In Touch with Woodbridge - May 2016

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Volume 5 • Issue No. 13 • MAY 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Yesterday we had thunder, lightening, rain, hailstones… Today the most glorious spring day of the year so far. I think this is it! I can feel it in my bones. Summer is finally on the way. Time to get out the sun cream, to pack away the woolly jumpers and to open the doors and windows and let the fresh air in. At last!

NEWS WHAT’S TASTY MARKET IS BACK

It’s a busy, busy year with many extra events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in addition to annual fun days, galas, regattas, fairs and fetes. There isn’t a single weekend between now and the end of June when there isn’t at least one event every Saturday and Sunday and many more on Bank Holiday Mondays.

I’m currently trying to organise a Star Wars birthday party for my sixyear-old son and the kitchen table is covered in scrapped invitation cards (Jack was writing the names!), lists (food, games, shopping, goodie bags, decorations), recipes (Chewy Wookiee Cookies look particularly challenging!), and information about keeping rabbits!

Don’t ask! This I have to do but those who plan, organise and promote local events often do so by choice and I can only imagine how much time and energy, never mind the blood, sweat and tears, they invest to bring it all together and pack it all away again.

I’m hoping at least 10 of Jack’s friends turn up, but at least I’ll know in advance and can plan accordingly. I may not need 16 inflatable lightsabers after all and I’ll probably be eating Obo-Wan Kabobies for a month, but I’m not sure I could cope with not knowing if anyone would turn up! Yet our valiant teams of local event organisers do it year after year, hoping the weather will play along, hoping their neighbours will roll up, hoping there will be a sufficient number of people to make all the effort worthwhile, hoping to raise a significant sum for the cause, whatever it may be.

Surely the least we can do is turn up. Let’s make the effort this year and we might all find new reasons to appreciate our local community.

Melton In Touch &with Woodbridge Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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woodbridge@intouchnews.co.uk

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

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Photo by Simon Ballard Organised by Choose Woodbridge and sponsored by East of England Coop, the What’s Tasty food market returns to the Market Hill from 10am3pm on Saturday, May 21 with its usual mix of street food and fresh local produce as well as cooking demonstrations on an open grill by talented local chef Vernon Blackmore.

Stallholders already confirmed include Woodbridge Greengrocers, Red Chilli Kitchen, Les Chocolats Belges, Charsfield Juice, Boyton Farm Produce and Tikkatonic. Visitors can buy all sorts, from locally grown asparagus and strawberries to cooking sauces, chocolates, ice cream, apple juice, sausage rolls, pies and authentic Indian street food.

Local chef Vernon Blackmore is demonstrating how to cook a variety of delicious treats on the Roadii barbeque. Visitors can watch, ask questions and taste the spoils of the demo in this welcoming and relaxed setting.

Christian Bone, head of community engagement for East of England Co-op, said: “We’re very keen to support community events like this.

Local producers play a key role in the identity of the region and this is definitely something to be celebrated. Events like the What’s Tasty market give people a chance to connect with the producers, learn about the provenance of the food and try before they buy.”

More information about this event and others taking place in Woodbridge over the coming months can be found at: www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk/events

WOODBRIDGE STREET FAIR AIMED AT LOCAL SHOPPERS Inspired by the Queen’s birthday and supported by Choose Woodbridge, Nicky Risby, owner of Ninni Noo Boutique, is organising a street fair on the Thoroughfare and Market Hill on Saturday, May 14 ahead of the Woodbridge 10k road race on Sunday 15.

In an interesting twist, the fair is aimed at local shoppers, hoping to entice them to take the time to explore Woodbridge’s shops and cafes with fresh eyes, as if they were visiting for the first time. To tempt and spoil shoppers, Woodbridge retailers will put on special offers for the whole weekend. On the Saturday, the wide range of products will spill out into the street for all to see with buskers and entertainers helping create a festival atmosphere.

Nicky said: “We’re organising this event for the locals, although everyone is welcome. We hope the offers and the sense of occasion will encourage people to take a breather from the daily grind and take the time to enjoy the wide range of shops and cafes in this wonderful town. It’s an opportunity for us, as shopkeepers, to prove that shopping local is the way forward.”

All the confirmed shop opening hours and offers will be posted on www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk in the coming weeks.

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NEWS WOODBRIDGE CELEBRATES SHAKESPEARE ANNIVERSARY

SWIFTS IN WOODBRIDGE

Woodbridge resident and literature enthusiast Tim Cornford is organising Woodbridge’s own celebration of Shakespeare this summer to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his death. The celebration kicks off with free art and drama workshops at Farlingaye High School inspired by the famous bard.

Woodbridge RSPB Local Group is continuing its campaign to save our swifts and again we need your help. For information about our 2015 survey please visit: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/woodbridge

The first is a two-session course of art workshops on Thursdays, May 5 and 19 from 5-7.30pm. The course will be run by Sue Cranwell and Madelaine Nightingale, textile and mixed-media artists in residence at Farlingaye, and is open to all ages. Students will work with textiles and printed books to create 3D pieces drawing on images and quotes from Shakespeare.

Please contribute to our 2016 survey

This year we are looking for swift nest sites in roofs or nest boxes. If you see swifts flying at roof level, particularly around the eaves, between early May and early August this could be a nest site. You may see them flying directly into a hole or through a loose tile into the nest with food for the young. If it’s your house you may hear them from the upstairs rooms. Another sign of breeding swifts is ‘screaming parties’. These are the groups of birds which fly around in a tight group, at or just above roof top height.

We would like to hear about nest sites and screaming parties. So please send us your records with your name and the address and postcode of the nest site. For screaming parties please tell us the date, the address and postcode. We would be glad to receive any extra details about the activity around your swift nest such as when the swifts arrived and how often you see them. Please send the information to: woodbridge-swifts2015@outlook.com This year we are working with Save Our Swifts, the Suffolk based group which is aiming to record all known swift nest sites by 2020. All the data we receive will also be entered onto the RSPB and SWT websites. In this way we will be making a major contribution to the national picture of swift numbers and distribution.

Tim Cornford surrounded by Shakespeare books in Browsers Bookshop Photo by Simon Ballard The second art workshop is a single session on either Tuesday, June 7 or Tuesday, June 14, 5-7.30pm. This class will be run by Emma Johnson, a mixed media artist and a visiting artist at Farlingaye High School, and will involve the manipulation and re-structure of Shakespeare’s plays in book form to create 3D artworks.

Works created during the workshops will form a public exhibition in Woodbridge Library throughout June and July. Places should be booked by emailing: thetherington@farlingaye.suffolk.sch.uk There are also free drama workshops for ages seven-11 (10am12.30pm) and 12-13 (1-3.30pm) on Saturday, July 16. These workshops will be run by drama instructor Rosie Gordon, who has worked for the Shakespeare in Schools project, and Rachel Lansdowne, drama teacher at Farlingaye. Students will work in groups to bring scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life. The workshops will end with brief presentations to parents. Places should be booked by emailing: rlansdowne@farlingaye.suffolk.sch.uk Tim said: “Shakespeare’s work is core to Britain’s art and drama heritage and I hope through these community celebrations we can help to reignite the passion and appreciation in people of all ages. I am so very grateful to the Year 7 pupils at Farlingaye High School for designing the posters, to the rector and PCC of St Mary’s Church for the use of the church on Sunday, June 12, and to Suffolk Coastal District Council, Deben Decorative and Fine Arts Society and Woodbridge Society for their financial support.”

Further information and booking contacts can be found at: www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk/events

It is thought that one reason for swift decline is the loss of nest sites on buildings through modernisation. Many roofs are now deliberately designed to exclude swifts by blocking up entry points so we will do all we can to raise awareness among builders, developers and home owners about the need to allow swifts to have entry points into our roofs. They are charming visitors; those who have them feel privileged to share their roof spaces with them for the summer months.

To compensate for the loss of nest sites we are extending our campaign to encourage people to install swift nest boxes on their houses. Nest boxes will be available for sale at group meetings from now on, with advice about sound systems to attract the birds.

For information leaflets contact woodbridge-swifts@outlook.com or download them from www.rspb.org.uk/groups/woodbridge where you will find links to other swift websites. You also can obtain them from the RSPB Woodbridge Group’s monthly meetings on the first Thursday in the month from October to May at Woodbridge Community Hall.

Jenny James, RSPB Woodbridge Local Group

WOODBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL GRANT DEADLINE Each year Woodbridge Town Council awards grants to charities and voluntary organisations that contribute to the well-being of Woodbridge or promote the image of the town.

Funds are limited so however well deserving, county and national charities and organisations are unlikely to receive grant funding unless they can demonstrate that any funds granted will directly benefit Woodbridge and its inhabitants.

TUESDAY EVENING BINGO

Grants are awarded by the town council at its July meeting. Applications should be received by the town clerk at Shire Hall, Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP by May 31.

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

Follow the link to our grants page at: www.woodbridge.onesuffolk.net/about-us/grant-scheme

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

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

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

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NEWS WOODBRIDGE 10K 2016

The prestigious ‘round the town’ Woodbridge 10 Kilometre road running race returns to the streets of Woodbridge on Sunday, May 15.

This is the prime event of the Woodbridge sporting calendar and once again the race has proved incredibly popular with all 750 places being filled within an hour and a half of the online entry system opening. The supporting Junior Fun Run is also full with 170 children between the ages of seven and 16 competing.

This year’s race is likely to be fiercely competitive with the top five male and female runners in Suffolk invited to take part. Further spice is added to the male race with the return of course record holder Aaron Scott.

Aaron was picked to run for England last year and there has to be a fair chance of he will break his own course record yet again.

The race is being organised as usual by members of the Woodbridge Shufflers Road Running Club and proceeds from the race will be dispersed between six local charities nominated by members of the club.

Since its inauguration in 1981 the event has enabled Woodbridge Shufflers to donate in excess of £100,000 to a wide range of charitable organisations and good causes. Last year the club was recognised for the significant contribution the race has made to local charities by being chosen as one of the finalists for the Suffolk Coastal Business Charity Champion Award.

The charities who will be beneficiaries of this years race are Lapwing Education, Orwell Panthers, Ipswich Holiday Help for Children, Friends of Woodbridge Primary School and Suffolk Young Peoples Health Project.

Many local businesses are once again supporting the event and will be competing for the Unaffiliated Team prize. Sponsors this year are: Brafe Engineering Ltd, Gressingham Foods, The Kings Head Inn, The Galley, East Green Energy Ltd, Barretts of Woodbridge, Adnams, The Angel, Newman Physiotherapy, Cherry Tree pub, Nottcutts, Amarinth, Jewsons, The Coop, The Turk’s Head, Hasketon, Chapel Properties (Woodbridge) Ltd, Howard Construction (Anglia) Ltd, Gotelee Solicitors, Barker Gotelee Solicitors, Kingsland Linassi Ltd, Specsavers, Haven Power and LocalValues.

There will be some disruption to traffic on the day of the race between 11.45am and 1.15pm. Some roads within Woodbridge will be closed, but of particular note is the one way system that will be operated along Ipswich Road. Anyone wanting to enter Woodbridge from the Ipswich, Martlesham or Kesgrave direction during this time will need to go up to the Woods Lane roundabout on the A12 and enter via Melton. Full details of the traffic system to be operated between these times along with further race day information can be found at: www.woodbridgeshufflers.org

PICNIC IN THE PARK Elmhurst Park, Saturday, June 11, from 2pm In collaboration with Woodbridge Town Council, Woodbridge Excelsior Band is proud to announce its Picnic in the Park, celebrating two special events: HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday and 170 years of Woodbridge Excelsior Band.

Our very special guests Woodbridge Royal British Legion and The Band of The Royal British Legion Band, Leiston will parade through the town to the bandstand to kick off the celebrations. There will be an afternoon of music and entertainment with stalls, refreshments, a barbecue and ice creams.

Join us for an afternoon of family fun. Bring your picnic blankets and be ready to wave those flags along to our Last Night at the Proms finale.

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WOODBRIDGE REGATTA DATE ANNOUNCED The 2016 Woodbridge Regatta and Riverside Fair takes place all along the river from The Tide Mill to Deben Yacht Club on Sunday, June 26. Activities start at noon with Songs of Praise on The Tea Hut stage and finish with the Woodbridge & District Lions Club Duck Dive at the model yacht pond at 5.30pm.

People of all ages gather beside the River Deben for yacht, dinghy and tender races, as well as the single oar sculling race in memory of Frank and Christine Knights and the entertaining raft race organised by 1st Woodbridge Scout Group. The Tide Mill is offering free admission and people can take advantage of free boat trips up and down the river throughout the day.

Families can head to the bandstand for face painting and games. People can bring their model yachts to sail on the model boat pond or even hire one on the day from The Tea Hut. Live music will fill the air at various intervals along the riverside including The Tea Hut and The Cruising Club.

Woodbridge Regatta is free for all to enjoy with free car parking at Suffolk Coastal District Council car park at Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU. Geoff Holdcroft, chairman of the regatta committee, said: “The programme for this year is being developed to ensure it has all of the usual action with some added freshness. The success and longevity of Woodbridge Regatta is a testament to various community groups working together. I thank everyone involved for helping us to put on what we hope will be another fabulous event.” www.woodbridgeregattaassoc.onesuffolk.net www.facebook.com/WoodbridgeRegatta

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET We have two markets in May, on Saturdays 14 and 28, at Woodbridge Community Hall from 9am-12.30pm. We will have delicious soft fruits and asparagus grown in Suffolk as well as our usual ranges of various meats, cheese, coffee, chocolates, honey, marmalade, preserves, cakes, pastries, bread and plants.

The exciting news is that we have new artwork. We’re delighted that Woodbridge artist Michael Coulter, who has an affinity with this area and is well known for his gently humorous rural scenes, has agreed to become our patron. Look out for his work and our new logo on our website and Twitter account.

We’ve also launched our kids’ drawing competition. If you’re aged 11 or under and enjoy painting or drawing, why not enter our competition to draw your favourite Woodbridge Farmers’ Market stall?

The competition closes on June 1. There are prizes and all entries will be displayed at our market relaunch on June 11. For more details visit www.woodbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk or follow us on Twitter: @WoodbridgeFmMkt Our lovely new logo was designed by Andrew Lim using a cockerel from a painting by Michael Coulter. They both live in Woodbridge and Michael currently has an exhibition at The Galley Restaurant, 21 Market Hill, Woodbridge which runs to May 29. You are welcome to call in for coffee, lunch or dinner and view the paintings upstairs.

LOCAL FLAVOURS, FAMILIAR FACES

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Please note: The library will be closed on bank holiday Mondays, May 2 and 30.

Tuesday, May 3, 6-7.30pm: Brave New Reads Book Lovers’ Night Join us on May 3 when we will be unveiling the six Brave New Reads titles of 2016, a collection of outstanding writing for those in need of a literary adventure, plus great fiction displays, reviews, readings and recommendations.

This is a great opportunity to meet up with other readers who share a passion for books and libraries and a chance to swap recommendations. www.bravenewreads.org.uk

Saturday, May 7, 9am-5pm / Sunday, May 8, 10am-4pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library sale of donated fiction titles. All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Saturday, May 21, 9-11am: County Councillor Caroline Page will be holding her surgery at the library ArtLib, May 1-31 May’s ArtLib exhibition will be photographs by members of Suffolk Creative Photographic Group. Founded in 2011, the group is forward thinking and creative in its approach to photography and will not be constrained by conventional camera club rules. Mutual help and support to achieve individual and group goals is a factor, as is the sharing of knowledge and skills. Members of the group are proactive in producing monthly work for assessment and entering competitions and bi-monthly projects are set to encourage and aid members to produce creative work.

Booked Out The book and film review show hosted by Woodbridge Library staff is available at www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/bookedout and SoundCloud.

Last month guests talked about classic horror titles such as Frankenstein and Dracula. This month we will be delving into the intimate world of diaries and journals and the insights they reveal to us about personal moments and memories captured in time. 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: first Thursday of the month at 2pm On May 5 we will be discussing History of the Rain by Niall Williams. This group is led by a member of staff. Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion.

Free computer help and advice – now available Contact the library to book a session, or to find out more. Includes information about buying and getting connected, computer/tablet setup or re-configuration advice, help with specific tasks for more experienced users or taster sessions for absolute beginners. Remember you can now bring in your own device to access WiFi at the library.

New services We now sell first and second-class postage stamps, can 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 also 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 every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Flagship Someone from Flagship is available 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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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, 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.

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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: Kids’ Club Craft Activities

BINGO NIGHTS AT WOODBRIDGE TOWN FC May 1, 15 and 29 from 7.30pm. Just turn up or contact John for more information: 01394 385308 The hall is available free for parties, weddings and other events on Fridays and Saturdays in June/July 2016. Maximum capacity 120.

Contact Richard Scott: 01394 385308/380187

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Don’t have a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney?

Don’t leave it too late…

On your doorstep at the amazing Hush House, Bentwaters Parks: the musical event of the summer from 15-19 June!

The Co-op Juniors Theatre Company presents by arrangement with The Really Useful Group

Call us on 01473 358195 to ask for your copy of our FREE eye-opening report: “10 reasons why not making a Will could leave your estate in a state” or make an appointment with no obligation.

Original London & Broadway productions directed by Trevor Nunn. “I Do” music by Alastair Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Nick Coler Orchestrations by David Cullen & Andrew Lloyd Webber. Original production by The Really Useful Group Ltd

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early fo £15.50. Book Seats start at www.silverliningep.co.uk

Making sense of it all…

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Evenings 7.30pm Matinées 2.30pm on Sat 18 & Sun 19 June Tickets from the New Wolsey Theatre 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/starlight

Free parkin g, pre-show BB Q, Bar & Café Pavilion

Come earl and enjoy!y

www.coopjuniors.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT LEARN TO DANCE ARGENTINE TANGO

CO-OP JUNIORS THEATRE COMPANY

Argentine Tango is an elegant, evocative, social dance which is becoming more and more popular. It’s a dance that is suitable for all ages, is fun to learn and helps to develop good posture, balance and musical awareness. Suffolk Tango is starting its new 10-week beginner course on Monday, June 6 at The Richards Room at Martlesham Heath Community Centre (just behind the 24hr Tesco on the A12).

Starlight Express, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash-hit musical, makes its stunning youth group production debut at the Hush House on Bentwaters Parks on June 15.

The course is designed to give a gentle introduction to the techniques of the dance and to allow a confident progression from classroom to dance floor. Prior booking is essential to ensure a balance of leaders and followers, but you don’t need to book with a partner because we always change partners during the class. The classes will be taught by Richard and Mandy of Woodbridge who have been dancing and teaching tango for many years and enjoy being able to pass on their knowledge and love of the dance to others.

The huge hangar, used to test jet engines and featuring a spectacular tunnel, is being transformed by the award-winning Co-op Juniors Theatre Company into a 380-seat theatre, complete with a welcoming pavilion bar and café and a special pre-show barbecue. So get there early.

Suffolk Tango was started by a small group of enthusiastic dancers of Argentine Tango about 10 years ago. Having expanded, it has now developed into a not-for-profit group run by volunteers. The group organises regular courses and classes taught by both our own local teachers and by world-class guest teachers.

Social dances are held regularly at The Manor Ballroom, Pump and Grind Ipswich and Stratford St Andrew and they attract tangueros from all over East Anglia. We are holding our 10th anniversary ball this year – details online.

If you want to know more and to join this thriving community contact Lorraine@suffolktango.co.uk, Mandy on 077666 94618 or visit www.

SuffolkTango.org.uk where you can see more details about the dance, the classes and other events.

By the time you’ve read this magazine another child will have come into care.

In all likelihood you read faster than I give you credit for, but still recent statistics from the Fostering Network suggest that on average in the UK one child comes into care every 20 minutes.

Why? The fact remains there are many reasons for a child to come into care: poverty, debt, homelessness, breakdown of relationships, war, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, ill mental health, sexual abuse – the list goes on.

The reasons are varied and as a result the needs of the children in care differ greatly. However, many of these children are looking to foster care to support them. The Fostering Network estimates that fostering services in England need to recruit approximately 7,600 foster carers this year to stand a chance of meeting this evergrowing demand.

“There is a massive shortfall of foster carers in this region,” says Eleanor Vanner, director of Eastern Fostering Services, an independent agency providing services in Essex and Suffolk. “People often don’t know why children can’t live with their birth families and labour under misconceptions around who can and can’t foster.”

Common themes are cited as barriers to fostering: being in full time employment, being a single parent, not owning your own home, being too young or too old, not fitting the mould. Eleanor says that very few applications to foster are rejected for any of these reasons: “Children come in all shapes and sizes and so should foster carers so that the differing needs of all children can be met.”

If you would like to find out more about fostering please visit: www.easternfosteringservices.com

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Starlight Express is still running in Bochum, Germany Director Rebecca Darcy, from Tunstall, says: “This is our most ambitious musical yet as the rollerskating cast speed past the audience surrounding them on three sides. There’s a fantastic rock score and we’re thrilled to bring this huge production to the amazing Hush House on your doorstep.”

Starlight Express is a breathtaking adventure of love, hope and a desire to win at any cost. A child’s train set magically comes to life as the engines compete to become the fastest in the world.

Rebecca adds: “We have two professional skating trainers working with us, one of whom was in the original London production. For a young cast, the demands of singing and rollerskating are pretty formidable, so they’ve been rehearsing on a full size set and their energy will blow the roof off the Hush House!”

Tickets start at £15.50 and can be bought through the New Wolsey Theatre: 01473 295900 / wolseytheatre.co.uk/starlight. The show runs from June 15-19 at 7.30pm with matinées on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 at 2.30pm. For more information visit: www.coopjuniors.co.uk

IPSWICH HOSPITAL BAND CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY Ipswich Hospital Band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is holding a celebratory concert on Saturday, July 9 to mark the occasion.

We would particularly like to invite past conductors and band members, including those who have learnt to play as beginners in our training band, to celebrate with us at the concert which, as well as playing some of our favourite music, will be a trip down memory lane.

Past conductors and members are invited to join current members for a get together party after the concert. Tickets are £5 and will include concert admission and after party refreshments. Admission to the concert will be by ticket only.

We are hoping that many will come along to celebrate with us. To reserve a ticket please contact Betty Green: bgreen144@btinternet.com / 01473 725144

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM AFTERNOON TALKS

SUFFOLK CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP

On March 11, following a short AGM, David Eddershaw spoke about Two Working Watermills, Pakenham and Woodbridge. The main part of the talk was concerned with the water mill at Pakenham, its history and its rescue, which has resulted in it again being a working mill. Contrasts were made with the construction and method of working between the two mills.

The eight members of Suffolk Creative Photographic Group will be showing their latest exhibition at Woodbridge Library during May. With new images and a diverse mix of styles and subjects it promises to be one of their best yet.

The latest day school was held on March 19 when John Sutton and Andrew Lacey continued their guide to the 18th century with an account of Britain at the time of the Jacobite rebellions. During this we were introduced to the real Rob Roy and met Bonnie Prince Charlie through the portraits of him.

On May 20 David Phelan will present a talk on the history of St Audrey’s, Melton entitled Workhouse to Asylum.

In June there is a visit to Debach Airfield and in July an all-day visit to Northampton to see 78 Derngate, the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and to the museum which charts the history of the shoe making industry.

Publicity Officer John Thompson said: “We always enjoy sharing our work with the public and receiving feedback on our images.”

The group was formed in early 2011 by a group of photographers whose aim is to be forward thinking and creative in photography, to help each other, and to freely share their knowledge and skills.

The exhibition will be open during library hours from Sunday, May 1 to Tuesday 31 and entry is free.

Contact: 01449 676471 / john@scpg.co.uk / www.scpg.co.uk

Talks are in Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm. Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50 and for visitors is £3.50. For further information contact Anne Merrett: 01394 385572 Woodbridge Museum is now open for the summer season; entry is still £1 for a perpetual ticket.

FELIXSTOWE LISTENING SERVICE There are times in all our lives when it really does help to be able to talk things through with someone who will listen. This is just what we do at Felixstowe Listening Service (FLS).

We provide a safe and confidential space for people to tell their story with trained volunteer listeners who won’t judge or advise, but will support people in exploring what is going on in their lives and making their own decisions about the right way forward.

We are now in our fifth year as a satellite service of the Ipswich-based Christian charity Inspire Counselling & Training, and are able to offer both a few sessions of one-to-one listening and professional more indepth counselling. We ask for donations towards the cost of providing listening and fees, based on ability to pay, for counselling sessions.

Our sessions are normally held in a private room in Felixstowe Library and the service is equally open to people living in the Melton and Woodbridge areas. To arrange an initial meeting, to talk over how the service might be able to help you with difficulties in your life, contact us today: 07896 326459 / felixstowelisten@gmail.com When it helps to talk, we’re there to listen!

THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Our evening with Elizabeth Talbot who spoke about the life and work of an auctioneer on Thursday, March 17 was very successful. An enthusiastic audience heard all about her career and work with interesting anecdotes and many questions.

Thank you to all who supported this event.

Future events will be advertised in local media and online at www. rogerdavidburrows.co.uk where you can also find further details about the fund.

Alternatively contact the Burrows family on 01473 625196.

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Value Investing by Isabella Knight ARPS

MARTLESHAM WI If you are looking for a WI that meets in the afternoon, rather than the evening, or if you are looking for a smaller group where it’s easy to get to know one another and make friends, then Martlesham WI could well be the one for you.

We usually meet on the third Friday of the month for a convivial get together, with competitions, a secondhand book table and interesting and amusing speakers, followed by refreshments. Outside of this, we have a monthly lunch club where we try out various local hostelries and have several outings planned for this year, although we’d love more suggestions. Plus, its our 70th birthday in August so our party planner hats are very much on!

Our next meeting is on Friday, May 20, 2.15-4.15pm, at Martlesham Heath Pavilion, next to St Michael’s Church. As this will be our Resolutions meeting, when we have input into the many causes that the WI take up at national level, we won’t have a guest speaker.

If you would like to try us out you would be made very welcome. Please either just turn up on the day or give us a call if you’d like further details.

June Parkin, 01473 625382 / Susan Cunliffe, 01394 382199

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN

WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB Now that spring is here, the Woodbridge Lions are becoming much more active.

Our first monthly car boot of the year is on Sunday, April 24 in Budgens Car Park. Hopefully we will be holding them on the last Sunday of each month, but please keep a eye out for our advertising signs or contact Pat on 01473 614728 for further information.

Members of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben and other local rotary clubs support the Woolverstone Project which provides sailing opportunities for disabled people. The project, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, operates all year round at Alton Water and during the summer months at Woolverstone Marina.

At Alton Water a fleet of Access dinghies provide safe sailing for people with all manner of disabilities, and Challenger trimarans give a more exciting experience to the more adventurous sailors. At Woolverstone Marina the project has larger boats which are used to take sailors out on the River Orwell. The fleet will soon be enhanced by the arrival of a new Wheely Boat, which allows wheelchair bound sailors to be taken on board in their wheelchairs.

We hope to have the new boat in time for an official launch on June 25 at Woolverstone – further details to follow. The project always welcomes offers of support, either financial or in the form of volunteering. If you are interested please visit: www.woolverstoneproject.org.uk A reminder that Woodbridge Memory Cafe, run by the Woodbridge Rotary Clubs and Inner Wheel, will be holding the next sessions at Woodbridge Football Club on April 25 and May 25. The café is free of charge and welcomes dementia sufferers and their carers from 10.30am to noon.

If you would like any more information about the Memory Cafe or the Woolverstone Project please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933.

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY The next meeting of Martlesham History Society is on Monday, June 13 when Mark Mower will present a talk entitled Zepplins over Suffolk.

Did you know that a Zepplin bombed Martlesham in 1917? If not then come along and find out more about the remarkable story of the destruction of a German airship over East Anglia in 1917.

Meetings are held at the Pavilion on Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm.

The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet from 7.30-10pm on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) at Rushmere Village Hall.

Our next meetings are: Thursday, April 28: Needle Felting (Emma) Thursday, May 26: AGM plus Magic Pull Card Please note that there is no meeting in June because the hall is needed for Euro voting.

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

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On Monday, May 2 we are helping out at what we are sure will be another very enjoyable Woodbridge Horse Show and on Saturday, May 7 we are holding yet another fantastic art show and sale in Quay Church on Quay Street, 10am-3.30pm. All paintings are by local artists and may be purchased. Please pop in and see us. Entry is free and coffee, tea and cakes are available for your enjoyment.

On Sunday, May 1 we are helping with the Woodbridge Shufflers Road Race and of course we are also preparing to sell ducks in the Thoroughfare so you will be able to enter a duck in the Great Duck Dive which takes place at the end of Woodbridge Regatta Day on June 26.

WOODBRIDGE INNER WHEEL In April we were entertained with a talk by Peppy Barlow, Canny Dunthorne and Barbara Walker. Having not ridden a horse for many years, they decided to return to the saddle for a six-day ride around Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of southern France to visit the castles built by the Cathars. The Cathars inhabited this area until about the 12th century, believing in total equality of all people, women and men, rich and poor.

Having been given their horses and equipment, and with their luggage transported for them each day, the intrepid trio set off armed with maps, compass and instructions. The area is beautiful, with woods, meadows, hills, plus boulders and rivers. All these had to be navigated before stopping each night in a friendly farmhouse or gite. The castles were stunning to see, but unfortunately our trio sometimes arrived too late to go inside. The instructions were not always very clear so there were a few unintended detours! However, after six days and about 200 kilometres, they arrived back at Carcassonne, having enjoyed the experience so much they have decided to return. After a most enjoyable talk a vote of thanks was given by Sharon Proctor.

For information about Woodbridge Inner Wheel please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk

SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE! Terrified of public speaking? Wedding speeches and speaking at special occasions, formal or informal, need not be an ordeal to be dreaded for months. Truly. Let Speak Easy at Martlesham show you how to prepare and to start your speech on an attention-grabbing note, develop your theme and say what you want to say, use humour (where it’s appropriate), get your message across and finish with a memorable sentence – to loud applause.

We are a small friendly group and we support each other to practise and develop our skills and speak in public with confidence and competence. Anyone can do it. Come as a guest, free, and find out how to beat the tongue-tying terror. We can also help the more confident to hone their skills. We meet every other Thursday evening from 7-9.30pm and our next meetings are on May 5 and 19 and June 2. The cost is less than £5 a meeting with free refreshments.

Find us at the Richards Room at Martlesham Community Hall IP12 4PB, on Facebook, at www.speak-easy.org.uk or call Sonya Burrows for more information: 07968 372563

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE WALKING FOR CHARITY As part of the 2016 Suffolk Walking Festival, The Rotary Club of Woodbridge is organising three charity walks over the end of May Bank Holiday. Each walk will raise money for a different charity that the club supports. This year’s Suffolk Walking Festival is a bit special as it officially launches Suffolk’s Year of Walking, which runs from May 2016 until the end of the walking festival in 2017.

The first walk is on May 29 and is the longest. Registration is from 9-11am. Starting from Woodbridge Railway Station this walk follows the River Deben to Waldringfield and then on to the mouth of the river at Felixstowe Ferry. Using the passenger ferry to cross to Bawdsey Quay, the walk initially follows the coast path before going through Bawdsey and then Alderton and finally to Ramsholt to rejoin the river. Following the river path, the walk then travels beside the Deben to reach Sutton Hoo. The final stage of the walk crosses the Deben at Wilford Bridge before returning along the river path to the start. Called The Deben Marathon, the entrance fee for this walk raises money for the Woolverstone Macmillan Appeal, for which the club has already raised On March 18 we were given a talk

by Richard Scott informing us of the history of Woodbridge Town Association Football Club and how it started playing a tough form of football called ‘camping’ in 1874. He talked about the significant changes the football club has seen over the last 142 years, surviving two world wars and all the changes that football has gone through to become what it is to day. Woodbridge Town Football Club will soon face more changes as they will need to find a new venue within the next two years when the lease on their current ground comes to an end. Keen to stay local and accessible to their dedicated fans, the hunt is on to find a suitable alternative. After many questions a vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Bertie Hirst.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Tobias Capwell will present a talk entitled Heroes of the Ancient Past: Renaissance Knighthood and the Art of the Classical World at our next meeting on Wednesday, May 4. Tobias is curator of arms and armour at the Wallace Collection in London.

At our April meeting lecturer Dr Sam Newton took us into pre-Christian England to show how the calendar was designed to highlight agricultural life and the importance of the seasons. Much of this was incorporated into the Christian calendar and linked to the great Christian feasts of Easter and Christmas. Dr Newton’s enthusiasm for the Anglo-Saxon period is infectious and he entertained the audience with poetry and music on the lyre.

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 which are presented by national and international lecturers start at 2.15pm, but a 2pm arrival is advised. Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked.

For more information contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet.com www.orwelldfas.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

a large amount of money. This objective of the appeal is to build a stateof-the art cancer centre in partnership with Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust for people affected by cancer in the county.

The two other walks take place on May 30. The first is called Around Woodbridge, with registration from 9am-1pm at Woodbridge Railway Station, and is in aid of the Hollesley Riding for the Disabled. The walk starts at Woodbridge Station and follows the river, then over Kyson Hill to Broomsheath, down to Ipswich Road, over the road and up the hill to Warren Hill Cemetery, down to Fen Meadows to Seckford Street, up the 100 Steps and through Leek Hill Wood to Melton Playing Fields, through the lanes back to the river at Melton Boatyard, then along the river path back to Woodbridge Station.

The second walk on May 30 is called Woodbridge Stroll and Quiz. This short walk is in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind and follows the byways of Woodbridge, passing various points of interest along the way.

The entrance fee for all the walks is £5 for adults and £1 for under 18s and students. For further details please visit: http://tinyurl.com/hagprge On Thursday, March 31 David Phelan presented a talk on the history of St Audry’s Mental Hospital, the changes it went through, the living conditions of the patients and how they were treated.

The site and buildings of St Audry’s were formerly those of a House of (l-r) President Nigel Barratt, Industry and Accommodation, or David Phelan and workhouse, from 1765 to 1827. It became the Suffolk County Asylum Rotarian Ron Whitaker in 1827 and later the Suffolk District Asylum. In 1916 it changed its name to St Audry’s Hospital for Mental Diseases and finally became part of the East Suffolk Health Authority, finally closing in 1993.

U3A TALKS IN MAY AND JUNE University of the Third Age (U3A) talks shortly come to the end of the current academic year. While some groups carry on throughout the summer, after June talks will recommence in the autumn.

Watch this space! So far in 2016 we have welcomed many new members to the talks and seeking to join U3A groups which now number over 150. We wish you all well for the, hopefully, nice summer sun and will welcome old and new members back in September.

Woodbridge talks take place at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU at 10.30am with refreshments available from 10am.

There isn’t a talk at Woodbridge this month, but a date for your diary is Monday, June 6 when David Cleveland will be showing clips from the East Anglian Film Archive about life in East Suffolk from the 1930s to the 1960s featuring farming ways, wartime activities, changing transport, industry and home life.

This will be the last U3A talk arranged for the summer season in Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Saxmundham or Kesgrave. For more information please speak to the campus co-ordinator at this talk, call 03001 233913 or visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT NEW HORIZONS

SUMMER BRASS CONCERT

Members are looking forward to their outing this month to The Hut at Felixstowe. We are often blessed with good weather and always have a day of fun with a fish and chip meal, a stroll (maybe two) or a ride along the prom, games and a raffle, all washed down with copious amounts of tea, coffee and biscuits.

The club has a great group of happy clients who enjoy the company and entertainment every Thursday. The membership has increased steadily since we reformed seven months ago, which is wonderful. The more the merrier. But we are entirely a volunteer organisation and do now find ourselves in need to extra helpers occasionally.

Would you be able to offer a bit of time as a volunteer? Drivers are needed to pick members up within a five mile radius of Woodbridge and take them to St Mary’s Hall around 9.45am; then pick them up at 2pm and take them home. The transport is organised on a rota for when it suits you, and you would be paid for mileage to offset the costs.

We also need people to help out during the day in the hall. You might find yourself making tea and coffee, playing scrabble or dominos, helping serve lunch, or clearing away between activities. But 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. You will receive far more in return than you give, and go away with a smile on your face.

If you would like to have a chat about either volunteer role, please speak to a leader on the phone number below. Or you could come along one Thursday morning to see what we do. New members are always welcome and made to feel at home. If you would like to come along for a taster day, please contact: 07514 364752 New Horizons meets weekly on Thursdays from 10am-2pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, 11 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP. 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.

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB International Women’s Day is very important to us. This year members got involved in four different events.

On Saturday, March 5 a group of us met in Cambridge with Soroptimists from clubs throughout our region. After the morning together we went off to the festival organised by Women of the World (WOW).

Some very high powered speakers led a session entitled Seen But Not Heard. We women have to stand up for ourselves in the workplace. On March 8 itself some of us were similarly inspired at an evening organised by the Suffolk Feminist Society at University Campus Suffolk.

For one member March 8 meant the quarterly meeting of CAAA, Coastal Action Against Abuse, the domestic violence forum on which she represents us. This is a community link which we value enormously. The forum brings together people from the wide range of agencies working in Suffolk Coastal to support victims of domestic abuse. By exchanging information they have a good overview of what is being done and can develop collaborative links and identify gaps.

Still nothing could really compare with the Women’s Group party at Suffolk Refugee Support. We look forward to our invitation each year – it’s all colour, music, laughter and wonderful foods. This time there were 28 nationalities represented and nobody will forget the sight of the Albanian ladies in their elaborate costumes dancing the Gay Gordons!

If you would like to know more about Soroptimism please call Jackie on 01473 659314 or visit: www.soroptimistinternational.onesuffolk.net

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Sunday, June 19, 3pm, Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road IP12 4AU Woodbridge Excelsior Band presents its free summer concert, with special appearances from our training section. Come and join us and support your local band in their 170th year.

Raffle and refreshments available in the interval. No tickets required, just turn up and find a seat. Doors open at 2.30pm.

CRYSTAL ENCOUNTERS Originally set up as an online store in 2013, receiving five-star reviews for offering quality crystals at reasonable prices, Crystal Encounters expanded its presence by opening a shop in Rendlesham Mews where it has continued to gain a great reputation for supplying great quality crystals and effective crystal therapy healing.

Situated on the A1152 between Eyke and Rendlesham village, Crystal Encounters offers a wide range of crystals and fossils from all over the world, from beautiful Amethyst Geodes to carved crystal shapes and natural formations. Crystal Encounters has something for everyone including crystal tools such as wands and pendulums, a range of incense and resins and a selection of cultural gifts.

Owner Alison Roberts is a qualified reiki and crystal energy practitioner and offers Soul Centred Crystal Therapy Sessions from the shop. Soul Centred Crystal Therapy is a type of crystal therapy which uses the energy of crystals to clear blockages from the chakras and subtle energy fields. This form of crystal therapy differs in that it is the soul of the client who guides the session rather than the practitioner.

Crystal therapy works to clear blockages from the energetic system which are thought to cause pain and even disease. As these blocks are cleared, light energy is then able to flow freely through the body, bathing our cells to enhance our emotional, mental, spiritual and physical well-being.

Alison also runs a range of crystal therapy workshops and hosts monthly reiki shares. For further details on any of the above, contact Alison at Crystal Encounters, 9 Rendlesham Mews, Rendlesham IP12 2SZ / 01394 547120 / crystalali@btinternet.com Shop opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm

In Touch online:

Deben View, Woodbridge Live with us Apartments available for older persons needing care in Woodbridge  Self contained apartments  Specifically tailored care plans  Staff team on site 24/7 ensuring a safe and secure environment  Integrated alarm call systems for security  Guest room facilities —why not book a trial nights stay?

Work with us We are proud to be Leaders in Diversity and Investors in People (Silver award) and offer benefits including:  Professional qualifications

 Free uniform

 Progression opportunities

 Employee awards

 Staff rewards and bonuses

 Car loans

 Above minimum wage salary

 Free DBS check

 Introduce a colleague scheme  Long service awards Contact us 01394 384565 or visit us at www.orwell-housing.co.uk Together we make a difference

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT DEBEN PROBUS

MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

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

At our April meeting Val Dudley captivated a most appreciative audience.

Val had crafted her talk to show, with considerable humour, some of the differences and the connections between her own village of Hollesley and Melton – the social, economic and political history of the two villages. We all went home with a fresh interest and a deeper understanding of our surroundings and an appreciation of just how much fun and entertaining the Middle Ages can be.

At our lunch on March 21 Clifford Smith, a recent new member, spoke about The Martlesham Story. His talk explained how the development of Martlesham evolved from the early 1960s, which was of considerable interest to members who lived in the area at that time and also to relative newcomers to the area. Terry Hunt, editor of the East Anglian Daily Times, is our guest speaker on April 18 and club member Jeremy Quinlan will speak about destinations unknown on May 18.

We welcome new members. If you are interested in joining us please contact 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 Liz Turner: 01394 446051

WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB Report for March meeting June, our chairman, reminded us that because of the European Referendum our June meeting has had to be moved to Thursday, June 30.

A visit to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens has been organised for Wednesday, June 29, which is estimated to cost £32, or slightly less for National Trust members.

Members were also reminded that our 50th Anniversary Open Meeting will take place at Wickham Market Primary School on April 28. Tickets are £12 for visitors, including a ‘show plate’ of food, and are available from Geraldine Thompson: 01728 746697 Both the beginners’ workshop and the recent willow workshop were a success. Please speak to Jenny if you are interested in joining for the next ones.

We received a thank you letter from the hospice for the arrangements done last year. We have also managed to fill our three dates for 2016, which is very much appreciated.

There will be a quiz night with a fish and chip supper in Wickham Market Village Hall on May 20. Tickets are £8 per person and teams are between four and six. Contact June for tickets and more information: 01394 384803 Tickets for President’s Day on October 1 will be available on July 1 at £27.50.

The Lonely Bouquet will be on Friday, May 6. Please visit www.nafas-east. com for more information. Val Green suggested maybe a small basket arrangement rather than a posy which people seemed a bit reluctant to take.

This month’s practice piece was shared by Di Catling and Linda Fosker and the single stem was won by Jenny Payne with a beautiful Hellebore.

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

Our next meeting, on May 4, will be different yet again. First of all, although the venue will be the same, St Andrew’s in Station Road, the time will be 3.30pm and the meeting will be followed by tea and chat to give us the chance to socialise and discuss.

Our speakers, Claude Hitching and Val Christman, are not local but they are coming to show us the work of a very local genius – James Pulham, partner in the Woodbridge firm of Lockwood and Pulham and the inventor of ‘Pulhamite’ artificial stone. In the 19th century Pulhamite was used to create and beautify gardens, houses, stately homes and even Bawdsey Cliff. We are surrounded by examples which often pass unappreciated today, but were highly esteemed by people like the Quilters and Lord Rendlesham.

This talk will be a feast for the eyes as well as the ears and will have you on your bikes and in your cars seeking out these intriguing remnants of a charmed era. Do come and join us at St Andrews on May 4 at 3.30pm.

Visitors are welcome for a small fee of £3 or £10 for membership for 2016. Members enter free.

For general information about MLHS please contact: geof@butterwicks.com

WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB Easter weekend brought a steady stream of visitors to the opening of the club’s summer exhibition. Rain or shine we were busy all weekend and sold quite a few of the exhibits – which have been replaced by new ones.

The exhibition continues every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday until the end of September. Open from 10am to 5pm.

There are a couple of extra events planned this summer. During the weekend of the regatta, June 25 and 26, we are putting on a craft fair.

Several members practise a variety of crafts apart from potting and painting and they will have their work on display alongside the usual exhibition. During the arts and music festival later on we hope to have another open studio event as it proved very popular last year. Further details nearer the time.

FLORAL DEMONSTRATION Deben Flower Club’s next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 10 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU. David Thompson, a well-known and very popular national demonstrator from Chelmsford, will present a demonstration entitled Serendipity.

David is a keen competitor at national competitions and a NAFAS national floral demonstrator. He also runs fun and informative workshops.

Visitors are assured of a warm welcome for just £4 payable on the night. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration.

All David’s floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening.

For further information please contact: 01394 411422

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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST – WOODBRIDGE GROUP We have a busy month lined up with a farm walk and the ever popular plant sale to enjoy.

Sunday, May 1 is the date for local gardeners to put in their diaries, for this is when the group host their popular plant sale at Foxburrow Farm, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton.

The sale runs from 2-4pm and will be an opportunity to purchase locally grown plants at great prices, with local gardeners on hand to offer friendly advice to customers. Afternoon tea and cakes will be available and there will be a draw. Admission to the sale is free.

On Saturday, May 7 at 10am the group invite you to join farmer John Symes for a walk around Hall Farm, Martlesham.

Phil Smith, chair of SWT Woodbridge Wildlife Group, said: “This is a superb opportunity to learn more about farming and wildlife from Mr Symes, who has kindly offered us the chance to look around his farmland on the banks of the River Deben and hear how he is working to encourage wildlife. The walk will finish around 12.30pm, but guests are welcome to bring a packed lunch if they wish.”

Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. Parking is available opposite Martlesham Church. The grid reference for the starting point (Hall Farm, Martlesham) is TM262468. Stout footwear should be worn and binoculars will prove useful.

For more information about either event contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com EVENTS AT FOXBURROW FARM Foxburrow Farm, Melton near Woodbridge IP12 1NA Sunday, May 8, 11am-4pm: May Fair Pond dipping, storytelling, donkey rides, games, crafts and trails. Crafts and plants for sale. Music and folk dance. Homemade cakes and hot food stalls. Adults £3, children £2. No need to book.

Enquiries to: 01394 380113

Friday, June 3, 10.30am-12.30pm: Watery Wonderland Family activity with pond dipping and wildlife crafts.

Adults £2, children £4.

Please book online at: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org Enquiries to: 01473 890089

WOODBRIDGE IN BLOOM I hope that the beautiful bulbs which we have planted in Woodbridge over the past few years have been noticed and appreciated!

Although they were rather late in flowering, the little tete-a-tete daffodils made a wonderful display around the town. If you can suggest additional areas which might benefit from a dash of spring colour, please contact me on 01394 382459.

Another successful fundraising quiz took place recently at Woodbridge Town Football Club. The profits will help pay for the flowers to be installed in our planters this summer.

Hanging baskets are on order from Geaters of Leiston and should be appearing on the lamp posts in June. Planting out of the pots will take place earlier that month and once again we are hoping for help from the ladies of Inner Wheel, for which we are always very grateful. If anyone else would like to help in this very sociable activity, please give me a call.

Barbara Dann

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WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB Our speaker for April was Jenni Baker from Harleston. Jenni chose the title Whiskers on Kittens for her demonstration as her designs were about some of her favourite things.

Jenni loves nature, especially wood, and her first design was formed on a large piece of driftwood. It was a green and white open design using antirrhinum and canna lilies with large white tulips. Jenni loves to spend time in her garden and her second arrangement was placed in a garden trug. She used pittosporum and skimmia with white phlox and freesia.

To this were added alstoemeria, white roses and hypericum. An arrangement which not only looked beautiful but smelt wonderful as well.

Jenni used hazel twigs, fatsia leaves and grouped foliage at the base an upright container and placed bronze chrysanthemums in a vertical line to complement the container. Yellow orchid stems were added and to balance the design Jenni added some medolino sticks.

Her final arrangement was a parallel design in a window box. Jenni placed a bamboo grid at the back before adding double white lisianthus, green chrysanthemums, small red roses, white ranunculus and arum lilies.

Jenni was thanked for an interesting and entertaining afternoon and members then enjoyed tea and coffee before the raffle.

WOODBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Dr Ian Bedford, Head of Entomology at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, gave a fascinating talk to society members on April 14. Ian, who is well known for his work identifying the invasion of the Spanish slug a few years ago, has been passionate about bugs since his childhood. He pointed out that we need to cohabit with bugs whether we like them or not as 97 per cent of the creatures on earth are bugs!

He identified good bugs and bad bugs. Bad bugs like aphids and leaf hoppers need to be controlled as they feed by sucking sap and in doing this transmit plant viruses which can devastate crops. Good bugs, such as ladybird larvae and lacewings, and even wasps, feed on the aphids and help to control them. There are amazing partnerships between bugs, like the ants which farm aphids to produce food or the blue butterfly which is fed by ants at its larvae stage.

Ian feels there is no need for home gardeners to use chemical control. He advocates keeping a keen look out for the beginnings of any infestations of aphids or caterpillars and to squash rather than spray. He did point out however that we must be careful what we squash. The larvae of the beautiful hawkmoth looks rather like a large slug.

His work at the John Innes Centre is looking at the natural ways in which plants protect themselves and using those to help control pests.

Illustrating his talk with slides of bugs in vivid technicolor detail he showed examples of invader bugs, those that have no natural predators.

Global trading and climate change are responsible for the spread of these and proximity to a major port makes our area particularly vulnerable. The Spanish slug is a prime example, coming from an arid environment they have developed mechanisms, such as lots of slime, which means their natural predators can’t eat them. As you can imagine, there was a lively question and answer session after Ian’s talk!

This month’s lecture will be on the delightful auricula by Luci Skinner and Neil Ludman of Woottens of Wenhaston Nursery. All are welcome, visitors £2.

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SCHOOLS / SPORT SUMMER AT BRIGHT STARS We look forward to seeing all pre-schoolers, toddlers and babies who enjoy having fun at Bright Stars along with their parents, grandparents and/or carers! Each of our sessions is full of fun 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 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. 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 at any of the sessions, but if you would like any further information feel free to contact us on the phone numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you!

Our remaining session dates for the summer term are May 9 and 23, June 13 and 27 and July 11.

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

WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB Woodbridge Bowls Club is holding an open morning on Saturday, May 7.

Both new and experienced bowlers will be welcome to come and check out the club and its facilities between 10am and noon.

Viv Sheppard, our qualified coach, will be on hand to introduce newcomers to the game and teach the basic skills. Flat shoes (no heels) should be worn so there is no damage to the green.

Established members will also be on hand to answer any questions about the club and its ethos of sport and sportsmanship. In addition to bowling a few woods there will be refreshments available. Details of membership can be found at: www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk This is an excellent opportunity to try out this sport, as I did some three years ago and I may add I have enjoyed all aspects of the game and membership of the club ever since.

For further information visit the website or contact me, Anthony Bynom: malfrazy@yahoo.com

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL Last month was the final tournament of the 6-a-side Suffolk Indoor Series, bringing an excellent season to a close. This year the standard of Division 1 has risen substantially thanks to the addition of two very experienced teams from Diss and Norwich, the latter bringing several players who compete regularly at National League level.

They have made a big contribution to raising the standard of play across all the clubs in Suffolk, and we owe them a correspondingly big vote of thanks.

Ipswich Ravens First team ended the season overall third in the Division 1 Series, and our Second team also finished overall third in the Division 2 Series. These were hugely creditable results considering this is only our second year in the competition, and the photos show us proudly wearing our medals.

DEBEN YACHT CLUB Sailing started on a sunny Good Friday with a steady breeze – conditions could not have been better for the start of the season. Sixteen boats turned out for the first of the Tune Up Series watched by a good crowd of spectators. Everyone had been treated to a slap up breakfast to get things off to a flying start thanks to the Galley Team.

The final working party morning was marked with a presentation to Roger McCombie, who has led the group so successfully for 14 years. Roger had originally stepped into the role at short notice in 2002, but has used his management experience to build a highly skilled group of volunteers.

The club supports charities throughout the year and is hosting a brunch in aid of Prostate Cancer UK on Saturday, May 14 from 9.30am-noon when you will be able to enjoy a full English breakfast for £7. Everyone is welcome.

Don’t miss a chance to Try Sailing for free on Saturday, June 4 from 10am. This is a very popular event when anyone can have a chance to experience what it’s like to sail on our beautiful River Deben. No special equipment is required, just turn up.

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Our players are really gelling together well now and benefiting from some excellent support work behind the scenes by our coaches, who work with all players from the most experienced down to complete beginners.

With the indoor season now over, our attention turns to our outdoor activities. We will once again be running open friendly volleyball games every Saturday in Christchurch Park from 2-4pm (weather permitting).

These sessions are completely free and open to anyone who wants to play, whether experienced or beginner, adult or junior, male or female.

The sessions are run by our qualified coaches who will give help and advice to anyone who needs it to get started.

If you have ever been tempted to give volleyball a try this is a perfect opportunity. Just come along any Saturday afternoon wearing normal outdoor sports kit. You can even bring a friend or relative if you wish.

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

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SPORT FIRST SUFFOLK CHADACRE CUP FOR WOODBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB Saturday, April 9: Stowmarket 8 v Woodbridge Warriors 24 While not exactly David and Goliath, Stowmarket, lying eigth in London 3 North East and cup holders, were the bookmakers’ favourites against Woodbridge lying fourth in EC1. The first scrum showed the home team’s strength, giant lock Graham Wilson having an effect, and was an early indication of their game plan to kick for territory. The Warriors weren’t having any of it however. Fly half JP Hart cleared from the lineout up to the Stow five metre line, winning a scrum from the lineout and forcing the cup holders to run from deep, only to be penalised on halfway from which Warrior full back Jacob Bodkin put in a strong run and winger Ady Sanday stunned the home crowd by scoring wide. This was not anticipated.

A nervous Stowmarket fluffed the restart and, despite coming second in the scrum, Woodbridge continued to keep possession and harry the home team. Stow’s tactic of licking over the defence only reloaded Bodkin for renewed attack but eventually the hardworking full back Dan Garrard rallied an attack, slipping through several tackles and winning one of several penalties, one of which he kicked for three points.

Stowmarket supporters were then lifted after a scrum in midfield saw some slick passing, recovery at the breakdown and Dan Garrard retrieve his own chip kick and score to put Stowmarket up 8-5, only to miss another crack at a penalty shortly after. The dropout found Stow No 8 Max Crowe who put in a thundering run centrally as the hosts grew in confidence, looking dangerous in the closing moments of the half but frustrated by too many penalties, one of which was missed by Sanday.

Woodbridge took the kick off well, the second row and Hart charging effectively and getting play into Stowmarket’s danger area where good work from Tim Johnson and the pack forced another clearance kick from Garrard. Woodbridge kept the pressure with Adam Plummer distributing

well and the flankers tackling hard to keep the Stow forwards at bay. Play moved to halfway when substitute wing Sam Jackson broke 30 metres for Woodley to recycle out wide to winger Sanday who scored – to the vocal delight of the coach loads from Woodbridge.

Stowmarket continued to look dangerous; runs from Stu Hill and Crowe forcing some crunching tackles from sub Rob Attwater and Captain Tom Stokes while the ever-present Garrard poked and prodded the defence with a variety of kicks including an attempted penalty from the 10 metre line. The Warriors improved at the set piece and won free kicks at the scrum while also holding possession in the line out where quick ball across field saw Rob Attwater score and Sanday convert as Woodbridge opened a two try gap and the home crowd faced a shock.

The last 10 minutes saw redoubled efforts from Stow frustrated by penalties and chip kicks going dead. Woodbridge maintained an underdog spring in their step and put together their signature ruck, recycle, run combination which saw Bodkin break several tackles to score wide on the right and, with the help of five minutes more stoic defence, seal the shock win over the Stowmarket Goliath and take the Suffolk Chadacre Cup home to Woodbridge.

No one at the club can remember winning this cup before. We have won plate and shield, but we believe this is a first cup for WRUFC! WRUFC Coach Drew Fautley said: “I am so proud of the boys. To have the support of so many people made it feel like a home game, we are so lucky to have them. We had a plan and adjusted at half time to not compete in the rucks so we were waiting to shut down Stowmarket’s strong runners.

Everyone stepped up and put their bodies on the line against a very well coached and talented outfit to claim the reward.”

NOW RECRUITING JUNIOR ARTWORKER Mansion House Publishing, Ipswich seeks to recruit a junior artworker who is competent in InDesign and Photoshop to join our small and very busy team.

Ady Sanday finishes the try at Stowmarket

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS At least one year’s experience in a studio environment The ability to work well within a team To work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines A keen eye for detail Natural creative flair If you meet the criteria outlined above, or wish to discuss the position further, please contact our studio manager Jo Wain as soon as possible: jo@intouchnews.co.uk / 01473 400380 To see some of the publications we produce visit http://issuu.com/mansionhousepublishing or www.GrapevineLIVE.co.uk Mansion House Publishing 20 Wharfedale Road • Ipswich IP1 4JP

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS MELTON BOWLS CLUB

ST ANDREW’S, MELTON

Our open day on Saturday, April 30, 10am-noon, is the perfect opportunity to try the game for free and to see what the club has to offer. Coffee and tea will be available, together with a tombola, a cake stall and a raffle.

Equipment and coaching will be provided.

Easter, a time to celebrate new birth, a new light and a new life, was so

Melton Bowls Club provides the ideal family sport, catering for men, women and children, with members aged 12 to 90. The club caters for the bowler who just plays for the social aspect of the game, as well as those who are very competitive and looking to compete for county and national honours.

A dull rainy Saturday in February, a miserable day, but a lovely wedding for Glyn and Victoria, the service conducted by her uncle. I think all brides are beautiful, she especially so as she came in on her father’s arm to the measured, haunting tones of Pachelbel’s Canon.

The outdoor season runs from April until the end of September and there is a full programme of events with six separate leagues (five of which are mixed) and several county and national cup competitions as well as friendly games and social events.

New members are always welcome and free tuition for beginners is available.

If you are interested in joining the club please contact Ray Andrews: 01394 450725

early this year we hardly had time to recover from Christmas! Perhaps a fixed date of the first weekend of April can be considered for future years.

Gold rings, beards and the brass buttons of the senior service abounded.

During the signing of the register the choir sang the Irish Blessing and the newly married couple departed to the stirring tones of Hearts of Oak from the Royal Marine Band and through an arch of swords and showers of confetti. We wish them much happiness in their married life.

John Berg, our one time associate priest, has retired for the second time after 45 years working with the Seafarers’ Missions. We are so happy to have him back with us.

He has written a book about his experiences, a thought provoking but fascinating read, from his training as a priest and curacy at St Augustine of Hippo in Ipswich and his launch into a world of ships and their crews.

One More Step is available for £3.50 from John or in church. Do read it.

Easter and Holy Week, with a last supper in the crowded church room and the symbolic foot washing. The lamb, the bitter herbs and unleavened bread and the wine.

We sang a hymn, communicated with each other and departed in silence to sit in the darkened church with our thoughts and contemplations on what Christ must be enduring.

WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB Well the clocks have advanced an hour and spring has well and truly sprung. Boats have been anti-fouled and are now in the water awaiting the club’s first cruise around local waters on May 8. The winter suppers and talks have come to an end and thanks were expressed by the commodore for the work put in by Janet Sparrow and Freeman Lynn respectively for organising these popular events. Hopefully without Freeman’s weekly reminders we will all remember where the fire exits are.

A lunch was held in March to welcome new members into the club. The club committee hosted more than 40 new members and the function seemed to be appreciated as a good means of integrating the new with the old. As last year, training officer Graham Bush gave a very well attended navigation refresher course so hopefully skippers will have renewed confidence in their ability to keep their boats off the mud.

The last Sunday talk of the year was given by Andy Beharrell, a trustee of the Woolverstone Project, who gave a fascinating and well-illustrated account of the work carried out by the organisation. It was truly humbling to learn of the competence that severely disabled sailors are able to achieve, including sailing round Britain and indeed across oceans, feats which most of us would hesitate twice before attempting and be extremely proud if we could manage them.

Good Friday and to Ufford for Stations of the Cross, hot cross buns and a walk back to Melton for soup and rolls. Some went on the Churches Together Walk of Witness around Woodbridge and for a service at St John’s, a vigil in the afternoon commemorating Jesus’ time on the cross.

Holy Saturday and the lighting of the new fire at Ufford, kindling the Paschal candle, studded with incense representing Christ’s wounds.

Passing into the church we each lit our candle and the Paschal candle was borne aloft through the darkened church to the high altar to the resounding cries of “Christ is Risen, he is risen indeed”.

Lights and candles blazed, fanfares from the organ and bells, rattles and tambourines and the first communion of Easter was celebrated.

Easter Sunday at St Andrews and a very full church. The new Paschal candle was lit and processed through the church and fittingly new life was welcomed with the christening of Molly.

The church flowers were stupendous and lilies in memory of departed loved ones adorned both sides of the altar.

At St Andrew’s, Kevin and Angela Connolly gave us a breathtaking presentation of their trip to the Grand Canyon. Entitled Rim2Rim they talked and showed photographs of their walk from the south rim to the Colorado River, up the north rim until deep snow forced them to halt, and their return journey.

Andy explained that Britain’s sailors had a good chance of winning medals in the forthcoming Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and that a number of local sailors are likely to be selected for the GB team. We wish them good luck and will follow their progress with interest.

No picnic at 4,500 feet each way, with Kevin carrying a 55 pound pack, but all in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, enabling them to present a cheque for £1,250 to Patrick Ashton, the grandfather of Katie who sadly died from the disease last year aged just 14. A collection afterwards raised a further £450.

Details of future cruises and other activities, together with membership information, can be found at: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org

An incredible achievement. Not many others would do that well after their retirement.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

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Allan from Ipswich wrote to me to ask about investment platforms.

He asked: “Our financial adviser is suggesting that my wife and I should move our existing investments onto a platform with Novia. We have ISAs with different companies and Investment Bonds with Aviva and Prudential. Surely we would be better to keep these spread between several different companies rather than having all our eggs in the same basket?”

Investment platforms have become very popular in the last few years, for a number of reasons. Primarily, the main attraction of these platforms is investment choice. An investment platform will usually offer access to a range of investment wrappers, such as ISAs, collective investments, bonds and pensions, within which investors will have access to hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of individual investment funds and, in particular, to managed portfolios where a professional fund manager actively manages a portfolio of investments for you in line with your chosen risk profile.

No single fund manager will ever be top in all investment sectors and most fund managers have a specialist area in which they are known to have particular knowledge or ability. That is where a ‘portfolio’ manager will come into their own, as they can pick the very best investment managers and funds from each sector, thus giving you access to a wide choice of the best funds, rather than a range of funds that are ‘jack of all trades but master of none’.

You can also save money on charges by using a platform, particularly when you have older investments with high ongoing management charges, or if you currently have your ISAs with a lot of different fund managers. For example, in the case of Novia, our clients can access their platform for just 0.40% per annum with no initial charges deducted when you invest.

Most platform managers will also have negotiated discounted initial and ongoing charges with many top fund managers, so you can often end up paying less to access those funds through the Novia platform than you would by investing direct with the individual fund or portfolio managers.

Having all your investments on a platform is not really a case of ‘having all your eggs in the same basket’, as the platform manager would not actually hold your money. Your investments would actually be held by each of the fund or portfolio managers that your money would be invested with, so your exposure to any one company will be greatly reduced as your investments are likely to be spread across several different investment managers and funds.

A final benefit of using a platform is simplicity and ease of access to information. Although you can hold many different investments on the same platform, you will receive just one statement from the platform provider, showing all your individual investments and their values. You can also access your account online at any time and get up-to-date investment valuations in between your usual statement dates, arrange a withdrawal or income payment, and even conduct investment fund switches if you wish to.

All in all, a platform can be a good way to simplify your current investment arrangements, and reduce your ongoing charges.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice.

Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position.

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