In Touch
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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 9 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2020
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I am utterly addicted to and obsessed by Leonard Cohen, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover a new album was to be released three years after his death. Thanks for the Dance has been arranged by Leonard’s son Adam and features various collaborators and previously unheard material. Every line is a masterpiece, all the more poignant because it was written and recorded when he was “Waiting for the miracle to come”. Death and dying have always been key themes of his work, but is it fair to refer to the man who said “The older I get, the surer I am that I’m not running the show” as ‘the grandfather of gloom’? I go to one or other of his albums for inspiration, comfort, reassurance, hope and even humour. Tonight Will Be Fine always makes me smile: Sometimes I find I get to thinking of the past. We swore to each other then that our love would surely last. You kept right on loving, I went on a fast, Now I am too thin and your love is too vast. And the ultimate love song must surely be If I Didn’t Have Your Love: If the sun would lose its light And we lived an endless night And there was nothing left That you could feel That’s how it would be My life would seem to me If I didn’t have your love To make it real I can’t imagine a world without music (it doesn’t have to be Leonard Cohen all the time), but for others it might be art or theatre, movies or even long walks in the countryside which provide the indefinable something which makes life better. Whatever it may be, I hope you find time and space to indulge in it this year. Maybe we can help you find it if you haven’t already! And when you’re having a bad day… “Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.” Leonard Cohen
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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd
In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Friday 10 January Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources
Please recycle.
is the advertising and editorial deadline for the February edition
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NEWS
TURN OVER a NEW LEAF AT ACTIVGARDENS If you are looking for a new direction in 2020, how about taking part in a free outdoorbased learning programme at ActivGardens, part of local charity ActivLives? Grow Your Future will enable you to learn new skills and gain confidence on your way to further opportunities and employment. The 12-week scheme will include garden maintenance, horticulture and environmental conservation, with a chance to get involved in specialist activities such as woodworking or bee-keeping. Grow Your Future is for anyone aged 16 plus who is unemployed or economically inactive, and encourages people who face barriers to work such as a disability, health condition or caring responsibilities. The programme is funded by the European Social Fund and the Education & Skills funding Agency, and administered by LIFT Community Grants Local Investment in Learning Paths to Work. If you would like to find out more, please come along to our open day on Thursday 23 January from 1-3pm at the People’s Community Garden, Maidenhall Allotments, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE. There will be hot drinks and food, and a chance to look around the gardens and speak to members of our friendly team. Please contact Susannah – 07530 407302 / susannah@activlives.org. uk – or ActivLives on 01473 345350 to find out more or to register your interest. The first session is on Monday 3 February.
FASHION SHOW RAISES £950 FOR CANCER CAMPAIGN IN SUFFOLK Cancer Campaign in Suffolk organised a Coffee, Cake & Fashion Show that took place on Tuesday 29 October at The Key, St Margaret’s Street, Ipswich. The event raised a fantastic £950 and was enjoyed by many, including women who had received support from the charity in the past. Chief Executive Karen Hare said: “We are delighted that the event was a great success and thank everyone who attended and who helped support it, including Cake & Catwalk who provided the clothes which were modelled by staff and friends of the charity. “We also thank the stallholders and all the volunteers who kindly made cakes and helped on the day and those who provided raffle prizes including Asda, Liquidline, Bounce, The New Wolsey Theatre, Crown Pools, Gala Bingo and Empire. Cancer Campaign in Suffolk is celebrating 21 years of providing projects to support people before, during and after cancer and we rely on donations and grants to carry on with our work as we are not funded by the NHS or other national cancer charity. All money raised stays in Suffolk to help local people.” Cancer Campaign in Suffolk helps residents of Suffolk by helping educate the public on prevention and cancer awareness, providing free complementary therapy and counselling sessions and beauty, wig and wellbeing workshops for those with a cancer diagnosis. The charity built the John Le Vay Cancer Information and Support Centre at Ipswich Hospital, where their complementary therapy and counselling takes place, as well as in a community setting in Woodbridge.
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NEWS HEARING HEALTH EVENT ENCOURAGES 20:20 HEARING FOR 2020
The Hearing Care Centre has organised Ipswich Hearing Care Week which will see a special event held at their flagship branch in Ipswich’s Upper Brook Street from Monday 20 to Saturday 25 January. Their expert team of audiologists will be offering complimentary hearing assessments, expert advice and, if required, make personalised recommendations on solutions that could lead attendees on the path to better hearing. Hearing loss affects one in six people in the UK and it takes 10 years on average before those who have noticed a loss in their hearing choose to seek help. Karen Finch, founder and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre, said “A significant barrier faced by the hearing care profession is the stigma created by those that believe hearing health is not important. It’s time to prioritise our ears as much as we do our eyes and aim for 20:20 hearing.” Karen continued: “Most of us are regular and diligent in maintaining our eye health and have no hesitation in booking an annual visit to our optician for a check-up. Glasses, like hearing aids, are visible aids to help with sight loss and sight loss like hearing loss increases with age. However, typically people don’t feel as self-conscious about wearing glasses as they do with hearing aids. We want to show you that both are equally as important and that new technology means that hearing aids are practically invisible.” For details or to book an appointment for this event, call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/2020hearing
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 next date the group meet is on Friday 10 January. Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiaipswich Can you volunteer some time to help us? The group relies on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing. If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer, please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT 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. Our next meeting is on January 21 when Chris Parfitt will be giving an illustrated talk on Hidden Bhutan, focusing on the eastern area and the less visited valleys. Chris has travelled extensively around the world and has built up a collection of interesting and informative talks. This promises to be no exception, especially as this area is one of his favourites. On February 18 Brian Dyes, a founder member and past chairman of Ipswich Transport Museum, will be giving a talk about the museum. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members and volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
MARTLESHAM BRASS Making Music Fun in East Anglia Everyone in Martlesham Brass would like to wish you a Happy New Year! A very big thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities; 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. In next month’s article we will report back on the final amount raised. Our main band is performing in a joint concert, Last Night of the Christmas Proms, with the Gippeswyk Singers on Sunday 5 January at 7pm at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL. Tickets are £5 and available in advance from Michael Dawe, Flocky Cottage Hacheston IP13 0DB (send SAE and a cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers) or on the door. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please email join@martleshambrass.co.uk or use the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday 29 January: Through the Eye of the Camera – First World War Photography, an illustrated talk by Vicky Gunnell 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
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SUFFOLK INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY
Wednesday 8 January The Trinity House (Lighthouse) Story by Capt Karl Lumbers Wednesday 12 February Colchester Tramways by Peter Jones All meetings take place at Ipswich Transport Museum, Cobham Road, Ipswich, starting at 7.30pm.
IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP Our 2020 indoor meetings begin in January with a talk about Rural & Wildlife Crime with Lee Andrews-Pearce, a Suffolk Police Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer. This is followed in February with Liz Huxley, a wildlife photographer, sharing her Suffolk Diary. Indoor meetings take place at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month in Rushmere St Andrews Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere IP5 1DH. You don’t need to be a member of either the national organisation or the local group. 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. Walks, which are free, continue with Manningtree and Mistley, a visit to Shotley, and Holywells and Chantry Parks. Walks are expertly led and there is always someone willing to help those less experienced with bird identification. For details of all walks including dates, times, meeting places (we always use map references for these to avoid confusion) and suitable clothing, contact us in any of the ways set out below. 01394 809236 / www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Twitter: @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB In conjunction with Debbie McCallum, district councillor for Kesgrave, Orwell Flower Club organised an intergenerational flower arranging workshop on December 5. Fifteen senior citizens from Kesgrave attended and were assisted by 15 pupils from Kesgrave High School and Heath School. The pupils were each paired with a senior citizen and worked together to create a beautiful door wreath. In the process, intergenerational friendships were made and a good time was had by all. Looking ahead, if you are interested in flowers or flower arranging please join us at our next meeting in Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on Thursday 23 January. Our demonstrator for the evening is Alan Smith from Ipswich and the title of his demonstration is Surprise Surprise. The demonstration commences at 7.15pm and Alan will do six flower arrangements where we learn about flowers and foliage alongside a very interesting talk. You will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win one of the fabulous arrangements at the end of the evening. Visitors are welcome at a cost of £5. We also have a fundraising stall with unwanted Christmas gifts and a small flower arranging supplies stall at this meeting. Refreshments are served around 9pm and the raffle takes place immediately afterwards. Please contact Janet Dye – 01473 601750 / janet.dye@ntlworld.com – or Delcie Corbett – 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com – if you would like to find out more or would like to become a member of the club.
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Great Opera Choruses Gill Wilson (Soprano) Elaine Henson (Alto) John Pierce (Tenor) Alan Loader (Bass)
7.30 Sat 18 Jan 2020 Ipswich School, IP1 3SG
IPSWICH BACH CHOIR
An Evening with Rossini
Petite Messe Solennelle Stephen Evans (piano) Roy Everett (harmonium)
Patrick McCarthy (Conductor)
Tickets £14 (£5 students) from Music World, Ipswich; Card Centre, Felixstowe; Members; or on the door Registered Charity No 272247
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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING
Thursday 23 January: Red Sails on the Orwell – The R.W. Paul Story
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:
From 1806 to the late 1970s, R.W. Paul had a huge presence in Ipswich with pubs, maltings and large barges on the Orwell. They helped shape today’s docks. The fascinating tale is presented by a master storyteller. We meet at 7.15pm at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month, usually followed by an entertaining speaker. Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Chris Flint, for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk
U3A’S JANUARY PROGRAMME
Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406
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? If not, come along and find out about the town’s mediaeval 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.
SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM Speak Easy at Martlesham celebrated its 15th anniversary in December. The club was founded fifteen years ago by Teresa Dukes and Jeff Bartrop and quickly attracted enough members to be chartered with Toastmasters’ International, a global speakers’ club organisation founded over 90 years ago. Several of those original members, including Teresa, are still members today. If you are 18 years or over and would like to improve your confidence, public speaking or leadership skills, why not come along to Speak Easy at Martlesham Speakers’ Club yourself? Each meeting provides opportunities for members to take on roles and give short speeches, as well as be informed, challenged, entertained and inspired by the wide variety of subjects you will hear about in members’ speeches – all within a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Meetings are held on alternate Thursdays, 7.15-9.30pm at The Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road IP12 4PB (behind Tesco). The next meetings are on January 9 and 23, February 6 and 20 and March 5 and 19, and subsequent dates fortnightly. Guests are always welcome to attend; we look forward to seeing you. If you would like further information please contact Margaret Stanway: 07979 373934 / president@speak-easy.org.uk
There’s something to suit all tastes – history, hauntings, sports and science – in U3A East Suffolk’s programme for the New Year.
www.speak-easy.org.uk / Facebook: @SpeakEasyMartlesham
U3A is aimed at older people who want to get as much as possible out of life. There are no entry qualifications, no barriers to joining and lots of activities to get involved in and to contribute to.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY
If you are interested, please come along and find out what U3A can offer. Thursday 2 January 10.30am-12.30pm at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall Televising the Olympics by David Burrowes; how the Olympic organisation gets live TV and radio to 200 countries for three weeks continuously. Thursday 9 January, 2-4pm at Saxmundham Market Hall A Royal Progress by Hexachordia; an account of Elizabeth I’s 11-week visit to East Anglia in 1578 using a range of contemporary and secondary sources. Monday 20 January, 10.30am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Football Club Forensic Science and Firearms – In Search of the Smoking Gun by Brian Heard Monday 27 January, 2-4pm at Kesgrave Community Centre Suffolk Ghosts and Hauntings by Robert Halliday; a stimulating selection of ghost stories, haunted houses and frightening apparitions. U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members. For membership details visit: www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for up to date information.
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Our last meeting of 2019 was held on Wednesday 4 December. The meeting featured a local dealer, Sarah Brooks, who brought along a vast amount of her stock for us to peruse and purchase. Our January meeting will be held at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre on 15 January from 1-5pm. Society member and local dealer Roger Swindells will be available with his stock for you to add to your collections and a static display from one of his own collections. Refreshments will be available, so why not come and join us? Information can be found online or by contacting our secretary, Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com www.ipswichphilatelic.uk
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 Email: SRYC.DementiaTogether@nhs.net Visit: www.dementia-together.com 9
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 Monday 16 March: Bahamas Locomotive Society – The Story So Far by John Hillier Monday 20 April: City of Norwich Aviation Museum – The Collection & the Story by Trevor Eady All meetings take place at Greenfinch Church Hall, Greenfinch Avenue, Ipswich at 7.30pm. Refreshments available.
With enough entries to start a bookshop, our Book Titles competition was very popular with 73 entries. Local judge Mike Cowling ARPS worked quickly and confidently through the images, selecting six with a top score of 20/20.
Season’s greetings to you all and very best wishes for 2020. January is the coldest and quietest month on the allotment with very little to do except check the plot is tidy and ready for the year ahead, and check any winter vegetables to make sure they’re not rotten. Fleece and cloches are very helpful protection for over-winter vegetables but do allow air and good ventilation too.
He was torn between two images, both by Sue Garrod, finally deciding on Arachnophobia (top left) as first place and Alice through the Looking Glass (top right) as a runner-up. Her husband Robin left once again as another runner-up with Great Expectations, along with Gathering Prey by Ann Stammers, The House on the Loch by Julie Caton and The Shape of Water by Richard Brown. Our next meeting at the Quay Church in Woodbridge is at 7.30pm on January 21 and will feature an illustrated talk, Give a Child a Camera, by Norfolk photographer Julian Claxton. Members will be donating cameras to help with the charity’s work in Africa.
You can still harvest sprouts, cabbage, leeks and parsnips and towards the end of the month sow onions, lettuce, peas, broad beans, radishes and early carrots under cover.
BROKE HALL WI
You can force rhubarb at the end of the month by digging up roots and leaving them out in the frost for a few days before planting. Cover them with a bucket or pot and you may be enjoying fresh crumble in February!
Friday 14 February: The Amazing Story of a Suffolk Gypsy by Pip Wright (illustrated below)
Our Annual General Meeting is on January 29 at Cedarwood Primary School, Grange Farm at 7.30pm. Do pop along if you’re interested in finding out about us and taking on a plot in the future. We have three plots becoming available in the new year. Alternatively, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk
Friday 10 January: Call the Midwife by Jane Lane
Friday 13 March: Pearly Kings and Queens by Gerry Baxter We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road IP3 8TH. For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
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SCHOOLS CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Foundation Admissions September 2020 We have an open evening on Wednesday 8 January at 7pm for prospective parents who would like to come and meet our staff, find out about our fantastic induction arrangements and have a tour of the school. The closing date for parents to apply for their child’s Suffolk County Council primary school place is January 15. 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. There’s no need to book, just pop along to see us. If you would like to see our school in action through the day, please contact the office on 01473 612981 to arrange a tour of the school at a time convenient to you. Headteachers Tina Shute & Doug Stroud Facebook / Twitter / www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk
SPRING 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 spring season dates are 13 and 27 January, 10 and 24 February, 9 and 23 March. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
AN AMAZING TERM AT HEATH SCHOOL This term, with the help of our outdoor learning assistants, every class in the school managed to spend time exploring the wide range of habitats we have in our wildlife area. This included pond dipping and mini-beast hunting. Reception and KS1 have also had great fun enjoying weekly sessions in our forest area, no matter what the weather tried to throw at them! Elsewhere in the school, we welcomed Circus Ferrel and we all had great fun learning circus skills in the Big Top! Year 3 enjoyed an entertaining visit from a caveman as part of their Stone Age topic, while Year 4 had a great time exploring the newly revamped resources at Sutton Hoo. Year 5 had a fantastic experience when they visited the Regent theatre to watch the Horrible Histories show, and Year 6 had an amazing time visiting the Harry Potter studios in London. It has been a wonderfully busy term, and as we prepare for our end of term festivities and our nativity performances, we are all looking forward to what will undoubtedly be an equally exciting spring term. Is your child due to start reception in September 2020? If you have children who were born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016, and you would like to find out more about what Heath has to offer, we are offering individual guided tours of the school with one of our headteachers at a time that is convenient to you. Everyone is welcome, including families living outside our catchment area. Just contact the school office on 01473 622806 to make an appointment. Our website is a great source of information for prospective parents/carers: www.heathprimary.co.uk
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out & about / church news KESGRAVE & ASSOCIATED KARATE CLUBS
MY CARE RECORD
2019 was certainly an amazing year for the club. Lots of new students, lots of new belts being worn after successful gradings, lots of medals and trophies being won by our competition squad, visit to a fire station, race nights, presentation evenings, trips overseas and squad members being selected for England!
Joining up information to deliver better care
One of our own, Ruby Hunt, fought her way to fifth in the world, proving that she belongs at the top table in her sport and as part of the national team. Thursday 24 October 2019 was the day she made the world stand up and take notice in Chile. Ruby then went on to win Young Sports Personality of the Year 2019 at the Suffolk Sports Awards. Well done Ruby – huge accomplishments. Thank you so much to all of our club members and wonderful sponsors for all of your support in 2019. We couldn’t have achieved all that we have without you all. Now onwards and upwards for 2020! If you’ve resolved to get fit this year why not give karate a go? 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 practise has continual benefits, both physically and mentally. It increases fitness and stamina, strength and tone, flexibility, balance, self-confidence, self-control, mental awareness and co-ordination. We offer a free trial lesson, so you’ve got no excuse not to give it a go. For details of the various classes we hold for adults and children in Kesgrave and Ipswich, as well as other locations in Suffolk, please visit: www.northgate-karate.co.uk
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. 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
BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL December was a busy month for us at Bixley Farm Church. In addition to our usual Sunday@4 Services we did one evening of carolling in the street, followed by the big community sing-along, Carols on the Green, in front of Broke Hall shops. The Woodbridge Excelsior Band and St Augustine’s Puppet Team were simply fantastic and many stayed back for the seasonal refreshments afterwards. We also had our carol and nativity services, with many families joining us for both. The children enjoyed dressing up and everyone enjoyed the singing and worship, followed by the mince pies and mulled wine. Little Lambs, our parent and toddler group, will resume on Friday 10 January at 9.15am at Tower Hall. Homegroups and prayer meetings will also resume in early January and our first Sunday@4 Service will be on January 5 at 4pm in Tower Hall. This year all three churches in MIE are going to read through the whole Bible as a challenge. The end of one year can sometime seem rather gloomy just as the start of the new tends to make us feel positive; full of resolve that the new year will be different. But will it? Can we be honest with ourselves and admit the possibility that 2020 might be no different to 2019 as far as our personal circumstances are concerned? And that despite our best efforts we find we are stuck in a treadmill of old habits and fears. Join us in reading the Bible and discover its ability to breathe new life into tired hearts and minds. Whatever your circumstances, we hope you had a Happy Christmas and wish you and your family a Happy New Year in 2020. www.mie.org/bixley / office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978
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SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE Following a blistering 2019 that included a 5-star run at the Edinburgh Festival, a breathtaking live performance on BBC’s Blue Peter and performing on the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival, the record breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo returns to UK theatres with his sell-out family show, Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids. Shlomo’s groundbreaking vocal skills gained him international recognition as a pioneering beatboxer, plus a Guinness World Record and the chance to work with famous musicians like Bjork, Ed Sheeran, Rudimental and Lily Allen. “Beatboxers can create the sound of an entire orchestra or rich electronic music – the drums, the instruments,the basslines and sound FX, all performed with just the voice,” says Shlomo. “In my kid’s show, I teach everyone how to become a superstar beatboxer. “It’s an amazingly empowering way for people from all walks of life to express themselves,” he explains. “I love teaching people how simple it is to make vocal rhythms. The kids always get excited but the parents have just as much fun!” Join this sonic superhero at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on Sunday 16 February and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged one or 101! Book now at: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE COULD YOU BOOST A YOUNG PERSON’S CHANCES? Emma’s story (fictional name, real story) Emma loved school. However, her studies were not going well and she struggled deeply with anxiety. This prevented her even considering the next step in continuing her learning. Emma was offered one-toone time with a Seckford Springboard mentor.
QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Tom from Hadleigh asks: “My daughter gave birth to our first grandchild last June, and as his first birthday approaches, we thought that a good gift would be to open a Junior ISA for him. However, when we called into our local building society branch, they said we could not do that as only the parent can open a Junior ISA. What other options do we have to put a lump sum away for our grandchild?” This is something that regularly comes up when grandparents try to open a Junior ISA for a grandchild. Very few people realise that they are not able to open a Junior ISA for their grandchildren. Only a parent of the child can open a Junior ISA. However, once a Junior ISA has been set up by the child’s parents, grandparents can then make contributions into that ISA up to the annual limit, which is £4,260 per annum for the current tax year. Like the adult version, a Junior ISA can be a cash ISA or it can be a stocks and shares ISA. Like most financial advisers, I would suggest that you should opt for the stocks and shares ISA for young children as they have plenty of time before they can take over the fund at age 18 and stocks and shares will invariably do better than cash over the longer-term, particularly with the current all-time low interest rates paid on cash accounts. If the parents have not already set up a Junior ISA, a grandparent can open a bank or building society cash savings account for their grandchild as long as they have documentation, such as the child’s birth certificate. For grandparents, the big benefit of doing this is that no amount of interest earned on the money they contribute will be subject to tax. As long as the child has earnings of less than the personal allowance, a grandparent can fill out an R85 form to ensure that any interest is paid gross without tax being deducted. Effectively, this has the same effect as the cash being held in a Junior Cash ISA. However, you will still be at the mercy of those low interest rates on cash. Another alternative is a pension. It might seem strange to be thinking about pensions for a child who cannot even speak yet, but there are huge longerterm benefits for the child and tax advantages. Grandparents can invest into a personal pension for a child, up to a maximum of £3,600 gross per annum, and the child doesn’t need to have any income to justify that level of pension contributions. To achieve a contribution of £3,600 the grandparent would actually only need to pay in £2,880, as the extra money is added in the form of tax relief reclaimed from HMRC.
Too scared to attend her first meeting at all, and attending the second with a friend to speak on her behalf, she clearly had a lot to work through. But she was chatting away by the end of that second meeting and thereafter, all it took was a listening ear and an hour a week for about eight weeks to grow her confidence through conversation, building trust and being there. Emma is now employed and confidently maturing as an apprentice chef, all thanks to someone simply volunteering for a few hours to give a young person someone to talk to. Could you do that for a young person? Seckford Foundation’s mentoring programmes support young people in rural Suffolk with well-being and careers. By focussing on positives and skills, it boosts the young person’s confidence when seeking employment and resilience when dealing with personal challenges. These programmes follow a tried and tested structure which includes plenty of resources and support for mentors, together with a clear start and finish point for mentees. Are you a good listener? Due to the success of the mentoring programmes, Seckford Foundation is now recruiting volunteer mentors to join the team. It is a mutually rewarding programme for both mentor and mentee, often with tangible results being quickly achieved. No previous mentoring experience is needed as training and development is ongoing. All that’s needed is some life experience, a non-judgemental attitude, a good listening ear and a desire to make a positive difference to someone’s life. Both mentoring programmes are funded jointly by the Seckford Foundation, Prince’s Countryside Fund and the Salvation Army, and they are available to young people aged 25 and under to access for free. Could you be the difference a young person needs? To find out more, call 01394 615199 / 0783 1120873, email enquiries@ seckford-foundation.org.uk or visit: www.seckfordspringboard.org. uk/can-we-help-you/mentoring For more information about the Seckford Foundation visit: www.seckford-foundation.org.uk
By the time the child reaches age 55 (the earliest you can currently access a pension fund) there could be a significant sum sitting in their pension. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s comments and 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 on their own situation should contact Nick to arrange a no-obligation complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK LIBRARIES REWARDS VOLUNTEER CHAMPIONS Inspirational Volunteer Award: Chloe Peck, Capel St Mary Library An independent panel shortlisted several people for each award and selected the winners, with Suffolk Libraries receiving 68 nominations overall from staff and other volunteers. Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have an army of volunteers across the county covering a wide range of roles to support and enhance the library service. They support our staff, help us to raise money and organise events and are genuinely one of the chief reasons Suffolk Libraries has been so successful over the past few years. Although there are seven winners, I’d like to pay tribute to all those nominated and every single one of our volunteers across the county and their contribution to their communities.” The event was attended by around 220 people and compered by BBC Suffolk presenter Lesley Dolphin, herself a member of Felixstowe Library Friends group. Suffolk Libraries recently held its first ever People’s Champions Awards to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers for their vital contribution to the county’s library service. Thousands of people make a contribution to Suffolk Libraries in their own time, supporting staff in various different ways ranging from the many community or friends groups, running the home library service and helping with the summer reading challenge. Seven categories of award were presented as follows: Young Volunteer of Year: Emma Fakes at Thurston Library Dedicated Volunteer: Monica Ford, retired volunteer at Broomhill Library The People’s Choice Award (for staff who support volunteers): Mandy Grimwood, Manager of Gainsborough Library Volunteer Team Award: Kesgrave Library Community Group Innovation Award: Gemma Southwood at Kesgrave Library Exceptional Contribution Award: Charlotte Evans at Broomhill Library
The awards were presented by Freddie Gathorne-Hardy, CEO of Christie’s Care; County Councillor Paul West; David Sheepshanks CBE, former chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club; Sylvia Knights, Suffolk Libraries Board Member and member of Bungay Library Friends Group; Bruce Leeke, CEO Suffolk Libraries; Jenni Carberry, Enterprise and Business Development Manager at the University of Suffolk and Corrina Hanley, Volunteer Manager at Suffolk Mind. Suffolk Libraries has 1,170 volunteers including friends group members and offered 4,771 days of volunteering or work experience last year. Winner of the Dedicated Volunteer Award, Monica Ford, recently retired after an amazing 32 years of being a Home Library Service Volunteer at Broomhill Library. Speaking of her time volunteering she said: “I learned to be a bit more tolerant and understanding of people. It’s been enjoyable and I would recommend it, it’s just a nice thing to do.” Volunteer awards have formed part of Suffolk Libraries’ AGM for the past few years, but this is the first year a special celebration event has taken place.
SUFFOLK-BASED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CHARITY SET FOR NEW YEAR’S ReLAUNCH Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre was formed over 35 years ago as the Suffolk Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre to provide oxygen therapy and support to those living with the disease. Since then, the charity has grown to support people living with many other conditions and now undertakes more than 3,000 therapy sessions per year. OPEN WEEK In the last year, the charity has made a number of alterations to its existing building which has allowed it to start developing a complementary therapy service and provided us with the room for power-assisted exercise chairs. In February 2020 the centre is launching these new services and invites health professionals and the public to visit the centre during the open week: Monday 3 (10.30am-2pm & 3-6pm) to Thursday 6 (Tue-Thu 10.30am-2.30pm) February. Centre Manager Victoria Barber is keen for as many people as possible to come along and see for themselves the good work that the charity does: “We’re always happy for people to pay us a visit, but this is a good chance for people to come along and enjoy a cuppa and have a chat, meet some of our members, volunteers, staff and trustees and learn about oxygen therapy. It will also be an opportunity to try our power assisted exercise chairs and learn more about the other therapies on offer.” For more information in advance contact Victoria at: 01473 830359 / victoria@suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk
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Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre (SOTC) receives no state funding and relies entirely on donations, legacies and fundraisers to function, with any fundraising put towards service development and improvement. The public self-refer for therapy at the centre, which is staffed by fully trained operators and supported by a team of willing volunteers. Victoria is clear that the charity has capacity to help more people: “This launch will raise the profile of this wonderful charity and we hope that local businesses and organisations will want to help us to reach more people living with long term and chronic disease and life limiting conditions. We have many events coming up in 2020 such as a Race Night on 3 April at Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club, Open Gardens in May and a James Bond Ball at Ufford Park on 10 October. “We hope local businesses may wish to support us with these in addition to corporate sponsorship, being chosen as charity of the year and match funding to name a few.” The charity’s longer term goal is to fundraise for a new centre, including the purchase of its own oxygen generation facilities, which will bring long term cost efficiencies by reducing both ongoing costs of oxygen delivery and the carbon footprint, thus protecting its future as a sustainable charity. The charity is in the early stages with its appointed architect, but early indication is that it will take approximately 10 years from now to fund this in its entirety. For more about the centre, visit: www.suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk
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