In Touch
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Volume 9 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2018
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hate winter! There, I’ve said it. I’ve tried to appreciate the positives but I spend every long dark evening longing for spring, which for me starts on February 11. For this reason I love Christmas; it gives us something to look forward to and brings family and friends together with time to relax. Of course it can be an expensive time and requires a huge amount of planning, but somehow it’s always worth it. So bring it on I say! Let’s embrace this time to relax and to enjoy the company of those we may not see as regularly as we’d like. This year I’m determined to make Auntie Mary smile, even if I have to spend all day working on it. I’m going to find the perfect non-gift for the impossible aunt who says she doesn’t want or need anything, until she doesn’t get anything of course. I’m going to make the bread sauce nobody eats just so my brother can’t complain that it’s not the same without it! I’m going to discuss the timings with absolutely everyone so nobody comes to the table saying ‘I wish I’d known we were eating this early as I wouldn’t have had that fifth mince pie for breakfast’. I’m going to serve custard, brandy butter, ice cream and cream with the Christmas pudding so mum, my husband, my brother and my nephew have no cause to complain, and for those who always say ‘I don’t really like Christmas pudding’ I shall be serving chocolate mousse. My approach to Christmas present shopping has changed over the years. Where once I might have spent hours online looking for something unusual or quirky, this year I’m focused on finding more thoughtful gifts; this requires a hands-on approach so it’s local shops and markets for me this year. I’m taking the same approach with my son. We’ve been influenced by TV ads for the latest gadgets and plastic monstrosities in the past; recent mistakes include Boom Boom Balloon Game, Chippies Robot Dog, Zoomer Dino Robot Dinosaur and Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage. This year I’m determined to find things I know he will enjoy well into 2019 and I’ll be having a word with Father Christmas too. I hope this month doesn’t cause unnecessary stress in your home. Please do support local businesses and local markets in the coming weeks and together we can look forward to a Happy New Year.
InTouch
with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham
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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.
We also publish In Touch with... •B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
NEWS 1st MARTLESHAM SCOUT POST November 25 to December 11 / 25p per card As last year, please put your money in a separate envelope within your card pack and please include your contact details in case I need to return any cards to you. The boxes are located at: • Duncan’s Butchers, The Square, Martlesham Heath • The Runway Coffee Shop, Martlesham Heath • Black Tiles Post Office – Black Tiles Lane • BT Hub The delivery area is IP1-IP5 including Kesgrave and Martlesham village. I can also take cards for the following locations: Bramford, Claydon, Barham, Great and little Blakenham, Henley, Tuddenham, Westerfield, Grundisburgh, Playford, Culpho, Great and Little Bealings, Felixstowe, Trimley St Mary, Trimley St Martin and Kirton. These are the only extra areas that we deliver to. Cards are delivered across all areas by local Scout groups and the money is raised for Scout funds. Thanks in advance for your support. Simon Smith, Martlesham Scout Post If you need any help please contact me on 01473 612410 after 6pm.
USED STAMPS AND COINS APPEAL FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Christmas is fast approaching and we will soon be receiving Christmas cards and letters. When you have opened the envelopes please don’t just throw them away as the used stamps on there can make money for our local charity. Just remember please to leave a 1cm border around the stamps to avoid damage to the perforated edge. The St Elizabeth Hospice in Foxhall Road is able to sell used stamps in bulk; the stamps are sorted and sold by weight, ending up in stamp collections around the world. The hospice can also sell your unwanted coins; foreign currency left over from your travels, British pre-decimal money and the more recently phased out coinage. So if you can save these and drop them through my door you will be really helping the hospice. Don’t worry that you don’t have many stamps; all the used stamps pushed through my letterbox very soon add up to a great deal for the hospice. The hospice shop in Gloster Road is happy to accept your donations if that’s easier for you, or if you are passing the library at Grange Farm they will also take in your stamps and coins (and you can buy some of their lovely charity Christmas cards while you’re there). A very Happy Christmas to you all and a big thank you for your continued support. Bev Read, 15 Demesne Gardens, Martlesham Heath / 01473 622721
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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL The council wishes all parishioners a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
development of the site with the interests of both new residents and existing surrounding residents in mind.”
Thanks to those who have helped us during the year
Budget/Precept 2019/2020 At its January meeting the full council will be agreeing its budget and precept (parish council element of Council Tax) for the financial year commencing 1 April 2019.
At this festive time of year we would like to express our grateful thanks to the following: • Our many volunteers and volunteer groups who carry out practical work looking after our open spaces, woodlands, play areas, noticeboards, etc. • We would particularly like to highlight the amazing work done and many, many hours given up by the Project Plan Team to take us through a referendum this year to finally achieve recognition for our Neighbourhood Plan, which now forms part of the Local Plan for the district. • The Village Fete Working Group who achieved a successful Village Day this year with the help of lovely weather! • Tesco – for their enthusiastic support of our annual litter pick and for continuing to litter pick at the community centre car park. • County Councillor Patricia O’Brien for grant funding for framed entrances on the Common (work is ongoing) and District Councillor John Kelso for grant funding for the Village Day. Sorry if we have forgotten anybody! New Parish Councillor We are very pleased to welcome a new face to the team of councillors, Jane Drummond, who has lived in the parish for about 37 years and is keen to keep Martlesham a lovely place to live despite pressures from ongoing development. We look forward to working with her. Parish Council Elections May 2019 Nobody cares more about your community than you and your local council. The next election of parish councillors takes place on Thursday 2 May 2019. Martlesham has three wards with 15 seats to fill. Please start to consider whether you might become a councillor. Take a look at our website, come along to meetings to see what is involved and talk to councillors and staff to find out more. Brightwell Lakes Development Commencement of work on the new development has rolled over to the New Year. We understand that discussions are ongoing with regard to the management of the A12 roundabouts with traffic lights. It is anticipated that first residents will move in early in 2020. The parish council is now represented on the Brightwell Lakes Community Forum the aims of which include: “To provide a positive contribution to the design and
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New Pedestrian Crossings The parish council is pleased that as part of the planning permission for the Costa Drive Thru the owner of the site is providing two pedestrian crossings, one on Felixstowe Road and the other on Anson Road. When planning applications have come forward, the council has repeatedly asked that developers, Suffolk Highways & Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC), consider the impact on pedestrians, cyclists or people with disabilities, but little or no action has been taken. We are therefore pleased to announce this success. Rollout of Universal Credit The rollout of Universal Credit is continuing in the district. SCDC is reassuring people that support is in place to help them and they should not hesitate to seek help if they are at all worried. For support please ring the SCDC customer service line, 01394 383789, and you will be put in touch with dedicated staff. You can also just visit the local customer service centres in Woodbridge and Felixstowe Libraries. Citizens Advice is also offering free personalised financial advice. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Please note that our full council meeting in December is replaced by: Finance & General Purposes Committee: Wednesday, December 5 Development Plans Committee: Wednesday, December 12 Parish Council: Wednesday, January 9 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. The office will also be closed on December 27 and 28.
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM SURGERY – Practice & Patient Group (PPG) News
As a result of our recent recruitment campaign, we have been very pleased to welcome a new patient member. In addition, we have a ‘virtual’ group who contribute via email. If you are interested in joining either group, please leave your details with reception (marked ‘FAO PPG’) or email: MartPPG@gmx.com We are pleased to let you know that Martlesham Surgery now has two doctors on duty every day, Monday-Friday. They are: Dr Walter Tobias (four days) Dr Robert James (one day) Dr Hubert Lilliveld (four days) Dr Paul Bethell (one day) In addition, Jan Hinton, our nurse practitioner, is available on three days per week. We have two practice nurses, Helen and Angela, who cover the five days between them, plus two health care assistants, Lorraine and Donna, who do the same. After a long period of uncertainty, this is welcome news. But before we all get too excited, it should be noted that the practice is still under-resourced compared with national standards. This is becoming the norm due to a national shortage of GPs and doctors in general. We are very grateful for the time and effort our doctors put in on our behalf. If you have an appointment you can’t make, it will help others if you can let the surgery know as soon as possible, so your appointment slot can be released for someone else. If you are registered for online access, you can cancel and make appointments online.
REPORT From DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN KELSO Possible Housing Development at Police Headquarters At the time of writing this report no further information has been made available and no planning application has been received by the Suffolk Coastal Planning Department. I will, of course, keep you updated as soon as any information is received. Brightwell Lakes (Adastral Park) Development The latest information that I have received regarding this development is that work is envisaged to commence in the spring of 2019, with the first houses being available for occupation in 2020. My Enabling Communities Budget So far this year I have provided grant aid to the following Martlesham organisations: Martlesham Brass £500, Martlesham Village Fete £925 and Martlesham Heath Aviation Society £1,000. If you belong to a Martlesham organisation and are looking for help to fund a project please contact me. The closing date for applications is in February. If you wish to discuss any of the above matters or any other district council matter, please contact me at: john.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk / 01473 612632 Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. John Kelso, District Councillor Martlesham Ward
MARTLESHAM HEATH PAVILION WANTED: HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISOR Martlesham Heath Pavilion has a very active and positive management committee. We would welcome a new member or volunteer who would be willing to spend time developing our health and safety policies for the benefit of the community. If you have the expertise and time to help us with this, please contact the chairman, Aldwyn Jones: chairmhpc@gmail.com
CEREMONY OF CAROLS Gippeswyk Singers New Year Concert with Martlesham Brass Gippeswyk Singers are welcoming in the New Year with special guests Martlesham Brass in a concert at St Michael & All Angels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Sunday, January 6 at 7.30pm. Come and enjoy an uplifting evening of beautiful music from the choir including Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Brian Latchem’s An Abundance of Blessings conducted by Gippeswyk Singers’ inspirational musical director, Geoff Lavery and accompanied by the talented young professional harpist, Anna Wynne. Martlesham Brass are featured performing on their own as well as joining the singers for a wonderful medley from The Sound of Music which will have the whole audience singing along! Tickets are £5 at the door and in advance from choir members or: paulgalley@btinternet.com Gippeswyk Singers are supporting local charities FIND (Families in Need/Food Bank Ipswich) and ICSRE (Suffolk Law Centre). 2019 Spring Concert Verdi’s Requiem concert tickets are already selling for a special collaboration between Gippeswyk Singers, Beccles Choral Society, Phoenix Singers, Lambeth Orchestra and four outstanding international soloists at Snape Maltings on May 11. Conducted by Geoff Lavery, the massed chorus and full orchestra will have more than 250 musicians filling the concert hall stage at Snape for this magnificent work. Tickets are available from choir members, by emailing cherylcoutts468@btinternet.com or from Snape Box Office: 01728 687110 www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk
MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! December is the busiest month of the year for Martlesham Brass; you will often find us playing Christmas Carols outside supermarkets, both in Martlesham and Ipswich, raising money for charities nominated by our band members. This year we are raising funds for The Stroke Association, Tiffers – the Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC and Martlesham Community Responders. Please join us for Coffee and Carols on Saturday, December 1 at 10am at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, when you can hear our intermediate band playing your favourite Christmas music. There will be refreshments, various stalls and a raffle and admission is free. Our Christmas Concert is on Saturday, December 15 at 7pm, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Tickets are £3.50 (primary school children free). You can get your tickets by phoning 07544 962205, online at www. martleshambrass.co.uk or they will be available on the door. This concert is often a sell-out, so please get your tickets early. On Wednesday, December 19 we will be playing for Carols in the Square on Martlesham Heath at 7pm. 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 YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET Your Country Market is fully operational right up to – and including – December 18. What perfect crochet work! Wouldn’t Auntie Maude like that? That pretty quilt would keep baby Arthur warm. Would Cousin Fred like a wooden bowl or a hand-turned dibber? You can never have too many bags, hats, gloves: what welcome gifts they make. Local honey, jars of delicious preserves, jams and chutneys as well as cakes, sweets and biscuits can be put together in a hand-picked hamper for a special friend. How about a few pots of locally raised garden plants and flowers? Who would love that cuddly hedgehog, jolly bunting or a knitted snowman? There’s so much choice. And for every penny you spend a warm glow of keeping the economic wheels of the local community going will seep into your soul.
THE ORWELL SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Orwell Singers will be holding their Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 1 at 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Admission at the door will be £8 for adults and free for accompanied children and will include sherry and mince pies. The choir’s guest this year will be tenor Ian France. For details contact: 01473 635955 / d.sharman@btinternet.com
ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities.
Our talented crafters, makers and bakers are happy to discuss what you want and can offer advice to help your party go with a zing. They will take commissions and orders for any occasion: we can help you cope with your festive catering with cakes, savouries, decorations and more.
Further information and grant application forms can be obtained from: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk
Please note that we’re holding a Tasting Tuesday event on November 27 when you can tuck into our tasting menu and choose your favourite treats to order or purchase. We can also bake for your special dietary requirements: just ask our clever cooks. If you are unable to come along in person, why not phone up and discuss your order? Call Margaret Gayfer on 01473 623849.
Our next even: Monday, March 11
Find a warm welcome in Martlesham Heath Pavilion every Tuesday morning from 9-11.15am, although we’re taking a break after December 18 and re-opening on January 7. Enjoy a cuppa after some productive browsing? We now have a card payment system.
KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following Christmas craft activities will take place during December: • Sunday 2: It’s our Christmas Fayre today. We are making 3D elves out of cardboard tubes. What colour hat will you chose for your elf? • Sunday 9: Why not pop along and make a Christmas tree card for someone special this Christmas? • Sunday 16: Make a snowman decoration out of an old CD disc for your Christmas tree at home. • Sunday 23: Have you ever seen a Christmas polar bear? Make a polar bear picture out of newspaper. • Sunday 30: It’s nearly 2019. Design a calendar for the New Year showing the seasons, to brighten up your room. 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 Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am / BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions every Friday 9.45-10.15am (term-time only) This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Events in December Lego Club: Every Tuesday afternoon in term time, 3.45-4.45pm Parents must stay with under-eights. The themes this month are: Tuesday 4 – Santa’s Sleigh; Tuesday 11 – Elves Workshop; Tuesday 18 – Christmas Wonderland. No need to book, just pop along! This is a free activity. Wednesdays 5 and 19: Knit and Natter, 2.30pm. Just £1 with tea, coffee and mince pies provided. Welcome to all new members. Thursday 6: Afternoon Book Group, 2.45pm. Currently reading Exposure by Helen Dunmore. Thursday 20: Evening Book Group, 7pm. Book to be decided on. If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff. Cards for Good Causes: Charity Christmas Cards, Suffolk Wildlife Christmas
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The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG / 01473 625196 Archaeologist Andy Peachey will be talking about the amazing finds discovered during work for the wind farm cables which are going through the northern part of Martlesham. Earlier in the year there was a lot in the press about the interesting and unexpected things unearthed by archaeologists, especially on a site close to Martlesham, and Andy will be telling us more about what was discovered here and elsewhere on the cable route. This talk will be held at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church Centre; more details will be published in the January edition.
Cards and cards sold in aid of Somersham Ward at Ipswich Hospital are available until Sunday, December 23 (during library opening hours). This year there is a wider selection of designs for each charity. Every purchase also supports Kesgrave Library. Why not pop along and see the selection of cards available? We are also selling Christmas stamps – please speak to staff. Scout’s Post Box: this service is at the library until 5pm on Tuesday, December 11. Christmas Fayre, Sunday, December 2, 10am-noon With loads of stalls and fun games, a free craft activity for children and a visit from Father Christmas. A raffle and refreshments will be available, plus homemade cakes! CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Sunday, December 23: 10am-3pm Monday, December 24: CLOSED Tuesday, December 25: CLOSED Wednesday, December 26: CLOSED Thursday, December 27: 2.30-8pm Friday, December 28: 9am-noon & 2.30-6pm Saturday, December 29: 10am-5pm Sunday, December 30: 10am-3pm Monday, December 31: 9am-noon Tuesday, January 1: CLOSED Wednesday, January 2: Normal hours resume Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave. Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Monday: 9am-noon Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon & 2.30-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays, December 8 & 15, 9am -12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall Woodbridge Farmers’ Market is generally held on two Saturday mornings per month and we usually have between 10 and 14 stalls. We provide a range of staples such as vegetables, fruit, falafel, hummus, free range chicken and bread, as well as treats including pickles and preserves, cakes, cheese biscuits, quiches, coffee, fudge, chocolate truffles and beer from a nano brewery! We’re a friendly bunch who enjoy chatting to customers and many people like to stay for a tea or coffee and a snack at the cafe. Our stallholders are all directly involved in producing what they sell, or are closely related to someone who does and the businesses are all based within 30 miles of Woodbridge. And yes, these are all businesses. The money earned contributes directly to someone’s livelihood. We use good quality ingredients, many sourced locally, and we’re cutting down on plastic packaging as far as possible. We will never be able to compete with supermarkets for their cheapest prices, however we may not be as expensive as you expect! Some of you will have noticed stalls disappearing this year and that’s because of lack of sales. It really is a case of use-it-or-lose-it. We’re very grateful for the loyal support of our customers; we only exist because of you. All of us at the market wish you a very festive and Happy Christmas and hope that you will visit us on December 8 and 15 even if you have never done so before. You’re bound to find something delicious to take away with you. With best wishes from Cordelia, Emma, Francys, Rockey, Darrin, Clive, Piers, Jakub, Ray, Poppy, Tyler, Noel, Abdul and family, Olga, Vivienne, Amy, Bess, Clare, Tony, Cathy, Sam and Sam. woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com
IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month our tables are brimming with artisan produce and locally made arts and crafts to fill stockings and pile up under the tree. We are taking orders for Christmas items, which you can have individually or as part of a hamper, prepared to your own requirements. Special dietary needs can also be catered for. Hampers make ideal gifts for friends or relatives at Christmas. To order you can visit us during opening hours or telephone Janet Pearse, our market manager, on 01473 725263. The last date for ordering sausage rolls and mince pies is December 13, for collection at the market on December 20. Why not purchase some special chutney for your Christmas table and celebrations? We have a large variety to choose from: apple, peach, pear and walnut, courgette, red, green or spicy tomato. We also have special Christmas chutney with cranberry, red wine, port and red onion and Boxing Day chutney with a brandy base! These are also offered gift packaged.
KETTLE GIRLS AT THE CHRISTMAS DANCE FOLKUS What a diverse and brilliant mix we have for our evenings on the first Friday each month in Woodbridge. Our dancers have a wonderful evening of barn dance style frolicking to a ‘live’ band with a different caller each month. Then they have a fantastic mini-concert while sipping tea/coffee or an alcoholic beverage (BYO). Last month we had the beautiful harmonies and instrumental playing of The Columbines. This month we have a fine a capella group, The Kettle Girls. The Kettle Girls (Heather, Jenny and Ilona) are a three-strong vocal harmony group with a penchant for jazz, folk, contemporary and traditional pieces. They’re an eclectic mix of everything and are influenced by noises they love, words that make them laugh, songs that break hearts and any piece that lends itself to a beautiful harmony (and sometimes a prop or two!). The caller on December 7 will be the ebullient Nicki Acott, so expect lively dances and little time to rest. The Dance Folkus ‘CAY’ Band led by Harbour Lights will be entering into the spirit of the evening by donning Christmas garb and we hope everyone attending will do the same. The dance runs from 7.30-10.30pm so it’s a good place for groups to start their Christmas party before moving on to some late-night revelry. New dancers wanting to attend can book a discounted place by emailing: Dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) Or simply come along on the night (entry £7, students or children £3). If you need further information give Rob a call on 01473 610951. Visitors to Woodbridge and new, first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road IP12 4AU.
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We have one meeting planned for December before our Christmas break. On December 6 we are holding our Christmas Party with entertainment by Brightwell Ukuleles. There will be festive food and we will play our version of Pass the Parcel. The first meeting of 2019 will be on January 3 when Mr Westren will tell us about Tools with a Mission. This charity collects new and used tools which are refurbished and sent abroad, mainly to Africa. All ladies are very welcome at these friendly meetings which are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768
Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of the market, so come and have a festive morning out and find some extra special Christmas treats with us. The market is open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. On the first Thursday of the month we sell bacon rolls for only £1.20! This month you can also find us supporting the Friends of Holywells Park at their Christmas Fayre on Saturday 8 from 11am to 2.30pm. We will be closed for two weeks over Christmas (December 27 and January 3), returning on January 10. You can find out more about our market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk
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1st MARTLESHAM HEATH RANGERS Invite you to join them for Homemade Soup and fresh bread rolls from Duncan’s In St Michael’s Church Centre after Carols in the Square with Martlesham Brass Wednesday, December 19, 7pm All profits will be split between unit funds and a charity of the rangers’ choice
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OUT & ABOUT GIRLGUIDING MARTLESHAM Currently we have one Rainbow Unit (ages 5-7), four Brownie Packs (ages 7-10), two Guide Companies (ages 10-14) and one Ranger Unit (ages 14-18) meeting around the parish. If you are interested in joining as a member or helping as a volunteer, contact chris.s.cooper@btinternet.com (Martlesham) or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested (HQ). Come join the fun and start your Guiding adventure today!
MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday, December 7, 7.30-10pm: Paul Smiddy presents A Passion for Speed The story The Hon. Mrs Victor Bruce (Mildred), a record-breaking British racing motorist, speedboat racer and aviator in the 1920s and 1930s, a lady whose story deserves to be told to a much wider audience. Entry is £3 for members, £4 for non-members – pay on arrival on the night. You can join the society on the night.
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, February 11: The History of the Catholic Church in Kesgrave by The Rev Chris Brighten I’m sure many of you will have passed the small Catholic Church in Kesgrave on your way into Ipswich. But are you aware of the story of two exceptional families and a tragic accident that resulted in the building of the church? The church, which is still in private ownership, has some of the most amazing stained glass windows made by an artist who was one of the finest stained glass designers of the Arts and Craft Movement in the first half of the 20th century. Come along and find out more! Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
WOOLLY WONDERS Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year from all the Martlesham knitters! Why not join us in 2019? We’ll be here through the year every Thursday from 10am-noon at The Runway Cafe. We look forward to seeing you.
KESGRAVE WI Our annual meeting was held as part of our November meeting along with our table top show. Reports detailing our activities during the past year were read and approved and the 2019 committee was elected. Delcie Corbett was elected president for 2018/19. Monica Collins had stepped down from being president to enable her time to pursue travel plans. Lyn Parker was elected vice-president. Angela Finch and Margaret Pickering have joined the existing committee. Monica thanked Anne Larter for being our ‘Trips Out’ organiser for the past four years. The overall winner of our monthly competitions for the past year was Monica Collins, with June Green in second place. Our bi-annual table top show was a great success with nearly 90 entries. This competition gives members the opportunity to show their skills at cooking, preserves, sewing and crafts, photography, flower arranging and vegetable growing. Responsibility for the organising of our show was taken on by Lyn Parker. Pat Howell was the overall winner and was presented with the Kesgrave WI Cup. Our next meeting is on Thursday, December 6 at 7.15pm in Kesgrave Community Centre when we will be holding our Christmas meeting. Visitors are very welcome to join us. For more information call our secretary Di Chilver: 01473 611415
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OUT & ABOUT CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm. Note Please: No meeting in December Emma and Irene wish all club members a Happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you all on Thursday, January 24. New members are always welcome. For details contact Emma: 01787 373850
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Join us at 2.15pm on Wednesday, December 5 when Libby Hornet will give a fascinating multi-media talk entitled Bread & Circuses – Fun, Frolics and Freak Shows. Libby, a well-known freelance art historian, curator, film producer, lecturer and writers, will combine art (Laura Wright, Georges Roualt) songs, music, photographs and quotes from writers and poets in her presentation. We hope to meet you at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew. Entrance by donation / £6. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE November is a busy time for our club. At our monthly meeting, member Sheila Harrison treated us to an amusing account of the life of Norfolk parson James Woodforde, which he recorded in his diaries in the 18th century. Having grown up in Somerset, James gained a degree at Oxford before then being ordained. He was granted a parish in a Norfolk village where he quickly became a valuable part of the community. His diaries give vivid descriptions of his life and parishioners, as well as some detailed accounts of memorable meals (he always had a dose of rhubarb before bed!). A vote of thanks to Sheila was given by Kay Hirst.
IPSWICH AND KESGRAVE BRIDGE CLUB CELEBRATES 60 YEARS 2018 was the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Ipswich Bridge Club. Since 1958 the club has had a number of homes including the Great White Horse and Westerfield House. We now play at Kesgrave Community Centre which explains our slightly longer name. To celebrate the diamond jubilee the club staged two special events. The first (in July) was a play and learn session, with lunch, when we were joined by two world champions, Sally Horton and Kate McCallum. Club members played against the experts and after lunch our visitors gave us great insights using the hands we had played in the morning. For the second (in September) we held our largest Swiss pairs event for which we had 60 pairs enter – it attracted people from all over East Anglia including a couple who have played for the England Senior Team. Everyone who attended agreed that both events were great fun and enjoyed the fantastic food. If you are a Bridge player and this sounds like the sort of club you would like to join, you can find out more by visiting or website or contacting Chris Green at: greencj06@hotmail.co.uk www.bridgewebs.com/ipswich
GOLDEN GIRLS We are a group of ladies who live on their own and meet for friendship and mutual support. Our coffee mornings are held on the second Thursday morning of each month at 11am at St Michael’s Church Centre. We frequently go out for lunch and shopping after the meeting and visit the theatre, cinema, etc. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, December 13 and afterwards we will have mince pies and nibbles in the hall.
Suffolk Pet Portraits
Some of our members are sharpening their brains ready to enter two upcoming quizzes; the first organised by Deben Rotary Club and the second to raise funds for the Tide Mill. Our club will also be represented on Remembrance Day, with club president Pat Clark laying a wreath. After a busy month, we look forward to enjoying our annual Christmas Lunch in December.
BROKE HALL WI We would be pleased to meet any new ladies who would like to come and see what we do and maybe join in. 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. We also have monthly clubs, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits. Friday, December 14: Medieval Poetry by Richard Langridge Friday, January 11: Quick and Easy Supper Dishes with Jane Sago Friday, February 8: Suffolk Lavender Farm by Karen Orchard Friday, March 8: Pearly Kings and Queens by Gerry Baxter For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY
ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN Our annual charity quiz took place at Martlesham Heath on November 5. Fifteen teams took part with the winners, Off Rolling, scoring 102 out of a possible 110 points. Only two points separated them from the second and third placed teams, The Flying Fischotters and Serendipitous.
After December 5 we don’t meet again until January 16 for another afternoon meeting at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre from 1.30-6pm. Roger Swindells, one of our members and a dealer, will display and give advice on how to create a thematic collection. There will be four displays and an opportunity to purchase material from Roger who is going to bring along a great deal of his stock for us to purchase if we wish. This is an ideal opportunity to find out more about a different and novel way to collect stamps. Visitors are welcome; for further information contact Mike Smith – 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com – or visit: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB One thing we planned to do this year was to raise our own awareness of what life is like for different women in Ipswich. Two recent speakers made a big impression on us and led us to think how we might make even a small difference. In October each year we mark International Day of the Girl Child by writing to our MPs (we happen to have club members in four constituencies). Remembering the talk by Maureen Reynel of Families in Need, we used the opportunity this year to urge them to press for free sanitary products for girls up to 18. This would save many from missing school. Linda Pepper, Director of the Oasis English Language School, talked about their work with students from 27 countries, many wanting to learn English in order to integrate into society here. We decided to make a grant from our Education Bursary Fund to buy course books. For Ipswich women the highlight of the year was the Women’s Voices, Women’s Vote celebration. One of our members was involved in organising the short story competition, another was included in the list of 100 special women featured in the countdown to the event and on the day we raffled a quilt on our stall in aid of Lighthouse. It will be an honour to welcome the Mayor of Ipswich to our next meeting. Meanwhile we haven’t forgotten that we are a worldwide organisation. Our delegate has just returned from our annual international conference with reports of discussions on climate change and mental health issues for women with a call for action from Soroptimist clubs. Something to get our teeth into in 2019! If you would like to know more about us please contact Joyce: 01394 615659
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 from 10.30am to noon on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion. We charge £4 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 severe 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? For more information please contact Steph Moon: 07741 310480 / steph.moon@hhas.org.uk
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A total of £934 was raised, £518 being donated by the first and second placed teams to the Colchester and Ipswich Hospital Woolverstone Ward, and £104 being donated by the third placed team to Just 42. A further £311 went to our charitable trust which supports a range of local, national and international charities. We were also pleased at a recent meeting to be able to present a cheque for half the proceeds of our summer golf day to David Gould on behalf of EACH. Look out for Father Christmas and his sleigh on Martlesham Heath and also in the Thoroughfare. Our annual Carol Concert at Woodbridge School takes place on December 6. For more information please visit: www.debenrotary.org.uk
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP The latest volunteer working party met on a gorgeous morning in midOctober. The group of volunteers were split into two halves, with one continuing to clear the southern tumulus of vegetation and the other half adding more bark chippings to the paths to keep them from getting overly muddy. It was fantastic to see so many people spending time in Portal Woodlands – families, dog walkers, cyclists and runners were all enjoying the sunny but still crisp and chilly autumn morning. The Portal Woodlands Conservation Group was formed as a working group of Martlesham Parish Council in November 1999 to conserve the woodlands which lie west of the Suffolk Police HQ and alongside the A1214. Volunteers meet each month to work on a variety of projects to encourage wildlife, preserve historic features and keep the woods accessible to people. If you can spare an hour or two do feel free to come along, details below. Further to our recent theft, one item of particular note that was taken is a model of a small child. This is quite distinctive and unique, so if you happen to see it turn up anywhere please let us know so that we can advise the police to help them track down the perpetrators. DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Sunday, December 16, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area Tools, training and light refreshments provided All welcome; no need to book Nature Watch Club (ages 5-11) Sunday, December 16, 9.30-11am Christmas creative activity – please send an email to book a place Nature Explorers (ages 11-18) Saturday, January 19, 9-11am. Please send an email to book a place New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@ gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. Young Volunteer and Nature Explorer Sam Cork
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 23: The Massey Shaw Fireboat, an illustrated talk by Tony Roome 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
LITTLE PLAYMAKERS Little Playmakers is a fun and friendly interactive craft and rhyme time session for children under five and their grown-ups. Each week there is a selection of crafts to make, playdough to encourage imagination and creativity, games and puzzles, followed by refreshments and a noisy rhyme time to end the morning with. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday during term time. This term our crafts will include We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Rumble in the Jungle, Frozen, Trolls, Stick Man and lots of Christmas gifts to make. There’s no need to book; simply turn up and join in the fun. It’s just £3 per session and £1 per sibling/additional child. On Tuesdays we meet from 10-11.30am at Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB, and on Thursdays from 10-11.30am at Kesgrave British Legion Hall, Ropes Drive, Kesgrave IP5 2ER. 07419 848921 / emma@littleplaymakers.co.uk / Facebook: Littleplaymakers
HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL RECEPTION INTAKE 2019 The window to apply for Reception places for September, 2019 is now open. Heath Primary School offers a broad and rich curriculum with a particular focus on outdoor learning. We are lucky to have extensive grounds that include a dedicated Forest Schools area and a separate wildlife area featuring a pond with dipping platform. We are also proud of our school garden that includes an orchard, allotment and an enclosure for our chickens and rabbits. At Heath, we have a dedicated team of highly-skilled and experienced Reception teachers and a committed team of support staff who work together to ensure that every child has the best possible start to school life. For those who require childcare outside of the school day, our popular before and after school club, ‘Jigsaw’, is available. There are also a number of reputable childminders in our area. For information or an application form, contact the school office on 01473 622806. If you would like to look around the school, then please call to arrange an appointment for a guided tour at a time that is convenient to you. Co-Head Teachers Sue Bowditch and David Whatley
BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Mondays 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, followed by refreshments and more play. Just turn up; no need to book. We look forward to seeing you during this festive season and wish Happy Christmas to everyone from all at Bright Stars. This month we meet on December 10 and the first two sessions of the spring term are on January 14 and 28. For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
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SCHOOLS HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Hedgehog Nursery have been having so much fun exploring mixing different colours in the painting area, in the water trays and with chalks to great effect! The children have been following a step-by-step picture recipe card to make their own shortbread biscuit on their own. They were delicious. We exploded, popped, whizzed and banged our way through November the fifth and then changed gear to become peaceful and learn about how important the poppy is. We are looking forward to getting underway with our nativity and inviting our families for Christmas fun. We are also catching the walking Polar Express to Martlesham Square to post our special letters to a special someone in the North Pole. If you would like to visit and see us in action, please contact the school office on 01473 623790; you will be warmly welcomed! Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs Haig
FACILITIES FOR HIRE Gorseland School is lucky to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), large Astroturf pitch, playground and large indoor hall. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on weekday 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
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THE SAPLINGS What a fabulous time we have been having! We loved hosting the spooky pumpkin walk and were overwhelmed by the support from the parents. The children decorated cakes, made mummies, played with spooky play dough, spent time in the pumpkin fairy garden and had glitter tattoos before we headed off to our enchanted walk through the woods where we found characters on each corner who filled our bags with special treats. It really was a magical afternoon. We have enjoyed learning about fireworks and fire safety and made special hand print poppies for Remembrance. We are now looking forward to the Christmas term ahead. The children have made special Christmas cards which have been sent to be professionally printed as a gift for their family. Everyone is welcome to our Christmas Fete on Saturday, November 24 from 2-4pm. We are currently taking bookings for January for the baby room, twoyear-old and funded three-four-year-old places. To book a visit please call: 01473 614753 There are also limited spaces available for our Birchwood Primary School walking bus and Bealing Primary School collection.
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS We have made a fairly good start to the winter league, managing to take four points off Sproughton in our first away game and notching up a 6-4 win against Harkstead at home. There’s a long way to go, but it’s an encouraging beginning. We also had a very enjoyable friendly against URC, ending up with an 8-2 win. This was particularly good as it enabled several of our members who don’t normally play in matches to get a game. The club competitions are progressing well and on target to get a certain percentage played by the end of the year. Several of our members or their partners are struggling health wise and we wish them all well. We still have a few vacancies in the club so are actively seeking new members. We meet on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1.30-4.30pm and also on Tuesday evenings from 7.30-10pm at the community centre in Felixstowe Road (behind Tesco). For more details contact our secretary, Ian Hunt, on 01473 611947 or just come along and give us a look. Judith Longman
CALL FOR ARTISTS 2019 Suffolk Open Studios have launched their 2019 Call for Artists, inviting artists and galleries living and working across Suffolk to join next year’s programme. Earlier this year, more than 100 artists opened their studios to the public and enjoyed the many advantages of taking part, including reaching new audiences and showing their work in the comfort of their own studio; receiving valuable feedback by interacting directly with potential clients; and the chance to meet and collaborate with fellow artists in their area. Artists and galleries also benefit from valuable publicity through their profile on the Suffolk Open Studios website and Facebook page, and inclusion in the printed directory, distributed free of charge to tourist centres, art venues and visitor attractions throughout the county. Members are also guaranteed a place in the annual Suffolk Open Studios Annual Showcase Exhibition at the Apex Centre in Bury-St-Edmunds, running from 25 February – 1 April 2019. This year’s show proved extremely popular and drew favourable comments from across the art community.
DEBEN YACHT CLUB Just the one race day left this year in December, but looking back on 2018 it has been a wonderful year for sailing. There was lots of sunshine, but also reasonable wind for most of the racing and leisure sailing. The sailing courses both went really well and lots of the participants have been seen joining in at ‘lazy sailing’, perfecting their skills. If you need an idea for a Christmas present, especially for the person who already has ‘everything’, why not give them a sailing course? It’s great fun and what you learn lasts a lifetime! We will be running courses at the beginning of the season in April and also in August again next year.
Run by volunteers, Suffolk Open Studios is open to all Suffolk artists and galleries regardless of the media in which they practise. Members open their studios free of charge to the public from 11am-5pm over the first five weekends of June, choosing to open on as many or few weekends as they wish. Many join together to form their own local artists’ trails; anyone unable to include their own studio can still take part by renting space with other artists and forming their own artists’ hub. For more details visit: www.suffolkopenstudios.org Cally James, Suffolk Open Studios Chair, commented: “This year’s programme was a great success. In many cases, visitors travelled significant distances both within and from outside the county; several make it regular date in their diary to see what their favourite artists are working on now. Suffolk is rightly celebrated for the depth and breadth of its artistic heritage and it’s a pleasure to be making the talent and achievements of our resident artists available once again to the public.” Artists and galleries wishing to take part in next year’s programme can do so by completing the online membership form at: www.suffolkopenstudios.org/membership Early applications are encouraged in order to guarantee a place in the printed directory.
While there is no sailing in the first three months of the year, there is a talk every month at the club with the bar and galley open for drinks and cake. One is about a Suffolk lad who sailed to the Baltic in 1939, another is about working for Raleigh International in Nepal and the third about working offshore in the oil and gas business, but more details will follow in due course. There is also a walk for members every month, normally ending at a pub, so we look forward to seeing more of the countryside of Suffolk. Although the tides are not suitable for a New Year’s Day sail we will still do the bring-and-share lunch which was very popular this year and perhaps we’ll have a stroll along the river. The working party is, of course, in full swing now, improving the club for next season and mending the stuff that got broken this year. They meet every week and once a month they have a lunch made for them by the lovely galley team. The annual Laying-up Supper had a different format this year with not only prize giving and ploughman’s platters, but also a ceilidh which proved really popular and a real laugh. The band Ducking and Diving was excellent and the caller was brilliant, getting everyone going in roughly the right direction most of the time. Hopefully we’ll repeat it next year.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE SAMARITAN BOOKSHOP When you find after Christmas that you have no more room on those bookshelves to accommodate all those generous gifts, and you need to do a cull of the shelves, the Samaritan Bookshop will be pleased to receive your unwanted books. Collections can be arranged for larger amounts of books. To arrange a collection ring Janice on 01473 287727 and we will find a date and time to suit you. If, however, you are searching for a sequel, or looking for fresh inspiration visit the Aladdin’s Cave, otherwise known as the lower floor of the Samaritan’s Shop in Carr Street, Ipswich, where you’ll find a veritable treasure house of books on almost any subject.
OVER £1,000 OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS IN LOCAL CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW One local family-run hearing care company has announced details of a charity Christmas Prize Draw, giving the local community the chance to win one of twelve prizes with a combined value of over £1,000. The Hearing Care Centre, which has 26 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk including two locally at Upper Brook Street and Two Rivers Medical Centre in Ipswich, is holding its annual Christmas Draw in aid of deafness charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, with the winners being declared on Wednesday, December 19. The charity delivers expert training for Hearing Dogs which provides invaluable emotional support to their deaf recipient. New found owners gain confidence, independence and companionship. This year to celebrate their 20th anniversary, The Hearing Care Centre have pledged to raise £20,000 for the charity, with many fundraising initiatives having taken place this year, including quiz nights, a pudding club and a huge drive to collect 20 pence pieces.
IPSWICH RSPB LOCAL GROUP Ipswich RSPB Local Group extends a warm welcome to any new members or visitors who wish to join us for our December meeting. We have a customary ‘bring and share’ supper with festive punch to accompany a talk from our group leader, Tim Kenny, who has also promised a quiz.
The prize draw has received generous support from local businesses including Fred Olsen Travel, Theatre Royal Norwich, Archant and Coes Department Stores. On offer in the draw is a luxury break at The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a fivecourse tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant in London, a giant festive hamper, Hotel Chocolat goodies, travel vouchers and more. Tickets cost only £1 and can be purchased online at www.hearingcare centre.co.uk/draw or in person at the company’s practice at 11 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich.
The group meets at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month between September and April and invariably have a very enjoyable evening with a wide range of speakers offering interesting illustrated talks primarily focused on birds but also covering other wildlife, conservation and travel. All are welcome, whether RSPB members or not, for a very reasonable entrance fee. At our November meeting we enjoyed a very interesting talk by Martin Tickler on House Martins and coming up in 2019 we have Wildlife in Dedham Vale and the Issues it Faces with Darren Tansley from Essex Wildlife Trust (January) and in February, Nature Our Way from photographers Jim and Fred Price. Now the darker evenings are with us our some of our evening walks have moved to the weekends. Walks coming up include Manningtree and Mistley, Levington Creek and the River Orwell, and Holywells and Chantry Parks. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Twitter: @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group
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ON THE GRAPEVINE Walk run cycle THE ORWELL CHALLENGE – FUNDRAISING THE EASY WAY – Do you need to raise funds for a charity, good cause, sport’s club or youth organisation? The ready-made answer is the Orwell Challenge. Just enter and arrange your own sponsorship and Ipswich East Rotary Club will organise the event for you. The Orwell Challenge, previously known as the Orwell Walk, has been organised for the last 42 years by Ipswich East Rotary Club and has enabled £3million to be raised for local good causes.
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The next event will be held on Sunday 23 June 2019. Each entrant pays an entrance fee to take part in the event and then raises sponsorship for their charity or good cause. Entrants can book their place in the event by registering on the Ipswich East Rotary Club website. There is a discount for early registration. The annual event ranges over private land between Ipswich and Felixstowe which is not usually open to the public. The event has become known as the ‘Happy Walk’ because Rotarians go the extra mile to be welcoming and encouraging to all the entrants. You can walk between three and 25 miles, or run distances up to a full marathon. Rotary provides check points, toilets, ice cream vans, food stalls and a rescue service to ferry walkers and runners back to the start when difficulties occur. Sign up now to raise funds for your good cause: www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk
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