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Volume 9 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2019
Guess Who’s at the Zoo, see p17
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My husband believes there are two kinds of people; those who see the positives in almost everything, and those who always see the negatives. If opposites attract, we must be the perfect couple, so when Daniel played this song by Kacey Musgraves I’m pretty sure he was making a point. It’s called Miserable. Your heart’s as heavy as the stones you throw Can’t see the flowers for the weeds you grow You blow your bubbles just to watch ‘em burst For you it’s always bad to worse And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable Your neighbor’s dirty laundry’s cleaner And the wolf at your door’s always meaner The sky’s still grey when the sun’s around But you can’t set sail if your anchor’s down And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable I’m miserable Can’t liven up for the both of us We have enough for the whole of us If misery loves company Then I can’t keep you company no more He got me good! I don’t think I’m this miserable, but when life is going well, I live in dread of what’s bound to come, and it’s bound to be bad! I think it’s an inherited trait, but it’s not one I want to pass on. Is it possible to change? I sure hope so because my New Year’s resolution is to prove Daniel wrong!
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NEWS SPARE A THOUGHT CAMPAIGN For the past three years I have run a Spare a Thought Campaign at Tesco Kesgrave Pharmacy where I am a pharmacist. The campaign runs at Christmas and aims to support Catch 22, a charity which supports recent care leavers between the ages of 16 and 21. We are given a target each year by Tania Sicling from Catch 22 to try to provide Christmas presents for the most vulnerable young people who have recently left care. Many have no family at all and have been in lifelong care. So often these young people are forgotten about in society. I decided a gift from a stranger would show these young people that the community did care and think about them. I put out my little gift tree with tags relating to each vulnerable person, and people can chose a tag and buy a gift for that person. This year we managed to raise over 260 wrapped parcels for Catch 22 to distribute across Ipswich for Christmas! When I first started the idea for the gift tree, I was worried no one would donate any gifts. How wrong I was? My main concern quickly switched to how I was going to wrap so many presents! I just want to say a massive thank you to all those who helped support me, Sian Buck and Michelle Mellor who both ran gift trees for me, Tesco Kesgrave for the wrapping paper donation and my colleagues and friends who helped wrap them all! It’s nice to know in a world where everything sometimes seems rather bleak that on the whole most people are kind. And a massive thank you to the community of Kesgrave and Martlesham who so kindly donated the gifts. I’m very proud of the community I live in. Victoria Tovell
HEADWAY SUFFOLK DEMENTIA GROUP Headway Suffolk runs a monthly social support group for people with dementia in Martlesham. It takes place every fourth Thursday of the month at St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift in Martlesham from 11.45am to 3.15pm. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer. The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments. The next meeting is on Thursday, February 28. Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiamartlesham The group relies on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing. If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer, please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk
SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY CAFE Cafe 66 is extending its opening hours and you can find us at Kesgrave Scout Hut (Twelve Acre Approach, behind Ropes Drive Tesco) four days a week, Tuesday to Friday from 10.30am-1.30pm. Cafe 66 is a non-profit making service supporting the local community by providing drinks, snacks and lunches, freshly prepared and at reasonable prices. We support people with learning difficulties and disabilities in learning and practicing new skills. By being involved in cafe duties our staff are able to increase their self-confidence and independence. All staff are fully supported by trained cafe personnel and volunteers. Our menu offers fresh baked scones and sausage rolls, home-made cakes, a range of toasties and jacket potatoes with various fillings, and daily specials freshly prepared on the premises according to season. We have plenty of space for wheelchairs and prams and welcome children of all ages. If you’re visiting on your own and you’d like some company please ask to be seated with others; our regular customers love to meet new friends! For more information please see our Facebook page – Cafe 66 Community Café – from where you can message us, or contact Sharon on 07852 902879.
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NEWS rushmere st andrew parish council BUS NOTES The parish council has lots of exciting projects planned for this year so please keep a look out for updates in the parish newsletter and at: www.rushmerestandrew.onesuffolk.net. We will update you as we have more information. Mandala Colouring Competition The well-deserved winner of the parish newsletter Christmas Mandala Colouring Competition and the slime kit was Mia Mayne age 10. Well done Mia, a fabulous picture and an unanimous decision by the judges. It was a difficult choice as we received lots of entries and the standard was extremely high. The judges would like to say a big thank you to everyone who entered. We hope you enjoyed the Christmas crafts and quizzes. New Name for a New Year We have received suggestions for a new name for the parish newsletter, but we would appreciate more ideas. So, if you have then please send your ideas to the assistant clerk. The next edition of the parish newsletter will be in full colour, so we are very excited about planning it. If there are any articles or photographs you think may be of interest, please contact the assistant clerk. Rushmere Readers Have you read our current parish read, The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan? If you have then maybe you could send your review (anything from a few words to a few paragraphs) by email to the assistant clerk. Please contact the assistant parish clerk by email at: sarah.jenkins@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk
There was a healthy level of passengers on local route 68 in the pre-Christmas period, the best loadings since the new service started. It is to be hoped that Kesgrave residents will continue to use this bus service as First will be reviewing its patronage very soon, and the finances of nearly all bus companies are very much in the balance. In Kesgrave we are lucky to be blessed with a good level of bus service, but that will continue only if it continues to be well patronised. Remember that the 68 runs direct into the hospital grounds. Even in Suffolk, numerous villages have been left with no bus service; we do not want that situation to arrive in Kesgrave.
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 £2,389.24, which will be divided between our three chosen charities: The Stroke Association, Tiffers – The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC and Martlesham Community Responders. On Saturday, February 9 Martlesham Brass are delighted to welcome Katrina Marzella, solo baritone with Black Dyke Band, to perform in a concert with the main band. The concert is at 7pm in St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL.Tickets are £4 each (primary school children free) and are available from www.martleshambrass.co.uk, by calling 07544 962205 or on the door. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. 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
KESGRAVE HELP CENTRE COFFEE MORNINGS Now all the Christmas and New Year celebrations are over we can look forward to a hopefully bright and eventful year. Our Christmas dinner was a great success with 50 people attending; we have now booked for this year. Our coffee mornings at Kesgrave Community Centre are going really well with several more local people coming. These are held every Thursday morning between 10am and noon. We have a raffle each week, a game of Hoy every month (similar to bingo) and also we do a fish and chip lunch each month for those who like to stay and have their meal together. If you are feeling lonely and fed up with the dark dismal days, please pop in for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. There’s no joining fee; just come along whenever you feel like having a chat and meeting up with several local residents. We also do a few small outings during the year, plus special afternoon teas. If you think this may be of interest to you, come along one morning. You will be made welcome. There’s no commitment to stay. Best wishes for the New Year to all. Sue Snoulten
MIDWEEK WALK On Wednesday, March 13, starting at 10.30am, I will be leading a walk from the footpath alongside Ropes Drive east roundabout and between the driveway to Bracken Hall and the entrance road to the Quarry. I anticipate walking for approximately two hours and returning to our start point. In the event of bad weather or if you have any questions, please call me on 01473 623486. I look forward to meeting you on March 13. Michael Rayment, Kesgrave Town Council Footpath Representative
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PLAY QUIZGO Play Quizgo with Ipswich & District Kidney Association on Sunday, February 17, 7.30pm at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road IP5 1EE. Maximum of six per team, £2.50 each. Licenced bar, food available at interval. www.quizgo.net
MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday, February 1, 7.30-10pm: Chris Turland presents the fascinating, yet little known and acknowledged story of World War Aircraft Production in Ipswich. We meet at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Admission on arrival is £3 for members and £4 for non-members. 01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk John Brace sold his 7ft Christmas Tree with 700 lights via Gumtree on Saturday, January 5. Since then he has found another section of the tree, but doesn’t have contact details for the lady who purchased the tree for her nan. If it was you, or if you have heard a friend or family member mention the purchase, please contact John on 01473 622658 to arrange collection of the missing section.
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NEWS KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL New Year – New Challenge Become a Town Councillor for Kesgrave What matters to you in your local area? Local elections will take place in May. Are you registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked or owned property in Kesgrave for at least 12 months? Are you willing to volunteer and help Kesgrave? Would you like to represent your community, make a difference, represent the interests of residents? Then please refer to the district council website – www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk – or contact the town council at: enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk Kesgrave Fun Day Kesgrave Fun Day will take place on Saturday, June 8. Would you like to have a stall, promote your charity or have a free activity that visitors would like to try? Or do you have any ideas for the Fun Day? Please contact: servicecoordinator@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk Parking in Kesgrave: Please be respectful when parking in Kesgrave, keep driveways clear and don’t park on junctions. Don’t forget the next Kesgrave Market at the Rupert Fison Square on Saturday, February 16. When walking your dog on our many footpaths and open spaces, please help to keep these areas clean by picking up after your dog. We sell fido dog bags at the council office. Now is the time to cut back any overhanging hedges and shrubs on your property before the nesting bird season in March. This year’s Town Litter Pick will take place on Saturday, April 27 from 10am to 2pm; further details in next month’s In Touch magazine. Do you have experience in youth work? Would you like to volunteer one evening per week at our popular Tuesday evening youth club? Please contact the town council office if you are interested. Town Council Events in 2019 Kesgrave Litter Pick: Saturday, April 27 Annual Town Meeting: TBC Kesgrave Fun Day: Saturday, June 8
IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET February at Ipswich Country Market means new Seville orange marmalade. Our cooks also have many other unusual varieties of marmalade, jams and pickles to tempt you with that are not available in the shops and all have been made locally in their own homes with no added artificial ingredients. Did you know that cakes can be ordered and made for any occasion? How about Valentine’s Day? To order you can visit us during opening hours. If you would like to join us as a member of our cooperative, we would love to hear from you. Maybe you have dug your vegetable plot but don’t know what you will do with your surplus crop? Have you started a new craft or hobby and need an outlet for it? Do you enjoy cooking and would like to get together with like-minded people and find an appreciative audience for your bakes? Why not come along and chat to the producers? You can find more information about the market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are 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, a warm welcome, and home baked refreshments too. On the first Thursday of the month we always have bacon rolls and every other Thursday 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.
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Senior Citizens Outing: Tuesday, August 20 Kesgrave Fireworks: Sunday, November 3 Remembrance Service: Monday, November 11 Kesgrave Christmas Lights Switch-on: Friday, November 29 Kesgrave on Ice: Saturday 30 November & Sunday 1 December Evening of Reflection: Friday, December 13 KESGRAVE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Report by Chairman of Committee, Rod Gibson Thank you to the many residents who came along to our Community Engagement Day on a bright sunny October 20 to offer their views on the proposed objectives for the Neighbourhood Plan. Opinions were overwhelmingly supportive, and the results can be seen at: http://kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ Community-Engagement-Day-Report-22.10.2018.pdf (or at the shorter URL: https://tinyurl.com/y7nre9mr) Since then the committee has been consulting further with businesses in town and non-business clubs and organisations including the schools and church’s serving our area. Engagement has been carried out thoroughly through a combination of questionnaires, meetings and talks. Throughout this period work has continued drafting planning policies that stem from the agreed objectives and gathering the evidence to support them. Any external costs for this work are being funded by government grants specifically for the purpose whilst committee members continue to devote their time freely. The aim is to have a first draft plan for informal ‘pre-submission’ to Suffolk Coastal District Council during first quarter of the year. This will be published on the website for everyone to read and provide comments on if they wish. There are a number of procedures to complete and the hope is that a call for a referendum on the plan will be made by the end of the year. In the meantime, anyone requiring further information or wishing to make a comment should contact the committee chairman, Rod Gibson at rod@rodgibson.net or leave a message at the town council office. Kesgrave Town Council Office Opening Hours Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 9am-1pm Wednesday: 9am-3pm Thursday: closed 01473 625179 / www.kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk
ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Monday, March 11: A New View Down the River Deben Valley – Prehistoric, Roman and Saxon Archaeology along the East Anglia One Cable Route by archaeologist Andy Peachey Andy is an archaeologist who has been working across East Anglia for the last 15 years and over the last two years on a major project, the East Anglia One cable route. This is a corridor excavated along the Deben Valley, through the northern part of Martlesham, before passing over Ipswich to connect the new wind farm to the National Grid. He will talk about the amazing finds discovered during work for these wind farm cables. Earlier last year there was a lot in the press about the interesting and unexpected things unearthed by archaeologists, especially on a site close to Martlesham. These included an exciting array of new settlement evidence, including Roman and Saxon buildings, and an exceptional prehistoric monument, trackway and artefacts that may coincide with the earliest settlements and agriculture in the region approximately 4,000 years BC. Many very unexpected finds were discovered close to Martlesham and were featured on BBC4’s Digging for Britain on 12 December 2018
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This fascinating talk will be on Monday, March 11, 7.30pm at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. The venue is fully accessible with adjacent free parking. Light refreshments will be available. For further information about this event and the music fund please contact the Burrows family on 01473 625196 or visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE CO-OP GUILD Our Christmas lunch was a great success at Hintlesham Golf Club. We had a coach to take us all and we all agreed that the venue was beautifully decorated and the food and service excellent. We will be returning next Christmas.
Kesgrave Community Centre (KWMCC) runs a host of health and fitness activities for all ages and abilities, including active adults for the older members of the community. This happy active adults group meet up twice a week to participate in some gentle physical activities led by instructor Marion Walker. The activities are designed to improve health and wellbeing for older adults, as well as being an opportunity for them to socialise over a cup of tea. One member said: “It took 98 years to look this good! You can’t help getting older but you don’t have to get old. As well as making lots of new friends at the centre, I have maintained my health and mobility through regular physical activities and I really look forward to the sessions each week.” Cheryl Tye, Leisure and Community Manager at KWMCC, said: “Aging can be difficult at times and is something we will all go through. Even though our physical appearance changes, our spirit does not. Physical exercise is a great way for the over-60s to maintain their mobility and independence.” There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to exercising but walking, climbing stairs and armchair exercises such as lifting yourself out of a chair several times or daily chores such as gardening are a great way to stay active or better still you can join the group of spritely active adults at Kesgrave Community Centre. HEALTH & FITNESS Active Adults: Monday 9-11am and Friday 9.30-11.30am. Designed to improve health and well-being. Participate in a one-hour low level instructorled session of physical activity, with an opportunity to socialise before and afterwards. £3 per session including tea and coffee. Commit to Get Fit: Bite sized weekly exercise classes for just £2.50 per person, these sessions are just 30 minutes and aimed at improving your fitness and toning your body. Every Wednesday in term-time from 9.15-9.45am. Core Strength Yoga: Aims to bring stability, ease, poise and balance through the body, mind and breathing, generating a sense of wellbeing. Held on Monday mornings from 11.30am-12.30pm (term time only), it’s just £6 per session or £5 with a block booking. To book please call Manon on 07773 456078 Casual Badminton: In a relaxed and fun environment. Improve your game and fitness levels. No booking necessary, just turn up and play for £3 per session on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings. Further details can be found on the KWMCC website. Date for your Diary: The Lions Club of Ipswich Giant Table Top Sale on Saturday, February 23, 10.30am-1pm. Free entry. If you would like further information on KWMCC activities or events or to book a function room, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, February 11: The History of the Catholic Church in Kesgrave by The Rev Chris Brighten I’m sure many of you will have passed the small Catholic Church in Kesgrave on your way into Ipswich. But are you aware of the story of two exceptional families and a tragic accident that resulted in the building of the church? The church, which is still in private ownership, has some of the most amazing stained glass windows made by an artist who was one of the finest stained glass designers of the Arts and Craft Movement in the first half of the 20th century. Come along and find out more! Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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We were entertained by the Phoenix Bell Ringers at our Christmas party on Tuesday, December 11. They played carols and Christmas music. Members also tried their hand at ringing and managed to produce an almost recognisable carol! The ringers joined the members for Yuletide refreshments and we left the meeting feeling very Christmassy. On Tuesday, January 8, our chairman Gloria Everett wished everyone a happy New Year and we played Bag Beetle. This involves the usual beetle drive game with a twist. Everyone brings a bag with two items in it. At the end of each game, the winner chooses an item from their opponent’s bag and the loser is given their item by the winner. There was lots of laughter and intense concentration as we tried to add legs, eyes, etc. to our beetle. Thanks to Barbara Noble for organising this fun evening. FUTURE MEETINGS Tuesday, February 5: A talk from the Ipswich Dementia Alliance who are working in partnership with the East of England Co-op, whose 4,700 employees are training to become Dementia Friends. Tuesday, February 19: The East of England Co-op use locally sourced food in their shops and we will hear about the local producers and how the Co-op supports them. We welcome new members who can visit for two meetings before joining. The annual membership is £15 and we charge £2.50 per meeting to including refreshments and raffle tickets. Meetings start at 7.30pm in Kesgrave Community Centre. The guild holds 23 meetings a year plus other trips and events. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991 www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net
YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET Oranges – do you know… Oranges are not always orange. Climate affects the colour of oranges, which are a subtropical fruit. When grown in countries where it’s always hot oranges remain green because the chlorophyll in their skin is preserved. Where the weather cools, oranges turn orange. The colour orange is named romantically and exotically after the ripened fruit from the old French term pomme d’orange, which is derived from the Italian arancia, in turn coming from the Arabic naranj, thought to be named after the Sanskrit for fragrant, naranga. Before oranges were known in this country, did people say things like “The flower that’s a sort of reddish yellow”? No, the old English word for the colour was geoluhread. There are two sorts of orange, bitter and sweet. Sweet oranges appear in Chinese literature from 314 BCE. It’s the bitter orange that’s the raw material for our utterly delicious marmalade conjured up by our culinary miraclemakers at Martlesham Heath Country Market. If you are a marmalade lover, now is the time to stock your cupboards. Imagine that bitter-sweet orangey taste, the tang and texture of the shredded peel, the smell, the nottoo-gooey-ness? My preference is for a toasted doorstep of granary bread, unsalted butter, then the pièce de résistance spread not too thickly on top. To be eaten in front of a video clip of a roaring fire. Fret not non-marmalade eaters, there are preserves and chutneys, jams, cakes, savoury pies and quiches, lots of reasons to come to the weekly Country Market in Martlesham Heath Pavilion from 9-11.15am every Tuesday morning. And there are plants, wooden bowls, knitted and crochet-work as well as cards, quilts and other unexpected crafty treasures and treats, all locally produced, and now we offer card payments too. Want to join us? Call in or phone Margaret Gayfer: 01473 623849
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts (10 am-noon) The following craft activities will take place during February: Sunday 3: The animal for the Chinese New Year is a pig. Pop along and make one to help celebrate. Sunday 10: Make a Love Bug for Valentine’s Day on February 14. Sunday 17: The birds will soon be returning after their winter holidays abroad. Design a pair of binoculars to help you view them in the garden. Sunday 23: Create a paper chain snake to decorate your room. What colour will you chose? Activities are free. Parents must stay with under-eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go. Free BookStart Sessions – every Thursday including half-term: Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am / BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions – every Friday in term time from 9.45-10.15am This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along and join the fun? OTHER EVENTS IN FEBRUARY Lego Club: Every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Parents must stay with under-eights. The themes this month are: Feb 5– Chinese New Year Animals, Feb 12 – Bugs, Feb 26 – Cartoon Characters. No need to book, just pop along! This is a free activity.
to interact and play while you have a coffee and a chat. This month’s theme is Winnie the Pooh and Friends. IT Drop-In Sessions: Third Monday of the month from Monday 18, 9.30amnoon. Are you having problems getting your CV sorted or do you need some help setting up an email address in order to apply for jobs online? Library staff are holding an IT drop-in session to help. Just pop along and speak to the staff. Lego Afternoons: 3-5pm on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 22. Pop along and create Hogwarts or one of the mystical creatures from the Happy Potter books. This is a free event, but we will be holding a raffle to raise funds for the library. Get Connected Event: Saturday, February 23, 10am-noon. Are you having trouble with your e-reader or iPad or are you interested in using Suffolk Libraries amazing digital offer (e-books, e-audio books, 60 magazine titles, daily newspapers to download plus music) but don’t know how to get going? Pop along to the library during the above times and a member of staff will be on-hand to help you. All you need to be able to access these fantastic products is a library card. Don’t have one? Just bring in proof of name and address (driving license or utility bill) and we can sign you up straight away to enable you to access our e-library as well as use all the libraries in Suffolk.
Knit and Natter: Wednesday 6 & 20, 2.30pm. Just £1 with tea, coffee provided. Welcome to all new members.
MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee: On the fourth Monday morning of the month from Monday, February 25, 10am onwards, the library is holding a group for those living with cancer and their carers. This is an opportunity to meet others, chat and offer each other support. Leaflets offering advice will be available. Coffee, tea and biscuits will also be provided. Just pop along if you would like to attend.
Afternoon Book Group: Thursday 7, 2.45pm. Currently reading The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George.
Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close 01473 626103 / www.suffolklibraries.co.uk
Evening Book Group: Date to be confirmed, 7pm
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
If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff. NEW FOR FEBRUARY Sofa Storytime: Second Monday of the month from Monday, February 11, 10-11am. Do you enjoy sharing stories? These sessions are designed for parents and carers to pop along to read a variety of books and for children
KESGRAVE WI After our usual formal start, our January meeting took on a slightly more relaxed air. Business matters were quickly dealt with – the annual Suffolk East WI meeting at Trinity Park on Tuesday, March 5 where the main speaker will be Kevin Clifton, a professional dancer made famous by participating in Strictly Come Dancing and 2018 champion. The Suffolk Show competition schedule was discussed and plans starting to form for the various entries. All our social activities – walking, craft and Scrabble – have all resumed after the Christmas break. Rod Gibson, chairman of Kesgrave Neighbourhood Plan, visited to update us on the various plans being discussed for the Kesgrave area. Coffee was served by the committee after which we spent the evening playing a variety of board games. Members brought in their favourite family game or one acquired at Christmas and we tried them out! It was a very relaxed way to start the new year. Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, at 7.15pm on Thursday, February 7. Our speaker will be Wendy Smith with a talk entitled The Wimbledon Championship Through the Eyes of a Line Judge. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require any information please call our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415
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KESGRAVE ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION What a joy to see so many bulbs peeping through the soil at last! In another month we’ll be seeing daffs and other spring flowers coming out and the spring will be well on its way. There’s quite a lot you can start getting on with at the allotment, including applying general fertiliser to the whole plot if possible, but certainly to any fruit trees and bushes. Trim the soft fruit bushes too including raspberries. You should be able to sow early peas and broad beans now and any over winter broad beans you planted back in November should be looking sturdy and strong. February is also a good month for planting out onions and garlic (leave the tops sticking out) and you can also sow early lettuce, spring onions and carrots. You could even plant some parsnip seeds too – though they must be canker resistant. If you’ve got any plastic sheeting or cloches use them to cover the soil and start to warm it up for spring planting. Rub any eyes of chitting potatoes and keep three or four shoots ready for planting. We currently don’t have any vacant plots at our site in Playford Lane, but do contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown, if you’d like to go on our waiting list: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Sally Peckham www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT U3A 2019 PROGRAMME GETS INTO ITS STRIDE We’ve seen in the new year and have long since forgotten all those ambitious and potentially life changing resolutions – except for one! Our U3A members are continuing their quest for knowledge with stimulating and lively new topics to discover and debate. The U3A spring programme is as interesting as ever, with a variety of speakers examining the truth behind controversial First World War leader Marshall Haig, the impact of the US Army on Suffolk soil and helping us separate the fact from the fiction surrounding St Edmund. Thursday, February 7, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall The Campaign for Votes for Women by Joy Bounds Phases of the campaign from the mid-19th century to the end of the First World War
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP The December working party (pictured below) saw our volunteers give a good length of the main path through Portal Woodlands a tidy up as it had become slightly overgrown and very muddy underfoot over the summer and autumn. This included trimming back low hanging branches and brambles, pushing back the soil and rotted leaves that had spread on to the path, and sweeping up debris. We also added a couple of waymarkers to make our nature (green acorn) and historic (red aircraft) walks circular. Now, walkers can start these walks anywhere along the routes and not get lost! The session was a little shorter than normal as we celebrated Christmas with a buffet by Katie’s tree to thank all our volunteers for their hard work over the year.
Thursday, February 14, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall, IP17 1AF Overpaid, Oversexed and Over Here by Ian McLachlan The social and cultural impact of the ‘friendly’ invasion of the US Army Air Force in East Anglia
All willing volunteers welcome. Training, tools and a tea break are all provided! Now is the time to keep up that New Year’s resolution to get out in the fresh air more often.
Monday, February 25, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre, IP5 1JF St Edmund in History and Legend by Dr Sam Newton An assessment of the accounts in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles, the history of Danish East Anglia and the rise of the cult of St Edmund
Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Sunday, February 17, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. All welcome - no need to book.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members. All details of membership are available on the website. Alternatively call the membership secretary on 0300 123 3913.
Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds) Saturday, March 16, 9-11am Please book a place via our email below.
Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for the most up-to-date information.
Nature Watch Club (5-11 year olds) 2019 dates to be confirmed.
www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk
For further information, please visit our website, join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting., or contact us at: 01473 612632 / pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, phone
SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, February 28 at 7.15pm Cure or Care? The Contribution of Medicine to the Decline of Mortality in Ipswich 1851-1911 by Anne Folan A general population study with Anne using available medical records and Census Records to outline a fascinating study of interest not only to Ipswich residents but to family history researchers generally. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, February 27: Lost Railways of Suffolk by Nathan Dodd Wednesday, March 28: Zeppelin Raids over East Anglia by Ian Mclachlan We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park, visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments. 01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk
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Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer Sam Cork www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our first next lecture of the new year will be on Wednesday, February 6 when Andrew Spira will deliver what we are sure will be a fascinating talk entitled The Art and Architecture of St Petersburg. On Wednesday, March 6, Doug Gillen will give a talk entitled Hidden Canvasses: Street Art and the City. So why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
CRAZY 4 crafts We are a friendly club for people who like all different types of craft, as well as trying out new things. We normally meet on the third Saturday of each month from 10am-4pm at The British Legion Hall, Ropes Drive, Kesgrave IP5 1AA. Refreshments are included. For further details please contact Chrissie Buckle: chrissie061@gmail.com / 01473 612176
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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT CRAZY SCANNERS
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED
We are a small friendly club for people who own a Scan n Cut machine. We normally meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 10am-4pm at The British Legion Hall, Ropes Drive, Kesgrave IP5 1AA. Refreshments are included.
Happy New Year to all our crafting members past and present.
For further details please contact Chrissie Buckle: chrissie061@gmail.com / 01473 612176
IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP For those who have an interest in birds, wildlife and conservation, why not give Ipswich RSPB Local Group a try? Our indoor meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in Rushmere St Andrew’s Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere IP5 1DH between September and April (inclusive). You can be assured of a warm welcome. You don’t need to be a member either of the national organisation or the local group. Charges, which include refreshments, are £5 for non-members and £2.50 and £2.30 (concessions) for members of the local group. Young people under 16 (who must be accompanied) are free. In January we heard Darren Tansley from Essex Wildlife Trust speaking about The Issues Facing Wildlife in Dedham Vale and coming up we have Nature Our Way with photographer Jim and Fred Price (February), Birds, their Hidden World with Peter Holden (March) and following our AGM in April we have Claire Boothby, the BTO Garden Birdwatch Development Manager speaking on The All Year Garden Birdwatch Survey and its Importance. In the winter our evening walks have moved to daytime at weekends. Walks coming up include Levington Creek and the River Orwell, Alton Water, Felixstowe Ferry and the River Deben. Park walks, which take place during the week, include and Chantry, Bourne, Bridge Wood and Orwell Country Park. Further information for both indoor and outdoor meetings call 01394 809236 or visit: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Twitter: @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB
Crafters Unlimited is 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 from 7.30-10pm. Thursday February 28: Rolling Penny Card (Emma) New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850
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 February 20 and the dates up to July are Wednesdays, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19 and July 17. For more information contact Barbara Rose: 01473 622017
IPSWICH WANDERERS FOOTBALL CLUB Wanderers have just passed the halfway stage of the Thurlow Nunn League season and are still handily placed in the upper part of the 1st Division table. The 4-1 win at distant Wisbech St Mary was arguably the best performance to date. Man-ofthe-match was undoubtedly our captain Marcus Taylor who’s hat-trick is the first since Jack Severy’s glorious four from a couple of seasons ago. Our other goal came from Jordan Godbold. Both our managers, Mark Goldfinch and James Buckle, had named themselves as substitutes and both duly came on late in the game. They were understandably delighted with the three points and will be hoping that the team can build on the victory and climb further up the league.
We have two meetings planned for this month. On February 14 John Hammond is coming to tell us about the work of the St Elizabeth Hospice Shop on Martlesham Heath. He will explain how the shop is organised and run and tell us about the huge variety of donated items which are sold. He will be pleased to accept small donated items that evening.
The 1st Division table is misleading because eight clubs are not eligible for promotion and current favourites are Swaffham Town. Wanderers still have to play the Norfolk boys twice and can realistically catch up with them, all the more reason for readers to get along to The Doucy and support our young team as they bid for honours. We are looking forward to the visit of Haverhill Borough in the quarter-final of the Suffolk Senior Cup. Can we progress in this exciting competition and make another appearance at Portman Road?
On February 28 we are organising our annual Bring and Buy Sale in aid of charity. This year we are raising money for Suffolk Search and Rescue. Last year we had an interesting talk by a team member who brought his highly trained dog with him and demonstrated his amazing skills. This is a completely independent charity relying on donations to fund their work.
The club has entered a new era in the last few months following the appointment of David Bugg as chairman and a new committee. This is David’s second spell as chairman. He previously led the club in Jason Dozell’s time as 1st Team manager when Wanderers lifted the 1st Division Champions Trophy.
Looking forward to next month, on March 14 June Eaton will talk about hats and fascinators. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more, please contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768
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Upcoming 1st Team matches at The Doucy, Humber Doucy Lane Saturday, February 9: v Haverhill Borough (Cup) KO 2pm (Early KO) Saturday, February 16: v Lakenheath (League) KO 3pm Saturday, February 23: v Downham Town (League) KO 3pm
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SPORT / SCHOOLS KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB
HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY
Well, it won’t be long now before we start our senior indoor net sessions in preparation for the new season. If you would like to join us, please check out the website for details.
Wow! What an incredible half term we had leading up to Christmas. The children began the half term by exploring the Polar Regions, having a great time finding out about the different animals that live there and having fun investigating snow and ice. We ended this exciting and fascinating topic by warmly welcoming our parents into the nursery for a very busy and successful Stay and Play session.
Our First team are looking forward to the challenge of playing in Division 2 of the Two Counties League and our Second XI are really up for the challenge of Division 8. Our junior winter indoor sessions started in January for Years 3-6 and our Year 7-10 sessions start on Monday, February 11. There is still time to apply through our website. We are still looking for coaches and administrators for our junior section so if you would like to help us out, please get in touch. The club will contribute towards the cost of coaching courses. Our big project for this year is to purchase an electronic scoreboard. As part of our fundraising we are running our own fantasy cricket league using our own players. It uses the stats from our playcricket website for last season to determine costs of players and should add a little spice to the after-match banter in the bar. If you would like to take part, check out the details on our website. 2019 is going to be an exciting year for cricket in the UK with the World Cup and the Ashes tests. e are expecting a lot of interest from our juniors and details of our All-Stars (ages 5-8) and junior coaching sessions will be released in March. As part of our drive to get more ladies and families involved in the club, we are planning a Ladies Softball Festival (with free Prosecco!). We will be contacting many of the girls’ teams and organisations in the area but if you would like to get involved in helping us to organise this, please get in touch. For more information please visit: www.kesgravecricketclub.org.uk Dickie Bard
Next, the children enjoyed learning a range of songs and actions for the Christmas concert. They all did an amazing job performing at a number of sell-out shows; we were very proud of all of the children! Back in the nursery classroom, the children had a very important job as they helped Father Christmas in our very own Santa’s Workshop, designing and building toys ready for Christmas Day. Finally, we would like to say a big thank you to all the parents who came in and supported our Hey Duggee day for Children in Need, helping us to raise over £100 and having lots of fun at the same time. This term is looking to be just as exciting as the last one. The children have settled in really quickly and we are already having lots of fun and excitement with our new zoo topic, exploring our own zoo in the role play area, learning about how to care for the animals, dressing up as animals and playing Guess Who’s at the Zoo. In our up and coming topics, we will be thinking about recycling and how we can help to protect the planet, before moving on to investigate robots and machines. Nursery Open Morning Although our school nursery is full at the moment, we are now accepting applications and allocating places for September 2019. If you would like to find out more about our fantastic, teacher-led school nursery and see us in action, we are holding an open morning on Wednesday, March 6 at 9.30am.
HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
During the morning, you will be able to meet me and the rest of our dedicated team of highly-skilled and experienced support staff. You will also be able to spend time exploring our fantastic facilities, both inside and outside. We are lucky to have extensive grounds that include a dedicated Forest Schools area and a separate wildlife area featuring a pond with dipping platform. We are also very proud of our school garden that includes an orchard, allotment and an enclosure for our chickens and rabbits.
‘This is Me!’ Hedgehog Nursery at Gorseland Primary School has been using the inspirational song from The Greatest Showman to kick-start our thinking about what makes us who we are.
For those who require childcare outside of the school day, our popular before and after school club, Jigsaw, is available. There are also a number of reputable childminders our area.
We have looked at black and white photographs of faces and made our own using lots of different media including charcoal, black and white chalks and paint; the end results were stunning! The hedgehogs have been counting how many of their friends have the same colour hair and eyes, used their feet to measure how long and tall different objects are and explored the different kinds of measuring tapes and rulers.
If you can’t make this date or time, then don’t worry, you can call the school office on 01473 622806 and arrange an appointment for a guided tour at a time that is convenient to you. Nursery Teacher Helen Whatley
In Hedgehogs, we are continuously free flowing within the indoor and outdoor environments. Through warm and nurturing encounters, our highly skilled staff ensure that the children practise new skills, rehearse old skills and are appropriately challenged. Inspiring curiosity, developing shared thinking and promoting positive interactions are just a few of the qualities of our nursery. If you are ‘curious’ about what we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You will be warmly welcomed! Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net Hedgehog Nursery is open Monday-Friday from 7.30am-6pm for three and four year olds. If you would like more information please contact the school office or visit: www.gorseland.net
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CHURCH NEWS February already! My, how the time flies! At this time last year I talked about it being probably the coldest month of the year and how Valentine’s Day comes almost at the centre. That day is all about love and the glow of warmth that it brings. We send cards, flowers and chocolates to those we have a deep affection for and hope that our love is returned. Here at the Ark we consider all our members to be family and loved like they belong, like we are our brothers and sisters. As with all families we have disagreements from time to time, but because love is our foundation, we overcome one another’s shortcomings. We believe in the bond of family and as with all families we are growing and our new members know they have a place here to put down deep roots. If this sounds like a place for you then maybe we’ll see you on Sunday. Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Adult and Children’s Sunday Schools 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact us via email at arkipswichuk@gmail.com. We can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @arkipswich or online at www.arkipswich.co.uk where you will find up-to-date information on what’s happening at the Ark each week.
A very belated Happy New Year to you all. Somehow, I missed the January edition – still don’t know how that happened! We are now into our winter programme at Rushmere Baptist Church. Our usual services are taking place and we look forward to enjoying our involvement in the community. On January 27 we will have celebrated our church anniversary. It’s always good to look back and give praise and thanks to God for leading us throughout those years. Now we look forward to the coming year whatever may be in store for us. OUR USUAL SERVICES Sunday 10.45am and 6.30pm Monday 6.15-7.30pm: FFaF Children’s Club for School Years 2-6 Wednesday 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 2.30pm: Friendship Hour on the second Wednesday. 7pm: Art & Craft Group Thursday 12.30pm: Luncheon Club Saturday 10.30am-noon: Meeting Point Coffee Morning on the fourth Saturday Minister: The Rev Heather Marsden Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting Church Number: 01473 721455 www.rushmerebaptist.org.uk
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BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL As we start a new year, we hope you have had an enjoyable Christmas and are looking forward to the year ahead. For some it may be some exciting event that can’t come soon enough. For others it may bring more anxiety and fear. For everyone it will be year of change as our country makes difficult decisions. All the more reason to hold onto some certainties in life such as the truths revealed in the Bible. As a church we had number of successful events over the Christmas period, starting with our outdoor carol singing on two evenings. Despite the rain on one outing, we still managed to visit quite a few streets and we hope you enjoyed hearing the singing and music. This year we were very privileged to be invited to sing inside the The Golf Public House. Our Carol and Nativity Services were also well attended as people took advantage of the opportunity to meet neighbours, enjoy the retelling of the Christmas story and enjoy some mulled wine and mince pies. We also joined with St Augustine’s Church for Carols on the Green outside Broke Hall shops. Looking forward in 2019, our toddler group, Little Lambs, restarted on January 11 and will again run from 9.15-11am every Friday during term time at Tower Hall. We have a time of prayer at Tower Hall on the first Thursday of every month at 7pm and again at 8pm. There are also now two evening home groups meeting locally on Tuesdays and on alternate Wednesdays.
Most exciting of all, we are starting a weekly Alpha course, starting at 1pm on Sunday, January 27 at Tower Hall. This is a great opportunity to meet in a small friendly group, have a hot meal, watch a short video and find out more about the Christian faith. Plenty of time too to ask those hard questions about life. Whatever your background or faith or doubt, if you would like to attend, please call the number below or email: pete@mie.org.uk As always, everyone is welcome to join us each Sunday for our regular weekly service at Tower Hall from 4-5pm. There are opportunities to speak to clergy or other members of the church, with time for personal prayer at the end. Holy Communion is celebrated every other Sunday. Bixley Farm Church (CofE) was initiated by St John’s, Cauldwell Hall Road and St Andrew’s, Britannia Road (collectively called Mission Ipswich East, MIE). For further information/questions visit www. mie.org/bixley or contact: office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978
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