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Volume 10 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore. This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives? Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react… My granddad was known to say, “Please and thank you will take you around the world”. It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back. What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way. Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all. And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.
NEWS USED STAMPS AND COINS APPEAL Christmas is the time of year when we receive Christmas cards and letters from our loved ones. When you have opened the envelopes please don’t just throw them away; the used stamps on there are worth money to our local charity. St Elizabeth Hospice in Foxhall Road sells them in bulk – they are sorted and sold by weight, ending up in stamp collections around the world. Just remember to leave a 1cm border around the stamps to avoid damage to the perforated edge. 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. If you could save these and drop them through my door you would be really helping the hospice. Don’t worry that you don’t have many stamps – all the used stamps pushed through my letterbox combine to make a great deal for the hospice. Remember – every little helps! The hospice shop in Gloster Road, Martlesham is happy to accept your donations if that is easier for you, or if you are passing the library in 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
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@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.
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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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 is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.
In Touch Titles • S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Wed 4 December is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition
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1ST MARTLESHAM HEATH RANGERS Join us in St Michael’s Church Centre for homemade soup & fresh bread rolls from Duncan’s after Carols in the Square with Martlesham Brass on Monday 16 December at 7pm. All profits will be split between Unit funds and a charity of the rangers’ choice.
FOOD POP-UP SHOP AT ST MICHAEL’S Food prices rise, clothes get more expensive and bills need to be paid. The financial side of life can become very difficult and we have to make compromises. At St Michael’s we are thinking of how we can help, so in January 2020 we are opening a pop-up shop. Initially it will open once a month and we’ll see how it goes. The food will come from local shops and supermarkets and we’ll be working alongside the Basic Life Charity who will help to get us started. We will supply a carrier bag which you can fill for a nominal cost (£1 for a small one and £2 for a bigger one). There is no means testing, but we may have to limit how much is taken of some products depending on supply. Our first Pop-Up Shop will be held at St Michael’s, Martlesham Heath, next to the Green, on Sunday 12 January from 1-2pm with tea and coffee available so you don’t have to rush away. We look forward to meeting you soon, Rev Margaret Rittman
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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Happy Christmas! We wish our parishioners a peaceful time and best wishes for the year ahead. We have a full council! We were very pleased to welcome Sarah-Joy Maddeaux to the council in November. This means we now have a full team of 15 councillors, all doing their best to ensure Martlesham continues to be a great place to live. SarahJoy is keen to make Martlesham a healthy, sustainable, active community and is passionate about protecting the beautiful natural spaces we have in our parish and encouraging respectful use of them by all residents. Martlesham Trim Trail This is now up and running! We hope you all received your leaflet last month, but if you didn’t, please contact the office or find it on our website. Cuts to Martlesham Bus Services On October 29 we hosted a meeting of 13 town and parish councils in East Suffolk, chiefly on the A1214/A12 corridor, with the managing director of First Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk and the network manager of First Eastern Counties. The parish councils are joining together, following the major cuts to our bus services, to try and achieve a new Local Bus Strategy. A new Bus Strategy is a long-term vision. Three short term proposals were put forward with a view to addressing some more immediate concerns which would benefit all the parishes in some way: • Reinstate the 800 service to go along Main Road to establish a service to and from Ipswich, Woodbridge and Rendlesham. • Reinstate a full service for Martlesham Heath, and other housing areas in Woodbridge and Kesgrave. • Compensate for or retain subsidised bus service 71, due to be cut on 1 November As part of any changes, we have strongly made the case for rerouting the buses from the old Felixstowe Road, where there are no bus stops, to Main Road, then to Tesco via the A12. This was acknowledged to be a ‘big ask’ by First who are need of new revenue streams to make the services work. It was noted that the parish councils present represented a population of over 46,000 and there are things that they could do to promote the buses, such as advertising, providing timetables, encouraging parishioners to get out of their cars but it would only work if the services are more attractive and there are incentives to do so. The parish council has agreed to earmark in principle £500 to the promotion of the bus services, but this expenditure is dependent on how we can work with the local authorities and bus companies to make improvements. We continue to have concerns about the 66A route and are well aware that we may lose it as the use has dropped, unsurprisingly as the old timetables have remained in place, there have been problems with reliability, and Tesco is missed out. We continue to work on this. Hot off the press (EADT): “A new 71 service from November 18 will serve a number of rural villages including Orford, Butley, Capel St Andrew, Boyton, Hollesley and Sutton Heath before stopping at Melton, Woodbridge and Martlesham where customers will be able to get connecting buses to Ipswich.” Unfortunately, we have no further details at the moment.
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Speeding Traffic Many of you have reported issues with speeding traffic on Main Road, Martlesham and around Eagle Way to the Traffic Watch group, which the council supports. As a result, agreement has now been made to purchase a mobile Speed Indicator Display Unit (SID) which can be moved around key locations. Trained volunteers will be able to set it up. The aim is not only to educate speeding drivers, but also to collect traffic data which will inform our policy decisions and aid discussions with the Highways authority and developers. We will be looking to tap into external sources of funding for the SID. Recreation Ground & Kronji’s Piece Work Party Mr Prime, who was our councillor representative on the day of the Work Party reports: “It was great to see how many people turned up to the working party. All parties turned up with gloves and tools in hand ready for four hours of fun and hard work! We managed to make some good progress with some key wildlife areas and at the same time all learnt some new key skills in how we were all helping to protect and enhance the wildlife in the area. Next year we are going to increase the publicity for the event hoping to attract more help and also engage some of the younger people living in the area.” Many thanks go to Neil Lister, Countryside Projects Officer for Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), who led the group, and to Martlesham Bowls Club who opened up the clubhouse for refreshments. Look out for next year’s date! Community Orchard Exhibition We are pleased that this has led to new volunteers coming forward, some useful feedback and an offer of help from Hacheston, where an orchard is already established. Everything is still on course for a spring 2020 phase one planting. Village Fete – Save the Date Planned for Saturday 18 July 2020. More details will be published in the January edition. FORTHCOMING MEETINGS No full council meeting in December. Wednesday 4 December: Finance & General Purposes Committee Wednesday 11 December: Development Plans Committee Wednesday 8 January: Full 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 / 01473 612632 / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk For latest news and events visit: www.martlesham.onesuffolk.net www.facebook.com/MartleshamParish Parish Office Opening Times: 9am-noon, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, but please book an appointment in advance.
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM DEMENTIA GROUP Brain injury charity Headway Suffolk runs a monthly social support group for people living with dementia in Martlesham. It takes place every fourth Thursday of the month at St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift in Martlesham from 11.45am to 3.15pm. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer.
1ST MARTLESHAM SCOUT POST 2019 25 November to 10 December, 30p per card (please note increase from last year) As last year, please put your money in a separate envelope within your card pack and include your contact details in case I need to return any cards to you that I cannot send. 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 we deliver to; please note we do not deliver to Woodbridge. 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 If you need any help please contact me on 01473 612410 after 6pm.
DISABILITY ADVICE SERVICE (EAST SUFFOLK) At a recent meeting, the trustees confirmed the appointment of Lord John Bird OBE as their patron. Lord Bird is the founder of The Big Issue and a champion for social justice. Lord Bird has also launched a new project called The Chapter-Catcher, a project to get people reading more and to promote literacy. Lord Bird said the work DAS does to help people is something he admires and is pleased to become their patron. For further information please contact our vice-chairman, Roy Gilmour: roy_gilmour@hotmail.com / 07913 209620 DAS is a registered charity based in Martlesham Heath giving free, independent advice to disabled people and careers living in the East Suffolk area.
The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6.50 per person, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments. Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiamartlesham Please note there is no meeting in December. Can you volunteer some time to help us? The group relies on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing. If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer, please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk
LIVE NATIVITY AT OTLEY COLLEGE Wednesday 11 December, 6/6.30-7.30pm Celebrate Christmas at Otley – experience the sights, sounds and story of Christmas complete with live nativity, music, refreshments and family-friendly fun. Dress-up warm and bring yourselves and your wellies for an outdoor celebration of Christmas – see the sheep and other animals and smell the straw of the stable as we re-tell the Christmas Story with a difference. Hot chocolate and marshmallows for all! Suitable for all ages – everyone welcome but limited seating and it may well be cold! Free entry, free parking and free refreshments. Otley College, Charity Lane, Otley, Suffolk, IP6 9EY (Sat Nav Users use IP6 9NE)
A WINTER WONDERLAND CONCERT On Friday 13 December, Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir and the Birkbeck Singers present Winter Wonderland, a concert featuring winter themed melodies, light choral and traditional songs. The concert, which is in aid of ActivLives and Fresh Start New Beginnings, is at the Methodist Church, Black Horse Lane, Ipswich IP1 2EF at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £10 each are available from: 01449 672600 / scmvc@scwade.eclipse.co.uk For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y5bneldu
DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? We have three bands: Ipswich Hospital Band, St Peter’s Band and Saints Community Band. Join us and make new friends. Some instruments are available for hire. www.ipswichhospitalband.org.uk info@ipswichhospitalband.org.uk St Peter’s by the Waterfront, College Street, Ipswich IP4 1BF
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OUT & ABOUT FROM PUMPKINS TO TINSEL Some of you may be blithely unaware that almost as soon as the remains of the pumpkins are placed on the compost heap, it’s practically Christmas. Others will be patting their pockets, having bought all their gifts in the July sales. Those of us in between are still wracking our brains. How are we going to cater for the family get-together? What do pescetarians eat? How can I thank the neighbours for cat-sitting? Does Auntie Audrey still collect owls? Rest assured, our Country Marketeers can help in almost every situation. We can provide a wide variety of delicious savoury bakes, pies and dishes to make any mouth water, for snacking, buffets or a sit-down meal. Our brilliant bakers have been preparing for the seasonal demand with beautiful Christmas cakes, puddings, biscuits and other sweet things that are darn near irresistible. A hamper of chutneys, preserves and jams should go down well with the neighbour. What about a little crochet owl, a hand-knitted or fleecy hat and matching gloves, scrummy warm socks or a hand-finished quilt for a crib, a barge-painted plant pot or some lovely pick-up-and-fondle treen (small wooden household objects)? Our members are multi-talented. There’s still time, if you are quick, to get a special order in for that lastminute just-remembered vitally important gift or the inspired idea for the family friend! Come and see our lovely treats, edible and otherwise. Make your commission, place your orders and stock up every Tuesday from 9.15-11am at Martlesham Heath Pavilion. Our last market of 2019 is on Tuesday 17 December and we resume normal service on January 7. We wish all our customers a warm and peaceful festive season and thank you for your continuing support. We hope we’ll see you again soon!
AN EVENING WITH SIR NICHOLAS YOUNG Suffolk Book League welcomes Sir Nicholas Young to Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Wednesday 11 December. Until 2014, Sir Nicholas Young was CEO of the British Red Cross. His book, Escaping with his Life, tells the story of his father’s Second World War experiences at Dunkirk, in the commandos and in North Africa, and his escape from an Italian POW camp. His book is a labor of love, an adventure story and a sign of gratitude to the Italian people who risked their lives to help during the escape. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm, Members £4, nonmembers £8, cash on the door, students free with ID. For more information visit: www.sbl.org.uk
Woodbridge Community Hall from 9am-12.30pm on Saturdays 14 and 21 December Vivienne Day is making her extra special mince pies and Christmas cakes again this year – these are truly delicious! There will also be distinctive coloured pasta made in Woodbridge by Elena Farris. Depending on the weather, there may be chrysanthemums grown by Pip Smith plus, of course, a seasonal mix of vegetables, fruit, bread, cake, marmalade, pickles, eggs and meat all made, grown or reared in Suffolk in small batches by people who really care about what they do. Our Breakfast Belles will be making their fresh waffles and strong coffee in the cafe – all their proceeds are donated to Jetty Lane, the local charity raising money to build an iconic new community, arts and youth centre for Woodbridge – so you can enjoy a delicious brunch and contribute to charity at the same time. Shop Local, Shop Seasonal, Shop Fresh!
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 now 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. Just come along during opening hours or check out our website to place your order. Why not purchase some special chutney for your Christmas table and celebrations? We have a large variety to choose from all made locally by producers. These are also offered gift packaged. 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!
SEASON’S SPARKLES CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Orwell Singers’ Christmas concert on Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm at St Michael & All Angel’s Church, Martlesham Heath. This will be their first concert with new musical director Lindsay Gowers, David Christie on piano and guest flautist Jennie Francis. Admission on the door will be £8 for adults with accompanied children free, and will include sherry and mince pies. For further details visit: www.theorwellsingers.co.uk d.sharman@btinternet.com / 01473 635955
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Please note we will be closed on December 12 due to the hall being used as a polling station for the General Election, but will be open on Friday 13 instead. We will also be closed for two weeks over Christmas (26 December and 2 January), returning on 9 January. You can find out more about our market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk
DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com In Touch online:
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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY GIPPESWYK SINGERS LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS 2020 Gippeswyk Singers and Martlesham Brass are thrilled to be joining together again to present a Last Night of the Proms concert to celebrate the New Year at St Michael’s Church Centre in Martlesham on Sunday 5 January at 7pm. The first half of the concert will feature several lovely choir pieces conducted by Geoff Lavery including Lauridsen’s glorious O Magnum Mysterium and special brass band performances led by Adam Cable, including Dambusters March, culminating in a delightful medley from Mary Poppins for both band and choir. The audience is invited to join in too! After the interval and refreshments, get ready for some patriotic flag waving and heartfelt singing as Martlesham Brass and Gippeswyk Singers lead the audience in the traditional Last Night of the Proms music – a truly joyful celebration of the New Year in the best way the British know how. Don’t forget to wear red, white and blue! Tickets are £5 at the door or available from choir and band members. Advance tickets from Michael Dawe, Flocky Cottage, Marlesford Road, Hacheston IP13 0DP (send a SAE with cheque payable to Gippeswyk Singers) or call 01728 746441. Gippeswyk Singers are supporting two local charities this season, Inspire Counselling (Ipswich) and Suffolk Wildlife Trust. For more information please visit: www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk
Sunday Crafts The following Christmas craft activities will take place during December, 10am-noon: • • • • •
Sunday 1: The library tree needs some new decorations. Add some Christmas sparkle to our new Christmas tree. Sunday 8: Keep your place in all your Christmas stories with our fantastic Father Christmas lolly stick bookmark. Sunday 15: Design a Christmas jumper to keep a gingerbread man warm. Sunday 22: Make a Christmas tree card to give to someone special. Sunday 29: It’s nearly 2020! Make a New Year wish wand.
Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go. Free Wordplay Sessions / Rebrand of Bookstart Every Thursday / no session on Thursday 26 December • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions Every Friday 9.45-10.15am in term time. This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along? No session on Friday 27 December. OTHER EVENTS FOR DECEMBER Lego Club: Every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Parents must stay with under eights. The themes this month are Santa’s House, Reindeer and Christmas Wonderland. No need to book – just pop along! This is a free activity. Knit and Natter: Wednesdays 4 & 18 December at 2.30pm. £1 with tea, coffee and mince pies provided. Welcome to all new members. Afternoon Book Group: Thursday 5 December at 2.45pm. Currently reading Sleeper’s Castle by Barbara Erskine. Evening Book Group: Thursday 19 December at 7pm. Currently reading The Huntingfield Paintress by Pamela Holmes. Cards for Good Causes: Available until Monday 23 December. Scout’s Post Box: Available until 5pm on Tuesday 10 December.
MARTLESHAM BRASS 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 Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity – The Cancer Centre Campaign, Evelina London Children’s Healthcare – Guys & St Thomas’ Charity and Footsteps Walking With You – counselling for 11-25 year olds. Please join us for Coffee and Carols on Saturday 14 December at 10am at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL, when you can hear our intermediate band playing your favourite Christmas music. There will be refreshments and a raffle, and admission is free. On Monday 16 December we will be playing for Carols in the Square, Martlesham Heath at 7pm, followed by soup in St Michael’s Church Centre served by Martlesham Heath Rangers. Our Christmas Concert is on Saturday 21 December at 7pm, also at St Michael’s Church Centre. Tickets are £4 with primary school children free. Tickets are available from 07544 962205 / www.martleshambrass.co.uk or on the door. www.martleshambrass.co.uk
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Lego Afternoons, 3-4.30pm • Thursday 19 December: Create a Christmas Wonderland • Thursday 2 January: Design a library of the future Places limited to 25 per session. Please phone to book a place. CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Sunday 22 December: 10am-3pm Monday 23 December: 9am-noon December 24-26: Closed Friday 27 December: 9am-noon & 2.30-pm. Saturday 28 December: 10am-5pm Sunday 29 December: 10am-3pm Monday 30 December: 9am-noon Tuesday 31 December: 9am-noon & 2.30-5pm Wednesday 1 January: Closed Thursday 2 January: Normal hours resume Library Manager Maggie Lusher, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave 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 MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 10 February: The Treasure of Ipswich by John Field
FRIENDS ON FRIDAY St Michael’s and All Angels Church, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL Every Friday from 10am to noon We are a friendly community group who enjoy coming together to share in chat, puzzles, table games and table tennis and snooker. Everyone is welcome even if it’s just for a refreshments and a chat.
DANCE FOLKUS – A CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH A DIFFERENCE?
Did you know that Ipswich is full of architectural treasures of historical importance? No, then come along and find out about the town’s medieval churches, mansions and halls, its important legacy of Victorian buildings, nationally and locally listed buildings and the many features and artefacts of local, national (and even some of international) importance. Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday 6 December, 7.30-10pm: The DeHavilland Story by Ken Ellis, former editor of Flypast magazine, airshow commentator and author of many books on aviation topics. We meet at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members. 01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk
KESGRAVE WI Our Annual Meeting was held as part of our November meeting. The treasurer’s, secretary’s and president’s reports detailing our activities during the past year were read and approved. The committee for 2020 was elected.
For those who want something unusual for their annual work celebration event, start your Christmas party revelry with a lively, enjoyable barn dance evening in Woodbridge on Friday 6 December. All dances are run through in advance by a caller and making mistakes is half the entertainment. The caller on 6 December will be the nationally known Barry Goodman from Hertfordshire. He covers a wonderful range of dances in a clear, fun style. He has worked with most of the country’s top barn dance bands and has featured as a popular caller at many folk festivals. 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 or a meal. Bring your own booze! Our song spot will be filled by The Strumpets, a group of seven East Suffolk ladies who play the ukulele and sing a range of entertaining and sometimes risqué songs. They all learned the ukulele with the University of the Third Age (U3A). They performed at Dance Folkus in April 2018 and are returning by popular demand. In the intervening period they have sung at many local events and also at FolkEast. Expect their dress and performance to be Christmas themed. New dancers wanting to attend can book a discounted place by emailing dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (entry £7 / students £3 at the door). Telephone Rob on 01473 610951 if you need further information. Tickets can also be booked and paid for online in advance: www.ticketsource.co.uk/woodbridge-dance-folkus/t-donpvp Visitors to Woodbridge and new first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall in Station Road IP12 4AU.
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Delcie Corbett was elected president for 2020. Doreen Roderick and Elayne Green have stepped down from the committee after many supportive years and were presented with a small gift to thank them for their work. Angela Finch won the rose bowl as winner of the monthly competitions held during 2019. The silver plate for second place was awarded to Enid Castle and Sue Hilling. Members then spent an enjoyable social half hour testing their knowledge by completing a Suffolk name quiz and then, amidst a lot of laughter, a handbag scavenger hunt! It’s amazing what us ladies keep in our handbags! Our next meeting is on Thursday 5 December 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
MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We finish 2019 with two December meetings. On Thursday 5, Tina from Home Instead will advise us on how to avoid the many and varied scams we are targeted with today. On Thursday 19, we are holding our Christmas party with entertainment by the Taylor Kemp Trio and bring-and-share festive refreshments. Our first meeting of the new year will be on January 16 when Mr Eric Punaks will pay a return visit with another of his humorous talks. All ladies are very welcome to come to meetings which are held on alternate Thursdays at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. For more details contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768 A Happy Christmas to everyone!
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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. On November 6 we enjoyed a lively and interesting talk by writer, lecturer and broadcaster Daniel Snowman on the impact the Hitler emigres had on British artistic and cultural life. The last talk before our winter break is Pantomime: A Very British Treat by Giles Ramsay on December 4. Giles is an independent theatre director and producer. He combines academic analysis with hands-on experience to bring a unique insight to the world of the theatre. Our programme will resume on February 5 with a talk by Aliki Braine titled Same Old Same New. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
DEBEN ROTARY AND CRUCIAL CREW In conjunction with the Rotary Club of Framlingham, the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben recently organised a Crucial Crew Week at Stratford St Andrew Riverside Centre. The half-day courses were attended by 870 Year 6 pupils from 31 schools and included fire safety, internet safety, first aid, road safety, healthy eating and peer pressure. Our thanks go to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, One Life Suffolk, Suffolk County Council, Turning Point and Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. The photo shows Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service addressing the children on fire safety during the Halloween and Guy Fawkes celebrations. Look out for Santa’s sleigh on Martlesham Heath on 3, 4, 5 and 13 December, and in the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge on Saturday 14 December. Our annual Carol Concert takes place on Thursday 12 December at Woodbridge School. Tickets are £12 and are available from any Deben Rotarian or on 01394 386933. Memory Café The Rotary Memory Cafe, which is run by the Rotary Clubs of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Deben and Woodbridge Inner Wheel, had one of its most successful meetings in October. A capacity crowd enjoyed an interesting and informative talk and display of artefacts by Peter and Victoria Carr of Woodbridge Museum. The Memory Cafe, which is held at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of the month from 10.30am to noon, welcomes people with all forms of memory loss and their carers. Hot drinks and homemade cakes are provided and there’s no charge. Our entertainment on Wednesday 27 November will be East Suffolk’s premier cake eating ukulele band What No Cake. There’s no meeting in December and the Memory Cafe will resume on January 29.
WOOLLY WONDERS This month we’ll be off to The Maybush in Waldringfield for a Christmas lunch. Besides meeting to knit and crochet every Thursday we also enjoy the occasional trip out together. If you’re looking for an unusual gift at this time of year, why not think about giving a kit to start a new craft or develop a new skill? Or treat yourself and come and spend some time with us on Thursdays (except Boxing Day) from 10am-noon at The Runway Cafe? We’ve always got needles, patterns and yarn to get you started!
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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
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE At our November members meeting, we were delighted by a talk from Clare Perkins, initially about her time as Mayor of Woodbridge for the civic year of 2017/18, but also about her early career working for the renowned fashion designer Norman Hartnell, where Clare was part of a select team making gowns for H.M. the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family. What a unique experience with so many interesting facets of the job to share with us, including how to make good use of chewed cotton! More recently, and initiated during her time as mayor, Clare has been the driver behind the Woodbridge Creative Arts project, which is going from strength to strength and which currently showcases a range of arts and crafts at monthly fairs at the Longshed. On behalf of us all, Sally Pearson thanked Clare for a truly fascinating talk. Last month we were the host club for a very successful district rally at Fynn Valley Golf Club. It was an opportunity to socialise with members from other Inner Wheel Clubs throughout Suffolk and Norfolk, and also a chance to tell them about our amazing town of Woodbridge. President Chris thanked key members involved in planning and organising the event to make sure it ran smoothly. This month, collectively and individually, our members will be busy supporting a number of events and initiatives in the run up to Christmas, and we are looking forward to our club’s special lunch. Weather permitting, we are also hoping to get out for one or two brisk, crisp winter walks. For more information about our club visit: woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Join us on the last Wednesday every month (excluding July & August) for a three-course lunch followed by an interesting speaker and a prize raffle. On the second Wednesday we meet for coffee and a chat. In July and August, and at Christmas, our wives, partners and friends are invited to join us. They also accompany us to theatres, shows, musicals and trips to places of interest in East Anglia and beyond. Why not come and meet other gentlemen, all retired or semi-retired and from a wide range of careers, interests and backgrounds? Our objective is to provide fellowship for members and their families. Prospective new members are always welcome and there is no requirement to have belonged to any other organisation previously. If you wish to join us, as a guest initially, or require further details, please contact our secretary, Malcolm Kemp: 07711 689130 / secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY November 20 was a member’s social night which consisted of a one page competition, a static display, a prize draw and a member’s bourse – buying and selling of members items no longer needed. All those present had a good chat about philately and their chosen collections. This ranged from early GB to QEII Machins, from China to Czechoslovakia and from USA to Second World War Hungary inflation stamps. Members seem to collect a vast and varied range of topics, so why not come and join us? Information can be found online or contact our secretary, Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com This month we meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall on Wednesday 4 December from 1-5pm. A local dealer will be available with her stock for you to add to your collections. Refreshments will be available. www.ipswichphilatelic.uk
IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB CHRISTMAS DEMONSTRATION We would like to invite you to get in the mood for decorating your home with fresh flowers for the festive season. Our next meeting is on Monday 9 December when Brenda Tubb will present a demonstration entitled Another Fine Mess. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. There is a visitor’s fee of £5. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet (01473 415749) or Stella Thornley (01473 711946). The club meets regularly on the second Monday afternoon of the month except for January. We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards.
WOODBRIDGE PROBUS Roy Dowding, our November speaker, had surprise upon surprise in his talk about East Anglian vehicle manufacturers, from a steamer that still runs 120 years later to the latest Ford and Lotus, and cars built to race which came third at the Le Mans 24 Hours. There were a number of small production lines of different designs, and even a Woodbridge designed car built in small numbers. For our December meeting we can relax amongst wives, partners and friends and we are promised Christmas music and a £100 first prize in a draw. Do keep in touch with us on www.woodbridgeprobus.org.uk or contact our secretary, Ray Hooper: 07512 792454 We wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year.
BROKE HALL WI Friday, December 13: A Musical Evening with David and Karolyn Howlett We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).
PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP October saw our volunteers back on the northern tumulus to clear the bracken, young tree seedlings and brambles. Hopefully now grass will become established. It has been an exceptional season for fungi, with many species to be found all around the woodlands. Of note is the bright orange-coloured wrinkled peach, not seen until a few years ago but now quite common in the woodlands. We would love to hear of any interesting species you spot when visiting; please leave them where you find them and do not attempt to eat them!
ICUSTEPS SUPPORT GROUP For critical care patients on the road to recovery We meet at Bluebird Lodge Community Hospital, 100 Mansbrook Boulevard, Ipswich IP3 9GJ from 6-8pm on December 4. For more information email outreach.event@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk or visit: www.icusteps.org
MARTLESHAM ART GROUP If you have ever thought you would like to take up painting or drawing as a hobby and just needed some encouragement, then we could be just what you’re looking for. There’s no formal tuition, but we are happy to share our experiences, be it watercolours, oils, acrylics, pencils or pastels, we’ll have a go at most things. Just a friendly group of likeminded people who enjoy having a go at creating ‘something’ while having a chat and a cup of tea! We can even lend you some stuff to get you going to see if it’s for you.
It’s been 20 years since the group was created following the hard fought battle to save the woodlands from being concreted over to become Martlesham Park & Ride. We will be celebrating this anniversary at our Christmas work morning with some extra special cake and festive treats. The PWCG committee wishes all our volunteers, supporters and visitors a very Happy Christmas! DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Sunday 15 December, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and refreshments provided. All welcome – no need to book. Nature Explorers (ages 11-18) Saturday 18 January, 9-11am. Please book a place via our email below.
We meet at Martlesham Heath Pavilion on three Friday afternoons (usually the first, second and fourth Fridays in the month) from 1.45-3.45pm and would love to have your company. Just pop in, or contact June on 01473 625382 for more details.
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 pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.
Meeting Dates: December 6 only, January 10, 24 and 31, February 7, 14 and 28
Stephen Corley
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SCHOOLS HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL On Friday 18 October, we welcomed our local MP to open the first of our new outdoor classrooms. After cutting the ribbon, he took questions from our school council and eco-council reps and later did an interview with our Heath News reporters and their tech team, who recorded the interview to go on the school website. Reception Intake 2020 A big thank you to everyone who came to our open morning; it was lovely to see so many new faces and to have the opportunity to show everyone what we have to offer at Heath Primary. For anyone who was unable to visit the school on our open morning, or for anyone wishing to view the school again on their own, we are offering individual guided tours of the school with one of our headteachers at a time that is convenient to you. Just contact the school office on 01473 622806 to make an appointment. You can also use our school’s website which is a great source of information for prospective parents/carers. www.heathprimary.co.uk
CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL At Cedarwood we have been celebrating over best ever Key Stage 2 results and are very proud of our pupils’ excellent achievements. Our Year 6 pupils have worked hard to plan and carry out a superb fundraising week which raised a fantastic £906.93 for the charities closest to their hearts, which are Make a Wish and Plastic Oceans. The Year 6 children involved in the St Elizabeth Hospice Project are enjoying their time working with patients and very much looking forward to their celebration event. Foundation Open Evening We have enjoyed welcoming new families for our open days. It has been lovely to see new faces, including many from outside our catchment area. If you have children who were born between 01.09.2015 and 31.08.2016 and would like to find out about more our school, please come and visit us on Wednesday 27 November at 7pm. Catchment is only one criteria considered in the admissions process and we have a number of children in our school who come from outside of Kesgrave. There’s no need to book, just pop along to see us. If you are unable to make this session please contact the office on 01473 612981 to arrange a tour of the school at a time convenient to you. Our busy PFC team have held some superb events already this year and still have a lot more to come, including our fantastic Christmas Fair – open to all of the community, not just our families, so please come and join us. Visit our PFC Facebook page or our Twitter feed for details of all upcoming events – they are always great fun! Headteachers Tina Shute & Doug Stroud www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk
AUTUMN TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. The remaining date in the autumn term is December 9 and the first date in 2020 is January 13. For additional dates see the January edition. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
MARTLESHAM PRE-SCHOOL Thank you to the children and their families who joined us for an afternoon of Halloween activities on 26 October. This helped raise valuable funds for our charity pre-school, which will be put towards new resources for the children to make use of and enjoy. At Martlesham Pre-school we believe there are many social and emotional benefits from learning about the value of kindness. It has been proven that happiness improves mental health, decreases stress, builds self-esteem and promotes a sense of belonging. This month children have made pictures and delivered them to members of the community while out and about during their Little Explorers sessions. Those who received the gifts were thrilled, and the children took pride in giving out their pictures! We look forward to spreading more kindness in the run up to Christmas. Please don’t forget we have a ladies evening event, open to all, on Friday 29 November. Tickets can be purchased from the pre-school for £6. This includes a glass of mulled wine/fruit juice and mince pie on arrival. There will be a selection of stall holders, gift ideas and mini beauty treatments available. Martlesham Pre-school can be found within the grounds of Gorseland School on Deben Avenue. We are open from 8am-4pm and offer various sessions for children aged two to five years. Please contact us for further information: mplayschool@btinternet.com / 01473 625986
GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Open Sessions for September 2020 If your child is starting school in September 2020, please come along to our Reception Open Session on Tuesday 7 January from 9.30-10am. This is an opportunity to meet our headteacher, Mr Jackson, and the Reception team, as well as having a tour of the school with our Year 6 pupils. Please contact the school office to confirm: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net
HEDGEHOG NURSERY The children have been having lots of fun mixing different colours, learning that two colours can make a new one! We also enjoyed all the squashing and squeezing of bread dough when making bread hedgehogs. For Bonfire Night, we made edible sparklers by dribbling icing onto a breadstick and quickly sprinkling on stars – they were delicious! On November 11 we joined the whole school to attend the Remembrance Service at the Control Tower and we have been learning what the poppy represents. We are looking forward to getting underway with our nativity performance and inviting our families to join our Christmas fun. If you would like to come and see us in action, please contact the school office on 01473 623790. You will be warmly welcomed! Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig Hedgehog Nursery is open from 8.30am-3.15pm Monday to Friday for three and four year olds; in addition, we offer wrap-around care from 7.30am-6pm every week day. For more information, please visit www.gorseland.net or contact the school office on 01473 623790.
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS WOODBRIDGE BADMINTON CLUB Woodbridge Badminton Club is looking for new members for both its junior and adult sections. All sessions are at Farlingaye Sports Centre in Woodbridge. Junior night is Monday from 7-9pm (excluding school holidays) for children aged nine to eighteen. The adult section runs a club night on Fridays from 7-10pm. If you are looking to join a friendly club or want to come back to the game after a break, why not come along and try us out? For more information contact Jim Cavanagh: jim.cavanagh@btinternet.com / 01728 723900 Or visit: www.woodbridgebadminton.co.uk
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MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS The club has had some better results in the last three weeks, winning two matches 8-2 and losing one by the same margin. The victory at Bentley was especially welcome, as well as the closely fought home match against Copdock and Washbrook in which two games were won by a single shot. It was unfortunate that two key players were unwell and one unavailable against Claydon, one of the strongest teams in the division. This was the match we lost. The club singles competitions are off to a slow start, mainly because they are usually played at tea breaks but we avoid Tuesdays when there are matches in the evening. We have five Tuesday matches between mid-October and mid-November, so delays will continue for a while. Vic Harrup
GETTING READY I don’t know about you, but I’m terrible at getting ready for things. I have great intentions but still seem to leave most things to the last minute. We’ll be off to visit the grandchildren in Germany sometime this month so it’s not just the usual clothes which need to be thought about. It’s also the Christmas presents and the shopping list of items they find difficult to buy at their local supermarkets. We could never fly, unless of course we leave the clothes and toothbrushes behind and only take the stuff for the family! December sees the church’s season of Advent – a time of preparation, not only for Christmas, but also for ourselves and the next time Jesus comes to Earth, whenever that might be. Christmas is fine – we have enough reminders from the shops and adverts to remind us it is getting closer. But what about ourselves? Do we ever really think about the way we live our everyday lives and the impact it has on our world? A modern perspective on Advent looks at a different emotion each week – Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. Perhaps if we could spend a little time each week of December, thinking about these emotions and their impact on our lives and our world, we can begin to make the world a better place. Rev Margaret Rittman Martlesham with Brightwell
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