In Touch with...
The best place to advertise your business services Delivered FREE to your door!
In Touch
™© ™©
with Burstall & Sproughton
Volume 5 • Issue No. 12 • OCTOBER 2015
Whole School Open Morning Saturday 3rd October 2015, 9.30am Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 14th October 2015, 7pm For further information please contact our Registrar on 01473 201034 admissions@ihs.gdst.net | www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Comprehensive coach service across Essex and Suffolk
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
I was busily, and rather angrily, removing ice-pop wrappers from down the side of the sofa when I heard Jack say “Is that a real boy mum? Is he really dead?” Needless to say I turned rather quickly to discover that Jack was sitting on the floor watching the news. It was the horrific story of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old who drowned as his family tried to flee from Kobani to Europe. The image of his tiny body being carried from the beach was still on the screen, but at that moment it was the shock on Jack’s face which made me catch my breath. What was I to say? Jack often sits to watch the news with me and we have had some good discussions about elections, bank robberies and the like, but was this a subject I was prepared to deal with? I sat beside him on the floor and we listened to the end of the report together. Aylan drowned after the boat ferrying him from the Turkish beach resort of Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos capsized, killing 12 passengers. Aylan’s five-year-old brother, Galip, and his mother, Rehan, were also among the dead. His father, Abdullah, was the only family member to survive. Aylan’s journey was supposed to end in sanctuary in Europe; instead it claimed his life. I then tried to explain why Aylan and his family were in the boat, but the subject is just too big and too complicated for a five-year-old to digest. The image of Aylan, pictured face down in his red shirt and blue shorts, has shocked the world and highlighted the plight of desperate people caught in the gravest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Suddenly my token donation to ActionAid felt entirely insufficient so I abandoned the sofa and Jack and I went to the post office to make a donation. Jack donated the contents of his money box saying “this is for Aylan’s daddy”. We can learn a lot from children, not least how to be better humans.
In Touch
with Burstall & Sproughton
In Touch with Burstall & Sproughton is published by:
Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:
sproughton@intouchnews.co.uk
Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The Publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
Advertising and Distribution: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Advertising: Cameron Kerr Email: cameron@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Disclaimer:
The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the Publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the Publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.
Printing: Colourplan Print 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP 01473 400379 Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Burstall & Sproughton is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . town” series of magazines.
IN TOUCH WITH . . .
• Stowmarket • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Capel St. Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Kesgrave & Rushmere St. Andrew • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
IN TOUCH WITH . . .
NOVEMBER DEADLINE 10 OCTOBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
3
NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is preparing for its first annual shutdown since it began full operation last December.
throughout, although business waste will be diverted elsewhere so we can cope with the reduced capacity of the plant.
Since then the facility has burnt around 196,500 tonnes of waste and in the process produced over 135,000 megawatt hours of electricity, 6,800 tonnes of metals, which have been recycled, and 52,700 tonnes of bottom ash, which is used as an aggregate for building projects.
During the shutdown all equipment will be thoroughly inspected, maintained and cleaned and around 50 extra contractors are expected on site. Parking for them has been arranged at the nearby Claydon Football Club, so there should be no extra congestion around the site and no other impact for local residents.
Starting on Monday, October 26, the shutdown is expected to take just over three weeks, finishing on Tuesday, November 17. Work on the two lines will be staggered, so there will only be about four days (November 4-7) when both are off-line together. This means household waste will continue to come to site
COFFEE AND CAKES SUCCESS Coffee and cakes for Macmillan in Burstall Village Hall raised £200 on Saturday, September 5. Our thanks to all who supported this event.
SPROUGHTON MILLENNIUM GREEN WORK PARTIES A reminder that our work parties continue up until Christmas. Just a couple of hours on the third Saturday of each month: Saturday, October 17, Saturday, November 21 and Saturday, December 19, all 10am-noon.
Useful contact numbers
Please come along and pitch in. No special experience required, and you will be made very welcome.
Site offices: 01473 839149 Site control room: 01473 836828 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SITA Trust: 01454 262910
For more information, please call Ken Seager: 01473 741410
CRIME REDUCTION ADVICE FROM SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY The county of Suffolk has always been a low crime area and a safe and beautiful place to live and work. Suffolk Constabulary is committed to ensuring it stays that way. Burglary is one of the most emotive crimes. We all like to think our house is the safest place on earth so it can be a very distressing for victims. If you see any persons or vehicle at a suspicious location, or they just look out of place, please record the location and time you see them, a description including the registration number of the vehicle and telephone the police on 999 if an offence is occurring there and then, otherwise please dial 101. Genuine people do not mind being questioned by police as to their entitlement to be on the premises. Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary. Here are a few tips: •
•
Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’ve just popped out to the neighbours or to work in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn the key). Consider upgrading locks if they do not reach current British Standards or Kite Marked approved, and fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and those upstairs that are easy to reach from flat roofs.
•
Remove all keys from view, including car keys, and keep them out of sight but nearby should you need them (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox).
•
Install an intruder alarm in the property, with a visual external box to deter offenders before they even try to set foot over the property. Look on www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.org for police approved alarm companies that operate in your local area.
•
4
Install good outside lighting such as ‘dusk till dawn’ lights at the front door/s and on your garages and sheds if there is a chance that
you or neighbours would see suspicious activity by having them. Otherwise they just aide an offender. •
Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property if you are planning to go away, and ask them to pick up mail.
•
Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied.
•
Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows and store any high value items (jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe that’s bolted to the wall and floor.
•
Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition, and cut back hedging and shrubs so they don’t ‘hide’ an offender and help improve natural surveillance of your property.
•
Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage.
•
Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home.
•
Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
•
Mark your property with your postcode and house number in a UV pen and register your property for free with www.Immobilise. com (UV pens can be purchased for £1 from Sudbury and Hadleigh Police Stations). Alternatively a property marking solution such as www.smartwater.com could be utilised.
•
Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and call your local NHW Officer on 101 if you’d like more information.
•
The Master Locksmith (MLA) has a list of approved locksmiths for your area. Visit www.locksmiths.co.uk to find yours.
www.suffolk.police.uk
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
5
NEWS
SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP Something for everyone The year rushes by and soon we shall all be scraping and modelling pumpkins for Halloween. Don’t forget the shop always has a supply of little pumpkins for small people, and great big ones for big people. It’s our last quarter in the year (we run from January to December) and it’s always a busy time for us. It’s also time to remind you of all the useful and exciting Christmas things you can get right in the heart of your community. Our bespoke hampers have proved to be really popular, enabling us all to put together a great present when we lack inspiration. They are also popular with business owners as a reward for staff. In fact a bespoke hamper is a gift that is brilliant whatever the season for thanking or celebrating. Don’t hesitate to ask if you would like one made up for an anniversary, or a birthday or for Christmas. As you know we carry a selection of Traidcraft small gifts that now has been greatly extended. Remember too, that we carry a stock of Traidcraft catalogues so if you would like a particular gift, it can be ordered through the shop, and you will save on post and packaging. Bargain!
Special seasonal items in stock at the moment are apples from Heritage Orchards at Brent Eleigh. If you like English cox and russets this is the place to come. Winter vegetables like swedes and parsnip are back, and we always have a good supply of potatoes from Fairfields at Colchester. Their crisps are particularly popular. On October 30 the shop will be hosting a Halloween Family Disco from 7pm onwards in the barn. The tickets will be £1 for adults, and 50p for children. Admission has to be by ticket only because we need to be sure that we don’t exceed the barn entertainment licence. Tickets will be for sale at the shop. There will be hot food, a licensed bar, as well as children’s drinks and snacks. We look forward to seeing lots of (optional) ghastly dressing up. On November 7 the shop will be assisting with the Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre (see page 9) to be held in aid of St Elizabeth’s Hospice and the shop. This promises to be a great opportunity to stock up early with interesting gifts, as well as enjoying the ambience of a village event with your friends. www.sproughtoncommnityshop.co.uk
BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH STUFFING 1 butternut squash 1 mugful dried breadcrumbs or cooked rice 1 mugful chopped cooked meat, such as chicken, lamb, or ham 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1tsp parsley, finely chopped 1 dash of thyme Salt and cayenne pepper to taste Wash the squash, split it top to bottom, and remove seeds and strings. Brush on some butter and put in a covered ovenproof pan with a little water in the bottom. Bake in a 200C/400F/gas mark 6 oven for about 25 minutes. While that is cooking, mix the other ingredients together, and add a little butter. When the squash is soft, but not baked all the way through, stuff it with the mixture, and dot with butter on top centre. Replace 6
the water in the pan if it has evaporated, and bake until done, another 20-25 minutes. For your best local food shopping needs, you’ll want to stop into Sproughton Community Shop. You’ll be amazed at the variety of stock. All ingredients in the recipe above can be found there. It’s conveniently located on Lower Street, parking available most times, and any profits go back in one form or other to the community. And remember, “There’s Something For Everyone!” Questions or comments? Contact me at: ms.bb@talktalk.net
Mary Bright Basan In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
7
Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 Meredith Greengrass 9 Marriotts Walk Stowmarket 01449 612765
The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years. We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.
8
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR A Christmas craft and gift fair in aid of the St Elizabeth Hospice and the community shop will be held on Saturday, November 7, 10am4pm, at the Tithe Barn, Sproughton IP8 3AA. Admission is free. There will be more than 20 different craft and gift stalls, plus a grand raffle, adult and children's tombola, cake stall and refreshments. A box will be available in the community shop for your tombola items as from Saturday, October 24. Offers of homemade cakes and savouries would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. For further details please contact Sue or Zoe Robinson on 01473 462341 or call at Pooh Corner.
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5
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
Baylham
Post Box
1125 – 1145
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: 27 October, 24 November, 22 December 2016: 19 January
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350
We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help. So call us today, we are here to help.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
TRANSPORT THEATRE PRESENTS
THE EDGE
New Wolsey Theatre, October 8-10 From October 8 to 10, Transport, the critically acclaimed Folkstone-based theatre company behind Invisible, 1001 Nights and Elegy will present a brand new devised production, The Edge, at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. Inspired by real life narratives taken from the south coast of England and the Sundabans in India and developed in collaboration with leading lecturer in coastal oceanography Dr Ivan Haigh, The Edge is an extensive exploration of climate change and migration. Based on an encounter between two people from different cultures that encompasses myths from the sea, the history of human migration, the formation of rivers and seas, the piece has been devised and directed by Douglas Rintoul and the creative team behind Elegy. A woman steps into the English Channel. A man is swept up by a great storm in West Bengal. Two decades later their children meet on a beach by an English town that’s been abandoned to the sea. She’s training to swim the Channel. He’s a climate change refugee. Powerful and poetic, The Edge is a love story between two people from different continents and cultures, connected by weather patterns and the shared experience of a radically changing world. Douglas Rintoul, Artistic Director of Transport Theatre, was awarded the British Council Connections through Culture Award to visit the Sundarbans in West Bengal India where he worked with the Kolkata based theatre company Ranan, drawing real life narratives from an area directly on the frontline of climate change. The company also worked with young adults in Folkestone, developing an audio and visual work exploring narratives from the Kent Coast. Combining this quantative research from two different continents, Rintoul’s production questions what it really means to live on the geographical edge and explores the universal issue of climate change. Developed in collaboration with leading lecturer in coastal oceanography Dr Ivan Haigh, with music by award-winning composer Raymond Yiu, The Edge fuses text, movement, music and projection to transport its audience between continents, exploring the place where the sea meets the land. To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
9
OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP Due to popularity the Christmas Wreath Workshop will be on two afternoons this year, Saturday November 28 and again on Sunday November 29. All profits go to Marie Curie Cancer Care. This very popular workshop will be held from 2-5pm in Burstall Village Hall. Cost per person is £12.50. This includes wreath base, delicious refreshments and any floristry wires or ribbon you may need. This is a friendly fun-filled session, so bring your friends and family. You will need to bring a carrier bag full of foliage of your choice, garden scissors and a small sharp knife, plus any decorations you may wish to use. The wreaths are always fabulous and anyone can make them. You will take home an original, stylish decoration for door or table and be the envy of friends and neighbours. Booking is essential as places are limited. Please contact Ann Burchnall: 01473 652262 / ann.burchnall@gmail.com
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).
BURSTALL ORAL HISTORY PROJECT To launch the village oral history project Burstall WI members would like to invite all those who have lived in the village, have memories, souvenirs or photographs of Burstall, or an interest in local history, to a coffee morning/reunion on Saturday, October 31, 10am-noon, in Burstall Village Hall. There will be displays from the Burstall archive, teas, coffee and homemade cake. All are welcome, particularly present day villagers. Please contact Ann (652619 / annfday@gmail.com) if you would like to be involved in the project but cannot come to the coffee morning.
GREAT BURSTALL BOOK SALE In addition there will be the opportunity to purchase books from The Great Burstall Book Sale in aid of Bumblebee Children’s Charity. There will be books of every description including all your favourite authors and many non-fiction books to teach you new skills and help you to win that next quiz. All welcome.
Tickets (£14 / £12 concession / £2 under 16) are available from The Idler bookshop, High Street, Hadleigh, or on the door. www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB As some members, mainly those suffering with mobility problems, found it difficult to go on outings, it was pointed out that they were losing out on the main events arranged, provided and paid for from club funds. It was suggested that an alternative to an outing could be to provide a local lunch paid by the club. This arrangement was tried for the outing in August – a full-day mystery tour by coach for nine, to include a fish and chip lunch in Great Yarmouth on August 27. This proved popular; the coach was on time, the meal was good and the weather allowed us to sit out along the front having our ice creams and coffees in the sunny breaks. The driver was knowledgeable and assisted everyone on and off the coach. The nine members who took the alternative option had lunch at The Wild Man, Sproughton the preceding day. I hear that it was an excellent meal and the arrangement to give members the choice of an outing or local meal was popular and will be offered again. Looking ahead, British Summer Time ends on October 25 and club meetings will start at 1.30pm from Wednesday, October 28. Looking further ahead, the last club meeting in 2015 will be on December 16 and the first in 2016 on January 6. Please make a note of these dates in your diary. As stated in last month’s In Touch magazine, the Wild Man restaurant will charge over-60s £7.50 for carvery meals. They will also make a reduction of £1 for over-60s lunch menus (Mon-Fri) and evening meals (Mon-Thur).
10
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT BURSTALL CRAFT FAYRE DONATES MONEY TO MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION After the success of the first Burstall Craft Fayre in August, and raising £70 on the draw for the Make a Wish Foundation, The Craft Loft is hosting another Craft and Gift Fayre in Burstall Village Hall on Saturday, October 10. The event in August was very well attended and as such was able to showcase a number of local artists who live in and around the village. Promoting and supporting the small local businesses is an important part of village life.
“After the success and many, many compliments at the high standard of the work on sale, I want to make this a regular event. It brought many people both within the village and through the craft network in Suffolk together. It has also helped to raise the profile of the Craft Loft and give everyone the chance to come and see the work of some of the talented craftspeople that we have in Burstall, right on their doorstep,” said Alison Mayston, who set up the Craft Loft last year with help from The Princes Trust. The fayre will host a range of all-handmade crafts and will offer the opportunity to buy some early Christmas presents and hand crafted decorations and cards. There will also be stalls selling Christmas cards, fine art, a range of bespoke handmade bags by Bea Bags, Christmas textiles, quilting packs and handmade silk painting kits by Carol Mayston, together with Alison’s fused glass and silver clay jewellery. So, if you’d like to know more about what’s on offer for making your own Christmas crafts and cards, and what workshops are available, drop into the fayre which runs from 10am-4pm and have a look at what’s available. Admission is free. Tea, coffee and delicious homemade cakes (highly recommended) will be available and there will be a raffle in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation. For more details contact Alison Mayston: alison.mayston@gmail.com
WANT A SECURITY SYSTEM WITHOUT THE FUSS?
Look No Further!
We will meet you at your home, show you samples, discuss your requirements and give you a free no obligation quotation
Ceetech, your local electrical company can install the latest wireless system in one day with no messy cables To book an appointment call Daren and he will arrange a convenient time to meet you Ceetech Limited, Acorn Business Centre, Papermill Lane, Bramford, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 4BZ Tel: 01473 830095 Fax: 01473 833463 Email: info@ceetech.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
11
12
OUT & ABOUT THE SAVVY WEDDING PLANNER, THE BUMBLEBEE AND THE BAMBINO It has been a very busy time of late for The Savvy Wedding Planner who is working on some exciting projects, organising wedding shows, fundraising and teaming up with BeeAppyWeddings to bring the unique Piaggio Ape Calessino to Suffolk exclusively for wedding hire. With the peak of the wedding season coming to an end, it’s time for the wedding show to take centre stage.
HADLEIGH ROTARY CLUB
MUSIC FOR AN AUTUMN EVENING
A concert of light music and entertainment featuring Hadleigh Community Choir Saturday, October 3, 7.30pm, at Hadleigh Baptist Church, George Street Tickets £7
The Savvy Wedding Show is coming to the Tithe Barn in Sproughton on October 11 from 2-4.30pm, bringing together some great local suppliers who will be giving demos and donating some great items for the charity auction in aid of the Bumblebee Children’s Charity. There will be something for all the family with ‘kids corner’ featuring a table dressed in Frozen style and stories from the Princes and Princesses courtesy of The Dream Team. You will also have the chance to see ‘Bambino’, the wedding transport which is unique in Suffolk. Save the date: October 11, 2-4.30pm, and come and see for yourself how The Savvy Wedding Show can help you plan your special day
BURSTALL WI JUMBLE SALE Burstall WI is holding a jumble sale in Burstall Village Hall (IP8 3DR) on Saturday, October 3 from 2pm. Entry is £1 and includes delicious refreshments. Children get in free.
For full details visit: www.savvyweddingplanner.co.uk
The Savvy Wedding Show Tithe Barn, Sproughton
11th October 2015, 2pm – 430pm
Free entry, Free drink, Free samples from fabulous local suppliers Raffle & AucKon with proceeds going to local charity Helping you plan your special day in any way For full details visit www.savvyweddingplanner.co.uk
PMR-GCA EAST ANGLIA SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting of the PMR/ GCA East Anglia Support Group is at Needham Market Community Centre on Thursday, October 22. The hall will be open at 10.30am to register and refreshments will be available. Admission £1. We will have a speaker from Vasculitis UK who will help us to better understand PMR and GCA. Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that affects mainly women and often those over 50 years of age. It affects the muscles of the upper arm and shoulders and sometimes
the hips and thighs. It can be extremely painful and causes great tiredness and may last for several years. Giant Cell Arthritis can affect those suffering from PMR causing extreme headaches and if left untreated can cause blindness. If you suffer from either condition or both and feel alone and need support, come and join us and learn more about your illness with those who understand and can offer encouragement. For further information contact: 01787 379400
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB 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 on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from 2-4pm. The cost per meeting is £1.50 and 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. It has its own parking area behind the hall and it’s fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within. Our programme for the remainder of 2015 is: September 23: Social afternoon featuring Quiztime with Sandra. October 14: Members to bring along their oldest or most favourite item and tell a little of its history and what it means to them. The idea is to get everyone talking and stir a few memories about the changes we have seen in our lifetime. October 28: Social afternoon and bingo plus Christmas bring and buy. Items in excellent condition, still packaged, which would make a suitable Christmas present may be brought in to sell. Members to indicate on an easily removable label the price they would like. In return 10% of all monies taken to go to club funds. November 11: Napkin Folding for Christmas, with everyone having a go at different designs. November 25: Social afternoon featuring Quiztime with Brenda. December 9: Christmas party. Social afternoon with afternoon tea and games, everyone to contribute a ‘plate’. Details to be agreed nearer the time. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
13
14
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT SPROUGHTON RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION HI everyone, I'm back Together with many Sproughton residents, I attended the 'special' parish council meeting at the Tithe Barn on Thursday, September 3 to discuss Taylor Wimpey's late change to their 350 homes plan being proposed around the Holiday Inn site of 74 acres that they own and wish to build upon. It came as no surprise to me that they chose the most opportune moment to magically increase the number of new homes by a substantial 36% on August 4 to 475 units, giving Sproughton residents just three weeks to respond, while many were away on holiday. That’s a typical approach that many major builders now employ, simply increasing numbers by 36% while your back is turned. Well, I would like to congratulate Sproughton Parish Council for forcing BDC to relent and extend the public comment period further until September 18, thus giving Sproughton residents at least a chance to have their say on this important matter. That night, I spoke on two matters that concerned me and many others. There would be an increase in vehicle traffic of around 1,000 more cars from this development. I had previously asked Ipswich MP Ben Gummer to
ask SCC Highways to install two 'box junctions' to help improve traffic flows: one at the Hadleigh Road/London Road traffic lights and the other at the Yarmouth Road/West End/ Commercial Road lights, because exiting from Hadleigh Road at busy times is getting impossible due to long tailbacks. Well it’s a good job I didn't hold my breath since that was two years ago. Adding an additional 1,000 cars will now make it totally impossible to move at these junctions. The second point I made concerns all residents who believe in fairness in our society. I suggested that a bridge be built and paid for by Taylor Wimpey from this land that they own, across the A14 to connect into the ‘Old London Road' dual carriageway that is currently underused. This would mitigate many traffic problems emanating from this new development and would help reduce the impact on existing roads. They could even use the existing bridge on the 1071 and build a new slip road down onto the A14. You might think the cost would be excessive but if you or I were to build a new home BDC would impose the latest HMG 'back-door' tax known as the Community Infrastructure Levy or CIL upon us and would charge us £125/sqm
CAPEL FLORAL CLUB It was lovely to catch up with friends and start our flower arranging year again in earnest at our first meeting after the summer. We made decorative floral handbags led very ably by our tutor Janet after a very short AGM. Our next meeting is on October 14 at 7.30pm when we shall be flower arranging with a wedding theme and we will be having a go at making buttonholes, pew ends, and a wedding crate to be used as a table decoration. If any future brides are reading this article, please come and join us – it will be invaluable to you. We have an extremely varied programme set for the year and feel sure that any ladies who would like to join us will find it very interesting. Capel Floral Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month (excluding January, February and August) and subs for the year are £35. We are a group of ladies of all ages and abilities, even beginners, with a love of flowers and flower arranging. We meet in the library at Capel St Mary (plenty of parking), 7.30-9.30pm. If you would like any further information, please contact Janet (01473 313191) or Sylvia (719893).
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS The walkers had a ramble on August 9 along part of Alton Water from Lemon Bridge to the bird hide where they watched various birds. The path was busy with other walkers and plenty of cyclists. It was good to see whole families enjoying the place. Unfortunately the Tuesday walk had to be cancelled due to the weather. The next walk will be on Sunday, October 11, meeting at the church at 2pm, and this will be local. The midweek ramble will be on Tuesday, October 20, meeting at the church at 10am. Do join us on this gentle exercise.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
of total floor space before any building work even begins, and that’s on top of any planning fees. So, 475 new homes should generate millions of pounds from the builder if CIL was applied to them. Well, surprise, surprise. It doesn't apply to them, because new housing is a 'national strategic HMG policy', so these big builders are laughing. They gain exemption from CIL and only have to comply with Section 106, which is much more lenient. Therefore if Taylor Wimpey can save themselves millions, they can afford to 'give something back' to the local community by building such a bridge or slip road in conjunction with SCC Highways Department, and BDC Planning Department should now ensure that they will actually do so. This would detract from their expected profit and as such will most likely never happen, leaving us locals to face all of the consequences when travelling around Sproughton in future. Finally I find it incredible that IBC have had no comment on this major proposal even though all the new residents living there would be able to enjoy all the local Ipswich facilities, but IBC have no powers over BDC planning. What utter nonsense. A Cotterell
BY-WASH AT PIPPS FORD LOCK TO BE REINSTATED The River Gipping Trust now has all the necessary permissions for work to commence on reinstating the original bywash around the lock at Pipps Ford. This has involved many in-depth meetings, discussions and considerable assistance from the Environment Agency. Work is The mini-digger is seen here already underway and once completed helping to re-install a coping will enable the lock to be drained and stone at the head of the lock inspected for further restoration to take at Pipps Ford place as needed. To assist in this work the River Gipping Trust has received a substantial donation from the Inland Waterways Association Ipswich Branch. This has enabled the purchase of a Kubota mini excavator which is already at work at Pipps Ford. We also acknowledge the help of the landowners, the Greatrix family, both in facilitating the work which will eventually lead to the full restoration of the lock, and in providing a substantial donation towards the cost of the digger. The site can be seen from the Gipping Towpath in the Baylam area, and visitors are always welcome on working party days, which take place each Wednesday and the second Saturday of each month. New volunteers are also always welcome. For further details of the ongoing restoration of the river, please visit: www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk
15
SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL I would like to start this article by congratulating last year’s Year 11 students on a fantastic set of GCSE results.
and wider community who has contributed to our success this year and helped students on their journey.
Sixty-nine per cent of students achieved 5 GCSEs A*-C including English and maths, a 7% increase on last year. The English pass rate was a fantastic 78% A*-C, with 83% of students making expected progress, and the maths pass rate was excellent at 80%, with 76% achieving expected progress.
Moving forward to this new academic year, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new staff and Year 7 students and their parents/carers. We have had a very busy start to the autumn term and I am delighted at how well our new students have settled in. Starting high school can be an exciting but nervous time, so it is pleasing to see how brilliantly they have adapted to the big changes in their school day and environment.
Pupil Premium and SEN students all performed significantly above the national average and we had particularly strong performances in sciences and many other subjects including art, music, drama, PE, leisure and tourism and child development. I am delighted that this dedication to learning throughout the past five years has been rewarded collectively with our best ever result. As well as celebrating exam results, I would also like to pay tribute to the contribution these students made to school life in sport, music, drama, art and the many other areas of achievement and creativity in which they excelled. I wish them all the very best with the next stage of their education and training. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for their fantastic support and to highlight the hard work and commitment of all the teachers, staff, governors
fysysssy
We have lots of events and activities organised for this half term. Year 11 students are particularly busy with planned trips for several departments including business studies, geography, physics, textiles and history. Business studies students will visit Colchester Zoo to look at how their organisation is structured and physics students will be travelling to Cavendish Laboratories at the University of Cambridge to see the Physics at Work exhibition. This exhibition includes interactive demonstrations in a working laboratory and aims to show the many and varied ways in which physics is used in the real world and to stimulate interest and encourage participation. As I write this article, staff are busy planning for WOW Week at the end of October. This will
Claydon FC Video Race Night CLAYDON FC ARE HOLDING A FAMILY HORSE RACING NIGHT
be three days of specially-designed activities for each year group. Year 7 will be camping at Mersea Outdoor Centre, taking part in various team-building activities such as orienteering and rocket building. Years 8-10 will participate in an Enterprise Challenge Cup Tournament. This will focus on creating an entrepreneurial spirit, developing leadership skills and accelerating employability skills. Year 11 students will spend a day at a college, sixth form or university, work with the YMCA on activities in school and will finish the week with a trip to Trinity Park for the Suffolk Skills Show. I will let you know how they all get on in the December edition. Finally, I would like to inform prospective parents and carers of our open evening on Wednesday, October 7. I would be delighted to welcome you into our school to experience our superb facilities and resources and to talk to our staff and students as they proudly showcase their work. The evening will begin at 6.30pm with a presentation at 6.35pm. If you are unable to attend the open evening, or if you would like to visit the school and see us in action during the day, please telephone my PA, Mrs J Pedersen, on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term. The next one is on Friday, October 9. Mrs S Skinner, headteacher
WANT TO DO SOME EXERCISE OVER THE WINTER MONTHS? Why not try Badminton?
SATURDAY 17th October
Claydon & District Badminton Club is a social badminton club which meets on Mondays from 7 to 9pm during school term time in Claydon High School Sports Hall. Although we are a popular club we have some space and you would be very welcome. If you fancy a game and you want to find out about us why not drop by any Monday night? Our season started in September.
AT CLAYDON COMMUNITY CENTRE
For more information please contact Don Golding: 01473 747596 / don.golding@btinternet.com
7.30 TILL LATE JUMBO SAUSAGE & CHIPS SUPPER ADULTS £6 Children (U12s) £4
16
NEED LEAFLETS DISTRIBUTED IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?
Please note this is ticket only
We can provide leaflet distribution with this magazine for only £50 per 1000 leaflets
For tickets call 07796 785961
Call 01473 400380 for more details In Touch online:
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Made2Measure Sliding Wardrobes has been established since 2010 and is East Anglia’s leading designer, manufacturer, installer and after care provider of sliding doors for homes and offices. If you’re thinking of new fitted wardrobes for your bedroom, extra office storage, more cupboards in your child’s playroom or want to maximise space in your cloakroom, then we are the company you’ve been searching for. Our team are ready to provide a truly bespoke service where nothing is off the shelf and everything is custom-built just for you, going above and beyond with exceptional quality products, exemplary service and a 15-year guarantee on everything we provide. With space in many modern homes at a premium, we are experts in helping you realise the space you have and how to make the very best use of it. In older properties such as barn conversions, farm houses or Victorian properties, ceilings and walls are often irregular and it can be hard to imagine how to make the best use of the space available. Our team are well-versed in working with you to achieve your dream bedroom and produce a fitted wardrobe system you will adore.
We use the latest technologies to ensure our doors glide effortlessly and open with the slightest touch. All our drawers and sliding doors come with soft-close mechanisms and we can offer motionsensitive LED rails and drawers, with lights that turn on section by section as they sense the movement of the doors. We are used to maximising space so you will never find any ‘dead’ space in Made2Measure fitted wardrobes. We can build pole-only wardrobes, install glass shelving, or provide pull-out organisers for ties, shoes, belts or trousers; whatever you want or need, we can help you make it a reality. When our installers arrive to start the build, they will treat your home with the utmost care. We use dust sheets to protect your carpets and furniture and dust extractors on our power tools to minimise mess. Once we’ve installed your fabulous fitted wardrobes, we make sure we shine and polish them, and ensure your room is clean and tidy. Then all you have to do is decide where to put everything! If you would like to find out more, please contact us on 01473 604 385 or visit: www.made2measurewardrobes.com
BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED BESPOKE WARDROBES
“
Our sliding wardrobes and other furniture we build all come with an impressive 15 year guarantee: because we believe that the high standards we deliver will stand the test of time.”
Craftmanship
Infinite combinations
Smart storage
W W W. M A D E 2 M E A S U R E W A R D R O B E S . C O M www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
0 1 47 3 6 0 4 3 8 5 17
SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE
PLAYING FIELD NEWS Well, I hope everyone had a good summer, and took the opportunity to enjoy the facilities down at the playing field – I know I did. So, a few things to update you on… Benches You may remember back in the July update we reported on the installation of the new benches and litterbin. At the time, we were engaging with Sproughton Primary School to ask each class to design a more suitable colour scheme. Well, we’ve been given some truly fantastic designs, and we’re now trying to get them transferred to the benches. But, since none of the PFMC has the right art skills, the idea is to engage a graffiti artist like the one who livened up the underpass to complete the work. We’ll keep you posted on progress. Litter update Unfortunately litter at the playing field is still an issue. If you’re using the field please clean up after yourself – particularly if you’re using the new bench at the far side of the field. As well as self-funding, the playing field is self-cleaning – there is no financial support for keeping the field and play areas clean. If you drop it, someone else has to pick it up. Buildings By the time you read this we should have had our first feasibility meeting with the sports clubs on how/if the wooden changing rooms
and outside toilets should be upgraded. This is a project that, if we can agree the scope, may well take a couple of years and some expertise to deliver. 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 October 10, where the club will open from 7pm. We will be holding another quiz night – it’s an 8.30pm start, with teams of around four, £1 a person, winning team takes all. 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. And if you think you can organise better entertainment and help run the bar then please come on down. Volunteers The playing field is run by Sproughton residents for the benefit of Sproughton by way of the Playing Field Management Committee who are 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 BOWLS CLUB The end of our summer season is nearly here but we still have a few more games to play, mainly club competitions that are always very competitive. Looking back one month, our Sandford Cup semi-final versus IDBC resulted in a loss for us but we got very close to a final this year. At the time of writing the Tuesday pairs competition had one more game to play on September 15 and has been run once again by Margaret Garnham and helpers. The Sunday pairs tournament on July 19 was won by Joy Mackie and Les Smith. The runners up were Terry Brundish and Charlie from Stonelodge BC. The weather wasn't too kind for us on the tournament on August 23 and was cut short by one round of play. The win was shared between Graham and Margaret Martin and Terry Brundish and Ken King. The runner-up spot was shared by Brian Hunt and Doreen Smith and Stephen Page and Roger Christopher. A majority of the club members went on a bowling tour to Scarborough from September 5-12 and hopefully had a good time. Congratulations must go to Stephen Page and his EBF 3-wood triples team who have earned promotion to Division D after finishing runners up. Congratulations also to Ken Lucas's EBF 2-wood triple team who are promoted to Division D.
18
In Touch online:
ADVERTISING FEATURE Now is the time to plan ahead Taking control of your future and planning ahead for your funeral gives you the opportunity to share your ideas on how you would like to be remembered, and how your life should be celebrated. It can also provide you with the comfort of knowing your family won’t be faced with financial strain and worries in the future, making planning ahead for your funeral all the more worthwhile. East of England Co-op Funeral Services has been trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance when helping to create unique and personalised tributes.
By combining their knowledge and experience they have created five pre-payment funeral plans for you to choose from. Alternatively, a member of their team can help you create an entirely bespoke plan, so you can rest assured that every last detail will be just as you wish so you can get on with enjoying life. Clearly priced, and with no hidden costs, their plans allow you to pay for your funeral in full now, or in manageable monthly payments over a time that suits you. All of their funeral plans are completely inflation proof, so by planning ahead you pay today’s price no matter how much costs may rise in the future. If you are a member of the East of England Co-op you can also collect dividend points on your pre-payment plan, which you can use visiting new places, treating yourself or doing things with friends and family.
Find out more about East of England Co-op pre-payment funeral plans, or order a brochure, by visiting eastofengland.coop/funerals. Alternatively, you can contact your local funeral branch who can also arrange a home visit for you. Your local East of England Co-op funeral branches are: 47 St Helens Street, Ipswich, 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road, Ipswich, 01473 232837 Meredith Greengrass, 9 Marriotts Walk, Stowmarket, 01449 612765
✁
Plan for the future today... with our pre-payment funeral plans
£100 off
with this voucher
To order a brochure and find out more, call our funeral plan advice line on 0800 0744361* or visit your local funeral branch. my
co-op
As a member you can earn dividend points on your funeral plan. Not a member yet? You can join in store or online at www.eastofengland.coop/joinus
Valid for the purchase of East of England Co-op funeral plans taken out before 31/12/15. Terms and conditions apply ask in store for details. *Free from a landline, mobile charges can vary.
ITOCT15
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
19
ON THE GRAPEVINE THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE OF BRAMFORD, SPROUGHTON & BURSTALL
HEALTH TEAMS IN SUFFOLK LAUNCH NEW CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES APP
As many of you will know, my husband Jim Thacker, ex village policeman for Bramford, Sproughton & Burstall, died peacefully at home on June 23 after a valiant battle with cancer. We as a family have had the most amazing support from these parishes that Jim served in one way or another for 35 years. Many of you attended the celebration of his life at Bramford Parish Church led by The Rev Jenny Seggar. We thank her for the lovely service and for ensuring that Jim's wishes were carried out! Everyone who attended agreed that we did him proud! Jim's wishes were that any monies collected should go to MacMillan Cancer Support – Woolverstone Wish which amounted to £759.78 and to Hospice at Home which amounted to £407.23 – totalling £1,167.01. Thank you so much to everyone who supported these causes. They helped us as a family to keep Jim at home where he wanted to be and enabled him to keep in touch with as many people as possible! He was always pleased to see them. Thank you all, Carol Thacker
FROM THE ARCHIVES 100 YEARS AGO: FROM THE OCTOBER 1915 MAGAZINE Despite the First World War raging, life in the village carried on. There was the terrible news about the war and several deaths were reported, one being the blowing up of a trench that Mrs George Johnson’s son was in. George was in the Buffs (East Kent) Regiment and was missing, as the poor boy’s body was not recovered. George was of a splendid character and was much appreciated in his last place as a gardener near Deal. There was a serious accident, which happened to the district nurse when she fell from her bicycle. Unfortunately she was found insensible on Hadleigh Road. They were glad to say that Nurse Dillaway recovered and was able to carry on her duties. The Harvest Festival was well attended. The collections and fruit and vegetables were given to the Ipswich Hospital. The choir sang well and there were two solos – the bass Frank Rolfe and the treble Reginald Mullett.
Councillor Tony Goldson and Dr Mark Shenton with health visitors and parents and children from Acorn Children Centre
Public Health Suffolk and Suffolk’s clinical commissioning groups have launched a comprehensive guide to common childhood illnesses aimed at parents and carers. The new childhood illnesses booklet and app will provide a helpful information package during times when they may need a bit of extra help or advice. The free booklet, The Guide: Common Childhood Illnesses and Wellbeing in Suffolk, contains information on wellbeing, common illnesses and how to keep children safe and healthy. It also provides advice on when to consult the GP or health visitor and information on common illnesses such as chickenpox, colds, sore throats and ear infections. Suffolk residents can also download and view the information on their phones and tablets via the App Store and Googleplay by searching Suffolk Child Health.
County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “We’re very pleased that this handy tool will provide parents with vital information on many illnesses which can treated at home or by over the counter medicine. A child’s health and wellbeing is one of the most important things to a parent, and can also be their biggest worry. “This guide is a fantastic idea that gives people an opportunity to learn more about their child’s health and to give advice on certain situations that could cause panic. As well as illnesses it also gives tips on healthy eating and breastfeeding and general tips to give Suffolk’s young people a healthy start to life.” As well as a booklet, the information is available to view online in a downloadable form to be used by everyone, including children’s centres, health visitors and other healthcare professionals:
Councillor Tony Goldson, Suffolk
www.healthysuffolk.org.uk
The Sunday School was entertained in the Rectory Grounds and there was a tea provided by Charles Mee. After tea there was a game of cricket and other races and prizes were given. A happy note was the marriage on a bright day of Corporal Ernest Taylor, UPS, Royal Fusiliers, the only son of Mr and Mrs Taylor of the Grove, to Miss Leamon of London. Later the bridegroom returned to his regiment and departed for the front. There was a course of five lectures in first aid at the New Hall (the church hall) during October and November. Names were to be sent to Miss V Clair Hempson of Spring Vale. D Bradbury
20
GIRLGUIDING SUFFOLK Want to join in the fun... Join us! To challenge yourself as a young member or volunteer (14+), please contact us. Suffolk: www.girlguidingsuffolk.org.uk HQ: www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested / 0800 169 5901 In Touch online:
YOUR LOCAL SERVICES
Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA • FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll,VAT and bookkeeping services • Personable and professional advice tailored to your individual needs • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies
Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: marchconsulting@fsmail.net
MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 16 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
21
THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE
Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook & Belstead and Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact:
COPDOCK FIREWORKS November 5 at Copdock Hall, starting at 6pm. Barbecue, refreshments, sweets and drinks will be available. Bonfire lighting at 6pm. 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.
The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674
SPROUGHTON FIREWORKS November 6 on the Millennium Green at 7pm. Barbecue, 7.15pm bonfire, 8pm fireworks. Large bonfire and great fireworks. Entrance is by donation: £4 adults / £2 children.
Benefice administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713863023
Excellent barbecue selling reasonably priced food. This is a popular family event. Car parking at school and in village.
Can we sustain rural church ministry into the future? Based on material from Canon Anna Norman-Walker Dear Friends, Unfortunately clergy’s ability to be a ‘good vicar’ is often compromised by ministering in multi-parish benefices. There are complexities and very real challenges facing rural churches in our country. Congregations in our benefice on a Sunday usually number between 20 and 30, but local church goers are ageing, finances are strained and maintenance of church buildings has become almost an unsustainable task. Ordained ministry is thin on the ground with fewer clergy having oversight for more and more parishes and expectations on them inevitably set them up for failure. This can create a vicious circle of feeling undervalued and overworked and seeing little or no fruit for their labors. Many blame a reduction in church numbers on the limited visibility of the village priest and the available time for general pastoral visiting. Morale among many rural clergy is at an all-time low. Fortunately I am blessed with enthusiastic, supportive and generous licensed lay leaders and retired clergy who help to share the ministry. Our churches continue to harness the commitment of local people to help finance the on-going life of the local church. Some have active ‘friends’ groups who are an enormous help. We are a dynamic, creative and productive lot in North Samford. Where there has been suggestion in the past that a local church was due for closure people’s emotions ran high! Communities understand the village church as being ‘their church’ (even if they don’t attend on Sundays). They do attend consistently for weddings, funerals, baptisms and ‘festival services’ such as Christmas (carols or midnight), harvest, remembrance, Mothering Sunday and Easter (although less so). There are local traditions which are part of the village stories, such as Christingle, school services, and social functions like the bowls competition, plant sales and firework displays which attract non-regulars to the church. The church buildings connect and unite people past, present and future. Loved ones are buried in the church yards, have walked down the aisle or have been baptised in the font. We are proud when our visitors’ books tell us that tourists or returners are pleased to find them open and well cared for and a haven of peace.
BURSTALL HARVEST SERVICE October 11 at 11am, with lunch to follow at 12.15pm. TATTINGSTONE HARVEST SERVICE October 11 at 6pm with supper to follow. COPDOCK HARVEST SUPPER October 9: information and tickets from Ruth Lincoln, 730430. October 11: Harvest Service - gifts of tinned or packet food gratefully received and donated to West Villa for those in need of care and accommodation. BENTLEY QUIZ NIGHT Saturday, October 17, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 in advance. Supper provided, bar and draw. Contact Ray (311122) or Sandra (310383). BENEFICE PLANNING DAY October 10, 8.45 for a 9am start at Tattingstone Village Hall. BELSTEAD CHRISTMAS MARKET November 28, 10am in the village hall. FROM THE REGISTERS Funerals Mrs J Brown, Tattingstone Fredrick Rose, Copdock Baptisms Arielle Ejird Oghene Macaiver, Sproughton Max Alfred Broadley, Copdock Weddings James Baldry and Kim Marsh, Copdock Conor Ward and Amelia Olle, Sproughton Martin Dixon and Ruth Stewart, Copdock
But what if we begin to really struggle to be financially viable?
DIARY DATES
There is a new model of rural church being explored – festival church. Our benefice churches are not under threat of closure, but it is wise to follow such developments. Festival churches remain open to provide: occasional offices for those living in the parish (or with qualifying connection), a public act of worship on the major festivals (villages can opt in or out of which ever ones were deemed appropriate), and a maintained and insured building (watertight and wind proofed). The model raises some theological and pastoral concerns but promotes interesting discussions.
OCTOBER 1 3 6 7 9 10 11 14 17 21 24 31
The cost to ‘the village’ of becoming a festival church and saving a church from closure is determined by occasional office provision, cost of basic building maintenance and cleaning before festival services and occasional offices, the upkeep of church yard (if applicable) and insurance. Keeping the church alive but reducing services would maintain the Anglican and diocesan connectedness to all the parishes in the diocese and retain the potential to ‘plant back’ into these buildings should a viable worshipping witnessing community develop in the future. And even more positively they can provide a catalyst in many rural communities for renewal and discipleship… food for thought. Love and prayers, Annette
22
Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30-2pm Bentley Coffee and Company, 10-11.30am Copdock and Washbrook monthly market, 10am Copdock PCC meeting Bentley Home Communions, 10am Copdock Havest Supper – Contact Ruth Lincoln, 730430 Sproughton monthly market, 10am Benefice Planning Day, Tattingstone Village Hall, 8.45am Burstall Harvest Service, 11am and lunch at 12.15pm Tattingstone Harvest Service and Supper, 6pm Copdock Harvest Service, 10am Burstall PCC meeting Bentley fundraising day Bentley Quiz Night, 7.30pm Ministry meeting at The Rectory, noon Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook Sproughton Beetle Drive Tattingstone shoe box party packing up shoe boxes at the church, 10am-noon
In Touch online:
NOVEMBER 4 5 7 10 14 17 18 25 28
Bentley Home Communion, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Copdock fireworks Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Sproughton fireworks Copdock and Washbrook monthly market, 10am Copdock PCC meeting Sproughton monthly market, 10am Ministry meeting Copdock Home Communions, 18 Charlottes, Washbrook, 10am Tattingstone PCC meeting Burstall coffee morning, 10.30am Sproughton Beetle Drive Belstead Christmas market in the village hall from 10am Sproughton Christmas Bazaar
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE October 4 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 11am October 11 9.15am 10am 10am 11am 6pm
Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Sproughton
Sproughton Copdock Bentley Burstall Tattingstone
Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion
Croissant Church Harvest Service Holy Communion and Baptism Harvest Service Harvest Service
October 18 9.30am 10am 10am 11am 6pm
Burstall Copdock Bentley Sproughton Tattingstone
Holy Communion Simply Sunday Healing Service Holy Communion Holy Communion
October 25 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 10am 11am
Sproughton Burstall Bentley Copdock Belstead Tattingtone Sproughton
Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Celebration Family Service The Fourth Sunday
November 1 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am 4pm
Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion 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 War Memorial
Remembrance Service Remembrance Service and Holy Communion Remembrance Service Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance
Church letters and copy for the November edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by November 4 please: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton Allotments
Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852
Parish council chairman
Simon Curl
01473 747114
Jan Hart (sec)
01473 740434
Almshouses (Cooper Trust)
Ken Sheppard
01473 743122
Parochial church council
Badminton club
June Jackaman
01473 745246
Playing field management committee Damian Lavington
01473 809512
Badminton club
Jean Mardon
01473 461568
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
Reading room and caretaker’s
Gwen Moore
01473 740629
Carpet Bowls Club
Bob Jones
01473 744093
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 Players
Karen Skinner
01473 310415
Football club
Mrs G Studd
01473 747017
Sproughton transport panel
Vic Durrant
01473 232799
Footpath warden
Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852
Suffolk Guides
June Webb
01473 742778
Jigsaw Pre-school
Rosemary Laflin
01473 745716
Tennis club
John Tallent
01473 402307
Millennium Green Trust
Ken Seager
01473 741410
Tithe Barn bookings
Sue Frankis
01473 463852
07578 552324 / keseager@sky.com
Tower captain (church bells)
Ralph Earey
01473 743812
Mother and toddler
Sam Pateman-Gee 01473 464595
Tree warden
Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852
Parish council
Sue Frankis (clerk) 01473 463852
Village history recorder
Doreen Bradbury
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
01473 210008
23
24
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton