In Touch News with Kesgrave – April 2017

In Touch

™© ™©

with Kesgrave & Rushmere

Volume 7 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2017

w Exhibition

Andre ushmere St R f o ry to is H 3) (see page

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR On a number of recent occasions I’ve been surprised by how people have reacted to fairly typical situations which would normally go relatively unnoticed or produce no more than a raised eyebrow. Just this morning I struggled to make room on a narrow road for a rather large car coming in the opposite direction. I pulled in as far as I could, trying not to go into the brook running alongside, but the other driver was incensed, waving his arms at me, his face ugly with anger. Thank goodness I couldn’t hear what he was saying. He got by a little slower than he obviously wanted, but I sat there for a moment in stunned silence.

At the weekend I found myself queuing behind a man who gave a shop assistant a right telling off because she had given him the wrong change. He practically accused her of trying to steal 10p from him. I asked her if she was OK after he’d left and she shrugged it off as if it was a common occurrence, which I fear it might very well be.

We may all be feeling pressure just now not knowing how things will turn out (even the weather is disagreeable), but if we lose all self-restraint and can’t even treat those we meet in everyday life with respect I dread to think of the long-term impact. Thankfully we’re not there yet and I’ve had many more instances of people being helpful, kind, thoughtful and understanding in recent weeks (clearly evidenced in the pages of this magazine) than I’ve had of people being rude, judgemental and arrogant. Admittedly a little selfanalysis may be necessary now and then, but I’m determined to offset rude drivers and hateful behaviour by doing the exact opposite.

By making a little extra effort to be kind to each other, I’m convinced we can make the world a little bit more pleasant for everyone. A smile, a polite ‘good morning’, a wave when another driver makes way (and especially when they don’t!), may initially have little impact on how others behave, but it can’t hurt.

Happy Easter from everyone at Mansion House Publishing

Kesgrave In Touch &withRushmere

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Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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

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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © 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 Kesgrave & Rushmere is published

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NEWS HISTORY OF RUSHMERE ST ANDREW EXHIBITION Rushmere St Andrew Village Hall, Humber Doucy Lane Friday, April 7: 2-8pm / Saturday, April 8: 10am-4pm Rushmere has a very long and fascinating history which we wish to share with as many people as possible. It can be traced back to the Stone Age and Iron Age through to the current day. As an example, Rushmere Heath Common, which is visited daily by residents of Rushmere, Kesgrave, East Ipswich and further afield, was home to the Ipswich gallows until the late 18th century, was the training base for the Suffolk Hussars at that time also, was the focal point for a Chartist rally in the following century, was secured as a common in the 19th century and became home of the original Ipswich Golf Club in the late 1890s before becoming Rushmere Golf Club in the 1920s.

Our objective is to bring to local people an exhibition of the village’s history and to connect it with groups involved with it to the present day. There will be stands and exhibits from a wide range of contributors covering the history of businesses and well known families, both village churches, the common and many more groups such as the Women’s Institute, allotment holders and bell ringers.

The event has been supported financially by grants from SCDC’s Enabling Communities budget via Councillor Robert Whiting and is intended to promote localism and affinity of local people with the area. We hope people will come along to find out more and to help us learn more about our rich heritage.

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NEWS HEARING LOSS AND TINNITUS EXPERTS TO SPEAK IN IPSWICH FOR ONE OFF EVENT Leading experts from the world of ‘all things ears’ will speak at an exclusive event in Ipswich this month.

Local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre have taken it upon themselves to try and better educate the public about the help and support that there is out there for people affected by hearing loss and tinnitus.

In the UK, hearing loss affects one in six people (over 11 million people) and this climbs to one in three people aged over 60 years. Sadly, people wait on average 10 years to address their hearing loss, which impacts significantly on their general health and wellbeing. Tinnitus (noises heard inside the head) also affects around 10% of the UK population and research has shown that a high proportion of tinnitus sufferers also experience hearing loss.

TESCO BAGS OF HELP Bags of Help is Tesco’s exciting local community grant scheme where the money raised from the 5p carrier bag charge is being used to fund thousands of local projects in communities across the UK. Projects that bring benefits to their community will be considered; these range from improving buildings and outdoor spaces to buying new equipment, training coaches or volunteers and hosting community events.

If you have a project in mind or know someone in the local community who has, then why not apply for a grant? To apply, visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp and complete an application.

WALK TOWARDS A CURE FOR PARKINSON’S IN SUFFOLK

The Suffolk Hearing Care and Tinnitus Show, which is free to attend, is on Monday, April 3, 9am-1.30pm, at Kesgrave Community Centre.

A part of the event, The Hearing Care Centre, which has 23 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk, has managed to secure the time of one of the world’s most sought after experts on tinnitus, Professor David Baguley (pictured).

Professor Baguley will give attendees a better understanding about what tinnitus is, how it affects us and where researchers are at in their quest to find a solution to the problem. He has over 150 peer-review publications and a PhD in Tinnitus from Cambridge University.

The Hearing Care Centre is run by audiologist and well-known local businesswoman Karen Finch. “I’m delighted to have been able to put this event together for the people of Suffolk. Hearing loss and tinnitus affect so many people but there is still reluctance for people to seek professional help. By organising something like this, it allows people to come and find out information without the pressure of going into a clinic room,” said Karen.

“Not only will we have three top speakers for people to listen to, but there will also be an exhibition where attendees can find out about local support groups, assistive products, complementary therapies, removal of earwax, hearing loss charities and more. Guests will even be able to learn about some of latest hearing aid technology that is helping thousands of patients with both hearing loss and tinnitus.”

Although free to attend, places must be booked in advance.

For more details call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/show

People in Suffolk are being asked to pick up the pace against Parkinson’s this year at Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall on Sunday, July 9, one of a series of walk events to be held across the UK for Parkinson’s UK during 2017.

Walk for Parkinson’s offers the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in a fun and active day out, while helping the charity step ever closer to a cure.

There are a range of distances on offer to suit everyone, with a 1.5 mile, 3.5 mile and 5.5 mile walk to choose from.

It is the first time the charity has hosted a Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Previous walks in the region have seen more than 200 local people take part, so the charity hopes to involve even more walkers with the new and exciting venue.

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finishers medal.

The charity is hoping to raise over £400,000 from the 32 events, so suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50.

All money raised from Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall will help Parkinson’s UK’s work to provide support and information for people affected

by Parkinson’s and to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure.

As well as walkers, the charity is on the lookout for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.

To find out more and to sign up to walk or volunteer contact: 0207 963 9367 / fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall

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NEWS KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL Kesgrave Easter Market: Saturday, April 15 The market takes place in the Scout Hall at the Rupert Fison Centre.

Outside will be Paul’s Fresh Fish van and inside you’ll find the bakery stall, farm fresh fruit and vegetables, butchery straight from the farm and gluten free food. As always there will be crafts made and sold by local people. Pop in for a cuppa and a snack between 9am and 12.30pm and have a relaxed start to your Saturday.

Play and Open Space News Work at Oak Meadow is continuing. The bike stands are being relocated and will be able to accommodate more bikes. There are now six pieces of outdoor exercise equipment in place so that parents and teens can keep fit while younger children play in the play area. The exercise equipment is suitable for all levels of fitness as the majority of pieces have a means to adjust the resistance. Unless you have already warmed up with a brisk walk or cycled to Oak Meadow, warm up on the stepper and then move along the row to exercise most parts of the body.

The Play and Open Spaces Working Group will continue to look at other areas of Kesgrave. If you have an interest in helping to decide what happens on the open spaces in Kesgrave, please get in touch: 01473 625179 Annual Town Meeting – Everyone Welcome A little reminder that if you want to know what is happening in your town, have ideas for the future that you would like to share, or want to find out what we did as a result of last year’s Annual Town Meeting, please accept our invitation to attend the Millennium Jubilee Hall at 7.15pm on Monday, April 3. If you would like to submit a resolution to be discussed at the meeting, please submit this to the clerk prior to the meeting.

Mobile Skate Park Project The Mobile Skate Park project is going ahead in the summer half term holiday, details will be published in May. The volunteers who will run this activity are booked onto their skateboarding, first aid and safeguarding courses during April. The course the leaders will attend is the first to be held in the Eastern Region to become a skateboard coach.

If you are reading this and are interested in becoming qualified for the coach’s course in April, please contact SK8 Safe to book your place. The course is being organised and run by Denham Hill, one of the UK’s top freestyle skateboarders.

Michael Sarbutts 3194: Match Funded PCSO’s report for February 2017 I have had some involvement in Community Speed Watch (CSW) and have been assisting in getting the CSW group for Rushmere St Andrew and Kesgrave up and running. I am pleased to report that the six prospective CSW applicants have now cleared their checks and can proceed to training in use of the equipment. A further three people have since expressed an interest in joining CSW. Further details of CSW can be found at:

www.suffolk.police.uk/services/watch-schemes I am also able to deliver a CSW application pack to anyone who may be interested in joining the scheme.

While on the matter of speeding, I am also pleased to report that at the final meeting of the 12PT on Thursday, February 23 it was agreed to use the remaining funds to purchase a Speed Indication Display device (also known as a Vehicle Activated Sign). This will be managed by me within Rushmere St Andrew and Kesgrave, and will also be used in the other remaining 12PT parishes. These signs indicate the speed of an approaching vehicle and are very effective in slowing traffic down.

As the signs simply attach to a tripod, they can be deployed quickly where complaints of speeding are received, or where an issue of speeding is identified. By managing the deployment of the signs from the SNT, we are not restricted to using these at any particular sites and can deploy them more freely across the parishes. This, combined with an active CSW group, should have a considerable impact on speeding within our parishes.

I am producing a school parking information leaflet which will soon be available for distribution to drivers in order to remind them of the parking regulations. The safety of children, parents and guardians is paramount and we must do all that we can to promote legal and safe parking. I will forward this to both councils once it is completed.

A number of incidents of antisocial behaviour at the Thursday evening Kesgrave Youth Club at the Millennium Jubilee Hall were reported to me this month by Kesgrave Town Council. My enquiries are ongoing and some good progress has been made in identifying potential suspects.

The club is now closed until Easter and I will be ensuring that police will patrol the general area and will engage with the youths to monitor things when it reopens.

Mike is based at the SNT office in Heath Road. You can contact him via email or phone 101 and leave a message: Michael.sarbutts@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Organised Walks Kesgrave has its own footpath warden, Michael Rayment. Michael is quite an expert on local footpaths and organises a number of walks each year.

Details will be published in In Touch and available at: www.kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk One Life Suffolk has just released a county-wide booklet Stepping out in Suffolk with 82 pages advertising organised walks, advice and information.

These can be viewed online or downloaded from www.onelifesuffolk.co.uk which has lots of other valuable information on health improvement. www.kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk

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NEWS MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLORS: MARCH 2017

Dear Kesgrave and Rushmere St Andrew residents, May I take this opportunity to thank you all for the great honour of representing you at Suffolk County Council since February 2012. This month my Conservative Association of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich have decided not to re-adopt me as your Conservative candidate for May’s County Elections.

Regards and best wishes, Councillor Christopher G Hudson New report announces vision for mental health in Suffolk On January 26 our Director of Public Health released his annual report setting an ambition to improve mental health services in Suffolk over the next 10 years.

Suffolk Minds Matter: Suffolk Annual Public Health Report 2016 was presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board and proposed recommendations for longterm improvement to mental health in Suffolk.

An estimated one in 100 people are affected by severe mental ill health in Suffolk and around half of lifelong mental ill health conditions develop before the age of 14.

In the same month that the prime minister outlined government commitments to better mental healthcare for young people and the wider population, this new report sets a Suffolk-wide aspiration for improved mental health at all ages.

The independent report, which has been produced in collaboration with a range of partners, lists seven cross-cutting recommendations to promote good mental health and reduce demand in Suffolk over the next five to 10 years: 1. To work to promote mental health and to reduce stigma and discrimination 2. Promote emotional wellbeing and resilience in communities throughout Suffolk by working to address the social determinants of mental health 3. Ensure those with physical health needs have good mental health, and that those with mental ill health have equal support to improve their physical health 4. Promote the mental health of women and ensure children have the best start in life 5. Ensure the effective recognition and treatment of depression in older people, especially those at increased risk

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6. Work to promote active healthy ageing programmes to delay the onset of dementia at any age 7. R educe suicide in Suffolk by 10% over the next five years using the 201214 data as our baseline.

New campaign sheds light on suicide A new countywide campaign that aims to prevent suicide in Suffolk is taking a new approach to this devastating issue. Suffolk Life Savers was launched on February 20 and is a response to the estimated 60 people who take their own lives in the county every year, calling on people to play their part by pledging to support the campaign.

Suicide remains one of the most prevalent causes of death for men aged 15-49 years and the majority of deaths by suicide in Suffolk are by men aged 40 to 60 years. Another important fact is that almost three quarters (72%) of people who die by suicide were not in contact with mental health services in the 12 months before their death.

Anyone can join the campaign by making a simple pledge. In return, each organisation or individual will receive dedicated campaign materials and ongoing support to spread the message with friends, family and work colleagues. For more details about how to support, please visit: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/suffolklivesmatter Suffolk Adult Learners’ Awards 2017 Nominations for the seventh Suffolk Adult Learner Awards are officially open The Suffolk Adult Learner Awards, organised by the University of Suffolk and the Suffolk Adult Learning Federation (SALF) with Leap, are being held in order to celebrate the hard work and outstanding achievements by adult learners this past year. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday June 22 at University of Suffolk and once again, BBC Radio Suffolk presenter and University of Suffolk Honorary Graduate Mark Murphy will be the compère for the evening.

To view the list of awards and download the nomination form, visit: www.uos.ac.uk/AdultLearners2017 All nominations must be received by 5pm on Thursday, April 20 and should either be emailed back to adultlearners@uos.ac.uk or sent to Karen Davis, University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ. Regards and best wishes, County Councillors Christopher Hudson and Robert Whiting

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NEWS COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT WITH HOME-START On Saturday, April 15 Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Come along at 11am to The Square at Martlesham where you can register.

Every child will then have the chance to find a bean, which they can exchange for an Easter goody. There will be one lucky gold bean which will earn them an extra surprise.

There will be a toy tombola and refreshments will also be available. There is no charge for the event. Places will be limited to the first 150 registered.

This event is for the local community. For more information please contact: 01473 621104 / office@homestartcoastal.co.uk Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal supports families in the East of Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal areas. These families 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.

FREE PROSTATE CANCER TESTS East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group will be holding its fifth PSA test event for men between the ages of 45 (40 for men with a close relative who has prostate or breast cancer) and 75 at Greshams Sports and Social Club, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, on April 27 between 6.30 and 8.30pm.

Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men but it can be successfully treated if detected in time. Eleven thousand men die every year in the UK because their prostate cancer was detected too late. If there is a history of prostate cancer or breast cancer in your direct family blood line there is an increased possibility of you getting prostate cancer.

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WEDDINGS AT THE CENTRE Set in 12 acres of land, Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre is a spacious and attractive venue within close proximity of the local church and easily accessible from the A12 and A14 trunk roads.

Whether you are looking for a reception venue, the perfect location for a celebrant ceremony or seeking to combine the two, the centre offers flexible catering options, a fully licensed bar, a beautiful garden area and a choice of five function rooms suitable for an intimate gathering of 25, a larger celebration for up to 250 guests, or if you prefer you can have exclusive use of the whole venue for your special day.

The centre boasts easy to get to and free parking, and the friendly professional staff are always on hand to help you plan your perfect day.

The centre can also cater for hen and stag parties and engagement parties, in fact it’s ideally placed for any celebration.

With its attractive, peaceful location Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre makes the ideal venue for your big day.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Easter Holiday Fun For ages five-12 years with Premier Sport at Kesgrave Community and Sports Centre. For further information please visit: www.premier-education.com Mum2mum Market Saturday, April 22, 2-4pm (£2 admission on the door) Buy top quality pre-loved baby and children’s clothes, toys books and equipment. For more information call Katharine on 07903 585334.

Charity Quiz Night Sunday, April 30 in aid of Age UK Suffolk. Doors open at 7 for 7.30pm start, teams of four-six, £5 per head including light nibbles. To book your team contact: 01473 359911 / jenny.day@ageuksuffolk.org

A small blood sample will be taken from your arm by a trained phlebotomist. The sample will be analysed in an NHS laboratory and the urologist will write to you to explain your result and advise whether you should take any further action.

Spring Wedding Show Sunday, May 21, 11am-3pm. Talk to florists, bespoke caterers and the photographers who can capture those special moments just for you. For further details or to exhibit, please email: jo@kwmcc.co.uk

East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group wishes to thank the Lions Club of Ipswich for their very generous donation to help support this event.

Beer Festival: July 21 & 22 TBC For further information on all activities and events or to book a function room, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk

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Westminster Homecare provides support and assistance for people who in later life want to live at home and maintain their independence for longer.

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY

CHARITY CONCERT

Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following craft activities will take place during April.

• Sunday 2: Spring along and make a lamb mask • Sunday 9: It’s Easter next week! Why not hop along and create your own Easter rabbit?

• Sunday 23: April is the first month you’ll see a fox cub; why not pop along and create your own?

• Sunday 30: Design your own spring time collage Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

Every Thursday (term time only) • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Every Friday (term time only) • Storytime: 9.45-10.15am

A total of £1,500 was recently presented by Kesgrave Singers to Talitha Koum, Home-Start and Kim Sale. The money raised by the choir was split evenly between the three charities.

If you would like to join Kesgrave Singers (no audition required) please come along to Kesgrave Scout Hall IP5 1JF on Mondays between 2-4pm where a warm welcome awaits you.

Other Library Events for April 2017 Wednesday 5: Knit and Natter at 2.30pm. £1 with tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

SIDEGATE LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Thursday 6: Afternoon Book Group, 2.45pm. Currently reading The Hidden Girl by Louise Millar. Adult Colouring, 7pm. £2 with tea, coffee, biscuits and all equipment provided.

Tuesday Tea Dance with Teresa every week from 2-4pm, with refreshments.

Ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing, members £3, easy parking. Contact: 01473 422427

Thursday 13: Evening Book Group, 7pm

Wednesdays are dance refresher evenings with ballroom and Latin dance classes from 7-8pm and improvers from 8-10pm, members £3.

IT Help Sessions: Saturday, April 22 Due to staff holiday, there will not be an IT Help Session in April. Please ring the library if you would like to be booked in for May. Spring Fayre: Sunday, April 9, 10am-noon Lots of stalls with fun games for Easter including a free craft activity for the children and an Easter Egg hunt. Refreshments are available including homemade cakes. There is also an Easter colouring competition to enter. Please ask staff for a colouring sheet. Watch out for posters advertising the event.

Body Shop/Osborne Book Stalls: Thursday, April 27 The library will have Body Shop and Osborne Books stalls present on Thursday 27 during Tot Rock and Baby Bounce to help raise funds for the library. After 11.15am the stalls will be open to the public. Why not pop along and get organised for birthdays and parties? If you are unable to attend, orders can be left with staff before the event.

Contact: 01473 723070 Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich IP4 4HZ www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk

MARTLESHAM HEATH CONTROL TOWER MUSEUM A museum crammed with stories, artefacts and photos.

Opens from 2-5pm on Sunday, April 2 and then every Sunday afternoon to October 29.

100 Club Our community group is launching a 100 Club at the Easter Fayre to help with fundraising. For just £1 per month you could enter and have a chance of winning a cash prize, knowing you are supporting your local library at the same time. Watch out for posters and details about how to sign up.

Located behind Parkers Place, off Eagle Way, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UX. Admission by donation, easy parking, group visits by appointment.

For more information call Ian on 07745 197025 or Howard on 02473 274300.

Easter Closing Please be aware, that the library will be closed on Friday 14, Sunday 16 and Monday, April 17. The library will be open as normal on Saturday, April 15. Normal opening times will resume on Tuesday, April 18.

Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

www.mhas.org.uk

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, April 26, 7pm: The History & Success of Sanders Coaches, an illustrated talk by Charles Sanders We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich.

Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including refreshments.

Details from: 01473 414746/422145 www.idhts.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM BRASS

AN EVENING OF DIVINE ENCHANTMENT

Making music fun in East Anglia We are hoping the sun shines on April 23 when we will be taking part in the St George’s Day Parade in Felixstowe.

Gippeswyk Singers and Beccles Choral Society proudly present Elgar’s choral masterpiece to delight music lovers in Suffolk this spring. Prepare to have your heart strings tugged by the sheer beauty and emotion of what is considered to be Elgar’s finest choral work.

Our Spring Concert is on Saturday, May 20 at 7pm in St Michaels’ Church Centre, Martlesham Heath. Our special guest will be Alan Fernie who composed Sound of St Michael’s for our 20th birthday. There will be more details next month.

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

Geoff Lavery brings his formidable talent and experience as a musical director and conductor to the production which features soloists Claire Weston, former principal soprano with ENO, internationally acclaimed tenor Richard Edgar-Wilson and outstanding oratorio bass soloist Philip Tebb.

Be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment and to experience what promises to be a unique and memorable performance of Elgar’s Dream in Suffolk’s stunning world class concert hall. Tickets are now on sale from Sarah Bush (01508 480462) or Snape Maltings Box Office (01728 687110). www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

MARTLESHAM HEATH COUNTRY MARKET – YOU CAN TRUST US Trust is the unnoticed glue that makes communities work: the higher the level of interaction between people in a community the higher the level of trust, which is a good thing. People getting together to play football, netball or bridge, to sing, sew, learn about local history or flower-arranging, tennis clubs, hockey teams, groups rambling in our lovely Suffolk countryside, those who make pots or discuss a book are all adding to the vital diversity of our intermingled social networks, meeting different people and expanding the communal wealth of trust.

You can trust our Country Market cooks not to add unnecessary ingredients to their recipes. You won’t find palm oil, maize starch, battery-produced eggs and E-numbers in our delicious cakes, bakes, soups and savouries. We guarantee that our marmalades, relishes, jams and preserves are made to wholesome recipes by skilled local artisan cooks. Our one-of-a-kind craft items are well worth seeing – must-touch turned wood, soft-as-a-kitten knitwear, artist’s cards and tiles, exquisite crochet work and lovely bead jewellery, hand finished bags and aprons, hats and socks that give delight every time you use them. Money spent at the Country Market stays in our community; it doesn’t go to share-holders or directors in another county – or country. You can trust that we make the best for you.

The Country Market is at Martlesham Pavilion every Tuesday from 9-11.15am and we also have a table at Saturday’s mid-monthly Kesgrave market at 1st Kesgrave Scout Hall. To place special orders contact Margaret Gayfer on 01473 623849.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERTS AT ST ANDREW’S, RUSHMERE The spring series of Sunday afternoon concerts at St Andrew’s Church, The Street, Rushmere St Andrew continues on April 2 when soprano Sarah Gallop, clarinettist Chris Allen and pianist Geoff Lavery perform songs by Spohr, Schubert and Vaughan Williams, including Schubert’s famous but rarelyheard The Shepherd on the Rock.

For the final concert on April 9, organist Amanda Lockyer (who is also Assistant Director of Music at Ipswich School) will blast us out of our seats with music for the ‘king of instruments’ by JS Bach, Mendelssohn and Pierné among others.

Each concert starts at 3pm and lasts approximately an hour. Admission is £6 (under-18s free), including delicious homemade refreshments. For further details of this series and other musical events at St Andrew’s visit: www.rushmerestandrews.wordpress.com/concerts

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This exciting musical event brings together 200 musicians including two choirs from the north and south of Suffolk, joined by the Lambeth Orchestra at Snape Maltings Concert Hall on Saturday, May 13 at 7.30pm.

www.beccleschoralsociety.co.uk

RANSOMES & RAPIER ANNUAL REUNION Sunday, April 2 at Kesgrave Social Club Ex-employees, families and friends of Ransomes and Rapier are welcomed from 12.30-5pm.

Come and see fascinating artefacts, documents and videos. Meet up with old friends at a really enjoyable event. See what new stories and pictures have surfaced.

Admission £2 with reasonably priced refreshments available to purchase.

For more information call Elizabeth: 01206 734581

KESGRAVE WI A cold March evening was quickly brightened up when Claire Mucklestone from Bourne Garden Centre joined us for a very informative evening. Claire brought with her an amazing selection of plants – some old favourites but also some newer unusual plants. Her horticultural knowledge and quick-witted humour kept us entertained, besides picking up endless tips on how to keep our plants growing and looking good in our gardens. Members were able to buy the plants that Claire brought with her, going home full of enthusiasm to get planting – weather permitting!

Yvonne Mills won the competition for a gardener’s handcream recipe.

Gardeners’ Buttercup Handcream Put ½lb pure Vaseline into a pan with as many buttercup flowers (without stems) as can possibly be pressed into it. Allow to simmer not boil for ¾ hour. While still hot, strain through muslin into small pots It is ready to use when cold and is very good for all skin troubles and hands made dry by gardening.

Our 90th birthday celebration on Thursday, October 5 will be held at the Millennium Hall. We look forward to hearing from as many past members as possible and hope they will be able to join us. Please contact any present member or Di Chilver on 01473 611415 if you would like more details.

Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, at 7.15pm on Thursday, April 6 when our speaker will be John Norman on Ipswich Past, Present and Future. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require any information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Did you miss our pie tasting week in March? We had free hot samples of fish, chicken and steak and kidney pie and Cornish Pasties all produced locally in our cooks’ kitchens. We also had pork pies to taste, the pork coming from pigs reared by the producer!

Now in April we are looking forward to Easter and offering you another chance to get your hands on some of our goodies. If make a purchase (not including refreshments) at the market on April 6 and you will be given a free ticket to win a mini Easter hamper of goodies. There’s another chance to get a ticket if you make a purchase on April 13 and the draw will take place at the end of the market on that day.

There really is nothing like the taste of homemade produce and we will have sweet Easter treats as well as our savoury bakes (including gluten free), pickles, preserves and marmalades and local honey that you can enjoy with your family and friends or take as a gift for Easter. We also have a range of seasonal plants.

If you prefer not to give food as a gift our crafters have many tempting gift ideas that you won’t find on the high street. Babies to ladies accessories and practical gifts, knitwear and sewing, beadwork and cards with designs unique to our producers and commissions welcome.

Our logo says COOK, CRAFT, GROW. If you like to do any of those and would like to be part of a local cooperative, please come along and see what we are about. We always welcome new members.

You’ll find more information about the market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – and at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome and home baked refreshments. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit.

If you haven’t been for a while, come and see what we’re up to and give us your feedback.

KESGRAVE CO-OP WOMEN’S GUILD At our meeting on February 24, Ann Wilding read some wonderful poems written by her Uncle Mac. He lived and wrote into his nineties and the verses were often funny and many reminded us of our childhood and times gone by.

On March 7, Pauline Walker, a founder member of the Co-op Juniors, talked about the history of the group and brought along programmes dating back to the first performances. They have dance academies and ballet schools from which performers are recruited. Pauline is one of the creative team, writing and casting the shows. They started out in Ipswich during the Second World War and then performed as the Co-op Juniors at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe from the 1950s until moving to the Ipswich Regent in 1978. Many of their members have gone on to perform professionally.

The Co-op Juniors use the Seckford and New Wolsey Theatres for shows during the year, their Christmas Spectaculars are performed at Snape Maltings.

Our next meetings are on: Tuesday, April: Harriet Bennett will talk about her musical life in a talk entitled Me and my Cello Tuesday, April 18: An illustrated talk by David Prynn entitled China, Past & Present Tuesday, May 2: Brian Cornell has spent many years on the Thames as a lighter and tug skipper. He will share his experiences and the history of the river.

We welcome new members who can visit for two meetings before joining. The annual membership is £15 and we charge £2.50 per meeting to including refreshments and raffle tickets. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the community centre.

The guild holds 23 meetings a year plus other trips and events. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY RUSHMERE ST ANDREW’S We had another great turn-out on March 3 when Peter Hart, who has MOTHERS’ UNION entertained us before with his in-depth aviation knowledge, delivered an illustrated talk entitled Bloody April – Slaughter in the skies over Arras – April 1917 in his own inimitable style.

Peter is a military historian with specialist knowledge about the Great War. One of his books was on sale at the meeting. He is from the Imperial War Museum and we are grateful that he came all the way from London to speak to us.

This year marks the centenary of the opening of a Royal Flying Corp airfield at Martlesham so it is particularly poignant that he should talk about the Arras offensive, also in its centenary year. The Battle of Arras was a British offensive launched to take pressure from a French battle in progress about 50 miles south. It resulted in some 160,000 British casualties and 125,000 German and resulted in a modest British advance.

At that time German aircraft were superior to our own aircraft, but the Royal Flying Corps pilots doggedly flew mission after mission with heavy losses in order to photograph and plot German gun positions for our artillery to concentrate on. In fact, said Peter, the most productive role of aircraft in the Great War was for reconnaissance. Martlesham Heath was already home to the Photographic Flight of the Aeroplane Experimental Station.

A vote of thanks was given by our chairman, Martyn Cook. Our next meeting is on Friday, April 7 and the subject will be Pistol Packing Momma – The Story of a Parham B17 Flying Fortress. Mr Tim Brett from Parham Airfield Museum will present a DVD of a mission by a 390th Bomb Group B17 from Parham.

Meetings are held in the Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham and start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Non-members are welcome for a payment of just £4 at the door.

Our Control Tower Museum will open on Sunday, April 2 from 2-5pm and every Sunday until the end of October (see page 13).

Alan Powell, 01473 622458 www.mhas.org.uk

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB Our bring and buy sale in February raised £67.14 for our charity, the Motor Neurone Association.

We have two meetings planned for April. On April 13 there will be a fashion show presented by Edinburgh Woollen Mill. They will bring a selection of their spring and summer fashions that will be modelled by six of our members.

Ladies will be able to buy their favourites during the evening.

Continuing the fashion theme, Pauline Baker will present a talk entitled Frock Horror! Tales of a costume designer on April 27.

Looking further ahead, on May 11 Jon Read will present Wales – the Red Dragon and the Tilworth Teg. All ladies are warmly invited to join us for an interesting evening in friendly company. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room.

For more details contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet from 7.30-10pm on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall.

Thursday, April 27: Waterfall Card (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other members. New members are always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

Debbie about the Women’s Refuge will present a talk at our April meeting and in May we will have a performed reading by Janet Dann, an event not to be missed.

We begin our meetings with a short service and end with tea and cake.

Fellowship is a very important part of our organisation, as is looking toward the bigger and wider work of the Mothers’ Union. The Mothers’ Union is a worldwide Christian organisation working to support families and communities around the world. Our theme for this year is Faith in Action.

New visitors, gentlemen included, are always welcome. We meet every third Wednesday at 2.30pm in the hall beside St Andrew’s Church, Rushmere and will be delighted to welcome you to any of our meetings.

For more information contact Hilary on 01473421073, or pop into a meeting.

APRIL SHOWERS SAY COME AND SHINE WITH U3A Time to forget about March winds as members of the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk are all set to go with the warmer spring sun. Light evenings mean more time to spend on outdoor hobbies with friends or to plan holidays abroad if you are in one of the U3A language groups.

But don’t forget the talks in our four campuses if you can make time from your U3A groups. As members have remarked to me recently, they wish there were more days in the week so that they can join more U3A activities, especially now that the committee are making plans to add new groups to the 2017/18 handbook.

Visitors as well as members are welcome to attend one of our talks before applying to become a full member. The campus coordinator or volunteers at each venue will be delighted to give further details of applying for membership on the day.

Kesgrave Community Centre at 2pm • Monday, April 24: The Sound of Science by Dr Stephen Ashworth, how we hear, the concept of resonance and how musical instruments work Saxmundham Market Hall at 2pm • Thursday, April 13: The Brave Men of Suffolk in the First World War by Dave Empson, their stories told through the medals they received.

• Thursday, May 11: Building the Tower of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, an account by the construction team leader Horry Parsons Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall at 10.30am • Thursday, April 6: A Year in the Life by Eve Regelous, looking back at a 25-year career as a theatrical agent • Thursday, May 4: The Greatest Show Not on Earth, from eclipses to distant black holes by Paul Whiting Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm • Monday, April 3: Giles & Ipswich, the life of the famous cartoonist by John Field • No meeting planned for May Please put these dates in your diary and visitors please consider joining U3A this spring. If you are unable to attend one of our talks please visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or call 03001 233913 for further details of what U3A in East Suffolk is all about.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Our last meeting was a very informative evening when Norman Emeny displayed a very large collection depicting Astronomy and Archaeology. This varied from the people involved and the equipment used to the buildings that were built for the work. Norman presented material from many countries, covering Greek Gods to the most powerful telescope in the world today.

On April 5 we will be holding our annual auction were we sell stamps and philatelic material. There will be approximately 500 lots to bid for. Viewing is on the evening from about 4pm, with the auction starting at 6.45pm sharp.

Put the date in your diary if you would like to improve your collection or make a start in a new hobby. You don’t have to be a member to buy at the auction.

On April 19 Andy Soutar will present a display and talk entitled German Inflation Following the Great War. This will be very interesting as the cost of postage did not stay the same for very long during this traumatic period, at times only staying the same for a few days.

On May 3 Dane Garrod presents 10 Collections: 1 Collector.

Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904

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 monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich 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: Kenstanley4@gmail.com / 01473 274898

By S Corley

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP We are grateful for the high turnout of volunteers in February. It was great to see so many new faces (they are always welcome).

The volunteers worked on clearing the northern tumulus to gain English Heritage approval and protection for the woods from development. The group is keen to preserve the history of the woodland as well as to encourage wildlife and improve access to the woods.

After Storm Doris had passed the woods were checked for signs of damage (a couple of trees had been blown down as well as a large quantity of branches had broken off and fallen) and to deal with any potential dangers that may have been created during the storm to make sure the paths are safe for visitors.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY At our March meeting a full hall heard an entrancing talk by Antony Penrose about his family and their friends. His parents Roland Penrose and Lee Miller gathered an amazing circle of artistic greats around them including the Surrealist painter Max Ernst, the American art photographer Man Ray and Pablo Picasso, arguably the greatest 20th century artist. Antony led us through their amazing stories intertwined with his father, a famous artist himself, and his mother, one-time fashion model, artist muse, photographer and war correspondent. It was a wonderful lecture full of great stories and incredible artistic talent.

On Wednesday, April 5, Doug Gillen will present a talk entitled Hidden Canvasses: Street Art and the City. Doug is a specialist on street art and will offer a real insight into this world.

So why not come along and enjoy good company and an interesting talk?

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2.05pm and last about an hour. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a guest/visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

A YEAR AROUND THE NURSERY

By Susanna Davies of Katie’s Garden Monday, April 24 at 7.30pm St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL Light refreshments and a raffle. Admission £4 at the door The venue is fully accessible with adjacent free parking

SUMMER AT BRIGHT STARS If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a fun start to your week, we would love you to come along with your parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars.

Creation and Easter were two of the themes we enjoyed learning more about last term along with singing, Bible stories, games and making crafts to take home. We are an informal and friendly group who meet at 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. The half-hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to play until approximately noon, while the adults enjoy a chat!

Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day, but if you would like any further information please contact us on the numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you!

Now is a wonderful time to walk through the woodland as the signs of spring are arriving, as the snowdrops and violets have started to bloom.

Our session dates for the summer term 2017 are April 24, May 8 and 22, June 12 and 26 and July 10.

Dates for the diary: Volunteer Work Morning (all ages): Sunday, April 16, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided.

No need to book

For further information please contact: Jennie Fidler 07584 420729; Sonya & Maureen Burrows 01473 625196; Sue Lambert 01473 624130

Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds): Saturday, May 20, 9-11am AGM: Monday, April 3, 7pm at Martlesham Parish Room New volunteers are always welcome, all ages and abilities. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit pwcg.onesffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

BROKE HALL SCHOOL NURSERY OPEN SESSION Friday, April 21, 9-11.30am Chatsworth Drive, Ipswich IP5 5XD 01473 729544

Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer Sam Cork

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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SCHOOLS / SPORT HEATH SCHOOL NURSERY Have you considered the benefits for your child of starting their education in a vibrant school based nursery unit?

Heath School Nursery is bright and cheerful with lots of activities for your child to enjoy. As well as being taught by a trained, highly skilled teacher who is well supported by experienced Early Years trained staff, your child will have the benefit of getting to grips with school routines, such as getting into and out of PE kit, travelling around the school for different activities and generally getting used to school life.

Pupils currently attend the nursery for five funded sessions per week, (i.e. 15 hours). This can be five mornings (8.30-11.30am with a flexible drop off period between 8.30 and 9am) or five afternoons (12.303.30pm with a flexible drop off between 12.30 and 1pm). However, we also offer our parents the alternative of blocking the five funded sessions together over two-three days to give working mums and dads greater flexibility.

From September we will also be following the government initiative by allowing parents to access 30 funded hours per week.

For those who require childcare outside these sessions, our popular before and after school club, Jigsaw, is available.

During the months of April and May as the weather starts to get warmer we will be looking at ways to make our outside space exciting. We will be having fun making spring related crafts and planting. The children will get to take part in some nature walks and they will be exploring the lifecycle of a frog as well as exploring our mud kitchen. This theme will run through the baby room, preschool and afterschool club so all of the children coming to us will be able to enjoy the activities.

We will be have an Easter Walk and Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 22 from 1pm with refreshments. So if you are looking for a space for your child for nursery, pre-school or breakfast and afterschool clubs take this opportunity to meet the staff and have a look around.

We have spaces in all our rooms and funded two and three year olds can use their funded sessions throughout our opening hours and ‘stretch’ funding across Holiday Club. The Saplings is open Monday-Friday from 7.30am-6pm for children aged three months to 11 years, offering term-time and yearround care, with a baby room and pre-school, breakfast club, afterschool club and holiday club and a ‘walking bus’ to Birchwood Primary School.

For more information, please contact 01473 614753 / news@thesaplings.org. uk, or visit: www.thesaplings.org.uk / Facebook Saplings Martlesham

There are also a number of reputable child minders in our area.

KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB

We will be holding an open day on Tuesday, May 9 from 9.30-11am or 1.30-3pm. Why not come and visit us to get a glimpse of what a school based Nursery can offer your child as s/he takes those vital first steps in learning? There is no need to book an appointment.

As March turns its face towards April, cricketers everywhere are under starter’s orders. The new season is almost upon us and work at Kesgrave Cricket Club has stepped up markedly. Our youngsters are about to finish their winter indoor training sessions and will soon start their outdoor season and our senior players are now well into their pre-season nets.

Cricket-related muscles and sinews, dormant since the end of last summer, are being startled back into life. In my own case I am less certain as to the amount of life stirring in my old bowling arm; but I can definitely attest to being startled. Out on the field the square is looking terrific.

All that hard work at the end of last season has borne fruit. Now Adie and David, custodians of our playing surface, are busy marking out and preparing the wickets for our first games. Also, we are delighted to announce that Ryan Hoyle has agreed to take over the captaincy of our 2nd team. Ryan joined us last season having recently moved to the area and has quickly become a popular member of our senior playing set-up. He joins Mike Worne and Sam Colver, who continue as captains of the 1st and 3rd teams respectively.

For more information, or to obtain an application form, please contact the school office: 01473 622806 Co-Headteachers Sue Bowditch and David Whatley

HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP The children and staff had lots of fun dressing up as characters from their favourite books and playing games on World Book Day. Throughout the week, the children brought in their favourite books and had fun exploring different books through various media and materials.

The children have also been looking at different cultures and traditions of children around the world, from different clothes to music and trying lots of different foods. They have also been busy making cards and gifts for their mums, nanas and grandmas for Mother’s Day. Through the EYFS curriculum, children learn through play and all our topics are implemented in fun and engaging ways.

We are an Ofsted registered childcare provider for children from the age of two years onwards. As we are registered as ‘Good’, we can provide funded places for two-year-old children who have received Golden Tickets from Suffolk County Council. We will also be able to provide the government’s plan of 30 hours of free childcare to children the term after their third birthday from September 2017.

For more information and to pick up a registration form, please come in and meet our friendly Early Years team, including staff trained with Qualified Teacher Status, BA (Hons) level 6, and CACHE level 3.

Why not follow us on Facebook where you can see the children engaged in play activities?

We are situated inside Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Bell Lane. You can contact us from 8.30am-4pm on 07837 154081 during term time and manager Sally Cutts on 01473 625998 (evenings only).

Wendy Payne

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THE SAPLINGS

By the time you read our next piece the 2017 season will already be well under way, so I want to take this opportunity to remind all cricketers out there of some important upcoming dates. It is still not too late to get involved in our pre-season practise. Senior nets continue to run weekly until our final session on Sunday, April 9; every Sunday morning from 11am1pm in the community centre sports hall. The exception is the penultimate session when, instead of Sunday 2, we will be training on Monday, April 3 from 6-8pm.

Whether you’re an existing KCC member or thinking about coming along for the first time, if cricket’s your thing then we want to hear from you.

Our pre-season senior practise match will take place on Saturday, April 15.

The 1st XI start their league campaign at home to Maldon on April 22, the 2nd XI start on April 29 at home to Stradbroke and our 3rd XI at home to BT & Waldringfield on April 30. All players keen to be involved should confirm their availability now via the club website. And if you haven’t done so already, make contact with the team captains. The website is also the place for any new players to go for details of how to contact us.

Despite the headlong dash to start playing cricket, we will be taking some time out shortly for our regular club golf day. On Sunday, April 2 we will be playing at Seckford Golf Club, where shouts of ‘Fore!’ will replace those of ‘Four!’ (or Six) for a while at least. Look out for a full report in next month’s issue. Of course, I’m a natural at both sports. Problem is, I play golf like a natural cricketer and cricket like a natural golfer.

Knight Watchman www.kesgrave.play-cricket.com

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE NEWS February 17-19 saw the 44th European Karate Federation’s U21 Championships held in Arena Armeec, Sofia, Bulgaria. This competition brought the best young karateka from 50 European countries together to battle it out for the right to be European champion. Northgate, Kesgrave and Associated Clubs were proud to have one of its own members representing England at this prestigious event. Georgina Lawson competed in the female junior kumite under 59kg category. Although she did not realise her ultimate goal of becoming European champion, she did gain valuable experience. The slightest mistake or loss of concentration is instantly punished at this level and this was apparent in every age and weight category. An amazing experience for Georgina and one that younger members of the club can aspire to.

Many thanks to all who helped Georgina to achieve her dream of attending the event and to coach Chris Stott for his support and report.

Closer to home a squad of 13 went to the tenth KSE comp in Gloucester where we won a total of eight medals. The standard was extremely high and the whole team should be very proud especially as for some it was their first Japanese kata competition. They were Lauren Berry, Ruby Hunt, Jessica Etherington, Harry Whitmore, Emma Buckley, Sofia Standring, Lilly Melton, Lola Blofield, Thomas Humphries, Amelia Clow, Sophie Swann, Abigail Longhurst and Dylan Barnes.

Ruby Hunt took home two gold medals for kumite, one in her own category and one in the category above. She gave away only three points over the eight fights in the two categories she entered, winning the fights by a four point gap each time.

Other winners were: Lauren Berry won silver in the individual kata; Emma Buckly, Sofia Standring and Lilly Melton won bronze for their team kata; Sophie Swann (pictured second left) gave an outstanding performance to take gold in the individual kata; Jessica Etherington, who again had three rounds to get through and got better with each round, took silver in the individual kata; Abigail Longhurst who took home silver in the individual kata. Even the non-medal winners did really well by showing a good standard and gaining valuable experience to take to the next competition in Hornchurch in April. Thanks again to all the parents and club instructors for their support and to Matt Standring for the report.

A final thank you must go to the continued support from our club sponsors which now include Ipswich Audi, M+C Diesel, IS Electrical and Chris Clow.

Eleanor Legg

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Declaring God’s Way - Sharing His Love

Finally spring has sprung! Yes, we are officially in the spring season.

How lovely it is to have longer days and we look forward to even lighter evenings in the coming weeks. It reminds us of the words in Genesis chapter 8 verse 22: “ As long as the earth endures, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease”.

Year by year we prove this to be correct, and we thank God for this promise as we enjoy the different seasons. Even during the long winter months, we look forward to the days lengthening and the spring flowers appearing. This is the time in the church calendar to acknowledge our Christian Faith as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Easter services at Rushmere Baptist Church are set out below. We invite you to join in any or all of these services, where you will find a very warm welcome.

Palm Sunday, April 9 2.30pm at Colchester Road Baptist Church, Family Worship with Communion led by our minister, The Rev Heather Marsden.

Good Friday, April 14 10.30am United Service at Colchester Road Baptist Church followed by a picnic and ramble at Woodbridge Community Hall Easter Day: Sunday, April 16 10.30am Worship with Rushmere Christian Fellowship at St Albans School Our usual activities are as follows: Monday: FFaF Children’s Club for School Years 2-6 from 6.15-7.30pm at St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall Wednesday: Rag Tag Drop-in at 2pm on the first Wednesday of each month at St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall Senior Citizens’ Friendship Hour at 2.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month at St Andrew’s Parish Church Hall Thursday: Luncheon Club at 12.30pm at the Rugby Club in Rushmere Road Saturday: Meeting Point Coffee Morning on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10.30am-noon at St Andrew’s Parish Hall Minister: The Rev Heather Marsden Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE RUSHMERE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP EASTER FUN AFTERNOON We have a fun afternoon of games, activities, crafts, Bible stories and music, all geared around the Easter story on Thursday, April 13, 2-4pm. This is most suitable for children aged three-eight years old, although all ages are welcome. Parents/carers are required to stay with their children. To book or for more information, please contact Lucy on 01473 720401 / 07713 705751.

This event is at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane and takes the place of our usual baby and toddler group, Toys & Noise, on this afternoon.

(Please note that Toys & Noise won’t be taking place on April 6 either because of the Easter holiday) EASTER SUNDAY: “He is not here; he has risen!”

We invite all ages to celebrate the good news of Easter at our Easter Sunday Celebration Service at 10.30am at St Alban’s High School on Digby Road.

PARENTAL GUIDANCE WORKSHOP How can you navigate through the maze of the digital world today? Rushmere Christian Fellowship and Colchester Road Baptist Church are hosting Visible Ministries and the Naked Truth Project for one night to give information and resources for parents, carers and teachers of children and teenagers aged eight-18. This is a fun, down-to-earth and informative workshop that gives parental guidance on phones, filters and digital dangers.

The workshop takes place on Wednesday, April 26, 7.15-9.30pm, at Colchester Road Baptist Church, Ipswich IP4 4ST. Tickets are £3 per person. To find out more and to book, contact 01473 290115 / elizabeth@rcfchurch.org.uk or visit: www.thepgworkshop.com Rushmere Christian Fellowship (RCF) is a welcoming church committed to loving God, each other and the community. RCF meets every Sunday at 10.30am at St Alban’s High School on Digby Road.

For further information contact Stephen French – sfrench@rcfchurch.org.uk / 01473 431701 – or visit: www.rcfchurch.org.uk

PRESS THE RESET BUTTON If you have ever had any trouble with electronic equipment and you are like me, the first thing you try to do is see if there is a reset button. Over the years I have found the reset button to be so useful on many different devices. Unfortunately, modern technology has a habit of just refusing to work sometimes and I am so grateful that the designers have included a reset button that you can press to get everything working normally again. Sometimes you can reset back to the original default factory settings.

I am also so glad that when God created the world he built in a reset function.

He knew from the beginning that, given free will, mankind would decide to follow its own devices and walk away from Him. Jesus is God’s answer, His ‘reset button’ to reset history back to the designer’s blueprint.

When Jesus died and rose from the grave He conquered sin and death once and for all. All of history is measured BC (before Christ) or (AD) after Christ.

Once we accept that Jesus died in our place our lives can be reset back to the maker’s standard. As we approach this Easter time, please spend a few moments to reflect on Jesus, the God-man who died so our lives with God could be reset.

the

ARK church

It’s April already and this month the Ark is hosting the Bibleway Children & Youth Ministry Conference which promises to be two days of awesome teaching, great workshops and amazing worship. The theme this year is A New Thing, taken from Isaiah 43:19 where God says He will make rivers in the wilderness. It all kicks off with a free BBQ on Thursday 13 at 7.30pm with the Bibleway band providing the music. On Friday 14 the congress proper begins at noon, finishing at 7pm, followed by the same timing for Saturday 15 with refreshments and meals available. We hope to see you there, ready for a wonderful time. For more details please visit: www.biblewaychurches.org 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).

The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. We can also be found online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk / Facebook @arkofthelord / Twitter @arkipswich / email: arkipswichuk@gmail.com (our newsletter is available via free subscription)

DR DAN POULTER REPORTS BACK I was delighted to visit a group of Sixth Form students at Kesgrave High School last month and, as always, I remain impressed with the progress and direction of the school. I was very impressed with the new café facilities at the school, which I saw before hosting a Q&A session with the students. The session was very well attended with a wide range of well-prepared questions on topics ranging from health to education, and from Brexit to Donald Trump.

We should by now be continuing to enjoy the more spring like weather.

With Easter almost upon us and the Suffolk countryside beginning to finally emerge from the colder winter months, I am looking forward to being out and about in Suffolk to enjoy the wide range of events which are starting to pop up, not to mention stocking up on the fabulous local produce.

I am particularly enthusiastic about the marvellous food and drink offering we have here and my weekends at home in Suffolk are often spent at local markets and events. I always buy my food and drink locally to support our local businesses wherever possible.

It never ceases to amaze me the sheer diversity that we have right here on our doorstep – from locally produced cheeses and meats, to cordials, cider, beer and wine, and sauces, preserves and pickles, all grown, packaged and produced so creatively right in Suffolk. The success of these businesses is vital to our strong rural economy and I think we all have a part to play in ensuring that we think local and buy local whenever we can. There is so much great work going on here already to educate our children and young people on the importance of not only eating well but also eating locally and seasonally. This is vitally important in reducing the number of miles our food travels before it reaches our plate and, of course, fresh produce that’s in season always tastes so much better.

I am also a great supporter of our local farmers and regularly meet with the NFU and the farming community. As we look to negotiate the very best deal possible for our farmers as we embark upon Brexit negotiations, I will certainly be doing my very best to ensure that Suffolk is at the forefront of those important conversations.

If you would like to hear more about Jesus we would love to see you on any Sunday. We meet in Heath Primary School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave from 10.30am-noon.

For those of you who may still like to take part, my broadband survey remains open and can be found here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DrDanPoulterBroadbandNovember2016 Please do get in touch if you would like a paper copy.

May God bless you.

For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com

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