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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 5 • Issue No. 11 • OCTOBER 2015
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Whole School Open Morning Saturday 3rd October 2015, 9.30am Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 14th October 2015, 7pm For further information please contact our Registrar on 01473 201034 admissions@ihs.gdst.net | www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Comprehensive coach service across Essex and Suffolk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I was busily, and rather angrily, removing ice-pop wrappers from down the side of the sofa when I heard Jack say “Is that a real boy mum? Is he really dead?” Needless to say I turned rather quickly to discover that Jack was sitting on the floor watching the news. It was the horrific story of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old who drowned as his family tried to flee from Kobani to Europe. The image of his tiny body being carried from the beach was still on the screen, but at that moment it was the shock on Jack’s face which made me catch my breath. What was I to say? Jack often sits to watch the news with me and we have had some good discussions about elections, bank robberies and the like, but was this a subject I was prepared to deal with? I sat beside him on the floor and we listened to the end of the report together. Aylan drowned after the boat ferrying him from the Turkish beach resort of Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos capsized, killing 12 passengers. Aylan’s five-year-old brother, Galip, and his mother, Rehan, were also among the dead. His father, Abdullah, was the only family member to survive. Aylan’s journey was supposed to end in sanctuary in Europe; instead it claimed his life. I then tried to explain why Aylan and his family were in the boat, but the subject is just too big and too complicated for a five-year-old to digest. The image of Aylan, pictured face down in his red shirt and blue shorts, has shocked the world and highlighted the plight of desperate people caught in the gravest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Suddenly my token donation to ActionAid felt entirely insufficient so I abandoned the sofa and Jack and I went to the post office to make a donation. Jack donated the contents of his money box saying “this is for Aylan’s daddy”. We can learn a lot from children, not least how to be better humans.
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NEWS PRECIOUS LAND, PRECIOUS HERITAGE, PRECIOUS ENVIRONMENT By Ron Spore, chair of Save Our Rushmere Rural Identity (SORRI) The threat to the green corridor between Rushmere St Andrew village and the Borough of Ipswich has increased greatly recently. Since our last SORRI update (In Touch, May 2015) the appeal by a consortium applying to build on the land adjacent to 155 The Street against the rejection of their application by Suffolk Coastal District Council’s planning committee has been upheld Leonard Woolf, our Suffolk Green Hero, by HM Government’s Planning at Snape with Chris Packham Inspectorate. SCDC’s refusal was based on several established planning guidelines which were being ignored in the application. They also asserted that this site, which combines an active market garden, a managed biodiversity area and commemorative woodland, makes a significant contribution to the visual amenity and recreational needs of the village. We are aware of the strong local opposition to this scheme as evidenced by more than 360 written individual objections from local people which were submitted during the application process. We are sure that many will be highly disappointed at the latest turn of events which would allow development of the site to go ahead unless successfully challenged. We must pull together as a community to ensure that localism prevails over the greed of developers who wish to build on treasured local sites such as this which characterise our rural village environment and ensure clear separation from urban areas. We are aware that landowners of the adjoining agricultural land which would provide the last area of separation (amounting currently to 70 metres wide) have already submitted this land for development consideration to Suffolk Coastal DC. This highlights that it is vital for us to take action to defend this area. We are supporting a legal action to bring about a statutory review to quash the Planning Inspectorate’s decision. You can find out more about this process and how you might wish to help us fund it via the following links: www.crowdjustice.co.uk/case/save-suffolk-biodiversity www.sorrinews.blogspot.co.uk Supporting organisations include SORRI (077749 773705), SOCS (Save Our Country Spaces), STfB (Stepping Stones for Biodiversity) and The Oak Tree Carbon Farm.
TALITHA KOUM IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS The Talitha Koum Project is holding an open morning in October for potential volunteers. If you are interested in supporting this community project we are having a free brunch at 10.30am on Saturday, October 10 at White House farm, Wash Lane, Witnesham, the site of the rehabilitation centre.
We are looking for skilled trades people as well as those interested in assisting in the work we are doing amongst women facing their own addictions. We shall inform you of progress on the construction and other work happening in Ipswich. For catering purposes please let us know if you are coming by calling: 01473 857432
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NEWS SUFFOLK’S ONLY COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE SCHEME FACING CLOSURE
Members of The Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm Bouquet of flowers grown on The Oak Tree Community Supported Agriculture Scheme at a recent Saturday farm working party.
The Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm in Rushmere St Andrew, which has been running for seven years, is Suffolk’s only community supported agriculture project. However, the farm, which has 65 vegetable shares and 200 members, is facing closure in the autumn because it’s facing a ‘perfect storm’ of bureaucracy and funding issues. Owner, Joanne Mudhar, said that for unforeseen reasons, financial help to establish sustainability and firm financial roots through cut flower and fruit sales is no longer available. This means that the three growers employed by the not for profit business are, voluntarily for the rest of the summer, working for less than the minimum wage. As a result Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm has launched a crowd funding campaign (http://igg.me/at/savetheoaktree) for £27,000 to keep it going through to next year to enable the flower and fruit business to bed down and become profitable. Should they reach that amount there’s a ‘stretch” target’ of £38,000. Two professional film makers, who also happen to be Oak Tree members, have made a video to support the campaign and others are also offering to help with limited edition photographic prints, cooking and bee keeping courses, house cleaning sessions, artwork, massages, and more. Joanne said: “13 days in we’ve had an amazing response with more than £10,000 pledged from near and far including North America and Australia! Supporters include farm members, animal welfare campaigners, environmentalists and ecological farming experts, and many members of the public who support the farm goals. But we still have a long way to go in the remaining weeks of the campaign.”
Joanne Mudhar, founder and owner of The Oak Tree Farm with farm produce
There are about 65 small community farms across the UK offering food that’s ecologically grown, pesticide free, produced locally and sold at a price within the normal family budget. Community farms like The Oak Tree offer an alternative to the supermarket: affordability, low food miles, freshly picked seasonal vegetables, free range eggs and chickens, happy pigs, fruit, English cut flowers, bees and maybe even some honey. There are huge benefits too for wildlife, the environment, the soil and for farm members who get their hands dirty in physical and mental health wellbeing too. Plus, says Joanne, there’s good evidence to show they are able to produce more food per acre than giant size commercial farms. However, the odds are stacked against them in terms of subsidies/ business help from the government and the EU because they say small farms are not sustainable. Any farm below five hectares is not entitled to any help at all. Many are also bound by endless rules, regulations, red tape regarding planning, putting up buildings, selling produce like chickens and eggs which all work against them. As a result many community farms are struggling to find a business model that works. If the farm survives it would like to construct a small community building to be able to welcome visitors to the farm, including local school children. www.the-oak-tree.co.uk www.facebook.com/TheOakTreeLowCarbonFarm @OakTreeLCF
ASHBOCKING NEWS 8pm. The dates for 2015/16 are: November 23, January 18, March 21, Annual Parish Meeting on April 25 at 7.30pm, Annual General Meeting on May 9. You will be very welcome.
When Catherine discussed her plans for this gathering and celebration, it reminded me of the days when we celebrated the bringing in of the harvest with a harvest supper, initially at Ashbocking Hall and then for many years at Otley College. Sitting down, eating and sharing a meal together was a special occasion, but hard work for the organisers.
Our Community Land Project has been on the back burner during the holiday summer months. The next stage is to mole drain the land and cut the grass short ready for some tree planting. Mole draining is very much in the hands of the farmers in the parish; we need not only their machinery but also their know-how. And all our farmers have been very busy with the harvest, which has not been so straightforward this year. I believe those beans are still not harvested yet. But as soon as everything has been safely gathered in, the mole draining will begin. I will email the volunteer team, as some of you may like to come and observe that mole at work.
Henley Village Hall will be a fine venue and afford plenty of room for the barn dancing. I wonder how ‘Strip the Willow’ went?
The parish council got back to work in September. All meetings take place at the Suffolk Wildlife Headquarters and start at
Who said village life was boring?
I’m writing this on September 9 (Happy Birthday, Catherine Beaumont!), and by the time you read this it will be October and the barn dance on September 26 will be a memory, hopefully a happy memory.
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Hopefully there will be news from Mid Suffolk and Suffolk County Council at the September 14 meeting on progress to improve the safety of the B1078 at our cross roads. Also, we are patiently awaiting new, more visible, 30mph signs on the B1077 through the village. If people see them, perhaps they will obey them. Maybe by the time you read this, they will be installed.
Liz Stegman
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NEWS DRAFT CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Do you live in Tuddenham St Martin? If so you may be interested in having a read of the draft appraisal for the conservation area in the village. The purpose of an appraisal is to identify the special character of the conservation area so that it can be preserved or enhanced, and we welcome feedback on what we have written. We also welcome comments on any issues facing these conservation areas and how they may be addressed; what features are more or less important in them; and how change may be directed in the future. Please note that a review of the conservation area boundary will be undertaken separately at a later date but that suggestions can be noted in the meantime. This consultation will last for three months from September 1 to November 30. The draft appraisal can be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/obpak4b Please call us if you wish to be sent a printed colour copy (free) and please send your comments and any queries to the design and conservation team: conservation@eastsuffolk.gov.uk / 01394 444616 Robert Scrimgeour, senior design and conservation officer
KETTLE ON, BISCUITS AT THE READY... IT'S TIME FOR THE BIG BREW UP The annual SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Family Association) Big Brew Up is a charity tea party that brings together friends, family and colleagues around the world for a cup of tea and a slice of cake and raises vital funds to support the forces community. A Big Brew will take place on Thursday, October 1, 10am-2pm, at Westerfield Business Centre, Main Road, Westerfield IP6 9AB. Free parking available. Coffee, tea and cakes will be served. There will also be a tombola with exciting prizes donated by various organisations.
WESTERFIELD HORSE SHOW We were blessed with a lovely warm, sunny, day for our 51st Annual Horse Show, which was enjoyed by competitors and visitors alike. The side saddle competitors were most appreciative for their new classes, and are looking forward to a return visit next year. The cake stall made a record £233 and the tombola £130. Thank you
to all who donated items to the tombola and baked cakes. You are all greatly appreciated, as are our loyal judges and stewards. We are able to donate £1,600 to St Elizabeth Hospice, and £400 to the Bridge School Holiday Club. Plans are being made for another show in 2016. We hope to see you there on Saturday, June 25.
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 and join our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre and our next meeting is on Tuesday, October 20, starting at 7.15pm. The speaker will be Professor Tom Williamson of UEA who will talk about The Landscape of the Suffolk Sandlings. Tom gave us a brilliant lecture a few years ago on rabbit warrens. The November meeting is on Tuesday, November 17 when our speaker will be David Brown. David has recently been on a tour of China and will be sharing his experiences with us with an illustrated talk on some famous and less famous attractions, as well as all aspects of Chinese life, such as history culture, food and music. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £2 for each talk. 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 our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
SSAFA offers lifelong support for our forces and their families. Started in 1885, SSAFA is a national charity. In Suffolk, all the members of our branch are highly trained volunteers who give their time freely.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350
WITNESHAM & SWILLAND DAFFODILS
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.
As in previous years Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council is offering daffodil bulbs to residents to plant out along public roadside verges and tracks in the villages. There was a great show of bulbs last spring that we want to add to for next year, especially for the Weyland Road area. Bulbs will be available for October – if you would like some please contact Jerry Hindle: 01473 785669
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So call us today, we are here to help.
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NEWS DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING Events take place in Witnesham Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. Booking clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 785798 WEEKLY EVENTS: Mondays Dance classes in term time only 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 Thursdays • Post Office open at Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Carpet bowls, 2pm. Contact: 785754 • Tai Chi classes for beginners, 6pm, and the more experienced, 7.30pm. Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Fridays • Pilates class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com • Mums and Toddlers meet in Witnesham Baptist Room, 9.15-11.15am. All are welcome. Contact Jean Pearson: 785478 IN OCTOBER: Thursday 1 • Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking. 12.25 pm. • Village Voices resume their meetings in Witnesham Baptist Church Room at 7.30pm. For further details
contact Christine Laughlin: 785138
EXAMINATION SUCCESSES Congratulations to Grace Williams from Swilland, who initially went to King’s College London to study Medicine then changed course to do a BSc in Medical Ethics. Grace graduated this year with 1st Class Honours and has now moved to Birmingham to continue her studies in medicine. We offer our best wishes for the future to the following young people who have completed their Advanced Level examinations or other levels of study: • George Ager, who recently lived in Swilland, is now working at Larking Gowen in Ipswich while studying for examinations in accountancy.
Thursday 8 Mobile Library at Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.5010.20am), at Swilland M&M (10.25-10.40am), and at Sunset Cottage (10.4510.55am)
• Hannah Naysmith-Miller from Witnesham spent five months of a gap year working in Rwanda and is now studying for a BA in Music and Theology at Canterbury University.
Saturday 10 Witnesham St Mary’s Church Gift Day, am
• Lydia Thorley from Ashbocking spent a gap year working in Stockholm, Switzerland and Iceland and has now embarked on a BSc in Geography at Exeter University.
Sunday 11 Cantus Firmus, a local musical group, offers an opportunity to experience Taize music at St Mary’s Church, Witnesham:
• Jessica Townley from Witnesham undertook an apprenticeship after her GCSEs, gaining a Level 2 in Health and Social Care. She is now working full time with Orwell Housing Care as a support worker for people with learning difficulties.
• A workshop to learn some of the music at 3pm, followed by tea in the village hall. Suggested donation £6.50 in advance. Please book with Debbie Cook: 01473 687333 / debbie.cook@cantusfirmus. org.uk • A service which all are very welcome to attend, 6.30pm. This is free but there will be a retiring collection. Wednesday 14 WI meets to hear a talk entitled Flowering Bulbs Throughout the Year, 7.30pm Thursday 15 Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room at 7.30pm Thursday 29 • Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.25pm • Village Voices meet in the Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm
• Jess Naysmith-Miller from Witnesham has gone to Lincoln University to study for a BSc in Psychology. • Alan Rowe, also from Witnesham, is studying for a BSc in Medical Engineering at Queen Mary’s University, London.
• Jo Webb, formerly from Witnesham, studied for a B Tech Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Sciences (the equivalent of A Levels). For this course he was awarded a Triple Distinction*. Joe is now working with Hughes Electrical in Ipswich.
FUNDRAISING CONCERT AT ST MARY’S, WITNESHAM Let Us Entertain You Again featuring Silbury Hill, Village Voices and vocal and instrumental soloists on Saturday, November 28 at St Mary’s Church, Witnesham in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Entrance is £5 on the door (children fee). Refreshments and raffle in the village hall afterwards.
ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM WI After pondering for some time on how to commemorate the centenary of the Women’s Institute, one of our members suggested planting a tree and another member commissioned a bench to be made by Genesis Orwell Mencap wood workers. Permission was granted for both tree and bench to be sited in St Mary’s churchyard, Witnesham. Prior to our August meeting, members gathered to celebrate 100 years of the Women’s Institute, 1915-2015, planting an amelanchier canadensis and resting a while on the splendid bench. Also see BINGO & BUNS on page 11
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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK PHOENIX BRASS
RUSHMERE RUKUS A very big thank you to everyone who supported the recent fundraiser at Rushmere Community Hub and to all the helpers who gave up their afternoon. Special thanks to the band RUKUS, to Barry (a.k.a. Elvis) and our Zumba dancer Erin for generously giving their time for free, and to the community police for bringing a police car and tractor and the fire service for bringing the fire engine. Lastly, thank you to the Vulcan Riders and Parkeston MCC for displaying their bikes. We were very disappointed when Zoo-tastic and the hog-roast man didn’t show up but managed a quick oven cook BBQ so at least everyone got fed! A super afternoon, great feedback, everyone loved the band so hopefully we can organise a similar event next year. Our next fundraiser is our Winter Fayre on Saturday, November 21, 10.30am-2.30pm, at the hub on Humber Doucy Lane. Tables can now be reserved at £7 each.
Suffolk Phoenix Brass, a brass band based in Ipswich, is presenting a charity fundraising concert at Colchester Road Baptist Church, Ipswich IP4 4ST, on Saturday, October 24, starting at 7.30pm. The concert is free to attend with a collection/donations on behalf of two local charities which the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Glen Chisholm is supporting throughout his term of office: Suffolk MIND Suffolk Mind is committed to raising awareness and promoting good mental health and wellbeing throughout the county. They deliver a range of high quality mental health services to enable individuals to have a better understanding of their mental health and wellbeing, and to help them to be more resilient when life is difficult. Their vision is mental wellbeing for all. The Sunrise Appeal by the Ipswich Hospital Charity Aimed at helping to deliver even better care for sick babies and children at Ipswich Hospital, the appeal wants to raise £100,000 to support its youngest patients. The concert will feature a range of music from traditional marches to music from musicals and films. Just turn up. We look forward to seeing you there.
THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Grant applications Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2016.
The hub is also now available for private hire at very reasonable rates. Please call 720488 or pop in to make a reservation. Trudie Larter
ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE HARVEST FAIR St Elizabeth Hospice is hosting its first ever Harvest Fair on Saturday, October 10, 10am-4pm, at the hospice on Foxhall Road, Ipswich. The event takes place at the end of Hospice Care Week, an annual national campaign which raises awareness about hospice care and celebrates the incredible services hospices provide. The Harvest Fair will have a number of stalls selling autumnal crafts and goods, as well as a range of refreshments. There will also be car parking for visitors available at the hospice. Sarah Nicholl, retail and events coordinator for St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Following the success of the hospice’s Spring Fair in May, we have decided to host another seasonal fair, however this time the event will have a Harvest theme.
“Our Spring Fair launched our ‘Made with Love’ shop, which is now located in our day centre and has proved very popular, selling a range of lovely homemade goods from hospice patients, relatives and supporters.” If you are interested in holding a stall at St Elizabeth Hospice’s Harvest Fair please contact Sarah Nicholl: sarah.nicholl@ stelizabethhospice.org.uk St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity which provides vital care and support free of charge to more than 2,000 people living with a progressive illness and their families and carers in East Suffolk. The hospice costs millions of pounds a year to run and relies on fundraising events, donations and the income generated from its shops to meet the majority of these costs.
Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities.
BINGO AND BUNS
Further information about grants and application forms can be found at: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk
Come along to Witnesham Village Hall at 2.30pm on Saturday, October 17, for some bingo and buns family fun in this fundraising event for Ashbocking, Swilland and Witnesham WI.
Alternatively call 01473 625196 or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG
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Enjoy playing a game of bingo with tea and cake. The total cost is £6 for adults and £2 for children.
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OUT & ABOUT AUCTION OF PROMISES On Saturday, November 21 in aid of the roof repair fund for the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market.
The evening starts at 7pm at The Limes Hotel, High Street, Needham Market, with a three-course meal and coffee being served from 7.30pm, followed by the Auction of Promises at 9pm. There will also be a raffle during the evening. Entrance by ticket only, sold in advance, at £18 per head. Tickets are available from Ann Levett (01449 721502) or from Paul’s Hardware Store, High Street, Needham Market. If you wish to place a preauction bid please contact Ann Levett (01449 721502 / ann.levett@ btinternet.com) for a list of the auction items and details of how to bid. For those who are unaware of the problems the church faces, the roof is leaking, which has resulted in wet rot and an infestation of death watch beetle. The PCC wish to ensure the repairs are carried out as soon as possible to ensure the community are able to continue access to this wonderful 15th century building. However the estimated cost of the roof repairs is £250,000 – hence this, amongst other, fundraising events. The Limes Hotel is offering a special B&B rate of £75 per room for the night should anyone attending the auction wish to stay over. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation to our roof fund this can be done online at: www.bt.com/mydonate Click on ‘Donate to charity – BTMyDonate’ then type Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market in the ‘search’ bar. If you are a UK tax payer please tick the Gift Aid box and the government will add an extra 25%.
Henley Christmas Villageth Fayre
Saturday 12 December 2015 9:00am to 4:30pm Many stalls & refreshments Santa’s Gro3o -‐ Carol Singing Christmas Bouncy Castle Grand Charity Raffle
Henley Community Centre
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 Owen Williams: 01473 213234
Runnacles, 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com
Village coffee mornings Coffee mornings are held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome.
French Conversational Classes These are held in the Joan Ventris Room at Westerfield Village Hall on Wednesday afternoons, 2-3.30pm, for those with a basic knowledge of French and a desire to improve. The cost is £8 a class with free tea and biscuits. For more details contact Karen Patrick: 01473 214164
Westerfield and District Gardening Club The gardening club meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm. • October 7: Henstead Exotic Gardens with Andrew Brogan • November 4: Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs with Matthew Tanton-Brown 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 Acting Leader: Joan Gibson, joan_gibson785@yahoo. co.uk • 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
If your child is interested in joining 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. • October 8: Imogen Sheeran on Around the World in 80 Beads • November 12: Annual Meeting. Bring and Buy New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Jean Scruby (01473 221153) or Vera Hayes (01473 410369). Pilates The classes are in the village hall, Mondays, 10.4511.45am, or noon-1pm. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. £6.50 in advance/£7.50 drop-in. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk Please note that there is now an online calendar for more information or to check availability of the village hall.
Contact email: henleychristmasfayre@gmail.com
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OUT & ABOUT Mark Goucher & Mark Rubinstein present P.G. Wodehouse’s JEEVES AND WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE
After one year in the West End and two successful tours, the award-winning hit comedy Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense returns to UK theatres including the New Wolsey Theatre from Tuesday, October 13 to Saturday 17. Winning Best New Comedy at the 2014 Olivier Awards, the charmingly incompetent Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves are brought to life in this highly acclaimed comedy by brothers Robert and David Goodale. Based on and adapted from the established literary works of P.G. Wodehouse. Perfect Nonsense has starred Stephen Mangan, Matthew Macfadyen, Robert Webb, John Gordon-Sinclair, Mark Heap and James Lance. When a country house weekend takes a turn for the worse, Bertie Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker and also to steal a silver cow creamer from Totleigh Towers. Naturally, the ever dependable Jeeves is there to prevent Bertie from making a fool of himself in front of a cast of Wodehouse’s finest characters. Enjoy an evening of raucous comedy in the company of Gussie Fink-Nottle, Madeline Bassett, Sir Watkin Bassett, Dahlia Travers, Roderick Spode and Constable Oates! WWWWW
“Devour every last drop of this Wooster sauce with relish” Tim Walker, Daily Telegraph WWWW
“P.G. Wodehouse would have loved this production” Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham, but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from 2-4pm. The cost per meeting is £1.50 and includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea.
along their oldest or most favourite item and tell a little of its history and what it means to them. The idea is to get everyone talking and stir a few memories about the changes we have seen in our lifetime. • October 28: Social afternoon and bingo plus Christmas bring and buy. Items in excellent condition, still packaged, which would make a suitable Christmas present may be brought in to sell. Members to indicate on an easily removable label the price they would like. In return 10% of all monies taken to go to club funds.
The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House. It has its own parking area behind the hall and it’s fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.
• November 11: Napkin Folding for Christmas, with everyone having a go at different designs. • November 25: Social afternoon featuring Quiztime with Brenda. • December 9: Christmas party. Social afternoon with afternoon tea and games, everyone to contribute a ‘plate’. Details to be agreed nearer the time.
Our programme for the remainder of 2015 is: • September 23: Social afternoon featuring Quiztime with Sandra. • October 14: Members to bring
Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
HENLEY PLAYERS This year’s panto has been written by Tom Hitchcock who lives locally in Barham. It’s a traditional panto, but with a few ‘added’ twists, hence the slightly different title. Our auditions were held in late June and we are already well into rehearsals. We have recruited some new faces this year as well as our established panto cast members. This production is the biggest and most challenging the players have produced in our last five years and we know the set will be great as well as being different to previous years. Book your date – Friday, January 8, 7.30pm, or Saturday, January 9, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets (adults £7, concessions £4, family of four £17) are available at our box office every Sunday from 2.30-4pm, or email: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com HENLEY PLAYERS PRESENTS OUR FIFTH AND BIGGEST PANTOMIME YET
WWWW
“An inventive evening of bonkers comedy” Quentin Letts, Daily Mail “Laugh out loud funny, Perfect Nonsense is the comedy of the year!” Original Director – Sean Foley Perfect Nonsense is produced by Mark Goucher and Mark Rubinstein. To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
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Wri$en by Tom Hitchcock
HENLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE Fri 8th Jan (7:30pm) and Sat 9th Jan 2016 (2:30pm & 7:30pm) HOW TO BOOK TICKETS Email: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Box office open every Sunday from 3pm to 4:30pm (From November)
PRICES £7 Adults Concessions £4 £18 Family of 4
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OUT & ABOUT KYSON PROBUS CLUB Kyson Probus Club met for its usual monthly meeting at 12.30pm on Monday, September 14 at the Ufford Park Hotel. After a convivial drink and lunch we heard a fascinating talk by two officers from the Army Air Corps at Wattisham. They covered operations at the airfield and the remarkable Apache helicopter which they fly. Both pilots had completed operational tours in Afghanistan and gained our admiration for their modesty and bravery in their actions in the war. We felt very privileged to have them visit us between exercises: they had recently returned from a spell in northern England and are soon to depart for a detachment overseas. Overall, it was an extremely informative and enjoyable afternoon. Would you like to meet like-minded, similar aged people in the local area? The Kyson Probus Club provides a forum for retired or semi-retired business or professional men in a friendly setting. We meet on the second Monday of each month, 12.30 for 1pm, at the Ufford Park Hotel where we have a drink followed by lunch and a speaker. The meetings usually finish by around 3pm. Why not come along and enjoy a convivial few hours and meet some new and interesting people? For futher information, please call the secretary, Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866
SOROPTIMIST CLUB OF IPSWICH AND DISTRICT We started our autumn programme with a supper followed by a talk on personal safety for women. We don’t always have supper but usually divide our monthly meeting into two halves. – in the first half a speaker or a discussion, in the second what we call ‘business’.
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, October 22, at 7.30pm: Fred Feather invites us to join him as he goes Up My Family Tree, including such tales as how we found the North West Passage and held down the Northwest Frontier. NOTE NEW VENUE The Co-Op Education Centre – Pedestrian Entrance, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW Car park entrance: Waterworks Street IP4 1JG Admission is £3 for members, £3.50 for non-members who are welcome and can join the society on the night if they wish. Tickets are not required; just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact H King: 01473 274300
SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY FAMILY HISTORY FAIR Saturday, October 17, 10am-4pm University Campus Suffolk, The Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ FREE ADMISSION The theme: WHAT DO I DO NEXT? Featuring helpful forums, discussions and workshops. Other East Anglian family history societies, historical research organisations and commercial genealogical suppliers will be present. For more details contact: membership@suffolkfhs.org.uk / 01787 370598
‘Business’ might sound a bit off-putting until you look at what it covers. Our September agenda included planning a letter to local MPs about the proposed closure of the magistrates’ courts in Lowestoft and Bury; discussing widening the scope of the bursary which we offer to disadvantaged women who want to undertake some education or training; deciding on our club vote for the chair of a national committee. That last item is quite a significant pointer to how Soroptimism works. What matters is the voice of the individual members in their local club so we are frequently asked to send in our views and votes on things like policies, projects, campaigns and appointments to leadership roles. A system like ours is ambitious and could run the risk of becoming a bit bureaucratic, but there has been a lot of streamlining lately and modern communication technologies help. We recognise that individual members will give very different levels of commitment to our own projects and to the wider organisation. In particular we assure younger members, who are already juggling careers and family, that it is fine to come and enjoy the interest and friendship of the club and to do just as much or as little as they feel they can for the moment. Later on things will change. If you would like to know more about Soroptimism or visit one of our meetings please do contact Jackie: 01473 659314
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PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP Michael Perry, Thompson and Morgan’s new product development manager, presents a talk entitled New, Different and Unusual Plants on Saturday, October 24, at 2.30pm, at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ. Plant stalls will include rare and unusual plants. Delicious refreshments available for purchase. Admission: free to members / non-members £5. New members and non-members are most welcome www.suffolkplantheritage.com Local contact: Margaret Palmer, 01206 299832
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Made2Measure Sliding Wardrobes has been established since 2010 and is East Anglia’s leading designer, manufacturer, installer and after care provider of sliding doors for homes and offices. If you’re thinking of new fitted wardrobes for your bedroom, extra office storage, more cupboards in your child’s playroom or want to maximise space in your cloakroom, then we are the company you’ve been searching for. Our team are ready to provide a truly bespoke service where nothing is off the shelf and everything is custom-built just for you, going above and beyond with exceptional quality products, exemplary service and a 15-year guarantee on everything we provide. With space in many modern homes at a premium, we are experts in helping you realise the space you have and how to make the very best use of it. In older properties such as barn conversions, farm houses or Victorian properties, ceilings and walls are often irregular and it can be hard to imagine how to make the best use of the space available. Our team are well-versed in working with you to achieve your dream bedroom and produce a fitted wardrobe system you will adore.
We use the latest technologies to ensure our doors glide effortlessly and open with the slightest touch. All our drawers and sliding doors come with soft-close mechanisms and we can offer motionsensitive LED rails and drawers, with lights that turn on section by section as they sense the movement of the doors. We are used to maximising space so you will never find any ‘dead’ space in Made2Measure fitted wardrobes. We can build pole-only wardrobes, install glass shelving, or provide pull-out organisers for ties, shoes, belts or trousers; whatever you want or need, we can help you make it a reality. When our installers arrive to start the build, they will treat your home with the utmost care. We use dust sheets to protect your carpets and furniture and dust extractors on our power tools to minimise mess. Once we’ve installed your fabulous fitted wardrobes, we make sure we shine and polish them, and ensure your room is clean and tidy. Then all you have to do is decide where to put everything! If you would like to find out more, please contact us on 01473 604 385 or visit: www.made2measurewardrobes.com
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Susan Horne from Gt Baddow presented a beautiful demonstration entitled All About Flowers at our September meeting, the first meeting of the autumn session. Crystal Dyball from Norwich will present a demonstration entitled Floral Passion on October 22. The Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, except August and December, at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Visitors are welcome to all our meetings for a fee of just £4. The annual subscription is £35. Meetings start at 7.15pm, but the doors open at 6.45pm to give you a chance to browse at our sales table where you can purchase all you need to create a flower arrangement. You can also buy your raffle tickets for the arrangements the demonstrator creates during the evening after having had a cup of tea or coffee and chatted to the members. For further details contact Delcie Corbett: gil.corbett@bntinternet.com / 01473 623371
IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB On September 7 members, husbands and friends boarded a coach and made our way to lunch at the Dark Horse in Stowlangtoft for our annual outing. It really was in the wilds, but with careful planning from our tour organisers we arrived on time and were greeted by our host, Paul. We had a very enjoyable lunch in beautiful surroundings and all agreed that we had really found a ‘dark horse’! After lunch we travelled on to Fullers Mill Garden at West Stow and again we were met by our host, Bernard Tickner, a 91-yearsyoung gentleman who has spent the last 50 years creating his most wonderful garden. We were able to walk around the seven acre grounds and he was pleased to join us and tell us many fascinating stories of how and where he had obtained the plants. After a very welcome cup of tea and a slice of delicious homemade cake we again joined the coach and made our way home. The weather was very kind to us and it was a very splendid day. On September 14, Alan Smith presented a demonstration entitled September Song. Our next meeting is at 2pm on Monday, October 12 when Ann Bell from Dunmow will present a demonstration entitled From Me to You. Ann is no stranger to our club and I know we will be in for a great afternoon. Ipswich Flower Club meets on the second Monday of the month (excluding January) at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, from 2-4pm. We are a flower club of all ages with a common love of flowers and flower arranging. We are affiliated to NAFAS and have a demonstrator each month as well as a monthly practise class. If you would like to join us, please just turn up and you will be made most welcome. If you have any queries or would like further information, please telephone Sylvia on (719893) or Angie (210956).
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM It was great to welcome back all the children, several new, to The Old School House Nursery for the autumn term. There were lots of smiles, chatter and excitement to see their friends and being able to share their news. They were also very excited with our new addition of a mega-sized sand pit, which several children can get in all at once. Several families had taken advantage of the ‘Play Days’ that ran through the summer holidays, which meant children stayed familiar with their environment over a long break. During the summer we had activities linked to ‘At the Seaside’ – making octopus cheese scones, wiggly jellyfish and ice cream. We went ‘Down in the Jungle’ with a swamp to paddle through, making giant jungle ant nests and painting wooden snakes. On the last week we were ‘In the Garden’ where we dug up our potatoes, climbed in and out of our giant spiders web of rope and finished off with raspberries and ice cream. The padding pool also proved very popular. This term now sees us looking at what we wear – shoes, pants, t-shirts, socks. Favourite stories such as Mrs Vickers Knickers and Aliens Love Underpants will be a must, as well as pairing up socks and making puppets. We are collecting goods for harvest gifts to send to The Salvation Army to help others over the winter months. On Friday, October 23, the nursery is holding an art exhibition of all the children’s creations from 6.30-8.30pm. There will be a glass of wine or juice on arrival plus nibbles. If you are thinking of Early Years education for your child then come and see us. Also if you have a few hours to spare and think you might like to get involved in some reading, cooking, craft or involved on the committee come and speak to us. Call us on 01473 890950 or visit: www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com
OTLEY UNDER FIVES “When you see someone putting on his Big boots, you can be pretty sure that an adventure is going to happen” AA Milne, Winnie the Pooh The start of a new term often means new shoes – and there are plenty of new boots lined up under the children’s pegs at Otley Under Fives. Chelle, Angela and Tiffany, whom we are delighted to welcome to the team, have plenty of adventure in store. The children will be looking at village life, in particular the changes around us during harvest time, and are busy creating summertime pictures for Otley village show. Those boots are already in use, playing in the mud kitchen in the garden and joining the primary school children for playtime. The fun doesn’t stop at the school
gates. Parents and children alike had a fantastic time over the summer at the Otley Under Fives big fun camping weekend with live music, face painting, a bouncy castle, toasting marshmallows, and lots more. There was even a hotly fought over trophy for welly wanging (there are those boots again). A huge thank you to the Dorsett family for hosting a fabulous event. Thanks also to Palmer and Partners for our new pre-school banner. Keep an eye out for our upcoming fundraising events, including a clairvoyant evening with Ryan Gooding. For more information about Otley Under Fives, to arrange a visit and free trial session, or to talk to the staff please call 07789 468853. Remember to bring your boots!
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SPORTS IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL Throughout the summer season Ipswich Ravens have been hosting free volleyball sessions every Saturday afternoon in Christchurch Park. The sessions have been terrifically popular with no less than 23 adults and 18 children getting a taste of volleyball for the first time, completely free. If you missed them, where were you? You missed all the fun! Meanwhile several of our more experienced players also attended outdoor volleyball tournaments across East Anglia, in places as far a field as Clacton, Lowestoft and Cambridge, in addition to the new weekly beach format tournament being held at Copleston School Ipswich. We also entered two teams in the Suffolk Open held in Stowmarket. Both teams performed well with the A team finishing fourth out of seven in Division 1, and the B team finishing a surprise seventh out of 21 in quite a strong Division 2. But with the start of autumn we are now turning our attention to the indoor season, where we will once again be holding weekly sessions of playing and coaching at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. These take place every Saturday from 2-4pm. If you are interested in giving them a try, whether as a complete beginner or an experienced player, now is the
ideal time to join the players who started during the summer and have found out for themselves that volleyball is great fun, and really good exercise too. Ipswich Ravens welcomes male and female players, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from nine upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them highly enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875.
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers. As the last of the empty bottles of summer season league winners’ champagne is cleared away (not by us, but trust me, somewhere they are) our thoughts turn to the winter league just around the corner, usually followed by a sense of foreboding such as Arctic adventurers might have prior to their expeditions. Those (fool)hardy souls who venture out on a crystal clear night when the mercury is falling faster than an England innings deserve respect, perhaps not for the quality of their tennis but more for the fact that they are managing to hit the ball at all while doing an impression of Bambi on ice. The Eskimos are reputed to have 50 words for snow, but I have more than 50 different excuses for missing a shot – and that’s in good weather.
and if you are unsure as to how cold it is then look to our Radio Suffolk celebrity Corrinne: if it’s above freezing point she will be in her customary T-shirt. When she turns up to play in a sweatshirt the Met Office normally sends out a red weather warning. No such problems for Nick as he is usually partnering me throughout the winter, thus ensuring that he gets to cover 99% of the doubles court. Nick (or “Yours!” as I usually call him on court) values these games as fitness tune ups. At least I think that is what he said – the oxygen mask kept muffling his words, and that’s why I let him buy the drinks afterwards as I view it as a coaching fee. To join our merry band of tennis stalwarts contact our treasurer, Clive Jones: 01473 464589 / bramfordtc@outlook.com JOKE OF THE MONTH
So while I commend them all for their efforts, I have no wish to join them given my advanced years and preference for being able to feel my fingers and toes while engaged in exercise, preferring instead a nice warm hostelry while engaged in weightlifting (a pint is normally the weight I prefer). Winter leagues usually start around late September/early October, and the results can vary, with the temperature/clothing ratio having an effect on mobility (it would be interesting to see if said mobility increased if everyone had to wear a T-shirt and shorts in January). This winter will see the ladies stepping up to the plate (usually the one with biscuits on) and entering a side in the floodlit league again. Well done to all concerned who volunteer to play,
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A man sees the neighbours’ young daughter digging a large hole in her back garden. When he enquires why, she tells him that she is burying her dead goldfish. “Why dig such a large hole for a goldfish?” asked the man. “Because it’s inside your cat!” came the reply. More guff next month, Mick Russ
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
QUESTIONS ON CASH
with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb
Are you Active or Passive? Anne from Great Blakenham asks: “I keep seeing articles about passive ‘tracker’ funds and actively managed funds. Is active fund management better than passive fund management, and what’s the difference?” One of the most fundamental and enduring debates within the world of investments is over the issue of whether active fund management is better than passive fund management. Passive fund managers buy and hold portfolios that are designed to replicate the market, or part of it. By buying each stock in an index, or a broad representation of the stocks in an index, passive managers generally deliver returns that match their index, so in theory at least there will be no nasty surprises. A passive fund might track a particular sector, such as the FTSE 100 or the FTSE 250, or it might be the benchmark for a particular asset class, such as corporate bonds or property, or it might just track an asset, like precious metals or other natural resources. Passive investing advocates argue that markets are efficient - that is, that the market takes into account all the available information about any particular security and prices it accordingly. So they believe there is little room to take advantage of mis-pricing because prices already reflect true value. However, the proponents of active management argue that the market is not completely efficient, allowing smart investment managers to beat the market. Active managers seek to build portfolios that outperform a market benchmark, usually through a combination of stock selection and market timing. In some years, some active managers will succeed in outperforming their benchmark, while others will fail. A small number do beat the market on a regular basis. At Plumb Financial Services, we believe that holding a combination of both active and passive managed funds will provide the best opportunity for longer-term investment growth.
SUFFOLK CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
We offer our clients a range of model portfolios that usually contain Multi-Asset or Multi-Manager funds. The portfolios are usually split 50/50 between a passive fund and an active fund within that investor’s given risk profile. Each fund will typically contain up to 20 other individual funds within it, giving the investor access to around 40 funds in an economical format. Although they will be invested in just two main funds, their portfolio will actually contain a wide spread of investment assets spread over several geographic areas, providing diversity and reducing volatility. No single fund manager is the top performer in all investment sectors and most fund managers have their specialist sectors or a sector in which they are known to have particular knowledge or ability. That is where the Multi-Manager and Multi-Asset funds come into their own, as the fund manager can cherry pick the best funds and assets for his or her portfolio. Holding both active and passive portfolios will give the individual investor a balance between the passive and active positions, both of which are constantly managed to suit the identified risk profile of the investor at all times. We believe that this gives an investor the best opportunity to benefit from both styles of fund management within their identified risk profile, thus increasing the chances of better returns over the longerterm. In other words, having a ‘bit of both’ is probably the best investment strategy. 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.
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?
We are a charity set up to help bereaved people to understand their grief and cope with their loss. We provide information, one to one support and offer advice, education and training services. We also have a specialist children and young people team.
Local couple, Matthew and Natasha are looking for a new home to start a family in...
If you would like to volunteer to support bereaved people, help on our area committee or with publicity and fundraising please contact us.
“My husband and I sold our house in Ipswich earlier this year and moved in with family while looked for our next home. We had hoped to find somewhere quite quickly but haven’t had any joy with the slow property market, so we thought we’d appeal to you, as readers, to see whether you are considering selling your home or land suitable for a building plot.
For help or information please telephone your local branch. Ipswich: 01473 230888 Suffolk Coastal: 01394 670770 West Suffolk: 01284 767674 www.cruse.org.uk / www.suffolkcruse.co.uk
We are looking for a 3+ bedroom characterful home in the villages north of Ipswich (Westerfield, Witnesham, Tuddenham, Ashbocking, Grundisburgh, Culpho, Otley, Bealings, Playford, Hasketon and Henley... or anywhere in between!) with garden and parking, and we are in a position to move quickly. If you are thinking of selling, please do get in touch. We can be contacted via the details below. Many thanks for reading”
n.coward@outlook.com / 07511 612798
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
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ON THE GRAPEVINE DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK IT’S TIME TO BACK GREENER AND CHEAPER HOME ENERGY SUPPLIERS The energy sector has been radically transformed over the past 30 years. Britain’s national and regional energy monopolies of the 1980s have been replaced with an energy market. But an energy market is only valuable if it empowers the people it serves – its customers. In recent years, energy prices have been rising faster than inflation, and this has put the operations of energy companies under ever greater scrutiny. Consumer engagement in the energy market has been historically and stubbornly low, mainly as a result of highly complex energy tariffs and a lack of energy pricing transparency – a lack of transparency which has even infiltrated many price comparison websites which purport to champion consumer rights. The ‘big six’ energy companies and the sector regulator Ofgem have been slow to respond to tackle these problems. As a result, there is much to be done to restore consumer confidence, and to reinvigorate the energy market and bring genuinely good deals and lower prices to energy customers. As MPs we have to deal with a lot of email campaigns. We try our best to respond to them but when hundreds of identical emails hit your inbox it can be time consuming and tiresome particularly for our overworked parliamentary staff. Mass email campaigns can be destructive in their use of extreme and emotive language; too often irritating us rather than persuade us to act. So I was pleasantly surprised when I heard about a campaign launched last week by 38 Degrees. Alongside a consumer collective called The
Big Deal they have launched The Clean Energy Switch, the first ever mass switch to clean energy. By using the collective bargaining power of thousands of people they aim to negotiate a great deal for clean energy with green energy companies, thereby making green energy affordable for millions of families. There’s no doubt there is public support for this initiative. Polling shows that the vast majority of people want to go green as long as it doesn’t cost them any more than what they pay now. And 45,000 people signed up to the Clean Energy Switch within just 48 hours. Leaving aside whether or not cuts to the renewables industry in recent months are right or wrong, this campaign should be commended. It’s a bottom-up, constructive approach. It’s not calling for government to do something to deal with a problem but rather it’s taking action to do something itself by empowering the energy consumer through the power of collective bargaining. This is a consumer-led free market movement, and mass movements of custom have a lot of power to change the market in a positive way. 38 Degrees and The Big Deal should be praised for such a constructive and positive approach. It’s for all these reasons that I’m publicly backing the Clean Energy Switch and am urging my constituents to sign up and get behind it too to help the environment and save money on their energy bills at the same time. For more information visit: www.thebigdeal.com
CITIZENS ADVICE WARNS ABOUT ‘BOGUS SELF-EMPLOYMENT’ Citizens Advice says that people working for themselves could be bogusly self-employed, meaning workers miss out on holiday pay, government loses tax revenue and responsible businesses could be undercut. In its new report, Neither One Thing Nor The Other, Citizens Advice reveals as many as 460,000 people could be ‘bogusly self-employed’ meaning workers miss out on holiday and have to pay extra National Insurance. The report also finds that bogus self-employment could cost the government up to £314m a year in lost tax and employer national insurance contributions. Employers who want to do right by their staff can also lose out as firms forcing people into self-employment means the savings they make puts them at a competitive advantage to their rivals. A combination of factors including work hours set by the employer, using the business’ equipment and having tax deducted from their pay by their employer could mean an individual should be an employee rather than self-employed. Carol Eagles, manager at Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “For many people in Suffolk self-employment is a fulfilling career choice. But Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice is concerned that some people are being forced into working for themselves, when in fact they have the right to be a regular employee and the benefits this brings. This can have a negative impact on workers and their income, as well as on local businesses who do right by their staff. If you are worried about your employment status or your rights at work then you can get in touch with Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice for help and support.”
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The research also identifies specific financial losses felt by the bogusly self-employed and the government: • An average of over £1,200 per worker per year is lost in holiday pay. • People pay an extra £61 per year in National Insurance that they would not pay were they classified as employed. • The loss of employer National Insurance contributions costs the government over £300 per person per year. As part of Citizens Advice’s self-employment campaign it is calling on the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to use the government review into self-employment to address key issues including: • Clarity and consistency around the definition of self-employment. • Support for people looking to save for retirement. • Pay for parental leave. Government departments, including the HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions, have different definitions of self-employment, making it hard for workers and businesses to be clear about employee status. The only way to prove employee status and secure the rights this provides is to go to an employment tribunal, a lengthy process which many cannot afford since fees were introduced in 2013. Last year research from Citizens Advice showed seven in 10 potentially successful cases are not pursued by people at employment tribunals. The local CAB is at 19 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE, 01473 219777. The bureau can also be contacted at: www.ipswichcab.org.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS SUFFOLK SMOKERS URGED TO SIGN UP TO STOPTOBER
With data showing that 18.5% of Suffolk residents are smokers, Public Health England is urging local residents and smokers from the area to sign up to Stoptober – the country’s 28 day mass quit attempt from Public Health England – to receive support and encouragement every step of the way from some of the nation’s top comedians. And to stand an even better chance of quitting, Suffolk residents are encouraged to sign up with their friends, family and colleagues, as evidence reveals that this type of ‘social quitting’ can dramatically improve people’s chances of successfully stopping. Research shows that smokers are two thirds (67%) more likely to quit when their spouse stops smoking, and a third more likely to quit when a close friend (36%) or someone they work with (34%) stops. The data also shows that individuals are much more likely (61%) to smoke if their partner or a close friend smokes – showing the powerful influence that people’s social networks have on their own smoking behaviour. This is backed up by a study of smokers in Australia, Canada, the UK and the United States which shows that the fewer smoking friends someone has, the more likely they are to succeed in a quit attempt. This year, Stoptober will be providing quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians – Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi. Messages of support and encouragement will be sent straight to quitters’ phones and emails throughout October. Over a quarter of a million people across the country signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days. This year it is expected the campaign will welcome the millionth sign up. By stopping smoking for 28 days you
are five times more likely to stop for good. Councillor Tony Goldson, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Health said: “Around 18.5% of Suffolk residents smoke and I would urge each and every one to sign up to Stoptober today. Quitting smoking can be really difficult, especially on your own, which is why it is great that this year’s campaign is encouraging you to sign up with someone else to further enhancing your chances of a successfully quitting.” Signing up to Stoptober will provide you with a range of free support tools including online support and a mobile phone app. Suffolk’s stop smoking services provide a wealth of support including one to one and group sessions and nicotine replacement products to kick start your quit attempt. Contact Live Well on 01473 229292 and start your journey towards a healthier, happier and wealthier smoke free you today. Rhod Gilbert who is supporting this year’s campaign says: “I smoked for about 25 years and probably spent 23 of those trying to quit, trying everything you can think of to kick the habit. I know firsthand that it can be hard to find the motivation to quit, but Stoptober is the perfect time to give it a go. Not only will you be joining thousands of others taking part, you’ll also have exclusive support from myself, Bill Bailey, Shappi Khorsandi and the Pub Landlord, as well as access to lots of other help along the way. My advice to those taking on Stoptober would be to take the 28 days one day at a time.” By signing up to Stoptober, participants can choose from a range of free support tools including daily emails and text messages from the comedians throughout the 28 day quit attempt as well as a mobile phone app which includes lots more tips and advice – all of which have shown to increase the chances of staying smokefree. To sign up to the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt, search Stoptober online or visit: www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober
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WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham IP6 9EU / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk We welcome you to worship at 11am each Sunday. • Sunday, October 4: Morning Worship with Pastor Andrew Croft includes Holy Communion • Sunday, October 11: Morning Worship with The Rev Richard Edwards • Sunday, October 18: Morning Worship with the Team Ministry • Sunday, October 25: Morning Worship with Mr Sylvester 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. • Every Friday: Babies and Toddlers group, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Jean: 01473 785478 • Monday, October 5: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, noon-2pm. Delicious lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 • Tuesday, October 6, 7.30pm: TBD – Informal topical discussion group. All welcome. • Wednesday, October 14: Prayer Fellowship, 2pm • Thursdays, October 1 and 15: Centrepoint, 10.30am • Wednesday, October 28: Bible Study, 2pm The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory. If you have been driving or walking along Upper Street, Witnesham, since early September you may have noticed a change of scenery. After the power cables were changed we had a discussion with the power company and it was agreed that the four lime trees that bordered our property were interfering with the cables. So, rather than just lop off the tops so the problem would reoccur in a short space of time, down they came. What a difference; not only no overhanging branches, but you can now easily see the church. I don’t know how old the four lime trees were, and while they had their own beauty they were obviously obscuring the church and casting a shadow over us. Now the light floods in. Our hope is that the converse will be true – light will flood out. In the Bible, Jesus is called the Light of the World; He brings the light of truth to us as the son of God. In turn we church people, who trust in and follow Jesus and his teaching, are called to be lights shining out for God. So while the cutting down of the trees doesn’t change how we live it does symbolise the sharing of that light. Our church is open to all and we hope you feel welcomed if you venture in. Pastor Andrew
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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING ‘Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me’ There is a huge refugee crisis in Europe and as I write, the tide is beginning to turn in the UK about the number of refugees we might take. It seems so sad that this great and tolerant nation is so reluctant to take many in need – I think we have only taken 317 Syrians so far. After the Second World War, when we were much poorer and wearier than we are now, we took many refugees, many of whom went on to enrich this country hugely. Refugees are determined people. I say ‘we’ but I have Irish heritage and my father came from Ireland at 18 to work as a code breaker at Bletchley Park and then accepted an academic job at Oxford University and had a family here. I have always appreciated the acceptance of this country so I feel sad at the lack of enthusiasm to help. Malcolm Guite summarises the intolerant approach of many in this sonnet:
you can drop items into Grundisburgh Church or to me at Otley Hall (in bags please) and they will be passed on. The Rev Catherine Beaumont SUNDAY SERVICES • October 4: Holy Communion, Swilland, 9.30am • October 11: Harvest Festival, Ashbocking, 11am • October 18: Family Service, Swilland, 11am WHAT’S ON October 5 • Poetry and Reflection, Burgh School Room, 10.30am-noon. Theme: Life • Otley and District Gardening Club, Otley Village Hall, 7.30pm October 6 Coffee and Crafts, Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon, 10amnoon. Bring your own project or share.
‘Our King is calling from the hungry Furrows Whilst we are cruising through the aisles of plenty, Our hoardings screen us from the man of sorrows, Our soundtrack drown out his murmur: ‘I am thirsty’. He stands in line to sign in as a stranger And seek a welcome from the world he made, We see him only as a threat, a danger, He asks for clothes, we strip-search him instead. And if he should fall sick then we take care That he does not infect our private health, We lock him in the prisons of our fear Lest he unlock the prison of our wealth. But still on Sunday we shall stand and sing The praises of our Lord and King’.
October 7 • Clopton Craft and Chat Morning, at village hall, 10am-1pm • SWAPSHOP, Grundisburgh Parish Room, 10.1511.30am • Bible Study Group, 4 The Cottages, Ashley Grange, Ashbocking, 10am-noon • Cruse Bereavement Care Quiz Night and Supper, Seckford Golf Club, Woodbridge, 7pm. In teams of four at £15 a person.
We know that we need to do something because these people are part of our human family. Jesus told us ‘whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me’. I think many of us feel helpless so I researched what we can do and here are some ideas:
October 9 • Reader Support Group in the Upper Room, Grundisburgh, 2pm • Second Friday Meeting Victory Hall Hasketon, 7.15pm
October 8 Tiddlywinks in Grundisburgh Church, 2.30pm. A group for pre-school children and their carers.
1. Write to your MP so that David Cameron will know the strength of public support for taking in refugees.
October 10 Marriage of Kara Crane and Alan Murphy, Hasketon, 3pm
2. Sign the petition created by the Barnabas Fund asking for Safe Havens for Christians (the most vulnerable of the refugees fleeing Syria because Isis kills Christians indiscriminately). I have a copy if you want to sign it.
October 12 • Benefice Prayer Group, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 5pm • Knit and Stitch, Burgh Schoolroom, 10.30am12.30pm. All welcome. Help/tuition available • Monday House Group, Grundisburgh 7.30pm. Contact Robert for more info: 01473 735775
3. Make a donation to any of the organisations organising help: Save the Children: distributing essential items such as nappies, hygiene kits and food Red Cross Europe: providing emergency health services at central train stations Migrant Offshore Aid Station: dedicated to preventing migrant deaths at sea International Rescue Committee: improving living conditions by setting up camps The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): providing water, mosquito nets, tents, healthcare 4. Find local organisations through the internet. Many churches are taking clothes and food to Calais where many desperate people are waiting for help. I know that most of them are not Syrian refugees but they are in need of clothes and other help. Locally I know that two of my fellow clergy, The Rev Ruth Hatchett and The Rev Janice Leaver are taking a car out to Calais on October 6 with men’s clothes, especially trainers, warm clothes for the winter, toothpaste, toothbrushes and cooking utensils. You can contact Janice on 01394 460547 and rendleshamvicarage@gmail. com or Ruth on ruth.hatchett@yahoo.co.uk or
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October 15 Social Bridge, Burgh Schoolroom, 7.15-9.30pm. All levels, beginners welcome. October 16 Quiz Night in Burgh School Room, 7.30pm October 18 PCC Coffee Morning in Burgh School Room from 10.30am October 19 Beyond Alpha in Burgh School Room, 10.30am October 21 Bible Study Group, 4 The Cottages, Ashley Grange, Ashbocking, 10am-noon October 22 • Community Lunch, Hasketon, 12.15pm • Tiddlywinks in Grundisburgh Church, 2.30pm. October 24 Wine Tasting at Burgh School Room, 7.30pm
PILGRIM: A course for the Christian journey This six-week course will take a look at the 10 Commandments • Monday evenings (Oct 5 & 12), 7.30-9pm at the home of Valerie MacCuish, 36 Gurdon Road, Grundisburgh • Friday mornings (Oct 2, 9 & 16), 10.30am-noon at the home of Mary Bean, 6 Alice Driver Road, Grundisburgh CELEBRATE HARVEST IN OCTOBER Otley: Otley Harvest Festival, October 4, 11am. Come and celebrate harvest and our community on a farm this year. The service will be at Warren’s Farm and then there is a bring and share lunch. A celebration of the community, its produce, gifts, talents and abilities. Come and celebrate. Hasketon: A community celebration of all God’s gifts, October 11, 11am. Join us for a harvest lunch after the service. Grundisburgh: Community Harvest Festival, October 4, 11am. A sharing of gifts and talents – bring along something which represents your creativity or ability. All are welcome. Ashbocking: Community Harvest Festival, Sunday, October 11, 11am. Celebrating Ashbocking – please bring harvest produce and things that represent your work, family, home and all that you hold dear. We will thank God for everything and ask for God’s blessing on everything we do. FANCY A COFFEE? Grundisburgh Parish Rooms: Saturday, October 3, 10.30am-noon, and then Wednesday, October 7, 10.15-11.30am Ashbocking: Friday, October 2 at the home of Sue and Mike Surridge of Nelson Close, Ashbocking, 10.30am-noon Otley: Thursday, October 22 at the home of David and Tess Papworth of Lavender House, The Green, Otley, 10am-noon Clopton: Wednesday, October 21 at the village hall, 10am-noon BEYOND ALPHA AUTUMN 2015 What does the Bible really say about…? • Session 1, October 19: Bible characters – the Gospel Writers • Session 2, November 2: A ‘small’ book of the Bible – Esther • Session 3, November 16: A Biblical Event(s) – Resurrection to Ascension and Pentecost • Session 4, November 30: A Biblical Location – The Seven Churches of Revelation • Session 5, December 14: A Biblical Belief – The Changing Faces of Jesus – Images of Jesus (venue TBA) Burgh School Room, 10.30am-noon. A small charge of £1 a session to cover costs. The meetings will be facilitated by The Rev Wendy Gourlay and Hilary Hill. Tea and coffee will be available and a warm welcome to all. Haven’t been along yet, then why not join us? Enquiries to Paul: 01473 738474 / paulwiffen222@btinternet.com
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