In Touch with Ipswich East December 2019

In Touch

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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 9 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2019

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In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore.

NEWS NOAH’S ARK HAS ARRIVED AT IPSWICH WATERFRONT Drone footage of Museumship Ark of Noah by BigShip BV

This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives?

Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react…

My granddad was known to say: “Please and thank you will take you around the world.” It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back.

What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way.

Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all.

And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.

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.

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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 Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.

In Touch Titles • S towmarket & 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

A half-sized replica of Noah’s Ark has arrived at Orwell Quay on Ipswich Waterfront. It opened to the public on Friday 15 November and will stay for up to three months (opening seven days a week from 10am-6pm) as part of an ongoing tour.

Noah’s Ark is the world’s only floating museum and exhibition of Bible stories, a cultural and educational celebration of many of the legendary stories from the Bible’s Old and New Testaments. From Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Goliath and countless more, this quirky, creative, and extraordinary space brings to life the biblical stories through an array of uniquely beautiful wooden carved sculptures and tableaux.

The Ark is on a once in a lifetime visit to Ipswich and offers an experience which visitors will never forget. This story telling Ark sparks the imagination of children and adults. There are four floors of sculpture stories at the centre of which is the Tree of Life, growing 12 metres up through the middle of the Ark. It’s about culture and storytelling and is not affiliated with any church or religious group. No matter what you believe, the Ark creates a talking point for visitors to reflect on and discuss their own experiences, often finding common ground on stories shared between people with or without faith.

Since its launch in 2010, this huge wooden ship has travelled across Europe and sailed into over 55 harbours. It has welcomed over half a million visitors of all nationalities, faiths and cultures. Many schools and community groups have created education projects based around the themes on The Ark. Local teachers, educators and community group representatives are invited to get in touch with the Ark team to plan their visits: 07415 544662 / info@arkmuseum.eu Noah’s Ark was created from the fertile brain of celebrated Dutch TV and theatre producer Sir Aad Peters. His reasons for creating the Ark were simple.

He said: “If you know your own stories, it is easier to understand the culture of others.”

For more details visit: www.arkmuseum.eu

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Weds 4 December is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition

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NEWS DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS… A wonderful selection of crafts, plants, seasonal arrangements and produce will be on offer at our festive market, all made or grown at ActivGardens.

CRESS Community Market and Café Friday 6 December, 10am-12.30pm CRESS Pavilion, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE

PICTURE / KES & IP EAST

Young people from a partner academy will be behind the serving hatch at our community café, with seasonal goodies they have made. There will be fresh produce to help keep you healthy throughout the winter, all grown at the community garden.

Pansies, viola and wallflowers grown at Chantry Walled Garden will be available to brighten up your garden and pots. ActivSheds’ hedgehog homes, bird boxes and bird feeders will make wonderful gifts to help our wildlife through the winter.

IPSWICH SCHOOL PUTS STUDENTS’ FUTURE FIRST Students past and present from Copleston High School have joined a programme run by the national education charity Future First which helps state schools and colleges develop ‘old school tie’ networks in order to harness the talents and experience of alumni to support the current generation.

The former students will return to volunteer at assemblies and workshops designed to motivate young people and broaden their jobs horizons so they are more likely to be able to achieve a career of their choice regardless of their background.

Copleston High School is one of a thousand state secondary schools and colleges across Britain working with Future First. Future First’s vision is that every state school or college should be supported by a thriving, engaged alumni community that helps it to do more for its students. More than 240,000 former students nationwide have already signed up to stay connected with their old school. They’re motivating young people as career and education role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors and fundraisers.

Copleston High School wants to contact former students in established careers and recent leavers in further education, alumni who live nearby and those who have moved away.

Head of Business Development Craig Macartney (pictured) said: “In April 2020 Copleston will move into new buildings. Copleston High School was built in 1939 and closed soon after the outbreak of the Second World War to be a hospital.

“Copleston has always been proud of being a school at the heart of the community. Being part of the Copleston alumni will be a fantastic opportunity for former staff, students and parents to re-energise, share their experiences and build bridges between past, present and future generations.

Copleston alumni will be a central pillar in raising aspirations for current and future generations.”

Beth Goddard, Future First Director of Programmes, said: “The transition from school to work is challenging for students and the benefits of employer encounters in the classroom is now widely recognised.

“Alumni volunteers who can share their experience, broaden students’ jobs horizons and act as relatable role models are an integral part of any good school careers curriculum and helps inspire and motivate students to success, regardless of their background.”

Craig Macartney is waiting to hear from former students at: cmacartney@copleston.suffolk.sch.uk For further information about Future First visit: www.futurefirst.org.uk

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING

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ActivLives community singing group Keep on Rockin will be in full voice on this special occasion.

Every pound you spend with us will go into our gardening, construction, beekeeping and nature conservation programmes for the whole community, including long-term unemployed, people with learning disabilities, older people with dementia, members of minority ethnic communities and young people.

So why not come and join us and pick up some original gifts for a greener Christmas? It’s a great chance to have a chat and a cuppa too – accompanied by delicious homemade cake!

For further details, or if you would like to hold a stand at the event, please contact Susannah: 07530 407302 / susannah@activlives.org.uk ActivLives delivers innovative and impactful health and well-being programmes to communities of high deprivation in Suffolk. We work in collaboration with the NHS, Public Health Suffolk, local authorities, voluntary services, schools and other agencies, feeding into local, regional and national strategies, ensuring our services address the needs of the community and partner groups.

ActivLives encourages everyone, of any age or capability, to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, through volunteering, work experience, learning and training at our community gardens and outreach projects, market and café, Men’s Shed, health walks, seated/standing exercise, lunch clubs and community events. www.activlives.org.uk/activgardens

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.

The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6.50 per person, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments. The last date this year is 13 December.

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

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:

Can you volunteer some time to help us?

The group relies on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing.

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

If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer, please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk

In Touch online:

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NEWS CHERIE PARNELL RECEIVES THE SUFFOLK GOOD NEIGHBOUR

AN EVENING WITH SIR NICHOLAS YOUNG Suffolk Book League welcomes Sir Nicholas Young to Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Wednesday 11 December.

Until 2014, Sir Nicholas Young was CEO of the British Red Cross. His book, Escaping with his Life, tells the story of his father’s Second World War experiences at Dunkirk, in the commandos and in North Africa, and his escape from an Italian POW camp. His book is a labor of love, an adventure story and a sign of gratitude to the Italian people who risked their lives to help during the escape.

Winners and guests gathered at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket last month to celebrate the Suffolk Community Awards. The awards are a partnership between Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Association of Local Councils Cherie Parnell won the Suffolk Good Neighbour Award. The award is a chance to say thank you to a neighbour or group of neighbours who go out of their way to help others, someone who shows kindness, compassion and consideration.

Cherie has set up a group called Impact that supports the young people living in the homeless hostel two doors down from her house. She recognised that in her community were young people who had experienced challenging lives and wanted to be a good neighbour to them.

Cherie rallied together her friends and support from her church to offer weekly drop-ins with food, activity and friendship to the groups of young people to give them the opportunity to form their own kind of family and friendship. An opportunity to enjoy a good meal and activities they may not have done before. The young people have discovered new interests and developed existing ones and have become more resilient and compassionate due to the kindness shown by Cherie.

Christine Abraham, Chief Executive of Community Action Suffolk, said

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

IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB CHRISTMAS DEMONSTRATION We would like to invite you to get in the mood for decorating your home with fresh flowers for the festive season. Our next meeting is on Monday 9 December when Brenda Tubb will present a demonstration entitled Another Fine Mess.

The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. There is a visitor’s fee of £5. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet (01473 415749) or Stella Thornley (01473 711946).

The club meets regularly on the second Monday afternoon of the month except for January. We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards.

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET

“Cherie has made a wonderful impact on the young people, giving them the opportunity to do things they have not done before including even short trips away. Her commitment to this particular community of young people is exceptional”.

This month our tables are brimming with artisan produce and locally made arts and crafts to fill stockings and pile up under the tree.

Cherie is pictured with Stephen Singleton from Suffolk Community Foundation. PHOTO CREDIT: PagePix

We are now taking orders for Christmas items, which you can have individually or as part of a hamper, prepared to your own requirements. Special dietary needs can also be catered for. Hampers make ideal gifts for friends or relatives at Christmas. Just come along during opening hours or check out our website to place your order.

Why not purchase some special chutney for your Christmas table and celebrations? We have a large variety to choose from all made locally by producers. These are also offered gift packaged.

SEASON’S SPARKLES CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Orwell Singers’ Christmas concert on Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath.

This will be their first concert with new musical director Lindsay Gowers, David Christie on piano and guest flautist Jennie Francis.

Admission on the door will be £8 for adults with accompanied children free, and will include sherry and mince pies. For further details visit: www.theorwellsingers.co.uk d.sharman@btinternet.com / 01473 635955

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Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of the Market, so come and have a festive morning out and find some extra special Christmas treats with us.

The market is open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. On the first Thursday of the month we sell bacon rolls!

Please note we will be closed on December 12 due to the hall being used as a polling station for the General Election, but will be open on Friday 13 instead.

We will also be closed for two weeks over Christmas (26 December and 2 January), returning on 9 January.

You can find out more about our market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM BRASS We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

GIPPESWYK SINGERS LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS 2020

December is the busiest month of the year for Martlesham Brass. You will often find us playing Christmas Carols outside supermarkets, both in Martlesham and Ipswich, raising money for charities nominated by our band members.

This year we are raising funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity – The Cancer Centre Campaign, Evelina London Children’s Healthcare – Guys & St Thomas’ Charity and Footsteps Walking With You – counselling for 11-25 year olds.

Please join us for Coffee and Carols on Saturday 14 December at 10am at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL, when you can hear our intermediate band playing your favourite Christmas music. There will be refreshments and a raffle, and admission is free.

On Monday 16 December we will be playing for Carols in the Square, Martlesham Heath at 7pm, followed by soup in St Michael’s Church Centre served by Martlesham Heath Rangers.

Our Christmas Concert is on Saturday 21 December at 7pm, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Tickets are £4 with primary school children free.

Tickets are available from 07544 962205 / www.martleshambrass.co.uk or on the door. www.martleshambrass.co.uk

DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? We have three bands: Ipswich Hospital Band, St Peter’s Band and Saints Community Band. Join us and make new friends.

Some instruments are available for hire.

Gippeswyk Singers and Martlesham Brass are thrilled to be joining together again to present a Last Night of the Proms concert to celebrate the New Year at St Michael’s Church Centre in Martlesham on Sunday 5 January at 7pm.

The first half of the concert will feature several lovely choir pieces conducted

by Geoff Lavery including Lauridsen’s glorious O Magnum Mysterium and special brass band performances led by Adam Cable, including Dambusters March, culminating in a delightful medley from Mary Poppins for both band and choir. The audience is invited to join in too! After the interval and refreshments, get ready for some patriotic flag waving and heartfelt singing as Martlesham Brass and Gippeswyk Singers lead the audience in the traditional Last Night of the Proms music – a truly joyful celebration of the New Year in the best way the British know how. Don’t forget to wear red, white and blue!

Tickets are £5 at the door or available from choir and band members. Advance tickets from Michael Dawe, Flocky Cottage, Marlesford Road, Hacheston IP13 0DP (send a SAE with cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers) or call 01728 746441.

Gippeswyk Singers are supporting two local charities this season, Inspire Counselling (Ipswich) and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

For more information please visit: www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

www.ipswichhospitalband.org.uk / info@ipswichhospitalband.org.uk St Peter’s by the Waterfront, College Street, Ipswich IP4 1BF

A WINTER WONDERLAND CONCERT On Friday 13 December, Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir and the Birkbeck Singers present Winter Wonderland, a concert featuring winter themed melodies, light choral and traditional songs. The concert, which is in aid of ActivLives and Fresh Start New Beginnings, is at the Methodist Church, Black Horse Lane, Ipswich IP1 2EF at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £10 each are available from: 01449 672600 / scmvc@scwade.eclipse.co.uk For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y5bneldu

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

ICUSTEPS SUPPORT GROUP For critical care patients on the road to recovery We meet at Bluebird Lodge Community Hospital, 100 Mansbrook Boulevard, Ipswich IP3 9GJ from 6-8pm on 4 December.

For more information email outreach.event@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk or visit: www.icusteps.org

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH TRANSPORT SOCIETY Monday 20 January: Grey’s Coaches from Ely – 70+ years of Service, from the Beginning by Richard Grey Monday 17 February: Annual General Meeting followed A 1982 Summer in New York (Shipping) by Ron Davies

IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP Our indoor meetings for 2019 conclude with Paul Mealing and Group Leader Tim Kenny speaking about their trip to Zambia. This meeting includes a bring-and-share finger buffet.

Monday 16 March: Bahamas Locomotive Society – The Story So Far by John Hillier

We begin 2020 with a talk about Rural & Wildlife Crime with Lee AndrewsPearce who is Suffolk Police Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer.

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

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).

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

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY

You don’t need to be a member either of the national organisation or local group. The attendance fee, which includes refreshments, is £5 for nonmembers and £2.50/£2.30 for members of the local group. Under 18s (who must be accompanied) are free.

November 20 was a member’s social night which consisted of a one page competition, a static display, a prize draw and a member’s bourse – buying and selling of members items no longer needed. All those present had a good chat about philately and their chosen collections. This ranged from early GB to QEII Machins, from China to Czechoslovakia and from USA to Second World War Hungary inflation stamps.

Walks, which are free, continue with North Warren, Christchurch Park, Manningtree and Mistley and Holywells Park. Walks are expertly led and there is always someone willing to help those less experience 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.

Members seem to collect a vast and varied range of topics, so why not come and join us? Information can be found online or contact our secretary, Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com

01394 809236 / www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich

This month we meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall on Wednesday 4 December from 1-5pm. A local dealer will be available with her stock for you to add to your collections. Refreshments will be available. www.ipswichphilatelic.uk

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment.

On November 6 we enjoyed a lively and interesting talk by writer, lecturer and broadcaster Daniel Snowman on the impact the Hitler emigres had on British artistic and cultural life. The last talk before our winter break is Pantomime: A Very British Treat by Giles Ramsay on December 4. Giles is an independent theatre director and producer. He combines academic analysis with hands-on experience to bring a unique insight to the world of the theatre.

Our programme will resume on February 5 with a talk by Aliki Braine titled Same Old Same New. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew 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

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 10 February: The Treasure of Ipswich by John Field Did you know that Ipswich is full of architectural treasures of historical importance? No, then come along and find out about the town’s medieval churches, mansions and halls, its important legacy of Victorian buildings, nationally and locally listed buildings and the many features and artefacts of local, national (and even some of international) importance.

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

Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

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Twitter: @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group

SUFFOLK INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY

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

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

In Touch online:

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ON THE GRAPEVINE CHRISTMAS AT BLUE CROSS REHOMING CENTRE Christmas is a special day for the team at Blue Cross pet charity rehoming centre in Wherstead.

The centre is closed to the public so the team get to spend the entire day with the cats and dogs on site – handing out presents that have been donated by members of the public to the pets, taking the dogs out on long walks and, of course, giving lots of fuss and treats to all.

Over Christmas there are usually around 35 dogs and cats on site to care for.

The team will feed them their breakfast, open presents and take the dogs out on a long dog walk in the nearby woods.

Among those working this Christmas will be Animal Welfare Assistant Susie Winship. Susie has worked the last six Christmas Days at the centre on Bourne Hill.

Susie, who lives in Suffolk with cats and dogs she fosters, said: “Many pets will be calling Blue Cross their home this Christmas so we are their family while they are with us. I love working at Blue Cross any day of the year but Christmas Day is especially wonderful. The cattery and kennels are all decorated and in the run-up to the big day we always get lots of presents dropped in for the animals from kind supporters. It’s a lovely way to spend Christmas Day, caring for beautiful cats, dogs and sometimes even kittens and it makes me happy to think they are all somewhere safe, warm and cared for on this special day.”

Blue Cross also provides a pet bereavement support service, with support over phone or email even available on Christmas Day itself for those who are grieving the loss of a pet. For more details of the service visit: www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss Clare Williamson, Blue Cross Suffolk Centre Manager, who will also be working on Christmas Day, said: “We’re really grateful to those thinking about pets who may have lost their owners or been abandoned. The team here really get into the festive spirit and make sure all the pets are well fed and fussed but we couldn’t do our work without the great support we get from our community.”

This Christmas Blue Cross is seeking donations to help its teams give moments that matter to pets this Christmas. To donate, text Moments to 70557 or visit: www.bluecross.org.uk/Christmas-news

MY CARE RECORD Joining up information to deliver better care Health and care organisations across Suffolk and north east Essex are signing up to a shared framework called My Care Record which will make it easier to deliver more effective joined-up care from January 2020.

Many people assume that care records are automatically accessible between organisations such as GP practices and hospitals; however this is often not the case.

Over time, the NHS has been investing in secure systems that allow information to be viewed between organisations for care. My Care Record provides an agreement to ensure that information is safe and only used by professionals directly involved in an individual’s care. For example, a hospital-based doctor or a community nurse could view information from an individual’s GP record.

Benefits of joining up information across organisations include quicker diagnosis and treatment. My Care Record will also support the best use of clinical time, with less duplication of paperwork, allowing more time for direct patient contact.

Health and care professionals may access records from different services to improve the overall care an individual receives. In some areas, anonymous information from care records may also be used to help to plan and design how to deliver better services for individuals and the local population as a whole.

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF TIME Christmas is a time of goodwill and giving back, so why not gift a little of your time over the festive season and put the magic back into someone’s Christmas this year?

Many charities need a little extra help during the festivities and they rely on a legion of brilliant volunteers. There are many different ways that you can help and volunteering doesn’t always mean a long term commitment or lots of hours per month.

WAYS YOU CAN VOLUNTEER Fundraising Fresh Start New Beginnings have Christmas collections taking place throughout December in Ipswich and need people who can give up an hour or more to help us bucket collect and pack bags for Christmas shoppers.

Helping Out with Christmas Events Suffolk MIND has various roles available during November and December at their head office, Quay Place in Ipswich. These include event planners/administrators – helping out with Christmas preparations for the various events they are holding, Father Christmas – the name says it all, and Christmas Elfs – to help Santa in his grotto.

Volunteer at a Food Bank Food banks provide an essential lifeline for families living in poverty all year round, but especially at Christmas. FareShare has a number of voluntary opportunities on Volunteer Suffolk, including volunteering in their warehouses and helping distribute food. Look out in your local supermarkets for donation points for food.

Volunteer for a Local Good Cause There are so many small charities looking for reliable, friendly volunteers over Christmas and throughout the year. Search the Suffolk volunteering database at Volunteer Suffolk for the latest opportunities near you.

If you can’t volunteer, you can still help by making a donation to a Suffolk charity. You can support the Surviving Winter Appeal. Everyone in Suffolk over the age of 65 receives a non-means tested Winter Fuel Payment, whether they need it or not. Suffolk Community Foundation simply ask that if you don’t need it, you donate it. With 310 excess winter deaths in Suffolk alone, the Surviving Winter Appeal is quite simply a life saver.

There are many wonderful benefits of volunteering – and ways it can help achieve your new year’s resolutions. Did you know volunteering can lead to increased sociability, reduced loneliness and can get you out of the house? There are so many ways that you can make a difference and help a Suffolk charity or group.

To find a role to suit you visit: www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk If you are a charity or voluntary group looking for volunteers you can post your opportunities on the website too. If you would like support around managing volunteers, please contact the volunteering team at Community Action Suffolk by emailing: volunteering@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk

Individuals who do not wish for their information to be shared can contact the health and care professional working with them at the organisation that holds their record.

For more information visit: www.mycarerecord.org.uk

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS

At Cedarwood we have been celebrating over best ever Key Stage 2 results and are very proud of our pupils’ excellent achievements. Our Year 6 pupils have worked hard to plan and carry out a superb fundraising week which raised a fantastic £906.93 for the charities closest to their hearts, which are Make a Wish and Plastic Oceans. The Year 6 children involved in the St Elizabeth Hospice Project are enjoying their time working with patients and very much looking forward to their celebration event.

The club has had some better results in the last three weeks, winning two matches 8-2 and losing one by the same margin. The victory at Bentley was especially welcome, as well as the closely fought home match against Copdock and Washbrook in which two games were won by a single shot.

It was unfortunate that two key players were unwell and one unavailable against Claydon, one of the strongest teams in the division. This was the match we lost.

Foundation Open Evening We have enjoyed welcoming new families for our open days. It has been lovely to see new faces, including many from outside our catchment area. If you have children who were born between 01.09.2015 and 31.08.2016 and would like to find out about more our school, please come and visit us on Wednesday 27 November at 7pm. Catchment is only one criteria considered in the admissions process and we have a number of children in our school who come from outside of Kesgrave.

The club singles competitions are off to a slow start, mainly because they are usually played at tea breaks but we avoid Tuesdays when there are matches in the evening. We have five Tuesday matches between mid-October and mid-November, so delays will continue for a while.

Vic Harrup

There’s no need to book, just pop along to see us. If you are unable to make this session please contact the office on 01473 612981 to arrange a tour of the school at a time convenient to you.

Our busy PFC team have held some superb events already this year and still have a lot more to come, including our fantastic Christmas Fair – open to all of the community, not just our families, so please come and join us. Visit our PFC Facebook page or our Twitter feed for details of all upcoming events – they are always great fun!

Headteachers Tina Shute & Doug Stroud www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk

AUTUMN TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon.

The remaining date in the autumn term is December 9 and the first date in 2020 is January 13. For additional dates see the January edition. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance.

For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL On Friday 18 October, we welcomed our local MP to open the first of our new outdoor classrooms.

After cutting the ribbon, he took questions from our school council and eco-council reps and later did an interview with our Heath News reporters and their tech team, who recorded the interview to go on the school website.

Reception Intake 2020 A big thank you to everyone who came to our open morning; it was lovely to see so many new faces and to have the opportunity to show everyone what we have to offer at Heath Primary. For anyone who was unable to visit the school on our open morning, or for anyone wishing to view the school again on their own, we are offering individual guided tours of the school with one of our headteachers at a time that is convenient to you. Just contact the school office on 01473 622806 to make an appointment.

You can also use our school’s website which is a great source of information for prospective parents/carers. www.heathprimary.co.uk

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BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL With Christmas day being the main focus for most people at this time of the year, shopping for presents and food can seem all-consuming and even the interruption of a very critical election might struggle to fit in with our plans for December 25. Then there are also the anxieties of what the next decade might bring to us all as a nation, and even as a species.

Often the season can all seem to rush past and before you know it, we are into the new year and looking forward to spring! The past and the future can squeeze the joy out of the present. So, this year resolve to slow down and enjoy the whole season using the four Sundays in Advent to stop, pause and reflect on why the birth of a baby in a faraway land is still a cause for celebration and source of hope in a confused world.

We have a number of seasonal events planned for December to help, in addition to our usual Sunday@4 services. We start by carolling in the street in our usual manner around December 4, followed by the big community sing-along, Carols on the Green, on December 7 at 3pm in front of Broke Hall shops. This is in conjunction with St Augustine’s Church and will feature the Woodbridge Excelsior Band and St Augustine’s puppet team so don’t miss it! Refreshments will be served after the carols.

We hold our main Carol Service on December 15 at 4pm and a Nativity Service for families on Sunday 22 December, again at 4pm. Both of these are at Tower Hall. We love to see the children’s faces as they enjoy this and they are welcome to dress up and join in. There will be mince pies and mulled wine served after both of these services and everyone is most welcome to all or events.

Little Lambs, our parent and toddler group, will continue to meet every Friday morning from 9.15-11am at the Tower Hall till the end of term. Homegroups and prayer meetings will run till mid-December.

We hope you and you families have a great Advent and Christmas and we hope to see you at some or all of our events.

For further information visit www.mie.org/bixley or contact us at: office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978

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We have been helping our clients in Ipswich and surrounding areas to maintain their independence and wellbeing within the comfort of their own homes and communities.

To find out how we can help, please get in touch:

Tel: 01473 924224 enquiries@sunflowerhomecare.co.uk

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