In Touch with Sproughton - November 2015

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with Burstall & Sproughton

Volume 6 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2015

Image by Andrew Bloomfield

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NEWS

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:

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“How lucky am I to have something 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

FIRST AID COURSE FOR SPROUGHTON RESIDENTS The parish council have kindly agreed in principle to support a first aid course run by St John Ambulance.

I have agreed to organise if there are enough people who wish to train. I want to aim this course at all organisations in the village so that they have someone ready in case of an emergency: e.g. the over 60s club, the barn and shop and its users, the lunch club, tennis, bowls and football clubs, church members and individuals who want to update their knowledge.

The use of defibrillators will be shown too.

We ran a course a few years ago with 15 people training, but these would be out of date now.

If you are interested please contact June Webb: 17 Church Lane / juniperwebb@tiscalli.co.uk / 01473 742778

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.

with Burstall & Sproughton

In Touch with Burstall & Sproughton is published by:

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by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . town” series of magazines.

Hadleigh NEW East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

DECEMBER DEADLINE

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

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NEWS SPROUGHTON MILLENNIUM GREEN WORK PARTIES A reminder that our work parties continue up until Christmas: Saturday, November 21 and Saturday, December 19, 10am-noon.

Please come along and pitch in. No special experience required, and you will be made very welcome.

For more information, please call Ken Seager: 01473 741410

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.

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 • 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

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 ex-offenders 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 (10pm-7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.

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NEWS HELP OLDER PEOPLE IN SUFFOLK STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER Fuel Payment to help those desperately in need of extra support during the 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.

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.

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 20142015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county.

Suffolk Community Foundation is now asking you to pledge your Winter

• 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

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350

We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Thank you to all who came to our coffee morning at Sproughton Church Hall on September 25. We raised £189.64.

This will be our last coffee morning for Macmillan Nurses who one again, thank you.

Olive and Doreen

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.

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY SUEZ, the new name for SITA UK, the company which runs the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility, has been listed in the Archant Green 100.

The list, which is compiled by the publishers of the East Anglian Daily Times and the Eastern Daily Press, celebrates the efforts being made by 100 Suffolk and Norfolk businesses that are actively leading the way in sustainable and environmental business practice.

All the companies on the list will feature in a green supplement in both papers, and have been invited to a green conference at the Orbis Energy Centre in Lowestoft.

The site is also in line for another national

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award. It has been short-listed in the British Construction Industry Awards in the major civil engineering project of the year category.

In the meantime, the site’s first major shutdown to allow all of the equipment to be thoroughly inspected, maintained and cleaned, takes place from October 25 until November 17. Around 50 extra contractors are expected on site during the shut down, but there is not expected to be any impact on local residents. Work on the two lines will be staggered, so there will only be a few days when the site is shut-down completely, and waste will continue to arrive throughout.

The site’s community liaison group, which

includes parish council representatives and local residents, is looking for new members.

The group meets quarterly and provides an opportunity for local people to hear about developments on the site and to ask any questions. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 15. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Manda Henry: 01473 8368321 / manda.henry@sita.co.uk Useful contact numbers Site offices: 01473 839149 Site control room: 01473 836828 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910

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

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

The Stage

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

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NEWS SPROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL The parish council’s last full council meeting was held on Wednesday, October 7. Draft minutes can be found oat http://sproughton.onesuffolk. net/parish-council and on the noticeboards on the village green (Lower Street) and Hadleigh Road.

The next scheduled meeting of the council is on Wednesday, November 11 at 7.30pm in the Barley Room at Sproughton Tithe Barn. Agendas can be found on the council’s website and noticeboards. Meetings normally conclude by 9pm. Members of the public are always welcome to attend.

PROPOSED WOLSEY GRANGE DEVELOPMENT The parish council held a public meeting in the Tithe Barn on September 3 in order to increase awareness within the community of the proposal, its content, the likely impacts, the process of determining the application, to hear views of those attending and to discuss concerns.

The meeting was well attended with approximately 120 residents contributing to the evening’s discussions. I think it correct to say that all who spoke were concerned about the impacts the proposal would have on the community. The meeting asked our district councillors to seek an extension to the formal consultation period, this they did, and the revised date of September 18 was agreed by Babergh.

The parish council met on September 16 to further discuss the matter, consider matters raised by residents at the September 3 meeting and to agree a formal response to be sent to Babergh by the revised deadline.

A detailed letter of objection was agreed and submitted to Babergh on September 17. The response is extensive and goes to 25 pages of detail.

You can see a copy on the parish council’s website. We are working closely with neighbouring parishes to understand their concerns and to develop coordinated further responses as necessary.

A common theme of concern is transport and the impact of traffic on communities and road infrastructure. According to Suffolk County Council, traffic assessment work is ongoing, but the parishes remain very concerned that cumulative impacts from other planned and likely developments in the vicinity have not, and are not being taken into account. Consequently, Sproughton Parish Council has asked to meet County Councillor James Finch who is Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Suffolk to discuss the issue. Councillor Finch has agreed to meet, and at time of going to press a date had not been set, but its likely to be the end of October / early November.

2016 BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS This year, the awards are to include the Mid Suffolk area. Applications are being sought for a number of different categories of award. The four categories are: Rising Star, Community Hero, Action in the Community and Outstanding Local Business. Nomination forms have to be submitted to Babergh / Mid Suffolk at Needham offices by noon on December 31. If you know of anyone, group or business please let the clerk know. Details of the awards scheme can be found on Babergh’s website.

RECENT RESIGNATION It was with sadness that the council received the resignation of Councillor Vic Durrant. Vic has applied himself diligently to many community tasks and most recently was the chairman of the transport panel. Very grateful thanks go to Vic for his service to the community and it is fully understood that he wishes to spend more time with family and on personal matters.

Thank you, we wish you well.

VACANCIES STILL EXIST FOR PARISH COUNCILLORS There are now eight councillor seats remaining vacant on the council.

We intend to have a stall at the forthcoming craft fair in the barn on November 7 (see page 13), so come and see us. Have you been thinking about joining, but remain hesitant or unsure, need to know more? Take a look at the council’s website, and find the answers.

Simon Curl, chairman Sproughton Parish Council, 01473 747114 Sue Frankis, clerk to the council, 01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk Please call between 9am and 5pm weekdays only. In an emergency outside these hours you can contact the chairman.

DATES FOR YOUR 2016 DIARY 8th Sproughton Beer Festival: May 14 & 15 Community celebrations for HM Queen's 90th Birthday: June 11

For more details visit: • www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/proposed-developments/england/suffolk/ ipswich/chantry-vale • https://planning.babergh.gov.uk/online-applications/ NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN In response to earlier information distributed within the community, five volunteers have come forward to assist with developing ideas and moving this forward. If you are interested, feel that you could add something to the community and would like to be part of the group, please contact the parish clerk.

RECENT GRANTS AWARDED The parish council is able to issue grants to Sproughton organisations for support and benefit of residents. This is allowed under S137 of the Local Government Act, and the council responds to requests received. Recently, a grant of £200 was awarded to Sproughton Senior Citizens Club to assist with running expenses, and the council is currently considering a request for financial assistance to train community first aiders (see page 3).

FELIX THORNLEY COBBOLD AGRICULTURAL TRUST LAND The trust owns land in and around Sproughton, including the allotments and the adjacent fields and Hope Farm. A rumour had been spread that there was going to be a traveller site developed on their land. Agents for the trust have refuted this and are clear that there is no intention and no proposal for such use of their land. It is understood that, in response to Babergh’s recent ‘Call for Development Sites’, the trust did put forward land for consideration.

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NEWS SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP Something for everyone Ever since we opened, the shop has been re-using old plastic bags.

Times are changing and the plastic bag may soon be history. Although we are not obliged to comply with the new legislation we want to work with the spirit of the act. So bring your own bags with you or buy one of our lovely cloth bags. For some time we’ve been offering white cotton bags with our name on for £1 each. As part of the new venture, we will now replace your £1 cloth bag for free when you return it worn out (the bag, that is, not you). Depending upon use, our cloth bags seem to last for about a year. If you are desperate we will, of course, sell you a new fully biodegradable plastic bag for 5p.

Good news! We now have a new supplier of newspapers who offers us more flexibility. This means that we will usually have a modest number of unreserved papers for sale each day. You can still place a regular order for newspapers or magazines with us if you wish, and we can now respond to holiday absences or temporary requirements. Would you like to see popular magazines such as TV Times on sale? Let us know on 747768.

We are now offering fruit pies made by Daphne’s Home Cooking of Hadleigh. They are to be found in the chiller. Try Daphne’s Apple and Blackberry pie: they’re delicious. We stock both fresh and frozen pies – take a look in the chiller (right-hand end) or in the freezer.

When I started as a shop volunteer some years ago I was surprised to see flowers and plants on offer. Why, I thought, would anyone want to go to a little village shop instead of to a fully-fledged garden centre?

Well, my eyes have been opened. Sproughton Community Shop gets its plants from Katie’s Garden at Waldingfield and Katie’s products always do well. Just lately we’ve been selling lots of pansies and violas.

Looking ahead, we plan to have presentation baskets of hyacinths and primulas ready for Christmas.

Talking of Christmas – a thing for which shopkeepers are well known – our Traidcraft products are proving very popular. Come and take a look at our Traidcraft catalogue and samples. There are plenty of ideas for unusual and good quality Christmas presents which bring happiness to the recipient, the giver and the makers. Come in and have a look and place your orders.

Meats can always be ordered from our supplier, Grangeworth Quality Farm Foods of Woodbridge. Short of ideas for a special dinner party?

Why not try venison or pheasant – or even goose? Now there’s a seasonal meal with a difference! But continuing with the Christmas theme, our suppliers ask for orders of Christmas turkeys to be placed

by December 1. They supply all sorts, as whole birds or just crowns.

They are all bred locally and are really delicious.

Finally, don’t forget the Christmas Gift and Craft Fair in the Barn on Saturday, November 7 (see page 13), or the fantastic fireworks on the Millennium Green on Friday, November 6 (see page 3).

Simon Lavington, volunteer www.sproughtoncommunityshop.co.uk

TALKING TURKEY AND PILGRIMS

The turkey was reputedly served at the first-ever Thanksgiving in New England in the autumn of 1621, an event shared by the indigenous people on their continent, with food prepared from the bounty of their hunts and agricultural acumen for their new ‘friends’ the Pilgrims. It would have included such now well-known foods as corn, pumpkin, an assortment of wild berries and potatoes, and probably venison and fish.

2 onions, chopped ½ bunch celery, including tops if desired, chopped 1 good-sized bunch fresh parsley, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 6 rashers smoked bacon 4 mugfuls chicken stock OR 2 mugfuls chicken stock and 2 mugfuls white wine 2 eggs, beaten 1 Tbsp dried sage 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp salt, or less

The well-known ship that carried these people, The Mayflower, was the most famous of Pilgrim ships, being the first of those escaping religious persecution not only from England, but the continent as well.

It launched form Harwich, Essex, stopping in ports along the South coast before embarking to America and landing in what they named Plymouth.

The year was 1620. In honour of the occasion, Harwich, just opposite Felixstowe and Shotley Peninsula, will begin celebrations in 2016, just preceding the 400th anniversary of that famous sailing.

Chop bacon into 1” lengths and fry until crispy in a little oil. Set aside to drain on a kitchen towel. Fry the chopped vegetables in the same oil as the bacon at a low temperature until transparent. Pour it all into the bowl of bread crumbs, along with the bacon bits and seasonings, and stir until well distributed. Mix in the chicken broth and wine, and add beaten eggs only when the mixture is no longer hot. At this stage you may wish to add chopped pecans, chopped, cooked chicken or turkey giblets, chipolata pieces or chopped cooked chestnuts.

So, this month’s recipe comes from the origins of the turkey, North America, as a favourite accompaniment to it: stuffing. Most, if not all ingredients may be purchased from Sproughton Community Shop, located in the tithe barn on Lower Street. Stop in for a chat and a cuppa – and you’ll see, there’s something for everyone.

Put it all in a greased baking pan, cover with foil, and bake at about 180º/ gas mark 4 for about 30 minutes. Check for doneness; brown around the edges, and solid in the middle so a knife comes out clean. Give it more time if necessary. Remove foil for the last 15 minutes for a crunchier top.

You may also wish to stuff the turkey. If so, add more cooking time to the bird.

Now November’s here, many of us are looking toward Christmas and the traditional turkey. How a North American bird managed to cross the Atlantic to grace English tables for the most special holiday of the year is another story for another time.

TRADITIONAL STUFFING FOR TURKEY 1 loaf of white bread (about 8 mugfuls), dried, and cubed or torn into bite size chunks (cornbread, whole wheat, or any variety of mixtures is fine)

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Mary Bright Basan Questions? Email me at: ms.bb@talktalk.net

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT A CRIME FREE CHRISTMAS Yes please Santa!

SAVE THE DUKE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

As Christmas approaches we are all busy rushing around to get everything done; presents to be purchased, office functions, parties to attend and the house to be decorated.

A thief loves Christmas too. That’s because it gives them the opportunity to have Christmas on you, in lots of different possible ways!

To ensure that doesn’t happen Suffolk Police is offering the following simple advice to make sure you stay safe and crime free this Christmas.

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Parking: Choose a safe place to park (look for a www.parkmark. co.uk accredited car park), physically check your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave anything attractive to a thief on display within the car which includes presents, keys, satnavs and yes, even a carrier bag.

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Purse, wallet or handbag: A handbag on the back of a chair, in a trolley, a purse sitting in an open bag, a wallet in the back pocket, a mobile phone on the table in a restaurant are all calling out to a thief to steal. Don’t make it simple for them by providing the easy opportunity to steal it. If it’s a crowded place or somewhere you are likely to be distracted, you are more at risk. Property mark your items and register them on www.immobilise.com for free along with all your other electrical belongings.

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Out for a drink? Enjoy a drink but don’t make yourself vulnerable by drinking too much, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, don’t be distracted when using a mobile phone or personal music device, use a reputable taxi company – don’t jump into any car – and if you think your nominated driver has drunk too much, strongly discourage them from driving, and do not get in a vehicle with anyone who you think may have drunk too much to drive.

Home: When you are out, make your house appear occupied (lights on timers, radio on, alarm set), make sure your house, gates and shed/garage are shut, locked and secure, don’t leave presents under the Christmas tree in full view from the outside, and after Christmas don’t advertise your new goods by displaying the packaging and boxes for rubbish in front of your house – turn the boxes inside out or tear them up and bag them/put them in your wheelie bin.

Social Media: When using Facebook be wary of announcing to the world that you are away and your house is empty, or showing what you got for Christmas. Make sure your profile does not contain private information that would identify you or your address to a stranger.

And what should you also do? Do have a wonderful crime free Christmas and Happy New Year!

After a busy period of promoting the project, the deadline for buying shares on our online crowdfunding platform has now closed. At the time of writing in early October, the total stands at over £135,000.

Amazing! (If all were UK tax-paying investors, we have saved them a total £40,000 off their collective tax bill!) We were pleased we selected the Crowdfunder website to partner with as, at the time of writing, we know of at least £25,000 worth of investment that has come from elsewhere in the country, from people who spotted the project and felt it worthy of investment!

We haven’t reached our target yet, so shares are still on sale. Please send cheques to our treasurer, Gerard Kroon. The prospectus and details of where to send your cheque are available on the website.

We are currently waiting on an important decision by the Power to Change Big Lottery fund: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/powertochange We have applied for a substantial sum from them to help with the purchase of the pub. This fund is aimed at projects just like ours so we have everything crossed for a positive outcome!

In the meantime we are continuing to approach businesses in the hunt for corporate sponsors, and talking to the breweries about possible ways they could help. Can you think of a company we could approach?

We have lots more ideas and are very determined – we WILL make this happen! If you can help, we would be very happy to hear from you. Keep up to date with the latest news at: www.savetheduke.net Sarah Caston Save the Duke Chair

Suffolk Police Crime Reduction

WI BAZAAR Bramford WI is holding a bazaar on Saturday, November 21, 1.30pm, in the Victory Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford. There will be a variety of stalls, and refreshments will be available.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR IN AID OF ST MARY'S CHURCH, BURSTALL Join us at Burstall Village Hall on Saturday, November 28, 10.30amnoon. Individual, hand-crafted Christmas gifts and cards, cake stall, raffle and tombola.

Coffee and mince pies available.

Come and order your Christmas Pudding!

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           

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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday, November 28, 11am-3pm, in Sproughton Church Hall in aid of church funds Come along to enjoy the usual features of this annual event, including Father Christmas in his grotto. There is a grand draw, tombola, Christmas stall, cake stall and cake raffle, refreshments and light lunches, games, and competitions.

Gifts for the tombola and the main draw would be very welcome. We would also appreciate offers of help with the various stalls, and cakes to sell.

Any offers, please see Michael at 26 Lower Street.

Do come along and enjoy the day.

CHRISTMAS WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP The Christmas Wreath Making Workshops on November 28 and 29 are now fully booked.

If there are enough people (at least 15) still wanting to take part it may be possible to run another session.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR IN AID OF ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Saturday, November 7, 10am-4pm, at the Tithe Barn With just a few days to go until the fair, there is still time to donate tombola items (all ages), make a cake or to help on the day. All offers gratefully received and much appreciated!

Or just come along to the Tithe Barn where entry is free. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

For further details please contact Sue or Zoe Robinson on 01473 462341 or call at Pooh Corner.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY IN AID OF ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE AND SUFFOLK FAMILY CARERS Saturday, November 21, 10am-4pm, at the Tithe Barn Fabulous gift ideas from stalls including White Cottage Candles, Tamwood Turnery, Coppaskye Wildlife Photography, Phoenix Cards, Tanglefoot Glass Jewellery, Usborne Books, Croome Crafts (handmade seasonal decorations including wreaths), Suffolk Hampers and many more. Also pre-loved books, raffle and tombola, bacon/egg rolls and homemade cakes. Entry fee: 50p.

Contact Ann Burchnall: 01473 652262 / ann.burchnall@gmail.com

A STITCH IN TIME RAISES £840

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5

Members of Sproughton Quilters turned their attention to charity on Saturday, September 12 when they held their quilt exhibition in Sproughton Church. As you can see from the picture, they filled the church to great effect.

The money raised from the day, which featured an exhibition of quilts and other crafts, a craft stall and a coffee and cake stall has been donated to two local charities – Families In Need (Ipswich) and Headway Suffolk.

The members of Sproughton Quilters would like to thank everyone who attended and helped them raise the money.

Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A

Sproughton

Church Lane

0910 – 0925

MIP/5B

Sproughton

Wild Man

0930 – 0945

MIP/5C

Bramford

St Mary’s Close

0950 – 1005

MIP/5D

Bramford

Paper Mill Lane

1010 – 1025

MIP/5E

Great Blakenham Chequers

MIP/5F

Great Blakenham Blue Leighs

1035 – 1055

Mobile Home Park

1100 – 1115

MIP/5G

Post Box

1125 – 1145

Baylham

MIP/5H

Claydon

Crown

1155 – 1300

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens

1405 – 1420

MIP/5J

Claydon

Bacon Road

1425 – 1550

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

1600 – 1630

Calling every four weeks on Tuesdays: 2015: 24 November, 22 December 2016: 19 January

Julie Hodges

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

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adult learning courses

The gateway to learning in your community

Health and Wellbeing

Computers and Technology

English and Maths

Skills for Work

Family Learning

Leisure Learning

enrol with us

30th November 2015 - 4th December 2015 4th January 2016 - 8th January 2016 Drop in to one of our centres or call

0300 456 2050

www.rflearn.co.uk 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.

CarolerConcerts ing together Rememb this Chr istmas

Wednesday 2nd December 2015

7.30pm, The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts Church Walk, Stowmarket Free admission

Led by

Civil Celebrant, Lynn Banham and the Co-op Singers

Call to book your place

01449 612765

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 GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB

HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY Hadleigh Choral Society’s autumn concert takes place at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh on Saturday, November 21, at 7.30pm. The programme includes Faure’s much loved Requiem and Pavane and Poulenc’s Gloria.

The Colchester Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Phelps, will perform Franck’s Chorale No 1. Soloists Julie Roberts (soprano), Owain Browne (baritone), with John Cooper (organ).

Tickets (£14 / £12 concession / £2 under 16) are available from The Idler bookshop, High Street, Hadleigh or on the door. www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk

NOVEMBER CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR IN HADLEIGH This hugely popular fair organised by Hadleigh Market Feoffment Charity will take place in the beautiful Town Hall and Guildhall Complex (IP7 5DN) on Sunday, November 1, 10am-4pm.

Admission is £1 for adults, accompanied children under 13 free, wheelchair users 50p (limited access). There will be several stalls selling foods and various crafts throughout the complex, including jewellery, Christmas decorations and wreaths, cards, woodturning, children’s craft kits, painted canal art, bags, scarves, prints, cosmetics, fused glass, candles, linens, marquetry, sweets, Indian foods and cakes, to name just a few. Refreshments will be available in the dining room.

The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham, but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind the hall. It is fully accessible and has disabled facilities within.

At our meeting on October 14 members were asked to bring along their oldest or most favourite item and tell a little of its history and what it means to them. The idea was to get everyone talking and stir a few memories about the changes we have seen in our lifetime. We had a very pleasant afternoon with dolls, kitchenalia, letters sent both from the First and Second World Wars, birthday cards received at the age of two and newspaper articles about a challenge undertaken by a members’ husband to score a million points throwing darts, a feat which lasted non-stop for over days before he had to give up. The aim was a Guinness World Record, but unfortunately it was refused acknowledgement at the time.

Our programme for the remainder of 2015 is: November 11 November 25: December 9:

Napkin Folding for Christmas Social afternoon featuring Quiztime with Brenda Christmas party – a social afternoon with afternoon tea and games, everyone contributing a plate, details to be agreed nearer the time.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB

CHELSWORTH CHRISTMAS FAIR Friday 4 December 3pm to 8pm Gifts, Produce and Confectionery Raffle for wonderful Christmas Hampers Tombola and Lucky Dip Christmas Cards, Wreaths and Decorations Jewellery, Knitwear, Candles Bulbs for Christmas and Spring Choirs and Carols Mulled Wine, Hot Toddy and Spiced Apple Juice,

one FREE with every entrance ticket

All Saints’ Church, Chelsworth £3 Entry (Children Free) Parking Free SPONSORS Jonathan Lambert Fine Jewellers 2 Borehamgate, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2EG Tel: 01787 881181 www.jonathanlambert.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

As I stated in my notes last month, providing a local lunch paid by the club as an alternative to an outing has proved to be very popular. With the likelihood of cold weather, it has been decided to make the remaining ‘outing’ of the year a lunch at the Wild Man pub on Wednesday, November 18 at 12.15pm, followed by the usual club meeting at 1.30pm.

Have you heard that the National Lottery has increased the numbers on each card from 49 to 59? This will improve the club’s chances of winning the Club Lotto, which will help club funds!

The last few days has given us a lot of sun and made it a joy to watch rugby on TV – well, most teams I should say. However, I usually

reckon winter begins just after fireworks night. I hope you are prepared for some icy weather, can make your rooms draught-free and have some winter woollies available. Also, please remember that if you have a problem that can be solved by a neighbour or nearby friend, don’t hesitate to contact them.

If any member has a short notice they wish me to include in the Christmas issue of In Touch, please let me have it by December 8.

Please note that Wednesday, December 16 is our last meeting before Christmas and you will be asked to kick off the festive season by bringing a plate of nibbles and a hat. Go on, be a devil!

John Bates

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS A small group of walkers enjoyed the September walk in the Coddenham area. The weather was good and the views excellent.

The next outing will be on Sunday, November 8, meeting at the church at 2pm. This will be a fairly local walk, as the hour will have changed.

The midweek walk on Tuesday, November 17 will be in the Newbourne area, and we shall be leaving the church at 10am.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SPROUGHTON RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Dear Sproughton residents, I had to laugh when watching a recent debate on the 2015 budget on the Parliament channel regarding the new 'buy-to-let' tax changes. It was said that buy-to-letters are forcing house prices up, which I consider complete and utter nonsense. The unpalatable fact is that it is HMG's crass planning policy for a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that will now be doing the most damage, mainly because of the following facts.

The rush to adopt CIL by many councils, including Babergh and Mid Suffolk, will very shortly be, on average, adding £25,000 per new house on top of planning fees even before any footings are dug. This will severely limit politicians’ desires to build many more homes on small brownfield sites. House prices will continue to rise inexorably since nobody can take huge losses and remain in business, so the CIL will simply be passed straight on to new buyers, making housing even more unaffordable.

More small developers will go to the wall and the average home seller will soon realise that their own local existing home floor space cost per sq m (i.e. using their own local council CIL cost/sq m BDC and Mid-Suffolk now propose £125/sq m) could simply be added on top of their own estimated future home sale valuation when they eventually do decide to move, thus raising all UK house prices even further.

That’s a free monetary gift being granted by HMG – an obvious unintended consequence of CIL. Brownfield sites usually already have local infrastructure nearby and as such building there makes far more efficient use of it, so why charge an infrastructure levy on small brownfield sites at all? Those sites usually cost more to clear and yet CIL takes no account of this extra cost whatsoever, and there is no proper appeal process, you must simply pay your council up front.

Does that sound a little too draconian to you? Do you now believe any politician will ever reach their housing targets? Of course not. CIL must

now be repealed ASAP in its present form for small brownfield sites (10 homes or less) or everything will inevitably be built on greenfield sites.

Self-builders are also caught with CIL charges hanging over them, with a direct charge being placed on their house deeds by their council should they wish to move within three years of build completion. Is that really progress in house production? I don't think so. HMG must urgently think again.

What if the self-builder has to move for a job or gets divorced and has to sell up within those three years. No proper account of this is being taken into consideration either, so more problems are about to be created.

Arbitrary housing targets are now being rendered complete nonsense when ignoring the effect of CIL on new home prices. It’s strange how not one politician has even acknowledged the undesired impact of the massive overhead introduced by CIL. What they want and what they get will now be miles apart. In my opinion, CIL has a far more long term damaging effect upon government housing development than all those buy-to-letters that many believe are making things much harder for firsttime buyers. HMG needs to urgently sort CIL out or they will never reach their predicted two million new homes requirement.

Visit www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1121218/cil-watch-whoscharging-what to see what various English councils charge for CIL. Alan Cotterell, 01473 254067 PS. A new 3,200 sq ft house was recently built near me and the builder managed to pay a Section 106 charge of a reasonable £3,500 to Babergh Council. If BDC now go ahead with a CIL charge of £125/sq m that same house today would cost £125 x approx 300 sq m = £37,500, all paid upfront to BDC before any footings are even dug.

CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Once again an action packed few weeks. On Wednesday, October 7 we welcomed more than 500 prospective parents/carers and their children to our school for our annual open evening. Following a short presentation, visitors were able to tour the school and experience our fantastic resources and facilities. Staff and students were on hand to showcase their work and visitors took part in various activities including: the English department’s Punctuation Face Challenge; combustible Jelly Babies in science; interactive maths applications, including programmable robots in maths; French and Spanish food tasting in languages and much, much more. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our 200 Claydon High School student helpers who helped to make the evening such a success.

Much of the feedback I received from visitors commented upon how helpful, friendly and polite our students were.

On Thursday, October 8, author and filmmaker Matt Dickinson visited Claydon High School to talk to Years 7 and 8 about his life, travels and his teenage books – the Mortal Chaos trilogy and The Everest Files. The rest of the morning was spent with a selection of Year 8 boys, exploring ways in which to engage boys in writing with the aim of raising their achievement in English.

In the afternoon, Matt enjoyed afternoon tea

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with our Year 11 media students, helping them to analyse film techniques. Matt has visited Claydon High School in the past and proved to be very popular with students and staff.

As an experienced speaker, the stories of his real life adventures in Everest, Antarctica, the Sahara Desert and the jungles of South America provided a fascinating insight into the world of exploration.

A range of activities were on offer, including table tennis, dodgeball and fitness and rowing challenges. Our Year 11 Leaders made the sessions really fun and competitive and were a credit to the school.

In other areas of the school, students have been busy with various activities including a trip to the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge for our Year 10 art students, where they were able to sketch and photograph exotic plants and use these images back at school to inspire and develop further their ideas for the ‘natural forms’ element of their GCSE coursework. Year 11 GCSE PE students had the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills when they ran a successful Year 6 sports morning for more than 100 students from our feeder primary schools.

Finally, as I write this article, WOW Week is nearly upon us and I look forward to sharing all of the wonderful activities our students will have experienced in December’s edition.

Please watch this space.

The start of November will see the official opening of our newly refurbished food technology room. This has been completely transformed with a new layout including new worktops and equipment. Students and staff are enjoying working in this fresh and modern environment. Brightly coloured cupboards line the room and we are eagerly awaiting delivery of new ovens to replace the old ones and complete the refurbishment. I very much look forward to sampling the dishes our students are inspired to create.

If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, then please come along to one of our open mornings. The date of the next one is Wednesday, November 18. Please contact my PA, Mrs J Pedersen, on 01473 836110 to book a place.

Sarah Skinner, headteacher

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PLAYING FIELD NEWS A few updates to give you this month. Firstly, the molehills are back around the younger children’s play area. We’re on the case in dealing with them, but please watch your step.

Foul dogs Sorry if this seems like a regular whine (no joke intended), but dog owners can you please be responsible and clear up after your pets? There are special bins provided for you to dispose of their mess, but it does need picking up first.

The thing that’s particularly upsetting is some owners sitting in their car and letting their dogs run out to walk themselves and ‘do their business’ unsupervised, out of control, and consequently not cleared up. If anyone happens to see this type of behaviour, please challenge it/report it to the police. It’s not only socially unacceptable, it’s also really not fair and a health hazard for everyone – especially the children.

Sports clubs overview Although it’s always good to read about the success of the clubs in their various leagues, what

isn’t always obvious is how well they’re doing in comparison to other local clubs. Apart from the sporting achievements, in an environment where quite a few local football teams folded this year, and I believe a couple of bowls clubs folded last year, I’m pleased to tell you the clubs are holding their own – as well as winning matches.

Buildings We’ve held the first scoping workshop to review how or even if the wooden changing rooms and outside toilets could be upgraded to an appropriate standard for the village. It’s very early days, but so far the engagement has been excellent. Many more scoping workshops and consultation meetings will be needed before a potential design can be looked at, but it’s been a promising start. Again, if you think you’ve got the necessary skills to help, please let us know – we’d love to hear from you.

Sproughton Club Update The next Super Saturday will be November 14 where the club will open from 7pm. We will be

holding another quiz night – it’s an 8.30m start – with teams of around four.

Even if you don’t like quizzes please feel free to drop in and see what it’s all about anyway – you’re more than welcome. The last couple of Super Saturdays have been really busy and a great laugh. And if you’d like to help run the bar then please come on down – I’d be especially pleased to see you.

Volunteers The playing field is run by Sproughton residents for the benefit of Sproughton by way of the Playing Field Management Committee, the registered trustees of the Playing Field Trust. We are always looking for new members – you’d be very welcome if you’d like to join us. The only condition is that you’re a Sproughton resident.

If you’re interested in joining this relaxed and friendly group, please give me a call.

Damian Lavington, chairman PFMC, 01473 809512

SPROUGHTON SPORTS FOOTBALL CLUB SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB As we drew close to our finals day there were a few more days of bowling to get through while the weather was still summery. On Monday, September 14 pupils from Sproughton Junior School came along to try their hand at outdoor bowls, guided by a few of our more expert bowlers. All seemed to enjoy the experience and maybe they will be bowlers of the future.

The last Tuesday pairs on September 15 was won by A Southgate and the last Sunday pairs tournament on September 20 ended with a win for T Brundish and D Craigie, second D Smith and E Wicko, third A Jones and B Holmwood, fourth C Nauton and D Cowie. And then came our finals day. The green was a great sight with all the competitors in white and the game played in great spirit.

The results were as follows.

Sheila Herring Cup: K Laws; runner-up B Hunt Club Blocks: K Sarginson, B Bird and C Martin; runners-up D Taylor, J Mott and R Collett Ladies 2-wood EBF Singles: J Spice; runner-up D Smith Ladies 4-wood EBA Singles: J Spice; runner-up J Hayden Men’s 2-wood Singles: E Wicko; runner-up A Beecroft Men’s 4-wood Singles: A Beecroft; runner-up E Wicko Club 4-wood Singles: E Wicko; runner-up G Spice 4-wood Handicap: E Wicko; runner-up J Spice Senior Citizen: R Ruffles; runner-up J Thompson Club Drawn Pairs: A Southgate and G Spice; runners-up M Fossey and J Laws Now we look forward to our indoor friendlies during the winter J Mackie

With the first month of the season over both teams have had some good results. With just our Reserves in action on the opening day (September 5) we had a good competitive game against AFC Titans, ending as 6-4 winners with our goals coming from a Kyle Page hat trick, Joe Choittock, Damian Studd and Jamie Basham.

On September 12 it was just our First ream opening the league programme at home to our old friends Bildeston. In a typical hard game against them it was new signing Nick Tigges who scored a hat trick in the 3-1 win.

On September 19 away at Stowupland, the First team managed a 1-1 draw with our scorer being Jamie Brittain. The Reserves at home in the County Cup against the more senior Trimley Athletic were beaten 2-5, our goal scorers being Darren Finch and Dan Hall.

The last weekend in September saw our Firsts entertain Salvation Army who have been struggling for players, and despite missing lots of chances we did record a 4-0 win, our scorers being Nick Tigges with another hat trick and the lively Mikey Sneddon.

The Reserves away at Needham Phoenix were involved in another close match ending as 5-3 winners, our goals coming from Craig Hamblett, Jamie Basham and a Dan Hall hat trick.

November home matches Saturday 7: Sutton Heath Saxons (Div 5) Saturday 14: Bacton A (Div 5) Saturday 21: Stowupland Falcons (Div 2) Saturday 28: Trimley Red Devils (Div 2) With Sproughton Playing Field Committee improving the field so much over the last two years we would again ask dog owners to clear up after their pets and use the bins provided. A week doesn’t go by without the match official having to delay starting a match or having to stall a game to clear up this mess, even after the pitch has already been checked at noon. This problem (although rife in most villages) is both an embarrassment to our clubs and a real danger to children on the play areas. Please stop this very anti-social problem.

G Studd, secretary, 01473 747017

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SPORT CLAYDON FC Claydon U10s Sponsored By Melvyn Lambert, Claydon Skip Hire and Rackhams

JACK'S TRAVELS

The U10 teams have had three games since the start of the season and the Tigers have got off to a good start. They won the opening league game at home to AFC Kesgrave and followed that up with cup wins against Woodbridge and Whitton. The Dragons won their opening game against AFC Kesgrave, coming from behind in the second half. Their cup game against IVR Red was a tough one against a strong team but despite the other team’s dominance the lads didn’t give up and gave a great account of themselves. Their last game against Ipswich Exiles ended in a draw, which was an excellent end-to-end game from both teams.

We have been lucky to have a number of players accepted into PDC or advance player programmes and Sam, Liam, Alfie and Omarion were all accepted by Inspire PDC or ITFC advance player programmes and these players join a number of the other squad members at PDCs. Well done to all of you.

Claydon U8s Sponsored By Pitkin & Ruddock

Under 8 Tigers The U8 teams have made a great start to the season as they moved to five-a-side this year. The Tigers have had a couple of wins and a single defeat this month, the wins by some margin and the defeat by a narrow margin. The Dragons have won all three games so far, which is impressive as they have a number of U7 players stepping up this season to play a year ahead of themselves.

Claydon U14s Tigers The U14 Tigers have made a super start to the season winning both cup games and drawing their league fixture. The team are coming on strong and have been scoring a lot of goals in their matches, which bodes very well for the future.

Claydon U7s The U7 squad is increasing in size and the players are all enjoying their training at Blue Circle. A number of them have already had a few tournaments playing 4v4 futsal, with some playing at Ipswich Town on the all weather pitch. They are growing in ability week on week and further tournaments and festivals over the coming season will see them prepared well for the transition to five-a-side next year.

Claydon FC Café A reminder to all parents and players that the Blue Circle Café is now open on match days and is serving bacon rolls, tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweets. We are also looking for helpers from the teams who are at home on match days to assist in the café. If you can help when playing at home please contact admin@claydon-fc.co.uk with your details.

You can follow all the Claydon teams on Facebook\claydonfootballclub or Twitter @claydonfc or online at: www.claydon-fc.co.uk

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The World Series of motorcycle trials competitions has come to an end. Jack Sheppard, who lives in Sproughton, has had a mixed season with more than his fair share of mechanical troubles. An unreliable and unpredictable machine can be very dangerous and he has had rather too many narrow escapes: fortunately, his injuries have been minor and he has never failed to complete an event. In the final analysis, Jack has been placed 13th in the world rankings, a position he hopes to improve on during 2016.

The final four rounds of the World Series took place in Portugal and Spain, followed immediately by the Trial des Nations, the biggest event of the year, also in Spain and literally on the edge of the Mediterranean. Jack was part of the four-rider team representing Great Britain. This year, as was entirely expected, the Spanish won convincingly with France a surprise second. The British team tied with Japan for third place. Twenty-two countries took part. Just before driving to Portugal, Jack competed in the Swiss Championships and, despite a faulty bike, came second.

He is now home in Sproughton for a month or so. One evening in late September we talked about his travels since he took up the sport, and we came to some startling conclusions. Even though he has only recently turned 22, he has been to Japan five times, to Australia three times, to the USA twice, and once to New Zealand where he spent four weeks during which he won the New Zealand championship. So much for long haul! He has also competed in 18 European countries, mostly driving himself to venues in his ageing van. He tells of being stranded overnight in snow in the Pyrenees, of breaking down miles from anywhere in the Alps, of engine trouble on the notorious Parisian Peripherique, of being stopped by suspicious police who quickly become interested and friendly when they checked him out on the internet. We worked out that he has driven well in excess of 150,000 miles.

What of the immediate future? He will be teaching riders in a couple of trials schools in the next few weeks and he has been approached by groups in the USA and in Australia who would like him to give tuition.

Meanwhile, he must keep very fit by off-road cycling and workouts in the gym. He will not be entering any serious competitions: one good reason is that his 2015 trials motorcycle is worn out and not fit for purpose. That leads to an important question. What make of machine will he be riding in 2016? We shall have to wait and see.

Ken Sheppard, Jack's grandfather

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ON THE GRAPEVINE FROM THE ARCHIVES THE BENEFICE FALLEN: NOVEMBER CENTENARIES

IMPROVING YOUR HEARING IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

By Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA, Audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre

This month we remember two men from the North Samford Benefice, PJ Braybrook of Bentley and D Warne of Sproughton.

Pte. 17074 Percy John Braybrook was born in Copdock, enlisted in Ipswich and served with the 7th Battalion Suffolk Regiment. He was killed in action on November 22, 1915 at the Battle of Loos. His name is inscribed on the memorial containing wall of the War Cemetery at Loos with more than 20,000 other British soldiers killed in the battle who have no known grave.

Two Ipswich survivors of the battle, Private Samuel Harvey and Sergeant Arthur Saunders, won VCs for their bravery and last month their Centenary Paving Stones were laid at the southern entrance to Christchurch Park for passers-by to see and remember.

Pte. 12528 David Warne was born in 1895 at Kettleburgh and enlisted in Ipswich. He is buried at Chocques Military Cemetery in the Pas-deCalais in France. At the moment it’s not clear what connection he had with Sproughton where his name is on the War Memorial.

Imagine if you can, being unable to hear speech clearly because Christmas music is being played in the background, or not being able to hear the excitement of children opening presents because they are all talking at once and you cannot separate the sounds clearly. Imagine dreading Christmas dinner on a large table with 15 other people because you won’t be able to hear what is being said around you. These are issues a normal hearing person doesn’t normally even consider.

Over 119,000 people in Suffolk have a hearing loss but the number is far smaller for those who have sought professional help from their local audiologist.

The first step has been taken for the presentation and dedication of the Centenary Paving Stone for the Copdock born VC hero, W H Hewitt. It will take place on September 17, 2017, the Sunday before the centenary of the action on September 24.

Hearing aids can make such a difference to someone's quality of life at this time of year. Hearing aids are so much smaller and discreet than they ever used to be and packed full of amazing features that will help during the festive period.

POST WAR EXHIBITION As it’s 70 years since the end of the Second World War we would be very interested in your memories of the 1940s. Could you write a short piece about that time or lend any photos which I will copy and return? We are hoping to have a small exhibition of the various events during that time in the Church Hall on November 8 after the Remembrance Service. There will also be a shared brunch.

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But is it? For those experiencing hearing loss, this can be something of an annual nightmare, causing a variety of communication issues!

WILLIAM HENRY HEWITT CENTENARY PAVING STONE PRESENTATION

The position of the stone and the format of the ceremony will be arranged over the coming months.

Doreen Bradbury, 01473 210008

There is nothing like the festive season with one social engagement after another. From the Christmas office party, drinks with friends and the buzz of the family gathering on the big day, December is a time for fun and social interaction.

You may have thought that with so much noise at a party or family dinner, hearing aids would just make things louder, but modern digital hearing aids aren’t simple sound amplifiers. They are designed to filter out all the unwanted noise – like the clanging of dishes in the kitchen or the background music – and help you focus on speech.

Features such as directional microphones work to reduce the amount of noise allowed to enter your hearing aids. In noisy environments, like at a Christmas party, the system will work to pick up the least amount of noise. If the noise is located behind you, your directional microphones will adapt to pick up sound from in front of you and dampen noise from behind you.

If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing problems, don’t struggle through another festive season not being able to join in and have fun. I urge you to book a hearing test now and find out what could be done to help you in time for Christmas.

Karen Finch is the managing director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 20 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk. For more information visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call 01473 230330.

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THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE

Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook & Belstead and Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713863023

Dear Friends Memories! Sad or happy, good or bad. Memories we don’t want to forget and those we can’t forget. Oscar Wilde said: “Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” So for those of us who keep a diary, recording dayto-day events is important. But if like me you only jot down meetings, appointments and birthdays it is a reminder but not much else.

November is a month for memories. We remember loved ones at the Bereavement Service and light candles. We remember the Gunpowder Plot and light bonfires and fireworks. We remember the fallen of two world wars and the many conflicts since and this perhaps is the most poignant as conflicts never seem to end. Some say that remembering those lost in conflict is glorifying war. Analissa Range’s poem To Remember the Fallen has a verse that reads: to remember the fallen is not to remember how they fought but to remember who they fought for How different our lives would have been if those we remember had not fought and died.

Remembering is important, but beware of rose tinted spectacles. What are the things that help us remember? A piece of music? A song? A poem? A photograph? A particular smell? There are many things that trigger our memories. Memories which are important because they help make us the people we are.

Looking though a photo album brings back memories. We say: “I’d forgotten all about that!” Out with a friend we meet someone in the street who says with pleasure: “Hello, it’s lovely to see you. How are you?” You desperately try to remember a name, asking questions that might give you a clue. You say: “Good-bye,” and your friend asks: “Who was that?” You have to admit, sadly, you cannot remember their name.

Memory sometimes plays tricks on us too. Like the experiment when people were shown fake photos of things they were told they had done and were convinced that they had done just that, which is rather scary.

And our Christian faith is about remembrance. We remember and give thanks for the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. And for most Christians, when we celebrate Holy Communion we remember what Jesus has done for us. Remembering the night before he died when he had supper with his friends. Paul records what happened: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you; do this to remember me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people – an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.”

(1 Corinthians 11:23-25) So a time for remembering is an important part of our humanity. And remembering what God has done is vital to a fulfilling life.

With my prayers and good wishes, Sandra Mehen

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Copdock Fireworks November 5 at Copdock Hall starting at 6pm. Barbecue, refreshments, sweets and drinks will be available. Bonfire lighting is at 6.30pm, with a fantastic fireworks display at 7.15pm. Parking on site at Copdock Hall Events Venue, Church Lane, next to Copdock church. Adults £5, children (under 16s) £2.

Sproughton Fireworks November 6, Millennium Green. 7pm barbecue, 7.15pm bonfire, 8pm fireworks. Large bonfire and great fireworks. Entrance is by donation of £5 adults and £2 children. Excellent barbecue selling reasonably priced food. This is a popular family event. Car parking at school and in village.

Belstead Christmas Market November 28, 10am-12.30pm in the village hall.

Sproughton Christmas Bazaar November 28, 11am-3pm in the church hall.

FROM THE REGISTERS Baptisms Lilly Hill, Copdock DIARY DATES NOVEMBER 4 Bentley Home Communion, 10am 5 Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

Copdock Fireworks (see above)

Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am 6 Sproughton Fireworks (see above) 7 Copdock and Washbrook monthly market, 10am 10 Copdock PCC meeting 14 Sproughton monthly market, 10am 17 Ministry meeting 18 Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook, 10am 21 Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm 25 Tattingstone PCC meeting 28 Burstall Christmas Bazaar and coffee morning, 10am-noon

Belstead Christmas market in the village hall, 10am-12.30pm

Sproughton Christmas Bazaar, 11am-3pm DECEMBER 2 Bentley Home Communions, 19 The Link, 10am 3 Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm

Bentley Coffee and Company, 10-11.30am 5 Copdock and Washbrook Christmas Market, Church Room,

11am-1pm 8 Ministry meeting 10 Bentley carols and mulled wine in Bentley Village Hall, 7.30pm 12 Sproughton monthly market, 10am 13 Copdock Nativity Service 16 Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook, 10am 20 Bentley Carol Service, 10am

Sproughton Carol Service, 6.30pm

Burstall Carol Service, 4.3 pm

Tattingstone Carol Service, 6pm

Belstead Carol Service, 6pm

Copdock Carol Service, 6pm

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE NOVEMBER 1 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall

Holy Communion Holy Communion

In Touch online:

10am 10am 10am 11am 4pm

Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton Sproughton

Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion Bereavement Service

NOVEMBER 8 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock

10.15am Sproughton 10.50am Bentley War Memorial 10.50am Belstead War Memorial 10.50am Tattingstone

Remembrance Service Remembrance Service and Holy Communion Remembrance Service Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance

NOVEMBER 15 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton 6pm Tattingstone

Holy Communion Simply Sunday Family Praise Matins Holy Communion

NOVEMBER 22 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Belstead 10am Tattingstone 5pm Sproughton NOVEMBER 29 10am Tattingstone

DECEMBER 6 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communon Christingle Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion

DECEMBER 13 9.15am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone

Croissant Church Christingle Nativity Holy Communion Evensong

Church letters and copy for the December edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by November 4 please: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

CHURCH FLOWERS Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Celebration Family Praise Christingle

We shall be pleased to have some help with the church flowers.

This is relaxing work. Some people might like to do the flowers for a wedding anniversary or a special birthday, or some other family event.

There is a list in the church porch for names, or if you wish please contact the undersigned or the churchwarden.

Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008

Benefice Service

VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton Allotments

Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852

Parish Council Chairman

Simon Curl

01473 747114

Almshouses (Cooper Trust)

Ken Sheppard

01473 743122

Parochial Church Council

Jan Hart (sec)

01473 740434

Badminton Club

June Jackaman Jean Mardon

01473 745246 01473 461568

Playing Field Management Committee Damian Lavington 01473 809512 Lunch Club

Sheri Walne

01473 602717

Burial Ground

Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852

Quilters

Julie Hodges

01473 226004

Bowls Club Chairman

Mike Snell

01473 748848

Ramblers

Doreen Bradbury

01473 210008

Brownies

Debra Last

01473 741773

Gwen Moore

01473 740629

Carpet Bowls Club

Bob Jones

01473 744093

Reading Room and Caretaker’s House Charity

Children’s Play Area

Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852

Senior Citizens Club

John Bates

01473 743476

Church Hall Booking

Jill Quadling

Sports & Social Club

Mrs G Studd

01473 747017

01473 464336

Community Shop

Rosalind Lavington 01473 747768

Sproughton CEVC Primary School

Karen Read (head) 01473 742182

Craft Group

Julie Hodges

01473 226004

Sproughton Transport Panel

Vic Durrant

01473 232799

Football Club

Mrs G Studd

01473 747017

Suffolk Guides

June Webb

01473 742778

Footpath Warden

Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852

Tennis Club

John Tallent

01473 402307

Jigsaw Pre-school

Rosemary Laflin

Tithe Barn Bookings

Sue Frankis

01473 463852

Millennium Green Trust

Ken Seager 01473 741410 07578 552324 / keseager@sky.com

Tower Captain (church bells)

Ralph Earey

01473 743812

Tree Warden

Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852

Mother and Toddler

Sam Pateman-Gee 01473 464595

Village History Recorder

Doreen Bradbury

Parish Council

Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

01473 745716

01473 210008

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton