In Touch
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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook 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.
NEWS THANK YOU FROM THE WOMBLES The Copdock & Washbrook Wombles turned out in force for our recent village tidy-up day. It was an excellent community effort. A big thank you to the 32 volunteers who were involved on the day in a range of activities – cleaning road signs, cutting back overgrown branches and clearing leaves, litter-picking; serving refreshments and providing cakes and savoury items. Eighteen bags of rubbish, six huge bags of vegetation plus odd broken car parts, sacks of sand and bits of wood were collected. It was brilliant that a group of children from Copdock School also went out litter-picking and did an amazing job clearing rubbish from School Hill. Thanks also to the many residents and farmers who independently pick litter alongside the major roads around the village – it is really looking so much cleaner and tidier. Let’s just hope that with the area looking spick and span, motorists driving down the Old London Road, along Chapel Lane and up Swan Hill will now refrain from chucking their rubbish out of their vehicles.
BENTLEY VILLAGE HALL AGM Monday, January 23 at 7.30pm All Bentley residents are very welcome to attend. The management trustees will be present to answer your questions.
Happy New Year from my colleagues and I here a Mansion House Publishing.
In Touch
SUFFOLK CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
In Touch with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook 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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FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy
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We are a charity set up to help bereaved people to understand their grief and cope with their loss. We provide information, one-to-one support and offer advice, education and training services. We also have a specialist children and young people team. If you would like to volunteer to support bereaved people, help on our area committee or with publicity and fundraising please contact us. For help or information please telephone your local branch: 01473 230888 For further information visit: www.cruse.org.uk / www.suffolkcruse.co.uk “I felt my counselling with my volunteer was very helpful indeed, at a time when I felt isolated and at times desperate.”
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
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NEWS THE COPWASH EYE ST PETER’S CHRISTMAS MARKET Yet again Christmas was announced to the village by the Christmas Market held in the Church Room. Members of the congregation, friends and supporters rallied together to produce seasonal goodies which others bought, encouraged by the aroma of mulled wine and Christmas music. Churchwardens Adrian and Ruth would like to thank all those who gave, baked and created and all who bought, helping to make a splendid profit of £1,013.20. THE STORY OF WILLIAM HENRY HEWITT VC. cont. We last heard of William Henry Hewitt (pictured below with his sisters in the 1930s) when he had been injured during a fierce battle to dislodge the Germans from a raised mound called the Butte of Warlencourt, part of the severe fighting in the Battle of the Somme. This 1916 attempt by joint South African and British forces was unsuccessful. It wasn’t until February 1917 that the Germans were finally ousted and by then William Henry was recovering in England and getting engaged to Lily whom he had met in Tooting Military Hospital. Over the next issues of In Touch we will be following Hewitt’s own version of the story that leads to his heroic action in September. In the meantime readers may be interested to learn that two years after an appeal for relatives in the EADT, the grandchildren of two of William Henry’s sisters have emerged via the internet. Neither knew of the existence of the other, nor of Piers, his grandson. One family lives in Bournemouth and the other in California. Piers’ cousin, the eldest granddaughter, who lives in Australia, is also hoping to be here on the day. This has been an exciting development, from fearing we would not be able to find any relatives there is now the possibility of five of the same generation (plus possibly the mother of two of them) being with us in the village in September to celebrate his heroism. Interestingly, although he was known as Billy by his own immediate family, he was Uncle Harry to the nieces and nephews. We shall continue to be respectful and call him William Henry in full. It is planned that the Centenary Paving Stone will be placed in the centre of the village on a brick plinth (mock-up pictured) near the village sign and dedicated on Sunday, September 17, 2017. Further details later.
ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE IN CAPEL Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. So if you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at ‘Growing Your Own’ please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk
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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 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: DODNASH WARD DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON There have been some interesting events at Babergh in the past month. When I was first elected to the council some 14 years ago, it was so that I could represent my electorate and hopefully make a difference in how the council served them. All that seems to have changed and the concept of ‘service to the electorate’ seems to have taken a back seat to a form of ‘empire building’ and self-righteousness. Just over 18 months ago the government invited areas to apply for a form of self-governance called devolution, where powers would be released from the Whitehall mandarins to local authorities to improve localism and effectively to counter the calls for an English parliament to balance the self-determination given to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, especially the increased powers granted as a result of the Scottish referendum.
activities in the future. Interest rates are so low and we can borrow to invest in commercial property and then let it out, but not locally as there isn’t a good enough return. I suggested before we emulate Mr Trump we remember that he has been bankrupt six times. We have already invested in Sudbury utilising our reserves and also in the old county council care home in Hadleigh, but we still have no real plans for East House (empty for more than 10 years) or the soon to be vacated council offices at Corks Lane. My concern is the apparent unseemly rush into becoming a commercial real estate organisation when we obviously have no expertise and an expanding (when it should be shrinking) work force. I will keep pushing and asking the embarrassing questions and, of course, you all get a say in May when there are county council elections as a lot of what is proposed also affects SCC. After Brexit and Trump, and now Fillon in France, who’s to say what may happen next!
Suffolk agreed to put in a bid based, as appears the norm now, upon Suffolk boundaries as, of course, we know best. I suggested involving the North Essex councils as they have a population base nearly 70% as big as Suffolk and most activities in our area are linked to what goes on in North Essex. This was rejected by the Suffolk leaders and government then rejected Suffolk as too small and not ambitious enough.
Although tours of Endeavour House (SCC HQ in Ipswich) are being conducted, the in principle decision to move our Babergh HQ to the building has yet to be checked against a detailed business model. Once again we are rushing forward before we have been able to check the facts. It could all come crashing down! The move is of course part of the customer access strategy which basically means mobile phone, broadband or landline to contact the council, if possible!
Next they linked to Norfolk, again rejected and the then chancellor stated that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough would link with Norfolk and Suffolk and be given control over all this ‘extra’ money. Cambs and Peterborough decided go it alone, and suddenly it was acceptable for Norfolk and Suffolk to be independent. However, four local Norfolk councils said no and a revised bid was put to government. Then Kings Lynn said no and the whole thing was, to most people, dead!
If you thought the lawyers were having fun over Brexit just look at the planning system. In Dodnash there are plenty of challenges against overdevelopment, and they are supported by court rulings up and down the country. Forced by a legal decision, the 144 is due to return to committee, but now there are potential challenges from the Midlands as well as the well documented objections and challenges from local residents and Babergh’s own policies.
However, the leaders got together and produced a revised proposal for councils to consider, effectively just Suffolk, but the councils must support it without modification (no alteration or debate), a true democratic representation of the power of ‘localism’. That now forms the basis of more discussions with Whitehall; it cannot be called ‘negotiation’ as it’s normally a take it or leave it offer from government, much as it was from the leaders. North Essex and possibly even some of Norfolk may be able to join, so here we are nearly back where we were 18 months ago.
We need good quality affordable for all housing, but it needs to be balanced against jobs, the environment and the essential services we all take for granted. Even agricultural land has a value beyond its cheap use for housing. It grows our food and once concreted over can never be brought back into productive use. Brexit will challenge our relationship with both the EU and our world trading partners, who now supply us with 60% of the food we consume. Should we not consider that before our thirst for housing, often for single occupancy, consumes the limited land we have available?
The main sticking point that most seem to be avoiding is twofold. First, it will cost nearly £900,000 to run with a separate mayor who will control the money. Second, it’s another layer of governance, but with only the mayor and the leaders involved, and little or no accountability back to local members. Is that what we call ‘localism’? Also at Babergh this month, the council voted in principle to borrow up to £50 million to invest and earn a return in order to fund the council’s
There are some thoughts and challenges for 2017. I hope you had an enjoyable and safe Christmas and that 2017 will bring you and your families, health and happiness. Councillor John Hinton John.hinton@babergh.gov.uk
NOTES FROM THE CASE - Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 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
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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. 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk
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NEWS BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL Report from the meeting held on Thursday, December 1 One councillor tendered apologies. County Councillor Gordon Jones and District Councillor John Hinton gave verbal reports. A planning application for the erection of a new dwelling and creation of new vehicular access in West Mill Green was discussed. The council recommended refusal on the grounds of over-development; overlooking neighbouring properties and inappropriate to street scene. The council voted to increase the precept by £500 to £14,500. Traffic calming measures were discussed and the proposal of a gateway treatment was dropped on the grounds that they are not effective (supported by experience of other villages in the area) and prohibitively expensive. County Councillor Jones raised the possibility of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system being trialled and further discussion on this topic and other speed monitoring systems (VAS and SID) will appear on the January meeting agenda. Information had been received from a resident who is concerned about the amount of litter being dropped in Hazel Shrub. There was a suggestion that the culprits may be people frequenting a nearby farm. It was decided that the clerk would write to the owner of the farm concerned. The next parish council meeting is on Thursday, January 5 at 7.30pm.
NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoon is on Thursday, February 9 when we will be shut from 1pm. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Peninsula Patient Network We are in the process of re-forming our Patient Participation Group and have set up a small, core group of patients who are meeting regularly and will be able to then canvass opinion from other patients who wish to be involved. Although much of what we do as a practice comes from our governing bodies, we always appreciate patients’ views on how this is interpreted into a working model at practice level. If you would like to be contacted with small surveys or to answer questions on an occasional basis, please email peninsulapatientnetwork@gmail.com or drop your details into the practice. Thank you to our very generous patients We do appreciate all the chocolates, cakes and other goodies that were given to staff and doctors over the festive season. It is very kind of you to show your gratitude in this way and the staff are very grateful. We’re pleased that we have many happy patients.
A REQUEST TO TATTINGSTONE DOG WALKERS
We have also been overwhelmed by the donations made to our surgery fund in 2016, which totalled just under £6,000. This was made up from a sponsored walk, a coffee morning, our book sales and many kind donations, some in memory of those who have passed away.
Could the dog walkers who walk through the village hall car park please clear up the mess your dogs leave in the car park? A member of the public had the misfortune of stepping in some dog mess in the car park and unwittingly took it into the village hall where it made a terrible mess. There was a carpet bowls match in progress and we had to apologise to the opposing team while we stopped the game to clear up.
We have managed to buy a variety of items including blood pressure monitors for patients to borrow, a bike rack for those who wish to cycle, a multi-function couch, an ECG machine, chairs, two defibrillators and a number of smaller items, all of which improve our patient care to some degree. Thank you to all who have contributed.
Thank you.
Practice Manager Julia Smith
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.
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Combat the sale of stolen gadgets and valuables; alert the second-hand trade and the publicly checkable stolen goods database CheckMEND if an item goes missing
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Simplify insurance claims and police reports with certificates of ownership
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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.
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Finally, from all officers and staff at Hadleigh Police Station we wish you a peaceful, prosperous New Year.
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For emergency calls 999 / non-emergency calls 101
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Email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk PCSO 3041 Stephen Cooper, Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station
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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY
STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC
Happy New Year to all our borrowers and to the people who visit the library for a club or to use the computer facilities.
Sunday, January 22 at 4pm: Clare Hammond (piano) at Constable Hall, East Bergholt
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.
Acclaimed as a pianist of “amazing power and panache” (The Telegraph), Clare Hammond is recognised for the virtuosity and authority of her performances and has developed a “reputation for brilliantly imaginative concert programmes” (BBC music magazine Rising Star). Recently she has played on Radio 3 and also played the younger version of Dame Maggie Smith’s character in the movie The Lady in the Van.
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.
Generously sponsored by Grier and Partners, East Bergholt Programme: Jacquet de la Guerre, Suite no 6 in G major Beethoven, Sonata no 4 in E-flat major op 7 Ashton, Ornithology Faure, Nocturne no 8 in D-flat major op 84 no 8 Faure, Nocturne no 12 in E minor op 107 Stravinsky, Petrushka Suite The season continues with: Friday, February 10 at 8pm: Lecture by Dr Lois Oliver: Love and Loss: The Story of Orpheus and Eurydice in Art and Music at Constable Hall Sunday, February 26 at 4pm: Vanbrugh String Quartet at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Sunday, March 19 at 4pm: Kammerphilharmonie Europa at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Box office and information: www.svam.org.uk / 01206 298426
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. 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
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.
EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
East Bergholt High School Sunday, February 26, 10am-noon Admission 50p, refreshments available, free car park Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open 9am to set up ( 01206 298122
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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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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 towns and villages across Suffolk. You are invited to attend as many sessions as you would like, for as long as you feel you need to. The Ipswich bereavement support group meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm and 3.30pm at the Co-op Education Centre at Fore Street. 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.
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
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 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
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OUT & ABOUT TRIANON ON SCREEN 2017 Gallop into the New Year from the Court of Camelot to a café in Casablanca with Trianon Music Group for Trianon on Screen 2017. Trianon is delighted that Denis King, the Ivor Novello award winning composer of the Black Beauty theme, Galloping Home, will be attending their first concert of the new season at the Corn Exchange. Denis, who is now based in Suffolk, will participate in a Q&A session starting at 6.30pm, so this will be a unique opportunity to discover more about the life and career of a local celebrity. The themes of royalty, heroes and love will be explored with music from The Madness of King George, The King and I, The Lion in Winter, Immortal Beloved and Dangerous Moonlight. Movie maestro Ennio Morricone will also feature, with extracts from his Golden Globe and BAFTA awardwinning soundtrack to The Mission. The movie mix will also feature favourites from Glenn Miller, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Mary Poppins. Join Trianon for a ‘supercalifragilistic’ evening on Saturday, January 7 at 7.30pm. To book call 01394 283170 / 07876 787029 or visit: www. ipswichregent.com www.tmg.org.uk
PENINSULAR PIX CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF PIXMAX On December 1 Pen Pix screened Eddie the Eagle as the Christmas film on the brand new 16ft Pixmax screen to great applause and really positive comments from the packed house in Tattingstone Village Hall. The screen virtually fills up the stage end of the hall, providing brilliant Blu-ray clarity and a superb viewing experience. As usual our Christmas event saw glasses of mulled wine and plenty of mince pies enjoyed by the audience. A great night out with a great film on a big screen with a glass of wine and food, all for as little as £4.
SING OUT SATURDAYS: A SUFFOLK SINGING SUCCESS Is your New Year’s resolution to start singing, but you’re not sure if you can? Do you love to sing and want to do more of it in 2017? Have you always wanted to sing, but never got around to it? Help is at hand! Choirmaster Chris Rowbury believes that everyone can sing, and with his gentle encouragement and finely honed teaching skills, you may find yourself with a new hobby (and some new friends). Join Chris at one of his Sing Out Saturdays in Copdock on the third Saturday of every month. The next one is on Saturday, January 21 at Copdock Village Hall, Old London Road, Ipswich IP8 3JN. The singing starts at 10.30am and runs until 1pm with refreshments provided – all for just £8 per person. No need to book, just turn up on the door. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary as all songs are taught by ear. Every session is self-contained with brand new songs and different people each month. No commitment needed, just turn up to the ones you want to. We’ve tackled a wide range of songs since Sing Out Saturdays started in January 2016. You can hear some of them at: www.singoutsaturdays.co.uk Sessions are open to all: men and women, experienced singers and complete beginners alike. No musical experience is necessary, there are no auditions or solos and Chris will soon have you singing in beautiful harmony even if you think you can’t sing. There is always plenty of laughter and good company. Chris Rowbury is based in Woodbridge where he leads The OK Chorale. He has 30 years’ experience as a patient, charismatic teacher with a relaxed style laced with plenty of humour. He will get you singing in wonderful harmony in a matter of minutes! Find out more at www.SingOutSaturdays.co.uk or contact Chris: chris@singoutsaturdays.co.uk / 01394 610486
Try Pen Pix out on January 5 when we show Me Before You, the screen adaptation of the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes, who wrote both the book and screenplay.
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION
Me Before You tells the story of a girl in a small town who forms an unlikely bond with a recently paralysed man she’s taking care of. Lou Clark (Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones) knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick. What Lou doesn’t know is she’s about to lose her job or that knowing what’s coming is what keeps her sane. Will Traynor (Sam Clafin) knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he’s going to put a stop to that. What Will doesn’t know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour and happiness. And neither of them knows they’re going to change each other for all time.
If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.
Me Before You is a real feel good movie, with lots of laughs, and of course a few tears. Peninsular Pix presents Me Before You on January 5 at Tattingstone Village Hall, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4.50 on the door or £4 in advance from the White Horse, The Wheatsheaf, Stutton Community Shop, The Case is Altered, Bentley Community Shop, Lloyd (326882) or Rosie (328315). Or try our new text service – just text your name and number of tickets required to 07732 709656.
Our next meeting is on January 17 when we welcome back the ever popular Mark Mitchels. Mark has a wide range of talks and this time will be telling us the moving story of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, an Aldeburgh girl who became a doctor, established a hospital and finally ended up as mayor of the town. On February 21 Ben Cowell, formerly regional director of the East of England National Trust, will be talking about his first year as director general of the Historic Houses Association and the challenges that face historic houses in private ownership. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome for an £3 entrance fee. National Trust members and volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.
All of the committee at Pen Pix would like to wish everybody a very Happy New Year, and a big thank you for supporting us and making Pen Pix the success it is today.
For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761
The Pen Pix Team
www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We held a craft day in November which was very enjoyable and examples of items produced were displayed for other members to see. Four of our members attended a St John’s Ambulance training day on Essential First Aid. They all passed with flying colours so many congratulations to each of them. In December, we hosted our regional group’s Christmas Carol Concert in Copdock church, and also ran a trip to Redhouse Christmas Barn with lunch beforehand. Our December meeting was a social evening with festive nibbles and mulled wine along with a craft session. As secretary I write a report (see below) for the annual meeting which summarises our year’s events and trips. In doing so I realised how much we had achieved – another very successful, fun and informative year. We have been involved in a wide variety of events and covered many different interests from craft to campaigns, participated again in the Suffolk Show and enjoyed social events including a strawberry tea and antique valuation evening. Our special interest groups continue to do well thanks to the time and thought given by our members. We also received and approved our annual accounts, which have been meticulously kept and presented thanks to our treasurer and assistant treasurer. Our president kindly agreed to continue in that role, and while four of our committee members retired (after serving on the committee for a total of 24 years between them) we welcomed one new member to the team. Our November speaker was Jan Cavanagh who spoke to us about play therapy, which is what she practices for children who are struggling to cope with life. It was a lively and interactive talk as she demonstrated the power of play to engage, relax and have fun. She explained how this can help troubled children by giving them a safe place to do what they want to do, and how the play can help them express their feelings and thoughts, ultimately improving their confidence and developing their ability to cope. There are many good reasons to join the WI. We enjoy a wide variety of interests and outings, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved with the campaigns supported by the WI, to learn new skills, improve your existing skills or just come along to the meetings for companionship and interesting speakers. You can come to three meetings as a visitor to see what goes on before deciding if you would like to join. All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August) at the village hall – the next meeting will be on January 17. Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start. Sandra Howard ANNUAL REPORT 2016 This is our 1,101st meeting and brings us to the end of our WI year. The year seems to have flown past again. This year was the Queen’s 90th birthday and an Olympic year, and many events were on one of these two themes. Our first speaker of 2016 was Mandy Boutell with a talk on needlecraft, bringing along beautiful examples of her work. Ann and Dennis Kell were our February speakers, with a talk on their trip to the Falklands, a very interesting local couple whose talk reformed my previous view of that area. In March, Gerry Baxter gave a lively and informative talk on Pearly Kings and Queens. In April we heard from Sally Reid from the Sue Ryder Foundation talking about the life of Sue Ryder, an extraordinary woman ahead of her time. Sonia Burrows returned in May with a talk on bulbs and June’s speaker was Pip Wright who told us of the less well known watery places in our region. In July, Jennifer Jones spoke on heraldic devices, and very kindly researched the names of our members and ran a PowerPoint display of the related coats of arms. In September Heather
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Prince told us about folk art with some members trying their hand at the end of the evening. In October Dennis Kell returned to tell us about bats, and gave an enjoyable and enthusiastic talk as usual. This evening we will hear from Jan Cavanagh on play therapy In addition to our monthly meetings we have maintained our usual active social calendar. Our 97th birthday dinner was held at The Kings Head in East Bergholt, and the strawberry tea in July was held in Sue Mundy’s garden, both as enjoyable as ever. Our taster lunches remain popular and we had three this year, with themes of All Things Irish, Royal Buffet and Autumn Splendour. The trading table and competition are regularly supported, with donations to the competition given to ACWW. We would urge everyone to support these where they can. The whist group continues to be enjoyed and the book club is as popular as ever. From the monthly reports it seems to be a fun and social afternoon as well as giving a variety of reading matter. It’s always interesting to hear the often amusing monthly reviews of authors and subjects. Sadly our walking group has now been suspended. From the monthly reports over the years it was clear that there were many very enjoyable walks (often featuring lunch and coffee stops). This takes a lot of preparation on the part of organisers and thanks are due to several members who made huge efforts for this group. Our August outing was a trip on the River Alde from Snape Maltings. The day was blessed with good weather and was a nice combination of river cruising and shopping with the obligatory afternoon tea. We visited Bletchley Park in July, a very successful trip, and a needlecraft exhibition in Bury St Edmunds in July (which also included afternoon tea). Members attended the Constable Group Carol Concert, craft days and social evenings as well as the WI quiz and several other WI social events. Our community activities included participation in the village litter picking and village quiz, we have representatives on the village hall committee and contribute to a monthly collection for a food bank. Four members attended a St John Ambulance training course on essential first aid, a valuable skill which is beneficial to our group and the community as a whole. The talents of Liz Stowe and her team did us proud again at the Suffolk Show, gaining good marks with many of the items subsequently being donated to charity. Pam, Muriel and Beryl Forsdyke represented us at the Federation Annual Meeting in March. I hope that this review has brought back pleasant memories. As ever, our achievements have been possible by the generosity of time, talent and experience of our 49 members, led and inspired by our president and committee.
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Route 15 Town/village
Location Time
MIP/15A Washbrook
Pearson’s Way
MIP/15B Washbrook
Brook Inn Car Park 10.45-11.15
MIP/15C Washbrook
Fenn View
11.20-11.40
MIP/15D Burstall
Telephone Kiosk
11.50-12.15
MIP/15E Elmsett
Rose and Crown
12.40-13.05
MIP/15F Whatfield
Wheatfields
14.05-14.50
MIP/15G Hintlesham
Timperleys
15.05-16.00
9.50-10.40
DATES: January 4, February 1
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OUT & ABOUT BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB
CHORAL RESOLUTION
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 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 and 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.
Ipswich Hospital Community Choir provides a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can join together in the pure pleasure of singing. Our ever-expanding repertoire includes pop songs throughout the decades and show songs, most of which are sung in four or six-part harmony under the direction of our musical director, Nick Coleman.
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
CAMEO There was a smaller than usual group at our November get-together (several regulars were away and the weather was horrible) so only 13 of us sat around a table and had an hour or so to catch up over tea, coffee and cake. It was very relaxing and we also started making plans for 2017. The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come And Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a drop-in basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated. Non-residents are very welcome at a charge of £1 – the set-up costs were part funded by the parish council so in fairness we need to levy a small fee for anyone not paying council tax to the parish. Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, both on personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have noticeboards showing events, along with information on businesses and charities. You would be amazed at the wealth of talent and scope of business in our small village. It’s always good to know if somebody in the village has recommended the businesses whose cards and information we display. We meet at Belstead Village Hall, usually on the third Monday of the month (excluding July and August) from 2.30-4.30pm.
We are in no way a formal choral society, rather a very relaxed and fun group. We are affiliated with Ipswich Hospital and are regularly asked to perform at hospital events. We also perform at community fetes, fundraising events and enter local and national competitions. Last year these included Ipswich Music Day, Ipswich Has Got Talent and Choir of the Year. We also took part in a very successful joint charity concert with the Ipswich Hospital Band which raised over £700 for the hospital’s Sunrise Appeal. On the first Wednesday of every month you’ll find us singing around the hospital wards as part of the national Kissing it Better initiative founded by Jill Fraser which looks to improve the patient experience during their stay in hospital. You don’t need to have the voice of an angel to sing with us. All you need is a basic ability to hear the music. Members pay £1 voluntary subs each week, 10% of which goes to charity. Rehearsals take place each Wednesday in the Courtyard Restaurant at the hospital from 6.15-8pm. We regularly welcome new members, but are always looking for more across all voice ranges. If you’ve been thinking about joining a choir but haven’t got round to it yet resolve to now. For more information and contact details visit: www.ipshospchoir.org.uk
All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour.
Sandra Howard
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED
It’s the little things that make a funeral special
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.
Here for you every hour of every day
Saturday workshops and Monday meetings are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals
Contact: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
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OUT & ABOUT BENTLEY WI
STOUR VALLEY U3A
2016 was an enjoyable and successful year and we welcomed six new members. Our speakers have been varied, including talks on the Co-op Juniors, polar bears, Fishermans Mission, Nelson and his connections to Ipswich, cookery and flower demonstrations.
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.
The antiques road show we held in April was very successful with about 50 people bringing along items for Marc Winter from Reeman Dansie to look at. Marc spoke about how he became interested in antiques when he was a boy, before choosing some of the audience’s bygones to discuss and value. We had afternoon tea in a member’s garden, visited Kersey Mill in the summer and also supported the village fun day by running the refreshment stall. We also did a litter pick. We are now looking forward to a happy and successful 2017.
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, January 26, 7.30pm: Family Stories, Family Heirlooms, Family Black Sheep As on similar evenings in the past, members are invited reveal their favourite stories on one or more of these themes. If you have a tale to tell contact Howard on 01473 274300 who will help to set up your talk. We will also try to help anyone with research so come along with details of your ‘brick walls’ and let’s see what we can achieve together. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk
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.
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.
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
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.
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.
Roger Felgate, 01473 311684
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
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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
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OUT & ABOUT
So Much More Than a Dance Class Any Age & Ability Very Welcome No Partners Required
Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle to Dance Fitness Fun
COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK RAMBLERS
"Strictly" style Dance-a-cise
St Mary's Church Hall
We are rambling again in January and hoping to walk away the weight gained over Christmas. This month we are staying closer to the village, so there will be several opportunities for cutting the ramble short. We usually walk for about two hours – sturdy boots are advisable as the paths are generally very muddy at this time of year. Our friendly group will be setting off from the Church Room in The Street on Sunday, January 8 at 1.30pm. New walkers are always welcome.
The Street Capel St Mary every Thursday 10am & 7pm spaces are limited to reserve yours
Call Janet on 07506 350 455
classes also in: - Brantham - East Bergholt - Hadleigh - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary
For more information, contact Tina: 01473 730162
janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing
RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN It’s time for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch! Happy New Year from RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden. Some of the earliest bulbs are starting to push their noses up through the cold earth to remind us that we’ve turned the corner into the new year and that spring surely can’t be too far off. Our main event this month is the 2017 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. This is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and this year, with a new extension into the Monday, it will take place over January 28, 29 and 30. The survey is now in its 38th year and with over half a million people regularly joining in, it helps the RSPB to monitor how our different species of garden birds are doing. It’s easy to take part. All you have to do is give up an hour sometime over the weekend to watch and count the birds in your garden or local park. Only count the birds that actually land, not those flying over, tell us the highest number of each bird species that you see at any one time – not the grand total that you see during the whole hour. When all the data is in, we will have a ‘snapshot’ of the birds visiting gardens across the UK at this time of year. Results last year showed another drop in sightings of species such as starlings and song thrushes, sadly continuing a trend that has seen the number of both species visiting gardens decline by over 80% since the first Birdwatch in 1979. There was some good news though – the long-tailed tit entered the Birdwatch top ten for the first time in eight years, with an increase in sightings of 44%. The RSPB is also interested to hear about other wildlife seen in gardens and green spaces, such as hedgehogs, grass snakes and stag beetles. You’re not likely to see these creatures in your garden at the end of January, but we’d like to know if any have been seen about in the last year. Our wildlife is struggling to survive. For example, we have possibly lost more than 50% of our hedgehog population over the last 50 years. By expanding the survey to include questions about other creatures, we will be able to monitor the distribution of other wildlife in our gardens, as well as the birds. Taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch is just one of the actions that you can take to help nature as part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign. Why not also put up a nest box, create a pond or build a home for a hedgehog? You can find lots of ideas and create your own personal plan to give nature a home near you at: www.rspb.org.uk/myplan For your free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, text BIRD to 70030, or visit: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch Flatford Wildlife Garden will be open to visitors on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday 29. Come along for more information about the survey and ideas for what more you can do to support our wonderful UK wildlife in your own garden. For details visit: www.rspb.org.uk/flatford Sharon Barker
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS KENNY’S SESAW NEWS
TATTINGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL At the time of writing, the school is in the midst of preparing for a wide variety of Christmas events and excitement is building with Christmas only a couple of weeks away. Our nativity this year is very multi-cultural as the children take the audience on a world tour, looking at how Christmas is celebrated across the globe. The children put on a special performance for members of the community as well as performing in church on the last day of term.
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
BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB Matt Long of Riverside Bulbs, Monks Eleigh gave an excellent slide presentation about every bulb you could possibly think of at the November meeting. Matt’s knowledge was astounding and members learnt so much. How many people know about planting tulip bulbs at least six inches deep to ensure flowering every year? There were so many unusual bulbs to purchase, members were spoilt for choice. We shall all be comparing our wonderful spring bulbs next year. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month in Belstead Village Hall at 7.30pm.
As well as rehearsals for the nativity, the children are making items to sell at the Christmas Fair and are excited that the PTA are cooking the Christmas dinner this year, followed by the excitement of Christmas parties. We are also looking forward to a second visit from James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, as he is coming to present a prize to one of our pupils, Isabel Knights, as she was a runner-up in his Christmas Card Competition. As well as being sent to lots of people across the constituency and many of James’ colleagues in London, the prime minister will also receive a card. Each year we collect shoeboxes to be sent abroad as part of the Samaritan’s Purse appeal. This year we managed to deliver 44 shoeboxes to St John’s Church as part of the 15,000 boxes from Ipswich and the surrounding area that will be given to children who have very little at Christmas. Tenthousand boxes will be distributed in Central Asia and 5,000 in Rumania. We have also held our annual Bright Day, organised by our junior road safety officers to promote road safety as the nights draw in, and we welcomed a visit from the PCSO to remind the children of the need to stay safe. Our close links with the church continue and we have been very fortunate to have had a Remembrance Service and Carol Service led for us, as well as our own Christingle Service. Our staff development focus for this year has been the implementation of Philosophy for Children. All children have regular philosophy sessions and we are seeing the children becoming more confident speakers and listeners and asking more challenging questions. The teachers have recently received the Level 1 certificates and we shall continue to work towards the bronze award at the end of the school year. We are also working hard to increase the number of lessons taught ‘outside of the classroom’ and our younger children had a fantastic time at Tesco learning about where their food comes from in their Farm to Fork experience. They have also had a super day at Jimmy’s Farm. Our eldest children have also visited the Buddhist Centre in Ipswich where they were made to feel most welcome and they took part in a meditation session. We were delighted to have been re-accredited the bronze Lingumarque for modern foreign languages this term. Development of primary languages is also a focus for us this year and we are hoping to meet the criteria for the silver award towards the end of the school year. I wish you all a Happy New Year. Headteacher Beverley Derrett
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SCHOOLS / SPORT 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. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
TATTINGSTONE CARPET BOWLS
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.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 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. 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. 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
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Just some of the 29 members enjoying the annual Christmas dinner at Ipswich Hotel, Copdock which was partly paid for by the club, another great gesture to its members. Submitted by Tony Coward
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SPORT BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB
CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB
Just two games to report on this month. We start with an 8-2 home win against Great Blakenham which produced three comfortable wins for us and an equally comfortable win for our visitors. Like us, they are going through a period of change and at the moment are not the threat they were.
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.
The second game was at Claydon who won the first two ends and at half time we were 15 shots adrift. However, a change round saw us win the second two ends and we just failed by one shot to share the bonus points so a 6-4 defeat was the order of the day. I finish by wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful New Year. John Hayward
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB November was a mixed month for the First Team, with them registering one victory, one draw and two defeats, and thereby maintaining a mid-table position. The Reserves had a great month; three wins out of three in League A has taken them up to fourth place. The A Team advanced to the next round of the Club Colours Cup, but suffered two more defeats in League B and consequently have slipped to 10th place. FIXTURES 1st TEAM Senior Division Tue, Dec 27: Capel Plough (A) Mon, Jan 2: Coplestonians (H) Sat, Jan 7: Witnesham Wasps Bob Coleman Cup R3 (A) Sat, Jan 14: Westerfield Utd (A) Sat, Jan 21: Crane Sports (H) Sat, Feb 4: Henley Athletic (A)
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. 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
RESERVES League A Sat, Jan 14: Wenhaston Utd Res (H) Sat, Jan 28: Sporting ’87 Res (H) Sat, Feb 4: AFC Hoxne Res (H)
November: 1st Balamuhunthan Family, 2nd Toby King, 3rd Graham Palmer
A Team / League B Sat, Jan 7: Bacton United ’89 Res (A) Sat, Jan 14: Somersham Res Club Colours Cup (A) Sat, Jan 21: Coplestonians A (H) Sat, Jan 28; Stonham Aspal Res (A) Sat, Feb 4: Haughley Utd Res (H)
BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB
Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background. If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation. EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village. Please come along and give us a look sometime.
BOB THE PLOUGHMAN
We had our presentation evening at Hintlesham Golf Club where winning members received their trophies. Twenty-one members and family attended and the evening was a great success. We are looking for any information regarding our bowls club as we are certain that we shall be celebrating our 100 years in the next couple of years. We have been told our green was laid down for the men returning from the First World War, probably 1918/19. Does anyone who had family living in Bentley after the war have any information in their family archive which will give us a clue as to when the green was established. I will be pleased to receive any information. Many thanks. A reminder for your new diary; our quiz is on Saturday, May 6 in the village hall. Lillian Calvert, secretary: 01473 311756
Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
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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
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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.
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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead and Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice Administrator: Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713 863023 Dear Friends January is named after the ancient Roman deity of gates and doorways, beginnings and endings; usually depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions. So as we look back to last year what will the New Year bring? The usual mixture of good and bad, happy and sad, because however good our intentions things go wrong as well as right. Life is like that. Even as we are uncertain what 2017 will bring, we welcome the New Year in hope. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions – lose weight, stop smoking, help others, get fitter, learn something new. The list is endless and we make them with good intentions, but how long do we keep them for? Sometimes not even until the end of January. So what could or should we do? Perhaps these words, from a poem by Minnie Haskins may help. They were famously used by King George VI for his Christmas Day broadcast in 1939. The idea had come from his older daughter, now our Queen, and in a live broadcast it had a significant impact on those listening at the start of the Second World War. It offered hope and reassurance as they approached a very uncertain New Year. I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
We would like to see what impact altering one of our evening services will have for the congregation so just for January, February and March we will be offering a shortened Communion Service at 3pm (with only two hymns and a short reflection) on the third Sundays: January 15, February 19 and March 19. We would be very grateful if you would support us with this venture by attending and then providing feedback so we can make decisions about the future programme of services. Love and blessings, The Rev Annette Sproughton Burns Night January 21 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall. Tickets £12 (from 26 Lower Street). Traditional Burns Night supper, glass of punch included. Bring your own bottle. Fancy dress optional. Wedding Preparation Day January 28 at Bentley Village Hall, 9.45am-3pm. An opportunity for all 2017 wedding couples to find out more about their big day, with lunch included. FROM THE REGISTERS Baptisms Esmee Norma Andrade, Tattingstone Weddings William Starimand and Sophie Tarrant, Sproughton
And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the Hand of God.
Burial of ashes Douglas Prior, Bentley
That shall be better than light, and safer than a known way.’
DIARY DATES JANUARY 4 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 5 Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Epiphany School Service, Sproughton 14 Benefice planning meeting, Burstall Village Hall, 8.30am Sproughton Morning Market, 10am 18 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 21 Sproughton Burns Night, 7.30pm 25 Burstall approval of accounts 28 Wedding Preparation Day, 9.45am-3pm
How we cope with the ups and downs of life is important. We don’t know what the New Year holds for us or our nation, but we can be reassured that whatever happens God will be there with us. As the old year ends a New Year begins and there is nothing we can do to stop it. We can start full of hope or full of fears. Broken resolutions don’t mean that everything has gone wrong, but it could mean that we were unrealistic. It is difficult to do something on our own; we manage better with the support of friends. They encourage us when the going gets tough and celebrate when things work out. But even friends sometimes fail us, whereas a relationship with Jesus never does. If we walk into the unknown with him we will feel upheld. He will always be there giving us the strength to keep going and we can see things in a completely different light. People often ask Christians to pray for them in hard times. They find comfort in knowing that someone is thinking of them and praying for them. They feel they do not know what words to say and that God will not listen to them. Christians are happy to pray for others, all of our church services offer prayer for others. Why not try something different this New Year? Come to church and find out what we do. Not all services are long and you will not be asked to do something or join anything. Just take time to rest in the presence of God in the words of the hymns and prayers. Talk to someone afterwards. This could be the year you start on a new and exciting journey with God. With love and prayers Sandra Mehen (Reader) All services and events are updated at: www.facebook.com/northsamfordbenefice
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Dear Parishioners The nights have drawn in and the weather will become even more inclement. Many churches alter the timing of their evening services through the winter so that people don’t need to come out from the warmth of their homes, into the cold, after teatime.
FEBRUARY 1 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 2 Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm 4 Tattingstone Morning Market, 10am Copdock Morning Market, 10am 6 Bentley approval of accounts 8 Tattingstone approval of accounts 11 Sproughton Monthly Market 15 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 22 Burstall approval of accounts 23 Ministry meeting, noon 25 Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm 28 Copdock approval of accounts
Cont...
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CHURCH NEWS SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE JANUARY 1 10am Belstead JANUARY 8 9.15am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone JANUARY 15 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton 3pm Tattingstone JANUARY 22 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock
Benefice Service Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong Holy Communion Simply Sunday Family Service Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion
10am 11am 3pm JANUARY 29 10am FEBRUARY 5 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am FEBRUARY 1 9.15am 9.30am 10am 10am 4pm
Belstead Sproughton Tattingstone
Morning Celebration Family and Friends at Church Family Epiphany Celebration
Bentley
Benefice Service
Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Candlemas Morning Prayer Holy Communion Candlemas
Sproughton Burstall Copdock Bentley Tattingstone
Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evensong
Church letters and copy for the February edition to Hayley Purnell by January 4 please: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com.
HOLBROOK AND CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHes DONE AND UNDONE! 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. 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. 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.
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AT HOLBROOK METHODIST What’s on in January (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Mondays, 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT) A new group called Conversations starts at the chapel on alternative Tuesday evenings to look at puzzling questions. Sunday 1 10am Worship with Mr Colin Westren Tuesday 3 7.30pm Conversations Meeting Thursday 5 2pm Fellowship Meeting at 16 Ipswich Road, Holbrook Sunday 8 10am Worship with Prof David Welbourn Friday 20: 9am Tiddlers / 10am Family Live / 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Sunday 15 10am Worship with Mrs Heather Bentley Tuesday 17 7.30pm Conversations Meeting Thursday 19 2pm Fellowship Meeting at 16 Ipswich Road, Holbrook Sunday 22 10am United Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 29 10am Worship with Mr Harry Chicken 6.30pm Something Different with Rev Andrew Sankey (HCT) Tuesday 31 7.30pm Conversations Meeting Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in January For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live contact Alicia Holmes; ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478 AT CAPEL METHODIST 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 Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Holbrook and Capel Methodist Churches, 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216
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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK YOUTH OFFENDING SERVICE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD Suffolk Youth Offending Service (SYOS) has been awarded an Evidence Based Practice Award for their Enhanced Triage programme at this year’s National Youth Justice Convention. The award ceremony, hosted on November 29 by the Youth Justice Board, recognises and promotes effective practice in working with young people. The award comes in recognition of the youth triage and diversion programme which was piloted in Suffolk in 2015. SYOS delivered the programme in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary to divert young offenders (aged between 10 and 18) away from the youth justice system, whilst also delivering interventions to address the underlying causes of their offending. The joint approach allows young people and their families to be visited at home within 48 hours of a referral being made, meaning that a decision and appropriate work with the family could begin very quickly after the initial police contact. The aims of Suffolk’s triage and diversion programme are: •
To reduce the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system
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To reduce re-offending rates
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Provide earlier and more effective engagement with victims and increased levels of victim satisfaction
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Avoid additional cost to the youth justice system
Young people diverted as part of the programme do not receive a formal outcome for the offence committed (for example a caution or court outcome), but instead voluntarily engage with a planned programme to address their offending. This work often includes support for parents and access to a variety of other services to ensure that the young person is receiving the available support, such as education or training and appropriate health services. In 2016 SYOS achieved the Restorative Service Quality Mark from the Restorative Justice Council, an independent assessment that the service delivers safe and effective restorative justice practice. Analysis of the pilot carried out by the Centre for Justice Innovation, evidenced that over six months, in the north of the county, there was a net benefit of 57k. Councillor Gordon Jones, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I am thrilled that Suffolk
Youth Offending Service has received this award in recognition of their stellar work with the youth triage and diversion programme. Working in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary has meant that SYOS and police officers have been able to make joint decisions about the best outcomes for the young people they work with. This has ultimately sped up the process, allowing young people to be referred and assessed much quicker than before. “Since 2013/14 Suffolk has seen an almost continuous reduction in the Youth Offending Officer number of young people entering Vicki Grice the youth justice system for the first time. We have seen a 28% reduction over the last year and Suffolk has consistently achieved a lower rate than the national average. We are confident that this figure will continue to drop, following the success of this partnership.” Sergeant Darren Oxbrow who leads the project at Suffolk Police, said: “I am delighted that the work of youth triage and diversion programme has been recognised by the Youth Justice Board. Our work with the Youth Offending Service has enabled us to provide outcomes that are more dynamic and effective when dealing with young people who are involved in low level crime. “Early intervention is often the key in stopping lives spiralling in the wrong direction. Understanding that children and young people can make mistakes but that this needn’t blight their future opportunities is central to this project. We are mindful that any interventions are proportionate and appropriate to the crime. “By giving young people the opportunity to choose again, to make better supported choices, future re-offending really can be prevented, enabling young people to continue to pursue their goals and aspirations. The programme offers better outcomes for the suspect, improves victim satisfaction and ultimately reduces re-offending. Something we should all be proud of.” More information about the work that SYOS do and details of who to contact if you have concerns about a young person’s behaviour or risk can be found at: www.suffolkyos.co.uk
EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE Welcome back everyone and Happy New Year to you all. Did you have a good Christmas? I hear the volunteers had a bit of a shindig at the end of last term, and that our carol service in Shelley Church was very special. Babs and I have to miss out on that sort of thing, so we know how you feel if you weren’t being festive either. However, our humans make a big effort to decorate the stables and impart some comedy into the end of term rides. Pictured are three suspects, John, Sue and Louise, and yes, Louise really does have a knitted turkey on her head!
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A word about the management committee. Our trustees look after the business side of the centre, see that we work to the highest possible standard, obey the law, provide accounts to be vetted and look after the people, ponies and me, the simulator. Like all small charities they have had to learn how to do this in addition to the voluntary work they all took on with such excitement and enthusiasm. It’s quite a learning curve for amateurs, so I’m speaking for the herd when I say thank you to them all. I’m also wondering if there are retired people in the area who like corporate business and miss it enough to to share their expertise with us. You could stay well away from horses if that’s your preference, but of course I would like to meet you and show off my paces! So keep warm, keep working and count your blessings folks. I’ll be back again in February with more news of our riders and their amazing achievements, and hopefully some news of new members of the herd. 01473 824172 / www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html
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JOINT CONCERT WITH THE BAND OF HM ROYAL MARINES SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND THE BAND OF THE ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL
SATURDAY 28 JANUARY, 7PM
ASSEMBLY HALL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH, IP9 2RX The third annual collaboration between the Bands of the Royal Hospital School and Her Majesty’s Royal Marines School of Music will include hits from the stage and screen, music from all over the world and soloists from both bands. The evening will culminate in a dazzling Naval finale involving the massed bands, drummers, buglers and members of the Ceremonial Guard.
FULL: £10 CONC: £7 U18: FREE
experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic | 01206 573948