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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 7 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2017
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In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I spent some time chatting to one of the mums from the school gate recently, a woman I’ve admired from afar for some time as she always has the biggest smile. Of course she’s always surrounded by other mums, as happy, engaging people tend to be. I’ve imagined how wonderful her life must be, how much fun it would be to be her for a day, how lovely it must be to begin each and every day with delight, as surely she much do. Or so I imagined.
NEWS BRAMFORD BROWNIES
As it turns out I was completely wrong. As we chatted and I learned a little more about this remarkable woman, I came to realise how lucky I am. Her life has been, and continues to be, challenging, even heartbreaking, in ways I never hope to experience. And yet she faces each and every day with a smile. I know I don’t, as no doubt my work colleagues can attest. It’s all relative you might say, but is it possible that I’ve simply developed a selfish streak and forgotten to appreciate what I do have? In Ireland I’d be called a me-feiner, someone who thinks only of themselves, the nastiest put down you can get on Irish soil. Have I adopted a less cheerful persona simply because it’s easier or, and this may be the crux of it, because it has become a bad habit? Now I don’t think I’m a miserable sod, but I do have a tendency to see the dark side first, which possibly explains my addiction to Leonard Cohen. Perhaps it’s a trait I’ve inherited, perhaps it’s cultural, perhaps it’s just who I am, but right now I’m determined to fight it. I know my worries won’t disappear overnight, but how I deal with them might make them easier to bear. My insecurities may be deeply embedded (I am 47 after all), but I’m keen to see how others react when I present a happier face to the world. I know we all have days when all we want to do is keep our heads down and do what we have to do without interruption or interference, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see how others react if you reach out, maybe starting tentatively with a smile. Let’s do this experiment together in 2017 and hope we all have a wonderful, happier, more fulfilling and smilier year. Happy New Year from my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing.
In Touch
with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: bramford@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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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.
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IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
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© 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 Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
10 JANUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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1st Bramford Brownies recently held a fashion show which raised £24 for Chernobyl Children’s Life Line. After speaking with Link Chair Elizabeth Parker about what to spend the money on, we decided to produce something for each of the seven girls coming over for Christmas. We sent a note to all parents asking for contributions and, as you can see, we managed to send a bag of goodies to each girl. The Brownies decorated a material bag with each girls name on. We wish to thank the parents for their contributions towards this good cause. Brown Owl Maggie Dakin
ST MARY’S CHURCH, LITTLE BLAKENHAM We would like to extend our grateful thanks to all those kind people who came to support our jumble sale in October and Christmas bazaar and crib festival in November. The events raised £156.96 and £326.84 respectively. Guess the weight of the cake was won by Mrs Beryl Emsden of Baylam. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year.
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE In November we held a Ginormous Jumble Sale which lasted approximately three hours. With the majority of items selling for between 20 and 50 pence we managed to raise almost £900. What a fantastic result! There were stalls inside and out at Creeting St Mary Jubilee Village Hall with people queuing long before opening time to get in. It has to be said that although the sale was only for three hours there were many, many more hours spent in preparation, collecting and storing the donations and sorting them into categories. A really big shout out to thank Angela Osborn and Heather Dickinson who worked so hard for months in advance to prepare for this event. A big thank you also to those helpers who came along on the day and donated their time to help process all the sales. We could not have done this without you all. We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would appeal to anyone interested in hosting to get in touch now as we have to start processing the invitation to the authorities in Belarus by January 2017. The children will be with us for four weeks from July 2-30. All that is needed is a minimum of a mattress to sleep on and a loving home with people who care. Financial circumstances are immaterial, age is not a barrier and single parents will be considered. Families may or may not still have their own children at home. Hosts are able to follow their own occupation and interests as the children meet Monday-Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm and helpers are on hand to collect or look after children at other times if needed. We are also asking for donations of good quality secondhand clothing for the summer group for age range seven to 11 years. The children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing so both summer and winter clothes are appreciated. For further information about our program or to donate clothes for the children please email or call me and I will be happy to provide further details We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us; you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive. May 2017 bring you everything you wish for. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
COFFEE MORNINGS AT ST MARY’S, BRAMFORD I would like to say a massive thank you to all who have supported our coffee mornings and lunches, and also to my loyal band of helpers. We wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you on Saturday, January 28 when we will be serving bacon rolls. Val Mather
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello and Happy New Year, I do hope that everyone has had a fantastic Christmas and is looking forward to a happy and prosperous New Year. If you have received or purchased some fabulous gifts, now is the time to think about photographing and recording the model and serial numbers somewhere. The web site below is recommended. You can record just about everything of value, and you can update it when you buy new items or get rid of old items. Just a quick tip, when you photograph an item, put a ruler beside it so that the size can be assessed and use a colour photograph. This will help greatly if the item is lost or stolen. Use www.immobilise.com to record the make, model and serial numbers in case they go missing or are stolen so they can be returned to you when they are found. This web site is used by police nationally to check items found. Benefits of Registration • Immobilise helps police identify the owners of recovered property thousands of times every day • Property updates you make are immediately available to the police nationally • Combat the sale of stolen gadgets and valuables; alert the secondhand trade and the publicly checkable stolen goods database CheckMEND if an item goes missing • Simplify insurance claims and police reports with certificates of ownership • Great member offers from Immobilise’s numerous supporters, often helping support the free provision of Immobilise If you need to obtain a Loss Report Number for insurance purposes please visit: www.reportmyloss.com/uk Remember you can now follow the Safer Neighbourhood Team at Hadleigh on Twitter @HadleighPolice. Finally, from all officers and staff at Hadleigh Police Station we wish you a peaceful, prosperous New Year. For emergency calls 999 / non-emergency calls 101 Email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk PCSO 3041 Stephen Cooper, Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station
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NEWS
COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: DECEMBER 2016 I hope you all had a pleasant Christmas and that we may look forward to a more prosperous and less eventful New Year. Devolution Norfolk rejected the devolution deal as it was and the government have withdrawn the offer. Votes taken at Mid Suffolk and Suffolk County Councils after the rejection were by a large majority for the talks with the government to continue. We Liberal Democrats believed that the additional layer of government proposed, with a mayor, was a waste of money that added little to the ability to produce solutions that match Suffolk people’s needs. However, we also believe that British Government is overly centralised with far more taxes raised centrally and spent by Whitehall than in other countries. We voted for the search for a meaningful devolution of powers to Suffolk that avoids the defects in the rejected offer to continue. Scrutiny of county budget proposals for 2017-18 Our November 30 scrutiny covered the county budget proposals as they are now. The chancellor’s autumn statement was just a few days old, but the settlement for local government, which defines the final sums, was not due until mid-December so changes are likely. However, the county and districts signed up last year to a deal that set the core figures for four years. The Revenue Support Grant (£45.2m) from government, which is dropping rapidly, combined with business rates (£97.8m), Council Tax (£277.4m) and a Public Health Grant (£30.8m) are the main items that fund your services together with small items totaling (£11.7m) and a separate sum for schools (£242m last year), but reducing as schools move to become academies. The proposal is for the ‘Social Care Precept’ to continue, with a further council tax rise of 2% (on top of the 2% from last year). This will bring in £11.2m, making a total of £474.1m excluding schools. The total funds needed, after savings shown, are Care and Community Services £216m (£8.85m saving), Children & Young People £100.75m (£3.1m saving), Public Health & Fire Service £54.43m (1.93m saving), Resource Management including public transport, highways and waste £78.69m (£10m saving) and Corporate and Capital Financing £30.97m (£8.22m saving). This gives a total of £480.84m (£32.1m saving). This looks a problem, but the county has reserves that have grown from £109.8m to £148.8m over the last five years and use of £6.74m will make the figures match. Buried in this is a £5.4m saving on care purchasing, £4.27m on contract savings and £3.1m on children’s services. We were told that this can be achieved by changes that do not hurt the people involved, but it is impossible to get proof of that. In addition, demand is growing every year. This is a bit complicated, but I hope it gives you a feel of how the county uses your money and where savings will be made. 6
Roads Despite Easton and Otley College’s commitment to change bus routes, I believe that there was a significant delay caused when a convoy of Otley buses met a bus travelling in the opposite direction in Barham. Clearly more work is needed. Planning-SnOasis MSDC planners briefed parishes on the reserved matters process and the parishes are deciding at what level they need to be involved. Extended consultation times will make it easier to do the work required and gain local views. I need to arrange for a discussion with the county highways planners so that the parishes can discover just what will be done to ensure traffic issues remain acceptable with this development on top of all the recent proposals. Sheltered Housing MSDC is pressing ahead with its plans to ‘de-shelter’ parts of its sheltered housing that it finds difficult to let due to their rural locations and will be charging residents for all costs associated with sheltered schemes in any way. However, I have helped to persuade it that in our area changes will only occur when tenants change. No real consideration appears to be given to the financial and social benefits that occur if people move to accommodation focused on their needs and release larger houses to families. Availability of sheltered accommodation may also delay the need to move to much more expensive care homes and ease the load on the NHS by allowing people to move from hospital to a supported environment. District council financial forecasts Finance forecasts appear to show that the district is likely to remain in surplus despite reductions in government grant funding, but dependant on what happens to the New Homes Bonus. This gives a sum equivalent to the council tax to the district council for a number of years for each home built in the district. The government are proposing a reduction to four years from the current six, but has yet to confirm its decisions after consultations. Borrowing to invest, or profit for purpose Borrowing of £25 million by both Mid Suffolk and Babergh to fund investment in commercial property for a rental return is moving forward with agreement to set up a joint investment vehicle. Schemes of this type can be very successful when spare cash or bequests are invested in developments that give a secure return. Trinity College’s ownership of parts of Felixstowe is a case in point. However, I am concerned that the current low interest rates for borrowing may not be as securely locked in as we think and the empty properties in Anglia Retail Park show that commercial rents may not be secure. Just how big the risk may be is difficult to judge. If you have queries please call me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk www.john.field@suffolk.libdems.org In Touch online:
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OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON & BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE
BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS
Church Lane, Claydon IP6 0EG With copious planning and organisation, we look forward to many successful events in 2017. At the time of writing they include: Saturday, February 18: Valentine’s Celebrations with music supplied by Curt n Rod, 7.30pm
Not long now before this year’s panto hits the stage. So if you haven’t got your tickets yet, it’s time to think about doing it. To reserve your tickets (adults £7 / children £3) please contact: 01473 830538 / Webbfamily1@gmail.com
Friday, April 7: Dan Poulter Surgery
The two Saturday afternoon performances are particularly popular and sell out fast. The show this year is Goldie Locks and Some Other Guys by Sharon Hulm. It’s on at Claydon and Barham Village Hall on Fridays, January 20 and 27 at 7.30pm, and on Saturdays, January 21 and 28 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
We have a wide and varied range of ales, ciders and lagers, both draft and bottled. Guinness and mild are also available and our premium larger, San Miguel, is now on tap. Pints of bitter start from just £2.50 and lager from just £2.90.
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Saturday, February 25: Barham Atheltic Race Night Wednesday, March 22: Pre-School Fundraiser
The community café is proving to be extremely popular; their high teas are a particular hit and definitely worth indulging. 01473 831805 / www.candbcc.com Facebook: Claydon Community Centre
ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, January 14, 9am-12.30pm. Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying.
Route 5 Town/village MIP/5A Sproughton MIP/5B Sproughton MIP/5C Bramford MIP/5D Bramford MIP/5E Great Blakenham MIP/5F Great Blakenham MIP/5G Baylham MIP/5H Claydon MIP/5I Claydon MIP/5J Barham MIP/5K Bramford
Location Church Lane Wild Man St Mary’s Close Paper Mill Lane Chequers Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Post Box Crown Edinburgh Gardens Bacon Road Packard Place
Time 9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-1055am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm
NEXT DATE: January 17
BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.
This month John Newman, an archaeologist who used to work with Suffolk County Council, will tell us about investigations carried out at Sutton Hoo, not on the site of the mound burials which have already been excavated several times, but nearby. They have revealed some fascinating information about what was there before the mound. It should be a very interesting evening.
Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.
We will be meeting on Thursday, January 19 in the Church Room at 7.30pm as usual. Non-members are welcome (£3).
New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777
HENLEY PLAYERS PRESENT
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BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP We will be back in the Church Room again for the foreseeable future. This month our mornings are on Tuesdays 10 and 24 at the usual time of 9.30am-noon. We look forward to seeing you then for a crafty or chatty morning.
Anglia Ltd Tel: 01473 216462
5th Jan 7:30pm 6th Jan 7:30pm 7th Jan 2:30pm 7th Jan 7:30pm Bar Open Refreshments Ice Creams Candy Floss Raffle
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TICKET PRICES Adults £8.00 Concessions £5.00 Family of 4 £20.00 HOW TO BOOK TICKETS
henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Telephone Bookings: 07803 796706
BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD The January meeting is our AGM, followed by a games afternoon, so please come along. After the Christmas festivities it will be nice to settle down to normality and enjoy meeting friends at the guild. Happy New Year to all. In Touch online:
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50’S CLUB
ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING
The Great Blakenham Over 50’s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham, but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea.
Every third Tuesday in the month, 2.30-4pm, in the Church Room. Do come and join us; we will be very pleased to see you. If transport is required please contact Janet: 741331
BRAMFORD WI
The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind the hall. It’s fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.
Welcome to a new WI year. Our first meeting will be at the Loraine Victory Hall on Monday, January 9 at 7.30pm when Ann Day will present a talk about the Cobbold family entitled Cobbold All Over.
In November we had a social afternoon led by Brenda and at our Getting Ready for Christmas meeting our contribution to the wreaths and angels festival at St Mary’s Church was finished.
We have lots to look forward to in the New Year, but first we have our subscriptions to pay at this meeting.
Paul Warne, one of our members, had also carved an angel to be included in the festival and held a competition to guess how long the project had taken, from conceiving the idea through choosing the wood and undertaking the carving. The answer was 25 hours though most members thought it would have taken considerably longer. We were also pleased to welcome two new members to the club, Alison Milton and Cindy Newson. At the time of writing, members were due to meet for Christmas Lunch at The Chequers on December 7 and for a social afternoon and tea party on December 14.
The competition will be an Ipswich Town Football Club memento.
SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Our first meeting of 2017 will be on Monday, January 9 when we welcome Chris Parfitt with a talk entitled South Africa Panorama. This will take place at 7.30pm in Offton and Willisham Village Hall. We have a full programme for 2017 with a wide variety of speakers. If you would like to come along, we meet on the second Monday of every month. Membership is just £8 a year or £1.50 as a guest. For more information contact: 01473 254941 / 01473 830600
Our programme for the new year has not yet been finalised, but we will be meeting on January 11 and January 25 (weather permitting). New members are always welcome, but if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB I think I covered most points about club events over Christmas and the New Year in last month’s edition. However, I can now confirm that our New Year’s Lunch will be held at the Bramford Cock at noon on Wednesday, January 18. The meal will be a special ‘Sunday Roast’ and dessert, followed by a normal club meeting in Sproughton. Menu choices will be made known at meetings early in the New Year. The club committee and members wish all readers a Happy and Healthy New Year. John Bates
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB After the Christmas break the club will meet again on January 9 (Monday group 7.30-9.30pm) and January 11 (Wednesday group 10am-noon). Membership for the school year is £1, and then £2 per session. There is one instructor on Mondays and two on Wednesdays to help you to get the most out of your computer, and members have a wide range of interests and expertise to share.
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SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL
Once again it gives me enormous pleasure to share with you the events, activities and news in school, particularly as the month of December is always full of festivities and celebrations.
We hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and had a very Happy New Year. We are all ready for the start of the spring term with lots of lovely events to look forward to in the coming months. The children should all be well rested and ready for the new term.
On Friday, December 9, students from across all year groups travelled to France, visiting the Christmas market in Lille. This was a great opportunity for students to explore and practise their language skills in surroundings that interest and engage them while providing an excuse for some early Christmas shopping. The city of Lille hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets, with more than 50 stalls selling traditional and regional crafts, cuisine and gifts, along with a variety of festive music, lights and entertainment.
The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am-3.30pm during term time. Children can start from the age of two until they go to Reception. Session fees are £9.60 and we offer a lunchclub (12-12.30pm) for £1.60. We are happy to accept childcare vouchers and we offer twoyear funded places for any eligible children. We also run a summer holiday club for ages two-eight; further information can be obtained by contacting the administrator.
Families, friends, governors, teachers and students were treated to a feast of music on the evening of December 13 at the school’s A Very Merry Christmas concert. The evening featured more than 20 separate performances, involving more than 70 students across all year groups. There were string, brass, guitar, ukulele and woodwind ensembles as well as solo instrumental performances, choral pieces, rock band numbers and the inimitable staff choir. It was a magical evening and the dedication, commitment and hard work from students and staff was certainly evident. My thanks and congratulations go to all involved. Students never cease to amaze me with their generosity, kindness and creativity and this is never more evident than when they design and create the most amazing Christmas hampers. Thirty large festive themed hampers (ranging from igloos to reindeer) were filled with food and essential items and then donated to a local charity called The Chapman Centre, part of IHAG (Ipswich Housing Action Group) who provide relief for people in the community suffering from extreme financial poverty or homelessness. I am always impressed with the special effort our students make and would like to thank parents and carers for their help and contributions from home. On Wednesday, December 14, Year 11 students took part in a Learning about Work Day. Employers from local businesses were invited into school to act as business mentors and to work with small groups of students for the day, teaching them about employer expectations when applying for jobs. In preparation for the day, students were asked to find an apprenticeship and complete an application form and these were forwarded to the employers before the day. Having spent the morning taking part in ice-breaking activities, a workshop related to writing letters of application and a paired task, our guest business mentors then put students through nerve racking job interviews for the posts that they had already applied for. The day concluded with the distribution of certificates for the students who had been selected as successful candidates for the job from each group. Year 11 impressed our visitors with their maturity, participation and the way they conducted themselves throughout the day. Many employers commented that they would have no hesitation in considering some of our students for future employment and also noted how smartly dressed they were. Ex-Year 11 students who left us in the summer returned to Claydon High School on the last week of term for a presentation evening where they were presented with their GCSE certificates and special subject achievement awards, recognising individual commitment and progress. It was really lovely to spend the evening with them and to hear about how they are getting on in this next phase of their lives. I am extremely proud of all aspects of their success and achievement and wish them all the very best for whatever the future brings. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Wednesday, January 18. To book a place please contact my PA, Mrs J Pedersen: 01473 836110
If you would like more information regarding any of the above, or just to find out more about Claydon Pre-school, please contact the administrator, Lisa Read: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Happy New Year! We hope you all had a wonderful time at Christmas and New Year and are ready to start 2017 refreshed and rested. Towards the end of last term we had an Ofsted Inspection and we are pleased to announce that we were rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. This is a fantastic achievement, with Bridget and the team working incredibly hard, and continuing to do so, to keep our standards of practice and care at such high levels. We attended the Henley Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 3 and had a fantastic day. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us, either setting up, manning the stall or simply participating in our games. All funds raised will go towards improving and buying new resources for the children. We would like to welcome all new children and families who are joining us this term. We look forward to having you in setting, and making new friends with the wonderful children already with us. It’s that time of year again when we host our annual quiz and curry night. This year’s quiz and curry night will be on Friday, February 17, so pencil it in your diary. It really is a great night; friends, brain teasers and home-cooked scrumptious curries, what more could you want from a night out. Look out for further details and how to book tickets. We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room within Henley Community Centre which is less than a 10 minute drive from Great Blakenham and Claydon. There is a large car park on site making drop off and collection of your child a safer and easier experience. We have both grant-funded and paid sessions available for two to five year olds. Lunch club is also available (noon-1pm). You don’t need to live in the Henley School catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Great Blakenham, Needham Market and other surrounding areas. If you would like to come and join in the fun, please ring 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning or afternoon before 3pm. Out of hours, or if you wish to leave us a message, please ring the pre-school mobile on 07979 468467 or visit: www.henleypreschool.co.uk Bridget and the team
Headteacher Sarah Skinner 12
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HOW A BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP COULD HELP YOU Wherever you are on your grieving journey, one of the East of England Co-op Funeral Services’ bereavement support groups could support you in coming to terms with your loss. Your local group offers a safe place to acknowledge your emotions with others who understand what you’re going through. Experienced Bereavement Support Counsellor Rebecca Louis runs regular support groups in Suffolk. All groups are free and you are invited to attend as many sessions as you would like, for as long as you feel you need to. The Stowmarket support group meets on the last Thursday of every month, from 10am - 12pm at Cafe 52 on Crowe Street. Every second and fourth Wednesday, from 1.30pm-3.30pm, the Ipswich support group meets at the Co-op Education Centre on Fore Street.
We’re here for you, for as long as you need us If you’ve lost a loved one, our bereavement counsellors are here to help It’s the little things that count www.eastofengland.coop/bereavementsupport
Rebecca also works on a one-to-one basis, meeting people where they feel comfortable, whether that is in their own home or in a local café or quiet space. As a local, independent business, the East of England Co-op only operate in the Eastern region and are owned directly by their members. Because they are the local Co-op, they work hard to support the community by helping local groups and initiatives as well as partnering with good causes and charities all year round. For a friendly, informal chat about your local bereavement support groups in Stowmarket and Ipswich or to find out details of all East of England Co-op bereavement support groups across Suffolk please contact Rebecca on 01473 231460 or email bereavementsupport@eastofengland.coop
www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
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SPORT BRAMFORD UNITED
SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB
Unfortunately I missed last month’s deadline, but let’s catch up on how we have faired since my last notes.
Now that the outdoor season is finished, Sproughton’s bowlers are keeping their eyes in by playing a series of friendlies at indoor clubs around East Anglia. As we are predominantly an outdoor club, indoor bowling presents a whole new set of challenges, not least the pace of the ‘green’ and keeping woods out of the ditches. It does, however, have one major advantage in that no matter what the weather outside, we don’t get wet. After the outdoor season we’ve just had, this is a major attraction.
Suffolk Senior Cup away at Bungay saw us travel by luxury coach. Despite going two goals down we got our act together and scored four goals to see us through to the next round. Our next match in the league against Achilles saw us on the end of a 5-1 defeat (we did not turn up on the day!). We then managed a 1-1 draw at home to Coplestonians who were promoted last season. Grundisburgh away was the next match where in torrential rain and blustery winds we came away with a 4-2 victory. Grundisburgh made us work hard as they are the bottom club. Henley Athletic’s first visit to the ‘Acton’ for many seasons saw them go home with the win after we took a first half lead. They pulled a late goal back and it looked as if a draw was going to be the result, but they got a very late winner. Coplestonians made a quick return on November 19 for the next round of the Suffolk Senior Cup. In a very competitive match for a place in the quarter finals, we won 3-2 victors. We now play Achilles, one of the SIL’s strongest teams, in the quarter finals on March 11 and also play them in the Bob Coleman Cup third round in January. Our latest match on November 26 saw us draw 1-1 at Capel Plough. After a slow start, the Reserves have got themselves on a winning run, winning six out of the last seven matches, their last match being a 3-0 win over Stowupland Falcons in the Goals of Ipswich Cup. Brammie
Our indoor captain and organiser Joy Mackie led the team to their first match at Ipswich and District on Saturday, November 26 where we enjoyed a friendly ‘lesson’ from the home team who ran out comfortable winners 132–78. These matches are all about the social element and there were certainly a lot of laughs to be had during the afternoon. Many thanks to everyone at Rushmere for making us so welcome, we had a great time. By the time you read this, our next match at Colchester will have taken place. Watch this space for a match report in the next edition. Away from the green, the club held it’s annual Christmas dinner and dance at the Cedars Hotel. It was an enjoyable event which included the handing over of the president’s chain of office from David Biggs to Kate Sarginson who has announced that her president’s charity for 2017 will be St Elizabeth Hospice. We look forward to a successful fundraising year ahead. The president, chairman, committee and members of Sproughton Bowls Club would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous 2017.
BRAMFORD ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment for January www.bramfordrblclub.co.uk Tel: (01473) 745198 or join us on Facebook
Sat 7 THE ALDERTONES Thurs 12 NEW TO CLUB, FOLK NIGHT! WITH THE POPULAR ‘THE BROADSIDE BOYS‘ Sat 14 ‘RODDERS’ Thurs 19 QUIZ NIGHT Sat 21 SOUL @ MOTOWN DISCO Weds 25 DAVE STARR KARAOKE Thurs 26 BINGO Sat 28 ‘SHANE‘ Bingo every Sunday night from 8pm.
As well as a snooker room and pretty outside seating area we now have hot drinks available at the bar, so come and join us for coffee or beer. www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
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SPORT
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers. In keeping with the time of year I thought I’d share my Christmas list with you. I bought Donald Trump a candy floss machine to ensure he has a ready supply of hair for those public speaking engagements to come. Teresa May got an Oxford English Dictionary to discover once and for all whether Brexit really means Brexit. Boris Johnson got an innovative stab proof vest which activates and protects the back if Michael Gove is around. Norwich City’s entire First Team squad get a dog each so that just once this season they can see if it’s possible for them to hold onto a lead. Ipswich Town squad got a tour of Google headquarters with special emphasis on the rear entrances so they can discover what the back of the net looks like. I got Nigel Farage a CD of his favourite song, I Never Can Say Goodbye by Gloria Gaynor and The Highways Agency got a special gift of a brand new correctly calibrated wind gauge which doesn’t trigger an Orwell Bridge closure the next time a passing sparrow suffers flatulence (after sitting on the A14 for two-and-a-half hours I had to self censor that one to make it fit for public reading). HRH The Queen got a B&Q over 60’s club card (other retailers are available) as she may need some discounts on paint in the next couple of years. Turning to the tennis club, I decided to stick with the CD theme. Nick and Graham got Stuck in the Middle With You by Stealers Wheel to reflect their league position, Adam and Matt got Amy Winehouse’s Our Day Will Come which will be very apt should they beat the old fellers above in the local, and the floodlit team got Baby It’s Cold Outside by Dean Martin in honour of their all-weather endeavours to come. JOKE OF THE MONTH A man goes into a bakery which has a sign saying ‘2 rolls £1’ in the window. “Excuse me, how much is one roll?,” he asks. “75p,” replies the baker, thinking he will have some fun. The customer says: “in that case I’ll take the other one!” More guff next month, Mick Russ
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In Touch online:
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / stmarybramford@aol.com Assistant Curate: The Rev Julian Fennel 01473 833250 Wednesday at 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service January 1 10am
First Sunday of Christmas Parish Communion with the Methodist Church, Bramford
January 5 3pm
United Service at Cherryfields
January 8 8am 10am
Epiphany Holy Communion, Bramford Parish Communion, Nettlestead
January 15 10am 10am 5pm
Baptism of Christ Parish Communion, Bramford Parish Communion, Baylham 5 O’clock Service – Anna and Simeon, Bramford
January 17 2.30pm
The Gathering, Church Room
January 22 8am 10am
Epiphany 2 Holy Communion, Lt Blakenham Holy Communion, Bramford
January 28 10am-noon
Coffee Morning, Church Room
January 29 8am 10am
Epiphany 3 Holy Communion, Bramford Christingle Service, Bramford
The light which came from that stable might well have been candles, but it represented the dawn of a new age, as the angels declared to the shepherds, this infant is ‘a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord’. The Birth of Jesus – a Great Light as those words from the prophet Isaiah told of the coming of the Prince of Peace, and the light and life he would bring (Isaiah 9:2). The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. So this January, as we ponder the Christmas story and the meaning of Epiphany, why not light a candle to remember the good or possibly the sad things last year brought you, and in the silence of the candlelight feel the love, peace and hope Jesus came to bring on that first Christmas morn? And who knows, you too may experience an Epiphany moment. Happy New Year from Julian CHURCH EVENTS It’s January so why not come to the gathering and meet old friends, even if it’s cold outside. And don’t forget the coffee morning on January 28 as Val is promising to cook bacon rolls. PARISH REGISTERS Funerals November 7: Gary Walden November 22: Baby Luke Isaac Emanual Rankin We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers. Cleaning Rota: S & W McGinty Flower Rota: TBA Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church December 9: In memory of Patricia Brown, love always from Jenny and Maggie
Please check porch notices for any changes.
January 13: In memory of Bernard Purbrick
www.stmarybramford.co.uk
If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week
Is this year going to be your Epiphany moment? We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year from your local church. Next month I will have been your curate for three years and it’s a time when we reflect on the year that has just past, making all sorts of New Year’s resolutions which may well be forgotten by February. In church, at the beginning of January, we have Epiphany, the time when the wise men came to see Jesus to pay homage to his birth and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They came from the world outside, following the star to where Jesus was born and acknowledged that he was a very special baby. His birth over 2,000 years ago changed not only the lives of those ancient kings who came to visit him, but that of millions who have since found hope, love and peace in that new born baby, all the things he came to give, not just to those who saw him in that stable at the back of the inn, but to all of us today. 18
Lectionary Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It’s good to share the reading of scripture with Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, across the world.
January 1 Isaiah 63: 7-9
Naming of Jesus Hebrews 2: 10-18
White Matthew 2: 13-23
January 8 Isaiah 42: 1-9
1st after Epiphany Acts 10: 34-43
White /Gold Matthew 3: 13-17
January 15 Isaiah 49: 1-7
2nd of Epiphany 1 Cor. 1: 1-9
White John 1: 29-42
January 22 Isaiah 9: 1-4
3rd of Epiphany 1 Cor. 1: 10-18
White Matthew 4: 12-23
January 29 1 Kings 17: 8-16
4th of Epiphany 1 Cor. 1: 18-end
Gold or White John 2: 1-11 In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH Minister: The Rev D Grimshaw, 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Church steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117
The Computer Club meets each Monday evening from 7.30-9.30pm and Wednesday morning from 10am-noon during term time.
Sunday Worship (10.30am) January 1 United Service at St Mary’s Parish Church January 8 The Rev D Grimshaw, Holy Communion January 15 Prof D Welbourn January 22 Mr C Westren January 29 Mr L Rokobuli
January 5 January 10 January 21 January 22 January 24
MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
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SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
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www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
United Service at Cherryfields (3pm) Guest speaker Mrs Alyson Ellis (2pm) Coffee morning at the Methodist Church (10-11am) Families@4 (4-6pm), a very informal get-together, come and go as you please, with tea provided Guest speaker to be advised (2pm)
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
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