In Touch with Martlesham - February 17

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

Volume 7 • Issue No. 3 • FEBRUARY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

The oldest member of my family died just before Christmas. Kathleen, my great-aunt and surrogate ‘godfather’ since the death of her husband Jimmy when I was 15, died at the remarkable age of 97. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews (including my dad).

Despite her age, Kathleen maintained an aura of quiet authority which I’ve always admired. She wasn’t scary or aloof, as often those we defer to can be, but somehow demanded respect from all who knew her. She always had time to chat, putting the kettle on before you’d even sat down. The fact that she was tall and had a very distinctive voice made her standout from the other women I knew as a child. I was never afraid of her, but I would never have wanted to be in her bad books either.

Kathleen’s death has inspired me to do a little research into my family tree. I don’t plan to take it too seriously just yet, but just want to get the last couple of generations in place so I know who’s who. It has been fascinating. My dad helped with his side of the family and we did quite well, though he knows very little of his American cousins and nothing of all about their families. Most of my mum’s family still live in Ireland so that side of the tree is a bit more complete.

They had big families back then. My dad had 15 aunts and uncles! One child, as I have, would have been a complete anomaly. And the same names came up again and again. I know my parents had intended to call me Elizabeth after my grandmother, but my dad decided he didn’t want my life to be as difficult as hers so broke with tradition and found a name which made its first appearance in the Burke family tree (to some astonishment) in 1969. Elizabeth is my second name.

I now wish I knew more about the people who are my family, however distant, and also wonder how I will be perceived when my name is added to a family tree in years to come, perhaps by my great-grandniece. Mostly I wish I could spend time with my long-lost grandparents to talk about their lives. I have so many question. If you can do so, make the most of every opportunity to know those who can still share their lives with you.

I also hope I’ll be doing The Times crossword every day when I’m 97, just as Kathleen did.

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

In Touch with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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MARCH DEADLINE 10 FEBRUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

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HAVE YOU WORKED ON ORFORD NESS? It’s a strange place. Nobody lives there. It’s a place of contrasts.

It’s called an Island, but it’s not.

If you like wide-open views, our lovely Suffolk skies, nature’s silence, rare plants and wildlife – then you will love it. And if, while walking amongst iconic buildings located in this wonderful landscape, you can imagine the noise of bombs being dropped, of atomic bombs being vibrated or fired into a concrete wall at 150mph, and you can understand the huge commitment of local people to apply cutting-edge technology to improve the effectiveness of various military weapons used in our defense – then you will also love it.

Nowhere else in the UK can you visit such laboratories, learn about the technology used, or hear about the people who worked there in such a unique environment. This place is Orford Ness.

Opened by National Trust as a National Nature Reserve in 1995, Orford Ness has been the site of military testing and development from the beginning of the 20th century, initially with the development of the aircraft as a military weapon, until 1973 when Cobra Mist, an ‘over the horizon’ Radar system used to detect distant military activities in the Cold War, was shut down.In between those dates, Orford Ness became Watson-Watt’s base for the early development of radar (before he moved his experiments to Bawdsey). Much work was done on improving the accuracy of conventional bombing (working with Martlesham-based flight-crews) and improvements in the aerodynamics of Blue Danube (Britain’s first atomic bomb) took place there.

After this research work stopped, bomb disposal engineers spent more than 15 years clearing the Island of unexploded ordinance, including destroying the Bloodhound missile rockets formerly located at Bawdsey.

Working in such an exposed environment could be lovely in the summer, but brutal when travelling between test sites in the bitter winter winds.

In 1963 the River Ore was so frozen that the landing craft used to carry staff to the Island could not do so.

In the race to protect the UK from known and significant enemies, none of this testing and development would have taken place without access to a highly skilled and dedicated workforce: they created and used the innovative methods and engineering facilities for this purpose.

We are looking to meet people who worked for the military or for one of the scientific agencies and companies involved, and also those who built, equipped or maintained the various test labs and many other buildings located on ‘The Island’. Were you – or do you know someone who was – involved in this highly secret and complex work?

Please contact us if so, because we at National Trust have created an audio archive of the work experiences and memories of those who did.

We are keen to record their memories of such an important site in the UK’s military history before they are lost forever.

Lead Ranger David Mason 01394 450900 / david.mason@nationaltrust.org.uk

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NEWS THE BUS SHELTER IPSWICH HELP RAISE £5,000 FOR AN EMERGENCY NIGHT SHELTER IN IPSWICH

MH100 UPDATE We can only imagine what the weather was like on January 16 and 17 1917 when the Royal Flying Corps arrived on a bleak and windswept Martlesham Heath to start work as the Royal Flying Corps Aircraft Testing and Experimental Establishment.

Those involved would be engineers and pilots from the earlier establishment at Upavon in Wiltshire and elsewhere, also from the fighter station on Orfordness and from the Flying Boat Development Unit at Felixstowe. Many wore the uniforms of The Royal Flying Corps, The Royal Engineers and The Royal Navy as this unique base on the Heath developed.

Few public records survive about those very early days. Why would you divulge the secret work being done here in the third year of the Great War? However, this was the start of innovation and development at this unique location, innovation that continues to this day in the many businesses on the heath and within the fence at BT Adastral Park which involves the ‘Model Village’ that we know and live in today, and which won design awards as it developed.

Thus, we have the story of one of the most unusual communities in East Anglia.

This story is being further written and expanded as we move to a full weekend of events on July 8 and 9 – celebrating The Centenary. Planning for this event has been going on since 1915, and is now reaching a crescendo. Sponsorship grows, with more companies and organisations getting involved. To find out more visit: www.mh100.org.uk We now need the local community (you) to get more involved.

Can you help? We now have three separate teams (Event Planning, Publicity/Local Schools Liaison and Multimedia) working with local schools and others including The University of Suffolk and Innovation Martlesham to capture the full story of the heath using the latest techniques, creating a legacy for future generations. These teams are under the main committee, enthusiastically chaired by Peter Davies and vice-chairman Bob Simpson.

Please contact us via the contact point on our website to offer what help you can. The more who help, the better we can do. What skills can you offer?

Do you have photos, details, artefacts or stories about Martlesham Heath over the last 100 years?

To learn more about our plans visit www.mh100.org.uk, call Howard on 01473 274300, or go to our Facebook page.

We are holding an Open Meeting in The Pavilion on Thursday, February 16 at 7pm. Come along and find out more.

It all started with a single thought of helping the homeless in these cold months. My partner Sarah and I started a Facebook page – Keeping Ipswich Homeless Warmer – where we asked the people of Ipswich for donations of warm clothing, sleeping bags and pillows and the response was overwhelming. We were going out every Tuesday and Thursday evening (more frequently when the weather deteriorated), offering warm clothes, sleeping bags, socks and a coffee, just making sure people had what they needed to survive on the streets. We soon came to realise that something extra is needed for the homeless in Ipswich and we think a branch of the growing The Bus Shelter UK network is the answer.

After seeing an article about The Shelter on the Isle of Wight where Kevin Newton had converted a double decker bus into a hostel for the homeless, we decided that was what we were going to do. We have spoken with Kevin who has agreed we can use the the Bus Shelter branding and we are gaining help and advice from him and his team.

We are hoping to have our bus and the conversion completed by March 2017, which is when the night shelter closes its doors for another year and many homeless return to the streets.

Ninety percent of the conversion will be completed by myself with hopefully local companies and tradesman donating time and materials to help complete the project as cost effectively as possible. The bus will be designed to accommodate 16 to 18 rough sleepers and two volunteer watchers.

Each bed will be equipped with a USB charging point, LED lighting and privacy curtains, as well as a PO Box number for each guest to receive mail for interviews, appointments and benefits. The bus will also be fitted with a functional kitchen, chill out area and hopefully a private room for counselling or treatment. There will be a programme that each guest must sign up to which will include any rehab required, whether it be drink or drugs misuse, and a plan for volunteer work at least one day a week within the local community.

We have called the project TIFFERS after our 15-year-old daughter Tiffani who has been an inspiration throughout our journey to help the homeless. She has been with us every evening we have been out and enjoys chatting to the men and women we help. She is as dedicated to the project as we are.

We have a few meetings lined up in the new year with some big organisations who really want to help get the project up and running.

Their advice and motivation is going to be very helpful. You can find our more by visiting our Facebook page where you will find links to our justgiving fundraising page: www.facebook.com/tiffersbus Your donation, however small, will help us to get the homeless off the street to somewhere warm, dry and safe. Anything that you can afford to give will be very much appreciated.

Gareth Brenland

RECONNECTING THE COASTAL FOOTPATH BETWEEN MARTLESHAM CREEK AND WALDRINGFIELD I was very pleased with the response to my article last month about the possibility of reinstating the River Deben coastal public footpath so that it reconnects the South of Martlesham Creek with Waldringfield. 2017 is an important year because Natural England will be reviewing public access along the River Deben. There will be a

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series of site visits and meetings to discuss improvements.

If you missed the article last month or didn’t get round to responding you can join my mailing list at: t.obrien24@yahoo.com

Thomas O’Brien

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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NEWS MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS 40TH AGM We look forward to seeing you at the AGM to be held on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm in the Pavilion. The AGM document is currently being prepared and you will have a copy delivered to you in the weeks leading up to the meeting.

For those of you wondering what MHHL do and why you should come along to the AGM, here is a brief summary of what we are about.

We are here to look after the parts of the village that are jointly owned by the property owners on Martlesham Heath and are managed by a group of unpaid directors and supported by willing volunteers. Our role is to manage and maintain the assets (land and buildings) for the benefit of the residents. This includes grass cutting, maintenance of the heath land, woods and planted areas within the hamlets and arranging for the on-going clearing of litter. We make the Control Tower available to the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society and we lease the land that the Pavilion is situated on to the Pavilion Management Committee.

MHHL can only operate if residents are prepared to give some time and energy to help run the village. As you are probably aware we are always looking for new directors and volunteers and we thank those that have come forward however in order to continue to operate we urgently need to increase our numbers. We are at the stage now where we are looking at the worst case scenario of MHHL disbanding and have been investigating alternative organisations that could manage the land.

More details of this will be given at the AGM and we strongly encourage you to attend in order to learn more as this will have possible financial implications for all householders.

If prior to the AGM you would like to know more about MHHL please visit: www.martleshamheathhouseholdersltd.onesuffolk.net To offer your assistance please leave a voicemail on 01473 612207 or email us on: mhh@Martlesham.org.uk We would be pleased to hear from you.

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

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BEACH HUTS Suffolk Coastal is asking for your views on how you think beach hut services should be run in the district.

The six-week consultation, running until February 17, asks the public to consider the recommendations to convert all the current beach hut site licences into longer term leases and the proposed charges.

This follows a decision in December’s Cabinet meeting which considered the review of the beach hut service to identify any service efficiencies and to consider further income generation opportunities.

The review was launched in support of the current East Suffolk Business Plan which contains a specific action to ‘Increase the number of beach huts provided in the district by at least 10%’.

The two main drivers of the beach hut review are to increase equality by increasing the opportunities for residents to have access to a beach hut, while also maximising the income generated from this resource to invest in core services, therefore reducing the burden on the Suffolk Coastal tax payer.

Councillor TJ Haworth-Culf, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Leisure, said: “This is a district wide consultation and we want to hear from all residents as the decision on this issue could impact upon everyone living in Suffolk Coastal.

“We do have some difficult decisions to make as a council due to the steep decline in financial support from central government. With a predicted funding gap of £3.5million, we need to increase the amount of income we generate in order to maintain our core services, while protecting the local tax payer.

“Beach huts are important to our seaside communities, however, we remain committed to ensuring we achieve value for money for all Suffolk Coastal residents and therefore value feedback from everyone on this issue.”

Following the results of the consultation, a revised report will be brought to Cabinet to consider.

Beach hut owners will be sent a paper copy of the consultation and a free return envelope to return their responses.

You can have your say at: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/features/have-your-say-on-beach-huts All responses need to be completed and returned by 5pm on Friday, February 17.

If you would like support completing your responses, you can call or visit our customer service centres in Woodbridge and Felixstowe. To contact our customer services team, call: 01394 383789

MARTLESHAM HEATH PAVILION Vacancy for Treasurer (voluntary) Could you spare a few hours a week to deal with booking fees, payments and other financial matters for a well-loved community facility?

Must have computer and IT skills.

Please note we have a bookkeeper in place, so the role is more of an overseeing role for the pavilion’s finances.

For more information contact Chairman Aldwyn Jones: chairmhpc@gmail.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

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

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL 2017/2018 Budget/Precept (parish council element of council tax) Proposals for housing and retail development within our parish increased last year and seem likely to continue, adding to the challenges we face as a council as we seek to represent your views with the planning authority and protect and enhance the open spaces and facilities we currently enjoy. We are also being asked to do more as the principal authorities (Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Coastal District Council) and the police continue to manage cuts to their funding and reorganise themselves.

With these factors in mind the parish council has agreed a budget (planned expenditure) of £116,166 for the financial year 2017/18 which commences on April 1 2017. Most of our income comes through the council tax (the precept). Therefore we are submitting a request to Suffolk Coastal District Council for £130,000 (precept for 2017/18) to cover anticipated expenditure and to keep our general reserves at a reasonable level. We have to be wary of allowing general reserves to drop too low because the small scale of parish council activities means that extraordinary or emergency expenditure in any one year (which cannot be budgeted for) may be unpredictably large in comparison with income. The council continues to build earmarked reserves for projects on play and sport provision and to enhance the enjoyment of our open spaces such as the common and the recreation ground.

The parish council element of the council tax bill will increase from £55.78 to £59.18 per annum for a Band D equivalent property, so by £3.40 for the year 2017/18. The amount will vary according to your housing band.

Full details of the budget setting process and the council’s risk assessment on the level of general reserves are available in the minutes, which are published on our website.

Possible enhancement of Jubilee Playspace and Diamond Jubilee bike trails We reported last month that an application for 47 houses, including 22 affordable homes, at the end of Black Tiles Lane was approved by Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) in November 2016 despite our objections.

The development includes a new car park for Martlesham Primary School and the possibility of opening up access from the new development to land owned by the parish council, i.e. the Jubilee Playspace and Diamond Jubilee bike trails. There is potential to improve the play area and bike trails, perhaps include more facilities and alter access. We are very much in the early stages of reviewing and planning what could be provided on this site but would very much welcome any views you might have on the use of this site and the access to it, currently from Carol Avenue and Main Road. Please contact the clerk as below.

Glass Recycling Suffolk Coastal Norse, the body responsible for recycling collections, confirms that it is currently acceptable to place glass of any colour in

any of the glass recycling banks. The glass is currently being collected mixed as it can be separated where necessary for recycling. If there is any change to this, clear signage would be placed on the recycling banks.

East Anglia ONE Offshore Windfarm At the time of writing work is set to start right the way along the 37km onshore cable route from Bawdsey to Bramford. These pre-construction works are to prepare the ground and the road networks for the start of construction, planned for spring 2017. The major highways works being undertaken from January include the creation of a new mini-roundabout at Top Street, Martlesham, to provide safe access into the construction site. We have been advised that there should be no road closures but there will be traffic light controlled movements in order to get the work done. East Anglia ONE is expected to be fully operational by 2020.

For more information please visit: www.spreastanglia.com Future of Martlesham Park and Ride Suffolk County Council (SCC) agreed last July that the Park and Ride service would be run in two separate parts with different operators but this proved unworkable. SCC is now returning to a single operator model, operated by First Eastern Counties. SCC advises us that the main features will be: • The route remains the same as current with a dedicated service • It will operate across Ipswich and connect the two sites so people do not have to change buses in the centre of town • It will have a consistent frequency of 15 minutes • Simplified fare structure offering multiple and off peak discounts and no change to the Free Pass Holders (£1.50) • One single operator and single distinct branding • Includes an improved service frequency on the Woodbridge/Aldeburgh corridor • Could commence in July 2017 FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Wednesday, February 1: Parish Council Wednesday, February 8: Development Plans Committee Wednesday, February 22: Finance and General Purposes Committee Wednesday, March 1: Parish Council All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room on Felixstowe Road and are open to the public, who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment.

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

Dad always brought her roses, today was no different It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

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for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT 2017 MOBILE POLICE STATION TIMETABLE FOR THE WOODBRIDGE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM WEEK ONE

10:00-11:30hrs

12:00–13:30hrs

14:00–15:30hrs

Monday 16 Jan, 10 April, 3 July 25 Sept, 18 Dec

Campsea Ashe Train Station Car Park

Eyke Cul-De-Sac The Street

Bawdsey Lay-By on Main Road

Grundisburgh Stoney Road outside Old School Houses

Melton Woods Lane (entrance to Hall Farm Rd)

Charsfield Tuesday 17 Jan, 11 April, 4 July Village Hall Car Park 26 Sept, 19 Dec

Wednesday Westerfield Martlesham 18 Jan, 12 April, 5 July Village Hall Car Park The Drift Car Park 27 Sept, 20 Dec

Woodbridge Library

WEEK TWO

10:00–11:30hrs

12:00–13:30hrs

14:00–15:30hrs

Monday 27 Feb, 22 May, 14 Aug 6 Nov

Wickham Market The Hill (beside the Bus Shelter)

Otley Village Hall Car Park

Witnesham Entrance to Weyland Road

Tuesday Sutton 28 Feb, 23 May, 15 Aug Mace Car Park 7 Nov

Woodbridge Framfield House (C.A.B. office upstairs)

Old Martlesham Entrance to Black Tiles Lane (Phone box lay-by)

Wednesday 1 March, 24 May, 16 Aug 8 Nov

Orford The Quay Car Park

Hollesley Shepherd and Dog P/H Car Park

Rendlesham Costcutters Car Park

MARTLESHAM HEATH COUNTRY MARKET If, like me, your record with keeping well-intentioned resolutions could be better, don’t give up! Here’s how to eat a healthy diet, find new friends and take more exercise: the solution is on the doorstep…

Eat better – a smaller slice of cake is just as tasty as a big one for those watching their waistband. You already know that our talented artisan cooks bake a mean cake – and pastries, biscuits, sweets and savouries.

Ours taste better because they’re made with the best of local ingredients with no palm oils, flavour enhancers or unnecessary additives. We also bake cakes, cater for special occasions and cook for your personal dietary instructions.

Join in and support community activities – social interaction is good for our health and it couldn’t be easier to make new friends with interesting talents and interests at the country market. See the evidence of our award-winning members’ skills: jams and preserves, barge-painted pots, herbs, fruit and vegetables, knitwear, crochet, sewn bags, gloves and hats.

From a local artist’s cards and beaded jewellery to fabric wreaths and hand-made wooden bowls, there’s a whole alphabet of locally produced goodies. Spending in the community makes the whole neighbourhood better off too.

Take more exercise – why not visit Martlesham Pavilion on a Tuesday morning and experience our warm welcome? There’s a bowl of water outside for any passing dogs with a thirst and you can have a morning cup of tea or coffee and a nice sit down after making your purchases.

The Country Market is at Martlesham Pavilion every Tuesday morning from 9.15-11.15am. To discuss and place any special order contact Margaret Gayfer: 01473 623849 We always have a table at Saturday’s mid-monthly Kesgrave Market at 1st Kesgrave Scout Hall.

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DAY CARE AND COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAY STAYS FROM MARTLESHAM HEATH

WOODLAND WALKS

HYDROTHERAPY POOL

Martlesham 01473 623 661 Rendlesham 01394 420 468

Your local heating, plumbing & gas specialist.

We offer a wide range of services, including: • • • • • • • • •

Gas Boiler Installation, Service & Repair Oil Boiler Installation, Service & Repair Gas Safety Check & Landlord Certificates Full Bathroom Installation Full Heating Systems installed Pressurised Hot Water Systems Power Flushing All other Plumbing & Heating Services Renewable Energy (Biomass Boilers/Air Source/Heat Pumps)

● Stainfree & Wool Carpet ● Luxury vinyl tiles ● Vinyl ● Woven & Natural Flooring

01394 460187 | 07932 438155 info@jf-plumbing.co.uk | jasonfinbra@btinternet.com

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We are a local charity on your doorstep with our office located in Martlesham Heath and we are focused on supporting vulnerable young people and adults across the county.

We are looking for volunteers to become Appropriate Adults (AAs) to support young people or vulnerable adults when detained in custody at a time when they need it most. As an AA you would be present to ensure that all questioning is carried out as it should be and that the wellbeing of the vulnerable person has been addressed. AAs are independent of the police, social care or solicitors and in 2015 ACT responded to 2018 callouts.

It’s easy to fit this role around other commitments as the AA Service operates across Suffolk seven days a week on a rota basis. You are able to choose a fortnightly four-hour slot that is convenient for you.

If you have some spare time and would like to support a young person over a longer period of time, then becoming an Independent Visitor may be for you. For young people living in care homes, acting as Independent Visitors, volunteers meet with the young person, act as a positive role model, offer support and opportunity to participate in meaningful, fun activity. This is a monthly commitment of approximately four hours.

Our volunteer team comes from a range of backgrounds: retired police inspectors, nurses, social workers, criminology students, parents and people with varied life experiences. We welcome all applications and even if you have no professional experience we can support you through valuable training, shadowing and supervision. We have recently employed two of our AAs: a criminology student volunteering as an AA now works full time supporting homeless offenders to resettle in the community and another of our AA volunteers now works full time in our domestic abuse refuge. This role has opened many doors for our volunteers.

Contact Lisa Miles: 01473 622888 / LisaMiles@angliacaretrust.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia

KESGRAVE LIBRARY

Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to our Christmas carolling collections. The grand total raised was £2410.44, which will be divided between our three chosen charities: Cruse Bereavement Care Suffolk, Over the Rainbow Children’s Charity and Tools with a Mission.

Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) The following craft activities will take place during February.

On Saturday, February 25 please join our preliminary band for Tea & Tunes at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, between 10am and noon. Admission to this event is free and refreshments will be available.

Sunday 12: It’s Valentine’s Day is on February 14. Make a heart shaped cat to celebrate.

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

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction?

Have you ever wondered about the story behind antiques through history and in modern life?

Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt?

If you do, then put the date below in your diary.

The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents by popular demand another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS when she will talk about Antiques in Context.

Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It. Join us at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Monday, March 6 at 7.30pm.

Light refreshments, admission £6. The venue is fully accessible and there is adjacent free parking Further details from the Burrows family: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk / 01473 625196

SPRING FASHION EVENING

Sunday 5: Yesterday was National Libraries Day. Why not pop along and design a new cover for your favourite book?

Sunday 19: Has it snowed yet? If not, pop along and create a 3D snowman with fantastic pompom earmuffs.

Sunday 25: February 27 is National Polar Bear Day. Make a 3D cup polar bear.

Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

Every Thursday (term time only – apart from February 16) Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Every Friday (term time only – apart from February 17) Story Time: 9.45-10.15am Other events in February Knit and Natter: Wednesday, February 1, 2.30pm. £1 with tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

Afternoon Book Group: Thursday, February 2, 2.45pm. Currently reading Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell.

Adult Colouring: Thursday, February 2, 7pm. £2 with tea, coffee, biscuits and all equipment provided.

Evening Book Group: Thursday, February 16, 7pm. Currently reading A Tap on the Window by Linwood Barclay.

IT Help Sessions: Starting Saturday, February 25, 10.30am-12.30pm Every fourth Saturday morning in a month, a member of staff, will be offering help to all our customers who would like some support using their iPads, smart phones, tablets, ebooks, computers or need some general guidance using the internet and computers.

If you would like some help with your technology, please phone up and speak to a member of staff about booking one of our halfhour slots.

Body Shop Party: Thursday, March 2, 7pm The library is holding a Body Shop Party to help raise funds. Why not pop along and get organised for Mother’s Day? If you are unable to attend, orders can be left with staff before the event.

Used stamps/coins The library is now a drop off point for used stamps and old/unused foreign currency coins. These are collected by one of our customers and sold to help raise funds for St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Just bring them along and hand in to staff. It’s as easy as that!

Stamps and cards – Don’t forget that the library also sells stamps and a great range of cards for all occasions.

The Orwell Singers in conjunction with Edinburgh Woollen Mills are hosting a spring fashion evening at 7pm on Tuesday, February 28 at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Join us for a really fun evening which will include refreshments, a cake stall, a raffle and, of course, the latest fashion items presented by our very own ‘top’ models which will be available for purchase at 20% reduced rates.

Entrance is only £3.50 so make a date in your diary.

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

Full details will be available nearer the time on our Facebook page and from Debbie: 01473 635955 / 07768 911512

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT FEBRUARY AT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This month we would like to invite you to a marmalade tasting on February 9. The new Seville oranges have been used by our cooks who have many unusual varieties of marmalade that are not available in the shops to tempt you with.

Personal service is what we pride ourselves on and continuing on a foodie theme, cakes can be ordered and made for any occasion. How about Valentine’s Day? Or perhaps you could buy a red tasty jam as a treat for your loved one. Looking forwards, that jam might be tasty to top your pancakes on February 28 for Pancake Day. Maybe some of our local honey would make a tempting topping too.

Did you know that February is statistically the coldest month? Available at our market from our crafters are hand knitted scarves and hats as well as polar fleece headbands, gloves and welly socks to keep you warm.

These are available in adult, baby and children’s sizes and items can be made to your specific requirements too. Just chat to the producers.

We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. There is plenty of free parking as well as a warm welcome and home baked refreshments. We have bacon rolls on the first Thursday of the month and on the other Thursdays we offer scones or cakes so that you can ‘try before you buy’. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what we can tempt you with.

You’ll find more information about the market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

SPEND AN EVENING WITH THE POET AND PERFORMER HOLLIE MCNISH Hollie McNish will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Wednesday, February 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.

In Nobody Told Me, published in 2016, Hollie writes about poetry and parenthood. Her poems are personal, touching and funny. They are brilliant to read, but hearing her perform them lends them a whole other dimension. If you want to hear how great she is there are clips of her performances on YouTube and you can check her out on: www.holliepoetry.com Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for members of Suffolk Book League and £8 for non-members.

Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door or if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk Suffolk Book League, established in 1982, is a quite unique organisation which provides what is essentially a year-long literary festival. Further information about the league, including the benefits of membership, can be found at: www.sbl.org.uk

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Woodbridge Farmers’ Market will be on Saturdays, February 11 and 25, 9am-12.30pm, at Woodbridge Community Hall.

We have some new stalls for 2017 and also a friendly café selling hot drinks and home-made items to eat straightaway. Why not pay us a visit?

To join our mailing list and receive our popular e-newsletter, please contact Cordelia: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com

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MARTLESHAM ART GROUP We are a small friendly group of people who currently meet in The Richards Rooms to paint together. Our meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 to approximately 4pm and, at present, we have a limited number of vacancies. Our sessions are not tutored, but we all gain from each other’s ideas and experience. We meet all year round with the exception of August and around two weeks over the Christmas period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer.

If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or ring Diane on 01473 659257.

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We started the New Year with a moving and extremely interesting talk about the work of the charity FIND by its founder Maureen Reynel OBE. There are two meetings planned for February. On February 2 Dr Heather will give a talk entitled The Delights of New Zealand and on February 16 we are holding our annual bring and buy sale to raise money for our charity, the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Looking ahead to next month, on March 2 we will have a very welcome return of Mr Hughes to tell us more about life in special education.

For an interesting evening in friendly company join us in the Richards Room at 7.15pm on alternate Thursday evenings. To find out more ring Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY It was a miserable January evening, but that didn’t stop a great attendance for our first meeting of 2017 on Friday 6.

Nik Coleman is a film maker who lives at Long Stratton and his films can be seen on YouTube and on the history channel in several countries, and are due to be shown on Netflix. The subject he is most interested in is the world of vintage warplanes and the title of his talk was Plane Resurrection, Tailwheels and Tears, The Making of Series One. The evening was taken up with Nik’s illustrated story of making the film both here and in the United States and of the expensive and time consuming business of restoring aircraft. A Hawker Hurricane and a North American B25 Mitchell bomber were among the aircraft featured, also the building of a First World War Focker Triplane by a German orthopaedic surgeon who lives and works here.

In the second half of the evening Nik showed more film and talked about his next film project. As a bonus Nik generously distributed unique codes to each of the audience to enable them to view his film for free.

A great evening and a vote of thanks was given by our chairman, Martyn Cook.

Our next meeting is on Friday, February 3 when our Honorary Vice President, Air Commodore Mike Bettell, OBE, (retd) will present a talk entitled I Learned about Flying from Mistakes and Mishaps in the Air. Mike’s extensive flying career inevitably included scary moments and incidents and his talk promises to be interesting and no doubt, humorous.

Meetings are held at the community hall on Felixstowe Road at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Non-members are welcome for a payment of just £4 at the door.

Alan Powell, 01473 622458

In Touch online:

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Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Linda Sexton will present a talk entitled Suffolk Children in Care: The Story of St John’s Home on Monday, February 13.

After 1834, poor relief was only available through workhouses. Families were separated and conditions were purposely grim so as to deter the ‘undeserving poor’ from becoming a burden to ratepayers. By the mid-19th century St Peter’s Workhouse in Ipswich had become overcrowded and so the guardians took the novel step of moving children, initially 53 boys, to a former pub owned by the Cobbold family to the east of the town in 1871.

Meetings are held at Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM It’s not too late to act on those goals you set in January – ‘resolutions’ as we like to call them. Here’s one you can succeed at, with our help and support.

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

Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club. TI has spent more than 90 years devising and refining the best ways for all of us develop our public speaking. Improve your public speaking also boosts your confidence and puts you on the track to becoming a better leader.

Toastmasters recognises this. In addition to speaking projects, there are leadership projects and opportunities within its educational ’tracks’.

The tracks are all supported by books and other materials to guide and challenge you. It’s always up to you how far and how fast you progress.

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

For further details or queries please call 07968 372563 or select Contact Us from the main menu at: www.speak-easy.org.uk You can just want turn up at a club meeting – you’ll find directions and club meeting dates at: www.speak-easy.org.uk/directions.html Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you in 2017.

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on February 21 when we are delighted to welcome Ben Cowell. Ben, formerly regional director of the East of England National Trust, will be talking about his first year as director general of the Historic Houses Association and the challenges that face historic houses in private ownership.

On March 21 Paul Forecast, the new regional director for the East of England National Trust, will be setting out his plans for the next 10 years and, in particular, how the trust will play a more active role in saving nature. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

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

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Our first meeting of 2017 was held on January 5, at which members enjoyed a talk by Peter Senior about his life as a chef. Peter began a five-year apprenticeship at the Charing Cross Hotel, London in 1957. His first task was to peel a large sack of onions. Undeterred by this, Peter went on to enjoy a varied career, working at a number of top hotels, including Gleneagles in Scotland.

He also spent eight years in Bermuda, ending as hotel manager. On returning to England, Peter worked in King’s Lynn, followed by The Crown at Framlingham and finally The Crown in Woodbridge.

CODING FOR CODGERS

Peter now spends time encouraging young people to cook through the Rotary Young Chef in East Anglia. This is a district competition in which budding young chefs have two hours to produce a three-course meal for £15 or less. The best two then go through to the regional final.

By the time you read it, we’ll be in another year and ready to start again – chatting, drinking coffee, eating cake and playing at programming computers and building websites.

The Inner Wheel quiz night is to be held on Friday, March 17 at Woodbridge Community Hall in aid of the Stroke Working Age Group Suffolk. For more information or to enter a team, please contact Deidre Griffin: 01473 612049

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

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

Alternatively, just turn up at The Runway. Even if Coding for Codgers turns out not to be of interest, you can still try the excellent coffee and cake.

Ken Odam Ken@CodingForCodgers.co.uk

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IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 25, 7pm: The Sad Story of Airship 101 We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich – entrance via rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.

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

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP The next open meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road at 7pm. The main speaker will be Jenefer Roberts who will give a talk about her book Can I Eat That?, a nutritional guide for Type 2 diabetics. Our sponsor, Martin from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, will also give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills.

This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to source information on diabetes and talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge, plus we hold a draw. There is no admission or joining fee.

Caroline Sagar from Diabetes UK will give a short talk on our aims for 2017 when we meet on March 9.

DO YOU WISH TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY? OPEN EVENING Monday, March 13, 7.30-9.30pm Martlesham Heath Pavilion IP5 3UY Come and see what your local Rotary Club does in the Martlesham, Kesgrave, Melton and Woodbridge areas: • Serving the community

For more information email: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com

• Involvement in international projects

www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org / Facebook DSGroupIpswich

• Assisting other organisations through our networking

LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT After the hectic Christmas period we take the chance to catch our breath, look back at the festive season and enjoy a social event or two. The Christmas parcels project delivered a near record 200 parcels to people living alone, couples and families for whom Christmas might otherwise have been no different to any other day. The value of the project is borne out by the many letters and cards we receive from grateful recipients, often saying that the fact someone has thought of them is just as important as the welcome groceries. The club’s Christmas dinner saw an enjoyable meal followed by a few tales and anecdotes, rounded off by our now traditional carol singing.

The social calendar includes a theatre visit in January and an evening speaker in February, before the (hopefully) warmer weather tempts us outdoors again.

This year will see the 100th anniversary of the Lions’ movement and the 35th anniversary of the Lions’ Club of Woodbridge and District. There will be events to mark both occasions. A lasting legacy of the centenary will be new play equipment in Elmhurst Park.

For more about the Lions, please visit www.woodbridgelions.org.uk or call without obligation on 0845 8302820.

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

Thursday, February 23: Decorated Notepad (Emma) Thursday, March 23: Butterfly Banner (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members New members are always welcome.

For more details contact: Jill 01473 713534 / Emma 01787 373850

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

• Welcoming people in the local area to meet and make new friendships Do you need our help? Would you like to join us in these activities?

Come along to our informal open evening, join us in a drink and nibbles, see a short presentation and exhibition of current and prospective activities and chat to our members and friends.

Just turn up on the night or contact us for further information. www.debenrotary.org

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB We really have just one thing on our minds at the moment – the event we are organising in partnership with the University of Suffolk and the Students’ Union as our contribution to the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Lighthouse Women’s Aid in Ipswich.

EQUALITY: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Friday, February 10 at the University of Suffolk There will be two speaker sessions: 1-3pm (aimed principally at University staff and students) and 5-7pm (aimed mainly at the public).

The keynote speakers will be Dr Emma Bond, associate professor at the University of Suffolk, who will review domestic abuse in Suffolk today and current trends such as the use of social media, and Melantha Chittenden, national NUS LGBT+ officer, who will talk about women’s equality within the LGBT+ framework.

There will be plenty to see in the foyer throughout the event. Lighthouse will present a Clothesline exhibition and an interactive Suitcase Journey.

There will be displays by charities and organisations which support women, an exhibition of posters/works on related topics by academics and students, a raffle in aid of Lighthouse and, of course, coffee and light refreshments.

The event is free but there will be an opportunity to make a donation to Lighthouse.

If you are interested in attending the event, places for the speaker sessions are limited so it is advisable to book via Eventbrite. To get a ticket google Equality: If not now, when? and select 10 FEB 2017. We’d be delighted to see you there.

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OUT & ABOUT U3A CHEERS UP FEBRUARY WEATHER Feeling blue? Don’t want to do anything till spring? Let the University of the Third Age give you inspiration. If you are already a member you will know that the group/s you belong to always have a warm feeling when you meet to get down to your meetings and hobbies. If you haven’t yet followed your New Year resolution to join U3A in East Suffolk, visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or telephone the secretary on 03001 233913 right away to find out details of what we have to offer.

There are talks taking place in our four campuses in the next few months so come and have an interesting morning or afternoon with U3A where the campus co-ordinator and volunteers will be delighted to welcome you.

Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe at 10.30am • Thursday, February 2: You Need to Talk to the Dog – the work of the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf by Malcolm Taylor • Thursday, March 2: So Climate Change is Real – What can we do about it? by John Midwinter Market Hall, Saxmundham at 2pm • Thursday, February 9: Hidden Treasures of East Anglia’s Secret Sea, the amazing variety of life in the sea by Rob Spray • Thursday, March 9: The Globe Theatre, how thousands of Londoners enjoyed the plays, from the illiterate to the top level of London society

by Mark Mitchels Kesgrave Community Centre at 2pm • Monday, February 27: Estuary Wildlife and Habitats, a journey around the glorious and varied estuary habitats of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with Alex Bass Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm • Monday, February 6: Felixstowe Ferry Men by John White • No meeting in March

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, February 23 at 7.30pm: Breda Stringer presents Victoria and her Children – The Ultimate Family History Tree Queen Victoria’s many children forged fascinating links to the Royal families and aristocrats across Europe. Breda takes us on a fascinating journey.

We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door.

For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY After a Christmas and New Year break, the society reconvenes on February 1 when Dr Peter Webb will talk about the artist David Hockney. His lecture is titled David Hockney: Art as Biography. Dr Webb has been a personal friend of the Yorkshire artist since the 1970s.

Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures are presented by national and international lecturers and start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised). Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £6 donation is asked.

For more information contact Wendy Robbins: 07736 417347 / info@orwelldfas.org.uk

• Monday, April 3: Giles and Ipswich, the life of the famous cartoonist

by John Field

www.orwelldfas.org.uk

Please put these dates in your diary. Visitors as well as members are welcome to attend one talk before applying to become a full member of U3A. The campus co-ordinator or volunteers at each venue will be available to give further details of applying for membership on the day.

BRIGHTWELL UKULELES

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE President Bertie Hirst recently presented £3,500 to Mrs Anne Barratt from the Woodbridge branch of St Elizabeth Hospice. Mrs Barratt thanked the club and said the money will be gratefully valued and of much help for the care of the suffering.

Members recently played 18 holes on the Forest Course at Woodbridge Golf Club for the Budge Cup, presented to the club many years ago by Budge Burgess. The trophy was won by Rotarian John Pearson (pictured left) with a fantastic score well in excess of 40 points. To cap it all John got a hole-in-one on the eighth.

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Brightwell Ukuleles will be on song again in February with meetings on Tuesdays, February 7 and 21 from 2.30pm in Brightwell Church Hall.

March meetings are planned for March 7 and 21.

We are possibly approaching capacity for membership now if we are to retain a situation where everyone gets a fair opportunity for tuition and guidance, so if you are considering joining us do let me know so that you are not disappointed. We will make every endeavour to accommodate people who want to learn to play, but we may reach a point where we have to start a waiting list.

We have set about learning the different ways of playing the instrument so that each can make a contribution to producing a broad repertoire of music, but still making sure that all members are included in everything we do.

Finally we now a Facebook page – Brightwell Ukuleles – and also a dedicated email address shown below.

Geoff Lambert 01473 624130 / brightukes@btinternet.com

WOOLLY WONDERS If you have decided to take up a new pastime or want to rekindle an old project, you will be welcome to join us knitters from 10am-noon on Thursdays, February 2 and 16 at The Runway Cafe next to St Michael’s church, Martlesham Heath for chat, coffee and cakes.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM

SUFFOLK ORCHID SOCIETY

BULB PLANTING

Suffolk Orchid Society will be holding its spring show on Saturday, March 25 at St Michael’s Church Centre (near Douglas Bader Public House), Martlesham Heath IP5 3UY, between 10am and 4pm.

Throughout the parish there will be a lot of daffodils in flower this spring providing a beautiful floral display for all to enjoy. They have been planted over the years by Martlesham in Bloom and many other volunteers.

Earlier this winter Martlesham in Bloom planted bulbs in Main Road and in Eagle Way where we also included many crocuses.

Do look out for the purple crocuses in Eagle Way (opposite Parkers Place) which were given to us by Woodbridge Deben Rotary Club to commemorate and highlight the work of teams of Rotarians who go to Africa and Asia to carry out mass polio immunisation of children.

To identify which children have received the vaccine, their little finger is marked in purple when they are vaccinated. Consequently purple has become the ‘colour of polio eradication’ and this year, Rotary clubs throughout the UK are being encouraged to plant purple crocus corms and donate crocus corms to be planted by other groups which, when they bloom, will be a real and visible reminder of what Rotary has done to help less fortunate countries to become free from this terrible disease.

Our next event is a talk entitled A Year around the Nursery by Susanna Davies of Katie’s Garden on Monday, April 24 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath. Further details in next month’s edition If you would like further details or would like to help with Martlesham in Bloom activities please contact J Maureen Burrows, secretary: 01473 625196

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP Our volunteers celebrated all their hard work during 2016 with a festive work morning on the weekend before Christmas. This was combined with a special Nature Watch Club wreath making session. After a concerted effort clearing more of the northern burial mound, the morning ended with the volunteers enjoying a well-earned woodland buffet and refreshments, accompanied by Christmas music and tree. All the Nature Watch youngsters went home with their lovingly made wreaths in hand, ready to proudly hang on their front doors.

We hope you get a chance to walk off a few Christmas calories in Portal Woods, or to work off even more perhaps join us on a volunteer work morning.

In addition to a magnificent display of our member’s orchids there will be first class orchids for sale, re-potting demonstrations and advice on the cultivation of orchids including solving problems that may be encountered in their care.

Refreshments including light lunches will be available during the day.

Admission £1.

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB It seems a while now since we held our wonderful Christmas demonstration, quiz night, meal and workshop. All who attended these events had a wonderful time and enjoyed themselves very much. We now look forward to another successful and entertaining year at Deben Flower Club.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, February 14 at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall and will take the form of a member’s evening. Our talented members will arrange flowers for your entertainment. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn new techniques in an informal atmosphere.

At the end of the evening the arrangements will be raffled and lucky members will take home a beautifully arranged design.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served. Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome, £4.

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP SOS SWIFTS Save Our Swifts is the theme of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s February talk at Woodbridge Community Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 16, when Edward Jackson presents an illustrated talk focussing on these incredible birds.

“With swift populations facing significant decline over the last 20 years, it’s time for action,” said Phil Smith, chairman of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group. “This will be a fascinating evening, a chance to find out more about how this remarkable bird lives and to learn how we can help to encourage it to return to Suffolk over future summers.”

Admission is £2.50 for adults, with children under 16 free. There will be a raffle during the evening and light refreshments will be served. For further information please contact: swtwoodbridge@outlook.com / 01473 625630

DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages): Saturday, February, 19, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided. All ages welcome, no need to book.

Nature Explorers (ages 11-18): Saturday, March 18 Booking essential; please email: pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com

CALLING ALL MUMS...

Martlesham Mums’ Club has had to change the venue for its February meeting which will now be held on Tuesday, February 7, 12.45-2.30pm, at The Runway Coffee Shop (attached to St Michael’s Church Centre).

New volunteers are always welcome, all ages and abilities. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, call 01473 612632, visit pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

All mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited to join us for a snack lunch which will be prepared for you for a donation of £2 per adult and served at 1pm. We will then welcome Jo Cresdee from Kesgrave-based Suffolk Babies who will tell us what her centre has to offer and will lead a music session with the children.

PWCG Chairman Stephen Corley

For more information please contact Sue: 01473 624130

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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SCHOOLS / SPORT SPRING TERM AT BRIGHT STARS At Bright Stars we started the term making shiny crowns to wear as we walked in the footsteps of the wise men who went to see Jesus after he was born. We followed the star around St Michael’s Church Centre, encountering hazards such as mountains and deserts which we sang our way through until eventually we found Jesus.

If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a fun start to your week we would love you to bring your parents, grandparents and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars. We meet at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL at 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time. Each session is full of fun children’s activities, including singing and Bible stories for children, plus games and crafts. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to play until approximately noon, while the adults enjoy a chat!

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

Our remaining session dates for the spring term are February 27 and March 13 and 27.

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

FACILITIES FOR HIRE AT GORSELAND SCHOOL Gorseland School is fortunate to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), a large Astroturf pitch, a playground and a large indoor hall. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on week day evenings and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee.

The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, sporting groups, Scout and Guiding groups, fitness classes and other one off events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed.

Parking is available on site. For further information or to make a booking please contact the school office: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND SCHOOL In January, we welcomed new children and their families to our Nursery. The children have settled very well and we work closely with parents to ensure that each child has an appropriate settling in period.

Our topic this half term is winter and we are exploring water, ice, weather, clothing and food. The children enjoy weekly cooking sessions and preparing their healthy snacks.

We have been learning about ‘changes’ and linking this to the Martlesham RAF 100 year anniversary. The children have looked at changes over time and how the landscape changes, as well as people growing and changing.

There are limited spaces available for the summer term. If you have a three- or four-year-old and are interested in a Nursery place, please contact our school office (01473 623790) and arrange to come and visit.

Our open events are on Tuesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 9, 1.30-2.30pm.

KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE NEWS The year got off to a wonderful start on the evening of Saturday, January 7 with the karate club’s annual presentation evening, an opportunity for club instructors to acknowledge all the hard work that students put in.

For the Kesgrave Red Dragons, Student of the Year went to Riagan Huq, Most Improved Student of the Year went to Bethany Wright and Best Beginner went to Stephen Bishop. For the junior/senior class in the Kesgrave club, Student of the Year was awarded to William Lawton, Most Improved Student went to Eva Palmer and Best Beginner to Max Green.

In the Northgate Red Dragons, Student of the Year went to Lauren Berry, Most Improved Student went to Jessica Collinson and Best Beginner to Alex Lichota. In the junior/senior class, Student of the Year went to Oscar Hunt, Most Improved Student went to Marcus Peel and Best Beginner to Penny Barnes.

Awards also went to our affiliated club in Bury St Edmunds with the Red Dragons Student of the Year going to Oliver Currie, Most Improved Student to Joe Tully and Best Beginner to Alfie Bullock.

In the junior/senior class, Student of the Year went to Sophie Swann, Most Improved Student went to Gloria Jane Stevens and Best Beginner to Alfie Campbell.

Our final categories were for those students who had braved the intimidating arenas of competitive karate for both kumite and kata. The award for Paired Kata went to Lilly Melton and Emma Buckley, the Team Kata award went to Chloe Campbell, Daisy Hopwood and Lola Blofield and the Individual Kata award to Thomas Humphries.

Awards in kumite went to Calum Evans for the Male Kumite Competitor of the Year while big sister, Tayler Evans, came away with the Female Kumite Competitor of the Year. Overall Kumite Competitor of the Year went to Ruby Hunt.

Many thanks to all our amazing instructors and to the parents and helpers who organised the evening whether it was the food, the venue, ticket sales for the event or raffle or raffle donations. All the money raised is put back into the club, which in turn enables members to participate in both national and international competitions.

A final thank you must go to the continued support of our club sponsors M+C Diesel, IS EleCtrical and Chris Clow whose continued support means that our England competitor, Georgie Lawson, is able to compete at an international level. Watch this space for how she gets on in the Karate Championships in Bulgaria later this month.

Our club is always keen to attract new sponsors. If you are part of a company or business that feels that it would like to put something back into the community by making a small annual donation to help support our young club members achieve their aspirations and goals, please contact us at: admin@northgate-karate.co.uk

Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs J Florey

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE ENTER THE PLAYFUL WORLD OF CASSON & FRIENDS AND DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THEATRE

By Alicia Clarke

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL January saw another big entry in the popular Suffolk six-a-side series at Maidenhall Sports Centre with seven teams in each of Division 1 and Division 2. However, it wasn’t such a successful tournament for Ipswich Ravens due to many of our players suffering from seasonal flu. Our first team in Division 1 was particularly badly affected and we lost all four of our games, two of them against sides we beat comfortably in December.

Diss II and Suffolk University both entered teams for the first time in Division 2 as well as Ipswich Ravens Women, showing how this popular sport is growing in our region. In Division 1 the Ravens continued our improvement from last month with a solid performance. Three wins and one defeat left us in a creditable third place out of the seven teams.

Captain Chris Giles said: “Our performance was much improved from last month. We really earned our three wins with some sublime hitting from chief hitter Ugis backed up by good all round teamwork.”

DIV 1 RESULTS Ipswich Ravens 13-21 Diss Ipswich Ravens 12-21 Stowmarket II Ipswich Ravens 16-21 Ipswich I Ipswich II 21-16 Ipswich Ravens However, our spirits were lifted by our improving ladies team in Division 2 who finished a very creditable fourth out of seven teams, including two wins and the narrowest of defeats by a single point. This was a fantastic performance as it was only the second time the ladies have entered the tournament. It was a result which reflected fairly on the hard work they have been putting in at our weekly practice sessions under the guidance of their dedicated coach.

DIV 2 RESULTS Ravens Women 20-21 Stingers Fil Suffolk Smashers 17-21 Ravens Women Seagulls 8-21 Ravens Women Ravens Women 11-21 Stowmarket Aces January 11 was the third anniversary of the date when Ravens was first formed. We’re delighted with the progress we have made since then.

The club is thriving and competing with other volleyball clubs throughout Suffolk who are much more established. We’re looking forward to growing the club further during 2017 and getting more people to learn what a great sport volleyball is.

Ipswich Ravens hold club practice sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness.

If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

Under the direction of Tim Casson, Casson & Friends is an exciting dance theatre company that creates engaging interactive performances with a focus on collaboration, interaction and joy. Night at the Theatre will be at the Jerwood DanceHouse on Saturday, February 4 and promises to be a fantastic introduction to dance and theatre for young people, with just a hint of audience participation.

Night at the Theatre combines a mixture of dance theatre, audiodescription and imaginative storytelling. When three friends become trapped in an abandoned theatre, little do they know that they will soon become the stars of their own show… Perfect for those who love an adventure, Night at the Theatre will be an immersive dance theatre experience where you can let your imagination go wild.

The company works with a diverse range of collaborators from filmmakers and musicians to computer programmers and psychologists, but most often collaborates with the public, inviting them to engage with dance and performance in exciting and accessible ways.

With a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual contexts, Casson & Friends’ work to date has been presented in a range of settings including shopping centres, libraries, hotels, pubs, offices and football stadiums. The company has also presented its work across the UK and internationally including at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Glastonbury Festival, Brighton Digital Festival, bOing International Family Festival, The Lyon Biennale and Downtown Dance Festival in New York.

“Casson has created a hybrid story that has the wit of the physical and the playfulness of the imagination, a brand of theatre that comes from the heart as well as the head,” Nicholas Minns, writingaboutdance.com on Night at the Theatre Discover the magic of theatre at DanceEast with Casson & Friends on Saturday, February 4, a perfect weekend treat for the whole family. The Jerwood DanceHouse is family friendly, completely accessible and has been awarded the Family Arts Standards. There is plenty of parking nearby, a family friendly café with toys and books, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks for all ages, space for pushchairs, a lift to all floors and accessible toilets with baby-change facilities.

Performances at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. To book (£10, £7 concessions, £30 family ticket) call 01473 295230 or visit: www.danceeast.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

QUESTIONS ON CASH With Nick Plumb This month, I have responded to two questions from In Touch readers that landed in my email in-basket over the Christmas period.

Alan from Ipswich asks: “I have just started receiving my state pension and a company pension of £14,000 a year from the old GEC scheme. The state pension is paid to me gross with no tax deducted, but my GEC pension has income tax deducted and is paid to me net of that tax. Why is there a difference, and should I be paying tax at all?”

Yes, you will pay a certain amount of tax on both pensions, as your total pension income is above your annual personal income tax allowance of £11,000, which is what you are allowed to earn before income tax is deducted at basic rate (currently 20%).

Pension income (from state or private pensions) is classed as ‘earned’ income and is therefore taxable above £11,000 a year.

Although your state pension is paid to you gross, this does not mean that you don’t pay tax on it. The tax is actually collected by an adjustment to your tax code. Check your last notice of coding, and you will see that your tax code is different to when you were working. The pension system would not be able to cope with working out everyone’s individual income tax, so they leave the tax to HMRC, who alter your tax code to compensate.

The GEC pension is taxed at source, and tax is deducted by the company pension administrators before the pension is paid to you. However, it is important to check that you have been put on the correct tax code as I have seen many examples of people paying too much tax on their company pensions over the years.

Peter from Needham Market asks: “I am the director of a limited company employing 12 members of staff. I would like to introduce a free life insurance scheme that pays out a lump sum to the staff member’s family if they died. What is the best way to do this through the company?”

A ‘death in service’ scheme for a group of employees is usually arranged as a Group Life Insurance scheme, which falls under the ‘tax approved’ rules that also apply to group pension schemes.

Such schemes offer various tax advantages for you as the employer and for your employees.

The premiums the company pays are tax-deductible as a business expense and the premiums are not treated as a ‘benefit in kind’ for your employees, so they will not suffer a tax charge on them.

Any Lump-sum death benefit paid on the death of an employee would be paid free of income tax and, if it is paid out under a discretionary trust, it will not normally be liable for inheritance tax when paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased staff member.

On Tuesday, December 20, members got together for a Christmas dinner at The Table restaurant in Woodbridge. A very sociable evening included a Christmas card competition judged by Vernon Blackmore, proprietor of The Table, who chose a card designed by Trevor Boyd as the winner.

Vernon kindly donated a bottle of wine as the prize and is pictured here presenting it to Trevor.

February 21: Print competition entitled Song Titles, judge Phil Chatfield 21 March: Workshop entitled Composition Beyond the Thirds led by Alan Sarsby Guests welcome. Members £2, guests £5. We meet at Woodbridge Quay Church at 7.30pm.

For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk

HOT LINE TO GOD Living in Martlesham, you’ll appreciate the problem, I’m sure. My mobile phone signal is dreadful. But to cap it all, I bought a new phone last year and it’s the most unfriendly product I’ve ever encountered. It’s a touch phone and if I touch the screen with my cheek as I speak to someone, it’ll switch off, or change the contact or something equally inconvenient.

All in all, it’s a real pain.

Living in our modern world with all the technology to support rapid and immediate communication and instant connection when we want to talk to someone, we just can’t cope with a dinosaur that inconveniences us.

I’m so glad my contact with God isn’t like that. When I pray, I know that nothing will stop the message getting through and whether the answer is ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘Not yet’, I can be sure I will be listened to and understood without having to worry about a mobile or internet connection.

When St Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians he said: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.”

I’m so glad I can talk freely to someone who listens, understands and can be contacted without using anything other than my own mind and mouth.

The Rev Margaret Rittman, Martlesham and Brightwell

Nick Plumb is an independent financial adviser and practice principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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