In Touch Martlesham – January 2016

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Volume 6 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2016

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I have always loved New Year’s Day, even as a child when I’d watch The New Year's Concert by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on TV. Granted I was probably doing other things at the same time, but it would be on in the background and I loved the drama of it all. It felt like a fitting way to welcome in a new year and was also quite a private moment. My brothers were probably still in bed so it was usually me, my diary – and the vacuum cleaner! In those days in rural Ireland the male and female roles were clearly defined – the boys helped on the farm, I did the cleaning and the baking, but that’s a subject for another day!

Cleaning is still part of my new year ritual and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Yes, I admit it, I like cleaning! I love that sense of satisfaction I get when I sit down to admire my handiwork, that oh so precious five minutes before it all falls apart again. I do become a bit of a tyrant when I go into cleaning mode so it’s best to stay out of my way (Daniel consider this your advance warning and if you don’t believe me, just ask mum!), but when it’s done I’m sweetness and light, as per usual!

This year I have an extra incentive as I will be looking for something rather special. Last summer Jack found an old key when we were planting seeds with grandma. It is his most precious possession and he presents it to visitors and friends as such. We have mislaid it! I know it’s in the house somewhere but in none of the obvious places and I have (stupidly!) promised to find it. If I do turn out every toy box and every cupboard, as I plan to, surely it will reappear. If not I’m going to have a very sad little boy – and I’ll be a very guilty mummy. Wish me luck.

I hope your new year begins with hope for the year ahead and that you too find joy in the small things.

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NEWS 1st MARTLESHAM SCOUT GROUP CHRISTMAS POST 2015 I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who posted cards for the scout post this year. At the time of writing I don’t know the exact figures, but I will update you next month with the final details.

Thanks as always to Black Tiles Post Office, Duncan’s Butchers and BT for their support as well as all the scouts, parents, leaders and friends for stamping, sorting and delivering the cards.

I’m looking forward to a few months off before preparing for 2016!

Simon Smith 1st Martlesham Scout Post Co-ordinator

MONEY TO PLAY WITH Suffolk Coastal District Council and Martlesham Parish Council are looking for ideas and suggestions on how £115,000 should be spent in the Martlesham community.

The funding comes from Suffolk Coastal’s Outdoor Playing Space Fund which is generated from contributions from all new homes built in the district and in this case can be spent on improving existing sport and play facilities or providing new ones for those aged 14 and over – this one being the Bloor Homes development in Martlesham.

Recent examples in the district include the development of multi-purpose sports areas, basketball courts, skate parks, tennis courts, parkour areas or outdoor gyms. The funding cannot be used for indoor facilities or for activities such as golf.

In this first phase of the consultation, we would like to hear suggestions from the community. Once these have been collected, we will then ask some companies to develop plans and put these to focus groups and ask the community what their preferred option is.

Please send us your ideas on how this funding can be spent by Friday, February 26 and let us know if you would like to be involved in any future meetings regarding this development.

Contact Susan Robertson Martlesham Parish Council Clerk: clerk@martleshamcouncil.org.uk For more information about the Outdoor Playing Space Fund, visit: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourcouncil/communitygrants/outdoorplay

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 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 assist anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Our best wishes for the New Year to all our parishioners.

HM The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations Communities are being encouraged to join in the celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday this year. Major national events are scheduled to take place in London over the weekend of June 11/12. If there are any local groups planning events, please contact the parish council who may be able to help with financial assistance in the form of a small grant.

Please write to the clerk by Monday, February 15 providing details of your proposed event, the amount of grant you are seeking and for what purpose.

Land off Dukes Park, Martlesham At the time of going to press we have been advised that an outline planning application for 215 dwellings and an A1 convenience store has been submitted to Suffolk Coastal District Council. By the time you read this we should have received a hard copy in the office but for full details please visit: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk Any meeting that the parish council organises to discuss this application will be advertised on our website and noticeboards.

Closure of Footpath 52 The council has recently expressed concern that Footpath 52 has been granted a temporary closure notice for two years which it considers excessive.

This footpath is at the Mill Heath development and links Main Road with The Common. We have received this explanation from Bloor Homes: “Bloor Homes require the footpath to remain closed throughout the construction of Phase 2 of the development (the area within the trees). This is to comply with current CDM regulations (Construction Design and Management). To cut a long story short; we need to take every opportunity, as far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent the public from coming into contact with construction activity that might prove dangerous – we have to design out the risk.

is safe to do so then the path will obviously re-open.

The Area Officer will continuously review the closure and will work with Bloor Homes to ensure access is achieved as soon as possible but also evaluate the safety of the public throughout the build.”

Management of Recreation Ground and Kronji’s Piece Martlesham Recreation Ground entrance is located in The Street, Martlesham. Facilities at the site include the bowls club, children’s play equipment, the football pitch and recycling bins. Kronji’s Piece is an additional section of land acquired by the parish council to add to the original recreation ground. Kronji’s Piece has been a particularly useful addition as it now forms the vehicle entrance to the site at a much safer location than previously and accommodates the car parking area, children’s play area and recycling bins.

The original recreation ground is held in trust and the parish council is the sole trustee. This trust is a charity and meets separately from the parish council.

The day to day operation of the site has been devolved by the trustees to the Recreation and Amenities Committee of the council. A general management plan has been produced and relevant day to day matters are included in Recreation and Amenities meeting agendas. Parishioners who wish to help with how the recreation ground develops or have suggestions for improvements should contact the clerk. Alternatively parishioners may attend meetings where there is usually an opportunity to raise issues or comment.

Dogs in the Community Many homes have dogs as pets. They provide many benefits for owners, encourage more exercise and help to keep stress levels down.

Many non-dog owners feel nervous when approached by dogs off the lead and almost everyone gets upset by dog fouling that is not cleared up. Please therefore ensure that you act responsibly when walking your dog. Most people do, but there are always exceptions. Please make sure it’s not you.

In this instance, I discussed with Suffolk County Council ideas to have a pedestrian barrier, banksman or restricted hours for the right of way to be open. All of the aforementioned options would only cause further confusion and prolong the period that we would need to disrupt pedestrian traffic along the footpath. Although we have a closure/diversion made available to us for two years, we intend to review the diversion once construction is underway on Phase 2.”

There are numerous dog dirt bins in the parish and Suffolk Coastal District Council have indicated that general waste bins can be used for disposal of dog poo unless there is a sign to say otherwise. When walking dogs off the lead, do ensure that your dog is always within sight and be prepared to call him/ her back if there is a chance of annoying people or other dogs. If you are walking more than one dog you should be especially vigilant as this can be even more intimidating to others.

Suffolk County Council Rights of Way who have responsibility for footpaths have also explained: “The Secretary of State confirmed by letter such a long closure because it does save on the continuous applications that occur due to the standard closure period being six months. This length of extension applies only in particular circumstances were it is clear that a large development will take a substantial amount of time; if works complete beforehand or it

Remember that dogs cannot behave irresponsibly, only those walking them can! Do enjoy your dog walking. It’s a great way to keep you and your dog fit and healthy and to enjoy open spaces and discover countryside.

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For more information on enjoying the countryside with dogs visit: www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/ things-to-do/i-m-a-good-dog

For general information about the local countryside visit: www.discoversuffolk.org.uk Give your view to shape the future of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service A 14-week public consultation looking at future provision for Suffolk’s Fire and Rescue Service is now open. The consultation closes on Monday, February 22, 2016.

The draft Integrated Risk Management Plan being considered through consultation identifies the following proposals: • Reduce the number of fire engines in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft • Replace the second fire engine at Sudbury with a rapid response fire fighting vehicle • Close Wrentham fire station For further details on the consultation visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/fireredesign To give your views on the consultation: • Email: FireServiceRedesign@suffolk.gov.uk • Call the Service Redesign team between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday: 01473 260457 • Write to: Service Redesign Team Manager, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service HQ, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX What have we been doing recently?

• Setting our budget and precept (parish council element of council tax). Full report in the February edition when figures have been agreed.

• Footpath surveys completed.

• Work to trees on The Common to protect veteran oaks and reduce dominance of sycamores along the roadside.

• Considering the impact of the district council’s new Scheme of Delegation for planning with regard to referral of applications (full report in February).

Forthcoming meetings Wednesday, January 6: Parish Council Meeting Wednesday, January 13: Recreation & Amenities Committee Wednesday, February 3: Parish Council Meeting 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 the latest news and events visit: www.martlesham.onesuffolk.net Parish office opening times: 9am-noon Monday to Friday excluding public holidays; please book an appointment in advance.

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SPRING 2016 AT THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE

The Last Five Years, an award winning musical from Jason Robert Brown and recently a major motion picture starring Anna Kendrick and Jordan Jamie, headlines the New Wolsey Theatre’s 15th birthday season.

Running from February 25 to March 11, The Last Five Years starts and ends with the beginning of a passionate love affair. Cathy’s story starts with the end of their relationship and follows their tale backwards to when she first fell in love with her young talented lover. Jamie’s story begins with their first passionate encounter and heads forward towards heartache.

The unique style of storytelling and the infectious score makes this one of America’s best modern musicals. Songs include Moving Too Fast, If I Didn’t Believe in You and Goodbye Until Tomorrow.

Katie Birtill, who took the title role in Sweet Charity last autumn, stars with a talented live band to create Cathy and Jamie’s world as it crumbles and reforms around them. It will be directed by the New Wolsey Theatre’s artistic director Peter Rowe.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre will present The Government Inspector, the first production in the Ramps on the Moon touring project, at the New Wolsey from April 6 to 15. Ramps on the Moon is a ground-breaking touring project that sets out to put more deaf and disabled people on our stages, in our audiences and our workforce. Bringing together seven major theatre companies, it will change the way theatre made by and for D/deaf and disabled people is seen. These companies, which include the New Wolsey Theatre, are committed to putting D/deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work and stimulating awareness of disability issues within arts and culture.

Gogol’s satirical masterpiece is a hilarious riot of corruption, lies and greed that has lost none of its original bite. The mayor is in a cold sweat. News has reached him of an imminent visit from a government inspector. His fear is well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his official duties.

The hospital is a health hazard, the school is a war zone, the soldiers don’t have trousers to march in and he never quite got around to building that church!

Directed by Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director Roxana Silbert, the production includes a creative use of audio description, captioning and British Sign Language.

For full details of the New Wolsey’s jam-packed spring season visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk where you can also book or call the sales team on: 01473 295900 www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT BEAT THE POST-CHRISTMAS BLUES WITH HOME-START Have you had enough of those dark evenings in?

Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal are organising two events for you to come along to and shake off the post-Christmas blues.

QUIZ NIGHT Come along to a fun quiz at the Bell Inn, Kesgrave, on Sunday, January 31, 8pm start. Tickets will be £5 to include a light supper (a vegetarian option will be available). Teams of four. Our thanks go to Debbie McCallum at the Bell for hosting us for this evening.

PUDDING NIGHT There will also be the chance to enjoy an evening sampling a variety of delicious home-made puddings with friends when we hold a Pudding Night at the Douglas Bader Pub on Thursday, February 11 at 7.30pm. There will be lots of different home-made puddings for you to try with a chance to vote for the best pud! Tickets will be £5 to allow you to sample these delights and a recipe booklet of all the puddings will also be available for you to purchase. Our thanks go to Margaret Barrett at the Douglas Bader for hosting this occasion.

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

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

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

On Thursday, March 17 at 7.30pm, The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents an evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS talking about The Life and Work of an Auctioneer in St Michael’s Church

Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes, including Bargain Hunt and Flog It. There will be light refreshments, admission is £5.

Further details from: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

Chinese New Year 2016 Anglo Chinese Cultural Exchange (ACCE), an award winning local charity, proudly presents this year’s spectacular show to welcome the Chinese New Year 2016 at Ipswich Corn Exchange. Bring along the entire family to enjoy our loud and colourful celebrations.

Tickets for both events are available from: Home-Start, 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath; 01473 621104; www.homestarteastsuffolk.org.uk

This year we have an amazing Chinese Lion Dance, martial arts, a Chinese dance group and other performers. There will also be local performers, including a couple of surprises!

All monies raised from these events will go to the charity HomeStart Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who during this year will support more than 140 families in the East of Ipswich or Suffolk Coastal areas. These families will receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone this can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement and multiple births.

All funds raised and donated go towards keeping the ACCE charity running throughout the year, delivering their services and activities to everyone in our local community. Come along to enjoy the fun and to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Monkey.

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Did you know that one in four consumers skip breakfast?

At Ipswich Country Market we are inviting you to ‘Shake Up Your Wake Up’ on Thursday, January 28 with a free tasting to celebrate Breakfast Week.

We have fresh bread, marmalades, jams and local honey. You can taste, smell and buy fresh produce while supporting local producers.

If you are feeling low and lethargic in the morning, try our local honey.

Spread it on hot toast or replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.

As well as being a tasty start to the day, one of our many varieties of jam will contribute to your Vitamin C and iron intake.

Our marmalades contain vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit and peel. Did you know that it is thought that there are 20 times more antioxidants in 1g of marmalade than in your ordinary glass of orange juice?

If you can’t wait for January 28 why not come and join us for bacon rolls when we re-open after Christmas on January 7?

You will find us at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane from 10.15 until 11.30am.

There is plenty of free parking and tea and coffee are available. We look forward to welcoming you.

For photos and regular updates find us on Facebook – just look for Ipswich Country Market.

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NEWS WOODBRIDGE FARMERS AND FINE FOODS MARKET

KESGRAVE SINGERS In October, the Kesgrave Singers, a community choir, and Lirica, the MSC workplace choir, joined forces to put on a concert to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. They entertained around 250 people with a varied programme covering popular music, songs from the shows, and even some opera, and raised £1,600 for this worthwhile cause.

Saturdays, January 9 & 23 at the Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, 9am-12.30pm

The Kesgrave Singers are always looking for new members, both men and women, so if you enjoy singing and would like to join our choir then come along to Kesgrave Scout Hall on Monday afternoons, 2-4pm, to give us a try.

All the singers are keen amateurs, singing for their own pleasure and to bring a bit of joy to other people.

MARTLESHAM BRASS

Making music fun in East Anglia A very Happy New Year to you all, and thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities: East Suffolk Association for the Blind; Kim, You’ll Never Walk Alone supporting Kim Sale, a pupil from Kesgrave High School; and Ipswich Hospital Sunrise Appeal.

We shall report the final amount raised in next month’s article.

On January 2 our main band is taking part in a joint concert with Gippeswyk Singers at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm.

Our band welcomes 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 feel that you would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below.

Please note we currently have a waiting list for beginner players.

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

THE RUNWAY COFFEE SHOP The Runway celebrated Christmas in style with mince pies, Christmas drinks and carols. A giant crib made a magnificent addition to our Christmas decorations. Thank you so much to Capel St Mary Primary School for lending us their masterpiece to display. In fact so many people have contributed to The Runway, making it truly a community coffee shop. Our final total for the Operation Christmas Child Campaign was 60 shoeboxes, and The Woolly Wonders made 1,100 little bobble hats to donate to Innocent Smoothies in aid of Help the Aged. Amazing! Thank you so much.

We are looking forward to a New Year of getting to know more people in the community and welcoming more community groups into the coffee shop. Why not keep in touch by liking our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/TheRunwaycoffeeshop where you can see up-to-date opening times and activities?

The market brings together under one roof a wide range of producers, selling truly local foods at competitive prices. There are around 20 regular stall-holders who come to each market. You can choose from a wide range of meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and herbs, fish, breads, pies and cakes, preserves and sauces, fresh coffee and loose teas and also plants for your garden. Most stalls are run by the producers themselves who are passionate about sharing their produce and information about it with their customers. Many stalls will let you have a sample to try before you buy and prices are very competitive for such fresh, local produce.

We now have an email list which enables us to contact customers before each market to inform them about special offers and new seasonal products. If you’d like to join this list please let us know by emailing: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com We look forward to welcoming you to Woodbridge Farmers and Fine Foods Market very soon.

GOOD VALUE AT YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET ‘Market’ can conjure different images.

What we mean is a place where local producers sell their home-grown, freshly picked or home-baked or hand-knitted or specially sewn, beaded or crocheted one-off bags, jewellery and brooches, original cards, delicious fresh chutney, jams, marmalades and honey, and eggs laid by free-range chickens that live within a few miles.

Our cooks compete with suppliers who mass-produce thousands of cakes and biscuits in factories and send lorry-loads across the country – whose recipes are perfected by teams of scientists and economists.

Our cooks buy flour from grain grown and milled in East Anglia, British butter, hedgerow and garden fruit and vegetables in season and eggs from their neighbours’ hens.

Our cooks can make cakes and savouries to order to suit you and your family’s special dietary needs – gluten free, low fat or low sugar. You can meet our cooks, like Tina and Rita, and discuss what you want, buy it fresh or place an order.

You can meet our preserve makers and decide which marmalade to try this week. You can meet our crafters, like Mary, Helen and Val, and choose a knitted jumper, brooch, bag or necklace to match your outfit or as a special gift.

You can meet our butcher, Ian, and help the British Lop pig, a breed rarer than pandas, to survive by eating his sausages, bacon, burgers and ham – all half-price and delicious.

Visit us and meet the makers at Kesgrave Market – Saturdays, 9.3011.30am, at Scout HQ, Twelve Acre Approach (near Tesco) – and at Martlesham Heath Market – behind the Douglas Bader pub on Tuesdays, 9.30-11.15am. There’s tea, coffee and eatables at both venues.

Finally, we’d like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful New Year.

We need more cooks, crafters and producers: would you like to join us?

For more information please call Rita Jones on 01473 272276 or come and meet us.

The Runway Team

Find us on Facebook – Kesgrave and Martlesham Country Market

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS Sunday Crafts, 10am-noon The following craft activities will take place during January.

Sunday, January 3: It’s National Bird Day on January 5 so let’s make a bird puppet.

Sunday, January 10: It’s still winter! Make your name into a snowman bookmark.

Sunday, January 17: Monday, January 18 is National Winnie the Pooh Day. Make a plate Eeyore to celebrate.

Sunday, January 24: Everyone loves the Minions. Make a 3D minion. Which character will you chose?

Sunday, January 31: January 29 is National Puzzle Day. Make a puzzle monster.

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

BookStart – every Thursday (term time only) Free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers.

Why not come along and join Emma every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories?

Tot Rock : 9.45-10.15 am BabyBounce: 10.30-11am

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

We meet at Ropes Hall, Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF. Our next meeting on January 19 sees the return of the popular Mark Mitchels. His talk will be on the Duke of Wellington, ‘the man who saved the world’. On February 16 David Brown will be talking about China – The Land of the Dragon. This illustrated talk will focus on a number of famous and less famous attractions, both ancient and modern, as well as aspects of Chinese history and culture.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; entrance fee £2 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

Become a member in January and gain the full year’s benefit of membership. You will receive the January newsletter giving full details of the year’s excursions and future talks.

For more information contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761. www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

Story Time: every Friday in term time, 9.45-10.15am Kesgrave Library’s 10th Birthday Celebrations: Saturday, January 30, 11am-5pm We will be celebrating the library’s 10th birthday since it re-located to Kinsey House from the portacabin. Why not pop along during the day for some birthday cake to help us celebrate? There will be a free craft activity and free refreshments available.

Members of the Library Community Group will be available to chat about how they help support the library. The group will also be launching their fundraising 100 Club for £1 per month.

Harry Potter Book Night: Thursday, February 4, 6-8pm This evening will include free Harry Potter crafts, games and storytelling, as well as hot chocolate and marshmallows. Why not come along in fancy dress to help us celebrate?

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

MARTLESHAM WI 2016 will be another important year for us as we shall be celebrating the 70th birthday of our WI, founded in the aftermath of the Second World War when life was difficult and rationing still applied. No doubt those early members were busy ‘making do and mending’. This year also heralds many new opportunities for us.

Having changed in September to an afternoon WI we decided at the annual meeting by a substantial majority to change our venue to the pavilion on Martlesham Heath. This is for many reasons, not least the better facilities and the fact that a number of our members will be able to walk there.

At our annual meeting Susan Cunliffe was elected as the new president, Pat Brown having served for the maximum of three years. She was presented with a small gift in recognition of her sterling service, as was Barbara Bown was has acted as treasurer for several years but has now moved from Martlesham. We were in difficulties as no-one was prepared to act as secretary until June Parkin, a new member, nobly offered to take on the role. We are very grateful to her – welcome June.

Our first meeting of the new year will be a talk and demonstration of papercraft by our own multi-talented member, Maria Lestrange.

Competition – favourite Christmas card. The meeting will be at 2.15pm on Friday, January 15 at the pavilion on the green, behind St Michael’s Church. Do come along and check us out, you will be most welcome. For more information contact Susan: 01394 381299

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB

The next meeting of the Ipswich branch of the Suffolk Family History Society is at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 28 in the Co-op Education Centre in Fore Street, Ipswich. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG.

A happy and healthy New Year to everyone.

In a talk entitled Can I see your papers?, Robin Durrell will explain how military-related documents and information can be used to help trace part of your family story. Bring along any family military documents, photos, details, or medals you have for examination and analysis.

On January 21 Terry Plummer will present a talk entitled The Elderly Driver and How to Maintain your Independence. In a rural area this will probably be of interest to some of our more senior members.

Admission is £2 a person for society members, £2.50 for non-members who are also warmly welcomed and can join the society on the night if they wish to do so. Tickets are not required – just turn up and pay on the door.

For more information contact H King: 01473 274300

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month, except December, in Rushmere Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. We are a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a lighthearted atmosphere with refreshments. Our next meeting is: Thursday, January 28: Zentangle (Emma) The 2016 monthly projects list is now available and other projects are available.

New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).

Our first meeting of 2016 is on January 7, when Sarah Waldock will show us how to make cards from scrap.

Looking ahead to February 4, Rob Spray will tell us about Life Modelling.

Make a New Year resolution to have some fun evenings out and join our friendly informal club. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in the Richards Room. For more information contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN Deben Rotary were delighted to welcome nine members of our newly formed satellite club in 2015. They are younger professional men and women who will bring a new range of skills and innovation to the club.

One of their first ventures was a soup party at Hope Church in Ipswich in November. Satellite members produced a range of delicious homemade soups that were enjoyed by guests who then left donations. Ian Walters, the soup kitchens co-ordinator for the Ipswich churches, gave a talk on the work of the soup kitchens, and £450 was raised to support their work.

If you would like to know more about our activities or about Rotary in general please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY The society takes its winter break now and our next meeting will be on February 3 when Shirley Smith will present a talk about the French royal the Duc du Berry and the famous Book of Hours he commissioned.

Our Christmas meeting on a sunny December afternoon featured Dr Sarah Pearson who gave us an enchanting look at the historical origins of many of the elements we associate with Christmas. With wonderful art illustrations she spoke about the crib, ice and snow, Christmas food, the Christmas tree, the snowman, Christmas cards, the Christmas cracker and finally how St Nicholas morphed into Santa Claus. A delightful lecture at this time of year.

WOODBRIDGE MEMORY CAFÉ The Woodbridge Memory Café, run jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Deben, supported by the ladies of Inner Wheel, has now been running for more than three years.

The cafe, which is held at Woodbridge Football Club on the last Wednesday of every month, is principally for dementia sufferers and their carers, although we welcome any elderly people who would appreciate some company in a convivial atmosphere.

We welcome new members. Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? The wonderfully illustrated lectures start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised), last about an hour and are presented by national and international lecturers. We are a friendly group who meet on the first Wednesday of the month for nine lectures each year, and we also organise interesting day visits. Guests and nonmembers are welcome, provided we have available space. A £5 donation is asked.

Hot drinks and homemade cakes are provided at no cost, and we also provide memorabilia, music and occasional live entertainment. We are keen to boost attendance at the café and extend a warm welcome to anyone who feels they would benefit from what we have to offer.

For more information contact Jean Bradberry: 01473 710921 / odfasmemsec@btinternet.com

If you would like further details please call Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933.

Our next sessions are on Wednesdays, December 30 and January 27.

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

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In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

13

ADVERTISING FEATURE START THE NEW YEAR WITH A RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP!

MARTLESHAM HARD OF HEARING GROUP

You can talk, can’t you? So what’s stopping you from speaking in public?

An independent social group for people with any type of hearing loss.

Partners and hearing dogs welcome.

Did you know that speaking in public is at the top of most people’s list of ten terrors? It needn’t be. You can learn to overcome your fears in a friendly positive atmosphere at Speak Easy. We are a small group of people of all ages and backgrounds. We all want to improve how we speak in public. The only way to do that is to practise regularly so we meet every fortnight. We offer plenty of opportunities to talk, to listen, to learn by doing it yourself and by listening to others.

Our group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion, 10.30am-noon. We charge £3.50 per session and frequently have a speaker. This year we have 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!).

Make 2016 the year when you get that new job, persuade your boss to promote you, break your sales records, join that committee and voice your concerns, make the record-breaking fundraising phone call, give a talk to your work colleagues, speak at an important meeting or social activity…

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

Yes, it’s possible: breathe in, start talking – not too fast, make eye contact, remember your prepared phrases.

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

Speak Easy is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide non-profit organisation with a great track record. Whether you want to practise for a special occasion or improve your confidence and techniques, we offer the opportunity and all for around £7.50 a month – with free refreshments.

Why not come to our meetings free as a guest to find out more?

We meet from 7-9.30pm at the Richards Room, Martlesham Community Hall, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB (behind Tesco). Our next meetings include a special open evening on January, 14 when guests are especially welcome, and a typical meeting on January 28.

Find out more at www.speak-easy.org.uk, find us on Facebook and Twitter, or call Sonya Burrows: 07968 372563

WHY NOT MAKE U3A YOUR 2016 NEW YEAR RESOLUTION? How about signing up to join one of U3A’s 130 interest groups? Give 2016 a boost by refreshing one or more of your hobbies or talents or even learn something new. Outdoor pursuits like walking or visiting churches or architectural buildings can be cold in January, but the weather will get better throughout the year. Why not join a U3A lunch club or discussion group to warm up winter blues?

Ipswich’s first talk for 2016 is at 2pm on Monday, January 25 by John Ashdown-Hill and is entitled The Mythology of Richard III. Was he really a usurper and villain? How was his skeleton discovered and why was he buried in an Anglican cathedral? Come along on January 25 to find some answers.

The Ipswich U3A talks take place at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acres Approach, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The number 66 bus from Ipswich and Martlesham passes the centre every 15 minutes.

Refreshments follow the meeting.

Visitors are welcome and the campus co-ordinator will be delighted to give you more details of how to join U3A (the University of the Third Age), an organisation for retired and semi-retired people. For more information call 01473 273395 or visit: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

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WOOLLY WONDERS Happy New Year from Martlesham’s knitting group. We will be meeting on January 7 and 21, 10am-noon, at The Runway Café on Martlesham Heath.

For further information contact Rachel: 01473 610437

KESGRAVE WI After quickly working through the business section of the meeting we started our Christmas celebrations with a visit from The Rev John Robinson, Thorpe Le Soken, Essex. The Rev Robinson is a retired Methodist minister who has a passion for collecting old music scores. His talk was entitled Christmas Songs from 1770-1970 (not ‘carols’ he was quick to tell us!).

The Rev Robinson accompanied all of the songs on his electric organ, enabling us to sing along – some familiar, others not so!

He gave a short history of each song and shared memories of his own Christmases, from his earliest days up to today. Many of us remember using the front parlour as a special treat on Christmas Day! We celebrated Christmas in style at our December meeting. The room was seasonally decorated by Muriel and hot mince pies and sausage rolls were served with a warming (non-alcoholic!) punch by the committee while we were entertained by our drama group, Kesgrave Singers and, of course, Olive – our resident poet.

Proceedings were brought to a close with everyone joining in a selection of traditional Christmas songs and carols and our president, Monica Collins, wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Our first meeting of the new year is on Thursday, January 7 at 7.15pm in Kesgrave Community Centre when we will play Bag Beetle, a modern take on an old favourite!

Visitors are very welcome to join us. For more information call our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT

NOW RECRUITING SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Responsible for advertising sales, account management, business development and sales team and portfolio management for Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print, Boswell Office Supplies and Musical Marketing.

The key tasks include: • Responsible for managing and developing an experienced sales team, with a requirement to establish targets and objectives and to motivate staff, develop new business opportunities and revenue streams and to deliver projects successfully.

• Working closely with the MD to devise and implement marketing strategies (including digital), increasing sales through marketing and reporting on marketing success.

Applicants must have several years of senior media sales experience, ideally within a publishing environment, a proven track record of hitting and exceeding sales targets and excellent experience of managing and motivating sales people.

We are looking for a candidate who can deal professionally with high level clients. The ideal candidate will have experience of successfully developing large accounts and also experience of new business development. Furthermore, we would expect the candidate to have a desire to be a real leader in driving team success.

2015 ended with the now customary busy spell of collecting funds, buying groceries, then packing and distributing the Christmas parcels.

The season's fundraising had a great boost with another successful art sale in November which raised £345. Our thanks to Kesgrave Art Club and to Quay Street Church. On the social side, our Christmas social provided an opportunity to relax amid the hectic seasonal activity, to share a few anecdotes and enjoy the spirit of friendship for which the Lions are renowned.

Looking ahead to 2016, plans to mark the centenary of the Lions movement in 2017 (and the 35th anniversary of Woodbridge & District Lions Club) are gathering pace; watch for publicity on just how we plan to mark the occasions. January brings the annual quiz night for Lions' Clubs in South Suffolk. Can anyone challenge the clubs of Ipswich and Woodbridge who between them have won the trophy for the past 12 years?

Looking at the achievements of the Lions internationally, nationally and locally over 2015 one phrase summed it up: "Wherever there is a need, there is a Lion." If you would like to help us or know of someone we can help, please get in touch for a no obligation chat on 0845 8332820 or via: www.woodbridgelions.org.uk

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, 1.30-4pm, and 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 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 call Diane on 01473 659257.

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB MAGAZINE DESIGNER / LAYOUT An experienced print and magazine designer / layout to join our small and very busy team.

You will need to be skilled in page layout, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator with proven ability to make design judgements in relation to page layout and at least three years experience working in print or publishing design.

You will need to work effectively and efficiently under pressure, have a keen eye for detail, natural creative flair and possess strong communication and teamwork skills.

For full details including how to apply please visit: www.grapevinelive.co.uk/category/jobs 16

Following our wonderful Christmas demonstration by Susan Phillips in November and a delicious Christmas meal from Steven Hambling in December, we are now looking forward to a new year of exciting floral demonstrations by some of the best demonstrators our area has to offer.

Tuesday, January 12, 7.30pm at the church hall, Kirton A floral demonstration by Helen Bird from Marks Tey in Essex entitled This is My Way. Why not brighten a dull January evening by joining us for a lively and colourful floral demonstration. You will be assured of a warm welcome and the opportunity to win one of Helen’s beautiful arrangements in the raffle. Tea coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration.

Visitors’ admission is £4.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Our meeting on Friday, December 4 was very well attended for an illustrated talk entitled The TSR2 Story. Chris Blundell is one of our members and was on the design team for the ill-fated TSR2, an aircraft which was intended to push the boundaries of bomber design and replace the V bomber force. Chris explained that politics got in the way from the early days when the Duncan Sandys white paper of 1957 demanded that the existing aeroplane manufacturers should merge. English Electric, who were designing the TSR2, merged with the Bristol Aircraft Company and Vickers Armstrong to form the British Aircraft Corporation.

This was one of the factors, coupled with an uncertain delivery date, that increased the costs of designing such a futuristic aircraft to an amount that eventually led to its demise. A most fascinating talk delivered by one of the actual design team. A vote of thanks was given by Alan Smith.

Our next talk is on Friday, January 8 at the Community Hall, Felixstowe Road as usual. Roger Kennell will deliver an illustrated talk entitled The Pilot Who Dropped in for Lunch, an intriguing story about a Great War airman with local connections and some surprises.

Non-members are welcome for a payment of just £3 at the door.

Meetings start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break.

Alan Powell, 01473 622458 www.mhas.org.uk In conjunction with a lottery funded organisation, Eighth in the East, we invite you to a turkey busting walk!

PATHS INTO THE PAST MARTLESHAM HEATH AIRFIELD Sunday, January 3 at 10am Join us as we lead a walk through the historic airfield at Martlesham Heath, home to the 356th Fighter Group of the 8th USAAF during the Second World War. If you’re interested in landscape history, airfield archaeology, or just fancy the chance to have a walk in the unique urban landscape of this Second World War airfield, then this walk is for you.

Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum will be open on the day for visitors. Please bring your own refreshments. Parking is at the museum, situated at the rear of Parkers Place (off Eagle Way), Martlesham Heath IP5 3UX Booking is recommended. To book please email: paths@nhscic.org Distance: 3½ miles. Terrain: easy. Cost: free.

What to bring: outdoor shoes and clothing appropriate to the weather.

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Our spring programme begins on Thursday, January 28 at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Doors open at 6.45 for a 7.15pm start. We meet every month on the fourth Thursday, except in August and December.

In January Vicki Hease from Stowmarket will present a demonstration entitled That’s Not What It’s For! Vicki will create six arrangements during the evening which will be raffled after our refreshment break.

If you are looking for a new club to join in 2016 why not come along and join us? We have a flower stall where you can buy all you need to create a flower arrangement.

Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome at all our meetings. The fee is £4 per meeting and the yearly subscription is £35.

For further details contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP A very happy and healthy new year to all. Why not make a New Year resolution to join us in the woods for fun activities in the fresh air?

In autumn sunshine, last year’s Nature Watch meetings finished on November 1 when members studied nocturnal creatures and looked for their tracks around the woods. The meeting was in the morning so all the animals were safely tucked up in their beds but we found tracks, gnaw marks on the trees and poo among the leaves from where they had been.

Later in the month the weather changed and the Nature Explorers worked through the drizzle to clear the education area, tidying up after the autumn leaves in order to reach reptile habitats and have a last titivate before the winter. Most explorers stayed on to join the main volunteer work party and they planted some lovely hazel saplings kindly donated by John and Margaret Forbes grown in their back garden. We look forward to watching the saplings grow.

Diary dates • Saturday, January 23, 9-11am: Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds) • Saturday, January 23, 10am-noon: Volunteer work morning Nature Watch Club (5-11 year olds) starts again in April.

New volunteers for the work party and members for Nature Watch Club and Nature Explorers are always welcome. For further information please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632 or visit: pwcg.onesuffolk.net Chloe King, publicity officer and Nature Explorer

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS KALGA

Kesgrave Allotment and Leisure Gardening Association New Year: the time when we set ourselves new resolutions, and what better than to have an allotment to grow your own vegetables and help your fitness too.

A study from the University of Westminster and Essex found that working an allotment for one session a week can have both physical and mental health benefits, resulting in significant improvements in self esteem and mood, as well as weight loss.

Working an allotment gives people an opportunity to take part in a green exercise, in addition to promoting social interaction and an opportunity for healthy eating, all of which promote well being.

Our AGM will take place on Wednesday, January 27, at Cedarwood School, Wilkinson Drive, starting at 7.30pm. New members are welcome, and existing members will be renewing membership and paying for the next year’s rent. It’s an opportunity to take over a plot as there are a few becoming available. If you are interested come along, or contact Angela, our membership secretary, for further details: 01473 612283 / angsan. brown@yahoo.co.uk We offer starter plots (for those who would like to try growing their own without over-committing themselves) or half and whole plots.

For more information about KALGA and the allotment and an opportunity to join our forum visit: www.kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Jo Bennett

It’s the new year and we are back and ready for more fun!

We hope all our children and their families had a wonderful Christmas and would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!

We are now taking bookings for our February Half Term Holiday Club (February 15-19), where children can enjoy cooking, crafting activities and more!

We have new children starting all the time, but we do have space in all of our rooms so please don’t hesitate if you would like to come visit us with your child.

The Saplings is open Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm, for children ages three months to 11 years. We offer a baby room, pre-school, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions, and a walking bus to Birchwood Primary School.

For more information, please call our friendly team of dedicated and experienced staff on 01473 614753, email news@thesaplings. org.uk, or visit www.thesaplings.org.uk

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START THE NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS Would you like a fun start to your week? Mondays are not always people’s favourite day, but if you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a cheerful start to your week we would love you to come along with your parents, grandparents and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars.

We meet 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Each session is full of fun children’s activities, for example singing and Bible stories for children, plus crafts and games.

The half-hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon. Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day, but if you would like any further information feel free to telephone us on the phone numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our session dates for the spring term are: January 11, January 25, February 8, February 22 and March 14.

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

OPEN MORNING AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Thursday, January 7, 9.30-11am Do you have a child due to start Reception in September 2016?

Our open afternoons in October were extremely popular. We would now like to offer an additional date and warmly invite you to come and visit our Reception classes in action. You will have the chance to meet the staff and enjoy the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities with your child(ren).

Please come along and stay for as long or as short a time as you like.

We only ask that you ring our school office to confirm your interest.

Making our best better.

Deben Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk IP5 3QR 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

CALLING ALL MUMS… The Mums’ Club meets for its first meeting of 2016 on Tuesday, January 12 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath, from 12.45 to 2.30pm.

This will be a Chomp and Chat meeting when all mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited to share lunch (which is provided for you for a donation of £2 per adult) and then chat with their friends while their children play. Why not bring your friends or come and make new ones?

The Drinks And Dribbles Baby Cafe meets at St Michael’s Church Centre between 10am and noon on Thursdays, January 7 and 21. This is a ‘drop-in’ for mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers. We offer refreshments, friendship and toys. Come and relax with us – pop in or stay all morning.

For more information about Mums’ Club or Drinks and Dribbles please contact Sue: 01473 624130

In Touch online:

SPORTS / ON THE GRAPEVINE IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL December’s six-a-side indoor series tournament gave Ipswich Ravens another chance to pit themselves against the top volleyball clubs around Suffolk and beyond, and put the lessons we have been learning at our training sessions into practise. With a total of eight teams in Division 1 and six in Division 2 this was the biggest tournament yet, a clear sign that the sport is growing in popularity.

Our First team were without regular captain Chris Giles and this gave two of our recent recruits the opportunity to make their debuts in Division 1. We began with an excellent win against eventual winners Diss and finished overall third with three wins from five games.

DIVISION 1 RESULTS Ipswich Ravens 20-15 Diss; Ipswich II 20-17 Ipswich Ravens; Stowmarket II 16-20 Ipswich Ravens; Ipswich Ravens 18-20 Norwich Towers; Ipswich Ravens 20-11 Bury Bobcats.

DIV 1 Diss Ipswich II Ipswich Ravens Ipswich I Norwich Towers Bury Bobcats Stowmarket III

Wins 4 4 3 3 2 1 0

Pts For 95 86 95 95 73 65 73

Pts Agst 65 77 82 82 93 93 100

Later in Division 2 we were able to give a first tournament experience to two of our new juniors as part of an eight-player squad. They fitted into the team well and contributed creditable performances, helping us towards two victories out of three games, also finishing third overall.

DIVISION 2 RESULTS SCC Seagulls 3-20 Ravens II; Bury Bobcats II 20-6 Ravens II; Alexanders Dragons 16-20 Ravens II. Why not start the new year by giving volleyball a try yourself? It’s a lively team sport, it will help with your fitness and coordination, and it’s a lot more fun than going to the gym.

Ipswich Ravens hold club practise 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 11 upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games.

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

QUESTIONS ON CASH with Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Sue from Woodbridge asks: “My husband and I have a whole of life insurance policy with Scottish Provident with a sum assured of £80,000 payable if either of us dies. For the last 10 years we have paid a premium of just over £29 a month, but they have just written to us to say that following a 10 year review, this will increase to £66 a month. My husband says there is no point in looking around for a better deal, as we are 10 years older than we were when we took the policy out, so all insurance companies will charge about the same premium for that level of cover. Is that true?”

Not necessarily Sue. If you do some shopping around before you accept the increase, you could save yourselves a lot of money.

A whole of life policy runs until you die or until you cancel the policy. At outset the insurance company calculates how much they need to charge you in order to provide a set level of cover if you die. This calculation is based upon your age, health, lifestyle, and your job, as all these factors will influence the risk. Unless you have a policy with guaranteed or fixed premiums, most whole of life policies are reviewed after 10 years, and again every five years after that.

Your husband is right to say that the premium will cost you more now because you are 10 years older, but it’s definitely worth shopping around for a better deal. Not all companies apply the same rates for a new policy as they do for an existing policy after it has been in force for a few years.

A few months ago I saw a couple who had a whole of life plan with Aviva with a sum assured of £70,000. At the 10-year review point, Aviva wrote to them to tell them that the premium would increase from £24.31 a month to £114.51 if they wished to maintain the same level of cover. That was an increase of 375%!

I did some shopping around and found them a similar whole of life policy with Canada Life International with the same sum assured. The premium for this plan was £32.60 a month, which was again guaranteed for another initial period of 10 years.

Obviously, these clients will face another potential premium increase after 10 years have elapsed, but switching the policy means they will have saved over £9,800 in premiums over that 10-year period for the same level of cover.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements.

Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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WE ARE RECRUITING!

Will month

February 2016

Over two thirds of people in the UK do not have a will.

Are you one of them?

Join Headway Suffolk - one of the UK's largest brain injury specialists

If you would like to take up the offer to make a Will for a donation to Age UK Suffolk please contact 01473 359911 to request the details of all participating solicitors, or email: maggie.james@ageuksuffolk.org

Alternatively, do visit our website: www.ageuksuffolk.org • Choose your solicitor • Make your donation to Age UK Suffolk • Write your Will with your chosen solicitor

Community Support Workers Required To support clients with rehabilitation at home and in the community with time to deliver quality care

Good rates of pay | Pension Scheme | Training Paid mileage, time travel & expenses Career progression | Flexible working hours

In association with

Supported by Registered charity no. 1085900

11/15

Tel: 01473 712225 Email CV: nicolacooper@headwaysuffolk.org.uk www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/recruitment

Community Buying at CAS Ltd

Want to save money on the cost of your heating oil?

So do we!

Join our new community-based countywide oil buying syndicate and see how easy it is

Community Buying at CAS Ltd Tel: 01473 345400 Email: oil@communitybuying.org.uk www.communitybuying.org.uk

Community Buying at CAS Ltd, reg. no. 04794467, is a subsidiary of Community Action Suffolk, a charity working to strengthen and champion commmunities across the County.

Registered office: Brightspace, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0HH Community Action Suffolk Registered Office as above. Registered Charity Number: 1150501.

A company limited by guarantee and registered in England. Number 08316345

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In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE TREATING HEARING LOSS CAN HELP KEEP YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

By Karen Finch, audiologist and managing director of The Hearing Care Centre

Being able to communicate with family and friends without worrying about what was said by a loved one over the phone, on Skype, or faceto-face is of the utmost importance. Not only does it put your mind at ease, it makes conversations with loved ones that much easier.

Branching out Hearing loss may hinder you from branching out and meeting new people. If you are nervous to extend your social circle because of your hearing loss, addressing the issue in the New Year could be the push you need to make new friends and experience new adventures in the coming year. Have you always wanted to volunteer with an organisation or join a club but have been too self-conscious about your hearing loss? Don’t let apprehension and worry keep you from meeting new people and enjoying all the sights and sounds that the world has to offer.

Every New Year brings with it a sense of renewal. For many, this renewal may include New Year’s resolutions pledging that the next year will prove better than the last. The challenge is not making these resolutions, but making sure they don’t melt away with the snow as winter turns to spring.

Some common resolutions might include reducing stress levels, staying in touch more regularly with family and friends, and being more socially involved. For those who struggle with hearing loss, keeping these and other perennial resolutions may prove challenging. Here are a few examples of how treating your hearing loss in the New Year can help you achieve your resolutions and improve your life.

Reducing stress Staying stress free in the New Year may seem like an insurmountable task, but we can all do a few things to make sure stress doesn’t dominate our lives. Hearing-related stress can present itself in everyday situations with the potential to significantly increase your overall stress level. If you have become nervous to speak up when clarifying what was said in a conversation, or avoid loud places for fear of being cut from the conversation, it may be time to address your hearing issues. Finding a solution could help you reduce some of your daily stress.

Staying in touch with family and friends Staying connected with family and friends is difficult whether loved ones are spread across the country or live just around the corner. If keeping in touch with the important people in your life tops your list of resolutions, addressing your hearing concerns may be a step in the right direction.

Starting a new hobby Starting a new hobby, whether by yourself or in a group setting, can be both challenging and entertaining. If you would like to learn how to play a new instrument and want to better hear the notes, or if you are taking a class at your local college and want to be able to contribute to the discussion without feeling nervous, having the confidence to address your hearing issues can lead to new talents and friends.

Taking action If any of the above scenarios resonate with you, your hearing loss could be a barrier to accomplishing your resolutions. It may be time to add another resolution to the list: book a hearing assessment. Seeking help, advice and ultimately treating your hearing loss will benefit not only your physical health but your mental and social health as well. Placing priority on your hearing health will not only help you to achieve your New Year’s resolutions, but will give you a renewed confidence in your hearing and social life. Invest in your hearing. Invest in yourself.

Karen Finch is the Managing Director and lead audiologist at The Hearing Care Centre in Ipswich. The multi-award winning, family-run company has 20 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk.

To encourage those affected by this article to take the first step, Karen and her team have organised a series of special open day events at their practice in Ipswich between Wednesday, January 27 and Friday 29. They are offering free hearing assessments and professional advice in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. To book an appointment please call 01473 230330.

WELCOME BACK SPA PAVILION! HELLO GOOD OLD DAYS! It’s very exciting that the glorious jewel of a building, Felixstowe’s Spa Pavilion positioned on the seafront of this stunning Suffolk coastline, has just re-opened to thrill and titillate us all with quality entertainment.

Bravo to the team and their hard work! Encore to the future of live shows!

In recognition of the Spa Pavilion’s heritage and fascinating history we take you back in time to the date of this iconic venue’s opening in 1909 and present a dazzling display of variety in the style of the Victorian Music Hall. A quintessentially British afternoon of nostalgia, re-creating the precise format of this hugely popular form of entertainment both back in the day at the Spa, and later on the BBC, with the show The Good Old Days. This was famously hosted on TV by Mr Leonard Sachs and attracted an audience of 10 million viewers at its peak.

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Mainstream music’s veteran entertainer Mr Leo Shavers expertly assumes the role of Worthy Chairman, and brings to you a brand new show in homage to the Spa Pavilion entitled The Good Old Days of Music Hall on February 25 at 2.15pm. Sit back and revel in the cream of variety entertainers from around the globe while taking a step into the eccentric, eclectic and enthralling world of Victorian Theatreland!

To book call 01394 284962 or visit: www.spapavilion.net The Spa Pavilion, Undercliff Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 2DX

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS LADIES BOX CLEVER TO RAISE THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY A record number of female fighters stepped into the boxing ring recently at Trinity Park to raise funds for charity.

Eight women signed up to take part in charitable bouts during a night of boxing called Temple of Boom, organised by GFP Promotions in Martlesham. They were joined by four white-collar female boxers.

This is the seventh boxing show that GFP has organised involving fighters from both its own Suffolk Punch Boxing Club and the CrossFit gym alongside boxers from across the UK. And, more women than ever before took up the challenge on this occasion.

Promoter and GFP owner Matt Brennan is delighted to see a rise in the popularity of boxing in the area. He said: “It’s great to see so much interest in boxing and our shows prove that it is not just a male sport. Some of our lady boxers have come so far and, despite being members of our CrossFit club, have never stepped inside a ring until very recently.”

As well as becoming fitter and leaner, Matt believes lots of first time fighters find training and competing is a fantastic stress buster and can help build confidence. It also allows those involved to raise lots of cash for charities close to their hearts.

Inexperience proved no deterrent, with every boxer involved taking part in a 12-week training camp that involved sessions up to five times a week. And, those signing up for the next GFP boxing event can look forward to attending a special training camp being held in Marbella, Spain.

Matt added: “Our boxers raised over £4,500 at this event making the total raised for local and national charities in 2015 in excess of £15,000. This is an amazing achievement and I was overwhelmed by their commitment to raising funds for causes in which they really believe.”

THOUGHTS FROM YOUR PARISH CHURCH New Year, new you? We were richly blessed in our family recently as we welcomed our very first grandchild into the world. As with any new baby there has been much speculation about whether she most takes after her mum or her dad! And as she grows she seems to be revealing new similarities to her parents in her face and her personality.

I had to smile when I read about a school nativity play the other day. The children were being encouraged to use their own words as they acted out the story and after an awkward silence one of the shepherds approached the manger then said: “Oh, he does look like his dad.”. It raised a laugh from the parents watching but, as is often the case with children, that little shepherd was speaking a deep truth. Jesus did indeed look like his dad.

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Now we are launching into the New Year, nativity plays may seem out of season but of course Jesus didn’t stay a baby. He grew up to be a man and the whole of his life and death were intended to show us what God is like. Looking at Jesus shows us that God is not some distant heavenly headmaster, ticking us off when we’ve got it wrong. He’s down here with us, just waiting to enter into the joys and sorrows of our lives. And when we move from looking at Jesus to following him we become part of his family, his brothers and sisters. Strengthened and inspired by his freely offered love and forgiveness we can become transformed and grow to look more and more like him every day.

Carolyn Smith, Reader, Martlesham with Brightwell

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