In Touch News with Woodbridge – March 2017 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

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Volume 6 • Issue No. 11 • MARCH 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS SPRING CLEAN WOODBRIDGE Woodbridge Town Council is backing a campaign to get half a million people out and about cleaning up their local communities in March 2017. As part of its support for the country’s biggest-ever community clear up, the town council is seeking volunteers to take part in organised litter-picks from March 3-5. Town Mayor, Councillor Stephen Attwell said: “The Great British Spring Clean is about everyone working together to clean up the litter that blights our landscape and communities and we’re delighted to be taking part and bringing people together to tackle an issue that many people care passionately about.” Volunteers are asked to email springcleanwoodbridge@gmail.com to confirm they’d like to take part. All equipment will be provided on the day. Only people pre-registering will be allowed to participate to control numbers and ensure safety.

Chalkboard outside a small convenience store and bakery in Co Kerry. For once I’m going to let the picture do the talking! Happy shopping. Sharon

Melton In Touch &with Woodbridge In Touch with Melton & Woodbridge is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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TAP DANCERS RAISE £600 Attendance at the Tapping without Borders event on January 29 exceeded everyone’s expectations. More and more chairs had to be put out as nearly 200 people arrived at Woodbridge Community Hall. The afternoon started with a display by tap classes from Woodbridge and Otley, with composer Simon Egerton at the piano. Many of the tappers arrived bearing delicious home-made cakes for the tea break. After refreshments, a large number of the audience took to the stage for the Have a Go session, when tutor Jill Streatfeild demonstrated a few basic steps and soon had everyone tapping away. Books, original art and crafts had all been donated to boost the fundraising effort for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and a magnificent sum of £600 was collected. Further donations can be made by visiting tireless fundraiser Mandy Hearle’s page: www.justgiving.com/mandyforMSF Jill said: “I was delighted by the response and it was really great to see people of all ages joining in. I may need to start another beginner’s class to cope with the interest.” For more information on learning to tap visit: www.woodbridgetapdance.weebly.com

NEWS SNOWFLAKE BALL IN MAY? With the British weather as it is, it wouldn’t be unheard of to see snow in May. Local charity Home-Start can (unlike most weather reporters) guarantee it. Home-Start will be hosting their second annual Snowflake Ball at Kesgrave Hall, Milsoms on Friday, May 19. Attendees will once again be dancing along to the band Soul Kitchen and after an arrival drink, will enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner and a variety of entertainment. During the evening there will be the chance to win some amazing prizes and to bid on our silent auction. There is also the opportunity to be involved with a variety of sponsorship packages available to local businesses and prizes needed for the evening’s activities. So why a Snowflake Ball? The snowflake represents the unique, fragile and vulnerable nature of the children and families we support. Home-Start supports families for whom the pressures of family life have become too great to cope with alone; this can be for many differing reasons such as bereavement, physical and mental health problems. Families are matched with a trained volunteer who supports them on a weekly basis enabling them to grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children, improve their health and wellbeing and widen their links locally. If you would like to find out more or to purchase tickets (£55) contact Home-Start at office@homestartcoastal.co.uk / 01473 621104 or visit: www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM TALKS The first talk of 2017 was a fascinating and very moving talk by Guy and Wendy Marshall about their son Thomas and showed how some good can come out of a tragedy. Thomas died in a motorcycle accident near Orford eight years ago. The collection after the funeral service raised more than £2,000 which was sent to a charity in Mozambique that Thomas had been about to go out and help. As it was such a large donation the charity set up the Thomas Marshall Education Fund in his memory and this now helps many young people each year to finish their studies. Many beautiful photos were shown of the land and the people who made it all so real. The audience was moved in so many ways by the talk, by the loss of a son, the lives of youngsters in Mozambique, the plight of the country itself and the resilience of the people. Thomas’ parents continue to work for the charity. On March 17 David Pitcher presents a talk entitled The Royal Maundy Money. The talk on April 21 is Simpers on the Deben and on May 19 it’s Woodbridge Tide Mill. All these talks take place in Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm. Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50 and visitors £3.50. There are still places available for the next of our popular day schools on Saturday, March 25 when Sean Lang, Senior Lecturer in History from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, returns to talk on The French Revolution: Liberty and its Crimes. This will be held at St Mary’s House on Market Hill from 9.30am-4.30pm. Bookings and enquiries to Anne Merrett: 01394 385572

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Woodbridge Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturdays, March 11 and 25, 9am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall. Admission is free. We have a wide selection of seasonal, local food and a friendly cafe. Hope to see you there.

BISHOP VISITS ST MARY’S CHURCH WOODBRIDGE The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, recently visited St Mary’s Church where he celebrated Holy Communion. Having related some amusing personal anecdotes, his sermon urged those present to consider aspects of light and darkness in their own lives and those of others. Towards the end of the service, the bishop was joined by children from Junior Church who had been learning about some aspects of a bishop’s work, including the cathedral, ordination, confirmation and vestments. The bishop’s clothing was a special source of interest, with the children wearing mitres they had made and bishops’ robes. The culmination of their learning came when they emulated his actions at the blessing and finally processed with him behind the churchwardens. This was much appreciated by all present.

MINDFULNESS? Head chatter? Overthinking? Life on autopilot? Are you living in the past or in the future and ignoring the present? Are molehills becoming mountains? It’s happening to us all and sometimes seems to take control of our lives so we may become anxious, stressed and over tired. Mindfulness is a current buzz word. Schools are doing it, MPs are doing it, tennis players are doing it and newspapers are reporting it, but what actually is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a learnt technique that encourages moments of mental stillness and awareness to help develop strategies for dealing with life’s stresses and strains. You learn how to reflect on rather than react to strong emotions, develop coping strategies for dealing with anxiety and stress and to become more aware of the present moment. Mindfulness will not eliminate life’s pressures, but can help us respond to them in a calm manner. Mindfulness enourages us to enjoy the present moment, what’s going on right here, right now. My name is Annemarie Bealing. I was a secondary school teacher for 25 years and over the past few years I took up practising mindfulness to enhance my quality of life. I was so encouraged by its benefits to me and my pupils that I have now trained to teach mindfulness to adults and children. I am passionate about mental health for teenagers. If you are interested I am running an eight-week courses in Ipswich and Woodbridge. The next courses are due to start in April. Contact me at amb@rightnowworks.co.uk or through my Facebook page: Right Now Works Enjoy the moment!

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NEWS COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

It may have been cold, wet, windy and even snow flecked, but if you were in the Thoroughfare at the beginning of February you will probably have seen me, virulent pink-knitted hat firmly around my ears, petitioning against cuts to Suffolk’s library budget.

Walkers along the river wall in Woodbridge will have noticed the path beside the old boatyard near the Tide Mill has been closed off for some time while work on the flood wall has been carried out. The wall has been rebuilt and strengthened. The concrete tracks for the sliding flood gate are complete. The gate itself is due on site and it is a very special gate thanks to its glass-topped panels. Come surge or storm, the gate can be cranked across on its tracks to seal the community-space behind it from the rising waters.

I’ve loved libraries ever since I was a little girl and my mother used to drop us off at the library while she did her Saturday shop. I was never very wise: I’d always choose my books and sit down and read them, and sometimes I’d finished them all by the time she came back. Why oh why didn’t I choose a couple of others to read while I waited? It’s always easy to be wise after the event. Libraries have a special place in my heart and from what people have said over the last weeks I’m not the only person in Woodbridge or Melton who feels this way. Our library doesn’t just lend books, it helps you study. It’s like ‘Enquire Within’ on a massive scale, and also hosts all sorts of different clubs and hobby groups, runs the Summer Reading Scheme for hundreds of children, hosts practical and teaching groups, supports new writers, old computer users and very young readers… and that’s just for starters. You can get your photocopies and computer printouts, enjoy a nice cup of coffee and listen to poetry or play readings, get leaflets for local B&Bs and recommendations for the latest best-seller, bodice ripper or ‘orrible murder, visit Citizens Advice and even meet your local county councillor (me) in my surgery on the third Saturday of every month.

Floodgate tracks in January 2017 by Bryan Knibbs

Over 10 days 1,200 people signed a petition to oppose any further reduction to the funding of Suffolk’s invaluable and irreplaceable library services. The people who signed were of all ages and backgrounds. The eldest was 101 years of age, born in the First World War, before the internet, television and even before the radio, when the printed word was paramount.

This is good news, but not yet the end of the work for the ancient crumbling slipway is to be refurbished to make the launch and recovery of craft possible again. The time will come when the reconstructed 90ft Anglo-Saxon longship that is to be built in the 32m longshed will slide down that slipway. The shed’s roller doors are now installed and the internal walls are being constructed.

One thing everyone agreed on was that such cuts are unacceptable. Comments ranged from asking “Are you mad?” to “Libraries are a brilliant community service” and “Libraries are an integral part of our future and our history – knowledge is power”. Over and over again people repeated the fact that our libraries are ‘essential’, ‘vital’ and ‘invaluable’. And indeed our libraries in Suffolk are the envy of the rest of the country. Some people think that in this age of the internet you can get all this information on your smartphone or laptop. So why bother with a building? We in Woodbridge know they are missing the point.

Woodbridge Riverside Trust is the charitable organisation of local people who oversee the community interest in the building development on the waterfront. As the date for access to the buildings approaches the trust has some interesting opportunities for local volunteers to become involved. Craftspeople will be needed to help fit out the buildings. A social media manager is required to coordinate and communicate developing information. Some spaces are available for helpers with the trust’s longboat, Sae Wylfing, that travels to events around the county and local people who will be happy to assist with the staging in Woodbridge of the forthcoming King’s River event should contact the trust now.

Why would you choose to sit at home when there’s such a lovely functional, inspirational, multipurpose, friendly companionable place in the heart of our town where you can do all these things with like minds around you?

After years of inactivity there is a rising sense of interest in the community space and facilities on the waterfront. A point has been reached where the community’s glass that has long been half empty, is now definitely more than half full.

Caroline Page

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NEWS TRAIN AND BUS SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS GOOD AND BAD EXPERIENCES East Suffolk Travellers’ Association members completed a questionnaire about 145 local train and bus journeys which they made during the month of November, giving a snapshot of good and bad points. Train journeys made on the Ipswich-Lowestoft and Lowestoft-Norwich lines were surveyed, as were bus trips on the services of all local operators. Eighty-five per cent of trains arrived on time or within five minutes, only one train was cancelled and two were severely delayed, while such disruption as did occur was well handled. However, on one in eight journeys, fares were not collected or tickets checked on the train as the conductor was unable to deal with all passengers. ESTA chairman Trevor Garrod commented: “More people are travelling by train, but we are concerned that not all fares may be getting paid. We need enough staff and ticket machines to ensure that they are. We are not criticising the on-train or station staff, who our members almost always find very helpful.” There was also criticism of facilities at Lowestoft and Saxmundham stations, with calls for the shop to be reopened and real-time bus information to be installed at Lowestoft, and the waiting room and toilet to be reopened at Saxmundham. Numbers of passengers reaching a station by bus doubled to 20% in comparison to ESTA’s previous survey in August 2015, while 19% came by car and 45% on foot. Passengers were generally satisfied with the state of the trains, but one in four criticised the toilets, which were sometimes out of order. Members travelled on the buses of seven different operators and reported 80% arriving on time or within five minutes; the most significant lateness being 15 minutes. Almost everyone found the drivers helpful and courteous. However, bus stops attracted most criticism with nearly a quarter reporting no seat or shelter, nine per cent no timetable and 12% no bus stop sign, with the worst examples being Denmark Road in Lowestoft and Carlton Colville (The Crown). Additional shelters were reported to be needed at Saxmundham Church Street, Ipswich Hospital and Woodbridge Turban Centre. Mr Garrod also commented: “In our survey only 18% of bus passengers used the internet to find out times, which shows there is still an important role for printed timetables, leaflets and posters. We are however pleased that real-time information screens are again in operation at Lowestoft Bus Station.” A seven-page report of each survey has been sent to train and bus operators, local councils and other interested bodies.

WOODBRIDGE MAYOR’S MUSINGS The Christmas break is now a distant memory and January was relatively quiet. We did see Eastern Angles perform Stoat Hall at Seckford Theatre. The cast of five showed great versatility as they played a variety of instruments and took on multiple characters. In the end the dog stole the show. It’s great to have live theatre being performed in Woodbridge so please support these shows. The work of the council and its committees has started up again. Before a recent town council meeting there was a presentation from Suffolk County Council and district council representatives regarding accommodating refugees and asylum seekers in Woodbridge. This is the Home Office’s Asylum Seeker Dispersal Programme which the county has agreed to participate in. It was suggested that up to 20 asylum seekers could be accommodated in four rental properties in the town. They may be here for up to six months as their residency claims are processed, probably in Ipswich. Fifty per cent are likely to be families. Their accommodation will be from the private sector. Some councillors thought that Woodbridge would be expensive for the government to find and rent properties. Others were concerned that Woodbridge did not have the facilities and job opportunities to interest the newcomers. As a town council we have no say in this dispersal programme. We must wait and see how it works out in practice. At the later council meeting the budget for next year was agreed at the same level as last year. This should mean that the town council’s portion of your rate bill will not be increasing. The planning committee meetings were again busy reviewing a number of applications for development or home improvement. One I want to mention is a development of six bungalows off Grundisburgh Road. We had a presentation by the developer who specialises in building for the elderly market. With a growing elderly population and the town becoming a favourite for retirement, such developments must be welcomed. We also had the opportunity to comment on the plans for the development of Woodbridge Swimming Pool. It was generally felt that the architectural design did not reflect the character of the town and surrounding area. At the amenities committee we had a short presentation by the WI asking for our help to promote the Great British Spring Clean 2017. It’s taking place from March 3-5, so if you can spare some time to help tidy up Woodbridge please visit the council website for more information or email: springcleanwoodbridge@gmail.com or. Finally, can I ask those of you organising events in the town between May and September this year to contact the council or Choose Woodbridge with details. We are trying to pull together the Celebrate Woodbridge Summer 2017 programme and need your events to fill it. Stephen Attwell

FOLKERCISE WITH PROPER ENGLISH AT WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL The February dance at Melton was a great success with more than 70 people attending. Our Dance Folkus event on March 3 moves to a new venue and gives us lots more room for dancing. Great transport links and extensive nearby parking make Woodbridge Community Hall easy to access, so bring friends and relatives – even your children – to join in the frolicsome fun. Some people have commented that coming to our dances could contribute to improving fitness. So get some ‘Folkercise’ and come and dance to our special guests East Anglian based band Proper English and caller Jocelyn Armitage. The band has performed locally at FolkEast and Ceilidhs on the Move and is booked for this year’s Sidmouth Festival week in Devon. Jocelyn will be travelling up from East London to call for this event.

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There will be a special song spot by the excellent Suffolk band Tin River who have been making a name for themselves at local concerts and festivals. This event will also be open to families with younger children. Tickets are £6 at the door, but there is a discount for people (particularly students and children) if places are booked by email in advance (no payment required). Contact: Dancefolkus@aol.com Our dance on Friday, April 7 is back in Melton Burness Rooms. For one month only, our resident caller, Helen Howe, will be teaching the dances. Dance Folkus Come All Ye band will be playing. We welcome new instrumental players to join in (book in advance please). Jack Vaughan (Darsham Jack), a local singer with some great amusing songs and a high voice, will be entertaining us in the song spot. Please book by email for discounted entry (advance payment is not needed). Tickets at the door are £5. For more information contact Rob: 01473 610951

OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Saturday, March 4, 9am-5pm / Sunday, March 5, 10am-4pm Sale of ex-library non-fiction books. All proceeds go to Woodbridge Library. Tuesday, March 7, 12.45-1.30pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library (FOWL) Music at Lunchtime Concert featuring jazz saxophonist ‘Timbo’ Sadler. Free entry, but donations to the Friends of Woodbridge Library gratefully received. Friday, March 10, 7-9pm: Transition Woodbridge present Planetary, a provocative and breathtaking wake-up call which explores our cosmic origins and our future as a species. See page 15. Saturday, March 11, 10.15-11.45am: Talk on The Three Principles by Mia Philips. To book (£5), please email: mia.p@hotmail.co.uk Wednesday, March 15, 10am-4pm / Monday, March 27, 10am-4pm Information stand for Pride Fostering Service (see page 22) Saturday, March 18, 9-11am: County Councillor Caroline Page will be holding surgery at the library. Thursday, March 30, 2-3pm: Chair based exercise (Qi gong) and mediation session aimed at older people and taken by Roy Wadland, certified instructor for the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain. March 1-31: ArtLib exhibition of work by Tom Ambridge Having enjoyed drawing as a youngster, Tom returned to art as a retirement hobby when he joined Woodbridge Art Club. After first exploring different art media, he spent some time on monochrome portraits of past and current family members, inspired by the pencil painting technique of club member Rosario Zinna. Tom’s more recent work has employed the watercolour medium, mainly depicting local settings. His former occupation as an engineer and scientist has probably influenced his approach which has generally involved incorporating quite fine detail and has earned him a reputation at the club as ‘the bricklayer’. Throughout March: Display about Sae Wyfing See the developments leading towards the construction of the full-size replica of the ship that was buried at Sutton Hoo in AD 625. Booked Out The book and film review show hosted by Woodbridge Library staff is available on the Suffolk Libraries’ website and SoundCloud. This month we will be discussing books about magic. 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 March 2 we will be discussing The Pearl by John Steinbeck. 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. Woodbridge Novelists Meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. This is a reciprocal critiquing group for novel-writers who are working towards publication. For more details and contact information please visit: https://sites.google.com/ site/woodbridgenovelists/home Costa Coffee book sale Costa Coffee on The Thoroughfare now have a book shelf selling donated fiction. All titles are 50p and 100% of the money raised goes to support Woodbridge Library. Drink coffee while supporting your local library. Friends of Woodbridge library goodies Show your support for your library by carrying a cotton shopping bag bearing the Friends logo. It’s only £3. There is also a bookmark for £1. SNAP (Support & Advice Project) A SNAP support worker will be available every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am-noon for advice on all housing related issues, rent payments, arrears, budgeting and benefit changes.

Meeting room and display boards available for hire • Community, charity, private groups: £10 an hour (minimum 2hrs) Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour (minimum 2hrs) • Display boards: £10 per week • Staffed table display in the main library: £10 per half day Citizens Advice Bureau Someone from the CAB is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon. Free computer help and advice Contact the library to book a session or to find out more. 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. Creative Writing for All Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm. For more details contact: jeannie@butterwicks.com Knitting Club Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters, expert to beginner, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips. Drawing Group Meets on 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 on the 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 from 1-5pm in the 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 visit: 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. Kid’s Club Craft Activities: every Sunday, 10.30am-noon • March 5: Jointed Teddy or Robot • March 12: Activity Sheet Fun • March 19: Flat Pack Animals • March 26: Activity Sheet Fun

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY Woodbridge Orchestral Society presents a programme of light classical music at Woodbridge Methodist Church on St John’s Street, Woodbridge IP12 1ED on Monday, April 3 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6, including light refreshments, and can be bought from from Helen Lewis 01394 411232/Anne Stevenson 01394 385728 or at the door. Proceeds for the work of the church.

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction? Have you ever wondered about the story behind antiques through history and in modern life? Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt? If you do, we are sure you will enjoy the following event. The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents by popular demand another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS when she will talk about Antiques in Context. Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It. Join us at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Monday, March 6 at 7.30pm. Light refreshments, admission £6. The venue is fully accessible and there is free adjacent parking. Further details from the Burrows family: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

SONGS OF PEACE AND JOY The OK Chorale and Heartbeat in Concert Spring is in the air which means it’s time for OK Chorale’s annual concert of songs from around the world. Once again OK Chorale is delighted to share the bill with the women’s ensemble Heartbeat. The concert is at St Mary’s Church, Woodbridge on Saturday, April 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 (under 16s £3) and all profits will go to WaterAid, an international charity that transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. Formed in Woodbridge in January 2011 by Chris Rowbury, the 50-strong OK Chorale presents an evening of warm soulful harmonies and exuberant rhythms with songs of passion and joy from across the globe. OK Chorale will be joined for the second time by Heartbeat, formed 25 years ago to give women in the Halesworth area the opportunity to sing together. The 15-strong Heartbeat performs regularly and has a wide repertoire of world music and contemporary songs. Expect a rousing English Easter carol, haunting Scottish folk, infectious African rhythms, African-American gospel, a Moravian lullaby and much more in a vibrant celebration of harmony singing with not an instrument or backing track in sight. Tickets are available online at www.chrisrowbury.com (go to Concerts), from Chris at chris@chrisrowbury.com / 01394 610486 or on the door.

THE MASQUE PLAYERS PRESENT WHEN WE ARE MARRIED QUIZ EVENING AT HIGHLANDS Friday, March 3, 7pm Tables of four cost £5 per person. Refreshments and Raffle Bring your own wine Contact Ruth: 01394 382125

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

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Set in the early 1900s, a group of three couples, old friends and all married on the same day in the same chapel, gather at the Helliwells’ home to celebrate their silver anniversary. When they discover that they are not legally married, each couple initially reacts with proper Victorian horror (what will the neighbours think?) and then find themselves re-evaluating their marriages. Hovering closely over the proceedings is the Yorkshire Argus’ alcohol-soaked photographer, keen to record the evening’s events for posterity, and a wickedly destructive housekeeper who is hoping to use the couples’ mortification to her own advantage. Playing at Kesgrave Community Centre from Wednesday, March 29 to Saturday, April 1 at 7.45pm, tickets (£9 / £8 concessions) can be reserved via www.masqueplayers.com / 01473 725633 and will be available on the door.

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OUT & ABOUT TRANSITION WOODBRIDGE FILM NIGHT

WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Join us at Woodbridge Library from 7-9pm on Friday, March 10 for a free showing of Planetary, a provocative and breath-taking wake-up call that explores our cosmic origins and our future as a species.

At the AGM on February 8, our new president, Enid Castle, appealed to members to support the society by serving on the committee. Currently there are 10 vacancies on the main and show committees and without help it will be difficult to run this year’s flower show. The programme of events for this year will take place, but without the help of volunteers the society will be unable to run meetings and visits next year and after 165 years the society will cease to exist. Anyone able to help is urged to come forward at the next meeting on March 9.

A discussion will follow the film to see how we can make our community a greener and happier environment. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available (donations welcome). Transition Woodbridge is a community-led group that aims to strengthen the local economy, reduce the cost of living and prepare for a future with less oil and a changing climate. www.transitionwoodbridge.onesuffolk.net

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Sizewell C Head of External Affairs Tom McGarry and Site Manager Matt Elliott were the guest speakers at Woodbridge Rotary Club on January 26. All present were given the Stage 2 Pre-Application Consultation Summary Document for the proposed Nuclear Development – Sizewell C. Tom gave an excellent overview of the current position regarding the development and covered all aspects following the key changes since the Stage 1 consultation. This included detailed information about the layout of the site, accommodation for the workforce, rail links, sea transport, northern and southern park and ride sites, lorry movement and the proposed development of the A12 and B1122.

Janet Parsons then presented a talk about orchids, showing examples of the three main groups of the species which occur naturally between the tropics. Cool Orchids need a minimum night time temperature of 10C while the Intermediate types require a minimum night time temperature of 12-15C and Warm Orchids need to be kept above 18C as a minimum for good growth. In total there are more than 30,000 varieties of orchid around the world with more being produced all the time by hybridisation and micro propagation techniques. Janet invited those who wanted to learn more to attend the Orchid Show on March 25 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham IP5 3UY. The next meeting is on March 9 when Matthew Tanton Brown will present a talk entitled Fragrance in the Garden. The competition will be a photo of wildlife in the garden.

Matt then gave more detailed information about the proposed construction and the many environmental considerations being given to the main development site. Many questions were asked by the members and were satisfactorily answered by both representatives from Sizewell C. A vote of thanks was given by Rotary President Bertie Hirst, pictured (l-r) with Tom McGarry, Matt Elliott and Rotarian Ron Whitaker

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm. On March 21 Paul Forecast, the new regional director for the East of England National Trust, will be setting out his plans for the next 10 years and, in particular, how the trust will play a more active role in saving nature. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. On April 25 Horry Parsons will be talking about the construction of the Millennium Tower at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, featuring the installation of the vaulted ceiling. Horry is a very entertaining speaker, as many will remember, and this should be another interesting talk. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

WOODBRIDGE WI Our Christmas party may be a distant memory, but was one of the best we’ve had. Guests had to create and wear a Christmas themed hat to gain entry. Joyce Parlett was the well-deserved winner with her festive Christmas Parcel. Ann Nunn, our WI advisor, announced her intended retirement and we expressed our sincere thanks for her help over many years. The New Year began in splendid fashion with Sheila Harrison, a well-known speaker and member of Woodbridge WI, who gave a fascinating insight into the history of Butley Priory. Such was the interest aroused by her talk that Sheila has already organised a visit to the priory later in the year. We observed a minute’s silence at our February meeting in memory of Valerie Love, a long serving committee member and active participant in the life of our institute. Valerie will be greatly missed by us all and our thoughts are with her family at this sad time. Our speaker in February was local historian David Phelam who gave an illustrated presentation about St Audrey’s Workhouse and Asylum which was situated on land now occupied by Melton Park estate. At a time when poverty was rife and mental health care was in its infancy and usually harsh, it would appear St Audrey’s offered an enlightened regime with inmates treated with kindness and respect. Mr Phelham’s research offered an insight into this special hospital

which closed its doors in late 1990s. Following the talk a couple of our members recalled links with the asylum, one of whom had herself worked at St Audrey’s and another whose husband had nursed there for 29 years. Members were asked to volunteer a little time to two events taking place in Woodbridge. The first is to help on our stall in the community hall at Woodbridge on Show, a showcase for what is on offer from a variety of voluntary organisations within the town. Volunteers are also needed for the Spring Clean event in March. Last year during our Clean for the Queen campaign we collected many bags of rubbish from various locations within Woodbridge. Even a town as lovely as ours suffers from thoughtless discarding of rubbish so the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, Transition Woodbridge and other organisations will put on their rubber gloves and sally forth to clean up Woodbridge once again for the benefit of all. Members of the public will be warmly welcomed should they decide to join us for a couple of hours. Our usual team of quizzers turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice and Woodbridge in Bloom annual quizzes. Both events proved great fun and raised much needed funds for the respective charities. Woodbridge WI meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at the Octagon Methodist Church on St John’s Street. A warm welcome guaranteed to all.

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ADVERTORIAL TUCKWELL’S TO CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING WITH TURF AND LAWNCARE OPEN WEEKEND The Tuckwell family are opening the doors to their Ardleigh Showroom on April 1 and 2 for a special family weekend of turf, lawncare and clothing offers to get your garden into shape for 2017. The business, established in 1954 by Len Tuckwell, has a long and successful history of supporting the agricultural industry through both sales and service. Starting with just three employees, Len was one of the first four John Deere dealers in the UK. Ten years later his son Paul established the Ardleigh depot aged 21. Following university, Len’s grandson James also joined the business and the company has continued to grow. As a result Tuckwell’s is now one of the largest machinery dealers in the South East, with a strong focus on quality of service. Agriculture still remains at the heart of the business, but Tuckwell’s has more to offer. Garden and turf machinery, including a full range of John Deere mowers, are all on offer. Lawn and garden machinery specialist Bruce Davie said: “At our main lawncare showroom in Ardleigh, we offer specialist advice on mowers and help you decide on the best option for your lawn and budget.” Bruce and his colleagues are on hand six days a week. Bruce added: “We will also come to see your garden if that suits you better. The beauty of buying a machine from us is that we can provide you with the

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aftercare that you need. We have lawnmower parts in stock and a service team ready to repair and help you look after your machine.” Another growing sector of the business is Tuckwell’s expanding range of men’s and women’s country clothing, Out and About, stocking a handpicked selection of brands with a country/contemporary feel including Dubarry, Fairfax & Favor and Crew and Joules. As well as Ardleigh, the range is also in their Worlingworth branch and will also be at a number of country shows throughout the year. In addition to John Deere machinery, Tuckwell’s also stock toys. From ride on gators and farming toys to children’s John Deere overalls, there is a vast children’s selection in all depots. Managing Director James Tuckwell said: “We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our Ardleigh open event on April 1 and 2. It will be a fun weekend with prizes, special deals on lawnmowers and great discounts off our best-selling clothing brands. Come and join us for a bacon roll and coffee, while your children enjoy the fantastic play area.” For more info please visit: www.tuckwell.co.uk P Tuckwell Ltd, Ardleigh Hall, Dedham Road, Colchester CO7 7LG

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Our members live all around the area but we share an interest in what is happening in our county town. In January we learned a lot from our very entertaining speakers about Ipswich Citizens Advice Bureau. They gave us a picture of the different people who come to them and of the types of issues that they seek help with. We were impressed by the detail and reliability of the information which their national system provides for their advisers and the respect and empathy which we sensed in their approach to their clients. Volunteers play a valued role in many aspects of their work. February was focussed on our conference at the University of Suffolk in celebration of Lighthouse’s 40th anniversary. As In Touch’s submission deadline is the actual day of our event, we can only say that we have everything crossed! We are very much looking forward to our regular monthly meeting on March 8 when Abby Grace from Suffolk Refugee Support will speak about experiences of the Syrian refugees in Ipswich over the past year. This is such an important topic for all of us locally that we wonder if other women would like to come and hear her. You would be most welcome. Please call Jackie on 01473 659314 for directions or for more information about Soroptimism.

LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT One of the strengths of the Lions’ organisation is that it allows individual clubs to operate at a local level, but gives the opportunity to join with others regionally, nationally and internationally. As examples, the Lions Club of Woodbridge & District has: agreed to support a local course in Makaton, a sign language designed for children with special needs; contributed to a project lead by the New Century Lions Club to mark the 2017 centenary of the Lions movement which will provide raised garden beds in a centre for disadvantaged people in Ipswich; contributed to the Lions Clubs International Foundation’s Sight Savers programme. Formerly known as Sight First, this programme is on target to save or restore sight for one million people worldwide. For more about the Lions Club of Woodbridge & District, or Lions International, please visit www.woodbridgelions.org.uk or for an informal chat, without obligation, please call 0845 8332820.

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

DO YOU WISH TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY? OPEN EVENING Monday, March 13, 7.30-9.30pm Martlesham Heath Pavilion IP5 3UY Come and see what your local Rotary Club does in the Martlesham, Kesgrave, Melton and Woodbridge areas: • Serving the community • Involvement in international projects • Assisting other organisations through our networking • Welcoming people in the local area to meet and make new friendships Come along to our informal open evening, join us in a drink and nibbles, see a short presentation and exhibition of current and prospective activities and chat to our members and friends. Just turn up on the night or contact us for further information. www.debenrotary.org

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY At our February meeting a full hall heard a wonderful talk from Dr Peter Webb about his friend the Bradford artist David Hockney. As well as detailing the amazing career of the artist with many colourful illustrations of his work, Dr Webb also added a series of anecdotes of his meetings and experiences with Hockney. It was a truly fascinating and enjoyable lecture. Next month promises to be another gem. On March 1 Antony Penrose will talk on Picasso, Man Ray and Max Ernst through the eyes of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose. Antony is the son of photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose and, as a boy, had personal experiences of these three great figures of 20th century art. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures are presented by national and international lecturers and start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised). Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £6 donation is asked. For more information contact Wendy Robbins: 07736 417347 / info@orwelldfas.org.uk / www.orwelldfas.org.uk

The Inner Wheel Club meets once a month and continues to support a variety of local, national and international charities. Many members donated their first new £5 note to Beat (formerly the Eating Disorders Association) and some of us will be walking in silly socks on March 3 to promote awareness of this worthy cause. At our monthly meetings we continue to collect donations of foodstuffs for Lighthouse Women’s Refuge and postage stamps for Oxfam. In December members filled 13 shoeboxes with small gifts for Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child. Our charity quiz night will be held on Friday, March 17 at Woodbridge Community Hall, with proceeds going to the Stroke Working Age Group, Suffolk. Teams of four to six people can be entered at a cost of £6 per person. For more information or to enter a team please contact Deidre Griffin: 01473 612049 / tandd@griffin3373.fsnet.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY DIABETES UK IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP The next open meeting is on Thursday, March 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH at 7pm. The main speaker will be Caroline Sager, a HQ officer from Diabetes UK, and Martin from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, who is sponsoring the evening, will give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills. This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee. For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org ADVANCE NOTICE: Easter Fair at Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre on Sunday, April 2, 11am-3pm, with stalls, cakes, face painting, toys and much more.

GET AHEAD AT WORK Trying to advance your career? Already managing people? Want to be more confident giving those work presentations? If you step up to be a supervisor, manager or professional (or want to), formal training in management skills isn’t always available. We can give you a head-start by helping you become a more effective communicator and developing your leadership skills along the way. Let Speak Easy at Martlesham, your friendly neighbourhood speakers’ club, help you improve your speaking and leadership in 2017. Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club. We meet every Thursday fortnight at the Richards Room in Martlesham. Our meetings are structured to include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation. For further details please call 07968 372563 or visit: www.speak-easy.org.uk Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you soon.

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY At our last meeting we enjoyed a talk from Jeremy Gaskell about the treaty ports in China, both British and Foreign, as European countries tried to influence and gain trade from the Chinese. The French, German, Russian and Japanese, as well as the British, were represented in these ports, one of which was 500 miles up the Yangtze River. On March 1 Norman Emeny will present Astronomy & Archaeology and on March 15 we have a member’s competition where members can show up to 10 sheets on any subject of their choice. On April 5 we will be holding our annual auction where we sell stamps and philatelic material. There will be approximately 450 lots to bid for; viewing is on the evening from about 4pm, with the auction starting at 6.45pm sharp. Put the date in your diary if you would like to improve your collection or start a new hobby. Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.

Our February meeting was a great success with 90 members and guests taking part in the Melton Old School, Past, Present and Future event. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, March 1 at our usual venue, Melton Chapel, The Street, Melton. Local author, historian and archivist Ray Whitehand will be giving an illustrated talk entitled Unearthing Suffolk Roots on his work as a local historian and running an historical archive. Doors open at 7 for a 7.30pm start. Looking ahead to April, on Wednesday, April 5 we are very fortunate to have local author and historian Paul Fincham coming to talk to us about his research on the Martello Towers, the Napoleonic defensive forts dotted along our shoreline. As ever, all are welcome with members free, visitors £3. We look forward to seeing you.

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. Thursday, March 23: Butterfly Banner (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members. New members are always welcome. For more details contact: Jill 01473 713534 / Emma 01787 373850

MARCH BRINGS CHANCES FOR NEW BEGINNINGS Members of the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk have already dusted off their walking and gardening boots ready to challenge themselves and get going for a new season of outdoor activities. If you are a U3A member you will know that groups don’t close their doors when March winds blow because there are always plans to make for the next meeting or outing. You don’t have to be physically active to make U3A friends as there are also indoor groups for reading, writing, poetry or pastimes including Mah Jong, Scrabble and cards, in fact something for everyone. Plus of course the talks in our four campuses where visitors as well as members are welcome to attend one of the interesting talks before applying to become a full member. The campus coordinator or volunteers at each venue will be available to give further details of applying for membership on the day. Kesgrave Community Centre • Monday, March 27, 2pm: The Colonial Service and the Path to Independence – How Northern Rhodesia became Zambia by Anthony Shur Saxmundham Market Hall • Thursday, March 9, 2pm: The Globe Theatre by Mark Mitchels • Thursday, April 13, 2pm: The Brave Men of Suffolk in the First World War by Dave Empson Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall • Thursday, March 2, 10.30am: The talk given by John Midwinter at Saxmundham last year on the impact of climate change • Thursday, April 6, 10.30am: A Year in the Life, looking back at a 25-year career as a theatrical agent by Eve Regelous Woodbridge Community Hall • No meeting in March • Monday, April 3, 2.30pm: Giles and Ipswich, the life of the famous cartoonist by John Field

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WORKING WITH YOU FOR LIFE, LAND AND BUSINESS Enter the Barker Gotelee offices and you’ll immediately find yourself in a comfortable and inviting environment, feeling at ease and ready to talk confidently with the approachable solicitors and their teams.

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One of the leading legal establishments in Suffolk, Barker Gotelee has always strived to keep pace with the changing landscape of the law whilst truly differentiating itself with a customer-centric approach. Based in Martlesham, Barker Gotelee offers a wide range of legal services, spanning life, land and business throughout East Anglia. The firm is made up of a number of specialist teams, dealing with family law, property, private client matters, business services, and agriculture and farming. Each of these teams takes the same customer-focused approach, whether assistance is needed for an individual or for a business or commercial concern. The clear and sound legal advice that is offered, coupled with individual support and guidance, has allowed Barker Gotelee to build an enviable reputation for gaining the best outcomes for clients. James Skellorn is the Senior Partner and one of the founding members of Barker Gotelee. Talking of the firm’s customer first approach, he said: “At Barker Gotelee we place a great emphasis on offering a unique service to each of our customers. “Whether you come to us with a personal issue or a business concern, we take the time to understand your situation and concerns, so that we can deliver the most suitable support in the best timescales possible.”

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MEET YOUR LOCAL SUPERVISING SOCIAL WORKER FOR SUFFOLK Hi, my name is Antoinetta D’Allessandro, your local supervising social worker for the Eastern Region covering Suffolk. I have been working with the Sunbeam/Pride Fostering Service for more than three years and am 100% committed to my role within this company. I have both a personal and professional interest in fostering and feel this gives me the passion and insight to recognise what makes a good foster carer. I feel I am able to go the extra mile needed to support and understand my foster carers journey, which may at times be challenging but brings with it its own rewards. I like to adopt an individual approach to all my foster families, encouraging them to believe in the personal qualities they bring to the role of fostering, which in turn can motivate and inspire the foster child in their care to reach their potential. Pride Fostering is presently looking to recruit foster carers within the Suffolk area. For further information around what makes a good foster carer and the reasons why children become looked after, please go to our website for more information, where you can also apply: www.pridefostering.com/fostering-in-suffolk If you live in Suffolk or the surrounding areas and would like to know more about how Pride can support you as a foster carer visit www.pridefostering.com where under Events you’ll see the types of activities Antoinetta does with her foster families. Antoinetta is holding information days at Woodbridge Library on Wednesday, March 15 and Monday, March 27, 9.30am-5.30pm, and looks forward to meeting you for an informal chat and exchange of leaflets and further information.

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OUT & ABOUT NEW HORIZONS

SPRING AT THE WOODBRIDGE SOCIETY

New Horizons, the club for older people in the area, continues to thrive. Recently, the volunteers felt honoured to receive the Potter Community Cup from Woodbridge Town Council. The cup is awarded every year to the person or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the life of the town during the preceding 12 months. While we were grateful for the recognition, the volunteers all feel that it is a pleasure and a joy to be affiliated with the club. The most important thing we do is chatting to the members and providing companionship. They have all lived such interesting lives and have wonderful stories to tell. We receive far more in return than we give, and always go away with smiles on our faces.

The second half of the society’s season of talks begins on Wednesday, March 8 with the council’s principal design and conservation officer, Robert Scrimgeour. This is bound to be an important contribution to the society. There is always tension in a historic town such as Woodbridge, between its past and its traditions and the way in which it develops to meet the needs of modern-day residents and tourists. This tension is often focused on the area’s planning department and on the ways in which it responds to planning applications and makes recommendations to councillors. Robert is an architect and planner with further qualifications in urban design, landscape history and field archaeology. He has nearly 30 years experience working in the field of historic environment in both private and public sectors in this country and abroad, and has worked at Suffolk Coastal District Council since 2007. The town is fortunate to have such a well-qualified person looking after its historic interests. The talk is entitled Conservation and Developments and Robert will talk about the role of the council’s design and conservation service, the various activities it undertakes and the help it provides. He will also focus on some specific issues of importance to Woodbridge. As usual the meeting will be held in Abbey School Hall (off Cumberland Street). It starts at 7.30pm on March 8 and the society’s AGM will take place on the same evening.

Here we see the mayor awarding the Potter Community Cup to New Horizons volunteers with (seated l-r) Linda Cadman, out longest-serving volunteer, group leader Brenda Jackson and Dianna Luxmore, our oldest volunteer, with volunteers standing behind with the Mayor of Woodbridge, Stephen Attwell. Every Thursday, after arriving to a welcoming cup of coffee or tea with biscuits, many of the members join in with activities such as art, Scrabble, dominos or a game of cards. Some just enjoy a good chat or might chose to read the newspapers or a magazine. Several appreciate the opportunity to ask volunteer shoppers to purchase something they need. Of course, everyone looks forward to the delicious home-cooked twocourse meal followed by more coffee or tea. Anyone who wishes can also join in with the armchair exercises which are fun as well as beneficial. Looking forward, the volunteers are organising a talent show to raise funds for Red Nose Day, and we have The Hut on Felixstowe sea front booked for two different days later in the year. If you have a few hours free on Thursdays please consider becoming a volunteer. Drivers are especially needed to pick members up within a five mile radius of Woodbridge, taking them to St Mary’s Hall for 9.45am and picking them up at 2.30pm. Transport is organised on a rota for when it suits you and you would be paid for mileage to cover your costs. New Horizons meets every Thursday from 10am-2pm at St Mary’s Church Hall on Market Hill. The cost for the day is £8 with a small additional fee if you require transport. People over the age of 55 are invited to come along and join us. For more information and to make arrangements, please phone 07514 364752 and speak to one of our leaders.

WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB Wendy Goodliff will present a demonstration entitled A Stitch in Time on Thursday, March 23 at Wickham Market Village Hall at 7.30pm. Your first visit is free; do come along and bring a friend.

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A month later Mark Mitchels will present a talk entitled A History of the Suffolk Landscape. While some aspects of our landscape can be traced back to geological movements many thousands of years ago, much of what we see in the Suffolk landscape has been moulded to suit the times. Each century has left us things we value today. The wonderful churches of the medieval period, the delightful wool towns and the rich, rolling fields are all products of their time. This illustrated talk will examine the changes which have occurred in Suffolk across the centuries and show the ways in which they have left their mark on the county today. Mark’s talk will be on Wednesday, April 5, again at 7.30pm in Abbey School Hall. Visitors are welcome to attend both talks where information about the society’s programme of summer visits will be available. For further information please phone the society’s chairman, Alan Vaughan, on 01394 386764 or membership secretary Gillian Barella, on 01394 380418.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP UP CLOSE WITH OUR MARINE MAMMALS There’s a chance to learn more about the whales, seals and dolphins living off our coastline when an organisation dedicated to their rescue and wellbeing give a talk at Woodbridge Community Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 16. The talk is being organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group and Phil Smith, chairman, said: “British divers Marine Life Rescue are a charity dedicated to rescuing marine mammals in distress around the UK and this is going to be a fascinating talk from Jo Collins, who is the area co-ordinator for the charity.” Mr Smith continued: “Admission to the talk is £2.50 for adults, with children under 16 free and there will be a raffle and light refreshments during the evening. Everyone is welcome.” For more information please contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com

OUT & ABOUT / SPORT EASTER AT BRIGHT STARS Soon we will be finding out about Easter, with singing, Bible stories, games and crafts. If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a fun start to your week we would love you to come along with family and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars. We are a friendly group who meet from 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath. The free half hour sessions are followed by refreshments and a chance to play until noon. You are welcome to turn up on the day, but if you would like further information please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you. Our remaining dates for the spring term are March 13 and 27. Jennie Fidler: 07584 420729 / Sonya & Maureen Burrow: 01473 625196 / Sue Lambert: 01473 624130

WILDLIFE OF SHINGLE STREET Bawdsey Bird Club annual illustrated talk This year’s public illustrated talk will be given by Jeremy Mynott and takes place in Sutton Memorial Hall, Old Post Office Lane, Sutton, Nr Woodbridge IP12 3JQ on Saturday, March 25 at 7.30pm. Jeremy is a resident of Shingle Street who has published and broadcast widely on the natural world, especially on birds. He led a survey of the wildlife of Shingle Street which is summarised in his 2016 booklet, Knowing your Place: Wildlife in Shingle Street. Who could be better equipped to deliver this talk than someone living among the wonderful diversity of flora and fauna this unique area has to offer? Jeremy’s stunning photographs and amazing enthusiasm for nature conservation and study will enhance what promises to be an evening not to be missed. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available during the interval. Admission is £3 for adults, under 18s £1.50 and there is ample free parking. For directions and further information please contact: wa@sandlings.co.uk / 01394 411422

WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB You would be forgiven for thinking La La Land was coming to Woodbridge when you read the poster advertising Julian Mustoe’s talk to the club on his voyage in the footsteps of The Beagle, especially when you learned it was in a 25ft boat. But no this was as real as Alex Thomson’s round the world in Hugo Boss, and in many ways just as tough although definitely not as fast. A capacity audience heard how Julian fulfilled his boyhood ambition when he set off single handed from Plymouth in Harrier, a junk rigged boat with no engine, and made for the Canary Isles, his first stop on a round the world voyage following the course taken by Charles Darwin to chart the southern oceans. He recounted storms, capsizes and finally shipwreck on the shores of an Argentinian National Park with no habitation for over 100 miles. But fate smiled kindly and he was rescued by two girls who only passed that way every 10 days or so to tend their sheep. This certainly saved him from a slow and lonely death and 18 months later he had got himself a new boat and was able to continue through the Beagle Channel, at the southern tip of Argentina, into the Pacific Ocean and up the desolate west coast of Chile.

His next 4,500 mile leg saw him in Tahiti, having missed out the Galapagos Islands because of a £500 landing fee, then on to Australia where adverse winds drove him round the north of the island, and yet another near death experience when he ran into a band of people smugglers. But again fortune favoured him because they were merely keeping him out of sight of the main villains – the ‘complaints department’ as he put it – and so he continued, via the Cocos Islands and Cape of Good Hope, into the Atlantic and across to Salvador where his circumnavigation was technically completed. However, he still had to get back to Plymouth

and it was on this last leg that he witnessed the ‘blinding’ light that accompanied the launch of an Ariadne space rocket. It was on this last leg when Darwin was also struck by a blinding light and his theory of the origin of the species was born. Overall the trip had taken 10 years and Julian returned changed but undaunted and he is already planning further adventures. During the voyage he used only a GPS and paper charts and his main preoccupation was to ration out his water supply. He ate mainly pulses as they were nutritious and easy to store, but once ashore he headed to the nearest restaurant for a large steak and a bottle of claret. Full details of the trip can be found in his book, The Voyage of the Harrier. Two weeks later Bob Merrett continued the maritime theme with a spellbinding talk on the history of Woodbridge. The sound of a pin dropping would have reverberated round the room as an audience of more than 80 listened in wrapped silence while Bob recounted in knowledgeable detail the origins and development of the town from its Anglo-Saxon beginnings through its glory years as a boat building centre and on up to the present day. Bob and his wife Anne are respectively custodian/treasurer and chairman of The Friends of Woodbridge Museum. The museum is currently located in rather cramped conditions on Market Hill, but has a fine and extensive collection of exhibits recording this development which can’t at present be displayed to full advantage. However, Bob explained that once regeneration of the old Whisstocks site is complete the museum will be installed on the ground floor enabling many more of the exhibits to be displayed and a similar sized area upstairs will provide a community space for use by schools and groups. A walkway from this upper floor will lead onto a mezzanine in the hall where a 90 feet long replica of the Sutton Hoo Saxon burial ship is to be built. Paul Constantine, the leader of this project, will be giving a talk to the club in the near future. Bob and Anne’s involvement with the museum began 34 years ago when they were part of the group of volunteers who helped set it up and their enthusiasm for the project has never waned. The depth of Bob’s knowledge of the town and surrounding areas is impressive and members were loud in their applause and demonstrated their appreciation by raising a £200 donation toward the cost of relocating the museum to the waterside. For information about Woodbridge Cruising Club, including RYA training courses which start in March, visit: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org

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SPORT IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL It’s been a fantastic month for Ipswich Ravens which fittingly included our third anniversary of forming the club in 2014. We began with an excellent showing in the monthly indoor six-a-side tournament at Maidenhall Leisure Centre. After finishing bottom of Division 1 last month with a depleted squad due to seasonal flu, our First team was back to normal this month and put in a strong performance finishing third out of seven teams with two good wins and defeats against only the two very strong sides from Ipswich VC who are by far the strongest club in the competition. Our elated captain Chris Giles summed it up: “Frankly we smashed it this month, although we only won two and lost two it feels like we won the tournament!” In Division 2 we were delighted to be able to enter a composite team consisting of three of our ladies and two juniors. This was the first time our juniors have competed at this level having previously played in just the occasional school tournament, and it showed our intention to develop players of all levels and help them to improve as quickly as they can manage. The team performed admirably with two good wins against Stow Aces and SCC Seagulls, and two defeats. Probably the most pleasing event of the month was when Ravens Ladies hosted a full scale match against SCC Seagulls in the Suffolk Ladies League. This is the first season that the Ladies League has ever been held and it’s a sign of how volleyball has grown in popularity throughout the county in recent years. The match was played in excellent spirit and after a rather sluggish start Ravens raised their game to romp home with a win by three sets to nil 26-17, 26-12, 26-8. Finally, with the club continuing to grow we are thrilled to say we have now started running an extra volleyball session every Tuesday from 7-9pm, also at St Alban’s School in Rushmere, to whom we are hugely grateful for their continued support. This is in addition to our established session on Saturdays from 2-4pm. All our sessions are run by experienced coaches and are open to male or female players, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875.

MELTON BOWLS CLUB The first bowl to officially open the green for the new season will be delivered by club president Gavin Abbott on Saturday, April 15 at 1.30pm. This will be followed by a drive for club members, weather and green condition permitting. Anyone interested finding out about playing bowls is welcome to come along on the day. The club has a full programme of events arranged for the season, having entered six mixed leagues, one men’s league, several county and National Cup competitions as well as having club competitions, friendly games and social events. Entries are now full for the club’s four invitation tournaments to be held on Sunday, June 4 (Colin Carter), August 6 (Woodbridge Cake Shop), September 3 (Happy Haddock) and September 24 (Greenkeeper). There will be an open day on Saturday, April 29 at their clubhouse in Dock Lane from 10am-noon. Coffee and tea will be available, together with tombola, cake stall and a raffle. Everybody is welcome to come and try their hand at playing on the club green, free of charge (equipment and coaching will be provided). All abilities catered for and beginners are very welcome. For more information or if you are interested in joining the club, see the Melton Bowls Club Facebook page or contact Ray Andrews: 01394 450725

WOODBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB RAISES MONEY FOR HOME START At a recent home game league luncheon at Woodbridge Rugby Club a very kind donation was made to the luncheon raffle of a wooden carved picture of a cricket scene. The quick thinking chairman of WRUFC, Rob Simpson, suggested that this donation was too good to put in the raffle and auctioned it off separately. There followed a good-humoured auction that raised £280. It was agreed this money would go to a local charity and Home Start East Ipswich & Coastal was chosen to receive it. This charity provides support to families living in the Suffolk Coastal and East Ipswich area. Jan Ballard of Woodbridge Rugby Club said: “It was lovely to be able to donate to a local grass roots charity known to all of us.” Louise Potter, the finance officer for this district, was delighted to receive the cheque alongside her fundraising co-ordinator Ella Heeney and said: “All our family support is delivered by trained volunteers who give their time for free. However, we cover their travel costs and this will enable us to keep a volunteer on the road supporting local families in the Suffolk coastal area.”

(l-r) Jan Ballard with Ella Heeney and Louise Potter from Home Start

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