in Touch News with Capel - January 2017

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CAPEL CAPERS

Volume 7 • Issue No. 2 • JANUARY 2017

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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.

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 a Mansion House Publishing.

In Touch with Capel St Mary In Touch with Capel St Mary is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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Send editorial copy to: capel@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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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 Capel St Mary is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton Rural • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Kesgrave & Rushmere St. Andrew • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • 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

NEWS CAPEL ST MARY NURSING TEAM Serving the community of Capel St Mary There is a verse in the Bible which says: “If you think you are standing firm be careful you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10v12). Although this is speaking spiritually, many of you who are reading this will be at risk of falling. More than a third of adults over 65 fall each year and 50% of over 85s will fall once or more a year. Falls can result in fractures and loss of confidence. You may be at risk of falling if you: •

Get dizzy or light headed when you stand or turn

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Have difficulty walking or rising form a low chair or bed

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Have poor balance

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Have fallen before

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Take four or more medicines

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Have a fear of falling

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Suffer from depression or memory problems

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Have poor eyesight or hearing

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Have a cluttered or poorly lit home

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Are not fit and well

Talk to your GP if you feel at risk of falling as many falls can be prevented.

There are things you can do yourself to reduce the risk: •

Keep active – walking, gardening, swimming and dancing can improve your balance and strength

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Eat well and drink plenty of fluids – preferably water

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Have your eyes tested annually and see your GP if you have hearing difficulties

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Ask for a medicines review if you are taking four or more medicines

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Wear sensible shoes and keep your feet healthy

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Check your home for hazards – clutter, loose wires or rugs, spillages, pets

Please be careful when going out and about in icy weather. If you are out in your car have a blanket, food and water with you in case you break down or become stranded.

Have a safe and secure New Year, From the parish nursing team, Margaret and Caroline If you feel you need support or advice, please contact us.

Margaret: 07588 698284 / Margaret@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Caroline: 07588 706869 / Caroline@CapelParishNurses.org.uk www.CapelParishNurses.org.uk

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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Thank you to the residents of Capel St Mary and surrounding villages for your donations to last year’s Poppy Appeal.

The total as at December 2, 2016 is £1,043.74. Thank you to the business managers and owners who supported me by allowing appeal boxes in their premises Poppy Appeal Organiser Mike Woodward

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NEWS ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Did you receive any unwanted or duplicate presents this Christmas? Then why not donate them to your local St Elizabeth Hospice shop so they can be sold to raise money to help provide vital care and support to patients and their families?

Sometimes we get presents that we don’t like or don’t need, but instead of putting them to the back of your cupboard please consider donating them to the hospice. Whether its clothing or accessories that don’t fit, or if your child was given two of the same toy, these items can be resold in our shops. All the money raised from their sale goes towards providing local hospice care for local people.

Items including clothes, toiletries, homeware, DVDs, books, toys and china can all be donated. To find out where your nearest shop is visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/shops If you would like to donate furniture please don’t drop it off. Call 0845 259 0319 and the hospice will come and collect it from you. One of the nearest hospice shops to Capel St Mary is on Hadleigh High Street (01473 828448).

Linda Morrison, Hospice Rep for Capel St Mary

SURGERY ROTA Since the last In Touch we have welcomed three new members to our volunteer rota which is great news.

December was quite busy as one might expect. We still don’t have any volunteers from Bentley, which is surprising since we pick up a number of people regularly from the village.

As we start the New Year I would like to pay tribute to all our volunteers who have given freely of their time and petrol.

From time to time we have requests for transport to hospitals which we have to refuse. The surgery scheme only transports to and from the surgeries of Constable Country Practice.

If you need to go to a hospital and have no transport available, you should ring either 08458 500 774 for the hospital non-urgent scheme or 08456 005 885 for the WRVS scheme. You will need your NHS number, appointment details and GP details to book transport through these schemes.

Chris Yule

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Practice update December 2016 Happy New Year On behalf of all practice staff, I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas break and wish you a very happy 2017. With the New Year we must expect cold and icy weather. Please be careful on icy paths as a simple fall may mean a trip to A&E. Please also make full use of your pharmacy.

Your local pharmacist can offer advice on a range of minor problems and often provide effective over-the-counter medication. They will tell you if they believe you should be seen by a GP. Please also look out for your neighbours. The elderly can be particularly vulnerable at this time of year. As well as slips in icy conditions, they may be cold or suffering from coughs and colds. Please keep an eye on them.

Allied Health Professional Suffolk I’m pleased to announce that Allied Health Professionals Suffolk (AHPS) will hold clinics at East Bergholt Medical Centre on Thursdays from January 12. AHPS hold a number of musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy clinics around Suffolk. They see patients with a wide variety of conditions including those affecting muscles, bones and joints. The physiotherapist will assess each condition and agree with patients the most appropriate management of that condition which may include manual therapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture, work related ergonomics advice and posture advice. Patients can self-refer to this NHS service. For more details please visit www.ahpsuffolk.co.uk or ring 03330 433966.

Flu, Pneumococcal and Shingles Vaccinations We still have plenty of flu and pneumococcal vaccinations available. All eligible patients should have received a letter at the end of September.

If you wish to make an appointment for a vaccination, or are uncertain whether you are eligible, our reception team can advise you.

We have also written to patients who are eligible for a shingles vaccination. Patients are eligible if they were aged 70, 71, 72, 73 or 79 on September 1, 2016. This is a one-off vaccination and can be booked with one of our practices nurses.

Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)

The Annual General Meeting of Capel Community Trust will be held on Monday, February 27 at 8pm in the library.

If you wish to continue using the village hall, play areas and playing field please come along as the trust cannot continue to operate without new trustees.

If you would like more information please contact Mandy on 312026 or email Sandra at: capelcommunitytrust@gmail.com On December 10 and 11 2016 a street collection was held for Capel Community Trust in the parish of Capel St Mary in the Babergh District. The amount collected was £1,230.30 of which £63.16 was appropriated for expenses and payments incurred in connection with the collection. The permit for the collection was granted by Babergh District Council to Sandra Bumphrey of 5 Smithers Close, Capel St Mary.

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The practice switched over to the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) on November 22. We are now able to send electronic prescriptions for most (but not all) medication to the majority of pharmacies. You must have nominated a pharmacy for your prescription to be processed electronically. You can inform either the pharmacy or the practice, and change your nominated pharmacy at any time.

Training Days A reminder that in 2017 the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, February 9; Wednesday, March 8; Wednesday, April 19.

On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: DECEMBER 2016 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN

Council finances – future budget situation Funding arrangements for councils have changed significantly with the government’s revenue Support grant decreasing from £992k in 2016/17 to an estimated £504k in 2017/18, a 49% reduction, with a further reduction to £204k in 2018/19, followed by a tariff payable to central government of £131k in 2019/20. In other words, in three years’ time, Babergh will lose some £1.123m of support from government – a deficit which somehow has to be overcome.

Website/Social Media In the last few weeks Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have begun the roll out of a new website and are seeking views from local people on the new site as it develops over the next three months. The new site takes into account the challenging low broadband speeds that some parts of the county experience. The site has a low bandwidth and will have a limited amount of images and functions that would normally require faster bandwidth.

The council is becoming reliant on limited Business Rates (BR) income and incentivised funding such as New Homes Bonus (NHB); hence the growth agenda. More homes also means more council tax. Both BR and NHB lack certainty. Work is also on-going to find savings, efficiencies and income generating ideas.

The new website can be viewed via a link from the existing website: www.babergh.gov.uk

The Council Tax Base is the number of Band D equivalent dwellings in a local authority area, taking account of discounts. This is expected to grow by about 1.4% next year, which could yield another £51K. While the government has maintained its 2% council tax rise as the threshold for a referendum, councils – including Babergh – with lower quartile Band D tax levels could potentially impose an increase of up to £5. This would generate an additional £162K next year. The decision will be taken at the February council.

Devolution Given the recent withdrawal by some Norfolk councils from the proposed Norfolk and Suffolk devolution deal, Babergh agreed to continue talking about a different proposition for Suffolk, possibly as a ‘coalition of the willing’ (or some similar expression). This could include those Norfolk councils which are interested in a deal and even councils in Essex or elsewhere. I gave this decision qualified support as I remain hostile to the notion of an elected mayor and yet another layer of local government – complete with provision to levy business rates and precept, to hire a CEO and other officers, to set up committees, etc. However, given that there might still be some extra money for Suffolk projects, at this stage it’s worth continuing the conversation.

Sale of council owned homes Seven properties were sold in 2015/16, with a total value of £1,103,050 (averaging £157,579 per property). Three further sales have been completed to date in 2016/17 with a total value of £420,000. A range of indicators are used to consider the viability of the future of councilowned homes. They include properties with higher than average costs or which offer other opportunities. The capital receipts are ring fenced and will be invested in acquisition and new build of council housing. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

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National research has shown that the cost to local authorities of its residents accessing its services online compared to via the telephone can save as much as £2.68 per enquiry. While those residents needing faceto-face support will continue to receive it, the new website will mean more people can contact the councils 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Social media has become a key tool in communications for councils around the country. As a medium, it allows communication with a vast audience. The active use of social media by government organisations is regarded by the LGA as a key tool in promoting openness and transparency within councils, as well as a way to engage with audiences that would not become actively involved by other means of communications.

Since October the councils have increased the range of their messages and, over the past month, the tweets from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ accounts have had over 95,000 views. As well as providing information to residents, the councils also receive a large number of queries and questions. Social media does not provide the answer to all communications by any means, but as a tool in the overall strategy it can improve relations with residents by providing a responsive answer.

Community Engagement Scrutiny Committee are to begin a review of the council’s approach to community engagement. Engagement is about discussions of ideas and options with local communities and residents which help to develop relationships and build trust.

Local government as a whole is looking at how it can enhance relationships with communities so it can understand local needs and conditions, share information and knowledge and value contributions and review how feedback is provided. The committee will examine what engagement techniques and approaches appear to work effectively and what hinders the process. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

In In Touch Touch online: online:

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NEWS CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL

NOTES FROM THE CASE

Development in Capel St Mary The Extraordinary Parish Council meeting to make a decision whether to approve or refuse the application for 100 homes on land off Days Road which was held on Tuesday, November 15 recommended REFUSAL. The main reasons for refusal were location, infrastructure, site access, traffic flow through the village, health services and parking. Full details are available at: www.capelstmary.onesuffolk.net

Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk Festive menu still available By the time you read this we’ll be into 2017, but it’s not too late to enjoy our festive menu which is available into January. See the website for details.

2017 Quizzes Our popular pub quizzes are back in the New Year, starting on January 28. Food is served until 8pm and the quiz kicks off at 9pm. Teams are a maximum of six at £2 a head. Want to make sure of a table? Book for a meal beforehand, otherwise just turn up. We’re always looking for guest quiz-masters, so if you’d like to volunteer, either as a regular (maximum two a year) or just for one, email: casepub@outlook.com Volunteers Thinking about volunteering? Remember that without our fantastic band of volunteers you wouldn’t have a pub. If you love coming to the pub, please consider joining our team. Never mind that you never imagined yourself pulling pints (nor did most of us) – there are opportunities behind the scenes too. Some of our current volunteers have recorded their experiences for you to read at: www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/volunteering Pop into the pub and pick up a leaflet or have a chat to Yolande or one of the team.

Another pub saved Last month we were pleased to congratulate the Save the Duke team at Somersham. This month another pub has been saved from closure, The Cross at Great Bromley, whose residents have, in record time, collected enough to buy it for the community. Well done to them all – we wish them every success.

We wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and look forward to welcoming you to the Case in 2017.

This of course is only a recommendation to BDC who will make a final decision. The planning officer is awaiting further documents from Hopkins Homes to answer queries from consultees and it is anticipated that the earliest planning committee date would be February 1.

Persimmon Homes have applied for outline planning permission for 150 houses on land off Longfield Road and for access to the site to be considered. Tuesday, December 13 is the date for the parish council to consider this application and the final date for responses to this application is Tuesday, January 3.

We continue to work with our district and county councillor to try to identify the number of houses that the village will be expected to accept, and stress that we do not have the infrastructure to cope. However, it has been identified by NHS in responses to the applications that the surgery is not physically large enough to cope with 100 more houses. (I know that we all already knew that) I will continue to update residents on development issues in Capel Capers, but obviously this may not be the most up-to-date information. The clerk will provide the latest information on the parish council noticeboards, the website and our Facebook page.

We look forward to an interesting 2017.

Chris Matthews Chair, Capel St Mary Parish Council

All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour.

It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01473 602414

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL IRISH SET DANCE GROUP

BEAUTY & THE BEAST The award winning Orchard Players present Beauty & The Beast at Capel Village Hall on January 12, 13 and 14 at 7.30pm and at 2.30pm on Saturday 14.

Capel Irish Set Dance Group meets at St Mary’s Church Hall on the third Sunday of every month (except August and the second Sunday in December) from 2-5.30pm.

We are a friendly group and it’s not necessary to have a partner. In fact you’re welcome to come along just to enjoy the music.

Our last meeting of the year is on December 11 and the dates for 2107 are as follows:

With an extremely talented group of actors and singers including 20 juniors, rehearsals are proving to be a full-on lively affair.

The cast are busy learning their lines, the girls are learning their dances, the costumes and props are being made and the scenery is being painted.

With a fabulous cast, amazing choreography, well known songs and music composed specifically for the production, this is a show not be missed.

Adults £8, concessions £6, children £5. Box Office: 07754 175399

January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 10 Hope to see you, Hille and Trevor Peartree, 01473 310146 Chris and Marjorie Haste, 01473 311615

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY BATS members are getting excited! Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors at Brantham Village Hall from February 14-19 at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 19, are now on sale.

We all enjoy a musical and this is one of exceptional quality, written by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman. A spoof science fiction about a nerdy florist shop worker who raises a vicious, raunchy plant. With catchy songs, music provided by a live band, romance and an introduction to life on the backstreets, BATS aim to present a colourful, dazzling show with dancing and puppetry to bring the story to life. This scintillating show is suitable for all the family. Directed by John Hoskyns and Pippa Revell.

Tickets (£8 / children £6) can be purchased online from www.ticketsource. co.uk or from Bakes and Blossoms, Acacia Court, Brantham (9.30am2pm). Enquiries to 07891 974844 (text or voicemail).

There’s still time to help backstage; phone Angie on 01206 396674.

CLASH AVOIDER This diary has been introduced to help avoid date clashes in the village.

Every effort will made to keep this list up-to-date, but please be aware that sometimes dates may be cancelled, postponed or re-arranged at short notice. This diary is not intended to be an all-inclusive what’s on and will only highlight significant dates.

If you want to add an event please submit in the following format (date, event, venue and contact) to sharon@intouchnews.co.uk with Capel Event Diary in the subject line.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, January 12, 13 & 14: Beauty and The Beast by The Orchard Players, Capel Village Hall at 7.30/2.30pm . Contact Ticketline: 07754 175399 Saturday, January 28: Scout Jumble Sale Contact Sandra Bumphrey: 312114 Sunday, April 23: Capel Allotments Association Spring Work-in, 8amnoon / followed by the AGM at noon Saturday, June 10: Capel Fun Day Contact Sandra Bumphrey: 312114 / capelcommunitytrust@gmail.com Saturday, June 10: Capel Allotments Association’s We’ve Been Growing for 40 Years exhibition at Capel Fun Day Saturday & Sunday, June 17 & 18 2017: Scarecrow Trail Weekend Contact Chris Terry: 01473 311102 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, July 6, 7 & 8: Summer Musical Show, Capel Village Hall at 7.30pm Contact Ticketline: 07754 175399 Saturday, July 29: Capel Allotments Association Summer BBQ Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 September: Annual Flower & Produce Show Sunday, October 8: Capel Allotments Association Autumn Work-in, 9am-noon

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CAPEL ST MARY & LITTLE WENHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IN THE VILLAGE HALL COMPLEX

“HAPPY NEW YEAR” BT SPORT Available on the Big Screen in the Vine Lounge!

“BINGO” THURSDAY 19th JANUARY DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Vine Lounge Books £1 Or 6 Books £5 EYES DOWN 8.30pm “QUIZ NIGHT” SATURDAY 28th JANUARY DOORS OPEN 7.30pm In the Village Hall Maximum 6 people per Team £3.50 per person includes Nibbles

FREE WI-FI In both Bars!

“BINGO” THURSDAY 19th JANUARY DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Vine Lounge Books £1 Or 6 Books £5 EYES DOWN 8.30pm

CARD PAYMENT SERVICE now available!

“THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE ACT” SATURDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2017 DOORS OPEN 7.30pm In the Village Hall Featuring “Ben” - Simply Stunning Tickets - Members: £12.50 Non-Members: £15.00

FREE TABLE TENNIS Subject to Hall availability!

The Member’s Draw takes place every Friday night in the Vine Lounge.

BIG CASH PRIZES The winning member must be present in the Village Hall Complex to win or have had a go on the FRIDAY NIGHT DRAW!

To buy Tickets or book Quiz Teams, call in the Village Bar or ring Ruth - 07548130293 Tracy - 07917440459 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EVENTS MENTIONED ON THIS PAGE VISIT CAPEL VILLAGE BAR FACEBOOK PAGE OR THE WEBSITE

2017 Association Membership Membership renewal is due in January each year. The costs for 2017 are: Junior 16-17 £2.50, Single including Over 65’s £6, Family £10

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY, JANAURY Tuesday 3 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Wednesday 4 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 5 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Sunday 8 Orchard Players, all day, hall Monday 9 Parish Council, 7-10.30pm, library Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Tuesday 10 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Wednesday 11 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 12 Orchard Players Panto, 7.30-10.30pm, hall Friday 13 Orchard Players Panto, 7.30pm, hall

Monday 23 Community Trust Meeting, 8-10.30pm, library Tuesday 24 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1-5pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 25 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 26 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Friday 27 Leap Frogs, 9am-1pm, hall Saturday 28 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Sunday 29 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Tuesday 31 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1-5pm, hall Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall

Saturday 14

Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall

Orchard Players Panto, 2.30pm, hall

Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall

Orchard Players Panto, 7.30pm, hall

FUNCTION ROOMS FOR HIRE If you are celebrating a special occasion, organising a business meeting or just want to get together with family and friends, why not book the village hall, Vine Lounge, library or stage? We can cater for parties of between 20 and 200 people at very competitive rates. Rooms are available during the daytime and evenings. Facilities include a fully licensed bar and kitchen preparation area with prices starting from as little as £10 an hour for the library, £15 an hour for the hall and the Vine Lounge is £88 for an evening. For all enquires please phone Mandy.

Monday 16 Blood Donating, all day, hall Association Meeting, 8-10.30pm, stage Allotments Club, 7.30-10pm, library Tuesday 17 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1-5pm, hall

Ballroom and Latin dance adult, 8-9pm, hall

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE If you would like to celebrate the life of someone you loved who has passed away you can hire the Vine Lounge in the village hall complex most weekdays for just £75. For more information please contact Mandy.

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CONTACT NUMBERS

Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall

Village bar: 01473 311766

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Mandy Marshall, events and hiring: 01473 312026 / bookings@capel-trust.freeserve.co.uk

Under 16s ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/private lessons ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall

Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Capel Ladies, 7-10.30pm, library Bingo, 7.30-10.30pm, Vine Lounge Friday 20 Leap Frogs, 9am-1pm, hall Saturday 21 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Sunday 22 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

FREE ROOM HIRE CAPEL ST MARY FUNCTION ROOMS Special offer for a trial period Do you have a celebration coming up?

If you are a member of Capel Community Association you may be eligible for free room hire for an adult party in the hall or Vine Lounge For further details, please contact Mandy: 01473 312026 Terms and conditions apply

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OUT & ABOUT FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY FURTHER COUNCIL FUNDING CUTS TO LIBRARIES Lets begin with the bad news that you will have read and heard. Despite Suffolk Libraries being held up as a beacon to other counties, despite saving the county well over £2million pounds since 2011, despite a cut of £350,000 for 2016, the county council have decided to trim another £230,000 from the provision for 2017. This is despite a proposal from Suffolk Libraries which saved the same sum, but spread over a longer period.

Suffolk Libraries makes a valued and recognised contribution to community life, to literacy and skills, to community-led learning, helping people access information and knowledge, and it is a free service which welcomes everyone. They are a vital refuge for the lonely, isolated and vulnerable and our one-of-a-kind mental health and wellbeing information service is a key feature of this support.

Suffolk Libraries continues to innovate and develop the library service.

We offer a more diverse range of services and facilities and a wider range of activities and events than ever before.

Some key facts and achievements 1,700 people filled in the 2015 customer survey and 94% gave us a positive approval rating. The vast majority of people felt the service had either improved (51%) or stayed the same (44%). This when libraries across the country elsewhere are being closed or services reduced.

About 140,000 people in Suffolk are registered as active library users, but evidence shows us far more people than this use our other services such as children’s activities and Wi-Fi. We are loved and used by a large percentage of the local population.

By March 2016 there had been 91,000 uses of our Wi-Fi, 14,000 older people had been to Top Time and 60,000 parents and children had been to library activities.

More than 8,200 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge in 2015. This number is growing every year and in 2017 we are focusing on tackling literacy, engaging more with schools and encouraging reading for pleasure through our Year of Reading Campaign.

All libraries have free customer Wi-Fi. Suffolk Libraries has now won two awards at the EDGE library conference in Edinburgh, one for its Get Connected digital services programme and one for the Stradbroke Library post office project.

Seven libraries have been transformed into successful screening venues through a large bid from Arts Council England. Live captured performances shown include Matthew Bourne ballets, Shakespeare’s Globe, West End musicals and much more.

One look at the improvement in services that has been provided should have convinced the county council to look more closely at the proposals that were made.

As In Touch readers will be aware, each library has formed a friends group. In Capel we have more than 100 members. We would love to have more, to make our voice heard, both with county councillors and with government. Our aim is to make our local library a community hub and with your support we intend to continue to improve the services that the library offers. It only costs £1 per year to become a friend, and in doing so to help us in the task of retaining our library and improving the range of services that we can offer. Our AGM is in the library at 4pm on January 28. Join us and come along. Better still support our new cinema club for Capel.

December we have two more films for February and March.

On February 21 we shall be screening Bridget Jones Baby. You may well have seen the earlier Bridget Jones films or read the books. You will know what to expect, and the reviews of this sequel suggest that it one of the funniest of the Bridget Jones films yet. The library doors open at 7pm.

Friends of the Library can buy advance tickets for £4, non-friends £4.50, and on the door tickets will be £5. The community bar will be open to purchase refreshments.

On March 21 the film will be The Lady in the Van, Alan Bennet’s account of the lady whose van he hosted in his garden for some years. This is an amusing and touching story with a bravura performance by Dame Maggie Smith.

We intend to continue these screenings throughout the year.

OTHER NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS A number of youngsters have been coming regularly to play Minecraft using our We Fi Hub. We now need someone to take over the coordination of this group as our volunteer is off to university. There must be some aficionados out there who could help. Please get in touch with Jackie, because it would be a shame to see this group founder.

The iPads are now available to borrow. Please see Jackie to reserve one.

With the facility to enlarge the text size, these can be a boon to those with impaired sight and are lighter to hold than the large print books. We also offer some practical help to improve your computing skills. Please speak to one of the assistants for times and dates.

A reminder to all friends and members of the 100 Club, your subscriptions will need renewing for 2017. You will receive a reminder from the secretary direct, but if you can slip into the library or when visiting pay up for next year, you will be sure to be included in the draw.

December winners: Steve Lodge £15, Marion Parnell £5, Ann Powell £5 All the money raised by the friends goes to provide improvements in equipment and services at the library. We are grateful to the parish councils of Capel and Bentley who continue to provide us with support.

Chris Yule

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.

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.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY CINEMA CLUB Yes, we are one of the seven libraries with a screening venue. Up to now we have been restricted in what could be shown, but are now able to show commercial films, and following the screening of Pete’s Dragon in

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY Happy New Year to all our borrowers and to the people who visit the library for a club or to use the computer facilities.

1st CAPEL ST MARY SCOUT GROUP

New year, new resolution? Are you going to take up a new activity or craft, or visit new places? Then check out the catalogue to see whether we have a book to help you on your way. We have a huge range of books for you to look at during the winter months to tempt you into doing something new this coming year.

ADVANCE NOTICE REMINDER We shall close at 5pm on Friday 13 and at 12.30pm on Saturday 14 to enable our friends the Orchard Players to prepare for their pantomime. Please use the letterbox in the wall for any returns after these times and we will deal with the books when we re-open.

CLUBS FOR JANUARY Baby Bounce: Tuesdays 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 2pm. Come along and shake some instruments, sing and enjoy action nursery rhymes. Open to all children and their carers.

Book Group: Friday 20 at 2.30pm. Come along and share your thoughts on the latest read and pick up a copy of the next one. Open to all, male and female.

Creative Arts East showing of The Car Man on Thursday 26, doors open at 1.30 for a 1.45pm start. You can purchase tickets in advance or turn up on the day.

Saturday, January 28, 2-4pm In the Scout Hut at Capel St Mary Primary School Admission 50p, accompanied children free Please leave your jumble outside for collection after 9.30am We cannot accept underwear, electrical goods or any items larger than a bread bin as we are unable to dispose of them.

The group would like to thank Val Campany for organising and supporting the jumble sales over many years, enabling us to raise much needed funds.

The Friends of Capel Library AGM is on Saturday 28 at 4pm (see page 14).

Do come along and listen to updates from our local library.

OPENING HOURS Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm & 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Tel: 01473 311699

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LADIES CLUB

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB We wish everyone a very Happy New Year and begin 2017 with our AGM and a talk on Suffolk waste and recycling on January 10. We meet in the lounge at Capel St Mary Methodist Church at 7.30pm.

It would be good to have some new members to join us as we are only a small group and need support from some more people. Come as a visitor to give us a try. Our 2017 programme will be available at the AGM. Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday, January 9: Washi Tape (Debbie) Monday, February 6: Air Dry Clay Samples of each month’s project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

Romford Shopping Trip with Greyhound Racing and the Christmas Social Our pre-Christmas outing was a coach trip to Romford for a morning of shopping followed by lunch at Romford Stadium and a chance to bet on the Greyhound Racing in the afternoon.

Some of us found Christmas bargains and a good choice of gifts at the shopping malls, while others enjoyed a spot of window shopping for ideas and wish-lists.

After a couple of hours we rejoined the coach and headed for the restaurant at the stadium, where we had a very good three-course meal and coffee/tea. We sat at our tables to place our bets and had a grandstand view of the races. Some of us were luckier than others, but at the finish we all felt like winners after a grand day out.

There was a wonderful turnout for our Christmas Social and a recordbreaking Christmas draw too. Our entertainer for the evening was David Padwick, who sang a selection of old popular hits interspersed with amusing stories – not all of them new but very funny. After our delicious buffet supper, provided by all the members, there was more music and a chance to join in with carols and seasonal songs. There were raffle prizes for nearly everyone in the end, as well as Secret Santa gifts and our own Capel Ladies calendars.

Future events on the cards at Capel Ladies Club include our January AGM and Beetle Drive where we hope to amass a few more winners in the shape of some new committee members, and a Body Shop evening in February. Watch out for our posters. www.capelladiesclub.com

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Saturday workshops and Monday meetings are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Contact: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB At the end of November we held our annual Christmas Lunch at Acorn Village at Mistley. Forty members enjoyed a lovely festive meal served by the very friendly and attentive staff in beautifully decorated surroundings.

After lunch members had the opportunity to visit their Winter Wonderland in the craft centre with the theme this year being Peter Pan & Wendy. Congratulations must go to the instructors and residents who spent many hours creating this superb tableau. The coach then took us on to Parkers Garden Centre at Kirby Cross to view the plants, purchase Christmas gifts and enjoy a cuppa before returning home.

In December, and to conclude our activities for the year, we held our Christmas Party with entertainment by the Phoenix Hand Bell Ringers and some carol singing. After a delicious tea, a raffle was held and all members went home with a present from the Christmas Tree. Finally, on Sunday, December 18 members and friends thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe for a matinee performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.

The club starts the New Year at 2pm on Tuesday, January 10 in Bentley Village Hall when we welcome back Moira Usher whose subject will be Cambodia, with some lovely slides. We hope to see you all there.

For further information contact our secretary, Margaret Blackmore: 01473 310655

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK CLUB Simon Gallup will present a talk entitled Dedham, Lavenham and the Cloth Trade when we meet on January 11.

Future talks will be: Chaplin of the Methodist Homes; Wolves, Dogs and Us; Easter Parade; The Building of Bury Tower.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle.

New members and visitors are welcome to join us. Funds permitting, we hold a members’ lunch after the August and February meetings.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB On November 24, Matt Tanton Brown presetned a talk entitled Evergreens for Every Situation. He brought along a large number of plants, including one type which, apparently, his grandmother sat on once. It did not recover!

Our next meeting will be a lunch on Friday January 20 at Hintlesham Golf Club. If you haven’t already ordered and paid, be quick as I have to advise the golf club by January 4.

Our February meeting is the AGM on Thursday 23 followed by a talk on hellebores by Barry Gayton.

We are always happy to welcome new members (£8 a year / £2 if you want to come to a particular meeting as a visitor). Any queries, please let me know.

Edwina Cox, chairman, 01473 311121

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? After several enjoyable trips out last year, I resolve to meet lots more SESAW supporters around the local villages. Among our good friends in Washbrook and Copdock are H.G. Gladwell and Sons who have invited us to their charity fun day at Copdock Mill on May 13. They gave us a warm welcome last autumn when we raised £85 from the sale of handmade craft items. We were joined by my pal Poppy (she just happens to be a Chihuahua!) who brought her human, Betty, and some of the Knit and Natter group. I hope the editor has space for a photo of Poppy and me with the ladies and Darrell who rearranged the shop just for us.

We were also helped with a donation of £55 raised by the Brook Inn at a coffee morning last October. SESAW was suggested by a very nice local resident who heard about mum taking in a stray cat rescued at Copdock Primary School.

Like all the contributors, I wrote this early so Sharon could put the magazine to bed and enjoy the festive season too. Consequently, I don’t know what animals may have come in, but you can easily find out. We will be open again from January 5 so if you have resolved to share your home with a new pet, have a look at our website or visit us from 10am1pm, Thursday-Sunday.

Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk

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STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Our December meetings started on Wednesday 7 with a Robin Finch presentation entitled Entertains, followed on Wednesday 21 with Paul Oliver overseeing the annual Christmas Quiz. Both meetings were much enjoyed by our members. We also held our popular Christmas meeting at The Venture Centre, Lawford on Sunday, December 11 when members and their guests enjoyed a tasty lunch.

Our only January meeting will be on Wednesday, January 18 when Tom Tyler presents When Motoring Was Fun. On Wednesday, February 1 Peter Gant will talk on 100 Years of Postcards and on February 15 Dudley Chignell will present The Four Seasons in East Anglia.

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, November 9, Adrian Wright FRGS talked on Earth on Fire. Hawaiian larva oozes continuously while Krakatoa and Vesuvius have been dormant for decades, sometimes centuries, between cataclysmic events. This illustrative presentation examined volcanic variety, exploring reasons for such diversity.

While we did not have a speaker meeting in December our popular Christmas Lunch took place on Wednesday, December 7 in Constable Hall and was much enjoyed by members and their guests.

On Wednesday, January 11, Dr Geoffrey Kay, former lecturer at Norwich School of Art and Anglia Ruskin University, will speak on Drugs, Sex and Death – the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. In the mid-19th century a group of young artists began to sign their work with the initials PRB. For a short time gallery visitors baffled. What was it that united these artists and how did they determine the course of British art for the next 50 years?

On Wednesday, February 8, Prof John Midwinter FRAE, FRS, formerly at BT and UCL, will speak on The Truth About Climate Change. His lecture will explore evidence that we are changing the climate of our planet, probably irreversibly, and this will be linked to a discussion of what this probably portends and why we should be very concerned.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Val Pretty may be contacted.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION

CAPEL ST MARY PRIMARY SCHOOL

1977 to 2017: We’ve been growing for 40 years

It always seems a bit odd to be writing about what we are doing in the lead up to Christmas knowing that you won’t read this until January 2017, but it is as busy as ever… Can’t really believe where this term has gone.

ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk WELCOME TO 2017 Our monthly column aims to help you enjoy your gardening while keeping costs down. Eighty percent of our members do not have an allotment, but still enjoy the benefits of our bulk buy prices and seed scheme. Membership is just £5 per annum. You can join by visiting The Hut, on our website or by emailing us.

THE VEG PLOT Continue winter digging incorporating well-rotted manure or composted garden waste. Apply bone-meal. Sow peas and broad beans. Plant rhubarb. Empty compost bins and rebuild if necessary.

FRUIT Apply winter tree wash to control over-wintering insect pests. Order and plant trees and bushes with a dusting of bone meal. Feed trees grown in grass with nitrogen and potash. Prune soft fruit bushes removing a third of old blackcurrant stems to ground level. Other currents and gooseberries reduce side shoots to two buds and cut out dead, diseased and over-crowded branches.

GREENHOUSE Empty greenhouse and wash down with Jeyes. Line with bubble plastic.

Spray white fly. Sow main crop onions, leeks, lettuce and sweet peas in pots. Sow broad beans in plugs. Water plants sparingly. Make a final sowing of carrots in a large pot. Wash pots and trays on a warm day.

Unit 1 are working hard on their Christmas production – this year it’s called Little Angel Gets Her Wings. It’s all about one of the angels who doesn’t yet have her wings. She spends time helping the lamb, the dove and the donkey and she gives the gift of love so her wings magically appear. It is always a great time of year to work with children as they love the Christmas build up, the songs and the costumes. I am sure parents will be delighted when they come to see it.

Foundation and Nursery also perform a Christmas Nativity show called Shine Star Shine this year. There are seven lovely songs which Nursery and Foundation sing beautifully. I’m sure there will not be a dry eye in the house. For some parents this is their first ever school nativity, a really important moment.

Children are continuing to enjoy the new surface under the play equipment and it gives them even more room on the playground all year round. They still get grubby, but not quite so muddy.

Unit 2 have been working hard on their North America topic and have learnt all about famous places in North America such as the Grand Canyon and New York’s famous buildings. It was lovely to hear them trying to persuade each other to go on holiday there.

FLOWERS Tidy boarders and mulch with chipped bark or peat. Plunge dahlia stools into dry peat and protect from frost.

LAWNS Aerate badly drained areas. Lay turf in favourable weather. Clean and overhaul equipment.

Contact Steve Blake for repairs and service on 07813 814623 or Steve and Chris Hart for repairs and service and new equipment at very competitive prices on 01206 230180.

ALLOTMENT NEWS THE HUT The Hut will be open from Saturday, February 14, 10am-noon, for our members.

SITE VISITS If any groups would like to visit the site and the wildlife area please email Philippa Brandon to discuss what’s available to you.

SSALG STAND AT SUFFOLK SHOW, MAY 31 & JUNE 1 If you would like to shadow Graham and Dennis during March, April and May with a view to taking over this job for 2018, please contact us.

IT HELP Our thanks to Martyn Dowsett for joining us to take on the IT side of the association.

Unit 3 have been learning about wars that have shaped the modern world and have focused on the First and Second World Wars. The homework has been particularly special as children have made artistic responses to Poppy Day which are very beautiful. Their art this term is also a textile response to poppy day with lots of different textiles, buttons and all sort of interesting textures.

We have recently changed our website provider and are currently checking and updating the new site. Over the next few months Mick will be gradually handing over to Martyn to ensure a smooth transition.

Finally, the allotments association and allotment’s management committee wish all of our members and readers a happy and healthy New Year.

The full version of this report is available at: www.capelallotments.co.uk

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SCHOOLS BENTLEY CEVC AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS The glitter and glue has been cleaned up, the Christmas Tree put away and it’s time to look forward to a new year. Before we look forward though we have been looking back at all the exciting adventures we have had and all the hard work the children have put into their learning.

ROBIN’S CHILDCARE Baby Bears After exploring the colourful crunchy leaves of autumn the Baby Bears have been thrilled to explore the new winter season. They have been going outside and experiencing the frosty mornings, icy areas, crispy leaves and many puddles. The have also been developing their physical skills both indoors and outdoors through climbing, sliding and balancing.

2016 started in January with a trip for Wolves class from Bentley and Squirrels class from Copdock to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary followed by taking part in the national Bird Watch with our chair of governors later on in the month. February saw the Lent Challenge for all year groups and teams of our older pupils taking part (and doing really rather well) in the pyramid basketball competition at East Bergholt High School. World Book Day, an explosive science assembly and a visit to West Stow Anglo-Saxon village were just some of the highlights of March, not to mention the ever popular Easter Bonnet Parade. April saw pupils from both schools taking part in the Junior Maths Challenge at the high school and a fun, interactive visit from the dental team who made the children’s mouths turn purple. Our Year 6 pupils did us proud during the SATs in May and all our Year 5 and 6 pupils were treated to a day at the park after the tests to celebrate their hard work. In June we entered the Ipswich Schools swimming gala and we welcomed the children set to start in September as they joined us for morning sessions every Friday.

Toddling Tigers Tigers have been on a wonderful walk to the park and shops, helping to buy snacks and exploring the local area. They have also been helping to decorate the Christmas Tree and getting busy with various Christmas crafts to decorate their room.

July was a whirlwind of activities and trips out including computer and science days at the high school, sports days, a trip to Pleasurewood Hills for the older ones and a trip to the beach for the younger ones. The highlight of the month though had to be the trip to parliament. It was a long day but one that will stay with us for a long time. The Passport to The World event in September was a resounding success with parents, friends and families of pupils from across the whole federation coming together to share the children’s learning about the world we live in. Our literacy lead, Mrs Robinson, held a phonics session for parents in October and children from Adders (Bentley) and Foxes (Copdock) travelled to Ipswich School to take part in a fabulous music festival. November saw the open evenings for both schools and a lot of spots as we supported Children in Need. December, of course, shone bright with wonderful performances from all the classes in the federation of their Christmas productions and of course our Christmas Fayres.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone for the kind Christmas wishes, cards and presents and to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Gruffalos What a busy December we had. We performed our nativity play for our family and friends which was a chance for us to sing some of our favourite Christmas songs. We have been very creative too, making bags of Christmas goodies to take home.

We have continued to do our Gruffalo outdoors sessions twice a week. It has been a wonderful experience to actually ‘feel’ the change in the seasons as well as seeing it. The children have loved exploring the heavy frosts, noticing all the changes to the environment in which they play and explore.

If you would like information about Robin’s Childcare, please contact Vicki on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

There were so many more wonderful trips, visits, projects and sporting events that the children participated in, far too numerous to list, and we are exceedingly proud of how much the children have put into their time at school and their development.

Finally, we are very pleased with our newly purchased team hoodies for when we take part in sporting events. They are very smart and warm and we look forward to making good use of them this year at all the sporting events we attend. We’d like to thank the communities of Bentley and Copdock for their support over the year and we look forward to welcoming you again to the school community in 2017.

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH

Local football has changed a lot during the last few seasons with the main talking point being the lack of loyalty from players. This has led to more than 20 teams folding in the Suffolk and Ipswich League during the last five years. When I played in the local leagues (not too long ago), if you signed on for a club you made yourself available every week. Players stayed with one club a lot longer in those days and did not move from club to club which is what happens today.

DONE AND UNDONE!

At our club we need to sign on at least 60 players every season just to be able to raise two sides on a Saturday afternoon. Despite this we recently had to call off a Reserve game after nine players called off and we were unable to field a team.

Probably for many of us there may be some regret for things we did or said in 2016 that were wrong, selfish or hurtful. There may be people we let down by failure to do something. For some of us that regret or failure may lead us to feel ashamed or guilty, and we don’t feel comfortable in the company of people we have let down or hurt. Many people carry heavy burdens of guilt and shame.

Results this season have seen the First team struggle in the Senior Division and are at present just below half way in the league. However, after losing 4-1 to Coplestonians and 5-2 to Achilles they produced their best display of the season by beating Stowmarket Town who play in Division One of the Eastern Counties League 2-1 in the Suffolk Senior Cup thanks to goals from Gary Collins and a Stephen Morrison penalty.

The lads are now just two games away from their third appearance in the final at Portman Road and play Leiston St Margarets at home on March 11.

Our Reserves lost 2-1 at Wenhaston in the County Reserve Cup, then beat Trimley Red Devils 2-1 with goals from Oliver Blew and Harry Taylor. This was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Bacton United with Andy Wilshaw our scorer. Luke Morgans has been playing well in goal with Gideon Spencer and Oliver Miller putting in some good performances in defence and Joe Bigmore showing off his skills in midfield.

Now yet another request for dog owners to clear up after their pets. Most do, but some don’t and the problem on the playing field seems to be getting worse with both adult and youth pitches being affected. Dog owners are fortunate to have somewhere in the village to be able to exercise their dogs, so I don’t think that it’s too much to ask them to clear up after them.

Finally, recent winners of our 500 club are as follows: October: 1st Steve Oleary, 2nd Wiltshire Family, 3rd Nightingale Family November: 1st Balamuhunthan Family, 2nd Toby King, 3rd Graham Palmer BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

SONGS OF PRAISE AT ST MARY’S CHURCH On January 29 there will be another Songs of Praise at St Mary’s Church at 10.45am.

We were pleased to welcome an enthusiastic congregation in November.

This follows the pattern of the popular BBC programme and there will be an opportunity to place your choice of hymn on the list provided on the noticeboard in the Link. The service lasts an hour and there will be coffee afterwards.

Chris Yule

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This article is written as we are getting our decorations out, but will be read as we are preparing to pack them away for another year, another ‘to do’ we can tick off the list. Looking back over last year, I hope you can recognise things you have done and have done well. I expect there may be some outstanding things you hoped to complete in 2016, but are carrying over to 2017. Others you might choose to abandon.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. God did what had been predicted by some of the Old Testament prophets (particularly Isaiah and Micah) some 600 years before – God sent his son, the birth of the Messiah, a Saviour for the world. Several ticks on God’s to do list! Thirty years later Jesus began his ministry, miracles were performed, healings received, life changing teaching – more prophecies fulfilled. Three years later Jesus was crucified on a cross, again predicted by the prophets in some amazing detail. Indeed the final words of Jesus as he died on the cross were: “It is finished”. God had completed his plan of salvation for the world. All that is left is for us to recognise our need and ask for that plan to be put into effect in our lives.

The regret, the guilt and the shame of actions of last year cannot be undone. We either allow it to be a burden we carry or we bring it to Jesus and ask for the burden to be lifted and receive forgiveness of sins.

In January we hold special services called Covenant Services (schedule below) where we agree with God we have made mistakes and carry guilt.

His agreement is that the death of his son on the cross pays the price of forgiveness for that wrongdoing and lifts the burden of guilt.

January 1, 10.45am: Chelmondiston, Main Road IP9 1DZ January 8, 10.30am: Capel, The Street IP9 2EF January 15, 9.45am: Elmsett, Hadleigh Road IP7 6ND January 22, 10am: Holbrook, The Street IP9 2PZ January 29, 11am: Brantham, Gravel Pit Lane CO11 1NY You are welcome to come to any of these services, but if you are unsure, do feel free to contact me by whatever means you are able. Jesus has done all that is needed for the burden to be lifted.

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 Sunday 1

10.30am Worship with Mrs Carole Almond

Sunday 8

10.30am Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey

6.30pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 15

10.30am Worship with Mr Stephen Walker

Sunday 22

10.30am Worship with Mr Brian Loader

6.30pm Week of Prayer – Rev Andrew Sankey

Saturday 28

3.30pm Messy Church

Sunday 29

10.30am Worship with Mr Ben Shepherd

27

CHURCH NEWS

CHRISTIANS in Capel The members of all the churches foster a closer fellowship and understanding between the respective Christian communities in Capel St Mary. They endeavour to co-ordinate common interests and where practical share common resources to meet specific needs.

For times and details of Sunday services, Alpha and Home/Life Groups, please contact one of the following: The Parish Church, St Mary the Virgin The Rev Canon Jim Pendorf The Rectory, Days Road, Capel 01473 312225 / 07973 265037 The Catholic Church Father Christopher Smith, St Mark’s Church 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich 01473 684963 Capel Community Church David Owen, 18 Bushey Close, Capel www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk 01473 310454 / 07752 921135 The Methodist Church The Rev Andrew Sankey 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 INTER-CHURCH MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES The following church groups welcome new members: TREKKERS For ages 7-11, meets on Thursdays at the Methodist Church from 3.45 to 5.15pm during school term time. Contact Margaret Sankey: 01473 311178 YOUTH GROUP Junction Club: Fridays at the Methodist Church, 7-9pm for School Years 7-9​. Contact Jill Sharp: 01473 311546 Life Group: Wednesdays at the Methodist Church, 7.30-9pm. Contact Caitlan Mower: 07465 414870 PARENTS AND TODDLERS • Tuesday – 9-11.30am, Capel Community Church, Days Road Contact Margaret Beard: 01473 311219 • Wednesday – 9-11.30am, Busy Bees, Methodist Church Contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 • Wednesday – 10am-noon, Twins & Multiples Group at CCC Contact Chris Matthews: 01473 311368 SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCH CLUBS • First Monday, Capel Community Church, 01473 311368 • Third Tuesday, St Mary’s Church Hall, 01473 310596 • Last Thursday, Methodist Church, 01473 310635 NETWORK FELLOWSHIP Third Tuesday, from 2.30pm, Methodist Church. Anyone welcome to come to the meeting. Contact Judy Steward, 01473 310799 BEACON COFFEE SHOP EVERY TUESDAY 9am-12.30pm, in the Vine Lounge, Capel Village Hall AEROBICS AT CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH Fridays from 10.45-11.45am, Young at Heart (slower paced).

Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 PILATES • Tuesdays – 7 and 8.10pm, Capel Methodist Church • Fridays – 9.30am, Capel Methodist Church Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 R.O.M.E.O. Lunch for Men at The Harvest Moon, Capel First Thursday, 12.30pm. Book with Peter Ellis: 01473 310096

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There are some significant church dates in January, starting on New Year’s Day with the naming (and circumcision) of Jesus. At St Mary’s threemonth-old baby Samuel Heard will become a member of Christ’s Family in the sacrament of Holy Baptism. The 10.45am service is in lieu of the monthly Family Service, and will be followed by a short service of the Holy Communion. This means we will start 2017 with a celebration of two ‘major’ ways we are assured of God’s grace in our lives by outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual things. As usual, such services are public and not intended to be private, so I hope you will come along to support Samuel and his family as they literally live across The Street.

On Sunday, January 8, the feast day of the Baptism of Christ and also the Epiphany of Christ (normally January 6 but ‘transferred’) will be observed.

Both St John’s, Great Wenham and St Mary’s, Capel St Mary, will hold Holy Communion Services at 9.30am and 10.45pm respectively to which everyone is cordially invited with freshly brewed coffee following. David and Helen Cresswell and Ian Pennell were all confirmed by Bishop Mike at St Margaret’s Church, Ipswich, on November 20, and I know they would appreciate your support.

On Wednesday, January 25, Christians observe the conversion of St Paul.

This is the traditional time of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In Capel, Christians will gather at 6.30pm on the fourth Sunday, January 22, in Capel Methodist Church to thank God for the unity we share in Christ and to pray for an increasing coming together in faith, word and action.

Previously on Christmas Eve hundreds of good will gathered to celebrate the birth of the Saviour. We will next come together on Good Friday for a Walk of Witness.

On Sunday, January 29, St Mary’s will hold its second in a series of fifth Sunday Songs of Praise style services at 10.45am followed by an Espresso Communion around 11.45am to which everyone is invited. The first one was well supported, and there is every hope it will continue to find favour.

As this time of the year can be rather sombre, I thought you might like the following poem by my daughter.

DORMANT Dormant Winter brings a hush to half the world – Twice a year, the globe of Earth quiets on its track around the Sun. No more, the voices of the trees can be heard – no more, leaves dress their branches, for zephyrs have tumbled them.

“Farewell,” you may hear dryads whisper to their planted neighbours, through final gusts, deep in long autumn nights.

“Sleep strong through all the dark of the year – this, too, shall pass; and when light lengthens again, we yawn, stretch, and bud.

“Until then, our graceful tracery shade-shapes the short daylight – naked though we be, beauty yet we wear; “Not only as surety for spring – but simply as ourselves. Our unclad limbs still spread to the skies above.

“So, too, do our unseen roots reach out within our native soil – aiding rest, quenching thirst, during our fast.

“As leaves are our mouths for speech and food, they kiss us goodbye when falling from us, in their rainbow colours.

“Without them, we cannot feed or talk.

So silent stand we, waiting through snow – for year’s turn, end of winter.”

By Elaine G Mosson Pendorf Blessings to you and yours throughout 2017, as ever.

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29

CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For all up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

Services for January 2017 Sunday 1 Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother Of God 9am Mass Tuesday 3 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 8 The Epiphany of The Lord 9am Mass Tuesday 10 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 15 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 17 9.30 Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 22 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 24 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 29 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 31 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Catholic Commentary Many people make resolutions at the start of a New Year and it can be difficult to consider what they should be. So a review of Pope Francis’ Top

10 Secrets To Happiness can provide many ideas: 1) Live and let live; 2) Be giving of yourself to others; 3) Proceed calmly in life; 4) A healthy sense of leisure; 5) Sundays should be holidays; 6) Create dignified jobs for young people; 7) Respect and take care of nature; 8) Stop being negative; 9) Don’t proselytise – respect others’ beliefs; 10) Work for peace.

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday, December 18 when three lucky winners shared £142. The next draw takes place on Sunday, January 22. The club has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Our Christmas Hamper Raffle, supported by donations from parishioners, was drawn on Sunday, December 11 and three lucky winners won a hamper.

Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR, 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for the parish room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, January 26.

The parish are planning an Epiphany lunch on Thursday, January 5 at The Ipswich Hotel (formerly The Cameo), Old London Road, Copdock IP8 3JD. This lunch will follow 11.30am mass at St Mark’s. Further details, including an opportunity to sign up to join this popular parish event, may be found at the back of church.

Supporting our local Hospice Parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please phone him if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services.

All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services. It’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic Faith are always welcome.

Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

MESSY CHURCH IN JANUARY The next Messy Church is on Saturday, January 28 at the Methodist Church from 3.30-5.30pm.

Messy Church is a fun, new way of doing church with an hour of craft activities and sports challenges suitable for all ages, followed by a short celebration including some singing and a Bible story/drama related to the theme for the day. This is followed by a hot meal together. It’s all free, but donations are gratefully received.

tell you it’s great and you must come. No need to book – just turn up.

Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / Maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com

We had a great time at our Christmas Messy Church which included the Baptism of one of our children. It was very special.

Who can come? All age families. Kids, you must bring at least one adult.

If you haven’t been before, talk to someone who has and I’m sure they’ll

30

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