In Touch News with Shotley February 2019

Page 1

In Touch

™ ™ ©© ™©

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 9 • Issue No. 3 • February 2019

Image by Nigel Paul

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service

01473 327596

orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk


2

In Touch online:


A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My husband believes there are two kinds of people; those who see the positives in almost everything, and those who always see the negatives. If opposites attract, we must be the perfect couple, so when Daniel played this song by Kacey Musgraves I’m pretty sure he was making a point. It’s called Miserable. Your heart’s as heavy as the stones you throw Can’t see the flowers for the weeds you grow You blow your bubbles just to watch ‘em burst For you it’s always bad to worse And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable Your neighbor’s dirty laundry’s cleaner And the wolf at your door’s always meaner The sky’s still grey when the sun’s around But you can’t set sail if your anchor’s down And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable I’m miserable Can’t liven up for the both of us We have enough for the whole of us If misery loves company Then I can’t keep you company no more He got me good! I don’t think I’m this miserable, but when life is going well, I live in dread of what’s bound to come, and it’s bound to be bad! I think it’s an inherited trait, but it’s not one I want to pass on. Is it possible to change? I sure hope so because my New Year’s resolution is to prove Daniel wrong!

InTouch

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Send editorial copy to: shotley@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.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379

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 Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

We also publish In Touch with... •B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

In Touch with...

March DEADLINE

10 February 2019

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

NEWS HOLBROOK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENT Saturday, February 23 9.30am–3pm at Holbrook Village Hall Good progress is being made with the Neighbourhood Plan for Holbrook. Joining us for the public consultation event will give you, the local community, the opportunity to have a say about the development of your village in the future. We will have questionnaires available, maps of the local area, and more details about what will be included in the plan. Tea and cakes will be available so please drop in for a chat and to find out more. We hope to see you there. Everyone is welcome!

AN EXCITING NEW VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY Do you enjoy talking to people and have a passion for helping older people in your community? Here at Age UK Suffolk, we believe it’s important that older people in Suffolk know how and where to access all of the help and information that is available to them. Age UK Suffolk provides many services, including telephone befriending, aimed at older people who are lonely or isolated. We also have our information and benefits advice line for people who have questions about the challenges of ageing, but may not know where to turn. Unfortunately, many of the people who most need our help are unaware that help is available to them, and don’t come to us until there is a crisis. By being there for people earlier, we can help to prevent a crisis with support completing benefit applications, home adaptations, a diagnosis of dementia, or just simply someone to talk to. WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are trying to reach more of the people who need our help by raising awareness of the services we provide. To help us do this, we are recruiting a network of community links volunteers – people who are willing to become links within their community. Your role as a community links volunteer will be to share information about Age UK Suffolk with older people, their families, carers and local groups, and also to feed back to us the wants and needs of older people in your neighbourhood in order to help us to improve our services. If you have a few hours a week to spare, enjoy talking to people and are passionate about improving the lives of older people in your community, please get in touch with Lucy Evans: 01473 298684 / 07525 817984 / community.links@ageuksuffolk.org

FLOWER ARRANGING ROTA AT ST MARY’S CHURCH SHOTLEY We are in the process of putting together the flower rota for this year and are very grateful for the volunteers we do have but would welcome more. It’s not an onerous task and can be as infrequent as just once a year. If anyone is interested I would love to hear from you. Please call me for further details: 01473 788521 / 07711 683644 Pat Scholfield

3


NEWS SHOTLEY PIER PROGRESSES… DEMOCRATICALLY Members have been voting on which roof style the proposed pier buildings will have. This will have such a visual impact that the board committed to a democratic vote. Participation was high with 42 per cent of members voting, and the clear winner was the gabled, pitched roof. This has been warmly received in most quarters – the voters have spoken! The revised design can now be worked on in detail, with the length, height and width of the buildings and platforms to be re-worked. Design processes are iterative, with each stage always resulting in some tweaking, especially where materials or regulations need to be considered. The board was really pleased with the hundreds of constructive comments that arrived. With only a few negative comments, it’s clear that our members appreciate the way the process is being handled. A very big thank you to all who took part, whether you voted or sent a message. It really encourages the board and volunteers to know that so many of you support the way we are proceeding, and see that we are trying our best to listen to all points of view at the same time as making decisions that not everyone agrees with. It’s like walking a tightrope! We are still happy to take comments if you would like to email: shotleypier@gmail.com The pier is looking rather sad at present. The railings were removed due to their increasing instability. The new flats nearby are beginning to look more established, and work continues apace by the Ganges pier to build the 12 houses on the beach, our new neighbours-to-be. Soon, the only river view from Bristol Hill corner towards Felixstowe will be from the pier! Our coffee mornings at the Michelin-listed Red Lion, Chelmondiston IP9 1DX continue afrom 10.30am-noon on Wednesday, February 6 and Wednesday, March 6. Come and enjoy homemade cakes and hot drinks at only £5 per person.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER A women led, global, ecumenical movement Friday, March 1 at 2pm at Chelmondiston Methodist Church Everything is ready and the invitation is for everyone – men, women and children of all ages to join this Day of Prayer. Women of Slovenia, one of the smallest and youngest countries in Europe, have prepared this year’s service and they encourage us to reflect on the barriers they have faced since the end of the Second World War when their country was a part of Yugoslavia, a Marxist socialist republic. They share the challenges they have met and the hopes they have for the future.

HOLBROOK WAR MEMORIAL FUND As many of you may be aware, I have undertaken extensive research into the lives of the men who served in the First World War. One outcome of this research is that there are 12 new names that need to be added to the memorial. Holbrook Parish Council has agreed that these names can be added, but the current memorial must not be touched. The PCC has suggested that I fund a new smaller stone to consist of the named men. The cost of this is to be met by fundraising instigated by myself. Currently I have £1,300 towards the stone, which leaves a shortfall of around £1,200. It is hoped that I can arrange a table top trail around the village on the first bank holiday in May (10am-4pm). You don’t have to sell for the entire six hours; it will be up to individuals how long they man their own stalls for. If the weather is against us on this day we shall hold it on the last bank holiday in May. Members of the Methodist Chapel have also offered themselves to serve refreshments on the day and to provide comfort breaks for all you bargain hunters. How great will it be to be able to declutter your home without the hassle of getting up at 5am to do a boot sale? The basis of the trail will be that for a sum of £10 per house you can place a table in your front garden and sell any unwanted items (children not allowed I’m afraid!). It is hoped to have at least 50 houses sign-up to create a trail around the village. This will be a great fundraising opportunity, but also a great community event for everyone in the village. Brantham has been holding a similar event for a few years and has always been a great success. If you would like to book a table, please email me (address below) and I will email or post a booking form to you. I hope to produce a map of the homes taking part so please book before mid-April. All cheques are to be made payable to Holbrook Society who have gladly agreed to keep the funds safe in their account until needed. I am also asking each household in the village if they could donate £1 towards the fund. The original memorial was funded by the community in 1918 and I feel it would be great for the community to support the new memorial as well, rather than seek out grants from other non-local organisations. Please place your £1 in an envelope clearly marked Memorial Fund and post either through my door at 49 Clench Road or through in the post box of the Methodist Chapel. Thank you for reading and I hope that as many of you as possible can get behind this great opportunity for Holbrook. The table sale and a £1 donation from most households will help reach the £2,500 target by May and it is hoped to have the new memorial erected by November 2019. If you have any further questions, please email me at: Samantha.lanier@outlook.com Sam Lanier

SANTA & HIS ELVES Santa and his elves would like to thank everyone for their support on Christmas Morning. We delivered over 100 presents and the money raised from donations came to over £304.30 which will be shared between Shotley Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Kidszone.

World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns and prayers. The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 120 countries. It begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels throughout the world – through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas before finishing in American Samoa some 38 hours later. The service will end in time for school pick-up and refreshments will follow on. Everyone warmly invited.

THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY

Christine Ward: cmward1@btinternet.com

Thank you to everyone who returned their candle money boxes to Shotley Church over the Christmas period. We were able to send £67.46 to the Children’s Society to help them with their work supporting vulnerable children and young people.

www.wwdp.org.uk

Andrew and Maureen Coulson

For information please contact: Rachael Wainwright: rachaeljoyw@gmail.com

4

In Touch online:


www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

5


NEWS PENINSULAR POET PUBLISHED Peter Watkins, a poet living in Harkstead, has recently published a collection of poems called Enough to Love a Multitude. Many of the poems in the collection are inspired by the gentle landscape of the Stour Estuary, in which he finds solace and divinity. It’s a collection that explores, in a personal and universal way, the vicissitudes and life. The book, beautifully designed and illustrated by artist and publisher Carol Lawrence, is published by Eye Wild Books from their Shotley studio. To contact Peter email: peter.n.watkins@gmail.com Carol can be contacted at: carol@green-lantern.co.uk

UP TO 90 NEW DWELLINGS PLANNED FOR HILL FARM Plans are to be submitted to Chelmondiston Parish Council by Linden Homes to build between 60 and 90 dwellings on six acres of good quality farmland within the Area of Outstanding National Beauty within the village. It is understood that Messrs David and Johnathan Cordle have sold an option on the land between Hill Farm and White House Farm for the development of possibly 90 dwellings. This, if added to the already approved development of seven properties by Mr Phillip Cordle on land across the main road opposite, plus others in the pipeline at Ling’s Lane and Woodlands, will mean an increase of over 30 per cent of dwellings in the village. The government’s planning requirements are that 35 per cent should be affordable homes. In reality, affordable generally means smaller, slightly cheaper homes which are still unaffordable to the neediest. Like all local authorities, Babergh DC has building targets for their area and hitherto they have declared within their planning statements that our village is not an area where they would direct such new developments. It is also thought that they have already reached their five-year quota for housing development within the district council area. However, it is unlikely a developer would have paid an option fee without first having held informal talks with the planning department of Babergh. Ninety-seven additional houses will completely transform Chelmondiston. It will impose an extra burden on our already pressed health facilities. Our roads will become further clogged. Remember over 400 houses at Shotley Gate are about to start construction using both the common roads and health facilities. HAVE YOUR SAY – IT’S YOUR VILLAGE If you think that this proposed development will be detrimental to your village, please keep an eye on the planning development section on Babergh’s website. You can set up an alert at: www.planning.baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk/ online-applications Seventy-five households have already indicated their concern and Rosie Kirkup and Dilly Ridge are coordinating a list of like-minded people who wish to protect the village from indiscriminate development. If you have not already emailed them with your views please do so now: • Rosie.Abensour@atlanticharbour.com • Dilly@hildaridge.co.uk

TATTINGSTONE WHEATSHEAF WORKS WONDERS FOR LOCAL CHARITY Friday, December 7 saw the final event in The Tattingstone Wheatsheaf charity event calendar with a Christmas party and the annual huge raffle. Prizes were donated by many of the regulars to the award-winning pub and included a homemade Christmas cake, cable ties(!), biscuits, dog poo bags(!), smellies, chocolates and lots of bottles of various drinks. The Christmas party was the final event in a full year of activities which included the Copdock Bike Run, a Gin Night, the hugely successful 24-hour Pétanque, a Race Night, a Teddy Bears Picnic, an Easter Egg Raffle and not forgetting the jar of 5p coins donated by Bob Munday. The charity which will benefit from this hard work is Ipswich based Livability Icanho. The money is to go towards buying a special piece of equipment called a Dynamic Body Weight Support System. More information on this amazing bit of kit can be found on the Wheatsheaf/Icanho Facebook page. It’s a piece of equipment which can make a huge difference to the rehabilitation process. The charity committee are delighted to announce that the final total for 2018 was £10,387.84. For a small, rural pub this is an astonishing amount and the committee are grateful to each and every person who has helped in any way to raise this fantastic sum. Sesa Ishaya, committee member and head physio at Livability Icanho, commented: “I am thrilled and so grateful. The people in the surrounding community who frequent the Wheatsheaf have been so generous. I, and the rest of the staff at Livability Icanho, thank each and every one of them. We are getting closer and closer to getting the equipment to help people get back on their feet following a brain injury.” This year the focus of fundraising activity is the Ipswich Hospital Blossom Appeal. The Blossom Appeal aims to raise £2.5m towards a new state-of-theart facility which will bring all breast services under one roof so that patients can be imaged, biopsied and see their consultant in one appointment. Currently, patients have to visit three different locations during their care, which means they need to get dressed and undressed several times. Breast cancer is unfortunately a disease which has affected a number of people in our local villages. The aim is to hopefully raise at least £5,000 over 2019. There are many events planned, with the first being the Pink Party Launch on Saturday, January 26 at the Wheatsheaf. Keep an eye on The Wheatsheaf Facebook page for more details and events. www.facebook.com/wheatsheafIcanhocharity www.facebook.com/wheatsheaftattingstone

GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEMES A HELPING HAND WHEN NEEDED The Shotley Peninsula Good Neighbour Schemes are an important support network in our villages. They are run by volunteers under the umbrella of Community Action Suffolk. They can be contacted for assistance over a range of activities, including shopping, pet care, trips to hospitals and surgeries and collecting prescriptions. We are supported by parish councils and voluntary donations. All volunteers have been DBS and reference checked and are simply people in the community who don’t mind being asked for a helping hand. The contact phone is held by a rota of volunteers who ask volunteers in turn if they are free to help with a particular task. It is for all to use – all of us at some point are glad to be able to call on a neighbour for help. Please contact the Good Neighbour Scheme for your village:

It’s also worth emailing our MP and ward councillors to express your views, both now in advance of the application and when it’s published:

Chelmondiston and Pin Mill: 780408

• James.cartlidge.mp@parliament.uk • derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk

Shotley and Erwarton: 07799 873881

John Thomsett

Tattingstone: 07895 052086

6

Harkstead and Lower Holbrook: 328326 Stutton Support Network: 327753

In Touch online:


advertorial

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed

double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly

experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.

Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

7


FREE YOUR FINANCES WITH EQUITY RELEASE? Our local team has over 60 year’s combined experience in equity release matters. Unlike many national equity release firms, we have full in house financial planning capability. All our staff are based at our office in central Ipswich enabling us to fully support you through the whole process from initial consultation (always at our expense), through a thorough viability assessment and then application and processing to a successful completion. Williams Farrall Woodward Priority House, 8 Turret Lane, Ipswich IP4 1DL 01473 231644 equityrelease@wfw.co.uk • Cash or Income from an Equity Release scheme could restrict the borrowers’ eligibility for State Benefits. • Equity released will reduce the value of the estate and could leave nothing to pass on as an inheritance. • Home Reversion plans and Lifetime Mortgages are complex products. To understand the features and risk, please ask for a personalised illustration. • Williams Farrall Woodward is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA 175614.

8

In Touch online:


NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS – BERNERS WARD Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Freston A recent cross party report has shown we need three million new social houses in the UK over the next two years, and we on the Shotley peninsula need some of those to answer our housing needs. It is certainly true we have been doing our bit and while there is understandable resistance to even more being built, it is more a case of the right houses in the right places for the right people, rather just blanket NIMBYism. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area and as such we have a responsibility to protect our landscape and preserve the very nature of the peninsula, while ensuring those locally are provided for in terms of a proper roof over their heads. As a Babergh representative on the Joint Advisory Committee of Suffolk Coastal and Heaths AONB, I’m committed to protecting the area, while fully aware that just because an application for housing in made within the AONB, it doesn’t automatically mean refusal. Although there are one or two proposals coming forward that will understandably face opposition. That is why I’m such a strong advocate of Neighbourhood Development Plans where the residents, acting within a legal criteria, determine what building they would prefer in their parish. Residents can then say what it is they want to see in their village rather than developers dictating with speculative applications. While Shotley, though already committed to 385 home being built on a brownfield site at Ganges, is lagging behind in its plan, parishes such as Stutton, Chelmondiston and Woolverstone are making decent progress in developing their plans and once ratified will carry great weight at planning committee hearings, so they are important. You can play your part by supporting the parishes’ initiatives, and even better, volunteer to help when it comes to delivering and collecting surveys. While I agree Babergh should stick to its current policy of the 35 per cent affordable homes agreement, I don’t agree with the current modelling on them being 80 per cent of the market rate. To make it truly affordable I believe these rents should be nearer 50 per cent, but we should ensure they cannot be subject to the Right To Buy, therefore they stay in the hands of the council or housing association. I also strongly feel priority to new social houses should be given to those with a local connection and will continue to argue that cause. Good Service As the cabinet member responsible for organisational delivery, which includes customer service, it is really pleasing to see the improvements we have made over the past nine months or so. Moving out of our HQ at Hadleigh was extremely challenging and undoubtedly caused issues, however, our third quarter report shows we are now answering more calls even quicker and dealing even more efficiently with problems. Add to that, our pop-up customer service access points at Shotley and Hadleigh are proving successful with 100 per cent of respondents rating our service good or better. Ganges I know it seems to be taking forever, but the development on the old Ganges site has taken another step forward with pre-commencement conditions being discharged. While an archaeological survey continues, ecological and construction management plan conditions have been satisfied. That means work to build the spine road can start, if it hasn’t already by the time this comes out, and that is the part of the first phase to build the 285 homes, a small hotel and a residential care home on this brownfield site.

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM By way of an introduction, I am Police Constable 710 Michael Small and I have recently taken up the post of Community Engagement Officer for the Ipswich West and Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team. I have been a police officer in Suffolk for 26 years and have worked in a number of areas of Suffolk including Leiston and Ipswich, both as a response officer, roads policing officer and a community ‘beat’ officer. I have most recently been a trainer at our training school, teaching new student police officers. I am really looking forward to the opportunity of returning to community policing in my new role. I work as part of a committed team of Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers on the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Our remit is to react to issues in the community with a problem solving approach to policing. We work closely with our partner agencies, responding to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour with the aim of making your areas a safer place to live and work for the whole community. In order for us to achieve our goals, we rely on our communities to inform us of the issues in their areas that are a cause for concern. I aim to engage with your through traditional methods of patrolling your area and attending public events and forums as well as providing you with updates on social media and through our constabulary website. You can do this by following us on Facebook @IpswichWestPolice and on Twitter @HadleighPolice. In addition to our social media posts we are promoting Police Connect. This is a free messenger service for those who do not use social media, which means you can receive texts messages or emails with up-todate information about policing in your area. You can register online at www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect or request a form from us via: CEOlowestoft@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Since the start of the New Year, I have been looking at crime trends in the rural areas around Suffolk. There have recently been a number of domestic burglaries. Please be vigilant with your home security as some of these offences have occurred where properties have been left insecure. A typical crime of this nature now involves criminals taking car keys from within a dwelling and then stealing vehicles from a driveway or garage. Avoid leaving keys hanging near to access points such as letterboxes or cat flaps where they can be easily accessed by the offender. Another alarming crime trend involves something known as a ‘distraction’ or ‘artifice burglary’. This usually involves the perpetrator pretending to be someone of authority such as a police officer of someone from a service industry. They convince the occupant to allow them access to the property and then either steal items from inside or deceive the occupier into giving them money. Please be extra vigilant in relation to this type of crime and support elderly or vulnerable people in your community who may be more trusting of this type of caller at their door. Our Suffolk police website has advice on preventing these and other crimes through our First Principle scheme. Please visit our website and go to the ‘Advice’ section. If you have any quires or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD Hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: Call 999 Non-Emergency: Call 101 Follow us on Twitter@ HadleighPolice Police Connect: Suffolk.police.uk/police connect

DEATH CAFÉ

Recycling We have a great new leaflet on what is and what isn’t acceptable in our blue bins. Please have a read and follow Bernie’s guidelines to save our refuse collectors time and effort, and also save taxpayers’ (your) money: www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk

The next peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, March 3 in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook. We meet for an hour and a half from 10.30am. We are very grateful to The Compasses for allowing us to use their lounge where we are made very welcome with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins.

If you have an issue you would like to discuss please contact me at: derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk / 07824 167196

For more information about the Death Cafe please contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

9


NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: FEBRUARY 2019 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MCCRAW STOCKTAKING 2018 It’s time to have a look back at 2018. There’s been more change at Babergh than might be obvious. We started 2018 facing ‘Options for Change’ as a planned merger with Mid Suffolk was presented to us. Without going into detail, it’s fair to say that opinion was split, particularly on having a local poll to make the decision. The opposition rallied, with support from other members. The result was that the leader resigned and the new leader committed to no further moves in this direction until 2019. I fully expect this to be revived in the run-up to the May elections. Expect presentation in election leaflets as a ‘manifesto’ commitment. My own opinion of manifestos is not high. In local government you’re electing councillors, people capable of doing the work, and not just parties to form a quasi-government. There may be merits of such a merger. There are synergies, financial considerations, and we already work together though as separate sovereign councils. There are also differences and the actual effect would be (how can I put this nicely?) to reduce the variety of thought and representation in Babergh. I personally value that variety and I hope that you do too. You were asked in 2011 if you wanted to merge. You should be directly asked again in the same way. Other associated changes came about through the leadership change. The tone of the council has changed a little. After three years, we know each other better with more of a sense of cooperation. The opposition were brought into the Cabinet with the appointment of another Independent, Derek Davis to the organisational delivery role. That deals with our direct services to the public, computer systems and improving performance across the board. Out of this Derek has launched the popup services at Shotley and Hadleigh and there will be more to follow. A more constructive dialogue within the council is a further bonus. I was genuinely surprised to be voted in as chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee. We’ve always felt that this is a role best suited for an opposition member. In our Cabinet model this is a crucial bridge between the power of the Cabinet and the responsibilities of the members. We report and recommend to both Cabinet and council, work with the officers and staff and act as a ‘critical friend’ to all. Our brief is wide. A third of our constitution relates to overview and scrutiny activity. By

examining decisions and areas of concern before, during and after they are discussed elsewhere, we have aimed to amend, to improve and to inform. My annual scrutiny report to the council in March will contain more detail, but there have been some very successful projects in voids (vacant council properties), investments and in just making Babergh work better. PLANNING One principle change in the year was regaining our ability to demonstrate a five-year land supply. After some pushing from scrutiny, we got out of the trap where we were limited in resisting some very speculative planning applications (Mid Suffolk still lacks this!). In Babergh, we’re now able to apply our own local policies with their full weight. Our emerging Joint Local Plan will probably progress after May, so that the newly elected councils can be fully involved. Locally, the largest focus in Alton right now is on Brantham. The 288-house application in the Regeneration Area/Green Field will be submitted shortly. There has been a recent flurry of applications in the Brantham Church Lane area. One of these, Brantham Place, is a major application to be heard by the planning committee. Documents and public responses are still coming in. I understand these will be accepted until the end of January. Another, on the corner of Ipswich Road and Gravel Pit Lane is a partnership between Babergh and Iceni Homes to provide affordable housing only. That too will go to committee. On any of these and all others, I’m always happy to discuss the situation and provide any information I can. Just ask, phone or email me. The blue Claud Butler has been whimpering about neglect recently, so I’ll be out and about as the days lengthen. I do like to be able to keep you in touch as much as possible, so you could consider joining the Facebook group. It has the huge advantage of being immediate. With the Ward change for the May election, I’ll have to rename it shortly. Meanwhile, I wish you a belated happy New Year. Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)

HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY GP and Staff Training Afternoons Our next training afternoon will be on Wednesday, February 13. The practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions and book appointments/make enquiries at reception. However, there will be no clinical staff on site and our telephone lines will be switched over to the out of hours service on these afternoons to allow for staff training. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Thank you Huge thanks to all those who kindly gave biscuits, cakes, chocolates and other seasonal gifts to our staff at Christmas. These are much appreciated and we are always overwhelmed by your generosity. It is a fantastic recognition of the hard work of our staff who provide an excellent service. Flu or a Cold? The NHS website (www.nhs.uk) has good advice on how to differentiate between a cold and flu. Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include: a sudden fever (temperature over 38oC); aching body; feeling tired or exhausted; dry cough; sore throat; headache; difficulty sleeping; loss of appetite; diarrhoea or tummy pain; nausea and being sick. The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in the ear and appear less active. Recommended treatment is rest and sleep, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains, drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your urine should be

10

light yellow or clear). If you are concerned about a child, are pregnant, 65 or over, have a long-term medical condition or a weakened immune system or if you continue to have symptoms after seven days, please contact the surgery for an appointment. GPs don’t recommend antibiotics for flu because they won’t relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. Don’t forget, if you are eligible for the flu vaccination, we still have vaccines at the practice so please book an appointment at reception. Urine Samples We may ask you to bring a urine sample in to the practice for testing if a urine infection is suspected or for a routine review for diabetes and some other long-term health conditions. We are no longer supplied with free bottles for collecting these samples so if you have a small, sterilised bottle at home (e.g. one that has been cleaned in a dishwasher or with boiling water) then we can accept these, but you must take them home with you after testing. This will reduce the cost to the practice and avoid us having to charge patients for a bottle. We are able to supply a free Monovette syringe system to those able to use them, but these can only be sent away for testing and cannot be dipped in practice. Our receptionists can guide you if you have any queries but please be prepared for these changes. Practice Manager Julia Smith

In Touch online:


Looking after you and your family... Our private client team offers individuals a high level of personal service, tailored to your needs, ensuring you have peace of mind.

Wills and Trusts Lasting Powers of Attorney Probate Disputes

Probate and Estates Court of Protection Financial Planning

Contact us today to make an appointment: enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com www.ellisonssolicitors.com

01473 556900 Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ

Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

11


Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad. You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.

Contact us

www.prettys.co.uk

01473 232121 enquiry@prettys.co.uk

PR534 Personal Injury Advert (InTouch) v3.indd 2

09/05/2018 16:33

A play inspired by the 1953 East Coast Floods by Jayne Lindill & Horizon Theatre

An evening of local entertainment and original drama Feb 7: Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club Feb 8: Shotley Village Hall Feb 13: Ansell Centre, Hadleigh Feb 14: Waldringfield Village Hall Feb 15: Church Hall, Lower Road, Sproughton Welcome drinks, live acoustic music from 7.15pm Tickets: ÂŁ5 on the door or call 07864084423 email:jaynelindill2@btinternet.com

12

In Touch online:


NEWS / OUT & ABOUT HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL

Shotley Rose, every Tuesday from 11.30am-1pm Do you feel like the weekend has dragged? Are you fed up with your own company or new to the area? Come along and enjoy a free cuppa and some friendly chat. #dontbeonyourown Meet Up Mondays Suffolk @meetupmondaysSu www.meetupmondays.org.uk

Anglian Water Representatives from Anglian Water will be attending the parish council meeting for a second time on February 18. They will be providing an update on future plans and investment for the area. All residents are kindly invited to attend the meeting and to put forward any questions they have directly to Anglian Water. Speeding Sign The parish council is pleased to advise that the posts have now been put in place and the new speeding sign has been ordered. It is hoped that it will be in place in the very near future. Thank you to everyone who has been involved and have expressed their support.

PRESENTS SURGE BY JAYNE LINDILL

Footpaths and Overgrown Hedges The parish council have received many reports of dangerous and unkept footpaths, which we are continuing to report to Babergh District Council and Suffolk Highways. We have also received concerns regarding overgrown hedges causing visibility problems for drivers and residents using the paths. Can we kindly request any residents with hedges that overhang roads and pathways to keep them regularly maintained, for everyone’s safety? This is very much appreciated by the parish council.

Horizon Theatre presents an evening of local entertainment with welcome drinks, acoustic music and a play written to mark the 65th anniversary of the East Coast floods.

Full minutes of this and all other meetings are available on the Holbrook parish website or by contacting the clerk: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017

East Coast, January 31, 2018. A huge storm is brewing. Forecasters are predicting conditions not seen since the catastrophic night of January 31, 1953, when a storm surge and floods killed more than 300 people and made thousands homeless.

Future meeting dates: February 18 & March 18

Steve Drury, born in the middle of that tempestuous night 65 years ago, is facing his own crisis. As his wife, Annie, organises a party to celebrate his milestone birthday and his retirement, he’s trying to come to terms with a future without the job that he loves and which has defined his very existence. But the real cause of his anxiety is his older sister, Maggie. Rendered mute by the trauma of that terrible night in 1953, she’s deeply disturbed by the arrival of this new storm. It arouses memories and emotions that have been submerged for a lifetime, and threatens to split open the past, revealing long held secrets and unleashing feelings of guilt, grief and loss with devastating consequences. Jayne Lindill, who was born and brought up in Suffolk and now lives in Felixstowe, wrote Surge as an original piece of drama for Horizon to perform at Ferry Fest Felixstowe 2018. It received great acclaim, and the company is now touring the play to towns and villages in February, at the time of year when the floods devastated the Suffolk coast. The evening starts at 7.15pm with welcome drinks and acoustic music performed by cast members, and an exhibition about the floods compiled by Jean Macpherson and Bev Boyce, Felixstowe residents who are writing a book to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the floods. Jean and Bev are interested to hear from people who have memories and information about the floods. The play starts at 7.45pm and lasts approximately 80 minutes. Performance Schedule February 7: Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club February 8: Shotley Village Hall February 13: Ansell Centre, Hadleigh February 14: Waldringfield Village Hall February 15: Church Hall, Lower Road, Sproughton Tickets £5 on the door or from: 07864 084423 / jaynelindill2@btinternet.com

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

www.holbrook.suffolk.cloud

A new year brings plenty of opportunity to get out and about in our lovely countryside. Despite the wet, cold and windy weather, now is the time to be out as nature works it’s magic bringing trees and shrubs back to life. If you haven’t already done so, please join in one of our regular health walks around Shotley. The February walk starts from Shotley Village Hall Car Park on Wednesday, February 20 at 11.30am. It’s a gentle stroll around the ‘dry end’ of Shotley, and this time we will use the route that heads towards Erwarton through the fields behind the village hall and Kingsland. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours strolling and chatting with friends old and new, and the hot chocolate in the Shotley Rose afterwards is delicious! If you fancy a more ambitious walk, then the Suffolk Walking Festival starts on May 11 for three weeks. Our group has five walks registered, including the new First World War Submariners Memorial Walk which featured on BBC Look East in November last year. Our walks range from 2.5 miles to 7.5 miles, all around our beautiful village. Keep your eyes on this magazine for further details nearer the time. As you know, we in SOS do what we can to keep our regular walk routes clear of brambles and overgrowth. If you want to help in any way, look out for our postings on our Facebook page (Shotley Open Spaces) or visit: www.shotleyopenspaces.co.uk. For further information on our activities contact Geraint Pugh: g.pugh1@btinternet.com Gary Richens: gary.richens.583@btinternet.com Tony Lawford-Randall: keyworker@hotmail.co.uk Report by Gary Richens

13


OUT & ABOUT HARKSTEAD FARMERS’ MARKET

HOLBROOK SOCIETY

The first Harkstead Farmers’ Market of 2019 was held on Saturday, January 19. Lots of local produce was available with meats, cheeses, baked goods and honey from Holbrook, alongside high quality, bespoke chocolate, jams, cakes and sweets. The market is looking to expand and diversify further if possible. Some of the local producers have decided to hang up their hats recently, so the hunt is on to find more local producers to step in and showcase their talents and wares.

Friday, March 1 at Holbrook Village Hall What’s Brewing Up at The Swan? Alec Williamson of The Swan will talk about his craft brewery, Calvors, and his plans for The Swan. We hope to include a tasting opportunity and refreshments.

The January market went well. The strong turnout and cold weather meant that tea, coffee and produce were in demand, and the seating areas were quickly full and buzzing. The market is held every third Saturday of the month from 9am-noon in Harkstead Village Hall. Car parking is available at the hall with additional car parking opposite. The Bakers Arms is only a short walk away at midday to finish your Harkstead visit! This month’s raffle prizes were won by Tracey, Liesbeth and the Jennings family. These prizes are sponsored or donated by our stallholders, and the funds raised by the raffle support our Good Neighbour Scheme and upkeep of the village hall. Our next Market is on Saturday, February 16; doors open at 9am. info@harksteadfarmersmarket.org.uk

Friday, April 5: 7.30pm at Holbrook Bowls Club, £4 The Future of Wild Essex – Disasters & Opportunities John Hall MBE will talk about his work at the Essex Wildlife Trust. Friday, May 10 at Holbrook Village Hall, £4 The Suffolk Morris Dr Mike Garland will tell us the story of the Morris – hopefully with music. Summer 2019 Holbrook Photographic Competition and Exhibition Building on its success in 2016, we are launching another photographic competition. The closing date will be June 1 and the photographs will be exhibited on June 8. Entry forms can be downloaded from the link below. Saturday, November 30 Christmas Shopping Trip to Norwich More events are in the pipeline. No booking required, just come along.

CHELPIN PLAYERS

www.holbrooksociety.strikingly.com / 01473 327166

What great support you gave my lovely group way back in November. Over My Dead Body was enjoyed by all on and off the stage, particularly by Sandra who trod the boards for the first time. The audience though she was an old hand; great show Sandra – it’s lovely to have you on board.

CHELMONDISTON VILLAGE HALL

So Chelpin supporters, here’s a date for your diaries. By popular demand, we have another ‘who dun it’ for you to solve!

The diary is filling up already. We’re pleased to have our regular hirers: carpet bowls, Amanda and her exercise classes, children’s dance classes, Chelpin Players, Thursday social club, harvest suppers, WI, PC, Good Neighbours and many other groups. It’s definitely a well-used hall.

You’ve solved it at the auction and in the manor, and now we have the wedding reception. There are quite a few to choose to bump off in that lineup. Mother-in-laws for a start!

Children’s birthday parties are very popular and already starting to go in the diary. Don’t leave it until the last minute!

Performing from April 11 to 13 with nibbles included and we’ll raise a glass to the bride and groom.

Hall enquires to: pat@gilpat.co.uk / Facebook Messenger / 01473 780358 (before 6pm)

Look out for more information in a future edition.

GENTS’ BREAKFAST St Andrew’s Church Room, Chelmondiston on Saturday, February 9, 9-11am I will be there from 9-11am on Saturday, February 9 and will happily cook for any gents who would like an English or Continental breakfast with tea/coffee as required. Bring a friend or neighbour, a newspaper or any sports news or whatever interests you. Come at a time to suit you and I will cook a fresh breakfast for you. It would be great to know in advance if you will be joining us, but I am sure there will be places on the day. A donation of around £10 towards Church Funds would be appreciated. Dilly Ridge: dilly@hildaridge.co.uk / 01473 780350

A NEW WAY OF LOOKING ROUND HARKSTEAD CHURCH If you visit St Mary’s Church, Harkstead, you will now find a new sort of church guide on the table just inside the door, the Arts Society Children’s Trail.

the graffiti in the church porch, or trying to decide what a fragment of a medieval wall painting represented.

Part of a national initiative by the Arts Society, Harkstead’s trail is an illustrated sheet of 13 questions for children about the interior of the church which guides them round the building looking at the architecture, history and furnishings. Accompanying adults use a corresponding answer sheet to share with the children.

The trail was devised by Ipswich based Orwell Decorative and Fine Arts Society (ODFAS), with the help of the Rev Canon Liesbeth Oosterhof and members and friends of the church.

At the launch, parents and grandparents brought children along to try out the trail. They spent some time going round the church carefully examining fixtures such as the font, the pulpit and the altar, studying

The Harkstead trail will now be added to the Arts Society national register, which includes a number of other churches in Suffolk.

14

Typically these trails are aimed at children aged between eight and twelve to encourage them to explore churches, but they can be enjoyed by all ages.

To find out more about Children’s Trails, email: info@orwelldfas.org.uk

In Touch online:


OUT & ABOUT

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, February 9, 9am-12.30pm. Pick up a Valentine’s present for that special person and visit all your favourite market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items. East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190. Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue. New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

EXHIBITION OF ANTIQUE AND NEW QUILTS St Michaels Church, Woolverstone 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 4 11am-4pm on Sunday, May 5 10am-4pm on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 Other craft stalls, spinners and weavers and a chance to buy from the stalls Refreshments on offer and a raffle each day Entry £3, accompanied children free Profit to St Michaels Church Funds

STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Embraceable Ella featuring Joanna Eden & Chris Ingham Trio Saturday, February 23, 7.30pm at Constable Hall, East Bergholt CO7 6TP Joanna Eden presents a ‘labour of love’ celebrating the music of her vocal hero Ella Fitzgerald. She is ccompanied by Chris Ingham on piano, Arnie Somogyi on bass and George Double on drums. Tickets (£15 including light refreshments) are available from 01206 298426, from Grier & Partners, or using CC payment from TicketSource via: www.svam.org.uk

COFFEE MORNING WITH BRING & BUY Saturday, March 16, 10-11.30am in Holbrook Village Hall New and nearly new items for sale and a raffle. Bring, buy or just come and browse. Find something nice and take home a treasure! Free entry. Proceeds in aid of All Saints Church

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

15


16

In Touch online:


OUT & ABOUT WINTER WARMERS QUIZ EVENING Break the Winter Blues! Join the Friends of All Saints Holbrook for an evening of fun with a quiz, raffle, cash bar and refreshments. Friday, February 8 at 7.30pm at Holbrook Bowls Club Bring your family and friends Teams of four, £20 per team. Book ahead on 01473 327255/327379

SHOTLEY SOCIAL CLUB First we would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2019. We will soon be sorting out some outings for this year. Hopefully by February or March we will know where we would like to go. Our meetings for February are on Thursdays 14 and 28 from 1.50-4pm. If anyone would like to attend a meeting to see what we do, Norman or a member of the committee will look after you. If you do decide to join us you will be made very welcome, but if you think we’re not quite right for you that’s fine too. For information please, contact Norman or Eileen: 01473 787358

SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB December Draw Winners 1: Mrs M Williams (047) £25 2: Mr K Cocksedge (063) £20 3: Mrs P Anderson (054) £15 4: Mr W Sarcuet (007) £8 5: Mr S Whiting (005) £5 We are always ready to welcome new members to the 700 Club. The cost of £1 a month can be paid at intervals of three, six of 12 months. To arrange to join, contact Norman: 01473 787358

SHOTLEY & ERWARTON WI December got off to a festive start when our WI organised a Christmas party for the over 70s living in Shotley and Erwarton. Guests and helpers tucked into a high tea, followed by jelly, mince pies and sherry. I am pleased to report all WI helpers and guests had been good, as Santa gave everyone a present. Several games of bingo followed and then we relaxed to the sound of the Tyler-Kemp duo. For our December meeting we were entertained with I’ve Heard That Song Again by the Don Melody Maker, a trio of two male singers and a lady on a piano. They started with a quiz, picking out chords of well-known Christmas carols and asking members to identify the songs with a promise of a prize. Maybe some of our members were disappointed that their prize was becoming part of the Shotley and Erwarton Orchestral Choir with the chance to sing The Twelve Days of Christmas. If anyone is interested in joining our WI, our next meeting is entitled Getting to Know You and will start at 7.15pm on Wednesday, February 27 at Shotley Village Hall. For more information contact Jo Lee: 01473 787311

CHELMONDISTON 100 CLUB We are very pleased to announce that we have now made our December draw and that the prize money has again increased. Many thanks to everyone, who signed up and have supported us this year. The winners are: £120: Ute Jefferies £60: Wendy Malster Many congratulations to them both. The next draw will be in March. Please phone Fiona on 01473 780965 for further details.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

1st SAMFORD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of 1st Samford Valley (based in Holbrook and Stutton) have lots of exciting plans for 2019! The Beavers (aged 6-8) have several trips planned for the new term, including to Bounce, Shotley Beach and Hill Farm in Chelmondiston. Back at base, they will be busy making biplanes, pancakes and then crafts for Mother’s Day and St David’s Day. They will also be working on their Global Issue badge, focusing on plastic use and recycling. By the time you read this, the Scouts will have attended Winter Camp 2019. Watch out for our next update which will contain the full report. During last term the Scouts covered Survival as their main topic. We learnt about fire lighting, distress signals and, for the last couple of weeks of term, focused on sea survival. Thanks to Sara Hopkinson from Pin Mill Sailing who came to help us and also to the Royal Hospital School for the use of their pool for the practical session. During the shore based session we learnt about how to stay safe in and around the water, what to do in an emergency, what to carry in a survival bag, cold water shock, hypothermia, and how to survive in a life raft. In the pool we put some of this into practice. We inflated some lifejackets and practised swimming while wearing them. We inflated two life rafts and carried out several drills including righting an upturned raft. We investigated the use of the sea anchors and throw lines. Finally, we had some races up and down the pool paddling the rafts and recovering people from the water. The Scouts very much enjoyed the activity and certainly learnt some new skills from the experience. Does this sound like fun? Are you between 10 and 14? Would like to be involved in the world’s biggest youth movement? If the answer is yes, please call David on 01473 326981 for more information. We are also looking for adult helpers or if you have a particular hobby, interest or job that you think the Scouts would be interested in give me a call, come along and promote your thing!

SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE We meet every other Thursday in the village hall. Our first Whist Drive for February is on Thursday 7 from 1.50-4pm, then Thursday 21 and Thursday, March 7. Lifts are always available. For information please contact Norman or Eileen: 01473 787358

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB John Hammond explained the skill of will writing at our meeting on January 16, a most interesting subject for all those retired! We hold our New Year Lunch at the popular Haywain in Little Bromley on February 6 when our spouses and Probus widows will join us. Brian Wilcox will introduce New Ways of Working on February 20 and Brian Wills will present a lecture of particular local interest when he speaks about Constable and his Paintings on March 6. Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 20. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

17


OUT & ABOUT CHELMONDISTON WI: PRESIDENT’S PRATTLE SHOTLEY PENINSULA BRANCH We extend happy and healthy New Year wishes to everyone. With all the Christmas and New Year festivities over, we can now concentrate on our Mothers’ Union meetings. As we didn’t meet in January our first meeting of the year is on Wednesday, February 6. Our committee decided to have an early start at 12.30pm, when we plan a soup lunch and a social afternoon to give us time to meet and greet each other. We will finish early, enabling us to get home before dusk. There will still be the usual time for prayer, hopefully a song or two and the bring-and-buy stall. The programme for the remainder of the year will be distributed and you will be brought up-to-date with any planned future events. Please note that we do not meet in March as we join with the Women’s World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 1 at the Methodist Chapel. Looking forward to seeing you all on February 6; if you wish to bring a friend they would be most welcome. We meet in St Andrew’s Church Room as usual. Should you require further details please don’t hesitate to contact Christine (780621) or Pam (780796).

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Our next meeting is on February 19 when Marcia Whiting, Curatorial Associate of the Munnings Museum, will speak on the life and works of Sir Alfred Munnings. Sir Alfred, born and educated in Suffolk, is famous for being one of England’s finest painters of horses. Possibly less well known, he was also a significant artist of the Great War. In her talk Marcia will be paying particular attention to his collection at the Munnings Museum in Dedham. On March 19 Nick Collinson, General Manager for East Suffolk National Trust, will talk about the properties in East Suffolk, with particular reference to Sutton Hoo. The meeting will be preceded by a short AGM Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). For more information contact our membership secretary at: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY

Ok we’re off! January is the month of making fresh starts, getting rid of the ‘bad’ habits that reared up over the festive season and challenging ourselves to walk more, drink less and eat less cake! Whoops! Well it’s still early days… our speaker was our group advisor and good friend Jane Sago (of Radio Suffolk fame). Simple Suppers was her subject. Two lovely quick and easy desserts and two delicious main courses were prepared before our very eyes and eagerly sampled – delish. And with a few tweaks they would fit easily into our healthy food plans for the rest of the year. This was followed by cake! Apart from eating, the evening was a busy one with our annual membership due, discussing the coming year with every month providing something of interest for our members, and voting for the resolution that we wanted to carry forward. Five important issues, all worth an airing. Chelmondiston WI will be 93 this year and Suffolk East Group is celebrating 100 years with lots of other things on the agenda. There is a theatre trip to Norwich on February 13. Talk to a WI lady if you would like to come. Calendar Girls is the show, but if anyone fancies a shopping trip to Norwich, we have room on the bus. February 12 is our next get together with a visit from Munton’s Malt. Have you used their malt in your cooking? Yummy in porridge…

CHELMONDISTON SOCIAL CLUB (OVER 60s) We’re planning our 2019 programme now to include an afternoon out for coffee/tea and cake at a local hostelry, a fish and chip lunch at Dunwich during the summer and a couple of musical afternoons, all dates and times to be confirmed. So if you are free on a Thursday afternoon between 2 and 4pm come along to Chelmo Village Hall and mix with a very friendly group of people. Everyone welcome, regardless of age... we’re all `young at heart’ and love a chat over a cuppa and cake. Don’t want to come alone? Give us a ring first or bring a friend along too. Michele and Michael Rutherford: 01473 780718

ALTON BELLES Six resolutions have been put forward for WI members to discuss and vote on in 2019. Resolution 1 Improving Plant Biosecurity in the UK Resolution 2 Trees – Improving the Natural Landscape Resolution 3 Pelvic Floor Education

Our first next lecture of the new year will be on Wednesday, February 6 when Andrew Spira will deliver what we are sure will be a fascinating talk entitled The Art and Architecture of St Petersburg.

Resolution 4 Suffering in Silence; why we need to end the taboo around menstrual health

On Wednesday, March 6, Doug Gillen will present a talk entitled Hidden Canvasses: Street Art and the City.

Resolution 6 Don’t Fear the Smear

So why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space. For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

18

Resolution 5 A Call against the Decline in Local Bus Services A committee member will lead each of the above resolutions and members will discuss the issues in small groups. Each member will then vote on the resolution she thinks should go forward for discussion at the national AGM in June. In February we look forward to learning some ballroom dancing steps. Our programmes are always varied and meetings always include time for a cup of tea, a piece of cake and socialising. If you want to hear more about how you could get involved in our vibrant and forward-looking WI, but feel nervous about coming along just contact either Tamzin (328670) or Jane (327865) and we will make sure you are looked after.

In Touch online:


OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CRAFTERS UNLIMITED

VILLAGE LINK

A craft club which meets on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Wednesday, February 13, 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall: Acorn Village – History to Present Day

Monday, February 4: Cardboard Trug (Jill) Monday, March 4: Clock (Debbie) Monday, April 1: Easter Table Decoration (Anita & Mary) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, January 9 Sally Dearman presented Woman Can Fly, the story of one women’s journey from jumping out of a landing window, then out of planes, to becoming a civil pilot and the first women through the RAF’s fast-jet flying trains system. An Afternoon with Joyce Grenfell by Gillain Grinham is the subject for our meeting on February 13. Gillian is an author, former teacher and a director of plays and musicals. She will perform a series of monologues and songs from Joyce’s repertoire, interspersed with details of her much loved entertainer’s life. Family historians and authors Toni Neobard and Kate Broad will present For Better or For Worse on March 13. This will be a lighthearted look at marriage and relationships through the eyes of Victorians. What happened if they didn’t marry and what if you did but weren’t happy with your choice? It will be a glimpse at bizarre goingson showing wedded bliss wasn’t always so! On April 10 the popular speaker Mark Mitchels will talk to us on The Genius of Charles Dickens. Dickens rose to become a great novelist by sheer talent and determination. He worked a self-imposed schedule that never relaxed and in the end he probably brought about his early death. But the novels survive, to be rediscovered by each generation. What sort of man was he? His genius is astonishing and this talk uses biography and extracts from his books to re-create the man and his achievements. Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday, February 22. We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except in December.

EAST SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND An independent and voluntary charitable organisation promoting the welfare of blind and visually impaired people in East Suffolk since 1914. Membership is free. We also hold a social on the last Wednesday of every month at Stutton Community Hall from 2-4pm when we provide entertainment, afternoon tea and a raffle, and twice a year we have a lunch at a local hotel.

The club aims are to bring communities together and we have over the years attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month 10am to noon. I would like to welcome back any former members and to see new members from all local villages at our meetings, either as visitors or members in readiness for our 25th celebration. Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

SOCIAL SEW-AND-SO’S Following all the festivities of Christmas and New Year, the Social Sew-and-So’s met on January 5. New creations were started and some which were finished off late last year were shown off! With beading, decoupage, cross stitch, knitting, a Christmas Monkey (it’ll be ready for Christmas 2019 – promise!), and two lots of curtains on the go, it was a busy and productive day. Held at Harkstead Village Hall, the next few dates for the diary are February 2, March 2 and April 13. We look forward to seeing you all. Doors open at 9am and close once everyone has come to a suitable stopping point in the afternoon.

CHELMONDISTON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY On February 26 we have Karen Kenny coming to speak to us and her topic is Weeds, Wonderful Weeds. If anyone can get us to love weeds, it will be Karen. She was supposed to deliver this talk to us in February 2018, but the village was snowed under beneath the Beast from the East. Remember that? We are all keeping our fingers crossed that this won’t happen again this year. It has been a long wait to see Karen again. I know it will be worth it. Meetings start at 7.30pm in Chelmondiston Village Hall. Hope to see you.

CHELMONDISTON PRIMARY SCHOOL We have an exciting term at Chelmondiston CE Primary School doing our regular additional activities like Forest Schools and swimming. We are so lucky to be able to take all the children in the school to learn how to swim each year. We are also really looking forward to joining in with the Young Voices concert at the O2; it will be amazing. The PTA has funded the whole school to go to the pantomime in Ipswich and I feel very privileged to have joined such a friendly and supportive school and community. I look forward to meeting everyone at the many events we have planned in the following two terms. Headteacher Katie Butler

COMMUNITY GOVERNORS AT HOLBROOK ACADEMY

If you would like to join us, contact Ian, our community support worker, for more information: 01473 788380

The governing body at Holbrook Academy is looking for new community governors with an interest in finance and accounting. This is a rewarding way to help guide our thriving local high school and to join a team of dedicated and interesting people. It’s not a huge time commitment. Committee meetings take place once every half term, and full meetings once a term, usually on Monday evenings.

We are always in need of volunteer drivers to assist us with our monthly social event. If interested please contact Barbara McDonald: 01473 328907

If you have skills in finance, accounting or auditing, please do get in touch to find out more: lcullen@essex.ac.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

19


SCHOOLS / SPORT STUTTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

SHOTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

As we welcome in the New Year I’m sure many of us have considered what resolutions to make for the forthcoming year. If you are like me, they will almost inevitably include some of the same resolutions that have been made in previous years: these usually include worthy attempts to eat healthier, to exercise more and perhaps lose some weight. Good luck with your resolutions, personally I am still on track, but then again I am writing this on January 6!

We have been busy since our last contribution to In Touch!

With the start of the New Year being a time to reflect, many of us may also include a work-related resolution. For me, starting a new job as the teaching head at Stutton C of E Primary School, it’s a time to start putting into place the vision for the school. Firstly, it needs to be stressed that I am very fortunate to be taking responsibility for a school that is in a very secure position. The staff at Stutton are very experienced, committed practitioners with the needs of the children at forefront of their teaching. The children are inspired to learn and mature into well-rounded individuals. The parents and wider community fully support the school. £731 was raised by The Kings Head over the Christmas period, a fantastic achievement. The positivity surrounding the school is reflected in the increasing numbers of children who have joined the school this past year. My role, therefore, is to continue the good work to ensure the school remains a welcoming, caring, secure, vibrant, challenging, learning community. To make sure that the school succeeds with every single child. I consider it an honour to be given this opportunity. My motivation when becoming a teacher was, in the words of Brad Henry, to ‘inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love of learning’ and while some personal resolutions at the start of the year may be derailed, despite our best intentions, my motivation to ensure that children at the school continue to grow and flourish remains resolute.

The lead-up to Christmas was full of the usual hustle, bustle and excitement. Reception and Years 1 and 2 performed their fabulous nativity play, The Inn Keeper’s Breakfast, which was a real success. The children acted, sang and narrated beautifully and made us all very proud. Shortly afterwards they were also treated to a visit to see a very special guest in the woods. Father Christmas came along to see them and gave each child a book as a gift. With festive crafts and parties it was a great end to term, topped off in true Christmas fashion with a walk to the church for the Christmas service on the last day. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Patel for their generous donation of a selection box to every pupil. A key part of the work of ASSET trust is ensuring that all pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum; we try to make learning exciting, interesting and relevant by teaching in a cross-curricular way and linking lessons through a project with an authentic outcome. Year 3 gave the school and wider community a taste of how this works by opening the doors on an Anglo-Saxon exhibition in the village hall on December 14. Their exhibition highlighted their work from the entire term and the children gave guided tours to share their learning. We were lucky to have an article written about our exhibition which you can find at: http://shotleypeninsulanewsandfeatures.com/Anglo-Saxons.php This term we will continue to develop teaching and learning at the school and other classes will also begin to work towards having an authentic project outcome. We’ll keep you posted about our events, but just to whet your appetite, Year 3 has a pop-up shop planned and Reception hope to do a dance performance. Earlier in the term we participated in Children in Need. We had a non-uniform day and a bake sale and raised an amazing £401 for this very worthwhile cause. Huge thanks to the Shotley families for baking and donating.

We welcome visits to the school and value contributions from our community. You can contact the school at: admin@stuttonprimary.co.uk

At the start of the spring term we will be beginning a new initiative, GRB AS UR, a unique not-for-profit organisation that has developed a groundbreaking and effective all-inclusive project that aims to stop the cycle of bullying before it even starts. More to report in the future.

Glenn Parfitt

Headteacher Richard Dedicoat

www.stuttonprimary.school

www.shotley.suffolk.sch.uk

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB December 2018 was not a good month for the 1st Team. There were some decent performances, but a combination of poor finishing and sloppy goals conceded meant that they went through the month with only three points from one win. However, 2019 started well with a 3-0 home victory over Bramford Utd. Just two matches in the month for the Reserves. They won the League game to keep them in a very solid mid-table position, but unfortunately exited the Travel Plus Tours Cup. They began the new year with a high scoring 4-4 draw. A clean sweep of three victories in December has left the A Team well placed in Intermediate C where just one point separates the top five sides in the table. A home victory in the opening match of 2019 kept the team well in the promotion mix. UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Jan 26: Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Feb 2: Crane Sports (H) Sat, Feb 16: Wenhaston Utd (H) Sat, Feb 23: Bramford Utd (A)

20

Sat, Mar 2: Westerfield Utd (H) Reserves: League A Sat, Jan 26: Sporting 87 Res (H) Sat, Feb 2: Henley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Feb 9: Trimley Red Devils Res (H) Sat, Feb 23: Bramford Utd Res (H) Sat, Mar 2: Framlingham Town Res (A) A Team: League C Sat, Feb 2: Ransomes Sports Res (H) Sat, Feb 16: Grundisburgh Res (H) Sat, Mar 2: Kesgarve Kestrels Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm please refer to the fixtures website: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Ladies and Juniors We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. If you are interested please contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com Steve Butcher (Secretary): stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

In Touch online:


SPORT / CHURCH NEWS CHELMONDISTON CARPET BOWLS A Happy New Year to one and all.

Neptune Youth Groups We are now reviewing how we organise our evening youth groups, aiming to make them even more successful. If you are interested in joining one of the groups we would value knowing about your needs and which group you would like to join. You can do this by completing an expression of interest form. Our groups begin with children who are 10 years old and above. If you have previously sailed, you may be able to join a more advanced group, though we do try to keep those of similar ages together. Our advanced group includes those who are working towards qualifying as instructors in their own right. Neptune Youth Groups are likely to be popular again. Do contact Simon, our new membership secretary soon to request a place for your son or daughter: youthgroup@neptunesailing.org.uk Running the Centre Neptune is dependent on a small team of qualified staff, ably supported by a wide range of volunteers who take on many different tasks, such as serving on the management team, organising and running courses, helping with maintenance, or just helping out on the water. Each sailing group is organised by an RYA senior instructor, with lots of support from other instructors, and we are particularly keen to hear from dinghy instructors, especially senior instructors who are keen to help us. For those helping on the water, we will aim to develop your skills by providing training opportunities. If you are interested in joining our team, and we hope that you will be, please do get in touch (secretary@neptunesailing.org.uk). We have activities running most afternoons and evenings, and would be very pleased to hear from you. Schools 2019

We plan to go into local primary schools this year and to take one of our craft to explain what we do and let the children see the type of boat they will be sailing. The objective is to promote our youth groups and organise taster sails for schools. We hope some pupils will join us, but we want to get some teachers involved too. This has worked for other schools. We supplied sails for the local schools to paint as part of the Arthur Ransome celebrations. For booking or additional information visit: www.neptunesailing.org.uk

We start the new year at home to Nayland who have been doing well in the league. As we are missing several players we can only hope for the best. In December we hosted a match against Claydon, who kindly donated several Christmas wrapped prizes for the raffle. That with a donation from Chelmondiston enabled us to donate £80 to EACH. Also in December we held our annual fun night with strange bowling events and a good time was had by all. Congrats to Barbara, Adam and Wal for winning the event. Having won the Suffolk CBA last season we hope for a good run again this year. Will members please put the annual supper at the Red Lion on February 27 in their diaries. Alan Storey

THE PENINSULA BAPTIST CHURCH Pin Mill Road, Chelmondiston IP9 1JE We invite you to join us on Sunday morning at 10.30am or Sunday evening at 6pm. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Contact Dave Kelland: 01473 788441 / 07970 312705

SHORELINE BENEFICE: FEBRUARY 2019 ST ANDREW’S, CHELMONDISTON February 3

9.15am Candlemas Holy Communion, The Rev D Newton

February 10 9.30am Benefice Holy Communion & Dedication Service followed by Brunch, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 12 10am Tuesday Midweek Communion, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 17 9.15am, Holy Communion, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 24 9.30am All-Age Family Service, Mrs C Ward ST MARY’S, ERWARTON February 3 11am Candlemas Holy Communion BCP, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 10 9.30am Service at St Andrew’s, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 17 11am Holy Communion BCP, The Rev T Crosbie February 24 10.45am Service at Shotley, The Rev T Crosbie

HOLBROOK BOWLS CLUB Holbrook Bowls Club sends good wishes to all our members and friends and looks forward to seeing you again when we open the green for the 2019 season in April – exact date to be confirmed, with details of the opening drive. We welcome new members and especially would like to see more ladies! Informal roll-ups can easily be arranged by contacting Derek (01473 327505) or Peter (01473 780525 / 74360 19325). We also hope to organise another of our quiz evenings in the pavilion (£10 for teams of four, refreshments and prizes included) in late March or early April. Date to be confirmed. For the benefit of newcomers to the village, the club is situated behind the community car park in Holbrook Street.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

ST MARY’S, HARKSTEAD February 3 9.30am Candlemas Holy Communion, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 10 9.30am Service at St Andrew’s, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 17 9.30am Holy Communion, The Rev Canon C Chapman February 24 9.30am Holy Communion, The Rev Canon S Brown ST MARY’S, SHOTLEY February 3 10.45am Family@Shotley Church, Mr A Coulson February 10 9.30am Service at St Andrew’s, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof February 17 10.45am Worship for All, Mr A Coulson February 24 10.45am Holy Communion with Erwarton, The Rev T Crosbie Please check church website and noticeboards for any changes to services.

21


CHURCH NEWS

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish Priest: Fr Peter Raj 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY Sunday 3 9am

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 5 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 10 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 12 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 17 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 19 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 24 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 26 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door. Catholic Commentary In a recent address the Pope said: “The service of fraternal voluntary work is a choice that makes one free and open to the needs of the other; to the demands of justice, to the defence of life, and to the protection of creation, with a tender and special attention to the sick and especially the elderly, who are a treasure of wisdom!” He emphasized: “I encourage you to continue your mission with passion, seeking all the possible and

constructive forms for reawakening public opinion to the need to commit oneself to the common good, in support of the weak and the poor. There is a need for people who persevere, who face difficulties with a spirit of unity and always place the ultimate goal, service to others, at the basis of everything. Doing so, you will continue to be a point of reference and an example for all.” Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, January 27 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £159 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, February 24 at Holy Family, Brantham. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the parish room and all are very welcome to join us. There will be no December event and the next one will be on Thursday, February 28. Supporting our Local Hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice. The Sick & Homebound Please let Fr Peter know of anyone who is ill at home or homebound so that they can receive appropriate pastoral care. If you or someone you know is going into Ipswich Hospital and would like the ministrations of the church while there please inform Fr Peter or leave a message on Deacon Clive’s answerphone on 01206 396319. All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services; it’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

TWO RIVERS BENEFICE: FEBRUARY 2019 ST PETER’S, STUTTON Sunday 3 10.30am Saturday 9 Noon Sunday 10 9.30am Sunday 17 9.30am Wednesday 20 2.30pm Sunday 24 11am Wednesday 27 2.30pm

Worship for All Soup and Roll Communion Holy Communion Prayer Group Communion & Baptism Comfort Corner

ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK Sunday 3 4pm Sunday 10 9.30am Sunday 17 10am Wednesday 20 3pm Sunday 24 9.30am

Winter Warming Afternoon Tea Matins Informal Service Comfort Corner Holy Communion

ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD Sunday 3 No Service Sunday 10 11am Sunday 17 No Service Sunday 24 11am ST PETER’S, FRESTON Sunday 3 11am Sunday 10 No Service Sunday 17 11am Sunday 24 No Service

Communion Informal Service Matins Holy Communion

Comfort Corner is an opportunity for anyone who has been bereaved and feels it would be helpful to meet with others who have faced similar distress to join us for company over tea and cake at 3pm on the third Wednesday of each month. We meet in the social area in the church building.

ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE Sunday 3 10am 11am Saturday 9 9am-12.30pm Sunday 10 11am Sunday 17 11am Sunday 24 11am

Also see WINTER WARMERS QUIZ EVENING and COFFEE MORNING WITH BRING & BUY on pages 17 & 15.

Please check church websites and noticeboards for any changes to services.

22

BCP Communion Café Church Monthly Market Worship the Woolverstone Way Morning Prayer Holy Communion

In Touch online:


CHURCH NEWS CHELMONDISTON & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES How was 2018, and how was Christmas for you? I hope many of you will have had a good time with family and friends. For some of you, there may have been difficulties, loved ones or yourself seriously ill – normal Christmas plans didn’t work out. For some there was family tension being together longer than you normally are. For some there would have been an empty space at the table, through death or ill health or breakdown in relationships. Living together is often not easy. Before we moved into Suffolk, we lived in a community house in Norfolk with six to ten other people. We learnt much about ourselves as we reacted well and badly with other community members. Relationships had to be worked at, not necessarily to bring unity, but to live peaceably with one another.

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

The Brexit debate has divided families, communities, political parties, churches. Sometimes that results in offensive language and name calling of people who think differently from us. There are many other things that cause division among people, including priorities, theology, lifestyle, language, etc. Think of the situations in which you have been in conflict with others. What language did you use? What attitude did you have to the other person(s)? Did you get aggressive? Did you call (offensive) names, face to face or behind their backs? Did you listen to the other point of view? There was an interesting series of programs on Radio 4 last year trying to help people understand the others points of views better. One side would listen to their opponent’s argument and then feed it back to them in their own words. Then they would reverse roles. Trying to argue the opposite case to the one you hold. You have to listen and understand, rather than just marshaling your own arguments. The Archbishop of Canterbury invited us to approach this new year in a “spirit of openness towards each other” choosing to see ourselves “as neighbours, as fellow citizens, as communities each with something to contribute”. With the struggles and divisions of recent years it won’t be easy. It will involve commitment to one another in the variety of communities that we are part of. May we play our part in having a hope and peace filled year. The Rev Andrew Sankey: apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 FEBRUARY SERVICES AT CHELMONDISTON Sunday 3 10.45am Worship with Mr Bryan Nichols 6.15pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 10 10.45am Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.15pm Worship with Mr Martin Ellis Sunday 17 10.45am Worship with Mr Paul Finch 6.15pm Worship with Rev Diane Smith Sunday 24 10.45am Worship with Mr Roger Theobold 6.15pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey FEBRUARY SERVICES AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat (HCT): Mondays 2.30-4pm Home Groups: Second and fourth Tuesdays 7.30pm Saturday 2 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 3 10am Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Friday 8 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Sunday 10 10am Family Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Sunday 17 10am Worship with Mr Harry Chicken Sunday 24 10am Worship with Mr Chris Finbow 6.30pm Something Different

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in February. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 831120 SAVE THE DATE Holbrook Methodist Church celebrates 190 years of the building of the Chapel in The Street, Holbrook. A special anniversary weekend is planned for Saturday & Sunday, June 29/30 with an exhibition of the Chapel’s past and present featuring many photos of the life of this community church. The Rev Tim Crome will lead the Sunday morning worship. Tim was Minister at Holbrook in the 1980s. More details in In Touch nearer the date.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

23


O SING JOYFULLY!

©Paul Hurst

RHS CHAPEL CHOIR AND NORWICH CATHEDRAL CHOIR

CONDUCTORS: ASHLEY GROTE & WILLIAM SAUNDERS ORGAN: DAVID DUNNETT & DAVID PICKTHALL

SATURDAY 9 MARCH, 7PM PRE-CONCERT DRINKS FROM 6.30PM

SCHOOL CHAPEL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX

Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE Available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic 01206 573948 SPONSORED BY MR & MRS A K SAUNDERS


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.