In Touch News with Ipswich East November 2019 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR There’s an elderly gent I see almost every day walking very, very slowly from the local supermarket carrying the same small plastic bag. I say ‘gent’ because he’s always ‘properly’ dressed in a suit and tie. I like to think he would have worn a hat in his younger days. I wish he still did. His clothes may have seen better days, but there’s a curious dignity about him. He doesn’t appear to make any effort to engage with others, barely lifting his gaze from the path as he proceeds. Nobody stops to speak to him and, despite my curiosity, neither have I. I’ve smiled and mumbled good morning on one or two occasions, but he has never responded. It may be that he didn’t hear me, but it seems more deliberate than that, as if he’s either totally focused on the task in hand or is holding the world at arm’s length for some reason. If this is the case, and my instinct tells me it is, I respect his right to privacy. However, I have created a whole lifestory for him. I think of him as Robert. His wife Celia died several years ago and since then he has been brokenhearted and alone, locking out the world because the pain of her loss is his most precious possession. Celia is with him in everything he does, walking by his side each morning and straightening his tie before he leaves the house. I worry about him too. If I don’t see him for a day or two, I start to panic. I have no idea where he lives or if he has anyone to look out for him. Thankfully he always turns up, but one day he won’t and he’ll never know how much I miss seeing him. Isn’t it odd how strangers find their way into our hearts! Of course, many of us admire, even love movie stars, musicians and football players and look up to people we respect for one reason or another. We are often inspired by the actions of someone we may never meet, Greta Thunberg being a perfect example. It’s important, especially for children, to have role models but I don’t think we have to look very far to find them. Every older person is just someone who was born before us, done most things before us in fact. Everyone has a story. All we have to do is stop to listen. I’m going to make one more attempt with Robert. Perhaps you can find someone who deserves a moment of your time.

NEWS THE BIG SUFFOLK QUIZ FOR BBC CHILDREN IN NEED One of the biggest trivia events the region has ever seen is being organised to raise money for this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal. The Hearing Care Centre has been organising charity quiz nights twice a year since 2010 and is this time joining forces with BBC Radio Suffolk to make this event bigger and better than ever. The Big Suffolk Quiz night will be held on Sunday 10 November at the wonderful events space at Trinity Park with a 7pm start. Teams can include between four to six members and entry is £5. A bumper attendance of more than 400 people is expected for the event. Thanks to generous support from local businesses, there are lots of cash prizes to be won and additional prizes can also be won in a giant prize draw. Karen Finch, Managing Director of The Hearing Care Centre, said: “The quizzes we hold every year are a real highlight for us and such a great evening. This year we wanted to do something different and make the event bigger than ever. We are so excited for BBC Radio Suffolk and Trinity Park to be involved and we feel so grateful to have their support.” BBC Radio Suffolk Breakfast Show presenter Mark Murphy (pictured with Karen Finch and Pudsey) who will help co-host the event, said: “Pull your friends and family together, round up a group of your colleagues at work or even come along with a local group or organisation that you are a member of. We really need your support to help raise money for this fantastic cause!” Tickets are expected to sell out fast so organisers are advising interested teams to book early to avoid disappointment. Call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: hearingcarecentre.co.uk/quiz

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In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Sun 10 November is the advertising and editorial deadline for the December edition

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COULD YOU BE A VOLUNTEER AT EAST ANGLIA’S CHILDREN’S HOSPICES? Could you spend a couple of hours a week, or even an hour a month helping a family with a child who accesses our hospices in their own home? Caring for a seriously ill child or young person can put a lot of extra demand on a family. The aim of the Help at Home service is to put a caring individual into a family’s home to provide everyday practical support such a cooking, sibling support, cleaning and gardening. We provide you with the necessary support and training; all you need to do is provide some of your precious time. If you would like more information or to apply, please contact Hugh: hugh.mcelhinney@each.org.uk / 07714 737139

NEWS Cards for Good Causes The festive season gets under way in Ipswich when the Cards for Good Causes pop-up charity Christmas card shop opens in Ipswich Tourist Information Centre. Buying Christmas cards through Cards for Good Causes is the best way to get access to the widest selection of Christmas cards available, as well as a fantastic range of seasonal gifts and products, while supporting a range of national and local charities. Staffed by a team of local volunteers, the Ipswich pop-up shop is part of a network of more than 300 temporary shops run by Cards for Good Causes, the UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation. It represents more than 250 charities including Cancer Research UK, Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and RNLI, as well as a number of local charities such as Somersham Ward, Suffolk Accident Rescue and The Leprosy Mission. Shoppers will be able to choose from hundreds of different Christmas card designs, as well as traditional advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers. Sandra Cook, one of the shop managers, says: “The proceeds from every card or product sold make a vital contribution to the work of the charities that we partner. Come and find us in Ipswich Tourist Information Centre at St Stephen’s Church and get ahead in your Christmas preparations by getting your cards early.” This is a particularly significant year for Cards for Good Causes as they mark their 60th birthday. Over the last six decades, charities have received in excess of £100 million from Cards for Good Causes, with the tireless support of thousands of volunteers across the country. The shop at Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen’s Church. St Stephen’s Lane, Ipswich IP1 1DP is open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. For further information visit: www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

SUFFOLK BUSINESS IN THE RUNNING FOR NATIONAL AWARD A Suffolk HR company is celebrating after being nominated for a prestigious industry award just five years after it was founded. Nacton-based PS Human Resources is one of six companies up for the title of HR Consultancy of the Year, awarded by Personnel Today. Emma Sheppard MCIPD, who started the company with Paula Phelan FCIPD in 2013, said: “We are thrilled to be nominated for such a prestigious title by industry experts.” The pair, with more than 35 years’ HR experience between them, started the company to meet small to medium-sized enterprises’ need to outsource HR in a cost effective way. While boasting a number of nationwide businesses as clients, it counts several Suffolk SMEs among its customers, including Saxmundham-based Christies Care and Suffolk Libraries.

A HEAVENLY GIFT Christina Johnston, an internationally acclaimed classical chart topper who has graced opera stages all over the world, will bring the sound of heaven to you at St Augustine’s Church on Saturday 23 November at 7.30pm. Despite her young age, Christina has addressed audiences all over the UK, Europe, Asia and South America, regularly singing with conductors and orchestras all over Europe and on numerous solo tours with orchestra around the Czech Republic, Slovakia, China and South America. Jade Hey, who will accompany on piano, is an accomplished pianist playing for events, rehearsals and concerts and is also a musical director. She teaches music and drama at Northgate High School as well as musical theatre and singing for the new full-time foundation course at the Children’s Theatre Company. Recent accolades include Les Misérables and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with the Children’s Theatre Company and Grease with Northgate High School. Current projects include Oliver at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds, The Slipper and the Rose at the Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge and Legally Blonde next year at Jerwood House on the Waterfront in Ipswich. A Heavenly Gift will feature beautiful songs from Mozart to Andrew Lloyd Webber. It will be a beautiful concert that will take you on a journey through your favourite sacred arias and songs. This very special evening will transport you on a heavenly journey, leaving you uplifted and ready for Advent. This purpose of the evening is to raise vital funds for The Beehive Charity, a home dedicated to the rehabilitation, education and loving support of vulnerable child-mothers and their babies in Nakuru, Kenya, set up by Jane and Alan Hutt from Rendlesham in September 2013. Jane and Alan saw a need that wasn’t being met to help girls, sometimes as young as nine, finding themselves pregnant and having to face choices they should never have to face. The Beehive receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations. All the money raised from the event will be used for the running of the two Beehive homes: rent, utility bills, food, wages for staff, medical and health care, education fees and living costs for the girls and babies. Tickets are £12. Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase in the interval. To purchase tickets, contact: Ruth Leigh: 07961 025352 / thepaellalady@gmail.com Julia Johnson: 07879 990237 / juliajohnson27@yahoo.com Sarah Clarke: 0777 367 9527 / sarahaboutmedia@icloud.com

Judges were also impressed by PS Human Resources commitment to supporting local charities, having offered pro bono HR support for the Stowmarket-based youth charity The Mix and raised money for the Felixstowe women’s rugby team the Honey Badgers. Emma continued: “We are delighted to support local businesses and charities as much as possible. As a female-owned business, we feel it is even more important to give something back.” Christies’ managing director, Freddy Gathorne-Hardy, praised the company’s work. He said: “Because of PS Human Resources, morale is higher than it has been for a year, the HR processes are more efficient, and our management team is now engaged and proactive. Hiring them is one of the top three good decisions we made in 2018.”

LIONS CLUB OF IPSWICH CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT Friday, November 15, 7.30pm at Martlesham Community Hall Felixstowe Road, Martlesham (behind Tesco/Wickes) Teams of 4 to 6 / £5 per player

The company recently recruited Charlotte Driver as a full-time member of the team.

To book a table phone Ruth on: 01473 631239

The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London on November 19.

All proceeds to local charities and good causes.

Bring your own drinks and snacks / raffle.

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NEWS EMPLOYEE CELEBRATES TWO DECADES HELPING THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS

MIGRANTS’ ‘ENGLISH FOR WORK’ PROGRAMME Ipswich Community Media (ICM) has won almost £20k from LIFT Community Grants, which is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), to run a year-long project teaching English for Work to local migrants furthest from the labour market and living in some of the most deprived and diverse wards in Ipswich. The ‘English for Work’ project will provide weekly English language learning with a focus on improving learners’ job prospects and progression into secure employment. Aimed predominantly at Roma, Eastern European and other local migrant communities the project will also improve integration, build confidence and reduce isolation. As part of the course, local employers will be invited in to specially commissioned workshops to share what they look for in employees and give learners a chance to ask questions. Learners will also have the opportunity to take part in volunteering and work placements with local organisations and businesses to gain valuable experience. Building on ICM’s award winning track record in local community engagement through media and music, the ‘English for Work’ project aims to be transformative, offering communities on the edge of society a unique opportunity to enter the employment market and access further education. Director of Learning Prachi Katdare said: “We have seen a huge interest in our new ‘English for Work’ course, which shows how keen local migrants are to find work and fully integrate into their communities. We are impressed by the talents and skills our learners have to offer the local jobs market. Our course will complement this, by helping them to improve their English, build confidence and understand how to secure employment opportunities.” Bruce Macgregor, Director of ICM, said “This funding will help us to reach even more vulnerable people and provide them with the vital English language and employment knowledge they need to find jobs or access further education and training. The volunteering and work placements will also help build confidence and improve integration for these often hard to reach communities.” For further information please contact Nikki Packham: 07855 547128 / nikki@ipswichcm.org.uk www.ipswichcm.org.uk

IPSWICH DEMENTIA GROUP

Denise Atkinson, pictured left, Senior Receptionist at The Hearing Care Centre on Upper Brook Street, is this month being recognised for the 20 years’ service she has given to helping those with hearing loss. Debbie was the first employee recruited to the company after her niece, Karen Finch, set up the business in 1998. Her important role over the years has meant she has been the first smiling face that the company’s patients see when they visit for their appointments, many of whom can be nervous and apprehensive about their hearing loss and what is to come. “Denise has such an incredible way with our patients,” said Karen Finch (pictured right). “She is so caring, puts them at ease and right for the minute they walk in and makes them feel part of The Hearing Care Centre family.” Karen continued: “I have such admiration for Denise for the dedication and hard work she has given the company over the past 20 years. I am proud to say that we run a successful family business with myself, Denise, my husband and my sons all working together for the cause.” The Hearing Care Centre provides a multi-award-winning hearing care service, offering everything from hearing assessments, fitting of the latest hearing systems, earwax removal, tinnitus management and much more. Denise was shocked by how quickly the years have flown by: “For me it’s just incredible to think how the company has grown, from just three people to an ever-growing team of nearly 30, from one centre in Ipswich to 26 satellite clinics across East Anglia. It’s fantastic to have been there with my niece through it all.”

FOOD DRIVE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED URGENTLY FareShare East Anglia needs volunteers to help collect donations for local charities as part of the Tesco Food Collection between Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 November. Based in Ipswich, FareShare East Anglia redistributes good quality surplus food to over 100 charities, including holiday hunger schemes, homeless hostels, refuges, family centres and hospices.

It takes place every second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church, Bucklesham Road in Ipswich from 11.45am to 3.15pm. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer.

During the cold winter months, charities often struggle to keep up with the increased demand on their services, so volunteers are needed to encourage shoppers to donate store cupboard staples such as pasta, rice, tinned fish and tea. FareShare will then redistribute these – along with the surplus meat, dairy, fruit and veg that it receives from the food industry – to charities and community groups in the region.

The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6.50 per person, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments. The remaining dates this year are Fridays 8 November and 13 December.

In partnership with FareShare and foodbank charity The Trussell Trust, the Tesco Food Collection is the UK’s biggest food drive. Last year the public donated enough food to provide 3.6 million meals for vulnerable people across the UK.

Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiaipswich

FareShare Manager Mike Barrett said: “Taking part in the Tesco Food Collection is a quick and easy way to make a big impact, and it can be a lot of fun too. We’re calling on everyone from right across East Anglia to give just three hours to help us fight hunger – just a morning or afternoon – but in that short time, just 180 minutes, you can collect enough donations to make up 600 meals for local people who really need your help.”

Brain injury charity Headway Suffolk runs a monthly social support group for people living with dementia in Ipswich.

Can you volunteer some time to help us? The group relies on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing. If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer, please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk

Volunteers can sign up at: www.fareshare.org.uk/tescofoodcollection

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Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA

Improve your hearing in time for the festive season with a visit to The Hearing Care Centre!

Find your nearest dedicated centre at:

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Call our Customer Care Team today on 01473 230330 to book an appointment. Award winning

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OUT & ABOUT Interested in making a real impact on your community? Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) is looking for a dynamic new chairperson to lead our trustee board in setting the long-term strategic direction of the organisation. We want someone who is willing to share their skills and knowledge and maybe learn something new while making a real impact in the local community. You will be: • looking for a challenge • an influencer with excellent communication skills • experienced at chairing meetings in an inclusive way • experienced in monitoring and managing budgets • experienced in business planning and performance managing individuals and organisations • committed to diversity, and the work of DAS in improving the lives of disabled people and removing barriers that disempower them. • willing to accept the responsibilities of being a trustee • flexible to meet the minimum time commitment and more, to respond to emerging developments such as serious complaints This is a hands-on voluntary role, championing DAS and providing robust support and challenge to ensure we fulfil our charitable objects. Minimum time commitment

THE ORWELL SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT Following the retirement of Gloria Wilson, The Orwell Singers are pleased to welcome new musical director Lindsay Gowers. Lindsay, who grew up in Suffolk, studied music at London University and the Royal Academy of Music. She has sung as a soprano with the BBC Singers and has conducted local choirs including Capella Nova. She is currently teaching singing at Ipswich School. Interestingly, Lindsay studied A Level music under Gloria Wilson at Northgate High School. Lindsay’s first concert conducting The Orwell Singers will be on Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. The concert will feature some new repertoire that Lindsay has introduced and, of course, a few old Christmas favourites. There will be the usual sherry and mince pies in the interval. Admission (payable at the door) is £8 for adults and free for accompanied children. We do hope you will be able to join us. If you would like further information, please visit our website or contact us at: d.sharman@btinternet.com / 01473 635955 www.theorwellsingers.co.uk

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING

• Seven full trustee meetings and seven planning meetings per year

Join us ar St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact:

• Minimum of 12 manager supervision meetings per year • Minimum of three SDAS meetings per year • Funder and PR meetings and events as required.

Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406

We welcome applications from all sections of the community to enable us to have a diverse trustee board that reflects our clients and community. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people as we want our trustee board to reflect our service users. Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) is a small charity based in Martlesham Heath providing advice and advocacy to disabled people in East Suffolk.

To apply for the role or for an informal discussion about the role please contact Isobel Abbott: 07565 389020 / isobel.daisy@btinternet.com The closing date is November 17.

FUNDRAISING QUIZ East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is looking forward to warmly welcoming supporters to carol services this festive season.

1 ST NOVEMBER 2019

The charity will host five family-friendly evenings one taking place at St Augustine’s Church, Ipswich at 7pm on Tuesday 17 December.

SECKFORD HALL GOLF CLUB 7PM

Guests will have the chance to join in with traditional carols and hear some heartfelt readings – guaranteed to get everyone in the festive spirit. Jo White, EACH Community Fundraiser (Suffolk and East Essex), said: “We hope to see many happy and smiling faces at this festive evening, taking place in many beautiful venues across our area. Community support at events like these is vital to our work, allowing us to continue providing families with a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. Please do come along to celebrate with us as this special time of year.”

£15 PER PERSON- teams of 4 (INCLUDES FOOD) All Proceeds go towards Love Ipswich’s Hamper Appeal 2019. Teams must be booked in advance - meljan@hotmail.com

The carol services form part of the Light Up EACH Life campaign which celebrates the life of every child and family EACH cares for. For more information about carol services across the region and how you can support Light Up EACH Life please visit: www.each.org.uk/lighupeachlife

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM BRASS

AN EVENING WITH FIONA SAMPSON

Making Music Fun in East Anglia

Suffolk Book League welcomes the writer Fiona Sampson to Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA) on Thursday 14 November. Fiona is an internationally acclaimed scholar, editor, poet, biographer and translator, as well as a musician. Common Prayer and Rough Music were shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize. In Search of Mary Shelley, The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein was released 200 years after the publication of Frankenstein in 2018.

Our bands will be paying their respects on Remembrance Sunday November 10 at the Remembrance Day Parade in Woodbridge and at St Mary’s Church, Martlesham in the morning and at Barrack Square, Martlesham Heath in the afternoon. Looking forward into December, we hope to see you for Coffee and Carols is at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL on Saturday 14 between 10am and noon, and this year’s Christmas Concert is on Saturday 21 at 7pm, also at St. Michael’s Church Centre. There will be more details of both these events next month. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please email join@martleshambrass.co.uk or use the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Afternoon Tea and Crafts We will have a stall at the Afternoon Tea and Crafts event at Tuddenham Village Hall on Saturday 23 November from 2-4.30pm. The event is organised by Tuddenham WI and there will be a set afternoon tea and a variety of craft stalls. Grant Applications Applications are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by 1 January 2020. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities. For further information and an application form visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG / 01473 625196

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. On Tuesday 19 November, Peter Lawrence will entertain us with a talk on timber framed buildings in Suffolk and Essex. We regularly walk past these old buildings without knowing too much about their construction and history. Peter’s talk will help fill a few gaps in our knowledge. There’s no meeting in December; we meet again on 21 January. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members and volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761

Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members £4, non-members £8, students free with ID. Cash on the door. For more information visit: www.sbl.org.uk

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. On October 2 we were pleased to welcome back Louise Scholfield who gave a fascinating and often intriguing talk about her archaeological adventures in Albania. The guest speaker on November 6 will be Daniel Snowman. Daniel, a writer, lecturer and broadcaster on social and cultural history, will present The Hitler Emigres; Their Impact on British Artistic and Cultural Life. The guest speaker on December 4 will be Giles Ramsay. His subject is Pantomime: A Very British Treat. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2.15pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 28 November: Thomas Seckford of Woodbridge: His Life and Legacy by much respected speaker and researcher Mark Mitchels When Thomas died in 1587, a distinguished judge and loyal servant of Queen Elizabeth 1, he could easily have faded from view, but he left a legacy ensuring that his name is remembered. To this day he continues improving the lives of Woodbridge people, providing money for an Alms house which encompassed a school, library and hospital. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk

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out & about EAST SUFFOLK U3A broke hall WI Friday, November 8: AGM & Social Friday, December 13: A Musical Evening with David and Karolyn Howlett We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 25 November: Cakes, Ale and Partying: Feasting and Fundraising in Medieval Suffolk by Kate Jewell Don’t miss our festive meeting when Kate will trace some of the festivals which were important to medieval Suffolk communities, looking at how they celebrated them and discussing how one particular community used festivity to raise a huge amount of money in a time of need. Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The second meeting of the 2019/20 season was on October 2 when the Norwich & Norfolk Philatelic Society presented a display showing a variety of collecting themes included forgeries and fakes, Japanese stamps from 1990 onwards, Hungary during the Second World War and stamps of Edward VIII.

U3A is aimed at older people who want to get as much as possible out of life. There are no entry qualifications, no barriers to joining and lots of activities to get involved in and to contribute to. If you are interested, please come along and find out what U3A can offer. Thursday 7 November, 10.30am-12.30pm: Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe The World of Optical Illusions and Why They Work by Colin Hopper Thursday 14 November, 2-4pm: Market Hall, Saxmundham The Plight of the East Prussian People and their Horses by Paula Short Monday 18 November, 10.30am-12.30pm: Woodbridge Football Club The Finds of a Lifetime, the exciting stories behind the discovery of buried treasures in East Anglia by Mark Mitchels U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members Membership details are available at: www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk / 0300 123 3913 Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for up-to-date information.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday 27 November: The Duke of Gloucester Steam Loco, History & Restoration, an illustrated talk by Steve Wakeland We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park, visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments. 01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk

Our third meeting covered Aspects of Collecting Local Postal History by Alan Moorcroft, a past president of the Royal Philatelic Society, London. This was a fascinating presentation on how to collect local postal history without breaking the bank, unless you wanted to. Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith – 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com – or visit: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk

ICUSTEPS SUPPORT GROUP For critical care patients on the road to recovery We meet at Bluebird Lodge Community Hospital, 100 Mansbrook Boulevard, Ipswich IP3 9GJ from 6-8pm on: November 6 and December 4. For more information email outreach.event@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk or visit: www.icusteps.org

ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month, usually followed by an entertaining speaker. Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Chris Flint, for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH TRANSPORT SOCIETY

IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB Our recent workshop was attended by 22 ladies who enjoyed making two arrangements each. Many of the participants had never attempted flower arranging before, but were expertly encouraged by Barbara Collins, a NAFAS tutor who came to spread the message of joining in the fun of flower arranging.

Monday 18 November: The Variety of Traction on the Wherry Lines from the 1980s to the Present Day by Al Pulford Monday 20 January: Grey’s Coaches from Ely – 70+ years of Service, from the Beginning by Richard Grey Monday 17 February: Annual General Meeting followed A 1982 Summer in New York (Shipping) by Ron Davies Monday 16 March: Bahamas Locomotive Society – The Story So Far by John Hillier Monday 20 April: City of Norwich Aviation Museum – The Collection & the Story by Trevor Eady All meetings take place at Greenfinch Church Hall, Greenfinch Avenue, Ipswich at 7.30pm. Refreshments available.

SUFFOLK INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY

We would like to invite you to our meeting on November 11 when our demonstrator will be Helen Newman presenting My Life with Flowers. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. There is a visitor fee of £5. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet (01473 415749) or Stella (01473 711946). The club meets on the second Monday afternoon of the month. We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards. The following monthly meeting is on December 9 when Brenda Tubb will present Another Fine Mess.

Wednesday 13 November Annual General Meeting followed by Bygones & Tools from a Personal Collection by Keith Hillman Wednesday 11 December Reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon Ship by Paul Constantine Wednesday 8 January The Trinity House (Lighthouse) Story by Capt Karl Lumbers Wednesday 12 February Colchester Tramways by Peter Jones Wednesday 11 March The British Xylonite Company – The First 50 Years by Richard Truswell Wednesday 8 April The Waveney Valley Railway by Peter Metcalf All meetings take place at Ipswich Transport Museum, Cobham Road, Ipswich, starting at 7.30pm.

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB

Harvest leeks, parsnips, sprouts and winter cabbage and don’t forget to stake the sprouts to help secure them against winter winds. Take advantage of the recent heavy rains as the ground is much softer for digging. Dig out any remaining weeds and left over/rotting vegetables as this will help prevent diseases next year. Plant fruit bushes for next year, and over winter broad beans, hardy peas and garlic. Move soft fruit bushes, such as blackcurrant bushes, and divide mature rhubarb and plant in new beds.

If you are interested in flowers or flower arranging and would like to get in the mood for Christmas, join us at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on Thursday 28 November.

If you’re tempted to take on an allotment for next year’s growing season, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk

Our demonstrator for the evening is David Wright from Tunstead and the title of his demonstration is Christmas Dreams. The demonstration commences at 7.15pm and David will do six arrangements where we learn about flowers and foliage alongside a very interesting talk. You will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win one of the fabulous arrangements at the end of the evening.

SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS FLORAL DEMONSTRATION

Visitors are welcome at a cost of £5. We also have a fundraising stall and a small stall selling flower arranging supplies. Refreshments are served around 9pm and the raffle takes place immediately afterwards. Please contact Janet Dye (01473 601750 / janet.dye@ntlworld.com) or Delcie Corbett (01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com) if you would like to find out more or would like to become a member of the club. Membership runs from April to March and a reduced membership fee is available from November to the end of March. There’s no meeting in December, but we do hold a Christmas workshop on December 11.

November sees the advent of fast-fading daylight and consequently if you’re at work during the day then you’re probably restricted to weekend-only allotment visits. Whenever you’re able to visit there are a few jobs to organise this month as follows:

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Deben Flower Club is holding its Christmas Floral Demonstration on Tuesday 12 November at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU. Vicki Hease from Great Finborough will be putting us in the festive mood with a demonstration entitled Christmas Sparkle. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome. Entry is £5 with tea, coffee and biscuits available after the demonstration. Vicki’s floral arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening. For further information: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL Our new children are settling in well and are enjoying all the fun at Heathlands, learning new skills and exploring their new surroundings.

MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM Monday 4 November, 7.30pm: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – Not a Waste of Time! by Sharon Lockhart Sharon is the Information and Education Manager from FCC Environment who operate the Household Waste Recycling Centres in Suffolk. FCC is a national company involved with many aspects of waste recycling. The event takes place at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. There will be light refreshments and a raffle. Admission is £4 at the door. The venue is fully accessible with free adjacent parking. For further information please contact J Maureen Burrows: martleshaminbloom@gmail.com / 01473 625196

IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP The ever-popular Jeremy Mynott will speak about Birds in the Ancient World at our next meeting, followed in December by Paul Mealing and group leader Tim Kenny speaking on Zambia. This meeting includes a bring-and-share finger buffet. Indoor meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in Rushmere St Andrews Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere IP5 1DH. You don’t need to be a member of either the national organisation or the local group to attend. The entrance fee, which includes refreshments, is £5 for non-members and £2.50/£2.30 for members of the local group. Under18s, who must be accompanied, are free. Walks, which are free, continue with the River Deben at Melton, North Warren and Pipers Vale, Bourn Bridge and Christchurch Park. Walks are expertly led and there is always someone to help those less experienced with bird identification. For details of upcoming walks contact us in any of the ways set out below. 01394 809236 / www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Twitter: @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

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We had a wonderful Macmillan Coffee Morning in the later part of September and raised an amazing £141. The sun came out and we were able to enjoy tea and cakes in the garden, with lots of parents attending and enjoying spending time with us. Thank you to everyone for their donations and support. We are looking forward to a trip to the local heath during November where Suffolk Wildlife Trust will be teaching us about the woodlands and talking about hibernation. We will also have a visit from SWT to work on our willow tunnel, giving it a trim and making it nice and strong for new growth in the spring. In support of one of our families, we will be undertaking a week of fundraising events supporting the Ronald McDonald House charity during the middle of November. Lots of fun is planned throughout the week including a cake sale, dinosaur day and dressing-up day. We are holding an open evening for prospective pre-school parents on November 11. Doors open at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. If you are interested in attending please contact Marie Fennell: 01473 417517 Heathlands is a well-established, committee-run preschool situated in the grounds of Broke Hall Community Primary School. We can offer funded places for eligible two year olds and for all other children the term after their third birthday. Breakfast and afterschool clubs are also available, although spaces are limited. We are pleased to accept applications for places for terms starting January 2020 and beyond. Please contact us on 01473 417517.

AUTUMN TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. The remaining dates in the autumn term are November 11 and 25 and December 9. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

SCHOOLS / SPORT OUTDOOR LEARNING AT HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL

At Heath, we have long believed in the positive impact working and playing outdoors can have on wellbeing and learning. With the help of our fantastic PFA, we have developed an amazing outdoor environment that has become an integral part of learning at Heath Primary School. At present, we have three outdoor classrooms, a brand new bird viewing fence and three new mini beast hotels, our own wildlife pond with dipping platform, as well as our separate animal enclosures, which house six chickens, two rabbits and two ducks! On top of all of this, we also have an amazing Early Years outdoor area which includes a brand new bike track, new adventurous play equipment and a myriad of other wonderful engaging resources to help nurture our youngest minds. Always looking forward, we are now starting the process of building our own sensory garden. Exciting times for everyone at Heath Primary School! Reception Intake 2020 A big thank you to everyone who came to our open morning; it was lovely to see so many new faces and to have the opportunity to show everyone everything we have to offer at Heath Primary. For anyone who was unable to visit the school on our open morning, or for anyone wishing to view the school again on their own, we are offering individual guided tours of the school with one of our headteachers at a time that is convenient to you. Just contact the school office on 01473 622806 to make an appointment. Our website is a great source of information for prospective parents/carers. www.heathprimary.co.uk

CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Foundation Open Day & Evenings Do you have a child who is due to start school in September 2020? Are you aware that you don’t have to apply only to your catchment school, and that you can choose schools further afield as well? Cedarwood Primary School is a popular primary school based in Kesgrave, with excellent pupils, staff and governors. We always welcome visitors to the school and warmly offer you an invitation to one of our upcoming open day or evening sessions on Wednesday 30 October at 9.30am, 1.30pm or 7pm, and an evening only session on Wednesday 27 November, again at 7pm. We look forward to meeting you at one of the above sessions, where you will have a tour of the school, see the Foundation classes in action, meet the teachers and enjoy a coffee and a chat. The application process will be explained, and staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. There is no need to book, but if you wish to pass us your details so we can send you a reminder, please email: admin@cedarwoodprimary.org.uk If you are unable to make any of the above sessions, please contact the office on 01473 612981 to arrange a tour of the school at a time convenient to you. Our first half term has been a great success, with a range of rich and exciting learning experiences including our Year 6 residential to PGL in Bawdsey, a Great Fire of London Day, Black History Month, sporting competitions, National Poetry Day and visits to the local library. Headteachers Tina Shute & Doug Stroud www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk Christmas Fair followed by Santa’s Sleigh around Grange Farm Saturday 7 December, 1.30-4.30pm at Cedarwood Primary School Free admission. Visit Santa in his Grotto and enjoy fun, festive activities and stalls for both children and adults. Hot food, hot chocolate bar and mulled wine. All very welcome!

MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS

KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE CLUB

The club has had a tough start in the first division, losing both its opening matches. However, it was encouraging that two of our three losing teams ran their opponents close at Burstall.

It’s hard to believe we’re coming to the end of another year. Time has been flying with a hectic schedule at the club over the past few weeks.

We are looking for new members. We meet at the Community Hall in Old Felixstowe Road from 1.30-4pm on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, and from 7.30-10pm on Tuesday evenings. We usually play three rounds of friendly games with a break for tea and biscuits after the second game. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played before as you will find everybody is willing to show you the ropes. It’s not physically challenging and the club provides all the necessary equipment. Each session is just £2 but the first is free. If you are interested, just turn up about 15 minutes before the start time and somebody will explain what we do. Alternatively you can ring our secretary, Ian Hunt, on 01473 611947, especially if you plan to come along on a Tuesday evening as we enter a team in the Suffolk Carpet Bowls Association League and home matches are on Tuesday evenings. Vic Harrup

On September 28 we held a very successful grading. Congratulations to all those who passed and moved up a KYU grade. It’s lovely to see all those new coloured belts being proudly worn in class. Our dedicated competition squad have been busy bringing home medals and trophies. Well done to you all for your hard work and fantastic results. All of their awesome achievements can be found on our Facebook page. Congratulations to Lauren Berry (pictured) who became the British Karate Federation International Open Kata Champion (7-9 years) 2019 at the British International in Motherwell on September 14. A fantastic achievement. We are a family friendly karate club and welcome new members. Karate is a great way of making new friends and there are always rewarding opportunities available. Regular practise has continual benefits, both physical and mental. It increases fitness/stamina, strength/tone, flexibility, balance, self-confidence, self-control, mental awareness and co-ordination. We offer a free trial lesson, so why not come along and give karate a go? For details of the various classes we hold for adults and children in Kesgrave and Ipswich, as well as other locations in Suffolk, please visit: www.northgate-karate.co.uk Or contact us at: admin@northgate-karate.co.uk / 01473 622707

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Registered charity no: 1085900

9 Put your best feet forward for the cosiest dress-down day of the year!

Host your own Dress-Down Day between October and December To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

Simply don your comfiest slippers or pyjamas for the day, in your workplace, school, community or home. Donate ÂŁ1 (or more!) and raise money to help older people in Suffolk who may be lonely or isolated. More than 1 in 10 people over 65, say that they are often or always lonely. ÂŁ50 could help to pay for a telephone befriender for a year for a lonely, isolated older person, who may not see or speak to anyone for a week, month or more. Every penny we raise, stays in Suffolk to help improve the lives of older people in the county. Email fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org for a Fundraising Pack, or call 01473 298683 for more details on how you can get involved. SUPPORTED BY

Improving the lives of older people across Suffolk