In Touch with Ipswich East April 2020

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 9 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2020

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events.

There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful.

We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months.

Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward.

There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app.

Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory.

We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@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

T: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk DISTRIBUTION

Tree Martin: 01473 400380 E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk PRINTING

ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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

Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

Please recycle.

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 •S hotley, 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 •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Tuesday 7 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/ipswicheast

COMMUNITY GARDEN OFFERS NEW LEARNING PROGRAMME TO SCHOOLS ActivGardens is launching a new learning and skills programme at the People’s Community Garden to inspire young people and help move them on to the world of work.

Starting in the summer term (April 2020), it will consist of half-termly (five-week) programmes, giving young people a chance to learn hands-on in the great outdoors, as well as improving their overall health and wellbeing in a community-embedded project.

The programme will be steered by a Level 6 qualified careers professional, offering a range of activities in gardening and horticulture, nature conservation and beekeeping, woodworking and construction, cooking and crafts.

The scheme will help young people: • learn practical skills, gain work experience, and take on leadership/ organisational roles • develop competencies such as working as a team, good communication, and being willing to take on and understand responsibility • build self-esteem, gain confidence and feel pride in their achievements • feel better – both physically and mentally • develop friendships, form social networks and feel a part of their community.

For more details, please call Fundraising and Development Manager Susannah Robirosa on 07530 407302 or ActivLives on 01473 345350.

If you are interested in coming to see what we do, please register for our open day on Wednesday 1 April from 1-3pm at the People’s Community Garden, Maidenhall Allotments, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE, by emailing susannah@activlives.org.uk with names of delegates, school and contact details.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT COMMUNITY MARKET & OPEN GARDEN

If you like singing, dancing and acting you need to come to Whikidz!, a musical drama group for KS2 children.

Our first ActivGardens market of the year is offering families the chance to enjoy Easter-themed fun at the People’s Community Garden on Friday 17 April from 10am to 12.30pm.

We are a free club running after school on Mondays until 4.30pm at The Ascension Church, Larchcroft Road, Ipswich IP1 6AN.

There will be an Easter trail, children’s activities and a chance to explore our community garden on Maidenhall Allotments, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE.

To find out more contact Becky 07956 788069 / whikidz1@gmail.com

Meanwhile, at the CRESS Pavilion we will be offering seedlings to plant on your plot, bedding plants to spruce up your garden or windowsills, and freshly picked produce to perk you up after winter.

IPSWICH GANG SHOW 2020

ActivSheds will be taking orders for bird tables and hedgehog homes to encourage wildlife to your garden or local green space, or perhaps you have a garden bench in need of renovation now it’s getting warm enough to sit outside.

The CRESS Café will be offering homemade cakes with a cuppa – so come along to enjoy the fun and get to know your neighbours. There is parking on site and in surrounding roads.

The organisers of the Ipswich Gang Show 2020 have, regrettably, taken the decision not to stage the 2020 show in the light of the Coronavirus. At this time we do not know what the situation will be in April.

Please contact gshow2020@outlook.com regarding refunds If you have already bought your tickets. We will require return of the tickets and confirmation of the amount paid, or confirmation that you haven’t received the tickets yet. If you booked the tickets and paid for them through our website the refund will be automatic and you don’t need to take any action.

CRESS Pavilion, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE. The People’s Community Garden is a short walk away on Maidenhall Allotments.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2021.

Future dates for your diary Saturday 23 May: Chantry Walled Garden Plant Fair Friday 19 June: CRESS Community Market Saturday 25 July: Summer Event

AN EVENING OF EASTERN STEAM NOSTALGIA

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

Presented by Amanda Huntley, archivist of the Huntley Film Archives Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society invites you to join them at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH on Wednesday 22 April at 7.30pm Entrance is £5. Tickets are available at IDHTS meetings (see page 17) or from Pat Caddick: pandj83@gmail.com / 01473 402152

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.

This month the group will meet on Friday 17 April.

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

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

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QUIZ NIGHT Sunday 26 April from 7.30pm Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE Doors open at 7pm Bar and food available Teams of up to six players, £2.50 each All proceeds go to Ipswich & District Kidney Association For more information contact Carol: 07922 155181

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND

MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia

For sale at the Richards Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB on Saturday 16 May from 2-4pm:

We are taking part in the St George’s Day Parade on Felixstowe Promenade on Sunday 26 April, starting at 2.30pm.

• • • •

This year’s spring concert is on Saturday 16 May at 7pm in St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL. Further details will be published next month.

Pictures and cards by local artist Sonya E Burrows Mighty Morty’s handmade jewellery by Laura Morton Photos and limited edition prints by Helen Ellison Plants

All welcome, entrance free, light refreshments available. The venue is fully accessible with plenty of free parking.

For further details of the Roger David Burrows Music Fund: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

MARTLESHAM HEATH CONTROL TOWER MUSEUM Opens for the 2020 season on the afternoon of Sunday 5 April and open from 2-5pm every Sunday until October 25.

Learn the story of this fascinating airfield from 1917 to 1963.

Our aim is to encourage anyone who would like to play in a brass band to have a go. If you would like to join us, please email join@martleshambrass.co.uk or use the contact details below. Instruments are provided as part of your membership subscription (currently £1.40 per week).

Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 6 April: My Experience of Life in a Foundling Hospital by Ruth Miller

Special openings for school and clubs, groups are available by prior arrangement.

From 1741 when the first babies were admitted, to 1954 when the last pupil was placed in foster care, the Foundling Hospital in London cared for and educated around 25,000 children. Ruth Miller arrived at the Foundling Hospital in April 1942, just a few weeks shy of her fifth birthday and will tell us all about what it was like to be one of these children.

For more information contact Ian: 07707 711104 / mhasmuseum@mhas.org.uk

Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

The museum is located at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UZ. Easy, free parking, free entry; donations appreciated.

BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES – WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS AND YOURS In a global marketplace isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money.

Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access.

“Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists.

For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!”

In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies.

If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies.

“We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ”

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Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted.

As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options.

“We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.”

So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry.

“Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Each week we have a tempting selection of sweet and savoury bakes, pickles, preserves and marmalades and local honey. There really is nothing like the taste of homemade produce.

We also sell seasonal plants and garden produce, freshly picked.

You will find craft items on offer too, all locally made with many tempting gifts ideas that you won’t find on the high street. We have babies to ladies accessories and practical gifts, knitwear, sewing and cards with designs unique to our producers.

Our logo says COOK, CRAFT, GROW; if you like to do any of those and would like to be part of a local cooperative, please come along and see what we are about. You can be a social member too and help set up or serve our homemade refreshments. We really do welcome all.

You can find more about the market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open at Rushmere Village Hall (Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB) on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am. There is plenty of free parking and we offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit. Come and see what we’re up to and give us your feedback.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Last year we reported that we were making syringe driver bags for Ipswich Hospital and were delighted to receive offers of materials from readers. Palliative and End of Life Coordinator Tracy Hitching recently asked whether we could possibly make purple bags in a similar design, not for patients this time but for the Butterfly Volunteers. We couldn’t possibly say no.

These volunteers provide company and companionship to hospital patients in the last days of their lives. They also reassure and support patient’s loved ones (if they have any).

The purple bags will hold notebooks, pens, tissues and whatever else the volunteer thinks would be useful. By wearing the bags the volunteers will stand out so that patients, visitors and staff can recognise them easily.

We have made 16, with varying linings for both men and women volunteers.

We hope they will be of help to them in their sensitive role. But, to cap it all, we heard about Alfie, a volunteer who happens to be a dog! So we have made him a purple neckerchief to wear when he’s on duty.

SUFFOLK AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM The museum on Foxhall Road in Kesgrave re-opens on Easter Sunday and Monday, April 12 and 13, from 11am until 4pm, and with it a new season begins.

We look forward to welcoming back old friends and first-time visitors. Those who visit are very impressed with the displays, which is very rewarding for our enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers. Visitors often say that they didn’t know there was an aviation museum on Foxhall Road, or that they have been meaning to visit but have never got around to it. Do come along and see our exhibition of the history of Suffolk aviation including a full size replica of Edith Cook’s Bleriot and many other interesting exhibits.

The museum relies on donations to cover running costs and keep the museum open. We hope to see more visitors this year and they can be assured of a warm welcome from our staff.

Tea room and picnic area, free admission and parking. Donations welcome.

For further information contact Colin Durrant: 01473 677517 / colindurrant113@yahoo.com

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In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT

BROKE HALL WI

U3A EAST SUFFOLK SUSPENDS ALL ACTIVITIES

Friday 17 April: Chernobyl with Elizabeth Parker from Chernobyl Children’s Life Line Friday 15 May: Resolutions 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).

IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB We would like to invite you to our meeting on Monday 6 April when Lee Berrill will present a demonstration entitled What a Wonderful World.

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.

The 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 standards.

In light of the spread of the Coronavirus, U3A East Suffolk has suspended all activities and meetings until further notice.

The committee has taken the decision in order to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of its members, many of whom are elderly and thus at greater risk.

All speaker meetings and interest group activities were suspended from Monday 16 March. The committee will review the decision in four weeks’ time.

This decision has not been taken lightly but the committee wishes to protect its members as far as it is able.

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. If you would like to know more, please come and meet us. We are always happy to welcome new people.

The guest speaker on 4 March was Shawn Kholucy who beautifully illustrated what motivated the architect and designer R R Ashbee. We next meet on Wednesday 1 April when Jennifer Toynbee-Holmes will talk about The Holland Park Circle, Victorian painters, sculptors and architects living in Holland Park. Jennifer, an experienced guide at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, had a long-standing career as a television producer/director making documentaries and factual programmes for BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

April showers sound such a gentle and welcome term, but when there seems to have been nothing but rain for weeks and weeks the thought of rain throughout April is a bit sobering! My plot is so claggy at the moment it’s almost impossible to dig and my wellies keep building up layers of mud that make them heavy to lift.

Obviously this is the month where planting in earnest can begin so hopefully you’re on top of your weeding. If you find small weeds are now emerging then wait for a windy day to dry the surface and hoe the affected area. This will destroy the weeds and break down the soil.

Seed potatoes and onion sets should be planted by the end of the month and it’s also time to get summer broad beans planted. I planted winter ones as usual but lost about half the crop to something that dug them out. I’m not feeling very friendly toward the Easter Bunny!

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.

You can also plant runner beans, courgettes, pumpkins, sweetcorn and cucumber on a sunny window sill or a greenhouse or in a conservatory, but be careful it’s not too hot.

We have a small number of plots available at the moment so do contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Sally Peckham

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2pm 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

SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM A member’s thoughts…

Imagine that you have to present a speech, be it for work, to demonstrate a skill, to give a best man speech or for a myriad of other reasons. You quake in your boots, bite your nails, shiver with fear and consider how you can you escape from it.

Embrace your fear and come to Speak Easy at Martlesham. Its raisond’être is to boost your confidence to speak in public. The club is affiliated to Toastmasters International and works to a proven formula. We learn from each other – and it works.

We are a friendly group of differing ages and lifestyles. I liken the club to having a corporate friend, always there to support you. Come along to a meeting. You will be assured of a warm welcome, and likely a cup of tea and a cake.

Speak Easy meetings are held on alternate Thursdays (2, 16 & 30 April, 14 & 28 May) from 7.15-9.30pm at The Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, IP12 4PB (behind Tesco) If you would like any further information please contact Margaret Stanway: 07979 373934 / president@speak-easy.org.uk www.speak-easy.org.uk / Facebook: SpeakEasyMartlesham

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP Our winter season of indoor meetings concludes in April with our AGM and a talk on practical sustainability from Melissa Abbott, sustainability and CSR co-ordinator at Munton’s Malt of Stowmarket.

Indoor meetings usually take place on the second Thursday (note in April we meet on the third Thursday) at 7.30pm in Rushmere St Andrews Church Hall. You don’t need to be a member of either the national organisation or the local group to attend. The attendance fee, which include refreshments, is £5 for non-members and £2.50 and £2.30 (concessions) for members of the local group. Under-18s (who must be accompanied) are free.

Our programme of walks continues over the spring and summer. These are free and include Bourne Park, Spring Wood and Kiln Lane Meadow, Rushmere Common, Upper Hollesley Common, Newbourne Springs, Felixstowe Ferry, Languard Nature Reserve, Levington Creek and Orwell Country, Pipers Vale and Christchurch Parks. Walks are expertly led and there is always someone willing to help with bird identification.

Details of all walks including date, time, meeting place (we always use map references for these to avoid confusion) and suitable clothing can be found by contacting us in any of the ways set out below.

01394 809236 / www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Twitter: @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY

THE 2020 SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL Have you ever crafted in the wild, enjoyed baking over a campfire or foraged for a cream tea? If not, then this year’s Suffolk Walking Festival is for you!

The 13th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday 9 May with over 120 guided walks and countryside events over three weeks across the county.

This year also sees plenty of brand new events including Castle on the Hill celebrating Ed Sheeran’s favourite castle, a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford and a spooky day head hunting in Ipswich.

The event finishes at the end of half-term week withplenty of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few events to whet your appetite.

A sell-out every year is Walk n’ Water, a short walk and boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury with a free hot drink at the end. RSPB Minsmere is one of the most special places in Suffolk, famous around the world for its wildlife. Surprising Spring Wildlife shows off the site, introducing you to some of its iconic species. Another icon of Suffolk is Orford Ness and Walk with a Shepherd and a Sheepdog is a guided walk by Kite, the sheepdog who manages the island’s very own herd of sheep. It’s a very fun walk and a joy to watch Kite in action.

Campfire Make and Bake at Thornham Walks brushes up your whittling skills before making damper bread over an open fire in the woods. Family Wild Crafts at Brandon Country Park lets you get crafty in the woods as you collect natural materials such as sticks, leaves and rushes to make, and then keep, your creations. And The Nasty Normans at Clare Country Park is a fun take on the history of the Norman Conquests with an actor narrating the story as you’ve never heard before!

The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 9 May and runs for three weeks until 31 May. See the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

In a change to the advertised programme, on 4 March four committee members showed items from their own collections and one showed photos of his trip to India. Very interesting they all were too. On 18 March Terry Harrison presented an informative and colourful display of stamps issued and correspondence to and from St Vincent, a British Colony until 1979 but now part of the Commonwealth.

Looking to April, our annual auction is on 15 April with more than 400 lots of postal history, stamps and ephemera from around the world. The full list is available at: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk There is a whole host of information about us and about stamp collecting on the website so please visit. Or come along to one of our meetings at Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave. You’ll also find the programme and directions online.

IPSWICH TRANSPORT SOCIETY

Monday 20 April: City of Norwich Aviation Museum – The Collection & the Story by Trevor Eady

IPSWICH HOSPITAL EYE APPEAL QUIZ

The Eye Appeal at Ipswich Hospital aims to raise £55,000 to purchase a portable Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT), a state-of-the-art non-invasive imager which is used to detect, diagnose and monitor eye disease. It uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the layers of the retina. This allows the ophthalmologist to map and measure their thickness.

You can support the appeal by taking part in a fundraising quiz at Seckford Golf Club on Friday 24 April at 6.30pm. Teams of four, tickets £15 (inc. a hot meal). Buy tickets online at: www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/eye-appeal

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All meetings take place at Greenfinch Church Hall, Greenfinch Avenue, Ipswich at 7.30pm. Refreshments available.

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB Deben Flower Club meets in the Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.

On Tuesday 14 April Terri Potter from Chelmsford will present a demonstration entitled This Way and That. Terri has recently returned from a trip to India where she took part in the World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA) competitions, so no doubt she will have some interesting tales to tell us.

You may even be lucky enough to win one of Terri’s arrangements in the raffle.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration. Visitors are always welcome (£5).

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SCHOOLS / SPORT HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL Our children have been enjoying exploring the lives of dinosaurs in their new Jurassic World and their new Gruffalo Hideaway.

They also enjoyed their parents coming in to share story books with their friends during our shared storytime week.

We held a lovely Mother’s Day coffee morning and children were able to enjoy doing some special activities together. Lots of yummy cakes were enjoyed by all. Our Lunch Bunch Club is now exploring the offering of hot meals and children are enjoying sampling new foods.

Our Summer Fair will be held on Saturday 27 June from 10am to 1pm – this event is open to everyone so bring family and friends and enjoy the fun of the fair. Entrance is free.

We will be holding an open evening for prospective parents on Monday 22 June at 7.30pm which is a great chance to view our setting and hear what we offer. If you are interested in attending please contact Marie Whiting on 01473 417517.

Heathlands is a well-established, committee-run pre-school 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. We are pleased to accept applications for a place for terms starting September 2020 and beyond.

Please contact us on 01473 417517.

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. During the spring term we enjoyed sticking tissue paper all over 3D cardboard trees and adding a little picture of Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus and became Jesus’s friend.

In another session we made cardboard lanterns and sang songs about light, with actions and percussion instruments, an opportunity to make lots of noise!

The summer term dates are 27 April, 11 May, 8 and 22 June and 13 July.

Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to welcoming you.

If you would like further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

WALDRINGFIELD & DISTRICT BOWLS CLUB Are you interested in taking part in a summer sport suitable for all ages and abilities?

Waldringfield & District Bowls Club was established more than 50 years ago and has played at Ransomes Sports Ground for the past three years, its members having returned the bowls green and the buildings to their former glory.

We are now able to accept more new members from the surrounding area and would welcome people of all ages, even if you have never bowled before.

Amongst our members we have eight qualified bowls coaches who will gladly assist you. If you would like to try the sport free of charge, we can arrange a taster session at a date and time to suit you. If you are already a bowler and would like to find out more about the opportunities at the club to play in leagues and competitions, we would be pleased to talk with you.

Our new season commences on Saturday 18 April when members will be at the green. Our opening drive takes place that afternoon. If you would like to talk to members and find out more about the club during the afternoon, please visit us. You will be made very welcome.

If you would like to know more before then, please phone or email the club secretary, Linda Nunn: 01473 736337 / lindanunn15@hotmail.com

MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS In February the club lost 8-2 away to two of the top teams, Copdock and Barking. However, we are the only team to take any points off Barking this season on their mats. A very close home match against the bottom club, Bentley, resulted in a 6-4 win, giving us an eight point cushion over them for the remaining few games, 42 points to 34. A key match for us will be at home against Burstall, who are also in the relation zone, in March.

The draw has taken place for the club mixed singles and the fours will have taken place on 10 March. This will leave the doubles to be played in April before the AGM on 5 May. Vic Harrup

BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL Along with the other churches in the MIE group, we are reading the whole Bible in a year. One misconception is that the Old Testament is ancient history with little relevance to the times we live in. But while there are some obscure sections, there are also stories of flooding, pestilence, genocide, fire, war, disease control, diet advice, local elections and general family drama.

So not much different to 2020! There is even a 3D visual representation of our place in the universe, and that’s just in the first four books. But some of the passages are genuinely difficult and that’s why learning altogether makes a difference.

Regular events like Little Lambs, our parent and toddler group, continue every Friday in term time at 9.15am at Tower Hall, as do our midweek home groups and monthly prayer meetings. Little Lambs held a successful mum’s night on Friday 13 March and there will be an Easter Pram Party and service on April 3 at 9.15am.

Our regular Sunday@4 Worship Service at 4pm in Tower Hall continues to draw new people. We hope you will join us on Sunday 12 April for our Easter Day services and there will be a chance to join a local Alpha group after Easter.

Looking ahead, on May 10 we are holding a big celebration of VE Day to mark the 75th anniversary of ending of the war in Europe. We will be holding a street party with food, songs and other memories from that period. Celebrations will be 2.30pm onwards. More details next month.

All our events are open to everyone; you will be most welcome and we always have time for a cup of tea and chat.

For further information/questions on any of the above go to www.mie.org/bixley, email office@mie.org.uk or call 01473 270978.

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