In Touch with Manningtree - November 2015

In Touch

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with Brantham, Lawford Manningtree & Mistley

Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2015

Image by Svetlana Sewell www.fotobay.co.uk

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently an old college friend posted a link on Facebook entitled 20 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Adult Should Know and I’d like to share my favourites with you.

“Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.”

A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits “The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.”

J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more:

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“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs: “There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.” The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age.

Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather. As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated.

Please take care over the winter months.

NEWS CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES IS STOCKING UP FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON IN MANNINGTREE A little bit of Christmas has come to Manningtree with the opening of the Cards for Good Causes seasonal shop at Manningtree Library on the High Street.

The UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation is decking the halls in its Manningtree shop for the 17th time, offering an array of festive cards and Christmas gift ideas.

Staffed by volunteers, the outlet sells cards for more than 25 national and local charities, including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Lupus UK. Ann and Jan, the shop managers, said: “Our seasonal shops are a great way to prepare for Christmas while at the same time providing an important source of funding for charities. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, sending charity Christmas cards allows you to give twice, once to friends and family, and again to worthwhile causes of your choice.”

People can find the Manningtree shop by looking out for Cards for Good Causes’ distinctive triangular red Santa sign.

In the past five years, charities have received more than £20 million from Cards for Good Causes, representing at least 70p in every pound out of which charities had to pay for the production and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT. The Manningtree seasonal shop is part of the Cards for Good Causes’ national network of over 300 shops, selling cards for around 275 charities and staffed by more than 6,000 volunteers. It is open until December 18.

with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley

In Touch with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • 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

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© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree, & Mistley & is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . town” series of magazines.

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NEWS IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in. Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak.

So will you join us in supporting The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter again this year when we open our doors to some of the most vulnerable people of Ipswich? Ipswich Winter Night Shelter works alongside The Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage homeless people to regain their self-esteem and gain help and advice to restore their lives.

Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit

down supper and breakfast the following morning.

This year we are also expanding our services to provide a Sunday afternoon shelter and a Christmas project, times when the homeless feel even more vulnerable and lonely.

Every person coming into the shelter arrives with a different story, but we are there simply to provide a warm and safe place to stay.

In order for the shelters to run, we are entirely dependent on volunteers from the Ipswich area to offer their help and as we expand the need is even greater.

The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is a project operating under Selig (Suffolk) Trust, headed up by The Rev Canon Paul Daltry. Selig Trust is also working with Hope into Action providing permanent accommodation to the homeless, a befriending service working with IWNS to link homeless people to trained befrienders, a possible domestic abuse project providing education and support through the church network and a vision for connecting ex-offenders to local businesses.

If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm-7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.

MEETING ON THE LOCAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE A group of constituents from Harwich and Wakes Colne met in Colchester on July 10, 2015 with MP for Harwich and North Essex, The Honourable Bernard Jenkin MP, as part of a climate change lobby organised by the Climate Coalition‘s Stand Up campaign. The group asked Bernard Jenkin to chair a public meeting to discuss how climate change is expected to impact the constituency, and hear the concerns of the public. Mr Jenkin was very keen to meet with his constituents on the topic, and the group are now undertaking the organisation of the event and seeking sponsorship.

Mr Jenkin in a post-meeting report and will be made available online.

Mr Jenkin noted the timeliness of the meeting, with the international meeting on climate change, led by the UN, to be held in Paris in December, the outcomes of which the UK Government is committed to support. He said: “This will be a first of its kind event, and a wonderful opportunity to hear not only from experts on how climate change will directly impact our local area, but also from the public on how we can take action now for a better future.” Mr Jenkin also stressed the importance of taking action sooner rather than later in order to limit the impacts of climate change: “Climate change will impact our health, food security and lifestyles, not just those of our children. If we act now we can make decisions that will limit these impacts and protect ourselves, our homes and livelihoods.”

Attendees who register via email will be asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire about their climate change concerns. This will provide insights that can be reported to Mr Jenkin MP before the meeting and included in discussions on the day. The questionnaire is also open for the public to complete; all results are anonymous.

The meeting will take place the University of Essex on Friday, November 27 and cover a variety of topics including flooding, sea level rise, wildlife, energy efficient housing and health. The audience will participate throughout the event, voting to identify major concerns and favoured solutions, which will be shared directly with

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If you live in North Essex and are interested in climate change or have concerns about how climate change will affect your area, lifestyle and family, you are invited to attend the meeting. The event will hear from speakers on local impacts and potential solutions, and will be an opportunity for the public to give feedback to Mr Jenkin on their biggest concerns. Please register beforehand by sending an email with your name and post code to: EssexClimate@gmail.com

If you would like to add your voice to the report, please get in touch via EssexClimate@gmail.com and you will be sent a link to the online questionnaire. The results of this questionnaire will be presented to Mr Jenkin prior to the meeting and made available online. You will also receive a meeting report with results of the questionnaire, topics discussed, recommended actions for local and national government and any commitments made.

The event is kindly sponsored by DONG energy and organised through the Chappel and Wakes Colne Women’s Institute.

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NEWS MANNINGTREE AND DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION REMEMBRANCE SERVICES Sunday, November 6: Lawford Memorial at 10.30am; Mistley Memorial at 11am; Manningtree Memorial at 3pm Wednesday, November 11: Manningtree War Memorial at 11am

2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway.

If you would like to make up a gift for a child you should cover a shoebox and lid separately with wrapping paper and label it for a boy or girl with one of these age ranges: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.

Contents could include: • Pencils, crayons, chalk, notebooks and colouring books • Soft toys with CE label, puppets, dolls, small games, children’s playing cards, balls, skipping ropes, toy cars, jigsaws, whistles, mouth organs

• Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels or sponges, combs • Hats, gloves, hair slides and beads • Sweets with a long date but not chocolate as it doesn’t travel well We would appreciate a £3 donation towards transport. This can be cash or a cheque inside the box or a payment online through the Samaritans Purse website. Please use an elastic band to secure the box until we check and tape it up.

If you are unable to make up a shoebox but have items from the above list to donate we can use them to make up extra boxes at the warehouse.

Please drop off boxes and donations as soon as possible in November, either at Woodview Nurseries (Bentley IP9 2DG) during the day or at one of the drop off points listed on the website. For further information call: 01473 310254/716437

HELP OLDER PEOPLE IN SUFFOLK STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER Unbelievable as it may sound, 450 vulnerable people in Suffolk die in the winter months from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions. The vast majority of individuals affected are over 65 years old.

In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg – almost 30,000 households in Suffolk currently live in fuel poverty. Many will suffer in silence during the coldest months, hidden from view, withdrawn from their community and surrounds.

Now in its fifth year and spearheaded by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Suffolk and the East Anglian Daily Times, the Surviving Winter campaign rallies around these vulnerable older individuals, offering them respite from the anxiety of managing fuel costs and the opportunity to stay warm and healthy during the winter. Incredibly and with thanks to the generosity of Suffolk pensioners, over £85,000 was raised in the winter of 20142015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county.

• Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat appropriately, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Age UK Suffolk.

• Grants to local charities and groups with a track record of looking after older, vulnerable people and ensuring their continued support throughout the winter months.

This truly is an extraordinarily worthwhile campaign, so please…

IF YOU DON’T NEED IT, PLEASE DONATE IT!!

• To donate online visit: www.justgiving.com/suffolksurvivingwinter • To donate by card please call: 01473 602602 Please send cheques made payable to Suffolk Community Foundation to Surviving Winter Appeal, Suffolk Community Foundation, The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BB To claim please contact Age UK Suffolk: 01473 359911

Suffolk Community Foundation is now asking you to pledge your Winter Fuel Payment to help those desperately in need of extra support during the winter.

The money raised by the Surviving Winter campaign will be used in two ways:

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NEWS BRANTHAM PARISH COUNCIL

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

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).

MISTLEY PARISH COUNCIL The minutes of the last meeting of Mistley Parish Council are displayed on the noticeboards near to the bus stop at Rigby Avenue and outside Mistley Post Office in the High Street.

The minutes are also available online at: www.essexinfo.net/mistleypc/parish-council/meetings You can also contact the parish clerk to obtain a copy: 01206 395696 / mistleypc@btinternet.com

The next meeting of Brantham Parish Council will take place on November 2; 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 at: www.brantham.onesuffolk.net The site includes the minutes of recent parish council meetings, 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.

Contact the parish clerk at: 07702 490212 / branthamparishclerk@yahoo.co.uk You can also follow Brantham Parish Council at: www.facebook.com/BranthamParishCouncil PARISH CLERK SURGERIES The 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 chat through all those local issues that have been bothering you!

The dates of the next parish clerk surgeries are November 11 and December 9, 10am-noon.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE New appointment system On September 7 we launched a new appointment system. So far feedback from patients and staff has been very encouraging. We want to ensure that any patient who needs advice from a doctor receives it the same day, and so far we have been able to achieve this. We now have more pre-bookable appointments, of which some are released on a daily basis. Also, some pre-bookable and on-the-day appointments can be booked online. When our on-the-day appointments are fully booked we open up a triage list and any patient who contacts us needing to speak with a doctor will be phoned back by a doctor or nurse practitioner, and seen if needed.

The system seems to be working well so far. However, as demand continues to be very variable some days are very busy. On these days we need to place patients on our triage list earlier as on-the-day appointments get booked up more quickly, but every patient will still receive the medical advice they need. We find that in many cases the doctor can address the patient’s problem over the phone. Also, some of these patients could have sought advice from a pharmacy. As demand continues to increase nationally, NHS England is encouraging patients to seek advice on minor ailments from their local pharmacy.

Pharmacists are often able to provide excellent advice and many are also able to prescribe medication if it is not available to purchase over the counter.

If you have had need to contact the practice we would value your feedback, especially on the new appointment system. You can provide feedback on NHS Choices or by completing a Friends and Family Test comment card available in our waiting areas. You can also provide feedback to the new Patient Participation Group by completing a

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special PPG comment card and posting into the card boxes at Capel and East Bergholt.

Flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations Eligible patients who were unable to attend one of our flu days are now able to book an appointment at one of our weekly mini clinics for their flu and/or pneumococcal vaccination. All patients who are eligible for a free NHS flu or pneumococcal vaccination will have received a letter from the practice in September. If patients wish to decline any of the vaccinations offered, please would they inform the practice. Children eligible for free NHS flu vaccination will be contacted separately.

The practice is also offering shingles vaccinations. Patients aged 70, 71, 72, 78 or 79 on September 1, 2015 are eligible for a free NHS shingle vaccination. Please contact the practice to book an appointment.

Training days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, November 12; Wednesday, December 9; Wednesday, February 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 / OUT & ABOUT REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD, OCTOBER 2015 District Councillor John Hinton There is still considerable activity around the issue of “devolution” with the September 7 bid to government being returned with a suggestion that Suffolk involve surrounding areas! Basically it was a “you are too small create a partnership and try again” notice.

This has now been done and in conjunction with Norfolk a revised bid or notice of intention put in. There has been no sign-off from the democratic level, the councils, and there are already some concerns being expressed about areas of emphasis and others that are not included. It had to be rushed and so is imperfect, but without input from local members and the public it will not work, in my view.

The Safer Neighbourhood Team meeting went ahead on September 16 and there will be no

more official priority setting meetings, although they worked in this area. It was agreed that an informal committee will meet bi-monthly, which the police promised to attend, so the public’s concerns can be conveyed to the police. It will save the police money and relies on a wealth of good will form parishes and individuals and in my opinion will work provided we all create some input.

I attended the Highways England East Of England Strategic Review where, as will have seen on regional TV, they announced £8 billion of roads spending over the next five years.

Don’t get your hopes up: this does not affect the problem areas in this locality like the A12 and Copdock, but is swallowed up on the A14 Cambridge Huntington and A47 plus the A428 near Bedford, plus some M1 junction work.

I highlighted the lack of confidence in Highways

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE

England and its record of delivery and also questioned their rationale of three lanes each way on the A12 Colchester Bypass when the new football stadium bridge isn’t wide enough! This is a later proposal so they have time to think of an answer. A12 junctions are not mentioned despite a supposed emphasis on safety and accident reduction. They seem to think that telling people there is a problem ahead cures the problem! I will be keeping up the pressure.

A lot has been made nationally and in the devolution bid about skills shortages. Great, but we still don’t have the high skilled jobs so any high skilled workers move elsewhere creating a chicken and egg situation. It will take some sorting out. Meanwhile there is a national shortage of HGV drivers!

Councillor John Hinton

EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY

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.

Hosted by The Friends of St Mary & St Michael, on Friday, November 13 at Mistley Church Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

Tables of six to eight, tickets £8.50 each. Fish and chip supper but please state your preference when ordering; options include chicken, sausage or vegetarian burger and chips. Bring your own drinks and glasses. There will be a raffle.

Contact Valerie McLachlan (01473 327164) or Judy Ward (01206 397330).

East Bergholt Dramatic Society presents 13 Past Midnight, a mysterious thriller by Billy St John, from Wednesday, November 26 to Friday 28 at 7.30pm in the Constable Hall.

The action takes place in the games room of Victor Winslow’s mansion.

Attendants at his party from the show-biz world are expecting to have a murder mystery party. Do they get more than they bargained for? Be prepared… With a variety of characters, this play will keep you on your toes in suspense, as well as amusing you with its witty comedy.

Tickets are on sale now at East Bergholt Post Office, priced £6 if ordered in advance and £7 on the door if there are remainders. You may also book by calling 01206 396674 or texting 07891 974844.

VENTURE CENTRE 2000 MBS HOLISTIC FAIR Purple Feather Events presents another MBS Well-being Fair at the Venture Centre on Saturday, November 7, 10am-4pm, with more than 30 stalls offering a range of products and services for your well-being, including therapies, healing, retail and 1-2-1 readings by tarot, palm, clairvoyant or psychic art readers. Plus free talks and workshops all day and delicious freshly made food, cakes and drink. Supporting The Robin Cancer Trust. Everyone welcome MODERN DANCE CLASS Sunday, December 6

STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY The next concert will be on Saturday, December 5 with some of the best opera tunes for soloists and chorus plus the Messa di Gloria by Puccini in Mistley Parish Church at 7.30pm Music by Verdi, Rossini Bizet and Mascagni will give you tunes to inspire you for days to come. Tickets are £10 from Delilah’s Garden Cafe, society members or from: 01206 395263

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Introducing new dance group, Just Dance, holding their first Sunday lesson and freestyle for modern jive on 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

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OUT & ABOUT ACORN VILLAGE The Acorn Village Charity celebrated its 40th anniversary in style thanks to help from the local community who have supported the charity since day one. Guests were greeted by a red carpet complete with laser lights, glitter ball and beautiful bay trees before they had even opened the doors where The Queen, bubbles, a photographer and a violinist and cellist awaited them. With canapés, Riverside Fish & Chips and Gold Desserts, guests were well fed before being shown a video made especially for the night by residents, tenants and staff, speeches and then dancing the night away to popular band Solid Gold. A huge thank you goes out to the Venture Centre 2000, the amazing Solid Gold, ACT Theatrical, Riverside Fish & Chips, Hearts Delight, Concorde Property Ltd, Badger Converters Ltd, The Deli & Café and D.N Howells for their support on the night. The Ivell Family kindly donated front row club Wembley tickets for England vs France on Tuesday, November 17. This is a silent auction with the highest Pictured clockwise from top: Ben and Sam bidder to be announced on Williams enjoying the evening; Chief Executive Friday, October 23. Please Ray Ablett and Heather Ablett (daughter of contact Acorn Village for founder Denzil Green); Acorn Village staff and more details. volunteers

The Friends of St Lawrence Church Bradfield

Christmas

Craft Market Sat 28 Nov 2015

Bradfield Community Centre CO11 2UU

10 am to 4 pm

Visit Father Christmas -£2 per child

kes eware Homemade ca chic hom ttery o P r Shabby a Emb Knitted and sew Cards and Art n toys Knitwear work J e wellery The Pieman items Wooden ne chut ys Gina’s Jams and .. and much more!

Tombola Refreshments Raffle

Entrance £1 accompanied under 16 free 12

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND THE EMERALD FOREST After the fun we all had at last year’s Winter Wonderland our residents and tenants have been busy making brand new handmade items to show you at our Christmas Market and The Emerald Forest on November 21, 10am-2pm. We would be honoured if you came once again to support this special day which is suitable for all ages. Having seen some of the masterpieces we think it’s going to be even better than last year!

With a warm coffee shop, stalls, furniture store and charity sheds there will be lots for all to see, not forgetting a possible appearance of our beloved Mr and Mrs Christmas!

If you would like to volunteer for this fun event please get in contact as we would love to have your help for the day.

Our coffee shop has already started taking bookings for Christmas so if you would like a Christmas meal (two courses £10, three courses £12) please contact Christine: 01206 394124

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

Christmas Market &

‘The Emerald Forest’ 10am - 2pm Saturday 21st November 2015 At Acorn Village Entrance to The Emerald Forest Donation (Minimum £1 per adult, Children Free)

Come and experience our Magical Winter Wonderland whilst starting on your Christmas Shopping.

Father Christmas, Children’s Art Workshop Warm Coffee Shop. *check out our social media for the emerald forest additional opening times.

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.

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THE PAPER DOLLS

1 DEC 2015 - 2 JAN 2016 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS...

“Skilled, stylish and perceptive work for ages three to seven” The Stage

THE PAPER DOLLS

When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. They face the Jurassic clutches of a toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, and then a very real boy with very real scissors threatens to snip their adventure short…

For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups

Adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music. This is a new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre; reigniting an inspiring creative partnership between Peter Glanville and Lyndie Wright who last worked together to produce Macbeth and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Suitable for ages three to seven. Studio theatre seating is unreserved. All five rows offer excellent views in the heart of the action so you choose your seats on arrival.

To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

New Wolsey Studio

01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

Paper Dolls Creative_150930.indd 1

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01/10/2015 01:55

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OUT & ABOUT 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.

HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY Hadleigh Choral Society’s autumn concert takes place at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh on Saturday, November 21, at 7.30pm. The programme includes Faure’s much loved Requiem and Pavane and Poulenc’s Gloria.

The Colchester Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Phelps, will perform Franck’s Chorale No 1. Soloists Julie Roberts (soprano), Owain Browne (baritone), with John Cooper (organ).

Tickets (£14 / £12 concession / £2 under 16) are available from The Idler bookshop, High Street, Hadleigh or on the door. www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk

STARS, SPARKLES AND FIRELIGHT!

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.

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.

Hosted by the the BRiaN Young People’s Group from Trinity Free Church at Broomfield Farm in Ardleigh on Saturday, November 7. See page 31 for details.

A troupe of students from the Debbie Millar School of Dance has successfully passed their audition to dance at Disneyland Paris next summer. Thirty students, aged five to 18, had to record two different routines onto DVD, a copy of which had to go to Disney themselves to approve the dancing standard of everyone in the troupe.

The two routines were developed from this year’s show at the West Cliff Theatre, Clacton and were based on the Dance of the Soldiers from the Nutcracker and the less formal Monster Mash.

Following Disney approval earlier this month, the troupe now have to produce a 20-minute routine to be performed in one of the theatres at the world famous Disneyland Paris resort. There will be a selection of routines based around a circus theme. The visit is over three days so as well as having the opportunity to dance at such an iconic venue, there is plenty of time to enjoy the rides!

This will be the third time the DMSD has taken a troupe of dancers to perform at Disneyland Paris.

For details of classes, please call Debbie on 01206 230806 or email: debbie@debbiemillar.co.uk

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.

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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 Sunday, November 1, 4pm: Young Musician’s Concert at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt Sunday, November 22, 4pm Eeden Quartet with renowned violist Graham Oppenheimer at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Programme: Mozart String Quintet in C K515 Haydn String Quartet in F major op 50 no 5 (Dream) Brahms String Quintet no 23 in G major op 111

BRANTHAM BOX OFFICE Brantham Box Office presents Far From The Madding Crowd (Cert 12) on Wednesday, November 18 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) at Brantham Village Hall.

Tickets £4 in advance from Bakes and Blossoms Café at Acacia Court or £4.50 at the door (£2 for under 16s).

Find out more at: Facebook.com/BranthamBoxOffice

Named after Van den Eeden, one of Beethoven’s first keyboard teachers and a prominent influential figure in his formative years, this outstanding quartet have had a number of competition successes. They were first prize winners at the Rimbotti International String Quartet competition in Fiesole in 2012 and also received the 2011 Artis Quartet Prize in Vienna.

Graham Oppenheimer holds a position as one of the UK’s foremost and respected violists. He studied with Atar Arad at the Royal Northern College of Music and Eastman School USA, Thomas Riebl at Slazburg Mozarteum and Peter Schidlof at International Musicians Seminar. Graham is also a respected and dedicated teacher and has taught in Finland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy and the USA, as well as given masterclasses across the UK. He teaches at Chetam’s School of Music, the largest specialist music school in the UK and the only music school based in the North of England. He is Director of the Repton International Strings Summer School which he founded in 2005.

The season continues with: 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 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 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

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STOUR VALLEY U3A – 2015 PROGRAMME November 11: The EU – What is it all about? by EU civil servant Elisabeth Sweeney Meetings are held at the Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP, at 2.15pm, on the second Wednesday of the month. No booking required, all welcome. Donations of £3 requested from guests. Annual membership: £12 Publicity contact: Ian Rose, 01206 392870 Membership contact: Alma Bowen, 01206 299055 www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY In a pleasing start to the new season we were able to welcome several new members to the group. A viewing of work from the best of East Anglian photographers at our first meeting was refreshing, but our own members’ work on display at the next meeting also showed a deal of finesse. John Wrigley took us on a nostalgic trip through India and Nepal at a well attended slide show in October. The subject suited the vivid colour rendering afforded by Agfa 35mm film with sharp and interesting architectural shots.

November 12 Digital Audio Visual Show, a joint presentation by Dave Wilcox and Dick Williams ARPS DPAGB November 26 People in the Picture with Roger Hance FRPS AFIAP, a talented local amateur who is renowned nationally for high quality work and a regular visitor, generously sharing his expertise www.rogerhancephotography.blogspot.co.uk December 10 Seascape Competition to be judged by Peter Norris ATAGB DPAGB 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 for further details visit: www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM OVER SIXTIES CLUB Following an enjoyable celebratory buffet lunch and social afternoon on September 15, our 60th anniversary month continued with two interesting meetings.

Coming events (which should suit both genders):

On September 22, Mr Norman Jacobs presented a talk about Gilbert and Sullivan (playwright and composer, both later knighted) and their famous comic opera productions in the late 19th century. Eventually named the D’Oyley Carte Opera Company, performances continued (except during the two world wars) until the company was disbanded in approximately 1947, only to be re-started in 1982-2003, since when they can be staged by choral and amateur dramatic societies.

On September 29, we enjoyed an entertaining hour of magic with Mr Colin Hopper talking on the history of the art and performing tricks which, however close one was sitting, remained ‘magical’.

JOIN US AND FIND OUT WHY 100s ALREADY HAVE Could you spare some time to help with Rainbows, Brownies or Guides?

Our volunteers give girls, and themselves, the opportunity to build their confidence, raise their aspirations and have fun. They run activities that give the girls the opportunity to realise their potential, learn new skills and make new friends.

There are a lot of ways that you can volunteer with Girlguiding, it’s flexible and can be tailored to fit around your busy lifestyle. No matter how much or how little time you have, every hour counts.

Rainbows are girls aged five to seven, Brownies are girls aged seven to 10, Guides are girls aged 10 to 14.

If you are interested in volunteering with Girlguiding or if you have a daughter who would like to join, please email our district commissioners on for further help and information: baberghandsamford@gmail.com You may also register your interest online and fill in the details on the Join Us section: www.girlguiding.org.uk

November 10:

Andalucia by Mr Ian Rose

November 17:

Social afternoon with Bingo

November 24:

The funny side of Policing by Mr Gary Egerton

December 1:

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas by Mrs Eve Regelous

December 8: Festive musical entertainment with Mr David Padwick December 15:

Christmas Lunch (members only and away from base)

Weekly Tuesday afternoon meetings are held in Brantham Leisure Centre, 2.30-4.30pm. Like so many clubs similar to ours, we would welcome new members aged 50+ and the joining fee is very reasonable!

Details from secretary Mrs Jean Lace: 01206 396242

MANNINGTREE FREEMASONS Once more Manningtree Freemasons have been able to make substantial donations to selected charities which have this month totalled £2,000 shared between Cancer Research UK, Diabetes Research, the Scout Association, Essex Air Ambulance and Parkinson’s UK. These donations have been made through various social functions held by the Masters of Lodges during their year in the chair of the Lodge. We have now started our new Masonic year, meeting regularly at our building in South Street, Manningtree.

We have two Lodges, Mistley Lodge, which has just celebrated 125 years since it’s consecration, and Dedham Vale Lodge. The former meets on the last Thursday of the month, the latter on the second Tuesday. We welcome all ages, membership is not expensive and you can help us to make many worthwhile contributions to society. Our meetings are always followed by a convivial dinner at which, on occasions, our ladies join us. If you have just retired, moved into the area or have lived here all your life, why not enquire? Visit www.manningtree-freemasons.co.nr or call 01206 392348.

The Province has now announced that our target to assist the youth of the county through the Scout Association has been set at £100,000.

This will give the Scouts a legacy and allow us to celebrate the fact the English Freemasonry will be 300 years old in 2017. Following our work for the Scouts, Essex will hold a festival to raise further funds for selected charities. This will involve all our Lodges and will probably exceed £5million over five years.

COMMUNITY EVENTS IN MISTLEY CHURCH HALL 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 will be on Wednesday, November 18, at which we’ll hear about the services available locally from Age Concern, followed by afternoon tea. For further details please contact St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church (01206 392200), Paskells of Manningtree (01206 396709) or Joy Baker (01206 391918). Copies of our 2015 Programme are available from Paskells or from the church.

Please note that our December meeting will be the community Christmas lunch.

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Community Christmas Lunch It’s time to think about Christmas again! Our traditional Christmas lunch will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 12.45 for 1pm. 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.

We have 75 places which usually fill up quite quickly, so don’t delay! To book your place call Joy or John Baker: 01206 391918

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT

MANNINGTREE MUSEUM AND LOCAL HISTORY GROUP On September 30 broadcaster, journalist and cartoonist Charlie Haylock spoke to the group on the evolution of spoken English. With the help of nothing but a marker pen and a flip board he kept his audience entertained for an hour and a half, and turned an academic subject into a very humorous learning experience.

In the fifth century AD, Jutland, Anglund, Saxony and other Northern European areas all spoke the same language, albeit with regional accents which eventually became separate languages. The Stour Valley played an important part in the development of English when the invading Saxons on the southern bank of the river were so challenged by the resident Angles on the northern bank that eventually a truce was called. The resulting Anglo Saxons were the forebears of spoken English. A succession of invaders all speaking a similar language helped to cement the developing English tongue.

Vikings, Danes and Normans all played their part in it and Charlie detailed the vowels used at the time (A E I O U Y), showing how the sounds were altered by the use of accents and diphthongs. Each invading nation added more richness to the language. Italian and Latin words appeared in the Middle Ages and much later words from the Commonwealth were incorporated. Although Standard English was reckoned to be spoken within the geographic triangle formed

by London, Oxford and Cambridge there was never an official body nominated to define Standard English and the language was able to evolve and flourish to the present day.

Monday

Computers for the Terrified Seated Exercise

Tuesday

Farmers Market Beautician Yoga Zumba

Wednesday Podiatry Belly Dancing Thursday Friday

Massage Therapist Hearing Aid Specialist Tai Chi

Charlie then gave us a lightning journey through different regional accents and ways of speaking. He told us that on his travels round the world his East Anglian accent was often mistaken for an Australian one. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries the Eastern counties and London were the most heavily populated areas of England and the accent here was transported on the prison ships to the colonies. He produced a recipe of language influences for the Suffolk accent. This include various quantities in descending order of Angles, Danes, Celts, Saxons, Normans, Frisians, Flemings, Jutes, Bretons, Dutch, and a pinch of Romans – all beaten and whisked thoroughly.

After his very entertaining performance Charlie answered questions from the audience and explained that Schiddinghoo, which was the old name for Manningtree, translates as a ridge (hoo) of the followers (inga) of Schidd. Charlie’s books and CDs sold well after the talk and he very generously donated the royalties from the sales to the history group.

Our next talk will be on Wednesday, November 25 when Roger Digby will speak on the history of the concertina.

We meet at the Methodist Church Hall, 7.30 for 7.45pm. Members free, visitors £3.

Everybody welcome as usual.

1.30pm 1.30pm

9.30am - 12.30pm 9.30am 2.30pm 6 - 7pm 9am 7 - 8pm 10am Alternative weeks

1pm

Foundry Court Community Centre Colchester Road, Manningtree

01206 397283

www.foundrycourt.co.uk

Physio and Acupuncturist available on Monday and Friday afternoons - appointments required.

Venue available for hire for parties, wakes and anniversaries - all occasions considered.

For more details or to make an appointment please contact Carole on 397283

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY At our next meeting and lecture on November 7, in the month of Remembrance, Dr Susan Owens will give a talk entitled In Spite of Bombs and Broken Windows: Queen Elizabeth and the Arts in Warfare. Dr Owens is a writer and freelance curator and was assistant curator of the print room at Windsor Castle from 2002-07.

October’s meeting featured Stephen Taylor, an artist in his own right, talking about his hero, Victorian painter Walter Richard Sickert. Stephen recounted Sickert’s colourful life and gave the audience some insight into his style of painting. A most enlightening talk.

This season will feature a broad range of illustrated talks to support all tastes, including lectures on the Duc du Berry, medieval Easter celebrations, the Queen Mother and her art interests, the world of Grayson Perry... and much more.

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

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

The members in attendance included Jane Sago, the new chair of SEFWI, who came along with our group advisor, Sarah Swallow.

Presidents and officials present received button holes very similar to the WI centenary rose named Inspiration. Quite beautiful!

Then the fun began! We enjoyed two competitions, the second of which involved 33 questions about the history of the WI over its 100 years. The questions were ranged around the wall of the hall so there was much socialising, conversation

Recent meetings On Wednesday, October 7, Grant Elliott gave a most interesting talk entitled Monopoly – Not just a Game and on October 21 club member Paul Oliver presented Quiz Time in Manningtree.

Future meetings On Wednesday, November 4, Joy Bounds will speak on The Ipswich Suffragettes and Colchester Castle 2015 is the title of Tom Hodgeson’s presentation on Wednesday, November 18.

Meeting venue We now meet at the St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree.

New members Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, be 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 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 secretary Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next talk on November 11 will be A Sound Safari, presented by Malcolm Clark.

Future talks: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; History of Advertising; Lady Alice de Breyne; NT coast of East Anglia; Secrets of the Royal Jewels; Galapagos Islands and Dive.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE CONSTABLE GROUP Around 70 members of Bentley, Brantham, Copdock and Washbrook, Capel St Mary and East Bergholt WIs attended the autumn group social on September 25. It was very ably hosted by Bentley WI and the theme celebrated our 100 years of development.

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

and laughter as we talked with other groups, tried to deduce the answers, shared thoughts and realised that our knowledge was severely wanting!

Yes, the WI has a great history, all of it well worth knowing, but we are an organisation of today which realises that support for all groups is key to our ongoing success.

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

Many thanks go to Bentley WI for a hugely successful event which brought us together through chatting, laughter and the gathering of knowledge along with delicious food and good cups of tea, at least as delicious as the banquet being prepared on television to officially celebrate the WI’s 100 years.

Louise Amphlett Lewis

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SCHOOLS JUMBLE SALE

CLEAR THE CLUTTER – BAG A BARGAIN Saturday, November 28, from 2pm, at Bentley Village Hall Bentley Toddler Group (Registered Charity No: 1026973) is holding a jumble sale to raise funds on November 28 at Bentley Village Hall.

If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or contact Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée on (311311), who will arrange to collect from you.

If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm. Tea and coffee will also be available.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

BROOKLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL Even more refurbishment took place over the summer holidays, including the installation of a number of skylights and a new roof. We are delighted with our fresh and bright library and hall area which has made a huge difference to the feel of these spaces.

award certificate will take pride of place alongside the other quality marks we hold in the school reception area. We are very proud of the way our teachers teach geography so creatively and to share an example with you, as part of the Year 5 topic on Mexico the children have written information reports, used their mathematics skills to calculate the costs of different holidays in Mexico and researched facts about the country using non-fiction books.

It is with great delight that I can also relay that our Key Stage 2 success follows that of our Key Stage 1 results. This is a reflection of the continued hard work by all those involved with the school. Year 6 children (11 year olds) have performed above last year’s national figures (2013). In reading they have achieved 100% Level 4+ (national 89%), in writing 97% Level 4+ (national 85%) and in mathematics 94% Level 4+ (national 86%). The proportion of our children achieving or surpassing Level 5 remains high with a staggering 77% achieving Level 5 in spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG).

Brooklands has recently achieved the Food for Life Award which recognises the opportunities we give our children to learn how to stay healthy. Our children are taught how to make informed choices about healthy eating. Through their opportunities to grow, harvest and cook food from our school gardening area and with more that 60% of our pupils choosing to eat a school hot meal every day, we have been recognised for our good work in this area of the curriculum.

Ever tried reading while on a trampoline or riding a horse? Well, some of our Kingfishers have. We are continuing with our Extreme Reading photographs this term and can’t wait to see what ingenious ideas and activities we will be shown in pictures. From reading with an adored family pet to reading in a canoe, our children are clearly enjoying their book adventures.

In readiness for some of the exciting new topics coming up, many new books have been ordered. Of all the new resources I have the pleasure of buying, I particularly love buying books for our children. The books we will be adding to the school have been generously funded by our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) through funds raised at PTA events and will help our children discover more about topics they will be studying.

Brooklands is delighted to have been recognised for the quality of our geography leadership, curriculum development, learning and teaching in the school by achieving the Primary Geography Quality Mark. Our

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Based on the National Trust list of ’50 things to do before you are 11¾’ our school community created their own list of experiences that our children wanted to enjoy during their time at Brooklands, ranging from swinging on a rope swing to visiting London. We hope our children will pin up their list on the fridge and tick things off.

Brooklands is working to create an exciting new school website with its own APP. Working with a number of website specialists, we are hoping to include a range of features that we hope parents will welcome including calendars which can synchronise, event alerts and photo galleries of things our children are doing in school, including photographs from residential trips.

I will be holding an information evening for parents of children due to start school in September 2016 on Wednesday, November 25 at 6pm.

If you would like attend please contact the school for details.

Best wishes Headteacher Christine Davy

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB As I write these notes on October 5 the Saturday First team have moved up to second in the Senior Division after recording six consecutive victories and collecting 18 points from their first seven games. Recent wins included a 4-0 result at Grundisburgh which included a Stephen Morrison hat trick and a 2-1 win at Haughley United with new signing Shaun Webb scoring his first goal for the club. Their next home game is on November 14 against Achilles.

The Reserves beat Cornard Reserves 3-2 in the County Cup with Andy Wilshaw scoring twice and Harry Taylor getting the third goal, then drew 1-1 with Coplestotians thanks to an Adam Brand goal. Gary Treanor has been playing well in goal with teenagers Joe Bigmore, John Gray and Kieran Tynan putting in some good performances.

Our Sunday side won their first four league games which included a 6-3 win over Eastern Electric Old Boys with Richard Farnam grabbing a hat trick, but lost 3-2 against Greshams in the County Cup after being two

goals up. Meanwhile our Veterans beat Leiston Town 6-1 with Chris Smith and Jon Chenery both scoring twice before they had a bit of an off day losing 5-1 at Woodbridge with Lee Partridge our scorer.

Our youth teams play at Capel St Mary Playing Field and the village school most Saturday mornings. With age groups from six to 16 and some promising youngsters on show, many are expected to go on to play for our adult teams as they progress.

Finally the club continues to be faced with a dog fouling problem on the playing field so to those dog owners who read my notes, please can you clear up after your dog.

This would be much appreciated by all those who use the field.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

FROM THE ARCHIVES Bertie Neville, the boy from Cabbage Row, killed by an ‘Unlucky Shell’ Bertie’s father James was born and brought up in Manningtree, living in Back Hill (now Brook Street) and in the 1870s worked for the Essex Militia. He married Emma Gosling from Bradfield and moved first to St Osyth, then Bishop Stortford to take up work at the maltings there. The family moved back to the town just before Bertie was born in 1891, living first in Cabbage Row, near Oxford Road, Mistley. It’s not clear exactly where this was, but by the turn of the century they are living in Railway Terrace, with father James working at the docks and Bertie’s older brothers George and Edward both working locally as labourers.

Ten years later on and his brothers had both married and were working at the Xylonite factory, while living close by in Oxford and Norman Road. Bertie though remained single, living at home with his aging parents, now in 8 Oxford Road, while also working across the river at the Celluloid Works.

Bertie enlisted in Colchester fairly early on in the First World War and ended up with the 2nd Battalion of the Grenadier Guards. There were a number of other men in the area and in his regiment of the same name, which may be why he chose to serve as Private Bertie Newell (16960).

After training he arrived in France on May 25, 1915. By October his unit were being moved in and out of front line trenches near the mining town of Vermelles in northern France where they were often shelled, even when resting in billets. They were being held in reserve when the Battle of Loos started, orchestrated by General Haig. Known as The Big Push, this was the first time British forces had used poison gas, which had little effect due to high winds and bright sunlight. The units who

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had just taken over the Grenadier Guards trenches lost nearly 1,300 men in what was regarded later as a useless slaughter of infantry.

On October 13 Bertie took part in an attack focussed on the nearby Hohenzollern Redoubt where the guards had thrown nearly 2,000 of the new ‘Mills’ grenades (or bombs) which had proved an essential weapon in the new ‘trench’ warfare, but were in limited supply.

According to the regiment’s detailed war diary at the end of Loos, on October 19 the battalion was sent back in to take over the line opposite ‘Big Willie’, the German trench on the eastern side of the Hohenzollern Redoubt which had just been fought over and changed hands a number of times. They reached this by 3pm, but on the way several ‘unlucky shells’ caught them as they were moving into place. Nine died and eight were wounded, Bertie being one of those killed, age 24 years. In all, the Guards Division had taken 2,115 casualties during the Battle of Loos, which effectively ended the day Bertie was killed. His body was recovered and buried at the Vermelles Cemetery, close to the dressing station just behind British lines.

His parents later moved a short distance to Railway Street and were awarded war gratuities in 1916 and 1919. Neither of his brothers appears to have been called up and though George died shortly after in 1917, Edward lived on in Colchester until 1972.

Philip Cunningham, Manningtree Museum

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ON THE GRAPEVINE PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT REQUIRED An understanding person/persons is required to work on a one-to-one basis to assist a lady with a chronic arthritic condition in Stutton.

Able to use their own initiative and be well organised.

No heavy lifting.

Flexible hours, which includes alternate weekends and some evening shifts.

Competitive rates of pay with enhancements.

Call 01473 327558 with your details and for more information.

CITIZENS ADVICE HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS WITH HMRC PHONE LINES Citizens Advice has said long phone queues to speak to HMRC means some people could face fines for late tax returns or receive over or underpayments for tax credits.

The warning comes as data from national Citizens Advice highlights how frustrated callers tweeted HMRC over 11,500 times in the last 12 months to complain about long phone line queues, the average being 47 minutes.

While official figures suggest an average wait of 10 minutes, the study from Citizens Advice shows many people are waiting longer.

Reasons for calling HMRC include explaining a change in circumstances that will impact on tax credits, for example losing their job or having a child, or to clarify income tax payments.

Carol Eagles of Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “Time and time again we are seeing people who know they need to update HMRC on their tax or circumstances but are really struggling to get through on the phone.

“If a person can’t update HMRC about their tax credit

circumstances they may not get all of the support available or instead are overpaid which can cause debts further down the line.

REMEMBER SOMEONE SPECIAL THIS YEAR

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.

“Similarly a worker may not be able to file their self assessment return on time if they cannot get through on the phone to ask a question, and could face a fine for missing the deadline.

“With Citizens Advice staff and volunteers also facing similar queues it is important HMRC urgently addresses the problems many people are experiencing with phone lines.”

HMRC phones lines are 0300 numbers meaning calls are charged at the same rate as a standard landline call and could be included in some phone package’s free minutes.

However, if a person is waiting 47 minutes it could cost them £4.66.

The charity is also warning that the roll-out of Universal Credit and changes to tax credits could mean waiting times will further soar as more and more people try to speak to someone.

The local CAB (outreach service) is at 13 High Street, Manningtree CO11 1AQ, 01255 508596.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

MARRIAGE, MORTGAGES AND MONEY Pre-nuptial financial considerations If you are about to get married, there are a number of financial issues that you should consider. When the honeymoon is over, what are your financial planning priorities and where can you get the best advice?

Colin and Sharon are busy planning their forthcoming wedding. They will be buying a new home together soon, and they plan to start a family. Colin is an electrician and Sharon is a part time office assistant. Colin had a flat before he met Sharon, and they plan to keep this and rent it out. They contacted me to discuss how their financial planning needs will change after they marry and move into their new house.

First on Colin and Sharon’s checklist was to get the best possible deal on a mortgage for their new home. Choosing the right mortgage can be a minefield. Don’t be tempted by attractive headline rates or discounts now that dramatically increase in later years. Look for a rate that you can afford to pay over the longer-term. For new home owners, a rate that is fixed or capped is a good idea, as this will give you some long term stability and the security of knowing what your mortgage will cost each month.

Also, don’t assume that you will get the best deal on a mortgage from your own bank or building society. Most banks and building societies only offer a limited range of their own mortgage products, so although you may have banked there for years, they may not necessarily offer you the best deal.

Colin and Sharon have taken their mortgage advice from my colleague, Graham Spearman. Graham is an independent mortgage adviser, and he looked at every lender in the mortgage marketplace to make sure he found the best deal for Colin and Sharon.

It’s also important to protect the outstanding mortgage in case either Colin or Sharon were to die. Again, the insurance policy you are offered by your mortgage lender may seem convenient when it is all arranged ‘under the same roof’, but an independent adviser can almost certainly find you a better deal with lower premiums and better benefits.

It would also be a good idea for Colin and Sharon to consider adding Critical Illness cover to their mortgage protection policy.

Critical Illness cover would pay out the policy sum assured in the event of Colin or Sharon suffering one of around 30 serious illnesses, such as cancer, stroke or heart attack. A lump sum payment that enabled them to pay off their mortgage would be very welcome at such a time, and would enable them to maintain their lifestyle.

As Colin works for a small local electrical business, he receives 26

no long-term sick pay benefits. Statutory Sick Pay is not going to replace Colin’s wages if he suffers long term ill health or if he is injured as a result of an accident and is unable to work. As he is likely to be the main source of income into the household when he and Sharon start a family, he should consider taking out some form of income protection cover. This type of policy will replace a large proportion of his income if he cannot work due to long-term ill health or disability. Benefits would usually be paid monthly until Colin was well enough to return to work or until he retired if this was earlier.

I would also suggest that Colin and Sharon should re-consider their decision to rent out Colin’s flat. The rental market is not great at the moment, and there is no guarantee that they will find a long-term tenant. That could leave them paying two mortgages on one income. In the longer term, if they buy a new place, the flat would no longer be Colin’s main residence, so it would not qualify for ‘main residence relief’ from Capital Gains Tax. That could leave him facing a hefty tax bill on any future gain in value. If he sells now while it is still his main residence, he will still make a profit of just over £20,000, which could either be used to reduce the mortgage they need for their new home, or could be invested now while the markets are low in order to build up capital for their longer-term future together or for children’s school fees.

If they keep the flat, I would suggest that they put it into Sharon’s name as she is a lower rate taxpayer and will actually become a non-taxpayer when she stops work to raise children.

That means they will pay less income tax on the rental income ongoing. They should also keep their cash savings at the building society in Sharon’s name when she stops working because, as a non-taxpayer, she will be able to reclaim the tax deducted on those savings.

Finally, I have advised Colin and Sharon to make Wills. This is particularly important for them as home-owners and potential parents, as it will ensure that their assets will go to who they would wish on death.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol. com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

IN THE NIGHT SKY

By Neil Norman Uranus November 22 sees a golden opportunity for us to see the seventh planet from the sun, Uranus. On this night the moon will act as the perfect signpost because (as can be seen by the graphic) the planet Uranus is slightly above and to the right of an 87% illuminated moon high up in the southern sky at 8pm.

Though technically a naked eye object, a pair of binoculars will be needed to see the planet past the glare of the moon. To know you’re seen the planet, remember that the planet won’t twinkle like a star, it will appear as a small blueish point source of light.

Uranus was the first planet to be discovered by telescopic aid by Sir William Herschel on March 13, 1781 but he reported it as a comet! It soon became obvious that the object moved in a near circular orbit, and so it was realised this was a new planet.

Uranus is four times the size of Earth and has 63x our volume. Its distance also varies greatly from the sun with a range from 18.28 AU (2,735,118,100 KM) to 20.09 AU (3,006,224,700 KM) at aphelion

(farthest point from the sun). The planet takes 84 years to orbit the sun once and the day length is 17 hours 14 minutes.

The unusual part of Uranus is that it is tilted on its axis at 98 degrees.

This means that the poles are pointing towards the sun and the planet revolves around the sun on its back. For 42 years the north pole is bathed in permanent light, then for the second 42 years its southern pole is bathed in total sunlight.

The composition of the planet consists of three layers: a rocky (silicate / iron-nickel) core at its centre, an icy mantle in the middle and an outer envelope of hydrogen and helium. Hydrogen comprises 83% of the atmosphere and helium 15%.

The third most abundant element is methane ice which accounts for 2.3% of its composition and also accounts for the plane’ts aquamarine colour.

Uranus has a total of 27 moons and even has very faint rings circulating around it, though these cannot be seen unless one has access to the Hubble Space Telescope!

So that’s Uranus, a planet not seen by many apart from the dedicated astronomer but one you can now tick off your solar system checklist.

Until next month, clear skies.

Please feel free to ask me any questions by emailing: neilnorman03@gmail.com

BRANTHAM AND CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST CHURCHES FROM BROKENESS TO WHOLENESS Have you ever broken something that you treasured, or worse still someone else has broken it and didn’t realise it was precious to you?

What do you do? Depending on how badly it’s broken you might gather up the pieces and lovingly and carefully glue them back together. We have a few family treasures that have been repaired several times. They have little commercial value, but they are precious to us. If however you dropped a clay flower pot that broke into shards, you probably wouldn’t give it a second thought, but would sweep up the bits and put them in the bin.

Many people feel bruised and broken by life. It may be the feeling of rejection from being an unwanted pregnancy or you are part of a broken relationship. Perhaps someone you trusted was unfaithful or you suffered a financial crash. Illness or death of a close friend or relative has broken you. Some have been bullied at work or in school or hurtful, abusive words have been spoken. Many things can cause us to feel broken, like shards, just to be swept up and thrown away. Sometimes we despair of ever being able to rebuild our lives.

David was broken by life, he felt shattered by events. He complained to God: “I have been ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.” Although he was King of Israel, he saw no hope of his life being put together again. As he continued in relationship with God eventually he was able to say: “You answered my prayer when I shouted for help.”

God is in the business of restoring broken lives, he is looking to heal, renew and make us whole. And he often uses those of us who have been through some brokenness to share in that healing process. I would reaffirm David’s words: “He is there to rescue all who are discouraged.”

I would affirm that you are precious to God, he doesn’t wish to discard you. He is waiting for you to respond. It is often helpful to have someone journey with you. If you wish to start a conversation please be in touch, or come to a Healing Service at Capel Methodist Church at 6.30pm on November 8.

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 BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday 1

11am, Worship with Marilyn Watsham

Sunday 8

10.45am, Remembrance Sunday Service at St Michael’s

Sunday 15

11am, Worship with Harry Chicken

11am, Worship with Bryan Nichols

Sunday 22

Sunday 29

11am, Communion with The Rev Andrew Sankey

David discovered that he was precious to God, who was prepared for the patient task of rebuilding someone. Having had that help from God to rebuild his broken life he said to others who were broken: “The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.” He was speaking as someone who had been rescued and because the Lord had done it for him, so He could do it for all who turned to Him.

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST

Paul also knew what it was to be hard pressed but never crushed – he talked about being fragile, like clay jars, but having this treasure inside.

Indeed he turns conventional wisdom on its head, as often it is those who have been through difficult times who are the more able to help others. Henri Nouwen describes it as ‘The Wounded Healer’.

Sunday 15

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

Sunday 1

10.30am, Worship with Jayne Green 6pm, Prayer

Sunday 8

10.30am, Worship with Brian Ward 6.30pm, Healing Service with The Rev Andrew Sankey

10.30am, Worship with Paul Walker

Sunday 22

10.30am, Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 29

10.30am, Worship with Peter Davison

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS STARS LINED UP TO FEATURE AT THE SOON-TO-BE-OPEN SPA The newly-opened Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe is celebrating its reopening with a gala weekend of stars.

The gala launch weekend is on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday 15. Saturday will see a performance by The Stars From The Commitments which is already fully booked. However, on Sunday 15 ever-popular Richard Digance returns to the theatre to perform on this special weekend. Ray Anderson, director for the Spa Pavilion, explained: “It’s a great way to kick off our brand new season. We have a terrific line up already planned including The Rat Pack, Neil Sands Christmas Memories and a family pantomime plus a stunning Elvis show early in the New Year.”

Tickets for this gala performance with Richard Digance on Sunday, November 15 are selling fast. To get yours pop along to the box office which is open Thursday-Saturday from 11am-4pm, call 01394 284962 or buy your tickets online at: www.felixstowespa.co.uk You can also follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and show updates.

EAST BERGHOLT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt CO7 6RZ Pastor: Mrs Maralyn Bambridge, 35 Birch Drive, Brantham CO11 1TG 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com

have always loved Christmas and through our lives our Christmas Day changes as our families change. However, the true meaning of Christmas never changes and especially this year, let us remember and pray for the persecuted Christians, the refugees and any people living in fear.

Services: Sunday at 10.30am – all welcome Communion: Taken at the end of the service on the second Sunday of each month.

Coffee mornings: Thursday, 9.30-11.30am

This year our own church with be holding the usual Christmas Tree Festival but with an addition. We would like to encourage any children you know to bring along a crib which they have made or acquired so that we can widen the appeal. We would like the children, no matter how young, to be involved in this activity. Mums, dads and grandparents – get the cardboard and paints out and have a wonderful time.

SPEAKERS, SERVICES & EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

I wish you the Peace and Joy of our Lord at this time.

Organist: J Stuart Rees GRSM, LRAM, ARCO / 01255 508222

Sunday 1

Pastor Maralyn Bambridge

Maralyn

Tuesday 3

Bible Study at church at 10.30am – all welcome

Sunday 8

Pastor Maralyn Bambridge

Saturday 14

Engalynx: Sale & Soup Lunch, 11am-2.30pm – all welcome

Sunday 15

Pastor Maralyn Bambridge

Sunday 22

Pastor Maralyn Bambridge

Christmas Tree Festival: Saturday, December 4 & Sunday 5, 10am-4pm This year’s festival will have the theme of Anniversaries – everything from the well-known list of paper and cotton through to ruby, gold and diamond, or maybe The Battle of Britain or other historic milestones.

Again a wide choice which will hopefully assist you in producing another colourful and imaginative display of trees and for the children to dress up cribs on similar themes. We welcome entries from local organisations and individuals in the area and ask for your support once again. For more information please contact Brenda Smith: 01206 298677

Saturday 28

Engalynx: Afternoon Tea & Musical Refreshment, 2.30-4.30pm – all welcome

Sunday 29

Pastor Maralyn Bambridge / Tear Fund Service

Saturday, December 4 & Sunday 5: Christmas Tree & Childrens Crib Festival, 10am-4pm each day Sunday, December 4: Carol Service at 4pm led by Mike and Pam Drew Advent is the time when we prepare for the Christmas celebration.

Children and adults alike begin to get excited, anxious, sad or joyous. I

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We hope you will call in to see the display (free entry) even if you are unable to enter a tree or crib, and maybe have a cup of tea.

Carol Service: Sunday, December 5, 4pm Our annual Carol Service will take place amongst the trees and cribs immediately after the festival – please come and enjoy the lovely atmosphere of this traditional English Christmas event and join us for a cup of tea afterwards.

Please enter these events in your diary and plan your visits to suit – as always we would love to have your company.

John Jeffreys, church secretary

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CHURCH NEWS TRINITY FREE CHURCH Meeting at Old St Michael’s School on Trinity Road, Manningtree Standing up for what you believe in has all of a sudden gone centre stage.

How you ever stood up for something you really believe in? It might just be that you’ve argued for your favourite football team, claiming it’s the greatest club in the country. You might have stood up for someone at work, or, as a child, stood up to a bully.

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.

STARS, SPARKLES AND FIRELIGHT!

Many people stand up for their faith – often in the face of persecution.

Why not come along and see why true Christians are willing to do this?

Our Sunday evening services are focussing on how the Early Church was encouraged to stand up and be counted by Peter, the eyewitness and friend of Jesus.

Why do Christians believe that Jesus is above all others and why are they willing to sacrifice all for their faith? Come and hear on Sunday mornings about this Jesus, with Bible studies from the Letter to the Hebrews.

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.

Key notes for November: Mondays 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: 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) Craft, 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 1 & 15: Home groups, Bible study and prayer from 2 Peter.

Tuesdays 3: The Meeting Place Saturday 7: Bonfire Event For the latest information on these or any of our activities visit www.trinity-manningtree.org.uk or call Pastor Gaius: 393745

Why not join us for an event that is sure to go off with a bang? It’s crackers but not rocket science and it will be an explosive evening. Mark and Clare Heasman, with the BRiaN Young People’s Group from Trinity Free Church, are hosting our fantastic firework party on November 7 at Broomfield Farm in Ardleigh. Fire lit at 6pm and fireworks at 6.45pm. Drinks will be available at cost price but the rest is free on the night with a suggested donation of £4 per person or £15 for a family, including a hot dog.

For more information please contact Claire Heasman (07865 580625 / claireheasman@gmail.com) or leave a message on: 01206 393745 FAIRTRADE FOR CHRISTMAS Go on, don’t just share the joy of Christmas with the person you give the gift to, share it with the one who made the gift too!

Members of Trinity Free Church, in collaboration with The Fairtrade Shop in Ipswich, will be bringing a wide range of Fairtrade goods to the Old St Michael’s School building on Trinity Road for you to see and buy.

There will be experienced and knowledgeable people on hand to talk about the Fairtrade movement or you can just browse the catalogues for a wider selection of items. We also hope to have the building’s history display open to view.

Mince pies and fairly traded tea and coffee will be available and it will be possible to make a donation to Beacon House, a charity which work with the homeless in Colchester.

THE MEETING PLACE Tuesday, November 3 at 3pm: Through the Streets of London Keith Griffiths won’t ‘take you by the hand to lead you thorough the streets of London’, but he will talk you through and ‘show you things that might make you change your mind’.

You can just come to browse and chat or why not come and order your Fairtrade Advent Calendars for the young ones and encourage them to think about others as they enjoy the delights of the season?

Keith is a retired London City Missionary who knows the city well and has been involved in many interesting projects and significant moments in its recent history.

Saturday, November 21, 10am-1pm, at Trinity Free Church, Trinity Road.

Car park available on Trinity Road just up from the top of Mill Hill. For more information please contact Sheila Morris: 01206 391557

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

Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up to date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the church front door.

Services for November 2015 Sunday 1

9am

Mass

Tuesday 3

9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 8

9am

Mass

Tuesday 10 9.20am

10am Sunday 15

9am

Tuesday 17 9.30am

10am

All Saints’ Solemnity

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Eucharistic Adoration Mass Mass

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 22 9am Mass Children’s Liturgy Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of The Universe, Solemnity Tuesday 24 9.30am

10am Sunday 29

9am

Diary dates 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 and the next event is on Thursday, November 26.

Volunteers are needed for the Autumn Garden Tidy-up that takes place on Saturday, November 7, from 9.30am. Please consider giving a few hours of your time to help – just sign up to the list at the back of church.

100 Club We welcome new members to the 100 Club which was set up to raise much need funds to support the life and mission of our parish. Already a member? Then why not take out another number? Application forms may be found at the back of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk A cheque for £777 for funds raised in the past few months was recently passed to Father Christopher, bringing the total raised since the club’s launch in 2012 to over £4,000. The next monthly draw is planned to take place at Holy Family after mass on Sunday, November 15 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

Morning Prayer Mass Mass

The Pope’s June Encyclical Laudato Si is being studied in parishes and at other levels; sub-titled On the Care of our Common Home it contains many practical proposals for necessary changes.

1 Sunday in Advent st

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 Commentary

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital

It’s a great pity that Halloween has became the celebration of ghouls, ghosts and witches; a more wholesome way to anticipate All Saints’ would be parties where the children dressed up as some of the famous saints whose lives are celebrated by the church.

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.

The recent defeat of the Marris Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Commons was welcomed by Catholic Church leaders. However compassionate we want to be towards those suffering with chronic and painful conditions it would have been a fundamental and dangerous shift for parliament to legislate on when to die.

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 is a Catholic.

ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD

Priest-in-charge: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659 Services for November Sunday 1

8am 8.45am 10am 4pm

Holy Communion BCP Prayer Breakfast Family Service Bereavement Service

Sunday 8

8am

Holy Communion BCP

REMEMBRANCE SERVICES 10.30am at the War Memorial 10.50am at church 6.30pm Evensong

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Sunday 15 8am

10am

6.30pm

Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion Cafe Church

Sunday 22 8am

10am

Holy Communion BCP Morning Worship

Sunday 29 8am

10am

Holy Communion BCP All Age Communion

Sunday, December 6

8am

10am

Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM Services for November

ALL SOULS’ – A SPECIAL SERVICE FOR REMEMBERING

Sunday 1, All Saints’ 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt 3.30pm All Souls’ Service, Brantham

In November the church celebrates All Saints’ and the next day All Souls’ – the commemoration of the Faithful Departed. There will be an opportunity for anyone who has lost someone they love either recently or long ago, to remember them especially in a simple service at St Michael’s in Brantham at 3.30pm on Sunday, November 1.

Wednesday 4 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday 8, Remembrance Sunday 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Remembrance, East Bergholt 10.45am Remembrance, Brantham Wednesday 11, Armistice Day 10.50am Act of Remembrance, East Bergholt Sunday 15, two before Advent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Baptism of Amelia Kettlety, East Bergholt 11am Holy Communion (Healing), Brantham Saturday 21 2.30pm Wedding of Livia Channing-Woolstenholmes

and Ed Rose, Brantham Sunday 22, Christ the King 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Choral Matins, East Bergholt 11am Informal Service, Brantham Sunday 29 8am 10am

BCP Communion, East Bergholt 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

There will be three ways for remembering. A bowl will be placed at the back of both St Mary’s and St Michael’s from Sunday, October 25 and removed after the morning service on Sunday, November 1.

Please write the names of those you remember before God on the paper provided and place the paper in the bowl. The names of those for whom we have conducted services in the last year will be read out from our records so you don’t need to write these down unless you wish to. During the All Souls Service at St Mary’s a bowl with all the names will be brought up and placed gently on the altar at the beginning of the service. These names will not be read out, they will be silently offered to God. Secondly there will be an opportunity to light a candle during the service. A lit candle is a symbol both of God’s presence with us and of our prayers offered to him.

Thirdly the names of those on our records who have died during the last year will be read aloud.

Please accept this invitation to the All Souls’ Service, a special time of remembering.

REMEMBRANCE DAY The annual Remembrance Day service will take place at St Michael’s at 10.45am on Sunday, November 8 and at 10am at St Mary’s in East Bergholt. For those who would prefer a shorter ceremony there will be a 10 minute Act of Remembrance at St Mary’s in East Bergholt at 10.50am on Wednesday, November 11.

LEAD THEFT Please phone 999 if you see any activity on our church roofs. We are not doing any roof maintenance work at the moment! Twelve Suffolk churches have suffered the dreadful loss of their lead recently.

Rev Steph

This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

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

MASS FOR CATHOLICS IN ARDLEIGH AND MISTLEY

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BRANTHAM

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.

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

Father Jon Ravensdale, 01206 870460

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

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CHURCH NEWS THE METHODIST CHURCH South Street, Manningtree

Also meeting on the premises:

Minister: The Rev Andrew Bell, 4, Elmdale Drive, Mistley, Manningtree, CO11 2HP / 01206 396654

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

Sunday Service: 10.15am Bible Study: First Wednesday of the month in the committee room, 2.30pm

Tuesday Co-op Women’s Guild, 7.15pm

Holy communion: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 2.30pm

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

Welcome Wednesdays: Every Wednesday from 2.30pm – drop in for a chat and tea/coffee. Activities on the second and third Wednesdays.

Saturday, November 7: Autumn/Christmas Fair in the church hall, noon3pm, with plenty of stalls and bargains plus refreshments.

Sunday, November 8: The church marks Remembrance Sunday with a special service at 10.15am led by The Rev Roger Parsons.

Secretary: Mrs M Cuthbertson Treasurer: Mr G King Contact for church hall bookings: David Shearmur, 395263

MANNINGTREE BENEFICE AN ALL-AGE ANGLICAN CHURCH MEETING IN ST MARY & ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, MISTLEY, AND ST LAWRENCE’S CHURCH, BRADFIELD Following the Harvest season, where we gave thanks for all we have, this month sees our services focussed on remembering those who have gone before. We will be holding our annual Light a Candle Service, a community-wide opportunity to come together to remember and thank God for the lives of those who are no longer with us. The service will include an Act of Remembrance where names of those we wish to be remembered will be read aloud, and will include an opportunity to light a candle in their memory. Names will be taken on the door, but if you cannot attend and would like a name to be read aloud, please contact the church office by November 3. We will also be holding Services of Remembrance across the Benefice in various locations.

Please see below for details of where and when.

We are holding Café Church again in November, which is ‘church, but not as you know it!’ Come along to Mistley for food and drink, a chance to discuss and to listen, short talks, film clips and music, things to explore and to think about, children’s activities, and much, much more!

There will also be a service of Confirmation in November, taken by Bishop Roger of Colchester. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wishes to confirm the promises made at their baptism, or to renew confirmation promises which maybe mean more now than they did originally! Please contact the church office as soon as possible if you are interested. Finally, 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 November November 1 10.30am

6pm

Joint Worship with Communion and Treasure Seekers* at Mistley Evening Prayer at Bradfield

November 7 11am

Light a Candle: Community All Souls’ Service at Mistley

November 8 Remembrance Sunday

10.30am Remembrance Service including Act

of Remembrance followed by Holy

Communion at Bradfield

10.45am Acts of Remembrance at both

Mistley Church and Mistley War

Memorial

34

11.05am

3pm

6pm

Remembrance Service with Treasure Seekers* continues at Mistley Remembrance Service at Manningtree Memorial Evening Prayer at Mistley

November 11 Remembrance Day

11am Act of Remembrance at

Manningtree Memorial November 15 10.30am

10.30am

6pm

Family Worship and Treasure Seekers* at Bradfield Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Mistley Quiet Communion at Bradfield

November 22 8am

10.30am

10.30am

Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Mistley Morning Prayer at Bradfield Café Church and Treasure Seekers* at Mistley

November 29 Advent Sunday

10.30am

6pm

Joint Service of Confirmation with Communion and Treasure Seekers* at Mistley Joint Advent Carol Service at Bradfield

*Treasure Seekers is our children’s programme for ages 3+ 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 See QUIZ NIGHT on p11 and CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET on p12

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35

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BRANTHAM SHOWROOM Unit 4+5, Brantham Mill Industrial Estate Bergholt Road, Brantham Manningtree, Suffolk CO11 1QT

Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm 36

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