In Touch with Manningtree - December 2015 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch

™© ™©

with Brantham, Lawford Manningtree & Mistley

Volume 6 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2015 Image by Svetlana Sewell

Can you help find Jack Frost? Saturday, December 12, from 1-7pm Manningtree high street

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My son is remarkably indecisive and it’s not a trait he has inherited from me! He and I have attempted to write to Father Christmas on no less than eight occasions now and each list has been completely different save for a bouncy egg which has topped the list every time. I kid you not! A bouncy egg is the thing he wants more than anything else. Basically it’s a egg shaped bouncy ball which costs about £1.50, but I suspect Jack will have hours of fun playing the same trick on us over and over again! Oh joy! But despite the frustration of trying to force Jack to make a final decision I’m quietly pleased that he is so keen to have a simple, inexpensive gift. I know Lego will make it onto the final list in one form or another and possibly some football ‘stuff’, but while Jack is still relatively immune to the power of advertising I clearly don’t need to overspend in order to have a happy five-year-old. Next year might be more difficult. I dread the day he asks for a mobile phone, but I’m going to copy my brother John and agree to Jack having a phone for his 14th birthday. I can hear you scoffing in disbelief, but John’s four teenagers still speak to him – when they’re not on their phones! This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!). Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing. It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

In Touch

with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley

In Touch with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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

NEWS ST HELENA HOSPICE At St Helena Hospice we are always looking for new volunteers to join our team and we are currently looking for the following: Online Assistants Do you have experience in researching products, photographing and listing them on EBay or Amazon? We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our online team at the Angora Donation Centre to sell, package, dispatch and fill in relevant paperwork. If you have specialist knowledge or an interest in stamps, coins, jewellery, fashion, pictures, Warhammer or Pokémon cards we would also like to hear from you. Customer Service Assistants Do you have experience working in a customer focused role? Our team of customer service assistants at the Angora Donation Centre is looking for new members to join them. You will be required to greet members of the public bringing in donations, promote Gift Aid and process the necessary paperwork. Retail Assistants Have you previously worked in retail or would you like some retail experience? The furniture shop at Angora Business Park, Stanway, is currently looking for motivated volunteers to work as part of the busy team. You will be assisting the shop manager to maximise income from the sale of donated goods, lifting and moving items of furniture for customers and around the shop. Good communication skills are essential. Hairdresser Our Tendring centre is looking for volunteer hairdressers to work once a fortnight on a Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. It’s important for people to feel positive about themselves no matter how poorly they may be feeling; giving men and women a haircut can be that real confidence boost they need to feel good! All the roles listed above have various hours and days available to fit around you. Apply via our website sthelenahospice/volunteer, by emailing volunteer@sthelenahospice.org.uk or by ringing 01206 931466 and speaking to our volunteer team.

Also see TREE OF MEMORIES 2015 APPEAL on page 33.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

JANUARY DEADLINE 4 DECEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS COURSES FOR FAMILY CARERS – FIND OUT MORE FOR FREE Suffolk Family Carers is a Suffolk wide organisation which aims to offer support and information to anyone caring for a friend, family member or neighbour with any kind of illness, disability or frailty. If you offer support, help or encouragement to a friend or family member who is unwell then you are a Family Carer and are able to access our free Caring with Confidence courses. These courses provide information and tips on ways to confidently care for your friend or loved one. A variety of topics are covered such as effective communication to get your needs met, ways to manage your emotions and take better care of yourself, balancing caring with other commitments you may have, and looking at day to day challenges. We also have a wealth of resources which may help with a variety of issues and concerns you face within your caring role. If you care for someone with dementia you could also access our Caring for Dementia with Confidence course which is specifically designed for those caring for someone with dementia or memory loss. These sessions are not only a great way to gain useful information, but also give you the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation. These sessions run regularly so to find out more about either Caring with Confidence or Caring for Dementia with Confidence please contact us: 01473 835446 / cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org

BANKING AS IT USED TO BE Colchester Credit Union at The Hub, 1 The Lane, Manningtree every Friday from 10am to noon There are sound reasons for joining the Credit Union: • Saving on a regular basis is a sensible way of managing money • It makes sense to save for special events like school trips, holidays, car repairs… • For tight budgets even small savings can be a big help with unexpected bills • Regular Credit Union savers can apply for a loan at reasonable interest rates • Credit Union savings are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme • Credit Unions are staffed by volunteers; they will listen to you and don’t get fat bonuses Joining the Credit Union is easy. Just bring two forms of ID and fill in one simple form to set up an account. You can save by standing order or pop into the Hub to pay in cash whenever you want, whatever you want. And if you like, you can stop for a coffee and a chat at the same time – what could be better? You may think that just before Christmas is not the best time to start a new savings regime. You may be right, but on the other hand, it might just be the best time for setting up an account. It would mean that you will be ready to start the saving habit in earnest from the very start of the New Year. Just think, it will make planning for next Christmas a lot more enjoyable! Credit Union sessions run in parallel with the regular all-age Friday morning drop-in at The Hub. Come in and see us. All services at of the community.

are offered by local churches for all members

GRANTS OF £20K AVAILABLE TO HELP COUNCIL TENANTS BUY THEIR OWN HOMES Council tenants who want to buy their own homes are being urged to apply for £20k grants to help them onto the property ladder. Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were successful in applying for funding from the government’s £84m Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund which was launched earlier this year. This two-year funding opportunity, called HomeOwn, is designed to help Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation and to buy a home that best suits their needs on the open market. The scheme enables Babergh and Mid Suffolk to make one-off payments to council tenants of up to £20,000 as a cash incentive to buy a house for the first time – freeing up a council house for someone else in the process. Initially the scheme was offered to tenants living in one and two-bed-homes. It has now been opened up to all eligible tenants regardless of the size of their current property. A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for. Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi. Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property. Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before. “The application form was extremely easy to fill in and we received a quick decision from Babergh and Mid Suffolk allowing us to have our own home and to free up a council house for someone in need.” Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These grants are a great opportunity for our council tenants to be in a really good position to buy their own home. We all know how difficult it is for people to actually get a foot on the housing ladder so any assistance we are able to offer is fantastic. “Housing is a strategic priority for both councils. We need to free up council properties to help more people move off of the housing register so if you think may be able to do just that and eligible for one of these grants, then get in touch.” And Councillor Jennie Jenkins, Babergh’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Both councils are delighted that our first family to take advantage of these grants have bought their house and are now enjoying family life in their new home. “I am so pleased that we were successful in gaining this government funding. Babergh and Mid Suffolk tenants can now have access to a choice of homes on the open market which they may otherwise have not been able to afford. Anyone who thinks they could take advantage of this offer should contact us immediately.” To apply for the incentive, tenants will need to show that the purchase of a property on the open market will be a sustainable one, they must have a clear rent account for the past 12 months, be purchasing a property that meets their current housing needs (all of the household must move into the new property) and prove that they can re-pay a mortgage. For further information on this scheme – and to check eligibility – please contact Paulina Malinowska, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Home Ownership Officer: paulina.malinowska@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk / 01449 724753

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Sell your home now for only.. Available through to 13th December 2015

0.75% inc. VAT

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01206 589 109 Essex & Suffolk Office, 2 The Lane, Manningtree

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NEWS MISTLEY PARISH COUNCIL The full minutes of the meeting which took place on October 5 are displayed on the noticeboards near to the bus stop at Rigby Avenue and also outside Mistley Post Office in the High Street. The minutes can also be accessed online at: www.essexinfo.net/mistleypc/parish-council/meetings/ Richard Ling and Councillor Rose paid tribute to the former Mistley Parish Councillor, Mrs Aggie Forrester. Mrs Forrester was well-respected for the help she gave to the community, which was reflected in the great turnout of mourners at her funeral. Mr Ling and Councillor Rose spoke of Mrs Forrester’s determination, particularly in respect of resolving the housing needs of local people. Public Voice District Councillor Coley and County Councillor Guglielmi provided reports respectively about the work of Tendring District Council and Essex County Council. Matters Arising • The assistance of Tendring District Council to be sought concerning parking on the hill on Harwich Road. • The council approved remedial tree work at Furze Hill to be undertaken. • It was agreed that signage be erected to show horses and wheeled transport are prohibited at entry points to Furze Hill. Community Initiatives Fund Application The scope of the works for the village hall extension had not included updating of the toilets. Following a positive response to an expression of interest in a grant from the Community Initiatives Fund, the council agreed to proceed with a full application. Clerk’s report Tendring District Council’s assistance in removing four instances of graffiti was acknowledged. The Half-Pipe Skateboard Ramp had recently been

LAWFORD PARISH COUNCIL You can read the council’s minutes on: • www.essexinfo.net/lawford-parish-council • on the parish council’s noticeboards • minutes can be collected from the Parish Office by prior arrangement as the offices are not open to the public

vandalised but had since been repaired. It was agreed that the older fixings be replaced. Meetings attended The chairman provided reports about: the measures to improve safety concerning the A120; Tendring District Council’s Local Plan; and the future of Mistley Place Park. Councillor Birch gave a report of the Tendring Association of Local Councils meeting. Councillors Fairhall and Peacock reported on Tendring District Council’s planning training event. Planning The council agreed to support two planning applications and to make no comments on 11 others. The council also agreed comments in response to Tendring District Council’s Issues and Options Document about the Local Plan. Finance In addition to the regular finance items, the council agreed the amounts of grants to the following local organisations: E.A. Children’s Hospice £120; British Legion £50; Community Bus £200; First Responders £500; Manningtree Museum £100; Autumn Days Club £80; Mistley Church £1,000; Citizens Advice Bureau £750; Suffolk Rescue Service £200; and Essex Air Ambulance £300. Correspondence The council agreed to submit a response objecting to the Ministry of Justice’s proposal to close Colchester County Court as it would make access to justice more difficult and more expensive. The chairman to attend a meeting on October 26 to speak in support of maintaining a location in Mistley, Manningtree, Lawford area where the public can meet police to deal with issues without having to travel to Clacton or Colchester. Date of next meeting Monday, December 21, 7.30pm, in the village hall.

BRANTHAM PARISH COUNCIL The next meeting of Brantham Parish Council will take place on December 4. Come along to find out what your parish council is up to and to raise any questions/concerns. You can find out more about Brantham Parish Council on the Brantham Community website at www.brantham.onesuffolk.net. The site includes copies of recent parish council meeting minutes, details of upcoming events and other items of local interest. The parish council meets on the first Wednesday of every month (except August) in Brantham Village Hall at 7.30pm. The public are welcome to attend. You can contact the Brantham Parish Clerk at: 07702 490212 / clerk@branthamparishcouncil.co.uk

MANNINGTREE TOWN COUNCIL The minutes of Manningtree Town Council meetings are available on their website (www.manningtreetowncouncil.org.uk), on the two town noticeboards (one at the Co-op Fiveways store and one beside the library) and at the clerk's office (by appointment / 01206 394345).

You can also follow Brantham Parish Council on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BranthamParishCouncil PARISH CLERK SURGERIES Brantham Parish Clerk holds monthly ‘surgery’ sessions at Bake and Blossoms Café so that parishioners and others can meet her, ask questions, raise concerns or even just have a chat and a cake. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know your parish clerk and to chat through all those local issues that have been bothering you! The next surgery is on December 9, 10am-noon.

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)

Flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations

The new patient group has been meeting regularly since July. A list of members along with contact details is available at both surgeries and on the practice website: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk

We held flu clinics at East Bergholt on October 6 and Capel on October 15. This year we had more clinicians than in previous years and representatives from the Patient Participation Group helped to direct patients. As a result queues were minimal on both days and feedback from patients was very positive. We vaccinated more than 1,800 patients over the two days and raised £853.26 for St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Thank you for your generosity. Patients who are eligible for free NHS flu or pneumococcal vaccination but were unable to attend one of our flu days can book an appointment at one of our weekly mini clinics. We have also now sent out letters to children eligible for a free NHS nasal flu vaccination and have set up clinics after 4pm. The parents/ guardians of all eligible children will have received a letter by midNovember inviting them to book an appointment. This includes all children aged two-four on August 31, 2015, and children at risk because of their health condition. Note that children in School Years 1 and 2 may be offered a vaccination at school. The practice is also offering free NHS shingles vaccinations to patients aged 70, 71, 72, 78 or 79 on September 1, 2015. All eligible patients will receive a letter and can have the vaccination at any time over the next year. Please contact the practice to book an appointment. Practice feedback We have been monitoring patient feedback over the last few months since we started to address the concerns highlighted by the CQC in April. We are delighted to have received generally positive feedback on the changes we have made so far. On September 7 we launched a new appointment system and this appears to be working well. We have committed to never turn a patient away, though they may need to speak to a doctor or nurse practitioner on the phone and then be seen in person if necessary. We have taken notices down from doctors’ doors stating that only one problem is to be discussed per 10 minute consultation and our doctors will aim to spend the time necessary to fully address a patient problem. Of course they do operate under time constraints and appointments are nominally 10 minutes long, so if you think you need longer then please let the receptionist know and they can book a double appointment. However, feedback is positive and suggests patients feel they are being listened to and treated appropriately. We have also been working with all staff to ensure that the overall experience when patients need to contact the practice is professional and helpful, and again your feedback is generally very positive. We value feedback, both positive and negative, so please either complete the Friends and Family Test or PPG comment cards available in waiting areas, or leave a comment on the NHS Choices website. Clearly we should be alerted when problems arise, but we also want to hear about positive experiences as this provides confirmation that the changes we are making are having the desired effect.

We also have comment boxes in both waiting rooms and our email address is: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Group members helped at the two flu days in October. We hope that your experience this year was much improved. At the beginning of November we gave our views on patient care to the inspectors from the Care Quality Commission. By the time you read this we should know the result of the re-inspection. We thought it would be helpful to explain the role of PPGs and here is a summary. PPGs and practices work in unique partnerships to: • contribute to the continuous improvement of services and quality of care • foster improved communication between the practice and its patients • provide practical support for the practice and help to implement change • help patients to take more responsibility for their health PPGs can also help with: • Advising the practice on the patient perspective • Organising health promotion events • Running volunteer services and support groups to meet local needs • Carrying out research into the views of those who use the practice (and their carers) Please contact us if you have any comments and suggestions which you feel would help us with our objectives of improving the patient experience. We are also still hoping to get more volunteer drivers so we can ensure that people without transport can get to appointments at either surgery. Please get in touch if you can help. Kathy Pollard Chair, Constable Country Patient Participation Group

Training days Just a reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, December 9; Wednesday, February 10; Thursday, March 10. On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day. Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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NEWS ARDLEIGH SURGERY NEWS Everybody wants to be well for Christmas, but I am sure you can remember at least one Christmas that you spent in bed with a cold or flu. There is so much pressure now to have the ‘perfect’ day, but sometimes our bodies don’t co-operate and we are left facing a number of guests feeling less than our best. I can certainly remember spending one Christmas morning at the local out-of-hours GP service with a very poorly child. Short of moving Christmas to the summer months, there will always be coughs, colds, flu and tummy bugs circulating around Christmas. The more families are together indoors, the more the likelihood of sharing these infections. So what can you do to protect yourself? • If you are entitled to an NHS flu vaccination, make sure that you visit your surgery and have this done. If you are not entitled, but would like to have a vaccination, a lot of the supermarkets and larger pharmacies are offering private vaccinations at around £8. This year we are again vaccinating young children with the nasal flu vaccination and if your child has been invited, please contact the surgery to have this done. This vaccination not only protects your child, but older people with whom they may come into contact. • Other vaccinations are routinely offered to promote good health in the older age groups – there is a vaccination to help prevent

pneumonia available for the over 65s and those under 65 with chronic diseases. Unlike the flu jab, this is a one-off vaccination. Shingles, as anyone who has had it will know, is a painful condition and a vaccine has been developed to protect against it. This year, this is being given to those born between 2.9.1942 and 1.9.1945 and also those born between 2.9.1935 and 1.9.1937. Please contact the surgery for any further information on these vaccines or to book an appointment. • Keeping yourself in tip top condition is obviously important. There is little time now to lose weight or stop smoking before Christmas, but exercise is important and a daily walk in the fresh air does wonders both for morale and fitness. Losing weight or stopping smoking can be one of your new year’s resolutions, and the surgery is able to help with both. • If you are on medication, make sure that you take your medication regularly and ensure that you have enough medication to see you through the Christmas and New Year period. While you are going through your medicine cabinet, make sure that you also have a supply of ‘homely’ remedies – medicines that you can buy over the counter, like paracetamol, ibuprofen or indigestion medication. • To avoid food poisoning, store all food correctly and cook thoroughly. To avoid the

MANNINGTREE COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS Manningtree Community First Responders would like to wish everyone a very safe Christmas and New Year. If you do need to call 999 please remember to help us and the ambulance find you by ensuring your house name or number is visible during the dark afternoons and evenings. Put all the lights on, open the curtains and if possible put the hazards on in your car or have someone wait outside to guide us in so we can get to you as quickly as possible. We’re very lucky to live in such a caring community where neighbours look out for each other, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable, and we thank you for your assistance with some challenging calls we have had recently.

spread of illnesses, make sure children (as I am assuming adults are good at this!), use tissues and dispose of them hygienically. Good hand washing never goes amiss, but is particular important to stop the spread of illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting. • Most importantly remember that although we may be shut, you are not on your own if you need advice. If you have a computer the NHS Choices website has lots of advice on how to treat various symptoms and if you dial 111 from your phone (which is a free call) you will be able to get advice from a clinician. The 111 service can also arrange for you to have an appointment with an out-ofhours doctor if they feel that is appropriate. • Obviously the emergency services and the Accident & Emergency Department at Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals remain open throughout the holiday. Please use these services sensibly and for life threatening conditions only. I really hope that you have a wonderful and above all healthy Christmas. Ardleigh Surgery will be closed from Christmas Day and will reopen on Tuesday, December 29. On behalf of every one at the surgery, I would like to wish all our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Practice Manager Stephanie Durrant

SIGNED BOOKS TO AID FUNDRAISING East Bergholt Sports Centre is raising money for a specialised piece of kit for disabled users. We run sessions with a very experienced and qualified member of staff for people referred by physiotherapists and specialists at Ipswich Hospital. The equipment we would like to purchase is for the very frail and would only be used for these sessions. We are holding a number of events and fundraising efforts to reach the goal. A kind benefactor who worked in the publishing industry has donated two signed hardback copies of books by well-known authors Jacqueline Wilson and joint authors of the Edge Chronicles Paul Steward and Chris Riddell. The books in question are Love Lessons by Wilson and The Last of the Sky Pirates by Steward and Riddell. These two books will be auctioned with the money raised going towards the total needed for this new piece of equipment. Anyone interested in acquiring these books should send their sealed bid to East Bergholt Sports Centre, Heath Road, East Bergholt CO7 6RJ or email: christine.marsh@ebhigh.org.uk The bidding process will close on Friday, December 4 so you need to get your skates on to get copies of these wonderful children’s books.

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OUT & ABOUT CONSTABLE SINGERS We shall be singing Christmas music at Wivenhoe Congregational Church on December 5 at 2pm and at the Hare and Hounds Public House on December 11 at 7pm. We will also sing at Wenham View, Dove Close, Capel St Mary and Hadleigh and Ipswich Nursing homes in December. New members are always welcome – no audition and first session free. We sing songs from the shows and popular songs. We meet to rehearse at Lambe School, East Bergholt each Thursday at 7pm and at Holton Village Hall on the econd Thursday of each month. For further information contact Yvonne (01206 298428) or Mel (01206 298628).

BRANTHAM LEISURE CENTRE Upcoming events December 6: Christmas HELL-OFF-A-DO, Christmas lunches December 20: Kid’s Christmas Party in aid of Meningitis December 31: House Party, 8pm-midnight Free to members / buffet £3 non-members. Charity raffle for AMECA, Alex's Medical & Educational Clinic in Africa, with two lots of two front row Club Wembley seats for the Carling Cup Final and also for England v Netherlands and lots of other great prizes. 01206 392506 / info@branthamlc.co.uk

Acorn Village Charity Fundraising Clacton Road, Mistley, Manningtree, CO11 2NJ Tel:01206 394124

The Emerald Forest’ Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm From Monday 23rd November to Friday 18th December 2015

At Acorn Village Entrance to The Emerald Forest by Donation

Come and experience our Magical Winter Wonderland, don’t forget to book with the Coffee Shop if you would like a Christmas Lunch at the same time. Call: 01206 394124 for details. **Please ask about potential appearances from Mr Claus** The Acorn Village Charity was established in 1975 by a group of parents to provide a secure and posive future for adults with Learning Disabilies. Registraon number:263954. Acorn’s philosophy is that people with a learning disability are people ﬁrst with their disability second and the right to lead as full and fulﬁlling a life as possible. Thank you for helping us to do that.

VENTURE CENTRE 2000 MODERN DANCE CLASS Introducing new dance group, Just Dance, holding their first Sunday lesson and freestyle for modern jive on Sunday, December 6. A festive party with a fun lesson and two hour freestyle from 7.30-10.30pm which all levels (from beginners to experienced) are welcome to join. Tea, coffee and cakes provided in the £8 entrance fee. Come along and enjoy a lovely fun social evening . Even though modern jive is our core we really don’t mind if you just want to come along to enjoy the music and do your own strictly style! For further information contact Caron: 07772 449781 VALUATION EVENT The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations at The Venture Centre on Wednesday, January 13, 11.30am-3.30pm. Valuations will be available for the following types of collectables: coins (including British and World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives and proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals and militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre1900 documents/books and maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre1960 sporting programmes and tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets and de-activated weapons. No appointment necessary. Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms and conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available. If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110 / sales@lockdales.com ITALIAN EVENING Colchester Gateway Clubs is a local charity which runs social clubs for adults with learning disabilities in Colchester and Tendring. Fundraising is an essential part of the charity's income and for the first time, an Italian evening is being held at the Venture Centre on Saturday, March 12. Local support for this event would be greatly appreciated. Please contact charity manager Mandy Hudson: 07999 278472 / thursdaygatewayclub@hotmail.com

ACORN VILLAGE Christmas at Acorn is always a joyous occasion as the decorations go up and the residents eagerly await the visit from the Rotary’s Sleigh. We welcome you to join our celebrations on December 22 at 11am as we hold our annual Carol Service held by our dear friend The Reverend Derek Lang. We would like to thank you all for your support and for making our 40th year a spectacular one. If you would like to support our charity over Christmas there are plenty of ways to help us. Enter into our grand draw – tickets are available from reception, charity shops and the coffee shops. Come for a Christmas meal, buy a Christmas cake or pudding at our coffee shop, buy Acorn Christmas cards and diaries and bring your friends along to visit the fantastic Emerald Forest, open 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday, until December 18. From all of us at Acorn Village, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Trusted by local families since 1925

47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445 Century House, Station Road Manningtree 01206 391855

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Blenheim Plant & Garden Centre on Bromley Road in Colchester is rapidly gaining a reputation for the excellent quality of its plants, many of which are grown on site. At Blenheim you will always find an extensive range of garden plants whatever the time of year. Because many of the plants are grown and sold directly from the centre the longest journey they make is from the plant centre to your garden. From early December they have a great selection of top quality freshly cut, potted and pot grown Christmas trees, both traditional and non-drop, in all shapes and sizes. They also have a wonderful large range of holly wreaths, which are all freshly made at the nursery. Inside their shop it looks very Christmas like, with a great range of English grown Cyclamen and a superb selection of ready planted baskets and arrangements to brighten up your home for the festive season. They all make ideal gifts and presents.

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As well as plants Blenheim also stock a large selection of other gardening related goods: seeds, bulbs, plant food, compost, tools, gloves, pots in all shapes and sizes, wild bird food, feeders, bird baths and bird tables, wellies and much more.

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY Stour Choral Society presents a night of music with the most popular opera tunes for chorus and soloists along with Puccini's Messa Di Gloria at Mistley Parish Church on Saturday, December 5, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 can be had from society members or by calling 01206 395263. The society will be joined with Paul Bloomfield (tenor), Patrick MacCarthy (bass baritone) and talented local soloists, all conducted by Duncan Archard ably accompanied by Stephen Smith. Come and enjoy a rousing evening.

MANIFEST THEATRE & MANIFEST MOVIES 2 Oxford Road, Manningtree CO11 1BP / 01206 391309 www.manifesttheatre.co.uk / Facebook / Twitter MANIFEST THEATRE The Christmas Fairy Tale Tuesday, December 8 to Saturday 12 A Christmas story to put you in a Christmas mood. Full of songs and characters you know and love. A pantomime feel set in Winter Wonderland with lots of oohs and ahhs along the way. Will the Christmas tree fairy be found before Santa comes on Christmas Eve? Fun and laughter for all the family. The box office will be open each Saturday from November 28, 9am11pm, and on Monday and Wednesday evenings thereafter, 7-8.30pm. Tickets are just £6 for members, £8 for non-members. For more information please visit www.manifesttheatre.co.uk MANIFEST MOVIES Films shown on our big screen which fills the stage, high definition and cinema quality sound, comfortable theatre seating. Projectionist Nigel Lister.

Members of Stour Choral Society, Trianon and others from East Anglia joined Crescendo Vocale for three concerts in Ipswich’s twinned town of Arras (France) at the end of October. Crescendo Vocale is the music theatre group of Arras. The combined choir is pictured here in St Nicholas Cite church with shared conductors from Crescendo and David Shearmur of Stour Choral Society.

BRANTHAM BOX OFFICE Cinderella

Wednesday, December 16 at the earlier time of 6.30pm Showing at Brantham Village Hall. Refreshments available. Find out more at: Facebook.com/BranthamBoxOffice

SINGALONG A CHRISTMAS St Mary’s Church, Lawford Saturday, December 12, 3-5pm Come and join us singing Christmas carols and winter songs. Raffle will be drawn during the afternoon. Refreshments available. Wear your Christmas jumper or novelty hat.

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Friday, November 27: Into the Woods, Disney Movies (PG) As the result of the curse of a once-beautiful witch (Meryl Streep), a baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt) are childless. Three days before the rise of a blue moon, they venture into the forest to find the ingredients that will reverse the spell and restore the witch’s beauty: a milk-white cow, hair as yellow as corn, a blood-red cape, and a slipper of gold. During their journey, they meet Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack, each one on a quest to fulfil a wish. Doors open at 7pm, bar available. Seating will commence from 7.30pm with the film starting at 7.45pm. Entrance will be by £5 ticket only on the night plus £2 for non-members (£2 annual membership). The bar will be available until 10.30pm. DECEMBER MATINEE FOR CHILDREN Saturday, December 5: Paddington (PG) After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in a Peruvian rainforest, a young bear (Ben Whishaw) makes his way to England in search of a new home. The bear, dubbed Paddington for the London train station, finds shelter with the family of Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins). Although Paddington’s amazement at urban living soon endears him to the Browns, someone else has her eye on him! Taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) has designs on the rare bear and his hide. Doors open at 1.45pm, bar available for sweets and drinks. Seating will commence from 2.15pm with the film starting at 2.30pm. Children under 12 £3 / adults £4. Adults will be required to be members at a cost of £2 which will cover subscription for 2016. Maximum of three children per adult. MANIFEST DAYTIMERS Open House, Tuesday, December 15, 2.15pm Enjoy an afternoon of music and refreshments. Join in the familiar songs with Christmas favourites. Entry free, donations to St Helena Hospice. The Manifest Theatre Group would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Oaklea Montessori At Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford NOW OPEN EVERY DAY TUESDAY TO FRIDAY Accredited, affordable & accessible. A special start for your child.

For details please phone 01255 887902 or visit our website: www.oakleamontessori.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC Thursday, December 3, 8pm Lecture by Professor John Deathridge – Historic Buildings, Magnificent Performances: Evoking the Lives of Great Classical Composers – at East Bergholt High School, Heath Road. Tickets £10, students £5. Professor Deathridge’s talk will incorporate the lives of some of the great composers and their important works into a treasure trove of recordings and slides to illustrate how they are linked. Two 'music' buildings in particular will be central to the talk and he will interpret the buildings in terms of the music we associate with them, exploring our memories in relation to these architectural creations. He will talk about a number of them such as the Royal Albert Hall, as well as one or two that no longer exist and even some that never existed except as models. The season continues with: Sunday, January 10, 4pm Antara Duo (harp and flute) at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt Sunday, January 31, 4pm David Owen Norris piano, Camilla Scarlett violin and Jonathan Byers cello at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY Hot Mikado is coming soon; tickets on sale from December 1. BATS next big production is Hot Mikado, a wonderful jazzy updating of the classic Gilbert & Sullivan show with great catchy songs in swing, jazz, big-band and gospel styles. We have a fabulous band to back us, exciting costumes and lively dancers. Highly recommended as a family show, just the treat for February half-term. In case you don’t know the storyline: Nankie-Poo is the son of the Mikado. Travelling incognito as a wandering minstrel he meets and falls in love with Yum-Yum, who is just about to marry Ko-Ko. Nankie-Poo also cannot marry Yum-Yum as he is engaged to be married to Katisha. An unusual law threatens Nankie-Poo with execution. Will he escape it? Will he marry Yum-Yum? Hot Mikado will be performed at Brantham Village Hall from Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday 20 at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 20. Tickets (adults £8 / children £6) are available from Bakes & Blossoms Café, Acacia Court, Brantham, or: www.ticketsource.co.uk All other enquiries to 01206 396674.

Saturday, February 20, 7.30pm: Extra event Jazz concert: Beauty of the Bossa Nova with singer Georgia Mancio performing Brazilian jazz at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt Sunday, March 13, 4pm Family Concert with Red Priest, Pirates of the Baroque, at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Tickets: weatheralld@btinternet.com / 01206 298426 www.svam.org.uk

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC Local primary schools will again be sharing in the music of Christmas on Wednesday, December 9 with performances at 1.45 and 7pm in Mistley Parish Church. Admission is by ticket (free) only from Rtn. D Grice on 01206 391715. Evening tickets are hard to come by so book early. This long running annual event is extremely popular.

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OUT & ABOUT

Let’s raise the Roof RAISING MONEY FOR STRATFORD ST MARY CHURCH ROOF FUND

Tea and cakes Local crafts and bric-a-brac A variety of musical interludes Children’s activities Village archives

Stratford St Mary Church Saturday, December 12, 10am-3pm Whether you’re an artist, a baker, a candlestick maker or indeed if you simply want to de-clutter, any items you wish to donate for the stalls will be greatly appreciated. Contact Julie on 07989 639583.

HI DE HI ACTOR CELEBRATES CONSTABLE COUNTRY WITH NEW DVD A former Hi De Hi actor turned film maker is set to release a DVD celebrating the charm of Constable Country and the local area. David Webb, who with his brother Tony played the twin Yellowcoats in the popular BBC comedy series, has spent the last three years making A Journey through Constable Country… and Around. From the Dedham Vale to the Stour Estuary and from Roman Colchester to medieval Lavenham the video explores towns and villages John Constable would have known and loved and which inspired him to create some of England’s best loved paintings. David, who grew up in Mistley, hopes that his video will appeal not just to the many tourists who visit, but to local people keen to know more about the area in which they live. A Journey through Constable Country… and Around is presented by his daughter and TV journalist, Victoria Lampard. The DVD, priced at £14.99, is available from Co-op stores as well as local tourist centres and independent shops. It can also be obtained directly from David who can be contacted at: webb.springbank@btinternet.com

HADLEIGH COMMUNITY CHOIR’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2015

RIVERSIDE ROAD CHALLENGE On January 23, 2016, three drivers from Riverside Taxis will be doing a 1,925 mile road trip to help raise money for Acorn Village and Children with Cancer UK. They will travel non-stop from Manningtree to Lands End to John O Groats and back to Manningtree, stopping only for fuel and food and taking turns to sleep and drive through the wintry conditions. To make the challenge that bit more interesting we will be driving a 1988 Vauxhall Nova 1.2 4 Speed. The trip is estimated to take around 38 hours to complete. Please follow these links to make donations. Acorn Village: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/riversidetaxis1 Children with Cancer UK: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/riversidetaxis2 All donations are gratefully appreciated. On behalf of everyone at Riverside Taxis, thank you for your support

Hadleigh Community Choir presents its annual Christmas Concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 12 in Hadleigh United Reformed Church, Market Place, Hadleigh. Tickets (£8) are now on sale from Keith Avis Newsagents and The Idler bookshop in Hadleigh High Street. The choir will be singing a mix of popular carols and seasonal music, with additional performances by choir soloists and a first appearance from some of the children in our newly formed junior choir. By popular demand we will again be inviting our audience to join in a Christmas carol sing-along (words will be provided). After the concert everybody is welcome to the ‘afterglow’ with mulled wine or soft drinks, mince pies and other festive fare, all included in the ticket price (catering by Simon and Ros from Smugglers Catering). There will also be an opportunity to enter our now famous and popular prize gift draws. All proceeds after expenses will go the Sarah Thompson’s charity Christmas dinner. The evening will be a unique mix of festive music, all carefully selected by our musical director Simon Thompson to make the event as enjoyable as possible. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information contact Peter: 01473 824033

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DONATIONS TO BE COLLECTED ON THE DAY or donate via

https://www.justgiving.com/carolsatchristmas SHINE: REGISTERED CHARITY No: 249338

www.shinecharity.org.uk

Cine Films - Video Tapes - Audio Media - Slides & Print Scanning

We Bring Your Memories Back To Life

Call us on (01473) 327574 Unit 12 Court Farm, Stutton Road, Brantham, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 1PW tel. 01473 327574 Caricature by patsyclare.co.uk Illustration by bethgoody.co.uk www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

OUT & ABOUT WEA LAWFORD Colchester Part 2 with Patrick Denney, the next series of 10 sessions, starts on Monday, January 4, 2.30-4pm, at the Methodist Hall, South Street, Manningtree. All welcome. Fee £48. Contact: 01206 547405

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY How pleasing to welcome back George Buxton who, like a favourite uncle, gave some kindly tips when judging the Pets and Children competition. He found it difficult to select the winners from a large number of well presented entries. George Fossey of Artphoto Studio in Colchester rescued us later in October. As a substitute speaker he was ably assisted by son Chris to speak about Art in Photography. It was a fascinating and friendly talk with examples of their top quality work on display. These two really know and love their subject and are keen to help, offering personal tuition if Mistley Church by Margaret Shaw required. December 10: Seascape Competition / Judge: Peter Norris ATAGB DPAGB December 17: Christmas Social at the St John’s Centre Chairman Frank Pearson and the committee thank members old and new for their support in 2015 and wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. January 14: Creative Photography with Barbie Lindsay EFIAP MPAGB FBPE New members are welcome to join the society or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Meetings are held at the St John’s Centre, Station Road at 7.30pm. Please contact our secretary for more information (01206 396958 / madps@post.com) or visit: www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

TEA & SUPPORT Tea & Support, the meeting place for those who have been bereaved or left living alone, is held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Church Hall, New Road, Mistley. Meetings are usually from 2-4pm, are free of charge and transport can be arranged. Come along to meet new friends in a safe, friendly environment. Our next meeting on Wednesday, December 16, is our traditional Community Christmas Lunch. For further details please contact the Church Office of St Mary's & St Michael's Church (01206 392200), Paskell’s of Manningtree (01206 396709) or Joy Baker (01206 391918). Copies of our 2016 programme will be available in January from Paskell’s in Manningtree or from the church.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT MISTLEY CHURCH HALL Our traditional Christmas Lunch will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 12.45 for 1pm. Our regular attendees will know that this is a friendly event with home-cooked food and good company. Traditional, locally-sourced Christmas fare is on offer (with vegetarian alternatives if required) at a cost of only £5 per person. Transport can be arranged on request. Within just a few hours of the November In Touch dropping onto doormats, we had 30 places reserved – so don’t delay, phone Joy or John Baker today on 01206 391918.

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Recent meetings On Wednesday, November 4 Joy Bounds presented a most topical talk entitled The Ipswich Suffragettes and Tom Hodgeson’s presentation entitled Colchester Castle 2015 two weeks later was much enjoyed by members. Future meetings On Wednesday, December 2 Tom Stanbury will introduce us to the delights of The East Anglian Railway Museum and two weeks later on December 16 Robin Finch will entertain members. We now meet at the St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs, and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and to providing the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month in Manningtree at 10.30am. For further details please contact our secretary, Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

1334 (MANNINGTREE) SQUADRON Cadet Corporal Johnathan Phillips and Cadet Charlie Warwick of 1334 (Manningtree) Squadron, Air Training Corps collected on behalf of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal outside the Co-op in Manningtree on Saturday, October 31. Also collecting on the day were adult Flight Sergeant Paul Cave and Cadet Sergeant Ben Miller, Corporal George Hutton and cadets Beatrice Main, Liam Giles and Asher Heddell.

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next talk on December 9 will be It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Eve Regelous. In October Gerald Jenkins gave a talk on plant heritage. Mainly concentrating on the carnation family, he explained how he has set up a seed bank and propagation area where he has effectively become the custodian of disease free varieties to maintain their heritage. Future talks include: History of Advertising; Lady Alice de Breyne; NT Coast of East Anglia; Secrets of the Royal Jewels; Galapagos Islands and dive. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. After the August and February meetings, we normally hold a members’ lunch – funds permitting. Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

BRANTHAM WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION Medieval Festivities and Entertainments in East Anglia This 10-week course begins on Tuesday, January 5 at Brantham Leisure Centre. Each meeting is on a Tuesday, 7.30-9pm, and the course fee is £48. The tutor is Kate Jewell. Medieval people worked hard but also knew how to celebrate. We will explore the ways in which medieval East Anglians marked important festive occasions, and the activities they enjoyed at times of relaxation and entertainment. You are welcome to join us for a free taster evening on January 5. Refreshments are served at each meeting. If you would like more details please contact: 01206 396376

STOUR VALLEY TREFOIL GUILD Stour Valley Trefoil Guild would like to thank everyone very much for the support they received in donations of stationery, combs, toys, and knitted hats, gloves and scarves for the Samaritan's Purse boxes which go abroad via Manningtree Methodist Church's collection point. The final boxes are still being prepared, but we estimate that about 250 boxes will go from us this year, compared to 195 last year. Many people contribute from all walks of life, sometimes through our members and sometimes separately, from cricket supporters through community bus users to Yarn and Thread members. We couldn’t do it all without your help! Thank you, Pam Robinson, chairman

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ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our Christmas meeting will be on Wednesday, December 2 when Sarah Pearson will talk on The Art of Celebrating Christmas. Sarah has degrees in Art History and World Art Studies and has lectured at Reading University and UEA. Her talk will explore the various elements of Christmas in their artistic setting. To help foster the Christmas spirit, mulled wine and mince pies will be available beforehand. November’s meeting featured Dr Susan Owens discussing Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and her role in art promotion, especially during the Second World War. This was a side of Queen Elizabeth we don’t often hear about. With many pictures, Susan explained how the Queen began buying and commissioning art and promoting contemporary British artists. Augustus John, Rex Whistler, Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, William Nicholson and John Piper all created works for her collection. A lovely talk, well received by all. The rest of the season will feature a broad range of illustrated talks on subjects including the Duc du Berry, medieval Easter celebrations, 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

BRANTHAM OVER 60’s CLUB We enjoyed two very different holiday talks in October. On October 13, Moira Usher presented an account of a fortnight's Christmas break with three teaching colleagues and approximately 40 other passengers cruising in the Antarctic region on a small and anything but deluxe ship. On October 27 Joyce Kimber took us on a musical tour round the British Isles with a relaxing hour of classical tunes by well known British composers (Britten, Curzon, Butterworth, Holst and Coates). Now we look forward to It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas on December 1, festive musical entertainment on December 8, and a pre-Christmas lunch on December 15 which brings a very happy 60th anniversary year to a close. Season's greetings to all. 2016 diary dates January 12: New Year Get Together January 29: Social afternoon with quiz January 26: Seafarers Mission with Port Chaplain M Davey February 9: History of our local area with P Gant February 16: Social afternoon with bingo February 23: A Life on the Road with Peter King Meetings are held weekly in Brantham Leisure Centre, 2.304.30pm. Visitors are welcome, so if you are free on a Tuesday afternoon, do pay us a visit. For further details contact Jean Lace: 01206 396242

OUT & ABOUT BRADFIELD EVENING WI

BRADFIELD CRAFT CLUB Scrapbookers and card makers are welcome to join us for crafting and chat. We are a small, friendly group who welcome new and experienced crafters. Some tools are available to use and refreshments are included. We meet on alternate Monday nights from 6pm onwards at Bradfield Community Centre, The Street, Bradfield CO11 2UU. For more information contact Kerry: 07463 380989 / Kerry.bruce@btinternet.com

We have seen our numbers grow during the year and at our last meeting we were pleased to see four visitors who we hope will join as members in the New Year. Recent media coverage of the WI has certainly raised its profile and it is proving to attract younger members which we would very much like to do in Bradfield. As the WI celebrated its centenary on September 16 we thought it appropriate that we should hold our own party to celebrate this special occasion. Around 50 people, members past and present together with invited guests, joined in entertainment and afternoon tea on September 19. It was a good time to catch up with old friends and everyone enjoyed themselves with music from Brian Gordon and a delicious tea and special anniversary cake. It was lovely to receive several letters and messages of thanks. We welcomed Frances Boardman to our September meeting with her talk entitled From a Tart to an Empress Theodora about the actress who caught the eye of the emperor and the most powerful and influential woman in Byzantine history. Frances’s research enabled her to piece together the fascinating story of Theodora who was born around 500AD. Rising from a humble beginning in a theatrical family she became Empress of the Byzantine Empire and as the wife of Emperor Justinian ruled by his side and her intelligence helped to advance the empire. At our October meeting Karen, a WI member and local foot healthcare practitioner, gave us a very informative illustrated talk on looking after our feet. Feet are one of the most important parts of the body as they are under pressure all day long so they need to be looked after as they can quickly reduce mobility. From bunions, verrucas and fungal infections to blisters, she emphasised how important it is not to neglect our feet and to choose the right footwear for the right occasions.

ROTARY CLUB MANNINGTREE STOUR VALLEY The Father Christmas float will be out and about on the streets of Manningtree and surrounding villages and at the Co-op Supermarket collecting for local and Rotary charities until Christmas Eve. Every year the response is so generous and Rotary says a big thank you.

MISTLEY CAROE GOTHIC SOCIETY The society presents a traditional candlelit rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by Anthony Roberts, director of Colchester Arts Centre, at The Institute (Church Hall), New Road Mistley CO11 1ER on Saturday, December 12. Jamie Cunliffe will provide musical accompaniment with interludes from The Caroe Singers. Doors open at 7 for a 7.30pm start. Tickets £5 / children (suitable for 8+) £2. All profits will go to the upkeep of the hall – pay on the door. You are encouraged to come dressed suitably Dickensian/Victorian. Please bring your own drinks. Mulled wine and mince pies (and tea/ coffee) will be available. Further information from David G.A. Stephenson: dgastephenson@btinternet.com / 07719 846699

The WI Centre at Hatfield Peverel runs various courses throughout the year including cookery, crafts, arts and leisure as well as organising outings. Christine and Fontaine attended a Shakespeare workshop recently which they both thoroughly enjoyed. This year members, partners and friends will be celebrating Christmas with a meal at the Garden Café at Craft Nurseries. Although our numbers have grown during the year we would still like to see more new faces so why not come along as a visitor to see what the WI is all about? We have a variety of speakers throughout the year and you will always be sure of a warm welcome. Our first meeting of the New Year will be on January 11 in the Methodist Hall, Heath Road which is where we meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.

Drawing by Bob Allen

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速 Tailoring alterations Bespoke manufacturing Haberdashery supplies Garment repairs Dry-cleaning service Since 1968 Open to the public Mon - Fri 8.30 - 4.15 The Shop Shop Road Little Bromley Manningtree CO11 2PZ Telephone 01206 396167 www.harlequin-uk.com www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

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SCHOOLS MANNINGTREE HIGH SCHOOL The school held the first of its three Focus Days on October 8. A wonderful group of Year 9 SuperSTEM students worked together for the first time to project manage their own idea to improve the school environment under the guidance of ExploreSTEM Ambassador Yetunde Adeshile and our head of science, Mr John Knights. The students have come up with a butterfly house, an allotment and an environmentally-friendly outside classroom. Yetunde left with an extremely positive impression of how proactive the students were. It’s great what the students themselves are able to discover when given the opportunity to experience real-life scenarios. The very exciting news is that the STEM Department at Essex County Council have offered to help support the project through to completion with local companies coming in to school and being project managed by our Year-9s! The school community would welcome hearing from any local companies would like to get involved. Our ECC contact is: Richard Bambridge: Richard.Bambridge@essex.gov.uk / 07740 901162 Allison Morgan, Focus Day Coordinator and English Teacher On Tuesday, December 15 the science department is taking a class of Year-9 pupils to the University of Essex to attend the regional Big Bang Fair. The event will showcase the hundreds of exciting careers and opportunities available to students who choose to continue their studies in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Primary Liaison This term we welcomed Lawford C of E Primary School to an exciting Chemistry is Fun lesson. Ardleigh St Mary C of E Primary attended a Reversible and Irreversible Reactions lesson and Dedham C of E Primary pupils are to visit for a Chemistry is Fun session with Mrs J Smith. The pupils love these lessons as they are able to use equipment they don’t have access to at primary school and we look forward to their time with us.

“This is a fantastic project,” says Peter. “Food technology is an important part of science. It has a significant impact on our ability to feed the nation, so it really shouldn’t be underestimated. All the students should be congratulated. There were some inspiring experiments and thought-provoking presentations. They are obviously highly motivated and committed, and clearly enjoyed the challenges of the project. We’re delighted to get involved with projects like this. It’s very encouraging to see the talent and enormous potential there is in the next generation of scientists.” The judges had a hard time deciding on a single winner and so four groups were chosen as joint winners, a first for the Science Fair! The winning students will now go on a special baking course courtesy of Edme, where they will learn some new skills and maybe decorate a cake or two. Science teacher James Pretty concluded: “We had another great year at our annual science fair, with a wide range of topics from within the theme of food technology. All the groups worked exceptionally hard to prepare and produced such good projects the judges had a hard time choosing the winners! We were very lucky to have Peter join the judging team and lend us his expertise in the area. Our winning groups are very excited about their prize and we can’t wait to see some of the things they cook up with Richard!”

Relaxed and Friendly Mondays During Term Time 09:30 - 11:30 Brantham Village Hall

GCSE Results We did exceptionally well in our GCSE results last (academic) year, especially in science. Headteacher Sally Morris said: “The headline figure of 64% students getting five or more GCSEs at A*-C including English and Maths is very pleasing and establishes our position as one of the highest performing comprehensive schools in the area. Behind that single headline figure are some fantastic results in terms of attainment and progress in Maths, Science and Humanities, to name just a few subjects. English results are gaining a deserved reputation for being unpredictable and very variable year on year. Ours have held up well and are comfortably above national averages.” Science Fair We held our annual Manningtree High School Science Fair on Friday, November 6. We had entries from Years 7, 8 and 9 covering a range of topics from within the world of food technology. We chose the theme of food technology because one of our judges was Peter Tichbon from Edme Maltings, a local company which uses food technology to produce a wide range of products. The entries included projects around sugar content in foods and alternatives, changes in obesity over recent years and into the future, using vegetables as a power source and genetically modified crops.

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£1.50 per family including a well earned cuppa for grown ups and a healthy snack for the kids Come and join us and meet other local mummies, daddies, grandparents & carers Every third Monday of the month we are joined by the Hadleigh Health Visitors for your local Baby Clinic Contact Charlotte on 07858 891217 for more information

SPORT KEEP KIDS ACTIVE AND HAPPY THIS CHRISTMAS Anglia Sports Management have the perfect pre-Christmas activity days to help kids burn off their extra energy! The programme which will be delivered at Brantham Leisure Centre will include a variety of activities including coached football with skills games, cross-bar challenge and penalty shoot outs, plus there's multi sports, Christmas themed arts and crafts, Kango boots, dodgeball and non contact karate. All activities are available from 9.30am to 3.30pm between December 21-23 with an early drop off option for working parents at 8.30am. Paul Skingley, head coach at Anglia Sports Management said: "We are passionate about providing healthy, active programmes for local children, where parents can feel confident and reassured that their children are in safe hands. All our coaches are fully qualified, have up to date DBS checks and first aid and are experienced in delivering exciting and entertaining activities in a safe environment" Full details of the Christmas holiday programme can be found at www.angliasportsmanagement.com where all sessions can be booked and paid for online.

IPSWICH CANOE CLUB Club needs a new boat store – Can anyone help? Ipswich Canoe Club has been running for 36 years. The club prides itself on being a very inclusive, family orientated club. As a new member myself this spring, and new to kayaking and canoeing, I experienced this first hand. I couldn’t have asked for more support, camaraderie and well-timed tips, all freely given by club coaches and ‘old hands’. I have made new friends and had a great time kayaking this summer. The club operates under the British Canoe Union coaching, training and safety standards for children and adults. A key goal of the club is to make canoeing/kayaking accessible and engaging to new and existing members alike. This year the club has run 15 training courses from beginner to advanced. Ninety places overall were taken on the courses. The club also has an organised programme of weekly river paddling and sea kayaking through the summer, as well as trips further afield. As the winter draws in, regular indoor pool sessions allow members to continue to develop their skills. Members can engage in any or all of these activities. Accessibility is a key theme, with current annual membership at £15 and boat hire for a few pounds a day: www.ipswichcanoeclub.org.uk/membership The club has a significant stock of boats to store to make this possible, but the current club boat store will not be available from March as the owner needs it again. The club now has to find something comparable: secure storage located on the Ipswich to Dedham/Cattawade ‘corridor’ or thereabouts, with 10m by 10m floor or similar area, and access for boat pickup and drop off.

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB One-hundred-and-twenty teams play in the nine divisions that make up the Suffolk and Ipswich League and the point gained by the Saturday First Team at Wickham Market after a goalless draw on October 24 saw our side go to the top of the Senior Division for the first time in the club’s history. This was a fantastic achievement by our players who are all local lads who don’t get paid for playing in their league, unlike some. However, after only a week at the summit the team lost the local derby 2-1 against East Bergholt and slipped to third place. Our run in this seasons Suffolk Senior Cup ended at the first hurdle when we lost 3-2 to Sudbury Town Reserves with goals from Gary Collins and Lee Barrett. Our Saturday Reserves have been struggling to raise a side this season and are bottom of the Senior Reserve league after defeats against Coplestonians 2-1 (scorer Joe Bigmore) and Ipswich Valley Rangers 1-0. We are hoping to sign some more players on in an effort to keep the

team going. Better news from our Sunday side who top Division Two of the Sunday Morning league after winning five of their first six games with new managers Tom Harris and Kevin Morrison doing a good job. Tony Chopping has been playing well in defence with Nick Woolgar putting in some good performances in midfield. Our Veterans side beat Suffolk Punch 3-0 with goals from Gary Russell, Chris Stewart and Chris Smith, but after manager Archie Arnold stood down they were unable to raise a team for the County Cup game at Sole Bay and are currently looking for a new manager. The 120 plus youngsters who play for our nine youth sides are enjoying their football, especially the under eights who don’t seem to be worried about getting muddy as autumn turns to winter. Just think that in ten years time they could be knocking on the First team door! Finally, 100 Club winners will be announced next month. BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

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ON THE GRAPEVINE FROM THE ARCHIVES Captain Proom’s Cottage with waterside ‘privy’ in Quay Street, Manningtree Early tithe maps show a cluster of five or six separate buildings on what is now the sailing club compound, used for its marquee and annual beer festival. Strangely these were divided by the parish boundary leaving one half in Manningtree and the other in Mistley. The story that Captain Samuel Proom constructed this water side jetty and dwellings early in the 19th century is backed up by the 1841 and 1851 census records which show him living in Quay Street with his wife Susan and children MaryAnne, William, Charles and Enoch. The captain’s eldest son Samuel lived nearby with his own family, perhaps on the same plot, his son working as a rope spinner. By 1861 Captain Proom, master mariner, had completed more than 40 years of coastal trading and moved with his family to Back Hill (Brook Street) where he died in 1871 aged 77. His cottage and outbuildings remained in place well into the 20th century, acquiring a well and pump on the edge of the street, about where the sea wall now stands. His son William took to the sea as a fisherman and lived for a while with his nephew, George William Proom, who took the same trade. George and his large family moved back to Quay Street sometime before 1901, mixing in with the even larger Lucas households in the street. They were still there in 1911 by which time early photos had started to capture the scene. These show a two storey weatherboarded cottage with brick chimney, pitched pan tile roof and surrounding picket fence and a separate single story building with door and window opening directly onto the street. This had a flat roof and ‘shed’ like features from the front, but rear views show the original roof was pitched slate with an external brick chimney. Behind this was another building, run down but originally half brick, which may have been used for washing, brewing, baking or similar.

Could this be the captain’s fisherman son William amongst the outhouses? Other photos show a small wooden Privy sitting precariously on the seaward edge of the plot, where it must have been regularly flushed by the spring tides! The parade of the local Maxim (machine) Gun team taken in 1909 in front of the cottage suggests it was still being lived in at that time, likely by the Porter family of chimney sweeps and local fishermen. Sometime after 1916 the plot was acquired by Brooks & Sons and the ancillary buildings continued to deteriorate. It was later used to store nets and fishing tackle and became a focal point due to its prominent position and use as a local meeting place. The cottage was still largely intact at the time of a newspaper article on its use by local wildfowlers in 1933 to store their punt guns, confirming its local name as the ‘Gun Shed’. The 100 year old remains were finally washed away in the 1953 floods and recently replaced by another landmark building with clock tower, electric and water supply, but no ‘privy’ or guns. Philip Cunningham, Manningtree Museum & History Group

MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE Some of you may have heard of a very worthwhile charity called REMAP. For those who haven’t please allow me to do a quick introduction. REMAP is an established national charity which designs, makes or adapts equipment for adults and children with disabilities. Ev ery year REMAP helps about 4,000 UK individuals in this way, helping them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives. All clients are fully consulted about their needs. A piece of equipment is then designed and made to solve their specific problem. Some devices are made from scratch – others are modifications or attachments to standard products. Sometimes it may only be advice that is required. All of this is achieved by a network of some 1,000 volunteers organised into about 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. REMAP volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers as well as DIY enthusiasts.

You may think that companies already exist to help people with disabilities and you would be correct. However, the difference is that REMAP is not a commercial organisation and is not in competition with them. More importantly, our volunteers will determine a solution for the very specific need of the individual which cannot be satisfied by any current product that may exist. Also by working closely with the client and their family or their support service the needs can be better understood and targeted. We welcome referrals from individuals, carers or health professionals and we always welcome inquiries from individuals who are willing to volunteer some of their time to help us achieve our aims. Finally, we never ask for payment and our services are free to the user. We do however welcome voluntary donations to cover costs of materials. If you wish to make a donation please contact Ashley Slater, chairman of the North East Essex Panel, on 01206 272630, our secretary Lynne Askham on 01206 231327 or email: essexnorth@remap.info

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

REMEMBER SOMEONE SPECIAL THIS YEAR

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?” Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die. As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands). If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing. Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?” The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many with-profits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you. Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option. In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this under-performing with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions 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. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

St Helena Hospice’s Tree of Memories Christmas appeal is now open for anyone wishing to make dedications and donations in memory of someone special or for those who wish to support the hospice during the festive time of year. By taking part in this appeal, donors will be sent a bauble-shaped tag with their personal message to hang on their Christmas tree, with an identical tag being placed on one of the beautiful Tree of Memories in either Colchester (in the quiet room at Myland Hall) or in the Tendring Centre in Clacton-on-Sea. Extra blank tags can be purchased for a minimum donation of £1. These trees will be on display from Monday, December 7 until Monday, January 4, 2016 for people to visit and view. The hospice will also be holding two Tree of Memories Remembrance Services. These services are held as a way to bring people together to take time to reflect, to sing Christmas carols, listen to readings and remember loved ones. The services will take place on: Wednesday December 16, 6.30pm: St Helena Hospice, Tendring Centre, Jackson Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1JP Thursday, December 17, 6.30pm: St Helena Hospice, Education and Research Centre, Myland Hall, Barncroft Close, Colchester CO4 9JU To take part in this appeal please visit www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/ treeofmemories15 or contact the fundraising office on 01206 931468.

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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ON THE GRAPEVINE GO WACKY IN WOOL FOR THE HOSPICE THIS CHRISTMAS

BE BRAVE AND TAKE A DIP THIS CHRISTMAS Are you brave enough to take a dip in the cold North Sea this Christmas morning for a good cause? Join St Elizabeth Hospice and hundreds of other hospice supporters for the annual Christmas Day Dip – what better way to begin the festivities! Every year around 400 people start their holiday celebrations on Felixstowe beach and at 10am when the horn sounds they run into the freezing sea to raise money for the local hospice. Joanne Rodger, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “The Christmas Day Dip is in its 12th year and it’s still such a popular event. It’s a tradition now for families and friends to come down to the beach on Christmas morning and join together to take a dip or watch from pier as their loved ones run into the cold sea. “There’s always such a great atmosphere at the event, not only with the hundreds of people taking part, but with the thousands who turn out to watch. A lot of people do it in memory of their loved ones who were cared for by the hospice, and all the sponsorship money raised from the event goes towards improving life for local people living with a progressive illness.”

L-R: Isabelle (aged 6), Jessica, Amelie (aged 2) and Oliver (aged 5) Prosser

St Elizabeth Hospice is urging friends, colleagues and classmates to go wacky in wool this December. The charity is holding its first ever Christmas Jumper Week between December 14 and 18 and is asking local businesses, schools and groups to don their craziest knit and do their bit for their local hospice. Organisations choose a day during the week and on their nominated Christmas Jumper Day, everyone has to wear their silliest sweater and donate £2 to St Elizabeth Hospice. Felicity Rook, St Elizabeth Hospice’s head of fundraising, said: “Christmas jumpers have become such a popular phenomenon in recent years, nearly everybody has a festive top, and Christmas Jumper Week is a great excuse to get yours out and wear it to work, school or wherever. “Holding a Christmas Jumper Day is sure to get you in the festive spirit in the run up to

Christmas and is an easy and fun way to raise vital funds for your local hospice and help ensure nobody has to face their illness alone this Christmas.” Throughout the week the hospice will be offering prizes for the best, craziest and most outrageous jumpers through their Facebook and Twitter pages, so if you want to get involved, make sure you like and follow the hospice’s social media channels for your chance to win some great giveaways. To find out more or to request your Christmas Jumper Week festive fundraising pack, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org. uk/jumperweek or call 01473 723600 or email fundraising@ stelizabethhospice.org.uk

The event was launched in November with the help of Disney’s Frozen characters, Elsa and Olaf. Miss Rodger added: “We get a lot of people dressing up to take part. We see all sorts, from people dressed as turkeys and Christmas trees, to others in their penguin onesies or even a mankini! This year we were joined by Olaf and Elsa to launch the event – and we attracted quite a bit of attention as Olaf lay on the sand, draped in tinsel. We expect to see quite a few Frozen characters on Christmas morning ready to run into the sea.” Anyone from the age of 13 upwards can take part for just £5, or £10 with a T-shirt. You can register in advance at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ events or on the day from 8.30am on Felixstowe beach, opposite Manning’s Amusements.

If you would like to donate £2, just text JUMPER to 70300. Every pound you donate will help make a difference to the lives of local people living with a progressive illness such as cancer, motor neurone disease or heart failure.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

IMPROVEMENT WORK BEGINS IN SUFFOLK AND ESSEX Improvement work on the A12 and A14 worth £3million will begin on Monday, November 30 and continue until April, providing smoother and safer journeys for drivers. The first phase will focus on new road markings, installing new road signs, replacing sections of safety barrier and resurfacing sections of the road on the A12 junctions 13 to 15 (Trueloves Interchange to Webbs Farm Interchange), between junctions 29 and 30 (Crown Interchange to Stratford St Mary Interchange) and junction 27 (Spring Lane) slip road. In December, the work will involve embankment repairs at Braiswick and Chelmer, resurfacing at junction 16 (Galleywood) and new road signs and markings junction 29-30. Highways England project manager, Homy Atife, said: “This work will make journeys better for local people by improving safety for the thousands of drivers that use these roads each day. We understand this scheme will cause some disruption for drivers and we have planned to carry out the work overnight to reduce the impact. I would urge motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time in case of

any delays. Local residents directly affected by the work have been informed and will be escorted through the work where appropriate.” In the New Year work will take place on the A12 at Stratford St Mary, A14 junction 56-58 (Wherstead to Levington) safety barrier replacement, drainage work on the A12 junction 27-29 and resurfacing on the A12 between junctions 27-28 and 30-31. The £3million contract is part of Highways England’s commitment in the region to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads. The final two phases of work will begin early next year and all work will be suspended during the Christmas period to enable motorists to get away over the festive period. Further details of the work, including diversion routes will be provided in the East of England weekly roadwork summary. Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available at: www.highways.gov.uk/traffic

DON HEWLETT RETIRES FROM EDME AT AGE OF 80 Whereas most people of 67 are retired, or thinking about retirement, Don Hewlett from Nacton in Ipswich was just starting a new job. That was in 2002 and the job was site assistant at Edme in Mistley. The years have passed, Don has been happy in his work, and at the age of 80 has just hung up his overalls.

invited to all the functions Edme holds, and to have been included on the bonus scheme – even though I was only part time.

To mark the retirement of its oldest ever employee, the Edme team got together to present Don with farewell gifts and to thank him for his 13 years of service. As a producer of natural ingredients for the food industry and with some of the bakery world’s best technical expertise, it was taken as read that something special to eat would be involved. The company’s technical baker Richard Ball produced and iced the most exquisite cake for Don.

“They went to lots of effort for my retirement, even though I’ve been at the company only 13 years. I suppose doing a physical job until you’re 80 is a bit unusual but I liked it. As they went through all this effort for my retirement, I reckon they must’ve liked me too.”

“Edme is a lovely company to work for,” says Don. “When I joined I was only supposed to do six months, but I ended up staying 13 years!” Don with line manager Renata Faldo Don is something of a handyman, and his role involved servicing the site, looking after the yards, sorting equipment, cleaning the offices – and providing help wherever it was needed. “He was,” as technical director Simon Wooster says, “always busy. We’re all going to miss Don. He is great fun, cheerful, helpful and a hard worker – and puts us all to shame with his spryness and energy. We wish him all the best for his no doubt very active retirement!” Don left school as a 14 year old in 1949 and his long career has included work on the street market in Walthamstow, a stint in the army, as well as working for BT and Eastern Electricity. “I had a good innings before I came to Mistley,” says Don, “and really the Edme job has been the icing on the cake. There are lots of great people here – and they all work well together. It’s really nice to have been

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Don with the team from Edme

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CHURCH NEWS EAST BERGHOLT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt, CO7 6RZ

Pastor: Mrs Maralyn Bambridge 35 Birch Drive, Brantham, Manningtree CO11 1TG 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com Organist: J Stuart Rees GRSM, LRAM, ARCO / 01255 508222 Services: Sunday at 10.30am – all welcome Communion: taken at the end of the service on the second Sunday of each month. Coffee Mornings: Every Thursday, 9.30-11.30am SPEAKERS, SERVICES & EVENTS Saturday, December 5 & Sunday 6: Christmas Tree & Children’s Crib Festival, 10am-4pm Sunday, December 6: Carol Service at 4pm led by Mike and Pam Drew Sunday, December 13: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Sunday, December 20: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Sunday, December 27: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Sunday, January 3: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge CHRISTMAS MESSAGE The very first Christmas saw Jesus born in a stable in Bethlehem. Born into a country occupied by a foreign power, Rome. As a young baby, the family had to flee from their home to Egypt when Herod, their own King,

ordered the death of all babies under two years old. Why did the Roman Governor not interfere to prevent this massacre? Any similarities to today? The immediate comparison is with Syria but there are so many places where people need to flee if they want to live and this is especially the case if you are Christian and living in the Middle East, North Korea, Iraq and many other countries. Christianity is now the most persecuted religion in the world. Let me not take away the joy of Christmas and especially Advent, but please, as you enjoy this Christmas season, light a candle for the millions of Christians who will share this celebration in secret and in fear. May you each have a happy, peaceful and joyful Christmas enjoying your family at this wonderful time of the year. Maralyn

ARDLEIGH METHODIST CHURCH We welcome the whole of Ardleigh C of E Primary School on Tuesday, December 15 at 1. 30pm for a Christmas Celebration which is open to parents, relatives and the whole community. Come and share in the fun and the excitement. All free.

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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD

Priest-in-charge: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659 Services for December 2015 Sunday, December 6 8am Holy Communion BCP 8.45am Prayer Breakfast 10am Holy Communion Sunday, December 13 8am Holy Communion BCP 10am Family Service (Toy Service) 3pm Cyclists and Ramblers Carol Service Sunday, December 20 8am Holy Communion BCP 10am Holy Communion 6.30pm Candlelit Carol Service

Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve Noon Crib Service 4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion Friday, December 25: Christmas Day 10am All Age Communion Sunday, December 27 10am All Age Communion Sunday, January 3 8am Holy Communion BCP 10am Holy Communion Also see Singalong a Christmas on page 15.

MANNINGTREE BENEFICE An all-age Anglican Church meeting in St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley, and St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield It’s December! Welcome to the busiest month of the year! There’s loads going on this month, so please do check out the rest of In Touch to see other events we’re involved with, and do check the website (see below) for events as they are announced, including the Christmas lunch and carol singing across the Benefice.

Sunday, December 13 10.30am Family Worship Light Service with Treasure Seekers* at Mistley 10.30am Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Bradfield 6pm Evening Prayer at Mistley

We’re starting the way we mean to go on with a Messy Church on Wednesday, December 2, 4.306.30pm, at Mistley Norman School. Including crafts, games and activities, Christmas songs and stories and a meal altogether at the end, it’s a great event costing just £2 per child, or £5 per family. All children must be accompanied by an adult, but adults come along for free! Please contact the church office (see below) for more information.

Sunday, December 20 10.30am Family Worship and Treasure Seekers* at Bradfield 10.30am Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Mistley 4pm Carols by Candlelight with Bradfield Methodists at Bradfield 6pm Carols by Candlelight at Mistley

We’ve then got a Light Service on Sunday, December 13 which will include all the best bits of a Christingle without having to make them! Our Carols by Candlelight will be on Sunday, December 20 at both Mistley and Bradfield, with traditional Christmas readings and music, followed by Christmassy refreshments. Why not try to make time on Christmas Eve to remember the reason for the season? The family-friendly Crib Services will be on Christmas Eve at 3pm, including Christmas songs of worship, a re-telling of the Christmas story, a craft and a biscuit on the way out, and there will be a late-night Christmas Communion at 11pm at Mistley. Finally, take a break from all the presents and food and join us at 10.30am on Christmas Day for a Family Christmas Celebration including Communion at Bradfield. Please do join us for any and all of these services and events to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and don’t forget to check the website and publications in and around the churches for more information and events. If you’d like to get weekly updates of what’s going on in the Benefice, please email the office (see below) and ask to be put onto the weekly email. We’ll be happy to help! Services for December 2015 Sunday, December 6 10.30am Joint Worship with Communion and Treasure Seekers* at Mistley 6pm Evening Prayer at Bradfield

Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Services at Bradfield and Mistley 11pm Christmas Communion at Mistley Friday, December 25: Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Family Celebration with Communion at Bradfield December 27 10.30am Joint Family Christmas Communion at Mistley January 3 New Year Joint Worship with Communion & 10.30am Treasure Seekers at Mistley *Treasure Seekers is our children’s programme for ages three plus. All services are at St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley (CO11 1ER) or St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield (CO11 2US) unless otherwise stated. Contact information Vicar: The Rev Christine Hills, 01206 392200 Associate Minister: The Rev John Brien, 01206 397549 Curate: The Rev Claire Scargill, 01206 392018 Church Office: The Rectory, 21 Malthouse Road, Mistley CO11 1BY 01206 392200 / info@manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.facebook.com/ManningtreeBenefice

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963

faiths which endorses religious freedom. Often it is ourselves, the ordinary people, along with the media, who are way behind the religious leaders in our attitudes to others who are different.

We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up to date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk

Also in October there was the launch, at a reception in the House of Lords, of a report by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (www.acnuk. org) highlighting the extent of persecution and discrimination against Christians in many countries simply because of their faith and religious practice. Why we must ask and why do we not use our influence in our dealings with these countries to protest about the offences against human dignity and religious freedom?

The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the church front door. Services for December 2015 Tuesday 1

9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

Sunday 6

9am

Tuesday 8

9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass

Sunday 13

9am

Tuesday 15

9.30am 10am

Sunday 20 9am Tuesday 22

Mass – Second Sunday of Advent

Mass – Third Sunday of Advent Morning Prayer Mass Mass – Fourth Sunday of Advent / Children’s Liturgy

9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

Thursday 24 5.30pm 8pm 11pm

Children’s Mass, St Joseph’s Chapel, Ipswich Mass, Holy Family, Brantham Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich

Friday 25

Mass at Brantham – Christmas Day Mass at St Mark’s Ipswich

9am 11am

Sunday 27 9am Mass – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Tuesday 29

9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Catholic Commentary Sometimes it seems the practice of religion in Britain is a no-go area for many people, but we should not be mistaken about what we lose if our Christian roots and religious habits are replaced by secular ideologies.

Diary dates A very successful autumn garden tidy up took place on Saturday, November 7. Grateful thank you to all those who gave their time to help. Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR, 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment. All are very welcome to join us. We will not meet in December so the next coffee morning is on Thursday, January 28. 100 Club, now renamed the 200 Club As we continue to grow and now have 134 numbers taken the club has been renamed. The club was set up to raise much need funds to support the life and mission of our parish and we welcome new members. Already a member? Then why not take out another number? Application forms may be found at the back of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The next monthly draw is planned to take place at Holy Family after mass on Sunday, December 20 when the prize pool will be £133. Children’s Liturgy Children are very welcome to join the Liturgy of the Word that takes place on the third Sunday of each month. Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are being asked to collect used postage stamps, ALL YEAR, not just at Christmas and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice. Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please contact him if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services.

In October the Catholic Church marked the 50th anniversary of Nostra aetate (In our Time), the landmark encyclical about relations with other

All are very welcome at Holy Family, Brantham All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services. It’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic Faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know to be a Catholic.

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BRANTHAM

MASS FOR CATHOLICS IN ARDLEIGH AND MISTLEY

Services on Sundays: 9am • Holy days anticipatory: 7.30pm Tuesdays: 10am

There is a mass each Sunday in St Mary’s Church, Ardleigh, at 8.50am, and in St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, Mistley, on Wednesdays at 9.45am and on Saturdays at 6.30pm.

Father Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 01473 684963 • office@stmarksparish.org.uk

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Father Jon Ravensdale, 01206 870460

CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM “How long,” demanded the bearded man, “can this go on? Coming home from visiting my brother along the road there were three people I didn’t like the look of at all. Foreigners they were, dressed funny. They’ll be taking over if we’re not careful. There aren’t enough houses for the locals never mind all these new people. Who knows where they’ve come from. Or what they’ve done!”

Sunday, November 29: Advent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt Wednesday, December 2 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, December 6: Advent 2 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion Service, East Bergholt 11am Communion Service, Brantham

The barman nodded. “I think money’s changed hands. Somebody’s getting rich and it’s not me! We should complain to the government.” There was a roar of laughter. “What’s the point of that? They only look after themselves. When did the government ever do anything for us?”

Friday, December 11 10.30am EBYE Nativity, East Bergholt Sunday, December 13: Advent 3 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am EBYE Nativity followed by shortened communion, East Bergholt 11am Family Service, Brantham Monday, December 14 10.30am St Michael’s Pre School Nativity, Brantham

“Hmph! The children can’t do multiplication, the spelling is terrible and no manners at all! All the old ways forgotten and nothing better in their place.” “If only my husband didn’t shout all the time,” thought the sad eyed woman, wincing as her bruises throbbed.

Tuesday, December 15 2pm Brooklands Christmas Church Assembly, Brantham 7pm EB High School Carol Service, East Bergholt Thursday, December 17 6.30pm St Michael’s Carol Service with Brantham Community Choir, Brantham

“Oh, I don’t know. The school is very good here.” (This from a quiet person wearing a very loud jacket)

“There were police on the square this morning,” said the Double Brandy. “I heard that someone had died. They think they know who did it. They were searching the house. Blood everywhere the neighbour said. Horrible. I don’t know what the world’s coming to. It’s not safe to walk alone.”

Friday, December 18 9.30am EB Primary Christmas Church Assembly, East Bergholt

“War is coming. It’s only a matter of time. Our borders are no longer under our control.” The bearded man nodded grimly as he put on his coat. “Ah well. Good night all.”

Sunday, December 20: Advent 4 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Carol Service, East Bergholt 11am St Michael’s Pre-school Nativity, Brantham

He strode into the night, clutching his stick firmly. “Better be careful,” he thought. Dark shapes suddenly loomed out of the darkness. Before he could utter a word, a warm voice spoke.

Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Christingle, Brantham 3pm Family Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 5pm Family Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 11.30pm Midnight Mass in both churches, East Bergholt & Brantham

“Peace be upon you.”

Friday, December 25: Christmas Day 9.30am Christmas Family Communion in both churches, East Bergholt & Brantham

Above them a light shone in the dark sky, dazzling bright.

Sunday, December 27: Christmas 1 10am BCP Communion (Said), East Bergholt Thursday, December 31: New Year’s Eve 11.30pm Informal Communion in the Rectory: see the New Year in with Jesus!, East Bergholt Sunday, January 3, 2016 8am BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion (Healing), East Bergholt The 3 and 5pm Christmas Eve Services in St Mary’s, East Bergholt will be identical. We are trying to spread the huge numbers of people who attend safely across two services. RAMBLING RECTOR “There must be more to life than this,” he thought. The pub was full but he managed to find a chair in the dark corner away from the noisy group at the bar. It was good to be able to take the weight off his tired feet. “Maybe the time has come,” he thought, “to resign. I don’t think I can take the pressure any more. He doesn’t care about anything, or anyone, as long as the sales go through he’s happy.”

“Humbug!” he said, unknowingly quoting Scrooge. “You mean there is more to life than this?” The man pointed, smiling.

“Come with us and see for yourself,” he said, as they knocked on the back door of the pub. Rev Steph Wedding & Flower Festival, July 2016 St Mary’s Church will be holding a wedding/flower festival at the end of July 2016. We would like to hear from anyone who was married at St Mary’s Church and still has their wedding dress and would be happy for this to be displayed in the church for the duration of the festival. We would also like to have a photo of your wedding day, clearly showing the bouquet as the flower ladies at the church will be making arrangements using (as far as possible) flowers that were in the bridal bouquets. We are sure this will be a spectacular event and will hopefully show the different fashion in bridal gowns across the decades. So far we have wedding dresses from the 30s, 50s, 60s, 80s and 90s, but we do need more. We would also be grateful for any dressmaking dummies you may have to loan for the festival. If you have a dress or a dummy to loan or need more information, please contact Liz Digby: 01473 312281

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CHURCH NEWS St Mary’s Toddler Group

CHRISTMAS CARDS IN AID OF THE IPSWICH NIGHT SHELTER

St Mary’s in East Bergholt has been running a toddler group for about four years now. It has grown in number and strength and is now an established part of our church calendar. We meet every fortnight on a Friday morning, 9.30-11.30am. The play is informal. There are lots of toys, puzzles, and books and also lots of noise! We meet in the West End of the church which is carpeted and very warm during the winter months. We offer tea and coffee to mums/dads and carers and at 10.30am the children have a healthy snack and drink after a very short prayer.

Instead of sending Christmas cards to friends you will see anyway, why not sign the big Christmas card in the church and put a donation in the collection box in an envelope marked Night Shelter. Cheques made out to East Bergholt PCC or Brantham PCC please.

We have a small team of regular helpers – Liz, Chris, Carrie, Janet and June – but from time to time we also have other volunteers. Our Toddler Group Christmas Party will be on Friday, December 4, 11am-1pm. If you would like to come along, please contact Liz Digby on 01473 312281. You are welcome to join us, even if you haven’t been to toddlers before. Our meeting dates after Christmas are fortnightly from Friday, January 8. COFFEE WITH THE CANON A great opportunity to have a chat, or talk about a wedding or a baptism. • •

Fountain House Tearooms, East Bergholt: December 4, 10-11am Bakes and Blossoms, Brantham: December 10 & January 14, 10.30-11.30am

TO THE PERSON WHO LEFT A MESSAGE IN RED ON THE CHURCH DOOR ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY I am sorry that you didn’t open the door and come in to hear what was being said in the services. We were not glorifying war. The message was one of repentance and a call to love as we remembered the sacrifice of so many lives, dreams and hopes. We prayed for peace in the hearts of all which would put an end to war. Rev Steph

Follow St Mary the Virgin, East Bergholt and St Michael the Archangel, Brantham on Twitter: @constablechurch

BRANTHAM AND CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST CHURCHES FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE What sort of year has it been for you? Are you in good health or have you suffered a little or much? Have you experienced bereavement this year, still grieving loss? Have you lost your job, your home, a friendship? Or have things fallen into place for you, new opportunities, new relationships, joy and love? I guess many have a mixture of emotions. On the day of writing this article, Sierra Leone has been declared free of Ebola. Christmas will be celebrated without Ebola, but the pain of loss won’t go away for the relatives and friends of the 28,600 who have died of Ebola. The day this magazine is published, December 1, we will be observing World AIDS Day. I worked in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and early 1990s. We learnt new words – HIV+ and AIDS. I founded a local branch of the Family AIDS Caring Trust to provide education about AIDS in schools and the workplace to prevent the spread of HIV. We employed two people to provide counselling for HIV positive patients in our local hospital. One of our staff was already HIV+. At that stage with no antiretroviral drugs it was an almost certain death sentence. 100% of soldiers from our local barracks returning from a war in Mozambique tested HIV+. People we knew were dying, including one of our ‘adopted’ Zimbabwean daughters. It is a predominantly heterosexual problem in Zimbabwe and children were often born HIV+. The first World AIDS Day was called by the United Nations on December 1, 1988. Research, conferences and huge sums of money have led at last to the reduction. Since the millennium new infections are down by 35% and in children down by 55%. Millions now can access treatment and live full and active lives. In the past 10 years AIDS related deaths have reduced by 30%, but it was still 1.2 million in 2014. In 2012 there were still an estimated 35 million people living with HIV, so although millions are receiving drug treatment, there is a vast inequality of access to this life saving therapy. The poorest and marginalised communities are still suffering, and compassionate people need to do what we can. I’m grateful for the lead of people like Elton John. Those without hope of treatment almost certainly have a death sentence hanging over them. Those receiving this treatment have hope. World AIDS Day is a reminder that we can do something to help poor and marginalised people. Whether you are in Sierra Leone this Christmas

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without fear of Ebola, or in a poor community which is just receiving medicines for healing, hope has been rekindled. The Christmas story reminds me that it was a poor marginalised group of people, the shepherds, who first received the message of a Saviour born for this world. Their response was to find Jesus and worship him and then to spread this amazing news. They discovered a hope that changed their lives. They saw something beyond their difficulties that gave them hope, a belief there was a God who loved them despite their mistakes, knew what they went through and had a plan for them. The Christian faith doesn’t protect you from ill health or bereavement, but gives companionship on the journey. Whatever this past year has been like for you, I invite you to join us to worship Jesus and discover one who gives hope, not just for next year, but forever. The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel and Brantham Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968 AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday, December 6 2.30pm Carol Service with The Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday, December 13 11am Worship with Paul Finch Sunday, December 20 11am Worship with Jane Paterson Sunday, December 27 11am Communion with The Rev Andrew Sankey AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Sunday, December 6 10.30am 6pm Sunday, December 13 10.30am 6.30pm Sunday, December 20 10.30am 6.30pm Thursday, December 24 7pm Friday, December 25 9.30am Sunday, December 27 10.30am

Worship with Terry Tennens Prayer Stations Worship with Thursday Afternoon Home Group Healing & Communion with The Rev Andrew Sankey Family Worship with The Rev Andrew Sankey Candlelit Carol Service Christmas Eve Carols in the Precinct Christmas Family Worship with The Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with The Rev Chris Jowett

CHURCH NEWS THE METHODIST CHURCH South Street, Manningtree

Minister: The Rev Andrew Bell, 4 Elmdale Drive, Mistley, Manningtree CO11 2HP / 01206 396654 Sunday Service: 10.15am Bible Study: First Wednesday of the month in the committee room, 2.30pm Holy Communion: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 2.30pm Welcome Wednesdays: Every Wednesday from 2.30pm – drop in for a chat and tea/coffee. Activities on the second and third Wednesdays. Also meeting on the premises: Monday

September to May, Stour Choral Society WEA (during sessions), 2.30pm

Tuesday

Co-op Women’s Guild, 7.15pm

Wednesday

Gentle Fitness Class, 9.30am Art Group, 10am-noon Manningtree and District Chess Club, evenings Museum and History Group, 7.30 pm, bi-monthly

November saw some busy and uplifting times and gatherings at Manningtree Methodist Church. First our Christmas Fair which raised £718.50 and created a happy time of fellowship. This was followed with a moving Remembrance Day Service with more than 40 names of those from Manningtree Methodist Church and the town who gave their lives in two world wars read out. This was prepared and conducted by The Rev Roger Parsons. The church has again been a centre point for the Shoe Box Appeal with more than 400 ready to be dispatched before the end of the month. The Wednesday midweek fellowships continue to play an important part with a mixture of worship, Bible study and social activities. We are now preparing for Christmas with our Carol Service on Sunday, December 20 at 10.15am (a new time) followed by mince pies and Christmas Day Family Worship at 9am (another new time). These will all be led by The Rev Andrew Bell. In December we also welcome local primary school children and Busy Bees Kindergarten. Secretary: Mrs M Cuthbertson Treasurer: Mr G King Contact for church hall bookings: David Shearmur, 395263

TRINITY FREE CHURCH

Meeting at Old St Michael’s School on Trinity Road, Manningtree Scrooge, Shopper, Santa, Stable?

SPECIAL SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS

Thinking about Christmas, what kind of person are you at this time of year? Are you a mean old miser, who only sees the darkness? Are you the sort of person who wants to live for the day? Do you believe in a present giving Santa in the sky? As you travel or wait for your guests this year, do you worry about the possibility of fog, snow, ice or heavy rain?

Sunday, December 20 10.30am Family Nativity Service 6:30pm Traditional Carols by Candlelight

It’s always good to reach our destination; it’s a relief when our guests arrive and we know they’re safe. Christmas is so important to Christians (they are a Stable people!). Many waited a long time for the arrival of Jesus, but the Saviour of the world has arrived! Scrooge, Shopper, Santa, Stable, why not come and discover which sort of person you really are? You’ll receive a warm welcome at our public worship services each Sunday at 10.30am (with an all-age programme) and again in the evening at 6.30pm. Services last between 60 and 90 minutes and refreshments follow the morning service. THE MEETING PLACE: Tuesday, December 1, at 3pm What’s it like to be homeless? The writer George Orwell deliberately made himself homeless for a while and wrote the book Down and Out in Paris and London. It doesn’t make comfortable reading. At the Meeting Place on Tuesday, December 1 you will be able to try your hand at some Christmas crafts and purchase others in aid of Colchester Christian Homeless Charity, Beacon House. Our Meeting Place regular, Andrew Rowe, will also encourage us with a talk entitled Christmas Greetings. Our usual excellent tea will be had after the talk and transport is available to the church building on Trinity Road. Please call Andrew Rowe (01206 393586) or David Boorman (01255 671891) to arrange a lift or for more information.

Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve 11.15pm Candlelit Communion Friday, December 25: Christmas Day 10.30am Family Worship KEY NOTES FOR DECEMBER Mondays 7 & 14: Monday Madness! – our weekly youth work 1.15-2.30pm: Trinity TOTS (pre-school plus carers) – play, good company, refreshments and a Bible story 4.30-6pm: KOGS (KS 1 & 2) – crafts, games, tea and Bible stories. (Children’s University Learning Destination). This month Secret Agents explore God’s Rescue Mission – The Exodus. 6.30-8pm: BRiaN Reloaded, (11-18s) – serious Bible study with some serious fun thrown in. This month Living to the Max. Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday w/b November 29: Home groups, Bible study and prayer from 2 Peter. Tuesday, December 1, 3pm: The Meeting Place For the latest information on these or any of our activities please visit www.trinity-manningtree.org.uk or call Pastor Gaius on 393745.

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