In Touch
™ ™©©
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service
with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath 01473 327596 Volume 9 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2019 orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
Easter Smiles by Caroline Wolton
● Stainfree & Wool Carpet ● Luxury vinyl tiles ● Vinyl ● Woven & Natural Flooring 01473 626 097 | info@debencarpetsandflooring.co.uk Unit N Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3RY www.debencarpetsandflooring.co.uk @Debencarpets /DebenCarpetsAndFlooring
Monday 29th April - Saturday 4th May Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich, IP1 2LQ Tickets from £10 Box Office 01473 211498 | easternangles.co.uk
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I often write about how fortunate we are to live in a part of the world where ‘community’ is valued and where there are endless opportunities to engage with those who share our little part of the planet. Finding that special place to lay your roots and raise your children, where you know you will be greeted with a smile when you pop into the local (shop or pub) and share your day-today existence with neighbours you can call on in an emergency is something to treasure. If you’re lucky you may even have family close by. A recent trip home to Ireland to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday has reminded me how distant I have become from my extended family, inevitable when you move away. Events like weddings and significant birthdays have become treasured opportunities to catch-up, to meet new family members and to get to know others a little better. And so it was on this occasion. For possibly the first time ever, I had an opportunity to have a proper girly chat with my dad’s three sisters, a chat which started when they admired my dress. Well in no time at all they were telling me about the way they dressed going to dances and balls when they were young. They howled with laughter as they told me about cycling six miles to dances at the Emerald Ballroom and back home again at 1am. They talked about the music, the dancing (proper dancing!), the way all the men lined up on one side and the women on the other… and the dresses. They’d all learned to make their own dresses but occasionally paid a local dressmaker to create something for a special occasion. The planning and effort they put into these events was extraordinary. Everyone had to get their hair properly done and in those days hair-dos were an architectural phenomenon. Hair pieces are not a new invention! They laughed in horror when they remembered having to sleep on their faces because their hair had so much lacquer in it! I know it wasn’t all dressing up and dancing, but boy did they know how to party, and alcohol wasn’t mentioned once (which is probably why they remember every tiny detail). If you do have older family members in your life, or neighbours who would like nothing better than an opportunity to reminisce, don’t wait for an occasion. Put the kettle on and get to know someone a little bit better while you’re fortunate to have the opportunity.
InTouch
with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380
Send editorial copy to: ipswicheast@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 Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380
Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380
Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
01473 400379 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. While 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. © 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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... •B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
In In Touch with... Touch
MAY DEADLINE 10APRIL APRIL 2019 10 2019
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
NEWS A FASHION SHOW WITH A DIFFERENCE Jessica Shire is organising a fashion show with a difference on Wednesday, April 24 from 7-9.30pm at St Peter’s Waterfront, Ipswich, as part of a project she is leading on behalf of Girlguiding Anglia’s Action for Change. Action for Change provides an opportunity for young people to put together a nine-month social action project for their local community. Jessica decided to focus on the topic of body confidence, or the lack of it, caused by social media and the constant pressure to take perfect selfies, which affects both adults and children in our world today. She explains: “I feel especially strongly about this because of my own experiences when growing up. I wore a tube-feed and was bullied throughout my time at school. In fact, I’ve never seen anyone in the media who looks quite like me, and I’ve never been confident in the way that I look. But, thankfully, through Girlguiding, I have had the opportunity to speak with Guide Units and attend body confidence conferences, and discuss why it’s so important to address the issue now.” Jessica has already created a body-positive Instagram and Facebook pages and has recorded a video with the BBC as part of this project. She says: “I would never have been brave enough to do this without the work I had previously done through Girlguiding.” “I believe that the issue is partly because normal, real people are not adequately represented within the fashion industry. It is improving, but much more needs to be done. That’s why I am organising a fashion show with a difference. All the models on the catwalk will be people who don’t normally take part in fashion shows, and will be wearing clothes that they don’t normally wear. We’ll be featuring models from a range of different backgrounds, ages, shapes, sizes and disabilities to demonstrate that we are the ones buying the clothes, and so we are the ones who should be represented within the mainstream media. There will also be a bodypositive art gallery created by a local artist to view in the interval, and the models themselves will be sharing their stories about their personal body confidence journeys.” Jessica hopes this event can demonstrate that we all matter, that we all deserve a chance to be represented, that we all have a place in mainstream advertising – and it shouldn’t just be for a limited few. Entry free – everybody and anybody welcome! For further information contact Jessica Shire: 07929 042830
HEADWAY SUFFOLK IPSWICH DEMENTIA GROUP Headway Suffolk runs a monthly social support group for people with dementia in Ipswich. It takes place every second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church on Bucklesham Road from 11.45am to 3.15pm.. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer. The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments. The next group meeting is on Friday, April 12. Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiamartlesham 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, contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk
3
NEWS THE TIDE JETTY BY EASTERN ANGLES Eastern Angles have kicked off their new spring tour show The Tide Jetty at Stowmarket’s John Peel Centre and is now embarking on a 55 date tour across East Anglia. The play by Tony Ramsay (whose previous hit shows with Eastern Angles include The Long Life & Great Good Fortune of John Clare and Bentwater Roads) features beautiful music and movement to transport audiences to the Norfolk Broads where the play is set. Director Scott Hurran talked to us about the challenges of directing the vast landscape of the Broads on stage. “From the beginning of rehearsals, our process has been about setting up the rules of how we represent the landscape and the water. “Working with movement director Simon Carroll-Jones has been a real highlight. He has been able to develop a visual vocabulary for the performance, that the actors can tap into when walking across different terrains, and when floating in water. “Sound design has been incredibly helpful in transporting us to the landscape of the Broads as well. Chris Warner recorded live sounds of water and nature from the Broads – so it’s a real luxury as it’s the closest we can get to putting the Broads on stage.” The show tours from March 20 to June 1 and will be at Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich from Monday, April 29 to May 4. For the full list of tour dates and to book, visit the Eastern Angles website or call the Box Office on 01473 211498 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm). www.easternangles.co.uk Benjamin Teare is pictured in rehearsal (photo by Mike Kwasniak)
CONTROL TOWER MUSEUM OPENS Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum opens for the season on the afternoon of Sunday, April 1. Learn the story of this fascinating airfield from 1917 to 1963, from The Royal Flying Corps to The Jet Age, with everything in-between. The museum is then open every Sunday afternoon from Sunday, April 7 from 2-5pm until October 27. Entry is free but donations are appreciated. Located at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UZ with free parking, the museum is opened by special arrangement for school and club groups. For more information phone contact: 01473 611665 / control.tower@mhas.org.uk
IPSWICH GANG SHOW 2019 Having last year celebrated our 80th anniversary since the first Ipswich Gang Show, preparations are now well underway for the 2019 show. As always this is a show of all-round family entertainment. There is a nod to the founder of Gang Shows with some traditional Ralph Reader songs in the opening and numbers featuring up to date songs from Ed Sheeran, McFly and The Greatest Showman. There is also comedy in the form of sketches including one from the Two Ronnies. The Mini Gang, members of the Cub Section of the Scout Movement, tread the boards again with some now in their third year. Of course, there are also the ever popular dance numbers, the girls taking Fame as their inspiration and the boys pushing their limits this year with a tap dance number – Those Dancing Feet – from 42nd Street. The show this year is from April 10-13 at the Great School Theatre, Ivry Street, Ipswich. Performances start at 7.15pm and there is also a matinee on the Saturday starting at 2.15pm. Tickets are available online at www.ipswichgangshow.org.uk from Craftability, 4 St Lawrence Street, Ipswich or by telephoning our box office: 01473 561004 The Gang look forward to welcoming you.
EXPLORING PUBLIC OPINION ON REASSURANCE POLICING University of Suffolk student Abigail Kegge is conducting research into the current perceptions (opinions and feelings) about what Suffolk Constabulary is doing well and what needs to be improved in respect to reassurance policing. The findings will be used to form part of her Masters degree dissertation and in the production of a document, detailing recommendations, addressed to Suffolk Constabulary. All Suffolk residents who are aged 16 years and over are eligible to participate. Full details are provided ahead of the questionnaire, both of which can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/y3jn5k74 There are a variety of questions asked, some of which allow you to answer in your own words. So please allow up to 15-20 minutes for completion. At no stage will your name be requested. Any personal information asked, such as your age and ethnicity, is to assist with analysis and the generation of recommendations. The end of the survey will be made clear as you will click the ‘submit’ button when you reach the end.
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000
The data provided will be held securely until successful completion of both aims, outlined above. At which point the data will be disposed of confidentially.
email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com
Please note, the format of the survey appears best on a desktop computer, laptop or tablet, but it is manageable on a mobile phone. Thank you for your time and your support.
4
In Touch online:
advertorial
Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed
double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly
experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.
Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
5
OUT & ABOUT FINAL FOLK ON A BOAT OF THE SEASON MOZART’S MYSTERIOUS MASTERPIECE The winter series of folk concerts aboard the sailing AND WORLD PREMIÈRE AT SNAPE barge Victor on Ipswich Waterfront continues on Friday, April 12 with The Silburys.
The Silburys are a popular East Anglian based duo, now joined by Diz Deacon on bass and Martin Lindford on drums. They play a powerful and entertaining mix of original folk rock plus traditional music and popular songs.
Ipswich Choral Society with Music Director Robin Walker return to Snape following their hugely successful performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah in 2017. The concert on April 6 features a mostly Mozart programme including his famous Requiem and a world première of The Affirming Flame by Tom Randle.
The concert starts at 7.30pm and is the last Folk on a Boat of the season until it returns in the autumn. Tickets, which include a hot buffet supper, are available online at www.sbvictor.co.uk or in person from the Ipswich Regent Box Office and the Tourist Information Centre.
Shrouded in mystery, the commissioning of the unfinished Requiem written at the time of Mozart’s death in 1791 has always fascinated the musical world. It is a choral masterpiece and hugely popular with performers and audiences alike.
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Our meeting on February 28 saw a return visit from Kath Stangaard from Hornchurch. Kath gave us seven lovely arrangements, all ready to take home without having to rearrange them as they weren’t too big for that special space. Her knowledge about her flowers was amazing and the whole evening was enjoyed by all who attended. Terrie Potter from Chelmsford will present a demonstration entitled Attic Attack on Thursday, March 28. If you are free why not come along and enjoy an evening of flowers? In September we are holding an open meeting at Kesgrave Community Hall, Bell Lane, Kesgrave. This year Lee Berrall from Northampton will be the demonstrator. Tickets are £18 to include a buffet before the meeting and there will be various stalls for you to browse at. Tickets are available now from Delcie Corbett, details below. We look forward to seeing you and many visitors. Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew. Demonstrations start at 7.15pm but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales tables and buy raffle tickets for the arrangement created in the demonstrations. The £40 annual subscription is due on March 31. Visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Suffolk Book League welcomes writer Melissa Harrison to Ipswich Institute Reading Room on Thursday, April 4. Melissa’s third novel, All Among The Barley, was published to critical acclaim in 2018. Her second, At Hawthorn Time, was shortlisted for the Costa Novel of the Year award, longlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction and was book a Book of the Year in The Telegraph. Her first novel, Clay (2013), won the Portsmouth First Fiction award.
Ipswich Choral Society is delighted that Cem will be conducting them again at Snape. Cem Mansur works regularly with major orchestras and opera houses across the world and is founder/music director of the Turkish National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Joining them are four superb soloists, Gillian Keith (soprano), Natalie Davies (contralto), Tom Randle (tenor) and Trevor Eliot Bowes (baritone), and the ICS Festival orchestra, led by Michael Dolan. Two other Mozart pieces will be performed as part of the concert programme. Ave verum Corpus written in 1791, five months before Mozart’s death, is considered to be one of the most beautiful pieces ever written. With soprano soloist Gillian Keith, Ipswich Choral Society will also be singing Laudate Dominum from Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de confessore. Inspired by the Ipswich Remembers performance when he was invited to sing with Ipswich Choral Society last March, Grammy award winning tenor and composer Tom Randle is thrilled that his new oratorio, The Affirming Flame, will be premièred at Snape on April 6. The five part oratorio uses text from poets such as Siegfried Sassoon and Carl Sandburg, and The Parcel from local poet Pam Job of the Suffolk Poetry Society. For tickets contact Snape Maltings Concert Hall on 01728 687110 or visit: www.snapemaltings.co.uk
MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia This year’s spring concert is on Sunday, April 28 at 3pm in St Michael’s Church Centre when you can see all of our bands performing. Tickets are £4 (primary school children free) on the door or from: 07544 962205 / www.martleshambrass.co.uk Looking forwards into May, Tea & Tunes is on Saturday, May 18 from 10am to noon, also in St Michael’s Church Centre. The preliminary and beginners bands will be showcasing their talents. Admission is free. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. 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 contact us via the website or contact Liz Howard at: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617
BROKE HALL WI 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. We also have monthly clubs, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits.
This is a free event for members of Suffolk Book League as the AGM is being held before at 7pm. Doors open for members at 6.30pm. The speaker event starts at 7.30pm. Admission for non-members is £8 (cash only) on the door. Students free with ID. Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.
Friday, April 12: A Light-hearted Look at the Changing Face of Funerals with Sarah Waterston
For more information go to: www.sbl.org.uk
For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
6
In Touch online:
WE SPECIALISE IN DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS, CALL FOR YOUR FREE CHECK UP
Mr Misty ‘The Window Doctor’ is a family run business that prides itself in exceptional customer care. W e p r o m i s e e a s y s e r v i c e f r o m s t a r t t o fi n i s h .
DOES YOUR DOUBLE GLAZING STEAM UP? WE REPLACE JUST THE GLASS AND NOT THE FRAMES AT A FRACTION OFTHE COST FOR NEW WINDOWS PROBLEMS WE SOLVE ELIMINATE WINDOW CONDENSATION
SECONDARY GLAZING TO BLOCK OUT NOISE
BROKEN WINDOW PARTS
DOOR AND WINDOW LOCKS
BROKEN GLASS
FAULTY HINGES
FREE PHONE : 0800
25 45 111 FOR YOUR FREE CHECKUP
WWW.MRMISTY.CO.UK
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
7
8
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Join us on the last Wednesday every month (excluding July & August) for a three-course lunch followed by an interesting speaker and a prize raffle. On the second Wednesday we meet for coffee and a chat. In July and August, and at Christmas, our wives, partners and friends are invited to join us. They also accompany us to theatres, shows, musicals and trips to places of interest in East Anglia and beyond. Why not come and meet other gentlemen, all retired or semi-retired and from a wide range of careers, interests and backgrounds? Our objective is to provide fellowship for members and their families. Prospective new members are always welcome and there is no requirement to have belonged to any other organisation previously. If you wish to join us, as a guest initially, or require further details, please contact our secretary, Malcolm Kemp: 07711 689130 / secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUSt ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Our next meeting is on April 16 when an ambassador from Trinity House will talk about the lighthouses that are located around the coastline. He will explain their origins, maintenance and everything to do with lighthouses. Trinity House is a 500-year-old organisation based in London and Harwich. It is the general lighthouse authority for England, Wales and he Channel Islands, making the seas around us safer for mariners carrying out their business. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.
IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY
For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary at: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761
We are holding a Stamp Fair on April 27 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. All are welcome. There will be dealers from across the region and the AEPS (Association of Essex Philatelic Societies) will be displaying and judging their spring competition entries. This does give you the opportunity to see what stamp collecting is all about and the many different ways that you can collect. The fair is open from 10am until 4pm. Entry is free and refreshments are available so come and have a look.
www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com www.ipswichphilatelic.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, April 8: Sutton Hoo by Sally Sibley Sarah is a volunteer at Sutton Hoo. Using a combination of slides, commentary and replica objects she will cover information about the site, some of the more influential characters in its history, its links with neighbouring sites and the specifics of the excavations carried out during the 20th century, revealing previously unknown details about the Anglo-Saxon period. There will also be an opportunity to hear about the project to develop the site during the winter of 2018-19 to further visitors’ knowledge and understanding of this extraordinary necropolis. Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks throughout the year cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. On March 6 Chris Garibaldi’s talk on The Fine and Decorative Arts of Horse Racing opened our eyes to the history of art relating to the Sport of Kings and was entertaining from the start through to the finishing post. We next meet on Wednesday, April 3 when the guest speaker will be Simon Inglis. Simon is a writer and historian, a regular contributor to radio and television who specialises in the architecture and heritage of sport and recreation. His talk has the interesting title Beer and Skittles. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP Ipswich RSPB Local Group is now at the end of its programme of indoor meetings for the winter, with our last talk – The All Year Garden Birdwatch Survey and its Importance by BTO Garden Birdwatch Development Manager Claire Boothby – on April 11 following our AGM. We start again in September with Costa Rica Explored with RSPB Minsmere Visitor Experience Officer Ian Barthorpe, who will be well known to many. 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 between September and April (inclusive). You don’t need to be a member of either the national organisation or the local group to attend. Charges, which include refreshments, are £5 for non-members and £2.50 and £2.30 (concessions) for members of the local group. Young people under 16 (who must be accompanied) are free. We have a full programme of walks over the spring and summer. These are free and include: Felixstowe Ferry and the River Deben, Kiln Meadow and Spring Wood, Wolves Wood, RSPB Headquarters at The Lodge, Sandy, Newbourne Springs, Upper Hollesley Common, Rushmere Common and Foxhall, Landguard Nature Reserve, The Grove, Felixstowe and Wrabness. Park walks include: Bridge Wood, Orwell Country Park, Pipers Vale and Christchurch Park. Further information for both indoor and outdoor meetings can be found at: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Twitter: @IpswichRSPB Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group
DEBEN FLOWER CLUB The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton when Sandra Price will present a demonstration entitled Pot Luck. Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome, so why not join us for a relaxing and fun evening enjoying the beauty of Sandra’s flowers, which will be raffled at the end of the evening? If you would like directions or further information please contact us at: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk
9
OUT & ABOUT U3A SPEAKER PROGRAMME IS ALL ABOUT ACTIVE MINDS Over the coming months there are speakers at U3A events across East Suffolk on numerous topics, covering history, science, the natural world and exciting and, sometimes, controversial lives! The speaker programme is just a part of what U3A offers its 2,400 members. They can participate in a wide range of activities, from studying Shakespeare or learning to read music to country dance and walking, with the emphasis on keeping mind and body active. Please note a future date for the diary. The U3A East Suffolk AGM is on Monday, June 10 at 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. Thursday, April 4, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall The Shipping Forecast by Tony Diamond Thursday, April 11, 2pm at Market Hall, 29 High Street, Saxmundham Being a Woman Racing Driver and Racing at Le Mans by Celia Stevens Monday, April 29, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre Burston – A Striking Village by Anne May U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members. All details of membership are available on the website. Alternatively call the membership secretary on 0300 123 3913. Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for the most up to date information. www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Do you need a bit of decluttering? If so, and if you are into sewing, we could help you out. Is your work space filling up with bits of material left over from previous projects? You have probably kept them in case they might ‘come in useful’. Well, we have a use for them! We are making bags for syringe drivers, small pumps which some patients have to carry around with them, in particular if they need constant medication to relieve pain. The bags are like mini totes with a cross body strap. At the moment we are making them for patients of the hospice, a complete cross-section of men, women and ages. It’s going to be fun to expand soon into making bags for children cared for by EACH. We would be really grateful if you would like be part of this project by passing on to us any pieces of material which you think would be suitable for the bags or their linings. Obviously large pieces would be helpful, but an attractive remnant about 60cm x 25cm would be fine for making the outside of one bag. If you have any designs for children they would be especially welcome. Please contact Jenny on 01473 714252 or Joyce on 01394 615659 if you have materials to offer, and thank you. What else are we doing? Throughout 2018 we came across all sorts of interesting women’s groups about whom we would like to know more. These include Kim Trotter from Future Female Society, one of the many organisations involved in the Women’s Voices, Women’s Votes festival back in October, who is our guest speaker in March. www.sigbi.org/ipswich-and-district
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING
Wednesday, April 24 The Steam Tug by Janet Hall
Join us at St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact:
Wednesday, May 22 The History of RAF Bircham Newton by David Jacklin
Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406
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
Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club NEW BRIDGE LESSONS STARTING IN SEPTEMBER Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club (I&K) will be starting a new Bridge course in September. The course is aimed at anyone who wants to start playing the game. No prior knowledge of Bridge or any other card game is required. The course, which runs for two years on Thursday evenings (7.30-10pm) at Kesgrave Community Centre, has been designed by the English Bridge Union (EBU) and all the teachers used by I&K have been trained by the EBU. On the basis of our previous experience of running these courses, at the end of two years you will be ready to play Bridge at any of the local Bridge clubs. September may seem a long way off, but we have a limited number of places available and we are already half full so if you are interested, don’t wait, get in touch using the contact details below. If you are an aspiring Bridge player or just want to know more about us visit our website or contact me at: greencj06@hotmail.co.uk Chris Green www.bridgewebs.com/ipswich
10
INTERESTED IN FLOWER ARRANGING? Ipswich Flower Club would like to invite you to its meeting on April 8 when Vicki Hease will present a demonstration entitled Treasured Moments Part 1. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. The cost for visitors is £5 which includes tea and biscuits. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet on 01473 415749. On Monday May 13 Alan Smith will present a demonstration entitled Floral Magic. Ipswich Flower 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. The workshop on May 3 will be a modern contemporary arrangement and will be tutored by Janet Greengrass. If you are interested in the workshop, which will cost £5, please phone Stella for more details and to book a place: 01473 711946
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT KIDNEY ASSOCIATION QUIZ Sunday, April 14, 7.30pm at Kesgrave Social Club on Edmonton Road, Maximum six per team, £2.50 each. Licenced bar, food available to purchase and pre-order for the interval. For further information contact Carol Negus: 07922 155181
In Touch online:
Quick & Easy way to upgrade your kitchen...
30 d s r an ur e v s lo O le co y st r 90 e ov
simply cover the worktops replace the doors and drawer fronts for a whole new look!
Special Limited Offer Hurry - Don’t miss out
*£500 appliance contribution when purchasing worktops and door replacements. Not in conjunction with any other offer.
£500 EXCLUSIVE LIMITED OFFER VOUCHER
*
Before
After
Worktops
Don’t just take our word for it
In a matter of hours
The top that fits on top
Granite Transformations were brilliant from start to finish and such nice staff, nothing was too much trouble. So happy with our new worktops - thank you so much. Sue - Colchester
Transforming your old kitchen does not have to be stressful, as we have the products and expertise to modernise it within just a few hours, by replacing the door & worktops - no mess.
With over 1 Million installations globally, our worktops are the market leaders in terms of styles and durability. Plus all our worktops come with an industry leading 10 Year Guarantee.
“
”
Appliance Contribution Voucher Code: APPLIANCE£500 Ipswich Showroom
For more information or to arrange a FREE No-Obligation Home Visit
Unit 3 Alstons Court, Leslie Road, Ipswich IP3 9PL
or visit: www.gt-ipswich.co.uk or visit: www.gt-colchester.co.uk
Hatfields Home Furnishings, Peartree Road, Colchester C03 0LA
Call Ipswich: 01473 851 360 | Call Colchester: 01206 807 347
Colchester Showroom
BuildMyGarden We are your one stop company for every single garden requirement, from small maintenance jobs to a stunning landscaped garden.
Fencing Turfing Patios
Please call now for a free no pressure quotation:
Mark McNeill-Parker M: 07833 567770 or 07486 947031 E: buildmygarden@yahoo.com W: buildmy.garden www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
Block paving Hedge cutting Maintenance Plus lots more... 11
12
In Touch online:
out & about / SCHOOLS SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM Toastmasters International (TI) is a world-wide organisation of affiliated speakers’ clubs. Established in 1924, TI has spent nearly 100 years devising and refining the best ways for all of us to develop our public speaking and to boost our confidence to help become better leaders. Pathways, TI’s new educational framework, is full of speaking and leadership projects. There are online and downloadable learning materials to guide and challenge you, putting you in control of how far and how fast you progress. You can find out more at: www.toastmasters.org Speak Easy at Martlesham is your friendly neighbourhood Toastmasters International speakers’ club. We meet every other Thursday evening at the Richards Room in Martlesham (alongside Felixstowe Road, behind the Tesco). Our meetings include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation. Evaluation is a vital part of how TI clubs operate. When you evaluate someone else speaking you not only help them, you also – through empathy and understanding – help develop your own speaking. For further details please call 07968 372563 or get in touch via: www.speak-easy.org.uk
Suffolk Family History SocietY Thursday, March 28 ,7.15pm: A Suffolk Bevin Boy Thursday, April 25, 7.15pm: What did your Grandfather do in the Great War? David Empson has a lifelong passion for all things military and has collected medals for 50 years. He will help you learn more about your Great War or Second World War ancestors. Bring along your medals, documents, details and artefacts. 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: 01473 274300 www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
You’re very welcome at any club meeting. You’ll find directions and dates online. Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you soon!
HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY A recent trip to my allotment (yep – first one this year!) enabled me to weed between my strawberry plants and dig up the remainder of my parsnips. Sadly something had eaten all the tops off them, leaving about half the root in the ground. But I still managed to make a batch of curried parsnip soup out of it all. I also weeded a couple of beds in readiness for planting which was easy as the ground was so soft (there has to be some advantage from all the rain!).
Wow! What a busy month. The circus moved into the Nursery and we put on our very own Greatest Show on Earth. Clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers, ferocious lions and tigers, graceful acrobats and tightrope walkers all graced our big top role play. After practising some movement skills in PE, the children put on a show of their own, showing off all the circus skills they had learnt. The circus topic certainly got all of the children excited, and they worked very hard painting fantastic images of the performers they would see at the circus and writing in their big top flap book about their experiences in the big top.
So April is the time to plant, plant, plant! Get your seed potatoes planted by the end of the month and onion sets too. It’s also the time to get summer broad beans planted (my winter sown ones are looking rather good I have to say). Also continue with repeat sowings of parsnips, carrots, beetroot, raddish, lettuce, turnips, early peas and kohl rabi. Dwarf and French beans can also be planted. As can leeks and summer cabbages into a prepared bed.
Following on from our circus topic, we moved on to celebrate Pancake Day by flipping pancakes and choosing wonderful toppings that we wanted to try for our cooking activity. We then welcomed prospective new families to our Nursery on our open day. It was lovely to see so many people attending and looking round with interest. We also warmly welcomed Mrs Harris from Tree Frog Yoga, who worked with the children with her greatest showman yoga session.
If you have a greenhouse you can now plant runner beans, courgettes, pumpkins, sweetcorn and cucumber. I don’t have a greenhouse, but I do have a conservatory which is excellent for germinating seeds though I do have to be careful that it doesn’t get too hot on really sunny days.
Most recently, we held our Elmer Stay and Play Day for World Book Day, and the Nursery celebrated the work of David McKee and the much loved Elmer. Once again our parents attended with enthusiasm to work together with the children printing Elmer bags, forming clay Elmer tiles, decorating Elmer biscuits, creating Kandinsky Elmer elephant patterns and investigating Elmer’s colours with fizzy inks and safety goggles. Thank you very much to all those who attended and the hard working staff who helped to make the event a success once again.
If you planted early brussels sprouts then this is the time to thin them out and it’s also a good time to check for pests and diseases like aphids before they get a hold. Don’t forget that diluted washing-up liquid is really good for this and very cheap too. Good luck with all your planting. It’s a lovely time on the allotment and for vegetable gardening – full of promise and potential for the season ahead… and the weeds aren’t too much of an issue yet either!. Although we don’t have any vacant plots at the moment we are happy to keep names on a waiting list so do contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk / 01473 612283 Sally Peckham
Now that the circus have packed up and departed for the neighbouring town, we are starting to think about springtime and begin our new theme of growing, hopefully encouraging some warmer weather too. NURSERY SPACES – SEPTEMBER 2019 Our school Nursery is full at the moment, but we are still accepting applications and allocating places for September 2019, although places are filling up fast. If you would like to find out more about our fantastic, teacher-led school Nursery and see us in action, call the school office on 01473 622806 and arrange an appointment for a guided tour at a time that is convenient to you. Nursery Teacher Helen Whatley
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
13
ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL Now in its 12th year, the Suffolk Walking festival (May 11 to June 2) has established itself as one of Britain’s premier walking festivals with over 120 walks and events across our county. Last year all walkers collectively walked 24 million steps over 23 days across Suffolk! The 2019 festival is going to be the most creative, imaginative and ambitious one to date. From a dawn chorus to hidden orchids, Arthur Ransome to John Constable, and from Anglo-Saxons to naval heritage, there’s even murder, myths and a little bit of magic. The festival has something for everyone: short strolls, gentle rambles, long hikes, family walks, history walks, nature walks, story-telling, art lessons, photography courses, walks with boat trips, walks with breakfasts, walks with train rides... Some of the highlights include: • A walk with Kite, the Orford Ness sheepdog, and her shepherd owner who will explain how they manage the reserve for wildlife. • Night Safari will enter an ancient woodland just after sundown to experience the wood’s nocturnal life and talk to owls! • A walk to Eye Airfield will reveal its wartime history with a ride back in vintage military vehicles! • A walk discovering the fascinating history of Ipswich’s Waterfront, followed by a Thames Barge cruise down the River Orwell. All walks are ticketed and all tickets must be purchased in advance. Brochures are now available in various outlets including libraries, leisure centres, country parks, Tourist Information Centres, visitor information points and Cotswold Outdoors. To find out more and buy tickets visit: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk
QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Ian from Stowmarket asks: “I recently read an article about being under-insured. It has been a while since my wife and I took out life insurance and it made me realise that the value of our existing policies could probably do with being ‘topped up’. So, I went onto a comparison website to get some insurance quotes. I was amazed to find that five years after taking out life insurance policies with our bank, we can now get the same amount of cover elsewhere for much less money each month. How can this be? Surely the cost of life insurance should get more expensive as you get older?” Many people are under-insured, usually because their financial situation has not been regularly reviewed. For most couples, life insurance is purchased to protect the spouse and children in the event of the death of the main income provider. To calculate the sum assured, most financial advisers will work on a multiple of net salary for a term that would enable the surviving spouse and children to maintain their standard of living. For example, if the net (after tax) income to be replaced on death is £12,000 per annum, and the children would need financial support for the next 10 years, the sum assured would be 10 x £12,000 = £120,000. However, since they took out their original policies, most people’s salaries will have increased. That means the sum assured within their existing policy may not now provide enough cover. It is therefore important to review this on a regular basis. The good news is, as Ian has discovered, it is often possible to re-broke existing life insurance for a new policy for a lower price. In some cases, it is even possible to find more cover for less money than you are already paying. Although this would seem strange, there are good reasons for it. Firstly, banks have traditionally sold their own life insurance policies to their customers. Unfortunately, if you shopped around, you would find that these are generally not the lowest cost policies available and the premiums can in fact be quite expensive. Secondly, the life insurance business has become very cut-throat in recent years, with many new providers such as supermarkets, and internet-based companies entering the marketplace. This has driven down the cost of premiums, which is why it is not unusual to find that you can now get the same cover at a lower price. This means that if you took out life insurance a few years ago, your existing life insurance policy may not now offer you the best value, and as Ian has found, by shopping around and changing your policy, you could save yourself some money. However, although price comparison websites will give you a good idea of costs, not all insurers are listed on these sites. If you contact an Independent Financial Adviser and ask him or her to conduct a free search of the entire marketplace for you, you can be sure that you will get the best possible life insurance at the best price. 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 IP6 8JP, or email nick at nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone him on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary and without obligation initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
www.plumbfs.co.uk
14
In Touch online:
HOW LONG IS A PIECE OF STRING? When meeting new clients and taking on claims for personal injury, one of the first questions that we are often asked as personal injury practitioners is “how long will my case take to settle?” Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer. It tends to be case specific and is dependent upon a number of factors: • What further evidence is required before we can submit a claim for personal injury and loss on your behalf to the person who we deem to be at fault. • Whether responsibility for your accident or illness is accepted at an early stage by the person at fault or whether further evidence is required before a decision can be made as to whether the claim can be pursued. • What the extent of your injuries are. • Whether you require further treatment to assist in your recovery. If this is the case then it depends on when we are able to obtain a final medical report detailing the extent of your injuries and loss. • What further evidence we will then need to calculate the financial losses that flow from the injuries or illness that you have suffered, and when we can obtain the information required. Once the above information has been gathered, then your case can either proceed to a settlement, normally by way of negotiation with the person at fault (or more likely their insurer.) Or if fault has not been admitted and we are still of the view that the case should be brought against the person who we deem to be at fault, then at a court hearing. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are settled without proceeding to court, but the process can take a matter of months or longer depending on the circumstances of the specific case. It is worth remembering that as personal injury practitioners, we are here to guide you through the personal injury claims process, and to assist you through to the conclusion of your claim as quickly as possible. This includes obtaining appropriate treatment for you where necessary to aid your recovery. If you would like any advice or assistance arising out of an accident or incident and would like to pursue a personal injury claim, please contact our Louise Plant: 01473 232121 / lplant@prettys.co.uk
Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad. You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.
Contact us
www.prettys.co.uk
01473 232121 enquiry@prettys.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast PR534 Personal Injury Advert (InTouch) v3.indd 2
15 09/05/2018 16:33
THE DRONE CODE
Don’t fly near airports or airfields Remember to stay below 400ft (120m) O bserve your drone at all times – stay 150ft (50m) away from people and property Never fly near aircraft Enjoy responsibly 400ft (120m)
16
Drone Code_March19.indd 1
In Touch online:
19/02/2019 13:35
ON THE GRAPEVINE BRAND NEW OBSTACLE COURSE AND MUD RUN FOR SUFFOLK FAMILIES A brand new event is coming to Suffolk this June as the makers of the Whole Hog and Boss Hog launch The Piglet, Junior Hog. The Piglet, Junior Hog will be an entry-level version of the popular obstacle courses and mud runs that have been part of the Suffolk calendar for over 10 years. It will be aimed at those who want to take part with their children or who would like to run a shorter route and benefit East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, the event will take place on Sunday, June 9 on the lands of Wantisden Hall near Woodbridge, with two courses for runners. One will be over two kilometres and feature at least 10 obstacles. Children aged eight to 11 can take part, provided each is accompanied by a participating adult. The other will be over four kilometres and feature at least 20 obstacles. It will be open to anyone aged 12 and over. Louisa Smart, EACH Suffolk Community Fundraiser, said: “Having been a charity partner of the Whole Hog for the last two years, we’re delighted the organisers’ support is going a step further this year. Families who come along are guaranteed a muddy, fun-filled day out, with obstacles such as cargo nets, tunnels, rivers and monkey bars likely to feature.” Runners will set off in waves at 9.30am, 10am, 10.30am, 11am and 11.30am. Tickets range in price from £12.50 to £17.50. Everyone will receive a medal at the end. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information and to book tickets, go to: www.each.org.uk/piglet
CANINE CRECHE GROUP OPENS NEW PUPPY SOCIAL CLUB Research has shown that the top reason for rehoming a dog is due to behaviour problems. The Dogs Trust has recorded that 49 per cent of owners state their dog shows behavioural signs of fear when they hear loud noises and our Canine Creche facilities have all reported that anxious puppies and dogs are on the increase. The UK pet dog population has hit a new record at 9m dogs, says the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association. The growth in dogs marks an increase of 400,000 pets over last year and shows that 26 per cent of households now own a dog, representing an increase of around 300,000 households. To address this escalating problem Candace Rose MD and Founder, Canine Creche Group has spent months developing a new Puppy Social Club ©CCG2019 which will be hosted in all facilities. Rose commented: “Socialisation is the process of teaching a puppy or young dog how to cope and behave well in a human modern world. To a puppy, everything in the world in brand new and they have never seen any of this before. We encourage our members to try to remember this perspective as they teach what is expected of their puppy.” This six-week club will aid and boost the puppy’s confidence, promote good manners and increase the human to dog bond. This is all achieved through counter conditioning and desensitisation delivered with a big dose of fun! Anxious or timid puppies will grow in confidence whilst bolshie puppies will learn good manners all in real world situations. Many of our clients have reported the difficulty they have to safely socialising puppies in a caring environment, this club will now deliver this. Commencing in all creches during March and April, call 01473 636151 to locate the best time and location for you and your puppy.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
SUFFOLK REMEMBERS RETURNS TO FELIXSTOWE in 100 days St Elizabeth Hospice is asking the people of Suffolk to help them remember loved ones as part of the charity’s annual Suffolk Remembers event. Sixteen large wooden letters, 5,000 candles and hundreds of loved ones will gather in Felixstowe Spa Gardens on June 21 to celebrate and remember friends and family in this unique outdoors celebration. Tuesday, March 12 marked the 100-day countdown to the event, which takes place on Suffolk Day. Pauline Donkin, individual giving manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Suffolk Remembers is fast becoming one of my favourite hospice events. There’s this incredible sense of community on the night as everyone comes together for the lighting of the candles and joins together to remember their loved ones as the sun sets on the longest day of the year. It’s so, so special and is open to anyone, not just people who have had an experience with the hospice or our nurses. “We want to light up Felixstowe with 5,000 personal memories and people can remember pets as well, as they are very much part of a family and they too are sadly missed. Every candle will bear the name of a loved one. “Being able to remember and share memories or your loved ones is such an important thing, but quite often it is something we think we can only do in private or by a grave. “Suffolk Remembers is all about giving people an open and public way of remembering their loved ones and helping people to connect with other people in a similar situation. We also have live music on the night and it’s a really wonderful experience. “Each dedication is also replicated on our website and you can go online and make your dedication today and add a photograph and special message. By supporting this event you are also helping the hospice to care for people, and their families, in east Suffolk, to ease pain and restore hope. We’re also delighted to have on board the East of England Co Op Funeral Services as our event sponsors this year.” Michael Davies, of East of England Co-Op Funeral Services, said: “St Elizabeth Hospice plays such an important part in people’s lives. For us, sponsoring this amazing event is our way of saying thank you to the hospice for all the work they are doing caring for the people in our community.” Candle dedications can be made online; £5 minimum donated recommended. www.suffolkremembers.stelizabethhospice.org.uk
17
SPORT HOLYWELLS BOWLING CLUB Open Day: Saturday, May 4, 2.30-4.30pm Interested in giving outdoor bowling a try? Holywells Bowling Club will be open to the public for a free taster session on May 4. The session is open to all age groups, male or female, beginners or experienced. Just bring along reasonably flat shoes (no heels) and have a go (bowls provided), a chat and a cuppa from 2.30pm. The bowling green is situated in Holywells Park. Enter via the Cliff Lane entrance and follow the signposts. If you are interested, but unable to attend, please contact club captain David Jolly: 01473 831180 Free taster sessions Every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm (weather permitting). Open to all ages, male and female, novice or experienced. Just wear reasonably flat shoes (no heels). Bowls provided.
IPSWICH LADIES BOWLS CLUB
MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS We are still second in our division, having beaten Bramford at home and losing to Burstall away. Bramford are still top but have now completed all of their matches. We still have four to play, and are only ten points behind, so we are still in a strong position. However, three teams are less than ten points behind us, so there is still plenty of work for us to do. In the club singles competitions, Vic Harrup and Bob Wellington will meet in the men’s final. The remaining semi-finals are still to be played. The club triples competition was held on Sunday, February 17 with six teams entered. It was a very close run competition, but in the end the victors were Sharon Clarke, June Levett, and Judith Longman. Well done! You can keep up to date with the club diary and the latest competition results at: www.martleshamcbc.appspot.com We still have a few vacancies at the club and would welcome new members. We meet on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1.30-4.30pm, and Tuesday evening from 7.30-10pm at the community hall on Old Felixstowe Road, behind Tesco. Just turn up or you can ring our secretary, Ian Hunt, on 01473 611947, or email douglas.benger@btinternet.com, especially if you plan to come along on a Tuesday evening as there may be a league match. The club provides all of the necessary equipment. Why not give us a try? Doug Benger
Ipswich Ladies Bowls Club is a friendly club where you can join like--minded ladies in the interesting and relaxing game of bowls to hone your skills or to discover new ones; either way you will be warmly welcomed. The club meets at Marlborough Bowls Club in Lansdowne Road (off Marlborough Road) in the afternoons. We play in friendlies, club competitions, county competitions, host county matches, have roll-ups (practices) and bank holiday drives – something for everyone. So please come and give us a look. Our season starts at the end of April with an open day on April 30. Contact the president, Eve Saunders, to find out more: 01394 382195
IPSWICH WANDERERS FC As I write, Wanderers have just enjoyed adding four points from two league games. A win at Haverhill Borough and a draw at home to in-form side March Town have given the team a boost ahead of a crucial month. The man-of-thematch at Haverhill was Danny ‘Percy’ Thrower with a hat-trick. Percy was not available at The Doucy when fifth placed March Town were the visitors but, having gone a goal down, our team battled back to a deserved point after Joe Berry hammered a free kick into the visitor’s net. Friday, April 5 is now the match to watch. The Suffolk Senior Cup Semi-Final will be played at Hadleigh United’s Millfield ground. Our opponents will be Cornard United. Interestingly, we beat them 6-0 at The Doucy in August and they beat us 4-0 at their ground in September. So it seems that an intriguing and close encounter beckons in early April. The prize is a final place at Portman Road in May. The other semi-final will be between Achilles and Henley, both of the Suffolk and Ipswich League. The semi-final is scheduled for Friday, April 5 with kick-off at 7.45pm. We urge all Wanderers supporters to come to Hadleigh to cheer on the boys in blue. Other Home Encounters in April Tuesday, April 9: v Haverhill Borough, League, KO 7.45pm Saturday, April 13: v Swaffham Town, League, KO 3pm
NORTHGATE AND ASSOCIATED KARATE CLUB It’s all go at the karate club right now as the competition season is in full swing. The competition squad are producing some excellent results, showing us all that hard work and commitment to training really does pay off. On February 17 a team of seven competitors travelled to Dudley for the UK Open Karate Championships. Each team member medalled and won a total of nine medals for the club. A fantastic achievement, with congratulations going to Dylan Barnes, Lauren Berry, Chloe Campbell, Amelia Clow, Thomas Humphries, Ruby Hunt and Lilly Melton, not only for their outstanding performances but also for their positive attitude and incredible team spirit at a challenging competition. As we go to print, the squad are looking forward to and training hard for the Tczew Cup in Poland for the third consecutive year. They will be travelling in style with many thanks to one of our valued club sponsors C.J. Clow Motor Engineers, who very kindly provided the club with the competition suit carriers from our wish list. From 7pm on Friday, April 5 we are holding our Family Race Night at Kesgrave Social Club on Edmonton Road. The event is open to the public so do come along and join us for an entertaining evening and a chance to win some races and fantastic prizes. Tickets can be purchased on the door or in advance from the karate club. For further information please visit our Facebook page @northgatekarate or email sharonmbuckley@hotmail.com.
Under 18 Home Fixtures Monday, April 1: v Leiston, KO 7.45pm Thursday, April 11: v Walsham-le-Willows, KO 7.45pm Thursday, April 18: v Needham Market, KO 7.45pm
We are a family friendly karate club and welcome new members. Karate is a great way to make new friends and there are always rewarding opportunities available. Regular practice 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?
New supporters are always welcome at The Doucy. 1st Team matches offer a bar and hot food, programmes and raffle and entry is £6/£4.
For details of the various classes we hold for both adults and children, please visit: www.northgate-karate.co.uk
18
In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL At the time of writing the season of Lent had just started. By the time you read this it will be Easter. Lent marks the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness at the start of his ministry and Christians use that time to reflect on our own spiritual life and make an extra effort to draw near to God. If you can, come along a little earlier to our family event at Tower Hall on Easter Sunday, April 21 at 3.30pm We will have an egg hunt for the children, to be followed by our service with tea, cakes and hot cross buns. Everyone is welcome. As the seasons meld into each other and changes in life come thick and fast, we believe that God’s love never changes and our marking of Lent, Good Friday, Easter and Pentecost helps us to slow down and truly appreciate every stage of the life God has given each of us. We organise extra 45-minute prayer meetings at Tower Hall on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm and again at 8pm. Different people attend on each occasion to pray, listen or ask for prayer. 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
The toddler group, Little Lambs, continues to run from 9.15-11am every Friday during term time at the Tower Hall. This allows children to play and explore in safety and mothers are able to meet, make new friendships and enjoy a cuppa. There are also two evening homegroups meeting locally on Tuesdays and alternate Wednesdays. If you would like find out more please contact us via the details below. As always, everyone is welcome to join us on Sundays for our 4-5pm service at Tower Hall. There are opportunities to speak to clergy or other members of the church, with time for personal prayer at the end. For further information contact us at office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978 or visit: www.mie.org/bixley
Joy in this month’s 30 Days of Prayer theme and for the whole of this month we will be looking at what joy really means through scripture. Joy is mentioned 174 times in the Old Testament, 57 in Psalms alone, so what is it? The dictionary tells us it is ‘a state of happiness, bliss, delight’ or ‘the prospect of possessing one’s desire, source or cause of delight’. It is something beyond happiness… The Greek word means ‘the natural product of living things.’ Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22 & 23). When you first become a Christian you may wonder why these attributes don’t automatically come to you. The truth is we still bring a lot of our old nature with us and this fruit must be worked into our lives. Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean you are suddenly made perfect, but that God has a willing person to work with. As Kathy Howard puts it: “…like physical fruit needs time to grow, the fruit of the Spirit (in this case, Joy) will not ripen in our lives overnight. Like a successful gardener must battle against weeds to enjoy the sweet fruit they desire, we must constantly work to rid our lives of the ‘weeds’ of our old sin natures that want to choke out the work of the Spirit.” Nehemiah 8:10 says ‘the joy of the Lord is my strength’. Can you have joy in the chaos? Or does your moodiness hover over everyone like a cloud? Not that anyone should be joyful about the hard times, but rather your joy comes from God being with you through it and God using every trial to help you become stronger in the faith. Intrigued? Then maybe we’ll see you Sunday… Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Adult Sunday School and Children’s Church at 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact via arkipswichuk@gmail.com, find us on Facebook and Twitter @arkipswich or online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast
19