In Touch
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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 6 • Issue No. 10 • SEPTEMBER 2016
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’ve been particularly fortunate in recent months to find myself in parts of our local countryside I’ve never visited before, not always by choice thanks to roadworks, but I have been reminded anew just how beautiful this part of the country is. Time and time again I have discovered hidden gems, stunning views, beautiful country pubs, lovely farms and cafes and community shops selling fabulous local produce. Despite the fact that I’m from another country I don’t actually like travelling. The actual physical process of getting there, wherever it may be, is enough to put me off going. I’ve done the ‘sun holiday’ and it’s not for me. I don’t function in 38 degree heat and I don’t tan so what’s the point? When we travel abroad we embrace new things, we seek out new adventures and force ourselves to ‘make the most of every minute’, almost to the point of exhaustion. I’ve only tried (and loved) windsurfing in St Lucia but could easily do it regularly here at home. I’ve run into freezing seas in Portugal and Cape Cod (which I’ve pretended to enjoy because that’s what you do on holiday) but barely dip my toes in the North Sea which is 30 minutes from home (and a warm bath). I’ve walked to mountain tops in sweltering heat in Italy, but go everywhere by car in East Anglia. When we stay at home our free time is too easily absorbed by real life responsibilities, but imagine what we might discover if we were to focus the same sense of adventure to a day spent within 10, 20 or even 30 miles from home. The next time you find yourself at a loose end, stick a pin in the map or just take a road you haven’t taken before and allow yourself to enjoy whatever comes your way. This month my colleagues and I are supporting Macmillan’s Big Coffee Morning and welcome readers, contributors and advertisers to pop in for coffee and cake from Monday 26 to Friday, September 30. It would be lovely to meet you. I shall be making scones.
In Touch
with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham
In Touch with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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NEWS PCC WANTS TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT POLICING Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore is staging his next series of public meetings across the county through the autumn and is encouraging Suffolk residents to make a note in their diaries. This year, rather than staging a meeting in each of the seven district and borough areas, the PCC and Chief Constable will host a meeting in each of the 18 Safer Neighbourhood areas. The meetings are an opportunity for the public to ask questions of the Commissioner and the Chief Constable and to find out more about policing in the county. Tim Passmore said: “Having direct contact with the people of Suffolk that I represent is extremely important to me. This year we are reflecting the new SNT make-up and staging meetings tailored directly to the needs of our local policing areas. The major review of local policing identified 18 SNT areas and we are increasing our meeting programme to reflect this. “Public engagement is hugely important in this role and I make myself available to anyone who needs to speak to me through one-to-one surgeries and directly via e-mail and on the phone, but it is equally important to have these bigger meetings where people can question me in a more open forum. “I do hope people will accept this invite to come and find out more about policing. Gareth and I will be pleased to discuss any matter that arises. I have set up a meeting in each SNT to make it as easy as possible for people to attend and I am hoping for an open and frank two-way dialogue, so please spread the word as I really want to encourage a good crowd.” Each meeting will involve a quick overview from Tim Passmore and Gareth Wilson and then the public will have an opportunity to ask questions. There will be a senior police officer, responsible for policing in the local area, to add operational context. All meetings start at 6.30pm and there is no need to book. Scheduled meetings Monday, September 19: Nansen Road Baptist Church Hall, Ipswich IP3 9HN Tuesday, October 11: Suffolk New College, Rope Walk, Ipswich IP4 1LT Monday, October 17: Landmark House, 4 Egerton Road, Ipswich IP1 5PF
KETTLE ON, BISCUITS AT THE READY... IT’S TIME FOR THE BIG BREW UP The annual SSAFA 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 13, 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.
The Armed Forces Family
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.
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NEWS ASHBOCKING VILLAGE EVENT 2016 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 2-6pm AT MANOR FARM Come and join in the fun! PRODUCE, ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Entry form deadline: September 7 Bring your exhibits between 9-11.30am on the day
REFRESHMENTS / BARBECUE / BAR Clay Pigeon Shooting (timed slots) Tractor Trailer Rides Pony Rides Roll-a-Ball Games Tombola Face Painting ...and more Tickets: adult £3 (inc. a cup of tea/coffee and a piece of cake) Children under 16 free (food extra) Tickets available now from: Emma Read: 07881 076377 Jo Gilbert: 01473 890997 Liz Stegman: 01473 785592
TRIANON MUSIC GROUP A great choice of music for 2017. That’s the message from Trianon Music Group as we launch our new brochure on September 17. This year our brochure cover features Astrid, a double-bass player in Trianon’s orchestra and also a singer. With three concerts in Ipswich during the year, we start at Ipswich Corn Exchange on January 7. The focus is on film and television music ranging from the impressive Zadok the Priest to music by Suffolk-based composer Denis King who wrote the music for Lovejoy. In the intimate setting of St John’s Church in Cauldwell Hall Road in Ipswich in April we perform Sir Hubert Parry’s Blest Pair of Sirens, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 5 in D, Op107 (Reformation) and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. Join us at the Corn Exchange in September for a musical tour of the four nations of the United Kingdom, and then hop across to the United States of America for a hoedown of melodies starting with the celebrated fanfare by Copland. If you’d like to hear us before then, our final major concert for 2016 is at Snape Maltings Concert Hall on September 17 when we perform Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Dvorak’s Te Deum and William Walton’s stunning Belshazzar’s Feast. Tickets for all these concerts are available from the Trianon Ticket Line on 01394 283170 or 07876 787029 and you can find full details of our concerts at: www.tmg.org.uk
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ASHBOCKING NEWS One thing is for sure – if you want to slow the traffic down going through your village, get Suffolk County Council to resurface your road. Even those in rented cars and delivery vans drop down to 30mph, but the rest of us crawl along wincing at every knock on the undersurface and sides of our cars. Did it need doing? (That’s a rhetorical question, of course!) Many of us in the village enjoyed the vintage cars passing through to the event at Helmingham Hall. Now they all go past within the speed limit! Maybe I’m showing my age, but they seem to have real style and they all look different. Am I the only one who thinks cars all look the same these days? When you read this piece the Ashbocking Village Produce, Arts and Craft Show will be looming. It won’t be long before you will need to make decisions about what you will be entering. As someone who dabbles with gardening, I appreciate that it has been, on the whole, a bad year for growing veg and some fruits. And as for having produce still going until September 17, that’s an additional problem. Please persevere. If you don’t have perfect specimens please don’t worry and still enter them. I know the judges also appreciate it has been a difficult year. For those of you who are new to the village, the afternoon also includes afternoon tea, hot dogs, a bar, archery, clay pigeon shooting, pony rides, traditional games, face painting and more. Best of all, it’s the one time in the year when the whole village can get together in lovely surroundings and catch up on friendships, gossip and village news. Please get your children to enter their relevant age groups. There’s lots of prizes for the children and they just love having a go. Not everyone can win, but there really is joy seeing one’s efforts on the benches. It was our privilege to hold the August coffee morning. Although it was minus ‘our leader,’ Catherine Beaumont, I believe a good time was had by all in beautiful sunshine with excellent company. The September one will be held at Nel and Rex’s on September 2. Hopefully, the weather will again be kind and we will be able to go into their lovely garden. The harvest is now well and truly with us. That amazing hail storm did result in some damage, particularly, I understand, to the rape. I came across one of our local farmers the other day, standing within a rape field, testing the crop’s moisture content. It had slightly too much moisture still, but he predicted it would be fine later that day. The whole field was cut, de-seeded and piled into the grain store by 8pm that night. Impressive! I would love some live music at the village show. If anyone has any last minute ideas, please contact me. Even better if payment can be an afternoon tea, a few pints and a free face paint. Ashbocking knows how to give hospitality. Enjoy the holidays! Liz Stegman
CRIPPS, CRIPPS AND CRIPPS… Just to remind everyone to put a note in your diaries that the next production from the Barley Players will run from October 28-30 at the Le Panto Theatre, Manor Farm, Church Lane, Witnesham. Full details regarding how to book plus prices will appear in the next edition of In Touch. We would welcome any offers of help in putting this production on. Please contact Steve Henley: 01473 785707 / henleysteve@btinternet.com
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NEWS SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL Clerk: Mr Steven Barron swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917 EDITED MINUTES OF THE JULY MEETING Election for co-option candidate A proposal to co-opt Mr Paul Madge onto Swilland and Witnesham Grouped Parish Council was made by Mr Rush, seconded Mr Hindle. This was approved. FINANCE UPDATE Current Account: £18,144.18 Ipswich Building Society: £8,141.03 The clerk stated that a pending payment of £5,999.02 for the village hall heating project would reduce the Barclays balance accordingly. Mr Darell-Brown asked about the amount of funds in the Ipswich Building Society. The account would be discussed at the next finance committee meeting. To agree and adopt a Financial Risk Assessment 2016-17 The risk assessment used in the previous year was discussed. A proposal to adopt the risk assessment document was made by Dr Nicol, seconded Mr Templeman: Carried. FOOTPATHS Mr Hindle reported that grass cutting was late on public footpaths resulting in overgrown paths. Mr Hindle did complain to SCC about this. Mr Darell-Brown asked about footpath 12 (rear of Weyland Road) which runs through parish council land. It was agreed to add this plot to the grass cutting schedule next year and Mr Hindle agreed to look into clearance of overhanging branches, brambles and stumps. The chairman asked for thanks to be noted to Mrs Parks who had arranged for ditches to be cleared close to the path. Mrs Camp raised an issue with the footpath opposite Acre Close where county council grass cutting in a copse had resulting in orchid destruction. Mr Hindle explained that this had occurred before and SCC needed to clarify by way marking the correct public right of way and hence avoid erroneous cutting of the orchids.
PLANNING Mr Wilks reported on recent planning meetings and advised the following:
play area next to the school and it was decided to delay this until September 1 to safeguard any potential nesting birds.
The Barn Mill Lane, Witnesham, conversion of barn, approved by SCDC and supported by PC
Mr Wilks asked about the broken gate at the same location and was informed by Mr Rush that a quote was pending to repair this.
Manor Farm, Witnesham, swimming pool, refused by SCDC and supported by PC. (Appeal pending) Warrens Barn Witnesham, amended drawings of plots, approved by SCDC and supported by PC. Fynn Valley Golf Club application was due to be heard by SCDC committee on July 21 and was supported by PC HIGHWAYS SAVID and VAS Signs Mr Everett reported that there had been no activity of late. The next SAVID meeting under the proposed new structure was due in September at Tuddenham. Mr Everett had chased SCC Highways regarding the bend sign in Swilland and the culverts on the B1077, without success so far. The proposed new 40mph speed limit on the B1078 was discussed and the need for police involvement and speed enforcement was stressed. As far as extending this limit down to Gibraltar crossroads, a meeting with Mr Oldham of SCC Highways was to be arranged and support would be sought from SC Councillor Mr Vickery. A discussion of the shortfalls of SCC Highways grass cutting schedule took place. Mr Hindle had raised this with SCC on June 25. The chairman would now take this up with Mr Oldham at SCC Highways. Mr Darell-Brown raised concerns over vehicle parking on pavements. Mr Rush would draft a notice and consult with SNT. Mr Rush reported that a parishioner’s property in Coopers Close had been flooded by an overflowing surface water drain. This was being pursued by Mr Rush via Mr Buckingham at SCC Highways. PLAYING FIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Mr Wilks asked about tree cutting close to the
There had been a report from a parishioner of broken glass by one of the goals on the playing field. This had been made safe by best efforts of the clerk. WASPs and SNT were subsequently advised accordingly. RECREATION GROUND Mr Rush had met with a sports equipment company in regard to possible equipment provisions in the parishes. Mr Rush gave an overview of what could be available. A purchase might be possible, potentially using some of the money available from a limited £15,000 shared sports equipment fund. This would be evaluated further by Mr Rush after positive feedback from the parish councillors present. VHMC Mrs Shaw reported that village hall redecoration was due to start at the end of July. Mrs Shaw and Mr Rush paid tribute to the late Mrs Pat Bailey who had done so much work over the years to support the village hall. TREE OFFICER Mr Darell-Brown advised that work on ash trees at Hall Lane allotments wasn’t done yet and asked council if he could use an alternative contractor. Mr Hindle reported that a damaged tree in Weyland Road had been repaired by an unknown party. ALLOTMENTS Mrs Camp advised that all allotments were now taken. COMMUNITY GROUP Mrs Camp reported that the villages show in July was a great success and was very well attended. The garage sale also went well. Publicity for a proposed musical evening planned for November would be made available to the clerk and subsequently put in the what’s on section of the website.
SUFFOLK QUIZ AT THE MOON & MUSHROOM The September quiz at the Moon & Mushroom in Swilland will have a local twist with all the questions being based on Suffolk. It will be a fun evening for all, whether you are local (and think you know everything about our wonderful county) or new to the area and would like to discover more. The quiz takes place on Wednesday,
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September 7 and starts at 8pm. The cost is £2 which includes sandwiches. Why not bring a team? There will be a variety of themes including Royal Connections, Sport and Leisure, Historic Houses and Castles and Towns and Villages. There may even be a picture round so it’s always worth having a guess.
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OUT & ABOUT WITNESHAM AND SWILLAND VILLAGES SHOW RESULTS 2016 CLASS
FIRST
SECOND
Broad Beans Runner Beans Beetroot Cabbage Carrots Courgettes Peas Potatoes Shallots Veg box Ugly veg Cucumber Lettuce Radishes Tomatoes Currants Gooseberries Raspberries Rhubarb Strawberries 3 Roses 1 Rose Perennials Sweet Peas Pinks Herbs Pansies Delphinium Foliage plant Fuchsia Geranium Flower Heads Mini flowers Jug of flowers Table arrangement Victoria Sponge Scones Bread BreadMaker loaf Vegetable Cake Pudding in a glass Men’s cake Jam Jelly Marmalade Lemon Curd Chutney Eggs Knitting/Crochet Tapestry/Crossstitch Toy Bridge Photo Leisure Photo Portrait Photo Greetings Card Jewellery Artwork Gift Wrap
David Thorn Josie Dedman David Thorn Phil Mead Paula Saward Nick Stanley Olive Balaam Nick Stanley Phil Mead Anne Camp Liz Farrow Joint 1st Olive Balaam/Nick Stanley Pauline Offord Phil Mead Phil Mead Joint 1st Phil Mead/Nick Stanley Oliver Calver Oliver Calver Liz Farrow Phil Mead Wendy Houston Oliver Calver Linda Dowdeswell Stephanie Gould Erica Burrows Steve Henley Martin Bloomfield Paula Saward L Dowdeswell C Sherrod Steve Henley W Barraclough Steve Henley Rosemary Nicol Erica Burrows Steve Henley Ann Kent Wendy Houston Pat Bloomfield L Dowdeswell Pat Stanley Stephanie Gould Pat Bloomfield Nick Stanley Pat Bloomfield Margaret Holman Stephanie Gould Olive Balaam Ann Margaret Holman David Thorn Stephanie Gould Anne Camp Gill Dunstan Anne Camp David Thorn Josie Dedman Pat Stanley Gill Dunstan Abi Warner P Stanley P Bloomfield Olive Balaam Gill Dunstan Margaret Holman Jean Pearson Linda Dowdeswell Wendy Houston Caroline Sherrod L Dowdeswell Ann Kent Janet Henley Anne Camp Hannah Wilks Stephanie Gould Nick Stanley Alan Camp Erica Burrows Caroline Sherrod Claire Prentice Ann Kent Ann Kent Stephanie Gould Lisa Davis Ann Kent Pat Roots Elizabeth Barraclough Martin Bloomfield Paula Saward Linda Dowdeswell Vivien Baldry Heather Howlett Anne Debenham Pat Bloomfield Pat Roots Paula Saward Janet Henley Richard Nicol Maureen Thorn Elizabeth Barraclough William Barraclough Anne Camp Abi Warner Tracey Hardy Anita Mordecai Hannah Roots Jessica Stone Mary Mayhew Pat Stanley
THIRD
HC
Oliver Calver
Suffolk Singers, directed by their dynamic music director Claire Weston, are giving a concert for Suffolk Age UK at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 1 at Debenham Community Centre.
N Stanley/S Henley Caroline Sherrod
Harrison Cole will accompany them in a varied programme of music to suit all tastes, including Chilcott, Elgar, Grainger, Humperdink, Hutchings, Peterson-Berger, Rutter and Todd.
Stephanie Gould Wendy Houston Ann Kent Steve Henley S Gould Rosemary Nicol Paula Saward Anne Debenham Erica Burrows Steve Henley Anne Debenham Olive Balaam Stephanie Gould
Paula Saward Pauline Offord
A Debenham/Gill Dunstan
Janet Henley Hannah Wilks E Barraclough A Darrell-Brown Martin Bloomfield Janet Henley A Darrell-Brown Olive Balaam
Pat Bloomfield Stephanie Gould
Stephanie Gould Claire Prentice Margaret Holman Pauline Offord Lisa Davis Alan Camp Rosemary Nicol Richard Nicol Pauline Offord Christina.Darrell-Brown Abi Warner Pat Bloomfield
Joshua Lummis Joshua Godfrey Sebastian Wilks Joshua Godfrey
Lily Matter Margot Roots Joshua Godfrey Margot Roots
Jayden Jacobs Sebastian Wilks Margot Roots
Thea Wilks Emilia Oxborrow Scarlett Houston Thea Wilks
Scarlett Houston Emilia Houston Emilia Oxborrow Mia Bailey
Emilia Houston Keeley Utteridge Thea Wilks Scarlett Houston
Thomas Calver Lilly Calver
Eloise Utteridge
Joshua Godfrey
Ages 5-7
Ages 8-11 Selfie Photo Floating Flowers
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Directed by Claire Weston Sunday, October 23 at Framlingham College, 9.30am-5pm; adults £20, under 19s free. Free public performance at 4.30pm. Price to include the loan of all music, expert professional tuition, tea and coffee throughout the day and our celebrated cakes in the interval between the rehearsal and the performance. At this year’s workshop, Claire will lead us through some famous choruses including Brahms’ Requiem – How lovely is thy dwelling place Handel’s Messiah – Hallelujah chorus Mendelssohn’s Elijah – Lift Thine Eyes
Under 5s
Rice Krispie cakes Flower Posy Greetings Card Recyclable model
Suffolk Age UK is an independent local charity working with and for older people in the county, offering often vital support. Services include visiting and telephone befriending, information and advice, benefits support and dementia support. To find out more about the charity, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/suffolk SUFFOLK SINGERS CHORAL WORKSHOP 2016
CHILDREN
Finger Painting Jar of flowers Decorated plate Playdough model
Tickets are £10 and available from: www.universe.com/suffolksingers / 01473 359911 There will be a bar and cabaret style seating with a range of delicious cakes by Meg’s Mixtures. There will also be a raffle on the night supporting Suffolk Age UK.
Erica Burrows Maureen Thorn Olive Balaam
W Houston
SUFFOLK SINGERS FUNDRAISING CONCERT
Emilia Houston
Bach’s St Matthew Passion – In tears of grief Verdi’s Requiem – Dies Irae It will be helpful, but not essential, if participants have a little previous experience of singing with a choir or reading music, but if you’ve never tried anything like this before, come along and have a go. You will be given lots of support. To reserve a place or for more information please contact Alison Bestow: 01473 625070 / alison.bestow@gmail.com
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Fresh
IDEAS THEIR LUNCH BOX
will love
Liven up their lunch box with these monsterific sandwiches! Soft sliced bread filled with ham and salad, with cucumber slices and olives for eyes!
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OUT & ABOUT DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING All events take place in Witnesham Village Hall unless otherwise indicated. Booking clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham: 785798 Parish clerk: Mr Steve Barron: swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917 WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays Dance Classes from 3.30pm, resuming on September 5. Contact Kelly Fear: 07799 130967
Tuesday 6: Mobile Police Visit to Witnesham using a marked police car sited at Weyland Road. Visit this and discuss any concerns or raise any question you may have. This vehicle is operational and may at short notice be deployed elsewhere. Thursday 8 • Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.50am), M&M in Swilland (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am) • Village Voices, Witnesham Baptist Church, 7.30pm Monday 12: Ashbbocking Parish Council meets at SWT HQ
Tuesdays • Post Office open at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm.
Wednesday 13: WI meets for a craft evening with Anita Mordecai from Dinky Duzz, 7.30pm
• Drop-in Cafe at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm Thursdays • Post Office open at Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm
Saturday 17: Ashbocking Village Produce, Arts and Crafts Show at Manor Farm, The Green, 2-6pm. Refreshments, barbecue and bar on offer with a clay pigeon shooting competition, tractor trailer and pony rides as well as other attractions. Tickets: adults £3 (includes tea/coffee and a piece of cake), children under 16 free (food extra). For further details see page 4.
• Carpet bowls, 2pm. Contact: 785754
Wednesday 21: Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council meets at 7.30pm
• Tai Chi for beginners at 5.45pm and for the more experienced at 7.30pm. Contact Marc: 07860 471748
Thursday 29: Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.50am), M&M in Swilland (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am)
Fridays • Mums and Toddlers in Witnesham Baptist Room, 9.15-11.15am. All welcome. Contact Jean Pearson: 785478
• Village Concert in Witnesham, Saturday, November 26
• Carpet Bowls, 7pm. Contact Peter Elmy: 785754
• Pilates Class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Sewing Classes: For information please contact Kim Shaw: 785678 SEPTEMBER Thursday 1 • Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.25pm • Village Voices. Witnesham Baptist Church, 7.30pm. Contact Christine Laughlin: 785138
Success for Claydon School Pupil Fabian Ball, formerly from Swilland, completed his Year 11 studies at Claydon School combined with a Day Release Course at Otley College by attending their award ceremony at Trinity Park recently. He received not only his certificate for Level I Mechanical Engineering but also achieved his Tutors’ Award, a silver plate, for Best Student on that course. Fabian now plans to continue his studies at the college for the next two years to progress to Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering. I should be glad to hear details of any who have taken A Level or similar examinations, or heard news of their degree success, so that I can include them in a future edition of In Touch. Heather Cade: 785464 / heathercade@btinternet.com
ASHBOCKING SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We’ve had a busy few months enjoying a croquet taster at Fynn Valley, a team entry for the annual quiz, providing teas at the village show and a Caribbean evening in Witnesham – no waiting at the airport. The craft group meets each month and the next walk is planned for Friday, September 16. During August, a group of members and friends are taking up an invitation to view at Glemham Hall with a tour of the house and garden and, of course, tea and cake. On September 14 there’s a craft evening with Anita Mordecai from Dinky Duzz. Visitors are welcome to join us, 7.30pm, in Witnesham Village Hall.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, September 28, 7 for 7.30pm: Restoration of a Model T Ford, illustrated by Barry Emms. This presentation is preceded by a short (normally about 30mins) AGM. We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee. Details from: 01473 414746/422145
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KYSON PROBUS CLUB Kyson Probus Club met for its usual monthly meeting at 12.30pm on Monday, August 8 at the Ufford Park Hotel, Melton. After a friendly drink and hearty lunch we heard a talk by Peter Harrison, a volunteer with the East Anglia Air Ambulance. Peter gave us a thorough overview on the way the EAAA is structured, how it is run and the funding requirement behind this magnificent cause. He brought his presentation to life by introducing characters who have a vital role in the EAAA and how they go about their roles with the objective of saving lives. Funding is obviously a major issue for the EAAA as they are totally reliant on the generosity of the public, but their success in this was illustrated with the addition of a second helicopter. Peter then went on to talk about some of the recent incidents the EAAA had been involved with. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable afternoon. If you are a retired or semi-retired business or professional man and would like to spend a pleasant lunch once a month with friendly, like-minded folk, why not come along? For further information, please call the secretary, Ian McIvor: 01473 738866
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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 Village coffee mornings Coffee mornings are held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome. Westerfield & District Gardening Club The gardening club meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm. • September 7: Thompson & Morgan 50 Fab Plants in 50 Mins with Michael Parry • October 5: History of the Cottage Garden by Andrew Sankey Everyone is welcome. For further details contact Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 251843). Beavers, Cubs and Scouts The 1st Westerfield Scout Group was founded in 1955. Using the village hall as its headquarters the group consists of: Beaver Colony Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm Boys and girls, 6-8 years old Beaver Leader: Jenny Kent, 01473 435711 /
jennyk.kent@ntlworld.com
Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years. Cub Leader: Joan Gibson, 01473 785510 / joan_gibson785@yahoo.co.uk Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years. Scout Leader: Peter Runnacles, 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com
If your child is interested in joining us please use the contact form on our website from where your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate leader: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk Westerfield WI Lively meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the village hall with different speakers on a variety of topics. The membership is 42 at present. • September 8: Inside Parliament by Josie • October 13: For the Rest of your Life by Pip Wright New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Kath Richards: 01473 217829 Pilates Classes are in the village hall on Mondays, 10.45-11.45am or noon-1pm. 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 Thursdays, 7.15-9pm. Cost £12 a class. Suitable for all ages. Contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Westerfield Village Hall on Thursdays, 9.4011am. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches, breathing practises and relaxation. British Wheel of Yoga qualified teacher. £48 for block of six (£9.50 drop-in). Contact Caroline Glason: 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 / caroline@still-yoga.co.uk 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
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 Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Our next meeting is on September 20 when our speaker will be Hugh Belsey, a renowned art historian who was curator of Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury for 23 years. Hugh is a lecturer, book reviewer and a contributor to the TV programme Fake or Fortune. Hugh has travelled extensively throughout the world visiting galleries and unearthing many unexpected treasures. In his talk he will share some of his discoveries. It promises to be an interesting evening. Architectural historian Dr Simon Bradley will explore the life and work of Sir Nikolaus Pevsner on October 18. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £2. National Trust members and volunteers can join us at half the normal price for the rest of 2016 – £4/£6 per couple at the same address. We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour It’s the little things that make a funeral special
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01473 257242
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OUT & ABOUT OTLEY AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB IPSWICH AND DISTRICT We meet at 7.30pm on the first Monday of the month in Otley Village SOROPTIMIST CLUB Hall with invited speakers on a wide range of subjects.
Monday, September 5: Cambridge College Gardens with Rodney Tibbs Compare gardening notes and enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits. All welcome. Join up or just come along. Admission £1.50 for members, £4 for nonmembers, including refreshments. Annual membership £10. To find out more contact Alan Trevelyan (07706 054630), Jenny Vince (01473 738244) or Isabel Lincoln (01473 890826).
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Mervyn Russen will present a talk entitled The First Railway to Ipswich and Beyond at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 22 at the Co-op Education Centre. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. This talk tells of the building of the railway to Ipswich and on to Bury St Edmunds in the 1840s, how the unique tunnel was constructed through Ipswich Stoke Hill and the fascinating history of local railways up to today. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, 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. For more information contact Howard: 01473 274300 GROW YOUR ROOTS HISTORY FAIR Suffolk Family History Society welcomes you to Grow Your Roots, the society’s annual family history fair at University Campus Suffolk on Saturday, September 24, 10am-4pm. There will be stalls (research and commercial), useful museum stands, help, talks and our very successful research area with Internet access and friendly help. Bring along your ‘brickwalls’ and see if we can knock them down for you! Ample car parking opposite IP3 8AH – entry via Back Hamlet. Free admission. For more information call 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY STAMP FAIR Ipswich Philatelic Society celebrates 70 years with a stamp fair on Saturday, September 10 at Kesgrave Community Centre, 10am-4pm. Free parking and free entry. The society meets at Cedarwood Primary School on Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave at 7.30pm on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. The next season runs from September 21 to June 7, 2017. New members and guests are always welcome. If you wish to join us or find out more please contact our secretary, Mike Smith on 01473 403904. The current year has included talks and displays from a range of guests including Tony Bosworth with Anti-Communism in Europe 1919-1945 and Jennifer Toombs with Fifty Years of Stamp Designing. We also have an annual trip to Stampex, a stamp auction open to all who wish to attend, as well as talks and displays from members.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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“You need to lighten up a bit,” said a man recently, looking at our autumn programme. Actually he is a good friend of our club and it made us think. Our talks do often seem to be on serious and disturbing issues. That’s not surprising when we think what Soroptimism is all about. Its main focus is on helping girls and women world wide to achieve their potential. There is still so much to think about, so much to do. That doesn’t mean that our meetings are solemn affairs on a standard pattern. On September 14 we’ll be discussing What Was Never Said by Emma Craigie, a novel for teenagers about FGM in the UK. We’ll probably go on to lobby our MPs for increased action to eradicate this abuse of girls. On a practical level we shall make our half yearly collection of welcome packs of toiletries for women who arrive at the Women’s Aid Refuge with nothing and Janet Humphrey will share her ideas about positive thinking and the power of the mind for victims of exploitation. Our October meeting will start with a light meal together. We are very boring and nearly always end up choosing scampi and chips! We shall have visitors from our club in Great Yarmouth who persuaded the whole region to support a project in Africa about eliminating Jiggers, parasites which attack feet, causing great pain and preventing children from going to school. We suspect there will be quite a lot of smiles at their report. We are always pleased to welcome anyone who would like to come and hear a speaker, join in a discussion or share a meal with us. For more details and directions please contact Jackie on 01473 659314.
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We finished our summer season on Thursday, July 28 when Linda Harman from Ipswich presented a lovely demonstration entitled Recycled which our members enjoyed. We start our autumn season on September 22 when we will welcome Joanne Randall from Norfolk for her first visit to our club. Her demonstration is entitled Seasonal Delights. Our open meeting is on Thursday, October 27 at Kesgrave Community Centre when national demonstrator John Chennell from Wellingborough will present a demonstration entitled Autumnal Equinox. Tickets will be £15 each to include a light buffet and a fruit punch. We welcome all members and non-members, friends and families. The Orwell Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm and the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration. The annual subscription, due at the AGM in April, is £37. Visitors are always welcome at £4 per meeting. For further details please contact the secretary, Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
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OUT & ABOUT A TEA PARTY FOR CLIC SARGENT, THE CHILDHOOD CANCER CHARITY
WESTERFIELD & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB
A phone call from my daughter 20 years ago is imprinted on my memory. “The doctors brought Tony to me when the scan was finished and Mum, they didn’t smile.”
We have had a very successful first half of our programme, with presentations by:
That happened to ten families today when 10 children and young people found out they have cancer. Those are the statistics. Any family experiencing that devastating moment will know that life is never the same again. The first reaction is trying not to scream or an irrational urge to turn the clock back. Then come the months of family upheaval when travel costs pile up, jobs are at risk or put on hold, and the terrible feeling of being alone. Later his mother wanted to shout in the supermarket: “How can you go on as though nothing has happened. Don’t you know that Tony has died?”
Anna Outlaw, head gardener at Somerleyton Hall Gardens Bob Booker of Ladybird Nurseries David Coop of Westland Horticulture Chris of Trimley Herbs Will Baddeley, European Bonsai Champion of 2015 Our first visit of the year was to Henstead Exotic Gardens and Somerleyton Hall and Gardens (pictured).
CLIC is here to help. CLIC Sargent is a UK charity formed in 2005. The charity specialises in supporting children and young people with cancer and their families. It provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help children cope with cancer and get the most out of life. We can all do a little to help one of those families. Here at High View, Tuddenham Lane, Witnesham, we are inviting you all to a tea party on Friday, September 23 from 2-5.30pm. Children and pets are welcome – we have four acres of meadow to explore but keep an eye on them as we have unguarded ponds. If you can’t make it we will gladly accept donations for CLIC. One of the first ways to help is to donate £150 for those first set of expenses and we would like to at least do that for a family. We’ll be happy to see you all for tea, cake and sandwiches for a donation at your discretion. Barbara Butler High View, Tuddenham Lane, Witnesham IP6 9HL 01473 785067 / barb-witnes@hotmail.co.uk
The Great Big East Anglian
Multi Pub Music Quiz Of The Year!
The second part of our 2016 programme starts on Wednesday, September 7 with a presentation by Michael Perry, Thompson & Morgan’s resident ‘plant hunter’, on 50 Fab Plants in 50 Minutes, which should be exciting. On Thursday, September 8, we have a trip to Wisley Gardens, a visit which will include entry to their annual flower show. Our autumn programme continues with Andrew Sankey’s history of the cottage garden and Melanie Collins of Mickfield Hostas. In December we will have our Christmas buffet and a quiz led by Matt Tanton Brown from The Place for Plants. Our meetings take place at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. There is ample adjacent parking and £4 entry for non-members includes refreshments and a free draw ticket.
PLANT HERITAGE SUFFOLK GROUP Thursday 29th September 2016 This hotly contested music quiz is bigger and better than ever this year, more pubs, more fun and bigger bragging rights! (If you're not very good, that's ok because it is all for charity!)
Teams of four max, £10 per team See posters and social media for participating pubs through out September! Find us on Facebook, Twitter or in you friendly local!
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Marina Christopher presents a talk entitled Attracting Beneficial Wildlife to your Garden at Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ on Saturday, September 24 at 2.30pm. Plant stalls will include rare and unusual plants and delicious refreshments will be available for purchase Admission: free to members, £5 entrance fee for non-members. New members and non-members are most welcome www.suffolkplantheritage.com
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SCHOOLS THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM The children have enjoyed six play days over the summer holidays with themes around dinosaurs, pirates and wild animals. These days help the children to retain their relationship with staff and the association of coming to nursery over a long break. During Dinosaur Week the children made dinosaurs from playdough, baked mud rock chocolate buns, painted wooden dinosaurs to take home, excavated dinosaurs from sand as mini-archaeologists and played with the Dinosaur Park Road & Rail and Lego. For Pirate Week they were greeted at the gate with a large sail showing the skull and crossbones. Pirate hats for all the children started us off as they then created their own treasure maps to take out in the garden. They also made Pitta Pizza Treasure Maps using courgettes to make brilliant crosses to mark the spot. We followed this with decorating wooden treasure chests with chocolate gold bullion to take home. Next we were off on safari using camouflage nets to make hide outs and wooden blocks to make enclosures housing elephants, giraffes and lions. The children iced animal biscuits to take home and had a game in the garden to find animals hiding. Also singing animal songs like There was a Crocodile and an Orangutan and We went to the Animal Fair with lots of actions. Each day was rounded off with a session in the new pool which the children have
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thoroughly enjoyed, the surprise element being the turtle that came with it which sprayed water out the top. Normal nursery recommences on Monday, September 5 when we look forward to our art exhibition of children’s work and a chance for parents to meet and have a glass of wine and nibbles – a good time to come and visit us if you are interested in your child having the chance to experience all we offer. 01473 890950 / www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com
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SCHOOLS / SPORT HELMINGHAM COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB
As always we have been very busy at Helmingham Primary School this year. Our highlights have included launching our outdoor learning programme, being part of a resilience project across the Debenham pyramid, taking part in a science experiment linked to Tim Peake, learning Samba dancing and going out on class visits.
With the wall to wall coverage on TV, and the associated Rio related articles in the media, such as how to learn to Samba and Zika virus warning signs, it’s hard not to suffer from Latin America overload at the moment. One sure fire way to banish all thoughts of Copacabana beach is to ponder the start of the winter league season... (Sorry, I had to stop for a moment to go and get a hot drink and a duvet.)
Our Year 6 children have now moved on and we look forward to our new starters joining us in September. We have already planned a Roald Dahl day and a visit from an Olympic athlete.
Greetings guff lovers.
We have entered a men’s team in the midweek floodlit league (once the team return from their pre-season cold weather familiarisation at the Antarctic research base). For those ultras in the club for whom that is not enough, we also have three pairs entered in the Sunday morning tennis (before the pub) league, proof that memories are short. What was I saying?
We have a vacancy for another midday supervisor to join our team. Our days can be flexible and you would be supported by an established team. Contact us at: 01473 890267 / admin@helmingham.suffolk.sch.uk
The summer league season is now but history. Our men’s team finished in the middle of the league having won four and lost four of their matches, before going on holiday to Middlesex, Middlesborough, and the Middle East presumably. We are thinking of asking Kate Middleton for Royal Patronage next season.
We would love people from the community to come and talk to the children about their jobs, places they have visited or just what it has been like growing up in Suffolk. Give us a call if this is something you would like to do.
The courts are looking pristine after their cleaning and it makes it much easier to maintain the opposition ball was out if you can see the lines. Clearly it also allows you to argue that your shot was in at the other end more vigorously.
Claydon High School
‘Ofsted Good’
The Headteacher, governors, staff and students warmly welcome you to our
Church Lane, Claydon, Suffolk, IP6 0EG Tel: 01473 836110
Open Evening
Wednesday 5th October 2016 6.30pm Come along and experience our superb facilities and resources, talk to our staff and students as they proudly showcase their work
The evening will begin at 6.30pm with a speech from the Headteacher at 6.35pm
No such problems for Nick whose shots usually clear the fence, so no doubts there then. I watched him serve four balls from a new tin into the rough behind the courts. After unsuccessfully trying to find them he gave up and opened another new tin and promptly did the same thing. I asked him why he didn’t use some old balls, and he replied that he never gets any! The playing field committee have taken on concerns regarding possible unfortunate events by installing a defibrillator in the sports club. This will be very handy as the last time Graham bought a round in the bar several of us needed oxygen from the shock. Joke of the Month A well dressed gentleman was on his way into the local pub when he saw an old pensioner fishing in a large puddle in the road outside the door. “Poor old chap,” thought the man and invited the old boy in for a drink. As the pensioner sat sipping his pint the man thought he would humour him and asked: “Have you caught many today?” The old boy sipped a bit more beer and said: “You’re the sixth.” More guff next month,
For further details, please contact the School Reception on 01473 836110 or email: info@claydonhigh.com
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Mick Russ
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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING PRAYING POLITICS “A week is a long time in politics,” as Harold Wilson said in 1964. When I first drafted this (because of forthcoming holidays) the EU Referendum had just divided the country and brought to the surface strongly held views. And to cap it all, we’d just lost 3-1 to Iceland! Now we have both a new prime minister and a new England manager. By the time you read this, there will be new problems confronting our leaders. Back in the first century there was no democracy as we know it, no opportunity to vote for who would lead the nation (tragically still the case in some countries). In the newly founded Christian Church there was a leader whose writings can still stir up controversy even today. St Paul was a person of enormous energy and great physical courage, a travelling evangelist, theologian, founder of new congregations (what we call today a ‘church planter’) and a pastor. Paul has probably had more influence on Christianity than anyone after Jesus himself. And he was someone who had come over from the opposition, from fanatical persecutor to fearless promoter of faith in Jesus. He wrote: “First of all, I urge that petitions, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings (presidents/prime ministers…) and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence towards God and with proper conduct.” 1 Timothy 2: 1-2 If we are people of faith, whatever our political views, this is still something we can do, to pray for our leaders and the leaders of other countries. They certainly need it. In the light of the Chilcot report, think of Tony Blair in 2003, deciding whether or not to invade Iraq… and the far-reaching effects that decision has had. Christianity is not a private club meeting in ancient buildings. It is involved in the whole of life. William Temple, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote: “Christianity is the most materialistic of all great religions.”
September 6: • Baby Café at Grundisburgh Parish Room, 9-10.30am • Craft and Coffee at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon, 10am-noon September 7: • Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am • Grundisburgh SWAPSHOP in the Parish Room, 10.15-11.30am Carlford Churchwardens, The Upper Room, Grundisburgh, 7pm September 8: Tiddlywinks, Grundisburgh Church, 2.30pm September 9: Grundisburgh Reader Support Group, The Upper Room, 2pm September 10: The SHCT Annual Church Bike Ride and Stride, 9am-5pm September 12: • Knit and Stitch, Burgh Schoolroom, 10.30am-12.30pm / 01473 735544 • Explore Christian Faith, Otley 2-4pm • Prayer Group, The Upper Room, Grundisburgh, 5pm • Lunar Ladies at The Moon and Mushroom, 7pm • Monday House Group, Grundisburgh, 7.30pm September 13: • Boulge PCC meeting, 2pm • Grundisburgh, Burgh and Hasketon PCCs, Grundisburgh School, 7.30pm September 15: Social Bridge, Burgh Schoolroom, 7.15pm / 01473 735544 September 17: Wedding of Ann Harston and Nigel, Grundisburgh, noon September 20: BBC (Bible Book Club), 10.30am
SUNDAYS
September 21: • Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am • Soup Lunch, Burgh Schoolroom, noon-1.30pm / homemade soup £3.50, dessert £1.50, tea/coffee free • Carlford Group Meeting, Grundisburgh Parish Room, 2.30pm / presentation by Kirsten Alderson of Suffolk Family Carers
September 4: Holy Communion, Swilland, 9.30am September 11: Family Service, Ashbocking, 11am September 18: Harvest Festival, Swilland, 11am
September 22: • Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm • Tiddlywinks, Grundisburgh Church, 2.30pm
WHAT’S ON
September 26: Explore Christian Faith, Otley, 2-4pm
September 3: Grundisburgh Church Fete, 2pm
September 29: COSA PCCs, Clopton Village Hall, 7.30pm
September 4: Baptism of Florence Richards, Grundisburgh, 11am
September 30: Ashbocking Baby Group at the home of Bev Last, Jodem Bungalow, Allotment Lane, Ashbocking, 11am
Nothing is outside prayer. Fred Woods SERVICES THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
September 5: Friends of Burgh School Room AGM, 2.30pm
HARVEST FESTIVAL Burgh Harvest Supper, Saturday, October 1, 5.30 for 6pm The Barn, Burgh House, Burgh Corner, Burgh, courtesy of Bill and Jacqui Mane. Two course hot supper with a glass of wine or soft drink. Vegetarian/gluten free options. £5 adults, £3.50 five-16yrs, under 5s free. Tickets: 01473 738877/735544 Grundisburgh Harvest Supper, Saturday, October 1, 7pm A Harvest Supper with a difference. Tickets are free, but you must bring a friend. There are only 25 tickets so get yours asap in order to avoid disappointment. If your ticket is pink, please bring a pudding for eight. If your ticket is green, please bring a salad as indicated for eight people. Vegetarian and GF catered for. Tickets from Clare: 01473 735183 SIGNPOST Google Living Faith in Suffolk for materials to help you pray, study and learn.
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CHURCH NEWS
SECOND FRIDAYS Hasketon Victory Hall at 7.15pm. On September 9 Bill Baston will present an illustrated talk on North East India. Please let Katherine Smith (01473 735579) know by the previous Wednesday if you wish to attend. GRUNDISBURGH SUMMER CONCERT St Mary’s Grundisburgh on September 24 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10/£7 and available at the Old Forge Stores and on the door. Proceeds to St Elizabeth Hospice and St Mary’s. EXPLORING FAITH An opportunity to explore faith in God in relaxed company at the Upper Room, Grundisburgh on September 8, 15 and 22 and October 6, 13 and 20, 7-8.30pm. The 35th Bike Ride and Stride: Saturday, September 10, 9am-5pm The main source of income for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust which enables it to make grants to churches and chapels of all denominations towards repair and restoration costs. The ride is run entirely by volunteers and is inter-denominational, with cyclists invited to seek sponsors who will undertake to pay an agreed sum of money for each place of worship visited by the cyclist on the day. The money raised by each participant is shared equally between the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust and the place of worship nominated by the cyclist. Contacts: Ashbocking – John Pollard, 01473 890836; Boulge – Susan Parr, 01394 382643; Burgh – Gillian Gurdon, 01473 735273; Clopton –
Doris Main, 01473 737602; Grundisburgh – Sheila Caryer, 01473 738108; Hasketon – Julia Longe, 01394 382518; Otley – James Hall, 01473 785251; Swilland – Ann Kent, 01473 785262 MEN’S GROUP On Monday, September 19 Mike Graham will present a talk entitled Murders and Mergers. Please email or telephone Brian Williams for numbers wanting supper: 01473 785726 / bfwdent@btinternet.com PILGRIM Mondays 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 7.30pm in the home of Valerie McCuish, 36 Gurdon Road, Grundisburgh and Fridays 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10am at the home of Mary Bean, Alice Driver Road, Grundisburgh. FANCY A COFFEE? Ashbocking: Friday, September 2 at the home of Nel and Rex Piries of Chez Onze, The Green, Ashbocking, 10.30am-noon Hasketon: Tuesday, September 6 at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon, 10amnoon Grundisburgh: Wednesday, September 7, Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.15-11.30am Clopton: Wednesday, September 21 at the village hall, 10am-noon Otley: Thursday, September 22 at the home of Nigel and Pauline Crowley, 10 Spring Park, Otley, 10am-noon
WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH We welcome you to worship at 11am each Sunday. Sunday, September 4: Morning Worship Sunday, September 11: Morning Worship Sunday, September 18: Morning Worship Sunday, September 25: Morning Worship EVENTS Tuesdays: 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. Tuesdays: Varied Church Open House, 7.30pm Fridays: Babies and Toddlers group, 9.15-11.15am Contact Jean: 01473 785478 Monday, September 5: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, noon-2pm Light lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, September 14: Prayer Fellowship at 2pm Thursdays, September 1 and 15: Centrepoint at 10.30am Wednesday, September 28: Bible Study at 2pm The church is open for prayer and listening from 9am-5pm every Tuesday and Wednesday. At other times please contact Pastor Andrew. The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory. Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham IP6 9EU / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk
Over recent weeks there have been a number of terrorist attacks in various places around Europe. As I write we haven’t experienced this, but armed police presence has increased in high profile places around the country. These things often cause people to look over their shoulders half expecting something to happen. The difficulty with that is that while looking backwards you can easily walk into something before you know it. Looking back can be helpful if we learn from the things of the past. Unfortunately we often don’t learn from the past because we are too busy dwelling on it to see what’s in front of us. Of course none of us know what lies in front of us. Recently in conversation someone said that they don’t hear or read DV following on from an announcement of a planned activity or event. Some may well be asking ‘what is DV?’. It’s Latin abbreviation for Deo Volente which translated means Lord Willing. When we say DV we are acknowledging that while we can plan things, and it is good to do so, events in life are not always within our control. By saying DV we also acknowledge that in fact it is God who is in control and we trust Him for the future. With this in mind we are planning a new activity at church beginning in October, trusting God that it will be the right activity and be of interest to people who haven’t, perhaps, seen any relevance in church or God in the past. There, we mention the past again. With reference to God the past may have felt that there was no need for Him, but that shouldn’t preclude the possibility that having a relationship with God now will benefit our future. It certainly will for our eternity even if we aren’t sure about the here, now and tomorrow. So back to the first thought – fear of terrorist acts happening here or where we visit will not stop them from possibly happening, but that fear can prevent us from moving forward and enjoying all that life (and God) has to offer us in the future. So as details emerge next month about our new activity, DV, I hope many will join us and explore the future together. Pastor Andrew
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In Touch with WTW Improvements get the go-ahead at Witnesham Church
end in 1842 (without a faculty). The church was last decorated 25 years ago, access in and around the building is poor, the lighting is abysmal and the wiring for power is unsatisfactory.
It’s been a long and winding road (as the song says) but finally the work has got underway at Witnesham to improve and enhance the interior and make the building more flexible and usable.
Work started the second week of August and will continue into Spring 2017. At the end of it all the church will be fit for the 21st Century; more usable, accessible, comfortable and a good deal cleaner.
After 6 years of design and redesign, innumerable meetings and negotiations at local and national level*, we’re delighted to report that, at the start of August, the Chancellor of the Diocese granted the PCC a Faculty to carry out the second phase of works to the church. Two years ago, the church was shrouded in external scaffolding whilst essential (and some overdue) repair work was carried out on the structure. With that complete we could turn our attention to the inside. Very little has been done since our Victorian forefathers took out the Georgian box pews and the gallery at the west
The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
The west end will have a kitchen, an accessible toilet, a chair store and an open area for socialising. The south aisle will be enclosed by a clear glass screen so it can be used separately for many purposes including ‘Kingdom Kids’. The font will be lowered and set on a new base to improve circulation, sight lines, safety and appearance. The whole building will be cleaned and redecorated and incorporate new discreet and effective lighting, good heating, ample safe power and quality audio visual equipment.
Day / Date 4th September Trinity 15
11th September Trinity 16
18th September Trinity 17
25th September Trinity 18
2nd October Trinity 19
9th October Trinity 20
16th October Trinity 21
23rd October Last Sunday of Trinity
30th October All Saints Day
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Separate funds and additional fundraising will enable us to furnish the new parts of the building which will be available to complement the facilities offered in the village hall. We’ll showcase all the improvement at a special event in the Spring. *amongst those who were consulted: The Victorian Society, The Church Buildings Council, The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings, Historic England, The St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC), the local community and planning authorities.
All this has been possible by obtaining permission to access funds from a historic legacy which could only be used on the building fabric.
CHURCH SERVICES September—October
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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 Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin
St Mary’s Witnesham
9.30am Family Communion
10am Morning Worship
11am Family Communion
9.30am Harvest Festival
10am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 11am Harvest Festival
9.30am Family Communion
10am Harvest Festival
11am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Worship
10am Family Communion
11am Morning Worship
9.30am Family Communion
10am All-Age Worship
11am Family Communion
9.30am Family Service
10am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service
9.30am Family Communion
10am Morning Worship
11am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Worship
10am Family Communion
11am Morning Worship
(joint service at Witnesham)
11am Joint Service with Baptist Church
St Mary Magdalene Westerfield
(joint service at Witnesham) In Touch online:
In Touch with WTW
The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
Church Diary—September...
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Who’s Who: MINISTRY TEAM:
Mothers’ Union—meet on Thursday 1st September for Holy Communion in Westerfield Church followed by tea and a “bring and buy” (contact Ann Bennett 785685) Benefice Youth Group—meet on Wednesdays 14th and 28th September, 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—Rehearsals Thursdays 1st, 8th and 29th at 7.30pm in the back room of Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138) Kingdom Kids—meet on 25th September in Witnesham Village Hall and then church (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Wednesdays—said Morning Prayer at Westerfield Church weekly at 9.30am recommences—(Holy Communion first week of month)
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
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICES AND CELEBRATIONS Tuddenham (9.30am) & Westerfield (11am) Sunday 11th September followed by joint lunch at Tuddenham Village Hall 12.30pm Witnesham (10am) Sunday 18th September
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
This year, instead of a lunch, Witnesham Church is holding a Harvest Barn Dance...
Harvest Barn Dance Saturday 1st October
Julia Farmer
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk
WT&W Website Our website has a host of information about the churches and villages in Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham Benefice There is a diary on the front page now so you can check what’s on. www.wtandw.org.uk
7.30pm in the village hall—tickets £5 (children under 16 £1) including “Ploughman’s Supper” bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tickets from Christine Laughlin (tel 01473 785138 or email Christine@wtandw.org.uk) www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
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