In Touch with Kesgrave - February 17

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR The oldest member of my family died just before Christmas. Kathleen, my great-aunt and surrogate ‘godfather’ since the death of her husband Jimmy when I was 15, died at the remarkable age of 97. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews (including my dad).

Despite her age, Kathleen maintained an aura of quiet authority which I’ve always admired. She wasn’t scary or aloof, as often those we defer to can be, but somehow demanded respect from all who knew her. She always had time to chat, putting the kettle on before you’d even sat down. The fact that she was tall and had a very distinctive voice made her standout from the other women I knew as a child. I was never afraid of her, but I would never have wanted to be in her bad books either.

Kathleen’s death has inspired me to do a little research into my family tree. I don’t plan to take it too seriously just yet, but just want to get the last couple of generations in place so I know who’s who. It has been fascinating. My dad helped with his side of the family and we did quite well, though he knows very little of his American cousins and nothing of all about their families. Most of my mum’s family still live in Ireland so that side of the tree is a bit more complete.

They had big families back then. My dad had 15 aunts and uncles! One child, as I have, would have been a complete anomaly. And the same names came up again and again. I know my parents had intended to call me Elizabeth after my grandmother, but my dad decided he didn’t want my life to be as difficult as hers so broke with tradition and found a name which made its first appearance in the Burke family tree (to some astonishment) in 1969. Elizabeth is my second name.

I now wish I knew more about the people who are my family, however distant, and also wonder how I will be perceived when my name is added to a family tree in years to come, perhaps by my great-grandniece. Mostly I wish I could spend time with my long-lost grandparents to talk about their lives. I have so many question. If you can do so, make the most of every opportunity to know those who can still share their lives with you.

I also hope I’ll be doing The Times crossword every day when I’m 97, just as Kathleen did.

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NEWS HAVE YOU WORKED ON ORFORD NESS? It’s a strange place. Nobody lives there. It’s a place of contrasts. It’s called an Island, but it’s not.

If you like wide-open views, our lovely Suffolk skies, nature’s silence, rare plants and wildlife – then you will love it. And if, while walking amongst iconic buildings located in this wonderful landscape, you can imagine the noise of bombs being dropped, of atomic bombs being vibrated or fired into a concrete wall at 150mph, and you can understand the huge commitment of local people to apply cutting-edge technology to improve the effectiveness of various military weapons used in our defense – then you will also love it.

Nowhere else in the UK can you visit such laboratories, learn about the technology used, or hear about the people who worked there in such a unique environment. This place is Orford Ness.

Opened by National Trust as a National Nature Reserve in 1995, Orford Ness has been the site of military testing and development from the beginning of the 20th century, initially with the development of the aircraft as a military weapon, until 1973 when Cobra Mist, an ‘over the horizon’ Radar system used to detect distant military activities in the Cold War, was shut down.In between those dates, Orford Ness became Watson-Watt’s base for the early development of radar (before he moved his experiments to Bawdsey). Much work was done on improving the accuracy of conventional bombing (working with Martlesham-based flight-crews) and improvements in the aerodynamics of Blue Danube (Britain’s first atomic bomb) took place there.

After this research work stopped, bomb disposal engineers spent more than 15 years clearing the Island of unexploded ordinance, including destroying the Bloodhound missile rockets formerly located at Bawdsey. Working in such an exposed environment could be lovely in the summer, but brutal when travelling between test sites in the bitter winter winds. In 1963 the River Ore was so frozen that the landing craft used to carry staff to the Island could not do so.

In the race to protect the UK from known and significant enemies, none of this testing and development would have taken place without access to a highly skilled and dedicated workforce: they created and used the innovative methods and engineering facilities for this purpose.

We are looking to meet people who worked for the military or for one of the scientific agencies and companies involved, and also those who built, equipped or maintained the various test labs and many other buildings located on ‘The Island’. Were you – or do you know someone who was – involved in this highly secret and complex work?

Please contact us if so, because we at National Trust have created an audio archive of the work experiences and memories of those who did. We are keen to record their memories of such an important site in the UK’s military history before they are lost forever.

Lead Ranger David Mason 01394 450900 / david.mason@nationaltrust.org.uk

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MARCH DEADLINE 10 FEBRUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS THE BUS SHELTER IPSWICH HELP RAISE £5,000 FOR AN EMERGENCY NIGHT SHELTER IN IPSWICH It all started with a single thought of helping the homeless in these cold months. My partner Sarah and I started a Facebook page – Keeping Ipswich Homeless Warmer – where we asked the people of Ipswich for donations of warm clothing, sleeping bags and pillows and the response was overwhelming. We were going out every Tuesday and Thursday evening (more frequently when the weather deteriorated), offering warm clothes, sleeping bags, socks and a coffee, just making sure people had what they needed to survive on the streets. We soon came to realise that something extra is needed for the homeless in Ipswich and we think a branch of the growing The Bus Shelter UK network is the answer.

After seeing an article about The Shelter on the Isle of Wight where Kevin Newton had converted a double decker bus into a hostel for the homeless, we decided that was what we were going to do. We have spoken with Kevin who has agreed we can use the the Bus Shelter branding and we are gaining help and advice from him and his team.

We are hoping to have our bus and the conversion completed by March 2017, which is when the night shelter closes its doors for another year and many homeless return to the streets.

Ninety percent of the conversion will be completed by myself with hopefully local companies and tradesman donating time and materials to help complete the project as cost effectively as possible. The bus will be designed to accommodate 16 to 18 rough sleepers and two volunteer watchers.

Each bed will be equipped with a USB charging point, LED lighting and privacy curtains, as well as a PO Box number for each guest to receive mail for interviews, appointments and benefits. The bus will also be fitted with a functional kitchen, chill out area and hopefully a private room for counselling or treatment. There will be a programme that each guest must sign up to which will include any rehab required, whether it be drink or drugs misuse, and a plan for volunteer work at least one day a week within the local community.

We have called the project TIFFERS after our 15-year-old daughter Tiffani who has been an inspiration throughout our journey to help the homeless. She has been with us every evening we have been out and enjoys chatting to the men and women we help. She is as dedicated to the project as we are.

We have a few meetings lined up in the new year with some big organisations who really want to help get the project up and running.

Their advice and motivation is going to be very helpful. You can find our more by visiting our Facebook page where you will find links to our justgiving fundraising page: www.facebook.com/tiffersbus Your donation, however small, will help us to get the homeless off the street to somewhere warm, dry and safe. Anything that you can afford to give will be very much appreciated.

Gareth Brenland

We are a local charity on your doorstep with our office located in Martlesham Heath and we are focused on supporting vulnerable young people and adults across the county.

We are looking for volunteers to become Appropriate Adults (AAs) to support young people or vulnerable adults when detained in custody at a time when they need it most. As an AA you would be present to ensure that all questioning is carried out as it should be and that the wellbeing of the vulnerable person has been addressed. AAs are independent of the police, social care or solicitors and in 2015 ACT responded to 2018 callouts.

It’s easy to fit this role around other commitments as the AA Service operates across Suffolk seven days a week on a rota basis. You are able to choose a fortnightly four-hour slot that is convenient for you.

If you have some spare time and would like to support a young person over a longer period of time, then becoming an Independent Visitor may be for you. For young people living in care homes, acting as Independent Visitors, volunteers meet with the young person, act as a positive role model, offer support and opportunity to participate in meaningful, fun activity. This is a monthly commitment of approximately four hours.

Our volunteer team comes from a range of backgrounds: retired police inspectors, nurses, social workers, criminology students, parents and people with varied life experiences. We welcome all applications and even if you have no professional experience we can support you through valuable training, shadowing and supervision. We have recently employed two of our AAs: a criminology student volunteering as an AA now works full time supporting homeless offenders to resettle in the community and another of our AA volunteers now works full time in our domestic abuse refuge. This role has opened many doors for our volunteers.

Contact Lisa Miles: 01473 622888 / LisaMiles@angliacaretrust.org.uk

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NEWS KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL What would happen if there was an emergency in Kesgrave?

Kesgrave is a pretty safe place to be in most respects. We don’t have any rivers or coastline and so, apart from the poor soak-away drains in a few areas, we should not be flooded out of our homes. We don’t have the railway coming through and have no major roads so it’s unlikely that we would experience a major transport disaster. There are no big businesses based in the town using dangerous substances, which means we should not suffer contamination, but there could be an unusual instance that might affect people, particularly vulnerable people. If there was a major electricity or gas outage, many homes may not be able to be heated and people would not be able to get hot food. For most of us this would not be too much of a problem, but for vulnerable elderly people this could be quite dangerous.

It may be necessary to provide hot food and accommodation if the outage was prolonged. It could mean the setting up of a rest centre and possibly transporting people there.

We occasionally have a heavy snow fall and while the highways authority and county council make major roads a priority, it can take a few days before minor roads are cleared. If a cold period is prolonged, it may be difficult for vehicles to get to the homes of vulnerable people, such as where older people rely on carers or a district nurse visiting. When elderly and disabled people are afraid to go out shopping as it is too slippery, help might be needed to clear the road. Perhaps you have a 4X4 and are available during the day to take someone to the GP surgery if it is difficult for them to get there in poor weather.

These are just a few instances where a few volunteers could really make a difference. We are also lucky that in Kesgrave there are a lot of people already volunteering in the community, some are regulars and others do as much as they can when they are able. Perhaps you could put your name forward as an emergency volunteer, someone who would just be called upon in the emergency. There is training for some roles, but it’s quite short.

If you are an individual or business with equipment that you might be happy to be used, we would also like to hear from you. It is unlikely that you would be needed, but if you feel you could be put on a contact list and attend a brief training session, then please give us a call or send an email or letter to let us know what you would be happy to volunteer to do and we will get back to you.

Kesgrave Town Council, Ferguson Way, Kesgrave IP5 2FZ / enquiry@ kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk / 01473 62517 Annual Town Meeting at the Millennium Jubilee Hall, April 3 at 7.15pm This open meeting is an occasion for members of the public and local organisations to ask questions, make comments and raise issues with the town council. We hope that many local people and organisations will attend.

Play and Open Space News Funding has been secured from Suffolk Coastal Outdoor Play Space Fund to install a swing and small play unit for toddlers, a three-bay swing for older children and an aerial runway (zip slide) on Oak Meadow Play Area.

Councillors Mower and Lynch have also kindly pledged money from their Community Enabling Budgets to go towards the aerial runway. The Outdoor Play Space Fund is also funding six pieces of outdoor exercise equipment which is suitable for teens and adults. It is hoped that the installation can take place before the Easter Holidays, depending on weather. Early discussions are taking place with SCDC about transferring the Holly Gardens Play area to Kesgrave Town Council.

You may have noticed a number of wooden bollards have appeared adjacent to some of the Public Open Spaces. This project was to ensure that no vehicles (except for maintenance) can access these areas. The entrance to the car park at the Millennium Jubilee Sports Ground now has gates, one will stay closed to help slow traffic entering and leaving the car park and the other is opened each day at 8am and then locked at 11pm. A guard rail has

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been installed near the entrance to Oak Meadow from Ropes Drive to protect this area from vehicles and to ensure cyclists and pedestrians cross the road at the appropriate crossing point. The Play and Open Space Working Group will continue to discuss other improvements in the town in their forthcoming meetings. The next of which will be on March 6 at 6.15pm. Residents and councillors attend this meeting, if you are interested in joining, please contact: enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk / 01473 625179 Kesgrave Market Kesgrave Indoor Market will take place as usual on February 18, 9am12.30pm, in the Scout Hall in the Rupert Fison Centre.

Town Councillor Update Town Councillor Greg Thomas has recently resigned from the town council as he is moving out of the area. We are delighted to confirm that Gavin Hamilton has filled this casual vacancy as a co-opted town councillor. Town Councillor Nikki Goodchild has also recently tendered her resignation due to health issues. An appropriate agenda item will be included for the full town council meeting on February 13 and in accordance with the permitted legal notices and timeframes. The casual vacancy or election process is being dealt with by the returning officer of the district council. The relevant legal notice is effective upon receipt of the formal resignation letter. Please contact the town council offices for further information.

Planning Application No DC/15/4672/OUT – Phased Development of 300 Dwellings, Provision of Land for Primary School and Associated Landscaping and Open Space with all Matters Reserved Apart from Access – Land to East of Bell Lane, Kesgrave Local people will be interested to know that an appeal has now been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State. For further details please visit: http://tinyurl.com/zanwzdl Neighbourhood Plan You are probably aware that the Neighbourhood Plan boundary has now been agreed. Now we need to proactively resource and move forward and start the engagement process. The next Neighbourhood Plan Working Group Meeting is on Monday, February 6 at 6.15pm at the town council offices. This rather small, but diminishing working party group currently feeds back to the town council’s planning and development committee. In order to progress the Neighbourhood Plan any further, volunteers are needed. Please contact the town council offices if you can assist us to help your town and its future.

Once the plan is adopted, it will carry some legal weight and can be referred to for planning applications and land allocation for development so it’s a really important and vital piece of work for the future of Kesgrave.

Air Quality in Kesgrave As a result of the roadworks that caused lengthy traffic hold ups in autumn, a resident who is on the town council’s Traffic and Pedestrian Working Group asked about the monitoring of air quality in the town, including standing traffic results in concentrated emissions which can be detrimental to the health of people in that area. She pointed out that Kesgrave has only one monitoring point on Main Road which is managed and monitored by the district council.

When consulted, an environmental protection officer indicated that more could be sited at a nominal cost to Kesgrave Town Council. At the Planning and Development Committee Meeting of the town council held on December 19, it was agreed that it would be desirable to have other monitoring points in Bell Lane near the junction with McKenzie Drive and near the Dobbs Lane junction with Main Road. Friends of the Earth have donated another monitoring device which will be located on Ropes Drive area near to Through Jollies. If you have an interest or point of view on anything connected with transport, the next Traffic and Pedestrian Working Group Meeting will be at the council offices on March 20 at 6.15pm.

Monthly Town Council Meetings The next full town council meeting is on February 13 at 7.15pm. For a full list of committee dates and working groups, please visit: www.kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLORS: JANUARY 2017 Five nominations for Suffolk County Council at 2017 LGC Awards Suffolk County Council is up for four national awards at a glittering ceremony in London this year. The county council has received five nominations in four categories at the LGC Awards, which take place in Grosvenor House on March 8. The awards are an annual event which showcase the work of council staff who help their communities in new and innovative ways in times of uncertainty.

The council has received two nominations in the Children’s Services category which aims to recognise councils that adopt a strategic approach to this vital service area. It is also in the running for Partnership of the Year which demonstrates councils working with other organisations to bring about service improvements and/or improved efficiency and also Digital Council of the Year which will go to the council that can show how it has transformed systematically its approach to technology to improve outcomes for residents and facilitate better collaboration between partner organisations.

The organisation has also received a nomination in the new Rising Star category which aims to highlight local government’s exceptional young officers and professionals who are currently not in corporate management team roles.

Suffolk County Council’s nominations are: Suffolk’s Twos Count Here Project (Children’s Services) Twos Count Here is a bespoke project created by Suffolk County Council.

The aim is to ensure eligible two-year-olds have high quality early learning experiences, supporting early year’s settings to meet the unique needs of increasing numbers of two-year-olds. It is a strengths based, time focused, reflective project which embodies Suffolk County Council’s corporate values and beliefs as it’s empowering, reflective and based on partnership working.

The outcomes of the project have been significant and the needs of two-yearolds are now better understood and met, supporting them to make good progress. Practitioners report the project as being inspirational.

Signs of Safety and Wellbeing in Suffolk (Children’s Services) Improving the impact of services with significantly diminishing resources is a common aspiration and challenge. Suffolk Children’s Services can claim to have done just that through an innovative and bold programme to implement a single practice framework across all of its services: Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing. Through implementing an ambitious and clearly articulated

plan, the council has worked with partners to create a more positive and sustainable experience for children and families, fundamentally changing the role of services from the ‘fixer’ of problems to the stimulator of familyowned change.

Suffolk’s Most Active County Partnership (Partnership of the Year) Suffolk’s Most Active County Partnership is a unique collaboration of organisations that have come together to make a positive impact on physical activity levels in Suffolk. Guided by the Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Board, it is an innovative place-based intervention that is making a positive impact on activity levels by bringing added value to the good work that many organisations across the county are doing to engage people in physical activity.

The partnership, which includes local and national partners, including local authorities, public sector bodies, the voluntary sector and private companies, is changing the face of physical activity within Suffolk.

Leading Change by Digital Customer Experience (Digital Council of the Year) Working in small agile teams, Suffolk County Council re-imagined its website (going from a Society of Information Technology Management rated onestar website in 2014 to four-star in 2016). The county council has taken this learning further and has been using agile project management techniques and user research to co-produce new services with the people who use them.

The county council is also developing its Customer Experience Platform, which is used to deliver a joined up Customer Experience across the council. This will deliver a single view of a customer, single sign-on, visibility of customers across all services, customer portal and more targeted proactive demand management activities across a range of channels.

Matt Woor (Rising Star) The Rising Star category is a new addition to the LGC Awards. Matt Woor is Suffolk County Council’s Social Media Channel Manager. The impact this he has had on the entire organisation in such as short space of time is staggering. Culturally the organisation has shifted from one end of the spectrum to the other. Thanks to Matt’s impact across the organisation, social media is no longer viewed as too risky or irrelevant – instead it plays a prominent role in how the organisations engages, interacts and delivers services to the people of Suffolk. Matt is a valued asset and a true rising star of the future.

Regards and best wishes, County Councillors Christopher Hudson and Robert Whiting

RECONNECTING THE COASTAL FOOTPATH BETWEEN MARTLESHAM CREEK AND WALDRINGFIELD I was very pleased with the response to my article last month about the possibility of reinstating the River Deben coastal public footpath so that it reconnects the South of Martlesham Creek with Waldringfield. 2017 is an important year because Natural England will be reviewing public access along the River Deben. There will be a

series of site visits and meetings to discuss improvements.

If you missed the article last month or didn’t get round to responding you can join my mailing list at: t.obrien24@yahoo.com Thomas O’Brien

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE HELP CENTRE First we must give a big thank you to the ladies in Little Luxuries, our local hairdresser. They arranged a makeover for their customers and all the proceeds were kindly donated to our charity. We are very grateful for their support.

KESGRAVE LIBRARY

Our year ended with a lovely dinner at Rushmere Golf Club and we would like to thank everyone who supported us during 2016. It was an enjoyable year.

The number of people coming along to our coffee mornings has increased considerably and the atmosphere is very friendly.

Sunday 5: Yesterday was National Libraries Day. Why not pop along and design a new cover for your favourite book?

If you feel you would like to come along please call in any Thursday morning between 10 and 11.30am. These get-togethers are held in Kesgrave Community Centre and we would like to thank the staff for the great support they give us.

Best wishes to you all for the New Year.

Sue Snoulten

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

Sunday 12: It’s Valentine’s Day on February 14. Make a heart shaped cat to celebrate.

Sunday 19: Has it snowed yet? If not, pop along and create a 3D snowman with fantastic pompom earmuffs.

Sunday 25: February 27 is National Polar Bear Day. Make a 3D cup polar bear.

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 – apart from February 16) Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Every Friday (term time only – apart from February 17) Story Time: 9.45-10.15am

Set in twelve acres of land, Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre is a spacious and attractive venue easily accessible from the A12 and A14 trunk roads.

Whether you are looking for a reception or party venue, the perfect location for a conference or event, the centre offers flexible catering options, friendly professional staff, free parking, a fully licensed bar, a beautiful garden area and a choice of five function rooms suitable for an intimate gathering of 25 or a larger celebration for up to 250 guests, or if you prefer you can have exclusive use of the whole venue.

Other events in February Knit and Natter: Wednesday, February 1, 2.30pm. £1 with tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

Afternoon Book Group: Thursday, February 2, 2.45pm. Currently reading Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell.

Adult Colouring: Thursday, February 2, 7pm. £2 with tea, coffee, biscuits and all equipment provided.

Evening Book Group: Thursday, February 16, 7pm. Currently reading A Tap on the Window by Linwood Barclay.

Ideally placed for any celebration, with its attractive, peaceful location Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre makes the ideal venue for all occasions and events.

IT Help Sessions: Starting Saturday, February 25, 10.30am-12.30pm Every fourth Saturday morning in a month, a member of staff, will be offering help to all our customers who would like some support using their iPads, smart phones, tablets, ebooks, computers or need some general guidance using the internet and computers. If you would like some help with your technology, please phone up and speak to a member of staff about booking one of our half-hour slots.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Table Top Sale: Saturday, February 18, 10am-1pm All tables must be pre-booked, stall fees are priced at £10 for a 6ft table / trade £15. Trade, charities and public are all welcome.

Body Shop Party: Thursday, March 2, 7pm The library is holding a Body Shop Party to help raise funds. Why not pop along and get organised for Mother’s Day? If you are unable to attend, orders can be left with staff before the event.

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 book a stand please contact Jo Barke: 01473 612648 / jo@kwmcc.co.uk

Used stamps/coins The library is now a drop off point for used stamps and old/unused foreign currency coins. These are collected by one of our customers and sold to help raise funds for St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Just bring them along and hand in to staff. It’s as easy as that!

The centre also boasts an indoor sports hall and extensive outdoor area which can be used for all types of sporting activities and events.

A full list of activities and events can be found on the centre’s Community Events Calendar or Health & Fitness page via: www.kwmcc.co.uk If you would like further information on activities and events or to book a function room, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk

Stamps and cards – Don’t forget that the library also sells stamps and a great range of cards for all occasions.

Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.

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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

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK Neil Hewitt suggests some tips for a healthier financial lifestyle.

If your children have left home and your mortgage is paid, you may find yourself with of a number of financial assets and savings. But do you know how to generate income from these resources? The start of the new tax year is a good time to review your financial plans and make changes in order to use the allowances available to you.

ISAs One of the most common financial products to invest in over the past few years has been an ISA. It is worth remembering that if you don’t use your individual allowance of £15,240 each year then you will lose it. For a couple, an ISA is a valuable way of generating tax efficient income to supplement their retirement funds, and to shelter their savings from income, capital gains or possible inheritance taxes. Recent product innovations in buy-to-let ISAs have allowed younger people to build up funds for a property deposit whereby up to £12k can be saved with the government providing up to …… tax free at the time of house purchase. Many people are now considering transferring cash based ISAs into diversified ISAs due to the increase in the tax free savings allowance.

Income Tax Relief There are a number of Income Tax Relief products which allow the deferment of capital gains tax and can achieve inheritance tax savings.

Pensions The pensions landscape has been continually changing over the past few years and for many people it has proved difficult to maximise the tax advantages.

The much expected loss of tax relief/higher rate tax on pensions didn’t happen in the Budget or the Autumn Statement but is this just deferred?

Consider maximising your pension now.

Alternative products In recent years due to the increased restrictions in pension funding, the popularity of more esoteric tax planning products has increased. Enterprise investment schemes and venture capital trusts provide Income Tax Relief for up to 30% of the amount invested. Unlike pensions these products have fixed investment terms and allow further planning opportunities and access to funds. However, whilst there are valuable tax benefits to be gained from these products, clients should not consider these without taking independent advice first.

Scrutton Bland can help you with tax advice and the implementation of a pension, and we have a number of independent financial advisers who can talk through your options. For more information please contact me on 01473 267000 or email neil.hewitt@scruttonbland.co.uk or check our website www.scruttonbland.co.uk Scrutton Bland Limited is Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority

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www.gotelee.co.uk

Scrutton Bland Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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OUT & ABOUT WHAT’S ON AT KESGRAVE SOCIAL CLUB A reminder to members that membership will lapse if not paid by the end of February.

We open the month with the fabulous Marshall King Legend Show on Saturday, February 4. This is a ticket only event. Tickets are £10 and available now.

Join us on Sunday 5 for Foxy Rock dancing with lessons; clearn some new steps and then practice your new moves.

MH100 UPDATE We can only imagine what the weather was like on January 16 and 17 1917 when the Royal Flying Corps arrived on a bleak and windswept Martlesham Heath to start work as the Royal Flying Corps Aircraft Testing and Experimental Establishment.

The monthly Heartbeat meeting is Tuesday 7 at 7.30pm. If you need heart surgery, have had surgery or just want to discuss with those in similar circumstances, come along. All welcome.

Those involved would be engineers and pilots from the earlier establishment at Upavon in Wiltshire and elsewhere, also from the fighter station on Orfordness and from the Flying Boat Development Unit at Felixstowe. Many wore the uniforms of The Royal Flying Corps, The Royal Engineers and The Royal Navy as this unique base on the Heath developed.

There is a quiz night on Wednesday 8; pit your knowledge against the resident league leaders.

Few public records survive about those very early days. Why would you divulge the secret work being done here in the third year of the Great War?

Our country and western event is on Saturday 11 with the tremendous Ian Highland Band. It’s sure to be a packed hall to enjoy this exceptional artist.

There are private parties in the main hall on Saturday 18 and 25, but the two other bars will be open for members.

However, this was the start of innovation and development at this unique location, innovation that continues to this day in the many businesses on the heath and within the fence at BT Adastral Park which involves the ‘Model Village’ that we know and live in today, and which won design awards as it developed.

Thus, we have the story of one of the most unusual communities in East Anglia.

MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to our Christmas carolling collections. The grand total raised was £2,410.44, which will be divided between our three chosen charities: Cruse Bereavement Care Suffolk, Over the Rainbow Children’s Charity and Tools with a Mission.

On Saturday, February 25 please join our preliminary band for Tea & Tunes at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, between 10am and noon.

Admission to this event is free and refreshments will be available.

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

This story is being further written and expanded as we move to a full weekend of events on July 8 and 9 – celebrating The Centenary. Planning for this event has been going on since 1915, and is now reaching a crescendo. Sponsorship grows, with more companies and organisations getting involved. To find out more visit: www.mh100.org.uk We now need the local community (you) to get more involved.

Can you help? We now have three separate teams (Event Planning, Publicity/ Local Schools Liaison and Multimedia) working with local schools and others including The University of Suffolk and Innovation Martlesham to capture the full story of the heath using the latest techniques, creating a legacy for future generations. These teams are under the main committee, enthusiastically chaired by Peter Davies and vice-chairman Bob Simpson.

Please contact us via the contact point on our website to offer what help you can. The more who help, the better we can do. What skills can you offer?

Do you have photos, details, artefacts or stories about Martlesham Heath over the last 100 years?

To learn more about our plans visit www.mh100.org.uk, call Howard on 01473 274300, or go to our Facebook page.

We are holding an Open Meeting in The Pavilion on Thursday, February 16 at 7pm. Come along and find out more.

Dad always brought her roses, today was no different It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

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for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH COUNTRY MARKET

SPRING FASHION EVENING

If, like me, your record with keeping well-intentioned resolutions could be better, don’t give up! Here’s how to eat a healthy diet, find new friends and take more exercise: the solution is on the doorstep…

Eat better – a smaller slice of cake is just as tasty as a big one for those watching their waistband. You already know that our talented artisan cooks bake a mean cake – and pastries, biscuits, sweets and savouries. Ours taste better because they’re made with the best of local ingredients with no palm oils, flavour enhancers or unnecessary additives. We also bake cakes, cater for special occasions and cook for your personal dietary instructions.

The Orwell Singers in conjunction with Edinburgh Woollen Mills are hosting a spring fashion evening at 7pm on Tuesday, February 28 at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU.

Join in and support community activities – social interaction is good for our health and it couldn’t be easier to make new friends with interesting talents and interests at the country market. See the evidence of our award-winning members’ skills: jams and preserves, barge-painted pots, herbs, fruit and vegetables, knitwear, crochet, sewn bags, gloves and hats. From a local artist’s cards and beaded jewellery to fabric wreaths and hand-made wooden bowls, there’s a whole alphabet of locally produced goodies. Spending in the community makes the whole neighbourhood better off too.

Join us for a really fun evening which will include refreshments, a cake stall, a raffle and, of course, the latest fashion items presented by our very own ‘top’ models which will be available for purchase at 20% reduced rates.

Take more exercise – why not visit Martlesham Pavilion on a Tuesday morning and experience our warm welcome? There’s a bowl of water outside for any passing dogs with a thirst and you can have a morning cup of tea or coffee and a nice sit down after making your purchases.

SPEND AN EVENING WITH THE POET AND PERFORMER HOLLIE MCNISH

The Country Market is at Martlesham Pavilion every Tuesday morning from 9.15-11.15am. To discuss and place any special order contact Margaret Gayfer: 01473 623849 We always have a table at Saturday’s mid-monthly Kesgrave Market at 1st Kesgrave Scout Hall.

Entrance is only £3.50 so make a date in your diary.

Full details will be available nearer the time on our Facebook page and from Debbie: 01473 635955 / 07768 911512

Hollie McNish will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Wednesday, February 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.

In Nobody Told Me, published in 2016, Hollie writes about poetry and parenthood. Her poems are personal, touching and funny. They are brilliant to read, but hearing her perform them lends them a whole other dimension. If you want to hear how great she is there are clips of her performances on YouTube and you can check her out on: www.holliepoetry.com Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for members of Suffolk Book League and £8 for non-members. Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door or if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk Suffolk Book League, established in 1982, is a quite unique organisation which provides what is essentially a year-long literary festival. Further information about the league, including the benefits of membership, can be found at: www.sbl.org.uk

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction?

Have you ever wondered about the story behind antiques through history and in modern life?

Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt?

If you do, then put the date below in your diary.

The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents by popular demand another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS when she will talk about Antiques in Context.

Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It. Join us at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Monday, March 6 at 7.30pm.

Light refreshments, admission £6. The venue is fully accessible and there is adjacent free parking Further details from the Burrows family: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk / 01473 625196

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OUT & ABOUT FEBRUARY AT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month we would like to invite you to a marmalade tasting on February 9. The new Seville oranges have been used by our cooks who have many unusual varieties of marmalade that are not available in the shops to tempt you with.

Personal service is what we pride ourselves on and continuing on a foodie theme, cakes can be ordered and made for any occasion. How about Valentine’s Day? Or perhaps you could buy a red tasty jam as a treat for your loved one. Looking forwards, that jam might be tasty to top your pancakes on February 28 for Pancake Day. Maybe some of our local honey would make a tempting topping too.

AKENHAM CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, offices, windows, doors, staircases etc in any timber • Kitchen fitting service available on your own units • All interior and exterior carpentry • Competitive rates

NO VAT

Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com

Did you know that February is statistically the coldest month? Available at our market from our crafters are hand knitted scarves and hats as well as polar fleece headbands, gloves and welly socks to keep you warm. These are available in adult, baby and children’s sizes and items can be made to your specific requirements too. Just chat to the producers.

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 as well as a warm welcome and home baked refreshments. We have bacon rolls on the first Thursday of the month and on the other Thursdays we offer scones or cakes so that you can ‘try before you buy’. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what we can tempt you with.

You’ll find more information about the market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

KESGRAVE CO-OP WOMENS GUILD Happy New Year to everyone. The guild programme for 2017 will be an exciting one thanks to our social secretary Barbara Noble. Barbara will also be organising the usual day out at the Hut in Felixstowe in the summer and various other outings and activities.

We have three evenings of food and fun during the year: our birthday party, the harvest supper and the Christmas meeting. The food is prepared by our hard working committee and is much appreciated by the members. We also hold a quiz in June and invite our friends from Felixstowe guild to join us.

Forthcoming meetings Tuesday, February 7: A talk by a representative from Lighthouse Women’s Aid, a charitable organisation providing emotional support to women and their children experiencing domestic abuse in their personal or family relationships. There has been a refuge in Ipswich since 1976.

Tuesday, February 21: Ann Wilding will be entertaining us with quirky poetry in a talk entitled From Verse to Worse Tuesday, March 7: Pauline Walker will be telling us about the history of the Co-op Juniors Tuesday, March 21: Breathe Easy is the topic of Peter Wood’s talk, a help group which provides support and information for people living with a lung condition and for those who look after them. They meet in the community centre every month.

Tuesday, April 4: Musician Hattie Bennett, director of Music in Felixstowe, gives a talk entitled Me and My Cello. Hattie formed Music in Felixstowe over 16 years ago to bring top musicians to Felixstowe and to encourage young local musicians.

The guild now has a website kindly hosted by Community Action Suffolk: www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net Visitors are very welcome to join us for evening meetings which start at 7.30pm. If you would like to find out more about the guild, please contact our chairman, Gloria Everett: 01473 614991

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OUT & ABOUT SIDEGATE LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB

Put roses in your cheeks and a spring in your step by returning to dancing lessons on Wednesdays with tuition in Ballroom and Latin dance: refreshers 7-8pm, improvers 8-10pm.

We started the New Year with a moving and extremely interesting talk about the work of the charity FIND by its founder Maureen Reynel OBE.

Just £3 per member, easy parking. More details: 01473 723070

There are two meetings planned for February. On February 2 Dr Heather will give a talk entitled The Delights of New Zealand and on February 16 we are holding our annual bring and buy sale to raise money for our charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY

Looking ahead to next month, on March 2 we will have a very welcome return of Mr Hughes to tell us more about life in special education.

It was a miserable January evening, but that didn’t stop a great attendance for our first meeting of 2017 on Friday 6.

For an interesting evening in friendly company join us in the Richards Room at 7.15pm on alternate Thursday evenings. To find out more ring Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

Nik Coleman is a film maker who lives at Long Stratton and his films can be seen on YouTube and on the history channel in several countries, and are due to be shown on Netflix. The subject he is most interested in is the world of vintage warplanes and the title of his talk was Plane Resurrection, Tailwheels and Tears, The Making of Series One.

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

The evening was taken up with Nik’s illustrated story of making the film both here and in the United States and of the expensive and time consuming business of restoring aircraft. A Hawker Hurricane and a North American B25 Mitchell bomber were among the aircraft featured, also the building of a First World War Focker Triplane by a German orthopaedic surgeon who lives and works here.

In the second half of the evening Nik showed more film and talked about his next film project. As a bonus Nik generously distributed unique codes to each of the audience to enable them to view his film for free.

A great evening and a vote of thanks was given by our chairman, Martyn Cook.

Our next meeting is on Friday, February 3 when our Honorary Vice President, Air Commodore Mike Bettell, OBE, (retd) will present a talk entitled I Learned about Flying from Mistakes and Mishaps in the Air. Mike’s extensive flying career inevitably included scary moments and incidents and his talk promises to be interesting and no doubt, humorous.

Meetings are held at the community hall on Felixstowe Road at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Non-members are welcome for a payment of just £4 at the door.

Alan Powell, 01473 622458

MARTLESHAM ART GROUP We are a small friendly group of people who currently meet in The Richards Rooms to paint together. Our meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 to approximately 4pm and, at present, we have a limited number of vacancies. Our sessions are not tutored, but we all gain from each other’s ideas and experience. We meet all year round with the exception of August and around two weeks over the Christmas period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer.

If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or ring Diane on 01473 659257.

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Linda Sexton will present a talk entitled Suffolk Children in Care: The Story of St John’s Home on Monday, February 13.

After 1834, poor relief was only available through workhouses. Families were separated and conditions were purposely grim so as to deter the ‘undeserving poor’ from becoming a burden to ratepayers. By the mid-19th century St Peter’s Workhouse in Ipswich had become overcrowded and so the guardians took the novel step of moving children, initially 53 boys, to a former pub owned by the Cobbold family to the east of the town in 1871.

Meetings are held at Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

Thursday, February 23 at 7.30pm: Breda Stringer presents Victoria and her Children – The Ultimate Family History Tree Queen Victoria’s many children forged fascinating links to the Royal families and aristocrats across Europe. Breda takes us on a fascinating journey.

We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for nonmembers, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door.

For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen. The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

We meet at the Masonic Hall 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: 01473 274898 / kenstanley4@gmail.com

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY After a Christmas and New Year break, the society reconvenes on February 1 when Dr Peter Webb will talk about the artist David Hockney. His lecture is titled David Hockney: Art as Biography. Dr Webb has been a personal friend of the Yorkshire artist since the 1970s.

Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk?

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures are presented by national and international lecturers and start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised). Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £6 donation is asked.

For more information contact Wendy Robbins: 07736 417347 / info@orwelldfas.org.uk www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB

Our first meeting of 2017 was held on January 5, at which members enjoyed a talk by Peter Senior about his life as a chef. Peter began a five-year apprenticeship at the Charing Cross Hotel, London in 1957. His first task was to peel a large sack of onions. Undeterred by this, Peter went on to enjoy a varied career, working at a number of top hotels, including Gleneagles in Scotland. He also spent eight years in Bermuda, ending as hotel manager. On returning to England, Peter worked in King’s Lynn, followed

by The Crown at Framlingham and finally The Crown in Woodbridge.

We really have just one thing on our minds at the moment – the event we are organising in partnership with the University of Suffolk and the Students’ Union as our contribution to the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Lighthouse Women’s Aid in Ipswich.

Peter now spends time encouraging young people to cook through the Rotary Young Chef in East Anglia. This is a district competition in which budding young chefs have two hours to produce a three-course meal for £15 or less.

The best two then go through to the regional final.

The Inner Wheel quiz night is to be held on Friday, March 17 at Woodbridge Community Hall in aid of the Stroke Working Age Group Suffolk. For more information or to enter a team, please contact Deidre Griffin: 01473 612049

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on February 21 when we are delighted to welcome Ben Cowell. Ben, formerly regional director of the East of England National Trust, will be talking about his first year as director general of the Historic Houses Association and the challenges that face historic houses in private ownership.

EQUALITY: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Friday, February 10 at the University of Suffolk There will be two speaker sessions: 1-3pm (aimed principally at University staff and students) and 5-7pm (aimed mainly at the public).

The keynote speakers will be Dr Emma Bond, associate professor at the University of Suffolk, who will review domestic abuse in Suffolk today and current trends such as the use of social media, and Melantha Chittenden, national NUS LGBT+ officer, who will talk about women’s equality within the LGBT+ framework.

There will be plenty to see in the foyer throughout the event. Lighthouse will present a Clothesline exhibition and an interactive Suitcase Journey. There will be displays by charities and organisations which support women, an exhibition of posters/works on related topics by academics and students, a raffle in aid of Lighthouse and, of course, coffee and light refreshments.

The event is free but there will be an opportunity to make a donation to Lighthouse.

If you are interested in attending the event, places for the speaker sessions are limited so it is advisable to book via Eventbrite. To get a ticket google Equality: If not now, when? and select 10 FEB 2017. We’d be delighted to see you there.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 25, 7pm: The Sad Story of Airship 101

On March 21 Paul Forecast, the new regional director for the East of England National Trust, will be setting out his plans for the next 10 years and, in particular, how the trust will play a more active role in saving nature. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM.

We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich – entrance via rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

www.idhts.co.uk

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary (membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761) or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

Details from: 01473 414746/422145

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP The next open meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road at 7pm. The main speaker will be Jenefer Roberts who will give a talk about her book Can I Eat That?, a nutritional guide for Type 2 diabetics. Our sponsor, Martin from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, will also give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills.

This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to source information on diabetes and talk to other people in similar situations.

Refreshments will be available free of charge, plus we hold a draw. There is no admission or joining fee.

Caroline Sagar from Diabetes UK will give a short talk on our aims for 2017 when we meet on March 9.

For more information email: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org / Facebook DSGroupIpswich

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DAY CARE AND COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAY STAYS FROM MARTLESHAM HEATH

WOODLAND WALKS

HYDROTHERAPY POOL

Martlesham 01473 623 661 Rendlesham 01394 420 468

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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OUT & ABOUT U3A CHEERS UP FEBRUARY WEATHER Feeling blue? Don’t want to do anything till spring? Let the University of the Third Age give you inspiration. If you are already a member you will know that the group/s you belong to always have a warm feeling when you meet to get down to your meetings and hobbies. If you haven’t yet followed your New Year resolution to join U3A in East Suffolk, visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org. uk or telephone the secretary on 03001 233913 right away to find out details of what we have to offer.

There are talks taking place in our four campuses in the next few months so come and have an interesting morning or afternoon with U3A where the campus co-ordinator and volunteers will be delighted to welcome you.

Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe at 10.30am • Thursday, February 2: You Need to Talk to the Dog – the work of the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf by Malcolm Taylor • Thursday, March 2: So Climate Change is Real – What can we do about it?

by John Midwinter Market Hall, Saxmundham at 2pm • Thursday, February 9: Hidden Treasures of East Anglia’s Secret Sea, the amazing variety of life in the sea by Rob Spray • Thursday, March 9: The Globe Theatre, how thousands of Londoners enjoyed the plays, from the illiterate to the top level of London society

by Mark Mitchels Kesgrave Community Centre at 2pm • Monday, February 27: Estuary Wildlife and Habitats, a journey around the glorious and varied estuary habitats of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with Alex Bass Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm • Monday, February 6: Felixstowe Ferry Men by John White • No meeting in March • Monday, April 3: Giles and Ipswich, the life of the famous cartoonist

by John Field

Oh my goodness, February can be a gloomy month! My birthday falls more or less in the middle of it and I can pretty much guarantee that it will be raining on the day. Ah well! Spring is just around the corner though, and by the middle of this month we can usually see signs that the ground is beginning to warm up. Those first, little, bright green shoots will be on their way soon, cheering everything around them. Keep the faith – the dark days will brighten up before long.

Out on the allotments, we should be able to start doing some planting a couple of weeks into the month. It’s a good time to get garlic and shallots into the ground, and there are a fair few vegetables that can go in now too.

If you’re buying seeds, then look for varieties labelled ‘early’, and check the sowing guidelines on the packets – they’re a mine of information.

If the weather’s mild, it can be tempting to really get stuck in, but we’re still at risk of frost, so don’t do too much too soon. Think about warming up the soil by putting cloches or polythene over areas of your plot. This will help get the next batches off to a good start when it’s time to get them planted. As you continue clearing your plot of overwintering vegetables, it’s a good idea to add a sprinkling of general fertiliser as a top-dressing.

Yes, it can be cold and gloomy, but one thing I always notice is that I feel so much better when I’ve spent some time outside, even if I haven’t been able to do much on our plot. It’s good to get away from the bricks and mortar and to reconnect with nature. We are so lucky in the positioning of our allotment site – ten minutes from the centre of Grange Farm, yet feeling as if it’s miles out in the countryside. I heartily recommend it!

If you’ve ever fancied growing your own, we do have a few plots available at our picturesque Rushmere St Andrew site. New members are always made very welcome. If you’re unsure if allotmenting is for you, we have small starter plots, or there are half- and full-size plots if you’d prefer. For more information, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk

Please put these dates in your diary. Visitors as well as members are welcome to attend one talk before applying to become a full member of U3A. The campus co-ordinator or volunteers at each venue will be available to give further details of applying for membership on the day.

Becki Ritson

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED

Our volunteers celebrated all their hard work during 2016 with a festive work morning on the weekend before Christmas. This was combined with a special Nature Watch Club wreath making session. After a concerted effort clearing more of the northern burial mound, the morning ended with the volunteers enjoying a well-earned woodland buffet and refreshments, accompanied by Christmas music and tree. All the Nature Watch youngsters went home with their lovingly made wreaths in hand, ready to proudly hang on their front doors.

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

Thursday, February 23: Decorated Notepad (Emma) Thursday, March 23: Butterfly Banner (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members New members are always welcome. For more details contact: Jill 01473 713534 / Emma 01787 373850

SUFFOLK ORCHID SOCIETY Suffolk Orchid Society will be holding its spring show on Saturday, March 25 at St Michael’s Church Centre (near Douglas Bader Public House), Martlesham Heath IP5 3UY, between 10am and 4pm.

In addition to a magnificent display of our member’s orchids there will be first class orchids for sale, re-potting demonstrations and advice on the cultivation of orchids including solving problems that may be encountered in their care.

Refreshments including light lunches will be available during the day.

Admission £1.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP

We hope you get a chance to walk off a few Christmas calories in Portal Woods, or to work off even more perhaps join us on a volunteer work morning.

DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages): Saturday, February, 19, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided.

All ages welcome, no need to book.

Nature Explorers (ages 11-18): Saturday, March 18 at the Education Area Booking essential; please email: pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com New volunteers are always welcome, all ages and abilities. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, call 01473 612632, visit pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

PWCG Chairman Stephen Corley

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SCHOOLS SPRING TERM AT BRIGHT STARS At Bright Stars we started the term making shiny crowns to wear as we walked in the footsteps of the wise men who went to see Jesus after he was born. We followed the star around St Michael’s Church Centre, encountering hazards such as mountains and deserts which we sang our way through until eventually we found Jesus.

If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a fun start to your week we would love you to bring your parents, grandparents and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars. We meet at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL at 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time. Each session is full of fun children’s activities, including singing and Bible stories for children, plus games and crafts. 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 at any of the sessions, but if you would like further information please contact us on the numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our remaining session dates for the spring term are February 27 and March 13 and 27.

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

HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP The children have been busy taking part in the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch this term. They walked to the woods and identified and counted all the birds they could see.

To help the birds with food over winter, the children made bird feeders with pine cones.

Thank you to Peter and Eddie who came in and talked to the children about keeping safe, and thank you to Brenda who, with the help of Bramble, talked to the children about the importance of cleaning their teeth and eating healthy foods.

We are an Ofsted registered childcare provider for children from the age of two years onwards. As we are registered as ‘Good’, we are able to provide funded places for two years old who have received ‘Golden Tickets’ from Suffolk County Council.

From September 2017 we shall be implementing the government’s requirements of offering 30 hours of free childcare. This will be eligible to children the term after their third birthday providing the families reach the required criteria. Details of the criteria can be found on the government website or you can pop into the setting for more information.

Please feel free to come in and meet our friendly Early Years team and pick up a registration form.

Our Early Years team comprises of staff qualified with Qualified Teacher Status, BA (Hons) level 6 and CACHE level 3. Please come in and meet our friendly team and pick up a registration form.

Playgroup closes on Thursday, February 9 and re-opens on Monday, February 20.

Please follow us on Facebook where you can see the children engaged in activities.

We are situated inside Kesgrave Community Centre on Twelve Acre Approach. Contact: humptydumptyplaygroupkesgrave@outlook.com / 07837 154081 (term time 8.30am-4pm) / manager Sally Cutts on 01473 625998 (evenings only).

THREE BEARS PLAYGROUP The playgroup’s toys have been visiting with our families this term. Billy the Bear has been having lots of lovely adventures and outings which he shares with us on his return.

Gino the Giraffe, who likes to cook, has also been home with the children and has learnt some new recipes to put in our cook book. Thank you all for taking good care of our special toys.

Continuing from cooking at home we are cooking at playgroup and have transformed our home corner into a café with the children busy cooking and serving their friends lots of yummy food.

The local health visiting team are visiting us this month (February 7) to give parents the opportunity to meet and chat with them.

If you would like a place for your child, please complete a registration form and return it to the playgroup. Forms can be downloaded from www. threebearsplaygroup.org.uk, requested by emailing threebearsplaygroup@ btconnect.com or collected from the playgroup on Wilkinson Drive.

FACILITIES FOR HIRE AT GORSELAND SCHOOL Gorseland School is fortunate to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), a large Astroturf pitch, a playground and a large indoor hall. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on week day evenings and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee.

The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, sporting groups, Scout and Guiding groups, fitness classes and other one off events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed.

Parking is available on site. For further information or to make a booking please contact the school office: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND SCHOOL In January, we welcomed new children and their families to our Nursery. The children have settled very well and we work closely with parents to ensure that each child has an appropriate settling in period.

Our topic this half term is winter and we are exploring water, ice, weather, clothing and food. The children enjoy weekly cooking sessions and preparing their healthy snacks.

We have been learning about ‘changes’ and linking this to the Martlesham RAF 100 year anniversary. The children have looked at changes over time and how the landscape changes, as well as people growing and changing.

There are limited spaces available for the summer term. If you have a three- or four-year-old and are interested in a Nursery place, please contact our school office (01473 623790) and arrange to come and visit.

Our open events are on Tuesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 9, 1.30-2.30pm.

Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs J Florey

Wendy Payne

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In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / SPORT DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK It seems hard to believe that Christmas and New Year are already behind us, but with all the planning, shopping and cooking, and the huge anticipation leading up to the big day itself, it’s no wonder that many of us succumb to the post-Christmas blues as things seem to settle back down into normal day to day life.

KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB I hope you all enjoyed the festive period and that you had a great New Year.

The year has now turned and so splendid news, the new cricket season is only a few weeks away!

The very last club business of 2016 was for us to attend the Two Counties League awards evening where our successful 1st team collected their Division 5 Winner’s trophy. Representatives of the club were in attendance to see 1st team captain Mike Worne receive the trophy from the guest of honour, former England player and recent chairman of aelectors Geoff Miller (pictured). An enjoyable evening was had by all and it was a splendid way to round off the 2016 season and to celebrate our success on the field.

I certainly enjoyed making the most of my time here in Suffolk without the pressures of the daily routine over the Christmas and New Year period and I’m sure most of us have eaten and drunk more than usual as we relaxed and enjoyed catching up with friends and family. Only recently new figures were announced confirming that a staggering eight in every 10 adults aged between 40 and 60 in England are overweight, drink too much alcohol or get too little exercise.

So what better time to get motivated and kick start a healthier New Year than by getting out in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and enjoying all that is on offer right here on our doorsteps.

At this time of year, with magazine and television advertisements encouraging us to make commitments which many will struggle to maintain, it’s all too easy to be lured into costly gym memberships and expensive holidays or leisure activities, but walking is something which we can all enjoy with minimum or no cost involved, no specialist equipment required and the opportunity to meet new and likeminded people. Walking isn’t competitive, yet it brings with it a raft of recognised health benefits, not to mention being affordable and accessible to all.

Simple things can quickly add up – taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking instead of hopping in the car for short journeys. I’m lucky that I have two dogs to exercise and they don’t let me forget that I need to get outdoors into the fresh air every day, but for many, it’s easy to become complacent and to not make the effort. Walking to fulfil the recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise every week can make a huge difference – it’s estimated that it could save up to 37,000 lives every year and could also lead to almost 300,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes.

Aside from the physical benefits, walking brings with it a whole range of other benefits. We feel more connected to our natural environment – for families with young children perhaps a competition for them to spot wildlife tracks or collect 10 different types of leaves might turn what they deem to be a dull activity in something far more engaging. When experiencing times of stress or anxiety, walking can help us to clear our heads and regain some order in our busy lives. It’s the perfect tonic for a busy and hectic lifestyle, helping to fight depression and reduce anxiety and boosting our mood and psychological wellbeing.

Suffolk lends itself perfectly to walking, with plenty of easy terrain, but also more challenging routes for those who are more able. For year round information on walking, there is a huge range of information at: www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

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As usual, the club’s year began with our annual general meeting. The 201617 AGM took place in January in our pavilion at Twelve Acre Approach. Our management committee and a hardy band of members were not put off attending by the wintry conditions and the forecast of snow storms. Reports were given on the progress made by both our senior and junior sections in 2016 and on how the club has developed off the field in the last 12 months. A key theme of the evening was how well our senior squads have come together following our decision a year ago to switch the focus of the club from the local Sunday league to the full Saturday league pyramid. We start 2017 in a position of strength both on and off the field.

We can also announce the arrangements for our pre-season nets for senior players. These training sessions will take place in the sports centre at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre (immediately next to the cricket field) from 11am-1pm on Sundays, starting on Sunday, March 5 and running weekly for six sessions in total. All those intending to play in any of our senior teams in 2017 are encouraged to attend. This is the opportunity to blow the cobwebs out of your game, to hone your skills and to catch your captain’s eye! To anyone new to the club and thinking about playing some cricket with us this year, please do come along to these nets sessions. We’ll be delighted to see you.

Our senior fixtures have now been agreed. Our 1st XI will start on April 22 at home to Maldon, the 2nd XI on April 29 at home to Stradbroke and our 3rd XI at home to BT & Waldringfield on April 30. We will post all our 2017 senior fixtures on the club website shortly; for details please visit: www.kesgrave. play-cricket.com Before our league fixtures start we intend to have an intra-club practice match on Saturday, April 15 with mixed teams selected from all our senior squads.

We also hope to have our ever-popular golf day on a weekend close to the start of the season. Watch this space and our website for upcoming details.

I wish you all runs, wickets and happiness in 2017.

Knight Watchman

In Touch online:

SPORT KESGRAVE KESTRELS FOOTBALL CLUB

KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE NEWS The year got off to a wonderful start on the evening of Saturday, January 7 with the karate club’s annual presentation evening, an opportunity for club instructors to acknowledge all the hard work that students put in.

For the Kesgrave Red Dragons, Student of the Year went to Riagan Huq, Most Improved Student of the Year went to Bethany Wright and Best Beginner went to Stephen Bishop. For the junior/senior class in the Kesgrave club, Student of the Year was awarded to William Lawton, Most Improved Student went to Eva Palmer and Best Beginner to Max Green.

In the Northgate Red Dragons, Student of the Year went to Lauren Berry, Most Improved Student went to Jessica Collinson and Best Beginner to Alex Lichota.

In the junior/senior class, Student of the Year went to Oscar Hunt, Most Improved Student went to Marcus Peel and Best Beginner to Penny Barnes.

Awards also went to our affiliated club in Bury St Edmunds with the Red Dragons Student of the Year going to Oliver Currie, Most Improved Student to Joe Tully and Best Beginner to Alfie Bullock. In the junior/senior class, Student of the Year went to Sophie Swann, Most Improved Student went to Gloria Jane Stevens and Best Beginner to Alfie Campbell.

Our final categories were for those students who had braved the intimidating arenas of competitive karate for both kumite and kata. The award for Paired Kata went to Lilly Melton and Emma Buckley, the Team Kata award went to Chloe Campbell, Daisy Hopwood and Lola Blofield and the Individual Kata award to Thomas Humphries.

Awards in kumite went to Calum Evans for the Male Kumite Competitor of the Year while big sister, Tayler Evans, came away with the Female Kumite Competitor of the Year. Overall Kumite Competitor of the Year went to Ruby Hunt.

Many thanks to all our amazing instructors and to the parents and helpers who organised the evening whether it was the food, the venue, ticket sales for the event or raffle or raffle donations. All the money raised is put back into the club, which in turn enables members to participate in both national and international competitions.

A final thank you must go to our club sponsors M+C Diesel, IS EleCtrical and Chris Clow whose continued support means that our England competitor, Georgie Lawson, is able to compete at an international level.

Watch this space for how she gets on in the Karate Championships in Bulgaria later this month.

Our club is always keen to attract new sponsors. If you are part of a company or business that feels that it would like to put something back into the community by making a small annual donation to help support our young club members achieve their aspirations and goals, please contact us at: admin@northgate-karate.co.uk

In early January the Saturday Firsts played arguably their biggest game to date in the Bob Coleman Cup against the Wenhaston United Firsts of the Senior Division, three above Kestrels. It turned out to be a very competitive and hard fought game. Kestrels took the lead through Wayne Cable with a good team goal well finished, but Wenhaston equalised just before half time and went on to win the game 2-1.

A great performance from the team that can hopefully push them onto a strong second half of the season.

The Firsts currently sit fifth in Division 3 after consecutive away wins in December over Sutton Heath and Elmswell and have their eyes on a second promotion. Saturday Reserves also currently sit fifth in Division 4.

The Sunday Firsts finished the first half of the season top of Division RM1B after a 7-2 win over Walton in December. Well done to the team. They secured promotion to the MB1A division for the remainder of the season and started well with a first win over Grosvenor FC. The Sunday Reserves have stayed in RM3A and earned consecutive away wins, 3-1 over Amboed United and 2-0 over Feathers, moving up to seventh. The Sunday Vets team only played once in December, losing 3-2 away at Ipswich Park.

We are looking for a goalkeeper to join the Saturday Reserves and/or Vets team. If you are interested please get in touch.

The Under 15s have hit a good spell of form mid-season and recorded four consecutive wins scoring 31 goals in December and early January. The Under 14s also won both of their games in December and early January to improve their league position. The Under 13s currently sit second in Division 3 with two games against the league leaders to come in February and early March.

We will be starting training for our new Under 10 Girls team in the next month. This will be for girls currently in Year 4 and 5 and we are still seeking a few girls to complete the training squad. If you are interested please get in touch.

We will be running our next holiday football camp on Monday and Tuesday in February half term. Please see full details and how to book on the club website.

For the up-to-date team news and events visit: www.kesgravekestrelsfc.co.uk David Hall, Secretary, 01473 620562

IPSWICH WANDERERS FC Manager Shane Wardley must be very pleased with the way his side has played of late. The outstanding result and performance was the 2-1 win over runaway league leaders Mildenhall Town. Wanderers overcame being a goal down and some fine second half football gained all three points. We now sit in the top half of the table and are showing our best form for a year. The recent draw at distant Fakenham Town (that could have been a win if our late penalty had gone in) saw us again come back from a goal down.

So there are plenty of reasons to come along and support Ipswich Wanderers at Humber Doucy Lane and join us for the monthly Wanderers Bingo on the final Friday of the month. Eyes down in the clubhouse at 8pm.

The Christmas raffle was very productive and raised much needed funds for the club. Well done to the organisers and participants. We are a members’ club. We welcome new members and supporters to matches and other events. Wanderers are run entirely by volunteers. Please join us.

Our sole home fixture at The Doucy in February is: Saturday, February 4: v Swaffham Town (League) KO 3pm All the latest club news and details of all Wanderers fixtures can be found on the club website.

Keith Lloyd

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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CHURCH NEWS A GOOD TIME TO START SOMETHING NEW? I think it’s good when we decide to do something or to put it another way, when we resolve to do something. At the start of the New Year many of us resolve to start doing something new or to stop doing something we are already doing. We regard this time of year as an acceptable time to start new things or to stop old things. But on any given day we can make these decisions. It’s never too late, tomorrow always brings us another opportunity.

Maybe you’ve thought about going to church (either going again because you used to come or deciding to go for the first time), but have just not got round to doing it yet. Why not just do it this month? We would love to welcome you. We are a small, but very friendly group of people who meet on Sunday mornings from 10.30am-noon at Heath School, Bell Lane, Kesgrave.

RUSHMERE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP FIVE SIGNS YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR MONEY A UK debt counselling charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), has released a list of five key warning signs to recognise if someone needs help with their finances.

Dan Kelly, CAP’s external affairs officer, said: “The New Year is the time when we reassess so many things in our lives, from our diet to the clothes in our wardrobe, so why not reassess your money too?

“People who come to us for debt help take an average of one to three years to get in touch which means they are suffering with the worry and stress week after week when actually help is at hand. There are many reasons for this, with shame and embarrassment being the most common, but make a quick ten-minute phone call and someone could set the wheels in motion.”

Dan said: “If you recognise any of the five signs on the list in relation to your household finances call us, don’t wait. Our organisation is talking to all the major banks and companies every day, it’s what we do all the time and we’ll gladly negotiate for you.”

The list has been developed from facts in the most recent CAP Client Report and the CAP Client Survey 2016, which was based on the representative sample of 3,060 clients from across the UK.

Declaring God’s Way - Sharing His Love

We do hope you all had happy New Year celebrations and enjoyed the break from work or you usual activities. Now it’s all behind us and we settle down to normal life again. As a Baptist Church in the village of Rushmere we aim to show God’s love to all around us. This is done in many ways, not least with the various activities we engage in which are open to all ages, young and not so young.

By the time you are reading this we will have moved out of our church building to allow work to be done on updating the interior of the church.

The last morning service before moving out was Sunday, January 22, which coincided with our church anniversary. The different activities continue and will be held at various venues during this time. For any information please ring the secretary, Mrs Jean Cutting: 01473 728284 Our usual activities are as follows: Monday: FFaF Children’s Club for School Years 2-6, 6.15-7.30pm Wednesday: Rag Tag Drop-in at 2pm on the first Wednesday of each month Senior Citizens’ Friendship Hour at 2.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month Thursday: Luncheon Club at 12.30pm Friday: Prayer Meeting at 6.30pm Saturday: Meeting Point Coffee Morning on the fourth Saturday of each month, 10.30am-noon Minister: The Rev Heather Marsden Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting

1. Are you unable to sleep? Are your money worries affecting your health?

If so, you’re not alone. Eight out of ten clients said debt had caused sleepless nights. Three quarters said debt had negatively affected their health.

2. Money problems often mean more family rows Three quarters of those in a relationship said debt caused arguments between themselves and their partner. In almost a quarter of cases debt caused complete relationship breakdown. Two in five parents said their money worries also affected the emotional wellbeing of their children.

3. Falling behind with bills Four in ten CAP clients seeking debt help are in arrears with their Gas, Water, Electricity, Council Tax, rent or mortgage bills.

4. Borrowing to stay afloat When you need to pay a bill are you automatically looking for credit? Are you borrowing from family and friends, or by going to medium or short term lenders that charge higher rates of interest?

5. Threatening letters, telephone calls and bailiffs This is a sure sign that you need to make that call to get some help. Don’t suffer alone.

Rushmere Christian Fellowship has partnered with CAP to offer debt counselling in this community. The service we offer is completely free. Call 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment with the Ipswich Debt Centre or visit www.capdebthelp.org to find out more.

Rushmere Christian Fellowship is a welcoming church in Ipswich committed to loving God, each other and the community. We meet every Sunday at 10.30am at St Alban’s High School on Digby Road.

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

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the

ARK church

Can you believe we’re already a month into the New Year? Time seems to fly and Christmas and New Year celebrations are now a distant memory.

It’s the middle of winter and we’re looking forward to the spring with its longer daylight hours and warmth. At the Ark we have been busy sorting out lighting and maintaining the building, making it a pleasant place for anyone who wishes to join us. If you check out our constantly updated website you’ll see we have lots going on throughout the week and we’d like you to be part of it. March sees our 32nd anniversary, but more of that next month, and in April we’re hosting the National Youth Conference weekend.

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 for Young People’s Night on alternate Fridays (see website for details).

The Ark Church, Wolsey House, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR / arkipswichuk@gmail.com www.arkipswich.co.uk / Facebook @arkofthelord / Twitter @arkipswich Our newsletter is available via free subscription.

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