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Volume 10 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore. This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives? Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react…
SEASON’S SPARKLES CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Orwell Singers’ Christmas concert on Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath. This will be their first concert with new musical director Lindsay Gowers, David Christie on piano and guest flautist Jennie Francis. Admission on the door will be £8 for adults with accompanied children free, and will include sherry and mince pies. For further details visit: www.theorwellsingers.co.uk d.sharman@btinternet.com / 01473 635955
My granddad was known to say, “Please and thank you will take you around the world”. It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back. What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way. Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all. And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@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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In Touch Titles
Spark and the 2nd Stop Charity Shop would like to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year. It has been another bumper year for the 2nd Stop Shop and the efforts of the manager and willing volunteers are very much appreciated as, of course, are your donations and the loyalty of customers. Without you Spark wouldn’t have been able to make significant grants to Kesgrave clubs, schools and other organisations to assist them with their projects throughout the year. We regularly display a list of the grants/loans awarded by the trustees in the shop window as well as on the town council noticeboard.
• S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
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WE WILL REMEMBER The children of Humpty Dumpty Playgroup in Kesgrave joined in with the Remembrance Day Service held inside All Saints Church. The children had made a poppy wreath which they proudly laid at the service with other local schools.
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NEWS KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL
Rushmere St Andrew Allotment Gardens Are you thinking of taking up an allotment plot? If so, why not put your name down on our waiting list? We may well have a few half plots available by the time you read this. If you wish to put your name down please send us your contact details, including your address, or to discuss further please contact Rushmere St Andrew Parish Office: 01473 711509 / sarah.jenkins@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk If you require inspiration, then take a look at the article in our winter parish newsletter about Mrs Roper and her 40 years on the allotments! JOB OPPORTUNITY Interested in helping to make our community a better place? Are you good at DIY, painting and cleaning (benches, gates, etc.) and happy to do litter picking and other general duties as and when? Can spare a few hours a month? Payment and hours on an ad hoc basis. Must have own transport. In the first instance, for an informal chat, please contact the parish clerk, Mrs Sylvia Stannard: 01473 711509 / sylvia.stannard@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk Winter Parish Newsletter Look out for the winter parish newsletter which should be with you soon, if not already. There’s a chance for children to win a Harry Potter Night Bus or a 3D puzzle and plenty of interest for young and old to read. You can contact Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council on 01473 711509 or email the clerk at sylvia.stannard@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk or the assistant clerk at sarah.jenkins@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council. Keep safe!
BUS NOTES The buses which serve Eagle Way at Martlesham Heath are now shown as route 66A, but I cannot fathom from the timetable how this takes any longer than the 66 which calls at Tesco, and continues to Martlesham Heath anyway. This was the reason given by First for moving the 66 stop from the bus station to outside Revolution. It’s just one aspect of the poorer service on the 66 these days. While the new stop is in the covered arcade, the many people waiting there are joined by those wanting the numerous other routes which call there, including the Park & Ride service. Add to that the time taken for driver changeover, which includes a chat, and waiting there becomes a miserable experience. On a recent trip the 66 arrived late from the rail station, the old and new drivers had a long discussion and the ticket machine needed re-setting, so the journey home started very late. The 66 then missed out the busway and the local shops, running via The Bell, and didn’t stop until it was well into Grange Farm. All this from what is supposed to be an improved service! This has happened just at the moment when the government pledged to improve bus services as part of the need to reduce carbon emissions. Despite the brightly-repainted buses, First Bus are not serving Ipswich at all well.
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Join us ar St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact: Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406
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Kesgrave Fireworks Wow, what a display! The event held at Kesgrave High School on Sunday 3 November was attended by approximately 2,000 people. Kesgrave Town Council has now taken over the running of this event from Debbie McCallum at the Bell Inn, Kesgrave. Thanks go to Debbie for all previous years’ organisation. Christmas Tree Light Switch-On Friday 29 November at Rupert Fison Square; choir at 6pm, Christmas Lights at 6.30pm. Come along and see Santa, enjoy refreshments from the Scouts and browse the Scout Christmas Fair. Kesgrave On Ice Back again at Rupert Fison Square on Saturday 30 November from 10.30am5.30pm and Sunday 1 December from 10.30am-3pm. £2.50 per person, under-10s to be accompanied by an adult, although they don’t have to skate. No advance booking – just turn up. Maximum half-hour skating time. Try some free Christmas crafts if there is a wait or visit the Kesgrave Scouts in the Scout Hall for refreshments and their Christmas Fair, which is on until Monday 2. Tree of Reflection A service to remember a loved one, Friday 13 December at 7pm. The tree is sited in All Saints Churchyard and was donated and planted by Kesgrave Scouts. The tree will have lights and a sign will identify the location. Dedicate your personalised Christmas bauble on the tree of reflection. Baubles are available free of charge from the 2nd Stop Charity Shop and the town council office. Kesgrave Market Rupert Fison Square on Saturday 21 December, 9am-12.30pm Town Council Meetings Monday 9 December: Planning & Development 6.15pm, Community & Recreation 7.15pm Monday 16 December: Planning & Development 6.15pm Monday 6 January: Planning & Development 6.15pm Monday 13 January: Finance & General Purposes 7.15pm Monday 20 January: Planning & Development 6.15pm, Full Town Council 7.15pm Message from the town council chairman, Councillor Neal Beecroft-Smith “It’s hard to believe that it is already time to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As a town council we continue to work hard in line with the town council’s vision for Kesgrave, its purpose, values, objectives and key priorities for the coming year and beyond. “Christmas offers us a chance to reflect back on 2019. It’s also a time for us to send good wishes to those we care about. “May we ask you all to remember your neighbours at this time of year, especially the elderly and those who live alone. We’d also like to extend a special welcome to those who have come home to Kesgrave to be with their families and hope that you have a wonderful time. “On behalf of all the councillors and staff of Kesgrave Town Council, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy New Year.” Christmas Opening Hours Closed from Tuesday 24 December – opens Friday 3 January 2020 NORMAL OFFICE OPENING HOURS Monday: 9am-1pm Tuesday: 9am-1pm Wednesday: 9am-3pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 9am-1pm 01473 625179 / enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT COFFEE MORNINGS AT KESGRAVE HELP CENTRE Our coffee mornings are now very popular with about 40 people attending. It’s nice to hear everyone chatting. If you would like to come along, they are held every Thursday between 10am and 11.30am. We have a small weekly raffle and a game of Hoy each month. There’s no fee to pay – just come along and enjoy company. We also have a few outings during the year and have recently been to Perrywood which was extremely good. The visit to see the wonderful display they have done for Christmas was well worth the visit. We now look forward to our annual Christmas lunch which is always excellent. We hope to see you soon and look forward to welcoming you. Sue Snoulten
KESGRAVE DEMENTIA CAFÉ
CHRISTMAS FAYRE AT BROKE HALL PRIMARY SCHOOL Saturday 7 December, 11am-2pm Broke Hall Primary School, Chatsworth Drive IP4 5XD
A WINTER WONDERLAND CONCERT On Friday 13 December, Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir and the Birkbeck Singers present Winter Wonderland, a concert featuring winter themed melodies, light choral and traditional songs. The concert, which is in aid of ActivLives and Fresh Start New Beginnings, is at the Methodist Church, Black Horse Lane, Ipswich IP1 2EF at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £10 each are available from: 01449 672600 / scmvc@scwade.eclipse.co.uk For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y5bneldu
Anyone with memory problems or living with dementia is warmly invited to our Christmas buffet lunch which will be held on Wednesday 18 December, 11am-1.30pm in the Royal British Legion Hall, Kesgrave. Come along and meet the organisers and volunteers who assist those who may need help and support to undertake various leisurely activities and enjoy the event. For further information please contact Sue West: 01473 624044 / peter.west@ic24.net Avtar Athwall: 01473 611692 / avtar.athwall@btinternet.com
DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? DORIAN SINGERS’ CHRISTMAS CONCERT On the evening of Wednesday 11 December, forget about the General Election for a couple of hours and head to Trinity Methodist Church in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe to join The Dorian Singers for their popular annual Christmas concert. Starting at 7.30pm, the concert, which this year is entitled A Christmas Cracker, features Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols (with soloist Mark Ellis) alongside other festive choral music both old and new. There will also be contributions from our special guests Drum & Brass, and carols for you to join in with. Tickets (£12 / £3 for under-18s) include seasonal refreshments and can be obtained from The Card Centre, 6 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe (01394 283170), from choir members or at the door. The concert is in aid of The Blossom Appeal, which has been set up to raise £2.5million to build a modern, stateof-the-art Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital. For further details visit: www.thedoriansingers.org.uk / www.facebook.com/doriansfelixstowe
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We have three bands: Ipswich Hospital Band, St Peter’s Band and Saints Community Band. Join us and make new friends. Some instruments are available for hire. www.ipswichhospitalband.org.uk / info@ipswichhospitalband.org.uk St Peter’s by the Waterfront, College Street, Ipswich IP4 1BF
FROM PUMPKINS TO TINSEL Some of you may be blithely unaware that almost as soon as the remains of the pumpkins are placed on the compost heap, it’s practically Christmas. Others will be patting their pockets, having bought all their gifts in the July sales. Those of us in between are still wracking our brains. How are we going to cater for the family get-together? What do pescetarians eat? How can I thank the neighbours for cat-sitting? Does Auntie Audrey still collect owls? Rest assured, our Country Marketeers can help in almost every situation. We can provide a wide variety of delicious savoury bakes, pies and dishes to make any mouth water, for snacking, buffets or a sit-down meal. Our brilliant bakers have been preparing for the seasonal demand with beautiful Christmas cakes, puddings, biscuits and other sweet things that are darn near irresistible. A hamper of chutneys, preserves and jams should go down well with the neighbour. What about a little crochet owl, a hand-knitted or fleecy hat and matching gloves, scrummy warm socks or a hand-finished quilt for a crib, a barge-painted plant pot or some lovely pick-up-and-fondle treen (small wooden household objects)? Our members are multi-talented. There’s still time, if you are quick, to get a special order in for that lastminute just-remembered vitally important gift or the inspired idea for the family friend! Come and see our lovely treats, edible and otherwise. Make your commission, place your orders and stock up every Tuesday from 9.1511am at Martlesham Heath Pavilion. Our last market of 2019 is on Tuesday 17 December and we resume normal service on January 7. We wish all our customers a warm and peaceful festive season and thank you for your continuing support. We hope we’ll see you again soon!
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month our tables are brimming with artisan produce and locally made arts and crafts to fill stockings and pile up under the tree. We are now taking orders for Christmas items, which you can have individually or as part of a hamper, prepared to your own requirements. Special dietary needs can also be catered for. Hampers make ideal gifts for friends or relatives at Christmas. Just come along during opening hours or check out our website to place your order. Why not purchase some special chutney for your Christmas table and celebrations? We have a large variety to choose from all made locally by producers. These are also offered gift packaged. Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of the Market, so come and have a festive morning out and find some extra special Christmas treats with us. The market is open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. On the first Thursday of the month we sell bacon rolls! Please note we will be closed on December 12 due to the hall being used as a polling station for the General Election, but will be open on Friday 13 instead. We will also be closed for two weeks over Christmas (26 December and 2 January), returning on 9 January. You can find out more about our market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk
KESGRAVE SOCIAL CLUB Sunday 1 December County Darts – Suffolk A v Gwent, 11am / Foxy Rock, 7.30pm Friday 6 December: Gary’s Christmas Draw, 7.30pm Saturday 7 December: Are We There Yet, 8pm Sunday 8 December: Children’s Christmas Party, 2-4pm Wednesday 11 Dec: Quiz by Ipswich Speedway Supporters Club, 7.30pm Saturday 14 December: Kevin Barry c/m, 8pm Monday 16 December: Stephanie Carr (medium) Charity Night, 7.30pm Christmas Eve: Tricks of the Trade, 8pm (£5) New Year’s Eve: Mid Life Crisis, 8pm (£10)
MARTLESHAM BRASS We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! December is the busiest month of the year for Martlesham Brass. You will often find us playing Christmas Carols outside supermarkets, both in Martlesham and Ipswich, raising money for charities nominated by our band members. This year we are raising funds for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity – The Cancer Centre Campaign, Evelina London Children’s Healthcare – Guys & St Thomas’ Charity and Footsteps Walking With You – counselling for 11-25 year olds. Please join us for Coffee and Carols on Saturday 14 December at 10am at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL, when you can hear our intermediate band playing your favourite Christmas music. There will be refreshments and a raffle, and admission is free. On Monday 16 December we will be playing for Carols in the Square, Martlesham Heath at 7pm, followed by soup in St Michael’s Church Centre served by Martlesham Heath Rangers. Our Christmas Concert is on Saturday 21 December at 7pm, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Tickets are £4 with primary school children free. Tickets are available from 07544 962205 / www.martleshambrass.co.uk or on the door. www.martleshambrass.co.uk
The staff and trustees at Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY
As well as organising and hosting their own community events, the centre has been the chosen venue for a variety of parties, events, celebrations, meetings and conferences this year, including a very special charity music festival, Jessfest. With another planned for 2020, it’s already looking like another great year for Kesgrave.
November 20 was a member’s social night which consisted of a one page competition, a static display, a prize draw and a member’s bourse – buying and selling of members items no longer needed. All those present had a good chat about philately and their chosen collections. This ranged from early GB to QEII Machins, from China to Czechoslovakia and from USA to Second World War Hungary inflation stamps.
If you are planning a celebration or event, the team at KWMCC would be happy to discuss your requirements however large or small. DECEMBER EVENTS Christmas Party Nights: Friday 13 & Saturday 14 December Tickets are just £29 and include a glass of fizz on arrival, festive buffet, disco and photo booth. For more information or to book a table please email: jo@kwmcc.co.uk Premier Sport Holiday Camp: Friday 20 December Book your place now via: https://book.premier-education.com The centre’s own health and fitness activities and active adult sessions will continue up until the Christmas break, commencing once again in January 2020. A full list of activities and events can be found online. Festive Season Opening Hours Please visit our website for details of our festive opening hours. If you would like further information on KWMCC 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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Members seem to collect a vast and varied range of topics, so why not come and join us? Information can be found online or contact our secretary, Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com This month we meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall on Wednesday 4 December from 1-5pm. A local dealer will be available with her stock for you to add to your collections. Refreshments will be available. www.ipswichphilatelic.uk
KESGRAVE CANASTA CLUB Meets at the Royal British Legion Hall on Ropes Drive at 7.30pm and welcomes new players. This month we meet on Wednesday 18 December and the dates for 2020 are: Wednesdays 15 January, 19 February, 18 March, 15 April, 20 May, 17 June, 15 July, 19 August, 16 September, 21 October, 18 November and 16 December. For more information contact Barbara Rose: 01473 622017
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OUT & ABOUT GIPPESWYK SINGERS LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS 2020
Gippeswyk Singers and Martlesham Brass are thrilled to be joining together again to present a Last Night of the Proms concert to celebrate the New Year at St Michael’s Church Centre in Martlesham on Sunday 5 January at 7pm. The first half of the concert will feature several lovely choir pieces conducted by Geoff Lavery including Lauridsen’s glorious O Magnum Mysterium and special brass band performances led by Adam Cable, including Dambusters March, culminating in a delightful medley from Mary Poppins for both band and choir. The audience is invited to join in too! After the interval and refreshments, get ready for some patriotic flag waving and heartfelt singing as Martlesham Brass and Gippeswyk Singers lead the audience in the traditional Last Night of the Proms music – a truly joyful celebration of the New Year in the best way the British know how. Don’t forget to wear red, white and blue! Tickets are £5 at the door or available from choir and band members. Advance tickets from Michael Dawe, Flocky Cottage, Marlesford Road, Hacheston IP13 0DP (send a SAE with cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers) or call 01728 746441. Gippeswyk Singers are supporting two local charities this season, Inspire Counselling (Ipswich) and Suffolk Wildlife Trust. For more information please visit: www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk
KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts The following Christmas craft activities will take place during December, 10am-noon: • • • • •
Sunday 1: The library tree needs some new decorations. Add some Christmas sparkle to our new Christmas tree. Sunday 8: Keep your place in all your Christmas stories with our fantastic Father Christmas lolly stick bookmark. Sunday 15: Design a Christmas jumper to keep a gingerbread man warm. Sunday 22: Make a Christmas tree card to give to someone special. Sunday 29: It’s nearly 2020! Make a New Year wish wand.
Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go. Free Wordplay Sessions / Rebrand of Bookstart Every Thursday / no session on Thursday 26 December • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions Every Friday 9.45-10.15am in term time. This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along? No session on Friday 27 December. OTHER EVENTS FOR DECEMBER Lego Club: Every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Parents must stay with under eights. The themes this month are Santa’s House, Reindeer and Christmas Wonderland. No need to book – just pop along! This is a free activity. Knit and Natter: Wednesdays 4 & 18 December at 2.30pm. £1 with tea, coffee and mince pies provided. Welcome to all new members. Afternoon Book Group: Thursday 5 December at 2.45pm. Currently reading Sleeper’s Castle by Barbara Erskine. Evening Book Group: Thursday 19 December at 7pm. Currently reading The Huntingfield Paintress by Pamela Holmes. Cards for Good Causes: Available until Monday 23 December. Scout’s Post Box: Available until 5pm on Tuesday 10 December. Lego Afternoons, 3-4.30pm • Thursday 19 December: Create a Christmas Wonderland • Thursday 2 January: Design a library of the future Places limited to 25 per session. Please phone to book a place. CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Sunday 22 December: 10am-3pm Monday 23 December: 9am-noon December 24-26: Closed Friday 27 December: 9am-noon & 2.30-pm. Saturday 28 December: 10am-5pm Sunday 29 December: 10am-3pm Monday 30 December: 9am-noon Tuesday 31 December: 9am-noon & 2.30-5pm Wednesday 1 January: Closed Thursday 2 January: Normal hours resume Library Manager Maggie Lusher, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave 01473 626103 / www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Monday: 9am-noon Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon & 2.30-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm
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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY
KESGRAVE WI
Friday 6 December, 7.30-10pm: The DeHavilland Story by Ken Ellis, former editor of Flypast magazine, airshow commentator and author of many books on aviation topics.
Our Annual Meeting was held as part of our November meeting. The treasurer’s, secretary’s and president’s reports detailing our activities during the past year were read and approved. The committee for 2020 was elected.
We meet at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members.
Delcie Corbett was elected president for 2020. Doreen Roderick and Elayne Green have stepped down from the committee after many supportive years and were presented with a small gift to thank them for their work. Angela Finch won the rose bowl as winner of the monthly competitions held during 2019. The silver plate for second place was awarded to Enid Castle and Sue Hilling.
01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk
KESGRAVE CO-OP WOMEN’S GUILD Our members enjoyed an excellent Harvest Supper on October 15 which was provided by caterers from KWMCC. We had a quiz and plenty of time for members to enjoy a chat. On Tuesday 29 October, Peter Blemings gave a fascinating talk about the Bartlet Convalescent Home, the Bath Hotel and suffragettes in Felixstowe. Peter uses his talks to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Next Meetings Tuesday 26 November: We will be having a talk by 1st Kesgrave Scouts about their activities and how they have used the £500 donation from the Guild. Tuesday 10 December: Our Christmas party with entertainment from the Phoenix Bell Ringers, including a chance for members try their hand at ringing. Tuesday 7 January: Our first meeting of the new year will be the usual hilarious Bag Beetle. Members and visitors are reminded that they will need to bring a paper bag with two items costing a total of £1. The programme for 2020 is currently being arranged and details will be posted on our website very soon. I would like to thank Sharon and the staff at In Touch for their support and wish them and readers a very Happy Christmas and New Year from everyone at the Guild. 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 include refreshments and raffle tickets. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the community centre. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991 www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net
BROKE HALL WI Friday, December 13: A Musical Evening with David and Karolyn Howlett We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 10 February: The Treasure of Ipswich by John Field Did you know that Ipswich is full of architectural treasures of historical importance? No, then come along and find out about the town’s medieval churches, mansions and halls, its important legacy of Victorian buildings, nationally and locally listed buildings and the many features and artefacts of local, national (and even some of international) importance. Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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Members then spent an enjoyable social half hour testing their knowledge by completing a Suffolk name quiz and then, amidst a lot of laughter, a handbag scavenger hunt! It’s amazing what us ladies keep in our handbags! Our next meeting is on Thursday 5 December at 7.15pm in Kesgrave Community Centre when we will be holding our Christmas meeting. Visitors are very welcome to join us. For more information call our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415
ICUSTEPS SUPPORT GROUP For critical care patients on the road to recovery We meet at Bluebird Lodge Community Hospital, 100 Mansbrook Boulevard, Ipswich IP3 9GJ from 6-8pm on: December 4. For more information email outreach.event@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk or visit: www.icusteps.org
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. On November 6 we enjoyed a lively and interesting talk by writer, lecturer and broadcaster Daniel Snowman on the impact the Hitler emigres had on British artistic and cultural life. The last talk before our winter break is Pantomime: A Very British Treat by Giles Ramsay on December 4. Giles is an independent theatre director and producer. He combines academic analysis with hands-on experience to bring a unique insight to the world of the theatre. Our programme will resume on February 5 with a talk by Aliki Braine titled Same Old Same New. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We finish 2019 with two December meetings. On Thursday 5, Tina from Home Instead will advise us on how to avoid the many and varied scams we are targeted with today. On Thursday 19, we are holding our Christmas party with entertainment by the Taylor Kemp Trio and bring-and-share festive refreshments. Our first meeting of the new year will be on January 16 when Mr Eric Punaks will pay a return visit with another of his humorous talks. All ladies are very welcome to come to meetings which are held on alternate Thursdays at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. For more details contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768 A Happy Christmas to everyone!
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP October saw our volunteers back on the northern tumulus to clear the bracken, young tree seedlings and brambles. Hopefully now grass will become established. It has been an exceptional season for fungi, with many species to be found all around the woodlands. Of note is the bright orange-coloured wrinkled peach, not seen until a few years ago but now quite common in the woodlands. We would love to hear of any interesting species you spot when visiting; please leave them where you find them and do not attempt to eat them! It’s been 20 years since the group was created following the hard fought battle to save the woodlands from being concreted over to become Martlesham Park & Ride. We will be celebrating this anniversary at our Christmas work morning with some extra special cake and festive treats. The PWCG committee wishes all our volunteers, supporters and visitors a very Happy Christmas! DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Sunday 15 December, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and refreshments provided. All welcome – no need to book. Nature Explorers (ages 11-18) Saturday 18 January, 9-11am. Please book a place via our email below. New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. Stephen Corley
CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL At Cedarwood we have been celebrating over best ever Key Stage 2 results and are very proud of our pupils’ excellent achievements. Our Year 6 pupils have worked hard to plan and carry out a superb fundraising week which raised a fantastic £906.93 for the charities closest to their hearts, which are Make a Wish and Plastic Oceans. The Year 6 children involved in the St Elizabeth Hospice Project are enjoying their time working with patients and very much looking forward to their celebration event. Foundation Open Evening We have enjoyed welcoming new families for our open days. It has been lovely to see new faces, including many from outside our catchment area. If you have children who were born between 01.09.2015 and 31.08.2016 and would like to find out about more our school, please come and visit us on Wednesday 27 November at 7pm. Catchment is only one criteria considered in the admissions process and we have a number of children in our school who come from outside of Kesgrave. There’s no need to book, just pop along to see us. If you are unable to make this session please contact the office on 01473 612981 to arrange a tour of the school at a time convenient to you. Our busy PFC team have held some superb events already this year and still have a lot more to come, including our fantastic Christmas Fair – open to all of the community, not just our families, so please come and join us. Visit our PFC Facebook page or our Twitter feed for details of all upcoming events – they are always great fun! Headteachers Tina Shute & Doug Stroud www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk
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AUTUMN TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. The remaining date in the autumn term is December 9 and the first date in 2020 is January 13. For additional dates see the January edition. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
MARTLESHAM PRE-SCHOOL Thank you to the children and their families who joined us for an afternoon of Halloween activities on 26 October. This helped raise valuable funds for our charity pre-school, which will be put towards new resources for the children to make use of and enjoy. At Martlesham Pre-school we believe there are many social and emotional benefits from learning about the value of kindness. It has been proven that happiness improves mental health, decreases stress, builds self-esteem and promotes a sense of belonging. This month children have made pictures and delivered them to members of the community while out and about during their Little Explorers sessions. Those who received the gifts were thrilled, and the children took pride in giving out their pictures! We look forward to spreading more kindness in the run up to Christmas. Please don’t forget we have a ladies evening event, open to all, on Friday 29 November. Tickets can be purchased from the pre-school for £6. This includes a glass of mulled wine/fruit juice and mince pie on arrival. There will be a selection of stall holders, gift ideas and mini beauty treatments available. Martlesham Pre-school can be found within the grounds of Gorseland School on Deben Avenue. We are open from 8am-4pm and offer various sessions for children aged two to five years. Please contact us for further information: mplayschool@btinternet.com / 01473 625986
GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Open Sessions for September 2020 If your child is starting school in September 2020, please come along to our Reception Open Session on Tuesday 7 January from 9.30-10am. This is an opportunity to meet our headteacher, Mr Jackson, and the Reception team, as well as having a tour of the school with our Year 6 pupils. Please contact the school office to confirm: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net
HEDGEHOG NURSERY The children have been having lots of fun mixing different colours, learning that two colours can make a new one! We also enjoyed all the squashing and squeezing of bread dough when making bread hedgehogs. For Bonfire Night, we made edible sparklers by dribbling icing onto a breadstick and quickly sprinkling on stars – they were delicious! On November 11 we joined the whole school to attend the Remembrance Service at the Control Tower and we have been learning what the poppy represents. We are looking forward to getting underway with our nativity performance and inviting our families to join our Christmas fun. If you would like to come and see us in action, please contact the school office on 01473 623790. You will be warmly welcomed! Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig Hedgehog Nursery is open from 8.30am-3.15pm Monday to Friday for three and four year olds; in addition, we offer wrap-around care from 7.30am-6pm every week day. For more information, please visit www.gorseland.net or contact the school office on 01473 623790.
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SCHOOLS / SPORT KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB As we approach the end of the year, we can look back on a season which went very much to plan. Our objective was for the first team to consolidate their place in Division 2, which they achieved comfortably. We also had aspirations for our second team to gain promotion to Division 7 which they succeeded in doing; congratulations to them.
HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL On Friday 18 October, we welcomed our local MP to open the first of our new outdoor classrooms. After cutting the ribbon, he took questions from our school council and eco-council reps and later did an interview with our Heath News reporters and their tech team, who recorded the interview to go on the school website. Reception Intake 2020 A big thank you to everyone who came to our open morning; it was lovely to see so many new faces and to have the opportunity to show everyone what we have to offer at Heath Primary. For anyone who was unable to visit the school on our open morning, or for anyone wishing to view the school again on their own, we are offering individual guided tours of the school with one of our headteachers at a time that is convenient to you. Just contact the school office on 01473 622806 to make an appointment. You can also use our school’s website which is a great source of information for prospective parents/carers. www.heathprimary.co.uk
Our junior membership increased, thanks in part to the success of the All-Stars scheme and we are expecting numbers to increase again next year. Details of our junior indoor coaching sessions will be published on our website and our Facebook group in December. The club were finalists in the Club of The Year category at the East Suffolk Business & Community Awards which was an excellent achievement and a tribute to the players and officials at the club. Our AGM will be held this year on Tuesday 10 December at 7.30pm in the sports pavilion; all members and prospective members welcome. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time at the club this year, our coaches, ground staff, scorers, tea helpers and our hard-working committee members. The club would not be able to function without you. Kesgrave Cricket Club would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Check out the website for fixtures and other details. You’ll also find a link to our Facebook page. Please like our page to receive regular updates from the club. Dickie Bard
WOODBRIDGE BADMINTON CLUB
www.kesgravecricketclub.org.uk
Woodbridge Badminton Club is looking for new members for both its junior and adult sections. All sessions are at Farlingaye Sports Centre in Woodbridge. Junior night is Monday from 7-9pm (excluding school holidays) for children aged nine to eighteen. The adult section runs a club night on Fridays from 7-10pm. If you are looking to join a friendly club or want to come back to the game after a break, why not come along and try us out? For more information contact Jim Cavanagh: jim.cavanagh@btinternet.com / 01728 723900
KESGRAVE KESTRELS FC
Or visit: www.woodbridgebadminton.co.uk
Our season is now underway with the senior teams starting in late August and the youth teams’ season starting early September.
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Earlier this year Kesgrave Kestrels became one of the newest SSE Wildcats Centres which offers girls between the ages of five and 11 years the opportunity to play football and take part in organised sessions in a fun and engaging environment created exclusively for girls.
The club has had some better results in the last three weeks, winning two matches 8-2 and losing one by the same margin. The victory at Bentley was especially welcome, as well as the closely fought home match against Copdock and Washbrook in which two games were won by a single shot. It was unfortunate that two key players were unwell and one unavailable against Claydon, one of the strongest teams in the division. This was the match we lost. The club singles competitions are off to a slow start, mainly because they are usually played at tea breaks but we avoid Tuesdays when there are matches in the evening. We have five Tuesday matches between mid-October and mid-November, so delays will continue for a while. Vic Harrup
The group has expanded to over 20 girls from different schools and backgrounds and we are always welcome new players to come along and have a free taster session. If you are interested in coming along, please let me know. Our Little Kestrels Group offers an introduction into football for both boys and girls in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 age groups at primary school. The groups are focused on football development as well as social interaction/confidence building and are designed for little footballers of any ability. If you are interested in getting your child or grandchild into a local football club with ethics based on development, then please let me know. For more information about the club generally, our events and opportunities within teams please visit: www.kesgravekestrelsfc.co.uk Contact our secretary at: secretary@kesgravekestrelsfc.co.uk / 07518740187 Finally, this just leaves me, on behalf Kesgrave Kestrels Football Club, to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year Mark Lay
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CHURCH NEWS
We are now entering the Christmas season (can you believe it?). On Sunday 1 December we are holding a Gift Service where we bring Christmas presents to be given to FIND (Friends in Need) to be distributed to needy families in the Ipswich area. I’m sure you have heard of their delight at acquiring new premises where they will have much bigger accommodation to use for this and for the Food Bank which goes on all year round. This has been a long time coming and we thank God that our prayers have now been answered. We wish them well in their new premises. We also pray that enough volunteers will continue to be available to help in this valuable work. Our Christmas services are set out below: Sunday 22 December, 5.30pm: Candlelight Service Sunday 24 December, 6pm: Village Carols by the Chestnut Pond Wednesday 25 December, 10.45am: Family Worship for Christmas Day OUR USUAL SERVICES Sunday: 10.45am and 6.30pm Monday 6.15-7.30pm: FFaF Children’s Club for School Years 2-6 7.15pm: Spring for young teens Wednesday: 2.30pm: Friendship Hour on the second Wednesday of each month. 2pm: Rag Tag Club on the first Wednesday of each month. For anybody, of any age, who would like to attend for chat, games… whatever you want it to be. To find out more please ring Myrna: 01473 728361 6pm: Alpha Course – Week 8 7pm: Art & Craft Group Thursday 12.30pm: Luncheon Club (every week) Friday 9.15am: Rushmere Ducklings for Babies & Tots (every week) Fourth Saturday 10.30am-noon: Meeting Point Coffee Morning Minister: The Rev Heather Marsden Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting 01473 721455 / www.rushmerebaptist.org.uk / Facebook
We’d like to invite you to join us for our Christmas celebrations. Why celebrate Christmas? Of course, you may not feel like celebrating. It may have been a tough year. You may have had problems in the family, problems at work, financial problems, health problems… the list goes on. So why celebrate Christmas? Presents? The younger ones in our families are likely to answer, ‘Presents!’ That is usually what creates the most excitement – the prospect of unwrapping those gifts on Christmas morning. It’s a good reason, but we think there is a better one… Food? You may be at the age where presents don’t get you quite as excited as they used to, but the prospect of Christmas dinner, Christmas pudding, mince pies and all the sweets and chocolates still makes your mouth water. It’s a reason to celebrate, but we think there’s a better one… Family? For others it’s the prospect of getting together with the whole family that they look forward to most. Families can be a great blessing. Sadly, though, Christmas can be an unwelcome reminder for some of strained or broken relationships or lost loved ones. Many have had difficult experiences that leave them unlikely to think of celebrating when they think of family. But thankfully many will agree that families are a good reason for celebrating Christmas. But we think there is a better one… CHRIST! We really believe that the birth of a child roughly 2,000 years ago is worth celebrating. It’s not so much presents we need as the presence of God, and Jesus is Emmanuel (which means ‘God with us’). Food is great – we all need it to keep going, but Jesus came to bring forgiveness – an even deeper need that we all share. Family is a blessing, but when somebody believes in Christ they are adopted into God’s family. And then there is the promise of eternal life – that has to be worth celebrating! Do join us at Kesgrave Baptist Church (Cambridge Road IP5 1EW) for our Carol Service on Sunday 22 December at 6pm or for our Christmas Family Service on Wednesday 25 December at 10am. And have a great Christmas!
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CHURCH NEWS ALL SAINTS KESGRAVE At All Saints we greatly enjoy welcoming hundreds of Kesgrave residents to join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus year by year. The stupendous fact that the Creator of all there is came and lived among us is something that never lessens in meaning. Why not join us this year – our range of services is outlined opposite and you are indeed truly welcome!
The Christmas season is almost upon us and as well as inviting you to join us at a Sunday morning service, Fields Church in Kesgrave would love to welcome you along to one of our free Christmas events! Parents, do you need a free Saturday in December to get your Christmas shopping done? Fear not, we bring you glad tidings of great joy! On Saturday 14 December, Fields Church will be holding a free Christmas Holiday Club at Cedarwood Primary School. The day will involve Christmas songs, games, activities, characters and stories. We will keep your children occupied from 9am-5pm so you can get your shopping finished (or started!). It’s our present to you! To book or for more information please contact us at: hello@fieldschurch.uk And we would love for you to join us at Kesgrave Community Centre at 6pm on Sunday 22 December for our annual Carol Service as we celebrate Christmas together. The theme is The Christmas Star and there will be festive carols and a fantastic talk for all the family, followed by a winter cafe with festive treats and drinks. It’s free and includes gifts for the kids too. #KesgraveCarols You are welcome every Sunday morning at Cedarwood Primary School for our morning service; cafe from 10am and service from 10.30am. Find us on Facebook or Instagram or check out our website to find out more about church life or any of our events. www.fieldschurch.uk
THE GREAT JOURNEY OF ADVENT Welcome to this great journey of Advent, the liturgical season of vigilance, or, to put it more mundanely, of waiting. Waiting is very hard for most of us. I suppose we human beings have always been in a hurry, but is it just me or do people now especially seem to want what they want when they want it? We are driven, determined, goal-oriented, fast moving. I, for one, can’t abide waiting... I am not a patient waiter! So when I’m told that waiting seems to belong to the heart of the spiritual life, I’m not pleased, for here too, I want answers, direction, clarity – and I want them now! So what sense can we make of the countercultural and counterintuitive spirituality of vigilance? The first thing we have to realise is that we and God are, quite simply, on different timetables. “To you, O Lord, a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8). What is a long time to us is an instant for God. Also, is it possible that we are made to wait because the track we are on is not the right one for us? GK Chesterton said that if you are on the wrong road, the very worst thing you can do is to move quickly. Maybe we’re forced to wait because God wants us to seriously reconsider the course we’ve charted, to stop hurtling down a dangerous road. Or perhaps we are made to wait because we are not yet prepared for what lies ahead. As a Christian, I believe in a good God and to receive what God wants to give us sometimes requires us to wait. Saint Augustine argued that the purpose of unanswered prayer is to force an expansion of the heart. And even if we desire with sufficient intensity what God wants to give us, we still might not be ready to integrate a particular grace into our lives or to handle the implications of it. I know I need this yearly reminder of the meaningfulness of waiting – and I suspect I’m not alone. So may we embrace the spirituality of Advent, and may we spend these holy days waiting – in hope – for the appearance of Christ our Saviour. I wish you the peace and joy of the season, Reverend Sue Foster, Vicar of Rushmere St Andrew
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Your friend and Vicar – Robin
BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL With Christmas day being the main focus for most people at this time of the year, shopping for presents and food can seem all-consuming and even the interruption of a very critical election might struggle to fit in with our plans for December 25. Then there are also the anxieties of what the next decade might bring to us all as a nation, and even as a species. Often the season can all seem to rush past and before you know it, we are into the new year and looking forward to spring! The past and the future can squeeze the joy out of the present. So, this year resolve to slow down and enjoy the whole season using the four Sundays in Advent to stop, pause and reflect on why the birth of a baby in a faraway land is still a cause for celebration and source of hope in a confused world. We have a number of seasonal events planned for December to help, in addition to our usual Sunday@4 services. We start by carolling in the street in our usual manner around December 4, followed by the big community sing-along, Carols on the Green, on December 7 at 3pm in front of Broke Hall shops. This is in conjunction with St Augustine’s Church and will feature the Woodbridge Excelsior Band and St Augustine’s puppet team so don’t miss it! Refreshments will be served after the carols. We hold our main Carol Service on December 15 at 4pm and a Nativity Service for families on Sunday 22 December, again at 4pm. Both of these are at Tower Hall. We love to see the children’s faces as they enjoy this and they are welcome to dress up and join in. There will be mince pies and mulled wine served after both of these services and everyone is most welcome to all or events. Little Lambs, our parent and toddler group, will continue to meet every Friday morning from 9.15-11am at the Tower Hall till the end of term. Homegroups and prayer meetings will run till mid-December. We hope you and you families have a great Advent and Christmas and we hope to see you at some or all of our events. For further information visit www.mie.org/bixley or contact us at: office@mie.org.uk 01473 270978
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