really pleasing that some are already progressing into the First team too. The Sunday league team have struggled early on and are still looking for their first win – we are pleased to welcome Pete Ross to the club. Pete has become manager for the Sunday league team and will bring valuable league experience to the team.
The Vets team started well with a good win in the first league match, a narrow 1-0 defeat to higher league opposition away in the first round of the league cup at The Cherries to be followed shortly with the first round of the County Veterans Cup. We are seeking players to further strengthen the Saturday squad in particular. If you are interested please contact the adult section secretary Jason Logan: adultsecretary@kesgravekestrelsfc.co.uk We were pleased to support the FA Respect Campaign with the Set Your Stall Out weekend at the start of October. Our new Early Years Foundation Stage group will launch in early November and we already have great interest in this. The group for Reception class children will be running on Saturday
mornings and will feed into Little Kestrels at Under 6. If you are interested in enrolling or would like further information please contact our secretary or check our website. Within the club we are looking to establish an events committee to help run our annual club events including the race night and club tournament. We are looking for six-eight club members to get involved and if you are able to help please contact your team manager or the club secretary. For more information about the club generally, our events and opportunities within teams please visit www.kesgravekestrelsfc.co.uk or contact our secretary: 01473 620562 / secretary@kesgravekestrelsfc.co.uk David Hall
KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB At the end of our last report I left all our readers on tenterhooks for news of how our senior season ended. I can now put you all out of your misery! The 1st XI finished its season with a convincing home win against Stowmarket. The visitors made a very competitive 208/4 but Kesgrave won by six wickets with overs to spare, led from the front by an excellent 102 not out by skipper Mike Worne. The team finished fourth in the Two Counties Division 5, frustratingly just outside the promotion places. Although this is the highest Two Counties league position ever achieved by the club, it is ultimately disappointing given how well placed we were halfway through the season. But we will dust ourselves down and work hard to mount a stronger challenge in 2016. Last month’s report ended with our Sunday 1st XI closing in on the Suffolk Cricket Alliance Section A title. Our penultimate game at Easton was abandoned to the rain part-way through the first innings which left us needing just four points out of a maximum 20 from our last game against Mellis to secure the title.
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Kesgrave batted first and made 157 all out in tricky conditions, thanks to Mike Worne (52), Connor Betts (44) and Ben Garnham (37). Strong opening bowling by Adie Gale (4/24) and Mike Colver (2/5) left Mellis on the back foot and they were ultimately dismissed for 73. This victory brought us the title and our celebrations carried on well into the evening. So the 2015 season is now over, the ground has been ‘put to bed’ for the winter months and in early October we celebrated our successes over the season with the club’s senior awards night. The winners were as follows: 1st XI: Batting – Mike Worne and Ben Colver; Bowling – Sam Colver; Most Improved Player – Danny McCall; Player of the Year – Ben Colver. Sunday 1st XI: Batting – Mike Worne and Ben Colver; Bowling – Sam Colver; Most Improved Player – Greg Wallen; Player of the Year – Greg Wallen. Sunday 2nd XI: Batting – Nathan Young; Bowling – Ted Colver; Most Improved Player – Mike Colver and Ted Colver; Player of the Year – Mike Colver.
The Kesgrave Sunday 1st XI which clinched the Suffolk Cricket Alliance Section A Title v Mellis CC, September 20, 2015 © R Bradley Back row: Adrian Gale, Greg Wallen, Connor Betts, Dan Haggar, Ted Colver, Mike Colver, Ben Colver. Front row: Mike Worne, Ben Garnham, Sam Colver (captain), Andy Thompson Midweek XI: Batting – Tom Piddington; Bowling, Most Improved Player, Player of the Year – all awarded to Luke Carr. Shortly after the end of the season, we were invited by our friends at Kesgrave bowls club to take part in an inter-club bowls match. A very enjoyable evening was had by all and our thanks to the bowls club for their hospitality, though some of us found it harder to control a
swinging wood than a swinging ball! By the time you read this we will also have held our junior awards presentation and quiz night, as well as our annual club golf match. Thank you for taking an interest in our news throughout the course of the season, and watch out for regular updates on club matters through the winter as we await the return of our wonderful game next April!
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SPORTS / on the grapevine OUTDOOR FITNESS CLASSES IN KESGRAVE Have you noticed? Autumn is in the air! School is back in full swing, the leaves are turning and the temperatures are starting to cool down. Autumn is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy being active in nearly perfect temperatures. It’s easier on the body to be active outdoors when the temperatures are mild. At Hope Fitness our exercise classes are so much more than just a plain old workout session. Of course this is the main goal, but if you are looking for a good old gossip, a group
therapy session, an activity for your baby or pre-schooler or just getting some fresh air with friends – then this is the place to be. The hour long classes currently run four times a week on Grange Farm in Kesgrave, providing an all over body workout with the added benefit of all of the above. The classes run outside whatever the weather and are suitable for all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels. We also welcome mums and mumsto-be, and even well-behaved dogs!
QUESTIONS ON CASH
If you would like to come along and see what it’s all about then you can try your first class for free. For details visit www.hopefitness. co.uk, email angela@hopefitness.co.uk, or call Angela on 07801 892713. Enjoy your autumn by taking the time to get outdoors and enjoy the daylight and nice weather that we have left! Soak up some vitamin D and make some memories with friends. Angela Hope
with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb
MARRIAGE, MORTGAGES & MONEY: Pre-nuptial financial considerations If you are about to get married, there are a number of financial issues that you should consider. When the honeymoon is over, what are your financial planning priorities and where can you get the best advice? Colin and Sharon are busy planning their forthcoming wedding. They will be buying a new home together soon, and they plan to start a family. Colin is an electrician and Sharon is a part time office assistant. Colin had a flat before he met Sharon, and they plan to keep this and rent it out. They contacted me to discuss how their financial planning needs will change after they marry and move into their new house. First on Colin and Sharon’s checklist was to get the best possible deal on a mortgage for their new home. Choosing the right mortgage can be a minefield. Don’t be tempted by attractive headline rates or discounts now that dramatically increase in later years. Look for a rate that you can afford to pay over the longer-term. For new home owners, a rate that is fixed or capped is a good idea, as this will give you some long term stability and the security of knowing what your mortgage will cost each month. Also, don’t assume that you will get the best deal on a mortgage from your own bank or building society. Most banks and building societies only offer a limited range of their own mortgage products, so although you may have banked there for years, they may not necessarily offer you the best deal. Colin and Sharon have taken their mortgage advice from my colleague, Graham Spearman. Graham is an independent mortgage adviser, and he looked at every lender in the mortgage marketplace to make sure he found the best deal for Colin and Sharon. It’s also important to protect the outstanding mortgage in case either Colin or Sharon were to die. Again, the insurance policy you are offered by your mortgage lender may seem convenient when it is all arranged ‘under the same roof’, but an independent adviser can almost certainly find you a better deal with lower premiums and better benefits. It would also be a good idea for Colin and Sharon to consider adding Critical Illness cover to their mortgage protection policy. Critical Illness cover would pay out the policy sum assured in the event of Colin or Sharon suffering one of around 30 serious illnesses, such as cancer, stroke or heart attack. A lump sum payment that enabled them to pay off their mortgage would be very welcome at such a time, and would enable them to maintain their lifestyle.
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As Colin works for a small local electrical business, he receives no longterm sick pay benefits. Statutory Sick Pay is not going to replace Colin’s wages if he suffers long term ill health or if he is injured as a result of an accident and is unable to work. As he is likely to be the main source of income into the household when he and Sharon start a family, he should consider taking out some form of income protection cover. This type of policy will replace a large proportion of his income if he cannot work due to long-term ill health or disability. Benefits would usually be paid monthly until Colin was well enough to return to work or until he retired if this was earlier. I would also suggest that Colin and Sharon should re-consider their decision to rent out Colin’s flat. The rental market is not great at the moment, and there is no guarantee that they will find a long-term tenant. That could leave them paying two mortgages on one income. In the longer term, if they buy a new place, the flat would no longer be Colin’s main residence, so it would not qualify for ‘main residence relief’ from Capital Gains Tax. That could leave him facing a hefty tax bill on any future gain in value. If he sells now while it is still his main residence he will still make a profit of just over £20,000, which could either be used to reduce the mortgage they need for their new home, or could be invested now while the markets are low in order to build up capital for their longer-term future together or for children’s school fees. If they keep the flat, I would suggest that they put it into Sharon’s name as she is a lower rate taxpayer and will actually become a non-taxpayer when she stops work to raise children. That means they will pay less income tax on the rental income ongoing. They should also keep their cash savings at the building society in Sharon’s name when she stops working because, as a non-taxpayer, she will be able to reclaim the tax deducted on those savings. Finally, I have advised Colin and Sharon to make Wills. This is particularly important for them as home-owners and potential parents, as it will ensure that their assets will go to who they would wish on death. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol. com, or call Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK Many constituents have written to me regarding the debate in parliament on Rob Marris MP’s Assisted Dying Bill. Back in 2012, when assisted dying was being debated in parliament for the first time in a generation, I wrote about my concerns of the impact the bill will have on vulnerable people. The circumstances faced by patients with terminal illnesses are always challenging and unique to that person and their family, and I am still doubtful whether these can effectively be written into law. As you are probably aware, as well as being a Member of Parliament, I am also an NHS hospital doctor and my work as a frontline NHS professional has given me an insight into the nature of death and dying. I was at one time a strong supporter of individuals with terminal illnesses being given greater power to end their lives. Who was I to stop someone with a terminal illness from ending their life when they had expressed a consistent wish to do so?
But an experience as a junior doctor changed my views. Alice (not her real name) was a woman in her 40s with advanced multiple sclerosis, no longer able to speak, and completely dependent on family and carers for all her activities of daily living. She was regularly admitted to hospital with chest infections, and on this occasion had been admitted with a pneumonia that was not responding to antibiotics. She was clearly in great pain and distress. Conversations with her family suggested that much as they loved and cared for her, they believed her illness was at a stage where medical treatments were prolonging her suffering. Her husband said: “she would never have wanted to be like this.” The palliative care team were called to provide specialist care and advice for what was likely to be the last days of Alice’s life. Against all odds, Alice pulled through and left hospital. Several weeks later, I met her husband again at the hospital shop. He told me the involvement of the palliative care team meant
that she and her family had received specialist care and support in the community. He said he felt guilty for having even contemplated the end of her life. As an NHS hospital doctor, I have witnessed at first-hand how palliative care can help patients and their families better deal with very difficult issues and circumstances of death and dying, as well as providing support in coping with the long term pain that often accompanies terminal illness. My experience tells me that the ability to end life prematurely could in some circumstances be abused and undue pressure brought to bear on the vulnerable and terminally ill. As a result I believe that we should give greater priority and funding to the development of high quality palliative care services, both nationally and locally for patients in Suffolk. For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com
CITIZENS ADVICE HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS WITH HMRC PHONE LINES Citizens Advice has said long phone queues to speak to HMRC means some people could face fines for late tax returns or receive over or underpayments for tax credits. The warning comes as data from national Citizens Advice highlights how frustrated callers tweeted HMRC over 11,500 times in the last 12 months to complain about long phone line queues, the average being 47 minutes. While official figures suggest an average wait of 10 minutes, the study from Citizens Advice shows
many people are waiting longer. Reasons for calling HMRC include explaining a change in circumstances that will impact on tax credits, for example losing their job or having a child, or to clarify income tax payments. Carol Eagles of Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “Time and time again we are seeing people who know they need to update HMRC on their tax or circumstances but are really struggling to get through on the phone. If a person can’t update HMRC about their tax credit circumstances they may not
get all of the support available or instead are overpaid which can cause debts further down the line. “Similarly a worker may not be able to file their self assessment return on time if they cannot get through on the phone to ask a question, and could face a fine for missing the deadline. With Citizens Advice staff and volunteers also facing similar queues it is important HMRC urgently addresses the problems many people are experiencing with phone lines.” HMRC phones lines are 0300 numbers meaning calls are
charged at the same rate as a standard landline call and could be included in some phone package’s free minutes. However, if a person is waiting 47 minutes it could cost them £4.66. The charity is also warning that the roll-out of Universal Credit and changes to tax credits could mean waiting times will further soar as more and more people try to speak to someone. The local CAB is at 19 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE, 01473 219777. The bureau can also be contacted at: www.ipswichcab.org.uk
called, and the child said she was sorry and related the following: “I was saying my prayers and Jesus told me that I should tell you I was sorry. He said I didn’t have to do this, that I had a choice, it was up to me to choose.”
I recently met with a friend that I hadn’t seen for a while. As we chatted and caught up with each other’s news, she related the following story. It was early evening and close to bedtime for her seven-year-old and she had done something naughty for which she received a reprimand. The child got ‘huffy’ and was sent upstairs to bed. She was told to get ready for bed and say her prayers. Half-an-hour later Mummy was
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Happily she made the right choice. Many of us arrive at adulthood and have never learned that we too have a choice. To forgive or not to forgive. If we choose forgiveness we are no longer bound or trapped by the incident and will not become bitter and sour, which leads on to mental, emotional and eventually physical ill health. If you find you can’t forgive ask God to help you and He will. New Life Community Church meets at 10.30am every Sunday at Heath Primary School, Heath Lane, Kesgrave.
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