In Touch with Westerfield - February 2016

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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 6 • Issue No. 3 • FEBRUARY 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR We had a friend coming over to play last Saturday and I asked Jack if we should invite him to stay for dinner. “He loves Chinese,” my oh-so-quick sesame prawn toast loving son replied, so I said I’d send a message to his mum. “Is a message just a slow way of telling someone something?,” Jack asked and I must admit it would have been quicker and easier to pick the phone up and actually speak to Emma. Three texts later we knew Adam was staying for dinner, that he liked Spaghetti Bolognese and didn’t have any food allergies, so the answer to Jack’s question, at least in this circumstance, was probably YES.

NEWS 1ST WESTERFIELD SCOUTS CHRISTMAS POST

Information technology has transformed our lives for the better it so many, many ways, but nothing beats direct communication and social media can never replace actual physical, social contact. I’m reminded of a submission from Elaine Bamber in Washbrook which I’d like to share. I hope it gives you a giggle FACEBOOK FOR THE OLDER GENERATION For those of my generation who do not comprehend why Facebook exists!

I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers by what I have eaten, how I am feeling at the moment, what I did the night before, what I will be doing later and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog, of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving round town, having lunch and doing what everyone and everybody does every day. I also listen to their conversations and give them the ‘thumbs up’ and tell them that I like them.

It works just like Facebook! I already have four people following me... two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist!

In Touch

with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham

In Touch with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: westerfield@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 Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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01473 400379 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.

While 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. © 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 Kesgrave & Rushmere is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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MARCH DEADLINE 10 FEBRUARY 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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The 1st Westerfield Scout Group wishes to thank all those who helped in the collection and delivery of Christmas cards this year and everyone who used the service. We collected 3,386 cards and delivered another 838, resulting in a profit of approximately £550. We also wish to thank the following places that were kind enough to allow us to have collection boxes on their premises: The Barley Mow, Christchurch Veterinary Service, Diagnostic Unit at Ipswich Hospital, End of the Rainbow, Fynn Valley Golf Club, Henley Community Centre, Ipswich Sports Club, Kersey Solicitors, Ipswich Hospital Outpatients, Laurel Farm Garden Centre, Seven Group, St John’s CEVAP School, Swiss Farm, The Greyhound on Henley Road, The Railway at Westerfield, The Swan at Westerfield, Thomas Wolsey School, Tuddenham Fountain, Tuddenham Tea Rooms, Witnesham School, Westerfield Business Centre.

See Page 15 for more on the 1st Westerfield Scout Group

ASHBOCKING NEWS This will be short as we’re already taking up a huge amount of space with details of the Ashbocking Produce, Arts and Craft Show 2016 on September 17 (see page 8). Yes, I know it’s only February, but us gardeners like to plan and what better time than the dark, dismal days of February.

It’s also time to start saving up the toilet roll tubes, egg boxes and pipe cleaners every true model maker requires. Some may also feel inclined to get the knitting needles on the move, not to mention a paintbrush on canvas. As I write I’m about to buy Seville oranges for marmalade, but I think you will be too late for that crop as you read this.

Being ‘in it’ is what counts. It’s not only entering the show, but helping putting up marquees, setting out chairs and tables, running activities or just having a go. It’s a total community activity by everybody for everybody. I’m glad it’s ages away, but I hope it’s something not to miss.

Please put the date in your diary.

Liz Stegman

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NEWS WAXING FOR CHARITY AT THE BARLEY MOW Mr Andrew Pratt had a back, eyebrows and chest wax at The Barley Mow, Witnesham on Friday, January 8. He was being sponsored by friends and customers to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

THE MOW was shaved by Jane of The Beauty Cottage, Witnesham, and the waxing was by Jennifer Louise of The Salon, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe. Approx £6/700 was raised. Andrew and Les would like to thank all who supported and donated.

FARMHOUSE FIVE FOR FEMALES We are proud to announce a new running event in the local area.

On March 6 (Mother’s Day) there will be a multi-terrain five mile running event for females called the Farmhouse Five for Females.

The event will start and finish at the lovely Lux Farm, Ipswich IP5 1DA and will follow the fabulous footpaths into Rushmere village and along the beautiful Fynn Valley to Playford, then back to the farm.

The aim is to support women of all abilities running and to encourage women to explore the glorious countryside on a supported and accessible off-road route.

As it’s taking place on Mother’s Day, the event will be really family friendly and we hope partners and children will come and support. All runners aged 15 years and over welcome.

The race is a proud supporter of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign and proceeds from every participant’s entry fee will be donated to Plan UK’s Girls Fund.

For more information and to enter please visit: www.farmhousefive.co.uk

PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP Plant Heritage Suffolk Group warmly invites you to a talk on The Narcissus (pre-1930 daffodils) Plant Collection by Duncan Donald on Saturday, February 20 at 2.30pm in Stowupland Village Hall, IP14 4BQ. Duncan’s extensive experience includes being curator at Chelsea Physic Garden, head of gardens with Scottish National Trust and internal plant registrar for the RHS. In addition, he has developed Croft 16 Daffodils, an outlet for surplus pre-1930s daffodils, a national collection which is shared by Duncan and his wife.

There will be a plant stall including rare and unusual plants and delicious refreshments available for purchase. Admission is free to members and £5 for non-members. No need to book. New members and non-members are most welcome.

Contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832 www.suffolkplantheritage.com

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

WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB Our next meeting on Thursday, February 25 is a hands-on workshop.

If you would like more details or wish to attend please contact June Allum on 01394 384803. New members are always welcome; the first visit is free.

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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.

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NEWS SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL Edited extract from minutes of the parish council meeting held on Wednesday, January 20.

Parish clerk Mrs Bailey has resigned with effect from December 21, 2015. Mr Steve Barron has agreed to take up position and will take over with effect from January 21, 2016. Mr Barron will retain the same parish council email address and contact number as Mrs Bailey.

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT There is still money in the county locality budget for use this financial year. Mr Rush to write to Councillor Bellfield and Councillor Whiting to apply for funds to support the play area update. Mr Whiting confirmed that the District Community Enabling budget has only £800 left which is potentially committed. This could come to us if not used by the current applicant.

The village hall application for £1,000 from the Community Enabling budget appears to have been successful.

Mr Whiting mentioned an idea being promoted

by Suffolk Constabulary to joint fund PCSOs with neighbouring parishes which could cost approximately £2,000 for each council.

The Moon and Mushroom planning application to separate the Button from the public house is likely to be referred to the planning committee which Mr Whiting has supported also.

FINANCE Dr Nicol confirmed that the finance group had met before Christmas and then went on to outline the current year’s budget position. He explained that due to some large unplanned expense to repair the play area this year’s budget is likely to be overspent which will need to be made up from parish council reserves in the combined accounts.

An application has already been submitted for a grant towards the cost of surfacing the play area which is still awaited and following Mr

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Whiting’s suggestion further applications will be made to the Locality Grant Scheme which if successful will reduce the net amount required from reserves. Dr Nicol also tabled the 2016/17 budget plan which requires a small increase in the precept of £250.

The budget proposal and increase in the precept to £12,750 for 2016-17 was subsequently approved.

PLANNING Mr Wilks confirmed that there has been three meetings since we last met. The new dwelling planning application on the site of the barn in Mill lane has been withdrawn.

A proposal to build a new house at the end of Tuddenham Lane was not supported by the parish council and at a recent meeting an application by the Talitha Koum project at White House Farm to provide a small services building was supported.

HIGHWAYS Mr Everett reports that SAVID has proposed to purchase some Vehicle Activated Signs which it has asked the parish council to consider being involved in by having dedicated post(s) installed at a position(s) approved by Highways.

Mr Everett explained that this was purely a consultation exercise at the moment and the cost of installing a post and the equipment although quite high were estimates only, but the parish would be expected to fund including insurance as well as a share of the £2,500 device.

He went on to advise that these would be similar to the signs along the Woodbridge bypass. The general feeling was that the flexibility of the Speed Indication Devices (SID) which the local Speed Watch team are regularly using do seem to be more suitable given these can be used in any location.

A resident present at the meeting, who is a

member of Speed Watch, also felt that it would be a positive thing to have more devices like those used by Speed Watch.

The chairman will respond to SAVID and would like more dialogue with them and also with Speed Watch before a final decision is made.

General feeling that speed watch and SAVID Should liaise.

B1077: Mr Everett has had a positive reply from Tony Buckingham. Design has been completed for culvert replacement across the road which will entail a road closure which is likely to happen April/May. Mr Hindle has written to Mr Oldham about the condition of Sandy Lane which has made some of the passing places almost impossible to use.

Mr Rush confirmed that he had met with the Highways Manager Derek Oldham on several occasions and he had now advised that at long last the pavement path clearing from the Barley Mow to the school will be undertaken by Highways by the end of February.

PLAYING FIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Mr Stanley inspects the recreation area and Mrs Pace inspects the school play area. Mr Stanley reports metal cross bar and some wire ropes needs removing from the hedge row at the recreation ground which Mr Rush will arrange.

There has been some vandalism, knife cuts to the goal nets and basket swing, which have now started to fray which is a great shame.

Residents are urged to keep watch of anything suspicious of the really well used area.

ALLOTMENTS Mrs Camp reported there is still one vacant plot and there are still two people who have not paid their rent in spite of reminders.

Clerk: Mr Steve Barron, swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917

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OUT & ABOUT ASHBOCKING PRODUCE ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW SCHEDULE 2016 VEGETABLE CATEGORY 1. Runner beans – 5 2. Beetroot – 3 3. Cabbage – 1 4. Carrots – 3 5. Courgettes – 3 6. Dwarf French Beans – 5 7. Kohl Rabi – 1 8. Marrow – 1 9. Onions – 3 10. Potatoes – 3 11. Shallots – 3 12. Sweetcorn – 1 13. Box of any 5 vegetables (1 of each vegetable) FRUIT CATEGORY 14. Eating Apples – 3 15. Cooking Apples – 3 16. Rhubarb – 3 sticks 17. Pears – 3 18. Plums – 3 19. Chilli Peppers – 3 20. Cucumber – 1 (indoor type) 21. Pepper – 1 22. Radishes – 3 23. Spring onions – 3 24. Tomatoes – 3 25. Box of any salad items (1 of each) FLOWER CATEGORY 26. 1 single rose in your own vase 27. Vase of herbs – 3 varieties (1 stem of each in vase) 28. Pot plant for foliage 29. 1 single Chrysanthemum in your own vase 30. 1 single Dahlia in your own vase 31. Jug of flowers for kitchen table 32. Fuchsia in a pot maximum 8” diameter 33. Geranium in a pot maximum 8” diameter 34. 2 pieces of conifer maximum length – 18” two varieties COOKING CATEGORY 35. Victoria sponge cake, filled with jam and buttercream, dusted with icing sugar (max 5 eggs) – covered appropriately 36. Tray bakes – 3 (e.g. flapjacks, brownies, cookies, etc) 37. A decorated sponge cake or 3 decorated cupcakes (decoration only judged) 38. A jar of chutney or pickle 39. A jar of jam 40. A jar of jelly 41. A jar of marmalade 42. A hard-boiled egg in its shell in an eggcup 43. A bottle of home brew liqueur 44. A bottle of home brew wine 45. A bottle of home brew beer 46. A loaf of bread – handmade

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47. A loaf of bread – machine made 48. Six home produced eggs in egg box (any colours) ARTS AND CRAFTS CATEGORY 49. A piece of jewellery or beadwork 50. An unframed photograph of an industrial or agricultural scene (max A4 size) 51. An unframed photograph of a flowering bush or tree(s) (max size A4) 52. A drawing or painting of the outdoors/nature (any media / max size A4) 53. An article of knitting or crochet 54. An article of cross-stitch or tapestry (max 50cm x 50cm) 55. A model (any material) – kit form 56. A model (any material) – not kit form 57. A handmade item not already specified CHILDREN Categories for under six year olds (as on Sept 1, 2016) 58. 6 different tree leaves arranged on a plate 59. A jam jar of garden flowers 60. A painted pebble – own design using any media 61. Cress grown on some paper towel in a small dish 62. A decorated hard–boiled egg in an eggcup (any media – decoration only to be judged) Categories for six-10 year olds (as on Sept 1, 2016) 63. A Lego or Knex model 64. A funny animal or person made from fruit or vegetables (not necessarily home grown) 65. An item made of loom bands 66. 3 decorated biscuits (decoration only judged) 67. A drawing or painting of outdoors/ nature (max size A4 21cm x 29.7cm) 68. A photograph of any animal or pet 69. A posy of flowers Categories for 11-16 year olds 70. A funny animal or person made from fruit or vegetables (not necessarily home grown) 71. 3 decorated cup cakes (decoration only judged) 72. An unframed photograph of the outdoors/ nature (max A4 size 21cm x 29.7cm) 73. Design a pattern for a tee–shirt.

Can be done by hand or on a computer (max size A4 21cm x 29.7cm) 74. 3 decorated cup cakes (decoration only judged) 75. A handmade textile

ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We meet on Wednesday, February 10, 7.30pm at Witnesham Village Hall. The speaker will be Amanda Richmond telling us about climbing Everest.

There will be a draw for the ever-popular annual bursary, paying for a course at the WIs own educational centre, Denman College in Oxfordshire. Those who have been report that it is a wonderful experience and look forward to the next visit.

A circular walk (5.75 miles) in Tostock has been arranged on Friday, February 12, stopping for lunch at Harvey’s Garden Plants where hellebores and snowdrops will be on display. Nonmembers are welcome too.

Members will join an army of volunteers throughout the country for a special clean-up weekend on March 4-6, part of the national Clean for the Queen campaign launched by Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy and the Women’s Institute to clear up Britain in time for the Queen’s 90th birthday in April. This will be an opportunity to come together and pick up litter through our villages.

Come along to our February meeting and give WI a try.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF PRINTS AND PROJECTED IMAGES

The Council Chamber, Town Hall Galleries, Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH. Tuesday, March 1 to Saturday 12, 10am-5pm.

Closed Sunday and Monday. Exhibition closes at 4pm on Saturday 14. Admission free.

Melford Landscape by David Long

Brightlingsea Watch Tower

by Barry Freeman

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET

WESTERFIELD CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS

Love Your Gloves month at Ipswich Country Market Did you know that February is statistically the coldest month?

Raynaud’s condition, where small blood vessels at the body’s extremities are oversensitive to changes in temperature, affects about one in six people in the UK. During February, Ipswich Country Market will be supporting the Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Associations’ Love Your Gloves campaign.

Fifty percent of sales of our handmade polar fleece gloves will be donated to the charity.

Also available are hand-crafted scarves, headbands hats and welly socks to keep you warm.

All items can be made to your specific requirements too.

February is also a month full of food celebrations. Why not choose one of our many varieties of homemade jam or some local honey to top your pancakes on February 9 for Pancake Day? Cakes can be ordered and made or bought for Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you could buy a red tasty jam as a treat for your loved one?

Looking forwards, that jam might be tasty to top your Welsh Cakes on St David’s Day on March 1, if there’s any left.

You can find out more about the market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.1511.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane.

There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, and homebaked refreshments too.

We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what we can tempt you with.

THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction?

Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt?

If you do then put the date below in your diary.

On Thursday, March 17 at 7.30pm, The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents an evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS talking about the life and work of an auctioneer in St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes, including Bargain Hunt and Flog It. There will be light refreshments, admission is £5.

Further details from: 01473 www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

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Westerfield Bowls Club The club has more than 50 members who enjoy playing outdoors from April through to the end of September. Our teams compete in local leagues as well as playing friendly games against other clubs. For further information contact Owen Williams: 01473 213234 Village coffee mornings Coffee mornings are held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome.

Westerfield and District Gardening Club The gardening club meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm.

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February 3: Gardens of Somerleyton Hall with Anna Outlaw (head gardener)

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March 2: Ladybird Nurseries with Bob Booker

Everyone is welcome. For further details contact: Barbara Bell, 01473 231411 / Michele Doick, 01473 252330 / Barry Reeve, 01473 251843 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts The 1st Westerfield Scout Group was founded in 1955. Using the village hall as its headquarters the group consists of: Beaver Colony Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm Boys and girls, 6-8 years old Beaver Leader: Jenny Kent, 01473 435711 / jennyk.kent@ntlworld.com Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years.

Cub Leader: Joan Gibson, 01473 785510 / joan_gibson785@yahoo.co.uk Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years.

Scout Leader: Peter Runnacles, 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com If your child is interested in joining us please use the contact form on our website from where your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate leader: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk Westerfield WI Lively meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the village hall with different speakers on a variety of topics.

The membership is 42 at present.

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February 11: Billie and Charlie Forgeries with Robert Halliday

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March 10: Musical Insights with Karl Lockwood

New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Kath Richards: 01473 217829 Pilates The classes are in the village hall, Mondays, 10.45-11.45am or noon-1pm. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. £6.50 in advance/£7.50 drop-in. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Exercise class at Westerfield Village Hall on Thursdays, 7.15-8.05pm for beginners, 8.10-9pm for improvers, £6.50 per class or £12 if staying for both classes. Suitable for all ages. If you are interested please contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability of the village hall.

For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk

DIABETESUK IPSWICH SUPPORT GROUP DiabetesUk Ipswich Support Group wishes everyone a happy New Year and will be opening up meetings again on Thursday, February 11 at 7pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. We are in our second year after having a very interesting first year with various speakers such as two of the top executives from DiabetesUK and Health Secretary Dr Poulter speaking on topics associated with DiabetesUK and other organisations.

This year we aim to carry on supporting with care and connection and offer assistance to diabetics in the Ipswich area. Our first speaker of the year is Vanessa Lomax from Age UK. The dates are for the rest of the year are: March 11, April 14, August 11, September 8 and November 10. We look forward to seeing old and new attendees this year.

For further information please contact 07799 607951.

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OUT & ABOUT TRIANON MUSIC GROUP Established for over 50 years, Trianon Music Group is taking the opportunity to celebrate their famous presidents this year as part of a full programme of large-scale and community concerts.

Imogen Holst, the daughter of Gustav Holst, was their first president. She spent 20 years as joint artistic director of the internationally famous Aldeburgh Festival and was a composer, arranger, conductor and teacher.

Sir Malcolm Arnold is also a former Trianon president and the current holder of this role is John Rutter, whose ever-popular music is widely performed.

You can pick up a copy of Trianon’s 2016 brochure at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre or download a copy from their website, which also has details of community concerts in local venues throughout the year and details of how to book your tickets.

For further details visit: www.tmg.org.uk You can also follow Trianon on Twitter @MusicTrianon

The society’s next meeting is on Thursday, February 25 at 7.30pm in the Co-op Education Centre when John Field will present Giles in Ipswich. The pedestrian Entrance is at 11 Fore Street and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Cartoonist Carl Giles lived for many years at Witnesham and had a studio in central Ipswich which overlooks the place where Giles’ Grandma statue now stands. There are many references to Ipswich in Carl Giles Cartoons... if you know where to look.

He had a fascinating and sometimes rather offbeat life, including being an official cartoonist war artist. Come along and find out more.

The Presidential Suite concert is at Ipswich Corn Exchange on April 16 and Trianon makes a return visit to Snape Maltings on September 17 to perform a feast of choruses and variations, including the magnificent Belshazzar’s Feast.

With a full symphony orchestra and choir, Trianon is always interested in recruiting new members. If you would like to join Trianon please get in touch with Dorothee Double: publicity@tmg.org.uk / 01473 727852

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

Admission is £2 each for society members, £2.50 for non-members who are also warmly welcomed – you can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required – just turn up and pay on the door.

New family history researchers (including non-members) are welcomed to this event – perhaps we can help you with your researches.

Trianion President John Rutter signing his autograph for one of our members

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, February 16 at 7.15pm when David Brown will be talking about China – The Land of the Dragon. This illustrated talk will focus on a number of famous and less famous attractions, both ancient and modern, as well as aspects of Chinese history and culture.

The talk on March 22 will be given by Luke Potter, the new East Suffolk general manager for the National Trust. Luke will give us an insight into the current work and future plans

of the trust for our area. This will be preceded by a short AGM. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome for an entrance fee of £2 each.

National Trust members/ volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 for a couple at the same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

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

KYSON PROBUS CLUB Kyson Probus Club had a friendly and highly enjoyable pre-Christmas party organised splendidly by our long-standing assistant secretary Denzil Cowdry. Many plaudits were received afterwards as everyone had such a good time.

in submarines. We came away much better informed (within the bounds of security) about the submarine service and the pivotal role it plays in the nation’s defence. Judging by the questions that followed the audience was very stimulated and much discussion ensued.

Our January meeting was held as usual on the second Monday of the month at 12.30pm at Ufford Park Hotel, Melton, and was very special.

We were privileged to hear a fascinating talk by Robert Bradshaw, a senior Royal Navy officer who had spent much of his glittering career

If you are a retired or semi-retired business or professional man and would like to spend a pleasant lunch once a month with friendly, like-minded folk, why not come along?

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For information about the cub, please call the secretary, Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866

For more information on this event and about the branch, call H King: 01473 274300

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 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and 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 for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

Our meetings for February and March are: February 10: Social afternoon February 24: Chocolate!

March 9: Social afternoon March 23: Mr Lewis Tyler of the River Gipping Trust will give a presentation entitled Rebuilding History - Baylham Lock and Sluice Visitors and new members are always welcome so do come and join us.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

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OUT & ABOUT DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING Events take place in Witnesham Village Hall unless otherwise indicated.

THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING Thank you to the following residents of Swilland who have volunteered to deliver copies of In Touch in their village. The coordinator is Ann Kent, assisted by Barbara Lyons, Julie and David Steiner and Gina Wilden. The whole of Witnesham continues to be covered by members of St Mary’s Church, co-ordinated by Derek Austin, with some rounds done by other willing villagers.

We are grateful to all these volunteers for their help in keeping us up to date with news of local activities and special events.

Booking clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 785798 WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays Dance classes in term time from 3.30pm.

Contact Kelly Fear: 07799 130967 Tuesdays • Post Office open at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm

• Drop-in Cafe at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm.

• Witnesham Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm.

Contact Peter Elmy: 785754

FIND (FAMILIES IN NEED) A big thank you to everyone who gave special Christmas foods, gifts and monetary donations to FIND’s Christmas Appeal.

We were extremely grateful for all these.

We packed 1,026 large boxes of food and presents for all the families, groups and individuals whose names were given to us by many caring agencies in the area. We also packed a present for each family, individual or group members, the numbers for which have not yet been totalled.

Thursdays • Post Office open at Baptist Church, 9am12.30pm

• Carpet bowls, 2pm. Contact: 785754 • Tai Chi Classes for beginners (5.45pm) and the more experienced (7.30pm). A new beginners’ class begins on February 4. Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Fridays • Mums and Toddlers meet in Witnesham Baptist Room, 9.15-11.15am. All are welcome. Contact Jean Pearson: 785478 • Pilates class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com

Meanwhile, our work continues six days a week at the food bank and with the rough sleepers. Thank you to those individuals or churches continuing to support our work by donating household goods or food for the

Sewing classes: For information please contact Kim Shaw: 785678 IN FEBRUARY Wednesday 10 WI meets at 7.30pm for a talk by Amanda Richmond on climbing Everest. For more details contact Gill Dunstan: 785638 Thursday 11 Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church room, 7.30pm. Contact Christine Laughlin: 785138 Thursday 18 Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.25pm

Thursday 25 • Mobile Library visits Witnesham at Weyland Road (9.50-10.20am), Swilland M&M (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am) • Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church room, 7.30pm FUTURE DATES Wednesday, March 2: Friendship Club (open to all) meets at 2pm for chiropody, chat and refreshments. For details contact Heather Cade: 785464

A Massive THANKYOU from Henley Parish Council

Henley Christmas Village Craft Fayre We raised over £1,100 for our two children's chari?es Well done to everybody who helped & supported

Our Next Christmas Fayre is Saturday 3rd December 2016 12

emergency food bags. For 2015 these totalled 3,887 households, each receiving two large bags of food to cover meals for three days.

Thank you too to those who help to distribute the emergency bags on a regular basis, weekly or monthly. We are always in need of more volunteers to work in pairs to help with this distribution as we usually need a minimum of three cars daily to cater for the requests we receive.

If you think you might be able to help FIND or would like more details of any of its work visit www.findipswich.org.uk or call me for more details Heather Cade, 785464 THE FRIENDS SAY THANK YOU Thank you to those who attended the Christmas Fete at Witnesham Nursing Home on December 5.

This was the second main fundraising event of 2015 run by the friends to raise funds to provide some extras for the residents such as musical entertainment each month, craft work and gifts for birthdays, at Easter and Christmas.

With your support and that of the residents’ families we raised £333.25. Thank you very much.

Heather Cade, treasurer of the friends May: Messy Church activity in Witnesham Saturday, June 25: Witnesham Church Fete Saturday, September 17: Ashbocking Produce, Arts and Craft Show (see page 8) Please let me have details of your organisation’s event when you have a fixed date and I can include it in future editions.

This will help to avoid clashes of dates for village activities. Heather Cade: 785464 / heather.cade @ btinternet.com

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We welcome Vicki Hease from Stowmarket with a demonstration entitled That’s Not What It’s For on January 28, our first meeting of the year.

Vicki is a most entertaining demonstrator, her flowers are always of the highest standard and she is extremely knowledgeable about all her flowers and foliage.

We now look forward to our meeting on February 25 when popular local demonstrator Alan Smith will present Fun with Flowers. This will be an evening packed with laughter and lovely flowers.

The Orwell Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Why not join us and enjoy an evening with fun and flowers?

Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm, but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created by our demonstrator.

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

In Touch online:

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Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street Ipswich 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road Ipswich 01473 232837 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445 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.

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OUT & ABOUT 1ST WESTERFIELD SCOUT GROUP 100 YEARS OF CUB SCOUTS In January 1914, a pilot programme for younger boys named Wolf Cubs or Junior Scouts was launched and 12 months later the section was 10,000 strong. After a two-year trial it was time to decide what to do with the Wolf Cubs.

In 1916, the section we know as Cub Scouts was formed and within its first year 30,000 young people joined. Cub Scouts has kept growing. In the UK alone, more than 150,000 members now enjoy fun, challenge and adventure as Cubs.

held on December 16 at 7.16pm to commemorate the official registration date of the Cub Scout section.

Here in Westerfield, our Scout Group has just celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2015 and early records show that Wolf Cubs started in 1954.

They are still continuing, meeting at the village hall – now with boys and girls from eight to 10½ years. By ‘back of the envelope’ reckoning, I am the 11th ‘Akela’ of the group and looking forward to the forthcoming celebratory district camp formed by more than 15 Cub Packs from the area, at Glemham Hall end of May. There are lots of other activities planned throughout the year.

In 2016 the Cubs will celebrate their centenary.

A range of activities are being planned at group, district, county, national and international level. These build up to the Promise Party – a national celebration that will include a A former Cub promise renewal, to be circa 1964

If anyone reading this was a past member, or leader of the section at

Westerfield, or knows of anyone, it would be really interesting for our current Cubs to meet you and hear your stories. Please contact me via our website: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk Joan Gibson, ‘Akela’ BEAVERS Jenny Kent has now been appointed as the Beaver Leader but we still need some assistant leaders. Currently the colony is at full strength but if you have a child between five and six years old

please contact us to put them on the waiting list.

SCOUTS The troop will have room for some new recruits in a few months time as a number of our current scouts are reaching the maximum age.

The Christmas outing in December was to Lazer tag in Martlesham.

Peter Runnacles, Scout Leader www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk

IPSWICH QUIZ SMASHES FUNDRAISING RECORD The Hearing Care Centre’s 10th charity quiz night raised more than ever before, with £1,859.10 being taken on the night, surpassing the record of £1,522.38 set at their last quiz held in May. The event was organised to help raise money for BBC Children in Need and Suffolk’s Rural Coffee Caravan Project. On the night more than 260 people attended, which saw guests enjoy nine rounds of tough trivia and spirited rivalry, with five teams taking home cash prizes.

The event took the total amount of money raised by the Hearing Care Centre at their now famous quiz nights to over £14,800. Managing Director Karen Finch said: “Our supporters continue to amaze me. They come out time after time to support us and are so passionate about the causes we are trying to help. I must thank everyone who came along, as well as our sponsors without whom we wouldn’t have had such a successful event. I would like to apologise to those people who we had to disappoint due to a lack of space, but my advice would be to book now for next year!”

The company has already organised its next quiz night which will take place on Sunday, May 15 and they also have a murder mystery evening taking place on Friday, February 5.

SHERLOCK HOLMES COMES TO TOWN The one and only Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr Watson are coming to town on Friday, February 5 to carry out their detective duties on a murder case titled The Suffolk Train Theft.

The Hearing Care Centre have organised the murder mystery evening to raise valuable funds for their chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The evening will take place at the historic Ipswich and Suffolk Club on Northgate Street, Ipswich and the fun and frivolity will begin at 7.30pm.

Guests will be treated to a delicious 3-course dinner and a full evening of deadly entertainment. Lots of prizes will be up for grabs.

Tickets are £40 and can be booked by phoning Matthew at The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330. Please note there is limited availability.

The Hearing Care Centre’s target is to raise £10,000 this year in order to sponsor their very own hearing dog, which will eventually go on to provide support and companionship to a deaf recipient.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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SCHOOLS HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We wish everyone a Happy New Year and extend a warm welcome to all the new children and their families who are starting with us – we are sure that you will all enjoy your time with us.

early December we had a visit to Easton Farm Park to see Father Christmas and to take part in a nativity play with real live animals. It was a great morning, enjoyed by both the children and parents who attended.

We are looking forward to the term ahead, but what a busy end of term we had. The children were busy making Christmas cards, bags, decorations and calendars, not forgetting reindeer food for that special visitor on Christmas Eve. On top of all the gluing, painting, sticking and glitter, we had our end of term nativity play.

Having been closed for a few days due to severe staff illness the week before the nativity, we were a little down on practise time. That said, the children sang (what words they could remember) beautifully and we had a fun and enjoyable morning singing to the parents. In

Please don’t forget we are registered with www.easyfundraising.org.uk where online stores such as Amazon will donate a percentage back to us at no extra cost to you. When you next order online please consider going through this site to help us raise funds. There is further information on the board outside the pre-school.

WITNESHAM AREA PRE-SCHOOL In the lead up to Christmas the children made Christmas decorations and cards, wrote a letter to Santa and also decorated the pre-school Christmas tree. On the last day of term the children and parents enjoyed their Christmas party, topping this off with a visit from Father Christmas. The pre-school also held a Christmas raffle which proved to be a great success and we would like to thank all the local businesses for their donations as prizes.

With the start of the new term we will be exploring the different aspects of the food we eat, the children will be learning about the ingredients, where these come from, how it is made and the stages that it goes through.

We will also investigate different countries and cultures, the people who live there and the different ways they prepare food.

Rising 5s will recommence in February and continue to the end of the summer term. This will involve the children visiting the Reception class with Annette to join in activities with their peers. However the younger children will not miss out as they will visit the school library with Jessie to listen and share stories.

For more information about the preSchool, to arrange a visit and to talk to a member of the team please call: 01473 784934 Alternatively you can visit www.witnesham-preschool.co.uk or email: contact@witnesham-preschool.co.uk

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We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room within Henley Community Centre which is less than a 10 minute drive from Ipswich town centre (straight out on Henley Road). There is a large car park

on site making drop off and collection of your child a safer and easier experience.

We have grant-funded and paid sessions available for two to five year olds. Lunch club is also available (noon to 1pm). You don’t need to live in the Henley School catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Needham Market and other surrounding areas. If you would like to come and join in the fun, please ring 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning and Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons before 3pm. Out of hours, or if you wish to leave us a message, please ring the pre-school mobile on 07979 468467 or visit: www.henleypreschool.co.uk Carol and the team

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM It was a delight to see all the smiling faces as we welcomed the children back after the Christmas break. The children excitedly told us all their news as we gathered for Circle Time – an important opportunity to say good morning (in Maketon signing) and to re-affirm all the names of staff and children.

This term we are sharing a particular book each week that connects to an ‘opposite’. Our first week sees us measuring long and short – supported by The Hungry Caterpillar and Superworm. We are taking photos of all the children and then creating a ‘how tall are you’ line – staff included.

Our Friday afternoon woodland walks give us an opportunity to see tall trees and ask questions such as ‘what can you see in the tree?’, leading to lots of discussions in the developmental area about understanding the world.

Our extra-curricular weekly sessions of French (with Agnes) and dance (with Miss Pamela) have started again as well as our music sessions on Monday afternoons and cooking on Tuesdays.

Cheese straws will coincide with our first week to have long and short ones at snack time!

As usual the children are encouraged to use the outdoor activity area, even in the rain! The multicoloured array of umbrellas and children jumping up and down in the puddles is a sight to behold!

Lots of giggling, smiling and wonderful delight on the children’s faces, but we are now hoping for some snow!

To arrange a visit please contact us at: 01473 890950

OTLEY UNDER 5s “Here’s an easy game to play.

Here’s an easy thing to say…

New socks.

Two socks.

Whose socks?

Sue’s socks.”

Fox in Socks by Dr Seuss This term has seen the children focus on learning how to self dress – socks are certainly proving the trickiest.

With primary school applications now closed we are supporting our older children with the transition to primary school by ensuring they have the life skills they need. The children attend assembly at Otley Primary School every week and often participate in joint activities with Class One. The wet weather has not prevented the children from getting outdoors. There is a new covered sandpit in the garden which the children have enjoyed playing in.

More miles are being totted up in support of the setting’s target of walking 125 miles as part of the Golden Mile initiative. The vegetable garden is being made ready for 2016’s vegetables. As ever the mud garden is a firm favourite.

For more information about Otley Under Fives, to arrange a visit and free trial session or to talk to a member of the team please call 07789 468853 or visit: Facebook / www.otleyunderfives.co.uk

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SPORT BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers. Now that the dust has settled after Christmas (the only time of the year where you lose lots of pounds and still gain half a stone), it’s time to show the liver some mercy and try to regain some semblance of your normal body shape. I have decided to embark on a fitness regime, although I realised I had let things slip a bit when I was forced to have a 10 minute recovery cool down after bending to tie my laces up!

Talking of fitness problems brings sad news of Corinne’s latest mishap on the courts. Her impression of Bambi on Ice resulted in a serious hamstring tear, bringing an overnight stay in hospital and a convalescence that will take several weeks.

This meant no tennis and the cancellation of her planned Christmas Day swim in the sea at Felixstowe (I offered to call round and switch her boiler off so that she could still get the same effect when bathing – my eye is healing nicely now the swelling is diminishing). Sadly this, and other injuries and withdrawals, means that the ladies now have only three available players to raise a team of four making it necessary, regrettably, to withdraw from the league for the remainder of this winter season.

We wish Corinne (and our other walking wounded) a speedy recovery

TAI CHI – NOT SO WEIRD AFTER ALL ‘They are weird,’ I used to think, ‘those people waving their arms about.’

But when I read in this magazine that there was a class at Witnesham Village Hall I thought I might as well give it a go.

and look forward to seeing them back in action in time for the summer season.

Better news and luck for the men’s winter league, with Adam and Matt’s team and Nick and Graham picking up points steadily. A good sign of Nick’s form is the fact that his racquets are unscathed, showing that they haven’t been thrown around too much, and Graham is now off of his anti-depressants.

The AGM is in March and the committee is testing the integrity of their electronic tags in readiness for their removal once they are off the committee (some chance).

This year’s event could prove to be more challenging than usual and I will be the on-the-spot reporter (I must get some acne cream). If that doesn’t hold your interest I don’t know what will! Yes I do – it’s time for joke of the month.

A barman is rushed into casualty on New Year’s Eve. The doctor asked the ambulance driver what had happened.

“It appears he was crushed,” said the driver.

“How did that happen?” asked the doc.

“Well just before midnight one of the wives in the pub stood up and said that as the clock struck she wanted all the husbands to stand next to the person who makes their life worth living.”

I did promise to make them better. There goes another resolution. More guff next month.

Mick Russ

It’s amazing, now that I am a Tai Chi advocate, how many people go to classes all over the country, and we all agree how much better we feel.

I can now walk up a flight of stairs properly, and without getting out of breath. I pick my feet up properly so I don’t trip, balance is better, and best of all, those hips hurt half as much.

The exercise is low key, no jumping about, but it sure is stretchy. Our small group has made friends, Marc is very gentle with us, and he brings the tea along as well.

Highly recommended all round.

A beginners class starts on Thursday, February 4 from 5.45-7.15pm, and for people who know what they are doing there is a further class, 7.309.30pm. You only pay £5 to pay for the hire of the hall.

You can phone Marc on 07860 471748 or email marclevy@live.co.uk but you don’t have to. Just come. We look forward to seeing you.

Barbara Butler

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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ON THE GRAPEVINE DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK of my main priorities this year is to highlight the need for better mental health provision and a fairer deal for mental health funding to support the dedicated NHS staff that care for mental health patients.

I should like to wish you a happy New Year and a peaceful and healthy 2016.

At the start of a new year is always helpful to reflect on priorities for the year ahead and I should like to tell you some of mine. In parliament I am looking forward to continuing in my role as a member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee and playing my part in achieving a balanced energy policy and innovative future energy system for our country. I shall also vigorously support the government’s long-term approach to climate targets and to promote renewable and clean energy.

I was delighted to be elected recently as cochair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health and shall be contributing my experience as an NHS doctor to help to build on the achievements of this influential group in working to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients both in the UK and elsewhere. One

Another of my priorities is to do my best to promote employment, particularly for young people.

We have come a long way in creating employment for young people in Suffolk – there were only 90 claimants aged 18-24 in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in November 2015 which was 65 people lower than the previous year.

But there is still more to do and I should like to see more young people doing vocational courses and apprenticeships.

As co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on carers I am determined to do all I can

to support carers not only in Suffolk but also across the country. There are more than seven million unpaid carers in the UK and this will increase enormously during the next decade when the people needing care are expected to increase by 50%.

Carers play an enormously important role in many peoples’ lives and are often the unsung heroes of our community.

This year I should like to highlight the role of young carers and how important it is to help to identify them and give them the practical and emotional support that they need to ensure that they enjoy their lives and achieve just like their peers.

I am looking forward to meeting the challenges of the year ahead and shall be reporting back regularly in this column.

For more information www.drdanielpoulter.com

please

visit:

QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser, Nick Plumb David and Karen from Ipswich ask: “We were considering a buy to let property as a way of generating income, but the increase in stamp duty that was announced in the Autumn Statement in November has put us off. We understand that the stock market is rather low at the moment. Does that mean now would be a good time to invest some spare capital? There seem to be a lot of investment ‘opportunities’ around right now and we would appreciate your views.”

Investing profitably and safely has never been easy. My 10 basic investment rules should help point you in the right direction, but always seek professional advice on your own personal situation.

Rule 1 Don’t expect miracles. Newspapers may feature tales of lucky investors who have trebled their money in a couple of years by picking the right shares, but the odds against such a return over the short-term are about as long as winning the National Lottery.

Rule 2 High potential rewards mean a greater potential risk of losses. Unless you specifically want a high risk investment, a good financial adviser is likely to suggest an investment portfolio

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that is broadly spread and designed to outperform cash by a few percentage points on average over the longer term.

vestments or risk-managed portfolios which spread your money across a wide range of assets in accordance with your risk tolerance.

Rule 3

Rule 8

Don’t look for a ‘get rich quick’ scheme. All non-cash investments should be viewed as a medium to long-term commitment (over at least five to 10 years). The steady sensible ‘tortoise’ usually beats the volatile ‘hare’.

Never deal with brokers who email or phone you. These people are probably not authorized by the FCA and all of your money could be at risk. Never trust someone who cold calls you out of the blue, regardless of what they say or where they are based.

Rule 4 Remember a cash reserve and adequate insurance. It is important to ensure your family would be well provided for financially if you died or suffered ill health and that your income in your retirement years will be comfortable, before making other investments.

Rule 5 Know what you want to invest for. It could be for a regular income now or to build up a capital sum with some future project in mind.

Have a clear goal or objective.

Rule 6 Make sure your investment is as tax efficient as possible. Your tax position and that of your spouse will affect what kind of investment is recommended. Make use of ISA allowances to build up a fund that can produce tax free income or capital withdrawals.

Rule 7 Avoid putting all your investment eggs in one basket. Consider managed collective in-

Rule 9 Never lock money away in a long-term plan if you may need it tomorrow. Although interest rates at banks are currently very low, you should keep a healthy and accessible cash reserve of around six months income before considering longer-term investments.

Rule 10 Review everything on a regular basis together with your financial adviser. Changes in your circumstances or changes in tax law may affect your position, and it may be necessary to change or adapt your investments.

Nick Plumb is an independent financial adviser and practice principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol. com, or call Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements.

Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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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/westerfield

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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING SUNDAY SERVICES

Easter is early this year. Easter Sunday coincides with the start of British Summer Time on March 27. Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 10, is the six-week period before Easter and originated in the fourth century. It reflects the 40 days and 40 nights when Jesus fasted in the desert and prepared himself spiritually for his three-year ministry.

February 7 Swilland, Holy Communion, 9.30am February 14 Ashbocking, Family Service, 11am

Many Christians today give up something, or take up something extra, in order to deepen their relationship with Jesus. But the word Lent simply means spring, referring to the lengthening of the days as we move forward through spring to summer. So (for us) Lent and Easter are closely associated with springtime – chicks, lambs, eggs, new shoots appearing in the garden.

February 21 Swilland, Family Service, 11am

WHAT’S ON February 2 Craft and Coffee at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon, 10am-noon February 3 • Swapshop, Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.15-11.30am •

Craft and Chat Morning, Clopton Village Hall, 10am-1pm

•

Churchwardens meeting in the Upper Room, Grundisburgh, 7pm

February 8 • Knit and Stitch, Burgh Schoolroom, 10.30am-12.30pm. All welcome. For more details: 01473 735544

Last year I spent two months in Australia as locum vicar of a church in Melbourne. We had a great time, but I would have found it hard to get my head around the ‘wrong way round’ seasons. Christmas at 40oc? And Lent and Easter in the autumn, when the days are getting shorter and – at least in the south – you’re coming up to winter. So no obvious allusions to the world of nature – no eggs or blossoms. If you celebrate Easter in church ‘down under’ I suppose you have to make do with Jesus’ death and resurrection.

I find Steve Turner’s poem thought provoking as we are poised between Christmas and Easter.

Have a good Lent.

The Rev Fred Woods CHRISTMAS IS REALLY FOR THE CHILDREN Christmas is really for the children especially for children who like animals, stables, stars and babies wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Then there are wise men, kings in fine robes, humble shepherds and a hint of rich perfume.

Easter is not really for the children unless accompanied by a cream filled egg.

•

Monday House Group, Grundisburgh, 7.30pm

It has whips, blood, nails, a spear and allegations of body snatching.

It involves politics, God and the sins of the world.

•

Otley and District Gardening Club, Otley Village Hall, 7.30pm, with guest speakers Sarah Cook and Jim Marshall – topic Horticultural Snippets.

It is not good for people of a nervous disposition.

They would do better to think on rabbits, chickens and the first snowdrop of spring.

February 9 • Boulge PCC meeting at the home of Mary Anderson, 2pm •

Burgh and Hasketon PCCs meeting at Grundisburgh School, Grundisburgh, 7.30pm

February 11 • Second Fridays Group, Hasketon Victory Hall, 7.15pm. Please call Katherine Smith (01473 735579) if you wish to come. The topic is Over 60 and Still in the Saddle – Riding Round the Cathar Castles by Peppy Barlow and friends.

•

Tiddlywinks Toddler and Pre-school Group in the Upper Room Grundisburgh, 2.30pm

February 13 • Burgh Soup Lunch, noon-1.30pm.

Homemade soups served with rustic bread for £3.50 and desserts £1.50. Free tea or coffee.

•

Wedding of Caroline Wojcik Gammell and Ian Vince, Grundisburgh at 1pm

February 16 Deanery Lent Course Rendlesham, 7.30-9pm

St

Felix

Church,

February 18 Social Bridge, Burgh Schoolroom, 7.15pm All levels, tuition available: 01473 735544

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Or they’d do better to wait for a re-run of Christmas without asking too many questions about what Jesus did when he grew up or whether there’s any connection.

Steve Turner, Up to Date pub. Hodder and Stoughton, p.126 February 23 Deanery Lent Course Rendlesham, 7.30-9pm

St

Felix

Church,

February 25 • Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm • Tiddlywinks Toddler and Pre-school Group, Upper Room Grundisburgh, 2.30pm February 26 Burgh quiz night in the schoolroom, 7.30pm SIGNPOSTS One of the requests from last year’s questionnaire was that we should signpost resources to help you in your Christian living, so this month we are signposting the International Bible Reading Association. Enter their name in Google and a wealth of resources will appear. Follow them on Facebook at www. facebook.co/freshfromtheword or on Twitter @IBRAbibleread SACRED SPACE During Lent this year we are offering the opportunity of silence and space in which to contemplate, reflect and pray each Friday between 2-3pm. There will be no spoken

prayers or preaching, but resources for you to use at your own pace in your own way. You can come for the hour or for 10 minutes – as long or as short a time as you like. All we ask is that you come and go in silence.

February 12, Grundisburgh; February 19, Swilland; February 26, Boulge; March 4, Ashbocking; March 11, Hasketon; March 18, Burgh.

5 Ts OF MISSION The Deanery Lent course this year will be held at St Felix, Rendlesham, a warm church with toilets and easy level access, on Tuesdays from 7.30-9pm. The theme is the 5 Ts of Mission, recognised across the world by all the major church denominations as descriptors of our mission in the world as members of the church and followers of Christ.

Tuesday, February 16: The Rev Canon Dave Gardner TELL – Proclaim the good news of the kingdom Tuesday, February 23: Bishop Martin TREASURE – Safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth

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CHURCH NEWS WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH

Tuesday, March 1: The Rev Canon Paul Daltry TEND – Respond to human need by loving service Tuesday, March 8: The Very Rev Keith Jones TEACH – Teach, baptise and nurture new believers Tuesday, March 15: The Rev Canon Clare Sanders TRANSFORM – Seek to transform unjust structures of society GOING DEEPER HOMEGROUP We have moved to Manor Farm across the road on the Green at Ashbocking where we have plenty of room to welcome any newcomers. We study the Bible, pray and encourage each other to “go deeper” in our faith in Jesus together.

We meet every first and third Wednesday, 10am-noon. For more details call Jan or Jon Bates: 01473 892605 HASKETON’S TOPIC FOR LENT: What is the point of prayer?

Wendy invites you to discuss and learn about different aspects of prayer. We’ll consider, for instance ‘the point of prayer’, the difference between confession and praise, petition, thanksgiving and creative ways of praying.

Wednesdays, March 2, 9 and 16, 10.30am1.45pm in The Snug, The Turk’s Head. Or, Thursdays, March 3, 10 and 17, 7.30-8.45pm, at Little Manor, Blacksmiths Road.

All are most welcome.

The Rev Wendy Gourlay, 01728 685335 / rev.gourlay@gmail.com CHRISTINGLE SERVICE Sunday, February 7, 11am, Grundisburgh Church Please let Clare know if you plan to attend so she can ensure that there are enough Christingles for every child: 01473 735183 / revclaresanders@tiscali.co.uk FANCY A COFFEE? Grundisburgh Parish Rooms: Wednesday, February 3, 10.15-11.30am and then Saturday, February 6, 10.30am-noon Ashbocking: Friday, February 5 at the home of Linda Ellis of The Dormers, The Green, 10.30am-noon Hasketon: Tuesday, February 2 at Shrubbery Farm, 10am-noon Otley: Thursday, February 25 at the home of Betty and Phillip David, 15 Spring Park, 10.30am-noon Clopton: Wednesday, February 17 at the village hall, 10am-noon

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s you read this we will have just had or be just about to have our Messy Church (January 30). The theme is/was Creation; declaring our belief that the universe, world and all within it was created by God.

I appreciate that this declaration is contrary to the populist view of evolution, but as Christians it is our belief and understanding that God created the world with a purpose rather than everything happening by accident.

After all evolution is still only a theory even if scientists, atheists and others want it to be taught as fact.

This leads me to reflect on recent press releases about the push for faith schools to be abolished, for faith to be taken off the school curriculum.

I think the push for this is not from other faith groups but from atheist, humanist and secular groups who fear the truth.

As I understand scripture in the Bible the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ will always cause offence to those who won’t believe but freedom to those who do.

While I think we Christians need to hold fast to our belief and resist losing faith schools and good ‘religious studies’ in schools, including assemblies, I am pleased that churches are still open for all to come in and hear the truth about God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and his relevance in our lives today.

Again against popular thought, Christianity is inclusive as all are welcome to seek the truth and come into relationship with God, albeit only through coming to know Jesus, Son of God, Saviour.

We have two weekly opportunities to think, hear, learn and discuss these things. Every Sunday morning at 11am is our Worship Service and then every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm informal discussion around either topical issues or what the Bible says.

All are welcome at either or both meetings. If you would like to discuss faith issues in private then I’m available in the church on Tuesday or Wednesday or by phone.

Pastor Andrew We welcome you to worship at 11am each Sunday.

• Sunday, February 7 Morning Worship with Pastor Andrew Croft • Sunday, February 14 Morning Worship with Pastor Andrew • Sunday, February 21 Morning Worship with Team Ministry • Sunday, February 28 Morning Worship with The Rev Brian Ward

Monday, February 1: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, noon-2pm. Delicious lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, February 10: Prayer Fellowship, 2pm Thursdays, February 4 and 18: Centrepoint, 10.30am Wednesday, February 24: Bible Study, 2pm

EVENTS Every Tuesday: •

Drop-in Café, 2-4pm. Everyone is welcome to call in for tea, cakes and friendship. Combine a visit to the post office with a cup of tea.

•

New craft group meeting at 2pm – all welcome.

•

Varied church activity evening, 7.30pm – all welcome

Every Friday: Babies and Toddlers group, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Jean: 01473 785478

The church is open for prayer and listening every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am-5pm or at other times. Please contact Pastor Andrew.

The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory.

Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham IP6 9EU / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk

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In Touch with WTW For 25 years, Families in Need (FIND) has been providing local families with the essentials – from food to furniture.

Even though many people think of Suffolk as being an affluent county, around 78,000 residents are classed as incomedeprived, with several areas in Ipswich and Lowestoft among the most deprived in the country. And it’s these families that Ipswich-based charity Families in Need (FIND) has been working hard to help.

Best known for its food bank, FIND delivered thousands of food parcels to needy families last year and well over1,000 food parcels during the Christmas period.

The food bank however, is only part of what FIND does in the community. “There are an awful lot of people being helped, from food to furniture to bedding to clothes,” says founder Maureen Reynel who started FIND in 1990 and has been running it full-time ever since.

The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham

FIND helps people of all ages, in a range of situations. Their services aren’t just for people who are out of work either. There are people who work who need food parcels because their wages aren’t covering everything.

The charity, now in its 25th year, is run entirely by volunteers. Maureen has around 40 volunteers who help throughout the year, delivering food parcels, furniture and other good to families across Ipswich.

Currently the charity is split across three different locations around Ipswich – one to house the foodbank, the others to store and manage the furniture, clothes and other goods FIND provides.

Maureen says one of the main goals for this year is to find a location that can house all aspects of the charity under one roof.

7th February Sunday before Lent Weds 10th February Ash Wednesday

14th February First Sunday of Lent

21st February Second Sunday of Lent

28th February Third Sunday of Lent

6th March Mothering Sunday

13th March Fifth Sunday of Lent

20th March Palm Sunday

Holy Week 27th March Easter Day

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Most people come to FIND through a referral from an agency, doctor’s surgery or even a school, although occasionally people call in themselves as well. “I don’t say no unless I know it’s just a greed, not a need,” explains Maureen. “We’re dependent on local giving – I get some small grants from a few places, but it’s mostly churches, individuals and local businesses.”

This is where you can help because whether or not you attend one of our churches, you can still donate food items to the collection points which are in each one.

FIND urgently need drivers who can help deliver food parcels and other supplies on Monday, Tuesday and Friday afternoons. If you can spare one or two days a month please get in touch. To learn more about FIND or how to get involved, please visit www.findipswich.org.uk or call 01473 833351

“I have to find a lot of funding for rent and board, but God provides,” Maureen says. “I have a lot of adversity to get through, but the miracles are amazing too.”

CHURCH SERVICES February – March Day / Date

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St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin 9.30am Family Communion

Service at Westerfield

This information was correct at the time of going to press (early last month) occasionally it can be necessary to make changes—please cross reference with our website for the most up-to-date information at www.wtandw.org.uk

St Mary’s Witnesham 10am All-Age Worship

Service at Westerfield

St Mary Magdalene Westerfield 9.30am Family Communion 9.30am Holy Communion and Ashing

9.30am Family Service

10am Family Communion

8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service

9.30am Family Communion

10am Morning Worship

11am Family Communion

8am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Worship

10am Family Communion

11am Morning Worship

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-Age Worship

9.30am Family Service

10am Family Communion

8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service

9.30am Morning Worship

10am Family Communion

11am Morning Worship

9.30am Family Communion

Services each evening Monday-Thursday, daytime Friday—full details will be on website.

9.30am Easter Family Communion

10am Easter Family Communion

11am Easter Family Communion

In Touch online:

In Touch with WTW

The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham

Church Diary—February...

Who’s Who:

Mothers’ Union—Thursday 4th February, when Laura Squirrell will tell us about the work of “Lighthouse” (formerly Ipswich Women’s Refuge) (contact Ann Bennett 785685 for more information) Benefice Youth Group—Wednesdays 10th and 24th February, 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—Thursdays 4th & 18th February 7.30pm in the back room of Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138) Kingdom Kids—meeting on 28th February and again on 20th March (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Tuesdays—said Evening Prayer at Witnesham Church—weekly at 6pm Wednesdays—said Morning Prayer at Westerfield Church—weekly at 9.30am (Holy Communion on first week of month)

MINISTRY TEAM:

"What a Cracker of a Night!!

Ten years on from the original pilot scheme of Christmas 2005 Town Pastors continue to patrol the streets of Suffolk on a Friday and Saturday night. The holiday season is no different.

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PARISH PRIEST: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk ASSISTANT PRIEST: Rev’d Catherine Forsdike t: 01473 252904 e: Catherine@wtandw.org.uk To enquire about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, telephone or email Alan & Catherine Forsdike.

READERS: Paul Laughlin

01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk

Keith Jillings

01473 784552 Keith@wtandw.org.uk

Carol Rivett

01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk

ELDER Julia Farmer

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

CHURCHWARDENS: Tuddenham 01473 785296

Jim Punton Jim@wtandw.org.uk

Tuddenham 01473 785272

Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 230188

Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 251207

Loelia Brow Loelia@wtandw.org.uk

With the great backing of those praying back in our base at the CYM centre and the dedication of those praying at home, our intrepid team hit the streets. The three pairs of Pastors were kept on their toes.

Witnesham 01473 785673

Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk

Here are just a few examples of Town Pastors work of being ‘Ambassadors of Christ’ on the streets of Suffolk towns - and we value the support we have from the Christian community:

KINGDOM KIDS—WITNESHAM

A gentleman was finding difficulty maintaining his balance and fell and hit his head. Town pastors were on hand to assist, keep him safe and call an ambulance. We later heard that he had broken his arm as well as the bang on his head. A conversation with a man who shared about his family problems. Pastors were able to listen and offer encouragement. Pastors stayed with an intoxicated lady whilst her friends went and got the car. This led to a bizarre conversation during which she insisted that the pastors were ‘police interceptors’ - hopefully due to our hi-vis yellow jackets!

01473 890821

On the last Saturday before Christmas Ipswich town centre is a cacophony of people; noise and at times, seeming mayhem! With queues at many of the venues and taxi ranks the town haven’t seemed this busy for a while. There were many shouts of ‘Merry Christmas’. However there were also disputes to try and mediate, intoxicated, vulnerable people to try and help get home and those who needed someone to listen to how, for them, it may not be a ‘Merry Christmas’.

A fight had broken out and police had already made arrests. However some involved wouldn’t let it go and wanted to carry on the altercation afterwards – Town Pastors were able to help calm the situation having phoned to base for prayer support. Time was spent with a homeless man who had recently lost his partner.

Christmas is going to be tough for him but Pastors were able to give him some time to talk. He gladly accepted our offer of prayer.

Gill Thorley Gill@wtandw.org.uk

BENEFICE YOUTH GROUP Julia Farmer

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

Our website has a host of information: about the churches and villages in Westerfield and Tuddenham with Witnesham Benefice

www.wtandw.org.uk

Teams will be out throughout the festive period - but Town Pastors aren’t just for Christmas!!”

John Gillett, Town Pastor team leader and member of St Andrew’s Church, Ipswich.

ABOUT TOWN PASTORS Town Pastors are Christian volunteers from local churches who bring a caring presence onto the streets of our towns through the late nights and early mornings. Usually present on Friday and/or Saturday nights, they bring a positive influence on the streets providing help and support to vulnerable people. Town Pastors currently operate in 9 towns in Suffolk: Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Haverhill, Lowestoft, Newmarket, Stowmarket, Sudbury, and Woodbridge, plus also in Dereham, Norfolk.

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a: Unit 845 Bentwaters Business Park, Rendlesham,www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield Suffolk IP12 2TW