In Touch with Martlesham - March 2016

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Volume 6 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2016

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

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01473 327596

orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk

Zachary Lokken USA by David Robinson ARPS, Ipswich & District Photographic Society (see page 11)

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From expert care to delicious home-cooked food and engaging activities, our staff pride themselves on making everyone we care for at Alice Grange feel at home. It’s all part of the first-class care and support that we provide to the people of Suffolk.

If you would like a tour of our home or just need some friendly advice, please call us on:

01473 333 551

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I went along to an e-safety workshop for parents at Jack’s school last week and I’m still shaking my head in horror. I’m relatively tech-savvy, or at least I though I was, but I’m not what they call a ‘digital native’, i.e. a person born or brought up in the age of digital technology and familiar with computers and the internet from an early age. In fact I can remember being introduced to a fax machine in my first year at university and being utterly amazed that we could send a sheet of paper from one side of the room to the other! Those of us who aren’t digital natives acknowledge the wonder of digital technology and most of us use it daily, some more effectively that others, but I don’t suppose I will ever truly appreciate how ‘normal’ it is for natives like Jack. That said it is my responsibility to protect him from the negative aspects of digital communication ­– such as the possibility that someone could be watching him through the webcam on my iPad using a remote access tool! How creepy is that?

Taking what I’d learned at the e-safety session I went into Settings on the iPad and set all the appropriate restrictions. I also downloaded a child-friendly version of YouTube called YouTube Kids and a childfriendly browser. Jack hasn’t actually noticed the difference yet, but I know he’s not going to be bombarded with inappropriate content or accidentally follow links to sites which aren’t age appropriate. For now he’s safe, but kids being kids, I know he will challenge the boundaries and find ways to circumvent my efforts to control his digital adventures so I have to stay one step ahead at all times. Ironically there are some very useful websites you can visit to learn more about setting restrictions and understanding how young people use social media.

The e-safety session ended with a question: “Would you abandon your children in central London unsupervised and unaccompanied?”

If No is your answer, find out what you can do to protect them online.

In Touch

with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

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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The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

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

NEWS MARTLESHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN The work done by the team is now starting to bear fruit. The general surveys of residents and business, combined with the public meetings, liaison with major employers and landowners and specialised contact with particular interest groups have identified a growing consensus on what developments should be allowed in Martlesham.

As regards housing the feeling is that Martlesham is doing more than its bit to accommodate new housing in the Adastral, Bloor Homes and possibly the Woodbridge Football Club (which is within the area being covered by the Woodbridge Neighbourhood Plan) sites. Furthermore any smaller scale infill developments should only be allowed if they meet the needs of the local community which is short of smaller and affordable properties, and if they don’t adversely affect existing residents.

These views on housing policies were sent to the parish council’s development plans committee when it was discussing the application from Gladmans to develop land south of Dukes Park off Sandy Lane and we are pleased to report these emerging policies chimed well with other representations and helped to inform the response of the committee to these proposals.

We would particularly like to hear from any residents who have not yet given their input into the plan, particularly younger people and efforts continue to reach these groups. Comments can be emailed to martlesham2028@gmx.co.uk or posted on Facebook or www.martlesham2028.org.uk. If you have issues requiring attention not related to the emerging Neighbourhood Plan please contact the parish council directly.

On the wider front, policy proposals for housing, transport, environment, recreation, leisure and businesses are nearing completion and further work is ongoing to finalise these.

MARTLESHAM HEATH PAVILION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Special Meeting, March 10 At the pavilion, immediately after MHHL meeting (see page 4), also in the pavilion, on Thursday, March 10 (15 minutes). Expected start time about 8.45pm.

To discuss: A recommendation by the trustees of the pavilion management committee to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation under Charity Commission rules.

• This will establish a legal entity for the pavilion’s registered charity • The pavilion is already a registered charity, but the Charity Commission now offers this as a new legal way of running charities.

• There will be no difference to the day-to-day running of the pavilion.

• Trustees will continue to be unpaid.

• The trustees consider this to be a sensible way forward.

• 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.

Aldwyn Jones, chairman / chairmhpc@gmail.com

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

APRIL DEADLINE 10 MARCH 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL HM The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations So far the council has agreed to support the following projects: • Woolly Wonders: £100 for the purchase of red, white and blue wool in support of their plans, including the knitting of bunting • Falcon Park Residents’ Association: £50 in support of their Party on the Green • Gorseland Primary School: £150 in support of their Summer Fayre.

At the time of writing a few more requests are still anticipated.

In-memoriam and sponsored public seats Martlesham Parish Council has identified three public seats within the parish that need replacing. We are happy for any of these seats to be replaced by an ‘in-memoriam’ seat or by a ‘sponsored seat’ so would like to hear from anyone interested in funding one. The three locations are: 1) Main Road, opposite Martlesham Antiques, by the brick bus shelter 2) Black Tiles Lane, far end overlooking green area with a good view 3) Martlesham Common, near the Tesco underpass Please note that we are currently unable to offer new sites for seats.

We are seeking the cost of the seat and installation, including anchoring to a concrete base, as well as the cost of removing the existing seat. The seat will need to be suitable for outdoor public use, preferably with arm rests. The seats we have installed most recently are made from vandal resistant recycled plastic and we can provide details. The in-memoriam inscription or the sponsor’s name should be brief and appropriate. The estimated cost for the full project is £700 and we will also be happy to accept contributions. The council will oversee the work using its contractor.

Once installed, the council will adopt the seat and be responsible for insuring it and future maintenance. Requests to replace one of our seats should be made by contacting the clerk by Friday, April 29.

East Suffolk Line walks The East Suffolk Line, the railway linking Ipswich and Lowestoft, crosses some of Suffolk’s delightful unspoilt countryside. The stations along the line provide convenient starting and finishing points from which walkers can explore the surrounding countryside, ranging from a short stroll to more than 10 miles of remote fields and woods. For further details visit: www.eastsuffolklinewalks.co.uk Reminder to use 101 for non-emergency police issues More than three quarters of 999 calls received by the police are for non-emergencies, such as people reporting crimes that are no longer in progress (for example discovering that their home has been burgled or their vehicle has been stolen), or wanting to discuss anti-social behaviour in their local area.

The non-emergency 101 is an easy-to-remember number for the public to call the police and is designed to reduce the number of non-emergency 999 calls. Launched in 2012, it replaces individual forces’ local numbers.

A call to 101 costs just 15 pence no matter how long your call is. It should only be used for police matters; if the call is not connected to crime and disorder, it should probably be directed to other local authorities. Further information is available at: www.suffolk.police.uk / www.askthe.police.uk Members of the public are also reminded not to confuse 101 with the NHS non-emergency number 111.

What have we been doing recently?

• Improvements to the Felixstowe Road picnic site car park surface and managing the vegetation • Cycle racks at the recreation ground to be installed at the recreation ground, funded by County Councillor Patricia O’Brien’s locality budget • Consultation on sport and play provision in the parish – plenty of responses; analysis underway • Annual independent inspections of all our play areas – ongoing maintenance and repairs carried out • Supporting residents in Angela Close in their objections to proposed additional houses in their road

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Forthcoming meetings Wednesday, March 2: Parish council Wednesday, March 9: Recreation and amenities committee Wednesday, April 6: Parish council 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.

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-Friday, excluding public holidays, but please book an appointment in advance.

MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS LTD Firstly, a reminder of the AGM that will be held in the pavilion on Thursday, March 10. We would also like to wish all residents a Happy Easter.

Over the past month a lot of work on tree and shrub maintenance has been undertaken, in particular the undergrowth alongside Eagle Way paths has been cut back, old trees removed and replacements planted in Heathfield and extensive tree work in Pine Bank undertaken.

We keep receiving complaints re parking on footpaths and grass areas. Where these are MHHL property we will take action, apart from that please report to the police.

MHHL is managed by volunteer directors and non-director volunteers. We really need further members to join us in running the company. If we cannot get sufficient volunteers the only alternative will be to engage with a services company to manage the 265 acres and that will cost considerably more than £30 a year. Please contact us or discuss opportunities with one of the volunteers after the AGM if you feel you can spare a few hours a month.

Contact us at: 01473 612207 / mhh@martlesham.org.uk www.martleshamheathhouseholdersltd.onesuffolk.net

PATIENT GROUP FOR MARTLESHAM GP SURGERY We are a small group of patients who meet regularly with the practice manager to discuss how to improve the experience for patients. For example, if you’ve visited recently you may have noticed the nice new chairs in the waiting room. We had a tour of the premises at our last meeting and discussed further changes such as improving hygiene in the clinical rooms.

We would really welcome new members, especially younger people who are working or have children who visit the surgery. We are happy to adjust the times of our meetings to make it easier for you to attend.

Please contact Lynne Marsh, the practice manager, if you would like to know more. You are also welcome to come to one of our meetings without commitment, to meet us and learn more about what we do.

All GP practices are undergoing a CQC (Care Quality Commission) inspection. Most GP surgeries in Suffolk have been inspected now and ours is coming up very soon. The surgery has been working hard to improve and is hoping for a good report. Further information about the CQC and its reports are published at: www.cqc.org.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445 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

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 HOME-START’S BIGGEST FUNDRAISER YET Enjoy a glamorous night of fine dining, music and entertainment at Home-Start Suffolk East Ipswich & Coastal’s Snowflake Ball on Friday, May 20 at Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall.

Tickets are £55 to include an arrival drink and three course meal with entertainment provided by the band Soul Kitchen. During the evening there will be the chance to win some amazing prizes and bid for a holiday in the auction as well as many more exciting opportunities.

For tickets or further information please contact 01473 621104 / office@homestartcoastal.co.uk or book online at: www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk If you are a local business who would like to support this event sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact: ella@homestartcoastal.co.uk The ball will have a snowflake theme as every child we support is as unique and fragile as a snowflake. Home-Start supports families in the East of Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal areas for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone. This can be for many different reasons such as bereavement, physical and mental health problems. Families are matched with a trained volunteer who supports them on a weekly basis, enabling them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, improve their health and wellbeing and widen their links locally.

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month we are especially focused on pies! March 7-3 is British Pie Week. Apparently 75% of people enjoy a pie at least once a month and 79% of people say they are willing to pay more for a homemade one.

We have steak & kidney pie which contains 40% steak and kidney! Our pork pies contain 30% locally reared pork with sausage meat, bacon and homemade pork stock! We also have cottage pie and Cornish pasties!

Gluten free fruit pies are also available. All our pastry is made from scratch and we never use artificial additives.

All items can be ordered in advance so that you never need to be disappointed or without your favourite food! We also have a full range of crafts on offer, all created by members of our cooperative and locally made.

We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, home baked refreshments and free tea or coffee on your first visit too. On March 3 we are offering our bacon rolls as a breakfast butty with the addition of an optional egg. www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

MARTLESHAM BRASS Everyone is welcome to our band AGM at 7.30pm on Friday, March 4 in St Michael’s Church Centre, when we will be reviewing the past year and electing new committee members. Please join our preliminary band on March 12 for Tea & Tunes at St Michael’s Church Centre, 10am-noon. This is a chance to showcase the talents of our preliminary band. There will be refreshments throughout the morning, a raffle and a chocolate tombola.

Admission is free. Looking forward into April, there will be a concert with our main band on Saturday, April 16 at St Michael’s Church Centre. www.martleshambrass.co.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who would like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere, meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm.

Thursday, March 24: Beaded Bracelet (Jill) The 2016 monthly projects list is now available and other projects are available. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Jill on 01473 713534 or Emma on 01787 373850.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET Country markets have a great reputation for delicious home cooked preserves and you can try several traditional and more unusual tasty marmalade recipes, all made by local artisan cooks. Baked savouries and sweet treats are available at our markets as usual and, of course, gluten-free and special dietary needs can be met – and you can place an order. Come and talk to our cooks. Crafts are well represented with locally made cards, hand-sewn bags, beaded jewellery and knitted clothes for babies and infants of all ages. We’re a good source of Easter gifts, too.

Take the time to pay us a visit: you’ll get a warm welcome at Martlesham Heath Country Market at the pavilion every Tuesday morning, 9.1511.15am, and at Kesgrave’s monthly community market on Saturday morning, March 19, at the Scout Hut. Enjoy a cup of tea or other refreshments and have a nice sit-down with your friends.

Enquiries please to Margaret Gayfer on 01473 623849 or visit us on Facebook: Kesgrave Country Market / Martlesham Heath Country Market

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Local flavours, familiar faces We will be holding a Spring Farmers’ Market on March 12 and an Easter Farmers’ Market on March 26, as always held at Woodbridge Community Hall, 9am-12.30pm. We sell the best seasonal Suffolk produce and handmade delicacies.

For more information visit www.woodbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk email Cordelia at woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com or follow us on Twitter @WoodbridgeFmMkt

GIPPESWYK SINGERS SPRING CONCERT A concert of gloriously uplifting music to celebrate Passiontide and the coming of spring is being presented by the Gippeswyk Singers on Saturday, April 9 at St John’s Church, Orwell Road, Felixstowe at 7.45pm.

Geoff Lavery conducts a lovely programme which includes choral pieces

by Parry and Stanford, culminating in a very special performance of Haydn’s magnificent Nelson Mass featuring the sparkling virtuosity of four young professional soloists and the nationally acclaimed organist, Andrew Cantrill.

Tickets (£10) are available at the door or from Phil Speirs, 2 Treetops, Felixstowe IP11 9ER (please send a SAE with a cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers).

Profits from this season’s concerts go to local charities Got to Read (providing one-on-one help for adults needing to improve literacy and numeracy skills) and Home-Start (providing home help volunteers for families in need of support). Drinks and nibbles will be available after the concert with the opportunity to meet the singers.

For more information please visit: www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Drones add a whole new dimension to exploration and photography At the end of January Rotarian David Mortimer presented a talk about drones and the wide range of their growing use, including photography, surveying, roof inspections and getting into places that it would cost a fortune to examine in any other way. After an in-depth talk and a brilliant slide show of pictures and jobs he had been involved in with his drones he went on to explain how everybody will soon be forced to be licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority to fly drones. David then showed the audience how drones were flown by taking off and flying it across the local golf course.

A vote of thanks was given by the president, Rotarian Nigel Barratt.

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OUT & ABOUT MASQUE PLAYERS

KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following craft activities will be taking place during March: • Sunday, March 6: It’s almost spring time. We’re making a hatching dinosaur egg.

• Sunday, March 14: To celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17, come along and make a leprechaun hat.

• Sunday, March 20: Join us at our Spring Fayre and make a free Easter Bunny mask.

• Sunday, March 27: CLOSED 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 •B abyBounce: 10.30-11am Story Time: every Friday morning (term time only) 9.45-10.15am Why not pop along to see Emma and join in with the stories, songs, rhymes and activities? This session is funded by the Library’s Community Group.

Spring Fayre: Sunday, March 20, 10am-noon There are loads of stalls with fun games for Easter including a free craft activity for the children and an Easter egg hunt. Refreshments and homemade cakes are available. Watch out for posters advertising the event.

Easter Closing Please be aware that the library will be closed Friday, Sunday and Monday, March 25, 27 and 28. The library will be open as normal on Saturday, March 26. Normal opening times will resume on Tuesday, March 29.

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

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 this date 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. 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

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Masque Players present Wedding of the Year, a comedy by Norman Robbins, at Kesgrave Community Centre from Wednesday, March 16 to Saturday 19 at 7.45pm. For tickets (£9 / £8 concessions) visit www.masqueplayers.com or call 01473 624692. Tickets will be available on the door.

Alison Murchinson, fat, straight-haired, bespectacled, has been entered into a Wedding of the Year competition by her uncle – even before he has found her a suitable husband! Could Melvyn, a frustrated inventor and an appallingly clumsy young man possibly fit the bill? However, the best laid plans...

Do come and see this comedy which has a surprise ending!

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM When I told a friend who has lived many years in Woodbridge that I worked as a volunteer at Woodbridge Museum, he replied: “I didn’t know there was a museum in Woodbridge.”

To put the record straight, there is a museum on Market Hill next to St Mary’s Church. It houses many exhibits relating to the history of Woodbridge, from pre-historic fossils found in this area to the present day.

Many of the objects, particularly those referring to the First and Second World Wars, have been donated by members of the public so if you have any memorabilia which you think may be of interest you can contact either John Hampton on 01394 380910 or Bob Merrett on 01394 385572.

The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday and on bank holidays from Saturday, March 26 until Sunday, October 30 and daily during the school summer holidays, 10am-4pm. Admission is £1 for adults and 30p for children.

You can join the Friends of Woodbridge Museum for an annual fee of £5 and attend the monthly talks given by experts on people who have a connection with Woodbridge and places in the vicinity.

SINGING AND ART COMBINE FOR HANDEL’S MESSIAH An exciting collaboration between two long established Ipswich societies will be unveiled at Ipswich Corn Exchange on Saturday, March 12. One of the best-known choral works, Handel’s Messiah, holds a special place in the hearts of singers and audiences alike and is now inspiring creativity in local artists.

Ipswich Choral Society is busy rehearsing Handel’s famous oratorio with members of Ipswich Arts Society also attending rehearsals as observers. The art works inspired by the choir singers, the music itself and the messages it conveys, will be exhibited in the Grand Hall on the night of the concert.

For the performance itself, Ipswich Choral Society and their music director Robin Walker will be joined by soloists from the Royal Academy of Music and well-respected local orchestra Kingfisher Sinfonietta led by Beth Spendlove. Singers from other choirs in the Ipswich area and further afield have been invited to sing with Ipswich Choral Society and Royal Hospital School organist Andrew Cantrill will also be performing.

Both societies are excited about the collaboration and looking forward to the big reveal on March 12. For the audience, it promises to be a fantastic evening with both the concert and exhibition to enjoy, and certainly not to be missed.

Ipswich Choral Society presents Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, March 12, 7.30pm, at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Tickets (including programme: adults £15 / concessions £12 / children £5 / including an IBC booking fee of £1 per ticket) are available from the Corn Exchange box office: 01473 433100 / www.ipswichcornexchange.com www.ipswichchoralsociety.org www.ipswich-art-society.org.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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ADVERTISING FEATURE NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN AHEAD Taking control of your future and planning ahead for your funeral gives you the opportunity to share your ideas on how you would like to be remembered, and how your life should be celebrated. It can also provide you with the comfort of knowing your family won’t be faced with financial strain and worries in the future, making planning ahead for your funeral all the more worthwhile.

East of England Co-op Funeral Services has been trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance when helping to create unique and personalised tributes.

By combining their knowledge and experience they have created five pre-payment funeral plans for you to choose from. Alternatively, a member of their team can help you create an entirely bespoke plan, so you can rest assured that every last detail will be just as you wish so you can get on with enjoying life.

Clearly priced, and with no hidden costs, their plans allow you to pay for your funeral in full now, or in manageable monthly payments over a time that suits you. All of their funeral plans are completely inflation proof, so by planning ahead you pay today’s price no matter how much costs may rise in the future.

If you are a member of the East of England Co-op you can also collect dividend points on your pre-payment plan, which you can use visiting new places, treating yourself or doing things with friends and family.

Find out more about East of England Co-op pre-payment funeral plans, or order a brochure, by visiting eastofengland.coop/funerals.

Alternatively, you can contact your local funeral branch who can also arrange a home visit for you.

Your local East of England Co-op funeral branches are:

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OUT & ABOUT EASTER AT THE RUNWAY Seven Sisters 4 by David Robinson ARPS

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Ipswich and District Photographic Society (IDPS) is holding its annual exhibition of prints and projected images in the Council Chamber at Town Hall Galleries (Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH) from March 1-12, TuesdaySaturday 10am-5pm (closes at 4pm on Saturday 12). There will be a wide variety of photographs on display which have all been chosen by two external selectors.

We are a well established, friendly club whose origins can be traced back to 1888. We have weekly meetings at Burlington Baptist Church Centre, London Road, Ipswich IP1 2EZ from September to May. Our programme includes monthly print and projected image competitions, illustrated talks by visiting photographers, days out and practical evenings which are great for anyone wanting help with their photography. Our members range from complete beginners to those with years of experience, so don’t be put off coming along to enjoy our programme of events. New members are always welcome and you can come along as a visitor (£5) for a particular evening if you wish to give us a try.

We hope that you can come along to view our exhibition. For more information about our club, please visit: www.idps.org.uk

DO YOU LOVE TO SING? Well now you’ve found the friendly, fun, fabulous chorus you’ve been searching for.

Singing’s more popular than ever as people recognise the benefits it has on their happiness and health so if you fancy taking your singing out of the shower, why not try a free taster session before joining one of our groups?

We unashamedly sing great pop songs in harmony to professional backing tracks – this is unlike any choir you’ve ever heard. Recent repertoire has included Beyoncé, James Bay, Snow Patrol and Oasis. Rehearsals are very informal, with an emphasis on fun and gently developing members’ singing skills. You don’t need any experience, you don’t need to read music and you won’t have to audition or sing on your own.

Founded in Framlingham in 2012 by professional singer and vocal coach Yula Andrews, Pop Chorus offers feel-good singing for people of all abilities, with a firm focus on having fun while making a great sound. The original Framlingham group still meets on Thursday nights. In addition we have groups in Copdock (Tuesday evenings), Ipswich (Wednesday evenings), and Kesgrave (Wednesday mornings).

The first session is free with no obligation to join. For more information visit www.popchorus.org or contact Yula: 07788 585441 / sing@popchorus.org

Tuesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 24, 9am-noon (closed Good Friday). The week before Easter we are offering a free hot cross bun with every drink purchased.

Your local community coffee shop is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am-noon and 9.30am-noon on Saturdays. If you haven’t found us yet we are in the annex of St Michael’s Church, with a bright red table and chairs outside. We hope we’ll be able to use these more as the weather improves. www.facebook.com/therunwaycoffeeshop

SNAPE MALTING VINTAGE & MAKERS MARKET Sunday, March 6 The first Snape Maltings Vintage & Makers Market of 2016 takes place on Sunday, March 6 from 10am to 4pm with organisers of the event, Deben Events, lining up a great selection of the region’s leading vintage traders and local artisans, makers and craftspeople.

The market will feature everything from one-off vintage furniture, fashion and homewares to locally made products, artworks, fabrics, jewellery and tasty food and drink.

Tim Clover of Deben Events says: “We’re kicking off early this year with our first market of the year in the wonderful setting of Snape Maltings. It’s the chance to shake off the winter blues, do some early spring shopping, take a river walk and enjoy a slap-up lunch – the perfect Sunday.”

For more information visit: www.debenevents.com

WOODBRIDGE VINTAGE & MODERN MARKET Saturday, March 26 The Woodbridge Vintage & Modern Market returns to its hometown on Saturday, March 26, taking over the Shire Hall and Market Hill with more than 50 stalls from the region’s best vintage traders, artisans and craftspeople.

Tim Clover of Deben Events, says: “The Woodbridge market is a unique event in Suffolk and it creates real excitement right across the town on market day. We work hard to make sure we have the best traders, who are very talented individuals with a creative eye for interiors, fashion and art.”

The market, which runs from 9.30am-4pm, will be packed with cool vintage homewares, one-off furniture, handmade jewellery and crafts, artworks, prints, fabrics and fashion. There will also be a selection of food and drink from local producers.

For more information visit: www.debenevents.com

WOOLLY WONDERS SIXTH RANSOMES AND RAPIER REUNION Sunday, March 6 at Kesgrave Social Club (Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE), 12.30-5pm.

Former employees of this iconic Ipswich firm, families and friends are all welcomed. The hall has good seating and plenty of room. About 120 attended last year.

Easy parking and near the No 66 bus route. Food (toasties, sandwiches and salads) and drinks at reasonable prices. Please don’t bring your own food.

Admission £2 per person. To confirm attendance please contact: Elizabeth Townsend: 01206 734581 / estownsend@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

Martlesham’s knitting group will meet in the Runway Cafe next to St Michael’s Church Centre on Thursdays, March 3, 17 and 31. Three opportunities this month to join an active, friendly and relaxing group of like-minded people.

Some will be continuing with their own projects or maybe you could join us in knitting bunting for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations? Or contribute to our fundraising efforts for MacMillan? Or just come along to enjoy an excellent cup of tea or coffee, 10am-noon.

Our grateful thanks to Martlesham Parish Council which has agreed to give us a grant towards the cost of red, white and blue wool to knit bunting to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

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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 Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on March 22 when Luke Potter, the new East Suffolk general manager for the National Trust, 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. The entrance fee is £2. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, contact membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE AND DISTRICT Having run successful Young Leader programmes in recent years, we are now looking to launch a further programme in 2016. The Lions’ Club Young Leaders award is aimed at young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who would like to get a taste of volunteering within the community.

Activities can include working alongside the Lions at their events, but often extend much wider. Silver and gold awards are available for young people completing 50 or 100 hours respectively in the community in a 12-month period. Participation is documented and can also count towards other award schemes.

Parents of young people who have taken part have commented to us on the noticeable increase in their son or daughter’s self-confidence when dealing with other people. To learn more about the Young Leaders scheme, please contact our secretary, John Wood: secretary@woodbridgelions.org.uk / 0845 833 2820

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY The next meeting is on Monday, April 11 when Paul Constantine will present a talk about Sutton Hoo Longship Reconstruction Project.

This heritage project is based on the redeveloped site of the former Whisstock’s Boatyard in Woodbridge. The talk will cover the Sutton Hoo Mound 1 ship itself, its significance in Scandinavian boatbuilding, and the relevance of such boats to the Anglo-Saxon migration. Recent developments with the replica longboat Sae Wylfing will also be discussed.

Meetings are held at the Pavilion on Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB A large audience were amused and entertained by Rob Spray who gave a talk about life modelling at our February meeting. He gave many tips on life drawing and some ladies tried to sketch him doing a handstand.

We have three meetings planned for March. On March 3 Pat Deliss is giving a talk entitled We Only Wanted a Pony, a humorous account of her children and grandchildren and their ponies.

On March 17 we are having an Easter Quiz with fish and chip supper and on March 31 Bob Dunnett and Martyn Cook will recount the history of Martlesham Airfield. This talk will be of great interest to all Martlesham residents and all are welcome.

All ladies are welcome to our meetings which are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in the Richards Room. To find out more ring Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

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SPEAK EASY – WHATEVER YOU WANT TO SAY Clubs and societies, committees, meetings at work and with friends and family, weddings, christenings and other occasions are all times when someone has to say something. Not everyone enjoys public speaking: large numbers of people say they would rather stand in a snake pit than speak to an audience. But if you want that promotion, if you want to speak at your daughter’s wedding, if you want to take on being the chairman, if you want to be a persuasive fundraiser or if you just want to be more confident talking to new people, you’ll do much better if you practise regularly and overcome your fears.

Speak Easy is a small friendly club, part of Toastmasters International, that meets fortnightly. Our meetings are always interesting: you never know what someone will talk about and you get the chance to join in as much as is comfortable. Guests are welcome to pay us a visit, free of charge, to find out what we are all about. Come along one evening and find out how you can become a more effective communicator.

Our next meetings are on Thursdays, March 10 and 24, 7-9.30pm at the Richards Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB.

ANOTHER BULLSEYE FOR DEBEN ROTARY The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben recently presented a cheque for £550 to Homestart, a national charity which helps parents to build better lives for their children.

The money will be used to provide a much-needed holiday for a local family who have two children with autism. The money was raised by Deben Rotary’s Summer Darts League, and our thanks go to all the darts teams who have supported the league over the years. The photo shows the darts league’s organiser, Rotarian Derek Rothwell, presenting the cheque to Ella Heeney and Louise Potter of Homestart.

Our January session of the Memory Café at Woodbridge Football Club was well attended and we were delighted to welcome several new visitors, who on this occasion were entertained by local concertina maestro David Nuttall .

The Memory Café meets on the last Wednesday of every month, 10.30am-noon at Woodbridge Football Club, where we will extend a warm welcome to all dementia sufferers and their carers. The next sessions are on February 24 and March 30.

If you would like to know more about this or any other Rotary activities please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon on 01394 386933.

MARTLESHAM WI It’s March and we are hoping that spring is on the horizon, plus Easter weekend and the clocks going forward means longer hours of daylight – lovely.

We shall be attending the Suffolk East Federation of WIs Annual Meeting at Trinity Park on March 3 – a much-anticipated event for many of us. Also in March we will attend the Future Positive event in Stratford St Andrew where a team from Boots will tell us about long term skin care. We’ll have a talk on future proofing our legal affairs – plus advice on the importance of keeping moving – extremely useful as it will come just before the tea and cake.

If you would like to try us out you would be made very welcome.

Please either just turn up on the day or give me a call if you’d like further details. Our next meeting is on Friday, March 18, 2.15-4.15pm, at Martlesham Heath Pavilion (next to St Michael’s Church) when Chris Pratt will present a talk entitled The Resistance Movement.

For more information contact June Parkin: 01473 625382

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OUT & ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE

KESGRAVE WI Ken Stone, a keen royal photographer, was our February speaker. Ken spends all his spare time and holidays photographing members of the Royal Family. He had some delightful natural photographs of not only the Queen and her immediate family but also some of the lesser wellknown royals. We followed the Royal Family from Christmas 2014 to Christmas 2015, with pictures of Easter, the opening of Parliament after the election, various commemorative services, family gatherings at Windsor, holidays in Scotland, Trooping the Colour, the Queen at the races, Princess Charlotte’s christening, Remembrance at the Cenotaph and the family walking from church at Sandringham.

Ken added to the enjoyment by adding in little quips of knowledge about various royals and comments about their choice of attire. The competition for the evening was to make a crown suitable for a child, which was won by Monica Collins.

The next few months will be very busy for the WI with a spring quiz at Stradbroke, the Suffolk East Federation meeting at Trinity Park, visits to other local WIs, preparation for the Suffolk Show and our yearly visit to the Hut at Felixstowe for our fish and chip lunch, as well as our regular monthly activities – carpet Bowls, Scrabble and the walking and craft groups.

Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday, March 3, when Dan Wheals will talk about herbal medicine.

Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require any information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Which country has the largest percentage of people online – Germany, UK or USA? We do, with 89.9%. At what age can you have a social media profile – 10, 13 or 16? It’s 10. Just two of the questions put to us by our recent speaker, Janet Humphries, on the subject of child sexual exploitation and the dangers of the internet. As parents, grandparents and professionals we realised that we just don’t know enough about the risks and pressures encountered by young people, the criminal nature of some common practices or even simple facts like the age restrictions for different activities. Janet recommended Googling CEOP, Child Exploitation and Online Protection.

Strangely enough we have recently been discussing another way in which digital technology impacts on us. What is the role of clubs like ours in a world of constant, instant communication? Joining a group, meeting with people doesn’t seem much in fashion. We do use social media and other technologies to make life easier but we get a buzz from working on a project together. Our voice is more powerful if we campaign together for something we care about. Above all we make real friendships and enjoy each other’s company. Our quiz team has just been in action and we are planning a theatre visit soon.

U3A has groups on practical gardening, ecology and wild life, bird watching and seven walking groups to choose from among the other 130 interest groups to help and inspire members to welcome the coming seasons. If outdoor subjects are not always for you there are talks in four locations monthly with a wide variety of very interesting subjects.

Kesgrave U3A talks take place at 2pm in Kesgrave Community Centre. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the centre around every 20 minutes. Refreshments follow the meeting.

On Monday, March 21, Chloe Cockerill will give an introduction to heraldry in a talk entitled Helms, Hatchments and Hedgehogs which definitely sounds an intriguing subject.

U3A members and visitors would be welcome at any of the other three locations in Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Woodbridge. The campus co-ordinators at these locations will be delighted to give visitors more details of how to join U3A, which is an organisation for retired and semi-retired people. For information on venues, dates and subjects please visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or call: 01473 273395 Over the next month or so there are many varied events being planned by group leaders and contacts, as well as the talks, so there must be something for everyone to enjoy this spring. Hope you will all be able to take part in some of them.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY On Wednesday, March 2, Ian Swankie will present a lecture entitled Pots and Frocks – the World of Grayson Perry. As well as being an official London guide and a guide at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, Ian lectures on a variety of subjects.

Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We 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 which are presented by national and international lecturers start at 2.15pm, but we advise people to arrive by 2pm if possible. 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. www.orwelldfas.org.uk

So if you would like to know more please call Jackie: 01473 659314

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB

Dates for your diary

We welcomed Alan Smith with a demonstration entitled Fun with Flowers on February 25 and are now looking forward to our next meeting on March 24 when we will be having an in-house hands-on evening lead by our chairman Janet Greengrass. This will be a friendly meeting and visitors are welcome to join us.

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The club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm but the doors open at 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration.

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Yearly subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £37 and visitors are always welcome at £4 a meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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The PWCG Annual General Meeting is at 7pm on Monday, March 21 in the Parish Room – all are welcome. Please send nominations for posts on the committee using one of the contact methods below.

Nature Explorers meet 9-11am, Saturday, March 19 (11-18 yrs) Volunteer Work Morning 10am-noon, Saturday, March 19 (All welcome – come along for a free work-out) Nature Watch Club meets 9-11am, Sunday, April 3 (5-11yrs)

New volunteers for the work party and members for Nature Watch Club and Nature Explorers are always welcome. For further information please contact pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632 or visit: www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net Chloe King, publicity officer and Nature Explorer

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SUFFOLK AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM A busy close season has included the realisation of two significant milestones for the museum. After many years operating with a limited capacity generator, the project was given a major boost in November with the installation of mains electricity – made possible by a direct works grant by broadband company Buzcom Wireless Innovation. The agreement will also see free broadband connection onto the museum, eventually enabling development of the long planned for online and virtual aspect of the project.

A further boost was received in January when Suffolk Aviation Heritage Group attained registered charity status after many years spent under the qualifying income threshold. Registration brings with it a significant broadening of the group’s potential fundraising base, and the very real prospect of seeing final completion of the museum in 2016.

The agreement with Buzcom has also seen the installation of movement sensitive stills cameras, which it is hoped will help tackle the problem of unwanted incursions into the site which continue to be a significant problem despite the many appeals and notices over the years. It is intended that any photographs of culprits caught in the act will be passed to the police and also made public on the group’s website.

The museum opens its doors again on Easter Sunday, where this year visitors will be able to view the ongoing project completion work. The first of many special events for 2016 kicks off on Sunday, April 24 with another popular traditional car boot sale. Details of this and all events can be found at: www.suffolkaviationheritage.org.uk

BAWDSEY BIRD CLUB ANNUAL ILLUSTRATED TALK

MARTLESHAM AND KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOL During these winter months the children have still been exploring the outside and the natural world. At the Martlesham setting children have been exploring different vegetables and been keen to discover which grow above or below the ground. As well as planting seeds and bulbs the children have walked to the local fruit and veg stall based in the square at Martlesham. They have been using the vegetables to make soup and carrot cakes, as well as setting up their own shops to sell a variety of vegetables.

This interest has been part of the growing theme among the children regarding how we keep healthy.

The children at the Kesgrave setting were lucky to have a visit from Vicky the cross fit coach from Grange Fitness and Performance – the children had great fun as well as learning about the importance of exercise. Brenda from the Community Dental Services talked to the children at both settings about the importance of looking after our teeth. We shall continue with this fantastic topic during the coming months and incorporate how things grow and what is needed for healthy growth. We also hope to complete a local fundraising event which incorporates keeping fit.

Should you wish to find out about either of our settings please contact Martlesham (01473 625986) or Kesgrave (07746 907060) and any one of the fantastic staff will be happy to help.

Charlotte, play manager Martlesham Playschool: Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 / mplayschool@btinternet.com

This year’s public talk by Suffolk naturalists Anne and Dennis Kell will take place in Sutton Memorial Hall, Old Post Office Lane, Sutton, on Saturday, March 5 at 7.30pm We are fortunate this year to have not one but two excellent speakers, with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm encompassing all aspects of natural history, especially birds and wild flowers. Husband and wife team Anne and Dennis Kell will inform and entertain us with a talk entitled South Atlantic Wildlife which will include some stunning photographs of the wildlife to be found in that area.

Both Anne and Dennis are also involved locally with activities such as heathland study, bird ringing and the Suffolk Bat group, and judging by the photographs Dennis has shown me, photography too.

This will be an evening not to be missed, so why not join us. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available during the interval.

Admission is £3 for adults and £1.50 for under 18s. For directions and further information please contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

CALLING ALL MUMS...

The next meeting of Martlesham Mums’ Club will be held at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath on Tuesday, March 1 between 12.452.30pm. Lunch will be served at 1pm after which there will be a chance to try line dancing with Gloria who runs a local class. All mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited.

Looking ahead, the April meeting of the Mums’ Club will be a week later than usual due to the Easter holidays and will be on Tuesday, April 12 when we will celebrate the club’s 16th birthday.

The Drinks and Dribbles Baby Café (a drop-in for mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers) will be open on Thursdays, March 3 and 24, 10am-noon. Join us for refreshments, friendship and toys.

For more details of Mums’ Club and Baby Café please ring Sue: 01473 624130

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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CHURCH NEWS BRIGHTWELL CHURCH With Easter being early this year we find that the services fall within March. So services for the month are as follows: Sunday, March 6, 8am: Holy Communion Sunday, March 13, 6.30pm: Evensong Sunday, March 20, 8am: Holy Communion Good Friday, March 25, 7pm: Meditation Easter Day, March 27: BCP Evensong We are presently putting together a programme of events for the remainder of the year which will include coffee mornings, an away day, a concert evening and an autumn fair plus anything else we may be able to slip in.

Our annual parish church meeting has been planned for Monday, April 11 at 7pm at the church hall. All are welcome.

BRIGHTWELL MEN IN SHEDS We are now well into our programme for this quarter with various activities and we, as always, being at the cutting edge of current trends, have launched our ukulele orchestra with an initial five members to be led by the master of the strings, Terry Lockwood.

If this musical venture interests any man out there please get in touch. We have plenty of room for new members – no previous experience necessary as training will be given! We are at the shed on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays from 9.30am-noon. Please feel free to look in on any occasion.

Note we are out on location on March 10 but back in the shed on March 24 for sketching with Eric Holton.

THOUGHTS FROM ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, MARTLESHAM Christians look forward to Easter with mixed emotions of sorrow and hope. Sorrow because Good Friday will always remind us of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, bearing our sins so that we might be forgiven.

But hope too because His body did not remain in the grave and go to corruption, but was raised in triumph. The Lord God Almighty, saluting Jesus in this way to show that the work of salvation had been completed.

“I cannot believe in resurrection from the dead,” you say. “Let us just accept that Jesus was a wonderful role model and an excellent teacher.”

But resurrection is happening around us in so many ways all the time. We wake from sleep after the darkness and quietness of the night to a fresh day. That’s a kind of resurrection! When flowers open their leaves to the sunshine of a new day, another kind of resurrection. A new baby is born into the world, full of promise and potential. What a joyful resurrection that is! The most spectacular of all is springtime. Nature awakens from the cold and darkness of winter. Flowers bloom, blossom colours our trees and dawns greet us with warmth and light, lifting our spirits.

So the scriptures tell us: “God raised Jesus from the dead and placed Him in the place of honour at His right hand!” Let’s join the celebration!

John Mellen

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