in Touch News with East Bergholt - January 2017

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 4 • Issue No. 4 • JANUARY 2017

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I spent some time chatting to one of the mums from the school gate recently, a woman I’ve admired from afar for some time as she always has the biggest smile. Of course she’s always surrounded by other mums, as happy, engaging people tend to be. I’ve imagined how wonderful her life must be, how much fun it would be to be her for a day, how lovely it must be to begin each and every day with delight, as surely she much do.

Or so I imagined.

As it turns out I was completely wrong. As we chatted and I learned a little more about this remarkable woman, I came to realise how lucky I am. Her life has been, and continues to be, challenging, even heartbreaking, in ways I never hope to experience. And yet she faces each and every day with a smile. I know I don’t, as no doubt my work colleagues can attest.

It’s all relative you might say, but is it possible that I’ve simply developed a selfish streak and forgotten to appreciate what I do have? In Ireland I’d be called a me-feiner, someone who thinks only of themselves, the nastiest put down you can get on Irish soil. Have I adopted a less cheerful persona simply because it’s easier or, and this may be the crux of it, because it has become a bad habit?

Now I don’t think I’m a miserable sod, but I do have a tendency to see the dark side first, which possibly explains my addiction to Leonard Cohen.

Perhaps it’s a trait I’ve inherited, perhaps it’s cultural, perhaps it’s just who I am, but right now I’m determined to fight it. I know my worries won’t disappear overnight, but how I deal with them might make them easier to bear. My insecurities may be deeply embedded (I am 47 after all), but I’m keen to see how others react when I present a happier face to the world.

I know we all have days when all we want to do is keep our heads down and do what we have to do without interruption or interference, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see how others react if you reach out, maybe starting tentatively with a smile. Let’s do this experiment together in 2017 and hope we all have a wonderful, happier, more fulfilling and smilier year.

Happy New Year from my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing.

In Touch

with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

In Touch with Dedham, East Bergholt & Flatford is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: bergholt@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Dedham, East Bergholt, & Flatford is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

CALL FOR INFORMATION ABOUT FLATFORD We’re going to be busy at Flatford this winter creating a new visitor experience in the National Trust’s Bridge Cottage.

We would like to talk to people whose families have historic links to Flatford’s agricultural or industrial history.

Flatford by John Olbison

We’d be interested to hear stories or see items which relate to people working on the land, working in the mill, working on the river, or which relate to the histories of Valley Farm, Willy Lott’s House, the Mill or Bridge Cottage.

The focus of our representation of Bridge Cottage will be the 1880s, but any family stories which take us up to the National Trust’s acquisition of Flatford in 1943 would be of interest.

We welcome every piece of information you have, even if you think it may be trivial. It may just fit in with other information that we have received and make up a bigger picture.

Please forward any information to Sarah Milne: sarah.milne@nationaltrust.org.uk

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

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

FEBRUARY DEADLINE 20 JANUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL

CONTRACTOR REQUIRED IN DEDHAM

The latest information on the reconsideration of the Moores Lane development application is that it will be heard at Babergh Planning Committee in January. The applicant has submitted revised landscaping drawings.

Dedham Parish Council are looking for a contractor to carry out the grass cutting on the public footpaths in Dedham for 2017/18. The schedule will begin in April, finishing in November.

Matters at the November parish council meeting

Please contact the clerk, Emma Cansdale, for further details: 01255 871483 / clerk@dedhamparishcouncil.org.uk

• Mel Harvey, Communities Officer at Babergh, explained her role and offered support for projects in East Bergholt • County Councillor Jones presented an update on the devolution proposal • District Councillor Hinton has contacted Babergh Head of Planning on issues of the land rear of Little Court and St Martins planning applications

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE

• Six planning applications were considered – three approvals, three refusals

Practice update December 2016

• Councillor Ireland to be PC speaker at Moores Lane reconsideration at Babergh Planning Committee • Councillors Ireland and Moss and the clerk to attend Royal Courts of Justice on December 7-8 for Hadleigh Road Judicial Review • Approval given to send a question for Prime Minister’s Question Time to James Cartlidge MP • Confidential session held to consider working party report on East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan compared with Moores Lane application For up-to-date village information including road closures and events visit: www.eastbergholt.org.uk East Bergholt Parish Council wishes a happy and healthy 2017 to you all Valerie Ayton, parish clerk

TOGETHER TUESDAY INTRODUCES NEW CARERS PROGRAMME Together Tuesday aims to support families to live well with dementia. The session takes place from 2-4pm at Hadleigh Pool & Leisure. We welcome people with our without dementia and their families and friends. This is a community accessible session.

Each week we have two hours of enjoyable activity that allows families to spend time together or apart in a relaxed and supportive environment.

This month the program includes: January 10: Poetry and Song January 17: Bingo January 31: Chinese Themed A There is always a Co-op cuppa and biscuit available to all, along with other great activities including carpet bowls, table tennis and so much more.

On Tuesday, January 31 our new carers support program will be introduced, taking place between 2 and 3.30pm. Are you caring for someone? If the answer is yes, who is caring for you? The group is aimed to support carers supporting those with any condition, not just dementia.

The Together Tuesday carers group is an independent group partnered to Suffolk Family Carers.

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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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FED UP WITH HARD WATER AND LIME SCALE? Then have a water softener fitted and save yourself money and time.

Here in East Anglia we have some of the hardest water in Great Britain.

The scale build up on shower screens and taps, that ring of scum in the basin, and limescale in kettles are some of the visible consequences of hard water.

We have to resort to using large amounts of washing powder, conditioner, extra salts in the dish washer and expensive bathroom cleaning products to overcome the dreaded scale.

In my professional capacity I’ve replaced countless appliances that should have had a longer service life. Scale blocks water ways in boilers and hot water pipes. Heating elements in hot water cylinders and electric showers get encrusted and fail. All these problems can be solved by fitting an ion exchange water softener. Laundered clothes will feel softer, after showering your skin will feel smoother, you’ll use far less detergents and the adverse effects on your plumbing system will start to reverse. If you would like to know more, give me a call. I’m happy to show you a simple 15 minute demonstration and provide an installation survey.

A typical installation can be done in one day.

Ring Nick Marno on 01206 337316 or 07896 054439 or email nickmarno@tiscali.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local government as a whole is looking at how it can enhance relationships with communities so it can understand local needs and conditions, share information and knowledge and value contributions and review how feedback is provided. The committee will examine what engagement techniques and approaches appear to work effectively and what hinders the process. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk So Much More Than a Dance Class Any Age & Ability Very Welcome No Partners Required

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

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NEWS SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

NOTES FROM THE CASE

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.

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

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

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

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

Just a quick tip, when you photograph an item, put a ruler beside it so that the size can be assessed and use a colour photograph. This will help greatly if the item is lost or stolen.

Use www.immobilise.com to record the make, model and serial numbers in case they go missing or are stolen so they can be returned to you when they are found. This web site is used by police nationally to check items found.

Benefits of Registration • Immobilise helps police identify the owners of recovered property thousands of times every day • Property updates you make are immediately available to the police nationally • Combat the sale of stolen gadgets and valuables; alert the secondhand trade and the publicly checkable stolen goods database CheckMEND if an item goes missing • Simplify insurance claims and police reports with certificates of ownership • Great member offers from Immobilise’s numerous supporters, often helping support the free provision of Immobilise If you need to obtain a Loss Report Number for insurance purposes please visit: www.reportmyloss.com/uk Remember you can now follow the Safer Neighbourhood Team at Hadleigh on Twitter @HadleighPolice.

Finally, from all officers and staff at Hadleigh Police Station we wish you a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

For emergency calls 999 / non-emergency calls 101 Email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk PCSO 3041 Stephen Cooper, Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station

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.

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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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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up to £50 million to invest and earn a return in order to fund the council’s 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!

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!

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.

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?

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

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Caring for children from 3 months to 11 years across 3 sites

Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am, 51 weeks a year St. Michael’s Preschool The Institute Rectory Lane Brantham CO11 1PZ Tel: 01206 391472 Ofsted Reg: EY449792

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Brooklands Young Explorers Brooklands School Palfrey Heights Brantham CO11 1RX Tel: 07892 877743 Ofsted Reg: EY368548

East Bergholt Young Explorers Cherry Blossom Centre Hadleigh Road East Bergholt CO7 6QT Tel: 01206 298442 Ofsted Reg: EY494296

e: hayleyaherne@hotmail.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA AT CONSTABLE HALL Friday, January 6: Love & Friendship (U) A period comedy drama starring Kate Beckinsale as Lady Susan, the central character in Jane Austen’s early novel of the same name. The critics love it – here’s The Telegraph going way over the top: “It’s with ticklish glee, then, that you watch Love & Friendship live up to every possible expectation you could set for it, opening out the adulterous games of Austen’s surprisingly risque text and elaborating on them with impish, often breathlessly funny verve. It’s flat-out hilarious – find me a funnier screen stab at Austen and I’m tempted to offer your money back personally.”

Friday, February 3: I Daniel Blake (15) Ken Loach directs this escoriating drama about a 59-year-old joiner who has a heart attack and, for the first time in his life, has to negotiate the British benefits system. He meets a young single mother who has been housed in Newcastle, 300 miles away from her friends and family in London. Carefully researched, unflinching and deeply moving, the film won the top filmaking prize, the Palme D’Or, at the Cannes Film Festival 2016.

At this showing, we plan to welcome Alexandra Boyd, a director who is currently shooting a film set in Bawdsey called Widow’s Walk. Come and hear about the making of a Suffolk ghost story.

Remember – we have a bar, ice creams, comfy chairs and a warm welcome. Hope to see you soon. Doors open at 7.30pm, films start at 8pm. Bar and refreshments available.

Tickets (£4 / 18 and under £2) are available in advance from the Fountain House Tearoom in East Bergholt or call 01206 299774 to reserve tickets until 7.45pm. Tickets also available on the door.

We are looking for a technician who can help with our screenings and develop the use of our lottery funded audio-visual equipment. This person will not not need to give us lots of time – just the benefit of his/ her valuable expertise.

WEA EASTERN REGION A Brief Journey Through Film, a new series of WEA lectures, begins in Manningtree Methodist Church Hall on Monday January 9, 2.30-4pm.

The nine lectures will cover early silent cinema to the great days of Hollywood and the digital revolution, international cinema and spectacle to the present day. The course includes looking at the greatest films ever made with some that you never knew existed. The tutor is Laurence Staig. For details contact Joyce Wrobel: 01206 547405 WEA lectures in Brantham Leisure Centre start on Tuesday, January 10 at 7pm. Tutor Ian McLachlan presents 1914-18 War Wings – The First World War Battle of the Air featuring East Anglia’s involvement and some exciting and remarkable stories. Full details from Penny Hynes: 01206 396376 Come for a taster (no charge) on the first night.

For more information about the WEA in the Eastern Region please contact: 01223 417320 / eastern@wea.org.uk

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

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

Tickets (£8 / children £6) can be purchased online from www.ticketsource.co.uk or from Bakes and Blossoms, Acacia Court, Brantham (9.30am-2pm).

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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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY

STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY

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

Rehearsals for our next concert begin again in Manningtree Methodist Church Hall on Monday, January 9 at 7.30pm. The concert in East Bergholt Parish Church will feature John Rutter’s Magnificat and Gabriel Faure’s Requiem.

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

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

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

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

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

The society welcomes singers of all abilities so come and enjoy this attractive programme and a good sing. For more details visit: www.stourchoralsociety.co.uk

STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC Sunday, January 22 at 4pm: Clare Hammond (piano) at Constable Hall, East Bergholt 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. Generously sponsored by Grier and Partners, East Bergholt

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.

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

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

The season continues with:

Tel: 01473 311699

Box office and information: www.svam.org.uk / 01206 298426

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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

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OUT & ABOUT

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

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

DEDHAM FILMS AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS Wednesday, January 18, 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm): Café Society, directed by Woody Allen, 2016 Tickets £4 from Shakespeare House Gallery or online at: www.dedhamfilms.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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.

Life Explored is a seven session series featuring a combination of short films - shot around the world - and Bible interaction.

If we're honest much of what we rely upon promises us happiness, yet delivers so little. As it explores the Bible story, Life Explored shows us where we can really find satisfaction for our deepest desires.

It starts on Tuesday 17th January and there will be afternoon and evening options.

To register interest please contact Dedham and Ardleigh Parishes Office 01206 322136 stmaryda@gmail.com

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

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

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

DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP Sunday, January 1 at 10.30am Meet at Dedham War Memorial for a 4 mile walk Leader Alan Bridges: 01206 323901 Sunday, February 5 at 10.30am Meet at Dedham War Memorial for a 4/5 mile walk Leader Ian Chapman: 07914 749520 Sunday, March 5 at 10.30am Meet at Dedham War Memorial for an approx 5 mile walk Leaders John Osborn (07919 521607) and Marlene Townes Sunday, April 2 at 10.30am Meet at the free car park High Street, Wivenhoe for a 4/5 mile walk Leader Margaret Smith: 01206 822797 Sunday, May 7 at 10.30am Meet near the bridge at the back of car park on Mill Lane, Dedham (charge will apply) for a 4/5 mile walk Leader Geoff D’Arcy: 01206 323489 Friday, May 26 at 6.30pm Meet at Dedham War Memorial for a short walk prior to the AGM which will commence at the Marlborough Head at 8pm Leaders Martin and Pauline Broom: 01206 322578

Our November evening with Barbie and Rusty Lindsay titled Indian Takeaway was less technical this time, concentrating more on everyday lives. An insight into that great, colourful and sometimes crowded country where friendly people live, work, worship, wash or merely exist.

All captured with precision through Barbie’s ever busy lens.

In the following week George Fossey introduced us to the adjustment of focussing settings and other useful tips in a new hands-on tuition session.

Amid the ensuing chat we were able to put theory into practice with some table top photography, enjoyed by all present.

The month concluded with a visit from Philip Shaw FRPS who introduced us to high dynamic range (HDR) photography, a technique enabling two or more images to be combined, each having a different exposure to show additional detail in otherwise very dark or bright areas. His talk entitled Low Light London included magnificent shots of familiar landmarks taken at the dead of night to avoid the distraction of too many tourists. Above is an example kindly made available by fellow enthusiast Owen Lucas.

Our ongoing programme for the New Year includes a further eleven evenings, consisting of a range of talks, practical sessions, competitions and an audiovisual presentation.

FUTURE MEETINGS January 12: Magic Lights with Ed Bacon January 26: Open Monochrome Competition / Judge: Alan Sarsby We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at the St John’s Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members will be welcome to join the society or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Please contact Margaret, our secretary, for more information: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

Sunday, June 4 at 10.30am Meet at Stour Wood car park for a woodland ramble of approx 4 miles Leader Alan Bridges: 01206 323901

EAST BERGHOLT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Friday, June 16 at 6.30pm Meet at old road (dead end) to the left of The Street, Wherstead, immediately south of the A137/A14 junction for 4/5 mile evening walk Leaders Jan Jukes (01473 684893) and Helen Edevane

I hope your Christmas was enjoyable with some homegrown vegetables to savour and I wish you a happy and healthy 2017.

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

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

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The weather plays a big part in what you are able, or unable, to do this month. Weed growth is minimal so you should have time to plan for the year ahead. There are probably some leaves to rake, they fell very late – especially oak leaves. Later in the month, if the ground is suitable, you can move deciduous shrubs and young trees you want to re-position.

New fruit trees can also be planted – make sure they are all well heeled in to prevent wind rock. Dogwoods and buddleia can be pruned.

Don’t let baskets and tubs dry out and remember to give the birds a drink with their food. Look out for certified seed potatoes – it’s not too early to start ‘chitting’ them indoors in a good light, but not direct sunlight. Once rhubarb crowns have been exposed to the cold, they can be covered with a forcing jar or large pot.

I wonder if next month I will write my ‘tips’ with snow on the ground?

Doubtful!

Janet Alcoe

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OUT & ABOUT RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN It’s time for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch!

THE MACMILLAN MAMMOTH QUIZ The Macmillan Mammoth Quiz is back, now in its ninth year with a brand new, brain-teasing quiz for 2017.

The Mammoth Quiz is Macmillan’s nationwide quiz. Simply put, it is the same quiz, being held on the same day, at the same time, throughout the country. The mammoth quiz even holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest simultaneous quiz. We need you to help make the 2017 Macmillan Quiz the biggest and best yet.

Photo by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

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.

Macmillan are looking for local groups and businesses across the UK to host a quiz on February 24 to raise vital funds for people affected by cancer. It’s a really fun and easy way to raise money for Macmillan, and you can hold your quiz anywhere from the local pub or bowling club to the office or school.

It’s free to sign up to host a Mammoth Quiz. You will then be sent a welcome pack with your quiz and fundraising materials.

All that is left for you to do is book a venue and sell tickets. There is also the Macmillan Mammoth Quiz website –www.macmillan. org.uk/mammoth – where you will find tips for organising your quiz, posters and tickets, a bit of information about Macmillan and even some sneaky samples.

To register for your 2017 quiz pack, find out more about the Mammoth Quiz and start downloading sample questions and fundraising materials, please log on to www.macmillan.org.uk/ mammoth or email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk.

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

On 24 Febuary 2017 take part in Macmillan’s nationwide quiz and help raise vital funds for people affected by cancer.

Macmillan are looking for individuals, groups and businesses to host their nationwide quiz. Everything is provided for you including questions, answer sheets, invitations and posters For more information macmillan.org.uk/mammoth or email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk

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

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC16371_Event_2

Sharon Barker

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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 www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SPORT 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) RESERVES League A Sat, Jan 14: Wenhaston Utd Res (H) Sat, Jan 28: Sporting ’87 Res (H) Sat, Feb 4: AFC Hoxne Res (H) 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) 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.

Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB 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.

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 November: 1st Balamuhunthan Family, 2nd Toby King, 3rd Graham Palmer BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

THE SHOTLEY CEILIDH IS BACK It’s time to get your glad rags on!

MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB November 100 Club Winners 1st Paul Lawrence (16) £100 2nd Amarjeet Mehmi (77) £50 3rd Rose Garwood (19) £50 There’s plenty of work going on behind the scenes to prepare for 2017 New players are always welcome; please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com Mistley CC is a community club with strong traditions. Please come along and give us a look sometime.

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Back by popular demand, dinner and dancing to The Caledonian Reelers In aid of Action Medical Research For Children Saturday, March 18, 7 for 7.30pm Four course dinner with dancing, tickets £25 Contact Karen Smith on 01473 787731 HURRY: Tickets will sell out fast

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Kate from Woodbridge writes: “I am a trustee to a life insurance policy taken out by my parents. The other trustee is the financial adviser who sold the policy to my parents. His company has recently gone into liquidation, he has disappeared and I understand that he is being sought by the police in regard to an investment fraud. I am obviously concerned about him being a trustee. Is there any way he can be removed and replaced?”

The short answer is yes. Under section 36 of the Trustee Act 1925, as a trustee, you can replace other trustees in certain circumstances.

These include: • If a trustee dies • If a trustee wishes to be discharged • If a trustee remains outside of the UK for more than 12 months • If a trustee refuses to act • If a trustee is unfit to act, i.e. if they are bankrupt It could clearly be argued in this case that the other trustee is ‘unfit to act’ and you should therefore write to the insurance company to explain the position and ask them to send you a deed of revocation and appointment of new trustees. If they do not have a pre-drafted form, a solicitor should be able to prepare the deed for you.

Charles from Great Blakenham asks: “I recently applied for an insurance policy so that my family would have a lump sum if I died.

I have received a letter from the insurance company telling me that following underwriting the premium has been increased from £29

WILL MONTH IN SUPPORT OF SUFFOLK AGE UK Did you know that two thirds of the UK population do not have a will? Whatever your age, making your will is a vital part of planning for your family’s future and ensuring that when the time comes, your family are supported and comforted by the fact that your wishes are being carried out.

Throughout February, Suffolk Age UK have partnered with 12 Suffolkbased solicitors, offering a will making service with the fee being donated to Suffolk Age UK. Each solicitor will have a fixed charge for their will making service, that is a lower price than their usual fee, and the full amount will be donated

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

per month to £48 per month on medical grounds.

My bank, who arranged the policy for me, has refused to tell me why. How can I find out?”

In reality Charles, your bank are not hiding anything from you.

They simply cannot tell you why you have been rated as medical information is confidential and your bank are not told the reasons for the rating by the insurance company. The insurance company can only discuss this with you personally or with your doctor, with whom they would have corresponded to obtain medical information, with your consent of course.

Give the insurance company a call to ask why you have been rated.

If they will not discuss their decision over the phone, write to their chief underwriter. They must reply to your written request for information. You may also wish to speak to your doctor to find out what information was provided to the insurance company.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

to the local charity, making a huge difference to supporting local older people with vital services.

Solicitors taking part in this year scheme are from all across the county, and include Atkins Thomson, Blocks Legal, Christchurch Solicitors, Fosters, Goodwin Cowley, Gotelee, Gross & Co, Haywards, Jackamans, Michael Smith & Co, Norton Peskett and Watkins Stewart & Ross.

The scheme will launch in January 2017 with appointments available to book throughout February. For full details about the scheme and how to take part call 01473 359911 or visit: www.ageuksuffolk.org If you would like to find out more about how you can support Suffolk Age UK, or about the services that the charity provides, visit: www.ageuk.org/suffolk or call 01473 359911

27

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.

Youth Offending Officer, Vicki Grice

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 • To reduce re-offending rates • Provide earlier and more effective engagement with victims and increased levels of victim satisfaction • 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 number of young people entering 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

YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE MORE THAN 1,000 BRILLIANT BAUBLES AS PART OF FESTIVE RECYCLING CAMPAIGN Schools and groups from across Suffolk have made their own festive decorations as part of a campaign aimed at teaching children how they can have fun reducing their waste in the run up to Christmas.

Following on from the successful 1,000 Suffolk Stars project last year, the Suffolk Waste Partnership invited schools and groups across the county to make 1,000 Brilliant Baubles.

As part of the campaign to promote reuse and recycling, children and young people were asked to use recycled materials to decorate old CDs to be displayed at two major Suffolk venues – The Apex in Bury St Edmunds until mid-January and Ipswich Town Hall until January 9.

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Twenty-four schools, two guide and brownie groups and one library have taken part in the project, with around 1,200 baubles being created and hung up just in time for Christmas.

The fantastically festive decorations, which have captured the imagination of children, have acted as a reminder that making decorations and presents from reused and recycled materials is especially important at Christmas when more waste than normal is produced.

Old CDs you no longer need can be sold on or sent for re-use at charity shops. They can also be placed in media banks at Suffolk Recycling Centres. If they are still in their cases they’ll be sorted for reuse, if not they’ll be recycled.

Councillor Clive Arthey, chairman of the Suffolk Waste Partnership, said: “The 1,000 Brilliant Baubles campaign has been a fantastic way to celebrate how good we are at recycling and reusing in Suffolk. It’s great to see the pupils, parents and staff all working together. It’s the same as recycling in general, if we all do a little bit it adds up to making a very big difference. Thank you to everyone who took part.”

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM

BRANTHAM AND CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES

Saturday 31 11.30pm

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.

New Year’s Eve Watchnight Communion, East Bergholt

JANUARY 2017 Sunday 1 10am

New Year’s Day Benefice Said BCP Communion, East Bergholt

Wednesday 4 9.30am

BCP Communion, East Bergholt

Sunday 8 8am 10am 11am

Epiphany BCP Communion, East Bergholt Communion, East Bergholt Family Service, Bentley

Sunday 15 8am 10am

11am

Epiphany 2 / Christian Unity BCP Communion, East Bergholt Pulpit Swap: Service of the Word with guest preacher Deacon Clive Brookes from the RC Church, East Bergholt Pulpit Swap: Communion with Methodist Guest Preacher, Bentley

Sunday 22 8am 10am 11am

Epiphany 3 BCP Communion, East Bergholt Choral Matins, East Bergholt Informal Service, Bentley

Saturday 28 9.45am Deanery Wedding Preparation Day, Bentley Sunday 29 8am 11am

Epiphany 4 BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt Benefice Communion (Healing), Bentley

FEBRUARY Wednesday 1 9.30am

BCP Communion, East Bergholt

Sunday 5 8am 10am

Candlemas BCP Communion, East Bergholt Benefice Communion, East Bergholt

Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral Matins is usually on the third Sunday. This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER International and Interdenominational On Friday, March 3, Britain will join a worldwide network of Christians who prayerfully focus on the life and needs of women in a chosen country. This year it’s the Philippines. This area’s service will be held at 10.30am at St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield. The theme was chosen by the Philippines and is Am I Being Unfair to You?. That and more about the Philippines will be explored in the service.

Everyone is welcome to attend For further information about the service, please contact Fontaine Woods: 01255 870411 www.wwdp.org.uk

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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.

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Brantham and Capel Methodist Churches, 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday 1 11am Sunday 8 11am Sunday 15 11am Sunday 22 3pm

Sunday 29 11am

Worship with Mr Chris Jowett Worship with Mr Colin Westren Worship with Mrs Maralyn Bambridge United Service with Rev Andrew Sankey – Week of Prayer Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey

AT CAPEL ST MARY 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

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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

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational / meeting at the Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE (unless otherwise stated) Sunday Services: 3pm Saturday, January 7: No Café/Oasis event this month.

The new programme at Ogilvie Hall commences on Saturday, February 4.

Sunday, January 8: New Year Invitation Service conducted by our pastor Tuesday, January 17: Monthly Coffee, Cake and Chat Meeting Point at the Venture Centre, 10am-noon. Transport available from Manningtree and Mistley.

Friday, January 20: Prayer Meeting at The Venture Centre, 10am (note change of venue)

giving of yourself to others; 3) Proceed calmly in life; 4) A healthy sense of leisure; 5) Sundays should be holidays; 6) Create dignified jobs for young people; 7) Respect and take care of nature; 8) Stop being negative; 9) Don’t proselytise – respect others’ beliefs; 10) Work for peace.

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

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

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

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

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

All are very welcome at Holy Family, Brantham 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.

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and love is Jesus COME AND JOIN US IN OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP – EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Hear the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, with our lively worship and service. Refreshments served afterwards.

Every Sunday morning at 11am in The Ivell Suite at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE. If you or someone you know needs prayer for anything, please contact us.

David and Rosie Rhule 07787 572977 / 01206 397533 info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.thekeytoloveministries.co.uk

Sunday, January 22: Worship and Witness Service with visiting team ministry For pastoral visits, further information and bookings, contact: 01206 272064 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk We warmly welcome people of all ages.

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In Touch online:

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To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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