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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS ASHBOCKING NEWS Recently I took a journey northwards along the A14 and was shocked at the amount of litter. I know a great deal of our money goes towards clearing rubbish from our road sides in Suffolk, money that could go towards improving the quality and safety of our local roads. I’ve been aware of litter around the B1077/78 crossroads so we did something about it recently (thanks Sharon Chenery), but I fancy it won’t be long before the rubbish returns. If you want to be proactive in clearing litter from your area of Ashbocking, or beyond, we have litter picking apparatus, high vis jackets, gloves and bin liners. So please get in contact if you feel like doing some tidying up. The community land will need some volunteers in March. If the weather is dry enough, we plan to plant two more apple trees with protection, move the wood stack to the boundary, collect stones from the kick-about area and install the table tennis table. The date for all this activity will be Saturday, March 25 from 10am. We’d particularly like some of the children in the village, with a parent or two, to come and help.
Chalkboard outside a small convenience store and bakery in Co Kerry. For once I’m going to let the picture do the talking! Happy shopping. Sharon
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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
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It will be a great time to introduce the children to a community project and a time for them to help to get it up and running. And for the history record, I’d like some pictures of the children playing table tennis, planting trees and creating wild life habitats. Please put this date in your diary. All Saints Church is our only community building in the village. Striving for a village hall is no doubt a worthy ambition. However, and I know many agree, making our church a more usable building for the whole community is also a worthy ambition. So the church needs running water, a loo and a kitchenette. Already plans are afoot and money is being raised. Everyone can help by attending fundraising activities and maybe giving some of their time and expertise. We have an abundance of people with expertise in Ashbocking, people who wish to improve their immediate community, people who don’t wait for ‘The County’ to sort everything, people who enjoy getting together and working together. As the parish council comes to the end of its 2017 year in April, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have helped towards the various projects we have tackled over recent and past years. We’ve had some excellent fun and achieved much. I know most of us feel we live in a great village with good neighbours and friends looking after and caring for each other. So the future? Things that come to my mind at this moment are getting the surface of Allotment Lane sorted, improved broadband, continuing to develop the community land, getting the church developments up and running and… If you have any other ideas, please do come along to Ashbocking Annual Parish Council Meeting on April 24 at SWT headquarters at 7.30pm. With ideas or not we’d like to have you there. Another date for your diary! Liz Stegman
ASHBOCKING PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS Please note a date change for the March parish council meeting which will now take place on Monday, March 27.
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NEWS SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL Clerk: Mr Steven Barron
FOOTPATHS
swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917 Report from the parish council meeting held at Witnesham Village Hall on Wednesday, January 18.
Further to dog fouling issue raised at last PC meeting and reports from residents, Mr Hindle had fitted Clean up after your Dog signs at the top of Mill Lane, Weyland Road and also on Footpath 12.
Present: Mr Everett, Mr Lightfoot, Mr Rush, Mrs Shaw, Mrs Camp, Mr Templeman, Mr Hindle, Mr Wilks, Mr Stanley, Dr Nicol, Suffolk County Councillor Vickery and Mr Elmy (VHMC)
A resident in Weyland Road had emailed the parish council after SCC declined to take action over a reported slippery pavement issue. Mr Hindle would respond by email on behalf of the parish council.
REPORT FROM SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILLOR VICKERY
PLANNING
Speed Limit: Councillor Vickery reported that the new 40mph speed limit on Ashbocking crossroads was ‘live’ and that the requested extension of this 40mph speed limit to include B1078 Gibraltar Crossroads was not progressing with SCC Highways who were not keen. The chairman was to arrange a meeting (due hopefully on February 17) to include the district council, the police, Councillor Vickery and representative from Otley PC.
Mr Wilks reported on two recent planning applications and their progress with SCDC:
Flooding issue in Coopers Close: Councillor Vickery was to supply the email address of the drainage team at Ipswich to the parish council so this could be progressed. Chairman advised that he had also been in regular contact with SCC flood line department who would be checking drain for blockages. Play Area: The £2.2k grant funding for the play area adjacent to Witnesham School was imminent. Northern Bypass: Councillor Vickery informed the meeting that the Ipswich Northern Routes Study information was available on the SCC website and three possible proposed routes were in the report. Mr Hindle asked Councillor Vickery if there would be early consultation with parish councils. Councillor Vickery responded that things were at a very early stage with multiple issues which needed considering before a proper case could be produced. When asked, Councillor Vickery informed the meeting that MP Dr Poulter was strongly opposed to any Northern bypass. The chairman asked Councillor Vickery for early consultation when possible. Councillor Vickery reported that the SAVID (Safer Village Driving) VAS (Vehicle Activated Sign) grant was made available now for SAVID member villages and also SCC Highways had announced that there would now be no charge for the posts required for VAS. FINANCE UPDATE 2017/18 Budget: Dr Nicol presented hard copies of the budget to the meeting. The apparent underspend and grant anomalies were clarified for the meeting by Dr Nicol. Mr Wilks informed the meeting that next year there was to be potential funding for the council from CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) and the criteria for spend options was pending as were any amounts. 2017/2018 Precept: Dr Nicol reported that the finance committee, which met on January 10, did not feel it was necessary to increase the precept this year. SCDC had written to parish councils informing them of the withdrawal of the Council Tax Support Grant from April 2017, and advising to set a precept which would not increase tax charge for residents, resulting in a precept of £12,987.20 for Swilland and Witnesham. It was proposed by Mr Hindle that council agree to a precept of £12,987.20, seconded Dr Nicol: carried It was proposed by Mr Everett that the council accept the budget as presented for 2017/2018, seconded Mr Stanley: carried. Dr Nicol informed the meeting that there would be some further loose ends to ratify at the March meeting and the clerk would circulate the appropriate documents to all councillors shortly.
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Rose Cottage, Witnesham: Permitted Brookfield, High Road, Swilland: Permitted There are still two enforcement cases in progress (Wades Lane and ExAnglia Cleaning site). The Anglia Cleaning site still has on-going issues with disturbance to residents living nearby caused by ambulances and coaches arriving, departing and parked with engine running in early hours and late at night. Light pollution from flashing beacons is also apparent. Mr Wilks would continue to press SCDC on behalf of the parish council to get this resolved. HIGHWAYS Mr Everett informed the meeting of the potential prices for a SID, bracket and battery charger which varied from £2.25k to £2.5k excluding VAT. Mr Rush expressed the view that a portable SID was preferable and flexible and asked council for comment. It was proposed by Mr Rush that Mr Everett and Mr Madge should continue to study SID options further, then feedback to the Finance Committee. CSW would be included and consulted with, seconded Mr Lightfoot: carried VHMC Mr Elmy, chairman of the VHMC, reported recent maintenance on the village hall included external rendering, gutters and fire door repairs. There had been an electrical fault on the lights which had been fixed. During the work, it was discovered that the insulation in the roof was not adequate by modern standards. The new heating system was turned on in November. The electricity bills for November and December had been exceptionally high, far more than should be the case with the upgraded heating system. Subsequently the system was being investigated by electrical contractors to see what is causing these unexpected high bills. ALLOTMENTS Mrs Camp confirmed that all Coopers Close allotments were now taken and there was one vacant in Hall Lane. Clerk had sent advert to In Touch and had emailed residents about the vacant plot. COMMUNITY GROUP Mrs Camp explained that the community group had folded and the Village Show Committee had since taken over the funds. CORRESPONDENCE / PROPOSED ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING The chairman advised that he had e-mailed the Barley Mow expressing his thanks to all involved in the November firework display. This had previously been a community council event, not a parish council event, and he had suggested, with some 10 months to go, some kind of fundraising by the Barley Mow, the community group or those organising might be worthwhile to help reduce the financial burden on the pub as this was always a popular event. Also see VACANT PARISH COUNCIL POSITION on page 6.
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OUT & ABOUT DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING Events take place in Witnesham Village Hall unless indicated otherwise:
Sewing Classes: For information please contact Kim Shaw: 785678
Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 785798
Thursday 2 Village Voices meet in the Baptist Church Room at 7.30pm. Contact Christine Laughlin: 785138
Parish Clerk: Mr Steve Barron swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917 WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays Dance classes in term time from 3.30pm. Contact Kelly Fear: 07799 130967 Tuesdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm •
Drop-in Cafe at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm
•
Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Peter Elmy: 785754
Thursdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm
MARCH
Wednesday 8 WI meets to hear a talk by Alex Bass entitled A Year in Wildlife in RSPB Minsmere Monday 13 Ashbocking Parish Council meeting at SWT HQ, 7.30pm Wednesday 15 Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm Thursday 16 Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking 12.15-12.35pm Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm
•
Carpet Bowls from 2pm. Contact: 785754
FUTURE DATES
•
Tai Chi with an early beginner’s class and a continuing class from 7.30pm. For more details contact Marc: 07860 471748
Wednesday, April 19: Swilland and Witnesham Annual Parish Meeting
Fridays • Mums and Toddlers in Witnesham Baptist Room, 9.15-11.15am. All welcome. Contact Jean Pearson: 785478
Wednesday, April 24: Ashbocking Annual Parish Meeting at SWT HQ, 7.30pm
•
Pilates Class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com
Saturday, May 20: Messy Church, afternoon Saturday, June 24: Witnesham St Mary’s Fete
ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction? Have you ever wondered about the story behind antiques through history and in modern life? Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt? If you do, we are sure you will enjoy the following event. The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents by popular demand another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS when she will talk about Antiques in Context. Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It. Join us at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Monday, March 6 at 7.30pm. Light refreshments, admission £6. The venue is fully accessible and there is free adjacent parking. Further details from the Burrows family: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk
VACANT PARISH COUNCIL POSITION There is a vacancy for a parish councillor within Swilland and Witnesham Grouped Parish Council. If you are interested, please contact Steve Barron, the parish clerk: swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917 6
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OUT & ABOUT
WESTERFIELD CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS 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 Tony Baker: 01473 411347
Scout Leader: Peter Runnacles 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com
Village coffee mornings Held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome.
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.
Westerfield & District Gardening Club Meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm. • •
March 1: How to Forecast the Weather and Sky Photography with Chris Bell April 5: Unwins Seeds
Everyone is welcome. For further details contact: Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 251 843). Beavers, Cubs & 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
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
• •
March 9: Horrie Parsons on The Reconstruction of Bury Cathedral April 13: Pauline Moore on Sutton Hoo
New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749 Pilates The classes are in the village hall, Mondays, 10.45-11.45am. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. £6.50 in advance/£8 drop-in. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Exercise class at Westerfield Village Hall on Thursday evenings, 7.15-9pm, £12 per class, suitable for all ages. If you are interested please contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_ askew@hotmail.com
Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years. Cub Leader: Joan Gibson 01473 785510 / joan_gibson785@yahoo.co.uk
Yoga In Westerfield Village Hall on Thursday mornings, 9.40-11am. Stretch, breathe and de-stress with 80 minutes of yoga stretches, breathing practices and relaxation. British Wheel of Yoga qualified teacher. £48 for block of six / £9.50 drop in. Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380
Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years.
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
Henley Players Presents….
Junior Summer Show Friday 2nd Sat 3rd June 2017
henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION It’s a Pigs Life – Matthew Clarke
WOOLPIT STEAM RALLY Woolpit Steam Rally will soon be upon us, with the 2017 event taking place over the weekend of June 3 and 4 at Warren Farm, Wetherden IP14 3JX by kind permission of R and P Baker. This follows on from the hugely successful show last year which saw more than £17,000 donated to local charities and community groups. What makes Woolpit Steam different from other shows is the organiser’s desire to present to the public historic and rare machinery not normally seen on display. Woolpit Steam is probably best known for its selection of rare and unusual veteran tractors and this year is no exception with around 20 pre-1930 tractors anticipated. This is also to be complemented by a one off gathering of very early commercial vehicles.
Ipswich and District Photographic Society (IDPS) is holding its annual exhibition of prints and projected images in Ipswich Town Hall in March. We are a long established, friendly club with members of all photographic abilities, from beginner to very experienced. We have a full and varied programme from September to May which includes competitions and guest speakers. We also hold practical evenings once a month and four times a year we have ‘digital imaging’ days, which are held on Sundays.
A further 70 tractors up to 1965 will also be on show and more than 80 stationary engines driving an array of mills, pumps and other machinery together with a wood sawing display will all add to the atmosphere of a bygone age.
If you would like to join us, or just want further information, please visit: www.idps.org.uk/index.html ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF PRINTS AND PROJECTED IMAGES Council Chamber, Town Hall, Cornhill, Ipswich IP1 1DH Tuesday, March 7 to Saturday, March 18 Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm / closing at 4pm on March 18 ADMISSION FREE
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – WESTERFIELD After many years of volunteering the Westerfield village poppy organiser has moved away from the area. We would therefore be most grateful if someone would be kind enough to volunteer to take this on as without it Westerfield village will sadly not have any poppy collections. It is not an onerous task and we would be delighted to explain what is required and offer as much assistance as is required. Please contact me if you are able to help or would like to know more. Alexander Raven, 785030
Steam traction engines, vintage cars and motorcycles, vintage commercial and military vehicles are all represented and a number of models and displays will provide something of interest for everybody. If you are looking for a gift or that elusive spare part, there are more than 50 craft, trade and auto jumble stalls to tempt you. There is also hot and cold food, a licensed bar and ice creams. A traditional fun fair including electric yachts, dodgems and side stalls, together with Punch & Judy and a full ring programme on both days will help keep the family entertained. Gates are open from 9am-5pm on both days and admission is £5 for adults on Saturday, £6 on Sunday, children £2 on either day. Car parking is free and the show is easily accessible from Junction 47a on the A14 eastbound or Junction 49 west bound. For further information contact David Seeley on 01449 737443 (after 7.30pm) or via: www.woolpit-steam.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER FIFTIES CLUB The Great Blakenham Over Fifties Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and 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, is fully accessible for wheelchair users and has disabled facilities within. Being weather dependent we made our own entertainment in January with a social afternoon on January 11 and a talk on Robert Burns on January 25 as it was Burns Night. We didn’t go the lengths of cooking haggis, neeps and tatties and having a wee dram, but made do with shortbread and a nice cup of tea. We had a quiz afternoon on February 8 and a beetle drive on February 22. FUTURE DATES March 8: A visit by Annette Ellis from the Tourist Information Centre with a quiz about Suffolk March 22: Social afternoon with Brenda April 12: Social afternoon April 26: A return visit from Peter Banham with more sayings and the history of their meaning May 10: Social afternoon May 24: Behind the Bathroom Door by Liza Jones, looking at the history of items such a the toothbrush, toilet paper and deodorants June 14: Social afternoon with Brenda June 28: A visit by Hannah Barton from the Citizens Advice Bureau explaining the work they do and the services they provide to the community July 12: Social afternoon with Sandra July 26: Summer tea party As you can see we have quite a varied programme. New members are always welcome but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
DIABETES UK IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP The next open meeting is on Thursday, March 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH at 7pm. The main speaker will be Caroline Sager, a HQ officer from Diabetes UK, and Martin from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, who is sponsoring the evening, will give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills. This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee. For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org ADVANCE NOTICE: Easter Fair at Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre on Sunday, April 2, 11am-3pm, with stalls, cakes, face painting, toys and much more.
SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with Iain Sinclair, one of Britain’s foremost writers on London. Iain has been described as a “documentarist, film maker, poet, flaneur, metropolitan prophet and urban shaman, keeper of lost cultures and futurologist”. Recent work has been described as “an ambitious and elaborate literary recuperation of the so-called occultist psychogeography of London” and includes the non-fiction London Orbital. His most recent book, My Favourite London Devils, is described on his ‘official unofficial’ website as a “delirious gathering of some writers, living and dead who haunt Iain Sinclair and who inform his own London books”. Iain will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street) on Wednesday, March 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for league members and £8 for nonmembers. Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door, but if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk For further information about Suffolk Book League, including the benefits of membership, visit: www.sbl.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT ASHBOCKING SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM WI
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY
We look forward to hearing Alex Bass tell us about a year of wildlife at RSPB Minsmere when we meet in March. We always welcome visitors to meetings with no obligation to join.
Wednesday, March 22, 7pm: The Midland Railway Society and Stainer Pacifics
Come with a friend and give WI a try on Wednesday, March 8, 7.30pm at Witnesham Village Hall. How about joining in the litter pick on Saturday, April 22 from 10am? A couple of meeting points will be announced in the April edition. Afterwards, there will be soup for lunch (£3.50) at Witnesham Village Hall – puddings too! For more information and to book lunch, call Caroline: 01473 785413
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 at 7.15pm. On March 21 Paul Forecast, the new regional director for the East of England National Trust, will be setting out his plans for the next 10 years and, in particular, how the trust will play a more active role in saving nature. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM.
We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee. Details from: 01473 414746/422145 www.idhts.co.uk
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, March 23 at 7.30pm: Stephen Govier presents a fascinating talk on the De La Pole Family, Dukes of Suffolk, a very influential family who rose from lowly origins as wool merchants in Hull to the highest echelons of late 15th century society. De la Poles were also involved in The War of the Roses and one was even a pretender to the throne at one point. The De La Poles are probably best known in Suffolk for their links in the Wingfield area, but come along and be surprised! We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG.
On April 25 Horry Parsons will be talking about the construction of the Millennium Tower at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, featuring the installation of the vaulted ceiling. Horry is a very entertaining speaker, as many will remember, and this should be another interesting talk.
Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for nonmembers, who are 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.
Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.
For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk
For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY At our last meeting we enjoyed a talk from Jeremy Gaskell about the treaty ports in China, both British and Foreign, as European countries tried to influence and gain trade from the Chinese. The French, German, Russian and Japanese, as well as the British, were represented in these ports, one of which was 500 miles up the Yangtze River. On March 1 Norman Emeny will present Astronomy & Archaeology and on March 15 we have a competition where members can show up to 10 sheets on any subject of their choice. On April 5 we will be holding our annual auction where we sell stamps and philatelic material. There will be approximately 450 lots to bid for; viewing is on the evening from about 4pm, with the auction starting at 6.45pm sharp. Put the date in your diary if you would like to improve your collection or start a new hobby. Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
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IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Our members live all around the area but we share an interest in what is happening in our county town. In January we learned a lot from our very entertaining speakers about Ipswich Citizens Advice Bureau. They gave us a picture of the different people who come to them and of the types of issues that they seek help with. We were impressed by the detail and reliability of the information which their national system provides for their advisers and the respect and empathy which we sensed in their approach to their clients. Volunteers play a valued role in many aspects of their work. February was focussed on our conference at the University of Suffolk in celebration of Lighthouse’s 40th anniversary. As In Touch’s submission deadline is the actual day of our event, we can only say that we have everything crossed! We are very much looking forward to our regular monthly meeting on March 8 when Abby Grace from Suffolk Refugee Support will speak about experiences of the Syrian refugees in Ipswich over the past year. This is such an important topic for all of us locally that we wonder if other women would like to come and hear her. You would be most welcome. Please call Jackie on 01473 659314 for directions or for more information about Soroptimism.
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We welcomed Susan Horne from Gt Baddow with a demonstration entitled Pick a Colour, any Colour on February 23. Susan can always be relied upon to give a most entertaining demonstration, her flowers are always of the highest standard and she always has interesting tales. We are now looking forward to our next meeting on March 23 when Jennie Baker from Harlestone presents Chosen for You. This is a return visit from Jennie and I’m sure she will give us an entertaining evening. Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm, but the doors open at 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the displays created in the demonstration and raffled at the close of the meeting. Annual subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £40 and visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
OTLEY & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Patron: Matthew Tanton-Brown We meet at 7.30pm on the first Monday of the month at Otley Village Hall. Monday, March 6: A Clematis for Every Season with Peter Gooch Monday, April 3 (AGM): Growing from Seed and in Containers with Bob Booker Compare gardening notes over tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome – join up or just come along. Admission £1.50 for members, £4 for nonmembers, includes refreshments. Annual membership is just. £10 To find out more, contact Alan Trevelyan (01473 890563) Jenny Vince (01473 738244) or Isabel Lincoln (01473 890826).
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Despite last half term being very short, we continue to pack a great deal in. Firstly, I am pleased to tell you that our governors voted on the final decision to proceed to academy status and this should be happening on June 1. We are very much looking forward to the benefits of working with the other schools. We have been busy with various trips, visits and activities as well as some successful sporting achievements in cross-country, table tennis and athletics. At the end of January, Year 10 and 11 GCSE art students visited the Tate Modern in London, getting inspiration from the many artists on display as well as enjoying the fantastic panoramic view of central London from the viewing floor. On February 3 we had a visit from author Cathy Cassidy who spoke to Year 7 and 8 girls along with Year 5 and 6 visitors from Claydon Primary School. Cathy spoke about what inspires her writing as well as taking the opportunity to meet students in person and sign copies of her latest book, Broken Heart Club. On February 7 a group of students were joined by local singer songwriter Connor Ryan Adams and a team from IEM (Industry Education in Music) to take part in a Battle of the Bands music workshop and concert. Students from across all year groups split into groups to form nine separate bands and spent the day composing original pop music from scratch. With a very tight deadline, this was a huge challenge but our talented students worked extremely hard, using advice and guidance from the professionals to come up with some impressive and original material which they performed at a concert on the very same evening. Year 11 continue to prepare for their exams with only 50 school days remaining as I write. Last half term we interviewed every student to help with his or her preparation and 140 students will travel to the outdoor centre in East Mersea on February 24 and 25 to take part in an intense GCSE Bootcamp. This overnight event is a chance for Year 11 students to get together to learn vital revision strategies to take away with them, as well as taking part in structured maths and English revision within a classroom setting and enjoying outdoor challenges such as the climbing wall, assault course and high ropes. They will come home tired and muddy, but will have worked hard. We have a small but dedicated PTA committee who work tirelessly for the benefit of the school and our students. They have recently organised for paper and textile recycling banks to be situated at the school for both school and community use and have organised a quiz night on Thursday, March 30, 7-9pm. If you would like to join us for this fun and popular evening, please contact PTA chairperson Rebecca Sheridan: at becca48@ntlworld.com As I write, some lucky students (and staff) are looking forward to spending an exciting half term holiday in Austria on the school’s annual ski trip. A large group of students are also rehearsing and preparing their pieces for the annual Celebration of Music concert at Snape Maltings on March 7. We wish them the very best of luck. The second half of the spring term will be busy with our fun run, BBC School Report Day, an art exhibition and a maths challenge. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Monday, March 20. To book a place, please call my Mrs J Pedersen: 01473 836110 Headteacher Sarah Skinner
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SCHOOLS THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM The children recently celebrated Chinese New Year, turning our role play area into a Chinese restaurant with menus, chopsticks, bowls and woks. We looked at which year the children were born in and which animal this represents – everyone wanted to be a dragon, apart from one child who was delighted to have been born in the Year of the Horse. Roosters were designed and displayed on the nursery wall (2017 is Year of the Rooster) and a number line was created from chicken pictures. Strawberries and the colour red is the next fruit to be looked at and we will link this to the wonderful book The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. It’s a great story to promote sharing, talking about cutting in half and the fun of disguising a strawberry with glasses. We use this with a story sack containing lots of props for the children to get hands-on. We will be making strawberry sandwiches, cutting up strawberries and putting them in jelly, and discussing how and why liquid jelly sets in the fridge.
WITNESHAM AREA PRE-SCHOOL We invite all families in Witnesham and the surrounding areas to come to our Easter Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 13, 10am-noon. Entry is £4 per family with tea and cake available for a small additional charge. Work as a family team to run around the field finding coloured balls and exchange them for Easter eggs. Tickets should be purchased in advance by calling 01473 784934. This term we have been learning all about the weather. From muddy puddles to rainbows, we’re covering it all! Next term we are planning to learn about minibeasts and hold a community event for families to join in – more details to follow in the next issue. Rising 5s: during the spring/summer term the children are invited to join the Reception class at Witnesham Primary School while the younger children visit the school library. It has shown that this helps smooth transition to primary school. Witnesham Area Pre-school is a friendly, relaxed, rural pre-school which provides a fun, caring environment for children aged two to five to learn and play. To find out more please contact Annette – 01473 784934 / witneshamarea@preschool1974.plus.com – or visit: www.witnesham-preschool.co.uk
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We are now over half way through the term and the children are thoroughly enjoying a range of arts, crafts and cooking. They had great fun trying new foods and oriental inspired crafts for Chinese New Year and in the run up to Valentine’s Day they baked heart shaped jam tarts and made glittery paper hearts for their parents. Our regular visitors are warmly welcomed and the children get very excited when they know these sessions are about to happen. Agnes comes in to do Early Years French with puppets and games, allowing time for the children to repeat what they have learnt in previous weeks thereby slowly picking up counting, colours and clothes. Miss Pamela comes in one morning a week to take Early Years dance sessions. The children love getting changed in anticipation of what is to come. Shoes and socks come off so toes can be pointed and scarves move to the music. It’s fantastic to see how the children interpret the music – moving their bodies and learning control. A curtsy or bow at the end finishes the session off. Visit our website for details of forthcoming events and to download our newsletter, or ring us on 01473 890950 to book a visit. www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com
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As the weather warms up the children will be tending to their flowerbeds. They will be working with a gardener who will show them how to sow, grow and tend vegetables. They plan to grow radishes, tomatoes, lettuces and some delicious strawberries. Following the success of our Stay and Play week last term, we will be holding another in the week commencing Monday, March 13. Parents and carers will soon receive an invite, so keep your eyes peeled. We would also like to thank everyone who attended, cooked a curry, or donated a raffle prize or supplies for our quiz and curry night in February. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by everyone, and raised some much needed funds to go towards modernising our children’s learning journals. We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room in Henley Community Centre which is less than a 10 minute drive from Great Blakenham and Claydon. There is a large onsite car park making drop off and collection a safer and easier experience. We have grant funded and paid sessions are available for two to five year olds. Lunch club is also available (noon-1pm). We are happy to accept childcare vouchers and offer two year funded places for eligible children. You don’t need to live in the catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Needham Market and other surrounding areas. If you would like to join in the fun, please ring 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning or afternoon before 3pm. Out of hours, or to leave us a message, please call: 07979 468467 www.henleypreschool.co.uk Bridget and the team
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SPORT
IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL It’s been a fantastic month for Ipswich Ravens which fittingly included our third anniversary of forming the club in 2014. We began with an excellent showing in the monthly indoor six-a-side tournament at Maidenhall Leisure Centre. After finishing bottom of Division 1 last month with a depleted squad due to seasonal flu, our First team was back to normal this month and put in a strong performance finishing third out of seven teams with two good wins and defeats against only the two very strong sides from Ipswich VC who are by far the strongest club in the competition. Our elated captain Chris Giles summed it up: “Frankly we smashed it this month, although we only won two and lost two it feels like we won the tournament!” In Division 2 we were delighted to be able to enter a composite team consisting of three of our ladies and two juniors.
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers, I am tapping this out as I wait for a flight back to the UK from sunnier climes, so you may notice a difference in standard this month, probably an improvement as I keep getting told it can’t get any worse! Talking of things getting worse, imagine how the Canadian player felt when he was defaulted for striking the umpire in the eye with a carelessly struck tennis ball in the Davis Cup. Just another reason to be glad we don’t run to umpires in the local leagues as Nick would probably get defaulted every game! On the odd occasion when dog walkers have risked life and limb by crossing the danger zone (anywhere on the playing field really) we have managed to get away with any unfortunate incidents by explaining that Nick has never hit anything that he was aiming at. In one specific case the dog struck by one of Nick’s ‘screaming century’ serves (so called because only one in 100 go in the court) was due to go to the vets to be neutered so we successfully argued that we had, in fact, saved the owner some money! I’m not sure the dog was too happy though as I still hear a plaintive wail from somewhere in the village when Nick is bouncing up for a serve. Not a lot to report this month. On the playing front I am assuming all is progressing on fairly predictable lines. The floodlit team were mid table as were most of the Sunday winter pairs, so I don’t think anyone will need to stock up on silver cleaner this season. The AGM is in the sports pavilion on March 26. We hold the first of the Sunday morning club sessions beforehand at 10.30am to try and trap as many unfortunates into attending the meeting at noon. If you are interested in joining the club, or just fancy having a try-out game to see what we are like, feel free to come and join us. All are welcome and as the AGM is a public meeting anyone is welcome to attend.
This was the first time our juniors have competed at this level having previously played in just the occasional school tournament, and it showed our intention to develop players of all levels and help them to improve as quickly as they can manage. The team performed admirably with two good wins against Stow Aces and SCC Seagulls, and two defeats. Probably the most pleasing event of the month was when Ravens Ladies hosted a full scale match against SCC Seagulls in the Suffolk Ladies League. This is the first season that the Ladies League has ever been held and it’s a sign of how volleyball has grown in popularity throughout the county in recent years. The match was played in excellent spirit and after a rather sluggish start Ravens raised their game to romp home with a win by three sets to nil 26-17, 26-12, 26-8. Finally, with the club continuing to grow we are thrilled to say we have now started running an extra volleyball session every Tuesday from 7-9pm, also at St Alban’s School in Rushmere, to whom we are hugely grateful for their continued support. This is in addition to our established session on Saturdays from 2-4pm. All our sessions are run by experienced coaches and are open to male or female players, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk or.
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I have just heard the call for my flight back to the English winter (oh joy) so will leave you with the joke of the month. A man answers an advert for a handyman at a local builders. At the interview he is asked if he can lay bricks; he replies that he can’t. He is then asked if he has any carpentry skills, to which he replies that he is useless at all forms of woodwork. The interviewer inquires as to whether the man can operate any sort of machinery such as diggers or cement mixers, to which he replies that he is clueless with all things mechanical. At this point the interviewer says: “You don’t seem to have any skills in this field so what is handy about you then?” to which the man replies: “Well I only live across the street.” Adios amigos, more guff next month, Mick Russ
WITNESHAM CARPET BOWLS CLUB OUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! We are a group of friendly, mixed ability, mixed age players who meet on Tuesdays at 7pm and/or Thursdays at 2pm at Witnesham Village Hall. We are looking for new members to join our group. Don’t worry if you have never played before as we have members who will willingly give tuition and advice. So, if you are looking for a few hours away from the television, how about giving us a try? For more details please contact Peter Elmy (01473 785754) or Mel Brinkley (01473 718065).
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ON THE GRAPEVINE DANCEEAST CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TRAINING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN THE WORDS OF A CAT STUDENT
is. And at the end of the day, the tutor gave us the opportunity to ask any questions and it was really nice to have some familiar faces at the audition that I had met at the open day. How did you find the audition process? I was 11 years old and I thought it was going to be a bit scary but it wasn’t too daunting, everything was just new. I found everyone lovely, and all of the other people auditioning were really friendly too. What opportunities has CAT given you? If I wasn’t in the CAT I would never have worked with so many different people and made so many friends from Cambridge, Norwich and Colchester. I also wouldn’t have met lots of different choreographers, it’s great when they come to work with us, especially if you’ve read about them or seen their performances. We also go to London and Norwich on trips to see their work, and it’s quite surreal when they work with you.
DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) is one of ten national centres that identify children and young people aged between 10 and 18 years with exceptional potential in dance. The nationwide scheme aims to develop, create and inspire the next generation of dance artists, choreographers and dance leaders. By cultivating young dancers at a critical stage in their development, the scheme prepares students for entry into the world’s leading vocational and higher education institutions and on to successful and rewarding careers in dance. The DanceEast CAT is looking for young dance talent to join in September 2017. DanceEast CAT is looking for individuals who aspire to a career in dance, stand out, show drive and determination, are hard-working and creative, and above all are committed and passionate. DanceEast caught up with Rebecca Hall, a student on the DanceEast CAT, to find out what it’s like to go through the application and audition process and be a student on the scheme. How did you first find out about the CAT? Before I was in the CAT I was part of the Suffolk Junior Dance Company at DanceEast. A couple of older members auditioned for the CAT which encouraged me to look into it as well. I went to an open day and realised it was something that I wanted to do, so I applied and then auditioned. How useful did you find the open day? I thought it was really useful as it was exactly how a CAT class really
FOLLOW MY LEAD St Elizabeth Hospice has launched a brand new dog walking event, Follow my Lead, and they’re looking for four-legged friends to sign up. The walk, taking place on March 12 at Alton Water, will cost each dog £10 and they can bring their human friends for free. Nigel Donkin, Community and Volunteer Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We regularly have dogs popping into the hospice to see their owners so we thought it’s time we organised an event just for them!” A competition was held to find the furry face of this new event, and more
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What’s the best thing about being in CAT? We never do the same thing twice, and there are always different invited choreographers and the opportunity to work in different styles – not just contemporary and ballet. It never gets boring. The biggest highlight for me was when we worked with company members from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, it was a good experience to learn from them and recreate their work. What are your career aspirations? Before I was in the CAT I didn’t actually know what I wanted to do. But now I definitely know I want to go into contemporary dance. I will audition for a few different places in a couple of years’ time. What would you say to people who are thinking about applying? I would definitely recommend that they attend an open day, as that helped me decide that I wanted to apply. I would say that even if you aren’t sure, apply anyway as it’s a great experience and you meet lots of new people. I wouldn’t be nervous about the audition, as you are never going to be on your own, there will always be someone there to help and it’s not too difficult! It is highly recommended that prospective applicants come to one of the taster workshops in Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge or Colchester or to the open day at Jerwood DanceHouse. You will find out more about the DanceEast CAT and take part in a range of workshops lead by the teaching team. Parents and guardians will also have the opportunity to speak directly with the management team. To find out more about the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training, taster workshops, the open day and how to apply visit: www.danceeast.co.uk than 100 pet photos were submitted. The final choice was decided by a public poll of the top six, and the winner was Oakley (pictured), a two and a half year old cocker spaniel. Oakley will start the walk at 10.30am on Sunday, March 12, followed by his canine companions, and dogs signed up will receive a doggy bag and Follow my Lead tag. To sign up, contact: fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk / 01473 723600 For more information, visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/followmylead St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity providing vital services to more than 2,000 patients and their families annually across east Suffolk. They offer care and support wherever needed: on the inpatient unit, in day care, or in the home and community.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Harold and Audrey from Woodbridge sent me a copy of their wills. They ask: “We have changed ownership of our house to common ownership so that we each own half our house and we have also made wills incorporating special trusts. As I understood it, this would save Inheritance Tax on half of the house, but a friend who has made similar plans tells me that my trust will not save tax. What do you think?” Unfortunately, I think your friend is right. Severing the joint tenancy on your main residence and using this asset in conjunction with a trust in your wills can be an effective Inheritance Tax planning tool, but only with the right kind of trust. The trust should be a Discretionary Will Trust. With this type of trust, as the name implies, you give complete discretion to your trustees over who can benefit from the trust, and what assets can be placed in the trust after your death. However, your wills contain a property trust. The trust wording in your will states that the asset to be used is “the half share of my residential property situated at….” This is a specified asset. Also, the beneficiary is named as “my wife Audrey Smith…” This is a specified beneficiary. This makes the trust specific as opposed to discretionary. Also, when the will specifies that your spouse is to be granted the right to occupy the house for the remainder of her lifetime, this creates a life interest or interest in possession, which means that the trust assets would form part of the estate of the life tenant (your wife) for Inheritance Tax purposes. Only a Discretionary Will Trust can be used to save Inheritance Tax. For this to be effective, it must be correctly drafted, and if residential property is to be a trust asset, the trusts should include an IOU or debt charge clause. The trustees must also be seen to exercise their discretion in the management of the trust, and should never grant an exclusive life interest to a surviving spouse to the exclusion of any other discretionary beneficiaries. To ensure that your wills and trusts are correctly prepared, take professional advice. Appointing a professional executor or trustee can also help to ensure that your trustees are correctly advised and the trust is correctly managed after your death. If you get it wrong now, it could cost your children thousands of pounds later. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
ACUPUNCTURE AWARENESS WEEK – 6 TO 12 MARCH 2017 Our seasons dictate what we choose to wear in the morning, what food we prefer to eat, whether to go out for the evening or stay tucked up for a cosy night in. But can they affect our health? In short: yes, but I won’t bore you with a list of seasonal ailments! It is no secret that one of the keys to good health is a strong and fully functioning immune system, so it’s important to prepare and support your defences all year round. Acupuncture and seasonal change Eastern practices such as Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine have a strong focus in the seasons and how they affect us individually. Especially within Five Element Acupuncture, a practice that suggests that we’re made up of five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The five elements are perceived as the basal components of our energetics and we present traits of each one: through our emotional behavior, complexion, habits and other general observations to varying degrees. Acupuncture’s underlying principle, a holistic approach to health, acknowledges the impact of the seasons throughout the year as it is understood that we reflect each season through the energetics of our body, which shows the importance of living in tune with them in order to balance our health, both in body and in mind. Why should I try seasonal acupuncture treatments? With over 200 common cold viruses and various types of flu virus, it’s hard to avoid catching a bug. On average, it is thought that adults in the UK catch two to four colds a year. It could be assumed that statistically a major part of the 172 million days lost each year to sickness, costing the economy over £13 billion*, could be attributed to preventable colds and flu. A seasonal session with an acupuncturist can help improve overall health by enhancing the body’s immune system to keep illness at bay. It can also provide a boost in energy levels, lifting mood and improving a person’s sense of wellbeing, allowing the body to function more effectively. In addition, during treatment the acupuncturist will discuss things to be aware of depending on the specific season: for example with the ‘winter season treatment or tune up’, this could include the suggestion to eat warming foods and the need to keep warm and conserve energy in winter months, and not to rush into starting new projects. It seems simple but how many of us forget to be more aware of our surroundings when carrying out our daily routines, taking on additional work or ‘burning the candle at both ends’? With Monday March 6 being the start of Acupuncture Awareness Week, there is a great chance to learn more about the various styles of Acupuncture as well as how this system of eastern medicine perceives both the individual and their external environment. If you’d like more information, take a look at the British Acupuncture Council website. There you will find out about how Acupuncture may benefit you and your needs, how to find a practitioner in your area and much more about the importance of good health: www.introducingacupuncture.co.uk *CBI Absence & Labour turnover Written by Emma Harvey Lawrence, Partner and General Manager at Woolpit Complementary www.woolpit-complementary.co.uk emma@woolpit-complementary.co.uk / 01359 408 011
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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING WHY DO WE DO THAT? Do you have a ritual? An event you celebrate in a particular way or a little habit that you hope makes things go well for you? There’s a football star who can’t play until he’s checked all the loo seats are down and a tennis champion who must have a particular racket bag. Perhaps at Christmas a child has to have a particular sock for Father Christmas, the pudding is served on a special plate or you love coming to crib services although your children have long grown out of it! Why do we make pancakes once a year and give things up for Lent? The dictionary describes ritual as a code of ceremonies, an often repeated series of actions related to rites or performance of divine service. The church has many rituals – baptisms, weddings, PCC meetings and ‘ashing’ on Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday processions, Easter vigils, coffee making, exchanging the peace, Remembrance Sunday and all sorts of Christmas practices. Some have existed for 2,000 years and some are modern, some are important and some very trivial, some really matter to people and others are an irritant! What interests me is that very little of what we do as a church, as the body of Christ, was actually prescribed by Jesus.
March 8 Grundisburgh SWAPSHOP, 10.15-11.30am March 9 Tiddlywinks, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 2.30pm March 10 Reader Support Group, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 9.30am March 11 Diocesan Synod meets at the cathedral March 12 Grundisburgh Sunday Club in the Parish Rooms, 10.45am
The Rev Jane Hall
March 13 • Knit and Stitch, Burgh Schoolroom, 10.30am-noon. For further details: 01473 735544 • Open the Book rehearsal, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 9.30am • Grundisburgh Parish Room Lent Art, 2pm • Prayer Group, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 5pm March 14 • Boulge PCC meet in the Upper Room, 2pm • Hasketon and Grundisburgh PCC meet at Grundisburgh School, 7.30pm March 15 Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am March 18 Grundisburgh Wedding of Luke Billsberry and Kimberley Dodd, 1.30pm March 23 • Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm • Otley Community Lunch; please book with The White Hart, Otley: 01473 890312 • Tiddlywinks, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 2.30pm March 26 Grundisburgh Sunday Club in the Parish Rooms, 10.45am March 27 Open the Book at Grundisburgh School March 30 COSA PCCs meet at Clopton Village Hall, 7.30pm MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR One of the joys of ministry in our benefice over the last 10 years has been to see people growing in their Christian life and service. We are richly blessed with our ministry team and our elders, our churchwardens, treasurers, PCC secretaries, and all who play a part in church life in music and worship, in caring for and decorating our church buildings, in offering hospitality… so once a year it is good to give thanks to God for our life together, not just in a formal annual meeting, but in a service of thanksgiving.
SERVICES THROUGHOUT MARCH Sunday, March 5: Holy Communion, Swilland, 9.30am Sunday, March 12: Annual Thanksgiving Service, Ashbocking, 11am Sunday, March 19: Annual Thanksgiving Service, Swilland, 11am
Over the next two months we will be combining a service of thanksgiving with our annual parochial church meeting in each of our churches. Please take time to reflect on what you want to say thank you for and what you can offer to the life of the church in your village and community.
Ash Wednesday, March 1 Services in Otley at 10am and Grundisburgh and 7.30pm. Communion with imposition of ashes.
As we give thanks, it’s also good to be able to share our life with others training for ministry. Over the last three years Jane and Richard have been training for Reader ministry and will be commissioned at a special service at the cathedral on June 18 at 3.30pm.
Yes, Jesus did teach his disciples the Lord’s Prayer and we still use his words today – don’t worry about whether it’s the traditional words or modern ones that you know, the importance is in their meaning. An active ministry lasted only three years but in that time he cared for the sick and marginalised, preached and showed, by his example, the importance of love over ritual. He was steeped in the Jewish faith and its practices but summed up screeds of ritualistic law by saying we should love God with all our heart and our neighbours as ourselves. Jesus didn’t leave lots of instructions about how to be a church, but before he died he had a Passover supper with his disciples and shared bread and wine with them and said: “Do this in remembrance of me.” From this comes our practice of celebrating communion. We share bread and wind as the worshipping community of Jesus’ followers in our local churches. It’s a ritual but why do we do it and what does it mean? On Thursday, April 13 we are holding a celebratory Passover supper and simple communion, a fellowship meal, to explain both the ancient Jewish tradition of marking the Israelites’ escape from Egyptian slavery and our Christian practice of the Lord’s Supper. It will be a holy meal with lamb, bread, herbs, fruit, haroseth (come to find out what that is!) and, of course, wine. It’s at Otley Hall at 7pm on Maunday Thursday and costs £7.50. More details in April. Jesus called us to share bread and wine in his memory, in memory of his love for all humanity – it is a ritual with true meaning.
WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE CARLFORD BENEFICE March 1 • Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking 10am • Hobbies Group, Clopton, 10am-noon March 4 Bishops Martin and Mike lead a morning on prayer at Framlingham. To book call: 01473 252829 March 7 • Baby Café, Grundisburgh Parish Room, 9-10.30am • Craft and Coffee at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon 10am-noon
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They have trained as part of a larger group and in their final months of training, as Richard goes on placement to Kesgrave during Lent, we welcome Jenny Catchpole, who will be based for her placement in Grundisburgh. Jenny comes from Wickham Market and brings an experience of church from a more evangelical tradition, so there will be much for us to learn from each other. Jane has already done her placement… in Australia! Lucky her! The Rev Clare Sanders
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CHURCH NEWS
TAKE THE KAGERA CHALLENGE Kagera is our link diocese in Tanzania. The Diocesan Lent Appeal is to take the Kagera Challenge, to learn more about life in Kagera, to pray for our brothers and sisters there and to raise money to help them improve their lives. For details visit: www.cofesuffolk.org
March 15: Allen’s Cross House, Shirley and Ron Daws with Wendy, 01473 735138 March 22: Oak House, Anne Craggs with Wendy, 01473 738945 March 29: Victoria House, Ann and Keith Green, 01394 389433.
AN INVITATION TO WALK Tuesday, March 7: Otley to Ashbocking starting at 10.30am
Further details from Wendy: rev.gourlay@gmail.com
Monday, March 13: Burgh to Swilland via Clopton church, starting at 10.30am
40 ACTS OF KINDNESS Sign up at www.40acts.org.uk and take the daily challenge
Wednesday, March 22: Hasketon to Grundisburgh via Boulge church, starting at 10.30am
OTLEY QUIZ NIGHT AND SUPPER Saturday, March 4. Doors open at 7 for 7.30pm start. Teams up to eight, £10 per person to include a yummy jacket potato supper, bar and raffle. Contact Ruth: 01473 890543 / 07902 024976 / refarnhill@btinternet.com
Details from Jane Woods: 01473 890786 / revdfredwoods@hotmail.com FROM CHRISTMAS TO EASTER Join Wendy in creating an Easter mosaic from old Christmas cards and journey in word and deed through the Passion story to Easter Day and beyond. No artistic ability needed. Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Grundisburgh Parish Room from 2-3pm. Details from Wendy: rev.gourlay@gmail.com TABLE TALK Share in conversation around our Easter faith on Wednesdays from 12.30 to 1.30pm while enjoying homemade soup and friendship. March 8: Shrubbery Farm, Molly and Gordon Smith with Dot Warner, 01394 382208
FANCY A COFFEE? Ashbocking: Friday, March 3 at the home of Linda and Mick Ellis of Dormers, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am-noon Burgh: Eve Appeal, Saturday, March 18, Burgh School Room, 10am Clopton: Wednesday, March 15 at the village hall, 10am-noon Grundisburgh: Saturday, March 4, 10.30-11.45am and then Wednesday, March 8, 10.15-11.30am, both at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms Otley: Thursday, March 9 at the home of Philip and Betty David, 15 Spring Park, Otley, 10am
WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk We welcome you to worship at 11am each Sunday. Sunday, March 5: Morning Service – Pastor Andrew Croft including Holy Communion Sunday March 12: Pastor Andrew Sunday, March 19: Morning Service – Team Ministry Sunday, March 26: Morning Service – Mr Mark Powell SASRA We welcome all families to our new Family Time every Sunday at 9.30am. EVENTS Tuesdays Drop-in Café for tea and friendship, 2-4pm Varied Church Open House, 7.30pm Fridays Babies and Toddlers Group, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Jean: 01473 785478 Monday, March 6: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, 12.30-2pm. Light lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, March 8: Prayer Fellowship, 2pm Wednesday, March 22: Bible Study, 2pm The church is open for prayer and listening every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 5pm; at other times please contact Pastor Andrew. The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory. As I look at this month’s diary it appears it’s a quiet time at church with the normal weekly activities going on. There is something to be said for
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
the ‘routine’ and quiet times in all walks of life as it seems that ‘life’ rushes ahead with little time to stop and reflect. Globally we see that since his inauguration, President Trump has rushed ahead making executive decisions leaving confusion and anger in his wake. Consequences of some of those ‘orders’ will be felt across the world and not necessarily for the better. Making life changing decisions for oneself or others should not be taken quickly or lightly. Yet so often we are asked or even pressurised into making decisions now that we may regret tomorrow. Adverts tell us that we must buy now because this offer will end at midnight tonight, cold callers try to tell you that they are only asking questions and not trying to sell you something then push you to agree if not to buy but have a visit from someone who will want to you to buy whatever it is that they think you can’t do without. As this month appears a bit quieter for me, maybe I’ll be able to plan ahead a bit better than last month, not feel so deadline focused and can reflect on how I ought to be reacting to situations around me, how I should be interacting with people in a more considerate way, listening to people and not just hearing them. It may even give me more time to listen to God rather than assuming I know what he wants of me. Although as the pastor of this church I tend to be ‘working’ on a Sunday, can I encourage you to try to set aside a day or half a day to just be, on your own with your family, not to do things but just to be. I should say come to church and be with God at least for that hour or so, yet I realise that church on a Sunday morning can be quite ‘busy’. How about coming to church, to be in God’s presence and then reflect on that time in an unhurried way throughout the day. God gave us the seventh day – our Sunday – to rest on as he did in creation, he knew it would benefit us if we rested and centred our attention on him rather than always being busy and thinking of just ourselves. Pastor Andrew
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The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
An unpopular or misunderstood word?
because before we can celebrate and be a part of Christmas and Easter we need to prepare ourselves spiritually.
Penitence is an unpopular word. Or perhaps it’s just as word we don’t hear spoken much? Maybe, as a community we don’t even want to think about it.
In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxuries as a form of penance. Many Christians also add a spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily devotional or praying in a particular way to draw themselves near to God.
The dictionary defines penitence as “the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.” Perhaps that’s why it’s an unpopular word: people don’t readily want to admit they might have done anything wrong let alone do so in public. For Christians, try as we might, we still fall short of how we should live our lives. But it’s not all gloom and doom! We know that God loves us despite our shortcomings and will forgive us if we turn to him. The church year is marked out by seasons. The most commonly known ones are of course Christmas and Easter which are celebrated widely. The full list is Advent, Christmastide, Epiphany, Ordinary Time, Pre-Lent, Lent, Holy Week Easter, Pentecost and a return to Ordinary Time. Two important festivals precede Christmas and Easter. Advent and Lent are known as the Penitential Seasons
Day / Date 5th March First Sunday of Lent
12th March Second Sunday of Lent
19th March Third Sunday of Lent
26th March Mothering Sunday
2nd April Fifth Sunday of Lent
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It’s a time when we remember our failures and try to do better. Valued though we are by God, we need to continually turn to him for strength. If we ask, God will give us forgiveness and life.
Ash Wednesday Service 1st March Westerfield Church, 9.30am
Lent lasts forty days, and reflects the forty days Jesus fasted in the desert, before beginning his public ministry, after which he endured temptation by the Devil.
Churchwardens and PCC members and officers are elected annually. Don’t leave it so someone else to do the work. We need your input no matter how small you think that might be.
Like many churches, in WT&W we start the season on Ash Wednesday with a simple service of “ashing” when the priest marks the people’s foreheads with some ash in the place when it was marked by the sign of the cross at our baptism.
All you commit to is serving God’s church by attending 4 PCC meetings and an away-day in a year; that’s really not a lot to ask.
As it’s done, these words are used: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.”
CHURCH SERVICES March—April St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin
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What can you do?
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
St Mary Magdalene Westerfield
9.30am Family Communion
10am All-Age Worship
11am Family Communion
9.30am Family Service
10am Family Communion
9.30am Family Communion
10am Morning Worship
11am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 9.30am Mothering Sunday Service
10am Family Communion for Mothering Sunday
11am Mothering Sunday Service
9.30am Family Communion
10am All-Age Worship
11am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service
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The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
Church Diary—March
Who’s Who:
Mothers’ Union—Thursday 2nd March: Lent Holy Communion and then we’ll have tea. (contact Ann Bennett 785685)
MINISTRY TEAM:
Benefice Youth Group—meet on Wednesday 8th and 22nd March, 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—Rehearsals Thursdays 2nd and 16th March, 7.30pm in the back room of Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138) Kingdom Kids—meet Sunday 19th March in Witnesham Village Hall and then church also meeting in church Mothering Sunday 26th March. (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Wednesdays—said Morning Prayer at Westerfield Church weekly at 9.30am (Holy Communion on the first week of the month)
A beautiful sunny day in a lovely land but… no water! Bishop of Dunwich, Bishop Mike Harrison writes:
This Lent, Bishop Martin and I are asking you to consider joining in a diocesan Lent appeal on behalf of the diocese of Kagera. We have been linked with Kagera for 23 years and many have been enriched by our partnership in discipleship. Times are especially difficult in Kagera this year because of climate change and the consequent loss of reliable rains for crops, which has had a particularly devastating effect on two districts but is affecting all parts with reduced crop yields and income. Bishop Aaron of Kagera has written: “Brothers and sisters in the Lord, I am writing to you to appeal for an emergency support for our people. [Some] are now going without food. Some lucky families are getting only a single meal per day.” As a Benefice we are looking at ways we can help. At the time of going to press, these ideas are being settled—see our website (particularly the Pew News page http://wtandw.org.uk/
Annual Parochial Church Meetings
and elections of Churchwardens and PCC Witnesham : Sunday 12th March 11.15am Tuddenham : Sunday 19th March 10.45am Westerfield : Sunday 19th March 12.15am
after regular church services (Bring & Share Lunches follow meetings at Westerfield and Witnesham) www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
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PARISH PRIEST: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk ASSOCIATE 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
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
Witnesham 01473 785673
Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk
KINGDOM KIDS—WITNESHAM Gill Thorley 01473 890821
Gill@wtandw.org.uk
BENEFICE YOUTH GROUP Julia Farmer
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk
Church Floodlighting Sponsorship Would you like to sponsor the floodlights to commemorate a birthday, anniversary or special event or to remember a loved one? At Westerfield sponsorship is just £7.50 for a week. Ring Judy on 230188 or email Judy@wtandw.org.uk Sponsorship at Tuddenham is £5 for a weekend Ring Jim on 785296 or email Jim@wtandw.org.uk
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