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Volume 10 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR There’s an elderly gent I see almost every day walking very, very slowly from the local supermarket carrying the same small plastic bag. I say ‘gent’ because he’s always ‘properly’ dressed in a suit and tie. I like to think he would have worn a hat in his younger days. I wish he still did. His clothes may have seen better days, but there’s a curious dignity about him. He doesn’t appear to make any effort to engage with others, barely lifting his gaze from the path as he proceeds. Nobody stops to speak to him and, despite my curiosity, neither have I. I’ve smiled and mumbled good morning on one or two occasions, but he has never responded. It may be that he didn’t hear me, but it seems more deliberate than that, as if he’s either totally focused on the task in hand or is holding the world at arm’s length for some reason. If this is the case, and my instinct tells me it is, I respect his right to privacy. However, I have created a whole lifestory for him. I think of him as Robert. His wife Celia died several years ago and since then he has been brokenhearted and alone, locking out the world because the pain of her loss is his most precious possession. Celia is with him in everything he does, walking by his side each morning and straightening his tie before he leaves the house. I worry about him too. If I don’t see him for a day or two, I start to panic. I have no idea where he lives or if he has anyone to look out for him. Thankfully he always turns up, but one day he won’t and he’ll never know how much I miss seeing him. Isn’t it odd how strangers find their way into our hearts! Of course, many of us admire, even love movie stars, musicians and football players and look up to people we respect for one reason or another. We are often inspired by the actions of someone we may never meet, Greta Thunberg being a perfect example. It’s important, especially for children, to have role models but I don’t think we have to look very far to find them. Every older person is just someone who was born before us, done most things before us in fact. Everyone has a story. All we have to do is stop to listen. I’m going to make one more attempt with Robert. Perhaps you can find someone who deserves a moment of your time.
NEWS THE BIG SUFFOLK QUIZ FOR BBC CHILDREN IN NEED One of the biggest trivia events the region has ever seen is being organised to raise money for this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal. The Hearing Care Centre has been organising charity quiz nights twice a year since 2010 and is this time joining forces with BBC Radio Suffolk to make this event bigger and better than ever. The Big Suffolk Quiz night will be held on Sunday 10 November at the wonderful events space at Trinity Park with a 7pm start. Teams can include between four to six members and entry is £5. A bumper attendance of more than 400 people is expected for the event. Thanks to generous support from local businesses, there are lots of cash prizes to be won and additional prizes can also be won in a giant prize draw. Karen Finch, Managing Director of The Hearing Care Centre, said: “The quizzes we hold every year are a real highlight for us and such a great evening. This year we wanted to do something different and make the event bigger than ever. We are so excited for BBC Radio Suffolk and Trinity Park to be involved and we feel so grateful to have their support.” BBC Radio Suffolk Breakfast Show presenter Mark Murphy (pictured with Karen Finch and Pudsey) who will help co-host the event, said: “Pull your friends and family together, round up a group of your colleagues at work or even come along with a local group or organisation that you are a member of. We really need your support to help raise money for this fantastic cause!” Tickets are expected to sell out fast so organisers are advising interested teams to book early to avoid disappointment. Call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: hearingcarecentre.co.uk/quiz
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In Touch Titles • S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Sun 10 November is the advertising and editorial deadline for the December edition
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COULD YOU BE AN EAST ANGLIA’S CHILDREN’S HOSPICES VOLUNTEER? Could you spend a couple of hours a week, or even an hour a month helping a family with a child who accesses our hospices in their own home? Caring for a seriously ill child or young person can put a lot of extra demand on a family. The aim of the Help at Home service is to put a caring individual into a family’s home to provide everyday practical support such a cooking, sibling support, cleaning and gardening. We provide you with the necessary support and training; all you need to do is provide some of your precious time. If you would like more information or to apply, please contact Hugh: hugh.mcelhinney@each.org.uk / 07714 737139
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NEWS KESGRAVE TEENAGER BLAZING THE TRAIL FOR WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT
PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE SPACES FOR 469 NEW SUFFOLK SCOUTS Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and Suffolk Scouts are joining forces to find more adult volunteers in order to enable more young people to learn skills for life. CAS will offer an updated, easy to use website to help potential volunteers. Although we have many great teams in Suffolk already running everything from youth sections, finances, web masters, marketing, training courses and many more, to support our growth we need more volunteers. Many skills that you may have can apply to Scouting too – accountants to treasurers, teachers and trainers to leaders and construction workers to activity centre managers – or you may feel you want to put you hand to something new. Joining together with CAS enables Suffolk Scouts to reach a wider audience than existing parents and supporters, and aims to attract new volunteers to the movement. In the first move of its kind in Suffolk Scouting’s 112-year history, flexible volunteering is an option for those who want to help but cannot commit to every week. Volunteers gain valuable skills as well as the reward of seeing young people in their community gain the skills they need for life. Over 90 per cent of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting have helped them in their working or personal lives. Plus adults get to have fun and make new friends too! Mark Pearson, the new County Commissioner for Suffolk Scouts, says: “No matter who you are, we would love you to be part of Suffolk Scouting, joining a dedicated, positive team of individuals and made to feel part of the Scouting movement. It will change your life and the lives of many more young people in Suffolk.” Andy Simpson from CAS added: “Community Action Suffolk is very excited to be working in partnership with an organisation as well established as the Scouting Association. Together we can promote the flexible and diverse range of volunteering opportunities within the Scouts to businesses, community groups and individuals across the county. With the award winning training available to volunteers we see this as a real win-win volunteering opportunity.” To see what opportunities will suit your life, visit: www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk
Lydia Walmsley is not your average seventeen-year-old. By day she is studying her A Levels at Kesgrave High School, but in her spare time she races a Mini Cooper in the Mini Challenge Series. This is a British championship which sees her travelling around the country to race on iconic circuits such as Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Snetterton. Lydia’s race career began aged seven in a kart at Buckmore Park and also saw her become Anglia Indoor Karting vice-champion in her first year of racing, losing by only one point to much older competition. Several seasons in a kart followed which culminated in back to back championship wins in both the MiniMax and Junior Rotax classes. However, circuit racing beckoned and Lydia cut her teeth in the Junior Saloon Car championship racing in a Citroen Saxo. This is a championship for 14 to 17 year olds and was a huge learning curve, but certainly put in her good stead for moving on to the Mini Challenge when she was just sixteen years old. 2018 was Lydia’s first season in her mini and not only was she the only girl competing, but she was the youngest competitor on the grid! Lydia Walmsley Racing is a small race team consisting of two mechanics, dad Mike and family friend Dave plus instructor Joe, who travels from Scotland to coach Lydia in perfecting her race craft and getting the most from the car regardless of the inclement weather conditions experienced at each race meeting this year. Between them they compete with much larger race teams to great effect. The 2019 season is Lydia’s second season in the Cooper Pro series and has been the most successful so far. Lydia has been on the podium at Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Croft and Donington Park and is currently lying in third place in the points championship with one final round to go. Fingers crossed for a fantastic finish in the season finale! 2020 is set to be the most exciting yet. The Mini Challenge will form an integral part of the TOCA package next year. This means they will be racing in support races alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship which is televised live on both ITV4 and ITV4HD. Exciting news not only for Lydia and her team but also for her sponsorship partners. Lydia comments: “I cannot tell you how excited I am for the 2020 season. I am so lucky to have such a fantastic team surrounding me but also to have wonderful sponsors, without whom I would not even make it onto the grid. One of my sponsors is Morris Lubricants who are one of the largest privatelyowned lubricants companies in the world. 2020 will hopefully be the third year that I have been a race Ambassador for Morris and I am very proud to say I am in partnership with them. I am also lucky to have a number of local companies support me – Whip Street Motors, A&D Motors, M R Walker and Sons builders and Barber and Clarke Ltd to name but a few. I am sure they are as excited as I am to see their names emblazoned on my car and on the television too! “There are a very small percentage of lady racers competing in the UK and I hope that in some small way I can inspire more women to follow their dreams and become involved in motorsport. I also try to give something back to my sponsors by way of advertising on my social media so if any other local companies would like to be involved, see their name on my car and become a 2020 partner please get in touch.” www.lydiawalmsleyracing.co.uk / lwalmsley182@gmail.com Facebook: Lydia Walmsley Racing / Instagram: lydia_walmsley
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NEWS SPARE A THOUGHT CAMPAIGN 2019 Every year this local campaign supports Catch 22, a charity which supports young people aged 16 to 21 years across Suffolk who have recently left care. Many of these young people will be spending Christmas alone in supported housing, with no family and certainly no presents. We have a Christmas Gift Tree outside the pharmacy at Kesgrave Tesco and there will be another at Martlesham Tesco. You simply take a gift tag which represents one of these vulnerable young people, buy a Christmas gift and hand it back in to the pharmacy. We then wrap the presents and give them to Catch 22 who deliver the parcels to ensure as many people as possible get a Christmas gift and know someone from the community was thinking of them. If you would like to support this special campaign, look out for our Christmas Gift Tree from December 1. The response from the community last year was overwhelming. This year I hope just as many young people can have a smile put on their faces thanks to the kindness of strangers. Victoria Tovell, Pharmacist at Kesgrave Tesco Pharmacy
New Play Area Equipment at Broke Hall Playing Field A new basketball net and backboard will be appearing to replace the old one in the next few weeks at Broke Hall Playing Field. This is part of the parish council’s plans to keep our play areas maintained and to ensure equipment is kept updated. There are plans to also add new equipment in the future to keep these valuable spaces a pleasant and enjoyable place for residents to spend time. Scarecrow Festival We now have a date for our Scarecrow Festival. It will be Saturday 10 October 2020. More details will follow about this exciting event highlighting recycling, nature and your local environment. Reporting Crime Remember, if you see something suspicious or are experiencing anti-social behaviour, please report it either online by going to www.suffolk.police.uk or ringing 101. In case of emergency always use 999. Without you reporting it this way, Parish PCSO Gemma Read is unable to use resources to investigate, even if you report it to the parish council.
KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL Kesgrave Conservation Group, Kesgrave Scouts and the town council have been working on a timetable of outdoor works for Kesgrave. So far the Cubs have planted Oxeye daisies along Pilbroughs Walk and the Scouts will soon be planting crocuses. The groups are also working on Pergola Piece, both to improve the amenity and to reduce antisocial behaviour in that area. They have already cut in a fourth entrance to the circular hedge and widened the existing entrances. The hedge height will be lowered and roses will be planted in the centre. Thank you to all the volunteers on this project. Kesgrave Youth Clubs Tuesday evening from 7.15-8.30pm is run by 4YP and open to School Years 7-9. Thursday Youth Club run by Orwell is from 7.15-9pm. Both take place at the Millennium Jubilee Hall.
Winter Parish Newsletter The winter newsletter will be delivered through your doors at the end of November so please look out for it. It will be full colour with a Christmas theme. You can contact the parish council at 01473 711509 or email: Parish Clerk: sylvia.stannard@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk Assistant Parish Clerk: sarah.jenkins@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk
BUS NOTES The planned removal of timetables and departure lists from First’s bus stops has meant that the timesheets have been replaced by adverts in the frames. There is a mention of times at Suffolk on Board, which is fine if you happen to have a mobile with you, but nothing at our local stops to show that the 68 no longer runs.
Events coming up in November & December Remembrance Events • Sunday 10 November at 6pm: Lighting of the Beacon at Legion Green, a simple ceremony to give thoughts. • Monday 11 November from 10.30am: A Remembrance Service for all at the War Memorial on Legion Green. Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on: Rupert Fison Centre Square (Scout Hall) on Friday 29 November from 6pm (lights on at 6.30pm) Kesgrave on Ice: November 30 and December 1 at Rupert Fison Square Tree of Reflection: Friday 13 November at All Saints Churchyard at 7pm
The September changes did not get off to a good start. Route 64 buses have been seriously cancelled, with others running very late, going the wrong way or not at all. I have sent complaints to First at Norwich, but they have not extended me the courtesy of a reply. In fact I think there is no longer a desk which deals with complaints. Of course, the contraction of bus services has come just at the time when the government has realised there is a need to get many of the cars off the roads.
Please keep an eye out for our posters around town and on our website giving further details of all events.
The next bus display at the Great Colman Street stop in Ipswich which was installed but never activated has now been replaced by a small box with a video screen and a very small button to be depressed for the time of the next bus. Except that it doesn’t work – at the very stop where it is most needed!
Town Council Meetings in November Planning & Development: Mondays 11 & 25 at 6.15pm Finance and Governance: Monday 11 at 7.15pm Full Town Council: Monday 25 at 7.15pm
First’s plan to get out of the bus industry seems to have stalled somewhat, with some top-level management changes having taken place. Meanwhile there is an ongoing change to their bus liveries and names, with brighter Felixstowe Reds appearing on our local routes here as well.
Meetings are held at the town council office on Ferguson Way. Office Opening Times: Mon, Tues & Fri 9am-1pm, Wed 9am-3pm
This is a welcome reversion to the much-loved red of Eastern Counties, which is still the official name of the company.
www.kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk / 01473 625179
Happy Wanderer
Kesgrave Market: Saturday 16 November, 9am-12.30pm
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT INTERESTED IN MAKING A REAL IMPACT ON YOUR COMMUNITY? Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) is looking for a dynamic new chairperson to lead our trustee board in setting the long-term strategic direction of the organisation. We want someone who is willing to share their skills and knowledge and maybe learn something new while making a real impact in the local community. You will be: • looking for a challenge • an influencer with excellent communication skills • experienced at chairing meetings in an inclusive way • experienced in monitoring and managing budgets • experienced in business planning and performance managing individuals and organisations • committed to diversity, and the work of DAS in improving the lives of disabled people and removing barriers that disempower them. • willing to accept the responsibilities of being a trustee • flexible to meet the minimum time commitment and more, to respond to emerging developments such as serious complaints This is a hands-on voluntary role, championing DAS and providing robust support and challenge to ensure we fulfil our charitable objects. Minimum time commitment • Seven full trustee meetings and seven planning meetings per year • Minimum of 12 manager supervision meetings per year • Minimum of three SDAS meetings per year • Funder and PR meetings and events as required. We welcome applications from all sections of the community to enable us to have a diverse trustee board that reflects our clients and community. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people as we want our trustee board to reflect our service users. Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) is a small charity based in Martlesham Heath providing advice and advocacy to disabled people in East Suffolk. To apply for the role or for an informal discussion about the role please contact Isobel Abbott: 07565 389020 / isobel.daisy@btinternet.com The closing date is November 17.
From shopping to fashion, performances to party nights, we have plenty to keep you entertained this winter. Mum2Mum Market, Sunday 3 November, 2-4pm £2 admission on the door. Buy top quality pre-loved baby and children’s clothes, toys books and equipment. For more information call: 07903 585334 Christmas Pamper & Shopping Evening: Friday 22 November, 7-10pm Browse and buy from more than 30 exhibitors and treat yourself to a mini pamper treatment on the night. Tickets (£6 including a welcome drink) are now available; for further information and to booked tickets for this exclusive shopping evening visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk The Masque Players: Wednesday 27-Saturday 30 November For tickets and further information visit: www.masqueplayers.com Lions Club Table Top Sale: Saturday 30 November, 10.30am-1pm Entry is free but sellers must book tables in advance by calling Maggie: 01473 259899 Christmas Party Nights: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December Tickets are £29 and include a glass of fizz on arrival, festive buffet, disco and photo booth. To book email: jo@kwmcc.co.uk For further information on activities and events or to book a function room at KMWCC, call 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk
YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET The Jam and Similar Products (England) Regulations 2003 is a dense 11-page read and, while it might have escaped your notice, it’s important because it defines what jam is – beyond a sweet fruity spread that turns teatime into a delight. It must contain a minimum of 60 per cent sugars (including natural fruit sugar and added sugar). Most fruit jam must have at least 35 per cent fruit, but expect only 25 per cent in blackcurrant jam. Fruit preserves or conserves aren’t covered by the same regulations and typically contain much more fruit and less sugar. So please take this commendation to heart and buy only the best if you want to enjoy the maximum taste. Our Country Market cooks have a bountiful selection of delicious extra-fruity jams, preserves and chutneys – strawberry, plum, apple and blackcurrant, plus marmalades and honey, and lots more. Why not come and try a jar or two and choose your favourites? Every tasty spoonful supports the local economy, reduces food miles and we recycle every jar.
GRESSLAND COURT CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sunday 1 December, 2.30-4pm There will be a raffle, cake stall, craft stall, tombola, tea, coffee and lots more, so come and support your local retirement complex. All welcome.
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Come along to our weekly Country Market, chat to the jam-makers and choose your jar(s). As Christmas approaches, some people are already thinking of gifts for their favourite people. Why not chat to our makers and bakers and create a special hamper or selection box, including crafty treats? Take the hassle out of catering too. Did you know you can order home-baked nibbles and mains to suit any occasion, from family suppers to social get-togethers? Make your commission, place your orders and stock up every Tuesday, 9.15-11am at Martlesham Heath Pavilion. We’ll also be at the Christmas Fair at St Michael’s Church Centre on Sunday 3 November.
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE SOCIAL CLUB Saturday 2 November: Ska’d 4 life Friday 8 November: Race Night, 8pm Saturday 9 November: Black Steel c/m Saturday 16 November: Infrared Saturday 23 November: Private Party County Darts Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 November: Suffolk B. v Buckinghamshire Saturday 30 November & Sunday 1 December: Suffolk B. v Gwent
MARTLESHAM BRASS Making Music Fun in East Anglia Our bands will be paying their respects on Remembrance Sunday November 10 at the Remembrance Day Parade in Woodbridge and at St Mary’s Church, Martlesham in the morning and at Barrack Square, Martlesham Heath in the afternoon. Looking forward into December, we hope to see you for Coffee and Carols is at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL on Saturday 14 between 10am and noon, and this year’s Christmas Concert is on Saturday 21 at 7pm, also at St. Michael’s Church Centre. There will be more details of both these events next month. We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to 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 email join@martleshambrass.co.uk or use the contact details below. Publicity Officer Liz Howard e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk
ARE YOU BEING SERVED? The Masque Players would like to invite you to come along and see a classic British comedy, Are You Being Served? by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. When the motley crew of the Grace Brothers department store prepare for a sale of German goods and then depart for a staff holiday in Spain, they survive their stay in the tropics at a one-star establishment and their encounters with everything from a Spanish crumpet to randy revolutionaries with everything intact but their modesty. The production runs at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 November with performances at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets are all £9 each and can be reserved by calling 01473 725633.
THE ORWELL SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT Following the retirement of Gloria Wilson, The Orwell Singers are pleased to welcome new musical director Lindsay Gowers. Lindsay, who grew up in Suffolk, studied music at London University and the Royal Academy of Music. She has sung as a soprano with the BBC Singers and has conducted local choirs including Capella Nova. She is currently teaching singing at Ipswich School. Interestingly, Lindsay studied A Level music under Gloria Wilson at Northgate High School. Lindsay’s first concert conducting The Orwell Singers will be on Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. The concert will feature some new repertoire that Lindsay has introduced and, of course, a few old Christmas favourites. There will be the usual sherry and mince pies in the interval. Admission (payable at the door) is £8 for adults and free for accompanied children. We do hope you will be able to join us. If you would like further information, please visit our website or contact us at: d.sharman@btinternet.com / 01473 635955 www.theorwellsingers.co.uk
ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Afternoon Tea and Crafts We will have a stall at the Afternoon Tea and Crafts event at Tuddenham Village Hall on Saturday 23 November from 2-4.30pm. The event is organised by Tuddenham WI and there will be a set afternoon tea and a variety of craft stalls. Grant Applications Applications are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by 1 January 2020. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities. For further information and an application form visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG / 01473 625196
AN EVENING WITH FIONA SAMPSON Suffolk Book League welcomes the writer Fiona Sampson to Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA) on Thursday 14 November. Fiona is an internationally acclaimed scholar, editor, poet, biographer and translator, as well as a musician. Common Prayer and Rough Music were shortlisted for the T. S. Eliot Prize. In Search of Mary Shelley, The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein was released 200 years after the publication of Frankenstein in 2018. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members £4, nonmembers £8, students free with ID. Cash on the door. For more information visit: www.sbl.org.uk
ICUSTEPS SUPPORT GROUP For critical care patients on the road to recovery We meet at Bluebird Lodge Community Hospital, 100 Mansbrook Boulevard, Ipswich IP3 9GJ from 6-8pm on: November 6 and December 4. For more information email outreach.event@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk or visit: www.icusteps.org
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ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Join us ar St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact: Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts The following activities will take place during November, 10am-noon: • Sunday 3: The November 5 is Bonfire Night. Design a firework collage to take home and display. • Sunday 10: Today is Remembrance Sunday. Create a poppy field picture. • Sunday 17: Have you watched Toy Story 4? Pop along and make Forky. • Sunday 24: Have you ever seen a peacock? We are using old CDs to create peacocks today. 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 all school holidays Free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Why not come along and join Jean every Thursday for songs, rhymes and poems? • Tot Rock: action rhymes, songs and stories for toddlers, 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: songs and rhymes for babies, 10.30-11am Story Time Sessions: every Friday 9.45-10.15amincluding half-term This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER Lego Club: every Tuesday afternoon (term time) from 3.45-4.45pm Volunteer-led activity with a different theme every week. Parents must stay with under eights. Knit and Natter: Wednesdays 6 and 20 November from 2.30pm £1 donation with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. New members very welcome. You don’t need to knit; just pop along for a cup of tea and a natter. Afternoon Book Group: Thursday 7 at 2.45pm Currently reading The Huntingfield Paintress by Pamela Holmes. IT Drop-in sessions: Monday 18 from 9.30am-noon Need some help with some aspect of IT? Pop along and see a member of staff who will be pleased to help. Evening Book Group: Friday 22 at 7pm Currently reading The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett. Macmillan Cancer Support Morning: Monday 25 from 9.30-11.30am An opportunity to meet others, chat and offer each other support.
FUNDRAISING COFFEE MORNING The Somersham Support group is holding a coffee morning and sale on Saturday 9 November at Rushmere Church Hall from 10am to noon. Proceeds go towards supporting patients on the ward at Ipswich Hospital.
MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday 1 November, 7.30-10pm: Homeward Bound and the Legacy They Left Behind by Clive Stevens. The final days of American Eighth Airforce Operations flown from places like Martlesham Heath, Debach, Leiston, Parham and Raydon at the end of the Second World War and the evidence that remains. We meet at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members. 01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk
FRIENDS ON FRIDAY St Michael’s and All Angels Church, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL Every Friday from 10am to noon We are a friendly community group who enjoy coming together to share in chat, puzzles, table games and table tennis and snooker. Everyone is welcome even if it’s just for a refreshments and a chat.
If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff. Cards for Good Causes The festive season gets under way in Kesgrave when the Cards for Good Causes charity Christmas card shop opens. Perfect for those who want to get ahead in their Christmas preparations, while supporting a range of national and local charities, including your local library where every sale benefits us. Christmas stamps will also be available once released.
Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Scout Post Box At Kesgrave Library from Monday 25 November to Tuesday 10 December. The cost this year is 30p per card.
On October 2 we were pleased to welcome back Louise Scholfield who gave a fascinating and often intriguing talk about her archaeological adventures in Albania
Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103
The guest speaker on November 6 will be Daniel Snowman. Daniel, a writer, lecturer and broadcaster on social and cultural history, will present The Hitler Emigres; Their Impact on British Artistic and Cultural Life. The guest speaker on December 4 will be Giles Ramsay. His subject is Pantomime: A Very British Treat.
www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Monday: 9am-noon Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon & 2.30-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm
www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY
We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2.15pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT 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. On Tuesday 19 November, Peter Lawrence will entertain us with a talk on timber framed buildings in Suffolk and Essex. We regularly walk past these old buildings without knowing too much about their construction and history. Peter’s talk will help fill a few gaps in our knowledge. There’s no meeting in December; we meet again on 21 January. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members and volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 28 November: Thomas Seckford of Woodbridge: His Life and Legacy by much respected speaker and researcher Mark Mitchels When Thomas died in 1587, a distinguished judge and loyal servant of Queen Elizabeth 1, he could easily have faded from view, but he left a legacy ensuring that his name is remembered. To this day he continues improving the lives of Woodbridge people, providing money for an Alms house which encompassed a school, library and hospital. 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
1ST KESGRAVE SCOUT GROUP Christmas Card Collection Kesgrave Scout Group will be running their Christmas card collection and delivery service again this year. The delivery area covered is Kesgrave, Rushmere, Ipswich Borough and Martlesham, i.e. all postcodes IP1 to IP5, together with Felixstowe, The Trimleys and Kirton and some of the surrounding villages including Claydon, Barham, Gt Blakenham, Westerfield, Witnesham, Henley, Tuddenham, Grundisburgh, Playford, Bealings and Old Martlesham. Postboxes will be available from November 25 at many collection points across the area with local ones including Krop & Co, Beech Road, Kesgrave Butchers, Penzance Road, House of Hair, Edmonton Road, 2nd Stop Charity Shop, Kesgrave Library and Orwell Vets. The cost per card will be 30p and the closing date is Tuesday 10 December. All profits are shared between the scout groups taking part in the ratio of the number of cards collected and delivered. For further information visit: www.scoutspostipswich.org.uk Christmas Fair This big annual fundraiser will start on Friday 29 November when the Christmas Tree lights are switched on outside the Scout Hall. The fair will also be open on Saturday 30 November (10am to 9pm), Sunday 1 December (10am to 3pm) and Monday 2 December (10am to 8pm). We have lots of gift ideas for young and old, cards, gift bags, paper, decorations and the Hamper draw. Come along and buy your presents with many at pocket money prices. If you have any unwanted items that would make presents or you would like to donate a draw prize, please leave the items in the box in the Scout Hall entrance. Jumble Sales The next jumble sales are on November 9 and December 7. There are always lots of bargains to be had including clothing, bric-a-brac, books and games.
KESGRAVE WI Ann Day presented a very informative talk entitled The Remarkable Women of Ipswich at our October meeting. WI Trustee Celia Davies joined us for the evening to present a trophy to Kesgrave WI for gaining first place in the recent Centenary Fair competition. Margaret Knights had highlighted the need for donations to food banks during our September meeting. At the October meeting we filled two boxes with a variety of donations which will be taken to our local food bank. We held a very successful craft day on Saturday 28 September with 32 participants, including two men. Crafts on offer were wet felting, thread catcher, card making and a quilted angel. Our annual meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday 7 November. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require further information please contact our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415
Further information can be found at: www.kesgravescouts.org.uk Celia Comber
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY
We have two meetings planned for this month and both will help us with our Christmas preparations.
Monday 25 November: Cakes, Ale and Partying: Feasting and Fundraising in Medieval Suffolk by Kate Jewell
On November 7 we can Paint a Pot for Christmas with Wendy Carol, and Anne Wilding will demonstrate iris folding cards with a Christmas theme on November 21.
Don’t miss our festive meeting when Kate will trace some of the festivals which were important to medieval Suffolk communities, looking at how they celebrated them and discussing how one particular community used festivity to raise a huge amount of money in a time of need. Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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Looking further ahead, on December 5 Tina from Home Instead Carers will explain how we can avoid all the varied scams which are targeted at us. All ladies are very welcome to join our friendly club. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768
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www.carssmart.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE CO-OP WOMEN’S GUILD Peter Carr brought along his spinning wheel on September 17 and gave a very interesting talk on spinning and making garments. Having been taught to knit as a child, he started this hobby when he retired and now knits and crochets shawls and coats with the wool. He let the members feel the difference in types of wool and even the jacket he was wearing which was made used combed fur from a dog. Peter makes and sells his beautiful crocheted shawls. Our members braved the rain for the meeting on October 1 when Barbara Faulkner brought hats from the early Victorian era through to the seventies. Four intrepid ladies modelled these and much hilarity ensued. There are several pictures of the models on our website. UPCOMING MEETINGS Tuesday 29 October: Peter Blemings will speak about The Bartlet, Bath Hotel & Suffragettes in Felixstowe. Tuesday 12 November: Claire Mucklestone from Bourne Garden Centre will tell us about winter plants and ideas for Christmas. Tuesday 26 November: The title of Wendy Butcher’s talk will be advised nearer the time. Tuesday 10 December: Christmas party with the Phoenix Bell Ringers. We look forward to ‘having a go’ at ringing some carols. We welcome new members who can visit for two meetings before joining. The annual membership fee is £15 and we charge £2.50 per meeting to include refreshments and raffle tickets. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the community centre. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991 www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net
EAST SUFFOLK U3A U3A is aimed at older people who want to get as much as possible out of life. There are no entry qualifications, no barriers to joining and lots of activities to get involved in and to contribute to. If you are interested, please come along and find out what U3A can offer. Thursday 7 November, 10.30am-12.30pm: Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe The World of Optical Illusions and Why They Work by Colin Hopper Thursday 14 November, 2-4pm: Market Hall, Saxmundham The Plight of the East Prussian People and their Horses by Paula Short Monday 18 November, 10.30am-12.30pm: Woodbridge Football Club The Finds of a Lifetime, the exciting stories behind the discovery of buried treasures in East Anglia by Mark Mitchels U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members Membership details are available at: www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk / 0300 123 3913 Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for up-to-date information.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday 27 November: The Duke of Gloucester Steam Loco, History & Restoration, an illustrated talk by Steve Wakeland 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
www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave
ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month, usually followed by an intertaining speaker. Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Chris Flint, for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The second meeting of the 2019/20 season was on October 2 when the Norwich & Norfolk Philatelic Society presented a display showing a variety of collecting themes included forgeries and fakes, Japanese stamps from 1990 onwards, Hungary during the Second World War and stamps of Edward VIII. Our third meeting covered Aspects of Collecting Local Postal History by Alan Moorcroft, a past president of the Royal Philatelic Society, London. This was a fascinating presentation on how to collect local postal history without breaking the bank, unless you wanted to. Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith – 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com – or visit: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk
BROKE HALL WI Friday, November 8: AGM & Social Friday, December 13: A Musical Evening with David and Karolyn Howlett We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB Our recent workshop was attended by 22 ladies who enjoyed making two arrangements each. Many of the participants had never attempted flower arranging before, but were expertly encouraged by Barbara Collins, a NAFAS tutor who came to spread the message of joining in the fun of flower arranging. We would like to invite you to our meeting on November 11 when our demonstrator will be Helen Newman presenting My Life with Flowers. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. There is a visitor fee of £5. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet (01473 415749) or Stella (01473 711946). The club meets on the second Monday afternoon of the month. We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards. The following monthly meeting is on December 9 when Brenda Tubb will present Another Fine Mess.
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH TRANSPORT SOCIETY Monday 18 November: The Variety of Traction on the Wherry Lines from the 1980s to the Present Day by Al Pulford
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Members of Martlesham Heath Aviation Society (MHAS) joined us in September to clear the areas around the fuel dumps. These four buried 12,000 gallon tanks are some of the relics from the woodland’s past as part of Martlesham Heath Airfield.
Monday 20 January: Grey’s Coaches from Ely – 70+ years of Service, from the Beginning by Richard Grey Monday 17 February: Annual General Meeting followed A 1982 Summer in New York (Shipping) by Ron Davies Monday 16 March: Bahamas Locomotive Society – The Story So Far by John Hillier Monday 20 April: City of Norwich Aviation Museum – The Collection & the Story by Trevor Eady All meetings take place at Greenfinch Church Hall, Greenfinch Avenue, Ipswich at 7.30pm. Refreshments available.
SUFFOLK INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY
Photo By Pete Davies
We also made a start on clearing potentially hazardous tree branches from overhanging the paths; rotten boughs can fall in high winds and block paths so we try to tackle them before they become a hazard or inconvenience.
If you have any personal or handed-down ghostly and other supernatural stories that are local to the area, we would love to hear from you – a timely activity around Halloween!
Wednesday 13 November Annual General Meeting followed by Bygones & Tools from a Personal Collection by Keith Hillman
Finally, a reminder to consider hedgehogs around Guy Fawkes Night. Please check your bonfires carefully and move any before lighting up. DATES FOR THE DIARY
Wednesday 11 December Reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon Ship by Paul Constantine
Volunteer Work Morning (all ages): Saturday 16 November, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area; tools, training and light refreshments provided. All welcome; no need to book.
Wednesday 8 January The Trinity House (Lighthouse) Story by Capt Karl Lumbers
Nature Explorers (ages 11-18): Saturday 16 November, 9-11am Please book a place via our email below.
Wednesday 12 February Colchester Tramways by Peter Jones
New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience is needed.
Wednesday 11 March The British Xylonite Company – The First 50 Years by Richard Truswell Wednesday 8 April The Waveney Valley Railway by Peter Metcalf All meetings take place at Ipswich Transport Museum, Cobham Road, Ipswich, starting at 7.30pm.
For further information, please contact us at: pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632 visit pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer George Pennick
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB If you are interested in flowers or flower arranging and would like to get in the mood for Christmas, join us at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on Thursday 28 November. Our demonstrator for the evening is David Wright from Tunstead and the title of his demonstration is Christmas Dreams. The demonstration commences at 7.15pm and David will do six arrangements where we learn about flowers and foliage alongside a very interesting talk. You will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win one of the fabulous arrangements at the end of the evening.
November sees the advent of fast-fading daylight and consequently if you’re at work during the day then you’re probably restricted to weekend-only allotment visits. Whenever you’re able to visit there are a few jobs to organise this month as follows: Harvest leeks, parsnips, sprouts and winter cabbage and don’t forget to stake the sprouts to help secure them against winter winds. Take advantage of the recent heavy rains as the ground is much softer for digging. Dig out any remaining weeds and left over/rotting vegetables as this will help prevent diseases next year.
Visitors are welcome at a cost of £5. We also have a fundraising stall and a small stall selling flower arranging supplies. Refreshments are served around 9pm and the raffle takes place immediately afterwards.
Plant fruit bushes for next year, and over winter broad beans, hardy peas and garlic.
Please contact Janet Dye (01473 601750 / janet.dye@ntlworld.com) or Delcie Corbett (01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com) if you would like to find out more or would like to become a member of the club. Membership runs from April to March and a reduced membership fee is available from November to the end of March. There’s no meeting in December, but we do hold a Christmas workshop on December 11.
If you’re tempted to take on an allotment for next year’s growing season, please contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk
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Move soft fruit bushes, such as blackcurrant bushes, and divide mature rhubarb and plant in new beds.
Sally Peckham
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS
SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS FLORAL DEMONSTRATION
OUTDOOR LEARNING AT HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Deben Flower Club is holding its Christmas Floral Demonstration on Tuesday 12 November at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU. Vicki Hease from Great Finborough will be putting us in the festive mood with a demonstration entitled Christmas Sparkle. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome. Entry is £5 with tea, coffee and biscuits available after the demonstration. Vicki’s floral arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening. For further information: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk
KESGRAVE CANASTA CLUB Meets at the Royal British Legion Hall on Ropes Drive at 7.30pm and welcomes new players. This month we meet on Wednesday, November 20 followed by December 18. For more information contact Barbara Rose: 01473 622017
MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM Monday 4 November, 7.30pm: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – Not a Waste of Time! by Sharon Lockhart Sharon is the Information and Education Manager from FCC Environment who operate the Household Waste Recycling Centres in Suffolk. FCC is a national company involved with many aspects of waste recycling. The event takes place at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. There will be light refreshments and a raffle. Admission is £4 at the door. The venue is fully accessible with free adjacent parking. For further information please contact J Maureen Burrows: martleshaminbloom@gmail.com / 01473 625196
IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP The ever-popular Jeremy Mynott will speak about Birds in the Ancient World at our next meeting, followed in December by Paul Mealing and group leader Tim Kenny speaking on Zambia. This meeting includes a bring-and-share finger buffet. Indoor meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in Rushmere St Andrews Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere IP5 1DH. You don’t need to be a member of either the national organisation or the local group to attend. The entrance fee, which includes refreshments, is £5 for non-members and £2.50/£2.30 for members of the local group. Under-18s, who must be accompanied, are free. Walks, which are free, continue with the River Deben at Melton, North Warren and Pipers Vale, Bourn Bridge and Christchurch Park. Walks are expertly led and there is always someone to help those less experienced with bird identification. For details of upcoming walks contact us in any of the ways set out below.
At Heath, we have long believed in the positive impact working and playing outdoors can have on wellbeing and learning. With the help of our fantastic PFA, we have developed an amazing outdoor environment that has become an integral part of learning at Heath Primary School. At present, we have three outdoor classrooms, a brand new bird viewing fence and three new mini beast hotels, our own wildlife pond with dipping platform, as well as our separate animal enclosures, which house six chickens, two rabbits and two ducks! On top of all of this, we also have an amazing Early Years outdoor area which includes a brand new bike track, new adventurous play equipment and a myriad of other wonderful engaging resources to help nurture our youngest minds. Always looking forward, we are now starting the process of building our own sensory garden. Exciting times for everyone at Heath Primary School! Reception Intake 2020 A big thank you to everyone who came to our open morning; it was lovely to see so many new faces and to have the opportunity to show everyone everything we have to offer at Heath Primary. For anyone who was unable to visit the school on our open morning, or for anyone wishing to view the school again on their own, we are offering individual guided tours of the school with one of our headteachers at a time that is convenient to you. Just contact the school office on 01473 622806 to make an appointment. Our website is a great source of information for prospective parents/carers. www.heathprimary.co.uk
THREE BEARS PLAYGROUP Our garden room arrived over the holidays and the children are enjoying using it for woodworking, story times and gathering in small groups to play and share news. A big thank you to everyone who helped raise funds and supported the Tesco Bags of Help campaign to enable us to build the room. It really is a great asset to our playgroup. We had a fun morning with parents and children at our Junk modelling ‘WOW’ workshop at the end of October where lots of glue, tape and paint was used to construct some amazing vehicles out of recycling. Thank you to everyone who stayed on afterwards to support the Macmillan Coffee Morning, it was great to have time to chat, share and raise money to change lives. Throughout the autumn we have been exploring the local environment and the garden area, looking at nature, collecting sticks to make stick people and leaves for the autumn display, as well as making delicious apple crumbles. We have been celebrating the festivals of light, using the sensory dark tent as a base to explore with torches and light up resources along with learning about the autumn festivals of light. If you are interested in a place for your child at our setting, contact us now. It’s never too early to join our waiting list. Three Bears Playgroup, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave IP5 2ES 01473 635255 / threebearsplaygroup@btconnect.com www.threebearsplaygroup.org.uk
01394 809236 / www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Twitter: @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group
www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave
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SCHOOLS CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Foundation Open Day & Evenings For children born between 01.09.2015 and 31.08.2016, we are holding open days and evenings in October and November. These events take place on Wednesday 30 October at 9.30am, 1.30pm or 7pm, and an evening only session on Wednesday 27 November, again at 7pm. We look forward to meeting you at one of the above sessions, where you will have a tour of the school, see the Foundation classes in action, meet the teachers and enjoy a coffee and a chat. The application process will be explained, and staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. There is no need to book, but if you wish to pass us your details so we can send you a reminder, please email: admin@cedarwoodprimary.org.uk
HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL Our new children are settling in well and are enjoying all the fun at Heathlands, learning new skills and exploring their new surroundings. We had a wonderful Macmillan Coffee Morning in the later part of September and raised an amazing £141. The sun came out and we were able to enjoy tea and cakes in the garden, with lots of parents attending and enjoying spending time with us. Thank you to everyone for their donations and support.
If you are unable to make any of the above sessions, please contact the office on 01473 612981 to arrange a tour of the school at a time convenient to you.
We are looking forward to a trip to the local heath during November where Suffolk Wildlife Trust will be teaching us about the woodlands and talking about hibernation. We will also have a visit from SWT to work on our willow tunnel, giving it a trim and making it nice and strong for new growth in the spring.
Our first half term has been a great success, with a range of rich and exciting learning experiences including our Year 6 residential to PGL in Bawdsey, a Great Fire of London Day, Black History Month, sporting competitions, National Poetry Day and visits to the local library.
In support of one of our families, we will be undertaking a week of fundraising events supporting the Ronald McDonald House charity during the middle of November. Lots of fun is planned throughout the week including a cake sale, dinosaur day and dressing-up day.
Headteachers Tina Shute & Doug Stroud
We are holding an open evening for prospective pre-school parents on November 11. Doors open at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. If you are interested in attending please contact Marie Fennell: 01473 417517
www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk
Christmas Fair followed by Santa’s Sleigh around Grange Farm Saturday 7 December, 1.30-4.30pm at Cedarwood Primary School Free admission. Visit Santa in his Grotto and enjoy fun, festive activities and stalls for both children and adults. Hot food, hot chocolate bar and mulled wine. All very welcome!
MARTLESHAM PRE-SCHOOL Wow, what a fantastic autumn term! All our new children have been warmly welcomed by our biggest boys and girls and we have enjoyed getting to know all the lovely new families. We have been looking at changes in the environment, watching leaves turn from green to yellow and oranges during our Little Explorer sessions in the local community, and have also visited the local market to buy vegetables to make warming autumn soup. This inspired the children and staff to create a fabulous role-play fruit and vegetable market of their own. The children took turns using their imagination to be stall holders and customers, used and extended their knowledge of numbers to handle money, and experimented with scales of different types to weigh their produce. The children have also loved taking part in our new Diddi Dance sessions, and have been learning lots of fantastic Bollywood moves. Our next dance style will be jazz, which we can’t wait to learn. We are sure we have lots of Strictly stars in the making! UP-COMING EVENTS Keep your eyes peeled for our posters advertising our ladies pamper evening and shopping event coming up at the end of the month. We have stalls from lovely local traders and businesses and mini beauty treatments available. It’s on Friday 29 November and tickets are £6, which includes a glass of mulled wine or juice and a mince pie on arrival. Martlesham Pre-school can be found within the grounds of Gorseland School car park on Deben Avenue. We welcome children aged two to five years and we are open from 8am to 4pm during term time. 01473 625986 / mplayschool@btinternet.com
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Heathlands is a well-established, committee-run pre-school situated in the grounds of Broke Hall Community Primary School. We can offer funded places for eligible two year olds and for all other children the term after their third birthday. Breakfast and afterschool clubs are also available, although spaces are limited. We are pleased to accept applications for places for terms starting January 2020 and beyond. Please contact us on 01473 417517.
GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Open Sessions for September 2020 If your child is starting school in September 2020,please come along to one of our Reception Open Sessions. These are being held on: Tuesday 5 November, 6-7pm and Tuesday 7 January, 9.30-10am. This is an opportunity to meet our headteacher, Mr Jackson, and the Reception team, as well as have a tour of the school with our Year 6 pupils. Please contact the school office to confirm the date you would like to visit: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net
HEDGEHOG NURSERY The autumn leaves and windy days have had us dancing in the school grounds, cloud watching, collecting different shaped leaves and creating wonderful pieces of art using the colours of autumn. We have been inspired by a pumpkin we discovered growing in the kitchen garden. We opened it up to look inside, scooped out the seeds, looked at other kinds of pumpkins and used red and yellow to colour mix to make orange. We have made pumpkin collages, painted on the pumpkin, made paper models of pumpkins and we even heard a story about pumpkin soup and made some of our very own! We are curious about the world we live in. We have been cooking each week and going out on adventures into the school ground to discover the delights it has to offer, including finding a young horse chestnut tree with conkers! If you would like to visit and see us in action, please contact the school office on 01473 623790 and you will be warmly welcomed! Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig Hedgehog Nursery is open from 8.30am-3.15pm Monday to Friday for three and four year olds; in addition, we offer wrap-around care from 7.30am-6pm every weekday. For more information, please visit www.gorseland.net or contact the school office on 01473 623790.
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SCHOOLS / SPORT AUTUMN TERM AT BRIGHT STARS
KESGRAVE TENNIS CLUB
Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. The remaining dates in the autumn term are November 11 and 25 and December 9. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS The club has had a tough start in the first division, losing both its opening matches. However, it was encouraging that two of our three losing teams ran their opponents close at Burstall. We are looking for new members. We meet at the Community Hall in Old Felixstowe Road from 1.30-4pm on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, and from 7.30-10pm on Tuesday evenings. We usually play three rounds of friendly games with a break for tea and biscuits after the second game. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played before as you will find everybody is willing to show you the ropes. It’s not physically challenging and the club provides all the necessary equipment. Each session is just £2 but the first is free.
Saturday 14 September brought glorious weather to Kesgrave Tennis Club for our annual championships finals day. This was the culmination of a summer of knockout matches, in a two-way draw, where the losing first round players went on to a plate tournament and the winners proceeded in the main draw. We started the day with the Ladies Doubles which was a close fought match, and the Men’s Plate Singles which went to three sets, with the eventual winner losing the first set but fighting back. Then it was the turn of the Ladies Singles, Men’s Plate Doubles and Men’s Singles. The Men’s and Ladies Singles were both long, hard fought three set matches, with the first set going against the final winner in both. Finally, Mixed Doubles, Mixed Plate Doubles and a Junior Round Robin event for the inaugural Shirley Coupe Cup. The Ladies Plate Singles and the Ladies Plate Doubles had been contested earlier due to players being unable to attend, and the Men’s Doubles is still to be played due to injury.
If you are interested, just turn up about 15 minutes before the start time and somebody will explain what we do. Alternatively you can ring our secretary, Ian Hunt, on 01473 611947, especially if you plan to come along on a Tuesday evening as we enter a team in the Suffolk Carpet Bowls Association League and home matches are on Tuesday evenings.
A bring-and-share lunch was enjoyed by all and a raffle with generous donations by club members raised £76 towards trophies and club funds. Club chairperson Ash Jordan presented departing member Lea Denley with a gift as our appreciation for all the work she has done on the committee and in the club in her time with us. We will miss her! Thank you to all who played in the event, all who came along and supported the players, and all those involved in the organisation and running of the day. Results were as follows:
Vic Harrup
Men’s Singles: Winner Matthew Johnson / Runner-up Sam Manson 4-6 6-4 6-3 Ladies Singles: Winner Lea Denley / Runner-up Mary Gregson 5-7 6-1 6-4
KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE CLUB It’s hard to believe we’re coming to the end of another year. Time has been flying with a hectic schedule at the club over the past few weeks. On September 28 we held a very successful grading. Congratulations to all those who passed and moved up a KYU grade. It’s lovely to see all those new coloured belts being proudly worn in class. Our dedicated competition squad have been busy bringing home medals and trophies. Well done to you all for your hard work and fantastic results. All of their awesome achievements can be found on our Facebook page. Congratulations to Lauren Berry (pictured) who became the British Karate Federation International Open Kata Champion (7-9 years) 2019 at the British International in Motherwell on September 14. A fantastic achievement. We are a family friendly karate club and welcome new members. Karate is a great way of making new friends and there are always rewarding opportunities available. Regular practise has continual benefits, both physical and mental. It increases fitness/stamina, strength/tone, flexibility, balance, self-confidence, self-control, mental awareness and co-ordination. We offer a free trial lesson, so why not come along and give karate a go? For details of the various classes we hold for adults and children in Kesgrave and Ipswich, as well as other locations in Suffolk, please visit: www.northgate-karate.co.uk Or contact us at: admin@northgate-karate.co.uk / 01473 622707
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Men’s Doubles (still to be played) Ben Coupe & Mark Smee v Matthew Johnson & Sam Manson Ladies Doubles: Winners Annie Brown & Lea Denley / Runners-up Mary Gregson & Linda Edmontson 6-4 7-5 Mixed Doubles: Winners Jason Dove & Alison Leech / Runners-up Ash Jordan & Mary Gregson 6-4 6-1 Men’s Plate Singles: Winner Ben Manson / Runner-up Dale Driver 4-6 6-3 6-3 Ladies Plate Singles: Winner Annie Brown / Runner-up Katherine Midwinter 6-3 6-1 Men’s Plate Doubles: Winners Paul Mickelson & Oli Watson / Runners-up Przemek Dabrowski & Rob Milner Ladies Plate Doubles: Winners Coleen Howard & Rosie Venn / Runners-up Amber Harding & Becky Foulger Mixed Plate Doubles: Winners Paul Mickelson & Annie Brown / Runners-up Peter Howard & Coleen Howard Junior Round Robin Event: Winner Jasper Mardell / 1st Runner-up Ethan Lovie, 2nd Runner-up Nathan Rose New members are always welcome at the club which is located in the community centre complex. Find our more at www.clubspark.lta.org. uk/kesgravetennisclub or on Facebook, or come along to a club night on Wednesday from 7pm. We have men’s, ladies and mixed teams playing in local divisions. Junior and adult coaching (group and individual) is available, and cardio sessions are held at various times. We also have plenty of social events, including our Mulled Wine Tournament on Wednesday 4 December.
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CHURCH NEWS
Fields Church in Kesgrave is looking forward to welcoming you to their Christmas events; there really is something for all the family! Parents! Need a free Saturday in December to get your Christmas shopping done? Fear not, we bring you glad tidings of great joy! On Saturday 14 December at Cedarwood School from 9am-5pm, Fields Church will be holding a Christmas Holiday Club. It will be much like our summer holiday club, although only one day long and we’ll be wearing jumpers. The day will involve Christmas songs, games, activities, characters and stories. We guarantee to keep your children occupied for the whole day so you can get your shopping finished. The day is free it’s our present to you. Basically, you shop until we drop! To make a booking for your children or for more information please contact: hello@fieldschurch.uk And we would love for you to join us Sunday 22 December at 6pm at Kesgrave Community Centre for our Annual Carol Service as we celebrate Christmas together. There will be festive carols and a fantastic talk for all the family, followed by a winter cafe with festive cakes and drinks. It’s completely free and there are gifts for the kids too. #KesgraveCarols You are welcome every Sunday at Cedarwood Primary School for our morning service. Cafe from 10am and service from 10.30am. Find us on Facebook or Instagram to find out more!
The year is moving on and here we are in November already. As I write we are still seeing the autumn colours in the trees and hedges both here in town and in the countryside. No doubt the harvest has now been gathered in and things are all set for the coming winter months. At Rushmere Baptist Church our Alpha Course is being well attended. This course is to help people to understand what being a Christian all is about. Participants can enjoy a meal and are encouraged to ask questions and find out more about the Bible and why our faith is an important part of our daily life. OUR USUAL SERVICES Sunday: 10.45am and 6.30pm Monday 6.15-7.30pm: FFaF Children’s Club for School Years 2-6 Wednesday 2.30pm: Friendship Hour on the second Wednesday of each month 2pm: Rag Tag Club on the first Wednesday of each month. To find out more please ring Myrna: 01473 728361 6pm: Alpha Course 7pm: Art & Craft Group Thursday 12.30pm: Luncheon Club (every week) Friday 9.15am: Rushmere Ducklings for Babies & Tots (every week) Saturday 10.30am-noon: Meeting Point Coffee Morning (fourth Saturday) Minister: The Rev Heather Marsden / Secretary: Mrs Jean Cutting 01473 721455 / www.rushmerebaptist.org.uk
www.fieldschurch.uk hello@fieldschurch.uk
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