In Touch with Woodbridge - November 2015

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Volume 5 • Issue No. 7 • NOVEMBER 2015

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Recently an old college friend posted a link on Facebook entitled 20 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Adult Should Know and I’d like to share my favourites with you.

A quote which makes me smile (often through gritted teeth) wasn’t listed, but it comes to me often at bedtime when I’m trying not to lose my patience with the little boy calling (again) from the top of the stairs:

“Promise me you’ll remember, you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think.” A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse

“There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.”

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl, The Twits

Perhaps these great life lessons were lost on us as children. Perhaps they inspired us. If so I hope they inspire you anew. A Roald Dahl or a Dr Seuss is always worth picking up, at any age.

“The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do it.” J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Finally, a message to our distribution team. We thank you for doing a great job in all sorts of weather.

As you trudge from door to door on frosty winter evenings please do so in the knowledge that your efforts are appreciated.

And my absolute favourite: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr Seuss, The Lorax And just one more:

In Touch

with Melton & Woodbridge

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

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to:

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.

Advertising and Distribution: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP Advertising: Sandra Osborne Email: sandra@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Disclaimer:

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the Publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Whilst reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the Publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

Printing: Colourplan Print 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP 01473 400379 Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

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

by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . town” series of magazines.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

DECEMBER DEADLINE

10 NOVEMBER 2015 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

NEWS WOODBRIDGE WINNING WINDOW This year Woodbridge is creating a new draw to encourage folk to choose Woodbridge as their Christmas shopping destination with the Woodbridge Winning Window competition.

Choose Woodbridge has partnered with Town 102 and Barretts of Woodbridge has agreed to give over one of its windows to this month long competition. Starting on November 18 and running until December 18 local businesses will donate to the window and it will grow to become a glorified giant hamper for the lucky winner. Each day on Town 102 the latest edition to the window will be broadcast, culminating in a live broadcast from the window on Sunday, December 6 to coincide with the Christmas Street Fair.

More details to be found in next month’s edition of In Touch or at: www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk

RE UT MO FIND O MONTH’S T IN NEXDITION E

WOODBRIDGE REMEMBRANCE PARADE AND SERVICE Sunday, November 8

The parade will leave Theatre Street at 10.50am and march to the Garden of Remembrance and War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance, two minute silence and laying of wreaths.

Members of the public are also invited to the Open Air Service on the Market Square which follows.

WOODBRIDGE TIDE MILL GETS YOUNGSTERS BAKING AT ALDEBURGH FOOD FEST

Woodbridge Tide Mill got youngsters baking harvest loaves at this year’s popular Aldeburgh Food Festival. The team from the iconic local landmark led a group of children in an enjoyable and informative baking session using Tide Mill flour. The finished loaves had little mice on them, a nod to Photo: Simon Ballard the Tide Mill’s mascot, Millie the Mouse.

The Tide Mill presented each of the budding young bakers with a free Tide Mill t-shirt – a gesture made possible through the donations gratefully received from the Co-op Community Token Scheme.

Nigel Barratt, miller and chairman of Woodbridge Tide Mill Trust, explains: “Since the refurbishment of the mill it’s become an engaging, enjoyable and educational place for young people to visit. Plus, we’ve been able to mill great quality flour. At the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, we were keen to be involved and to interact with children through a fun activity.

They had a great time and showed real talent as young bakers.”

www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk

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NEWS IPSWICH WINTER NIGHT SHELTER Imagine it’s five o’clock on a winter’s evening; the shops are shutting, people are rushing home, the town centre is emptying and a chill has set in.

Most of us return to our warm inviting homes, a nourishing meal and a comfortable bed, but for the homeless people of Ipswich the picture is very different. They have nothing – no family, no home, no dry shoes, no clothes. The future is bleak.

So will you join us in supporting The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter again this year when we open our doors to some of the most vulnerable people of Ipswich? Ipswich Winter Night Shelter works alongside The Ipswich Locality Homelessness Partnership to encourage homeless people to regain their self-esteem and gain help and advice to restore their lives.

Every night during the winter months The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will offer 12 homeless people a safe place to stay, washing facilities, a sit down supper and breakfast the following morning.

This year we are also expanding our services to provide a Sunday afternoon shelter and a Christmas project, times when the homeless feel even more

vulnerable and lonely. Every person coming into the shelter arrives with a different story, but we are there simply to provide a warm and safe place to stay.

In order for the shelters to run, we are entirely dependent on volunteers from the Ipswich area to offer their help and as we expand the need is even greater.

The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is a project operating under Selig (Suffolk) Trust, headed up by The Rev Canon Paul Daltry. Selig Trust is also working with Hope into Action providing permanent accommodation to the homeless, a befriending service working with IWNS to link homeless people to trained befrienders, a possible domestic abuse project providing education and support through the church network and a vision for connecting exoffenders to local businesses.

If you can offer financial support to these vital projects please contact 07900 073721 / info@ iwns.org.uk or for any other queries visit: www.iwns.org.uk The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is running from December 2 to March 13. Particular help is needed for the night (10pm7am) and morning (6.45-9am) shifts.

HELP OLDER PEOPLE IN SUFFOLK STAY WARM AND HEALTHY THIS WINTER those desperately in need of extra support during the winter.

Unbelievable as it may sound, 450 vulnerable people in Suffolk die in the winter months from causes directly attributable to the cold and poor living conditions.

The vast majority of individuals affected are over 65 years old.

In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg – almost 30,000 households in Suffolk currently live in fuel poverty. Many will suffer in silence during the coldest months, hidden from view, withdrawn from their community and surrounds.

Now in its fifth year and spearheaded by the Suffolk Community Foundation in partnership with Age UK Suffolk and the East Anglian Daily Times, the Surviving Winter campaign rallies around these vulnerable older individuals, offering them respite from the anxiety of managing fuel costs and the opportunity to stay warm and healthy during the winter.

Incredibly and with thanks to the generosity of Suffolk pensioners, over £85,000 was raised in the winter of 2014-2015, helping over 300 vulnerable older households in the county.

Suffolk Community Foundation is now asking you to pledge your Winter Fuel Payment to help

The money raised by the Surviving Winter campaign will be used in two ways: • Support payments to those who need additional financial help to heat their homes properly, eat appropriately, stay active and keep in touch with their family and community. The payments will be distributed in partnership with Age UK Suffolk.

• Grants to local charities and groups with a track record of looking after older, vulnerable people and ensuring their continued support throughout the winter months.

This truly is an extraordinarily worthwhile campaign, so please…

IF YOU DON’T NEED IT, PLEASE DONATE IT!!

To donate online visit: www.justgiving.com/ suffolksurvivingwinter To donate by card please call: 01473 602602 Please send cheques made payable to Suffolk Community Foundation to Surviving Winter Appeal, Suffolk Community Foundation, The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich IP9 2BB To claim please contact Age UK Suffolk: 01473 359911

2015 SHOEBOX APPEAL

A message from the volunteers at Woodview Nurseries, Bentley IP9 2DG Thank you once again to everyone who helped with the 2014 shoebox appeal. We were able to process and send 13,000 gift boxes from the Ipswich area to needy children in Eastern Europe. This year’s appeal is now underway.

If you would like to make up a gift for a child you should cover a shoebox and lid separately with wrapping paper and label it for a boy or girl with one of these age ranges: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14.

Contents could include: • Pencils, crayons, chalk, notebooks and colouring books • Soft toys with CE label, puppets, dolls, small games, children’s playing cards, balls, skipping ropes, toy cars, jigsaws, whistles, mouth organs • Soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels or sponges, combs

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• Hats, gloves, hair slides and beads • Sweets with a long date but not chocolate as it doesn’t travel well We would appreciate a £3 donation towards transport. This can be cash or a cheque inside the box or a payment online through the Samaritans Purse website. Please use an elastic band to secure the box until we check and tape it up.

If you are unable to make up a shoebox but have items from the above list to donate we can use them to make up extra boxes at the warehouse.

Please drop off boxes and donations as soon as possible in November, either at Woodview Nurseries during the day or at one of the drop off points listed on the website. For further information call: 01473 310254/716437

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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ADVERTISING FEATURE Helping you to create the perfect tribute The knowledgeable and friendly team at the East of England Co-op Funeral Services are here to help support you make the, what can be daunting, decision of choosing a lasting memorial for your loved one.

Trusted by local families since 1925 to provide excellent levels of service, care and reassurance, they can advise you on the best choice of stone, design and lettering to reflect your loved ones personality, whilst ensuring the memorial meets all relevant regulations for your loved ones final resting place.

Whether you want to create a simple lettered headstone or an individual bespoke design memorial to reflect your loved ones life and interests, their award winning stonemasons combine both time-honoured traditional stone masonry techniques and modern technology to craft a memorial that will commemorate the life of your loved one for centuries to come.

Cremation Memorials Although smaller than traditional gravestones, their stonemasons take equal pride in creating cremation memorials with the same high standards of design, craftsmanship and care. If you would like to incorporate a longlasting photo of your loved one within their memorial, they are able to create porcelain plaques from any photograph you supply.

When you commission a memorial from the East of England Co-op, they will not only advise you on how to keep it looking its best for many years to come, but also offer a range of aftercare services including memorial renovation services.

Regardless of whether your memorial was created by the East of England Co-op’s stonemasons or not, they will use skilled and sensitive techniques to remove weathering, stains, lichen and any other organic matter, returning your memorial to its former glory.

A choice of stone From traditional Yorkstone, Welsh Slate and Portland Stone, through to fine Italian Marble and highly polished granite, they can create your memorial from the very best quality stone of your choice.

A lasting tribute in stone for your loved one

Visit your local East of England Co-op Funeral Services branch, where you can look through a brochure with one of our knowledgeable and friendly team.

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

If you would like a monument that offers more than the traditional headstone, then a kerb or ledger memorial is an elegant and popular choice. These memorials have a border of durable stone, which can be filled with a variety of materials such as marble chips, coloured glass or granite.

Ledger memorials are both beautiful and very low maintenance. A ledger stone covers the plot, making it impossible for weeds or long grass to grow.

ITNOV15 Terms and Conditions: Valid for the purchase of East of England Co-op memorial headstone cleaning and alteration services ordered before 31/12/15. Only one voucher can be redeemed per transaction and cannot be used retrospectively or in conjunction with any other discount or voucher. No cash alternative is available. This voucher is non-transferable. Qualifying spend is eligible for East of England Co-op dividend points on production of a valid membership card. The East of England Co-op reserves the right to reject any voucher it deems, in its sole discretion, to have been forged, defaced or otherwise tampered with. This offer for memorial headstones is also valid at H.L. Perfitt, Vinces Road, Diss.

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364 Foxhall Road Ipswich 01473 728445

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

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NEWS

Duke of Wellington helps raise vital funds for Woodbridge Tide Mill Local historian and expert speaker Mark Mitchels drew well over 100 people to his insightful illustrated talk on The Duke of Wellington at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, October 2. Through ticket sales and a raffle the event raised more than £700 for Woodbridge Tide Mill.

Nigel Barratt, miller and trustee of Woodbridge Tide Mill, said: “A fantastic event thanks to Mark Mitchels who has proved yet again he can draw a crowd with his choice of subject and wealth of knowledge. A big thank you to everyone who contributed and helped, whether cooking and providing the nibbles, manning the raffle, or moving chairs and tables on the night. And of course, to all those who supported the Tide Mill by coming along.”

WOODBRIDGE SHOPS ‘GO GREEN’ TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE NSPCC Staff from more than 20 shops in Woodbridge have ‘gone green’ this Halloween in aid of the NSPCC’s Go Green for Halloween challenge.

Colleagues from Happiness Store, Gobbitt & Kirby, Laura Jane Boutique and businesses along the high street and market square are turning Woodbridge town centre NSPCC green as they decorate their windows, sell spooky cakes, and raise money for the children’s charity. The target of £1,000 will help support the NSPCC Schools Service and make a difference to children across Suffolk.

“Child protection is everybody’s responsibility and everyone should play their part,” said Jo Reynolds, owner of Happiness Store. “I am proud to be taking part in this community event and I hope that this inspires others to join in the fun.”

Sarah Laffling, community fundraising manager at the NSPCC, said: “It’s great to have so many shops in Woodbridge come on board with our latest campaign and see it so well supported by the local community. The Schools Service plays a vital role in educating children how to stay safe and where to turn for help, and fundraising events like this mean that we can reach an even wider audience.”

The NSPCC is inviting other businesses to take part: “You can have so much fun with your events,” said Sarah. “Get colleagues to go ghoulishly green, don your scariest green fancy dress, host a green bake sale or go apple-bobbing at lunch – anything goes as long as it’s green! We’d love to hear from your business and all of your support will help protect vulnerable local children from abuse and neglect.”

For a free fundraising pack please contact sarah.laffling@nspcc.org.uk or call: 07974 028796

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NEW LANDMARK FOR WOODBRIDGE

Peter and Georgina Bacon

Diamond Jubilee Bandstand

Woodbridge now has a fine new landmark in the town’s ‘Green Flag’ Elmhurst Park – in the form of an ornate Victorian style cast-iron and steel bandstand.

The new leisure facility was christened at a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, September 12 with soprano Anna Cooper as the first official performer under the new pagoda-style roof. Anna is the granddaughter of the late Gerry Cooper, one of the founder members of Woodbridge Community Council, so the performance was a fitting tribute to him and his late wife Joan. She was followed by the Excelsior Band, Tuxedo Jazz, Tango Innominado, Oktoba and an Open Mic session that attracted some very talented local youngsters to sing. All of the performers gave their services free of charge for this inaugural event.

The new bandstand, costing £45,720, was gifted to the town by Woodbridge Community Council, after being proposed by Peter and Georgina Bacon, chairman and honorary treasurer respectively, at a meeting in Woodbridge Shire Hall in 2011 to co-ordinate proposals for activities and events to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Along with a large clock in the Thoroughfare, ours was the only proposal for anything of a permanent nature to mark that special occasion. The new bandstand, to be known as the Diamond Jubilee Bandstand, completes a trilogy of major leisure and recreational facilities given to the town by Woodbridge Community Council since its formation under the chairmanship of Sir Ian Jacob in 1966 with a mandate to provide leisure and recreational facilities for the people of Woodbridge and the surrounding area. The Deben Pool was our first major project, followed by our fine Woodbridge Community Hall completed in 1981 and greatly improved with the help of funding and expertise from Woodbridge Community Council in recent years That huge sum has been very hard earned by our activities over many years – by running New Year’s Day and spring concerts, stalls at the regattas and the Christmas street fairs, bingo sessions, car boot sales and our annual mammoth second-hand bazaars which alone earned well over £100,000 since the first in 1993 – with all of the proceeds being recycled back into the local economy by giving grants to many organisations that were unable to generate sufficient funds themselves. These included £25,000 to the Tide Mill, £20,000 for Shire Hall restorations and over £20,000 for numerous improvements to our community hall – and very many smaller sums to other groups.

We hope that this splendid new facility will give a great deal of pleasure to the people of this area for very many years to come.

Peter and Georgina Bacon, chairman and honorary treasurer respectively, Woodbridge Community Council

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OUT & ABOUT THE MASQUE PLAYERS The Masque Players present Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn at Kesgrave Community Centre from November 25-28 at 7.45pm.

The plot of Season’s Greetings involves nine adults and some unseen children meeting up for Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house. As the children lurk just out of sight, it’s the adults who are letting the side down!

The adults consist of various family members and friends whose complex relationships and

histories are laid bare over the Christmas festivities. Petty and not so petty squabbles break out and Christmas presents are rifled.

This is a vintage piece of Ayckbourn theatre, mixing comedy and tragedy with a hilarious puppet show as the icing on the cake. Come and share in the familiar family frivolity and fiasco of Christmas!

Tickets (£9 / £7 concessions) are available at www.masqueplayers. com, from Julie Waters on 01473 624692 and on the door.

CHARITY BUFFET DANCE WITH THE ALDERTONES 50/60s night with a charity buffet dance at Woodbridge Football Club on Friday, November 20, 7.3011.30pm.

For tickets (£10 including buffet) contact: 01473 723573 / robin195860@yahoo.co.uk Proceeds in aid of Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) which offers free, confidential and impartial advice to disabled people and their carers.

SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES A shopping opportunity not to be missed takes place at Woodbridge Community Hall on Friday, November 20, 10am-4pm. Whether you are looking to treat yourself or buy that extra special Christmas present there will be the chance to buy bespoke goods at very reasonable prices and enjoy a spot of lunch at the same time. With high quality clothes and leather shoes, beautiful bags and jewellery, children’s clothes and wooden toys, scented candles, silk flower arrangements and much more.

Entry is £3 to include a cup of tea or coffee. Homemade lunches and teas will be available throughout the day.

THE RABBLE CHORUS TO PERFORM ALEXANDER L’ESTRANGE’S ZIMBÉ With some 250 singers, The Rabble Chorus is the largest community choir in Suffolk, perhaps even the largest in the UK. It has four units at Woodbridge, Easton, Needham Market and Saxmundham that rehearse separately and come together for performances. We are a tumultuous crowd of singers, open to anyone who just fancies a bit of music on the side.

The range is very eclectic and recent times have seen the choir performing at international music festivals, Folk East and Maverick festivals, the Landmark Trust 50th anniversary event at the Aldeburgh Martello Tower, various flash mobs, The Royal Albert Hall alongside thousands of singers to perform Mozart’s Requiem in Latin, concerts at Snape Concert Hall and churches and gigs indoors and outdoors all over Suffolk.

On Sunday, November 8 the chorus takes on it’s most ambitious project to date at Ipswich Corn Exchange. It will be performing Alexander L’Estrange’s Zimbé, a joyous fusion of traditional song and jazz with a children’s choir drawn from the local area and special guest musicians. It will include gospel themes, playground songs, a lullaby, drinking, wedding and funeral songs.

With performances at 3.30pm and 5.30pm, tickets (adults £8 / children £4) are available from the Corn Exchange Box Office: 01473 433100 / www.ipswichregent.com Come and join us!

David Griffiths, 01394 549517

BINGO & QUIZ NIGHTS AT WOODBRIDGE TOWN FC Every other Sunday from 7.30pm with quiz nights on November 8 and 22 and bingo on November 1, 15 and 29.

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

SUTTON HOO CHRISTMAS GIFT FAYRE

Saturday, November 14 and Sunday 15, 10.30am-4.30pm

All monies raised from the event will go towards supporting two local charities:

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the Sutton Hoo Christmas Gift Fayre.

• St Elizabeth Hospice: An independent charity which provides vital services free of charge to patients living with progressive illnesses, and their families and carers across East Suffolk • Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who support 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 physical and mental health problems, bereavement, isolation, domestic violence and many more.

Browse crafts and gorgeous gifts, sample Suffolk produce and enjoy festive music.

For more information or to buy entry tickets in advance contact 01473 621104 or email: office@homestartcoastal.co.uk

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Relax over a cup of tea or coffee and cake or enjoy a scrumptious lunch in the King’s River Cafe. Visit Mrs Pretty’s house and listen to Christmas carols sung by local choirs.

SPECIAL ADMISSION PRICE: adults £3, children £2 / including entry to the site (NT members free) Sutton Hoo, Sutton, Woodbridge IP12 3 DJ / 01394 389714

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Saturday, November 7, 9am-5pm and Sunday, November 8, 10am-4pm: Sale of donated adult fiction. All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Saturday, November 14 and Sunday 15, 10am-4pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library Book Sale A bonanza of all donated stock to raise funds for the library. All donations welcome, free entry.

Friday, November 20, 2-3pm: Friends of Woodbridge Library activities group meeting For anyone who is interested in becoming an active member of our new events group named FOWL-Eggs. We meet up approximately once a month for a cup of tea and biscuits to discuss new ways of holding activities or events to help with fundraising for the library. For more information please either come along, email Kellie Dimmock at kellie. dimmock@suffolklibraries.co.uk or contact Woodbridge Library on 01394 446510.

Saturday, November 21, 10am-noon: Caroline Page, county councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.

Thursday, November 26, 7.30-9pm (approx): Concert by the Birkbeck Singers A programme of choral and festive music by a 45 strong group of singers. Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7.30pm. Payment is essential when booking to confirm your seat. Tickets are £6 each (includes mulled wine and a mince pie). Raffle. All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Saturday, November 28, 10.30am-12.30pm: WI Cake Sale November 1-30: ArtLib This month, the ArtLib exhibition is of prints of British wildlife and birds by some of the Royal Photographic Society’s East Anglian region’s top photographers.

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 the show’s guests discussed noir film and fiction, a genre of crime literature featuring tough, cynical characters and bleak settings. This month guests will be discussing the question: Can you can tell a book by its cover?

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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

Book Group Meets the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On November 5 we will be discussing Beloved by Toni Morrison. 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.

Suffolk Craft Society We now house a permanent display of work by artists in the library. A percentage of the sales from the Artlib and Suffolk Craft Society go to support Suffolk Libraries.

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 reconfiguration 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 at Woodbridge Library We now sell first and second-class postage stamps. We can now scan to email or USB for 30p, copy A4 documents in colour for 30p and you can print in the library from your own device: 10p black and white and 30p colour per A4 sheet. We now have Chromebook laptops that you can use anywhere in the library free of charge for two hours and we sell 4GB USB cards for £5 that can be used on our new Chromebase and Chromebook computers.

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

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

Writers’ Workshop Meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm.

Interested? Please email Jeannie@butterwicks. com to open doors to creative writing.

Woodbridge Novelists’ Group Meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 10am-noon. This group, for “committed writers aiming to be published”, wants to recruit an extra member. It aims to provide friendly feedback on members’ writing and explore topics related to creative writing and publication. If you are interested please contact Lawrence Richardson at: woodbridgenovelwriters@gmail.com

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

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

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

Games Club Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm. Now includes dominoes.

Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practise strategy or balance with dominoes.

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

For more information contact nigel@foden. me.uk / 07740 173091 or see details on: www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

Every Wednesday 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups.

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

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

Every Sunday 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities

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OUT & ABOUT WHITE ELEPHANT SALE Saturday, November 7, 10am-noon, at The Richards Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB (behind Tesco).

Includes bric-a-brac, books, jigsaws, plants and lots more. Entrance free. Profits will go to The Roger David Burrows Music Fund.

GRANT APPLICATIONS Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and groups.

Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2016.

Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities.

Further information about grants and application forms can be found at: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk Alternatively call 01473 625196 or write to: The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG

TUESDAY EVENING BINGO

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS AND FINE FOODS MARKET Saturday, November 14 and 28, Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm Established in 1999, Woodbridge Farmers’ and Fine Foods Market is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country. Run on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, it brings together some of Suffolk’s finest producers under one roof.

There is a large base of loyal customers who attend every market, but we would love to see more people attending. One such customer commented: “I regularly find a lot of wonderful food here!” The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly and people rarely leave empty handed.

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

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

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

WOODBRIDGE VINTAGE AND MODERN CHRISTMAS MARKET Woodbridge Vintage and Modern Christmas Market will be on the Market Hill and inside the Shire Hall on Saturday, December 12 from 9.30am to 4pm.

The market will have 50 stalls selling a wide range of unique items for the festive season, including gift ideas, homewares, ceramics, artworks, fashion and handmade pieces from local producers.

Exhibition "Faces of the Fallen" St Andrew's Church, Melton November 6 - 9

1914 - 1919 Church open during daylight hours

Tim Clover of Deben Events said: “Our market is a great place to get set for a Christmas with a difference. It’s a refreshing change to the hustle of big chain stores and supermarkets, with a host of small traders selling some unique items.”

The market will also include a tasty selection of locally made food and drink, alongside a pop-up eating and drinking place to meet for lunch or coffee.

For more information about the market visit: www.debenevents.com

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Service of Remembrance Sunday, November 8, 10.45am All welcome.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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Chips? Cracks?

Before

After

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For more information or a chat call

Tel: 01728 685958 www.dreammakerbathrooms.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT As autumn moves on, the sun finally shone on our last car boot sale of the year and we saw a good number of stall holders and buyers. Our thanks to everyone who has supported this event over the summer and to the management of Budgens, Woodbridge for permission to use their car park.

ART SALE AT QUAY STREET CHURCH, NOVEMBER 7 At this time of year our thoughts and fundraising efforts turn towards the Christmas parcels project. The growing number of customers at food banks testifies to the continuing value of this long-running project. Our next event will be an art sale on Saturday, November 7, held once again at the Quay Street Church. Thanks to Kesgrave Art Club for their support, a third of proceeds will be donated to Lions’ charities. With no painting priced over £25 there should be something to suit every pocket.

For more about the Lions and what we do, and for reports of this year’s Martlesham Heath 10k, 5k and Fun Run, please visit: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk Or for a no obligation chat with one of the Lions, please call: 08458 332820

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month (except December) in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. For those who don’t know us, we are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY At our next meeting and lecture on November 7, in the month of Remembrance, Dr Susan Owens will give a talk entitled In Spite of Bombs and Broken Windows: Queen Elizabeth and the Arts in Warfare. Dr Owens is a writer and freelance curator and was assistant curator of the print room at Windsor Castle from 2002-07.

October’s meeting featured Stephen Taylor, an artist in his own right, talking about his hero, Victorian painter Walter Richard Sickert. Stephen recounted Sickert’s colourful life and gave the audience some insight into his style of painting. A most enlightening talk.

This season will feature a broad range of illustrated talks to support all tastes, including lectures on the Duc du Berry, medieval Easter

celebrations, the Queen Mother and her art interests, the world of Grayson Perry... and much more.

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

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

Thursday, November 26: Snowman plus Christmas Celebration Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma)

WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB

Other projects are available.

The summer exhibition closed on September 27 following a busy season with many visitors each weekend, both locals and holiday visitors.

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

KYSON PROBUS CLUB

The experiment of opening the studio to visitors for Woodbridge Art Weekend was so successful and enjoyable that it has encouraged members to think about taking part in other events and festivities happening in Woodbridge during the summer next year. We shall be pondering on this and making plans throughout the winter.

Kyson Probus Club met for its usual monthly meeting at 12.30pm on Monday, October 12 at the Ufford Park Hotel. After a convivial drink and lunch we heard a fascinating talk by Mr Malcolm Key, the leader of the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group who, on retirement from BT in 1996, bought some 22 acres of Suffolk countryside near Debenham in which to create a woodland habitat for birds and other wildlife.

However, before then we re-open at weekends during the month of November. Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm there will be the usual selection of lace, pottery and paintings, many of which could make excellent presents from inexpensive stocking fillers to a potential masterpiece of a painting.

Malcolm described how the site had previously been farmland. With no use of chemicals the first few years saw the soil become less artificially enriched which allowed it to revert to a more natural state. During this time more and more trees were planted, meadows sown with wild flower seeds and hedgerows coppiced. With a great deal of hard work and despite the ravages of caterpillars, rabbits and various diseases the site has matured to the point where some of the timber can be sold as part of the site’s careful management to offset some of the costs. The woodland and meadows are now a diverse haven for birds, mammals, plants, insects and many naturally living things and will continue to develop and accommodate nature’s unpredictable ways for many years to come. It is a true oasis and our members were deeply impressed by the vision and commitment of Mr Key. Overall, it was an extremely informative and enjoyable afternoon.

For information about Kyson Probus Cub, please call the secretary Mr Ian McIvor: 01473 738866

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

If you are not in buying mode you’ll still be welcome to come in out of the weather and browse around. Look forward to seeing you then.

FRIENDS OF HIGHLANDS CARE HOME PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH Wind and showers failed to dampen support for the Friends of Highlands Care Home ploughman’s lunch at St Mary’s Church Hall on October 14. Bread donated by The Cake Shop and ham and cheese from E W Revett & Son was followed by apple pie made by members of the group. Sales of tickets and a raffle raised £220, which will be added to the funds to improve the garden terrace used by the residents at Highlands The next Friends event will be the coffee morning at Highlands on December 5.

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

No it’s not about going back to school and having to do exams or win qualifications. It’s a chance for retired and semi retired people to try subjects and hobbies they may have had to miss due to other commitments. Now can be your chance.

U3A has groups on many subjects including art, music, book-reading, geology, architecture, indoor and outdoor games like carpet bowls and petanque, as well as garden and church visits. With more than 130 interest groups there is bound to be a subject that will intrigue you. All this for only £12.50 per year.

Find out more by visiting one of our monthly meetings with speakers in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Saxmundham and Woodbridge. The campus coordinators at each venue will be happy to tell you more about the East Suffolk branch of U3A. The next Ipswich meeting is at 2pm on November 30 at Kesgrave Community Centre, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. In a talk entitled The Railway to Ipswich and Beyond, Mervyn Russen will discuss the building of the Ipswich tunnel and the line from Ipswich to Bury St Edmunds.

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

WHEN DID YOU LAST GET A ROUND OF APPLAUSE? Once upon a time I had a computer that gave me an enthusiastic round of applause every time I turned it on. I often meant to change it but it was always uplifting and made my day start with a smile. At Speak Easy meetings we clap when the meeting begins, when each new speaker is introduced and takes the floor, when the speaker finishes and when the meeting ends. If this sounds a bit over formal, it’s something you quickly get used to and even enjoy. It’s satisfying for audience members to give something to someone who is playing their part in the meeting, who has prepared a speech, who makes an encouraging evaluation or who keeps the meeting to schedule. Or brings the doughnuts! Even if you don’t have a role to play, clapping those who do conveys your warmth and appreciation.

Speaking in public is not just about what you say and how you say it. It’s about knowing your audience, sticking to the time allocated, making sure people can hear and see you clearly and listening, really listening. Basic ground rules and techniques help you overcome fears about speaking, grow your confidence and improve your skills. A round of applause for your efforts is sweet reward.

Why not come along to Speak Easy at Martlesham and get your own round of appreciation? We are a small friendly group of all ages and backgrounds. We meet from 7-9.30pm on alternate Thursday evenings at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB. Our next meetings are on November 5 and 19 and December 3. Come free as our guest.

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

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MARTLESHAM WI Say the words ‘Annual General Meeting’, and everyone runs for cover! But our AGM at 2.15pm on Friday, November 20 is a really important meeting as we will be electing a new president, Pat Brown having completed her three year term. We elect our president each year, but we have a bylaw that limits her term to a maximum of three years – so it’s not a life sentence and we get the benefit of a continuous input of fresh ideas. We shall be having a WI advisor to help us through the formalities and after refreshments we will enjoy something more light-hearted, including a display of hobbies. So if you are already a member do come along to this important event and have your say, and if you are thinking of joining it’s a good time to see who’s who. And it might even be fun! And be assured, no one will be pressured into doing anything if they are not willing.

Remember that in September we were looking forward to our centenary picnic at Glemham Hall? You may also remember that on that day the heavens opened and all thoughts of elegant picnics on the grass went out of the window. But hey – we’re the WI and a bit of rain wasn’t going to spoil our fun. About 700 of us squashed into a marquee, tea and cake was served, music was played and some people managed to find space to dance. A memorable afternoon.

For more information contact Anne: 01394 380110 Susan Cunliffe

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

Christian Bone, Head of Member & Community Services with the East of England Co-operative Society, recently gave us an interesting and enlightening talk about the history of the society which was established by a group of Rochdale Pioneers in 1844. This provided a touch of nostalgia for our president, Kay Hirst, who was raised in Lancashire and had fond memories of the local Co-op. Like Kay, many club members could recall share numbers and ‘divi’ days, but were less familiar with the support the society offers within local communities and also worldwide.

Profits from tobacco sales are used to provide neo-natal equipment and defibrillators, one of which is situated at the Co-op on Hasketon Road, Woodbridge and is accessible 24/7. Their Cuppa scheme also provides free Fairtrade tea for one-off fundraising events and ventures such as the monthly Memory Café held at Woodbridge Football Club. The Memory Café was started by the two local Rotary Clubs and Inner Wheel provide the refreshments.

At the business meeting which following Linda Mortimer was inducted as a member of the club. Preparations for our forthcoming fashion show on November 11 in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance are well in hand.

Tickets are still available from Hamilton Smith, Church Street.

Inner Wheel is an international organisation and our club chose to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace last month with a coffee morning to highlight peace within the home. The £90 raised was donated to Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Ipswich.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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“Skilled, stylish and perceptive work for ages three to seven”

1 DEC 2015 - 2 JAN 2016 LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE PRESENTS...

The Stage wwww When a little girl cuts out a string of paper dolls she takes them by the hand and together they go on a fantastical adventure whirling through their home and garden. Ticky, Tacky, Jackie the Backie, Jim with two noses and Jo with the bow fly Photo: Ellie Kurttz through time and tear across worlds of fun and excitement. They face the Jurassic clutches of a toy dinosaur and the snapping jaws of the oven-glove crocodile, and then a very real boy with very real scissors threatens to snip their adventure short…

THE PAPER DOLLS

For children aged 3-7 and their grown ups

Adapted from the acclaimed book by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson, this magical tale is brought to life through puppetry and music. This is a new co-production between Little Angel Theatre and Polka Theatre; reigniting an inspiring creative partnership between Peter Glanville and Lyndie Wright who last worked together to produce Macbeth and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

Suitable for ages three to seven. Studio theatre seating is unreserved. All five rows offer excellent views in the heart of the action so you choose your seats on arrival.

New Wolsey Studio

01473 295900 wolseytheatre.co.uk

To book call 01473 295900 or visit: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Paper Dolls Creative_150930.indd 1

01/10/2015 01:55

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE THE IPSWICH-BEIRA PARTNERSHIP On Friday, September 18, members learned of the Ipswich Hospital partnership with The Central Hospital of Beira, Mozambique which is funded through a grant from the Department for International Development. The project enables skilled health professionals from the NHS to teach and offer practical assistance to their counterparts in developing countries.

NHS volunteers benefit the NHS by gaining knowledge, better leadership skills and an improved ability to deal with complex situations under pressure. The opportunity to work and train overseas can be personally and professionally rewarding. On the trip in May this year, the Ipswich team focussed on ways to improve medication safety and medical equipment maintenance and repair. The team were pharmacist Sarah Cavanagh, recently retired surgeon Peter Donaldson, nurse Caroline Vergo, governance and surgical safety manager Derek Bartle and student nurse Luana Vendramel Santos, a final year nursing student who helped with translation. A further visit to Beira will be arranged and a reciprocal visit here to involve others.

The charity auction raised more than £1,600 and the club would like to thank all local, and some national, businesses that donated items to be sold on the night. The event raised approximately £2,500 which, together with other fundraising activities in support of the Woolverstone Project, brings the total so far to over £5,000.

If you would like to support Rotary in their fundraising activities or the Woolverstone Project in particular, cheques made payable to The Rotary Club of Woodbridge can be forwarded to The Rotary Club of Woodbridge, c/o The Shire Hall, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4LP. Please indicate on the reverse of the cheque Woolverstone.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

A vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Cliff Longman, pictured above with Peter Donaldson and Sarah Cavanagh.

SUFFOLK FALCONRY AND HAWKING As founder of Suffolk Falconry and Hawking, Glenn Morrison has had the pleasure in fulfilling his ambition with birds of prey for over 25 years and has gained valuable experience in the skills required to successfully train birds in all aspects of falconry. Glenn presented a very interesting talk at our evening meeting on Friday, September 25 on his life of training birds of prey and explained the problems and the satisfaction of demonstrating his skill at various occasions and displays.

Glenn showed a-Perregine, a-Siberian Eagle Owl and a Barn Owl, the later of which the audience were allowed to hold and stroke.

The club has secured the dates of the arrival of Father Christmas for 2015.

The vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Bertie Hirst.

The money raised by Father Christmas will be shared between Riding for the Disabled Hollesley Branch, East Anglia Children’s Hospice and other charities supported by Rotary.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE RAISE OVER £50,00 FOR THE WOOLVERSTONE MACMILLAN PROJECT The Broadside Boys were in town on Friday, September 11, playing at Woodbridge Community Hall where they were ably assisted by Boy Will from Over the Hill, aka Stephen Bayfield. This was another successful event organised by The Rotary Club of Woodbridge where nett proceeds will be donated to the Woolverstone Macmillan Project which aims to raise £3million to build a state-of-the art cancer centre in partnership with Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust for people affected by cancer in the county.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

On Sunday, November 22 Father Christmas will arrive in style at Notcutts at 11.30am and be settled in his grotto until 4pm. He will then put in an appearance every Saturday and Sunday from 11am1.30pm and from 1.45-4pm. His last appearance will on Tuesday, December 22, 11am-4pm. It’s just £6.50 to visit the grotto which includes a present.

Father Christmas will be touring the Woodbridge area in his sleigh prior to Christmas collecting for his listed charities.

Sunday, December 6: Woodbridge Street Fair – the club will have its bottle stall raising money for local charities.

Monday, December 21: Christmas Carol Service on Market Hill, starting at 6.30pm when Father Christmas will arrive and distribute sweets to all the children.

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OUT & ABOUT MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Following a packed first meeting in September, when local author Robert Blake gave an interesting illustrated talk entitled An Overview of Melton’s History, Melton Local History Society held its second meeting at St Andrew’s Church Room on October 7, when more than two dozen people watched a presentation by Bridget Hanley, collections manager at the Suffolk Record Office in Ipswich. Bridget outlined the wide range of activities of the Record Office, which is part of the county council with a statutory responsibility to keep a historical record of Suffolk and its people.

Original copies of all manner of historical documents are held, some dating back hundreds of years, others more recent. These are carefully conserved and kept in temperature and humidity controlled conditions in order to ensure they last another few centuries. They include: • Parish, district, borough and county council records • Probate and magistrate court records • Coroner and health authority records • Manorial and tithe records • Church records (baptism, marriage…)

The collection also includes published works such as: • Histories of Suffolk • Biographies or autobiographies of Suffolk residents • Literary works by authors with a strong connection to Suffolk • Local papers and magazines These form an invaluable source for anyone researching local, military, church or family history. We heard that a recent visitor was Jeremy Paxman as the subject of a recent edition of BBC TV’s Who Do You Think You Are? The Record Office at Gatacre Road, Ipswich IP1 2LQ is open to the public, free of charge on Mondays, Tuesdays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9.30am-4.30pm. The massive task of digitising all the documents is well under way. This should ensure that they are accessible on the internet to researchers from around the globe; this is why the office is closed to the public on Wednesdays.

In addition to providing facilities to do your own research, the Record Office arranges a variety of courses, talks, walks, sessions and workshops about family or house history in Suffolk. For more information visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/sro or call: 01473 263909/263910 The society meets on the first Wednesday of every month, 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church Room. Admission fee is £3 (members free). New members welcome; contact the secretary, Vanessa Clouting: vanessa.clouting@tiscali.co.uk / 01394 384488 The next meeting is on November 4, when David Phelan will give a talk on Sutton Hoo International.

ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN The speakers at our meeting in late September were Majors Russell and Febe Pipe of the Woodbridge Salvation Army. They spoke of how they came to be stationed in Woodbridge, and of providing hot meals and washing facilities for people living rough in our area. Russell then went on to tell us how the Foodbank had been established and our president, Ian O’Brien Baker, presented them with a cheque to help with their efforts.

We are looking forward to our Annual Charity Quiz at Waldringfield Golf Club on November 2 and our ever-popular Christmas Carol Concert and supper at Woodbridge School on December 3. We will also be manning Santa’s sleigh around Martlesham Heath in December – dates and routes to be advised later.

If you are interested in any of these events or in finding out more about Rotary please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust we invite you to get more out of your membership and join our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF and our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 17, starting at 7.15pm. The speaker will be John Field who will give a talk on the life and work of local cartoonist Giles. John will be showing us several of Giles’ cartoons, many set in and around Ipswich. Please note that this is a change to the talk mentioned in the previous edition.

There is no meeting in December, but a date for your diary is January 19 2016 when the ever-popular Mark Mitchels will be talking on the Duke of Wellington. More details to follow in the next two editions.

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

For more information contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS FLORAL DEMONSTRATION Deben Flower Club is holding its spectacular Christmas floral demonstration at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall (Church Lane Kirton IP10 0PU) on Tuesday, November 10 when Susan Phillips from Orpington, a well-known and very popular national demonstrator, will present Deck the Halls.

What better way to kick-start the festive season than to watch Susan create inspirational designs using a variety of fresh flowers and foliage with that extra special Christmas touch?

Visitors are assured of a warm welcome, £4 payable on the night. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration. All Susan’s floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening. For further information please contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

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Feel right at home with Alice Grange Care Home

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

If you would like a tour of our home or just need some friendly advice, please call us on:

01473 333 551

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB AGM – Thursday, September 24 In June’s first ever AGM absence, Geraldine opened the meeting by giving apologies from both June and Marilyn who are on holiday.

Funnily enough in the same country in the same hotel. What is it about AGM’s I wonder?

Geraldine swiftly introduced our speaker for the first part of the evening, one of our own members Sandra Adcock. Sandra is on the verge of taking her demonstrators test so we were all looking forward to this and with some lovely humorous stories of moving onto her barge home in December, with no electricity, no running water (plenty outside) and the removal company’s laughter ringing in her ears, we weren’t disappointed.

Her first display was a variation on a horizontal design using a window box planter that she had covered in bark. With hedra helix, phormium that had been slightly manipulated to make it more interesting, golden rod and red hot pokers along with mango calla lilly, summer breeze dahlias locally sourced this was a beautiful design and a good sign of things to come.

Arrangement number two depicted the

seaside. With driftwood, cypresses, celosias that look like coral, snapdragons and hydrangea this arrangement made you think of walking along our Suffolk shores.

Finally, using a blue pot and two covered circles as accessories, with fatsia japonica, variegated pittosporum, lisianthus and chrysanthemums Sandra’s last arrangement stood proudly on the stage. Linda gave the vote of thanks for a super demonstration and wished Sandra all the best in her test.

Geraldine then thanked all members for bringing a mountain of food to the meeting and urged us all to eat as much as possible in the break. Tickets for November’s open meeting were on sale at £5 for members and £10 for guests. The raffle for next year’s subscriptions was won by Chris Garnham.

After the break, when we all sat quite full, Geraldine presented our accounts that are looking very healthy even though a good sum is included to pay for the Blackpool holiday.

Because of this we have decided not to increase

WOODBRIDGE IN BLOOM Congratulations to the Red Lion (Thoroughfare), King’s Head (Market Square) and Cake Shop, for taking first, second and third places respectively in this year’s Woodbridge in Bloom competition for business premises.

Daniel and Ryan of the Red Lion receiving their first place trophy

They have all been awarded a cup and shields – very well done. However, because of a decline in numbers of entrants, there was no garden competition this year.

Instead, WIB committee members walked every street in Woodbridge studying gardens and delivering ‘Congratulation on your Garden’ cards through the letterboxes of deserving dwellings and businesses. It is hoped that this will rekindle interest for next year.

This summer has seen very mixed weather. It was very cold and windy at the time the hanging baskets and planters were put out so they were blown about, and then we had a very hot and dry spell. Despite this, many people have enjoyed looking at them. Soon we shall be doing our autumn planting, including wallflowers, tete-a-tete daffodils and tulips. New planting of bulbs along Lime Kiln Quay Road and on Flagship Housing land near the Cherry Tree pub will increase the displays around Woodbridge.

Thank you to all our sponsors and private supporters, without whose generous help WIB could not exist. Please continue your support, and if anyone else would like to become a sponsor get in touch with Mark Dann on 01394 385764.

On Friday, October 30 a fundraising quiz will be held at Woodbridge Football Club at 7.30pm. Tickets at £10 include a baked potato supper.

Please support us by applying for tickets to Judith Wright on 01394 384848.

Barbara Dann, vice chair, Woodbridge in Bloom

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subs for 2015/16 and they will remain at £24 for the year.

We have 84 members at present, which is slightly down on last year. Geraldine then read out June’s report and there were some lovely kind remarks about the club and both the working and general committees. The current two committees were re-voted en bloc, as were our chairman and president. If it works don’t change it!

The practise piece winners were: 1. Betty Ann Gael; 2. Linda Fosker; 3. Di Catling. Very well done to you all.

In Wickham Market Flower Club style, this AGM had been another successful evening, with good flowers, good food and good company.

Your first meeting is free. Come and join us at our fun friendly club. You only need an interest in beautiful flowers.

Mandy Pryke

WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB The demonstrator at our October meeting was Pat Barton, who used the idea of textures as her theme.

Pat explained that using different textures in an arrangement added to the interest and is an important element in the design.

For her first arrangement Pat used a metal box which had been interwoven with string. She started by using conifer to create the basic shape and then added other foliage such as senecio and eucalyptus to form an extended low design. Pat then added white gladioli, ornithogalum and roses. To coordinate the colours she added poppy seed heads, which had been painted blue to match the string on the box.

Another arrangement was formed on a large root. Palm leaves were used to form a diagonal shape and to this were added pittisporum and rubus. Pat then used very small pink gerberas and green and pink anthuriums. Finally Pat included some beige pink grass to add more texture.

For her final arrangement Pat used a metal urn and formed an L-shaped design using fatsia, camellia leaves, willow sticks and purple cotinus. To add colour Pat used bicolour canna lilies and deep red roses. Contrast in texture and colour was provided by bright orange celosia, which formed a striking display.

Pat was then thanked for an interesting and informative demonstration.

Members had tea and the raffle took place. The winner of this month’s competition for ‘a foliage design’ was Margaret Mayhew.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP Traditional Orchards What makes a traditional orchard and how are they managed? The answer to these and other questions will be revealed when Jen Broad presents an illustrated talk entitled Traditional Orchards at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, November 19 at 7.30pm.

This talk has been organised by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group and chairman Phil Smith said: “As well as the crop of apples, plums, pears and cherries we might get from them, traditional

orchards provide a vital refuge for wildlife. This talk will give us an opportunity to hear more about Suffolk’s traditional orchards and how they are managed and should prove to be a very interesting evening.”

Admission to the talk is £2.50 for adults, with under 16s free. There will be a raffle during the evening and refreshments served. There will also be a sales stall selling Suffolk Wildlife Trust Christmas cards and gifts.

For more information about this event, contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com

NOVEMBER AT BRIGHT STARS If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like to brighten up your week why not come along to Bright Stars? We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL and welcome all

pre-school age children to come along with their parents and/or carers.

Each session is full of fun children’s activities and worship.

We do crafts of all kinds and so far this term we have coloured our own multi-coloured coats for Joseph and created our own paper plate of favourite foods.

At sessions we have also en-

joyed singing, storytelling and games. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us this autumn? You are welcome to just turn up on the day or feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions. We will look forward to welcoming you!

The remaining session dates for the autumn term are November 9 and 23 and December 14.

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

PARENT AND TODDLER SESSIONS AT WOODBRIDGE METHODIST CHURCH Our parent and toddler sessions meet every Friday in term time from 9.30-11am. We have a spacious room where children can freely play safely with a variety of activities from ride-on toys to less energetic activities such as play dough. Free parking is available in an ideal location central to Woodbridge town.

The charge of £1.50 per family includes refreshments for both child and parent. All under threes are welcome. Please feel free to visit. For more information please contact Deirdre Rothwell: 01394 386381 / deirdre@drothwell.co.uk

CROQUET CHAMPIONS Farlingaye High School has had an outstanding result at the National Secondary Schools Croquet Championships held at Oxford Croquet Club.

This was the first event the students from Farlingaye High School had competed in outside Ipswich and they did extremely well against schools from across England.

The team comprised two members from Ipswich Croquet Club, Farlingaye High School Sixth Form students Liam Flinn, Chay Hathway and Sam Parkinson, in addition to Year 8 students Eden Rogers, Ryan Gray and Albi Willett.

In the doubles championship, all three Farlingaye pairs made it through to the semifinals. Liam and Albi went down by one hoop against the Worcester School pair. The other semi had an upset victory, with the younger

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pairing of Ryan and Eden against their senior colleagues. They beat Sam and Chay by one hoop to reach the final. During the final, Farlingaye had a lead thanks to some good roqueting and hoop running by Eden, who was in top form, but Worcester made a late comeback to tie up the match and have control of the innings when time was called leaving it to ‘golden hoop’. Ryan stepped up under immense pressure and made the crucial seven year roquet and kept his cool to score the winning hoop to seal the win for the young Farlingaye pair.

In the singles championships, Chay, Eden and Sam made it through the preliminary rounds to the quarter finals. Chay was eliminated by Worcester player Alistair, while Eden continued his good run of form to triumph over Sam to reach the semi-final where he would continue to grow in confidence and topple the Queens College competitor. In the singles final he was against the heavy favourite for the event,

Coach Mr Coutts with (f) Eden, Ryan and Albi and (b) Sam, Liam and Chay

James Galpin from Nailsea Croquet Club who has been playing for over two years. Eden established an early lead which James wasn’t able to reduce and Eden ran out a deserving winner with a +2 victory.

It was a great day for everyone involved and the boys learnt lots and represented both the club and the school proudly.

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SPORTS IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The indoor volleyball season has started and the first tournament in the Suffolk six-a-side series at Maidenhall Sports Centre was an absolute humdinger with eight top sides from across the county joined for the first time by a team from Norwich. The competition was very evenly matched and produced exciting games from start to end. Ipswich Ravens, having bid farewell to a number of regular members over the summer, fielded a side with a new look to it with two players making their debut for the club. We performed exceptionally well to hold our own in such a strong level of competition, with two wins out of five very close and hard fought matches.

RESULTS Stowmarket II 8-20 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 19-20 Norwich Towers Ipswich Ravens 16-20 Stowmarket III Diss 25-22 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich I 24-25 Ipswich Ravens FINAL TABLE

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

Woodbridge Primary School

OPEN DAYS

17th November 9:30am to midday 24th November 9:30am to midday Was your child born between 1st September 2011 and 31st August 2012?

If the answer is yes, you will be searching for a school place for September 2016.

Woodbridge Primary School is a happy and inspiring

environment and we are inviting parents and their children to come along to view the school, meet students and staff, chat about the application process and see our daily life at school.

Wins 5 4 4 3 2 2 0 0

Pts For 110 109 109 95 102 88 85 67

Pts Agst 83 76 95 97 97 97 110 110

Captain Chris Giles said: “With new faces mixing with the old in the team, this was always the start of the journey. We gave a very good account with our two victories against experienced teams. The three close defeats dampened our spirits somewhat, but at the same time created the hunger to train harder, create a bigger squad and have fun by winning volleyball matches!”

Ipswich Ravens hold club practise sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from nine upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness.

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

If you would like to attend one of our open days please call us on 01394 382516.

Inspired to be...

Confident Curious Creative Considerate Committed Communicative

www.woodbridgeprimary.suffolk.sch.uk 26

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SPORTS MELTON BOWLS CLUB Melton Bowls Club’s Invitation Greenkeeper Triples Tournament, which traditionally closes the outdoor season, was won in convincing style this year by Duncan Frost, Rosemary Manning and Norman West. They were the only unbeaten team and finished with a total of 53 points, well ahead of Brian Holmes, Michael Rodwell and David Thomson in second with 44 points and Ray Andrews, Joy Parker and Maureen Milldown a point and a half further back in third.

The Men’s Championship (two bowl singles) final was a repeat of last year, but this year the result was reversed, Titshall beaten in a tight contest by John Kilby.

This event was played in perfect bowling conditions on Melton Bowls Club’s fast running green. A full complement of 24 teams played four games in two groups, with the winner decided on a points basis.

Baker got her revenge over Williams in the Ladies Four Bowl (BE) final comfortably winning 21-9. Williams had made a tremendous start and was leading 8-1 after five ends but suddenly lost her form. Baker took full advantage and ran out winning a strange game, which lasted only 15 ends.

With just one game remaining Ian Saunder’s triple were the only other team unbeaten and were level on points with the eventual winners.

Their last game was a disaster, losing heavily to Keith Thornley and finished with only 41 points.

West’s team just needed to win their last game to secure the title and a good result against Brian Ling provide a comfortable tournament victory.

Thompson and Milldown’s triples finished strongly with good wins in their last games against Bill Moss and Terry Wilkins respectively to take second and third place.

At the completion of the games, the tournament sponsor, Peter Moyes, announced the results and presented the prizes and winner’s trophy.

Eric Titshall, Melton Bowls Club Men’s Four Bowl (BE) Singles Champion, was the only champion from last year to successfully defend his title at this year’s finals. His game with Keith Thornley was tight and he was pushed all the way, Titshall eventually winning 21-17.

In a hotly contested Ladies Championship (two bowl singles) final, it was Sue Williams who got the better of last year‘s champion, Ella Baker, winning 21-18 in a game that took 29 ends to complete.

There was heartbreak again for Tony Cocker and Maureen Frost in the Mixed Pairs final.

After narrowly losing last year’s final they looked to have gone one better this year. In the early stages of the game they had the better of Rosemary Bennett and Darrell Howard and led 17-15 but their opponents picked up seven shots on the last four ends to run out winners 22-17.

Darrell Howard took his second title by winning the Handicap Singles 21-5, playing superb bowls and totally out bowling Keith Thornley, who was unable to find his normal form.

The Drawn Triples final saw Jean Moss, Bob Manning and Ian Saunders defeat Eve Saunders, Tony Cocker and Sue Williams by 16-9.

Tony Cocker and Ray Andrews retained the Afternoon Pairs League title beating Alan Ramsey and Norman West 14-5 in the play-off final.

MELTON BOWLS CLUB FINALS RESULTS • Men’s Championship (two bowl singles) John Kilby 21 / Eric Titshall 16 • Ladies Championship (two bowl singles) Sue Williams 21 / Ella Baker 18 • Men’s Four Bowl (BE) Singles Eric Titshall 21 / Keith Thornley 17 • Ladies Four Bowl (BE) Singles Ella Baker 21 / Sue Williams 9 • Handicap Singles Darrell Howard 21 / Keith Thornley 5 • Robert Daines Singles (60 or over) Eric Titshall 21 / Sue Williams 7 • Mixed Pairs Rosemary Bennett and Darrell Howard 22 Maureen Frost and Tony Cocker 17 • Drawn Pairs Bill Moss and Derrick Sharp 27 Pete Sumner and Ian Saunders 5

Eric Titshall won his second final by comfortably beating Sue Williams 21-7 in the Robert Daines Singles.

• Triples Jean Moss, Bob Manning & Ian Saunders 16 Eve Saunders, Tony Cocker & Sue Williams 9

In the Drawn Pairs final, Pete Sumner and Ian Saunders were totally out classed by Bill Moss and Derrick Sharp who easily won 27-5.

• Afternoon Pairs League Final Tony Cocker and Ray Andrews 14 Alan Ramsey and Norman West 5

WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB The sailing season finished with a popular three waters cruise organised

by John Harrison and led by Mark Richardson. After an eventful few days in the Stour, Backwaters and Orwell boats assembled at Ipswich Haven Marina for an end of season dinner at the Last Anchor attended by more than 50 people. Members have enjoyed an imaginative cruising programme through the summer and the weather has been reasonably good although, like farmers, sailors can always complain about it.

But Woodbridge Cruising Club is still very active. Working parties, under the guidance of Richard Bull, are seeing to the maintenance and repair of the club on Wednesday mornings, dealing with everything from revarnishing floors to repainting ceilings. As well as doing useful work this is a convivial social occasion that is of great benefit to club finances and a key ethic of the club.

Graham Bush has started RYA Navigation Courses, which although primarily aimed at beginners, will also include a refresher course for those who are beginning to forget what they once learned (if they can find their glasses).

The winter social programme is now under way. Wednesday night sup-

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pers, where members cook for up to about 40 fellow members, started with Daphne Warwick (fresh from a holiday in France and cooking Normandy Pork) and will run fortnightly until April next year. These are popular occasions and booking is essential. The annual Laying-up Supper took place on October 24 and as usual was over subscribed. Again the catering was carried out by members, and guests were provided with a splendid three-course set meal. Future events are planned to include a Christmas party and a live band in the new year.

Sunday morning talks started in the middle of October with a very well attended talk by one of the Felixstowe pilots, and these will continue on a roughly monthly basis, encompassing a wide variety of subjects, until next spring.

The club’s administrative year comes to a close at the AGM on November 7 when a new commodore will be elected. Retiring commodore John Gravatt has had an extremely busy two-year tenure, with the 50th anniversary celebrations and the construction of a new balcony, which has involved him in a great deal of work, and the club is very grateful that there are people like John who are prepared to devote so much energy into ensuring that it is well managed and successful.

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SPORTS / on the grapevine WOODBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FESTIVAL SUCCESS

IMPROVING YOUR HEARING IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

By Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA, Audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre

After six years of building a solid following, this year’s Woodbridge Rugby Club Youth Development Festival attracted another huge crowd of an estimated 1,250 players and supporters from across the region. The seventh festival was held at the club’s grounds on Sunday, October 11 with squads from U7 to U12 involved. Firmly established on the annual rugby diary after the success of previous festivals, Woodbridge Rugby Club, home of the Woodbridge Warriors and Amazons senior men’s and women’s teams, made maximum use of its recently expanded clubhouse and changing facilities as games continued from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Those attending enjoyed perfect rugby weather for the full programme of matches, prizes, a raffle, barbecue, fresh pizza, face-painting and entertainments. Generously sponsored by Woodbridge School, youth development squads came from Chelmsford, Bury St Edmunds, North Walsham, Felixstowe, Sudbury, Clacton, Southwold, Ipswich YM, Colchester, Stowmarket, Ipswich and Woodbridge to compete in pool matches.

Helen Wakeling, festival organiser, said: “In my first year organising the festival it is gratifying that support from other clubs for this opportunity continues to grow. Less experienced and new players clearly enjoy this friendly tournament, and it gives smaller clubs a chance to be competitive with larger clubs fielding B teams.

“Woodbridge has a strong programme of development for young officials led by Andrew Wilesmith and I would like to congratulate those young people for performing so well at their first event. I would also like to thank all the WRUFC coaches, parents and club officials especially Andrew Wilesmith, Graham Kill and Joe Welham, as well as the visiting referees whose hard work made sure that everyone had a great day out. Our sponsor, Woodbridge School, were, as usual, in attendance and fantastically supportive.”

Winner U7 Red Bury St Edmunds U7 Blue Woodbridge Green U8 Stowmarket U9 Southwold U10 Sudbury U11 Southwold U12 North Walsham

Runner-up Sudbury Ipswich YM Ipswich Felixstowe Ipswich Colchester Ipswich YM

Woodbridge Rugby Club has an extensive youth section with a growing membership of some 330 boys and girls – a record in the area. Its successful appeal to youngsters comes not only from the growing appeal of the game but also from its full schedule of fixtures and other events organised by a tireless group of parents and RFU qualified and CRB checked coaches.

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There is nothing like the festive season with one social engagement after another. From the Christmas office party, drinks with friends and the buzz of the family gathering on the big day, December is a time for fun and social interaction.

But is it? For those experiencing hearing loss, this can be something of an annual nightmare, causing a variety of communication issues!

Imagine if you can, being unable to hear speech clearly because Christmas music is being played in the background, or not being able to hear the excitement of children opening presents because they are all talking at once and you cannot separate the sounds clearly. Imagine dreading Christmas dinner on a large table with 15 other people because you won’t be able to hear what is being said around you. These are issues a normal hearing person doesn’t normally even consider.

Over 119,000 people in Suffolk have a hearing loss but the number is far smaller for those who have sought professional help from their local audiologist.

Hearing aids can make such a difference to someone's quality of life at this time of year. Hearing aids are so much smaller and discreet than they ever used to be and packed full of amazing features that will help during the festive period.

You may have thought that with so much noise at a party or family dinner, hearing aids would just make things louder, but modern digital hearing aids aren’t simple sound amplifiers. They are designed to filter out all the unwanted noise – like the clanging of dishes in the kitchen or the background music – and help you focus on speech.

Features such as directional microphones work to reduce the amount of noise allowed to enter your hearing aids. In noisy environments, like at a Christmas party, the system will work to pick up the least amount of noise. If the noise is located behind you, your directional microphones will adapt to pick up sound from in front of you and dampen noise from behind you.

If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing problems, don’t struggle through another festive season not being able to join in and have fun. I urge you to book a hearing test now and find out what could be done to help you in time for Christmas.

Karen Finch is the managing director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 20 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk. For more information visit www. hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call 01473 230330.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH

with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

MARRIAGE, MORTGAGES & MONEY: Pre-nuptial financial considerations If you are about to get married, there are a number of financial issues that you should consider. When the honeymoon is over, what are your financial planning priorities and where can you get the best advice?

Colin and Sharon are busy planning their forthcoming wedding. They will be buying a new home together soon, and they plan to start a family. Colin is an electrician and Sharon is a part time office assistant.

Colin had a flat before he met Sharon, and they plan to keep this and rent it out. They contacted me to discuss how their financial planning needs will change after they marry and move into their new house.

First on Colin and Sharon’s checklist was to get the best possible deal on a mortgage for their new home. Choosing the right mortgage can be a minefield. Don’t be tempted by attractive headline rates or discounts now that dramatically increase in later years. Look for a rate that you can afford to pay over the longer-term. For new home owners, a rate that is fixed or capped is a good idea, as this will give you some long term stability and the security of knowing what your mortgage will cost each month.

Also, don’t assume that you will get the best deal on a mortgage from your own bank or building society. Most banks and building societies only offer a limited range of their own mortgage products, so although you may have banked there for years, they may not necessarily offer you the best deal. Colin and Sharon have taken their mortgage advice from my colleague, Graham Spearman. Graham is an independent mortgage adviser, and he looked at every lender in the mortgage marketplace to make sure he found the best deal for Colin and Sharon.

It’s also important to protect the outstanding mortgage in case either Colin or Sharon were to die. Again, the insurance policy you are offered by your mortgage lender may seem convenient when it is all arranged ‘under the same roof’, but an independent adviser can almost certainly find you a better deal with lower premiums and better benefits.

It would also be a good idea for Colin and Sharon to consider adding Critical Illness cover to their mortgage protection policy. Critical Illness cover would pay out the policy sum assured in the event of Colin or Sharon suffering one of around 30 serious illnesses, such as cancer, stroke or heart attack. A lump sum payment that enabled them to pay off their mortgage would be very welcome at such a time, and would enable them to maintain their lifestyle.

As Colin works for a small local electrical business, he receives no longterm sick pay benefits. Statutory Sick Pay is not going to replace Colin’s wages if he suffers long term ill health or if he is injured as a result of an accident and is unable to work. As he is likely to be the main source of income into the household when he and Sharon start a family, he should consider taking out some form of income protection cover. This type of policy will replace a large proportion of his income if he cannot work due to long-term ill health or disability. Benefits would usually be paid monthly until Colin was well enough to return to work or until he retired if this was earlier.

I would also suggest that Colin and Sharon should re-consider their decision to rent out Colin’s flat. The rental market is not great at the moment, and there is no guarantee that they will find a long-term tenant. That could leave them paying two mortgages on one income. In the longer term, if they buy a new place, the flat would no longer be Colin’s main residence, so it would not qualify for ‘main residence relief’ from Capital Gains Tax. That could leave him facing a hefty tax bill on any future gain in value. If he sells now while it is still his main residence he will still make a profit of just over £20,000, which could either be used to reduce the mortgage they need for their new home, or could be invested now while the markets are low in order to build up capital for their longer-term future together or for children’s school fees.

If they keep the flat, I would suggest that they put it into Sharon’s name as she is a lower rate taxpayer and will actually become a non-taxpayer when she stops work to raise children. That means they will pay less income tax on the rental income ongoing. They should also keep their cash savings at the building society in Sharon’s name when she stops working because, as a non-taxpayer, she will be able to reclaim the tax deducted on those savings.

Finally, I have advised Colin and Sharon to make Wills. This is particularly important for them as home-owners and potential parents, as it will ensure that their assets will go to who they would wish on death.

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 call Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice.

Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

CITIZENS ADVICE HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS WITH HMRC PHONE LINES Citizens Advice has said long phone queues to speak to HMRC means some people could face fines for late tax returns or receive over or underpayments for tax credits.

The warning comes as data from national Citizens Advice highlights how frustrated callers tweeted HMRC over 11,500 times in the last 12 months to complain about long phone line queues, the average being 47 minutes.

While official figures suggest an average wait of 10 minutes, the study from Citizens Advice shows many people are waiting longer.

Reasons for calling HMRC include explaining a change in circumstances that will impact on tax credits, for example losing their job or having a child, or to clarify income tax payments.

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Carol Eagles of Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice said: “Time and time again we are seeing people who know they need to update HMRC on their tax or circumstances but are really struggling to get through on the phone. If a person can’t update HMRC about their tax credit circumstances they may not get all of the support available or instead are overpaid which can cause debts further down the line.

“Similarly a worker may not be able to file their self assessment return on time if they cannot get through on the phone to ask a question, and could face a fine for missing the deadline.

With Citizens Advice staff and volunteers also facing similar queues it is important HMRC urgently addresses the problems many people are experiencing with phone lines.”

calls are charged at the same rate as a standard landline call and could be included in some phone package’s free minutes. However, if a person is waiting 47 minutes it could cost them £4.66.

The charity is also warning that the roll-out of Universal Credit and changes to tax credits could mean waiting times will further soar as more and more people try to speak to someone.

The local CAB (outreach service) is at Framfield Medical Centre, Thursdays, 10am-noon. CAB branches also at: Leiston – 14 Colonial House, Station Road, IP16 4JD (01728 832193); Felixstowe – 2 to 6 Orwell Road, IP11 7HD (01394 275958); Ipswich – 19 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE (01473 219777).

HMRC phones lines are 0300 numbers meaning

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS STARS LINED UP TO FEATURE AT THE SOON-TO-BE-OPEN SPA The newly-opened Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe is celebrating its reopening with a gala weekend of stars.

The gala launch weekend is on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday 15. Saturday will see a performance by The Stars From The Commitments which is already fully booked. However, on Sunday 15 ever-popular Richard Digance returns to the theatre to perform on this special weekend. Ray Anderson, director for the Spa Pavilion, explained: “It’s a great way to kick off our brand new season. We have a terrific line up already planned including The Rat Pack, Neil Sands Christmas Memories and a family pantomime plus a stunning Elvis show early in the New Year.”

Tickets for this gala performance with Richard Digance on Sunday, November 15 are selling fast. To get yours pop along to the box office which is open Thursday-Saturday from 11am-4pm, call 01394 284962 or buy your tickets online at: www.felixstowespa.co.uk You can also follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and show updates.

ST ANDREW’S CHURCH MELTON The Rev Paul Hambling was instituted as Rector of St Andrew the Apostle, Melton and St Mary of the Assumption, Ufford by Bishop Martin of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and Archdeacon of Suffolk, the Venerable Ian Morgan on September 22. It was a splendid occasion with a very full church including some 50 visitors from Paul’s parish at Merton in South London and priests from the Woodbridge Benefice. The bishop preached from the Gospel of St John as Jesus the true vine and we the branches bearing fruit. In the traditional manner Paul was led round the church by the churchwardens: to the font, to ring the bell, to the altar with the bread and wine and the oil, to the lectern with the Bible and charged to carry out the duties of a priest towards the people. He swore allegiance to the Queen and canonical obedience to the bishop. He declared his assent and was instituted and given the cure of souls and finally led into his stall. Celebrations continued with incredible canapés, cake, wine and happy conversation. We so look forward to growing in faith with Paul.

We had a lovely morning for our pet service. I could be forgiven for thinking this was the black Labrador club as they outnumbered the other wagging tails. The children brought their toys to be blessed as was each animal who all showed great interest in the box of food brought for donation to a pet charity.

Nine of us travelled to Drammen in Norway to spend a long weekend with hosts from Fjell Kirke, our link church. From Oslo Airport we drove to Drammen, a town of some 55,000, 27% of whom are immigrants from some 150 nationalities. At the church we were treated to a hearty soup of vegetables and miniature meatballs and freshly made rolls and bread. I enjoyed my first taste of cloudberries picked in the forest and the inevitable cakes and cream which seem to be a great favourite with the Norwegians. Ivar, the priest, read us the lesson of the day and talked of his visit to Iona and meeting with John Bell. Afterwards we went home to our hosts.

After breakfast the next morning we headed across Drammen and up the spiral roadway built inside the mountain to enjoy the spectacular view over the fjord. After lunch we enjoyed a walk in this lovely town with its pedestrian bridges over the fjord and at the entrance of each an enormous stainless steel ball through which you can hear some

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extraordinary sounds. Then on to Bragernes church and an organ recital and back to Fjell church for an evening meal.

There were a huge range of Norwegian dishes to sample and we talked and renewed friendships. Gallina, their ‘Kantor’, played us Chopin on their new Yamaha grand piano and Bach on their Dutch built organ. Ivar showed us a film of their visit last years to Melton and our visit to them two years ago. We sang hymns, had evening prayers and went home with our hosts.

There was a Confirmation Service on Sunday morning. Seven young people in white tunics were signed with the cross with water from the font. Afterwards each was presented with a rose and a confirmation card which we had brought, together with a candle that we presented to the church. The large congregation of relatives and friends included many women in Norwegian national costume, long black skirts, intricately embroidered waistcoats with silver adornments and embroidered bonnets. After lunch at the church we went downtown for the opening of the Drammen Sacred musical festival. Dinner was a rich succulent reindeer casserole and then the first festival concert in the church featuring the most famous jazz pianist in Norway accompanying a famous singer. She sang hymns with such passion and feeling, especially a Bach Chorale from the St Matthew Passion. Then more cakes and cream! In the morning, we said farewell and took a bus to Torp Airport and home.

A weekend of wonderful memories.

In sad news we report the death of Bishop Clive Young, the recently retired, much loved Bishop of Dunwich for 14 years. An accomplished musician and a keen walker, if I rightly remember his sermon at Boulge.

His last service was a confirmation at Hollesley two years ago and afterwards I sought him out to say goodbye and thank you. I found him alone in the vestry and he told me of his retirement home on the borders of Herefordshire and Wales, country I know from following the trail of Kilverts Diary. This lovely gentle man only enjoyed two years of his well earned retirement. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sue and their family.

Don’t forget our website at www.standrewsmelton.org.uk and hopefully join us at weekday morning or evening prayer for a short time of reflection and prayer

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