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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 7 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2017
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I spent some time chatting to one of the mums from the school gate recently, a woman I’ve admired from afar for some time as she always has the biggest smile. Of course she’s always surrounded by other mums, as happy, engaging people tend to be. I’ve imagined how wonderful her life must be, how much fun it would be to be her for a day, how lovely it must be to begin each and every day with delight, as surely she much do. Or so I imagined. As it turns out I was completely wrong. As we chatted and I learned a little more about this remarkable woman, I came to realise how lucky I am. Her life has been, and continues to be, challenging, even heartbreaking, in ways I never hope to experience. And yet she faces each and every day with a smile. I know I don’t, as no doubt my work colleagues can attest. It’s all relative you might say, but is it possible that I’ve simply developed a selfish streak and forgotten to appreciate what I do have? In Ireland I’d be called a me-feiner, someone who thinks only of themselves, the nastiest put down you can get on Irish soil. Have I adopted a less cheerful persona simply because it’s easier or, and this may be the crux of it, because it has become a bad habit? Now I don’t think I’m a miserable sod, but I do have a tendency to see the dark side first, which possibly explains my addiction to Leonard Cohen. Perhaps it’s a trait I’ve inherited, perhaps it’s cultural, perhaps it’s just who I am, but right now I’m determined to fight it. I know my worries won’t disappear overnight, but how I deal with them might make them easier to bear. My insecurities may be deeply embedded (I am 47 after all), but I’m keen to see how others react when I present a happier face to the world. I know we all have days when all we want to do is keep our heads down and do what we have to do without interruption or interference, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see how others react if you reach out, maybe starting tentatively with a smile. Let’s do this experiment together in 2017 and hope we all have a wonderful, happier, more fulfilling and smilier year. Happy New Year from my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing
In Touch
with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath
In Touch with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath 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: ipswicheast@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk
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01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk
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The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
NEWS A MARATHON FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE IN AID OF ACTIVLIVES Ivan Spouge is currently undertaking a massive marathon challenge to raise funds for ActivLives. Ivan started running marathons on his birthday, Sunday, September 4, and has been running one a week ever since. He plans to run 55 marathons in a year and hopes to raise at least £2,000 towards a much needed minibus for ActivLives through sponsorship and donations. Ivan said: “In 2010, I weighed 20 stone and I smoked. I was suffering from depression, I couldn’t drive or even go out and spend time with my family. When I was 48 years old I decided enough was enough, so I stopped smoking, started eating a healthy diet and started walking around the block, then jogging and walking and then running. I eventually built up to running three miles. “I signed up to run some half marathons, running the Help 4 Heroes half marathon in two hours and 11 minutes and then, on my 50th birthday, I decided to run 50 miles raising £400 for the Special Care Baby Unit at Ipswich Hospital. At this point I had lost eight over stone. “I have been running with Christchurch Runners and I am a member of a Facebook group called Run for Your Life, where we organise runs, chats, offer advice and social evenings. I am now planning to run 55 marathons in 52 weeks to raise funds for ActivLives. I hope my story with inspire others.” If you would like to run with Ivan you can follow him on his Facebook page. You can also sponsor Ivan by going to: www.justgiving.com/ActivLives ActivLives is a small, grassroots charity, working across Suffolk to support and motivate people to improve their own health and well-being, to keep people connected with their communities by reducing social isolation and loneliness and to provide access to learning, training and volunteering opportunities to enable people to gain skills and employment.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE CALL 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
IN TOUCH WITH . . .
FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy
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The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help. 3
OUT & ABOUT NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS, NEW SKILLS
BROKE HALL WI
The New Year is the traditional time we set ourselves personal goals, or resolutions as we like to call them. Here’s a goal you can succeed at, with our help and support.
Friday, January 13: Customs and Border Control with Nick Anthony
Let Speak Easy at Martlesham, your friendly neighbourhood speakers’ club, help you improve your public speaking in 2017. We’re back in the New Year with an open evening meeting on Thursday, January 12 with a special warm welcome to you. Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club. TI has spent over 90 years devising and refining the best ways for all of us develop our public speaking. Improving your public speaking boosts your confidence and puts you on the track to becoming a better leader. Toastmasters recognises this. There are leadership projects and opportunities, as well as the speaking projects, within its educational tracks which are all supported by books and other materials that guide and challenge you. It’s always up to you how far and how fast you progress. We meet every Thursday fortnight at the Richards Room in Martlesham (behind Tesco). Our meetings are structured to include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation. Evaluation is a vital part of how Toastmasters’ clubs operate. When you evaluate someone else you not only help them, you also – through empathy and understanding – help your own speaking. For further details please call our VP membership on 07968 372563 or get in touch via our website: www.speak-easy.org.uk If you just want turn up at a club meeting that’s fine. You’ll find directions and dates online. Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you in 2017.
Friday, February 10: China Past and Present (the country) with David Pyrnn Friday, March 10: The Art of Fine Wood Carving with Barry Marshall We meet at 7.30pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. New and former members are welcome. For more information contact Sue (414746) or Chris (713546).
BEAT THE POST CHRISTMAS BLUES WITH A FUN QUIZ NIGHT Have you had enough of those dark evenings in? Come along for a fun quiz at the Bell Inn, Kesgrave on Sunday, February 5, 7.30 for an 8pm start. Tickets will be £5 to include food (a vegetarian option will be available), teams of four. Tickets available from Home-Start, 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath, 01473 621104. All monies raised from the event will go to the charity Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who during this year will support over 150 families in the East of Ipswich or Suffolk Coastal areas. These families will receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone this can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.
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Our thanks goes to Debbie McCallum for hosting the evening.
ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND The art exhibition and sale we held in November was very successful and we are grateful for the support we received. On Monday, March 6, back by popular demand, we present another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS. Elizabeth is the auction room director of T W Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It. Join us at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm. Further details from: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk
IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Members will display parts of their collections on January 18 and on February 1 we have a talk from Jeremy Gaskell entitled The British and Foreign Treaty Ports in China. We have a trip to Stampex in London on February 15, an outing we arrange every year. There are often spare seats on the coach so if any collectors would like to join us then feel free to contact us on 01473 723863.
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ADVERTORIAL ACHIEVING A HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER YOU not only with losing weight and reshaping their bodies but giving them renewed confidence, more energy and focus and a real spring in their step. Check the testimonials out at www.re-formfitness.co.uk. Loai adds: “Our strategies are very personal and individual to each of our clients. We are aware there isn’t one approach that fits all and achieving goals is about doing what works for the individual. Being able to watch for the right signs and spot the differences in someone’s physique and the way they adapt to different ways of eating and exercise is essential for reaching your goals. We believe every client of ours deserves the full attention and VIP treatment every step of the journey. “
Re-Form Fitness has one aim. To bring a simple one stop solution to people to achieve a healthier and happier fitter future for life...not just for the New Year. Owner and lead trainer Loai Mahmoud says: “People have been bombarded for years with information on fad diets or quick fixes that never work long term, slimming clubs that don’t have proper exercise knowledge or gym trainers that lack correct nutritional understanding.” “At Re-form we educate people to make progressive consistent changes to their lifestyle to build new good habits to replace those old negative habits. This way we ensure the changes you achieve are long-lasting. We have a lot of fun too!” Re-form Fitness has achieved some amazing results with their clients,
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Re-Form fitness offers a range of services to suit your aims and budget from one to one personal training sessions to weight loss programmes and body shaping group classes in exercise and food education. Loai explains : “we believe our success comes from helping others to succeed”. Re-form is launching a new wallet friendly programme for the New Year with an aim of being able to help more people. Re-figure is a weekly class that will run at Ipswich’s Suffolk New College Sports Centre at the Goals building. It will help you step out of the shadows of your former self and into a new healthier, leaner fitter body. Combining individual diet plans, an educational seminar and a fun achievable exercise class, it’s the perfect solution to help lose those extra Christmas pounds and spring clean your life for good. For more information contact Loai on 07922 880325 or Vickie on 07970 947820. Email us at re-formfitness.co.uk. Our webpage www.re-formfitness.co.uk.
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OUT & ABOUT TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN WITHOUT MESS OR UNNECESSARY EXPENSE It’s Your Furniture, based near Woodbridge, specialises in transforming and restoring kitchens, bringing a fresh look to your home without the mess and expense of ripping out existing units. Their service is tailor-made to your specifications and taste. Not only can you change the appearance of tired or dated kitchen doors and drawer fronts with bespoke finishing options, such as French polishing or painting, you can bring your own personality into the space. If you prefer to replace rather than refinish door fronts, It’s Your Furniture is able to offer handmade replacement solid wood or wrapped doors and drawer fronts. Or perhaps you’d like to add a made to measure island or install a pantry cupboard? To finish your kitchen transformation, new handles and worktops can also be fitted, along with the installation of new sinks and taps.
SUFFOLK PHOENIX BRASS As another year of banding draws to a close, we consider what 2017 has in store for us. The band has regular commitments year on year, but the environment we find ourselves in has changed considerably from just a few years back. We are asked to play at fetes and parks, but sometimes the alarm bells go off when we mention a small fee and the band is no longer needed. This happened a number of times during 2016. The band is a self-funding organisation and has to cover its costs. We have ongoing fixed expenses just to keep playing. Brass bands have in the order of 25 players and many thousands of pounds worth of instruments and equipment, so a small fee is not unreasonable. We are always amused by the requirement to have public liability insurance. You never know – a member of the public may trip over an instrument case! We are sure 2017 will be a challenge. We already have a number of dates in our diary and if you would like us to play for you, or would like to join us for a blow, please contact Bob on 01473 438821.
Whatever you’re hoping to achieve, the team at It’s Your Furniture is skilled in all aspects of painting and polishing, delivering bespoke finishing services and made-to measure craftsmanship to make your kitchen look like new. Give your kitchen a new lease of life. Call It’s Your Furniture on 01473 350466 to arrange a free, no obligation, home visit.
SPRING FASHION EVENING The Orwell Singers in conjunction with Edinburgh Woollen Mills are hosting a spring fashion evening at 7pm on Tuesday, February 28 at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU Join us for a really fun evening which will include refreshments, a cake stall, a raffle and, of course, the latest fashion items presented by our very own ‘top’ models which will be available for purchase at 20% reduced rates. Entrance is only £3.50 so make a date in your diary.
BESPOKE REFURBISHMENT, RESTORATION AND PAINTING
Full details will be available nearer the time on our Facebook page and from Debbie: 01473 635955 / 07768 911512
MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia A very Happy New Year to you all and thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities, Cruse Bereavement Care Suffolk, Over the Rainbow and Tools with a Mission. In next month’s article we will report back on the final amount raised.
BEFORE
AFTER
Give your kitchen or furniture a new lease of life. Refurbishing can
On Sunday, January 8, our main band are taking part in a joint concert with Gippeswyk Singers at St Michael’s Church Centre on Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 and will be available on the door. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go. If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen. The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We meet at the Masonic Hall on Soane Street on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / kenstanley4@gmail.com
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Happy Birthday Lighthouse! Over 12 months many local organisations are arranging events to celebrate 40 years of Women’s Aid in Ipswich. We are now busy preparing our birthday present, a day at the university with key note speakers, stalls and displays. The focus will be on equality. How far have women come in the 40 years? What still remains to be achieved? We hope to range from the abuse and discrimination experienced by the women whom Lighthouse and similar organisations support to a wider review of the barriers to progress in our whole society. Please note the date: Friday, February 10. Full details will be advertised at the beginning of the new year with booking via Eventbrite. We have just received greetings from our twin club in Arras including an invitation to visit them in the autumn. Our speaker on January 11 will update us on the work of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR AT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET We re-open on January 12 with bacon rolls for just £1! We hope this year to welcome many new customers and also new producers. At Ipswich Country Market we aim to encourage the public to discover the diversity and deliciousness of local British homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables. We also showcase the skills and talents of local crafters. Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of the market. We like to think that we have become a popular and lively meeting place. Individuals over the age of 16 with suitable produce to sell may apply to join the country market. If you like to cook, craft or grow and would like to find an outlet for your skills in a friendly, local cooperative, we would like to hear from you. Prospective new members are always recommended to visit the market during opening hours and have an informal chat with Janet Pearse, our market manager, who will be able to answer questions. We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. We have plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. You can sample a slice of cake or a scone with a drink for around a pound. Find out more about our market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk
DAY CARE AND COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAY STAYS FROM MARTLESHAM HEATH
If you would like to know more about our club or would like to visit us, please call Jackie: 01473 659314
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.
WOODLAND WALKS
HYDROTHERAPY POOL
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 award-winning 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
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Martlesham 01473 623 661 Rendlesham 01394 420 468
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OUT & ABOUT JANUARY BRINGS THE SNOW A CREATIVE GUIDE TO SURVIVING 2017 “…Freezing wet December, then Blooming January again!” From A Song of The Weather ` by Flanders & Swann Well, that’s it for another year. The turkey has been eaten, the tree is back in its box, the visitors have gone and the kids are back at school. January is settling in: cold, grey and gloomy. The summer holidays are an eternity away and long weeks of work stretch in front of you with seemingly no let-up in sight. Does this sound familiar? If so, then you’re not alone. The January blues are very common, so you’re definitely not the only one who feels like this. It’s time for you to take a little bit of time out… just for you. Did you know that taking up a creative activity can make a huge difference to your sense of wellbeing? More and more people are discovering this, and it goes some way to explaining the massive craft resurgence we’re seeing now. The cares of the outside world are forgotten for a while as you focus on whatever it is you are making; your mind can go quiet as your hands become active. For a while, you have a chance to be you. Not mum. Not wife. Not husband, father or son. Not employee or employer. You. Really you. “But I’m not creative,” I hear so many of you cry. I felt the same way. My school art lessons were pretty much all about drawing and painting, and nothing else. And I couldn’t draw. Still can’t if truth be told. I spent every minute of those classes feeling humiliated and embarrassed, and spent the next 20 years of my life thinking I had no creativity in me at all. I learned that creativity is about so much more than just drawing and painting, and I firmly believe that we are all creative at heart. It’s just about finding the right way to express what’s inside. My own particular passion is for making hand-stamped greetings cards. In this digital age, there is something so special about receiving ‘happy mail’ through the post, rather than just brown envelopes and junk. I love the fact that not only do I get to enjoy the creative process itself, but I put a smile on the face of the recipient. Sometimes that simple card can be the thing that makes that person’s day – they know someone is thinking of them and that feels good. Yes, January brings the snow, but it also brings the promise of a whole new, beautiful year to come. Why not let 2017 be the year that you decide to explore your creativity? You never know where it might lead… Becki Ritson Becki Ritson is an Independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and specialises in helping busy, stressed-out adults to unwind through cardmaking and papercrafting. You can contact her on 01473 622004 or 07799 011072, or via her website: www.sunshinestamping.com
BRIGHTWELL UKULELES January 2017 sees a new session starting with a welcome extended to all newcomers. We meet for rehearsals and learning at Brightwell Church Hall on two Tuesday afternoons per month. Our meetings for January and February will be as follows: January 10 and 24 and February 7 and 21. After that we will meet on the first and third Tuesday each month from 2.30-4.15pm. Our meetings include a refreshment break and all printed material is included in the fee of £2 per meeting. We strive to improve our playing by learning new songs and tunes and working on them to be able to play to others. If you would like to join us either turn up on the dates above or for more information contact Geoff Lambert: 01473624130 / yestermusic@btinternet.com 10
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY The society now takes a short break and our next meeting is on February 1 when Dr Peter Webb will talk about the artist David Hockney. His lecture is titled David Hockney: Art as Biography. Dr Webb has been a friend of David Hockney since the 1970s. Our 2017 programme is ready and looks great. It includes: March 1: Picasso, Man Ray & Max Ernst through the eyes of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose by Antony Penrose (their son) April 5: Hidden Canvasses: Street Art and the City by Doug Gillen May 3: Sacred Silver in England: 500 Years of Change by Timothy Schroder June 7: AGM followed by Artists and Espionage: the Lawn Road Flats NW3: Modernist Living in mid-20th Century London by Deborah Lambert Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures are presented by national and international lecturers and start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised). Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £6 donation is asked. For more information contact Wendy Robbins: 07736 417347 / info@orwelldfas.org.uk www.orwelldfas.org.uk
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
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 25, 7 for 7.30pm: The Railways of Durango and Germany, an illustrated talk by Graham Austin We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich – entrance via rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee. Details from: 01473 414746/422145 www.idhts.co.uk
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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!
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OUT & ABOUT EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL PEACE POSTER CONTEST
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.
Xavier Baker-Woods, a Year 7 pupil at St Joseph’s College, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognised artist by winning a local competition sponsored by The Lions Club of Ipswich.
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. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR 2017 RESOLUTION YET? Here’s a suggestion. Why not treat yourself to some new or nearly forgotten interests and hobbies, brilliant talks on a wide variety of subjects, new friends and social events. How do you do that? Easy – just join the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk
Xavier’s poster was among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 29th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasise the importance of world peace to young people everywhere. “In our hearts is peace. All around us is natural beauty. Together peace and beauty can unite the Earth,” the 12-year-old from Ipswich said. The winning poster was selected by Mrs V Harvey, head of creative and performing arts at Joseph’s College, and Lion Tony Martin for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the competition theme, A Celebration of Peace. Xavier’s poster will face stiff competition if it is to progress through the regional, national and international rounds of the competition. One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award and a trip for the winner and two family members to an award ceremony. “Our club will be hoping that Xavier’s poster advances in the competition and that many people will be inspired by his vision,” said Tony. www.lionsclubofipswich.org.uk
U3A can help to brush up your talents with likeminded people and forget about the winter weather while looking forward to spring. You can find out about joining at www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or telephoning the secretary on 0300 123 3913. Talks to celebrate the New Year include: Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall on Thursday, January 5, 10.30am: The History of St Audrey’s, Melton by David Phelan Saxmundham Market Hall on Thursday January 12, 2pm: So Climate Change is Real; what can we do about it? by John Midwinter Kesgrave Community Centre on Monday, January 30, 2pm: Dealing with Dementia by Jim Lowe Woodbridge Community Hall on Monday, February 6, 2.30pm: Felixstowe Ferry Men by John White Please put these dates in your diary. Visitors are welcome to attend one talk before applying to become a full member. The campus co-ordinator at each venue will be available to give further details of applying for membership on the day.
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. Thursday, January 26: Iris Folding (Jill) Thursday, February 23: Decorated Notepad (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members. New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).
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OUT & ABOUT CHORAL RESOLUTION
RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN
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.
It’s time for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch!
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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
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.
Happy New Year to you all. Will we be seeing you on the allotment this year I wonder? You’d be very welcome. January can be dreary and the ground can be heavy and wet, or frozen solid, so our focus this month will be on clearing the ground ready for the season to come. Any crops that are damaged or rotten must be removed as soon as possible so that they can’t pass on diseases. Hopefully the ground won’t be too waterlogged and we will be able to harvest any cabbages, leeks, sprouts and parsnips that still remain. Overwintering veg will need to be protected from frosts using gardeners’ fleece, but uncovered to breathe on those rare but lovely sunny days. I love winter sun, so let’s hope we get lots. Rhubarb plants can be dug up and divided now, then replanted and covered with pots to force those deliciously tender stems. With any luck we could be eating rhubarb crumble next month. By the end of this month we should be able to plant soft fruit bushes and soon seed potatoes will be available so now’s the time to get ordering those. This is the time to make sure the plot is tidied and ready for the coming months. A new year has started, full of promise and excitement, and the allotment is the perfect place to watch the world start to wake up. And nothing makes a cup of tea taste better than when it’s clutched in cold hands after a chilly but rewarding morning on the plot. If you’ve ever fancied growing your own, we do have a few plots available at our picturesque Rushmere St Andrew site. New members are always made very welcome. If you’re unsure if allotmenting is for you, we have small starter plots, or there are half and full size plots if you’d prefer. For more information, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Becki Ritson 14
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.
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.
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
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB We held our open meeting at Kesgrave Community Centre on Thursday, October 27. This was a complete success as it was a new venue for our club. Everybody who attended enjoyed the light and airy hall. The demonstration was excellent and enjoyed by all who attended. The club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm, but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy tickets for the displays created in the demonstration which are raffled at the close of the meeting. Our next meeting is on January 26 when Sandra Adcock, a new demonstrator from Martlesham, will present Tales of the River Bank. Annual subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £37. Visitors are always welcome at £4 per meeting. For further details please contact the secretary, Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
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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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SPORT / CHURCH IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL In November there was a record entry at the Suffolk six-a-side series held at Maidenhall Sports Centre, with seven teams in each of Division 1 and Division 2. Diss II and Suffolk University both entered teams for the first time in Division 2 as well as Ipswich Ravens Women, showing how this popular sport is growing in our region.
In Division 1 the Ravens continued our improvement from last month with a solid performance. Three wins and one defeat left us in a creditable third place out of the seven teams. Captain Chris Giles said: “Our performance was much improved from last month. We really earned our three wins with some sublime hitting from chief hitter Ugis, backed up by good all round teamwork.” DIV 1 RESULTS: Ipswich Ravens 21-17 Diss Ipswich Ravens 21-17 Stowmarket II Ipswich Ravens 21-13 Bury Stowmarket III 21-14 Ipswich Ravens
DIV 2 RESULTS Ravens Women 11-21 Stingers Stow Aces 21-11 Ravens Women Suffolk Uni 21-17 Ravens Women Ravens Women 19-21 Diss II
In Division 2 we entered a team which would have been all women had it not been for a small injury to one of our ladies. We were delighted to be able to field a ladies team at this level for the first time, showing a good return on the efforts we have been putting into developing our women, many of whom were complete beginners only a year ago. Although we lost all our games to finish sixth out of seven teams, we grew in confidence as the tournament went on. Ipswich Ravens hold club practice sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875. Well, can you believe we are at the start of a new year already? Where did 2016 go? Oh, what plans were made, but how many came to fruition? Not many I guess.
the
ARK church
According to Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.’ Now that’s a promise from God and He is more than able to fulfil it. So now as you go through 2017, why not put your plans in God’s hands and see what He will do? May God bless you and your family throughout the coming year. Join us on Sunday mornings throughout the year at 11.30am (Café & Children’s Church at 10.30am), for Wednesday Bible Study at 8pm or Young People’s Night on alternate Fridays (see website for details – updated daily).
KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE NEWS Firstly, an amendment to last month’s article. The club does not have a Twitter account - it’s an Instagram account and can be found at northgateassociatedkarateclubs On to more important things however. Well done to everyone who attended the Belgian Open in mid-November. Competitors all gained from their experience, with Ruby Hunt the standout performer, taking gold in her first international competition. Thank you to all the parents and drivers for their support and organisation. It was good to make friends with a Belgian club and open communication on a possible club-training event. Sensei Chris Stott said: “I always learn something from attending bigger events, about our competitors, about the current standard and about our own training methods. I hope everyone can learn from the weekend and progress their performances in the future.” The Northgate and Kesgrave team in Belgium were Georgie Lawson, Natasha Howard, Oscar Hunt and Ruby Hunt. In other news, Georgina Lawson, currently a member of the England Karate team, a six times consecutive English champion and three times British gold medalist, has been selected to represent England at the next European Cadet, Junior and U21 Karate Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria in February 2017. Karate is a self-funded sport and she relies heavily on her parents to support her financially to enable her to train and travel to attend competitions both abroad and in the UK. She is hoping to raise money to help get to the European Championships in February and fulfill a lifelong dream and goal of becoming European champion. If you would like to support Georgina in achieving her goal, any donations, whatever value, will be greatly appreciated. Please go to: www.gofundme.com/help-georgina-get-to-the-Europeans
IPSWICH WANDERERS FC Ipswich Wanderers 1st Team recorded their best result of the season in November with a convincing 7-3 win against high-flying Newmarket Town at The Doucy. A notable feature of the game was Jack Severy’s four goal tally. It was especially enjoyable since the Jockeys had knocked us out of the Suffolk Premier Cup a few games earlier. We sit in mid-table and hopeful of a steady climb up the Premier Division. Our Christmas fixture is away to Felixstowe & Walton on Boxing Day, kick off at 11am. Come and support Wanderers as we try to gain three festive league points. Home fixtures at The Doucy in January Monday, January 2: KO 3pm v Mildenhall Town (League) Saturday, January 14: KO 3pm v Long Melford (League) Latest club news and details of all Wanderers fixtures can be found on the club website.
PRESENTS AND PRESENCE By the time you read this you will have prepared for, decorated for, cooked for and maybe even paid for Christmas. I hope that you all had a fantastic time and you were able to celebrate it with you families or friends.
The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road IP3 9QR
When my daughter was younger she drew a cartoon about how much room we give to Jesus at Christmas. As we opened our gifts on Christmas Day (our presents) I hope that we all managed to welcome the King of Kings, as the first wise men did (His presence).
We can also be found online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk / Facebook/ @arkofthelord / Twitter/@arkipswich / or email: arkipswichuk@gmail.com
If you would like to experience Jesus’ presence, why not come along on any Sunday morning and join as we meet together and worship King Jesus? We meet in Heath Primary School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave, 10.30am-noon
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