In Touch with Martlesham - December 2015

In Touch

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

Volume 6 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2015

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My son is remarkably indecisive and it’s not a trait he has inherited from me! He and I have attempted to write to Father Christmas on no less than eight occasions now and each list has been completely different save for a bouncy egg which has topped the list every time.

I kid you not! A bouncy egg is the thing he wants more than anything else. Basically it’s a egg shaped bouncy ball which costs about £1.50, but I suspect Jack will have hours of fun playing the same trick on us over and over again! Oh joy!

But despite the frustration of trying to force Jack to make a final decision I’m quietly pleased that he is so keen to have a simple, inexpensive gift.

I know Lego will make it onto the final list in one form or another and possibly some football ‘stuff’, but while Jack is still relatively immune to the power of advertising I clearly don’t need to overspend in order to have a happy five-year-old. Next year might be more difficult. I dread the day he asks for a mobile phone, but I’m going to copy my brother John and agree to Jack having a phone for his 14th birthday. I can hear you scoffing in disbelief, but John’s four teenagers still speak to him – when they’re not on their phones!

This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!).

Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing.

It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

In Touch

with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

In Touch with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

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Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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NEWS MARTLESHAM SCOUT POST 2015 November 25 – December 9

Boxes at: BT Hub, Duncan’s Butchers, Black Tiles Post Office and 1st Martlesham Scout Hut It’s just 25p per card and money should be in a separate envelope with the cards.

Delivery to IP1-IP5 areas as well as Martlesham Village and Grundisburgh, Great and Little Bealings, Bramford, Sproughton, Tuddenham, Westerfield, Henley, Great and Little Blakenham, Playford, Claydon and Culpho.

Please note we cannot accept cards for Woodbridge and please only send cards to the areas above.

Please include contact details with your cards in case I need to return any to you that are incorrect.

Any questions, call Simon on 01473 612410 (evenings only).

Many thanks for all you support again this year.

Scout Post Co-ordinator Simon Smith

USED STAMPS APPEAL FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Christmas is almost upon us and we will soon be receiving lots of Christmas cards. When you have opened the envelopes please don’t just throw them away as the used stamps can make money for our local charity. St Elizabeth Hospice on Foxhall Road is able to sell used stamps in bulk in order to raise funds. Last year they raised well over £5,000.

So if you can save your used stamps and drop them through my door you will be helping the hospice. Just remember please to leave a 1cm/½ inch border around the stamps to avoid damage Don’t worry that you don’t have many stamps – all the bundles and envelopes of used stamps pushed through my letterbox very soon add up to a great deal for the hospice.

A very happy Christmas to you all and a big thank you for your continued support throughout the year.

Bev Read, 15 Demesne Gardens, Martlesham Heath 01473 622721

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

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

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NEWS SUFFOLK BOXING BOUT BRINGS HELP TO THOSE IN NEED and by donating auction prizes including holidays, tickets to key sporting fixtures and more.

Matt added: “Without the help of both the local community, businesses across the region and, of course, the 12 boxers who took me on in the ring, we would not have achieved such an amazing result.”

Altogether Fight For the Cause 2 raised just over £6,000 which will be donated to CLIC Sargent, Mason’s Magic, Combat Stress and Cystic Fibrosis.

All these charities were suggested by members at Grange Fitness and Performance Centre, which runs alongside Suffolk Punch Boxing Club.

Local good causes as well as national charities will see their coffers swell thanks to one brave man’s effort in the boxing ring!

Matt Brennan, owner of Suffolk Punch Boxing in Martlesham, has once again fought a 12 round marathon against a series of opponents to raise money for charities.

It is the second time Matt has taken on the challenge and it was tougher than he expected, despite a rigorous daily training programme in the run up to the event.

As for plans for Fight For the Cause 3, Matt isn’t ruling anything out!

He added: “Never say never! It’s always going to be tough, but the end result makes such a difference to the charities that we support that I find it impossible to think I may not have another one in me!”

For more information, please contact Matt Brennan: 07789 263079

He said: “I was determined to stage Fight For The Cause 2 because it’s such a fantastic way to raise a lot of money for so many great causes.

Going 12 rounds with a fresh opponent each round is incredibly tiring, but every time I felt like quitting I would see my family and supporters ring side and their cheers gave me the strength to go on.”

It was a full house when Matt stepped into the ring at Suffolk Show Ground with funds raised via ticket sales, auctions and sponsorship.

Many local businesses got behind the event both in terms of sponsorship

FIREWORK MISERY Autumn – ‘the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ – and, unfortunately, since John Keats beautiful poem was published, the season of fireworks! Hopefully when you read this the weeks of firework misery will be over, but the memory of fireworks being set off at all hours and causing distress to many animals and people will linger.

The firework law states fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am on all days, the exception being Bonfire Night when they can be set off until midnight, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year when they

can go on until 1am. The rules are regularly broken on Martlesham Heath where they can be heard until 2.30am. Further, they should not be set off in public places, but again on Martlesham Heath this doesn’t seem to apply.

Anyone who believes fireworks are fun should spend a night at my house with a terrified, elderly Golden Retriever and an angry Pomeranian. Having spent hundreds of pounds on medication for my dogs and trying every suggestion possible, they still bark for hours and hours at the first sound of a firework. I’m unable to leave the house in the evenings dur-

ing this wretched period. I believe fireworks should not be sold to the general public but only to professionals for organised events as in the Republic of Ireland. Fireworks are not only anti-social but dangerous in the untrained hand. They are so loud too, sounding like bombs being detonated in some cases.

I’ve written to our local MP, Dr Therese Coffey, for her advice and comments. I’m sure people will disagree with me but fireworks are certainly not enjoyable to the pet owning public.

Diane Bennett Martlesham Heath Resident

COURSES FOR FAMILY CARERS – FIND OUT MORE FOR FREE Suffolk Family Carers is a Suffolk wide organisation which aims to offer support and information to anyone caring for a friend, family member or neighbour with any kind of illness, disability or frailty. If you offer support, help or encouragement to a friend or family member who is unwell then you are a Family Carer and are able to access our free Caring with Confidence courses.

These courses provide information and tips on ways to confidently care for your friend or loved one. A variety of topics are covered such as effective communication to get your needs met, ways to manage your emotions and take better care of yourself, balancing caring with other commitments you may have, and looking at day to day challenges. We

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also have a wealth of resources which may help with a variety of issues and concerns you face within your caring role.

If you care for someone with dementia you could also access our Caring for Dementia with Confidence course which is specifically designed for those caring for someone with dementia or memory loss. These sessions are not only a great way to gain useful information, but also give you the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

These sessions run regularly so to find out more about either Caring with Confidence or Caring for Dementia with Confidence please contact us: 01473 835446 / cwc@suffolkfamilycarers.org

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NEWS MARTLESHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN In our recent survey we asked residents if they had concerns about traffic speeds within the parish. We received over 800 replies to this question of which 71% had some concerns with 24% expressing strong concern. Paradoxically when we asked a question as to whether residents would welcome the introduction of traffic calming measures to reduce the problem the majority were against such an idea. This was an unexpected finding.

Puzzling over this difference we wonder if residents have assumed that traffic calming implies speed bumps. While these are a means of introducing traffic calming they are far from the only way of achieving a reduction in traffic speed. Alternatives include flashing speed sensitive signs, road layout changes to force vehicles to slow down, polite notices and others.

We would welcome your views on traffic calming measures and any suggestions you might have to make our parish a safer place in which to live.

Do you have experience of desktop publishing?

Would you be willing to volunteer to help us put together the draft Neighbourhood Plan for publication and comment?

Please contact: martlesham2028@gmx.co.uk / 01473 612632 www.martlesham2028.org.uk

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

So call us today, we are here to help.

JOHN KELSO’S DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT Shared Equity and Shared Ownership houses available in Martlesham Part-rent, part-buy properties are available at Mill Heath, Main Road (Bloor Homes) for residents who meet the government’s Help to Buy scheme criteria.

For more information please visit: www.helptobuyese.org.uk/property-search Brown Bin collections Suffolk Coastal District Council Cabinet met on November 3 to consider options

regarding the organic waste recycling service.

They agreed that the current universal ‘free’ organic waste recycling service should be maintained for 2016/17 with the additional cost to be drawn from incentivised income streams, and this provision should be reviewed annually in light of prevailing financial circumstances.

I shall continue to support the existing system and oppose any proposition to increase charges for this well supported scheme.

My Community Enabling Budget I still have funds available to distribute to local charities and organisations. If your group needs funding for projects or schemes please contact me at: john.kelso@ suffolkcoastal.gov.uk / 01473 631682 May I take this opportunity to wish all residents a very Merry Christmas, Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year.

John Kelso, District Councillor Martlesham Ward

MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS LTD I am pleased to report that we will have finished control tower maintenance by the time this report is published. We found that while the window frames were rusty they were serviceable after the rust was sanded off and the putty replaced. All three doors have been replaced due to rot and the exterior repainted.

We would like to thank MH Aviation Society for project managing this work.

We have started installing posts to protect the green in Heathfield and this will be completed once we receive the fitting for a removable post.

We understand a number of households have been disturbed by the thoughtless letting off of fireworks on the Green. This is illegal as it is a public place, as is the SSSI (Western Corridor).

If you see anyone doing this please inform the police on 101 immediately. You can be fined up to £5,000 and/or imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally.

You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

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Yet again the number of irresponsible dog owners is on the rise. Please clear up after your dogs in the woods and the SSSI. We will discuss how we can educate this small minority with the local dog warden.

MHHL is not responsible for the following: • Road, street and pavement maintenance as these are owned and maintained by Suffolk County Council.

• The play areas (behind the Pavilion and near the football pitch to the east of Gorseland School) which are inspected and maintained by Martlesham Parish Council.

• The village centre (i.e. the premises and the Square) which are privately owned and are managed and maintained by Barton Properties on behalf of the owner. Both MHHL and Martlesham Parish Council have contact details for Barton Properties to report any problems.

• Graingers (the successors to Bradford Property Trust who originally developed the village) still own some land in Martlesham Heath village which has not been transferred or leased to MHHL. The main areas they still own are the car park to the east of the doctor’s surgery, the land stretching from the eastern end of that car park round to the mini roundabout and the land on either side of the path leading up to the footbridge. Graingers can be contacted on 020 7940 9500.

If you leave messages on the MHHL answerphone please leave a name and number so we can contact you if you want a response. Note this is not a manned number and may take a day or so for you to get a response.

We can be contacted at: 01473 612207 / mhh@martlesham.org.uk www.martleshamheathhouseholdersltd. onesuffolk.net

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NEWS

MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL The council wishes all parishioners a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations Communities are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday next year. There will be major national events taking place in London over the weekend of June 11/12.

If there are any local groups planning events, please contact the parish council who may be able to help with financial assistance in the form of a small grant. Please write to the clerk by Monday, February 15 providing details of your proposed event, the amount of grant you are seeking and for what purpose.

Working Party on Thursday, October 22 at the Recreation Ground Many thanks to those who took part. Special thanks go to Pat Lisseman who led the work party. The following work was accomplished: • Raking and clearing of the sedgebed • Cutting back of ivy on the tree by fencing • Clearing of weeds inside and outside the collars of the saplings planted along the fencing • Clearing of some dead trees • Cutting back of growth on coppiced tree by the play area The event took place with assistance from the Suffolk Coasts and Heath AONB team, the countryside staff at Suffolk Coastal Norse who cut the sedgebed and the bowls club who opened their club house for refreshments and provided access to toilets.

What have we been doing recently?

• Managing gorse and bracken on The Common in order to encourage the return of the heather • Managing trees on our land • Commenting on planning applications and consultations pertinent to the parish • Council representatives laid wreaths at the Remembrance Sunday services at St Mary’s Church and Barrack Square FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Please note that there is no full council meeting in December.

• Wednesday, December 2: Finance & General Purposes Committee • Wednesday, December 9: Development Plans Committee • Wednesday, January 6: Parish Council • Wednesday, January 13: Recreation & Amenities Committee All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room, Felixstowe Road and are open to the public who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment.

CONTACTING THE COUNCIL Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council: Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, Woodbridge IP12 4PB / 01473 612632 / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk For the latest news and events visit: www.martlesham.onesuffolk.net Parish office opening times: 9am-noon Monday to Friday excluding public holidays; please book an appointment in advance.

A TRIBUTE TO SHEILA WOODS At the start of the November parish council meeting the council observed a few quiet moments before the meeting to remember Mrs Sheila Woods who died in October. Sheila was the parish council clerk from 1954 to 1995. She did an excellent job serving the parish and the council, always diplomatic and conscientious in her work.

Sheila oversaw some dramatic changes in the parish during her time as clerk. The RAF left the airfield and, as the new development on Martlesham Heath took shape, the parish council grew hugely in size and led the successful integration of the old and new communities. There were also several other notable events. The dual carriageway was built across the heath and Sheila and the parish council chairman attended the formal lunch and opening of the road. Then the BT site was completed and again Sheila and the chairman attended the official opening performed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. They enjoyed watching the opening ceremony and then having lunch in the presence of the two Royal guests, followed by a visit round the site with the Queen and Duke.

Perhaps amongst the other landmarks was that Shelia was able to move all the parish council papers out of her bungalow and into the purpose built office and meeting room in Felixstowe Road which we use today.

It is always a sad loss when we lose a person who worked hard with her husband to do such a lot for our community. The parish councillors and staff extend their sincere condolences to Sheila’s daughters and their families.

Martlesham Parish Council

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MIND, BODY & SPIRIT FESTIVAL IN WOODBRIDGE Life Arts is again providing a weekend packed with complementary therapies, spiritual guidance, health advice, meditation space, workshops and healing music, and raising money for the local branch of Oxfam Books with many fantastic prizes to be won in the grand raffle.

A range of therapies and taster treatments will be on offer including Myriad Healing Therapies with colour therapy, Healing Hands with aromatherapy, Amatsu Therapy with hands-on bodywork, Cambridge Wellness Clinic using homeopathy for chronic conditions, massage, acupuncture and reflexology.

Gifts will include Peruvian and Nepalese jewellery, essential oils and incense, raw and polished crystals and minerals, pagan, Wiccan and gothic crafts.

Consult with specialists, psychics and readers such as Channel 4’s psychic astrologer Demian Allan and psychic medium Melayne Stone. Discover the power of meditation free with Paul King in the empowered healing space known as the ‘Buddha Cave’, and if that’s not enough we have a book signing stall with Peggy Weber who’s highly successful book My Magic Lights will be exclusively discounted.

1st MARTLESHAM HEATH RANGERS invite you to join them for

HOMEMADE SOUP in St Michael’s Church Centre after Carols in the Square on Monday, December 14, at 7pm

There will also be free workshops on subjects as diverse as What is Orgone Energy? and Amatsu Therapy, and don’t miss the Mediumship Demonstration by Colchester’s very own legendary international medium Maureen Flynn. The main stage will play host to demonstrations and performances from Gypsy Dreams and Mystic Bellydance, Diverse Roots, singer songwriter Helen Robinson and Suffolk legends Bards of the Heath, to name but a few.

Don’t leave without tasting the amazing hot, fresh food and home-made cakes from Jacob and Jacs caterers. Will you choose carrot cake, lemon drizzle or chocolate brownie?

Woodbridge Community Hall is wheelchair friendly.

All profits will be split between Unit funds and a charity of the Rangers’ choice.

Chris Cozens, who established Life Arts in 1998, has been organising Mind Body and Spirit events since 1999 and ensures all exhibitors are selected by merit, integrity, experience and professionalism.

For more information about this event please visit: www.lifearts.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT GIPPESWYK SINGERS CONCERTS After a successful tour to Holland in the summer of 2014, the Gippeswyk Singers are setting off again in the summer of 2016, but this time in the UK. The choir are travelling to Yorkshire in June to Fountains Abbey, Harrogate and York to sing a delightful summer programme of English music entitled Forever England. Their tour concert will be repeated locally at the Salvation Army Citadel in Felixstowe on July 2, 2016.

Before then the Gippeswyk Singers, conducted by Geoff Lavery, are celebrating the festive season with a New Year Concert called What Sweeter Music on January 2 at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church, Martlesham Heath with special guests Martlesham Brass. This will be a lovely programme of carols with the choir performing many of the beautiful choral arrangements of John Rutter, the nation’s favourite Christmas composer. Come and enjoy a spirited and uplifting evening of music with the choir, Martlesham Brass (led by Adam Cable), seasonal readings and congregational carols too.

Gippeswyk Singers are also presenting a spring concert featuring, amongst other choral pieces, the magnificent Nelson Mass, one of the most loved and well known choral works by Joseph Haydn, with four professional soloists on April 9, 2016 at St John’s Church, Felixstowe. This thrilling choral music has become known as a celebration of Lord Nelson’s victory over Napoleon in 1798 and moves from dark and dramatic, through peaceful contemplation to joyful jubilation with much sparkling vocal vitality from the soloists supported by the Gippeswyk Singers chorus and Andrew Cantrill, a nationally acclaimed organist.

An exciting and busy season for this accomplished and expressive chamber choir under the artistic musical direction of Geoff Lavery which will provide delightful music for performers and audience alike, with profits from the concerts going to support local Ipswich charities Got to Read and Home-Start. We hope to see you at one or all of our performances www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

DO YOU WANT TO FIND THE TRUE FESTIVE SPIRIT? Maybe in a rich, slow steeped Christmas cake or pudding, or a special festive preserve?

Are you looking for a unique, handcrafted gift that offers something different this year?

You’re not too late!

Ipswich Country Market at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane can provide all your festive needs. We are ready and waiting with a warm, truly festive welcome on Thursday mornings from 10.15 until 11.30am.

As well as our festive fayre we offer a wide range of handmade pickles and preserves, savoury and sweet baking, including gluten free items. Our crafts include practical sewing, fine beadwork and colourful knitwear and all producers of both food and craft are happy to make to order.

Our last market before Christmas is on Thursday, December 17 and we re-open again on January 7. So come and see what we have to offer before it’s too late!

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KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following Christmas craft activities will take place during December.

Sunday, December 6: We are making pop-up Christmas characters this week. Who will you make?

Sunday, December 13: Come along and make a Christmas Biff Bat. Sunday, December 20: Design a snowflake to decorate your window over the Christmas holidays.

Sunday, December 27: Make a special card to say thank you for your Christmas presents.

Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

BookStart – every Thursday (term time only) Free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers.

Why not come along and join Emma every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories?

Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Story Time: every Friday morning, 9.45-10.15am This new activity is being funded by the Library Community Group.

Emma will be running this free story time session every Friday morning during term time for pre-school children and toddlers.

There will be a different story, songs and activities each week. Why not pop along and give it a go? No need to book, just come along.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Stamps Don’t forget that the library now sells first and second class stamps for all those Christmas cards that need sending this year!

Happy Birthday to Kesgrave Library In January 2016 it’s 10 years since Kesgrave Library moved into Kinsey House from the portacabin. Watch out for posters advertising our party and how we are going to celebrate!

Thank you The staff and community group at Kesgrave Library would like to thank all our customers for their valued support during 2015. We look forward to seeing you in 2016 and to organising more exciting events and activities.

Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk OPENING TIMES Tuesday 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday 2.30-6pm Thursday 2.30-8pm Friday 9am-noon Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 10am-3pm

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE AND MARTLESHAM COUNTRY MARKETS Did you know there is a Saturday morning market with irresistible home-baked cakes and mouthwatering savouries at Kesgrave Scout HQ, 9.30-11.30, and also on Tuesday mornings at Martlesham Pavilion, behind the Douglas Bader pub, 9.30-11.15am?

There’s tea, coffee and eatables at both venues at bargain prices and time for a quiet chat with friends or a nice sit down with a cake, biscuit or bacon butty.

Both venues have locally made jams, chutneys, honey and preserves for sale too, as well as lovely handmade bags, children’s knitted jumpers (just like granny knits), pretty beaded jewellery, special cards and stocking-fillers for Christmas and little treats for birthdays. There’s also our famous

KESGRAVE MARKET

butcher, Ian Johnston, with his half-price pork, sausages, bacon and hams on most Saturdays: you can’t beat his prices – and you save rare breed British Lop pigs into the bargain.

As Kesgrave Market continues into its fifth year, we would like to remind residents that the last market for 2015 is on Saturday, December 19, and will be ideal for produce for Christmas. Some of our stallholders are taking orders for collection nearer the time; if you would like further details, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Meet the makers and order something really special. Make up a hamper for a friend or neighbour.

We can supply cakes and orders for your party or special occasion too.

We then start to think about 2016 and our first market will be on Saturday, January 16. We would like to remind local charities that we still offer a free stall each month – if you are a local organisation that would like to take the opportunity to raise awareness please contact me for further details and availability.

Don’t miss our last-minute Christmas Country Market on Wednesday, December 23, 9.3011.30am!

If you are a local business and want to promote yourself (rather than actually sell goods) then you too could have a presence, and although we would charge a small fee, it’s still extremely good value for money and a great way to let the local community know what you have to offer.

We do need more cooks, crafters and producers: would you like to join us? Please call friendly Rita Jones on 01473 272276 for more information or come and meet us.

For further information, or if you have any other questions regarding the market, please contact me at marketmanager@ kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk and so that our news and updates come to you, please ‘like’ our Facebook page – www.facebook. com/kesgravemarket – where we now have over 1,000 ‘likes’.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Market Manager Mandy Camilleri

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: SUFFOLK SINGERS’ FUNDRAISING CONCERT

MARTLESHAM BRASS

Cancer kills more young people than any other illness in the UK. For a teenager with cancer, life can be one of isolation, loneliness and fear and the Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity dedicated to improving their lives and chances of survival.

December is the busiest month of the year for Martlesham Brass. You will often find us playing Christmas carols outside supermarkets, both in Martlesham and Ipswich, raising money for the charities nominated by our band members.

The Suffolk Singers are fronting a fundraising concert on Saturday, January 23 entitled Make a Difference and they invite you to take time out during the long, dark days post Christmas to help put some light into the life of young cancer sufferers.

Don’t forget to join us at 10am on Saturday, December 5 for Coffee and Carols at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, when you can hear our intermediate band. There will be refreshments and cake and craft stalls; admission is free. On Monday, December 14 we will be playing for Carols in the Square at Martlesham Heath at 7pm.

The evening will be hosted by ’ wonderfully dynamic music director Claire Weston, with a varied programme of easy listening music to suit all tastes, ranging from light gospel to Simon and Garfunkel.

They are especially delighted to be joined in the evening’s entertainment by The Blue Notes, a vibrant teenage jazz trio. The Suffolk Singers will be accompanied on this occasion by another brilliant local lad, Harrison Cole.

The concert is in Woodbridge Community Centre at 7.30pm and has informal table seating to include a light supper of savoury and sweet refreshments. It’s a ‘bring your own drinks’ evening. The Suffolk Singers’ last fundraiser in 2014 for Teenage Cancer Trust was a complete sell out so advance booking is strongly recommended.

Tickets are £12.50 and available from Browsers Bookshop and Woodbridge Violins in Woodbridge, as well as by phoning 01473 635525.

Making music fun in East Anglia

Our Christmas concert is at 7pm on Saturday, December 19, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Tickets are £3 (primary school children free). You can get your tickets by calling 07802 868924, at www.martleshambrass. co.uk or by visiting the 2nd Stop Charity Shop next to Tesco in Kesgrave.

This concert is often a sell-out so do get your tickets early!

Our band welcomes new players young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and feel that you would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below. Please be aware that we currently have a waiting list for beginner players.

Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS MOBILITY OR DISABILITY REQUIREMENTS Looking after a family member with a severe illness or disability can be one of the most challenging things we tackle in our lifetime. We want our love and dedication never to waiver, to ensure we’re making those closest to us feel comfortable in their time of need. Through all our support though, it’s supremely important that the right facilities and solutions are readily and reliably available, that the needs and necessities of both carer and patient are taken care of, allowing us to properly focus on the day to day welfare of those in need; and that is what we here at AGA Mobility Systems are all about.

Started by Lee Thrower in 2003, AGA is a company kindled and brought to life by first hand experience. When Lee experienced the true extent of the difficulties of caring for an ill family member, he realised something had to be done to ensure those in his position had access to the utilities they needed. AGA Mobility Systems was born, dedicated to providing specialist solutions for every individual who has mobility or disability requirements. A family-run, personable company, AGA strive to imbue patients with a new level of independence, through dignified and easy-to-use solutions.

The bespoke, state-of-the-art AGA Mobility Systems showroom was launched three years ago, and is still the only showroom in Suffolk with three fully functional, full size stair lifts available for you to come and try. With three comprehensively equipped wet rooms and level access showers on display as well, alongside an expansive array of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, profiling beds, rollators, wheelchairs and everyday living aids, we can show you just how your home can be revolutionised through these products, making every day life that much easier. We are based in Needham Market (Lion Barn Industrial Estate), there is ample free parking and the easily accessible showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

As of December 2015, our brand new online shop will go live, ensuring you have immediate, round-the-clock access to our responsive and speedy ordering system. No matter the products or utilities you’re in need of, or the time of day, they are now just a click away. We offer free nationwide delivery on purchases over £50, and a free regional delivery and assembly service on certain larger items as well. With home visits and demonstrations, chair assessments, equipment hire, and expert help and advice available on all our products, give us a call today on 01449 720809 and speak to our friendly, knowledgeable team to find out more. Alternatively, point your browser to our new online portal at www.agamobilitysystems.co.uk or come visit us at our showroom today!

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FARMERS AND FINE FOODS MARKET Saturday, December 12 & 19, Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm

THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND GRANT APPLICATIONS

Established in 1999, Woodbridge Farmers and Fine Foods Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country. It brings together some of Suffolk’s finest producers all under one roof.

more people attending. One such customer commented: “I regularly find a lot of wonderful food here!”

The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly and people rarely leave empty handed.

Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and groups.

Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2016. Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities.

Further information about grants and application forms can be found at: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

Please note a change from our usual dates of the second and fourth Saturday of each month to bring you a market before Christmas. The market on December 19 will be the perfect opportunity to stock up with delicious local produce for the festive season. Last year we also had some guest ‘seasonal’ producers with perfect foody gifts and hope some of them will return this year.

Most stalls are run by the producers themselves who are passionate about sharing their produce and information about it with their customers. Many stalls will let you have a sample to try before you buy and prices are very competitive for such fresh, local produce.

Alternatively call 01473 625196 or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG

There is a large base of loyal customers who attend every market, but we would love to see

If you would like to join our email list please let us know by contacting us at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@ gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you to the market very soon.

RING IN CHRISTMAS WITH THE ORWELL SINGERS The Orwell Singers will be holding their Christmas concert entitled Ring in Christmas on Saturday, December 5 at 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Carols will range from the medieval Lullay my Liking to the modern day The Carol of the Refugee Children. There will also be singing of traditional carols for the audience to join in.

Entry at the door will be £8 for adults and 50p for accompanied children and will include sherry and mince pies. For more information please contact: 01473 635955 / d.sharman@btinternet.com

CHRISTMAS AT THE RUNWAY First of all, thank you to everyone who supported the Shoe Box Appeal or sent in items and money for us to make them up. The shoe boxes will be sent to children across the world who, otherwise, would get little or nothing. They are greatly appreciated.

The really exciting news is that we have broken a record this year and will be sending more than 30 boxes for distribution. So an extra 30 children will have a surprise box of gifts generously donated by a stranger from across the globe. Thank you.

We start our Christmas celebrations at the Runway on Tuesday, December 15. That will be the day for decorations, Christmas carols and mince pies.

Come and join us. And remember we are open until 2pm on weekdays in December so bring your own sandwiches and enjoy your lunch in a warm and cosy atmosphere with a hot cup of soup, tea or coffee.

The Runway Team

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

NEXT EVENT FOR YOUR DIARY Thursday, March 17, 7.30pm, St Michaels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath: a talk by Elizabeth Talbot MRICS, Auction Rooms Director at T W Gaze in Diss, Norfolk, who also appears on many television programmes. Further details to be published in the January 2016 issue or available from the Burrows family: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

Salvation Army NATIVITY FESTIVAL Would you like to take some time out during December?

Our Nativity Festival at The Priory Centre on Queens Way is an opportunity to see more than 100 different nativity scenes from around the world and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, or just a quiet, unhurried space to unwind during the busy holiday season.

There will be a quiz to take part in, an activity table for children and craft and gift tables. Refreshments will also be available including hot drinks, soup, mince pies and gingerbread. Entry is free and you can take part in as much or little as you choose.

Opening times • Friday, December 11, 1.30-7pm • Saturday, December 12, 10am3pm • Sunday, December 13, 1.304pm For further information please contact: 01473 710721 / ipswich.priory@salvationarmy. org.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. We are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments. Our next meetings are: Thursday, November 26: Snowmen plus Christmas Celebration Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma) The monthly project list is now available and other projects are available.

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

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Our members have been out and about during the last month. Two represented our club at our federation conference, this year held in Glasgow and bringing together Soroptimists from across the world. Next year it will be in Malta.

Nearer to home, two of us had a thought provoking day at University Campus Suffolk for the launch of a report entitled Hear Me, Believe Me, Respect Me. This was based on a survey of adults who had been subjected to sexual abuse in childhood carried out by the university with the local charity Survivors in Transition.

It’s a bit frustrating that there has been so much attention focused on celebrity cases but so little public acknowledgement that most abuse is committed by family members or friends. The report highlighted the inadequacy of the support available to many survivors when, perhaps years later, they summon up the courage to tell someone what happened to them.

We always appreciate the chance to be involved with our local community and some of our members have been discussing links with UCS. As a start we are joining with students to mark White Ribbon Day, the movement set up by men to end violence against women.

December, of course, means Christmas. We’ll celebrate with a festive dinner. We usually contribute to a joint Christmas present and this year we shall be ‘twinning our toilet’ with a school toilet block in Africa – a simple but imaginative scheme run by Tearfund.

If you would like to know more about Soroptimism please contact Jackie on 01473 659314.

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership and join our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. There is no meeting in December, we have a Christmas mystery outing instead, but a date for your diary is January 19, 2016 at 7.15pm when the ever-popular Mark Mitchels will be talking on the Duke of Wellington. He transformed the fortunes of the British Army and played a major part in securing the abdication of Napoleon.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £2. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information contact our membership secretary at membershipesnta@gmail.com or phone 01473 723761.

Alternatively visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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KESGRAVE WI Our Annual General Meeting was held during our November meeting. Monica Collins was again elected as our president for 2016. Our committee for 2016 will include two new faces, Elayne Green and Angela Watson as treasurer. Monica thanked all retiring committee members for their support and hard work in recent years. Lyn Parker and Ann Barnes received thank you gifts for their services having served four years on the committee.

The overall winner of our monthly competitions for the past year was Pat Howell with Enid Castle taking second place and Shirley Kendall third.

Enid Castle was presented with a certificate as the overall winner of the stoned fruit jam category at the WI Centenary Picnic Table Top Show in September which was held at Glenham Hall.

Monica reported that the WI craft day held on Saturday, October 1 had been a great success with 29 men and women enjoying a day devoted to learning new crafts – barge painting, Christmas fabric decorations, stitched cards and trinket boxes. In true WI style, lunch was a variety of homemade soups with rolls providing a social time to discuss progress being made with the crafts.

Our evening finished with bingo for pleasure – three games of intense concentration to win a selection of chocolate products!

Our next meeting is at 7.15pm on Thursday, December 3 at Kesgrave Community Centre when we will be holding our Christmas meeting. Our speaker for the night will be The Rev John Robinson who will entertain us with Christmas Songs from 1770 to 1970+, all helped along by traditional Christmas fayre! Visitors are very welcome to join us.

For more information call our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB It’s time to wish all our members a Happy Christmas!

We have just one more meeting in 2015 – our Christmas Party on December 10. There will be a bring and share supper and musical entertainment with carol singing to get us all in the festive mood.

At our last meeting Simon and his guide dog Lennox were presented with a cheque for £700.50 which we have raised during the year. It will be used to buy special life-jackets for disabled members of the East Anglian Sailing Trust.

Looking forward to 2016, our first meeting is on January 7 when Sarah Waldock will show us how to make cards from scrap.

Make a New Year Resolution to do something different and join our friendly club. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in the Richards Room. For more information contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

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OUT & ABOUT OVER THIRTIES AND OTHER FUNCTIONS The supper/dance at Kesgrave High School on October 24 was well attended. The new band, to be known as Rod and The Solents, was very well received with some very positive feedback, so many thanks to those who attended and supported the fundraiser.

Coming up in December, the first public function I’m invited to perform at will be Kesgrave Social Club on Saturday, December 12, playing from 8-11.30pm as Rodders. Non-members are very welcome and just pay on the door.

The following week, on Saturday, December 19, Rodders will be at Fun at the Farmhouse, Grange Farm, Kesgrave, playing from 9pm until midnight. Come along for a fun night out with plenty of good drinking and dancing.

The next public performance for Rodders will be New Year’s Eve, again at the Farmhouse.

The entertainment will start somewhere between 9-10pm and go through until 1am. There will be no entry fee and Stuart and Karen invite you all to come along and welcome in the New Year. I really enjoyed playing there last New Year’s Eve, and I am really looking forward to this year.

At the moment, the next public function that Rod and The Solents are due to play at will be the football club’s Charity Valentine supper/dance at Kesgrave High School on Saturday, February 13.

Please make a note in your diary.

For those on my list, I will be in touch nearer the time. Anybody else interested in coming to any of the functions can call Keith on 01473 624538.

It just leaves us to wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and a better New Year.

Keith/Miles

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our Christmas meeting will be on Wednesday, December 2 when Sarah Pearson will talk on The Art of Celebrating Christmas. Sarah has degrees in Art History and World Art Studies and has lectured at Reading University and UEA. Her talk will explore the various elements of Christmas in their artistic setting. To help foster the Christmas spirit, mulled wine and mince pies will be available beforehand.

November’s meeting featured Dr Susan Owens discussing Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and her role in art promotion, especially during the Second World War. This was a side of Queen Elizabeth we don’t often hear about. With many pictures, Susan explained how the Queen began buying and commissioning art and promoting contemporary British artists. Augustus John, Rex Whistler, Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, William Nicholson and John Piper all created works for her collection. A lovely talk, well received by all.

The rest of the season will feature a broad range of illustrated talks on subjects including the Duc du Berry, medieval Easter celebrations, the world of Grayson Perry, and much more.

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

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

WOOLLY WONDERS KNITTING GROUP We look forward to seeing knitters of any age and all skill levels on December 3 and 17 at The Runway Cafe on Martlesham Heath, next door to St Michael’s Church, 10am-noon.

Why not take up a new challenge in 2016 and learn to knit? Come and join us on January 7.

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE We would like to thank all of you who attended our annual Remembrance Service on Barrack Square on Sunday, November 8. It was really heartening to see that attendance was up substantially on recent years despite the miserable weather. The rain held off, but at least it was mild.

Our chairman, Martyn Cook, was the Parade Marshall and Bishop Jeremy Walsh took the service. Our new president, Mr Richard Barker, attended and our honorary vice president, Colonel Mark Ciero from the USAF, had flown over from Germany where he is now based. The Felixstowe 356th ATC and the Kesgrave detachment of the army cadets provided an excellent contingent and together with the local scouts and guides, represented the young generation. Once again the Felixstowe Salvation Army Band were in attendance.

Wing Commander Phil Nicholson, liaison officer from RAF Mildenhall represented the RAF and Colonel Mark Ciero the USAF. Inspector Stuart Weaver represented Suffolk Constabulary, Mr Richard Stains represented Martlesham Parish Council. The Royal British Legion, the RAFA association and the Suffolk branch of the Aircrew Association were all represented.

The Iron Crows, a band of motorcyclists who tour round memorial services like ours and raise funds for the British Legion, were also in attendance.

Mr Andy Hunt represented Industrious Ltd, and we are most grateful for their generous donation. Finally Mr Rod Caird from the Ipswich Piping Society provided a bagpipe salute.

MARTLESHAM WI In December we meet a week earlier than usual, so our meeting will be on Friday, December 11 at 2.15pm in the Richards Room. We are planning a festive afternoon with seasonal readings, a lighthearted quiz and Margaret H’s homemade mince pies (by popular demand).

By that time we shall be welcoming our new president, Pat Brown having served for three years. She has done a super job.

At our annual meeting she was thanked by all the members for her excellent chairmanship and presented with a plant in appreciation of her efforts. She will be a hard act to follow. We shall also be looking forward to the New Year during which we will be celebrating the 70th birthday of Martlesham WI. We are always pleased to welcome prospective new members and visitors and this informal afternoon would be a good time to come along to check us out. You will be made very welcome. For more details please contact Anne Bennett: 01394 380110 Susan Cunliffe

Our grateful thanks for all who officiated and to all who turned up for this most important occasion.

SOCIETY NEWS We were entertained by two old friends of our society on Friday, November 6. Clive and Linda Denny run Vintage Fabrics, a company specialising in re-covering fabric flying surfaces of vintage aircraft and painting them.

We had a full house to listen to Clive, who has been spending much of his time recently down at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar on the famous old Battle of Britain fighter station in Kent. Clive is a display pilot and is qualified to fly various aircraft, including Spitfires and Hurricanes.

The Biggin Hill Heritage hangar is currently home to several vintage aircraft in various stages of restoration.

Several video clips were shown, including the Battle of Britain 75th nniversary which was featured on television. Clive was one of the pilots on that day, when so many Spitfires and Hurricanes formed an impressive formation over southern England. A vote of thanks was given by Robert Dunnett.

Following the sudden sad death of Phil Hadwen who was scheduled to deliver an illustrated talk on Friday, December 4 at the Community Hall on Felixstowe Road Chris Blundell will present The TSR 2 Story, the sorry saga of the destruction of what could have become one of the great aircraft of the 1970s and 1980s, so cruelly cancelled by Harold Wilson’s Labour Government.

Non-members are welcome for a payment of just £3 at the door. Meetings start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break.

Alan Powell, 01473 622458 www.mhas.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT KYSON PROBUS CLUB

ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN

Kyson Probus Club met as usual in November at Ufford Park Hotel, Melton. After a friendly drink and hearty lunch we heard a talk

by Mr John White who has lived and worked at Bawdsey Ferry for most of his life, building boats for more than four decades as well as doing commercial fishing. He ran the Bawdsey Ferry for six years and for the past 20 years has been harbourmaster there.

He still runs river trips and told us that he has no intention of retiring! He talked about the many old characters he knew who lived in and around the ferry area and the hard lives that many endured. There was certainly poverty in those days, but also great camaraderie and humour which John relayed in abundance.

We were astonished to learn that there has been a ferry at Bawdsey since the 12th century which was one of many facts in an informative and highly amusing talk. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable afternoon.

Our recent charity quiz at Waldringfield Golf Club was another success, with 16 teams competing and more than £750 being raised for various charities. The winners once again were the Flying Fischotters who were presented with a cheque for £200 which they donated to the Woolverstone Wish Appeal.

If you are a retired or semi-retired business or professional man and would like to spend a pleasant lunch once a month with friendly, like-minded folk, why not come along. For information about the cub, please call the secretary, Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866

Club members will be manning Santa’s sleigh around Martlesham Heath on four evenings in December and our Thoroughfare collection in Woodbridge will be on Saturday, December 12 when we will once again be supported by carol singers from Woodbridge Choral Society.

Tickets for our annual Christmas Carol Concert and Supper at Woodbridge School on Thursday, December 3 are selling well and we anticipate another excellent evening. As ever music will be provided by Martlesham Brass Band and the Woodbridge School Chamber Choir.

If you are interested in any of these events or would like to know more about Rotary please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT A busy November meeting at the Royal British Legion in Woodbridge saw us welcome three distinguished visitors. Richard Smith of Felixstowe Road Runners reviewed October’s Martlesham Heath 10k, 5k and Fun Run event.

The Lions’ Club charity fund will benefit to the tune of £3,170. Jo Revett, Corporate Partnership Fundraiser with The Papworth Trust, gave a very personal and heartfelt talk covering the history of the trust and its current work; we will be making a donation to the trust in appreciation for Jo’s presentation. Finally, our District Governor Chris Crick making an official visit to the club and carried out the pleasant duties of welcoming our latest new member, Bob Brown, and presenting a 15-year chevron to Lion Margot Wobey.

Planning and fundraising for the Christmas parcels project is well under way; the growing demand at food banks testifies that this project remains an important activity. A traditional part of our fundraising at this time of year is supporting Father Christmas on his trips around the streets of Woodbridge. Wednesday, December 16 will see us visit Newnham Avenue, Peterhouse Crescent, Pembroke Avenue, St Edmunds Close, Queens Avenue, Churchill Close and Clare Avenue. On Thursday 17, watch out for the jolly old gentleman in Warwick Avenue, Edwin Avenue, Barton Road, Collingwood Road, Beresford Drive, Bury Hill and Bury Hill Close.

Our thanks to everyone who has supported us at our various events throughout the year. May we wish everyone an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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VOCATIONAL TRAINING TEAM “It’s changed my life” – the words of Dr Suzanna Constantinescu when reflecting on a week’s study visit to East Anglia.

The visit, an initiative of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben supported by other local Rotary clubs, saw a team of professional specialists in children’s medicine and childcare from the Neamt county of Romania visit this area. They visited the paediatric departments of the Ipswich and Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals, and studied the support available to children with autism and their parents in the Ipswich area.

What made the biggest impact on the team was to see how our hospitals work to make children’s treatment less scary and their stay in hospital less traumatic. Our hospitals are made to be welcoming places, with play areas and toys – helping the children to be more receptive to their treatment. Parents are involved in their child’s treatment – something which doesn’t happen in Romania – and the team was impressed at how all this can aid a child’s recovery.

Volunteering was unknown in Romania during the Communist era and is still in its infancy. The team learned how volunteers can help overworked professional staff, and have plans on their return to mobilise their local communities.

The team marvelled at the multitude of ways in which charities and statutory bodies in Suffolk offer support to the parents of children with autism, and have taken lots of ideas for how to replicate that support back to Romania. Not least, they saw how we help parents to recognise that autism is an illness, not a cause of shame, and that children with autism are just like everyone else – just with special needs.

Woodbridge Deben offers its thanks to all the dedicated professional staff who welcomed the Romania team and shared their expertise. There are already plans to develop a longer-term relationship.

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OUT & ABOUT MODERN PATCHWORK AND QUILTING CLASSES

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN

Now that Christmas is nearly here, it’s a good time of think about what you’ll do with your spare time once it’s all over!

Have you heard about U3A (University of the Third Age)?

How about learning a new craft? I will be running a beginner’s patchwork and quilting class starting on January 13, 2016 in my studio on Martlesham Heath. We will start with the basics and finish with a beautiful table runner. Places are limited to six so if you are interested let me know as soon as possible.

Now is your chance to catch up on some of the things you wish you could have kept up with or tried (when you didn’t have time before). No you don’t have to go back to school or have to do exams or win qualifications. U3A is run by and for retired and semi-retired people to try or expand on subjects and hobbies they may have had to miss due to past commitments.

There are also many other classes to choose from throughout next term including cushions, bags, wall hangings and, of course, chickens for Easter! For the full list and photos of the projects visit: www.busybeestitching.co.uk

U3A has more than 130 interest groups so there is bound to be a subject (or two) that will intrigue you. How about trying art, geology or carpet bowls? There are also lunch clubs and church or garden visits. All this for your initial membership of £12.50 per year.

If you know of someone who might be interested in one of my classes, I have gift vouchers available which make great last minute gifts and if necessary can be sent direct to the recipient.

Find out more by visiting one of our monthly meetings with speakers in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Woodbridge.

2016 will be bringing a wide variety of talks in all four areas and the campus co-ordinators at each venue will be happy to tell you more about the East Suffolk Branch of U3A.

If you would like further details then please contact me, Gillian Strange: 07708 258765 / gillian_strange@talk21.com www.busybeestitching.co.uk

The next Woodbridge meeting is at 10.30am on Monday, December 7 at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU and is entitled The Natural History of the Falkland Islands. Expect a flavour of life in this remote British outpost, including the unique habitats of the islands and aspects of the landscape, spring flowers, mammals and birds. The talk will be given by Anne Kell.

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, December 17, 7.30pm: The History of Harrods, an illustrated talk by Eve Regelous based on her unique insight as an event organiser at this world famous store.

For information on all dates, subjects and venues please visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or contact the secretary on 01473 273395.

NOTE NEW VENUE: The Co-Op Education Centre – Pedestrian Entrance, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW Car park entrance: Waterworks Street IP4 1JG

GET TALKING! Speaking to friends is usually easier than talking to strangers.

A good tip, if you are nervous about speaking to people you’ve not met before or who you don’t know very well, is to take a breath and smile before saying a well-rehearsed line. Whether you are in a work or social situation, acting as though you are relaxed and confident will make people think you are: most people, and audiences, prefer listening to someone who is apparently at ease rather than someone who is nervous.

Another good tip is: don’t apologise. You have, I hope, prepared for your speech and done your homework, so don’t say you’re sorry it’s not longer or shorter or better…

If you drop your pen, pick it up – or leave it. Don’t let the small stuff

Admission is £3 for members, £3.50 for non-members who are welcome and can join the society on the night if they wish. Tickets are not required; just turn up and pay on the door.

stop you delivering a great introduction, a fulsome welcome or a thank you speech.

Christmas is a time for parties and family get-togethers so make the most of your speaking opportunities.

Come and practise, hone your speaking skills in our friendly group and pick up some useful tips and techniques. We meet every other Thursday evening and guests are always welcome, free. We meet at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB, from 7-9.30pm.

Our next meetings are on December 3 and 17. Call us on 07968 372563 if you’d like to find out more, visit www.speak-easy.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

For more information contact H King: 01473 274300

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

Inner Wheel would like to thank all those who supported our recent fashion show in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Twelve club members modelled a selection of casual, day and evening wear and accessories from Country Casuals and Adams Apple, whose outfits were on sale after showing. Refreshments including tea donated by the East of England Cooperative Society and a choice of homemade cakes were available during the interval. EAAA provided a stall selling gifts and cards.

Thanks must also go to those local businesses who generously donated raffle prizes helping us to raise £1,068.

Hilary Hall, assisted by her husband Trevor, gave an illustrated talk entitled Vietnam – A Country, A War, A Holiday Destination, A People at our November meeting at Ufford Park. On behalf of the club Margaret Pemberton thanked Hilary for an enlightening insight into life in Vietnam and the progress that has been made.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS KESGRAVE ALLOTMENT & LEISURE GARDENING ASSOCIATION The year is coming to an end and the shortest day heralds the slow advance to the next growing season. It’s a time to reflect on our successes and on what went wrong with some crops. My strawberries were successful, so perhaps grow more fruit next season, and beans were prolific, but as lovely as home grown peas are there were too few produced for some reason! But the saying goes ‘There is no failure in gardening, it’s down to the weather and the furry things!’

There is nothing to sow now, so it’s time to stay in the warm and look through seed catalogues and plan for next year.

As we approach Christmas, I will take satisfaction from sitting down for Christmas dinner eating some home-grown vegetables. Brussel sprouts should be ready in time, and parsnips and leeks are ready to be dug up. I hope the ground won’t be too hard!

Our AGM is held in January, where new members are welcome and where existing members renew membership and pay for the next year’s rent. It’s an opportunity to take over a plot as there are a few becoming available. We offer starter plots (for those who would like to try growing their own without over-committing themselves) or half and whole plots. If you are interested come along or contact Angela, our membership secretary, for further details: 01473 612283 / angsan.brown@yahoo.co.uk For more information about KALGA and the allotment, and the opportunity to join our forum, visit www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP With the leaves falling and trees moving into their winter dormancy state, the volunteers have been cutting back the hedge along Kesgrave Main Road. It’s amazing to see how well the trees and shrubs respond to the pruning back each year by accelerating the growth at the lower levels to thicken the natural barrier against road noise and intruders.

Nature Watch members met on Halloween weekend to find out about creatures that come out in the night – not supernatural creatures, but rather real woodlands creatures such as bats, owls and badgers to name a few. The lesson was during the day so we didn’t actually see any animals, only signs that they had been around, such as gnaw marks in tree bark, foraging holes in the ground and, of course, poo!

Keeping to the scary theme, this meeting marked the completion of the 10th year of Nature Watch. Thankfully we have had steady stream of new members joining and moving on to Nature Explorers and beyond. Chloe King and Sam Alexander joined Nature Watch at its start when they were five/six years old and are now members of our committee. How time flies! On that note with another year gone, we hope you all have a restful Christmas and New Year.

Dates for the diary: • Sunday, December 20, 10am-noon: Volunteer work morning • Saturday, January 23, 9-11am: Nature Explorers (11-18yrs old) Nature Watch (five-11yrs old), starts again in spring 2016.

New volunteers are always welcome. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632 or visit: www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net

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MARTLESHAM BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Hello from Martlesham Baby and Toddler Group, an informal group who meet every Wednesday and Friday in Martlesham Pavilion for fun, games and songs. We are there from 9.30 until 11.30am and there’s plenty of tea, coffee and the all important biscuits to keep you going!

We would like to say a very BIG thank you to Sadie of Big Fish Photography who came along to take some wonderful pictures of our members during November. She has kindly ensured that the prints will be ready for Christmas presents.

There will be lots going on at our Christmas Party this year, with the usual party games and fundraising, our renowned cake sale and, of course, a visit from the man himself! Even though Father Christmas is extremely busy in December he has confirmed he will visit both party sessions on December 9 and 11 and for just £1 your child will be able to meet Father Christmas, let him know what they would like for Christmas and receive a small gift.

We have had a brilliant year with lots of new friends joining us, and fantastic support from old friends and new. We have made enough funds to continue for another year so thank you everyone who has helped us along the way in 2015. We will break for Christmas on December 11 until January 6, 2016. If you care for a baby, toddler or pre-schooler and would like some friendly faces and fun please join us in 2016.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you very soon.

Please visit www.martleshambabyandtoddlers.co.uk or contact us on: mhbabyandtoddlergroup@yahoo.co.uk Sam Whitehouse

Christmas is coming and our pre-schoolers will be decorating the nursery, singing Christmas songs, dressing up in the Christmas Nativity Play and having fun and games at our Christmas Party. After School Club members will be busy creating Christmas cards and decorations for us to use and to take home.

Our Cracking Christmas Fair is on Saturday, December 5, 10amnoon. Get into the Christmas spirit and join us in our winter wonderland for festive crafts, gift ideas, mince pies and more.

We are now taking bookings for our Christmas Holiday Club (December 21 to 23) and we will then be closed until we return for the new year on Monday, January 4.

We currently have vacancies in all our rooms, including spaces for funded two and three-year olds. Don’t forget your child’s funded sessions can be used across our opening hours and ‘stretched’ across holiday club too.

The Saplings is open MondayFriday, 7.30am-6pm, for children aged three months to 11 years.

We offer term-time and yearround care, with a baby room, pre-school, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions and a ‘walking bus’ to Birchwood Primary School.

For further information on all our term-time sessions, or holiday club bookings, please call our friendly team of dedicated and experienced staff on 01473 614753, email news@ thesaplings.org.uk or visit: www.thesaplings.org.uk

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SCHOOLS CHRISTMAS AT BRIGHT STARS Inviting all babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents and/or carers to come along and enjoy the Christmas story at Bright Stars. We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Each session is full of fun children’s activities and worship. We enjoy doing crafts, singing, storytelling and games.The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day or feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions. We will look forward to welcoming you!

The remaining session date for the autumn term is December 14.

Spring term dates will be published in the January edition.

For further information please contact one of the Bright Stars team: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729 Sonya & Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196 Sue Lambert, 01473 624130

CALLING ALL MUMS...

Martlesham Mums’ Club meets for a ‘Bring and Share’ Christmas Party at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath on Tuesday, December 1 between 12.45 and 2.30pm. All mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited to come along. Our theme will be Red, Green and Sparkly so dress yourself and your child in red or green and sparkle with us! Please bring along a small quantity of food to share for lunch. After we have eaten there will be crafts, games and music so why not join us to start your Christmas celebrations?

GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL OPEN MORNING INVITATION Thursday, January 7: 9.30-11am Do you have a child due to start Reception in September 2016?

Our open afternoons in October were extremely popular. We would now like to offer an additional date and warmly invite you to come and visit our Reception classes in action. You will have the chance to meet the staff and enjoy the opportunity of participating in a variety of activities with your child(ren).

Please come along and stay for as long or as short a time as you like.

We would only ask that you ring our school office to confirm your interest.

FACILITIES FOR HIRE Gorseland School is lucky to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), large Astroturf pitch, playground and large indoor hall. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on week day evenings and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee. The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, sporting groups, Scout and Guiding groups, fitness classes and other one off events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed. Parking is available on site. For further information or to make a booking please contact the school.

Deben Avenue, Martlesham Heath IP5 3QR 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

Looking ahead to 2016, the January meeting of the Mums’ Club will be on Tuesday, January 12 and will be a ‘Chomp and Chat’ meeting when there will be a chance to share lunch (which will be provided for you) and then chat with your friends while your children play.

The Drinks and Dribbles Baby Cafe at St Michael’s will be open on Thursdays, December 3 and 17, 10am-noon. This is a drop-in for mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers. We offer refreshments, friendship and toys. Pop in for a few minutes or join us for the morning.

For more details of Mums’ Club or Drinks and Dribbles please contact Sue: 01473 624130

MARTLESHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL Martlesham Primary School encourages an immersive learning environment where children come to school eager to learn.

We now grow some food on site and cook it in our brand new kitchen/classroom. We also follow the Forest School programme, encouraging children to access the outdoors in a woodland environment.

Come and see for yourselves.

OPEN AFTERNOON Tuesday, December 1, 1.30-2.30pm OPEN EVENING Tuesday, December 1, 6-8pm

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

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SPORTS / ON THE GRAPEVINE IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The volleyball season is now in full swing with two tournaments last month, both with a big presence from a growing Ipswich Ravens club.

First the Ravens hosted their own four-a-side open tournament and attracted top teams from all around Suffolk to their home territory at St Alban’s High School. With a good number of new players this year who have no previous tournament experience, Ravens decided to enter three of their own teams, each with a mix of experienced and new players. In an enjoyable competition all three teams performed creditably, with the best performance coming from Ravens A who finished fifth overall.

Next up was the monthly six-a-side tournament hosted by Ipswich VC at Maidenhall Sports Centre. For the first time Ravens were able to enter three teams in the competition, with no less than seven players making their debuts for the club. Two of the teams played in Division 2 and performed admirably against more experienced opposition from Ipswich and Bury. Aside from two wins against SCC Seagulls, the pick of the results was a narrow 20-19 defeat against Bury. In Division 1, Ravens were tantalisingly close to an overall tournament win with three wins and two very narrow defeats. It gave a big boost to our confidence and incentive to try that little bit harder next month.

Ipswich Ravens hold club practise sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and

welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from nine upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness.

DIVISION 1 RESULTS: Ipswich II 20-19 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 20-19 Ipswich III Ipswich Ravens 20-17 Bury Bobcats Ipswich I 15-20 Ipswich Ravens Stowmarket III 20-19 Ipswich Ravens DIVISION 1 TABLE Wins Ipswich II 4 Diss 4 Ipswich Ravens 3 Stowmarket II 3 Stowmarket III 2 Bury Bobcats 2 Ipswich I 1 Ipswich III 1

Pts For 99 98 98 88 95 92 81 65

Pts Against 83 76 91 96 97 77 98 8

If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk

MAKING THINGS POSSIBLE Some of you may have heard of a very worthwhile charity called REMAP. For those who haven’t please allow me to do a quick introduction.

scratch – others are modifications or attachments to standard products. Sometimes it may only be advice that is required.

REMAP is an established national charity which designs, makes or adapts equipment for adults and children with disabilities. Every year REMAP helps about 4,000 UK individuals in this way, helping them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

All of this is achieved by a network of some 1,000 volunteers organised into about 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. REMAP volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers as well as DIY enthusiasts.

All clients are fully consulted about their needs. A piece of equipment is then designed and made to solve their specific problem. Some devices are made from

You may think that companies already exist to help people with disabilities and you would be correct. However, the difference is that REMAP is not a commercial

organisation and is not in competition with them. More importantly, our volunteers will determine a solution for the very specific need of the individual which cannot be satisfied by any current product that may exist. Also by working closely with the client and their family or their support service the needs can be better understood and targeted.

and our services are free to the user. We do however welcome voluntary donations to cover costs of materials.

We welcome referrals from individuals, carers or health professionals and we always welcome inquiries from individuals who are willing to volunteer some of their time to help us achieve our aims.

To make an immediate donation, please text REMP33 followed by the amount (for example – £10) to 70700. An SMS to the value of your donation will be billed to your mobile account. To donate online, please go to our JustGiving page. Our registered charity number is 1137666. You can make a single or regular donation. A monthly donation of £10 with Gift Aid would enable us to help two people every year.

Finally, we never ask for payment

Bob Barnett

SUFFOLK CANINE CRÈCHE LIMITED

Winner for Regional Small Business Employer of the Year, National Apprenticeship Awards Suffolk Canine Crèche Limited, The East Anglian Daily Times Small Business of the Year finalist, sponsored by Piccasso HR, has continued to impress by winning the East of England Regional Small Business Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards held at Rowley Mile Conference Centre, Newmarket on Tuesday, October 27.

SCC will now submit an extended application to be considered for the UK National Award and if successful will attend the National Apprenticeship Presentation in London in January 2016. They will also be considered for the Top 100 list of businesses working with apprentices.

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SCC employ five apprentices who have completed level 2 and 3 courses since 2013 and they have been key to developing the business.

They are all in employment with the crèche, albeit some have finish their apprenticeships.

SCC work with Keits Ltd, the largest provider based in Hertfordshire which ensures that the apprentices are fully supported to the extent that bespoke processes have been written for those with learning difficulties.

When interviewed by The Cabinet Office on October 27, SCC owner Candace Rose expressed that the business model is unique in the UK and therefore it is important to cultivate the business and develop animal handling skills together as well providing the industry with future up-skilled employees. She has a policy to only take an apprentice that will have a fulltime job at the end of the programme.

Fluff the Ruff opens at SCC on December 1 for the crèche dogs and the public, offering a unique fully air conditioned grooming spa.

SCC have now provided a number of new jobs to the area in canine care and continues to grow it’s customer reach. www.suffolkcaninecreche.co.uk

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

BE BRAVE AND TAKE A DIP THIS CHRISTMAS Are you brave enough to take a dip in the cold North Sea this Christmas morning for a good cause?

Join St Elizabeth Hospice and hundreds of other hospice supporters for the annual Christmas Day Dip – what better way to begin the festivities!

Every year around 400 people start their holiday celebrations on Felixstowe beach and at 10am when the horn sounds they run into the freezing sea to raise money for the local hospice.

Joanne Rodger, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “The Christmas Day Dip is in its 12th year and it’s still such a popular event. It’s a tradition now for families and friends to come down to the beach on Christmas morning and join together to take a dip or watch from pier as their loved ones run into the cold sea.

“There’s always such a great atmosphere at the event, not only with the hundreds of people taking part, but with the thousands who turn out to watch. A lot of people do it in memory of their loved ones who were cared for by the hospice, and all the sponsorship money raised from the event goes towards improving life for local people living with a progressive illness.”

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

St Elizabeth Hospice is urging friends, colleagues and classmates to go wacky in wool this December.

The charity is holding its first ever Christmas Jumper Week between December 14 and 18 and is asking local businesses, schools and groups to don their craziest knit and do their bit for their local hospice.

Organisations choose a day during the week and on their nominated Christmas Jumper Day, everyone has to wear their silliest sweater and donate £2 to St Elizabeth Hospice.

Felicity Rook, St Elizabeth Hospice’s head of fundraising, said: “Christmas jumpers have become such a popular phenomenon in recent years, nearly everybody has a festive top, and Christmas Jumper Week is a great excuse to get yours out and wear it to work, school or wherever.

“Holding a Christmas Jumper Day is sure to get you in the festive spirit in the run up to

Christmas and is an easy and fun way to raise vital funds for your local hospice and help ensure nobody has to face their illness alone this Christmas.”

Throughout the week the hospice will be offering prizes for the best, craziest and most outrageous jumpers through their Facebook and Twitter pages, so if you want to get involved, make sure you like and follow the hospice’s social media channels for your chance to win some great giveaways.

To find out more or to request your Christmas Jumper Week festive fundraising pack, visit www.stelizabethhospice.org. uk/jumperweek or call 01473 723600 or email fundraising@ stelizabethhospice.org.uk

The event was launched in November with the help of Disney’s Frozen characters, Elsa and Olaf.

Miss Rodger added: “We get a lot of people dressing up to take part. We see all sorts, from people dressed as turkeys and Christmas trees, to others in their penguin onesies or even a mankini! This year we were joined by Olaf and Elsa to launch the event – and we attracted quite a bit of attention as Olaf lay on the sand, draped in tinsel. We expect to see quite a few Frozen characters on Christmas morning ready to run into the sea.”

Anyone from the age of 13 upwards can take part for just £5, or £10 with a T-shirt.

You can register in advance at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ events or on the day from 8.30am on Felixstowe beach, opposite Manning’s Amusements.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?”

Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die.

As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands).

If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing.

Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?”

The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many withprofits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH To be honest, I’ve always considered my hens to be pretty daft creatures. God must have been in a pretty silly mood when he created them. They come in all sorts of shapes and colours and wander about pecking away at whatever they can find. Big feathery bodies with tiny heads and little brains.

However, they do provide delicious eggs and when their time is up, tasty meals.

But then I read an article about hens.

Did you know they have remarkable eyesight and can see colours and tiny creatures hidden from the eyes of humans.

They don’t need specs to distinguish between one food source and another and their varied diet ensures healthy eggs, which, if they are lucky, result in healthy chicks.

We’ve had a go at incubating eggs and to be honest, it was third time lucky, in spite of using an up to date high tech incubator. Yet the humble hen does it without any outside help. By inflating and deflating it’s feathers it can keep it’s eggs at the perfect temperature for the three weeks needed to ensure they develop into healthy, happy chickens.

God seems to know all about this and used hens as an illustration of his care for his children – us. As the patient parent he says: “How often I have wanted to gather your children together even as a hen protects her brood under her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” And often we don’t do we?

We aren’t interested in the love and protection of our creator.

Perhaps this Christmas, as we celebrate with parties and presents, we’ll also celebrate the greatest present of all, Jesus Christ, whose birthday we celebrate this month. Maybe this year will be the year we say thank you to him for his love for us and his wish to keep us safe and secure.

Have a wonderful Christmas and may I wish you every blessing for the New Year.

The Rev Margaret Rittman Martlesham & Brightwell Also see Christmas at the Runway on page 15.

Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option. In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this under-performing with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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