In Touch News with Martlesham March 2020

In Touch

™© ™©

with Martlesham Volume 10 • Issue No. 4 • MARCH 2020

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

Do you ever long for the days when you pulled up at a service station and waited for an assistant to come to your aid? This is just one example of a ‘social’ encounter which doesn’t exist anymore, replaced by self-service or technology.

HELP WANTED TO REPLACE PLAY EQUIPMENT

Of course, self-sufficiency is good in many, if not all, aspects of life, but the need for and the benefits of social contact are proven. Loneliness and isolation are rarely freely embraced and Facebook, Twitter and the like have become lifelines for many while the internet provides unparalleled access to... well, to just about everything. However, I find that spending time with ‘real’ people, chatting over coffee, brief conversations over a counter, a helpful assistant when you need to try on a different (invariably bigger) size, even a nod on a cold morning have all become more precious as a consequence.

Martlesham Heath Pavilion Management Committee is looking for someone to assist in identifying sources of funding and to prepare funding bids to enable us to update the play equipment behind the pavilion. This is a one-off project so there’s no long term commitment.

I saw a poster in a coffee shop recently which made me smile: “I saw a man in a coffee shop the other day. He was just sitting there drinking coffee. He wasn’t on his phone or checking his emails. Just sitting there doing nothing like some crazy person!” Not so long ago this would have described most of us and I hope you occasionally find time to ‘just sit’, despite what others may think!

We are fortunate to live in an age where access to just about everything we need, and lots more besides, is at our fingertips but we must never forget those who don’t have access or who may need our actual presence in their lives.

A message may be appreciated but a hug is everything.

Of course, this also applies to local business; without our support they simply can’t survive and where would we be without them. Now more than ever, we need to show some love to our high streets and to consider the carbon footprint of each and every purchase we make. Every face-to-face shopping experience helps us to stay connected with our local community and shopping locally ensures more of our money stays in the local community.

Of course, if you prefer to shop online or simply don’t have the means to get out and about, you can still choose to shop local by finding a local supplier online. As you’ll see in the following pages, most, if not, all of the businesses and service providers featured have an online presence.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Martlesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Tuesday 10 March Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

Please recycle.

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the April edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

Two surveys conducted in the past couple of years identified the need to update this play equipment, in particular to install some climbing equipment suitable for pre-school children and swings to suit all abilities. We’ve had some quotes which are in excess of what can be afforded by the pavilion on its own, so we need to find other sources of funding.

If you have some time available and would be prepared to work with us on this great project for the benefit of our community, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact Prue at: mhpavilion@icloud.com

POP-UP FOOD SHOP Our first pop-up shops in January and February helped a number of families to add a little extra to their daily menus. The next one will be held at St Michael’s, Martlesham Heath, next to the Green, on Sunday 8 March from 1-2pm with tea and coffee available so you don’t have to rush away.

If you see the banner on the front of the church, you know we’ll be open on Sunday. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Rev Margaret Rittman

MARTLESHAM COMMUNITY ORCHARD: BRIGHT’S ORCHARD We are pleased to announce that the name of the orchard is Bright’s Orchard, named after a Martlesham Heath resident who recently featured on the BBC and in newspaper articles as one of the last living survivors of Auschwitz.

After surviving his ordeal he has worked tirelessly to record those who suffered so that they should not be forgotten, establishing himself as an expert in the field and has taught widely on the subject. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/y98cf4hw Passers-by will have noticed activity in the week commencing February 10 as the children from Gorseland School helped us plant phase one of the orchard. We expect to have had a formal opening ceremony towards the end of February and hope that many of you saw the notices and Facebook entries and were able to attend. We regret that due to the need to co-ordinate deliveries, work and the people involved we could not plan further ahead and give more notice.

Do come along and look at phase one which is on the old football pitch outside Gorseland School, and think about volunteering to join our watering team!

Thanks to Martlesham Heath Householders for the land and their work and to all the volunteers, including those from Martlesham in Bloom who have brought their expertise to the project.

A working group of Martlesham Parish Council

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NEWS

SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ENSURING YOUR RTA CLAIM DOESN’T HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Samaritans of Ipswich and East Suffolk are recruiting volunteers to help in their book and charity shop. Can you help?

There are lots of ways you can volunteer for Samaritans. You could become a listening volunteer, helping us to answer calls and messages from people who need some support, but there are other opportunities available too.

At the moment, the Ipswich branch of Samaritans is hoping to recruit more volunteers to help in the book and charity shop at 20 Carr Street. The shop volunteers are vital to the existence of the Ipswich branch of Samaritans as the shop raises a large part of the funds needed to run the branch and provide emotional support to people across the country by telephone and emails.

The branch also provides face-to-face support to people across Ipswich and East Suffolk.

No matter how serious, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are always distressing experiences. 2018 alone saw over 165,000 casualties of all severities resulting from RTAs. If you are a victim of an RTA, you could have a case for compensation.

To assist you ahead of any claim, there are important steps you should take / pieces of evidence that you should gather if possible.

Immediately following an accident, if possible, the first steps you should take include:

If you are free to help in the shop for just a few hours a week, it would be really appreciated. There are many different ways you can help; serving behind the counter, sorting books, ironing clothes or putting stock out.

• Get the details of all those involved:

The shop is also looking for volunteers to collect donations from around Ipswich and East Suffolk. Volunteers are needed who have a clean driver’s licence and are happy to drive the Ipswich Samaritan’s van. Volunteers are also needed to go out in the van with the driver to help carry the donations to the van and then the shop.

As a shop volunteer, you’ll be able to learn valuable new skills and gain work experience, make new friendships and be part of an amazing group of people.

But above all you’ll have the incredible satisfaction of knowing that through the funds you help to raise, you’ll be helping people who are in despair.

If you are interested in helping in the book shop, the charity shop, drive the van or help to collect donations, please either call the shop manager, Janice, on 01473 287727 or pop into the shop for a chat.

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a listening volunteer, please call 01473 214610.

HEAR HERE IN IPSWICH AND WOODBRIDGE Becoming hard of hearing? Finding it difficult to communicate?

Fortunately, help is at hand in Ipswich and Woodbridge with a well-established lip-reading class. Our qualified and experienced teachers are keen to welcome new recruits, not just from Ipswich and Woodbridge, but from the surrounding area. There are also successful classes available in other parts of Suffolk.

The classes are friendly, fun and, in addition to lip-reading, give pupils all sorts of lifestyle tips in coping with everyday situations where hearing is difficult, as well as an opportunity to swap notes.

Hearing difficulties can be debilitating and can make people feel inferior – even going to the shops, the doctor, or eating out can be a trial, as well as social gatherings. We’ve seen people’s confidence soar after attending even a few classes. Students realise that other people have the same difficulties.

Many people have discovered lip-reading to be an absolute boon in overcoming such problems.

The classes take place on Monday and Wednesday. They are run by Suffolk Hearing Advisory Service, part of a registered charity. Young and old are welcome and a taster session can be offered. It could be a revelation.

A charge of £7.50 (£6 concessionary rate) is made per session, which most people find is extraordinarily good value given the quality of the help.

Those interested in joining should email Steph Moon at: steph.moon@hhas.org.uk Alternatively, contact Suffolk Hearing Advisory Service: 01473 286060 / suffolkinfo@hhas.org.uk

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For vehicles, this includes registration numbers, the make, model and colour of the vehicles involved.

For people, obtain their phone numbers, addresses and insurance details. Also, be sure to write a description of the person involved and who you believe to be responsible for the RTA.

• Seek medical attention – even if you are feeling ok, it is important to get checked over.

• If possible, take photographs of the accident location, the vehicles involved and the damage caused.

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Contact the police and report the incident – while they may not always be required to attend the accident, if any person refuses to provide their details at the scene, you must report them to the police.

• If you are the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, inform your insurer at the earliest opportunity.

• Get the details of any witnesses including their telephone numbers – and their own accounts of what happened – they could back up your claim.

• Keep your own record of the incident – this can include writing down what happened and taking photos of any injuries sustained.

• Keep records of all expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the incident and any injuries sustained – for example, loss of earnings, travel expenses and any medication costs.

If your property or vehicle has been damaged as a result of an RTA, or you’ve been injured, then you can make a claim.

Personal injury and loss claims following an RTA come in two parts: 1. Compensation for the pain and suffering sustained as a result of the accident.

2. Compensation for any financial losses flowing from that accident and injury – this could come in the form of the cost of vehicle repairs, medication and treatment costs or loss of earnings due to injuries sustained.

It is important therefore that, if possible, you capture as much information about the accident, injuries and losses sustained so that if you do wish to make a claim at a later date, the evidence and information that you need is already to hand to assist in the progression of your claim as quickly as possible.

For more information or advice on how to make a claim, get in touch with Prettys’ Personal Injury team. Contact Louise Plant by calling 01473 298293 or email: lplant@prettys.co.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

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NEWS IPSWICH AND DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPER We provide a weekly local news service for more than 350 people with a visual impairment who are unable to read printed newspapers. We record in central Ipswich every Thursday and the committee meets approximately five times a year.

We are always grateful for new volunteers on a six-week rota but, especially at the moment, we are looking for a new secretary to take minutes at meetings.

If you are interested or need any further information please contact Tim or Rachel Pennick: 01473 610437

THE MASQUE PLAYERS The Masque Players are now in their 77th year and are celebrating 30 years in residence at Kesgrave Community Centre by producing the same show that was performed back in March 1990. Alan Ayckbourn’s Confusions is a series of comic vignettes with interlinked stories which feature seduction attempts, dinner encounters, conversations in parks, parenthood and a disastrous fete.

Come and see The Masque Players latest production at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.30pm from Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 March. Tickets are £9 and can be reserved by calling 01473 725633.

MARTLESHAM SURGERY (PPG) News Martlesham GP Practice had a CQC (Care Quality Commission) inspection in January and we have been told the findings (unpublished at the time of writing) should be on the surgery website (www.mhdoctors.co.uk) by the time you read this.

The PPG sent two members along for a half-hour interview with one of the inspectors. We gave a presentation on our aims, our activities in the past, what we are currently working on and plans for the future.

We also gave them our 2019 patient survey report and the patient leaflet we’re working on (the survey report is under the PPG tab on the surgery website and the leaflet will be available soon).

We were pleased to hear that the inspectors were impressed with the work of our group. It was also great news to hear that the practice as a whole had been rated ‘Good’ across all the five areas being assessed (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led).

We appreciate all the hard work that went into achieving this.

PPG Chair

MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Climate Emergency: Would you like to help?

In common with many other councils, Martlesham Parish Council recently declared a climate emergency. We would now like to set up a friendly informal team of like-minded residents (no committees) to come up with practical measures our community can take to play our part in addressing the climate emergency. We’d particularly welcome younger people who’d like to get involved.

If you’re concerned about the climate emergency, if you have specific experience of environmental and related matters, or would simply like to help, please contact our parish clerk.

Tribute to long-standing councillor Mr John Forbes We reported last month that Mr Forbes resigned from the council on January 31. We recognised his active involvement in council work for nearly 28 years with a presentation at our full council meeting on February 5. During his period of service he was our tree warden, carrying out bi-annual checks on the trees on council land, providing reports and recommendations for work.

He was our rights of way liaison officer, organising the walking of our parish footpaths by volunteers and subsequently preparing action plans which involved Mr Forbes and his wife, Margaret, often maintaining footpaths and waymarkers themselves. He also represented us on the Deben Estuary Access Group. He participated in working parties and litter picks, advised on planning applications and promoted green issues representing us on the Greenprint Forum. He looked after a noticeboard, made containers for our circular walk leaflets and ensured they never ran out.

Mr Forbes has played a significant role in looking after our parish and he will be greatly missed. We must not forget to thank Margaret for not only for supporting him throughout these years, but also for her practical contribution too towards making Martlesham such a pleasant place to live.

Parish Councillor Needed Mr Forbes’ resignation leaves a space on the council for a new member.

During February electors had the opportunity to call a by-election to fill the vacancy. By the time you read this we should be aware whether one has been called or whether the vacancy can be filled by co-option, i.e. existing councillors voting to appoint someone. A co-option could take place as soon as March 4 at the next meeting of the full council (see below for details) but we encourage prospective candidates to attend at least one meeting first to see what we look like.

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If you take an interest in looking after local play areas, street furniture and open spaces, want to try and influence housing, business and retail development in your parish, want to improve footpaths, pedestrian and cycling facilities, or take an interest in ensuring public funds are properly accounted for and allocated where needed, then parish council membership might be right for you.

If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor, we would very much like to hear from you. The clerk will be pleased to provide more information on what you can expect.

Potential development of the Suffolk Police site The Police & Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, has advised us that he is submitting an outline planning application for housing on the site. It will be processed by East Suffolk Council, the planning authority, and, as a consultee, we will be given a period in which we can submit comments. When we receive that planning application it is our intention to hold an extraordinary meeting of our development plans committee in public in order to give you the opportunity to provide us with your feedback before we submit any comments. Deadlines are often tight so, if you are interested, please keep an eye on our noticeboards, website and Facebook page.

Tree Warden & Volunteer Play Area Inspectors We are so grateful to the community for the response to our plea for volunteers. Seven people have come forward (so far) which is amazing.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Wednesday 4 March: Parish Council Wednesday 11 March: Recreation & Amenities Committee Wednesday 1 April: 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 / www.facebook.com/MartleshamParish Parish Office Opening Times: 9am-noon, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, but please book an appointment in advance.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM DEMENTIA GROUP Brain injury charity Headway Suffolk runs a monthly social support group for people living with dementia in Martlesham. It takes place every fourth Thursday of the month at St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift in Martlesham from 11.45am to 3.15pm. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer.

The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6.50 per person, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments.

The month the group will meet on Thursday 26 March.

Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiamartlesham Can you volunteer some time to help us?

The group relies on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing.

If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer, please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk

MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS LTD As mentioned last month, the AGM will be held at the pavilion on Tuesday 10 March. All members of Martlesham Heath Householders Ltd are entitled to attend this meeting so please put this in your diary if you wish to do so. It is very worthwhile as it gives members the opportunity to vote on a variety of issues and learn more about what’s happening in and around the village. It is also ideal should you wish to ask questions of the directors and volunteers.

The annual report and notice of the AGM has been distributed to all members providing further information and a proxy form if you cannot attend but want to register your vote.

Storm Ciara We have been lucky that we did not lose many trees during the recent storms.

The position of any that did come down will be reviewed and we will decide if any replacements should be put in.

McCarthy & Stone Exhibition Members will have received a leaflet inviting you to this exhibition on February 3. We attended and explained to the developer who and what MHHL is.

We need to point out that in planning matters MHHL tends not to respond to planning applications unless it impacts the land MHHL manages. In any case, if we respond it is counted as a single response, just like any individual.

However, we will be looking to ensure MHHL land is not adversely impacted.

The area of land in question is the last area on Martlesham Heath that could be built on, although the grass area is not available for development.

Annual Maintenance Payments Some owners haven’t yet paid the annual maintenance charge. Therefore, please can all owners who have not yet paid, now write the cheque or transfer the funds. For all those who have already paid – a big thank you.

Parking Spaces Clean-up There are more than 60 visitor parking spaces dotted around Martlesham Heath which have become overgrown and unkempt. A contractor was tasked to conduct maintenance work to clean up these spaces throughout the village and this was completed during early February 2020.

Contact and further Information If there are any issues that you feel that need attention please do not hesitate to contact Martlesham Heath Householders Ltd by leaving a voicemail on 01473 612207, by emailing mhh@martlesham.org.uk or by post to Martlesham Heath Householders Ltd, PO Box 897, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP1 9PB.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/mar tlesham

USED STAMPS AND OLD COINS APPEAL A big thank you to everyone who continues to drop their used stamps and old British and foreign coins through my letterbox for me to take to the hospice. I recently contacted the hospice fundraising administrator to see if they could let me know how much they raised last year from the sale of all the used stamps and coins they receive.

They replied: “The hospice made £3,057 from stamps and £1,104 from foreign currency in 2019. Thank you for collecting stamps and foreign coins on behalf of the hospice in 2019. We very much appreciate your effort and support. Hope you are able to continue in 2020.”

So you can see how important your contributions are – when added together they really do make a difference.

Let’s see if we can beat last year’s figures and help to raise even more funds for our much needed local charity.

Bev Read, 15 Demesne Gardens, Martlesham Heath / 01473 622721

AN EVENING OF EASTERN STEAM NOSTALGIA Presented by Amanda Huntley, archivist of the Huntley Film Archives Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society invites you to join them at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH on April 22 at 7.30pm Entrance is £5. Tickets are available at IDHTS meetings (see page 18) or from Pat Caddick: pandj83@gmail.com / 01473 402152

SHIRTS ‘n’ SKIRTS SQUARE DANCE CLUB Enjoy foot tapping music in a social gathering and learn to square dance at the same time.

We meet every Wednesday evening from 7.30-10pm in All Saints Church Hall, Kesgrave. Come and try – fun and friendship is our aim.

For further information contact Yvonne: 01394 610548

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET The first week of March is British Pie Week.

Apparently 75 percent of people enjoy a pie at least once a month and at Ipswich Country Market we have homemade pies on offer every week. All our pastry is made from scratch and we never use artificial additives. Also, our new season marmalade has been made and is now available to buy.

Did you know that Country Markets originated from the Women’s Institute?

Those members of the WI who are attending the AGM at Trinity Park will find a range of goods on offer from all the markets of South Suffolk.

All items can be ordered in advance so that you never need to be disappointed or without your favourite food!

We also have crafts on offer, all created by members of our cooperative and locally made in their own homes.

You can keep up to date with the market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, home baked refreshments and free tea or coffee on your first visit.

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OUT & ABOUT SOUNDS OF SPRING Gippeswyk Singers are delighted to present a spring concert with special guests Silbury Hill on Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Rushmere IP5 1DJ.

FREE FOOD! Well, free-from... we can cook it, bake it and make it at Martlesham Heath Country Market.

Our clever cooks make gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and virtually any special food for any special diet. I think they are working on a calorie-free cake recipe but that may be just a rumour: it requires a lot of testing! So come along and chat to our cooks in person, choose a recipe and place an order or buy from our selection of savoury and sweet tasty creations. Lots of our food will freeze well so you can save time by buying extra.

Fans of home-made marmalade are already putting on their running shoes to get here first for our utterly delicious orange toast treat. We have shredless, fine shred and chunky, orange and lemon and a few other varieties and personal favourites. Stock up your store cupboard with jars of jams, chutneys and pickles too. Add zing to the plainest snack – and you know who made it and where it was made and every ingredient, that’s the joy of local sourcing.

You can’t chat to the cook at a supermarket.

The evening promises to be filled with both the joyful and tranquil sounds of spring as the programme features a lovely selection of sacred and secular choral music conducted by Geoff Lavery including Benjamin Britten’s much loved Hymn to St Cecilia.

Popular folk duo Silbury Hill are delightfully entertaining, combining traditional and original folk songs with contemporary acoustic sounds, accompanied by flute, guitar and mandolin.

Tickets are £10 on the door or available in advance from choir members or Michael Dawe (01728 746441). This year Gippeswyk Singers are supporting Inspire Counselling (Ipswich) and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Geoff Lavery will be stepping down as musical director of Gippeswyk Singers in 2021 after his current tenure of 10 years. If you are interested in applying for the position, please visit our website to download the application form.

Applications close on March 31. www.gippeswkysingers.co.uk

Why not browse of our tables of unique hand-crafted knitted, beaded, sewn, crocheted, decoupaged and painted items while you’re at the market? Cards, original designs, lovely wooden hand-turned bowls, fleecy gloves, hats and scarves and items to delight: little gifts for family and friends, we’ve got the lot!

Come along to see for yourself at our friendly Country Market at Martlesham Heath Pavilion, 9-11.15am every Tuesday morning. Tea and coffee and a nice sit-down, accessible facilities – everyone is welcome.

MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia Everyone is welcome at our annual general meeting at St Michael’s Church Centre on Friday 6 March at 7.45pm. We will be reviewing the past year and electing our new committee.

SPRING FAYRE A spring fayre will be held at St Michael’s Church on Saturday 14 March from 10am to noon.

It’s a good time to buy locally made gifts for Easter and for Mother’s Day. Please join us, along with Woolly Wonders, the Country Market, and many more for a morning of cakes, coffee and crafts.

Our preliminary and beginners’ bands will be showcasing their talents at Tea & Tunes on Saturday 28 March, 10am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre.

There will be a raffle, cake stall, and a Body Shop stall. Refreshments will be available and admission is free.

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 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 email join@martleshambrass.co.uk or use the contact details below. Instruments are provided as part of your membership subscription (currently £1.40 per week).

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

NEW TUNES FOR YOU Out of hibernation with new numbers and renewed enthusiasm is the message from Jazz Galore.

The members of this long-established Suffolk group offer a wider range of tunes and play for little more than expenses. They are easy to accommodate: a power socket and a bit of shade against the blazing sun is all they want.

Plus a cup of tea and a bun would be nice.

Four weekends are already taken up with repeat bookings – a beer festival, two village fetes and a concert – so if you’d like them to play at your event this year contact Mike Smith on 07874 034390 before too long.

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RANSOMES AND RAPIER ANNUAL REUNION Sunday 15 March at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE. All ex-employees, families and friends are welcomed from 12.30-5pm.

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

Food and drinks are available to purchase at reasonable cost. Admission is £2.50 per person.

For more information: 07910 659219 / derek@dclarke.me.uk

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in the Richards Room, Martlesham, IP12 4BP.

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

• Sunday 1: Thursday 5 March is World Book Day. Create a Fantastic Mr Fox to celebrate.

• Sunday 8: Sunday 22 March is Mother’s Day. Make a card for someone special.

• Sunday 15: Tuesday 17 March is St Patrick’s Day. Make a shamrock hat to celebrate.

• Sunday 22: It’s Mother’s Day. Make a butterfly puppet to give as a present.

• Sunday 29: March 21 was the first day of spring.

Create a spring picture to decorate your room.

QUIZ NIGHT Sunday 1 March from 7.30pm Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE Doors open at 7pm Bar and food available Teams of up to six players, £2.50 each All proceeds go to Ipswich & District Kidney Association For more information contact Carol: 07922 155181

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

Free Wordplay Sessions – every Thursday Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am / BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions: Friday 9.45-10.15am This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome.

Why not pop along?

Lego Club Every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Parents must stay with under 8s. The themes this month are Animals, Your Dream Bedroom, Free Play and Easter. Just pop along; this is a free activity.

Knit and Natter Wednesday 4 & 18 March, 2.30pm. Just £1 with tea/coffee provided. New members welcome.

Afternoon Book Group Thursday 5 March, 2.45pm. Currently reading The Hours Before Dawn by Celia Fremlin.

Evening Book Group Thursday 26 March, 7pm. Currently reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff 100 Club Our community group has launched a 100 Club to help with fundraising and more than 70 people have already signed up. For just £1 per month you could have a chance of winning a cash prize while supporting your local library.

Book Donations Are you having a spring clean and have lots of good condition fiction you don’t know what to do with? The library takes in donations which we sell on the bookshelves in Tesco to raise money for the library. If you have any books you would like to donate, please speak to a staff member.

Maggie Lusher Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103

PRETTY GRIM FUN AT DANCE FOLKUS Of course it won’t be a pretty grim evening at our ever-popular barn dance in Woodbridge on Friday 6 March from 7.30pm. Our midevening break will feature a dance spot from Pretty Grim Border Morris side from Blaxhall. Their dancing is exuberant and somewhat frightening, with plenty of noise and lots of laughter. All this is set off by their eccentric, but none-the-less beautiful costume which combines a traditional tatter jacket with formal hats, corsets, masks, face paint and big boots, all in menacing black and purple. They regularly dance in the local area (e.g. Snape on Boxing Day) and have performed at many folk festivals including FolkEast, Ely, St Neots and Faversham plus the Whittlesea Straw Bear, Rochester Sweeps Festivals and Halesworth Day of Dance.

For the main ceilidh part of the evening we welcome, for her second visit to Dance Folkus, the effervescent Surrey caller Polly Dare. Polly is a dancer herself and is a member of Magog Morris and Boxhill Bedlam so she knows a thing or two about dancing. She has called with many well-known English bands so expect a lively evening. The band for the evening will be our resident Dance Folkus ‘Come All Ye’ band led by Harbour Lights. In February we had a record 17 players.

Advanced warning, Polkaworks will be the guest band for the April ceilidh.

New dancers can book a discounted place by emailing Dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or come along on the night when entry is £7. Students or children are £3 at the door.

Telephone Rob 01473 610951 if you need further information.

Visitors to Woodbridge and new dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall in Station Road IP12 4AU www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/woodbridge-community-hall

www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Monday: 9am-noon Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon & 2.30-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

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OUT & ABOUT 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.

On March 17 Richard Symes will give a talk on Dunwich Heath. Over the last 300 years the heath has had a varied and colourful history. It has been the site of brandy and tobacco smuggling and trawlermen cleared mines to keep vital supply lines open during the Great War. More recently, the heath was used for military exercises to prepare for the Normandy landings, in particular how to breach enemy defences. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. On April 21 Mark Beesley, a local artist and historian, will give a talk on East Anglian artists. The talk will feature both the well-known and lesser known local artists.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

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

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

KESGRAVE WI John Field presented a light-hearted but very informative talk about Giles at our February meeting, including details of his life in Ipswich, the stories behind some of his characters, his personality and his favourite pubs.

As usual, Kesgrave WI has a full programme of events for the coming year including the annual general meeting of Suffolk East Federation of Women’s Institute at Trinity Park in March, the Suffolk Showcase competition at Suffolk One in July, the monthly craft group and a craft day in September, Kesgrave Fun Day, a visit to The Hut in Felixstowe, quiz nights, kurling sessions, monthly Scrabble evening, walks and a table-top show in November. Topics or demonstrations scheduled for our monthly meetings include silver clay, wildlife of the Suffolk Coast, Sutton Hoo and witches in and around Suffolk.

Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday 5 March when Sonya Burrows will present Flowering Bulbs through the Year. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If you require further information please call the secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

FRIENDS ON FRIDAY St Michael’s and All Angels Church, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL Every Friday from 10am to noon We are a friendly community group who enjoy coming together to share in chat, puzzles, table games and table tennis and snooker.

Everyone is welcome even if it’s just for a refreshments and a chat.

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MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday 6 March: Flappers and Flyers of the 1920s – A Golden Age of Male and Female Pilots and their Aerial Adventures by Ian McLachlan, aviation author, tutor, historian and presenter of Plane Resurrection. Stunt pilot Ruth Law is pictured.

Friday 3 April: 75th Anniversary of Bentwaters – The RAF Years 1944-1945 by Simon Gladas.

We meet from 7.30-10pm at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road. Entry is £3 for members and £4 for non-members; pay on arrival.

01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 6 April: My Experience of Life in a Foundling Hospital by Ruth Miller From 1741 when the first babies were admitted, to 1954 when the last pupil was placed in foster care, the Foundling Hospital in London cared for and educated around 25,000 children. Ruth Miller arrived at the Foundling Hospital in April 1942, just a few weeks shy of her fifth birthday and she will tell us all about what it was like to be one of these children.

Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

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

Partners and hearing dogs welcome.

Our group meets from 10.30am to noon on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion. We charge £4 per session and frequently have a speaker. Last year we had everything from a local historian speaking to us about Prettys corset making in Ipswich to running a bed and breakfast in Colchester, as well as a lady who told us about her trip to Iceland (the country, not the shop!).

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

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

For more information please contact Steph Moon: 07741 310480 / steph.moon@hhas.org.uk

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We have two meetings planned for this month. On March 12 we are holding our annual bring-and-buy charity sale. This is a chance to find good homes for any unwanted Christmas presents. There will also be a produce stall selling cakes and preserves and a special raffle. On March 26 Max Pemberton will present an illustrated talk about the tribes of Papua New Guinea.

Looking ahead to next month, shepherdess Sheila Dix will tell us more about her life and work and may even bring a lamb with her.

All ladies who enjoy entertaining evenings in friendly company are welcome at our meetings in the Richards Room on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

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OUT & ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

After another successful festive fundraising season, during which our Santa’s sleigh and annual carol concert raised nearly £3,000 for our charity account, the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben is looking forward to more fundraising in 2020.

Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. If you would like to know more, please come and meet us. We are always happy to welcome new people.

We will be holding our charity golf day at St Audry’s Golf Club in July and will be at Woodbridge Regatta and various other functions. More details to follow.

On February 5 contemporary photographer and lecturer Aliki Braine presented a lively talk which prompted an equally lively question and answer session.

The Memory Cafe, run in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Inner Wheel, resumed in January. We were delighted to greet some new faces as well as many old friends and a lively session featuring some impressive dancing was enjoyed by all.

The guest speaker on Wednesday 4 March is Shawn Kholucy. Shawn explores the driving force behind the architect and designer R R Ashbee in a talk titled R R Ashbee – What Made Him Do It. On April 1 Jennifer ToynbeeHolmes will talk about The Holland Park Circle, Victorian painters, sculptors and architects living in Holland Park.

The Memory Cafe is held on the last Wednesday of every month from 10.30am-noon at Woodbridge Football Club. We welcome anyone living with any form of memory loss and their carers to an informal session of refreshments, conversation and some form of entertainment. For information please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM If you are 18 years or over and keen to improve your confidence, public speaking and/or leadership skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, why not come along to Speak Easy at Martlesham speakers’ club?

We are affiliated to Toastmasters International, a non-profit educational organisation that has helped people in 143 countries build their confidence as speakers and leaders since 1924. Our members take part in meetings and follow projects, at their own pace, in Pathways, the educational resource provided by Toastmasters International.

Speak Easy meetings are held on alternate Thursdays (March 5 and 19) from 7.15-9.30pm at the Richards Room in Martlesham (behind Tesco). Guests are always welcome to attend; we look forward to seeing you.

For further information please contact Margaret Stanway: 07979 373934 / president@speak-easy.org.uk www.speak-easy.org.uk Facebook: @SpeakEasyMartlesham

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 26 March at 7.15pm A Suffolk Bevin Boy Barbara Mcelroy tells the story of her father who, with thousands of others, expected to go into the forces but was instead conscripted by ballot to go down the mines in the Second World War, no excuses allowed. The talk looks at the reasons for the schedule, the conditions down the mines and subsequent problems.

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: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk Picture published with permission from the Imperial War Museum

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE SUPPORTS THE EVE APPEAL The main speaker at last month’s meeting was Lorraine Finn who gave us an interesting talk on the Eve Appeal. This is a charity which, although renamed, was started in 1984 by Professor Ian Jacobs, later joined by Professor Peter Vagn-Jensen. They were concerned about the lack of screening for advanced ovarian cancer.

The charity now does research into the five gynaecological cancers and in 2016 launched Ask Eve, a specialist gynae cancer information service. The Eve Appeal will be one of the beneficiaries from our quiz which is being held at the end of the month.

WOOLLY WONDERS Look out for our cheerful spring collection of knitted ducks, chicks, rabbits and knitted primroses in pots at the spring fayre at St Michael’s on March 14 from 10am-noon.

The club also welcomed our district chairman, Deirdre Griffin, a member of our club, whose talk centered on the three ideals of Inner Wheel: fellowship, service and international understanding.

Tickets are now available for our fashion show being held on Monday 6 April at Woodbridge Town Football Club. Please contact our president on 01394 384834 for more information. The models and fashions are being provided by Tilly & Grace, Sweet Dreams and Holly Blue. These shops also have tickets for sale. This should be a very enjoyable evening.

If you wish to find out more about our club, please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month, usually followed by an entertaining speaker.

Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends.

FROM PREHISTORIC FINDS TO SECOND WORLD WAR HISTORY There’s a lot on offer for U3A East Suffolk members in the spring programme. Historical topics range from safeguarding convoys in the North Atlantic during the Second World War to prehistoric finds uncovered as Suffolk’s cable routes are dug.

Thursday 5 March: Everything Stops for Tea by Eve Regelous 10.30am-12.30pm at Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe IP11 7EL Thursday 12 March: The Merchant Navy in the Battle of the Atlantic

by John Johnson-Allen, 2-4pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF Monday 16 March: Archaeology of the East Anglia ONE Route by Andy Peachey, 10.30am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Football Club Monday 30 March: Churchill’s Ideas by Tony Diamond 2-4pm at Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF Thursday 2 April: The Hoxne Hoard by Tony Diamond 10.30am-12.30pm at Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe IP11 7EL U3A is aimed at older people who want to get as much as possible out of life. There are no entry qualifications, no barriers to joining and lots of activities to get involved in. New members are welcome.

For membership details: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk / 0300 123 3913

If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Chris Flint, for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY We now have two meetings per month on the first and third Wednesdays.

February 5 was a member’s evening where a dozen members displayed items from their own collections. These included the grand dukes and duchesses of Belgium, First World War correspondence, catapult mail, early Austria, early GB postmarks on Penny Reds and Channel Island occupation stamps during the Second World War. One member, who displayed stamps featuring food, even made some ANZAC biscuits for us to try. Very tasty they were too.

February 19 was our annual competition where another dozen members entered items from their collections to be judged by fellow members. The varied selection and the results can be seen at: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk There is a whole host of information about us and about stamp collecting on the website so please visit. Or come along to one of our meetings at Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave. You’ll also find the programme and directions online.

BrokE Hall WI Friday 13 March: Pearly Kings and Queens by Gerry Baxter

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY

Friday 17 April: Chernobyl with Elizabeth Parker from Chernobyl Children’s Life Line

Wednesday 25 March: Tallboy vs Tirpitx – Sinking the Tirpitz, an illustrated talk by Robert Owen

We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH.

We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park, visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).

01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk

SUFFOLK HERITAGE AVIATION GROUP MUSEUM

MARTLESHAM ART GROUP

Open from 11am to 4pm on Sundays and bank holidays from Easter until October.

If you have ever thought you would like to take up painting or drawing as a hobby and just needed some encouragement, we could be just what you are looking for. There’s no formal tuition but we are happy to share our experiences. Be it watercolours, oils, acrylics, pencils or pastels, we’ll have a go at most things. We’re just a friendly group of likeminded people who enjoy having a go at creating ‘something’ while having a chat and a cup of tea! We can even lend you some stuff to get you going to see if it’s for you.

Come along to see our exhibition of the history of Suffolk aviation, a full size replica of Edith Cook’s Bleriot and many other interesting exhibits.

Tea room and picnic area, free admission and parking. Donations welcome.

We meet in Martlesham Heath Pavilion from 1.45-3.45pm on three Friday afternoons per month (usually the first, second and fourth Friday) and would love to have your company. Just pop in or contact June on 01473 625382 for more details.

Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP10 0AH

For further information contact Colin Durrant: 01473 677517 / colindurrant113@yahoo.com

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Meeting Dates: March 6, 13 and 27; April 3 (no meeting on Good Friday) and 24; May 1, 8, 22 and 29; June 5, 12 and 26; July 3, 10, 24 and 31.

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OUT & ABOUT

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP The new decade started for us in January with our annual survey and clean-out of our bird boxes. Overall, 80 percent of the boxes had been used, about the same as last year. Pleasingly, five out of our six new-style plastic boxes, built by local Scouts and Guides, had been used.

The main volunteers did some patching up of the wood-chipped paths and cleared mud and decomposed leaves off a section of the perimeter track.

Hazel McGregor from Elmswell will present a demonstration entitled Floral Fusion when we meet at Kirton Church Hall (Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU) on Tuesday 10 March at 7.30pm.

There will be a fundraising stall with cakes, chocolates and Easter goodies and Hazel’s floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening. Tea coffee and biscuits will be available.

Visitors, you are asked to pay £5, are always assured of a warm welcome.

PEACE GLASS CRAFTERS (PGC) STAINED GLASS CLUB PGC is a club of friendly ‘glassers’, named after a respected tutor who taught many of the original members. We share an interest and enjoyment of creating art from sheet glass of all colours and textures.

As a group we support each other by sharing ideas, knowledge and experience. Projects include panels, windows, clocks, suncatchers, lamps, Christmas decorations, 3D items and more. The garden scenes panel pictured was donated to Ipswich Hospital and is on display there. Each PGC member completed one of the six-inch squares.

For more images of our finished work please visit our Facebook page.

The club is mainly for ‘tiffany’ (copper foil) glass work but there are occasions where a member decides to make a leaded piece. We have our own equipment (mainly grinders and soldering irons) plus a few consumables for use on club nights.

We are always keen to welcome new members. Having attended workshops or classes previously, people who come to the club have some experience in the main stained glass techniques, including glass cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering.

We meet at Felixstowe Academy on Thursday evenings during term time. The fees are currently £35 per term and there are three terms per year. If you are interested in joining us please contact the secretary on 01473 625782.

Facebook: Peace Glass Crafters

Over the winter we felled a number of problem trees before they became a danger. Although it’s easy to see where trees have died, or become unsafe after strong winds, others have hidden dangers, such as sections of trunks becoming diseased and rotten, often from within. In addition to regular surveys by our group and by the parish council, we also welcome reports from people visiting the woods if they spot anything looking dangerous.

DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Saturday 21 March, 10am-noon. Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided. All welcome; no need to book.

Nature Explorers (ages 11-18) Saturday 21 March, 9-11am. Please book a place via our email address below.

New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome with no experience necessary. For further information, please contact us at pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632, visit pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Chairman Stephen Corley

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Our next meeting is on Thursday 26 March at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU when Brenda Tubb from Attleborough will present a demonstration entitled Especially for You. The demonstration will begin at 7.15pm and Brenda will do six arrangements where we learn about flowers and foliage alongside a very interesting talk. You will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win one of the fabulous arrangements at the end of the evening.

Visitors are welcome at a cost of £5. Refreshments are served around 9pm and the raffle takes place immediately afterwards.

Please contact Janet Dye (01473 601750 / janet.dye@ntlworld.com) or Delcie Corbett (01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com) if you would like to find out more or would like to become a member.

SUFFOLK ORCHID SOCIETY Suffolk Orchid Society’s spring show is on Saturday 21 March at St Michael’s Church Centre (near the Douglas Bader), Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL between 10am and 4pm.

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 is £1.

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY

GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

Nursery Open Morning – 9.30am on Wednesday 4 March Our school nursery is almost full at the moment with only a few sessions still available. However, we are now accepting applications and allocating places for September 2020. If you would like to find out more about our fantastic, teacher-led school nursery and see us in action, we are holding an open morning on Wednesday 4 March at 9.30am.

The children greatly enjoyed a pantomime performance of Jack and the Beanstalk in January, kindly organised and supported by our PFA. Year 5 had an amazing Tag Rugby session with a coach from Ipswich High School and Year 3 have been conducting experiments with light.

During the morning you will be able to meet myself and the rest of our dedicated team of highly-skilled and experienced support staff. You will also be able to spend time exploring our fantastic facilities, both inside and out: we are lucky to have extensive grounds that include a dedicated Forest Schools area and a separate wildlife area featuring a pond with dipping platform. We are also very proud of our school garden that includes an orchard, allotment and an enclosure for our chickens, ducks and rabbits.

HEDGEHOG NURSERY The Hedgehogs have been very interested in the birds they see during our forest sessions and we have adopted a pair of friendly robins. This has led to big conversations about where they live and what they eat. Can they talk to each other? Where do they go when they leave us? We made our own bird feeders by mixing lard with bird seed and squashing the mixture into our playdough cutters. They looked really good hanging up in the trees.

For those who require childcare outside of the school day, our popular before and after school club, Jigsaw, is available. There are also a number of reputable childminders our area. If you can’t make this date or time, then don’t worry as you can call the school office on 01473 622806 and arrange an appointment for a guided tour at a time that is convenient to you.

We are very passionate about reading and have introduced a voting system where the children vote for one of the two choices on offer each day. The winning book is read at home time. The children and their parents have really enjoyed finding out which book has won.

Nursery Teacher Helen Whatley

We would like to invite prospective families to attend our open session on Thursday 5 March from 10-11am. If you wish to come and see the nursery in action with a view to adding your child to our waiting list, please come and visit us. Please contact the school office on 01473 623790 and you will be warmly welcomed.

Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig Hedgehog Nursery is open from 8.30am-3.15pm Monday to Friday for three and four year olds; in addition, we offer wrap-around care from 7.30am6pm every week day. If you would like more information, please visit www.gorseland.net or contact the school office on 01473 623790.

SPRING TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. This term included being the Wise Men as they travelled to see Jesus and decorating bags to take with us. In another session we heard about Jesus meeting four fishermen, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and how he asked them to help tell people about God. The remaining spring season dates are March 9 and 23 and the first date in the summer season is April 27. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance.

For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

CEDARWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL The children and staff have been raising the profile of mental health and celebrating National Children’s Mental Health Week, with the focus of Finding Your Brave. We are very proud of our Year 5 eco councillors who have been so moved by the Australian bush fires and their concern over the amount of plastic in our oceans that they organised and held a very successful eco sale.

The children made games, crafts and treats as well as selling eco-friendly cups and resources. They raised a fantastic £200.

Thank you to our wonderful pupils for making such a positive difference and for our families for supporting their cause.

If parents would like to visit our school to find out more about the great work going on, please do contact the school office to arrange a tour and meet the pupils and staff.

Headteachers Tina Shute and Doug Stroud Find us on Facebook and Twitter www.cedarwood.eschools.co.uk

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LOOSE STONES My husband and I decided to plant a meadow with annuals and perennials which will flower throughout the year, providing nectar for our bees and any other insects which care to share the meal. We chose a spot on the lawn and started work. We took off the grass and a few centimetres of top soil, which was relocated, and rotovated the plot.

At first glance the lawn was green, a mix of moss weeds and grass. Well it was when we started! Once we had rotovated we discovered stones and bricks just below the surface. At some point the lawn must have been used for dumping rubble and covered over with soil and seed to provide a reasonable looking lawn area. Fortunately, for a good meadow to grow, the soil needs to be poor, but there must be limits!

It reminded me of the parable of the sower which Jesus told. He gave the example of a farmer scattering seed which fell on poor and good ground. The seed which fell on stony ground had nowhere to send roots so failed. It made me think of life in general. So often we start off with good intentions but don’t quite manage to bring things to fruition, ‘stones’ get in the way. Fortunately, God is the best gardener and will patiently remove the ‘stones’ in our lives and leave us with good soil to grow in, to flourish in and to become valuable members of our communities. Thank goodness he is the gardener in my life and not me!

Rev Margaret Rittman: mgtritt@me.com Please see SPRING FAYRE on page 10 and POP-UP FOOD SHOP on page 3.

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SPORT MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS Although we lost the last two home matches against Belstead and Chelmondiston by four points to six, the eight points scored may be crucial at the end of the season when it comes to relegation from the First Division.

The Club Triples competition was played in January and the winners were June Levett, Gloria Dimelow and Vic Harrup. The runners-up, in a closely fought contest, were Kathy Cloud, Gordon Levett and Gary Clarke.

The singles are progressing, with the men’s final to be between Martyn Shakespeare and Vic Harrup. One ladies’ finalist is Sheila Beer, with the other still to be decided.

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Vic Harrup

GET INTO SAILING Ever wanted to try sailing – or perhaps you are already into this fun sport? The Royal Harwich Yacht Club always welcomes new members but the really exciting thing is that the club will soon be taking bookings for its Saturday morning dinghy sailing training sessions for kids of all ages. Courses start on April 23. The emphasis is on fun with training to suit all ability levels from complete beginners. And there’s no need to be a club member.

Confusingly, the club is not in Harwich! It’s based at Woolverstone, just a few miles south of Ipswich on the beautiful River Orwell. The club was founded 177 years ago in Harwich but now it’s firmly in Suffolk.

It’s a friendly, lively and inclusive club that welcomes everybody, and membership is very affordable with a monthly payment scheme.

The club runs a junior training week in July. It’s always a really popular event and lots of fun for kids of all sailing abilities. Due to its popularity, this one is only for members, but the club always welcomes new junior members and the cost is only around £5 a month.

The club also offers courses for adults, including powerboat training. It even has a fleet of sailing dinghies for hire at very reasonable prices for members. Adult membership is only around £30 a month. For those who already sail, the club has a busy sailing programme throughout the year, including dinghy racing on the river and a wide range of social events. The clubhouse is in a great location, not just for sailing but also for relaxing on the lawn enjoying a drink or a meal overlooking the river.

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www.royalharwichyachtclub.co.uk 01473 780319 / office.manager@royalharwich.co.uk

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