In Touch with Shotley - December 2015

In Touch

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with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2015 Image by Svetlana Sewell www.landmstudio.co.uk

Merry Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Touch

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone In Touch with Shotley, Pin Mill & Woolverstone is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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

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NEWS GRANTS OF £20K AVAILABLE TO HELP COUNCIL TENANTS BUY THEIR OWN HOMES Council tenants who want to buy their own homes are being urged to apply for £20k grants to help them onto the property ladder.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were successful in applying for funding from the government’s £84m Right-to-Buy Social Mobility Fund which was launched earlier this year. This two-year funding opportunity, called HomeOwn, is designed to help Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council tenants to move out of their existing rented accommodation and to buy a home that best suits their needs on the open market.

The scheme enables Babergh and Mid Suffolk to make one-off payments to council tenants of up to £20,000 as a cash incentive to buy a house for the first time – freeing up a council house for someone else in the process.

Initially the scheme was offered to tenants living in one and two-bedhomes. It has now been opened up to all eligible tenants regardless of the size of their current property.

A maximum of ten tenants from each council area can use the grants, but so far only one grant has been successfully applied for.

Former council tenants Andrea Brown and Samuel Bennett are the first tenants to take advantage of the scheme. They moved into their new home in Needham, Norfolk, last month with their children Skye and Lewi.

Andrea said: “When we first started looking for a home to buy, we saw this bungalow and with the amount of mortgage we could borrow along with our savings we couldn’t quite afford to buy the property. Then, luckily for us, about a week later we read in the local newspaper about the HomeOwn scheme and the grant enabled us to buy a home we could only dream about before.

“The application form was extremely easy to fill in and we received a quick decision from Babergh and Mid Suffolk allowing us to have our own home and

to free up a council house for someone in need.”

Councillor Nick Gowrley, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These grants are a great opportunity for our council tenants to be in a really good position to buy their own home. We all know how difficult it is for people to actually get a foot on the housing ladder so any assistance we are able to offer is fantastic.

“Housing is a strategic priority for both councils. We need to free up council properties to help more people move off of the housing register so if you think may be able to do just that and eligible for one of these grants, then get in touch.”

And Councillor Jennie Jenkins, Babergh’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: “Both councils are delighted that our first family to take advantage of these grants have bought their house and are now enjoying family life in their new home.

“I am so pleased that we were successful in gaining this government funding. Babergh and Mid Suffolk tenants can now have access to a choice of homes on the open market which they may otherwise have not been able to afford. Anyone who thinks they could take advantage of this offer should contact us immediately.”

To apply for the incentive, tenants will need to show that the purchase of a property on the open market will be a sustainable one, they must have a clear rent account for the past 12 months, be purchasing a property that meets their current housing needs (all of the household must move into the new property) and prove that they can re-pay a mortgage.

For further information on this scheme – and to check eligibility – please contact Paulina Malinowska, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Home Ownership Officer: paulina. malinowska@baberghmidsuffolk. gov.uk / 01449 724753

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NEWS COMMUNITY GARDENS IN HOLBROOK Would anyone be willing to take part in community gardening in our village?

No need to be an expert. Any time you can give would be very useful.

Interested? Please contact Barbara Dutch: 01473 326911 / barbara.dutch@btinternet.com If there are a few people interested we shall hold a meeting to decide how to proceed.

FATHER CHRISTMAS DELIVERY… IN HOLBROOK If you would like your children to receive a present from Father Christmas on Christmas morning please leave a small, clearly labelled present with you child’s name and address with Millie Gilson at 11 Gifford Close (01473 327016) by Monday, December 21.

IN SHOTLEY Once again Father Christmas will deliver presents on Christmas morning, starting from Corner Garage at 7.30am and progressing around the village. Presents with the child’s name and address need to be delivered to Shotley Rose by December 22 together with a minimum donation of £1 per present for Shotley Kidzone. Presents should be no bigger than 25cms (10 inches) x 20cms (8in) x 5cms (2in).

SUFFOLK COAST GREETERS ‘Come as a guest, leave as a friend’ The Suffolk Coast has joined a major international tourism scheme and become part of the Global Greeter Network. ‘Greeters’ are now being invited to join the Suffolk Coast Network and provide an informal and friendly introduction for visitors, giving them a local insight into their town, village or favourite destination.

At the heart of the Greeter philosophy is for a meeting (a ‘greet’) to be a personal welcome from someone living or working locally to the area they love, free of charge. Greets typically last between two and four hours and take place in public spaces; they

are meant for individual visitors but can be arranged for groups of up to six people. It’s an opportunity for people from the Suffolk Coast to share their enthusiasm and to give visitors an insight into some of the favourite, maybe slightly obscure, facts about the area. No payment is offered but volunteers who wish to become ‘Greeters’ will be supported in their new role with the opportunity promoted nationally and internationally.

to the area and hope they’ll go back with tales to inspire others to visit, just as the Greeters motto says: Come as a guest – Leave as a friend. With help from our funders, the Coastal Communities Fund, we are exploring ways in which getting a little bit more involved with the place and the people can enhance a visitor’s experience, and ultimately, we hope, encourage people to visit again and again, supporting the local economy along the way.”

David Wood, Chairman of Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and himself a volunteer in Suffolk’s first crew of Greeters, said: “I just want to pass on a little bit of my passion, make people welcome

Fiona Johnson from Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation (DMO) said: “This is a great way to enrich the visitor experience. It gives that personal touch, enabling a tourist to see the Suffolk Coast through the

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

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

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eyes of a local and find out about the less obvious gems we have to offer. We know that abiding memories of a visit come from the way a person feels at home and welcomed to a place, and that is what Suffolk Coast Greeters will build on.”

As part of the Global Greeters Network, Suffolk Coast Greeters is now associated with such iconic destinations as New York City and Sydney. The scheme is hosted by Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. To find out more about becoming a Suffolk Coast Greeter please get in touch via www.suffolkcoastgreeters.org.uk or email: suffolkcoastgreeters@gmail.com

CAPTAIN BLOOD LANDS

sources which may help with a variety of issues and concerns you face within your caring role.

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

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

September at Holbrook Creek meant it was time for Captain Blood and his crew to arrive.

An excellent number of junior pirates and parents turned up for the event and participated in finding the treasure and competing in various rowing boat races. Burgers and hot dogs were cooked by his helpers and a very enjoyable time was had by all.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped to make the event so successful.

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Celebrating 16 years of serving the Shotley peninsula Your first choice for waxing and permanent hair removal, Shellac manicure and pedicure, Eve Taylor facials and massage, lash and brow treatments, Sienna X spray tanning.

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NEWS THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SHOTLEY Remembrance Parade at St Mary’s Church This year’s parade took place on a fairly mild morning of November 8. After preparing the church on the previous Friday and Saturday, the service went well. As usual, the music was performed by Suffolk Concert Band. The RBL Standard was carried by Will Ives, supported by the HMS Ganges Association Standard and the 1st Shotley Scout Group who attended in good numbers.

The congregation was up on last year and a good collection was made. As branch chairman, I would like to thank former branch president Jack Whelan, branch secretary Sarah Ives and branch treasurer Tony Slatter for carrying out the collection. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Army Cadets, Sea Cadet Corps, 1st Shotley Scout Group, RAF and RauxAF Regiment, Royal Navy, The RBL, the HMS Ganges Association, Merchant Navy, Shotley Parish Council and the Royal Netherlands Ambassador, as well as several personal ones for deceased loved ones.

The service, which was taken by Andrew Coulson, was well received including the ‘it will be alright on the night bits’.

Sarah and I also attended the school service on November 11. The service went very well indeed. Again we were honoured to be invited to attend.

As a footnote, the Legion were honoured to assist in the Village of the Year competition by showing the judges around the war graves at Shotley Naval Cemetery, Submariners Cemetery, Ganges and CWG Allied Cemeteries at St Mary’s Church. A big well done to all the other organisations and groups that helped Shotley secure the title.

Once again a big thank you to all who attended both Remembrance Services.

Brian Ives

NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, January 14, when we will be shut from 1pm. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Christmas opening We will be closed for Christmas from December 25 to 28 inclusive.

Please ensure you have enough medication to last over the Christmas period. If you are unwell over Christmas, as above, please ring 111 for advice or 999 if it’s an emergency.

First time heating project from Suffolk County Council We have contacted a number of patients with respiratory conditions regarding a limited, one-off grant that is available for those with no central heating. This includes those with only storage heaters. Eligibility is means tested.

For further information, please ring the local rate helpline: 03456 037 686.

Flu vaccinations Our four flu clinics saw 1,077 patients attend for their flu

vaccinations. We have, at the time of writing, vaccinated nearly double that number now but still have flu vaccinations available for those who are eligible. Please phone for an appointment if you haven’t yet had your vaccination or let us know if you wish to decline this for this year so that we can update our records.

CHRISTMAS COMPETITION We have been collecting unused medication at Shotley for the last six months and you may have seen our crate filling up. We will now have a competition to guess the cost of the medications collected.

These medications will be destroyed at additional cost.

Please let your GP know if you are no longer taking medications so they can be removed from your list.

With all the advice on Christmas and keeping warm above, we wish all our patients a happy and healthy festive season.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILLOR DAVID WOOD: PENINSULA WARD

Covering Shotley, Chelmondiston, Ewarton, Freston, Holbrook, Stutton, Brantham, Harkstead, Woolverstone & Tattingstone FIRE CUTS Suffolk County Council has announced its intended cuts to our Fire & Rescue Service. These are some of the most far reaching cuts ever seen in the Fire Service and in my opinion will leave us without fire cover in various parts of Suffolk throughout the day.

They are proposing the removal of seven fire engines throughout Suffolk, the closure of one fire station and the loss of several jobs. Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds will each lose one fire engine and several on-call firefighters while Ipswich will lose three fire engines, 20 fulltime fire-fighters and several on-call fire-fighters. Wrentham Fire

Station will close altogether while Sudbury (the scene of a devastating fire recently) will have one of its fire engines downgraded to a rapid response vehicle. One senior officer post and three civilian posts will also be lost.

These cuts will have a major impact on fire cover throughout Suffolk as it’s not unusual for several on-call stations to be unavailable throughout the day. Princes Street Fire Station in Ipswich has provided cover but with these proposed cuts this will no longer happen. Its establishment of 48 fulltime firefighters will be cut to 28, all its on-call fire-fighters will go and its three fire engines will be cut to just one.

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We have already been told on numerous occasions that Suffolk has one of the lowest cost and most efficient fire service’s in the country and yet it is to be faced with these massive cuts. One wonders will it be able to live up to its proud motto, Swift to Serve.

The county council is now engaged in a 14-week consultation period that ends on February 22. I urge you all to have your say. You can do so by accessing the online survey at www.opinionresearch.co.uk/ suffolkIRMP or by emailing: fireseviceredesign@suffolk.gov.uk You can also write to Service Redesign Programme Manager, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service HQ, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX.

Further information can be found on the county council website.

THIS IS YOUR FIRE SERVICE SO I URGE YOU ALL TO HAVE YOUR SAY.

LOCALITY FUND Through my Locality Fund I am able to allocate small grants to various organisations to help with various projects you might be involved in. So if you are looking for some funds to help your organisation out please feel free to contact me to see if I can help.

Councillor David Wood 01473 328269 / 07889 389443 / david.wood@suffolk.gov.uk

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NEWS HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Key points from October’s parish council meeting County Councillor David Wood reported that all of Holbrook should have access to high speed broadband by the middle of next year as a new cabinet has been installed in Heathfield Road. The proposed extension to the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB, which may include more of the peninsula, will be out for public consultation in the near future.

Reade Field A number of teenagers are congregating in the hazel copse and are displaying anti-social behaviours.

PCSO Adams has recommended that the copse be trimmed back. It was agreed that this has not been done for some years and would be of benefit to the planting in this area.

Councillors reported that a number of parishioners had commented on the amount of dog mess on Reade Field and that many dogs were off their leads. Apparently

parents were not letting their children use the playground because of the dog mess. This was also the case in Reade Road.

Relocation of the post box on Ipswich Road A meeting had been held with a representative of the Royal Mail following intervention by the local MP, Mr James Cartlidge. No decision has yet been made about an alternative location and the Royal Mail representative was sympathetic to the views of the parish.

The clerk will continue to pursue this issue.

Full minutes can be found at: www.holbrook.onesuffolk.net DOG FOULING The parish council has received a number of complaints about the amount of dog mess that is not being cleared up around the village and particularly on Reade Field near the children’s play area.

Dog mess is the most unaccept-

able and offensive type of litter on our streets. Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, it is dangerous. While rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness and seizures.

While many dog owners are caring, responsible individuals, there are still some people who do not clean up after their pets.

Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice. If the case goes to court this could set the owner or person in charge of the animal back £1,000. The law even states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.

The parish council has installed and pays to maintain a large number of dog waste bins around the village – please use them!

Locations of dog bins 1. Ipswich Road, just down The Cut

CHELMONDISTON PARISH COUNCIL www.chelmondiston.suffolk.gov.uk Planning applications Two recent applications have been granted by Babergh District Council.

B/15/01094/FUL – Hollingsworth Stores: Change of use of first floor apartment to A1 retail storage and erection of ground floor shop front extension.

B/15/01112/FHA – 28 Collimer Close, Chelmondiston: Erection of extensions and alterations (including additional off-road parking).

from these will contribute towards the cost of the skips. Landfill charges have gone up to £116 a tonne so we want to recycle as much as possible. The rebate we receive on textiles has dropped again, which is disappointing.

If you can’t get to the site on a Saturday and you have metal and other materials you would like to bring in, then give Alan a call on 01473 780654. Please remember we cannot take in televisions or gas canisters.

Help needed with general garden maintenance We are still looking for someone to take over grass cutting around the bus stops and general gardening around the village hall. For further details, please get in touch with the clerk. You will be paid!

January 2016 parish council meeting This will not now take place on the first Tuesday of the month. The date has yet to be set. There will be a notice on the noticeboards and on the website.

Thank you for your support.

All plans and information can be found on Babergh’s website.

Peninsula Community Recycling Centre The site is open on Saturday mornings, 8am-noon. We are considering putting in a bank to collect aluminium cans. In the meantime why not start collecting all your drink cans and dropping them off at the site? The revenue

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Fly tipping should be reported to Babergh DC: 01473 826622 environmental.protection@ babergh.gov.uk Fireworks Night Congratulations to the Chelpin Projects team (Community Council) who put the show together. Another successful night, despite the weather.

Members of the parish council A list can be found on the website and on the noticeboards.

Agendas and minutes of meetings can be found on the website.

Fran Sewell, clerk to Chelmondiston Parish Council 01473 780138 / clerk@chelmondistonpc.info

2. Ipswich Road, footpath entrance next to Garland Cottage 3. Church Hill, on Church Green opposite Hill Cottage 4. Fishponds Lane, near the footpath entrance 5. Five Acres, at Hyams Lane end just opposite the footpath to Alton Water 6. Heathfield Road, opposite the surgery 7. The Street, at the entrance to the community car park near the bowls club 8. Clifton Wood, opposite number 23 9. Petticoat Lane, on the corner of the footpath to Denmark Gardens near the Cabin Club 10. Woodlands Road, in the layby next to St Mary’s 11. Harkstead Road, at the Lower Holbrook car park Questions or comments about parish council matters should be addressed in the first instance to the clerk, Mrs Ferial Rolf: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / or leave a message on 07999 583017.

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.

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

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

Gippeswyk Singers are also presenting a spring concert featuring, amongst other choral pieces, the magnificent Nelson Mass, one of the most loved and well known choral works by Joseph Haydn, with four professional soloists on April 9, 2016 at St John’s Church, Felixstowe.

This thrilling choral music has become known as a celebration of Lord Nelson’s victory over Napoleon in 1798 and moves from dark and dramatic, through peaceful contemplation to joyful jubilation with much sparkling vocal vitality from the soloists supported by the Gippeswyk Singers chorus and Andrew Cantrill, a nationally acclaimed organist.

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

WANT TO DRAW BUT THINK YOU CAN’T? Many people think that they can’t draw but have a longing to do so.

Nick Carter is passionate in his belief that everyone can draw if given guidance, patience and encouragement.

Starting in January 2016 Nick is running drawing classes designed for the absolute beginner at his Chelmondiston Studio. This is not another art group, but is specifically tailored to people who are nervous of putting pencil to paper.

Each session will comprise of no more than two or three people. He is hoping that this will open up hidden talents residing inside of us. Nick has always been a practising artist and designer and has been fortunate to work in the creative sector throughout his career. He now wishes to help others to unlock their innate drawing capabilities.

There will be morning and afternoon sessions, 9.30am-12.30pm and 1-4pm. However, times can be tailored to accommodate individual needs.

Nick is offering an opportunity to restart with fresh eyes and to fulfil something that many of us have always wanted to do.

Contact Nick: 01473 780808 / nick@edgteam.co.uk

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STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC Thursday, December 3, 8pm Lecture by Professor John Deathridge – Historic Buildings, Magnificent Performances: Evoking the Lives of Great Classical Composers – at East Bergholt High School, Heath Road.

Tickets £10, students £5.

Professor Deathridge’s talk will incorporate the lives of some of the great composers and their important works into a treasure trove of recordings and slides to illustrate how they are linked. Two 'music' buildings in particular will be central to the talk and he will interpret the buildings in terms of the music we associate with them, exploring our memories in relation to these architectural creations. He will talk about a number of them such as the Royal Albert Hall, as well as one or two that no longer exist and some that never existed except as models.

The season continues with: • Sunday, January 10, 4pm Antara Duo (harp and flute) at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt • Sunday, January 31, 4pm David Owen Norris piano, Camilla Scarlett violin and Jonathan Byers cello at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt • Saturday, February 20, 7.30pm: Extra event Jazz concert: Beauty of the Bossa Nova with singer Georgia Mancio performing Brazilian jazz at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt • Sunday, March 13, 4pm Family Concert with Red Priest, Pirates of the Baroque, at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Tickets: weatheralld@btinternet.com / 01206 298426 / www.svam.org.uk

MONTHLY MARKET AT ST MICHAEL’S The Church on the Park, Woolverstone Saturday, December 12, 9am-12.30pm A special Christmas Market with seasonal music and seasonal food and drink.

The perfect opportunity to buy a whole range of products from local people including fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal birthday and Christmas presents.

Mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the lovely venue.

Harkstead Farmer’s Market Full of Christmas Cheer The date’s 19th December We hope that you’ll appear!

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OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY AND ERWARTON WI October’s meeting saw most of our members present, plus several welcome visitors. The president reminded us of the group meeting on Friday, October 23 at Tattingstone WI. The Over 70s party on December 7 was discussed, and anyone eligible was encouraged to give their name to a member of the WI so that they would receive an invitation.

Following the business, we were introduced to The Haughley Hoofers Ladies Clog Dancers.

An entertaining demonstration of several dances followed, and then members were invited to have a go. After bit of confusion, and much laughter, they managed as very creditable performance. A potted history of clog dancing was given. It is thought to have originated at the time of the Industrial Revolution, among the workers in the cotton mills. Due to the high humidity needed for the spinning, the floors were kept wet, so wooden clogs were worn. This was an excellent evening, and the group was thanked by Lyn Hicks.

There were many lovely entries in the competition, A Flower Arrangement in a Shoe. This was won by Sheila M. The raffle was drawn, birthday posies given out, and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

The group meeting was hosted

by Tattingstone and Wherstead WI. As we entered the hall we were surprised to see all the tables laid with pretty china cups and saucers and plates. We were entertained by The Kettle Girls, who gave an outstanding performance of a cappella music. I am sure even Gareth Malone would have been impressed. Refreshments were served – yes, you guessed, tea and cakes served on china. It was a lovely evening.

Thank you to all who organised it and helped to make it so enjoyable.

November 7 saw a willing group of ladies fill 90 Christmas shoe boxes, for Operation Christmas Child – a record number, well done. Thank you to everyone who donated items.

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1st SHOTLEY SCOUTS Church, Shotley. The service was taken by Andrew Coulson, and what a service! He talked a lot about pride. I can honestly say how proud I was with the attendance from all four of our sections and how well dressed in their uniforms and how well behaved they were.

Forthcoming meetings December 7: The Over 70s Christmas Party December 9: Popular Christmas Songs 1770-1970 with The Rev John Robinson. Competition is a decorated Christmas cake.

This is the last meeting of the year, which leaves us to say we hope you have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you in 2016.

Programme 2016 January 20: Serina Peartree on Aloe Vera. Competition – succulent plant.

February 24: Derek Davis with Peninsular Patter. Competition – photograph of somewhere on the peninsula.

March 16: David Padwick with Music and Memories.

Competition – a dressed peg doll depicting the 40s, 50s or 60s.

April 20: Barry Powell on Bee Keeping. Competition – make a honey cake, provide the recipe.

May 18: Heather Prince on Folk and Decorative Art. Competition – paint a plant pot.

June 15: David Ryan on One Pot Cooking. Competition – write a one pot recipe.

July 20: Evening outing – to be arranged.

August 17: Day outing – to be arranged.

September 21: Jason Wiltshire on the Development of his Farm and Cheese Business.

Competition – homemade cheese scone.

October 19: Richard Langridge on Medieval Poetry.

Competition – write a medieval Limerick.

November 18: AGM Competition – wrapped present December 14: Marian and Elaine on Christmas Make.

Competition – Christmas make.

Open day for new headquarters On Saturday, November 7, the 1st Shotley Scout Group had their grand opening of the new headquarters. The doors were opened and a steady stream of parents, children, grandparents and locals came through the doors to be greeted by masses of cakes, savouries and of course tea and coffee. There were games; play your cards right, guess the amount in the sweet jar (I can now reveal that there were 163 sweets in the jar) to name but a few.

We had displayed lots of photos around the walls – it’s so amazing to see all the wonderful things the children get up to.

One of my personal highlights, apart from getting to eat delicious cakes and scones, was being given a very special piece of paper.

Now I know you must think me quite mad but the paper had something very special printed on it. It was the original certificate of the group’s registration that was issued to 1st Shotley Scout Group way back in 1962. I must thank Mr and Mrs Bates for passing this on to me. A gentleman from Pin Mill has already given us a frame to put it in. It will have pride of place in our reception area.

The sale of coffee/cakes and games made a grand total of £123.

However, with other donations this grew to an amazing £540 and with the help of Mrs Keeble, Barclays will fund match it pound for pound to make a grand total of £1,080. I would like to thank all those who supported us and continue to do so.

We remember On Sunday, November 8, 1st Shotley Scout Group attended the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s

Special thanks must go to my standard bearers. This is not an easy job and one of my Beavers had even been practising in the garage with a broom handle. How well they did, I congratulate all who attended.

And back in sessions…

Beavers have been learning about space. They even created their own solar system outside and we had twinkling stars and flying asteroids.

They had an international evening which included making and eating welsh cakes, welly wanging, coin bingo and cheese rolling (Babybel anyone?).

Cubs have been busy cooking on altar fires. They made dampers and twists to eat. They had a new skills evening where they had ‘old school’ activities including tug of war, table tennis and jump rope.

Scouts have been orienteering in the dark; you may well have seen our brightly coloured flags hanging in random places. One of these ‘flags’ did manage to lose his bearings but has now safely returned to his brothers. Scouts have had their final camp for the year and what a camp. Weather is always an issue on scout camp but this never seems to dampen the scouts’ spirits.

Explorers have now had several sessions since starting in September. They have done many things, from fire lighting, Halloween dress up and Halloween games to map work and pioneering (making a fantastic, working catapult). Still to come, swimming and movie night.

If you would like any more information, please contact me, Steven Leach, on 01473 787416.

And finally …

1st Shotley Scout Group would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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SHOTLEY GATE CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sunday, December 13

There’s nothing quite like the sweet smell of mulled wine wafting across an area filled with Christmas goodies.

So you can imagine just how lovely the Shotley Christmas Festival at the Bristol Arms has been over recent years.

Children have enjoyed getting gifts from a very jolly Santa while parents have found some great presents and stocking fillers among the wonderful array of craft stalls, which have included jewellery, knitted toys and dolls and scorched engravings sending a personalised message. Fun has been had by all playing a variety of traditional games and skill challenges, and many have had a laugh trying to tame the Bucking Reindeer.

Of course being based at a pub means plenty of refreshments available with perennial favourites such as hot sausages, burgers and hog roast adding to the smell of roasted chestnuts and the ubiquitous mulled wine.

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OUT & ABOUT 1st SAMFORD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP (HOLBROOK) A fairly mild November has meant that the group has had plenty of opportunities to get outside.

Fifteen of our young people attended the Remembrance Sunday Service in Stutton and went on to carry their flags at the war memorial, dipping them for the Last Post. After the service we were able to chat with one of the churchwardens about getting together a working party of scouts to help when they next do some maintenance work on the churchyard.

Our scouts also held their own remembrance ceremony around a bonfire, burning a Guy made for them by the beavers for good measure. This prompted a discussion about the importance of freedom and democracy and the effects of war and peacekeeping and, by extension, the current situation in Syria.

We tested the scouts’ ability to think tactically and work in teams by sending them on a ‘Monopoly Run’ around Ipswich – do you visit several nearer, lower-value streets or fewer further away, but higher scoring streets? We hope they now have a taste for urban adventure and will get together a team for the London Monopoly Run in March.

Our cubs have also been outside, completing activities for their Local Knowledge badge. First they went on a ghost walk around Ipswich that was both unsettling (who’d have thought there’d be a plague pit underneath McDonald’s?) and instructive (do you know why there are only four continents

represented in the pargetting on Ancient House?). Closer to home, they have also been on a walk around Holbrook to see what it has to offer.

Not to be left out, the beavers have ventured outside too. For them it was some good, old-fashioned fun on the tobogganing slope at the ski centre.

Our indoor meetings have focused on practical activities. Our beavers have made a Guy, cooked up some breadstick sparklers and learnt to tie some knots. The cubs have done some interesting experiments, made paper for their science badge, and tried out traditional Indian crafts for Diwali.

Scouts tend to take a more rugged approach to crafts, so November has seen them carving spoons out of bits of branch (thank you to Gus Govett for showing them how) and making paracord survival bracelets.

Looking forward to December, most of our meetings will have a Christmassy theme. We’ll be making Christmas decorations to give to St Mary’s care home in Holbrook, and practising for and then performing a carol concert for the residents.

At Samford Valley we try to make sure our members have fun and adventures, and do their bit for the community. If you have a son or daughter who might like to join us (our members are aged six to 14), please ring Alison on 327691 or use the online contact form: www.samfordvalley.suffolkscouts. org.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday, December 7 Monday, January 4 Monday February 1

Angels plus Christmas celebration Make prick and stitch cards with Paula Smocking with a difference with Debbie

Other kits will be available each evening. Samples of each month’s project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

The Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Shotley social club (over 60s) Our next meeting is on Thursday, December 10. We hope this will be a very enjoyable afternoon, and everyone is invited. We start at 2pm and we are having hand bells being played for us.

When you first come into the hall, you will be offered wine, sherry or orange juice. This is a free afternoon but we are having a draw at £1 a strip. We have some lovely draw prizes, and at half time there will be cake, mince pies and sausage rolls. Also, if anyone would like to try playing hand bells you will be able to do so.

We will be open on December 24, but if anyone is going away on holiday at Christmas we wish you a lovely holiday, and we wish you all a lovely Christmas and a peaceful 2016.

Our first meeting in 2016 is on January 7, 1.50-4pm. Lifts are available. If more information is needed about the club please contact Norman and Eileen: 787358

CHELMONDISTON WI We are continuing to enjoy the WI Centenary Year. At our October meeting Chris Miller from the Suffolk Punch Trust shared the wealth of his knowledge about these magnificent creatures.

Some of our members also joined with Tattingstone WI for an enjoyable evening of light entertainment with The Kettle Girls in October.

Our president, Val Mann, took part in a well-supported march to Endeavour House to deliver the WI petition regarding the need for toilets at the Cattle Market in Ipswich, with people on buses and in cars cheering and clapping them on their way.

At the village fireworks the WI served hot chocolate and homemade cakes that were very popular with the crowd, and raised much needed funds to pay for our running costs.

In November we had our AGM and thanked Val Mann for three years as our president as she stepped down from the role. Pat Lakey is to be our next president and Caroline Giles our new secretary. The committee provided a delicious light buffet.

On December 8 we are looking forward to creating a Christmas ring to decorate our homes with the help of two talented flower arrangers from Chelmondiston.

On January 12 our own member, the very talented Caroline Giles, will be guiding us in making a greeting card.

It has been lovely to have several new ladies coming to our meetings in recent months. If you would like to join us, come any second Tuesday of the month at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at Chelmondiston Village Hall. You’ll be sure of a great welcome – and great cakes to go with your tea or coffee.

For information contact Ann (01473 780298) or Jill (01473 713534).

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OUT & ABOUT Shotley church heritage 700 CLUB October draw winners £25 £20 £15 £6 £5

036 090 104 033 095

Mrs A Perkins Mr M Stiff Mr M Warren Mrs J Nunn (Church Mrs E Bugg

New members are always welcome in the 700 Club. Cost is £1 a month. To join contact Norman: 787358

EAST SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND Last month we had a very informative and amusing talk about Halloween which was very much enjoyed by all. Next month our members are looking forward to their Christmas lunch at Hintlesham Hall Golf Club where they will be entertained by Brian Mann.

At a recent meeting, one of our members, Frank Norman from Holbrook, proudly displayed his commemorative Arctic Convoys medal. The medal was recently presented, under the instructions of President Putin, 70 years on, for the part that Frank and many others played in defeating Nazi Germany. Thousands of Allied seamen lost their lives as the British ships delivering supplies sailed in the unwelcoming, stormy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, under constant threat of attack from German u-boats and aircraft. So well done Frank.

This year we have been very fortunate in acquiring the services of a number of volunteers who help with catering and driving our members to the monthly meetings and we are extremely grateful for their help.

More drivers are always welcome. We meet in Stutton Community Hall on the last Wednesday afternoon of the month. If you feel you are able to help in any way please contact Barbara McDonald: 01473 328907 On behalf of the Shotley Peninsula Branch may we, as a committee, wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Shotley walking club On Sunday, November 8, six members did a three-and-a-half mile walk around Harkstead. Jay came with us after living in Spain for 16 years. She came on the first walk when the walking club was formed in February 1994, and on most of the walks before she moved to Spain.

We started from the village hall car park at Harkstead, passing River View Road and Church Lane, down Grove Lane, Rence Park and back, passing the signpost on which Erwarton is spelled Arwarton. The weather was very good, dull but quite mild.

Our next walk will be on December 13, our last walk this year. This will be a local walk, and new faces are welcome to join us. It starts at 2pm from Shotley Village Hall car park. We will walk down to Rose Farm Cottages and on to Shotley Gate. We are hoping to have our annual picnic if the weather is good. The January walk will also be in Shotley.

Give me a call if you are interested, or just turn up on the day. It costs nothing to walk with us.

Jill Nunn, 787504

Shotley whist drive Our upcoming drives are on Thursdays, December 3 and 17, and January 14, all from 1.50-4pm.

We are very friendly whist players and our whist drives are fun days. Of course we would all like to win, but as in everything there has to be losers. Everyone is made welcome. Our half time cakes are all homemade and very tasty.

If you are thinking about whether to come or not, please do so as we are sure you will have a lovely time. It costs £2 for the afternoon. If you need a lift, Norman will help.

For any other information please contact Norman and Eileen: 787358

Lorraine Parry, chairperson

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next talk on December 9 will be It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Eve Regelous.

In October Gerald Jenkins gave a talk on plant heritage. Mainly concentrating on the carnation family, he explained how he has set up a seed bank and propagation area where he has effectively become the custodian of disease free varieties to maintain their heritage.

Future talks include: History of Advertising; Lady Alice de Breyne; NT Coast of East Anglia; Secrets of the Royal Jewels; Galapagos Islands and dive.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. After the August and February meetings, we normally hold a members’ lunch – funds permitting.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

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JOIN US AND FIND OUT WHY 100s ALREADY HAVE Could you spare some time to help with Rainbows, Brownies or Guides?

Our volunteers give girls, and themselves, the opportunity to build their confidence, raise their aspirations and have fun. They run activities that give the girls the opportunity to realise their potential, learn new skills and make new friends.

There are a lot of ways that you can volunteer with Girlguiding, it’s flexible and can be tailored to fit around your busy lifestyle. No matter how much or how little time you have, every hour counts.

Rainbows are girls aged five to seven, Brownies are girls aged seven to 10, Guides are girls aged 10 to 14.

If you are interested in volunteering with Girlguiding or if you have a daughter who would like to join, please email our district commissioners on for further help and information: baberghandsamford@gmail.com You may also register your interest online and fill in the details on the Join Us section: www.girlguiding.org.uk

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Christmas & New Year

Waste & Recycling Collection Schedule 2015/16 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

IMPORTANT CHANGES

Due to the bank holidays during the Christmas and New Year period it has been necessary to amend the usual collection schedules. Please see below for your revised collection days.

Please ensure your bins are presented by 06.30am on the day of collection.

Usual Collection Day Monday 21 December 2015 Tuesday 22 December 2015 Wednesday 23 December 2015 Thursday 24 December 2015 Friday 25 December 2015 Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Friday 1 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016

Revised Collection Day No Change No Change No Change No Change Monday 28 December 2015 Tuesday 29 December 2015 Wednesday 30 December 2015 Thursday 31 December 2015 Saturday 2 January 2016 Monday 4 January 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 Wednesday 6 January 2016 Thursday 7 January 2016 Friday 8 January 2016 Saturday 9 January 2016

Recycling collection this week

Rubbish collection this week

All brown bin collections are suspended for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. Please check www.babergh.gov.uk for details.

From Monday 11th January normal waste and recycling collections resume

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Recent meetings On Wednesday, November 4 Joy Bounds presented a most topical talk entitled The Ipswich Suffragettes and Tom Hodgeson’s presentation entitled Colchester Castle 2015 two weeks later was much enjoyed by members.

Future meetings On Wednesday, December 2 Tom Stanbury will introduce us to the delights of The East Anglian Railway Museum and two weeks later on December 16 Robin Finch will entertain members.

We now meet at the St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree.

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs, and involve members at minimal cost.

The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and to providing the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month in Manningtree at 10.30am. For further details please contact our secretary, Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

SHOTLEY GARDENING CLUB Ian Seager made a welcome return as our speaker on November 9. He began his presentation by telling us why many deciduous trees and shrubs change their colours, why and how they then drop their leaves in the autumn and why this glorious colour change is different in different years: a very interesting, clear and botanical explanation.

He then gave us a wonderful slideshow of trees in their full autumn glory, describing their varieties and showing how they illustrate the science from his talk. The slide show made me want to visit the National Arboretum or Sheffield Park in autumn, where many of his photographs were taken.

Did you know that the colours are there all the time but masked by the chlorophyll? They are revealed as the shortening days, lower temperatures and lessening light intensity cause the chlorophyll to degenerate and there they are: the underlying reds, yellows, oranges, purples, bronzes and russets, just waiting to show themselves.

The competition of a homemade chutney was won by Sheila Mower.

We hope that those members who were unable to make this meeting will be with us for our Christmas party on December 14.

The competition is to be a plate of six sweet biscuits (to be eaten at the party along with all the other delicious offerings).

In January we will, as usual, be going out for a new year meal.

Karen will have a menu for us to choose from in December, and will have more news of the plans for the holiday in 2016.

Our next speaker will be Martin Sanford who will be telling us about Hedgerows, Herbs and Medicine on February 8. If this catches your interest then why not come along. For a small fee of £1 you can be a welcome visitor.

June Edwards

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CHELMONDISTON PLAYGROUP Chelmondiston Playgroup continues to thrive and has recently welcomed some new little faces and their grown-ups to the group. It’s a busy time of the year for the playgroup with some fundraising and some partying.

In December the children will be wearing their Christmas jumpers and having a Christmas party, not just to have fun, but also to raise money for charity. This year the playgroup’s charity is TEXT SANTA which supports Make a Wish and Macmillan Cancer Support. What a busy term as they will also have to fit in a sponsored wheeled push to fundraise for their communication and literacy resources. On November 28 they are having a Christmas Bazaar, a fun filled morning with stalls, games and yummy things to buy, eat and drink. Another event for the children is their nativity play. This year the play is Away in a Manager.

In October the playgroup committee held their annual general meeting and welcomed some new committee members. The chair of the committee is hoping to step down from her role during the year, mainly because of her own career demands. Unfortunately none of the current committee members are able to step into this position at the moment so we are looking for a new chair. This is a really rewarding position, great to put on your CV and a good way to gain and build on experiences such as chairing meetings, organising fundraising events and working as part of a team and having a position of responsibility. The meetings are pretty informal and generally take place twice termly. This position would be a lovely opportunity for somebody linked to the playgroup as it provides the chance to work with the team at the playgroup to bring fresh ideas and invest in the future of the provision. The staff and committee are all very supportive and it is a very positive experience.

Anyone interested in taking on the role of the chair should contact the playgroup manager, Lavinia, for an informal chat. You don’t need to be current parent or carer, you may be an ex playgroup parent or grandparent or maybe have worked with children. If you have been a stay at home parent this could be an excellent opportunity to update your skills and add to your CV. The playgroup telephone number is 780948.

STUTTON PRIMARY SCHOOL We are very pleased to announce that our new website is now live. It is still a work in progress and bits and pieces of information and news are being added as we write. However, hopefully it will give you a flavour of the school and its activities.

We would welcome any feedback you may have on the website and contents. Are you able to find all the information you need? Is the site easy to navigate? What about the colours and design? Please let us know what you think using the email address below.

Our very active PTA organised a lovely Halloween Party for the children last month and they are now busy making preparations for the Christmas Fair, which is being held at the school on Saturday,

December 5, noon-3pm. Santa will be in his grotto and there will be a wide variety of arts and crafts for you to browse through for those last minute presents. Come and join us.

Don’t be alarmed if you see a herd of reindeer running around the school field on December 9 – the children will be wearing their antlers while trying to complete as many laps as possible of the school field to raise funds to support St Elizabeth’s Hospice.

Our final event of the term will be our Christmas Service in St Peter’s Church on Friday, December 18 at 8.45am, where the children will present a short Christmas musical play. Everyone is welcome.

01473 328531 / ad.stutton.p@talk21.com www.stutton.suffolk.sch.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pts For 99 98 98 88 95 92 81 65

Pts Against 83 76 91 96 97 77 98 8

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

HOLBROOK BOWLS CLUB Holbrook Bowls Club would like to thank all members and friends for their support over the past 12 months. Our carpet bowls section and our monthly whist drives (last Saturday in the month) will continue over the winter months. For more details contact John Withers: 328125 After Christmas, we will be looking to tempt folks (any age or ability) to think about joining us to play on the outdoor green, starting in April 2016. For more details contact Peter Abbott (780525) or Ray Thurston (328755).

Finally, we wish you all good health and cheer for the festive season.

FANCY A SWIM? Shotley Peninsula Swimming Club is now celebrating its 12th year.

Over that time the club has provided evening swimming sessions for hundreds of people living in the area to enjoy a leisurely swim in an excellent facility in Woolverstone.

At present there are nearly 200 members swimming in seven sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The year is divided into quarterly sessions and members pay per session.

We swim for all kinds of reasons, from training for triathlon events to enjoying the social benefits of meeting other people. But most of us just want to become and stay a little fitter. We are not a competitive club.

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To join you need to be over 18 and a competent swimmer. With Christmas upon us, it might be a excellent time to consider joining us while we have spaces available before the January blues set in, aided by the belief the scales need replacing because they must be totally misreading! Or you might just like the idea of swimming in a warm pool on a bleak winter’s day.

If it appeals we offer a free taster session. Of course you might even be looking for a present for a loved one. What better than a gift of a session of swimming?

If you would like to find out more please contact our secretary: 07546 528336 / spsc@btinternet.com

Okay – can’t ignore it any more – Christmas is approaching and the club will be throbbing with activity for its members, young and old, plus opening its doors to the community as a whole for the usual Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve and hosting the Morris Dancing on Boxing Day. In the meantime, we have had a ball, a Trafalgar Night celebration when members rose to the occasion and dressed up, Halloween when yet more inventive dressing up was in evidence and, as we are still very much a sailing club, a talk by David Jillings on his adventures taking his Drascombe Longboat across to Holland, Germany and Denmark which kept his audience enthralled.

Watch this space for more action and entertainment. www.pmsc.org.uk / Facebook: PMSCSocial

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

REMAP is an established national charity which designs, makes or adapts equipment for adults and children with disabilities.

Every year REMAP helps about 4,000 UK individuals in this way, helping them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.

All clients are fully consulted about their needs. A piece of equipment is then designed and made to solve their specific problem. Some devices are made from scratch – others are modifications or attachments to standard products. Sometimes it may only be advice that is required.

All of this is achieved by a network of some 1,000 volunteers organised into about 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

REMAP volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers as well as DIY enthusiasts.

You may think that companies already exist to help people with disabilities and you would be correct. However, the difference is that REMAP is not a commercial organisation and is not in competition with them. More importantly, our volunteers will determine a solution for the very specific need of the individual which cannot be satisfied by any current product that may exist. Also by working closely with the client and their family or their support service the needs can be better understood and targeted.

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

Finally, we never ask for payment and our services are free to the user.

We do however welcome voluntary donations to cover costs of materials.

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

Bob Barnett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHURCH NEWS TWO RIVERS BENEFICE SHORELINE BENEFICE ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, CHELMONDISTON December 6 9.15am December 13 9.15am December 20 9.15am

7.30pm December 24 3.30pm

11.30pm

December 25 9.15am December 27 9.15am

Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Carols by Candlelight Crib Service Benefice Midnight Communion at Harkstead Family Communion Benefice Holy Communion

ST MARY’S CHURCH, ERWARTON December 6 11am December 13 11am December 20 11am December 24 6pm 11.30pm

December 25 11am December 27 9.15am

Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Nine Lessons and Carols Benefice Midnight Communion at Harkstead Holy Communion Benefice Holy Communion at Chelmondiston

ST MARY’S CHURCH, HARKSTEAD December 6 9.30am December 13 9.30am December 20 5pm

December 24 11.30pm December 25 10am

December 27 9.15am

Holy Communion Christingle Service Carols by Candlelight Benefice Midnight Communion Family Communion Benefice Holy Communion at Chelmondiston

ST MARY’S CHURCH, SHOTLEY December 6 10.45am December 13 10.45am December 20 4pm

December 24 4pm

11.30pm

December 25 10am December 27 9.15am

Christingle Service Holy Communion Carols by Candlelight Crib Service Benefice Midnight Communion at Harkstead Family Communion Benefice Holy Communion at Chelmondiston

ST PETER’S CHURCH, STUTTON December 6 8am

6pm December 13 9.30am December 20 9.30am

6pm

December 24 11.15pm December 25 9.30am December 27 11am

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, HOLBROOK December 6 9.30am Holy Communion December 13 9.30am Matins

3.30-5.30pm Messy Church December 20 8am Holy Communion

10am Carols followed by refreshments

4.30pm Carols at the Swan December 24 6pm Crib service December 25 9.30am Holy Communion December 27 11am Benefice Service in Woolverstone

ST MICHAELS, WOOLVERSTONE November 29 10am-3pm

December 6 11am December 13 11am December 20 11am December 21 7pm December 25 11am December 27 11am

Benefice event in Stutton Village Hall.

St Luke’s Gospel with drama and music.

Lunch provided Café church Holy Communion BCP Matins 1662 Village family carol service Family Holy Communion Benefice Communion service

ST MARY’S CHURCH, WHERSTEAD December 6 11am December 13 December 20 4pm December 24 4pm December 25 11am December 27 11am

Holy Communion No Service Carols Service Christingle Service Holy Communion Benefice Service in Woolverstone

ST PETER’S CHURCH, FRESTON December 6 11am December 13 4pm December 20 December 24 No Service December 25 11am December 27 11am

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Holy Communion Christingle Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Carols followed by mince pies and mulled wine Holy Communion Holy Communion Benefice Service in Woolverstone

Matins Carols by candlelight No Service Holy Communion Benefice Service in Woolverstone

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CHURCH NEWS CHELMONDISTON AND HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES CHRISTMAS AT THE METHODIST CHAPEL AND ALL SAINTS PARISH CHURCH IN HOLBROOK Sunday, November 29, Advent Sunday – Lighting the first Advent Candle • 10am-4pm: Benefice Service at Stutton Community Hall – a celebration of the Gospel of St Luke. Come and go as you like – refreshments.

• 10am: Advent Sunday Service at the Methodist Chapel with Alicia Holmes

Sunday December 13, Advent Three – Lighting the third Advent Candle • 9.30am: Matins Service at All Saints • 10am: Gift Service at the chapel with Charlie Connor. Receiving gifts for MENCAP. • 3.30-5pm: Messy Christmas at All Saints – Christmassy activities, crafts and games and lots of singing.

Wreath Making • December 3 at the Methodist Chapel, 7.30pm • December 4 at the chapel, 10am

Wednesday, December 16, 11am-4pm: Christmas Knit In at the chapel

Saturday, December 5, 10-11.30am: Christmas Coffee Morning at the chapel in aid of MENCAP. Free hot, spicy mulled drink for everyone.

Sunday, December 6, Advent Two – Lighting the second Advent Candle • 9.30am: Communion Service at All Saints.

Final day to receive gifts for FIND. • 10am: Worship at the chapel.

Roger Hulford shares his work with street children in Bolivia.

Friday, December 18, 7.30pm: Carols at the Compasses. Join us for carol singing in the old tradition of spreading the ‘Good News’ followed by coffee and mince pies.

Sunday, December 20, Advent Four – Lighting the fourth Advent Candle • 8am: Holy Communion at All Saints • 10am: Family Nativity Service at the chapel • 10am: Celebration of Carols at All Saints, followed by mulled wine, sausage rolls and festive sweets – a pre-Christmas treat with the Friends of All Saints.

• 4.30pm: Carols at the Swan. Join us for carol singing in the old tradition of spreading the ‘Good News’ followed by coffee and mince pies.

Tuesday, December 22, 7pm: Carols by Candlelight Service at the Methodist Chapel.

Hot, spicy mulled drink followed by mince pies Christmas Eve • 6pm: Crib Service at All Saints. Carols and time for the children to lay up the crib.

• 11.30pm: Midnight Communion at the chapel. A time of peace and reflection.

• 11.30pm: Midnight Communion at Stutton.

A time of peace and reflection.

Christmas Day • 9.30am: Christmas Communion at All Saints • 10.30am: Family Service at the Methodist Chapel Happy Christmas from us all.

CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Sunday 6 10.45 am

6.15 pm Sunday 13 10.45am

6.15pm Sunday 20 10.45am

6.15pm Friday 25 10am Sunday 27 10.45am

Communion with The Rev Sankey Worship with The Rev Martin Dawes Worship with Dr Liz Cope Worship with Martin Ellis Worship with The Rev Mike Allen Carol Service with The Rev Sankey Christmas Worship with David Cordle Worship with The Rev Derek Grimshaw

FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE What sort of year has it been for you? Are you in good health or have you suffered a little or much? Have you experienced bereavement this year, still grieving loss? Have you lost your job, your home, a friendship? Or have things fallen into place for you, new opportunities, new relationships, joy and love? I guess many have a mixture of emotions.

On the day of writing this article, Sierra Leone has been declared free of Ebola. Christmas will be celebrated without Ebola, but the pain of loss won’t go away for the relatives and friends of the 28,600 who have died of Ebola.

World AIDS Day was called by the United Nations on December 1, 1988.

Research, conferences and huge sums of money have led at last to the reduction. Since the millennium new infections are down by 35% and in children down by 55%. Millions now can access treatment and live full and active lives. In the past 10 years AIDS related deaths have reduced by 30%, but it was still 1.2 million in 2014.

In 2012 there were still an estimated 35 million people living with HIV, so although millions are receiving drug treatment, there is a vast inequality of access to this life saving therapy. The poorest and marginalised communities are still suffering, and compassionate people need to do what we can. I’m grateful for the lead of people like Elton John.

Those without hope of treatment almost certainly have a death sentence hanging over them. Those receiving this treatment have hope. World AIDS Day is a reminder that we can do something to help poor and marginalised people. Whether you are in Sierra Leone this Christmas without fear of Ebola, or in a poor community which is just receiving medicines for healing, hope has been rekindled.

The day this magazine is published, December 1, we will be observing World AIDS Day. I worked in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and early 1990s.

We learnt new words – HIV+ and AIDS. I founded a local branch of the Family AIDS Caring Trust to provide education about AIDS in schools and the workplace to prevent the spread of HIV. We employed two people to provide counselling for HIV positive patients in our local hospital. One of our staff was already HIV+. At that stage with no antiretroviral drugs it was an almost certain death sentence.

The Christmas story reminds me that it was a poor marginalised group of people, the shepherds, who first received the message of a Saviour born for this world. Their response was to find Jesus and worship him and then to spread this amazing news. They discovered a hope that changed their lives. They saw something beyond their difficulties that gave them hope, a belief there was a God who loved them despite their mistakes, knew what they went through and had a plan for them. The Christian faith doesn’t protect you from ill health or bereavement, but gives companionship on the journey. Whatever this past year has been like for you, I invite you to join us to worship Jesus and discover one who gives hope, not just for next year, but forever.

100% of soldiers from our local barracks returning from a war in Mozambique tested HIV+. People we knew were dying, including one of our ‘adopted’ Zimbabwean daughters. It is a predominantly heterosexual problem in Zimbabwe and children were often born HIV+. The first

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Chelmondiston, Holbrook and Capel Methodist Churches) 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07726 299968

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH, BRANTHAM Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up to date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the church front door.

the ordinary people, along with the media, who are way behind the religious leaders in our attitudes to others who are different.

Also in October there was the launch, at a reception in the House of Lords, of a report by the charity Aid to the Church in Need (www. acnuk.org) highlighting the extent of persecution and discrimination against Christians in many countries simply because of their faith and religious practice. Why we must ask and why do we not use our influence in our dealings with these countries to protest about the offences against human dignity and religious freedom?

Diary dates

Services for December 2015

Tuesday 1 9.30am Morning Prayer

10am Mass Sunday 6

9am

Mass – Second Sunday of Advent

Tuesday 8

9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR, 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment. All are very welcome to join us. We will not meet in December so the next coffee morning is on January 28.

Sunday 13

9am

Mass – Third Sunday of Advent

100 Club, now renamed the 200 Club

Tuesday 15

9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

As we continue to grow and now have 134 numbers taken the club has been renamed. The club was set up to raise much need funds to support the life and mission of our parish and we welcome new members. Already a member? Then why not take out another number? Application forms may be found at the back of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk

Sunday 20 9am

Mass – Fourth Sunday of Advent / Children’s Liturgy

Tuesday 22

Morning Prayer Mass

9.30am 10am

Thursday 24 5.30pm

8pm

11pm Friday 25

Children’s Mass, St Joseph’s Chapel, Ipswich Mass, Holy Family, Brantham Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich

9am Mass at Brantham – Christmas Day 11am Mass at St Mark’s Ipswich

Sunday 27 9am

Mass – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

Tuesday 29

Morning Prayer Mass

9.30am 10am

Catholic Commentary Sometimes it seems the practice of religion in Britain is a no-go area for many people, but we should not be mistaken about what we lose if our Christian roots and religious habits are replaced by secular ideologies.

In October the Catholic Church marked the 50th anniversary of Nostra aetate (In our Time), the landmark encyclical about relations with other faiths which endorses religious freedom. Often it is ourselves,

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A very successful autumn garden tidy up took place on Saturday, November 7. Grateful thank you to all those who gave their time to help.

The next monthly draw is planned to take place at Holy Family after mass on Sunday, December 20 when the prize pool will be £133.

Children’s Liturgy Children are very welcome to join the Liturgy of the Word that takes place on the third Sunday of each month.

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are being asked to collect used postage stamps, ALL YEAR, not just at Christmas and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please contact him if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services.

All are very welcome at Holy Family, Brantham All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services. It’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic Faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know to be a Catholic.

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