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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Volume 6 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2016
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Yesterday we had thunder, lightening, rain, hailstones… Today the most glorious spring day of the year so far. I think this is it! I can feel it in my bones. Summer is finally on the way. Time to get out the sun cream, to pack away the woolly jumpers and to open the doors and windows and let the fresh air in. At last! It’s a busy, busy year with many extra events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in addition to annual fun days, galas, regattas, fairs and fetes. There isn’t a single weekend between now and the end of June when there isn’t at least one event every Saturday and Sunday and many more on Bank Holiday Mondays. I’m currently trying to organise a Star Wars birthday party for my six-year-old son and the kitchen table is covered in scrapped invitation cards (Jack was writing the names!), lists (food, games, shopping, goodie bags, decorations), recipes (Chewy Wookiee Cookies look particularly challenging!), and information about keeping rabbits! Don’t ask! This I have to do but those who plan, organise and promote local events often do so by choice and I can only imagine how much time and energy, never mind the blood, sweat and tears, they invest to bring it all together and pack it all away again. I’m hoping at least 10 of Jack’s friends turn up, but at least I’ll know in advance and can plan accordingly. I may not need 16 inflatable lightsabers after all and I’ll probably be eating Obo-Wan Kabobies for a month, but I’m not sure I could cope with not knowing if anyone would turn up! Yet our valiant teams of local event organisers do it year after year, hoping the weather will play along, hoping their neighbours will roll up, hoping there will be a sufficient number of people to make all the effort worthwhile, hoping to raise a significant sum for the cause, whatever it may be. Surely the least we can do is turn up. Let’s make the effort this year and we might all find new reasons to appreciate our local community.
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NEWS THE WEEK IN WHICH WE LOVE EVERY NEIGHBOUR I’m sure many of us were moved by the plight of families in this country who had to leave their homes because of flooding over Christmas and New Year. It was heartening to see the neighbours who rallied round and those who quickly gathered funds to help. But imagine the heartbreak of living in a situation where your home is flooded regularly and there is no insurance, no flood protection and little help from your neighbours because they are all as badly off as you are. This year Christian Aid is highlighting the situation of these people and showing how they and their local partners on the ground are helping. By building an earth plinth and providing seeds, tools and information, families that used to be flooded regularly are now able to live safely above the floodwaters and make a living from growing crops. This is only one example of how the money raised in Christian Aid Week is used to help people in need throughout the world, lifting them out of poverty whatever their beliefs or ethnic background. From flooding in Bangladesh to drought in Ethiopia, there is always a need to help our neighbour. You can support this work during Christian Aid Week, May 15-21. We will be holding a house to house collection in Martlesham and Martlesham Heath and you can lend your support by volunteering to collect, and by being as generous as you can when the red envelope comes through your door. Your donation will go even further if you are a taxpayer and fill in the gift aid declaration! For more information on how you can help please contact Carolyn Smith on 01473 625630 or visit: www.christianaid.org.uk
GROWING GUIDING IN MARTLESHAM In the last year Martlesham and Brightwell Guides have been on camp, cooked on wood fires, abseiled, zorbed, go-karted, sung round a campfire, Bollywood danced, eaten loads of chocolate and much, much more. Three of our current leaders will be standing down by the summer, so we are looking for some special people to come forward and keep both our guide companies open for future generations. Adults (18+) and young people (14+) alike, can help our young members continue to experience their guiding journey. Being a guiding volunteer can help enhance your CV and count toward the service element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. No previous experience of guiding is necessary, training is provided and a DBS check is required for all those over 18. If you can commit to one-two hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. Jo Dixon: jo.d@btinternet.com www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE – 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk.
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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Clean for The Queen, Saturday, May 21 As part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations we are taking part in the Clean for the Queen project and will be carrying out a litter pick on The Common and surrounding areas. Please meet at 10am in the Parish Room, Felixstowe Road. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Refreshments and equipment will be provided. All ages welcome. Diamond Jubilee Bike Trails These dirt jumps are accessed off a track from Main Road, near Laburnum Gardens, on foot or by bike. There is no access for motorised vehicles. We are pleased that since their construction in 2012 they have been well used and on the whole looked after responsibly by young people. Local volunteers inspect them weekly. The dirt jumps had to be restored on April 6 after some of the jumps were damaged, a large pit excavated and fencing taken down. Fires were also made and scraps of metal brought on to the site. Making the site safe and useable again was undertaken at significant cost to the council. A message to all bike trail users: • Please refrain from altering the jumps and respect the rights of others to enjoy them • Please help to keep the bike trails in good condition and litter free If you have any comments on the management of the bike trails or want to be involved in looking after them, please contact the clerk as below. Reminder re planning permissions for Martlesham Heath Properties on Martlesham Heath are covered by a covenant which means that any proposed alterations, even small extensions, need not only planning permission from the planning authority, Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC), but also from Grainger plc who enforce the covenant. If you are unsure it’s wise to check with SCDC on 01394 383789 / d.c.admin@eastsuffolk.gov.uk, or Brett Girling of Grainger plc on 020 7940 9547 / bgirling@graingerplc.co.uk.
What have we been doing recently? •B ird mouth fencing installed around the edge of the community hall car park to prevent the grass verges being damaged through anti-social behaviour. Funded by Councillor O’Brien so many thanks to her. •P resented grants at the Annual Parish Meeting on April 20. Full report in June. • E nd of year accounts. Although this may seem a bureaucratic exercise, the proper preparation of accounts, tax, pension returns and asset registers, as well as reviewing the financial risks facing the council, ensures that residents and government appointed auditors can have confidence that the council is correctly managing and safeguarding our community assets. •A s well as routine responses to minor planning applications, the increase in interest by developers in Martlesham has precipitated extra research and preparation so comprehensive responses can be formulated when major schemes are proposed. •W e must also not underestimate the routine work which goes into the management of the Recreation Ground, Kronji’s Piece, the Common and the play areas, all of which are maintained as assets to be enjoyed by residents. Forthcoming meetings Wednesday, May 4: Annual Parish Council meeting Wednesday, May 11: Recreation & Amenities Committee Wednesday, June 1: Parish Council All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, and are open to the public, who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment. Contacting the council Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham 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 THE ORWELL SINGERS SUMMER CONCERT We held our AGM on March 10 and I would like to thank those who attended. However the turnout was very low which is very disappointing. The meeting was informed that we will be creating a contingency plan should we ever have to close the company due to lack of volunteers. On a more positive note I am pleased to welcome two new volunteers to the committee. We also explained that next year we were likely to have to increase the fee again as our costs continue to rise. It was suggested from the floor that a fee of £50 would not be unreasonable and this will be discussed at next year’s AGM. For the time being it is held at £30 which represents remarkable value given that the open spaces are undoubtedly responsible for the premium on house prices. It’s clear that a lot of householders really do not understand what MHHL does on their behalf so I would urge you to visit the website. We had a report of a drone being flown over the Western Corridor. Please note that we do not permit the flying of drones over any MHHL land. Unfortunately, we have suffered vandalism to the control tower over Easter and I would like to thank the MHAS for speedy replacement of the broken window. Strangely we seem to have suffered vandalism over recent Easters. Hopefully someone will shed light on this and action can be taken against the perpetrators. We can be contacted at: 01473 612207 / mhh@martlesham.org.uk www.martleshamheathhouseholdersltd.onesuffolk.net
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The Orwell Singers Summer Concert is a month earlier than usual on Saturday, June 4 at 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. This year’s guest is Mary Armitage, playing the saxophone, accompanied on the piano by her father, Jonathan. The theme for this year’s concert will be a musical pot-pourri. There will be a salute to the Queen’s 90th year with Edward German’s Long Live Elizabeth. This will be followed by music from the four regions of the British Isles. The first half will finish with some lively pieces from Vivaldi’s Gloria. The second half will feature songs by the Beatles and some of the choir’s favourite pieces. Entry at the door will be £8 for adults and 50p for accompanied children and will include light refreshments. For more information please contact: 01473 635955 / d.sharman@btinternet.com
THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Our evening with Elizabeth Talbot who spoke about the life and work of an auctioneer on Thursday, March 17 was very successful. An enthusiastic audience heard all about her career and work with interesting anecdotes and many questions. Thank you to all who supported this event. Future events will be advertised in local media and online at www. rogerdavidburrows.co.uk where you can also find further details about the fund. Alternatively contact the Burrows family on 01473 625196.
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NEWS KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) • Sunday, May 1: May 4 is Star Wars Day. To celebrate, why not pop along and make R2D2? • Sunday, May 8: It’s Sun Awareness Week from May 4-10 – design a colourful sun picture. • Sunday, May 15: The Grand Prix season is well under way – create a 3D racing car. • Sunday, May 22: It’s British Tomato Week – design a tomato puppet to celebrate. • Sunday, May 29: Calling all Super Heroes. Superman is in the building – make a 3D Superman. Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go. BookStart – every Thursday (term time only) Free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Why not come along and join Emma every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories? • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Story Time – every Friday morning (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. Kesgrave Library Community Group AGM: Wednesday, May 4, 7pm If you are interested in joining the group or would like to be a friend to the library, why not pop along to our AGM and find out all about the group and what it has achieved in the last year? Everyone is welcome. Health Watch Suffolk Thursday, May 5, 10-11.30am, for parents and carers attending Tot Rock and Baby Bounce and 2.30-3.30pm for all other customers. Why not pop along and speak to your local representative about any issues you feel need addressing or any concerns you may have? This organisation is all about local people getting the best out of their local health and social care services. Waveney Authors Group: Tuesday, May 24, 2.30pm Are you interested in publishing your own work? Do you write in your spare time? Why not pop along to this free event and meet some of the authors from this group and hear all about how to get your work published? If you would like to attend, please ring the library on the number below, to enable us to cater for numbers. Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm
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MARTLESHAM HOLIDAY AT HOME 2016 It’s not too late to book for Martlesham Holiday at Home 2016 which is taking place from Monday, June 20 to Sunday, June 26. Holiday at Home is a holiday with a difference; a week of activities organised specially for the over 55s who live in Martlesham and the surrounding areas. An interesting programme has been arranged to include entertainments and outings plus lots of tea and cake. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet others and you are welcome to come to just one event or as many as interest you. Programmes and booking forms are available in the foyer of St Michael’s Church, the Runway Café, Martlesham Heath and at Martlesham Post Office, Blacktiles Lane, Martlesham. For more information or programmes contact John and Ruth Mellen on 01473 805989.
MARTLESHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Pedestrians, cyclists, mobility scooter users… Could you spare some time to share your experience of getting around Martlesham Retail Park? Any comments will help us provide evidence for our Neighbourhood Plan. Written notes addressed to Martlesham NP PPT can be posted or delivered to Martlesham Parish Office, Felixstowe Road IP12 4PB or emailed to: martlesham2028@gmx.co.uk Facebook / Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan: Martlesham 2028
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN KELSO’S REPORT Planning application to build houses at Top Street Planning application reference number DC/16/0682/OUT has been received to build 24 properties on the field adjacent to the railway bridge and opposite the Sandy Lane junction at Top Street. Fifteen of the properties are to be affordable. The documents are available for viewing online at www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk, at Melton Hill offices or by prior arrangement with the parish clerk. Please feel free to give me your thoughts on this application via my contact details below. News on the new HQ for Suffolk Coastal Building work on the new council offices being built near Melton Railway Station is progressing well and the building is due to be completed on schedule in May. The fit-out will commence with the actual move to take place during the autumn. The new building is to be named East Suffolk House. New council customer services at Woodbridge Library Suffolk Coastal Customer Services have been developed and upgraded at Woodbridge Library. This new facility will be able to deal with enquiries regarding housing benefits, elections, environmental and tourist information. It will be open from 8.45am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday, from 9.30am to 5.30pm on Thursdays, and from 8.45am to 4.30pm on Fridays. My Community Enabling Budget My Community Enabling Budget for 2016/17 is now open. Please get in touch if your local organisation needs any funding help towards their projects or schemes . If you wish to discuss any of the above matters please contact me. John Kelso, District Councillor Martlesham Ward john.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk / 01473 631682
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM BRASS
WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET
Making music fun in East Anglia
We have two markets in May, on Saturdays 14 and 28, at Woodbridge Community Hall from 9am-12.30pm. We will have delicious soft fruits and asparagus grown in Suffolk as well as our usual ranges of various meats, cheese, coffee, chocolates, honey, marmalade, preserves, cakes, pastries, bread and plants.
Everyone is welcome at our spring concert on Saturday, May 21 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath at 7pm. Tickets (£3.50 / primary school children free) are available at www.martleshambrass. co.uk, from the Second Stop Charity Shop (next to Kesgrave Tesco) or 07802 868924. All our bands will be performing and there will be a raffle and refreshments available during the interval. We are pleased to be able to re-open our waiting list to all players young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and feel that you would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or using the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Ipswich Country Market is 32 years young this May, with two of our members having been there right from the start! Amazing dedication to their skills, the community and the market ethos! We are part of a wider network of about 300 country markets across England, Wales and the Channel Islands which have been selling homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables, plants and handmade crafts for more than 90 years! Our producers pride themselves on keeping traditional home cooking, home growing and hand crafted items alive. This month we will be coming together with other markets in East Suffolk for a special market at Orford Town Hall on Saturday, April 30, 9.30am4pm, and Sunday, May 1, 10am-3pm. This special market will showcase the talents of many more producers from the region and will be well worth the visit. We will also be reaching out to meet the public at St Peters Church on the waterfront in Ipswich on Saturday, May 7 for the first of their monthly fairs where we will showcase a mixed selection of what our market has to offer. You can find more information about the market on our Facebook page, Ipswich Country Market, and at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk 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, and home baked refreshments too. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what you’ve been missing! PLEASE NOTE: Due to the hall being used for elections there isn’t a market on Thursday, May 5, but we will be open on Friday, May 6 instead. We will be at Suffolk Show with other markets from East Suffolk on Thursday, June 2 so no market that day either, but do visit us at the show. We will be opposite the WI tent.
Deben and Gayfer Avenues Saturday, May 7, 9am-noon Bargains galore! 8
The exciting news is that we have new artwork. We’re delighted that Woodbridge artist Michael Coulter, who has an affinity with this area and is well known for his gently humorous rural scenes, has agreed to become our patron. Look out for his work and our new logo on our website and Twitter account. We’ve also launched our kids’ drawing competition. If you’re aged 11 or under and enjoy painting or drawing, why not enter our competition to draw your favourite Woodbridge Farmers’ Market stall? The competition closes on June 1. There are prizes and all entries will be displayed at our market relaunch on June 11. For more details visit www.woodbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk or follow us on Twitter: @WoodbridgeFmMkt Our lovely new logo was designed by Andrew Lim using a cockerel from a painting by Michael Coulter. They both live in Woodbridge and Michael currently has an exhibition at The Galley Restaurant, 21 Market Hill, Woodbridge which runs to May 29. You are welcome to call in for coffee, lunch or dinner and view the paintings upstairs. LOCAL FLAVOURS, FAMILIAR FACES
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN THE BENEFICE It’s a big year this year with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday and the first birthday of The Runway. We will be celebrating at The Runway during the first week of June so look out for balloons and birthday cake as we celebrate our first anniversary together. All three churches will be celebrating the Queen’s birthday in different ways over the weekend of June 11 and 12. We will be ringing the bell from 11am until noon on Saturday 11 at St John’s at Brightwell. It’s hard work so please come and have a go. We are planning refreshments and cake from 10am to 5pm on both Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 and the suitably decorated church will be open both days. The weekend will end with a Songs of Praise at 6.30pm on Sunday 12. At St Mary’s, Martlesham we will be ringing the bell for an hour at 11am and The Runway at St Michael’s will be open from 9.30am until noon for refreshments and birthday cake. We will be decorated with knitted red, white and blue bunting thanks to the special efforts of Woolley Wonders. We look forward to seeing you during our celebrations and enjoying the fun together.
IPSWICH HOSPITAL BAND CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY Ipswich Hospital Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is holding a celebratory concert on Saturday, July 9 to mark the occasion. We would particularly like to invite past conductors and band members, including those who have learnt to play as beginners in our training band, to celebrate with us at the concert which, as well as playing some of our favourite music, will be a trip down memory lane. Past conductors and members are invited to join current members for a get together party after the concert. Tickets are £5 and will include concert admission and after party refreshments. Admission to the concert will be by ticket only. We are hoping that many will come along to celebrate with us. To reserve a ticket please contact Betty Green: 01473 725144 / bgreen144@btinternet.com
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OUT & ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
SUFFOLK AVIATION HERITAGE GROUP
We are all becoming increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining our mental as well as our physical health. According to Mind, a national organisation which provides advice and support for mental problems, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.
Easter weekend marked a transition from a very busy close season for Suffolk Aviation Heritage Museum to the start of an equally busy open season ahead.
Mental Health Awareness week takes place from May 16-22 and during that week organisations will be offering information and activities about mental health. It’s a good time to reflect on whether there are steps we need to take to improve our own health. According to the Mind website: “Yoga, in its most general sense, it is a spiritual practise designed to increase awareness and self-knowledge, so that you can be freed from old behaviour patterns. The exercises can lead to greater physical and mental freedom, and to greater control over the body and thought processes.” A regular yoga practise includes physical stretching and strength exercises and you will also learn breathing and relaxation techniques, which can help you to maintain your physical and mental health. Yoga helps you to become aware of your breath and you will learn how to deepen and control it and this will encourage you to relax. Classes take place at Martlesham Heath Pavilion on Wednesdays from 1.30pm-3pm. The cost is £7.10 per week with a £6.40 concessionary rate for over 60s. If you’d like more information about yoga classes contact Angie Punaks: 01394 446054 / 07443 422263 / angie@erik.punaks.waitrose.com
YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET The same and yet so different! I bought a freshly baked blue cheese, ham and broccoli quiche as a treat from the last Martlesham Heath Country Market. It was meant for our supper but it barely made it home for lunch! Delays made me hungry so I had a nibble, then another, then some more. My husband had barely one slice and he agreed it was irresistible, too! I paid only £2.60 for this hammy, veggie, eggy, most quichey of quiches which had the lightest of pastry and was as fresh as could be. No doubt it’s possible to buy something called quiche cheaper from a supermarket, mass-produced in a factory and trucked to a local store to sit on a cold shelf for days. I know which I think is better value. Quiches, cakes and biscuits, marmalades, preserves and jams (traditional and exotic) are on sale at the country market. Now there are fresh eggs, garden plants, herbs and seasonal vegetables, all at good prices. Where else can you talk to the baker, gardener or crafter about their produce? Remember the weekly Tuesday market at Martlesham Pavilion, behind the Douglas Bader pub, from 9.15-11.15am. Kesgrave Country Market continues at the Community Market, 9am-12.30pm, at Scout H/Q, Twelve Acre Approach IP5 1JF, with locally made crafts and home-baked goodies every third Saturday of the month. Refreshments are available at both venues. Make a trip to Orford where all East Suffolk country markets have been invited to show their produce and crafts in a special bank holiday weekend market at Orford Town Hall from 9.30-4pm on Saturday, April 30 and from 10am-3pm on Sunday, May 1. Pick up some delicious hand baked treats, savoury and sweet, local honey, jams, marmalade, chutneys and preserves, plants, fresh fish and locally reared meat. Don’t forget the crafts too, all made locally by our talented crafters. What better excuse do you need? Find us on Facebook for all the latest information. Margaret Gayfer, 01473 623849
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Since 2014, when an invaluable roof repair grant from Sport and Recreation in Kesgrave (SPARK), enabled development to get back into full swing the museum project has continued to move on apace. In 2015 an equally invaluable direct works grant from BuzCom Ltd provided long overdue mains electricity supply to the museum building; and with it came the very real possibility of completing the original museum project by early 2017, after 12 years and more than 40,000 voluntary man-hours. With the small team of volunteers fully committed to the task in hand, it was decided to rethink the museum’s events programme for 2016, with the result that both the spring and summer shows have been discontinued for the foreseeable future. These have been replaced by two additional car boot sales, making five in all for the season. Public response to the sales’ traditional format, with a strict no-trading policy and relaxed set up time for sellers, has been very encouraging and the museum hopes to develop the sales into a regular feature in the coming years. The next Traditional Car Boot Sale is scheduled for Sunday, May 29, with pitches open to sellers from 8.30am, at £5 for cars, £7 for vans and £2 for towed trailers. Buyers’ access will be strictly from 9.30am at 50p, with school age going free. Details of upcoming sales can also be found at: www.suffolkaviationheritage.org.uk The museum tea shop will be open as usual on Sundays and bank holidays throughout the season and is available to all, whether visiting the museum or perhaps just dropping in for a cup of tea or coffee while out walking. Andy Taylor
LEARN TO DANCE ARGENTINE TANGO Argentine Tango is an elegant, evocative, social dance which is becoming more and more popular. It’s a dance that is suitable for all ages, is fun to learn and helps to develop good posture, balance and musical awareness. Suffolk Tango is starting its new 10-week beginner course on Monday, June 6 at The Richards Room at Martlesham Heath Community Centre (just behind the 24hr Tesco on the A12). The course is designed to give a gentle introduction to the techniques of the dance and to allow a confident progression from classroom to dance floor. Prior booking is essential to ensure a balance of leaders and followers, but you don’t need to book with a partner because we always change partners during the class. The classes will be taught by Richard and Mandy of Woodbridge who have been dancing and teaching tango for many years and enjoy being able to pass on their knowledge and love of the dance to others. Suffolk Tango was started by a small group of enthusiastic dancers of Argentine Tango about 10 years ago. Having expanded, it has now developed into a not-for-profit group run by volunteers. The group organises regular courses and classes taught by both our own local teachers and by world-class guest teachers. Social dances are held regularly at The Manor Ballroom, Pump and Grind Ipswich and Stratford St Andrew and they attract tangueros from all over East Anglia. We are holding our 10th anniversary ball this year – details online. If you want to know more and to join this thriving community contact Lorraine@suffolktango.co.uk, Mandy on 077666 94618 or visit www. SuffolkTango.org.uk where you can see more details about the dance, the classes and other events.
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY The community hall was once more full to capacity to enjoy an illustrated talk given by a lady pilot with an interesting story to tell. Diana Patten was accompanied by her husband and their Jack Russell! The daughter of a test pilot and engineer, Diana has aviation in her blood. Her aeronautical adventures include taking part in the Kings Cup Air Race, a prestigious air race for light aircraft. Diana has owned several light aircraft, from Austers to Cessnas, and showed many projected images of some of the flying escapades she has been involved in during her long flying career, including flying around Africa in a light aircraft. Diana was the prime mover in the establishment of a thriving aerodrome in Kent. Headcorn is now a popular centre for private aircraft, skydiving and motor sports. She is an enthusiastic supporter for the charity Blond McIndoe Research Foundation, named after the reconstructive pioneer surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe. A vote of thanks was given by our chairman, Martyn Cook. Our next meeting is on Friday, May 6 will be the occasion of our AGM, followed by a DVD with an aviation theme. New members are welcome for a payment of just £3. All meetings start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Our Control Tower Museum is now open on Sunday afternoons from 2-5pm. Amazingly Martlesham Heath was once the second most important aviation research centre after the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. We have a great story to tell and it will make for a great afternoon for the family. Alan Powell, 01473 622458 www.mhas.org.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY The next meeting of Martlesham History Society is on Monday, June 13 when Mark Mower will present a talk entitled Zepplins over Suffolk. Did you know that a Zepplin bombed Martlesham in 1917? If not then come along and find out more about the remarkable story of the destruction of a German airship over East Anglia in 1917. Meetings are held at the Pavilion on Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all. Kim Quinton
SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE! Terrified of public speaking? Wedding speeches and speaking at special occasions, formal or informal, need not be an ordeal to be dreaded for months. Truly. Let Speak Easy at Martlesham show you how to prepare and to start your speech on an attention-grabbing note, develop your theme and say what you want to say, use humour (where it’s appropriate), get your message across and finish with a memorable sentence – to loud applause. We are a small friendly group and we support each other to practise and develop our skills and speak in public with confidence and competence. Anyone can do it. Come as a guest, free, and find out how to beat the tongue-tying terror. We can also help the more confident to hone their skills. We meet every other Thursday evening from 7-9.30pm and our next meetings are on May 5 and 19 and June 2. The cost is less than £5 a meeting with free refreshments. Find us at the Richards Room at Martlesham Community Hall IP12 4PB, on Facebook, at www.speak-easy. org.uk or call Sonya Burrows for more information: 07968 372563
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MARTLESHAM WI If you are looking for a WI that meets in the afternoon, rather than the evening, or if you are looking for a smaller group where it’s easy to get to know one another and make friends, then Martlesham WI could well be the one for you. We usually meet on the third Friday of the month for a convivial get together, with competitions, a secondhand book table and interesting and amusing speakers, followed by refreshments. Outside of this, we have a monthly lunch club where we try out various local hostelries and have several outings planned for this year, although we’d love more suggestions. Plus, its our 70th birthday in August so our party planner hats are very much on! Our next meeting is on Friday, May 20, 2.15-4.15pm, at Martlesham Heath Pavilion, next to St Michael’s Church. As this will be our Resolutions meeting, when we have input into the many causes that the WI take up at national level, we won’t have a guest speaker. If you would like to try us out you would be made very welcome. Please either just turn up on the day or give us a call if you’d like further details. June Parkin, 01473 625382 / Susan Cunliffe, 01394 382199
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We have two meetings planned for May. On May 12 Paula Juster is giving a talk entitled The Dump and Recycling – just in time for spring cleaning – and on May 26 Liza Jones will show us all how to be savvy shoppers. The final meeting of the season will be the AGM on June 9. Plans are well under way for our Coffee Morning on Saturday, June 25. Proceeds will be donated to our chosen charity, the Felixstowe Mencap Saturday Morning Drop-in Centre. All ladies are most 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
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Tobias Capwell will present a talk entitled Heroes of the Ancient Past: Renaissance Knighthood and the Art of the Classical World at our next meeting on Wednesday, May 4. Tobias is curator of arms and armour at the Wallace Collection in London. At our April meeting lecturer Dr Sam Newton took us into pre-Christian England to show how the calendar was designed to highlight agricultural life and the importance of the seasons. Much of this was incorporated into the Christian calendar and linked to the great Christian feasts of Easter and Christmas. Dr Newton’s enthusiasm for the Anglo-Saxon period is infectious and he entertained the audience with poetry and music on the lyre. 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 a 2pm arrival is advised. 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
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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE WALKING FOR CHARITY As part of the 2016 Suffolk Walking Festival, The Rotary Club of Woodbridge is organising three charity walks over the end of May Bank Holiday. Each walk will raise money for a different charity that the club supports. This year’s Suffolk Walking Festival is a bit special as it officially launches Suffolk’s Year of Walking, which runs from May 2016 until the end of the walking festival in 2017. The first walk is on May 29 and is the longest. Registration is from 9-11am. Starting from Woodbridge Railway Station this walk follows the River Deben to Waldringfield and then on to the mouth of the river at Felixstowe Ferry. Using the passenger ferry to cross to Bawdsey Quay, the walk initially follows the coast path before going through Bawdsey and then Alderton and finally to Ramsholt to rejoin the river. Following the river path, the walk then travels beside the Deben to reach Sutton Hoo. The final stage of the walk crosses the Deben at Wilford Bridge before returning along the river path to the start. Called The Deben Marathon, the entrance fee for this walk raises money for the Woolverstone Macmillan Appeal, for which the club has already raised On March 18 we were given a talk by Richard Scott informing us of the history of Woodbridge Town Association Football Club and how it started playing a tough form of football called ‘camping’ in 1874. He talked about the significant changes the football club has seen over the last 142 years, surviving two world wars and all the changes that football has gone through to become what it is to day. Woodbridge Town Football Club will soon face more changes as they will need to find a new venue within the next two years when the lease on their current ground comes to an end. Keen to stay local and accessible to their dedicated fans, the hunt is on to find a suitable alternative. After many questions a vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Bertie Hirst.
U3A TALKS IN MAY AND JUNE University of the Third Age (U3A) talks shortly come to the end of the current academic year. While some groups carry on throughout the summer, after June talks will recommence in the autumn. Watch this space! So far in 2016 we have welcomed many new members to the talks and seeking to join U3A groups which now number over 150. We wish you all well for the, hopefully, nice summer sun and will welcome old and new members back in September. Kesgrave U3A talks take place at 2pm in Kesgrave Community Centre. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the centre every 20 minutes. Refreshments follow the meeting. On Monday, May 23 Shirley Sampson will be giving advice and ideas on Gardening for Wildlife with particular reference to Flatford Mill Garden. There are no talks arranged in June or for the summer season in Felixstowe, Kesgrave or Saxmundham, but members and visitors are welcome at Woodbridge on June 6 when David Cleveland will be showing clips from the East Anglian Film Archive about life in East Suffolk from the 1930s to the 1960s featuring farming ways, wartime activities, changing transport, industry and home life. Please bring your membership card if you aren’t able to get to this venue regularly. This talk takes place at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU at 10.30am, with refreshments available from 10am. For more information please speak to the campus co-ordinators at the talks, call 03001 233913 or visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
a large amount of money. This objective of the appeal is to build a stateof-the art cancer centre in partnership with Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust for people affected by cancer in the county. The two other walks take place on May 30. The first is called Around Woodbridge, with registration from 9am-1pm at Woodbridge Railway Station, and is in aid of the Hollesley Riding for the Disabled. The walk starts at Woodbridge Station and follows the river, then over Kyson Hill to Broomsheath, down to Ipswich Road, over tahe road and up the hill to Warren Hill Cemetery, down to Fen Meadows to Seckford Street, up the 100 Steps and through Leek Hill Wood to Melton Playing Fields, through the lanes back to the river at Melton Boatyard, then along the river path back to Woodbridge Station. The second walk on May 30 is called Woodbridge Stroll and Quiz. This short walk is in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind and follows the byways of Woodbridge, passing various points of interest along the way. The entrance fee for all the walks is £5 for adults and £1 for under 18s and students. For further details please visit: http://tinyurl.com/hagprge On Thursday, March 31 David Phelan presented a talk on the history of St Audry’s Mental Hospital, the changes it went through, the living conditions of the patients and how they were treated. The site and buildings of St Audry’s were formerly those of a House of Industry and Accommodation, or workhouse, from (l-r) President Nigel Barratt, 1765 to 1827. It became the Suffolk David Phelan and County Asylum in 1827 and later Rotarian Ron Whitaker the Suffolk District Asylum. In 1916 it changed its name to St Audry’s Hospital for Mental Diseases and finally became part of the East Suffolk Health Authority, finally closing in 1993.
WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB Now spring is here, the Woodbridge Lions are becoming much more active. Our first monthly car boot of the year is on Sunday, April 24 in Budgens Car Park. Hopefully we will be holding them on the last Sunday of each month, but please keep a eye out for our advertising signs or contact Pat on 01473 614728 for further information. On Monday, May 2 we are helping out at what we are sure will be another very enjoyable Woodbridge Horse Show and on Saturday, May 7 we are holding yet another fantastic art show and sale in Quay Church on Quay Street, 10am-3.30pm. All paintings are by local artists and may be purchased. Please pop in and see us. Entry is free and coffee, tea and cakes are available for your enjoyment. On Sunday, May 1 we are helping with the Woodbridge Shufflers Road Race and of course we are also preparing to sell ducks in the Thoroughfare so you will be able to enter a duck in the Great Duck Dive which takes place at the end of Woodbridge Regatta Day on June 26.
1st MARTLESHAM SCOUTS We are extremely grateful for the assistance of John Kelso’s community enabling budget with £150 now goong towards a summer outing to explore the local area.
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OUT & ABOUT
KESGRAVE WI Jason Salisbury, our April speaker, gave a very amusing and enjoyable talk about Suffolk Gold Cheese. Jason and his wife have worked incredibly hard over recent years to build up a very successful local business situated on the A140 at Creeting. Not only did he talk about his products, but came well supplied with samples and goods to buy. His cool box was empty when he left! The competition, judged by Jason, to make six cheese straws from a standard recipe was won by Monica, second Shirley Kendall and third Wendy Randall. The business part of the evening was very full with planning for our various trips out and Suffolk Show competition entries, besides early discussion on the proposed Resolutions being put forward at the National AGM in June. This year they are: better provision for dementia patients when they need to stay in hospital and secondly to prevent food waste. Details were given out about our various social events: Scrabble, walking, craft and indoor bowls. Saturday, June 11 will see the ladies of Kesgrave WI keeping up our tradition – supporting the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations by running the refreshment and cake stall at the Millennium Hall! We look forward to seeing and serving you with our homemade cakes. Our next meeting is at 7.15pm on Thursday, May 5 at Cambridge Road Baptist Church due to the community centre being used for local elections, and visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require any information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415
WOOLLY WONDERS Woolly Wonders will be meeting on Thursdays, May 12 and 26 between 10am and noon at The Runway Cafe, Martlesham Heath.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN Members of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben and other local rotary clubs support the Woolverstone Project which provides sailing opportunities for disabled people. The project, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, operates all year round at Alton Water and during the summer months at Woolverstone Marina. At Alton Water a fleet of Access dinghies provide safe sailing for people with all manner of disabilities, and Challenger trimarans give a more exciting experience to the more adventurous sailors. At Woolverstone Marina the project has larger boats which are used to take sailors out on the River Orwell. The fleet will soon be enhanced by the arrival of a new Wheely Boat, which allows wheelchair bound sailors to be taken on board in their wheelchairs. We hope to have the new boat in time for an official launch on June 25 at Woolverstone – further details to follow. The project always welcomes offers of support, either financial or in the form of volunteering. If you are interested please visit: www.woolverstoneproject.org.uk A reminder that Woodbridge Memory Cafe, run by the Woodbridge Rotary Clubs and Inner Wheel, will be holding the next sessions at Woodbridge Football Club on April 25 and May 25. The café is free of charge and welcomes dementia sufferers and their carers from 10.30am to noon. If you would like any more information about the Memory Cafe or the Woolverstone Project please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933.
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet from 7.30-10pm on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) at Rushmere Village Hall. Our next meetings are: Thursday, April 28: Needle Felting (Emma) Thursday, May 26: AGM plus Magic Pull Card
WOODBRIDGE INNER WHEEL
Please note that there is no meeting in June because the hall is needed for Euro voting. Other projects are available.
In April we were entertained with a talk by Peppy Barlow, Canny Dunthorne and Barbara Walker. Having not ridden a horse for many years, they decided to return to the saddle for a six-day ride around Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of southern France to visit the castles built by the Cathars. The Cathars inhabited this area until about the 12th century, believing in total equality of all people, women and men, rich and poor. Having been given their horses and equipment, and with their luggage transported for them each day, the intrepid trio set off armed with maps, compass and instructions. The area is beautiful, with woods, meadows, hills, plus boulders and rivers. All these had to be navigated before stopping each night in a friendly farmhouse or gite. The castles were stunning to see, but unfortunately our trio sometimes arrived too late to go inside. The instructions were not always very clear so there were a few unintended detours! However, after six days and about 200 kilometres, they arrived back at Carcassonne, having enjoyed the experience so much they have decided to return. After a most enjoyable talk a vote of thanks was given by Sharon Proctor. For information about Woodbridge Inner Wheel please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk
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New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, May 26, 7.30pm: What are Weavers, Higglers and Moze Makers? by Michael Holland These trades and others are based on a document by a parish overseer in Halstead for the 1831 census detailing names, addresses and obscure occupations. You may come across some of these and other strange occupations during your family tree researches. New family history researchers (including non-members) are welcomed to attend. This talk follows our brief branch AGM. We meet at The Co-op Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street and the car park entrance is on Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £3 for society members and £3.50 for non-members who are warmly welcomed. For more information contact Howard King: 01473 274300
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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.
DEBEN YACHT CLUB The sailing started on a sunny Good Friday with a steady breeze – conditions could not have been a better start for the sailing season. Sixteen boats turned out for the first of the Tune Up Series watched by a good crowd of spectators. Everyone had been treated to a slap up breakfast to get things off to a flying start thanks to the Galley Team. The final Working Party morning was marked with a presentation to Roger McCombie, who has led the group so successfully for 14 years. Roger had originally stepped into the role at short notice in 2002, but has used his management experience to build a highly skilled group of volunteers.
Why not give us a try? We would love to see you?
The club supports charities throughout the year and is hosting a brunch in aid of Prostate Cancer UK on Saturday, May 14 from 9.30am-noon when you will be able to enjoy a full English breakfast for £7. Everyone is welcome.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY
Don’t miss a chance to Try Sailing for free on Saturday, June 4 from 10am. This is a very popular event when anyone can have a chance to experience what it’s like to sail on our beautiful River Deben. No special equipment is required, just turn up.
Wednesday, May 24: Transport related presentations by members of the Norfolk Railway Society
WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB
Meeting at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors £3.50 admission at door including refreshments. For further details call: 01473 414746/422145
THROUGH THE GREEN DOOR AT WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB Woodbridge Bowls Club is holding an open morning on Saturday, May 7. Both new and experienced bowlers will be welcome to come and check out the club and its facilities between 10am and noon. Viv Sheppard, our qualified coach, will be on hand to introduce newcomers to the game and teach the basic skills. Flat shoes (no heels) should be worn so that there is no damage to the green. Established members will also be on hand to answer any questions about the club and its ethos of sport and sportsmanship. In addition to bowling a few woods there will be refreshments available. Details of membership can be found on the club website: www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk This is an excellent opportunity to try out this sport, as I did some three years ago and I may add I have enjoyed all aspects of the game and membership of the club ever since.
Our June meeting has had to be moved to Thursday, June 30 because of the European Referendum. A visit to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens has been organised for Wednesday, June 29; £32 or slightly less for National Trust members. A £5 deposit per person will be required next month. Our 50th Anniversary Open Meeting is at Wickham Market Primary School on April 28. Tickets, £12 for visitors, include a ‘Show Plate’ of food and are vailable from Geraldine Thompson on 01728 746697. The beginners’ workshop and the recent willow workshop were both successful. Please speak to Jenny if you are interested in joining for the next ones. We have received a thank you letter from the hospice for the arrangements done last year. We have also managed to fill our three 2016 dates which is very much appreciated. On May 20 there will be a quiz night with a fish and chip supper in Wickham Market Village Hall. Tickets are £8 per person and teams are between four and six. Contact June for tickets and more information: 01394 384803 Tickets for President’s Day on October 1 will be available on July 1 at £27.50.
If you need any further information either visit the website or contact me, Anthony Bynom: malfrazy@yahoo.com
The Lonely Bouquet will be on Friday, May 6. For more information please visit www.nafas-east.com. Val Green suggested maybe a small basket arrangement rather than a posy which people seemed a bit reluctant to just take.
I look forward to seeing you on May 7.
Please join us for our 50th celebrations. A great night is guaranteed.
By the time you’ve read this magazine another child will have come into care. In all likelihood you read faster than I give you credit for, but still recent statistics from the Fostering Network suggest that on average in the UK one child comes into care every 20 minutes. Why? The fact remains there are many reasons for a child to come into care: poverty, debt, homelessness, breakdown of relationships, war, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, ill mental health, sexual abuse – the list goes on. The reasons are varied and as a result the needs of the children in care differ greatly. However, many of these children are looking to foster care to support them. The Fostering Network estimates that fostering services in England need to recruit approximately 7,600 foster carers
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this year to stand a chance of meeting this ever-growing demand. “There is a massive shortfall of foster carers in this region,” says Eleanor Vanner, director of Eastern Fostering Services, an independent agency providing services in Essex and Suffolk. “People often don’t know why children can’t live with their birth families and labour under misconceptions around who can and can’t foster.” Common themes are cited as barriers to fostering: being in full time employment, being a single parent, not owning your own home, being too young or too old, not fitting the mould. Eleanor says that very few applications to foster are rejected for any of these reasons: “Children come in all shapes and sizes and so should foster carers so that the differing needs of all children can be met.” If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit: www.easternfosteringservices.com
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet at Rushmere Golf Club on the second Thursday of each month for lunch, usually followed by a speaker. What is Probus? Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. Some Probus clubs are for men only, as we are, others are for ladies and some mixed. We have social events, the next being our Summer Garden Party in August, outings and holidays which, of course, includes spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Graham Balfe, for further details: 01473 729012 / grahambalfe@tiscali.co.uk
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP In March, the Nature Explorers started a wildlife survey of the area for the planned education classroom to ensure that it would be situated without unduly imposing on resident organisms. We split into groups and checked for animal droppings, insect habitats and other evidence. We found signs of moles, a fox and a muntjac having been in the area, and because we were disturbing the soil we were visited by lots of robins looking for either a late breakfast or an early lunch of worms and grubs. The area will be surveyed over several months to get an accurate picture of the wildlife in the area.
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We held our AGM on April 28 and welcomed our new chairman, Jan Treadaway. We are now looking forward to the year ahead. Our next meeting is on May 28 when Ann Colby from Norwich will present a demonstration entitled All The Good Things. This will be a friendly meeting and visitors are welcome to join us. Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Demonstrations start at 7.15pm, but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and to buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration. The annual subscription, due at the AGM in April, is £37 and visitors are always welcome at £4 per meeting. Our open meeting is on Thursday, October 27 at Kesgrave Community Centre when John Chennell, a national demonstrator from Wellingborough, will present Autumnal Equinox. Tickets will be £15 to include a light buffet and fruit punch. We welcome members and non-members, friends and families For further details please contact our secretary, Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
KESGRAVE ALLOTMENT & LEISURE GARDENERS ASSOCIATION May is always looked forward to as the first month of summer, but it also marks the end of spring and is a busy time on the allotment.
It was such a cold day that, to stay warm, the Explorers were glad to then help the main volunteer work party, so a win-win solution! The work party continued clearing the southern tumulus of brambles, nettles and branches. The PWCG Annual General Meeting was held later in the month. The new committee members were voted in, with all the existing members being returned. Sam Cork was awarded Nature Explorer of the Year 2016 for his contribution to conservation within the parish of Martlesham. He was presented with The Powling Cup by the Sam Cork receiving the Powling Cup chairman of Martlesham Parish Council, Mike Irwin. Finally, from Mike Irwin, by D Sweeting Richard Staines gave a fascinating and entertaining talk on his experiences surveying Martlesham Heath’s butterflies, which was much appreciated by the attendees. For more details of the group’s events, and to check for date changes, please visit http://pwcg.onesuffolk.net/ or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sunday, May 15, 9-11am: Nature Watch Club for ages 5-11; meet at the Control Tower. Booking essential; please email: pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com Saturday, May, 21, 10am-noon: Volunteer Work Morning. All welcome, no need to book, meet at the education area. Saturday, May 21, 9-11am: Nature Explorers for ages 11-18; meet at the education area. Booking essential; please email: pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com Chloe King, Publicity Officer and Nature Explorer
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Beans, sweetcorn, courgettes and squashes can be sown in pots or trays under glass, ready for planting out next month. Lettuce, radish, spinach, turnips and beetroot can be sown directly into the soil for summer use. It’s time to put up poles for runner beans, hoping for no further strong winds, and the promise of strawberries as straw is needed underneath the developing fruits. Join our friendly group of allotment holders to enjoy a fantastic and rewarding way to keep fit, release stress and experience the satisfaction of harvesting your own produce. Full and half plots are available; contact Angela, our membership secretary: 01473 612283 / angsan.brown@yahoo.co.uk For more information about KALGA and the allotment, and the opportunity to join our forum, please visit: www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk
FLORAL DEMONSTRATION Deben Flower Club’s next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 10 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU. David Thompson, a well-known and very popular national demonstrator from Chelmsford, will present a demonstration entitled Serendipity. David is a keen competitor at national competitions and a NAFAS national floral demonstrator. He also runs fun and informative workshops. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome for just £4 payable on the night. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration. All David’s floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening. For further information please contact: 01394 411422
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SCHOOLS / SPORT SUMMER AT BRIGHT STARS We look forward to seeing all pre-schoolers, toddlers and babies who enjoy having fun at Bright Stars along with their parents, grandparents and/or carers! Each of our sessions is full of fun activities, for example singing and Bible stories for children, plus crafts and games. 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. 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 contact us on the phone numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you!
CALLING ALL MUMS… Martlesham Mums’ Club meets at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath between 12.45 and 2.30pm on Tuesday, May 3. Lunch which will be served at 1pm, followed by a talk from Sue Lovey, a primary school teacher, on how to prepare your child for school. The Mums’ Club is a group of mums, grans and carers who meet together once a month with their toddlers and babies to share lunch, friendship and a social time together. A snack lunch is provided for a donation of £2 per adult. All welcome. The Drinks and Dribbles Baby Cafe will be open on Thursdays, May 5 and 19 at St Michael’s Church Centre between 10am and noon. We offer refreshments, friendship and toys and all mums, grans and carers with babies and small children are invited to join us. For more information about Mums’ Club or Baby Cafe please contact Sue: 01473 624130
Our remaining session dates for the summer term are May 9 and 23, June 13 and 27 and July 11. For further information please contact: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729 Sonya & Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196 Sue Lambert, 01473 624130
MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS During the February half term the children took part in Bob a Job Week and were kept very busy helping out with lots of jobs around the house. They managed to raise a fantastic £452 which has been added to the money raised at Christmas and already we have been able to purchase four high quality bikes, five steering poles and some lace boards, all of which help strengthen the children’s muscles. We have also filled four containers with soil and purchased the plants ready to create a small garden area at the Kesgrave setting. The children have really enjoyed the new purchases, so thank you for all your continuous support. Our next fundraising event is the Twilight Walk on Thursday, April 21, and after that we shall be concentrating on making our annual Funday the fantastic event it always is. The date for your diary is Saturday, June 18. Please look out for more details nearer the time. While September seems a long way off, if you are thinking about a place for your child at either of our settings then due to increasing demand you may wish to start enquiring soon. We already have a growing waiting list and like to offer as much parental choice as possible. To find out about either of our settings please contact us on the numbers below and any one of our fantastic staff will be happy to help.
KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE CLUB The competition held on Sunday, February 21 at Northgate Sports Centre had a great turn out and medal haul from our club members. Chloe Campbell won silver in the individual kata while Thomas Humphries and Daisy Hopwood both came away with a bronze. In the team kata, it was a Northgate and Kesgrave first, second and third. Dylan Barnes and Jack Rowland came first; Dylan then went on to take third in the kumite. Sophie Swann and Amelia Clow came second while Lola Blofeld and Chloe Campbell came away with the bronze medals. In the Japanese kata, Lily Melton came first and Harry Whitmore second. Oscar and Ruby Hunt took home bronze and gold medals respectively for their efforts in kumite. Callum Evans won a gold while his sister Tayler won a silver in kumite and black belt Teliah Turner fought well to get a silver medal in the kumite. Ruby Hunt was fighting again on Sunday, March 6, this time at the KSE9 Championships, and came away with a silver trophy. Well done to brother Oz, and Tayler and Callum Evans who also competed but weren’t placed on this occasion. A date for your diaries is the Yamaguchi Goju Kai Kata Competition on Sunday, May 15 – open to all ages. There are no entries on the day so if you are thinking of attending please email Claire Martin by Wednesday, April 27: claire@northgate-karate.co.uk
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
Hedgehog Nursery at Gorseland Primary School Hedgehogs is now open! Our nursery offers funded places for three and four year olds along with a breakfast club from 7.30am and after school care until 6pm. If you would like to come and meet our nursery teacher, Mrs Florey, and visit Hedgehog Nursery, please contact our school office: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net
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Finally, the Red Dragons Grading in February (pictured) was of a very high standard. Special mention goes to Akshar Bezgone as the Most Improved Student for 2015. As always, become a Facebook friend or check out the club website for the latest information on class times and locations or for further information about the club. Eleanor Legg
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL Last month was the final tournament of the 6-a-side Suffolk Indoor Series, bringing an excellent season to a close. This year the standard of Division 1 has risen substantially thanks to the addition of two very experienced teams from Diss and Norwich, the latter bringing several players who compete regularly at National League level. They have made a big contribution to raising the standard of play across all the clubs in Suffolk, and we owe them a correspondingly big vote of thanks. Ipswich Ravens First team ended the season overall third in the Division 1 Series, and our Second team also finished overall third in the Division 2 Series. These were hugely creditable results considering this is only our second year in the competition, and the photos show us proudly wearing our medals. Our players are really gelling together well now and benefiting from some excellent support work behind the scenes by our coaches, who work with all players from the most experienced down to complete beginners. With the indoor season now over, our attention turns to our outdoor activities. We will once again be running open friendly volleyball games every Saturday in Christchurch Park from 2-4pm (weather permitting). These sessions are completely free and open to anyone who wants to play, whether experienced or beginner, adult or junior, male or female. The sessions are run by our qualified coaches who will give help and advice to anyone who needs it to get started. If you have ever been tempted to give volleyball a try this is a perfect opportunity. Just come along any Saturday afternoon wearing normal outdoor sports kit. You can even bring a friend or relative if you wish. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text: 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk
MARTLESHAM OUTDOOR BOWLS By the time of going to print, the bowls season should be well underway and hopefully the weather will have been kind to us! We are a small, friendly club and actively enjoy playing bowls, playing both friendly and league matches as well as social bowling on Thursday and Saturday afternoons for members new to bowls and those who just enjoy a friendly roll up. We will be holding an open afternoon between 2 and 5pm on Saturday, May 7 for anyone to come along and see for themselves whether bowls might be for them. If in the meantime you would like more information or wish to join our club please contact the secretary: 01473 622598 / mary.drake@talktalk.net
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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Be patient, God hasn’t finished with me yet! Bank holiday weekend and I lost a filling. The dentist was, of course, closed until the middle of the following week so not much I could do about it. Fortunately, the tooth wasn’t painful but when I did eventually get through I couldn’t get an appointment with my regular dentist for another six weeks as she would be away on holiday. Aaaagh! I agreed to see someone else to get an early resolution to the problem. But we live in the here and NOW don’t we? Using email we expect to get an immediate answer, mobile phones mean we are accessible wherever we are and if something doesn’t work, we don’t have time to get it repaired, we simply buy another one. I’m so glad God doesn’t treat me like that. There’s a verse in the Bible which says: ‘God is not being slow in doing what he promised – the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.’ (2 Peter 3:9) He made me. He loves me. He knows me better than I know myself and he accepts me as I am, warts and all. What a relief! The Rev Margaret Rittman Martlesham & Brightwell Also see BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN THE BENEFICE on page 8
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