In Touch News with Martlesham – April 2017

In Touch

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Volume 7 • Issue No. 5 • APRIL 2017

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

At the weekend I found myself queuing behind a man who gave a shop assistant a right telling off because she had given him the wrong change.

He practically accused her of trying to steal 10p from him. I asked her if she was OK after he’d left and she shrugged it off as if it was a common occurrence, which I fear it might very well be.

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

Admittedly a little self-analysis may be necessary now and then, but I’m determined to offset rude drivers and hateful behaviour by doing the exact opposite.

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

Happy Easter from everyone at Mansion House Publishing

In Touch

with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

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

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

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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01473 400379 Disclaimer:

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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NEWS SCOUTING IN MARTLESHAM We currently have a waiting list for young people wanting to start in Beavers and immediate vacancies for Cubs and Scouts. Beavers are aged six to eight years, Cubs eight to ten, and Scouts are aged 10-14. The girls and boys take part in lots of interesting and varied activities to help encourage teamwork, confidence and independence.

They recently had a joint night hike and sleepover for children from each section and are looking forward to camping trips in the warmer months. We would love to hear from you if you have a young person who would like to come along and make new friends.

URGENT We are also seeking adults to expand the leader’s team of 1st Martlesham Scouting Groups so that more young people can experience scouting.

Can you spare a couple of hours a week in the evening during term time?

No experience needed as training will be given.

Each section meets weekly during the school term: Beavers on Tuesdays from 5.45-6.45pm, Cubs on Mondays from 6.30-8pm and Scouts on Thursdays from 7.30-9pm.

If you would like to join in scouting please speak to one of the leaders after a weekly meeting or contact membership secretary Timandra Howell: martleshamscouts.thowell@yahoo.com

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH Wednesday, April 26 at 7.30pm in the Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham Mike Irwin, chairman of Martlesham Parish Council, welcomes all members of the parish to this meeting which gives parishioners an opportunity to hear about and discuss what is going on in Martlesham and the major changes that we are facing. The parish extends from the southern edge of Martlesham Heath right up to Seckford Hall Road and California and east to Martlesham Creek and the River Deben.

The council presents its grant cheques for 2017/18, there are annual reports on the activities of the council and its committees and also on village organisations.

This year we have invited a representative of MH100 to talk to us about the arrangements for the special weekend of events on July 8/9 to celebrate 100 years since the Royal Flying Corps set up their Aircraft Development & Testing Airfield on Martlesham Heath. Take a look at their website: www.mh100.org.uk All welcome. Light refreshments included.

For further information please contact the parish council clerk, Susan Robertson: 01473 612632 / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk

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NEWS with the Space Club already attending. We are also working closely with the University of Suffolk.

We had a good turnout for our first MH100 public meeting on February 16.

Attendees were keen to help and get involved, with some acting as scouts to pass information to other groups on Martlesham Heath. Various ideas came from this meeting. One, where everyone can get involved, is for businesses, shops and homeowners on the heath to decorate their premises or homes with a prize, perhaps sponsored by a local business, for the best. This idea is being actively considered.

In the meantime, below is a resume of where we are at early March. For more up-to-date information please visit: www.mh100.org.uk / Facebook Our centenary celebration weekend is Saturday, July 8 and Sunday 9 on the Green.

So far we have booked a Spitfire and Hurricane static display by the large stage area. The stage itself will be used by many acts including Martlesham Brass and the highly acclaimed Brentwood Imperial Youth Band (Sunday).

The Red Devils parachuted display team will be dropping in and on Sunday 9 we will have an impressive display of vintage and veteran civilian and military vehicles.

On both days we will have multimedia and other displays in the church centre and the Scout Hut, with an exhibition illustrating aspects of the 100 groundbreaking years at Martlesham Heath featuring aviation, avionics, IT, telecoms, village development and community stories. Come and see: • A real time radar display with live information tracking of aircraft across Suffolk projected on a large map • Airborne radar in virtual reality • Re-creation of the 1937 Martlesham Heath airborne radar experiment world first • Kesgrave High School Space Club with the Guinness Book of Records world’s highest flying paper airplane on display • Archive interviews of people involved in the Martlesham Heath Story

Local groups involved include Martlesham Church of The All Angels, Martlesham Heath Aviation Society (The Control Tower Museum will have special openings) and Martlesham Scouts with others coming aboard. Is your group involved yet?

Dave Chapman MOT and Service Centre, Duncan’s Bakery, Marks and Manns Estate Agency, NEXT, Barker Gotelee and The Drain Doctor are just some of the businesses involved, but we are keen to hear from others.

Sponsors include BT Adastral Park and local funding bodies, with others on the way. If you can help fund this major event, please contact: chair@mh100.org.uk / vicechair@mh100.org.uk Finally, we have been getting more information about the history of the heath, particularly the period from the mid-1960s to date. If you have any stories – even family ones – of your time on the heath, please let us know by contacting: publicity@mh100.org.uk If you want to attend our next public meeting in May, or any of our organising meetings, please contact us for more information: publicity@mh100.org.uk On Wednesday, March 1, Phil and Janet Bull went to Dave Chapman Ltd (trading as Richard Pipe Engineering Motorist Centre) to collect the prize certificate as winners of MH100 Martlesham Heath Centenary 2017 Christmas Quiz. Here we see Dave Chapman handing over the certificate for a free MOT to the delighted winners. We are grateful to Dave for his support and wish Phil and Janet many happy years of happy motoring.

If you can help with the exhibition or have some material please contact us at: publicity@mh100.org.uk

Phil first worked for the Post Office Research Laboratories in a summer placement scheme in 1979 and moved onto the heath in January 1985. They have now found pictures of events on the heath to go on our websitt, helping to tell the story of Martlesham Heath over the last 100 years.

Local schools are getting involved too. Gorseland and Birchwood are doing amazing things and Kesgrave High School has stepped up a gear or two

We encourage you to come forward with similar stories or pictures. If you have anything, contact: webmin@mh100.org.uk / publicity@mh100.org.uk

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

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

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

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

A part of the event, The Hearing Care Centre, which has 23 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk, has managed to secure the time of one of the world’s

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most sought after experts on tinnitus, Professor David Baguley (pictured).

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

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

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

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

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

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NEWS HELPING ADULTS TO BECOME CONFIDENT READERS

WALK TOWARDS A CURE FOR PARKINSON’S IN SUFFOLK

Do you know anyone who might like some one-to-one support to help them become a confident reader?

As many as one in six adults may feel that way it’s much more common than you might think.

Whether you know someone who’d like to start right back at the beginning with reading, or who just wants some time to ask questions and brush up on skills to build confidence, it may be that a Got to Read volunteer can help.

Got to Read volunteers and students meet one-to-one at least weekly, in welcoming, confidential spaces.

There aren’t any exams. Every student gets to say what it is that they need.

Their volunteer guides them and helps to find ways to get there, using whatever methods and resources suit the student best. Examples of what we can help to build confidence with include: • Learning or re-learning the alphabet and sounds to make words and then build sentences (phonics) • Everyday reading and writing tasks like shopping lists, recipes, understanding bills and medical records • Supporting children and being involved with their reading and learning

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

• Getting ready to try something new – a job, a hobby, being a parent or grandparent, formal learning

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

• Reading for pleasure, getting to the stage where you can relax, understand and enjoy what you read

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

• Asking all those questions about punctuation and grammar that you think everyone but you knows about

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

We can offer support in the Woodbridge and Ipswich areas. If you would like to know more, please contact 07528 147654 / info@gottoread.org.uk or visit: www.gottoread.org.uk It’s likely that someone who would enjoy trying this support might not be able to read many of these details, so please do pass the message along if you can.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL New housing development to the land south and east of Adastral Park The developer, CEG, is progressing with their masterplan for the area and we are still expecting to see an outline planning application submitted at the end of March/early April so please look at our website and noticeboards for early notification of this. You can view CEG’s plans so far by visiting: www.adastralparkdevelopment.co.uk In February Suffolk Coastal District Council organised a meeting to discuss highways issues with Suffolk County Council Highways Department, CEG and the parish council. CEG is proposing major junction and highways alterations, a smart traffic light system to manage vehicle flows on the A12 and a new A12 crossing south of Martlesham Heath amongst other initiatives. There are also proposals to reduce traffic speeds. We were informed that SCC Highways are factoring in the potential impact of Sizewell C and other development proposals such as at Bell Lane and Top Street which, although refused planning permission by SCDC, may go ahead if approved on appeal by the planning inspector.

We raised parishioners’ concerns about the traffic impact on the retail park and safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists amongst many other issues. It is hoped that we will gain a safe crossing of Eagle Way at Manor Road through the changes which will take place, and also the removal of the A12 layby by Martlesham Heath. This development cannot however be expected to tackle all the existing problems of parking et al which have not been addressed by previous planning applications.

Changes at Martlesham Recreation Ground We have had problems with cars driving inappropriately across the Recreation Ground and as a result a barrier and bird mouth fencing has been installed to limit access to the site and to encourage people to park in the car park.

Arrangements have been made with the bowls club and Martlesham Youth Football Club to provide access when necessary.

We are waiting for the installation of a bench within Kronji’s Piece Play Area and an additional picnic bench outside the play area. Replacement of the wooden edging around the safety tiles at the play area is also due to take place. We are extremely grateful to County Councillor Patricia O’Brien for largely funding and supporting these projects through her locality budget.

Martlesham Common Nature Reserve To help the *birds and other wildlife on Martlesham Common NR thrive this spring we need visitors to take a little extra care. So please don’t stray, stay on the path and keep dogs on a lead (or under close control) during the bird breeding season (March-August). A little care will make a big difference to nesting birds and other wildlife on the common.

• Existing populations include song thrush, blackbird, green finch, robin and dunnock. We hope to encourage migrant species such as nightingale.

Martlesham Common – Wildlife Survey of Flora and Fauna Martlesham in Bloom is arranging for the wildlife on Martlesham Common to be surveyed to help the parish council with their management of the

common. Please see Martlesham in Bloom on page 19 for more information.

Please get involved!

Would you need extra support if you had a power cut?

If so, UK Power Networks have introduced a free Priority Services Register.

If you’re a carer you can apply on behalf of someone who would benefit.

It will not necessarily mean that you get power back more quickly, but you will receive: • A 24-hour priority number • Regular text or phone updates during a power cut • A welcome booklet • Extra support from the British Red Cross to visit during an emergency, if you wish Apply online at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority or contact: psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk / 0800 169 9970 We also hold a supply of application forms at the parish room; please contact our office if you would like one.

Better Broadband If you are concerned about your broadband coverage, keep an eye on www. betterbroadbandsuffolk.com for the latest news on local broadband activity led by Suffolk County Council. This includes information about: • When better broadband will be available in your area • Options for people with current broadband speeds of less than 2mbps • Consultation on reinvesting to further extend coverage We are pleased to inform you that the additional cabinet near the mini roundabout on Martlesham Heath has now been brought into service and backlog orders for fast broadband are now being fulfilled. This applies to the southern part of the village where there has been a very long waiting list.

Forthcoming meetings: Wednesday, April 5: Parish Council Wednesday, April 12: Development Plans Committee Wednesday, April 26: Annual Parish Meeting (see page 3) Wednesday, May 3: Annual Meeting of the Parish Council All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room on Felixstowe Road and are open to the public who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment.

Contacting the council Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, Woodbridge IP12 4PB / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk / 01473 612632 For latest news and events visit: www.martlesham.onesuffolk.net Parish Office opening times: 9am-noon, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, but please book an appointment in advance.

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NEWS

JOHN KELSO’S DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT Suffolk Coastal Council Tax 2017/2018 At the full council meeting on February 23 it was agreed to raise the district council part of your council tax by 3.25% which will equate to an annual increase of £4.95 for those residents who live in a band D property paying £157.32 per annum. Please note these figures refer to the Suffolk Coastal District Council part of your bill. Other payments for Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Constabulary and Martlesham Parish Council will also be required.

Suffolk Coastal has an annual budget of about £12million. About £7.7million of this comes from council tax payments. Grant incomes from central government have decreased from £7.4million in 2010/11 to £600,000 in 2017/18.

The Woodlands near Falcon Park I have received phone calls from residents and an email from Mr Shipham, secretary of The Falcon Park Residents Association, raising concerns about surveying activities that are taking place in the woodland on the park side of Felixstowe Road. I believe the land involved is in the ownership of Graingers. At the time of writing this report (March 9) I can confirm that no planning application has yet been received by the Suffolk Coastal Planning department. As soon as I receive any notification of a planning application being received for this site I will of course advise Mr Shipham.

Land fronting Top Street The appeal held on February 1 regarding planning application DC/16/2206/OUT to build 10 dwellings on land south of the railway bridge at Top Street was dismissed by a government planning inspector.

This means that the proposed development will not now go ahead.

I believe the decision reached at this appeal will help strengthen the case for the dismissal of the appeal by Gladman to develop land between the railway line and Dukes Park which is due to commence on March 21.

Adastral Park development At the time of writing I am advised that a planning application to build 2,000 properties on land adjacent to Adastral Park is likely to be received in April. Please check the parish council noticeboards for more up-to-date information.

If you wish to discuss any of the above or any other district council matter please contact me at: john.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk / 01473 631682 John Kelso, District Councillor Martlesham Ward

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

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

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

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

This event is for the local community. For more information please contact: 01473 621104 / office@homestartcoastal.co.uk Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal supports families in the East of Ipswich and Suffolk Coastal areas. These families receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone. This can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go. If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below.

Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk

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

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

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

For more information call Ian on 07745 197025 or Howard on 02473 274300. www.mhas.org.uk

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

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

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

CHARITY CONCERT

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following craft activities will take place during April.

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

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

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

Every Thursday (term time only) • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Every Friday (term time only) • Storytime: 9.45-10.15am Other Library Events for April 2017 Wednesday 5: Knit and Natter at 2.30pm. £1 with tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

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

Thursday 13: Evening Book Group, 7pm IT Help Sessions: Saturday, April 22 Due to staff holiday, there will not be an IT Help Session in April. Please ring the library if you would like to be booked in for May. Spring Fayre: Sunday, April 9, 10am-noon Lots of stalls with fun games for Easter including a free craft activity for the children and an Easter Egg hunt. Refreshments are available including homemade cakes. There is also an Easter colouring competition to enter. Please ask staff for a colouring sheet. Watch out for posters advertising the event.

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

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

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

AN EVENING OF DIVINE ENCHANTMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT DANCE FOLKUS

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND

More than 90 people attended the March dance at the new venue of Woodbridge Community Centre. They were treated to a great evening led by caller Jocelyn Armitage and Proper English played some lively dance tunes. There was much more room to dance and there was plenty of parking nearby so access to the hall was easier. Tin River gave us a fine song spot and featured some good close harmony singing as well as well as accompanying themselves on melodeon, guitar and whistle. We will return to the community hall in May and the evening will feature a special dance spot by Pretty Grim, a Welsh Border Morris side based in Blaxhall.

Another Evening with Elizabeth Talbot was much enjoyed by the audience who heard Elizabeth’s interesting talk on how antiques fit into the context of history, society and modern times. There were many questions and lively discussions after her talk.

Our next dance is on Friday, April 7, 7.30-10.30pm, at the more intimate Burness Parish Rooms in Melton. Our resident caller, Helen Howe, will be teaching the dances. Dance Folkus Come All Ye Band will be the live band. We welcome new instrumental players to join in (book in advance please).

Jack Vaughan (Darsham Jack), a local singer with some great amusing songs, will be entertaining us in the song spot. Some people have likened his voice to the Norfolk folk singer Peter Bellamy.

We will not be able to accommodate everyone who attended the March dance so please book by email to ensure you get a place. There is at least a £1 discount for booking by email: Dancefolkus@aol.com (no advance payment needed). Tickets at the door are £5. For more information contact Rob: 01473 610951 Another local event well worth a visit is the Halesworth Foolish Day of Dance on April 1. It runs from 10am-4pm and features 15 dance sides performing throughout the town with a procession through the town at 11am.

The day culminates with an open ceilidh (7pm start) at Chinny’s Sports Bar with Harbour Lights Band and caller Jill Parson. Tickets can be booked from Dance Folkus.

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Our last meeting was a very informative evening when Norman Emeny displayed a very large collection depicting Astronomy and Archaeology.

This varied from the people involved and the equipment used to the buildings that were built for the work. Norman presented material from many countries, covering Greek Gods to the most powerful telescope in the world today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are grateful to the several volunteers who helped on the evening with the raffle, the sound system and refreshments. We would also like to thank Barker Gotelee for their kind donation towards the event.

For further details of the Roger David Burrows Music Fund contact the Burrows Family on 01473 625196 or visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking further ahead, on May 11 Jon Read will present Wales – the Red Dragon and the Tilworth Teg.

Admission £2 with reasonably priced refreshments available to purchase.

All ladies are warmly invited to join us for an interesting evening in friendly company. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room.

For more information call Elizabeth: 01206 734581

For more details contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Control Tower Museum will open on Sunday, April 2 from 2-5pm and every Sunday until the end of October (see page 12).

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

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with publisher and memoirist Hamish MacGibbon hosted

by Suffolk Book League. The author will talk about his forthcoming book, Stalin’s Maverick Spy, which tells the story of his parents, their interaction with the Communist Party and their flirtation with wartime espionage.

Hamish will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, IP1 3AA) on Thursday, April 13 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. This particular event is free for members as it is also the league’s AGM. Doors will be open for members only at 6.30pm. The AGM starts at 7pm (members only). General admission is £8 with students free. To book tickets email: tickets@sbl.org.uk The talk which starts at 7.30pm will be followed by an audience Q&A session with the author. www.sbl.org.uk

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

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE INNER WHEEL SILLY SOCKS FOR BEAT! The week of February 27-March 5 was Eating Disorders Awareness Week and some of our members wore silly socks for a day for Beat, the charity which tackles myths and misunderstandings surrounding these serious mental illnesses.

Continuing the theme of mental health, members learned about Victorian workhouses and asylums in a talk given by David Phelan (pictured here with club president Lesley Deas) at our March meeting. David focused on St Audry’s at Melton, a workhouse built in 1764 to provide indoor relief for the poor of the parish. Despite appalling conditions, workhouses were better than living on the streets and families entered them voluntarily.

Once inside, they were separated into men, women, boys and girls. There was basic medical care and children received three hours of education a day. When it was found to be losing money, St Audry’s closed in 1826. It was reopened in 1829 as an asylum for pauper lunatics.

Conditions inside were inhumane until 1832 when John Kirkman became its first medical officer. He believed in ‘moral treatment’, treating patients with kindness and healthy exercise outdoors to restore their sanity. In 1958 the development of the first psychiatric drugs meant people could be treated at home, and in 1993 St Audry’s was closed.

With increasing awareness of mental health issues, this was a most interesting and informative evening. A vote of thanks was given by Anne Barratt.

CODING FOR CODGERS Among other projects, we’re writing programs to solve Sudoku puzzles. So far, we can solve the ‘easy’ ones and we’re working on the next level. You can play with some of our programs on our website. These are still under development so don’t expect too much!

Why don’t you come see what we get up to? No experience necessary – this does not involve serious training, it’s just for fun.

We meet from 10am-noon on Friday mornings in The Runway Café at Martlesham Heath. For details of the next meeting please visit: www.CodingForCodgers.co.uk If you are interested, please contact me for further information. Alternatively, just turn up in The Runway.

Ken Odam: Ken@CodingForCodgers.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM HELP! You’ve been asked to give an important speech or presentation. Perhaps you’ve moved into a new job or taken on a voluntary role where you’re going to have to give a number of speeches or presentations. You want to do your best.

What to do?

Let Speak Easy At Martlesham, your friendly neighbourhood speakers’ club, help you improve your public speaking in 2017.

Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club (www.toastmasters.org). TI has spent over 90 years devising and refining the best ways for us all to develop our public speaking. Improving your public speaking also boosts your confidence and puts you on the track to becoming a better leader. Toastmasters recognise this.

There are leadership projects and opportunities, as well as speaking projects, within its educational ’tracks’. The tracks are all supported by books and other materials that guide and challenge you. It’s always up to you how far and how fast you progress.

We meet every Thursday fortnight at the Richards Room in Martlesham (alongside Felixstowe Road, behind Tesco). Our meetings are structured to include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation. Evaluation is a vital part of how Toastmasters’ clubs operate. When you evaluate someone else speaking you not only help them, you also – through empathy and understanding – help your own speaking.

PS: It’s a very cost effective way to learn as well!

For further details or queries, please call our VP Membership on 07968 372563 or select Contact Us from the main menu on our website: www.speak-easy.org.uk If you just want turn up at any club meeting, that’s fine. Select Club Calendar on the website for meeting dates. You’ll also find directions on the website.

Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you soon.

SUFFOLK BASED CHARITY ART FOR CURE DONATES £62,000 TO CANCER CAMPAIGN IN SUFFOLK Art for Cure have made a donation of £62,000 to Cancer Campaign in Suffolk (CCiS) to support specific breast cancer projects within the county over the next two years.

Art for Cure’s second exhibition of art and sculpture was hosted in the beautiful house and gardens of Glemham Hall in May 2016. An astonishing £175,000 was raised over the weekend for breast cancer care, research and support by the generous commissions of artists’ sold work.

Eighty artists and sculptors exhibited, including the acclaimed Maggi Hambling, Jelly Green and Paul Richardson from East Anglia, as well as leading international artists Michael Speller, Carol Peace and Henrietta Dubrey.

Eight-thousand visitors enjoyed an exciting weekend of art workshops, live jazz, fine dining from the chef Peter Harrison and a thrilling celebrity art auction including work from Ed Sheeran, Joanna Lumley, Andy Murray and Judi Dench.

Following the exhibition, a donation of £100,000 was made to the leading national breast cancer charity, Breast Cancer Now, towards a secondary cancer research project. This recent donation of £62,000 to Cancer Campaign in Suffolk supports three breast cancer services in Suffolk, focusing on a new wig service and beauty treatments, the support of free complimentary treatment courses for those affected by cancer, as well as post-surgical breast exercise classes and a DVD.

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

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

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

DEBEN ROTARY GOLF DAY Deben Rotary are hosting a Charity Golf Day in association with St Audry’s Golf Club on Thursday, July 27. Teams of four will consist of two pairs playing Greensomes, competing for the Marie Hunt Shield plus individual and team prizes. Tee times will be 8am, noon and 4pm, and entry is £20 per player. All proceeds will go to Riding for the Disabled and local Rotary supported charities.

For further details please contact Rotarian Peter Rowbottom on 01473 626376 or visit: www.debenrotary.org.uk The Memory Cafe, run in conjunction with Woodbridge Rotary Club and Woodbridge Inner Wheel, continues to flourish and we were delighted to welcome some new visitors to our last session. As ever sufferers from all forms of memory loss and their carers are welcome at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of every month from 10.30am-noon. Refreshments are available and there is no charge. For further details of the Memory Cafe please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

(l-r) CCiS CEO Karen Hare, CCiS trustees Tim Cutler and Jonny Ripman and Art for Cure directors Emma Lloyd, Adrian Melrose and Belinda Gray.

Art for Cure founder Belinda Gray said: “We have found a very successful way of fundraising through the sale of art and sculpture and are delighted to not only be contributing to vital national research, but also supporting such worthwhile breast cancer services in Suffolk for those going through a breast cancer diagnosis.

“Art for Cure has staged a series of amazing events supporting breast cancer work and we are delighted to receive their donation which will allow us to commit to important projects within the county. It is a pleasure to work with the highly committed Art for Cure team and we hope that our relationship with them continues and develops for many years to come.”

The third Art for Cure fundraising exhibition will take in Suffolk from May 5-7 2018. This is in addition to other interim art events being organised by Art for Cure to raise vital funds needed for the care and cure of breast cancer.

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB

THE LIONS’ CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT

Every night television brings the suffering of the Syrian people right into our homes. Like most others we are left feeling helpless. One small thing we thought we could do was to find out about the Syrians who have been taken in by Ipswich.

With the days lengthening we look forward to a busy summer programme. Highlights are:

Our March speaker, Abby Grace, is the co-ordinator of the local Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme. Our government’s response to the refugee crisis was to agree to take in 20,000 Syrians over five years, selected from those living in camps in neighbouring countries, not those already on the road. There had to be one family member with a particular vulnerability.

Ipswich has taken in 53 people in 11 families. All must spend several hours a week learning English. The children are soon chattering away. They are in local schools with special help provided by the programme. The adults are allowed to work from the start, unlike some other categories of refugees.

A tailor and an interpreter already have jobs. A farmer is involved in the People’s Community Garden. Few women have worked outside the home, but some are discussing starting a business to do with food.

Syrian food is, said Abby, deliciously irresistible. She knows from the group’s weekly lunch! Otherwise her team gives intensive support for three months, less for the rest of the year and then assumes that people can be independent. They are allowed to stay for five years, when it is hoped they can safely return home.

• Monday, May 1 when we will be assisting with car parking and litter picking at Woodbridge Horse Show • Woodbridge Regatta on Sunday, July 16 (note revised date) • Martlesham 10k, 5k and Fun Run on Sunday, October 8, for the first time included in the Suffolk County Athletics Association Suffolk Grand Prix, so we are anticipating a record number of participants While we continue to fundraise locally and offer support in the local community, there is a wider perspective to the Lions’ movement. The Lions’ Clubs International Foundation supports a number of projects worldwide addressing preventable and treatable blindness. Measles in childhood can result in blindness and the LCIF programme of vaccination against measles has passed the astonishing milestone of 65 million children now protected against this disease. Not sitting back, the programme is set to continue through the next few years.

For more about what we do and who we are, please call 0845 8332820 for a no-strings chat or visit www.woodbridgelions.org.uk

This is obviously a well-funded scheme run by a committed team, hopefully with lifesaving outcomes for this group. But, against the background of the crisis we see daily, we still felt uneasy. There remain so many questions to answer.

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

Please call Jackie on 01473 659314 for more information about Soroptimism.

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

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, April 25 when Horry Parsons will be talking about the construction of the Millennium Tower at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, featuring the installation of the vaulted ceiling. Horry has appeared on national television as a building techniques expert and, as many will remember, is a very entertaining speaker. This promises to be an interesting talk.

On Tuesday, May 16 Anthony Cobbold will talk about one of Suffolk’s best known families, the Cobbolds, and their contribution to Suffolk life. Anthony founded the Cobbold Family Trust and will be delving into the family history which, as we will see, consists of more than beer and football.

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

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

WOOLLY WONDERS This month we meet on Thursdays, April 13 and 27 from 10am-noon at The Runway Café next to St Michael’s, Martlesham Heath.

Some of us are continuing to raise money for Suffolk AgeUK by knitting hats for Innocence Smoothie bottles. Innocence gives 25p per hat to the charity.

We have knitted well over 2,000 so far!

Meanwhile others continue with their own projects and all of us continue to enjoy the coffee and chat. If you want to knit in a sociable, friendly atmosphere you are welcome to join us.

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HARD OF HEARING GROUP An independent social group for people with any type of hearing loss.

Partners and hearing dogs welcome.

Our group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion, 10.30am-noon. We charge £3.50 per session and frequently have a speaker. Last year we had everything from a local historian speaking to us about Prettys corset making in Ipswich to running a bed and breakfast in Colchester, as well as a lady who told us about her trip to Iceland (the country not the shop!).

We always have time to chat over coffee/tea and biscuits. We are very sociable and always welcome new people to the group. The pavilion has an excellent hearing loop and a lady voluntarily text types so even people with the most sever hearing loss don’t feel left out, something lots of people with hearing loss suffer. There is also free parking.

Why not give us a try – we would love to see you?

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays, April 8 and 22, 9am-12.30pm, at Woodbridge Community Hall We have a friendly cafe selling hot and cold drinks, bacon and egg butties and home-made cakes. Our stalls have great local produce including pies, pasties, cakes and bakes, sweet and savoury treats, marmalade and preserves, juice, eggs, various meats and fruit and veg. Admission is free.

To receive our popular e-bulletin contact Cordelia at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP

By S Corley

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

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

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

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

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

No need to book Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds): Saturday, May 20, 9-11am AGM: Monday, April 3, 7pm at Martlesham Parish Room New volunteers are always welcome, all ages and abilities. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit pwcg.onesffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer Sam Cork

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A YEAR AROUND THE NURSERY

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

MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM

Martlesham Common – Survey of Flora and Fauna Martlesham in Bloom is arranging for the wildlife on Martlesham Common (including the flora and fauna) to be surveyed to help the parish council with their management of the common. One of the aims of Martlesham in Bloom is to help improve the environmental quality and biodiversity of the parish and the results of this survey will also help with these aims.

Martlesham Common is the area of land between the A12, Mill Heath, Felixstowe Road and Tesco and is designated as a County Wildlife Site.

It is well used by many residents for walking, dog walking or simply to get from one part of Martlesham to another and we would like to encourage anybody to help with this survey. The survey is to include sitings of any flora or fauna throughout the year and we will be producing a simple form for anyone who is interested to help with this survey to record what they see on each visit. If you are interested in the survey and would like to help there will be more information at our AGM below or from Maureen, our secretary (details below).

If you would like any further details or would like to help with Martlesham in Bloom activities please contact J Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196 / martleshaminbloom@gmail.com FORTHCOMING EVENTS 20TH MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, April 18 at 7.30pm The Parish Room, Felixstowe Road IP12 4PB Hear about our achievements so far and our plans for the coming year.

This will also be our formal launch of the Martlesham Common Wildlife Survey.

Everybody is welcome.

The Parish Room is fully accessible and there is adjacent free parking

HASKETON’S JAZZ BBQ Hasketon’s Jazz BBQ has been a popular fixture for some 20 years. It continues, but now as a bring your own picnic following the retirement of Gordon and Molly Smith who have been the prime movers throughout.

This year’s Jazz Picnic with the six-piece Mike Barry and the Uptown Gang band takes place on Sunday, June 25 at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon from 12.30-4pm. Tickets are £12 from 01394 383106 or 01473 735 579. Drinks will be available to purchase.

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SCHOOLS / SPORT

THE SAPLINGS

HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

During the months of April and May as the weather starts to get warmer we will be looking at ways to make our outside space exciting. We will be having fun making spring related crafts and planting.

The children will get to take part in some nature walks and they will be exploring the lifecycle of a frog as well as exploring our mud kitchen. This theme will run through the baby room, pre-school and afterschool club so all of the children coming to us will be able to enjoy the activities.

This half term our topic has been Traditional Tales. We started by sharing our knowledge of the The Three Little Pigs story. The children made stick puppets, played with hand puppets, pretended to be pigs or the wolf and successfully made cheese straws.

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

We have also read Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The children made porridge and brought their bears from home for size ordering and measuring.

The next story was The Three Billy Goats Gruff and the children experimented with growing cress in different places. They discovered the dark cupboard wasn’t a good location!

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

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

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

Creation and Easter were two of the themes we enjoyed learning more about last term along with singing, Bible stories, games and making crafts to take home. We are an informal and friendly group who meet at 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL.

We had a very exciting visit from Miraiker, a puppeteer. She was fantastic! Miraiker brought two puppet theatres with her and literally hundreds of puppets for us to play with. She performed a few stories for us and got all of the children involved. The children have retold traditional tales using pictures to prompt them and have enjoyed being characters from the stories. We thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely would like her to come back.

We had great fun on World Book Day. Thank you to all of our families for the effort put into the costumes. We had a Burglar Bill, two dinosaurs, Alice in Wonderland and a hare to name a few.

Can you guess what stories we read next? We made gingerbread biscuits, turnip soup and grew our own beanstalks!

FACILITIES FOR HIRE AT GORSELAND SCHOOL Gorseland School is lucky to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), a large Astroturf pitch, a playground and a large indoor hall. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on week day evenings and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee. The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, sporting groups, scout and guiding groups, fitness classes and other one off events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed. Parking is available on site. For further information or to make a booking please contact the school office: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

The half-hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to play until approximately noon, while the adults enjoy a chat!

BIRCHWOOD CAR BOOT SALE

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

Set up from 9am, £5 per car, no traders

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

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

Saturday, May 20, 10am-noon Please see the school office for the Car Boot Sale form if you wish to sell.

Tables to hire – available on request. Cheques made payable to Birchwood Primary School PTFA.

MARTLESHAM BOWLS CLUB Martlesham Bowls Club members have been busy during the winter months preparing for the coming season which begins on April 22.

We are an active club playing in four different leagues as well as friendly matches. We have roll-ups and social bowling during the week and at weekends, which gives people an opportunity to get to know other members in a relaxed setting, learn the game and practise bowling skills.

We are holding an open afternoon on Saturday, May 13 when you can come along and try your hand at bowls. Refreshments will be provided.

We welcome new members with or without experience so if you are interested please contact our secretary: 01473 622598 / mary.drake@talktalk.net www.martleshambowlsclub.com

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

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

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

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL If you read last month’s report, you will know that February was a fantastic month for us and I used up all the superlatives I know, which is a great pity because March was even better. Our two teams at the monthly indoor six-a-side tournament, held as always at Maidenhall LC, both achieved their best ever placements with the First team finishing second in Division 1 and the second team overall winners in Division 2. Both divisions were extremely close with exciting volleyball throughout, but we managed to win the key points at vital moments in our games to come out on top.

DIVISION 1 RESULTS Pool phase Ipswich II 23-25 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 21-25 Diss Diss 16-25 Ipswich II Ravens qualified for top play-off pool on points difference Play-offs for top three places Ipswich I 25-22 Ipswich II Ipswich II 16-25 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 23-25 Ipswich I Ravens placed second overall with one good win and a narrow defeat

Ruby Hunt took home two gold medals for kumite, one in her own category and one in the category above. She gave away only three points over the eight fights in the two categories she entered, winning the fights by a four point gap each time. Other winners were: Lauren Berry won silver in the individual kata; Emma Buckly, Sofia Standring and Lilly Melton won bronze for their team kata; Sophie Swann (pictured second left) gave an outstanding performance to take gold in the individual kata; Jessica Etherington, who again had three rounds to get through and got better with each round, took silver in the individual kata; Abigail Longhurst who took home silver in the individual kata. Even the non-medal winners did really well by showing a good standard and gaining valuable experience to take to the next competition in Hornchurch in April. Thanks again to all the parents and club instructors for their support and to Matt Standring for the report.

DIVISION 2 RESULTS Ipswich Ravens 21-19 Stingers Stow Aces 20-21 Ipswich Ravens Bury II 11-21 Ipswich Ravens Ipswich Ravens 16-21 Diss Asters

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

Ravens meet at St Alban’s School in Rushmere on Saturdays from 2-4pm and Tuesdays from 7-9pm. If you are interested in joining us, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk

Eleanor Legg

Ravens were placed first having scored three wins out of four and having a points total one ahead of Diss Asters and Fil Suffolk Smashers But the best part of the month was still to come as we were delighted to find that no fewer than six new juniors came along to join the club. We’re always delighted to take new players of any age and standard, but we are especially pleased to see that volleyball is growing in popularity with under-18s as they are at an ideal age to learn the game quickly and achieve their full potential in the sport. At Ravens we are well equipped to help juniors to develop, with several qualified coaches who run sessions with a combination of training drills to introduce and improve new skills and friendly practise games to try them out.

Volleyball is a fast and exciting sport, it’s perfect to help build fitness, and being non-contact it is largely free from injuries. Word is gradually getting around and we couldn’t be more pleased.

CHARITY GIN FUNDRAISER IS JUST THE TONIC Gin lovers of Suffolk will be treated to a special tutored masterclass organised to help raise valuable funds for a charity that supports deaf people.

Local award winning hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre have teamed up with Suffolk’s own Gin Lord, an enthusiast and connoisseur of all things gin, to hold an evening of appreciation for this much loved spirit.

The event which is being hosted at the Shire Hall in Woodbridge, takes place on Thursday, April 27 and starts at 7pm. All proceeds from the event are being donated to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

During the evening, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy five of The Gin Lord’s favourite gins, paired with premium tonics and a selection of nibbles, ranging from smaller ‘craft’ distilleries to more well-known brands. A talk will accompany the tasting to help understand what gin actually is, its history, how’s it’s made and how to pick out key botanicals.

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The Hearing Care Centre, which has 23 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk, is run by Managing Director Karen Finch. “It has been known for me to enjoy a gin and tonic or two at the weekends, but like so many of us, I’ve never really appreciated what goes into making these drinks,” said Karen. “We are very lucky to have the Gin Lord giving up his time to support such a wonderful cause and we hope that many of you will join us for a fantastic evening.”

The award winning company managed to raise more than £10,000 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People last year, which was enough to sponsor a brand new Hearing Dog puppy.

Tickets for this event are £20, which includes all drinks and nibbles. There will also be a fantastic raffle. To book tickets call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/gin

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS WILLS MONTH RETURNS FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Throughout May, you can make or amend your will at local solicitors for a discounted cost in return for a suggested donation to St Elizabeth Hospice.

The local charity’s Wills Month coincides with Dying Matters Awareness Week, which runs from May 8-14. The theme for 2017 is asking the question “What can you do?” and one key thing you can do to prepare for the future is to make a will, ensuring that the people and charities you care about are looked after in the future.

Pauline Donkin, Individual Giving Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice said: “We are hugely grateful to the local solicitors and will writers offering their time free of charge to support the hospice. Last year’s Wills Month was highly popular and raised more than £11,000, which equates to almost 600 nursing hours and means we can provide vital care for our patients and their families at a time when they need us most.”

“I was made redundant last month and I’ve already started to fall behind on my bills. I’m looking for work, but is there anything else I can do so I don’t end up in debt?”

There are steps you can take to avoid your bills from building up.

First, check that you’ve been paid any redundancy money you’re entitled to – you might get statutory redundancy pay and possibly contractual redundancy pay if you’ve been in the job two years or more. This should be evident on your final payslip, but if it’s not contact your employer.

The suggested donation for each is as follows: £115 for a single will, £150 for a mirror or double will, and £50 for a codicil.

Then look at ways to boost your income. See if you’re eligible for benefits like Jobseeker’s Allowance. Citizens Advice can do a benefit check for you.

You could also check if you can make savings on your bills, for example by switching to a cheaper gas or electricity deal.

If you would like to make your will in return for a donation to St Elizabeth Hospice, please choose from the list of local solicitors and will writers who have signed up to take part, and contact them to book an appointment between May 1-31. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Now look at how much money you have coming in and compare it to your essential spending. Priority bills include your rent or mortgage and council tax, and should be paid first as there can be serious consequences for missing payments.

Solicitors and will writers taking part in Kesgrave and Martlesham are: Barker Gotelee, Ross Coates and Will Plans Ltd.

If you own your home, contact your mortgage lender to see if you can negotiate on your monthly repayment. You could also see if your credit card provider will negotiate on repayment amounts to give you some breathing space.

For more information and how to contact the solicitors and will writers, contact 01473 707960 / fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/willsmonth NEW HOSPICE RETAIL CENTRE OPEN St Elizabeth Hospice officially opened its brand new retail centre in Martlesham Heath on Friday, March 24.

The new retail centre features a large shop, stocked with a range of men’s, women’s and children’s clothes and accessories, toys, entertainment and homeware. There is also a large warehouse for sorting donations made to the local charity.

Patrick Otter, St Elizabeth Hospice’s retail area manager, said: “The hospice is very excited to have opened a second retail centre, and to have a presence in Martlesham Heath. It’s already proving to be hugely popular with the local community, and we are always grateful to receive good quality donations to the store. The funds raised by our shops represent 20 per cent of the total funding the hospice receives every year, enabling St Elizabeth Hospice to continue providing vital services free of charge.”

If you have good quality items that you no longer use and would like to donate them to the hospice, the new retail centre can be found on Gloster Road, Martlesham Heath IP5 3RD. If you would like to donate furniture, please don’t drop it off; call 0845 2590319 and the hospice will come and collect it from you.

For further help understanding managing your money, contact Citizens Advice at 19 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE / 01473 219777.

The bureau can also be contacted at: www.ipswichcab.org.uk

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH It’s all under control!

It was a beautiful spring afternoon and although we had planned to burn some rotten wood in the autumn, we never managed to make the time.

We cleared some earth in the field and set light to the dry twigs, making sure we always moved the branches from piles to fire to ensure there were no hibernating animals below. As the flames burned, the sparks flew and burning pieces of wood dropped off the pile onto the surrounding grass. One of us kept watch while the other collected more wood.

At one point my husband asked me to keep an eye on the fire while he got some more kindling. Hoe in hand I scraped out the little fires around the main one and ensured any stray branches stayed in the confines of the flames. It burned hot, and hot ash blew in whatever direction the wind happened to blow. (Why is it that direction always seems to be where you are standing?)

It was while I stood watching the flames and controlling the spread of the fire that my mind wandered to the impact God has on our lives. So often we blame him for everything that goes wrong – whether we believe in God or not. And yet the Bible tells us that everything is in his control. For some reason it brought to mind a verse from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (10:13): “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.”

Keeping that fire under control reminded me that although things sometimes feel beyond what we can cope with, God is with us, caring for us and keeping those burning embers within boundaries which will not consume us.

The Rev Margaret Rittman Martlesham & Brightwell

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