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Volume 6 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2016
Early morning dog walk
Submitted by Kesgrave Cameras
Ipswich High School for Girls aged 3-18
Whole School Open Morning Friday 11th March 2016, 10am - 1pm
Scholarships and Bursary Awards available For further information please contact our Registrar on 01473 201034 admissions@ihs.gdst.net | www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Comprehensive coach service across Essex and Suffolk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR We had a friend coming over to play last Saturday and I asked Jack if we should invite him to stay for dinner. “He loves Chinese,” my oh-so-quick sesame prawn toast loving son replied, so I said I’d send a message to his mum. “Is a message just a slow way of telling someone something?,” Jack asked and I must admit it would have been quicker and easier to pick the phone up and actually speak to Emma. Three texts later we knew Adam was staying for dinner, that he liked Spaghetti Bolognese and didn’t have any food allergies, so the answer to Jack’s question, at least in this circumstance, was probably YES. Information technology has transformed our lives for the better it so many, many ways, but nothing beats direct communication and social media can never replace actual physical, social contact. I’m reminded of a submission from Elaine Bamber in Washbrook which I’d like to share. I hope it gives you a giggle FACEBOOK FOR THE OLDER GENERATION For those of my generation who do not comprehend why Facebook exists! I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers by what I have eaten, how I am feeling at the moment, what I did the night before, what I will be doing later and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog, of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving round town, having lunch and doing what everyone and everybody does every day. I also listen to their conversations and give them the ‘thumbs up’ and tell them that I like them. It works just like Facebook! I already have four people following me... two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist!
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In Touch with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham 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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NEWS MONEY TO PLAY WITH Suffolk Coastal District Council and Martlesham Parish Council are looking for ideas and suggestions on how £115,000 should be spent in the Martlesham community. The funding comes from Suffolk Coastal’s Outdoor Playing Space Fund which is generated from contributions from all new homes built in the district and in this case can be spent on improving existing sport and play facilities or providing new ones for those aged 14 and over – this one being the Bloor Homes development in Martlesham. Recent examples in the district include the development of multi-purpose sports areas, basketball courts, skate parks, tennis courts, parkour areas or outdoor gyms. The funding cannot be used for indoor facilities or for activities such as golf. In this first phase of the consultation, we would like to hear suggestions from the community. Once these have been collected, we will then ask some companies to develop plans and put these to focus groups and ask the community what their preferred option is. Please send us your ideas on how this funding can be spent by Friday, February 26 and let us know if you would like to be involved in any future meetings regarding this development. Contact Susan Robertson, clerk to Martlesham Parish Council: clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk For more information about the Outdoor Playing Space Fund, visit: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourcouncil/communitygrants/outdoorplay
CAN YOU HELP FOSTER A PET IN NEED? Blue Cross pet charity in Felixstowe is appealing to Suffolk animal lovers to join a volunteering scheme that offers temporary foster care to homeless pets until permanent homes can be found. The charity is looking for volunteers within driving distance of both its current re-homing centre in Felixstowe and its new re-homing centre near Ipswich, which is due to open in 2016. Volunteer foster homes offer essential care to pets that struggle to cope in a kennel or cattery environment, animals recovering from illness or operations, and litters of kittens and puppies that benefit from being raised in a home environment. Blue Cross provides volunteers with all the equipment and skills needed to look after the pets in their own homes. Special training, costs towards veterinary treatment, pet food and animal behavioural advice are all taken care of by the charity. Andrew Gillon, manager at Blue Cross in Suffolk, adds: “Blue Cross takes in thousands of homeless and unwanted pets every year. We like to get poorly, young and stressed pets into foster homes, but we desperately need more volunteers. We need foster homes in Felixstowe but we are also looking for new volunteers in the Ipswich area who can help us once we move.” To find out more about becoming a Blue Cross foster carer contact: 0300 777 1480 / felixstowe@bluecross.org.uk www.bluecross.org.uk
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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL 2016/2017 Budget/Precept The parish council has agreed a budget (planned expenditure) of £112,180 for the financial year 2016/17 which commences on April 1. Most of our income comes through the council tax (the precept). Therefore we are submitting a request to Suffolk Coastal District Council for £120,000 (precept for 2016/17) to cover anticipated expenditure and to keep our general reserves at a reasonable level to cover risks related to uncertain expenditure. The small scale of parish council activities means that extraordinary or emergency expenditure in any one year may be unpredictably large in comparison with income. Such expenditure has become more likely with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the uncertainty about the provision of some services by county and district councils and the police as they face more challenges to cut back.
What have we been doing recently? •
Extraordinary planning meeting to consider major planning applications for 215 homes to the east of Bridge Farm, off Top Street and Ipswich Road, Martlesham, and 300 dwellings to the east of Bell Lane, Kesgrave. Stop press: following the meeting, the council is submitting objections to both applications.
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Considering ways to prevent anti-social behaviour in the community hall car park
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Tree work along Main Road to ensure road safety
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Consultation on sport and play provision in the parish
Forthcoming meetings Wednesday, February 3: Parish council Wednesday, February 10: Development plans committee Wednesday, February 24: Finance and general purposes committee Wednesday, March 2: Parish council
The council is also forward planning and building earmarked reserves for projects on play and sport provision and enhancing the enjoyment of our open spaces such as the common and the recreation ground. It is also mindful of the challenges that new housing development brings.
All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room on Felixstowe Road and are open to the public, who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment.
The parish council element of the council tax bill will increase from £49.58 to £55.78 per annum for a Band D equivalent property, so by £6.20 for the year 2016/17. The amount will vary according to your housing band.
Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council: Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, Woodbridge IP12 4PB / 01473 612632 / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk
Full details of the budget setting process and risk assessment on the level of general reserves are available in the minutes, which are published on our website.
HM The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations Communities are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday this year. There will be major national events taking place in London over the weekend of June 11 and 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.
Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC): New scheme of delegation for planning Last year SCDC, our planning authority, adopted a revised scheme of delegation when considering planning applications. It means that when a SCDC case officer is minded to approve or refuse an application contrary to material planning objections or issues raised by a parish or town council, statutory consultee or at least three interested parties, the case officer must email the parish council and the SCDC ward member for them to consider if they wish the application to be referred to the chairman and vice chairman of the SCDC planning committee to request that the case be put before that committee. The planning committee will then make the decision on the application rather than the case officer. There are five working days to respond to the email. The parish council envisages that, when its views are contrary to that of the case officer, it will wish an application to be referred and, in light of the short timescale given, it has delegated authority to the clerk to request referral. Please submit any planning objections/comments to SCDC in the first instance but also send a copy to us so that we are aware of your concerns.
CONTACTING THE COUNCIL
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.
ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE USED STAMPS APPEAL A really big THANK YOU to everyone who saved their used stamps over Christmas and posted them through my letterbox. Also thanks to the generous people who donated their childhood stamp albums and First Day Covers. The stamps will be sorted by volunteers and sold online to raise money. The special stamps and albums will be auctioned separately. In November I received this message from the fundraising department at the hospice: “I thought you would like to know how your gift of used stamps will help us to continue to grow local hospice care for local people. Every donation really does make a big difference and a vital contribution to our work. I am pleased to tell you that so far this year we received a total of £4,581 from the sale of used stamps, so we are very grateful for your kind support. “The hospice is an independent charity which provides services free of charge. Our services cost £9.1million a year to run, with almost three quarters of that figure coming from the local community. We rely on the generosity of local people to help us to raise funds so that we can continue to develop our services now and in the future.” So you can see how important your contribution is. Even if you only manage to collect a few stamps they do make a difference when put together. Thank you all and keep up the great work. Bev Read, 15 Demesne Gardens, Martlesham Heath / 01473 622721
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NEWS FARMHOUSE FIVE FOR FEMALES We are proud to announce a new running event in the local area. On March 6 (Mother’s Day) there will be a multi-terrain five mile running event for females called the Farmhouse Five for Females. The event will start and finish at the lovely Lux Farm, Ipswich IP5 1DA and will follow the fabulous footpaths into Rushmere village and along the beautiful Fynn Valley to Playford, then back to the farm. The aim is to support women of all abilities running and to encourage women to explore the glorious countryside on a supported and accessible off-road route. As it’s taking place on Mother’s Day, the event will be really family friendly and we hope partners and children will come and support. All runners aged 15 years and over welcome. The race is a proud supporter of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign and proceeds from every participant’s entry fee will be donated to Plan UK’s Girls Fund. For more information and to enter please visit: www.farmhousefive.co.uk
MARTLESHAM BRASS
MAKING M IN EAST AUSIC FUN NGLIA
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to our Christmas carolling collections. The grand total raised was £2,181.61, which will be divided between our three chosen charities: East Suffolk Association for the Blind; Kim You’ll Never Walk Alone, supporting Kim Sale, a pupil at Kesgrave High School; and Ipswich Hospital Sunrise Appeal. Date for your diary Please join our preliminary band for Tea & Tunes at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, on March 12, 10am-noon. More next month. Sadly, we have had to temporarily close our waiting list to new inquiries for players with no experience playing a brass instrument due to the current size of the waiting list. However, we would still like to hear from experienced players who are interested in joining us. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN KELSO’S REPORT
MARTLESHAM HEATH PAVILION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Planning application Bridge Farm Top Street
SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 10
At the time of writing this report I have been advised that the planning application to build 215 houses on land at Bridge Farm Top Street, which will abut Dukes Park and Ipswich Road, is to be discussed and decided upon at the Suffolk Coastal Planning Committee meeting to be held on February 24 at the council chamber at Melton Hill, Woodbridge. In my opinion the application goes against numerous planning policies contained within the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan and should therefore be refused. I will advise you of any updates in next month’s report.
To be held in the pavilion, immediately after MHHL meeting, also in the pavilion, on Thursday, March 10 (15 minutes). Expected start time about 8.45pm. To discuss:
Funds available for outdoor sports facilities
Note:
Suffolk Coastal District Council and Martlesham Parish Council are looking for ideas and suggestions on how £115,000 should be spent in the Martlesham community. The funding comes from Suffolk Coastal’s Outdoor Place Fund which is generated from contributions from all new homes built in the district and can be spent on improving existing sport and play facilities or providing new ones – this one being the Bloor Homes development in Martlesham.
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This will establish a legal entity for the pavilion’s registered charity
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The pavilion is already a registered charity, but the Charity Commission now offers this as a new legal way of running charities
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There will be no difference to the day-to-day running of the pavilion
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Trustees will continue to be unpaid
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The trustees consider this to be a sensible way forward
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An indicative vote is needed as to whether to take this forward – with a further meeting being held later in the year to seek final approval
If you have any ideas on how this fund could be used please contact me at my details below or email the Martlesham parish clerk at: clerk@ martleshamcouncil.org.uk
My Community Enabling Budget I still have funds available to help any local charities or groups with their funding for any projects or schemes that they may be considering. Please note the closing date for applications is the end of February. Any unspent funds will be returned to the district council’s general accounts.
Brown bin collections I have been asked by Ray Herring, Leader of Suffolk Coastal District Council, to ensure that all residents are made aware that the council will not be making a charge for the collection of organic waste (brown bins) and that the existing system of what can be placed in these bins is to continue. If you wish to discuss any of the above matters or any other district council issues please contact me: john.kelso@suffolkcoatal.gov.uk / 01473 631682 John Kelso, district councillor, Martlesham Ward
MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS LIMITED We are still seeing an increase in the fly tipping of garden waste on MHHL land. This is a criminal offence and as an employer of any workmen you are responsible for the correct disposal of the waste.
A recommendation by the trustees of the pavilion management committee to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation under Charity Commission rules.
Your views are welcomed: please stay to hear this. Aldwyn Jones, chairman / chairmhpc@gmail.com
Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445 139 Main Road Kesgrave 01473 860030 183 Hamilton Road Felixstowe 01394 583010 213 High Street, Walton Felixstowe 01394 670100 64 New Street Woodbridge 01394 385456
If you need to store supplies such as building materials on MHHL land, let us know and we will be happy to help out if we can. Assuming the location is safe, we can issue you with a time bound agreement for the use of the land. IMPORTANT DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES: The MHHL AGM is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 at 8pm this year in the pavilion, Martlesham Heath.
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The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years. We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) • Sunday, February 7: Come along and make a kite for Kite Flying Day on February 8. • Sunday, February 14: Valentine’s Day. Why not make a love bug to give to someone special? • Sunday, February 21: February 20 is Love Your Pet Day and February 22 is Walk the Dog Day. Create your own paper plate puppy to celebrate. • Sunday, February 28: February 26 is Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Pop along and make a fire breathing dragon. Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go. BookStart: every Thursday (term time only) These are free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Why not come along and join Emma every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories? • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Story Time: every Friday morning (term time only), 9.45-10.15am Harry Potter Book Night: Thursday, February 4, 6-8pm This evening will include free Harry Potter crafts, games and storytelling, as well as hot chocolate and marshmallows. Why not come along in fancy dress to help us celebrate? Book Clubs Kesgrave Library currently has two book clubs. They are held one Thursday afternoon and evening a month. If you are interested in joining, please speak to a member of staff. Business Advertising Do you own your own business and are always trying to find somewhere to advertise? As well as our business advertising board for 50p per week for posters and flyers to be displayed, the library is offering advertising space on all its reservation slips for very reasonable rates. Look out for posters in the library advertising this service or speak to a member of staff if you are interested. 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
THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction? Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt? If you do then put the date below in your diary. On Thursday, March 17 at 7.30pm, The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents an evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS talking about the life and work of an auctioneer in St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes, including Bargain Hunt and Flog It. There will be light refreshments, admission is £5. Further details from: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk
KESGRAVE AMATEUR THEATRE SOCIETY PRESENTS LADIES’ DAY KATS (Kesgrave Amateur Theatre Society) is one of the newest amateur theatre groups in the area but has already gained a good reputation for putting on a wide variety of productions. It has been involved in the last two Open Seasons at the New Wolsey Theatre with productions of Cheshire Cats and Bothered and Bewildered, both of which covered topical issues and had audiences laughing one minute and crying the next, as well as the ever popular Vicar of Dibley at the Thomas Theatre, all of which received strong reviews. KATS are pleased to advise that rehearsals are well under way for their next production, Ladies’ Day. This is an inspired piece by the renowned writer Amanda Whittington which follows the work, loves and lives of the fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda. But their fortunes are set to change when Linda finds tickets to Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot the year it relocated to York. Out go the hairnets, overalls and wellies as the four ditch work, do themselves up to the nines and head off to the races for a drink, a flirt and a flutter. If their luck holds, they could hit the jackpot – and a lot more besides! This exuberantly up-to-the-minute comedy with its Yorkshire heart and soul, has all the warmth of a Calendar Girls or a Full Monty – but with less nudity! The show will run from February 18 to 20 with performances at 7.30pm at the Thomas Theatre, Kesgrave High School and tickets (£10) can be obtained by calling 01473 612342 or online at: www.katsonstage.co.uk If you fancy an evening out on a cold February night, join KATS for a show that’s bound to warm you. All ticket holders will be given a free opportunity to win tickets for Newmarket Nights this summer.
YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET New year, new look country markets This year brings changes to Kesgrave Country Market. We are no longer holding our own market every week at Kesgrave, but are joining the monthly Saturday morning community market, 9am-12.30pm. We’ll have two tables for locally made crafts and home-baked goodies at the Scout Hut on February 20 and March 19 (every third Saturday). Please come and collect your orders for baked treats, pick up a handcrafted bag, card or beaded jewellery, homemade jam, preserves, local eggs and honey, knitted jumpers and scarves, too. All our produce is made by local people, cooks, bakers, a wood turner, gardeners and crafters. Refreshments are planned so you can enjoy a
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cup of tea or coffee and a bacon or sausage roll or a piece of cake with your friends as usual. If you feel you will miss your weekly visit to the country market, remember we are still at Martlesham Pavilion on Tuesday mornings, behind the Douglas Bader pub, 9.15-11.15am. Here we are ringing the changes with different local crafts to choose from each week. A friendly welcome awaits and refreshments are available Find us on Facebook: Kesgrave and Martlesham Country Market
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OUT & ABOUT
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF PRINTS AND PROJECTED IMAGES The Council Chamber, Town Hall Galleries, Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH. Tuesday, March 1 to Saturday 12, 10am-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Exhibition closes at 4pm on Saturday 14.
Melford Landscape by David Long
Admission free.
Brightlingsea Watch Tower by Barry Freeman
MACMILLAN WOOLVERSTONE WISH FUNDRAISING EVENTS Fundraising for the new Woolverstone Macmillan Cancer Centre at Ipswich Hospital
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED
QUIZ NIGHT AT SECKFORD GOLF CLUB Thursday, February 11, 7pm. Teams of four, £15 a person. Our popular quiz night is back with quiz master Simon Jay. The evening starts with a meal, followed by the quiz with an intermission when a raffle will be drawn. To book your table contact Wendy Ledingham: 07799 771968
We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. For those who don’t know us, we are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments.
CLOTHES SWAP AT IPSWICH HOSPITAL Saturday, February 27, 10.30am-1pm, Ipswich Hospital Education Centre Entry £3, free car parking in car park G (maternity car park). Bring along a maximum of 10 clothing or accessory items to swap. Swap as many as you bring, additional items £2 each. Please bring clothes clean, ironed and on hangers. Refreshments available, including delicious homemade cakes. We will also have a tombola and handmade greetings cards.
Our next meetings are: Thursday, February 25: Teacup Pin Cushion (Emma) Thursday, March 24: Beaded Bracelet (Jill) The 2016 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).
Bring friends; the more people, the better the swaps! For more information please visit www.woolverstonewish.org.uk or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ AND FINE FOODS MARKET Saturdays, February 13 and 27, The Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm The market brings together under one roof a wide range of producers, selling truly local foods at competitive prices. There are around 20 regular stallholders who come to each market. You can choose from a wide range of meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and herbs, fish, breads, pies and cakes, preserves and sauces, fresh coffee and loose teas and also plants for your garden. 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. We now have an emailing list that enables us to contact customers before each market to inform them about special offers and new seasonal products. If you’d like to join this list please let us know by emailing us at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you to Woodbridge Farmers’ and Fine Foods Market very soon.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Love Your Gloves month at Ipswich Country Market
THE COMPANY OF FOUR PRESENTS LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
Did you know that February is statistically the coldest month? Raynaud’s condition, where small blood vessels at the body’s extremities are oversensitive to changes in temperature, affects about one in six people in the UK. During February, Ipswich Country Market will be supporting the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Associations’ Love Your Gloves campaign. Fifty percent of sales of our handmade polar fleece gloves will be donated to the charity. Also available are hand-crafted scarves, headbands hats and welly socks to keep you warm. All items can be made to your specific requirements too. February is also a month full of food celebrations. Why not choose one of our many varieties of homemade jam or some local honey to top your pancakes on February 9, Pancake Day? Cakes can be ordered and made or bought for Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you could buy a red tasty jam as a treat for your loved one? Looking forwards, that jam might be tasty to top your Welsh Cakes on St David’s Day on March 1, if there’s any left. You can find more about the market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or by visiting: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open from 10.15-11.30am on Thursdays at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, and homebaked refreshments too. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what we can tempt you with.
SHERLOCK HOLMES COMES TO TOWN
Traditionally Christmas is panto season but The Company of Four based in Woodbridge are busy rehearsing for their family pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood, taking place at The Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge during February half term. Oh yes they are! Oliver Fosker has not only written but is directing this brand new production, his first for the company. Oliver said: “It has been an absolute pleasure being able to produce and direct this year’s production, an amazing experience I shall always remember. Putting on a panto of this scale is no small task. I started writing the script back in March, auditions were held in October and the whole cast started rehearsing at the beginning of November.” This production of Little Red Riding Hood is a traditional one suitable for all ages. It tells the story of Lucy (Little Red Riding Hood) who visits her sick grandma in her cottage in the forest, her aunt Ophelia Bapps who runs the town bakery and Ophelia’s son Arthur ‘Brain’ Bapps who gets into trouble with three local rent collectors. It is while visiting her grandma that Lucy comes face to face with the Wiley Wolf. While out collecting sticks for the fire Lucy stumbles upon a handsome woodcutter called Tom who, with the help of the fairies, defeats the wolf and they all live happily ever after. The Company of Four always put on a fabulous show with plenty of laughs, singing, dancing and an amazing array of costumes – this is a must see if you like to cheer the goodies and boo the baddies and shout out ‘He’s behind you’! Performance schedule: 7.30pm: Friday 12, Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17, Thursday 18 and Friday 19 February 1pm and 5pm: Saturday 13, Sunday 14 and Saturday 20 February 2.30pm: Wednesday 17 and Friday 19 February
The one and only Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr Watson are coming to town on Friday, February 5 to carry out their detective duties on a murder case titled The Suffolk Train Theft. The Hearing Care Centre have organised the murder mystery evening to raise valuable funds for their chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The evening will take place at the historic Ipswich and Suffolk Club on Northgate Street, Ipswich and the fun and frivolity will begin at 7.30pm. Guests will be treated to a delicious 3-course dinner and a full evening of deadly entertainment. Lots of prizes will be up for grabs. Tickets are £40 and can be booked by phoning Matthew at The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330. Please note there is limited availability. The Hearing Care Centre’s target is to raise £10,000 this year in order to sponsor their very own hearing dog, which will eventually go on to provide support and companionship to a deaf recipient.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham
Tickets (adults £13 / concessions £12 / children £10 / family – two adults and two children £40) are available on 01394 382174 or via: www.theriverside.co.uk/programme_detail.php?id=625
AKENHAM CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, offices, windows, doors, staircases etc in any timber • Kitchen fitting service available on your own units • All interior and exterior carpentry • Competitive rates
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OUT & ABOUT EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, February 16 at 7.15pm when David Brown will be talking about China – The Land of the Dragon. This illustrated talk will focus on a number of famous and less famous attractions, both ancient and modern, as well as aspects of Chinese history and culture. The talk on March 22 will be given by Luke Potter, the new East Suffolk general manager for the National Trust. Luke will give us an insight into the current work and future plans of the trust for our area. This will be preceded by a short AGM. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome for an entrance fee of £2 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 for a couple at the same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
THE LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE AND DISTRICT After the hectic Christmas period we can take a breath, enjoy a couple of social events and plan our activities for the months ahead. The many touching cards and letters of thanks we are receiving for the Christmas parcels support the continuing value of this longrunning project. After many years in the role, our community secretary Mick Hilton has handed on our programme of support for individuals and small organisations to Stella Benton. Asked for her thoughts in taking on the role, Stella said: “As members of Thurrock Lions, we thoroughly enjoyed becoming involved in supporting charities and community projects with the added benefit of the strong accent on having fun along with regular social events which is a key part of being a member of the Lions family. “We moved to Suffolk last year and transferred to the Woodbridge and District Lions Club. The sense of fun which exists in the club and the warm welcome which we received made us immediately feel at home and played a big part in helping us settle in Suffolk. I am now taking on the role of chair of the community services committee which plays a key role in reviewing requests to the club for support which helps to ensure that we continue to support as many worthy community projects and individuals as possible.” If you know of anyone we can help, we can be contacted on 0845 833 2820 or via: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk
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MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Our meeting on Friday, January 8 featured an illustrated talk by Mr Roger Kennell from Hadleigh. Roger gave us a fascinating story of aviation in the pre-Great War era. In 1909 several people reported sightings of large cigar shaped objects in the sky. The authorities at first dismissed these sightings as fantasies and phantoms, the equivalent of today’s UFOs. However, they eventually conceded that they were airships flown over from Germany. Clearly Germany had designs of a military nature even then. A Royal Naval Air Station had been established at Shotley, but was moved to Felixstowe where it became the nationally important Marine Aircraft Research Establishment, the naval equivalent to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment here at Martlesham. Roger went on to describe just how informal those early pioneers of the air were. One outstanding young naval pilot “dropped in” at Little Holland (now Holland on Sea) because he knew his sister was on holiday there. After lunching with her he “became airborne and entertained an astonished audience of bystanders by doing daring stunts”, before flying off only to land on the greensward on the Front at Frinton on Sea to visit friends, “before flying off at a great height.” That young pilot was Reginald Marix who bombed the Zeppelin sheds at Dusseldorf in 1914 and destroyed two Zeppelins inside. The loss of a leg in a flying accident in 1916 put an end to his flying career. Despite that Reginald Marix achieved the rank of Air Vice Marshall before retiring in 1945. A vote of thanks was given by our chairman, Martyn Cook. Our next meeting on Friday, February 5 at the Community Hall on Felixstowe Road will feature an illustrated talk entitled Spooky – The AC47gunship in Vietnam. Mr Roger Bessette is flying over from America to deliver what is expected to be an evening of special interest. Meetings start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Non-members are welcome for a payment of just £4 at the door. Alan Powell, 01473 622458 www.mhas.org.uk
MARTLESHAM WI By the time you read this, January will be a thing of the past, and there is only gloomy February to get through. Are you looking for an interest and some lively company? Then maybe the WI is for you. We are a friendly bunch who now meet at Martlesham Heath Pavilion on the third Friday afternoon of the month. Should you decide to join us, you automatically have membership of the Suffolk East Federation as well, which offers a great variety of activities to suit all. And if your ‘marching’ days aren’t over yet, there is always the opportunity to become involved in the many worthwhile campaigns that the WI is so well known for. As a group, we have varied interests, illustrated by our speakers’ list for 2016. Where else could you learn so much about the resistance movement, a trek in the Himalayas, man’s best friend the wolf, and even the history of shopping. Last month our very own Maria Lestrange demonstrated her fascinating paper craft. You might even teach us a thing or two if you have something to share. Or just come along to one of our meetings and make some new friends in 2016. Next meeting: February 19, 2.15-4.15pm Venue: Martlesham Heath Pavilion on the village green (next to St Michael’s Church) Speaker: Andy Malcolm on The History of Fish and Chips More information: June Parkin, 01473 625382
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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY The society’s next meeting is on Thursday, February 25 at 7.30pm in the Co-op Education Centre when John Field will present Giles in Ipswich. The pedestrian Entrance is at 11 Fore Street and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Cartoonist Carl Giles lived for many years at Witnesham and had a studio in central Ipswich which overlooks the place where Giles’ Grandma statue now stands. There are many references to Ipswich in Carl Giles Cartoons... if you know where to look. He had a fascinating and sometimes rather off-beat life, including being an official cartoonist war artist. Come along and find out more. Admission is £2 each for society members, £2.50 for non-members who are also warmly welcomed – you can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required – just turn up and pay on the door. New family history researchers (including non-members) are welcomed to this event – perhaps we can help you with your researches? For more information on this event and about the branch, call H King: 01473 274300
BE HEARD IN 2016! Do you ever wish that others listened to you? Why do some people always seem to know the right thing to say, get things done, influence what happens, express their ideas well? Yes, some people are better at speaking in public than others, however you can learn how to command attention, speak persuasively, make your points clearly: it just takes practise. You can learn techniques to make yourself heard. Adopting a positive, open stance makes you look more authoritative. Controlling your hand movements and gestures when you speak can add emphasis and keep your audience’s attention. Avoiding filler words and ums and ers is something you can practise. Painting a picture in words makes your message stick in peoples’ minds. If you want to learn how to speak so people listen, why not come and find out what Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about? Guests are welcome, free, although it costs only £6 per month to be a member – and we welcome everyone. We are a friendly small group and we meet every other Thursday evening, 7-9:30pm, at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB (behind Tesco). Find out more at www.speak-easy.org.uk and on Facebook and Twitter, or call Sonya Burrows: 07968 372563
WOOLLY WONDERS Woolly Wonders will be meeting in The Runway Café next to St Michael’s Church Centre on Thursdays, February 4 and 18, 10am-noon.
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ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN Deben Rotary has had a particularly successful festive season. Our annual carol concert at Woodbridge School was again well attended and over £1,400 was raised for Rotary supported charities. Out thanks again go to Martlesham Brass Band for playing and accompanying some rousing carol singing. Plans are already being made for this year’s event. Despite some very unseasonal weather Santa’s sleigh around Martlesham Heath and in the Thoroughfare raised another £1,500 and our thanks go to the residents of Woodbridge and Martlesham for their generosity. Our Memory Café, held in conjunction with Woodbridge Rotary Club and Inner Wheel, continues as before at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of each month. We will be delighted to welcome dementia sufferers and their carers between 10.30am and noon. Refreshments are provided and there is no charge. Our next sessions are on January 27 and February 24.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY After a lengthy break over Christmas and New Year the society restarts on February 3 when Shirley Smith will talk to us about the French royal the Duc du Berry and the famous Book of Hours he had commissioned. Shirley lectures extensively and we welcome her back. So why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We are a friendly group who meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months, and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures start at 2.15pm (we advise people to arrive by 2pm if possible)and are presented by national and international lecturers. Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked. For more info contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet.com For the latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk ODFAS is a member society of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies.
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We began the New Year with an extremely interesting talk and demonstration by Sarah Waldock on how to make cards from scrap. The smallest piece of rubbish has potential (in her eyes!). There are two meetings planned for February. On February 4 Rob Spray will give a talk entitled Barely Believable – Life Modelling and on February 18 we are having our annual bring and buy sale and bring a friend evening. All money raised will go to our chosen charity for this year. On March 3 Pat Deliss will present a talk entitled We Only Wanted a Pony. All ladies are welcome to our meetings which 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 MARTLESHAM HARD OF HEARING GROUP An independent social group for people with any type of hearing loss. Partners and hearing dogs welcome. Our group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion, 10.30am-noon. We charge £3.50 per session and frequently have a speaker. This year we have had everything from a local historian speaking to us about Prettys corset making in Ipswich to running a bed and breakfast in Colchester, as well as a lady who told us about her trip to Iceland (the country not the shop!). We always have time to chat over coffee/tea and biscuits. We are very sociable and always welcome new people to the group. The pavilion has an excellent hearing loop and a lady voluntarily text types so even people with the most sever hearing loss don’t feel left out, something lots of people with hearing loss suffer. There is also free parking. Why not give us a try – we would love to see you?
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Inner Wheel celebrated Christmas with a three course meal for members and guests at Ufford Park Hotel, after which The Rev Canon Clare Sanders, Vicar of Grundisburgh Church, spoke about her hobby of collecting cribs and nativity scenes from around the world. Donations in lieu of Christmas cards were sent to the Cumbria Flood Appeal. Guests were invited to our January meeting at which local vet Brian Faulkner entertained us with amusing anecdotes from his life as a vet. Having served as a locum vet for over 20 years in approximately 250 practices throughout the UK, from the Hebrides to Inner London, Brian has a wealth of material to draw upon and did not disappoint. Inner Wheel is one of the largest women’s voluntary organisations in the world, serving in over 103 countries. World Inner Wheel Day is celebrated on January 11, the birthday of Inner Wheel. Our club marked the occasion with a soup and puds lunch held at the home of club member Sally Pearson. Proceeds from the event were donated to Parkinson’s UK, this year’s national president’s chosen charity. Club members are currently collecting haberdashery items for Tools with a Mission (TWAM) for countries such as Uganda and Zambia as well as warm clothing for the Seaman’s Mission, Felixstowe and postage stamps for Oxfam. CHARITY QUIZ ON MARCH 4 Inner Wheel will be holding its annual charity quiz in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance on Friday, March 4 in Woodbridge Community Hall at 7.30pm. Teams of four-six are invited to participate. Tickets are £6 per person, participants to provide their own liquid refreshments and snacks. For further details please contact Deirdre Griffin: 01473 612049 / tandd@griffin3373.fsnet.co.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Chris Miller will present a talk entitled The Suffolk Punch and it’s place in East Anglian History at the next meeting on Monday, February 8. Meetings are held at the Pavilion on Martlesham Heath and start at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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KESGRAVE WI After our usual formal start our January meeting took on a slightly more relaxed air! Business matters were quickly dealt with including the Suffolk East WI meeting at Trinity Park in March where the main speaker will be an ex-cook from various royal households, the spring quiz in April, planning for Suffolk Show and all our regular activities starting again after the Christmas break. Coffee was then served by Sue Butcher and Ann Barnes before we all settled down for our now traditional January meeting activity, Bag Beetle organised by Doreen Roderick. Besides being great fun Bag Beetle is an ideal way for members to get to know each other as you are constantly changing opponents! A small prize is awarded to the person with the highest number of points and a wooden spoon to the lowest score! Imagine 50 ladies of all ages, heads down rolling the dice, frantically squealing with delight when they roll a 6 to start them off! A fun filled evening enjoyed by all and a lovely way to start the New Year. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks for Doreen, our games master. Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, on Thursday, February 4 at 7.15pm. Our speaker will be Ken Stone with The Royal Year in Photographs. Visitors are very welcome to join us. For further information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415
OVER THIRTIES AND VALENTINE’S DANCES The Ipswich Valley Rangers / Woodbridge Athletic Football Club’s fundraising Valentine’s Supper-Dance will be at Kesgrave High School on Saturday, February 13. Dancing will start at 8pm and continue through to 11.30pm. Rod and the Solents will supply the music. Ticket are £11 and include a hot chicken and chips supper, with a vegetarian option. Tickets can be obtained, in advance only, by calling Keith: 01473 624538 I haven’t been able to secure a suitable date/venue for an Over Thirties Dance yet, but will update as and when. Every year I am involved with a charity fundraising dinner-dance at the Cameo Hotel in Copdock in aid of BEN, the automotive industry charity, and three local charities. The local charities supported in 2015 were Headway, Woolverstone Wish and the Suffolk Young People’s Project (4YP). If you fancy a evening out on Saturday, March 5 with a four course meal, dancing to a band and a disco and the chance to win one or more of about 60 super draw prizes, and all for just £40, please contact Keith on 01473 624538. Keith/Miles
WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB Our next meeting on Thursday, February 25 is a hands-on workshop. If you would like more details or wish to attend please contact June Allum on 01394 384803. New members are always welcome; the first visit is free.
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OUT & ABOUT FEBRUARY BLUES COULD GET YOU DOWN – BUT NOT WITH US U3A (University of the Third Age) has more than 130 interest groups plus interesting talks on a variety of subjects in four locations every month. There is bound to be something that will shake off the blues if you give U3A a chance. How about bringing some music, poetry, art or even new crafts into 2016 to cheer the way to spring? Visitors and prospective members are welcome to the talks where the campus co-ordinators will be delighted to give more details of how to join U3A, an organisation for retired and semi retired people. More information can be found by telephoning the secretary 01473 273395 or at: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk A note for U3A members is that although they might not be able to attend talks in their own area each month there are alternative dates, subjects and venues. Most details are in the green handbook and newsletters, but I know from experience that those are not always in the place you think you put them! The Ipswich U3A talks take place at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acres Approach, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the centre every 15 minutes. Refreshments follow the meeting. At 2pm on Monday, February 29, Kesgrave hosts a talk by Terry Taylor on Just William: the life of Richmal Compton and the tales of William Brown. Why not come and remind yourselves of your childhood reading? Just right for cheering up February weather which can be a little cold and wet. Make U3A a part of your 2016 life for extra fun, a few laughs and more power for your hobbies and interests.
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Remember, remember the end of December, when the daffodil bulbs were trying to erupt into flower and it was too warm for snowdrops? On a lovely sunny Sunday morning before Christmas the Portal Woods volunteers convened for the last session of 2015. There were no Nature Watch Club or Nature Explorers meetings scheduled for December, but the Explorers were invited to bring their energy and enthusiasm to help continue clearing the scrub from around the education area and building up the dead hedge. A small group of Explorers cleared a section of the perimeter track of overhanging branches as their contribution to the morning’s work, so we were tidy for the new year.
Diabetes Uk Ipswich Support Group DiabetesUk Ipswich Support Group wishes everyone a happy New Year and will be opening up meetings again on Thursday, February 11 at 7pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. We are in our second year after having a very interesting first year with various speakers such as two of the top executives from DiabetesUK and Health Secretary Dr Poulter speaking on topics associated with DiabetesUK and other organisations. This year we aim to carry on supporting with care and connection and offer assistance to diabetics in the Ipswich area. Our first speaker of the year is Vanessa Lomax from Age UK. The dates are for the rest of the year are: March 11, April 14, August 11, September 8 and November 10. We look forward to seeing old and new attendees this year. For further information please contact 07799 607951.
KYSON PROBUS CLUB Kyson Probus Club had a friendly and highly enjoyable pre-Christmas party organised splendidly by our long-standing assistant secretary Denzil Cowdry. Many plaudits were received afterwards as everyone had such a good time. Our January meeting was held as usual on the second Monday of the month at 12.30pm at Ufford Park Hotel, Melton, and was very special. We were privileged to hear a fascinating talk by Robert Bradshaw, a senior Royal Navy officer who had spent much of his glittering career in submarines. We came away much better informed (within the bounds of security) about the submarine service and the pivotal role it plays in the nation’s defence. Judging by the questions that followed the audience was very stimulated and much discussion ensued. 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, likeminded folk, why not come along? For information about the cub, please call the secretary, Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866
The session finished early and we all enjoyed festive sandwiches, cupcakes and other goodies that had been contributed by the groups. DATES FOR FEBRUARY Sunday, February 21, 10am-noon: Work Morning; all welcome come and join us Saturday, March 19, 9-11am: Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds) Sunday, April 3, 9-11am: Nature Watch Club (five-11 year olds) New volunteers for the work party and for Nature Watch Club and Nature Explorers are always welcome. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, 01473 612632 or visit: pwcg.onesuffolk.net Publicity Officer and Nature Explorer Chloe King
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OUT & ABOUT DEBEN FLOWER CLUB It seems a while now since we held our wonderful Christmas demonstration, meal and workshop. All who attended these events had a wonderful time and enjoyed themselves very much. We now look forward to another successful and entertaining year at Deben Flower Club. Our next meeting in Kirton Church Hall, Kirton IP10 0PU on Tuesday, February 9 at 7.30pm will take the form of a members evening. Six talented members will arrange flowers for your entertainment. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn new techniques in an informal atmosphere. At the end of the evening the arrangements will be raffled and six lucky members will take home a beautifully arranged design. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served. Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome, £4.
MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM Bulb planting
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We welcome Vicki Hease from Stowmarket with a demonstration entitled That’s Not What It’s For on January 28, our first meeting of the year. Vicki is a most entertaining demonstrator, her flowers are always of the highest standard and she is extremely knowledgeable about all her flowers and foliage. We now look forward to our meeting on February 25 when popular local demonstrator Alan Smith will present Fun with Flowers. This will be an evening packed with laughter and lovely flowers. The Orwell Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Why not join us and enjoy an evening with fun and flowers? Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm, but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created by our demonstrator. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
SUFFOLK ORCHID SOCIETY Suffolk Orchid Society is holding its spring show on Saturday, March 5 at St Michael’s Church Centre (near Douglas Bader Public House), 10am-4pm.
Throughout the parish there will be a lot of daffodils in flower this spring providing a beautiful floral display for all to enjoy. They have been planted over the years by Martlesham in Bloom and many other volunteers. Earlier this winter Martlesham in Bloom planted bulbs in Main Road and we are grateful to Bloor Homes who paid for many of these bulbs.
In addition to a magnificent display of our member’s orchids there will be first class orchids for sale, re-potting demonstrations and advice on the cultivation of orchids including solving problems that may be encountered in their care.
If you would like any further details or would like to help with Martlesham in Bloom activities please contact J Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
Refreshments including light lunches will be available during the day. Admission £1.
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SCHOOLS SPRING AT BRIGHT STARS Bright Stars is open to all babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to come along to with their parents, grandparents and/or carers. Each session is full of fun children’s activities, for example singing and Bible stories for children, plus crafts and games. In January we heard how the wise men visited Jesus and we enjoyed ourselves with stickers, colouring and singing.
This month we are learning all about the cold weather. This includes the Arctic and the children will be creating lots of animals such as polar bears and penguins for our winter wall. The pre-schoolers will also be learning about rescue teams, such as the fire brigade, ambulance service and police. They will be finding out the different ways in which these teams help us.
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. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon.
Our littlest learners will be having lots of fun exploring sounds, colours and textures in our new baby room, The Seedlings. Limited spaces are still available, contact manager Jo Gadsden.
Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day at any of the sessions, but if you would like any further information feel free to telephone us on the phone numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you!
HALF TERM HOLIDAY CLUB We are now taking bookings for our February half term holiday club (Monday, February 15 to Friday 19) where our holiday clubbers can enjoy cooking and crafting activities and more.
Our session dates for the spring term 2016 are: February 8 and 22 and March 14.
The Saplings is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm, for children aged three months to 11 years. We offer a baby room (three months to two years), pre-school (2-5 years), breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions (2-11 years) and a ‘walking bus’ to Birchwood Primary School.
For further information please contact: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729 Sonya & Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196 Sue Lambert, 01473 624130
For more information, please contact our friendly team of dedicated and experienced staff: 01473 614753 / news@thesaplings.org.uk
CALLING ALL MUMS… Martlesham Mums’ Club will hold its February meeting at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath on Tuesday, February 2, 12.45-2.30pm. Lunch will be served around 1pm followed by a visit from Kim Stevens of the SwimSure Swim School who will tell us about swimming lessons held locally for small children. All mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are welcome to join us at this meeting. Looking further ahead, our March meeting will be on Tuesday, March 1 when we are planning a line-dancing session. The Drinks and Dribbles Baby Café will be open for refreshment, friendship and toys on Thursdays, February 4 and 18 at St Michael’s Church Centre, 10am-noon. Mums, grans and carers with babies and small children are invited to either ‘pop in’ or to stay for the whole morning. Come and make friends or bring your friends with you. For more information about the Mums’ Club or the Drinks and Dribbles Baby Café please contact Sue: 01473 624130
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
WALK THE PLANET AND MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR LOCAL HOSPICE This New Year take on a new challenge for your local hospice and Walk the Planet! St Elizabeth Hospice is asking local people to join them for a virtual challenge to walk around the world in 180 days. Together, with others, you will walk the entire planet to raise funds for your local hospice and to help make sure nobody has to face their illness alone. The challenge can be done as part of your everyday life – just count the steps you take using the free Walk the Planet app on your mobile phone and add your steps to the walk’s total. Pauline Donkin, St Elizabeth Hospice’s fundraising development manager, said: “You could Walk the Planet with your family, friends, or even colleagues in your lunch break. Why not pledge to increase the amount of steps you take in everyday life or add to your total by going for walks in the countryside. “Whether you take on the challenge with a group or on your own, you can help us make a world of difference someone in your local community by going the extra mile for your local hospice.” The challenge finishes in summer 2016, so there’s just 180 days for everyone to pull together and make each step count. It’s free to take part, but you’re asked to raise a minimum of £35 in sponsorship, which is enough to pay for a session in the therapy gym with a physiotherapist to help a patient improve and maintain strength and function, and remain independent. Register online now for free and we will email you the link to the free app so you can start your walk. Sign up at: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/walktheplanet
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
OVER 200 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL PERFORM IN YOUTH DANCE WEEKEND AT JERWOOD DANCEHOUSE Jerwood DanceHouse is being taken over by young dancers from across the region on February 13 and 14 with two spectacular showcases and a Youth Dance England event U.Dance East. “DanceEast is immensely proud of the young dance talent across the region. We are delighted to be hosting the regional U.Dance performance and Spring Showcase in the same weekend. It gives us a brilliant opportunity to shine the spotlight on the fresh energy and creativity of young people,” says Jeanette Siddall CBE (Head of Creative Team at DanceEast) The annual Spring Showcase (Saturday, February 13 at 5pm and 7pm – tickets £10/£7) is an evening of dance from DanceEast’s resident performance groups and centre for advanced training. The groups have been rehearsing since they started back after the summer holidays in September. Youth dance groups include Boyz United, a boys only troupe of 10-15 year olds, Suffolk Junior Dance Company, a mixed youth group of 10-16 year olds, Suffolk Youth Dance Company, a group of 16-25 year olds and the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training students. The showcase provides a platform for all of these young people to perform to their family and friends. Also performing are The Elderberries and Dance Unlimited. U.Dance East (Sunday, February 14 at 7.30pm – tickets £10/£7) celebrates and showcases excellence in youth dance from across the East of England. DanceEast received applications for U.Dance East from across Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and the lucky applicants include Suffolk Academy of Dance and Performing Arts (Ipswich), UNIT (Sudbury), Dance2 (Bedford), Lantern (Ely), JNR Sinstars (Cambridge), Revolution (Sandy) and St Ivo School (St Ives). Two groups from the event will be chosen to perform at the U.Dance 2016 National Festival in Manchester. U.Dance is a programme and framework led by Youth Dance England which seeks to increase the number of youth dance performances and support those who organise them. The framework aims to provide dance performance opportunities for every child and young person in England. Youth dance is at the heart of DanceEast and is crucial to its success. DanceEast brings dance to young people in schools and hospices, working with people from all walks of life, from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special needs. DanceEast delivers groundbreaking work through projects working with ‘looked after’ children and those at risk, as well as children in hospitals, offering them all the opportunity to use dance for creative expression and physical and psychological therapy. Dance can energise, motivate, encourage creative thinking, and develop expressive minds and healthy bodies. To book tickets call 01473 295230 or visit: wwwdanceeast.co.uk
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CHURCH NEWS THOUGHTS FROM YOUR PARISH CHURCH FEBRUARY BRINGS THE RAIN, THAWS THE FROZEN LAKES AGAIN These are the words from and old poem about the months of the year. The way our weather has been going it felt like January was the beginning of spring, whereas February is the third winter month. It was one of the last months to be named because the Romans considered winter as a monthless period. This year February is special because being a leap year we have an extra day and with Easter being early Lent begins on February 10, Ash Wednesday. Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. It’s a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. I’ve just cleared one or our hedgerows because it was more ivy than plants. It was thick and intertwined and at times difficult to know what was ivy and what was a tree. The trees were choked with the ivy sapping their life and preventing them from growing. Sometimes our lives get a bit like this and perhaps this year it would be good to use Lent as a time to identify what is important in our lives; what we need to remove and to ask God to let new life grow. By observing Lent, Christians imitate Jesus Christ’s withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Traditionally it is marked by giving something up, but it is also a time of commitment, a time to reflect, a time to consider what we could and should be doing, a time to commit ourselves to God and be the person He wants us to be. Malcolm Rittman, Reader, Martlesham and Brightwell Benefice
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ÂŁ35
*
a month
Please call 01473 400380 * price excludes VAT
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MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505
Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas accross Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham
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