In Touch with Woodbridge - December 2015

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Volume 5 • Issue No. 8 • DECEMBER 2015

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My son is remarkably indecisive and it’s not a trait he has inherited from me! He and I have attempted to write to Father Christmas on no less than eight occasions now and each list has been completely different save for a bouncy egg which has topped the list every time.

I kid you not! A bouncy egg is the thing he wants more than anything else. Basically it’s a egg shaped bouncy ball which costs about £1.50, but I suspect Jack will have hours of fun playing the same trick on us over and over again! Oh joy!

NEWS TIDE MILL WINS SUFFOLK CARBON CHARTER GOLD

But despite the frustration of trying to force Jack to make a final decision I’m quietly pleased that he is so keen to have a simple, inexpensive gift.

I know Lego will make it onto the final list in one form or another and possibly some football ‘stuff’, but while Jack is still relatively immune to the power of advertising I clearly don’t need to overspend in order to have a happy five-year-old. Next year might be more difficult. I dread the day he asks for a mobile phone, but I’m going to copy my brother John and agree to Jack having a phone for his 14th birthday. I can hear you scoffing in disbelief, but John’s four teenagers still speak to him – when they’re not on their phones!

This is a wonderful time of the year with lots to do, places to go, things to buy and, if we are lucky, people to buy for. But spare a though for those who may not be so lucky. For some, Christmas amplifies their isolation and if Jack has taught me anything it’s that it doesn’t take much to bring a little joy. A smile, a conversation, maybe a mince pie and a cup of tea… Take a moment to consider whether there is someone in your local community who appears to be alone and how you might be able to give them a bouncy egg moment (not literally of course!).

Happy Christmas from all the team here at Mansion House Publishing.

It has been a joy to be part of your lives in 2015.

Melton In Touch &with Woodbridge In Touch with Melton & Woodbridge is published by:

Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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woodbridge@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

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© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Kesgrave & Rushmere is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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IN TOUCH WITH...

• Hadleigh NEW • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Bramford, Offton & Somersham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

Following an assessment of Woodbridge Tide Mill in September, it has been confirmed that it has been awarded Suffolk Carbon Charter accreditation at Gold Level.

The Carbon Charter is awarded to companies that are monitoring and reducing their carbon emissions. It is intended to provide public recognition of those involved in making Suffolk the Greenest County.

The Gold Charter is only awarded to those who are “an exemplar of low carbon management” and championing the environmental agenda.

The panel was very impressed with Woodbridge Tide Mill’s creation of a “Green attraction” in Suffolk. Its carbon footprint as a flour mill appears to be less than half the industry norm. The panel was also impressed with the Tide Mill’s links with local bakers and farm shops to help create a local food economy, and their education of visitors on the value and history of tidal power.

Nigel Barratt, miller and trustee of Woodbridge Tide Mill, said: “This is another feather in the Tide Mill’s cap. It’s a remarkable building that exists purely as a result of tidal power. The beautiful old mill performs many a useful function in this community including milling flour, attracting visitors to Woodbridge and, of course, keeping us in touch with our heritage. We’re very proud that Suffolk Carbon Charter has chosen to recognise the mill for its environmental significance.”

He went on to thank the East of England Co-op, one of only two Pathfinder Partners of Suffolk Carbon Charter, who sponsored the Tide Mill for the award, some of whose local stores stock Tide Mill flour.

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JANUARY DEADLINE 4 DECEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS WOODBRIDGE FESTIVE MARKET Woodbridge Festive Market takes place on Saturday, December 12, 9.30am-4pm, on Market Hill and inside the Shire Hall.

With more than 50 traders setting up their stalls around the town’s traditional Christmas tree, the market will have a huge range of things to buy for unique presents, from vintage finds, fashion and jewellery, to artworks, decorations and crafts.

There will also be a selection of local food and

drink producers selling some tasty treats for the festive season.

Tim Clover of Deben Events, organisers of the market, says: “Woodbridge Festive Market is the place to come for Christmas shopping with a difference. We’ve got talented local designers and artisans, one-off gift ideas, a very festive setting and a relaxed atmosphere.”

For more information visit: www.debenevents.com

SUFFOLK COAST GREETERS ‘Come as a guest, leave as a friend’ The Suffolk Coast has joined a major international tourism scheme and become part of the Global Greeter Network. ‘Greeters’ are now being invited to join the Suffolk Coast Network and provide an informal and friendly introduction for visitors, giving them a local insight into their town, village or favourite destination.

At the heart of the Greeter philosophy is for a meeting (a ‘greet’) to be a personal welcome from someone living or working locally to the area they love, free of charge. Greets typically last between two and four hours and take place in public spaces; they

are meant for individual visitors but can be arranged for groups of up to six people. It’s an opportunity for people from the Suffolk Coast to share their enthusiasm and to give visitors an insight into some of the favourite, maybe slightly obscure, facts about the area. No payment is offered but volunteers who wish to become ‘Greeters’ will be supported in their new role with the opportunity promoted nationally and internationally.

to the area and hope they’ll go back with tales to inspire others to visit, just as the Greeters motto says: Come as a guest – Leave as a friend. With help from our funders, the Coastal Communities Fund, we are exploring ways in which getting a little bit more involved with the place and the people can enhance a visitor’s experience, and ultimately, we hope, encourage people to visit again and again, supporting the local economy along the way.”

David Wood, Chairman of Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and himself a volunteer in Suffolk’s first crew of Greeters, said: “I just want to pass on a little bit of my passion, make people welcome

Fiona Johnson from Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation (DMO) said: “This is a great way to enrich the visitor experience. It gives that personal touch, enabling a tourist to see the Suffolk Coast through the

eyes of a local and find out about the less obvious gems we have to offer. We know that abiding memories of a visit come from the way a person feels at home and welcomed to a place, and that is what Suffolk Coast Greeters will build on.”

As part of the Global Greeters Network, Suffolk Coast Greeters is now associated with such iconic destinations as New York City and Sydney. The scheme is hosted by Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. To find out more about becoming a Suffolk Coast Greeter please get in touch via www.suffolkcoastgreeters.org.uk or email: suffolkcoastgreeters@gmail.com

WIN A WINDOW OF WONDERFUL PRESENTS Choose Woodbridge, Woodbridge’s business and tourism association, has launched a competition to bring people into the town in the lead up to Christmas.

The Winning Window competition is taking place in partnership with local radio station, Town 102. The aim is to promote Woodbridge in the lead up to Christmas and draw people into town to eat, drink, shop and play.

The Woodbridge Winning Window competition is set in one of the shop windows of Barretts of Woodbridge. This window is filled with topnotch prizes donated by Woodbridge groups and businesses. Everything in the window will be won by one lucky winner.

Prizes already secured include: a family ticket to Easton Farm Park; a day’s car hire in an open top sports car from Open Top Touring; a spa

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day for four at Ufford Park; a cake for Christmas from The Bakehouse Bakery; a Claas Farm Set including tractor and trailer from Toytown of Woodbridge; and a chocolate hamper from Granville’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Shop.

The competition started in November and you can still enter at www.Town102.com by answering a simple question, the clue to which is hidden in the Winning Window. The lucky winner will be announced mid-December.

Town 102 programme controller Paul Morris said: “We are very excited by the concept of Winning Window. I know our listeners will be heading to the Thoroughfare to soak up the unique Christmas feel that Woodbridge has to offer and to check that window. It’s exciting to think one lucky family can win a window full of Christmas gifts simply by heading into Woodbridge.”

Jill Barrett, owner of Barretts of Woodbridge, added: “Christmas is a very special time at Barretts so we were delighted to be asked

by Choose Woodbridge to host the Winning Window competition. It’s a really great idea which I’m sure will encourage lots of people to visit our beautiful town.”

Thinking of donating a prize? Anyone can.

And in return you’ll get a mention on Town 102 live and online as well as on the Choose Woodbridge website, Twitter and Facebook. If you can, please do get involved.

For more information on donating a prize contact: news@choosewoodbridge.co.uk Check out the centre pages for details of the Mammoth Christmas Street Fair which takes place on Sunday, December 6.

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THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE presents

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MELTON PARISH COUNCIL

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM TALKS

PARISH HANDYMAN NEEDED Melton Parish Council is looking to employ a parish handyperson to carry out a range of cleansing, inspections and routine maintenance tasks around the parish.

The person appointed will need to have a basic knowledge of maintenance and cleansing procedures, will need to demonstrate the ability to work on his/her own initiative and have a pro-active hands-on approach to a varied range of largely outdoor tasks, and most importantly will be good at working with the public.

He/she will need to be a car driver with a current clean driving licence and access to a vehicle, for which mileage will be paid. A basic toolkit and the necessary equipment will be supplied. It is envisaged that, initially, the appointee will work around 12 hours a week, which can be on a flexible basis by arrangement.

The starting salary will be £7.45 per hour. It is the council’s intention to offer a workplace pension scheme in line with the new legislation.

Further details and an application form may be obtained from the clerk to the council, who can be contacted as follows: 01394 382224 / clerk@melton-suffolk-pc. gov.uk / PO Box 323, Woodbridge IP12 9DQ

FOURTH WOODBRIDGE PROM CONCERT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Chart topping pop songs, classical favourites and a patriotic finale were all part of the programme for the Friends of St Mary’s Church fourth Woodbridge Prom Concert which raised nearly £600 towards urgently needed repairs to the church’s North Porch.

The event, which took place recently in St Mary’s Church, included fine performances from Farlingaye School Chamber Choir (pictured), young soloists from local schools and baritone singer Geoff Charrot who led the Rule Britannia finale. Other highlights included organist Andrew Garfath-Cox playing A Whiter Shade of Pale and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 and a very colourful reading of John Betjaman’s A Poem in the Porch by Jill Richardson.

The Friends of St Mary’s recently handed over its second cheque this year for £10,000 towards church repairs.

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October proved to be a busy month for the Friends of Woodbridge Museum. It began with yet another successful day school, Whigs, Tories and Jacobites. We also held our first fundraising event to raise money to move to the new museum as part of the Whistock’s development. The quiz night held at the community hall was packed with 28 tables and raised £1,700.

The regular season of monthly talks began in October when Chris Parfitt presented a talk entitled On the Trail of St Edmund, a fascinating exploration of the facts and fictions surrounding the East Anglian King Edmund.

On November 13 Edith Cavill presented a talk entitled The Heroine of World War One. Village Life in Medieval Hollesley will be the focus on Friday, December 4.

All talks are in Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm.

Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50 and for visitors is £3.50. For further information contact Anne Merrett: 01394 385572

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS AND FINE FOODS MARKET

Saturday, December 12 & 19, Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm Established in 1999, Woodbridge Farmers and Fine Foods Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country. It brings together some of Suffolk’s finest producers all under one roof.

more people attending. One such customer commented: “I regularly find a lot of wonderful food here!”

The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly and people rarely leave empty handed.

Please note a change from our usual dates of the second and fourth Saturday of each month to bring you a market before Christmas. The market on December 19 will be the perfect opportunity to stock up with delicious local produce for the festive season. Last year we also had some guest ‘seasonal’ producers with perfect foody gifts and hope some of them will return this year.

Most stalls are run by the producers themselves who are passionate about sharing their produce and information about it with their customers. Many stalls will let you have a sample to try before you buy and prices are very competitive for such fresh, local produce.

There is a large base of loyal customers who attend every market, but we would love to see

If you would like to join our email list please let us know by contacting us at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@ gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you to the market very soon.

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

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT Woodbridge Choral Society will present its annual Christmas concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 5 in St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge.

With more than 100 singers, the 130-year-old choir is one of the most highly-regarded performing arts organisations in the Suffolk coastal area. The programme will feature sections of JS Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, as well as Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols. Also on the programme will be Andrew Leach’s Laudate, composed for the choir in 2000.

Leslie Gowers will again serve as the choir’s soprano soloist, and Woodbridge’s own Nick Fowler will

THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND GRANT APPLICATIONS

be the baritone soloist. Andrew Leach will conduct the concert.

Tickets (£10 / students £8) can be ordered from the society’s honorary treasurer, Richard Lyon: 01473 620775 / treasurer@woodbridgechoralsociety.org Tickets can also be purchased from Woodbridge Books on the Thoroughfare, or through any member of the choir.

Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2016. Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities. Further information about grants and application forms can be found at: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk 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 NEXT EVENT FOR YOUR DIARY Thursday, March 17, 7.30pm, St Michaels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath: a talk by Elizabeth Talbot MRICS, Auction Rooms Director at T W Gaze in Diss, Norfolk, who also appears on many television programmes. Further details to be published in the January 2016 issue or available from the Burrows family: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

WOODBRIDGE FRIENDS OF EACH Woodbridge Friends of EACH (East Anglian Children`s Hospices) warmly invite you to a Christmas Carol Concert at St John’s Church on Wednesday, December 16 at 7pm. All welcome.

NEW TAP CLASS FOR BEGINNERS A local tap dance class for adults has proved so popular that a second lesson is being added for beginners.

Every Thursday morning (9.3010.10am) from November 5, there will be a tap class for complete beginners at St John’s Church Hall, Woodbridge. It will cover the basics of tap and is suitable for those who have never danced before, or those with a little knowledge wishing to brush up their skills.

These classes will have a relaxed, informal atmosphere and provide

an opportunity to keep fit, have fun and make new friends.

A series of 10 consecutive lessons is just £30, but single classes are also available at £4 each, and there’s no need to book in advance – just turn up and start tapping.

The Improvers Class continues on Thursdays from 10.15-11.15am, immediately after the Beginners Class.

For more details contact Jill Streatfeild (07778 746315) or visit: www.woodbridgetapdance. weebly.com

BINGO & QUIZ NIGHTS AT WOODBRIDGE TOWN FC Every other Sunday from 7.30pm with quiz nights on December 6 and 20 and bingo on December 13 and 27. Just turn up or contact John for more information: 01394 385308 The hall is available free for parties, weddings and other events on Fridays and Saturdays in June/July 2016. Maximum capacity 120. Contact Richard Scott: 01394 385308/380187

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE: SUFFOLK SINGERS’ FUNDRAISING CONCERT Cancer kills more young people than any other illness in the UK. For a teenager with cancer, life can be one of isolation, loneliness and fear and the Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity dedicated to improving their lives and chances of survival.

The Suffolk Singers are fronting a fundraising concert on Saturday, January 23 entitled Make a Difference and they invite you to take time out during the long, dark days post Christmas to help put some light into the life of young cancer sufferers.

The evening will be hosted by wonderfully dynamic music director Claire Weston with a varied programme of easy listening music to suit all tastes, ranging from light gospel to Simon and Garfunkel.

They are especially delighted to be joined in the evening’s entertainment

by The Blue Notes, a vibrant teenage jazz trio. The Suffolk Singers will be accompanied on this occasion by another brilliant local lad, Harrison Cole.

The concert is in Woodbridge Community Centre at 7.30pm and has informal table seating to include a light supper of savoury and sweet refreshments. It’s a ‘bring your own drinks’ evening. The Suffolk Singers’ last fundraiser in 2014 for Teenage Cancer Trust was a complete sell out so advance booking is strongly recommended. Tickets are £12.50 and available from Browsers Bookshop and Woodbridge Violins in Woodbridge, as well as by phoning 01473 635525.

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Trusted by local families since 1925 64 New Street Woodbridge 01394 385456 43 Sizewell Road Leiston 01728 830670 139 Main Road Kesgrave 01473 860030 364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445

The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years.

We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Woodbridge Library will close at 3pm on Thursday, December 24.

It will be shut all day on Friday, December 25, Saturday 26 and Monday 28, but will be open as usual on Sunday, December 27. On Thursday, December 31, the library will close at 5pm and will be closed all day on Friday, January 1, but will reopen as usual on Saturday, January 2.

Tuesday, December 1, 12.451.15pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library (FOWL) music at lunchtime concert Come and enjoy more music performed by pupils from Woodbridge School. This month we have a very talented oboe player playing for us with piano accompaniment. Free entry but any donations for the Friends of Woodbridge Library gratefully received.

Saturday, December 5, 9am-5pm and Sunday, December 6, 10am4pm: Sale of donated books on military and other history All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Wednesday, December 9, 1.30pm: Christmas Spectacular See page 12

Saturday, December 12, 10.30amnoon: Children’s Christmas EcoWorkshop Come and make a festive wreath with natural and recycled materials. £3 a child, age six plus, parental supervision required.

Payment required upon booking.

Limited places. For more information contact the library: 01394 446510

Saturday, December 19, 10am-noon Caroline Page, county councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.

Thursdays, December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 9.30-10.30am: Tiny Talk Baby Signing Musical baby signing classes to develop your baby’s communication skills. For more details contact Sam: 07845 230624 / samh@tinytalk.co.uk

Mondays, December 5, 12, 19, 11.15am-12.45pm: Mindfulness and Meditation Learn to relax and unwind, to combat stress, anxiety and worry through the practice of mindfulness and meditation.

Sessions are run on a drop-in basis. £10 a session. All very welcome. Enquiries: 01394 450066 / debrawoodbridge@ gmail.com / www. harnessinghappiness

December 1-31: ArtLib This month, the ArtLib exhibition is of paintings by Claire Rizzo.

Claire is a local artist working in watercolour and oils. She will be exhibiting local scenes of a familiar nature and sometimes a more quirky view.

Booked Out, the book and film review show hosted by Woodbridge Library staff, is available on www.suffolklibraries. co.uk/bookedout and SoundCloud. Last month’s guests discussed the question ‘Can you can tell a book by its cover?’ This month guests will be discussing what they thought were 2015’s best titles in print and on the screen. If you’d like to get involved, come on the show and talk about a book or film you’ve borrowed, or have a suggestion for a future theme, please contact the library or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Book Group Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On December 3 we will be discussing Travels With My Aunt by Graham Greene. This group is led by a member of staff.

Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion.

Free computer help and advice – now available Contact the library to book a session, or to find out more.

Includes information about buying and getting connected, computer/ tablet setup or re-configuration advice, help with specific tasks for more experienced users or taster sessions for absolute beginners.

Remember you can now bring in your own device to access WiFi at the library.

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Citizens Advice Bureau Someone from the CAB is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Flagship Someone from Flagship is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Writers’ Workshop Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. Interested? Please email Jeannie@butterwicks.com to open doors to creative writing.

Woodbridge Novelists’ Group Meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 10am-noon.

This group, for “committed writers aiming to be published”, wants to recruit an extra member.

It aims to provide friendly feedback on members’ writing and explore topics related to creative writing and publication.

If you are interested please contact Lawrence Richardson at: woodbridgenovelwriters@gmail. com Knitting Club Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters from expert to beginners, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips Drawing Group Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10am. Each month this group explores a different aspect of drawing. No experience necessary but numbers are limited and this group is currently full. A voluntary contribution of £2 goes towards the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Arts and Crafts Group Meets second Wednesday of the month at 10am. Enables older people and their carers to take part in activities such as collage, card making, printing and modelling.

Play Reading Meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. Come to listen or join in for an afternoon of light-hearted drama, comedy or mystery. All welcome.

of the month at 2pm. Now includes dominoes. Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practise strategy or balance with dominoes.

Woodbridge Area Gamers Meets on the second Saturday of each month 1-5pm in the Woodbridge Library Meeting Room. This group plays modern strategy board games (Carcassonne, Powergrid, Caylus, 7 Wonders, Hey! That’s My Fish, Blokus, and many more).

For more information contact nigel@foden.me.uk / 07740 173091 or see details on: www. boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150 ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Wednesday • 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups.

• 11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers.

Every Friday • 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult.

Every Sunday • 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities New services We now sell first and second-class postage stamps. We can now scan to email or USB for 30p, copy A4 documents in colour for 30p and you can print in the library from your own device: 10p black and white and 30p colour per A4 sheet.

We now have Chromebook laptops that you can use anywhere in the library free of charge for two hours and we sell 4GB USB cards for £5 that can be used on our new Chromebase and Chromebook computers.

Games Club Meets on the fourth Thursday

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OUT & ABOUT SIGNED BOOKS TO AID FUNDRAISING East Bergholt Sports Centre is raising money for a specialised piece of kit for disabled users.

We run sessions with a very experienced and qualified member of staff for people referred by physiotherapists and specialists at Ipswich Hospital. The equipment we would like to purchase is for the very frail and would only be used for these sessions. We are holding a number of events and fundraising efforts to reach the goal.

A kind benefactor who worked in the publishing industry has donated two signed hard back copies of books by well-known authors Jacqueline Wilson and joint authors of the Edge Chronicles Paul Steward and Chris Riddell. The books in question are Love lessons by Wilson and The Last of the Sky Pirates by Steward and Riddell.

These two books will be auctioned with the money raised going towards the total needed for this new piece of equipment. Anyone interested in acquiring these books should send their sealed bid to East Bergholt Sports Centre, Heath Road, East Bergholt CO7 6RJ or email: christine. marsh@ebhigh.org.uk The bidding process will close on Friday, December 4 so you need to get your skates on to get copies of these wonderful children’s books.

TUESDAY EVENING BINGO Bingo every Tuesday evening from 7.45pm at the Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge. Run by Woodbridge Community Council.

WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY FESTIVE FUN

Come and enjoy Woodbridge Library’s Christmas Spectacular on Wednesday, December 9 It kicks off at 1.30pm with some exotic belly dancing before moving on to carols, music, songs, poems and stories – all washed down with festive refreshments.

This year we are fortunate to get the show on the road with The Haral Tribal Dancing Troupe who will entertain us with their unique style of ethnic belly dancing. At 2.30pm in the Meeting Room we will be singing carols, listening to stories and enjoying a grand finale with the ever-popular Erik Punaks accompanied by the talented Claudia Myatt.

There will be a Scrumptious Sisters cake stall in the library all day and we will be serving Christmas punch. Join friends and staff for a relaxing fun-filled afternoon, guaranteed to chase away those winter blues.

Free entry but donations would be gratefully received.

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LOCAL AUTHOR PAULINE MANDERS TO SIGN LATEST NOVEL IN WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Pauline Manders will be signing copies of her fifth Utterly crime novel, Utterly Knotted, at a ‘meet the author event’ at Woodbridge Library on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 9 before the late afternoon/ early evening carol singing.

Knotweed is invasive and ugly – and so is murder in Suffolk. A body is found near the railway line in Needham Market while Nick, a carpentry apprentice, gets wasted at a gig miles away in Rattlesden.

Chrissie, Matt and Nick, friends since their Utterly Academy days, follow trails stretching from Bury St Edmunds to Woodbridge and Felixstowe, and discover murky secrets from an abusive past.

Throw into the mix a turkey farm, a winery and a French flea market pot and you have another quirky, witty, fast paced narrative from Pauline Manders.

Pauline has been writing crime novels since she retired after a career working in the NHS as an ENT surgeon. She says: “I enjoy reading crime novels and have been inspired by the Suffolk countryside to create characters who become embroiled in crimes and murder against the backdrop of our idyllic rural setting. I attend carpentry classes in Bacton and naturally my main characters are carpentry apprentices from the fictional Utterly Academy in Stowmarket. They are, in the true spirit of crime novels, all mildly flawed, but the detective inspector, rather than being deeply troubled and alcoholic, is normal! My interest in classic cars is also reflected in the novels.”

You can find out more about Pauline Manders and her latest Utterly crime novel at: www.paulinemanders.com

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. We are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments. Our next meetings are: Thursday, November 26: Snowmen plus Christmas Celebration Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma) The monthly project list is now available and other projects are available.

New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).

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MIND, BODY & SPIRIT FESTIVAL IN WOODBRIDGE Life Arts is again providing a weekend packed with complementary therapies, spiritual guidance, health advice, meditation space, workshops and healing music, and raising money for the local branch of Oxfam Books with many fantastic prizes to be won in the grand raffle.

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A range of therapies and taster treatments will be on offer including Myriad Healing Therapies with colour therapy, Healing Hands with aromatherapy, Amatsu Therapy with hands-on bodywork, Cambridge Wellness Clinic using homeopathy for chronic conditions, massage, acupuncture and reflexology.

Gifts will include Peruvian and Nepalese jewellery, essential oils and incense, raw and polished crystals and minerals, pagan, Wiccan and gothic crafts.

Consult with specialists, psychics and readers such as Channel 4’s psychic astrologer Demian Allan and psychic medium Melayne Stone. Discover the power of meditation free with Paul King in the empowered healing space known as the ‘Buddha Cave’, and if that’s not enough we have a book signing stall with Peggy Weber who’s highly successful book My Magic Lights will be exclusively discounted.

There will also be free workshops on subjects as diverse as What is Orgone Energy? and Amatsu Therapy, and don’t miss the Mediumship Demonstration by Colchester’s very own legendary international medium Maureen Flynn. The main stage will play host to demonstrations and performances from Gypsy Dreams and Mystic Bellydance, Diverse Roots, singer songwriter Helen Robinson and Suffolk legends Bards of the Heath, to name but a few.

Don’t leave without tasting the amazing hot, fresh food and home-made cakes from Jacob and Jacs caterers. Will you choose carrot cake, lemon drizzle or chocolate brownie?

Woodbridge Community Hall is wheelchair friendly.

Chris Cozens, who established Life Arts in 1998, has been organising Mind Body and Spirit events since 1999 and ensures all exhibitors are selected by merit, integrity, experience and professionalism.

For more information about this event please visit: www.lifearts.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Our members have been out and about during the last month. Two represented our club at our federation conference, this year held in Glasgow and bringing together Soroptimists from across the world. Next year it will be in Malta.

Nearer to home, two of us had a thought provoking day at University Campus Suffolk for the launch of a report entitled Hear Me, Believe Me, Respect Me. This was based on a survey of adults who had been subjected to sexual abuse in childhood carried out by the university with the local charity Survivors in Transition.

It’s a bit frustrating that there has been so much attention focused on celebrity cases but so little public acknowledgement that most abuse is committed by family members or friends. The report highlighted the inadequacy of the support available to many survivors when, perhaps years later, they summon up the courage to tell someone what happened to them.

We always appreciate the chance to be involved with our local community and some of our members have been discussing links with UCS. As a start we are joining with students to mark White Ribbon Day, the movement set up by men to end violence against women.

December, of course, means Christmas. We’ll celebrate with a festive dinner. We usually contribute to a joint Christmas present and this year we shall be ‘twinning our toilet’ with a school toilet block in Africa – a simple but imaginative scheme run by Tearfund.

If you would like to know more about Soroptimism please contact Jackie on 01473 659314.

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, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. There is no meeting in December, we have a Christmas mystery outing instead, but a date for your diary is January 19, 2016 at 7.15pm when the ever-popular Mark Mitchels will be talking on the Duke of Wellington. He transformed the fortunes of the British Army and played a major part in securing the abdication of Napoleon.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £2. 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 at membershipesnta@gmail.com or phone 01473 723761.

Alternatively visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN Have you heard about U3A (University of the Third Age)?

Now is your chance to catch up on some of the things you wish you could have kept up with or tried (when you didn’t have time before). No you don’t have to go back to school or have to do exams or win qualifications. U3A is run by and for retired and semi-retired people to try or expand on subjects and hobbies they may have had to miss due to past commitments.

U3A has more than 130 interest groups so there is bound to be a subject (or two) that will intrigue you. How about trying art, geology or carpet bowls? There are also lunch clubs and church or garden visits. All this for your initial membership of £12.50 per year.

Find out more by visiting one of our monthly meetings with speakers in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Woodbridge.

2016 will be bringing a wide variety of talks in all four areas and the campus co-ordinators at each venue will be happy to tell you more about the East Suffolk Branch of U3A. The next Woodbridge meeting is at 10.30am on Monday, December 7 at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU and is entitled The Natural History of the Falkland Islands. Expect a flavour of life in this remote British outpost, including the unique habitats of the islands and aspects of the landscape, spring flowers, mammals and birds. The talk will be given by Anne Kell.

For information on all dates, subjects and venues please visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or contact the secretary on 01473 273395.

GET TALKING! Speaking to friends is usually easier than talking to strangers.

A good tip, if you are nervous about speaking to people you’ve not met before or who you don’t know very well, is to take a breath and smile before saying a well-rehearsed line. Whether you are in a work or social situation, acting as though you are relaxed and confident will make people think you are: most people, and audiences, prefer listening to someone who is apparently at ease rather than someone who is nervous.

Another good tip is: don’t apologise. You have, I hope, prepared for your speech and done your homework, so don’t say you’re sorry it’s not longer or shorter or better…

If you drop your pen, pick it up – or leave it. Don’t let the small stuff

stop you delivering a great introduction, a fulsome welcome or a thank you speech.

Christmas is a time for parties and family get-togethers so make the most of your speaking opportunities.

Come and practise, hone your speaking skills in our friendly group and pick up some useful tips and techniques. We meet every other Thursday evening and guests are always welcome, free. We meet at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB, from 7-9.30pm.

Our next meetings are on December 3 and 17. Call us on 07968 372563 if you’d like to find out more, visit www.speak-easy.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

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The Mammoth Christmas Street Fair is back on Sunday, December 6, 10am-4pm. More than 130 stalls take over the Thoroughfare and Cumberland Street to give shoppers inspiration, a vast range of items to browse and some great bargains!

Shoppers can browse and buy Christmas gifts from handmade goods such as pottery, soap and wooden garden furniture to seasonal food, clothing, crafts and plants. The market is always very popular and is growing every year with new stall holders bringing an even wider selection of goods. The smell of festive food and the sound of Christmas carols fill the air as shoppers enjoy a festive and fruitful day out.

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In Touch online:

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Chris Harrold, from Choose Woodbridge, added: “We fully support Tim with this event. It’s a lot of work to pull together and we really appreciate his time and effort. It’s a great market with a superb atmosphere and it brings a lot of people into Woodbridge. Plus, it really does signal the start of the Christmas period.” www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT KYSON PROBUS CLUB

ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN

Kyson Probus Club met as usual in November at Ufford Park Hotel, Melton. After a friendly drink and hearty lunch we heard a talk

by Mr John White who has lived and worked at Bawdsey Ferry for most of his life, building boats for more than four decades as well as doing commercial fishing. He ran the Bawdsey Ferry for six years and for the past 20 years has been harbourmaster there.

He still runs river trips and told us that he has no intention of retiring! He talked about the many old characters he knew who lived in and around the ferry area and the hard lives that many endured. There was certainly poverty in those days, but also great camaraderie and humour which John relayed in abundance.

We were astonished to learn that there has been a ferry at Bawdsey since the 12th century which was one of many facts in an informative and highly amusing talk. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable afternoon.

Our recent charity quiz at Waldringfield Golf Club was another success, with 16 teams competing and more than £750 being raised for various charities. The winners once again were the Flying Fischotters who were presented with a cheque for £200 which they donated to the Woolverstone Wish Appeal.

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

Club members will be manning Santa’s sleigh around Martlesham Heath on four evenings in December and our Thoroughfare collection in Woodbridge will be on Saturday, December 12 when we will once again be supported by carol singers from Woodbridge Choral Society.

Tickets for our annual Christmas Carol Concert and Supper at Woodbridge School on Thursday, December 3 are selling well and we anticipate another excellent evening. As ever music will be provided by Martlesham Brass Band and the Woodbridge School Chamber Choir.

If you are interested in any of these events or would like to know more about Rotary please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT A busy November meeting at the Royal British Legion in Woodbridge saw us welcome three distinguished visitors. Richard Smith of Felixstowe Road Runners reviewed October’s Martlesham Heath 10k, 5k and Fun Run event.

The Lions’ Club charity fund will benefit to the tune of £3,170. Jo Revett, Corporate Partnership Fundraiser with The Papworth Trust, gave a very personal and heartfelt talk covering the history of the trust and its current work; we will be making a donation to the trust in appreciation for Jo’s presentation. Finally, our District Governor Chris Crick making an official visit to the club and carried out the pleasant duties of welcoming our latest new member, Bob Brown, and presenting a 15-year chevron to Lion Margot Wobey.

Planning and fundraising for the Christmas parcels project is well under way; the growing demand at food banks testifies that this project remains an important activity. A traditional part of our fundraising at this time of year is supporting Father Christmas on his trips around the streets of Woodbridge. Wednesday, December 16 will see us visit Newnham Avenue, Peterhouse Crescent, Pembroke Avenue, St Edmunds Close, Queens Avenue, Churchill Close and Clare Avenue. On Thursday 17, watch out for the jolly old gentleman in Warwick Avenue, Edwin Avenue, Barton Road, Collingwood Road, Beresford Drive, Bury Hill and Bury Hill Close.

Our thanks to everyone who has supported us at our various events throughout the year. May we wish everyone an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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VOCATIONAL TRAINING TEAM “It’s changed my life” – the words of Dr Suzanna Constantinescu when reflecting on a week’s study visit to East Anglia.

The visit, an initiative of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben supported by other local Rotary clubs, saw a team of professional specialists in children’s medicine and childcare from the Neamt county of Romania visit this area. They visited the paediatric departments of the Ipswich and Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals, and studied the support available to children with autism and their parents in the Ipswich area.

What made the biggest impact on the team was to see how our hospitals work to make children’s treatment less scary and their stay in hospital less traumatic. Our hospitals are made to be welcoming places, with play areas and toys – helping the children to be more receptive to their treatment. Parents are involved in their child’s treatment – something which doesn’t happen in Romania – and the team was impressed at how all this can aid a child’s recovery.

Volunteering was unknown in Romania during the Communist era and is still in its infancy. The team learned how volunteers can help overworked professional staff, and have plans on their return to mobilise their local communities.

The team marvelled at the multitude of ways in which charities and statutory bodies in Suffolk offer support to the parents of children with autism, and have taken lots of ideas for how to replicate that support back to Romania. Not least, they saw how we help parents to recognise that autism is an illness, not a cause of shame, and that children with autism are just like everyone else – just with special needs.

Woodbridge Deben offers its thanks to all the dedicated professional staff who welcomed the Romania team and shared their expertise. There are already plans to develop a longer-term relationship.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM WI

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

In December we meet a week earlier than usual, so our meeting will be on Friday, December 11 at 2.15pm in the Richards Room. We are planning a festive afternoon with seasonal readings, a lighthearted quiz and Margaret H’s homemade mince pies (by popular demand).

Inner Wheel would like to thank all those who supported our recent fashion show in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Twelve club members modelled a selection of casual, day and evening wear and accessories from Country Casuals and Adams Apple, whose outfits were on sale after showing. Refreshments including tea donated by the East of England Cooperative Society and a choice of homemade cakes were available during the interval. EAAA provided a stall selling gifts and cards.

By that time we shall be welcoming our new president, Pat Brown having served for three years. She has done a super job.

At our annual meeting she was thanked by all the members for her excellent chairmanship and presented with a plant in appreciation of her efforts. She will be a hard act to follow. We shall also be looking forward to the New Year during which we will be celebrating the 70th birthday of Martlesham WI.

Hilary Hall, assisted by her husband Trevor, gave an illustrated talk entitled Vietnam – A Country, A War, A Holiday Destination, A People at our November meeting at Ufford Park. On behalf of the club Margaret Pemberton thanked Hilary for an enlightening insight into life in Vietnam and the progress that has been made.

We are always pleased to welcome prospective new members and visitors and this informal afternoon would be a good time to come along to check us out. You will be made very welcome. For more details please contact Anne Bennett: 01394 380110 Susan Cunliffe

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our Christmas meeting will be on Wednesday, December 2 when Sarah Pearson will talk on The Art of Celebrating Christmas. Sarah has degrees in Art History and World Art Studies and has lectured at Reading University and UEA. Her talk will explore the various elements of Christmas in their artistic setting. To help foster the Christmas spirit, mulled wine and mince pies will be available beforehand.

November’s meeting featured Dr Susan Owens discussing Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and her role in art promotion, especially during the Second World War. This was a side of Queen Elizabeth we don’t often hear about. With many pictures, Susan explained how the Queen began buying and commissioning art and promoting contemporary British artists. Augustus John, Rex Whistler, Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, William Nicholson and John Piper all created works for her collection. A lovely talk, well received by all.

Thanks must also go to those local businesses who generously donated raffle prizes helping us to raise £1,068.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

On Friday, November 13 Cathy O’Brien of Seckford Almshouses presented a talk to club members on living with dementia. Cathy told us of the work of Dementia Friends and how we all can be more patient with sufferers. She explained that dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It is Cathy with our president, Rotarian Nigel caused by diseases of the brain, Barratt the most common of which is Alzheimer’s. It’s not just about losing your memory – it can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks.

The success of Dementia Friends relies on people learning a little bit more about what it’s like to live with. We are always looking for more Dementia Friends to help in creating dementia friendly communities and turning that understanding into action to help sufferers in your community live well

The rest of the season will feature a broad range of illustrated talks on subjects including the Duc du Berry, medieval Easter celebrations, the world of Grayson Perry, and much more.

We welcome new members. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? The wonderfully illustrated lectures last about an hour and are presented by national and international lecturers. We are a friendly group who meet on the first Wednesday of the month for nine lectures each year, and we also organise interesting day visits. Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked.

For more information contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet.com For the latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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The club presented a cheque to Plomesgate Cycle Club for their assistance with the cycle ride for the Teenage Cancer Trust in September.

The cheque was presented by Rotarian Robin Pivett just before they took off on another ride.

In Touch online:

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From expert care to delicious home-cooked food and engaging activities, our staff pride themselves on making everyone we care for at Alice Grange feel at home. It’s all part of the first-class care and support that we provide to the people of Suffolk.

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT NEW HORIZONS CLUB

RSPB WOODBRIDGE LOCAL GROUP

The New Horizons Club continues to fulfil its aim of providing an opportunity for older people in Woodbridge and the surrounding communities to have a place to meet and enjoy one another’s company.

The group is run entirely by volunteers, and as well as clients we would welcome anyone who would like to help out – especially drivers.

Swift survey A lot of people will share our feelings about swifts. The screams and shrieks of swifts as they turn and swirl in the evening sky are a precious part of summer. We want this to be more than just a nostalgic memory, and the danger is ever present as swifts are declining in numbers. They only spend three months with us, the rest of the year they are in their winter feeding grounds.

last birds were seen on August 6. We know that the birds were flying singly or on pairs early in the season, with groups of up to 12 being seen by June. The big surge in numbers flying comes in July when the young join these dramatic evening flights giving groups of up to 30 birds. The largest groups of up to 80 around the end of July are probably migratory groups that have gathered for the long journey south to Africa.

This summer in Woodbridge we heard some bad news – swifts had been vainly trying to find nest sites in a newly restored building by the harbour. It appears that the spaces under the eaves where they were previously nesting had been blocked up. But we also heard some good news – that the council had recommended that nest boxes for swifts should be part of the new building on the Whisstocks site by the harbour and that the developers had agreed to this.

Now that we know where the swifts are and where the nests are, we can move forward in three ways. We need to work closely with home-owners, builders and developers to remind them that swifts need access to roof spaces for nesting. It is very easy to block the gaps under eaves and tiles, particularly pantiles, when doing roof repairs. Swifts are clean and non-intrusive guests. We also need to publicise nest boxes as a possible alternative. They can be ‘swift bricks’, built into the wall under the eaves or traditional nest boxes. They work best with a CD of swift calls. Finally, we should work with SCDC to encourage planners to make provision for swifts. Many local authorities have such a policy.

On December 3, we will be having a cake, jam and chutney sale from 10.30am-noon during our session in St Mary’s Church Hall. Everyone is invited to come along to purchase some of our delicious fare.

The club meets weekly on Thursdays from 10am-2pm in St Mary’s Church Hall, 11 Market Hill. People over the age of 55 are invited to come along and join us for companionship as well as a range of activities which may include art, crafts, board and card games, entertainment and slide shows.

Refreshments and a two course home-cooked meal plus tea and coffee are included in the cost of £8 a session. Transport may be available for a small additional fee.

For more information, please contact Brenda or Pam: 07514 364752

CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING The Friends of Highlands Care Home (a member of Abbeyfield Society) have organised a Christmas Coffee Morning on Saturday, December 5 at 10am.

There will be stalls, a raffle, a tombola and of course a cup of coffee at Highlands, Fitzgerald Road, Woodbridge.

Please come along and support your local care home.

TRANSITION WOODBRIDGE AUTUMN TREE WALK On Saturday, October 24 a group of 28 people enjoyed a tour of Woodbridge learning about some of the town’s trees looking splendid in the autumn. Their brilliant coloured leaves brightened up a dull day.

The walk, led by local tree experts Martin Minta and Steve Coghill, began in Elmhurst Park and went via Kingston Fields and Notcutt’s to the cemetery above Fen Meadow.

It reminded us all about how Tree expert Steve Coghill and walkers beautiful autumn is, and how admiring a Norway Maple, Acer platanoides, in the cemetery important it is to stop and look.

The walk, which was organised by Transition Woodbridge, raised £70 for their community orchard projects around Woodbridge and Melton.

If you would like to find out about the orchards and maybe get involved with helping to plant the fruit trees please email: ttwoodbridge@gmail.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

If we want to help swifts we need information. So we carried out a survey by asking as many local people as possible to tell us about their swifts, whether they were nesting or just flying. We had a splendid response from 35 observers in Woodbridge and the surrounding villages. We now know about at least 10 nesting sites, some in roofs and some in boxes.

We also know that this year swifts first appeared in the area around the first week of May and that the

For further information visit: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ woodbridge With information or questions about swifts email: woodbridgeswifts2015@outlook.com Jenny James

CHRISTMAS QUIZ Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Woodbridge Wildlife Group hold their popular wildlife themed Christmas Quiz at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, December 17, with doors opening at 7 for a 7.30pm start.

“You don’t have to be a wildlife expert to enjoy our Christmas quiz,” said Phil Smith, chairman of SWT Woodbridge group. “The quiz is very interactive, with teams of four to six people joining together to answer a wide range of questions on the theme of local wildlife and places.”

Entry is £3.50 a person, which includes mulled wine and mince pies. It’s not necessary to book, just bring along a team on the night.

For more information please contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Weird and Wonderfuls of the Plant Kingdom by Barry Gayton he was eight he was supplying Woolworths with plants to earn money to buy cacti and succulents, which are one of his passions. His career was as a head gardener but he has also found time to appear on the Telegraph garden roadshows and local radio programmes, but all the time building his plant collections in his one-acre garden near Thetford.

Barry Gayton talks to Linda Weeks

Barry explained to the members and friends of Woodbridge Horticultural Society that his passion for plants began at the age of sevenyears-old when he asked his parents for a glasshouse to grow plants and raise the seeds which he bought from Woolworths. By the time

Turning to the Weird and Wonderful the audience was fascinated by a succulent which has leaves which grow in fibonacci spirals to maximise water and light collection, as well as pictures of the female hazel nut flowers which often go unnoticed because of their small size.

We normally only notice the male catkins.

Barry explained that many plant curiosities rise from physical damage, wind, pests or virus disease. A good example is the galls that

form on the roots of leylandii and Lawson Cyprus that are caused by a parasitic wasp. In another curious case the leaves of bamboo plants become variegated by the withdrawal of chlorophyll producing striped patterns Having explained to the members how new varieties appear as ‘sports’ on existing plants he challenged the audience to look in their own gardens for what could be a financially rewarding discovery of a new variety. A gardener in Japan has done very well having discovered petunia surfinia.

The evening was rounded off with Barry judging the entries in the ‘Late Boomers’ competition, which was won by Edith Castle’s vase of dahlias The next Woodbridge Horticultural event is The Perennial Mr Potter on December 10 at the community hall.

WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB Believe it or not this report from the October meeting is my last for 2015. Our November meeting is our last of the year and will sadly miss the deadline for publication. Something for you to look forward to in January.

June opened the meeting in her usual flamboyant style, informing us of fire exits and welcoming members and guests.

The next Willow Workshop is February 13. Valerie Follows accepted our donation to Respite Care as a thank you to Reg for first aid cover each month. Val Green gave us a brief account of the area meeting and said how lucky we were to have Elsie, a NAFAS Award winner, within our club, as well as a

qualified demonstrator now that Sandra had passed her test.

The 2014\15 winner of the practise piece was Betty Ann Gael and she was presented with her award. This month’s winners were Linda Fosker for the practise piece and Joy Andrews for the single stem.

We were then introduced to our demonstrator for the evening, Debbie Nunn. Her theme was entitled Seasonal Events and she started with Halloween. A hollowed out pumpkin covered with a collar of fatsia leaves and using Chinese lanterns and chocolate aramanthus soon became a spooky interesting container for this autumnal

arrangement. Christmas was next and Debbie used a wreath ring covered with leaves and two cones covered with moss and berries to create a stunning amaryllis’s arrangement. This would make a super table centrepiece for the big day.

Debbie then continued with Valentine’s Day, wedding day, Easter, St Patrick’s Day and finally fireworks night to come full circle. Many beautiful flowers and greenery were used to make these stunning arrangements including Hypericum berries, steel grass, trailing variegated ivy, and allium, cineraria, pussy willow, chrysanthemums and lovely romantic red roses.

Valentine’s Day arrangement

Our first meeting for 2016 is on January 28 when Alan Smith will present In the Bleak Mid-Winter.

I feel fairly sure that this meeting will be anything but bleak.

Wishing all our members a very Happy Christmas and looking forward to another brilliant year in 2016.

Mandy Pryke

WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB Our AGM took place on November 4. Everyone was welcomed by Lyn and then the yearly reports were read out. It was decided that our yearly subscription would stay the same at £20.

Thanks were given to some members of the committee who were retiring and new committee members were elected. Special thanks were given to Lyn our outgoing chairman.

Our new chairman is Rosemary Digby and the new president is Peggy Albertini. Mary Lawn and Mavis Proctor were made honorary members.

The competition awards were also given, with first prize going to Helen Kidwell.

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After the formalities we all sat down to enjoy a delicious meal. A quiz was also provided which kept everyone busy between courses.

Our after dinner speaker was Melissa Sheldrake, who spoke of her ‘box of delights’. Melissa is a great enthusiast of auctions and spoke of some of her purchases and their history. It was a very informative and interesting talk and she even included some working props.

Some of her best buys were Nanking pottery. Melissa told us the story of the shipwreck and as she spoke had a moving ship with waves to add to the drama.

After thanks were given and the raffle had taken place, we all departed after an extremely enjoyable afternoon.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS WOODBRIDGE IN BLOOM NEWS Woodbridge in Bloom Committee assisted by Inner Wheel and others, have just completed their autumn planting of 4,500 bulbs in tubs and verges. Many thanks to those who volunteered. It had been hoped to plant all the verge along Quayside, but this would have been too dangerous without closing one lane of the road, which would not have endeared us to the community! However, SCDC put up a barrier to protect us as we planted additional bulbs near the corner of Deben Road.

The remainder were dug in en masse along the footpath and tree line behind the Cherry Tree pub, and in the wide verges at the junction of Old Barrack Road and Seckford Hall Road. Let’s hope for a beautiful display next spring!

The cost of the bulbs was covered by our best-supported ever quiz night at Woodbridge Football Club at the end of October which

CHRISTMAS AT BRIGHT STARS

raised £683. It was won by The 50 Percenters, so well done to them.

Our chairman Judith Wright produced another challenging set of questions. Thank you to her, to the football club, to Notcutts and The Kitchen Shop for donating raffle prizes, and to all who helped and attended.

Without the generous help of our private sponsors Woodbridge in Bloom could not exist. Please continue your support, and if anyone else would like to sponsor or part-sponsor a hanging basket next year please get in touch with Mark Dann: 01394 385764 The WIB committee can now soak their aching backs in hot baths and are looking forward to a break before planning our spring quiz and summer 2016 planting.

Barbara Dann

Inviting all babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents and/or carers to come along and enjoy the Christmas story at Bright Stars.

We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Each session is full of fun children’s activities and worship. We enjoy doing crafts, singing, storytelling and games.The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day or feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions. We will look forward to welcoming you!

The remaining session date for the autumn term is December 14.

Spring term dates will be published in the January edition.

For further information please contact one of the Bright Stars team: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729 Sonya & Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196 Sue Lambert, 01473 624130

FARLINGAYE ONE LIFE DAY

tges the gap r A Bri d

aN EXHIBITION BY THERONDA HOFFMAN WITH GUEST ARTISTS AND HER STUDENTS

plus warehouse sale and raffle/auction

Mr Thomas from the Multiple Sclerosis Society described the effects of MS

The ladies from Turning Point discussed substance abuse

venue: kesgrave arts, 83 main road, kesgrave IP51AF SATURDAY 5TH – THURSDAY 24TH DECEMBER 2015 WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS

It might have been cold and grey on November 5, but students at Farlingaye High School could feel the temperature rising.

PREVIEW EVENING* 7.00PM, FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2015

One Life Day is intended to provoke discussion and thought and with 21 talks, 30 speakers, 650 students and thought-provoking subjects all around the theme of Respect, it certainly lived up to this aim.

to prebook*, please call theronda on: 01473 333553 or email: info@kesgravearts.co.uk

From respect in sports to respecting life choices, the work of a vet to making art from rubbish, nuclear energy, health issues, looking after our community and respecting different decisions, points of view and ideas, all the speakers brought their own expertise and passion to their talk and inspired the students to think about their own lives, expectations and actions. The buzz after each talk was electric.

in aid of

Registered charity no. 1085900

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

9/15

Part of the school’s Focus Fortnight, One Life Day is just one of the many events and activities with which the students have engaged in the last few weeks.

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SPORTS WOODBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB

Women’s National Championships SE North 1 Woodbridge Amazons 34 v Harlow 0 After beginning the season with three away fixtures the Amazons finally enjoyed their home opener after respecting a minute’s silence on Remembrance Sunday.

The visiting team from Harlow however, found very little to enjoy as a rash of injuries has depleted their squad and they began without substitutes. Their cruel luck continued as Jennifer Miller took a blow to the head in the opening moments, and she would play no further part in the contest.

The Amazons, on the other hand, are positively buoyant right now, with skipper Claire Brickley and new coach Jane Stokes having to decide which players to leave off the team sheet. There was a hint of nerves in the early exchanges, with the first try scoring opportunity juggled away by a Woodbridge back out wide. Strong running from centre Leonie Mahon up the middle, and Beth Clapson out wide led to an opening try from Paula Ireland, a welcome return having missed the first three matches. Stacy Robinson converted and the hosts were seven points up.

The Amazons’ rucking was considerably better than it has been, with back row forwards Julie Thatcher and Vicky Watts quickest to the breakdowns. Because of the quick ball the hosts were able to use the power running of Victoria Felstein and Sarah Simms to great affect around the fringes. A penalty right in front of the posts presented the chance for Robinson to extend the lead to 10 and after some elusive sprinting from captain Claire Brickley, Anna Dewberry touched down from close range before halftime.

In the second half the hosts continued to use all their replacements, a constant supply of fresh legs to wear away at the tiring Harlow defence.

They lost another player when Jess Costanza had to be carried off with a suspected broken ankle, and from the resultant scrum a number eight pick-up from Watts resulted in a third try.

Some great runs by Carmel Roisin created opportunities and the tireless work by hooker Maggie Kelly was finally rewarded as she popped up on the shoulder of Toni Bell to cap a wonderful score that involved both backs and forwards. Robinson converted that try and there was just enough time for Roisin herself to get on the scoresheet after another terrific run through several defenders.

Robinson converted to end the game and the misery for Harlow, with the final score at 34-0.

Eastern Counties League Woodbridge Warriors 5 v Ely 15 After a minute’s silence for the victims of terrorism in Paris the Warriors started aggressively with a push up to the Ely five metre line and some chancy grubber kicks from fly half JP Hart. Seventh placed Woodbridge knew that an extra effort was required to make a dent in third placed Ely’s positive start to the season. Ely defended well but held on to the ball to concede a penalty that was missed by Jamie Smith.

Ely weren’t to be caught again and Ed Fahy kicked well from hand to put the hosts under

pressure and force a 22 drop-out and then a penalty for Matt McCarthy to hit the post. Ely’s well-drilled forwards continued to harry the Woodbridge pack, mauling from the line-out twice before prop Ricky Neale surged over to open their account. Ed Fahy continued to put full back Jacob Bodkin under the high ball but Bodkin gained good ground on the counter supported by flanker Diddy Crowther and some good runs from Olly Gray, Nick Woodley and Dan Taylor.

After an abortive attempt on the blind side Woodbridge used fast hands in increasingly wet conditions to get a long line-out throw wide for wing Christian Hoolihan to level the score and give the noisy home crowd something to shout about. Jacob Bodkin repeated his counter run but the large Ely scrum kept possession from the breakdown and won a penalty which Fahy duly converted to make it 5-8 at the break.

Ely dominated early exchanges in the third quarter, their second row Mitch Kennett and Aiden Cooper working well at the line-out to keep possession to their advantage. The Ely pack also shoved well although the Warriors rucked better – James Gilbert, Olly Grey and Nick Woodley grafting to disrupt, steal and win two penalties both of which were missed. Ely broke away through centre Matt McCarthy who made a blistering run in front of the clubhouse before being forced into touch.

There followed a long period of defence from Woodbridge as Ely scrummaged, mauled and picked and ran at them repeatedly. The referee was frequently unsighted in the dark, wet conditions and awarded the advantage for Ely to repeatedly elect to scrum. Eventually Woodbridge cleared but Fahy reclaimed the territory with some great kicking which kept the Warriors pinned back while their scrum enabled quick ball for centre Charlie Coupland to run a great line to seal the win.

DEBEN YACHT CLUB The club is coming to the end of another remarkable season, which has seen an increase in membership, including a 50% increase in cadet membership from 29 to 42. This is largely due to the popularity of the Lazy Sailing sessions, the excellent training programme and the increased number of club boats.

The completion of work on the clubhouse to improve facilities has paid dividends providing plenty of extra changing room space for all our sailors.

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The end of the sailing season does not mean that things go quiet at the club – far from it.

The working party meets every Tuesday morning with a long list of repairs to complete. The work ranges from boat maintenance to clubhouse refurbishment.

Roger McCombie, who leads the working party, would welcome additional volunteers. As well as being a good excuse to spend the morning on the river, volunteers also get a monthly hot meal provided by the galley team. No special skills are needed to enjoy

the camaraderie of these winter morning gatherings.

Throughout the winter there will be a programme of walks and talks which are open to members and visitors. The first of these talks, on Thursday, December 3 at 7.30pm, will be on the restoration of the Annelis, ‘from wreck to round-the-world,’ given by Sam Doman and Josh Masters. Other planned talks include the return of popular local speaker, Jane Stone on Thursday, January 14 and on Thursday, January 28 Dan

Abbott will open our eyes to the behaviour of sharks and other marine life. The winter walks programme has yet to be finalised but details can be obtained from club secretary David Hayhow.

The winter is also the time to think about whether you would like to try sailing next year – it could be your New Year’s resolution. If so, sign up early for our training courses that take place in the spring and are always very popular. For more information visit: www.debenyachtclub.co.uk

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SPORTS SUFFOLK TAI CHI We have a new beginners class starting at 10am on January 13 in Sudbourne Village Hall with Lyn Eatwell. Call 01394 461383 or visit: www.suffolktaichiacademy.uk We formed in April 2013 in Ufford to allow interested people low cost access to Tai Chi instruction as an exercise and relaxation form without any religious influence. While our main centre of activity is still Ufford we have grown beyond our expectations. Over the last two-and-a-half years we have grown from one class in Ufford with eight members and are about to progress to nine classes with 120 members.

Health and fitness to most people means how fast or far they can run or how heavy a weight can be lifted, or winning a sports match. But Tai Chi is health and fitness through flexibility, improved circulation, healthier internal organs, improved posture and balance, calmness and a lessening of work stress.

We have classes in Ipswich, Ufford and Southwold with new classes to open in January at Henley and Sudbourne. We now have eight instructors and encourage our members to freely exchange knowledge and experience in class to help others with their Tai Chi. Our classes are designed with the community in mind. Class fees are minimal. They cover hall hire, insurance and instructor travel costs.

This makes our Tai Chi easily accessible to all. The remaining balance is donated to charity.

A typical beginner class meets weekly and lasts for one hour. An improver class usually comprises of one hour of Tai Chi followed by a social break for refreshment then a further 30 minutes of Tai Chi practise.

For details contact: 01394 383076 / rayndawnnorris@gmail.com / www.suffolktaichiacademy.uk

WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB Woodbridge Cruising Club held its annual general meeting at the club on Saturday, November 7. Despite it being a miserable wet night there was a good attendance.

Reports from committee members painted a picture of a healthy and thriving club and outgoing commodore John Gravatt was thanked for steering the club through the last two years, which included its 50th anniversary celebrations and the building of a new balcony.

Don Garfield Smith, the longest serving member of the club, was unanimously elected to be an

honorary member in recognition of his contributions to the club since 1977 (and no doubt as a tribute to his perseverance).

Other retiring committee members were thanked for their input to the running of the organisation of the club and trophies were awarded to Tony and Christine Patrick for contributions to the cruising programme and to Steve Buckingham for his enthusiastic start to sailing with the club.

Steph Heenan was elected to be the new commodore and will

serve a two-year stint. Steph is well known in local sailing circles and is keen to widen the scope of the club’s sailing activities as opposed to its social functions.

Last season saw a number of variations to the tried and tested formula and Steph is inviting further ideas – with all the wind farms being built perhaps a slalom event could be organised.

James and Rose Parnell and their daughter certainly ventured further afield as they eloquently outlined in a talk on their adventures during a ‘gap year’ in the Med that included a visit

to Libya, a country now closed to visitors. Future talks have been arranged for November 28 and December 29 and details can be found at: www. woodbridgecruisingclub.org The club is bracing itself for the impact of the flood defence work currently being carried out by the Environment Agency which will restrict access at various times over the coming months. The scope of the work is much greater than had been understood but hopefully it will keep us all safe should the worst happen.

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The volleyball season is now in full swing with two tournaments last month, both with a big presence from a growing Ipswich Ravens club.

First the Ravens hosted their own four-a-side open tournament and attracted top teams from all around Suffolk to their home territory at St Alban’s High School. With a good number of new players this year who have no previous tournament experience, Ravens decided to enter three of their own teams, each with a mix of experienced and new players. In an enjoyable competition all three teams performed creditably, with the best performance coming from Ravens A who finished fifth overall.

Next up was the monthly six-a-side tournament hosted by Ipswich VC at Maidenhall Sports Centre. For the first time Ravens were able to enter three teams in the competition, with no less than seven players making their debuts for the club. Two of the teams played in Division 2 and performed admirably against more experienced opposition from Ipswich and Bury. Aside from two wins against SCC Seagulls, the pick of the results was a narrow 20-19 defeat against Bury. In Division 1, Ravens were tantalisingly close to an overall tournament win with three wins and two very narrow defeats. It gave a big boost to our confidence and incentive to try that little bit harder next month.

Ipswich Ravens hold club practise sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

welcome anyone, male or female, 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 very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness.

DIVISION 1 RESULTS: Ipswich II 20-19 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 20-19 Ipswich III Ipswich Ravens 20-17 Bury Bobcats Ipswich I 15-20 Ipswich Ravens Stowmarket III 20-19 Ipswich Ravens DIVISION 1 TABLE Wins Ipswich II 4 Diss 4 Ipswich Ravens 3 Stowmarket II 3 Stowmarket III 2 Bury Bobcats 2 Ipswich I 1 Ipswich III 1

Pts For 99 98 98 88 95 92 81 65

Pts Against 83 76 91 96 97 77 98 8

If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, MELTON

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Clive and Lisa from Blakenham ask: “We have around £120,000 in an offshore investment bond with Canada Life International in the Isle of Man. Will this money form part of our estate for inheritance tax when we die, or is offshore money exempt from all UK taxes?”

Unfortunately, although your offshore investment is income tax efficient, it is not inheritance tax efficient. The investment will form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes when you die.

As you are both UK resident and domiciled, your beneficiaries will pay UK inheritance tax on all of your worldwide assets – not just those you own on the UK mainland. However, they will only pay inheritance tax on assets which exceed the value of the current combined nil rate band of £625,000 (being two allowances of £325,000 as you are a married couple and have transferable Nil Rate Bands).

If you do not require access to the capital held within your offshore investment, and only require access to the income, you should consider talking to Canada Life International about moving the money into a Discounted Gift Trust, as this could provide significant inheritance tax savings, whilst still providing a regular income for you ongoing.

Sam from Needham Market asks: “I have a with-profits investment with Phoenix – formerly Royal Sun Alliance – which currently has large penalties if I try to get my money out. What is the significance of this policy being almost 10 years old next month?”

The significance of the 10th anniversary could be that you can get your money out without having to pay a penalty. Many withprofits investment providers offered a penalty-free withdrawal of capital on the tenth anniversary of the policy. In the current climate of encashment penalties and market value adjustments or MVA’s for with-profits policyholders, this could be a valuable lifeline for you.

Check your policy documents carefully – if your policy has this option, give written notice to Phoenix that you intend to exercise that option. In my opinion, you would be wise to get your money out of this under-performing with-profits fund without any MVA penalty whilst you have the opportunity to do so.

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 telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions 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. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Morning and evening prayer is held each day, Tuesday through Saturday, at St Andrew’s, Melton and St Mary’s, Ufford. For me, this short service of readings and prayer is a peaceful interlude in a busy day and I try to go once or twice a week. You can check the times at: www.standrewsmelton.org.uk Our Harvest Festival produced a full church, and a mountain of food gift for the food bank. We gave grateful thanks to God for the bountiful harvest and the choir sang John Rutter’s For the Beauty of the Earth. An amazing 70 people stayed for the harvest lunch, superbly organised by Gillian Harrison and a host of helpers.

Messy Church met in October after a summer break. It was lovely to see lots of children and families again and for them to meet our new rector, The Rev Paul Hambling. Our theme was based on The Feeding of the 5,000 and the children listened to the story of the five loaves and two fishes and we thought about a little boy who gave his lunch, something small, which was multiplied to help many others. After the story we learnt a song called All That I Have. The children printed and decorated large jigsaw pieces that fitted together to make a giant fish and made a collage of bread and fish for an altar frontal. The rector enjoyed the gluing almost as much as the children!

There were tins of fish hidden in the church and when found these were added to the Sunday Harvest Festival and will go to the Salvation Army food bank. We enjoyed pasta bolognese, tuna pasta bake and apple crumble made from the apples the children had brought from home – very yummy.

The next Messy Church will be on Saturday, December 12, 11am-1pm. If the kids and you would like to come, please contact moira.davies@ymail. com or just turn up. You will be very welcome We recently launched Hands On, a group of volunteers, all DBS checked, ready to help anyone in Melton who needs support with everything from local lifts to the surgery, hospital or dentist; meals in a crisis when someone is ill or in hospital, or home from hospital, perhaps with a new baby; support with shopping, collecting prescriptions, visiting the library; practical help in the house such as changing a light bulb or a one-off tidy up in the garden; help with filling in forms, letter writing and computers; or just visiting for a chat. How much will it cost me? A contribution of 40p a mile is suggested and a contribution to the cost of ingredients for a meal would be appreciated. In cases of hardship all costs will be met by Hands On who receive financial support from The Melton Trust.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way: 07756 831216 In his November message Paul, our rector, talked of a tolerant and accepting society, of the Christian understanding of creation, of a God who created all things, a God that loves each of us, of our respect for the environment and that we should be responsible stewards of it. Everyone should be valued, difficult as it sometimes is, and at St Andrew’s you are valued and you are welcome. It is your church – come and see what’s going on. There are no expectations and no hard and fast rules about what you should and shouldn’t believe. What are you waiting for, an invitation from the Rector? Well you have it, come and see.

We come to Advent, a time of preparation, waiting for the Nativity, the birth of Jesus, a story 2,000 years old but as fresh and alive as ever.

Come and celebrate Christmas with us. We have a Carol Service on Sunday, December 20 at 6.30pm. The children’s Crib Service is at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve, Midnight Eucharist is at 11.30pm and on Christmas morning a Family Communion is at 10am.

A happy and peaceful Christmas to you from us all.

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London calling

Thinking of selling?

The increasing number of buyers we are registering are looking to purchase outside of London and willing to commute.

We can offer sellers in the area exposure to buyers being registered by our network of 92 offices within the M25.

Our aim is to raise the profile of every home we market and achieve the best price, so if you are thinking of selling give us a call now on 8am-10pm every day or visit haart.co.uk

WOODBRIDGE 01394 382 244

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