In Touch with Woodbridge - January 2016

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Volume 5 • Issue No. 9 • JANUARY 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I have always loved New Year’s Day, even as a child when I’d watch The New Year's Concert by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on TV. Granted I was probably doing other things at the same time, but it would be on in the background and I loved the drama of it all. It felt like a fitting way to welcome in a new year and was also quite a private moment. My brothers were probably still in bed so it was usually me, my diary – and the vacuum cleaner! In those days in rural Ireland the male and female roles were clearly defined – the boys helped on the farm, I did the cleaning and the baking, but that’s a subject for another day!

Cleaning is still part of my new year ritual and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Yes, I admit it, I like cleaning! I love that sense of satisfaction I get when I sit down to admire my handiwork, that oh so precious five minutes before it all falls apart again. I do become a bit of a tyrant when I go into cleaning mode so it’s best to stay out of my way (Daniel consider this your advance warning and if you don’t believe me, just ask mum!), but when it’s done I’m sweetness and light, as per usual!

This year I have an extra incentive as I will be looking for something rather special. Last summer Jack found an old key when we were planting seeds with grandma. It is his most precious possession and he presents it to visitors and friends as such. We have mislaid it! I know it’s in the house somewhere but in none of the obvious places and I have (stupidly!) promised to find it. If I do turn out every toy box and every cupboard, as I plan to, surely it will reappear. If not I’m going to have a very sad little boy – and I’ll be a very guilty mummy. Wish me luck.

I hope your new year begins with hope for the year ahead and that you too find joy in the small things.

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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NEWS BEST IN SUFFOLK? Which Woodbridge building is your favourite? Choices like that are inevitably subjective. Those with an interest in history might well plump for the Tide Mill or the Shire Hall. But there are plenty of houses of distinction – and some quirky and hidden-away ones at that – that might be termed ‘favourite’. And what about St Mary’s Church or the Seckford almshouses? But would your favourite actually be your own home?

What if the question is: What is the best building in Woodbridge?

Best for what purpose: housing, business, entertainment? Very different criteria come into play and the choice presumably becomes less subjective – less a question of what we like and more a question of what works.

On Wednesday, February 3 the architect Tim Buxbaum tackles an even bigger question: The 100 Best Buildings in Suffolk. To find out whether your own favourites are among ‘the best’ come to the meeting of Woodbridge Society at 7.30pm in The Abbey School Hall. This is most easily accessed from Cumberland Street. You don’t have to be a society member. Visitors will be very welcome.

The society’s final meeting of the 2015/16 season will be on Wednesday, April 6, again at 7.30pm in The Abbey School Hall.

The talk will be all about trees and landscapes and given by Suffolk Coastal’s own tree officer, Nicholas Newton.

Woodbridge Society also organises a number of summer visits to buildings and places of interest. More information about these talks and events will be available at the meetings or by calling the society’s membership secretary Gillian Barella: 01394 380418

MARITIME WOODBRIDGE WILL RELAUNCH IN 2017 There will be no Maritime Woodbridge Festival of the Sea in 2016 because the former Whisstocks site on which it has been held in the past is undergoing redevelopment.

However, the festival will be relaunched in 2017. event, which Sutton Hoo replica ship launched at the 2007 The festival attracted thousands

has of visitors to Woodbridge in recent years as part of the National Heritage Open Days, will be centred on the redeveloped site. It will benefit from the new public open space and the town’s new boat building shed, plus the relocated town museum.

Maritime Woodbridge treasurer Professor Ted Evans explains: “We were reluctant to drop the event for 2016, but concluded that not having the Whisstocks site available would have meant space for some of the main attractions could not be found. However, the redeveloped site will be a big benefit for future shows. We are already working on ideas for 2017, but would welcome new volunteers to join our committee.”

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Professor Evans: 01394 388295 / e.f.evans@keele.ac.uk

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NEWS BEAT THE POST-CHRISTMAS BLUES WITH HOME-START Have you had enough of those dark evenings in? HomeStart Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal are organising two events for you to come along to and shake off the postChristmas blues.

QUIZ NIGHT Come along to a fun quiz at the Bell Inn, Kesgrave, on Sunday, January 31, 8pm start. Tickets will be £5 to include a light supper (a vegetarian option will be available). Teams of four. Our thanks go to Debbie McCallum at the Bell for hosting us for this evening.

PUDDING NIGHT There will also be the chance to enjoy an evening sampling a variety of delicious home-made puddings with friends when we hold a Pudding Night at the Douglas Bader Pub on Thursday, February 11 at 7.30pm.

There will be lots of different home-made puddings for you to try with a chance to vote for the best pud! Tickets will be £5 to allow you to sample these delights and a recipe booklet of all the puddings will also be available for you to purchase. Our thanks go to Margaret Barrett at the Douglas Bader for hosting this occasion.

Tickets for both events are available from: Home-Start, 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath; 01473 621104; www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk All monies raised from these events will go to the charity Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who during this year will support more than 140 families in the East of Ipswich or Suffolk Coastal areas. These families will receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone this can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement and multiple births.

WOODBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL POTTER COMMUNITY CUP An annual award and prize of £50 is made to a person or organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to the life or name of the town during the preceding 12 months.

Nominations are now invited for the 2016 award.

Submissions with supporting details should be forwarded by email or letter to: Mrs C Walker, Woodbridge Town Council, Market Hill, Woodbridge chris@woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

by December 31, 2015 from whom further details can be obtained if required.

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

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

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

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

Further details from: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

LADIES BOX CLEVER TO RAISE THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY A record number of female fighters stepped into the boxing ring recently at Trinity Park to raise funds for charity.

Eight women signed up to take part in charitable bouts during a night of boxing called Temple of Boom, organised by GFP Promotions in Martlesham. They were joined by four white-collar female boxers.

This is the seventh boxing show that GFP has organised involving fighters from both its own Suffolk Punch Boxing Club and the CrossFit gym alongside boxers from across the UK. And, more women than ever before took up the challenge on this occasion.

Promoter and GFP owner Matt Brennan is delighted to see a rise in the popularity of boxing in the area. He said: “It’s great to see so much interest in boxing and our shows prove that it is not just a male sport. Some of our lady boxers have come so far and, despite being members of our CrossFit club, have never stepped inside a ring until very recently.”

Inexperience proved no deterrent, with every boxer involved taking part in a 12-week training camp that involved sessions up to five times a week. And, those signing up for the next GFP boxing event can look forward to attending a special training camp being held in Marbella, Spain.

As well as becoming fitter and leaner, Matt believes lots of first time fighters find training and competing is a fantastic stress buster and can help build confidence. It also allows those involved to raise lots of cash for charities close to their hearts.

Matt added: “Our boxers raised over £4,500 at this event making the total raised for local and national charities in 2015 in excess of £15,000. This is an amazing achievement and I was overwhelmed by their commitment to raising funds for causes in which they really believe.”

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OUT & ABOUT

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

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS AND FINE FOODS MARKET Saturdays, January 9 & 23 at the Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can assist anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

The market brings together under one roof a wide range of producers, selling truly local foods at competitive prices. There are around 20 regular stall-holders who come to each market. You can choose from a wide range of meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and herbs, fish, breads, pies and cakes, preserves and sauces, fresh coffee and loose teas and also plants for your garden. 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.

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016

We now have an email list which enables us to contact customers before each market to inform them about special offers and new seasonal products. If you’d like to join this list please let us know by emailing: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com

Anglo Chinese Cultural Exchange (ACCE), an award winning local charity, proudly presents this year’s spectacular show to welcome the Chinese New Year 2016 at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Bring along the entire family to enjoy our loud and colourful celebrations.

This year we have an amazing Chinese Lion Dance, martial arts, a Chinese dance group and other performers. There will also be local performers, including a couple of surprises!

All funds raised and donated go towards keeping the ACCE charity running throughout the year, delivering their services and activities to everyone in our local community. Come along to enjoy the fun and to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Monkey.

We look forward to welcoming you to Woodbridge Farmers and Fine Foods Market very soon.

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

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.

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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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SPRING 2016 AT THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE

The Last Five Years, an award winning musical from Jason Robert Brown and recently a major motion picture starring Anna Kendrick and Jordan Jamie, headlines the New Wolsey Theatre’s 15th birthday season.

Running from February 25 to March 11, The Last Five Years starts and ends with the beginning of a passionate love affair. Cathy’s story starts with the end of their relationship and follows their tale backwards to when she first fell in love with her young talented lover. Jamie’s story begins with their first passionate encounter and heads forward towards heartache.

The unique style of storytelling and the infectious score makes this one of America’s best modern musicals. Songs include Moving Too Fast, If I Didn’t Believe in You and Goodbye Until Tomorrow.

Katie Birtill, who took the title role in Sweet Charity last autumn, stars with a talented live band to create Cathy and Jamie’s world as it crumbles and reforms around them. It will be directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s artistic director Peter Rowe.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre will present The Government Inspector, the first production in the Ramps on the Moon touring project, at the New Wolsey from April 6 to 15. Ramps on the Moon is a ground-breaking touring project that sets out to put more deaf and disabled people on our stages, in our audiences and our workforce. Bringing together seven major theatre companies, it will change the way theatre made by and for D/deaf and disabled people is seen. These companies, which include the New Wolsey Theatre, are committed to putting D/deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work and stimulating awareness of disability issues within arts and culture.

Gogol’s satirical masterpiece is a hilarious riot of corruption, lies and greed that has lost none of its original bite. The mayor is in a cold sweat. News has reached him of an imminent visit from a government inspector. His fear is well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his official duties.

The hospital is a health hazard, the school is a war zone, the soldiers don’t have trousers to march in and he never quite got around to building that church!

Directed by Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director Roxana Silbert, the production includes a creative use of audio description, captioning and British Sign Language.

For full details of the New Wolsey’s jam-packed spring season visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk where you can also book or call the sales team on: 01473 295900 8

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Woodbridge Library will be closed all day on Friday, January 1 but will reopen as usual on Saturday, January 2.

Saturday, January 2, 9am-5pm and Sunday, January 3, 10am-4pm: January Sale Come and grab a New Year bargain at our sale of donated books. Everything must go!

All books only 50p each. All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Monday, January 4-Saturday 16 Display by touring theatre company Eastern Angles to publicise their latest show Holy Mackerel! which is taking place at Seckford Theatre in Woodbridge from January 12-23.

Another hilarious history lesson…with songs and fishty cuffs!

Saturday, January 16, 9-11am Caroline Page, county councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.

Monday, January 18-Saturday 30 Display by the East Suffolk Travellers’ Association.

Friday, January 22, 2-3pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library activities group meeting For anyone who is interested in becoming an active member of our new events group named ‘FOWL-Eggs’. We meet up approximately once a month for a cup of tea and biscuits to discuss new ways of holding activities or events to help with fundraising for the library. For more information please either come along, email Kellie Dimmock at kellie.dimmock@suffolklibraries.co.uk or contact Woodbridge library on 01394 446510.

January 1-31: ArtLib The Royal Photographic Society’s Creative Group’s Annual Exhibition of Prints and Projected Images is this month’s ArtLib display.

are based upon the author’s own experience.

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 the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On January 7 we will be discussing The Night Manager by John Le Carré́. 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.

The Creative Group is a special interest group within the society. The subject matter of the exhibition is varied and includes landscapes, portraiture, and abstract as well as other genres. For further details of the Royal Photographic Society’s Creative Group, visit: www.rps.org/special-interest-groups/creative

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

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 the show’s guests discussed The Best of 2015 in print and on the screen.

This month guests will be discussing experiential titles, i.e. those which involve or

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Games Club Meets on the fourth Thursday 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

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OUT & ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN Deben Rotary were delighted to welcome nine members of our newly formed satellite club in 2015. They are younger professional men and women who will bring a new range of skills and innovation to the club.

One of their first ventures was a soup party at Hope Church in Ipswich in November. Satellite members produced a range of delicious homemade soups that were enjoyed by guests who then left donations. Ian Walters, the soup kitchens co-ordinator for the Ipswich churches, gave a talk on the work of the soup kitchens, and £450 was raised to support their work.

If you would like to know more about our activities or about Rotary in general please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

BINGO & QUIZ NIGHTS AT WOODBRIDGE TOWN FC Every other Sunday from 7.30pm with quiz nights on January 3, 17 and 31 and bingo on January 10 and 24.

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

WHY NOT MAKE U3A YOUR 2016 NEW YEAR RESOLUTION? How about signing up to join one of U3A’s 130 interest groups? Give 2016 a boost by refreshing one or more of your hobbies or talents or even learn something new. Outdoor pursuits like walking or visiting churches or architectural buildings can be cold in January, but the weather will get better throughout the year. Why not join a U3A lunch club or discussion group to warm up winter blues?

The first Woodbridge talk for 2016 will be at 10.30am on February 1 at Woodbridge Community Hall (Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU) when Peter Driver will talk about Suffolk connections to Waterloo including the input made by Suffolk men and others who served for periods at Woodbridge and Ipswich Barracks.

However, if you would like to attend a University of the Third Age talk in January, Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Saxmundham all have interesting subjects. Members can see the full programmes in the green handbook.

Interested visitors can find details by visiting www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or by telephoning the secretary on 01473 273395.

If you are not yet a member, 2016 could be a good year to join U3A, an organisation for retired and semi-retired people to meet likeminded people and have a lot of fun and friendship.

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP! You can talk, can’t you? So what’s stopping you from speaking in public?

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, then 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, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Our next meeting on January 19 sees the return of the popular Mark Mitchels. His talk will be on the Duke of Wellington, ‘the man who saved the world’. On February 16 David Brown will be talking about China – The Land of the Dragon. This illustrated talk will focus on a number of famous and less famous attractions, both ancient and modern, as well as aspects of Chinese history and culture.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; entrance fee £2 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

Become a member in January and gain the full year’s benefit of membership. You will receive the January newsletter giving full details of the year’s excursions and future talks.

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

Did you know that speaking in public is at the top of most people’s list of ten terrors? It needn’t be. You can learn to overcome your fears in a friendly positive atmosphere at Speak Easy. We are a small group of people of all ages and backgrounds. We all want to improve how we speak in public. The only way to do that is to practise regularly so we meet every fortnight. We offer plenty of opportunities to talk, to listen, to learn by doing it yourself and by listening to others.

Make 2016 the year when you get that new job, persuade your boss to promote you, break your sales records, join that committee and voice your concerns, make the record-breaking fundraising phone call, give a talk to your work colleagues, speak at an important meeting or social activity…

Yes, it’s possible: breathe in, start talking – not too fast, make eye contact, remember your prepared phrases.

Speak Easy is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide non-profit organisation with a great track record. Whether you want to practise for a special occasion or improve your confidence and techniques, we offer the opportunity and all for around £7.50 a month – with free refreshments.

Why not come to our meetings free as a guest to find out more?

We meet from 7-9.30pm at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB (behind Tesco). Our next meetings include a special open evening on January, 14 when guests are especially welcome, and a typical meeting on January 28.

Find out more at www.speak-easy.org.uk, find us on Facebook and Twitter, or call Sonya Burrows: 07968 372563

www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

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 lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments. Our next meeting is: Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma) The 2016 monthly projects list is now available and other projects are available.

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

DEBEN PROBUS Deben Probus is a club for retired or semi-retired business and professional men. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Ufford Park Hotel, 12.30 for 1pm. Lunch is followed by a speaker. The club also has a monthly walking group and organises visits throughout the summer.

John Midwinter gave an excellent talk on the future of personal transport at our meeting on November 16. He explained that with the combined impact of dwindling and more expensive oil and climate change the motor industry is urgently addressing how to replace petrol/diesel cars.

His talk examined the options and concludes that we will probably be driving electric cars in five to 10 years time.

At our meeting on December 21 our members invited their partners to join them for Christmas lunch. The speaker was Erik Punaks who talked about comic verse.

Our very successful summer programme of visits concluded with a visit to the Thursford Spectacular on December 17 which was oversubscribed.

We welcome new members. If you are interested in joining us please contact the club secretary, David Pocock: 01394 386677 www.thedebenprobusclub.org.uk There is also a ladies Probus club in the area, Heath Ladies Probus. If interested in joining, please contact the president, Liz Turner: 01394 446051

WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB Woodbridge Art Club closed its gallery on Sunday, November 29 after a successful season. We were delighted to welcome many visitors, both locals and holidaymakers, from far and wide. Some even sailed up the Deben, not specifically to see us admittedly but nevertheless were delighted to stumble upon the exhibition.

We open again next Easter with a fresh exhibition of pottery, paintings and lace and look forward to seeing all our old regulars and welcoming new ones. In the meantime we wish you all a very Happy New Year.

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ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY The society takes its winter break now and our next meeting will be on February 3 when Shirley Smith will present a talk about the French royal the Duc du Berry and the famous Book of Hours he commissioned.

Our Christmas meeting on a sunny December afternoon featured Dr Sarah Pearson who gave us an enchanting look at the historical origins of many of the elements we associate with Christmas. With wonderful art illustrations she spoke about the crib, ice and snow, Christmas food, the Christmas tree, the snowman, Christmas cards, the Christmas cracker and finally how St Nicholas morphed into Santa Claus. A delightful lecture at this time of year.

We welcome new members. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? The wonderfully illustrated lectures start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised), 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 nonmembers 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

MARTLESHAM WI 2016 will be another important year for us as we shall be celebrating the 70th birthday of our WI, founded in the aftermath of the Second World War when life was difficult and rationing still applied. No doubt those early members were busy ‘making do and mending’. This year also heralds many new opportunities for us.

Having changed in September to an afternoon WI we decided at the annual meeting by a substantial majority to change our venue to the pavilion on Martlesham Heath. This is for many reasons, not least the better facilities and the fact that a number of our members will be able to walk there.

At our annual meeting Susan Cunliffe was elected as the new president, Pat Brown having served for the maximum of three years. She was presented with a small gift in recognition of her sterling service, as was Barbara Bown was has acted as treasurer for several years but has now moved from Martlesham. We were in difficulties as no-one was prepared to act as secretary until June Parkin, a new member, nobly offered to take on the role. We are very grateful to her – welcome June.

Our first meeting of the new year will be a talk and demonstration of papercraft by our own multi-talented member, Maria Lestrange. Competition – favourite Christmas card. The meeting will be at 2.15pm on Friday, January 15 at the pavilion on the green, behind St Michael’s Church. Do come along and check us out, you will be most welcome. For more information contact Susan: 01394 381299

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LOCAL WOODBRIDGE WEIGHT LOSS GROUP CELEBRATES LOSING 7,610LBS IN 2015 The local Slimming World group in Woodbridge is celebrating the fact that its members lost a staggering 7,610lbs in 2015!

Consultant Nicola said: “We have had an amazing year helping people get to their target weight. If you are reading this feeling like you have overindulged over the festive period then don’t worry.

Here at Slimming World we focus on teaching you healthy eating for life, not a faddy diet that once you stop following means the weight can pile back on. There is no weighing or counting and you can satisfy your appetite and still lose weight eating unlimited amounts of free foods such as fish, meat, potatoes, pasta and rice.

“It can be a real family affair and our group includes couples and families. We understand better than any other organisation how overweight people feel and how best to support people who want to lose weight, so every week you will learn more about foods, get tips, ideas and recipes and get the support and help you need to keep you on track. We also try to have a laugh or two along the way!

“Everyone is welcome and we also have a special plan to support 11-15 year olds (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) and a pregnancy plan developed with the Royal College of Midwifes. Pop in to one of the groups to find out more and see for yourself. Make 2016 the year for you.”

Slimming World Woodbridge meet at Woodbridge Football Club on Tuesdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and on Thursdays at 9.30am. For more details please contact Nicola: 01394 420815

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OUT & ABOUT MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Members of Melton Local History Society had an enjoyable preChristmas meeting on December 2. As an icebreaker, everyone joined in a fun quiz on ‘How well do you know your village?’ We had to agree on where about 20 past or present places were, with a different list for each of the five tables adding to the challenge. Over wine, juice and nibbles members then discussed their varied historical interests. Some shared projects they were interested in researching while others gave brief talks on a range of topics. A good time was had by all, and we got to know each other a bit better.

LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT 2015 ended with the now customary busy spell of collecting funds, buying groceries, then packing and distributing the Christmas parcels.

The season's fundraising had a great boost with another successful art sale in November which raised £345. Our thanks to Kesgrave Art Club and to Quay Street Church. On the social side, our Christmas social provided an opportunity to relax amid the hectic seasonal activity, to share a few anecdotes and enjoy the spirit of friendship for which the Lions are renowned.

Looking ahead to 2016, plans to mark the centenary of the Lions movement in 2017 (and the 35th anniversary of Woodbridge & District Lions Club) are gathering pace; watch for publicity on just how we plan to mark the occasions. January brings the annual quiz night for Lions' Clubs in South Suffolk. Can anyone challenge the clubs of Ipswich and Woodbridge who between them have won the trophy for the past 12 years?

Looking at the achievements of the Lions internationally, nationally and locally over 2015 one phrase summed it up: "Wherever there is a need, there is a Lion." If you would like to help us or know of someone we can help, please get in touch for a no obligation chat on 0845 8332820 or via: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk

WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB The committee has agreed a programme of events for 2016 which will be published shortly. In the meantime, on Wednesday, January 6 we have a talk by our member Sarah Margittai intriguingly entitled The Jew’s Lane – A Melton Mystery and on Wednesday, February 3 Jane Bradburn will give a talk on Woodbridge Cemetery – A Small Local History Project.

Both meetings are at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Station Road IP12 1PX, starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £3 for non-members, who are always welcome. The membership subscription is currently £10 for the year to December 31. Please contact the secretary at: vanessa.clouting@tiscali.co.uk

WOODBRIDGE MEMORY CAFÉ The Woodbridge Memory Café, run jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Deben, supported by the ladies of Inner Wheel, has now been running for more than three years.

The cafe, which is held at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of every month, is principally for dementia sufferers and their carers, although we welcome any elderly people who would appreciate some company in a convivial atmosphere.

Hot drinks and homemade cakes are provided at no cost, and we also provide memorabilia, music and occasional live entertainment. We are keen to boost attendance at the café and extend a warm welcome to anyone who feels they would benefit from what we have to offer.

November open meeting Members and guests from Colneis, Framlingham, Woodbridge, Aldeburgh and Holbrook were warmly welcomed by June to our last meeting of 2015. We were also lucky enough to have present our area president Elsie Leeding, our area chairman Brenda Eyres and our East Suffolk Group chairman Petrina Miles.

Our 50th anniversary open meeting is in April and all present were told to expect a really grand celebration. This will be at Wickham Market School on April 28 and the demonstrator will be Nigel Whyles. More details nearer the time. At this stage just book the date in your new diaries.

June then welcomed our demonstrator for the evening, Kathy Stangaard, whose title for the evening was Joyous Noel. For her first stunning arrangement in a large clear glass champagne flute Kathy used soft ruscus to create a Hogarth shape and arum itallicum picton, green praedo carnations, roses from Ecuador and baubles.

Arrangement number two depicted a tropical warm Christmas celebration with silver birch sprayed red and lightly glittered, strilitzia leaves and flowers, rafas and kentia palms and cordylines, orchids and mixed anthuriums.

This was followed by arrangements in log barrel baskets and on metal stands made to look like giant presents, and huge lobster pots threaded with beautiful coloured glittery organza as we listened Ella Fitzgerald’s Roasting Chestnuts on an Open Fire, Eartha Kitt’s Santa Baby and Dean Martin singing Let it Snow.

Linda Ellis gave the vote of thanks and said what an inspiration Kathy had been, a fantastic end to our flower club year.

Our next sessions are on Wednesdays, December 30 and January 27.

We then enjoyed the tasty mince pies and punch which was followed by the raffle and lots of very lucky members took these grand floral designs back to their homes.

If you would like further details please call Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, January 28 when Alan Smith will present a demonstration entitled In the Bleak Mid-Winter. The February meeting is a hands-on workshop – more details later.

Do come and join us; your first meeting is free.

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE On Friday, November 20, members received a jovial talk from Mike Rines and John Roberts on the degradation of the English Language and how over recent years the meaning of words had been replaced with words which were much longer than the original Saxon words but meant the same. Some examples include: about/approximate; move/relocate; set up/establish; but/however.

They then gave examples: Instruction on a fridge: The temperature control is located inside the fridge and as a safety feature can only be adjusted with the door closed.

Warning instructions for using a chainsaw: Always stand on one side while cutting, allowing plenty of space for a severed limb to fall without causing injury.

After many more examples and questions Rotarian Geoff Ford gave the vote of thanks to which the members responded in the usual way.

Rotarian Margaret Kershaw presenting a cheque for £250 to Mike Amos, Corporate Sponsorship Manager SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire On Friday, December 4 we had a talk from the local branch of the charity SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire. They are made up of a team of men and women who give up two or three nights a month from 7pm to 6am and daytimes during weekends 365 days of the year to deliver urgently required blood and blood products, samples and other clinically urgent items during the night, every night, free of the charge to the hospitals in the area of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Their all night controllers can immediately dispatch a rider or driver to hospitals needing vital blood or other urgent supplies, usually within two hours of the call. The volunteers fund themselves, receive no money from the NHS, but do rely on donations to sustain this vital service.

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM TALKS WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP Boyton and Hollesley Marshes There will be a chance to find out more about not one but two local coastal reserves when Aaron Howe gives a talk on the RSPB’s Boyton and Hollesley Marshes reserves at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, January 21 at 7.30pm.

This talk has been organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group, and chairman Phil Smith said: “These coastal reserves in the lower reaches of the Alde-Ore estuary are an important habitat for breeding waders and wintering ducks and geese.

“It is going to be interesting to hear about the range of wildlife that can be seen there.”

Admission to the talk is £2.50 for adults with children under 16 free. Refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle. All are welcome at the talk.

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

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The Woodbridge Museum talk held on November 13 was about Edith Cavell – The Heroine of World War One. We heard the sad news that Phil Hadwen, who was to have given the talk, had died a few days earlier. He will be sadly missed by all those interested in local history in this area.

His place was filled at the last minute by Patrick Hudson who had family connections with the Cavell family. Despite having no time to prepare he gave us a fascinating journey through the life and wartime career of Edith, ending with a reminder of her words: “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”

Our talk on December 4 by Val Dudley was entitled Village Life in Medieval Hollesley.

FORTHCOMING TALKS January 15: The Weird and Wonderful Week in the Life of the Town Clerk with Chris Walker February 12: The New Woodbridge Story by Bob Merrett March 11: Two Working Watermills (Pakenham and Woodbridge) by David Eddershaw Jacobites and Hanoverians 1714-1760 is the title of the next of our popular day schools and will be on Saturday, March 19.

All talks are in the Community Hall, Woodbridge at 2.30pm. Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50 and visitors £3.50.

For further information contact Anne Merrett: 01394 385572

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB Following our wonderful Christmas demonstration by Susan Phillips in November and a delicious Christmas meal from Steven Hambling in December, we are now looking forward to a new year of exciting floral demonstrations by some of the best demonstrators our area has to offer.

Tuesday, January 12, 7.30pm at the church hall, Kirton A floral demonstration by Helen Bird from Marks Tey in Essex entitled This is My Way. Why not brighten a dull January evening by joining us for a lively and colourful floral demonstration? You will be assured of a warm welcome and the opportunity to win one of Helen’s beautiful arrangements in the raffle. Tea coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration. Visitors’ admission is £4.

WOODBRIDGE CAMERA CLUB Travel Photography competition – November 17 The winner of our travel photography print competition, judged by Peter Espley, was Philip Hill with his image Another Day at Sea, which was complimented by the judge for its unusual composition and use of colour.

Second place was awarded to Richard Brown for his image Rio Carnival Dancer, third to Philip Wade for Time for Tea and fourth to Helena Mecrow for Tower Bridge at Night.

New venue From January, our monthly club meetings will be held in the meeting room at Woodbridge Quay Church, Quay Street, Woodbridge IP12 1BX. This is a larger venue to accommodate our ever-increasing membership.

We will not have to finish our meetings by 9pm as we do at our current venue, and we will have facilities to enable us to provide refreshments for members.

New members and guests welcome. For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk

Another Day at Sea by Philip Hill

THE PERENNIAL MR POTTER – WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Brian Thurlow gave a wonderful performance as the Perennial Mr Potter at the December meeting of Woodbridge Horticultural Society.

Members were transported back into the world of a gardener at the beginning of the century. Horace Potter was born in 1900 and spent his life as a full-time gardener in a large Suffolk garden.

Horace, in a broad Suffolk accent, described his childhood, when his fascination for Knot gardens won him first prize at the annual village local flower show and consequently a job as under gardener at the big house in the village.

He chronicled his life in the garden, working through the turbulent war years, how he ultimately became head gardener and how he restored a badly neglected Knot garden at the house which had fascinated him from the beginning.

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Not only was Horace an excellent storyteller but he provided members with some handy tips and advice from the time which we can put to good use today.

After the performance there were mince pies and a free raffle to get members into the festive spirit.

Sue Sharman will present a talk entitled Know Your Soil at the next meeting of the society on January 14 at Woodbridge Community Hall at 7.30pm.

Clare Richardson

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB Our Christmas speaker was Terrie Potter with a demonstration titled Divertimenti. Terri explained that this was a musical term for a composition intended for entertainment and amusement. She then added that she hoped to entertain and amuse us with her floral compositions.

Terri produced some lovely colourful, large arrangements celebrating the time of year. She also used some unusual props and made an arrangement around a small harp. Eucalyptus was used to form the s-shaped outline. To this she added variegated holly, myrtle, deep pink carnations and salmon pink roses. To give extra sparkle Terri then added red sparkly cones.

Another design represented a church organ and used gold painted willow fencing for the mechanics.

This was a modern design and Terri used liatris and red amaryllis to give height. At the base she used elaeagnus, holly berries and conifer.

She finally added gold-spayed fatsia leaves and bright red gerberas to complete a stunning arrangement.

Terri was thanked for showing us her work and for the tips she shared during her talk. We then had the raffle and tea and mince pies before going home after a very enjoyable afternoon.

START THE NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS Would you like a fun start to your week?

at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL.

Mondays are not always people’s favourite day, but if you are a baby, toddler or preschooler who would like a cheerful start to your week we would love you to come along with your parents, grandparents and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars.

Each session is full of fun children’s activities, for example singing and Bible stories for children, plus crafts and games.

We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time

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, but if you would

like any further information feel free to telephone us on the phone numbers below.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Our session dates for the spring term are: January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22 and March 14.

For further information please contact: Jennie Fidler, 07584 420729; Sonya and Maureen Burrows, 01473 625196; Sue Lambert, 01473 624130.

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SPORTS IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL December’s six-a-side indoor series tournament gave Ipswich Ravens another chance to pit themselves against the top volleyball clubs around Suffolk and beyond, and put the lessons we have been learning at our training sessions into practise. With a total of eight teams in Division 1 and six in Division 2 this was the biggest tournament yet, a clear sign that the sport is growing in popularity.

Our First team were without regular captain Chris Giles and this gave two of our recent recruits the opportunity to make their debuts in Division 1. We began with an excellent win against eventual winners Diss and finished overall third with three wins from five games.

DIVISION 1 RESULTS Ipswich Ravens 20-15 Diss; Ipswich II 20-17 Ipswich Ravens; Stowmarket II 16-20 Ipswich Ravens; Ipswich Ravens 18-20 Norwich Towers; Ipswich Ravens 20-11 Bury Bobcats.

DIV 1 Diss Ipswich II Ipswich Ravens Ipswich I Norwich Towers Bury Bobcats Stowmarket III

Wins 4 4 3 3 2 1 0

Pts For 95 86 95 95 73 65 73

Pts Agst 65 77 82 82 93 93 100

Later in Division 2 we were able to give a first tournament experience to two of our new juniors as part of an eight-player squad. They fitted into the team well and contributed creditable performances, helping us towards two victories out of three games, also finishing third overall.

DIVISION 2 RESULTS SCC Seagulls 3-20 Ravens II; Bury Bobcats II 20-6 Ravens II; Alexanders Dragons 16-20 Ravens II. Why not start the new year by giving volleyball a try yourself? It’s a lively team sport, it will help with your fitness and coordination, and it’s a lot more fun than going to the gym.

Ipswich Ravens hold club practice sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 11 upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games.

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

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WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB Woodbridge Cruising Club is now in the middle of its season of winter walks, Wednesday suppers and boat maintenance, as well as a full programme of seasonal social events.

Ruth Metzits has organised and led Thursday walks to Thorpeness, Westerfield and Framlingham and a further walk has been arranged for New Year’s Day followed by a bowl of soup in the clubhouse. These walks are open to all club members and are always well attended, giving an ideal opportunity to meet other members and get some exercise and fresh air at the same time. Details of future walks can be found on the website or for the more traditionally minded there is a noticeboard in the clubhouse on the river walk.

Freeman Lynn organised a film night which was over subscribed and is to be repeated in the new year for the benefit of those who wern’t able to get in. More than 40 people attended and enjoyed the films that showed local rivers and sailing events as they used to be. Janet Sparrow provided food and to complete members’ enjoyment the bar was open as well.

On November 28, Wieland Raatz gave an illustrated talk on a trip he made from Ipswich to Greifsland in what used to be East Germany. The voyage was made in three stages over a period of two years and included a passage through the Kiel Canal where small pleasure boats have to tough it out with ocean going liners.

The reason for the journey was primarily to take part in a regatta in which Hanse-built yachts compete against each other and in this he finished high up the order. He also explained that in that part of the world Little Red Riding Hood relates to a sparkling red wine which is drunk in copious quantities after each day’s racing rather than to the children’s fairytale we know and love.

This was followed by local marine artist Claudia Myatt describing her life as a water hitchhiker. She greatly favours traditional timber boats with plenty of ropes and wide decks, although she admitted that the living quarters on these boats can be very cramped and allow little privacy. She recounted many humorous incidents including how her life jacket had gone off in the middle of the night trapping her in a ‘shelf-like’ bunk from which she had to wriggle out backwards. Another abiding image was a young man playing the violin with a life jacket on – Handle’s Water Music perhaps! www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org

DEBEN YACHT CLUB The club celebrated the end of the sailing season with the Laying Up Supper in November. Nearly 100 members turned up for the event that was held in the community hall. It was a far cry from the annual supper held in 1927 when it is recorded that ‘there were only 12 acceptances and the event had to be abandoned’. It was noteworthy that the rig of the day was to have been morning dress!’ Everyone tucked into a delicious buffet supper organised by Di Cobb and her galley team.

A video of the past year’s sailing put together by Pat Morgan was shown. The sailing season always seems to be over so quickly that it was good to be reminded of the summer fun.

The awards ceremony took place afterwards with cups and prizes being presented

by John Adams, the outgoing commodore, and his wife Liz. Among the awards were prizes for individual performance, which included: Most Promising Cadet: Lisa Rose; Best Adult Novice: Charlotte Norrbom; Most Promising Topper Helm: Sean Woodward; Best Junior Novice: Livia Garrod; Most Improved Senior Helm: Matt Thompson The Laying Up Supper was followed by the AGM when David Watson took over as the new commodore. David paid tribute to his predecessor John Adams, thanking him for service to the club over the last two years that saw the completion of the club’s improvement programme. With this now behind us, David promises that 2016 will be all about enjoying the sailing.

Finally, a reminder that the next winter talks are on Thursdays, January 14 and 28, starting at 7.30pm. For more information please visit: www.debenyachtclub.co.uk

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Responsible for managing and developing an experienced sales team, with a requirement to establish targets and objectives and to motivate staff, develop new business opportunities and revenue streams and to deliver projects successfully.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Sue from Woodbridge asks: “My husband and I have a whole of life insurance policy with Scottish Provident with a sum assured of £80,000 payable if either of us dies. For the last 10 years we have paid a premium of just over £29 a month, but they have just written to us to say that following a 10 year review, this will increase to £66 a month. My husband says there is no point in looking around for a better deal, as we are 10 years older than we were when we took the policy out, so all insurance companies will charge about the same premium for that level of cover. Is that true?”

Not necessarily Sue. If you do some shopping around before you accept the increase, you could save yourselves a lot of money.

A whole of life policy runs until you die or until you cancel the policy. At outset the insurance company calculates how much they need to charge you in order to provide a set level of cover if you die. This calculation is based upon your age, health, lifestyle, and your job, as all these factors will influence the risk. Unless you have a policy with guaranteed or fixed premiums, most whole of life policies are reviewed after 10 years, and again every five years after that.

Your husband is right to say that the premium will cost you more now because you are 10 years older, but it’s definitely worth shopping around for a better deal. Not all companies apply the same rates for a new policy as they do for an existing policy after it has been in force for a few years.

A few months ago I saw a couple who had a whole of life plan with Aviva with a sum assured of £70,000. At the 10-year review point, Aviva wrote to them to tell them that the premium would increase from £24.31 a month to £114.51 if they wished to maintain the same level of cover. That was an increase of 375%!

I did some shopping around and found them a similar whole of life policy with Canada Life International with the same sum assured. The premium for this plan was £32.60 a month, which was again guaranteed for another initial period of 10 years.

Obviously, these clients will face another potential premium increase after 10 years have elapsed, but switching the policy means they will have saved over £9,800 in premiums over that 10-year period for the same level of cover.

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 opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements.

Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, MELTON A few weeks ago Calais was a nightly news item, but with the Syrian bombing it has faded from view. But make no mistake it’s still there and The Reverends Ruth Hatchett and Janice Leaver, both team vicars in the Wilford Peninsula, went to visit it, with Ruth’s estate car loaded with tents, clothing, footwear and toiletries. So much had been donated by local churches that there wasn’t room for it all.

One of the objectives in going was to experience the situation first hand and to report back.

The camp is run by Secours Catholique who have a system of distributing donations to the migrants in a fair and non-exploitive way. Ruth and Janet visited the drop-in centre where the migrants can charge up their mobiles, get assistance with documentation and bicycle maintenance and attend literacy classes.

The Red Cross estimates that there are currently 4,200 refugees, of whom some 300 are Syrians, in the camp.

Many are from African countries fleeing violence, oppression and compulsory military service. Many already speak some English, and they all want to get to England because of our record on human rights and the conception, rightly or wrongly, that it is easier to get a job and asylum here.

In the camp, daily life goes on among primitive conditions: people hanging out their washing, fetching water from the standpipes, building new shelters, making furniture.

There is a bakery, school, library and a church for all faiths. What is going to happen to these people?

More are still arriving, winter is upon us and the dunes flood.

It is difficult to envisage a long-term solution. Meanwhile the lasting impression is the strength of human spirit to overcome unbelievable hardship.

As you enjoy the Christmas festivities think of them in their need and by contrast, how fortunate we are.

Too early at press to report on the December Messy Church but there is an unrehearsed nativity play and I am sure a Christmas party features.

The next Messy Church is on Saturday, January 23 from 11am1pm. If you would like to come with the kids, please contact: moira.davies@ymail.com Do come into the church and see our lovely illuminated crib, set in the hollow of the altar, telling this 2,000-year-old story which is ever fresh. We hope to have seen many of you at one of the Christmas services.

As Paul our priest says in his Christmas message: “Life is too precious so peace my friend, peace.

“Let’s leave revenge and greed, control, anger, envy and all those other traits which cause humans to be inhumane in this troubled world; and we come into 2016 with renewed hope.”

A happy New Year to you all and don’t forget our Christingle Service celebrating the lovely feast of Candlemas on Sunday, January 31 at 9.30am. Do bring the children for this lovely occasion.

Finally visit our website which is updated daily and shows you everything that is happening at St Andrew’s: www.standrewsmelton.org.uk

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