In Touch with Martlesham - November 2015

In Touch

™© ™©

with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2015

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Harvest

By David Stoddart www.arthakker.photography

Feel right at home with Alice Grange Care Home

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

“Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits “The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more: “How lucky am I to have some-

In Touch

thing that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs: “There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.”

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age.

Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather.

As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated. Please take care over the winter months.

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

martlesham@intouchnews.co.uk

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

Advertising and Distribution: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Advertising: Julie Mullett Email: julie@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Disclaimer:

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.

Whilst 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.

Printing: Colourplan Print 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP 01473 400379 Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

© 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 . . . town” series of magazines.

We also publish

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 • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Manningtree, Mistley & Lawford • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

DECEMBER DEADLINE 10 NOVEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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NEWS ANGLIA FACTORS OWNER RAISES HOSPICE MONEY WITH CHARITY CYCLE RIDE The team at Anglia Factors, Suffolk’s leading kitchen, bathroom and interiors specialist, have welcomed back owner Daniel Barr after he raised almost £5,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice by cycling from London to Paris.

He was accompanied by his son Alex and a team of other Suffolk riders for the 300-mile journey, all raising money for the Ipswichbased charity which improves the lives of local people with progressive illnesses.

The pair were so successful at drumming up sponsorship that their JustGiving page was one of the most successful of September.

Out of 83,542 fundraisers, Daniel and Alex were in the top 1%.

Daniel Barr explains: “St Elizabeth Hospice does incredible work to improve the lives of seriously ill people and their families. We were very happy to take the opportunity to undertake a fatherson challenge to raise money for them.”

Alex & Daniel Barr

He added: “I’d very much like to thank everyone who has sponsored us on this challenge helping us to raise a fair amount for this great cause.”

The cycle ride was supplemented by other fundraising efforts for the hospice by the Anglia Factors team, including a pasta making masterclass with celebrity chef Paul Foster.

The fundraising page remains open and donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/ DanielandAlexBarr

THE RUNWAY COFFEE SHOP AT ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH We can’t believe it, but The Runway has been open for five months and we are growing daily. The Woolley Wonders now meet fortnightly and enjoy a chat and a cuppa. If you visit on the Thursdays in between you may find a couple of knitters happily chatting in a corner. Friends on Friday have met here a couple of times when the main hall has been unavailable and amongst them all we have our ever growing number of thirsty customers.

We started talking about this project about two years ago and when we saw the need for a not for profit coffee shop in the village shortly afterwards we got very excited, believing that this was indeed a service the church could offer our community.

We currently open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am-noon.

However, we are wondering if longer hours would be useful to some people. We aren’t able to provide much more than cakes and scones, but we did wonder if people, particularly workers, would find it useful to have a clean, dry place to eat their sandwiches and enjoy a hot drink and a cake, particularly in the cold weather. So, for a trial period over November and December we will be opening until 2pm on weekdays. We can offer you a mug of hot soup and the usual tea, coffee and cakes, but bring your own sandwiches.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

The Runway Team

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NEWS IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in.

Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak.

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

Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit down supper and breakfast the following morning.

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

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

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

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

If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@ iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.

MARTLESHAM HEATH REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE Sunday, November 8 at 3pm The Barrack Square (near the entrance to BT Adastral Park Everyone welcome

1st MARTLESHAM SCOUT POST 2015 I can’t believe that the 2015 Scout post is almost upon us. As usual there will be post boxes throughout the village though, at time of writing, I cannot confirm where these will be so watch out for December edition which will have all the details. The boxes go out on November 25 and the closing date is December 9. The price this year is unchanged at 25p per card.

Please put your money in a separate envelope within your card pack and please include your contact details in case I need to return any cards to you that I cannot send. This is very important as I cannot return any cards that are incorrectly posted without your details.

The delivery area is IP1-IP5 including Kesgrave and Martlesham village.

I can also take cards for the following locations: Bramford, Claydon, Barham, Great and Little Blakenham, Henley, Tuddenham, Westerfield, Sproughton, Grundisburgh, Playford, Culpho and Great and Little Bealings. These are the ONLY extra areas that we deliver to and I will attempt to return cards to you if they are not in these areas.

Thanks in advance for your support and If you wish to contact me my number is 01473 612410 (evenings only).

Simon Smith Martlesham Scout Post

2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL

A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries, Bentley IP9 2DG Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway.

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

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

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

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

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

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT

RECONNECTING THE COASTAL PUBLIC FOOTPATH BETWEEN MARTLESHAM CREEK AND WALDRINGFIELD An update to my article in the July edition of In Touch Just to recap, breaches in the sea wall near Martlesham Creek were repaired recently, but it was a shame that more wasn’t done to reinstate the coastal public footpath so that it reconnects the South of Martlesham Creek with Waldringfield.

The Deben Estuary Partnership (DEP) has now produced its final plan and it now includes the option of re-connecting this footpath. This is a big improvement on the draft plan. So thanks to all those who wrote to the DEP to support the re-instatement of the footpath. The Deben estuary plan can be found at: www. debenestuarypartnership.co.uk Further to this, I have been informed that Natural England will soon be looking at the coast of Suffolk with a view to connecting public footpaths along the coastline. Funding for this project comes from the Coastal Access Scheme. Suffolk has many long estuaries, such as the River Deben, which will produce challenges and dilemmas. However, the population of Martlesham and Kesgrave has grown significantly over the years, and more is planned. I believe it will improve the well-being of local residents if we open up more wild places to the public, rather than adopting a policy of fencing in the growing population. However, as with all government funding, expenditure on the Coastal Access Scheme could be cut at any time. So it is important to contact your MP, the Rt. Hon Dr Therese Coffey, and explain that you support the reconnection of the public footpath from Martlsham Heath to Waldringfied, and as such funding for the Coastal Access Scheme in Suffolk should be maintained. Letters can be sent by email to therese. coffey.mp@parliament.uk or by post to Rt. Hon Therese Coffey MP, House of Commons, Westminster SW1A OAA. I shall keep you updated with progress on this issue.

Thomas O’Brien, a local resident and walker

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

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

Now in its fifth year and spearheaded by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Suffolk and the East Anglian Daily Times, the Surviving Winter campaign rallies around these vulnerable older individuals, offering them respite from the anxiety of managing fuel costs and the opportunity to stay warm and healthy during the winter.

Incredibly and with thanks to the generosity of Suffolk pensioners, over £85,000 was raised in the winter of 2014-2015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county.

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

The money raised by the Surviving Winter campaign will be used in two ways: • Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat appropriately, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Age UK Suffolk.

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

This truly is an extraordinarily worthwhile campaign, so please…

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

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

MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS LTD We would like to thank all those members who have paid their annual maintenance charge promptly, both by cheque and bank transfer which is proving increasingly popular. We also had two successful collection days. If you haven’t yet paid please do so promptly, preferably by bank transfer. Please remember any cheques should be payable to Martlesham Heath Householders Ltd as the bank will reject abbreviations.

We are now into the tree maintenance season and the following areas are shortly to have trees removed or trimmed: • Forest Lane – conifers near the windsock some to be removed others to be pollarded • Pine Bank at the entrance to the SSSI – birch

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trees to be removed which will allow the Scots pines to flourish.

• Heathfield on the Green opposite 34/36 – removal of a silver birch that is stunting two other trees. We will also look to lift the crown on the largest tree overhanging the road.

• Coopers – we are awaiting a report from our tree surgeon regarding several ailver birch trees but you are quite likely to see work in this area • Avocet Lane – removal of a silver birch to the rear of 35 • Westlands – removal of a silver birch near the footpath to the SSSI We take the removal of trees very seriously and

only embark on this action when we have exhausted all other options. However, we have a lot of self seeded silver birch that need managing and where appropriate we will replace any tree cut down with a suitable native species.

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Working Party on Thursday, October 22 at the Recreation Ground Many thanks to all who helped on the day. A report of the activities will appear in December.

Neighbourhood Plan (NP) Councillors and volunteers have been working hard on issues that affect our parish. They have been successful in gaining some further government grant funding to help pay for the work involved in consulting with parishioners and producing local policies. A business survey was undertaken recently with efforts to engage more effectively with the many businesses in our area. It is hoped that we will be in a position to go out to referendum by the autumn of next year, with a published plan by the end of 2016.

New helpers are always welcomed! The contact details are: • Email: martlesham2028@gmx.co.uk • www.martlesham2028.org.uk • Find us on Facebook • Leave a message at the council office: 01473 612632 Consultation on Suffolk Coastal Site Allocations and Area Specific Policies Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) has asked us to bring to your attention this important consultation and have provided the following statement: “Following on from the public consultation for the Issues and Options stage of the Felixstowe Peninsula Area Action Plan and the Site Allocations & Area Specific Policies, SCDC are publishing the Preferred Options plans for further consultation in October and November. These important documents aim

to ensure that the right policies are in place to enable the towns and parishes in the district to continue to evolve and flourish and to consider where the homes, businesses and community facilities envisaged in the Core Strategy should be built. The content of these documents will shape our communities over the next 12 years and beyond so all residents are encouraged to read the plans and contribute to the future of our district. Details of the next consultation stage are available on the Suffolk Coastal District Council website and comments can be submitted online at http://suffolkcoastal. jdi-consult.net/localplan/ from October 19 to November 30, 2015.”

You will note in the SCDC consultation that it refers to the Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan, a work in progress referred to above, so please look out for any ways that you can contribute as our NP team continues to consult and seek input from all our parishioners. Please help to ensure that our plan is a true reflection of what we want for our parish in the coming years.

Vegetation overhanging footpaths and roads Please check your boundaries and ensure that no vegetation obstructs public footways or paths or overhangs roads.

What have we been doing recently?

• Inspection of footpaths in the parish with a view to carrying out any necessary works in partnership with Suffolk County Council rights of way officers • Working party at the Recreation Ground • Start of budget process for financial year 2016/17 • Work to revamp the Diamond Jubilee bike

trails in progress • New bench donated by the Brethren Church installed at the end of Black Tiles Lane near the circular walk footpath • Planning the integration of the Bloor Homes development with The Common • Designing a work plan for the next year on The Common • Engaging with pupils at Gorseland Primary School on the work of parish councils • Maintenance work on the community hall car park FORTHCOMING MEETINGS • Wednesday, November 4: Parish Council • Wednesday, November 11: Recreation & Amenities Committee • Wednesday, December 2: Finance & General Purposes Committee • Wednesday, December 9: Development Plans Committee All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room, Felixstowe Road and are open to the public who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment.

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

JOHN KELSO’S DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT Important consultation exercise Suffolk Coastal District Council is now in the process of carrying out a consultation exercise on its Site Allocations and Area Specific Policies Development Plan Document – Preferred Options which is to become an essential part of its Local Plan Document. This latest document produces suggested new policies in order to decide where new developments are to be built and what areas are to be protected from development, as well as many other policy areas including environmental, retail, tourism and economic.

Martlesham has been allocated the strategic site near BTs Adastral Park and three other possible sites at Woodbridge Town Football Club, Suffolk

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Constabulary HQ site (which I understand is no longer under threat) and a site south of Bloomfields Farm on Blacktiles Lane adjacent to Martlesham Primary School which is 0.5 hectares to allow for nine new homes. However, I am aware that a developer may be interested in developing the whole field to provide about 40 new homes.

I believe that the three sites mentioned are to be decided upon by the Neighbourhood Plan Teams with Woodbridge taking the lead on the Woodbridge Town F.C. site.

If you care about Martlesham and value its many assets please take the time to read the above mentioned document which is available at www.suffolkcoastal. gov.uk, at Melton Hill H.Q. and at Martlesham Parish Council

by prior arrangement with the parish clerk.

Responses can be sent via email to suffolkcoastallocalplan@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or by writing to The Planning Policy Team at Suffolk Coastal District Council, Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU. Please feel free to copy me via my contact details below.

The closing date for receiving responses at Suffolk Coastal is November 30.

Possible charging for brown bin collection At the time of writing this report no decision has been made on whether or not to charge for the brown bin collection.

Suffolk Coastal is still awaiting updates and costings from the

contractors that deal with this issue. I shall certainly not support any proposal to increase charges for this service.

My Community Enabling Budget (CEB) I still have funds available in my CEB to give grant aid to any Martlesham organisations that need funds for any projects.

Please get in touch to see if I am able to help.

John Kelso District Councillor Martlesham Ward John.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk 115 Carlford Close, Martlesham Heath 01473 631682

In Touch online:

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

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

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

THE PAPER DOLLS

For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups

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

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

New Wolsey Studio

01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

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

Paper Dolls Creative_150930.indd 1

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

01/10/2015 01:55

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Remembering together this Christmas For over a decade, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services has brought people together at Christmas to celebrate and remember the lives of those close to them, who are no longer with us.

This December, they will again be hosting a number of Carol Concerts and Services across the region, as well as collecting special messages and memories on their Trees to Remember at their funeral branches.

Andrew Dawes of the East of England Co-op Funeral Service, said: “Having been supporting generations of local families for 90 years, we understand that Christmas can be particularly difficult for those who have lost someone dear to them.

“Tree to Remember and the Carol Concerts are an important part of the ongoing support services we offer bereaved families in the local community. It gives people chance to come together, share their treasured memories and know that they are not alone.”

As well as providing support and comfort to hundreds of families across the region, Tree to Remember has also helped to raise over £18,000 for six local hospices, through donations at carol concerts and in branches, including the East Anglian Children’s Hospice, St Elizabeth Hospice, St Helena Hospice, St Nicholas Hospice, Farleigh Hospice and the Norfolk Tapping House.

CarolerConcert ing together Rememb this Chr istmas

Thursday 10th December 2015 7pm, Sir Bobby Robson Suite Ipswich Town Football Club, Portman Road, Ipswich Free admission

Led by

Civil Celebrant, Tina Hayward and the Ipswich & Norwich Co-op Band & Special Guests Call to book your place

01473 257242

Andrew continued: “Our trees have collected thousands of memories of those who left a special mark on our lives. This Christmas we invite you to share your own message or memory, and look forward to welcoming you to one of our carol concerts or services.”

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In Touch online:

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

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

So call us today, we are here to help.

YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET What is a local producer?

It’s someone who lives in your neighbourhood, who grows vegetables and plants in season, who makes onion jam, chutneys and cakes from locally grown and milled ingredients, perhaps using eggs from their neighbour’s hens. Crafts are popular and your neighbours might surprise you with their skills and the quality of their products.

Our country market brings everyone together – specialist cooks can make traditional and gluten-free pizzas and treats and take special orders for your family and freezer. There’s honey and beeswax: have the same bees been buzzing in your garden?

Handmade crafts use locally sourced fabrics and materials for bags and pretty gifts. You’ll find knitwear, crochet work, and unique practical and pretty items in all shapes and sizes and to suit all pockets – and meet the makers.

Prices reflect the work that is put into making, growing, baking and nurturing what you see at the market and the quality of the raw materials.

There are bargains to be found and our prices are competitive, especially for one-off and special items you can’t find elsewhere.

Our cooks use approved packaging and hold hygiene certificates.

Jewellery, sewn and knitted garments and bags must be up to standard. We only sell what

we make – nothing’s bought-in or mass-produced. You can talk to our butcher, our gardeners and bakers and makers and learn about the British Lop pig, a rare breed, about the pretty Kesgrave geranium, how to grow herbs and how to wash your new knitwear. Why not order some unique beaded jewellery to match your new outfit?

You are not paying for massproduced goods to be transported the length of the country nor putting money in the pockets of faceless shareholders nor exploiting underpaid sweatshop workers. Every penny you pay at the country market stays in the local economy, it pays for materials, skilled time and effort, and includes a tiny overhead to run the market.

Get a bargain while you can!

MARTLESHAM BRASS

Making music fun in East Anglia We hope everyone enjoyed our birthday concert on October 10 and congratulate all our members who received awards that evening.

Our bands will be paying their respects on November 8 at the Remembrance Day Parade in Woodbridge, and also at St Mary’s Church in Martlesham.

Some advance dates for your diaries: Coffee and Carols at St Michael’s Church Centre on Saturday, December 5; Carols in the Square, Martlesham Heath on Monday, December 14; Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 19, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Further details next month.

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

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

1st MARTLESHAM HEATH RANGERS invite you to join them for

HOMEMADE SOUP

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

Visit us to see our range of fresh food and handmade crafts at Kesgrave Market on Saturdays from 9.30-11.30am at Scout H/Q, Twelve Acre Approach, near Tesco and at Martlesham Heath Market, behind the Douglas Bader pub, on Tuesdays, 9.30-11.15am. There’s tea, coffee and eatables at both venues.

We need more cooks, crafters and producers: would you like to join us? For more information or to come and meet us please call Rita Jones: 01473 272276

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

Find us on Facebook: Kesgrave and Martlesham Country Market

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OUT & ABOUT

WHITE ELEPHANT SALE Saturday, November 7, 10am-noon, at The Richards Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB (behind Tesco).

Includes bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws, plants and lots more. Entrance free. Profits will go to The Roger David Burrows Music Fund.

GRANT APPLICATIONS Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and groups.

Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2016.

Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities.

Further information about grants and application forms can be found at: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk Alternatively call 01473 625196 or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG

THE MASQUE PLAYERS The Masque Players present Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn at Kesgrave Community Centre from November 25-28 at 7.45pm.

The plot of Season’s Greetings involves nine adults and some unseen children meeting up for Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house. As the children lurk just out of sight, it’s the adults who are letting the side down!

The adults consist of various family members and friends whose complex relationships and

histories are laid bare over the Christmas festivities. Petty and not so petty squabbles break out and Christmas presents are rifled.

This is a vintage piece of Ayckbourn theatre, mixing comedy and tragedy with a hilarious puppet show as the icing on the cake. Come and share in the familiar family frivolity and fiasco of Christmas!

Tickets (£9 / £7 concessions) are available at www.masqueplayers. com, from Julie Waters on 01473 624692 and on the door.

CHARITY BUFFET DANCE WITH THE ALDERTONES 50/60s night with a charity buffet dance at Woodbridge Football Club on Friday, November 20, 7.3011.30pm.

For tickets (£10 including buffet) contact: 01473 723573 / robin195860@yahoo.co.uk Proceeds in aid of Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) which offers free, confidential and impartial advice to disabled people and their carers.

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KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10am-noon): The following craft activities will be taking place during November.

Sunday, November 1: It’s Bonfire Night on November 5.

Make a fireworks sparkler to celebrate.

Sunday, November 8: Today is Remembrance Sunday. Come along and make a 3D poppy to commemorate the day.

Sunday, November 15: Design a crazy monster. How many eyes will yours have?

Sunday, November 22: It’s Thanksgiving in America on November 26. Come along and make a turkey!

Sunday, November 29 (Christmas Fayre): It’s nearly winter. Make a cheery Christmas CD robin.

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

BookStart – every Thursday (term time only) These are free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Why not come along and join Emma every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories?

Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Story time: every Friday morning, 9.45-10.15am, from Friday, November 6 This new activity is being funded by the Library Community Group. Emma will be running this free story time session every Friday morning during term time for pre-school children and toddlers. There will be a different story, songs and activities each week. Why not pop along and give it a go?

No need to book, just come along. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Body Shop Party: Thursday, November 19, 7pm Why not come along and have a look? Treat yourself or be really organised this year and buy your Christmas presents early? If you would like to order but can’t make the party, brochures will be available. A raffle is also being run. Either pop in or call the library on the number below.

Christmas Fayre: Sunday, November 29, 10am-noon There will be lots of stalls with fun games and ideas for Christmas including a free craft activity for the children and a visit from Father Christmas.

Refreshments including homemade cakes will be available.

Scout’s Post Box Kesgrave Library is having the Scout’s post box again this year between November 25 and December 9 for all your local Christmas cards.

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FARMERS AND FINE FOODS MARKET

CHARITY CONCERT IN AID OF THE CHILD MIGRANT CRISIS APPEAL

Saturday, November 14 and 28, Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm Established in 1999, Woodbridge Farmers’ and Fine Foods Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country. Run on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, it brings together some of Suffolk’s finest producers under one roof.

There is a large base of loyal customers who attend every market, but we would love to see more people attending. One such customer commented: “I regularly find a lot of wonderful food here!” The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly and people rarely leave empty handed.

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

We now have an email list which enables us to contact customers before each market to inform them about special offers and new seasonal products. If you like to join this list please let us know by emailing us at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you to the market very soon.

SUTTON HOO CHRISTMAS GIFT FAYRE

Saturday, November 14 and Sunday 15, 10.30am-4.30pm It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the Sutton Hoo Christmas Gift Fayre.

Browse crafts and gorgeous gifts, sample Suffolk produce and enjoy festive music.

Relax over a cup of tea or coffee and cake or enjoy a scrumptious lunch in the King’s River Cafe. Visit Mrs Pretty’s house and listen to Christmas carols sung by local choirs.

SPECIAL ADMISSION PRICE: adults £3, children £2 / including entry to the site (NT members free) Sutton Hoo, Sutton, Woodbridge IP12 3 DJ / 01394 389714

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. For those who don’t know us, we are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments.

Thursday, November 26: Snowman plus Christmas Celebration Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma) Other projects are available.

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

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The Orwell Singers and the brass quartet Something Different present a charity concert in aid of the Child Migrant Crisis Appeal on Friday, November 6, at 7.30pm, at Museum Street Methodist Church, Ipswich IP1 2EF. Tickets are just £5 including refreshments. For further information contact: 01473 635955 / d.sharman@btinternet.com

SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES A shopping opportunity not to be missed takes place at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, November 20, 10am-4pm. Whether you are looking to treat yourself or buy that extra special Christmas present there will be the chance to buy bespoke goods at very reasonable prices and enjoy a spot of lunch at the same time. With high quality clothes and leather shoes, beautiful bags and jewellery, children’s clothes and wooden toys, scented candles, silk flower arrangements and much more.

Entry is £3 to include a cup of tea or coffee. Homemade lunches and teas will be available throughout the day.

All monies raised from the event will go towards supporting two local charities: • St Elizabeth Hospice: An independent charity which provides vital services free of charge to patients living with progressive illnesses, and their families and carers across East Suffolk • Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who support families for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone. This can be for many differing reasons such as physical and mental health problems, bereavement, isolation, domestic violence and many more.

For more information or to buy entry tickets in advance contact 01473 621104 or email: office@homestartcoastal.co.uk

1st MARTLESHAM SCOUTS The Douglas Bader have generously offered us the chance to benefit from their quiz night on Sunday, November 22.

If you’d like to enter a team of up to six people please contact The Bader to book a table and support the Scout group: 01473 625394

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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 and join our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF and our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 17, starting at 7.15pm. The speaker will be John Field who will give a talk on the life and work of local cartoonist Giles. John will be showing us several of Giles’ cartoons, many set in and around Ipswich. Please note that this is a change to the talk mentioned in the previous edition.

There is no meeting in December, but a date for your diary is January 19 2016 when the ever-popular Mark Mitchels will be talking on the Duke of Wellington. More details to follow in the next two editions.

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

For more information contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

KESGRAVE WI As autumn approaches Kesgrave WI seems to get even busier, what with planning for a theatre trip to Norwich, Christmas Lunch at Rushmere Golf Club and a craft day, besides all our usual monthly activities.

WI centenary celebrations continued during September with a grand picnic in the grounds of Glenham Hall. Unfortunately, Wednesday, September 16 proved to be just about the wettest day of the year with rain heavy falling for nearly 24 hours. But the WI were undeterred and in true British fashion we soldiered on – squeezing several hundred ladies into the marquee to enjoy the celebrations. Can you imagine the noise and the ‘hot air’ that was produced? But a great time was had by all, especially when Enid Castle won the preserves competition.

The speaker at our October meeting was Andrew Woods who spoke about his journey through the 40 mile Khyber Pass at the end of 1997.

His journey started at Rawal Pindi and he travelled by chartered trains (British built in the 1920s and still running well). They were oil fired, not steam driven. It took 20 years to build the line and it was completed in 1921. He showed slides of how two engines were used to gain height on the zigzag line. Joan Keene gave the vote of thanks.

The October competition was a jar of homemade chutney, which was won by Shirley Kendall.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, November 5 when we will be holding our AGM. Visitors are very welcome to join us. For more information call our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

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LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT As autumn moves on, the sun finally shone on our last car boot sale of the year and we saw a good number of stall holders and buyers. Our thanks to everyone who has supported this event over the summer and to the management of Budgens, Woodbridge for permission to use their car park.

ART SALE AT QUAY STREET CHURCH, NOVEMBER 7 At this time of year our thoughts and fundraising efforts turn towards the Christmas parcels project. The growing number of customers at food banks testifies to the continuing value of this long-running project. Our next event will be an art sale on Saturday, November 7, held once again at the Quay Street Church. Thanks to Kesgrave Art Club for their support, a third of proceeds will be donated to Lions’ charities. With no painting priced over £25 there should be something to suit every pocket.

For more about the Lions and what we do, and for reports of this year’s Martlesham Heath 10k, 5k and Fun Run, please visit: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk Or for a no obligation chat with one of the Lions, please call: 08458 332820

ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN The speakers at our meeting in late September were Majors Russell and Febe Pipe of the Woodbridge Salvation Army. They spoke of how they came to be stationed in Woodbridge, and of providing hot meals and washing facilities for people living rough in our area. Russell then went on to tell us how the Foodbank had been established and our president, Ian O’Brien Baker, presented them with a cheque to help with their efforts.

We are looking forward to our Annual Charity Quiz at Waldringfield Golf Club on November 2 and our ever-popular Christmas Carol Concert and supper at Woodbridge School on December 3. We will also be manning Santa’s sleigh around Martlesham Heath in December – dates and routes to be advised later.

If you are interested in any of these events or in finding out more about Rotary please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, November 19, at 7.30pm: You May Wish You Had Never Started This! with the wellknown and popular speaker Ian Waller Keeping effective records on paper or on a computer is a sticking point for many researching their family trees. Even seasoned researchers don’t always have a good system.

This talk examines how to keep good records and looks at ways of overcoming the challenges of research, how to turn the negatives into positives.

NOTE NEW VENUE The Co-Op Education Centre – Pedestrian Entrance, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW. Car park entrance: Waterworks Street IP4 1JG Admission is £3 for members, £3.50 for non-members who are welcome and can join the society on the night if they wish. Tickets are not required; just turn up and pay on the door.

For more information contact H King: 01473 274300

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We were delighted to welcome some more new members to our recent talk about the Mission to Seafarers.

We have two meetings planned for November. On November 12 we are holding a pottery workshop when artistic members can paint a plate or some other item for a Christmas present. Then on November 26 Jane Parker, a local registrar, will give a talk entitled Hatch, Match and Despatch.

Plans are already being made for our Christmas Lunch (to be held in January) at a local restaurant.

We are pleased to welcome new members to our friendly, informal evenings which are held on alternate Thursdays at 7.30pm in the Richards Room. For more information contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Our meeting on Friday, October 2 featured an illustrated talk by Krys Lanowski, the proud son of a former Polish airman. Witold Lanowski was born in 1915 and was destined to fly for the air force of four different air countries! At the fall of Poland in 1939 he was an instructor teaching Polish air force cadets. When his country was invaded he walked most of the way to the south of France and was captured on the way but managed to escape. He flew for the French air force against the Germans before escaping once more from the advancing German army. He arrived in England during the Battle of Britain and then flew with the Free Polish RAF where he flew the Spitfire, the Mk1, 2, VB and IXc. Witold Lanowski obtained a transfer to the USAAF in March 1944 and mostly flew the Republic P47 with Zemkes Wolfpack, the 56th Fighter Group USAAF at Halesworth. An extraordinary career and a vote of thanks was given by our vice president, Alan Smith.

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

October’s meeting featured Stephen Taylor, an artist in his own right, talking about his hero, Victorian painter Walter Richard Sickert.

Stephen recounted Sickert’s colourful life and gave the audience some insight into his style of painting. A most enlightening talk.

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

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

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

Our next monthly meeting will be on Friday, November 6 and we look forward to an illustrated talk by Clive and Linda Denney who run Vintage Fabrics, a company that renovates, re-covers and paints vintage aircraft. The talk, which includes video footage, is entitled, Biggin Boys. Clive is himself a display pilot and flew in the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain display at Biggin Hill.

This promises to be a very good evening with an old friend of our society.

Meetings are held in the community hall, Felixstowe Road and start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Non-members are welcome for a payment of £3 at the door.

ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE We will be holding our annual memorial service on the Barrack Square on Sunday, November 8 at 3pm.

Thankfully each year we are joined by a good contingent from the village, but we could always do with a larger turnout. We are able to use the BT car park to the left of the BT entrance so there is plenty of parking available. We look forward to seeing all of you!

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

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OUT & ABOUT KYSON PROBUS CLUB Kyson Probus Club met for its usual monthly meeting at 12.30pm on Monday, October 12 at the Ufford Park Hotel. After a convivial drink and lunch we heard a fascinating talk by Mr Malcolm Key, the leader of the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group who, on retirement from BT in 1996, bought some 22 acres of Suffolk countryside near Debenham in which to create a woodland habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Malcolm described how the site had previously been farmland. With no use of chemicals the first few years saw the soil become less artificially enriched which allowed it to revert to a more natural state. During this time more and more trees were planted, meadows sown with wild flower seeds and hedgerows coppiced. With a great deal of hard work and despite the ravages of caterpillars, rabbits and various diseases the site has matured to the point where some of the timber can be sold as part of the site’s careful management to offset some of the costs. The woodland and meadows are now a diverse haven for birds, mammals, plants, insects and many naturally living things and will continue to develop and accommodate nature’s unpredictable ways for many years to come. It is a true oasis and our members were deeply impressed by the vision and commitment of Mr Key. Overall, it was an extremely informative and enjoyable afternoon.

For information about Kyson Probus Cub, please call the secretary Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866

WOOLLY WONDERS Sorry for the mix-up with dates in last month’s edition.

In November the knitting group will meet as usual at the coffee shop on Thursday 5 at 10am, but will be going shopping for Christmas craft ideas at The Range in Ipswich. Lifts available.

On Wednesday 18 the fundraising co-ordinator from AgeUK Suffolk will be collecting all the hats we’ve been knitting for the Innocent Smoothie bottles. AgeUk Suffolk receive 25p for each bottle sold. I look forward to seeing you at the Runway Café, 10am-noon.

Rachel Pennick, 01473 610437

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!).

WHEN DID YOU LAST GET A ROUND OF APPLAUSE? Once upon a time I had a computer that gave me an enthusiastic round of applause every time I turned it on. I often meant to change it but it was always uplifting and made my day start with a smile.

At Speak Easy meetings we clap when the meeting begins, when each new speaker is introduced and takes the floor, when the speaker finishes and when the meeting ends. If this sounds a bit over formal, it’s something you quickly get used to and even enjoy.

It’s satisfying for audience members to give something to someone who is playing their part in the meeting, who has prepared a speech, who makes an encouraging evaluation or who keeps the meeting to schedule. Or brings the doughnuts! Even if you don’t have a role to play, clapping those who do conveys your warmth and appreciation.

Speaking in public is not just about what you say and how you say it. It’s about knowing your audience, sticking to the time allocated, making sure people can hear and see you clearly and listening, really listening. Basic ground rules and techniques help you overcome fears about speaking, grow your confidence and improve your skills.

A round of applause for your efforts is sweet reward.

Why not come along to Speak Easy at Martlesham and get your own round of appreciation? We are a small friendly group of all ages and backgrounds. We meet from 7-9.30pm on alternate Thursday evenings at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB. Our next meetings are on November 5 and 19 and December 3. Come free as our guest.

Find out more at www.speak-easy.org.uk, find us on Facebook or Twitter, or call Sonya Burrows: 07968 372563

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN Have you heard about U3A (University of the Third Age)?

No it’s not about going back to school and having to do exams or win qualifications. It’s a chance for retired and semi retired people to try subjects and hobbies they may have had to miss due to other commitments. Now can be your chance.

U3A has groups on many subjects including art, music, book-reading, geology, architecture, indoor and outdoor games like carpet bowls and petanque, as well as garden and church visits. With more than 130 interest groups there is bound to be a subject that will intrigue you. All this for only £12.50 per year.

Find out more by visiting one of our monthly meetings with speakers in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Woodbridge. The campus coordinators at each venue will be happy to tell you more about the East Suffolk branch of U3A.

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.

The next Ipswich meeting is at 2pm on November 30 at Kesgrave Community Centre, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. In a talk entitled The Railway to Ipswich and Beyond, Mervyn Russen will discuss the building of the Ipswich tunnel and the line from Ipswich to Bury St Edmunds.

Why not give us a try – we would love to see you?

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

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM WI Say the words ‘Annual General Meeting’, and everyone runs for cover! But our AGM at 2.15pm on Friday, November 20 is a really important meeting as we will be electing a new president, Pat Brown having completed her three year term. We elect our president each year, but we have a bylaw that limits her term to a maximum of three years – so it’s not a life sentence and we get the benefit of a continuous input of fresh ideas. We shall be having a WI advisor to help us through the formalities and after refreshments we will enjoy something more light-hearted, including a display of hobbies. So if you are already a member do come along to this important event and have your say, and if you are thinking of joining it’s a good time to see who’s who. And it might even be fun! And be assured, no one will be pressured into doing anything if they are not willing.

Remember that in September we were looking forward to our centenary picnic at Glemham Hall? You may also remember that on that day the heavens opened and all thoughts of elegant picnics on the grass went out of the window. But hey – we’re the WI and a bit of rain wasn’t going to spoil our fun. About 700 of us squashed into a marquee, tea and cake was served, music was played and some people managed to find space to dance. A memorable afternoon.

For more information contact Anne: 01394 380110 Susan Cunliffe

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

Christian Bone, Head of Member & Community Services with the East of England Co-operative Society, recently gave us an interesting and enlightening talk about the history of the society which was established by a group of Rochdale Pioneers in 1844. This provided a touch of nostalgia for our president, Kay Hirst, who was raised in Lancashire and had fond memories of the local Co-op. Like Kay, many club members could recall share numbers and ‘divi’ days, but were less familiar with the support the society offers within local communities and also worldwide.

Profits from tobacco sales are used to provide neo-natal equipment and defibrillators, one of which is situated at the Co-op on Hasketon Road, Woodbridge and is accessible 24/7. Their Cuppa scheme also provides free Fairtrade tea for one-off fundraising events and ventures such as the monthly Memory Café held at Woodbridge Football Club. The Memory Café was started by the two local Rotary Clubs and Inner Wheel provide the refreshments.

KALGA: KESGRAVE ALLOTMENT & LEISURE GARDENING ASSOCIATION Winter is upon us but there are still jobs to be done at the allotment.

We can’t rest up yet! It’s time to do some digging and to clear the plots of any remaining summer plants so they don’t rot over the winter.

There are still some vegetables to harvest too: leeks are ready, and there will soon be Brussels sprouts and parsnips to gather. And an opportunity to sow broad beans.

We held our mid-year AGM at Cedercroft School at the end of September and had an interesting talk about the use of fertilisers on our vegetables, learning about the three essential minerals for growing plants: potassium, nitrates and phosphates!

It’s been good to welcome new members recently, but there are a few plots remaining if you are interested. We offer starter plots (for those who would like to try growing their own without overcommitting themselves) or half and whole plots. There’s still time to dig the soil over and prepare your plot for the next season.

If you are interested in joining us please contact Angela, our membership secretary, for further details: 01473 612283 / angsan.brown@yahoo.co.uk You’ll find more information about KALGA and the allotment, plus an opportunity to join our forum, at: www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Well, the Nature Explorers went on their fishing expedition to catch the goldfish in the pond. The first task was to remove some of the weed to make clear areas to be able to see the fish and catch them with nets. However, despite best efforts the fish were nowhere to be seen, but at least we did clear the pond which had become quite clogged with weed and bulrushes. We were surprised to find a nonnative invasive pondweed, called New Zealand pigmyweed, probably brought in by ducks which occasionally drop in. This weed could have been very destructive to the pond life due to the density that it grows and the amount of oxygen it removes from the water.

Clearing the pond was also of benefit as the next day the Nature Watch Club members were pond dipping. This was another opportunity the spot the goldfish, but again no luck. In contrast, the pond dipping was very successful with lots of interesting creatures being caught, including dragonfly and damselfly larvae, water boatmen, backswimmers, snails and water beetles. Of particular note were freshwater pea clams – a good indicator of a healthy pond, and best of all, a great crested newt larva. The great crested newt is protected by British and European law due to its decline in numbers over the past century, so it is fantastic to know that we have a breeding population in our pond.

So despite the fish we have a thriving and healthy pond. Perhaps the fish have become a nice meal for herons, or they might just be hiding well, so we will still keep an eye out for them.

Dates for the diary:​

At the business meeting which following Linda Mortimer was inducted as a member of the club. Preparations for our forthcoming fashion show on November 11 in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance are well in hand.

Tickets are still available from Hamilton Smith, Church Street.

• Volunteer work morning: Saturday, November 21, 10am-noon • Nature Watch Club (5-11yrs old): Sunday, November 1, 9-11am (date changed from October 25). Subject: Nocturnal animals • Nature Explorers (11-18yrs old): Saturday, November 21, 9-11am

Inner Wheel is an international organisation and our club chose to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace last month with a coffee morning to highlight peace within the home. The £90 raised was donated to Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Ipswich.

New volunteers are always welcome. For further information please email pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, call 01473 612632 or visit: www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS FLORAL DEMONSTRATION Deben Flower Club is holding its spectacular Christmas floral demonstration at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall (Church Lane Kirton IP10 0PU) on Tuesday, November 10 when Susan Phillips from Orpington, a well-known and very popular national demonstrator, will present Deck the Halls.

What better way to kick-start the festive season than to watch Susan create inspirational designs using a variety of fresh flowers and foliage with that extra special Christmas touch?

Visitors are assured of a warm welcome, £4 payable on the night.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration. All Susan’s floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening. For further information please contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB On October 22 we welcomed Crystal Dyball from Norwich with a demonstration entitled Floral Passion which was enjoyed by all our members.

We are now looking forward to our meeting on Thursday, November 26 when we will have our Christmas demonstration by Adele Kent. The title of Adele’s demonstration is Christmas is Coming. I’m sure we will get new ideas for our own Christmas arrangements.

The Orwell Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Why not join us and enjoy the festive season? Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm. The doors are open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration which are raffled at the close of the meeting.

For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com

PARENT AND TODDLER SESSIONS AT WOODBRIDGE METHODIST CHURCH Our parent and toddler sessions meet every Friday in term time from 9.30-11am. We have a spacious room where children can freely play safely with a variety of activities from ride-on toys to less energetic activities such as play dough. Free parking is available in an ideal location central to Woodbridge town.

The charge of £1.50 per family includes refreshments for both child and parent. All under threes are welcome. Please feel free to visit. For more information please contact Deirdre Rothwell: 01394 386381 / deirdre@ drothwell.co.uk

NOVEMBER AT BRIGHT STARS If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like to brighten up your week why not come along to Bright Stars? We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL and welcome all preschool age children to come along with their parents and/or carers.

Each session is full of fun children’s activities and worship. We do crafts of all kinds and so far this term we have coloured our own multi-coloured coats for Joseph and created our own paper plate of favourite foods. At sessions we have also enjoyed singing, storytelling and games. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us this autumn? You are welcome to just turn up on the day or feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions. We will look forward to welcoming you!

As we continue to have some wonderful weather the children are still able to enjoy our outdoor space, including our very popular mud kitchen! They love digging and learning about how things grow and change at this time of year. This ties in nicely with our autumn walks which allow the children to collect leaves of all colours, shapes and sizes which they use to be creative back at the nursery.

We have had more new starters and would like to say a huge welcome to Bradley, Evan, Emily, Leon and Pieter. They have all settled into Saplings life brilliantly.

On November 13 we will be holding a dress-up day to support Children In Need which is something we do every year. The children enjoy coming in dressed as their favourite film or book character, or even dressed as Pudsey.

Christmas is fast approaching and we have been busy making plans for our annual Christmas fair. This year it will be held upstairs at The Saplings on Saturday, December 5, 10am-noon. The event is very popular and will consist of craft stalls, creative tables and a raffle for our christmas hamper to name just a few. Please do come along – we look forward to seeing you all there.

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

The remaining session dates for the autumn term are November 9 and 23 and December 14.

The Saplings is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm, for children aged three months to 11 years. We offer term-time and yearround care, with a baby room, pre-school, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions, and a ‘walking bus’ to Birchwood Primary School.

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

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

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SCHOOLS / SPORTS Before our thoughts turn to (dare I say it?)

Christmas, I would like you all to check your diaries and see if you are free for a fun night out on Saturday, November 14 when we shall be holding a quiz night at the Millennium Jubilee Hall on Grange Farm. Please put together a team of up to eight and help raise money for our playschools. We are a charity run establishment and without these fundraising events we would find it very difficult to continue to provide such fantastic settings for your children to attend.

Bring your own snacks and drinks (yes alcohol is allowed) and we can guarantee lots of fun and laughter. You may also leave with a raffle prize and a winner’s medal!

Tickets are available from either settings or contact us on the details below.

We are also very pleased to announce that from January our Kesgrave setting will be opening all days. Please contact us regarding sessions as they are already filling up quickly. We can offer places for two to five-years-olds, funded and non-funded.

CALLING ALL MUMS… According to the press a large number of children starting school already have dental fillings so at the next meeting of Martlesham Mums’ Club we will have a visit from Brenda Wykes from the Suffolk Aural Health Team who will talk about The Care of Children’s Teeth and the Keep Suffolk Smiling campaign.

The meeting will be held between 12.45 and 2.30pm on Tuesday, November 3 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath. Lunch will be served around 1pm and all mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited to join us.

Looking ahead, the December meeting of the Mums’ Club will be on Tuesday, December 1, same time and place, and will be our Bring and Share Christmas Party. The theme this year will be Red, Green and Sparkly so dress in something red or green and sparkle with us!

The Drinks and Dribble Baby Cafe will be open in the main body of St Michael’s on Thursdays, November 5 and 19 and December 3, 10amnoon. Mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited to drop in. We offer refreshments, friendship and toys.

For more information about Mums’ Club or Drinks and Dribbles please contact Sue: 01473 624130

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This is an amazing achievement as in November Kesgrave will be celebrating its first birthday.

We would like to thank all the families who have supported us over the past year and look forward to many more years ahead.

The setting provides a fantastic array of resources which allow the children to feel comfortable and confident and to develop life learning skills. The Early Year’s team provide support and guidance and have built strong relations with the children and their parents. The children really enjoy their time at the setting and are involved in a wide range of activities both inside and out. If you wish to find out more about either Kesgrave or Martlesham please contact us and pop in for a visit.

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 Email: mplayschool@btinternet.com

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The indoor volleyball season has started and the first tournament in the Suffolk six-a-side series at Maidenhall Sports Centre was an absolute humdinger with eight top sides from across the county joined for the first time by a team from Norwich. The competition was very evenly matched and produced exciting games from start to end. Ipswich Ravens, having bid farewell to a number of regular members over the summer, fielded a side with a new look to it with two players making their debut for the club. We performed exceptionally well to hold our own in such a strong level of competition, with two wins out of five very close and hard fought matches.

RESULTS Stowmarket II 8-20 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 19-20 Norwich Towers Ipswich Ravens 16-20 Stowmarket III Diss 25-22 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich I 24-25 Ipswich Ravens FINAL TABLE Wins Pt For Pt Agst Norwich Towers 5 110 83 Diss 4 109 76 Ipswich I 4 109 95

Stowmarket III Ipswich Ravens Ipswich II Stowmarket II Bury Bobcats

3 2 2 0 0

95 102 88 85 67

97 97 97 110 110

Captain Chris Giles said: “With new faces mixing with the old in the team, this was always the start of the journey. We gave a very good account with our two victories against experienced teams. The three close defeats dampened our spirits somewhat, but at the same time created the hunger to train harder, create a bigger squad and have fun by winning volleyball matches!”

Ipswich Ravens hold club practise sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from nine upwards.

Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness.

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

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHUCRH NEWS KEY BUSINESSES JOIN FORCES WITH TOWN COUNCIL TO HELP BUSINESSES OUT OF THE DIGITAL MARKETING MIRE Local sponsors Kingsfleet Wealth, Larking Gowen, Blocks Solicitors and WMA Video have stepped in to help subsidise the cost as well as Ipswich Borough Council’s Economic Development Team. They all see the need to support local businesses right now as superfast broadband is rolled out and businesses are under pressure to have a clear web presence which makes money. Their subsidies mean the breakfast training is being offered at only £20 + VAT a session (or six sessions for the price of five at £100 + VAT) and the 1-2-1 sessions are only £45 + VAT. The topics being covered in the first six sessions are: October 29:

7 Steps to sell through your website Surgery: Website Surgery (one to one session)

November 20: 7 Steps to effective LinkedIn networking

Surgery: Business Networking Online Trainers Lindsey Trainer and Lorna Rose

Ipswich Borough Council is joining forces with Suffolk’s Green Shoots Learning and Business Mapper to offer people in business subsidised places to attend a new six part digital training and networking breakfast programme at IP-City.

The Connecting Online Marketing or .COM initiative is both a business networking breakfast as well as a six month programme of monthly bitesized digital marketing training sessions. Anyone running or marketing a business can attend if the business is not related to the digital marketing industry and they personally are not professional digital marketers.

Each month .COM events can host to up to 40 delegates in IP-City from 8-9.30am. The programme will include a light breakfast and refreshments, an opportunity to network and ‘how to’ training on a specific digital topic. There’s also a further opportunity for up to six people to join in a small group session to get 1-2-1 attention for their business.

January 28:

7 Steps to securing profitable customers online Surgery: Target Customers

February 25:

7 Steps to selling through Facebook Surgery: Facebook

March 31:

7 Steps to understanding SEO and Keywords Surgery: SEO & Keyword

April 28:

7 Steps to build your brand through Twitter Surgery: Building your brand online

All tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting either Eventbrite. co.uk and searching ‘Connecting Online Marketing’ or calling 0333 3444031.

For more information visit: www.connectingonlinemarketing.com / @suffolkcom / Facebook

ALL SAINTS DAY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT ST MARY’S Every year at St Mary’s we remember departed loved ones at a special service. This year the service will take place at 3pm on Sunday, November 1. Everyone is welcome. We name those who have died and if you would like us to include someone, please let us know beforehand or simply tell us before the service starts.

The Rev Margaret Rittman

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YOUR LOCAL SERVICES

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

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call John Burch: 07870 347486

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Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk

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SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR

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YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 16 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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