In Touch News with Shotley – May 2017

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

Aerial image by Patrick Squire

Volume 7 • Issue No. 6 • MAY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m having guitar lessons at the moment. In fact it’s a family guitar lesson, though Jack seems to chit-chat most of the time which is more than a little annoying. I’m not naturally ‘musical’ and have no immediate plans to join a band, but decided to do this to give my brain a bit of a work-out. It’s proving to be a challenge. I spend so long trying to recall each chord I doubt if I’ll ever produce anything which resembles music, but it has been interesting to explore my mental back catalogue to find pieces I want to play (eventually).

NEWS NEW FACES ON GANGES COMMITTEE

Different types of music and different artists have accompanied me through various stages in my life. Johnny Cash was my first love, then Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, U2, The Stunning, The Pale, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Snow Patrol, Regina Spektor, Nick Cave, Ed Sheeran… and always Johnny Cash.

One song I go back to again and again is U2’s Stuck in a Moment. The following words have helped me through some difficult times: “And if the night runs over, And if the day won’t last, And if your way should falter, Along this stony pass, It’s just a moment, This time will pass” Another which reduces me to tears every time I play it, and I play it a lot, is Johnny Cash’s version of Hurt. His video is regarded as one of the saddest ever produced, but on their own the opening lyrics are, in my opinion, the most powerful description of loneliness I’ve ever encountered: “I hurt myself today, To see if I still feel, I focus on the pain, The only thing that’s real” Right now these lyrics make me sad for those who are alone with little or no prospect of human contact. The days may be longer and most of us are getting out and about, but not everyone. Spare a thought for those who are isolated through illness or age and consider what you might do to provide a distraction. In Save Myself, Ed Sheeran sings “...human beings are destined to radiate or drain…” Let’s try to radiate more than drain – and I promise to never, ever, ever play guitar in public.

In Touch

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

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© 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.

10 MAY 2017

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

HMS Ganges Museum is delighted to announce the appointment of two new trustees.

Former army nurse Debbie Potts and Roger Jones, who both live on the peninsula, have joined the committee, replacing Jack Whelan and Annette Ellis who have stepped down for family and work reasons.

Although a former RAF warrant officer, Jack has been a long serving volunteer at the museum in Shotley Gate and worked tirelessly as an archivist. HMS Ganges Museum would like to thank Jack for all his work and dedication and wish him and wife Eileen all the best for the future.

Tourist information officer Annette will continue to help out at the museum and we look forward to seeing her.

Following a successful and well-attended training day in April, the museum is now open for the summer/autumn season every weekend and bank holiday until the end of October.

For more details please contact chairman Derek Davis: 01473 787375

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – HOLBROOK & DISTRICT BRANCH Our annual Armed Forces Day tea will be held at Holbrook Village Hall in The Street on Sunday, June 25 from 2.30pm. We will have a guest speaker followed by refreshments.

This is an opportunity not to be missed to meet up with your friends and neighbours. Everyone is most welcome.

HARKSTEAD ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGS The Annual General Meetings of Harkstead village organisations and charities will be held on Monday, May 8, commencing at 7.30pm.

This will include the Annual Parish Meeting, the Village Hall Trustees as well as the Millennium Green Trust and the Good Neighbour Scheme as usual.

Please come along and hear the reports of what has been happening in the village over the last year and show your support for these organisations.

The aerial photo on the cover of this magazine was taken by Patrick Squire, the photographer in your area who can take any aerial or ground photos as requested. Your house and gardens will be looking especially nice at this time of year so have an aerial photo now.

He will take a selection of 10 to 15 views at very reasonable cost.

Please phone: 07732 425238

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NEWS MAJOR NEW PROJECT TO BENEFIT THE STOUR AND ORWELL AREA The Suffolk Coast & Heaths and Dedham Vale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are putting together a bid for a Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership Scheme in the area around the Stour and Orwell estuaries including Shotley peninsula. We’ve talked to several parish councils, including Stutton. If you want to know more, or have project ideas, please do get in touch.

What is a Landscape Partnership Scheme (LPS)?

LPS are the main brand of lottery grant for work in the wider countryside (areas up to 200 sq km). They have to be partnerships as the grants are designed so that no one organisation can dominate, and they have to address some particular issue or need in the landscape in question. The AONB has led two very successful LPS, Touching the Tide in Suffolk Coast & Heaths and Managing a Masterpiece in Dedham Vale.

The range of projects must span the natural and built environment, community development, education, access and interpretation and training. To get an idea of a successful LPS have a look at: www.touchingthetide.org.uk Touching the Tide had more than 30 individual projects within it, ranging from £5,000 to £70,000. There were more than 40 ‘delivery partners’ – organisations and people who made things happen.

Why the Stour and Orwell?

From our initial conversations with some potential partners there are some strong landscape and habitat enhancement possibilities, and archaeological and historical stories to tell about this bustling estuary and its rich maritime history. The AONB has identified a need to address the ever-growing recreational pressures on the estuaries, and especially their birdlife, in ways that also enhance the landscape and give local people and visitors a positive experience of the area. It’s early days, though, and we’re actively seeking project ideas.

the first edition OS maps from the mid 1800s. There would be a grant scheme to help where the survey shows that work like tree surgery or planting a new generation of standard trees is needed. It will be part of a larger project with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the new Farmer Facilitation Group to work with landowners to restore hedges, reintroduce coppicing, create new beetle banks and the like – anything not covered by existing Countryside Stewardship grants.

We’re planning a new recreational cycle route between Shotley and Ipswich via Holbrook, using the lanes to the east and the bridleway through Cutlers Wood to the north. There will be a community grant scheme to support small local projects.

When, where, and how much?

We will submit a lottery bid at the end of May 2017 (annual deadline). If they approve our bid we’ll know by the end of the year. If the answer is “Yes!”, the lottery will then fund a development year (2018) to work up a detailed bid with budgets, work plans, etc. Delivery would start in spring 2019 – we’re aiming for four years of activity (to spring 2023).

It’s early days so if you want to know more, or have a project idea, please contact me at the AONB: bill.jenman@suffolk.gov.uk / 01394 445226 Bill Jenman

Local to Stutton…

The project is coming together well, but we really want to include more ‘bottom up’ community projects which were some of the most successful parts of previous Landscape Partnership Schemes. Already planned is a major volunteer project, surveying and recording the veteran trees and historical parklands that are such a feature of the area – in some areas we can then compare the results from a 1990s survey as well as

INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY

Yellowhammer

by Liz Cutting

Stutton’s community woodland group, Stutton Grows, is holding a dawn chorus walk to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday, May 7, starting at 4am. Yes, that’s right, 4am! To make it doubly worthwhile we will cook you breakfast afterwards.

Local experts will be on hand to unravel one of nature’s greatest sounds for you.

The cost is £8 per person (including children). Places must be booked in advance please on 07512 182282. Meet at Stutton Community Hall on Manningtree Road.

Funds raised will help the group manage Canham’s Wood in Stutton.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 4

THANK YOU I write this just days before I go off to the Canine Partners training centre at Heyshott and I have a great many of you to thank for this as without you I would never be going, especially with both my wheelchairs.

So thank you to my good neighbours Trish Butler at the Corner Garage, Alison Pearson, Shotley Soup-a-Lunch, Shotley Noticeboard, Café Marina Ipswich, Russ and Ercam, Mr K F and Mrs S I, Margaret Adams, Lynne Riggs and her daughter, The Blooze Brothers, Lasan’s, Shotley Post Office, Bourne Garden Centre, Blossom’s, Sheila & Peter Herd, Ian Young, June & Tony Lawford-Randell, Allana Baxter, Stephen Meacock, Caroline Outhwaite, Beryl & Jerry Walker, Sarah, Jamie and 2B at Shotley Rose Pub and my family. Hopefully I’ve not forgotten anyone.

See you all soon, Sharon and Callie

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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NEWS VISIT LOCAL WORKING ART STUDIOS IN JUNE Four artists from around the peninsula are opening their doors to visitors during various weekends in June as part of Suffolk Open Studios 2017. A warm welcome and free refreshments await.

Follow the trail through Chelmondiston, Harkstead and Wherstead to see beautiful

By Chris Deacon mosaics, sculptures, paintings and drawings.

Artwork, prints and cards will be available to buy, but browsers are most welcome. Pick up a brochure from The Food Hall or from peninsula pubs and shops.

All the artists’ studios are open June 3/4 and 10/11. In addition, Louise and Nick’s studios are also open June 17/18 and 24/25.

• Chris Deacon, 1 Anchor Mill Cottages, Chelmondiston IP9 1DP • Nick Carter, Crouch House, Grove Lane, off Lings Lane Chelmondiston IP9 1HD • Rodney Freeman, Lavender Cottage, Harkstead IP9 1BN • Louise Harward, Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead IP9 2AB The artists are also holding separate exhibitions as part of Art About Town, May 22 to June 2, at the following venues. Get a sneak preview of their latest art works before visiting their studios in June: • Chris’s mosaics at Chelmondiston Post Office • Nick’s painting and drawings at The Shipwreck, Shotley Marina • Rodney’s oil paintings at The Royal Harwich Yacht Club • Louise’s sculptures and paintings at The Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS – BERNERS WARD Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Freston As important as issues such as Brexit and the war on terrorism are, it is vital we don’t lose sight of issues which affect us closer to home.

Local government must continue to serve its residents effectively and efficiently and we must ensure housing, social care and various services paid for by our community charge are delivered.

One of the things that often crops up here is the issue of housing, whether social or the right sized homes. We on Shotley peninsula are taking our fair share, 285 in Shotley, 320 in Brantham and, as you will have seen, 75 in Holbrook which are coming on nicely. There is room for more, preferably smaller developments to fulfil local needs, for example 10 in Chelmondiston. Ideally all these houses will help younger people get started on the housing ladder and those at the other end of the scale looking to downsize.

It has recently been revealed that Babergh is not able to deliver its fiveyear land supply of houses. That means the number of houses which were planned will not yet happen due to a variety of reason. That has led to a change in policy for the planning committee, with national policy now taking precedence over our core strategy policies and neighbourhood plans.

Babergh District Council has been boosted by a £204,741 grant by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) which will be used towards helping community led developments. Of course, as new houses are built so the need for a better infrastructure is greater. For that we need to see investment into the area, and a sharper emphasis on how spending is directed.

If you have an issue you would like to discuss please get in touch: derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk / 01473 787375 / 07824 167196

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SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Now the clocks have sprung forward for spring, the weather is getting better, days are getting longer and people are spending more time enjoying the outdoors, we would ask that you remain vigilant to crime.

Before you go out and leave your house or car, check those windows that you opened to allow the fresh air through the house, check that door that you left ajar and check those garden tools or toys that you left out. Have you made it easy for that chance criminal and left any insecure items as an open invitation for a chance burglar.

The reason we ask you to STOP, CHECK, LOCK, is that over recent weeks some of our smaller villages have been targets for thefts from sheds and other out buildings.

With this in mind, Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding Community Engagements in various villages throughout Babergh with the aim in offering crime prevention advice and reassurance. We will be advertising these events on Twitter and Facebook and in parish magazines so look out for one near to you.

Last month we were in Shotley for several hours with our mobile police station at the village vall. Colleagues patrolled the village on foot and incorporated speed enforcement during the day. We spoke to local residents, listening and responding to their concerns and issues.

While I have this opportunity, I would like to give you all updates on recent crimes that have occurred in our area and the work that has been carried out: • Operation Fireside: Burglaries around East Ipswich and Shotley. A detective inspector has been appointed to oversee this, two people arrested, one warrant executed for stolen goods and enquiries ongoing.

• Burglaries in Bentley: One person given a 10 year prison sentence.

• Holbrook Burglaries: One person on Court Bail until March 30.

• Series of ram raids on February 8, including Hadleigh and Capel. One person has been arrested and is on bail, two others are being sought.

• Anti-social behaviour in Hadleigh: Four young people have been dealt with and referred to the Youth Offending Service.

• Pinewood Burglaries: One person on bail waiting for a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service.

As you can see, Suffolk Police in our area have been very busy dealing with incidents with positive outcomes.

I would encourage all readers to: •

Follow us on TWITTER @HadleighPolice

•

Join up to POLICE CONNECT at: www.suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect

•

Obtain statistics from: www.police.uk

As always, Hadleigh SNT is at Hadleigh Police Station and can be contacted at: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: 999 / Non-Emergency: 101 Until next time, PC1220 Garrod, Hadleigh SNT, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD

PAWS FOR TEA At Blue Cross Suffolk Animal Rehoming Centre Join staff and volunteers at the charity’s annual Paws for Tea event at Blue Cross Suffolk, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ on Saturday, May 6 between 11am and 4pm.

As well as refreshments, take time to look around our various stalls and have a go on our grand draw. There will also be guided tours of the centre including kennels and cattery. Entrance is by way of a monetary donation.

For further information please contact the centre on 03007 771480 or Ian Hendry on 01449 767747.

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NEWS HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY

HOLBROOK SCHOOL REUNION

Feedback from Patient Network Awareness Week We have now had time to analyse feedback from the awareness week.

Thank you to all those who left such positive comments, our doctors and staff really appreciate this. Some patients complained that they had seen people returning to our car park from the Co-op in Holbrook or the Post Office in Shotley. We would ask that you limit the time in the car park to your appointment or park in the surrounding area if you wish to stay longer.

For class friends who are 82 years this year

Some patients asked that our clinicians are more punctual. This is a difficult one as occasionally patients do need more than 10 minutes for their appointment and we like to give them the time needed. We do also have emergencies. These events mean that sometimes we do run a little late, but our receptionists will advise if this is the case and offer to rebook your appointment if necessary. If you do feel you need more time with the doctor, please ask for a double appointment when you book.

I was asked to clarify how many GPs work at each surgery. We have five GP partners and one salaried GP, but have a small contingent of locum GPs to ensure continuity. All patients have a named GP but you are welcome to see any doctor available.

Extended hours’ surgeries We are now able to offer the following additional appointments outside our core hours: • Telephone appointments until 7pm on Tuesday evenings at Holbrook and on Thursday evenings at Shotley • Face-to-face appointments on Monday mornings from 7.30am at Holbrook and on Saturday mornings from 8.30-10.30am at Holbrook We hope this offers more flexibility to our patients. Don’t forget we also have GP+ appointments at Riverside until 9pm each evening and over the weekend. Please ring the practice or 111 to book these.

Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Thursday, May 18 and Wednesday, June 7 when we will be shut from 1pm. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

WE NEED YOUR VIEWS We are assessing interest in three schemes and need your views.

Please pick up a form from reception or email us at: peninsulapatientnetwork@gmail.com The schemes are: • Advice on social care issues from occupational therapy and social workers in our practices • Forum for mental health patients to offer peer support and activities • Public education sessions from Suffolk Nuffield in our practices Practice Manager Julia Smith

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

I organised a reunion when we were all 70 and again when we were 80.

It’s sad to see so many of our class friends have died. There are eight of us who still keep in touch and I have booked The Compasses in Holbrook for lunch at 12.30pm on May 9. If anybody would like to join us give me a ring for the menu. I’m sure a few of the boys are still about. Marley Stevens and Joe Whayman should be coming as well as six of the girls.

Please let me know by May 3. Jill Nunn (nee Webb): 01473 787504

JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK President Trump’s decision to launch Tomahawk missile strikes against Syria has opened yet another high stakes chapter in the whirlwind that is international affairs today. Parliament rose for Easter following the UK’s formal notification to the EU of our intention to leave. It looks like we will be returning to debate the prospect of military conflict – not just in the Middle East, but also in dangerous, dubious North Korea.

It has been well remarked that Mr Trump’s move to back armed action by the US against President Assad represents a significant volte face on his part. Who knows, perhaps this unpredictability is an asset as despots like Assad and North Korea’s Kim are unable to second guess him, and perhaps feel more wary of aggression?

Of course, if we are to assume that US sources are right in stating that Assad was responsible for launching chemical weapons on his own people, there is an argument for a limited and proportionate response.

We certainly now need maximum international pressure applied to the Russians to cajole them in to breaking with Assad; equally, we need the Chinese to lean on North Korea so that they don’t proceed with further missile tests. Wishful thinking, perhaps.

Whatever we do, in my view we must proceed with maximal caution.

My fear is that we risk repeating the now tried and tested pattern of a bellicose linguistic ratchet that creates its own self-fulfilling momentum for conflict. With an unpredictable world, and an unpredictable president, we need to support our allies without adding to the growing sense of a militaristic adrenaline rush.

I have only voted once in parliament on sending UK forces to war, and that was very strictly to extend existing UK air strikes against ISIL terrorists in Iraq over the border into Syria – with no evidence of civilian casualties to date. I certainly did not vote for ‘regime change’, a phrase now re-emerging in Washington in relation to Assad. The policy of ‘regime change’ has failed in Iraq, and this is why I repeat the need for caution rather than a rush of blood.

I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people.

Please see page 21 for my contact details.

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NEWS HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Key points from the parish council meeting in March Reade Field Improvement Project update The Scouts had worked hard on the wildlife area, trimming lower branches and removing saplings. Councillor Ambrose had thanked them for their hard work, which will continue.

Alton Green Councillor Ball had submitted a written update on the works at Alton Green and had been liaising with residents there. The culvert had been rebuilt, the temporary road removed and good soil laid down to encourage regrowth where the road had been across the green. Repairs had been made to the road surface further up the green.

Speeding issues A number of parish councillors had met Councillor Wood and the clerk to discuss potential speed reduction options. Councillor Wood reported that he had requested that speed surveys take place to provide evidence and that an engineer assess where vehicle activated signs might be located. He also offered to contribute to a community speed watch project and to vehicle activated signs if these were agreed. Other measures were discussed but were not considered feasible. Councillor Ambrose suggested that this should be put on the agenda of the APM as community support and volunteers would be needed to enable these measures to be viable.

Additional dog waste bin A request had been received from a parishioner for an additional dog waste bin to be located on Alton Green. It was resolved that this was a good idea and that the clerk should check on the process for adding a bin to the waste disposal contract and having a location approved.

Presuming that this was suitable, a bin should be purchased.

Neighbourhood Planning Councillor Ambrose and the clerk had attended a neighbourhood planning event where it had become evident that the legal standing of a plan in the planning process would be a powerful way for the community to influence future planning decisions in Holbrook. The production of a plan follows a clearly-defined process and requires proper resourcing

SHOTLEY PENINSULA 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.

including the support and input of volunteers outside the council.

Councillors agreed that a plan would be a logical way forward, and that this should be featured at the Annual Parish Meeting to gauge the interest of parishioners (see page 3).

Streetlights A number of parishioners had approached councillors about saving energy by switching off street lights during the early hours. The clerk is to ascertain whether the existing lights were controllable in this way.

Full minutes of these and all other meetings can be found at: www.holbrook.onesuffolk.net Speeding Numerous concerns have been raised about speeding around the village.

The parish council is looking into speed reduction measures (above) but all parishioners and those travelling through the village are politely asked to consider their speed, through Royal Hospital School, along Ipswich Road past the Compasses and at the Woodlands Road junction.

The tight bend known locally as Arnold’s Corner is of most concern as the road is narrow there and it’s not always possible for two vehicles to pass safely without mounting the kerb. Please watch your speed through Holbrook!

Parking Many complaints about parking have been received in recent months, in The Street, Clench Road and Clifton Wood in particular. This is mainly around the start and end of the school day, but appears to be worsening in terms of parents parking across dropped kerbs and drives, on verges which are being damaged and generally without regard for pedestrians or residents. This also applies to the corner of Heathfield Road near the surgery and the footpath outside the Co-op, making manoeuvring for delivery vehicles very difficult.

Please park with care and consideration for others.

Questions or comments about parish council matters should be addressed in the first instance to the clerk, Mrs Ferial Rolfe: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, May 13, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying.

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

Please contact the Good Neighbour Scheme for your village: Chelmondiston and Pin Mill: 780408 Harkstead and Lower Holbrook: 328326 Shotley and Erwarton: 07799 873881 Stutton Support Network: 327753 Tattingstone: 07895 052086

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In Touch online:

First Impressions Beauty Salon Gate Farm Road, Shotley Gate

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NEWS We are only a few weeks away from the start of the Suffolk Walking Festival 2017 (May 13 to June 4) so it’s time to get those walking boots polished. The three circular walks around Shotley are almost fully booked, though it’s worth checking to see if any places become available. Check out all walks at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk To prepare for the Shotley walks we have been busy doing maintenance work on our footpaths. This involved installing replacement waymarker posts, new waymarkers and cutting and strimming where needed. The great working relationship we have been building with Suffolk County Council’s Rights of Way team is starting to pay off and we regularly have volunteer working parties doing stuff in and around the village. Thanks go to all our helpers who give up their time, with sausage rolls and drinks to keep us going.

One of the other tasks in April was to weed the community orchard in Shotley Heritage Park. This orchard was planted a couple of years ago by the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. All 20 trees have taken well and are beginning to bud at the start of their third year in the ground.

of the publication of Arthur Ransome’s novel We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea, and 50 years since his death. Several events have been organised by the tourist action group to commemorate the author, and Shotley Open Spaces has played its part by helping to develop the Arthur Ransome walking trail.

While the route of the trail is not new (it follows existing public rights of way adjacent to the River Orwell) the eight information boards located around the peninsula and the leaflet describing the six mile walk are unique. The boards at Suffolk Food Hall, Alton Water, Lower Holbrook, Woolverstone Marina, Pin Mill and Shotley celebrate various aspects of the author and his life and works.

The walking trail leaflet describes a journey on the river from Pin Mill to Shotley that is the start of the children’s adventure in the book. As you walk the river path and follow the new Arthur Ransome Trail waymarkers, the leaflet has narrative from the book at the actual locations described in the book. It really is a work of fiction brought to life as you follow the trail from one end to the other.

For up-to-date information about what we are doing and about the various walks around Shotley visit: www.shotleyopenspaces.co.uk And look out for this logo which had started to appear around our parish.

BEFORE

AFTER

The group was then shown how to properly prune them using the correct tools. The orchard comprises five each of hazelnut, myrobalan plum (cherry plum), damson ‘merryweather’ and prunus avium (wild cherry). The intention is to expand the orchard into an adjacent area with varieties of apple and pear and we will be seeking funding support from various sources to help purchase the trees.

To help with the Walkers are Welcome project we got a copy of the definitive footpath map of the parish from the county council and marked it up with our three circular routes, plus the brand new Arthur Ransome Trail which runs from Pin Mill to Shotley Gate. Shotley Parish Council have agreed to have this map printed and displayed in two locations, the outside wall of the village hall and at the Bristol Hill picnic area. This will further enhance our attraction for walkers and visitors to the area.

The Arthur Ransome Trail is part of a series of events being organised by Shotley Peninsula Tourist Action Group. This year is the 80th anniversary

If other villages would like to know more about the WaW scheme, please contact Claire Parker, Green Access Manager, Resource Management, Suffolk County Council (01473 264759 / 07834 174214). Claire is supporting Suffolk towns and villages who are interested in becoming accredited locations, and we will be glad to share our experience in getting WaW ready if it helps.

Finally, another reminder for budding photographers or those who spot a good photo opportunity. The SOS 2018 Calendar theme is Shotley through the Seasons. We have posted notices about this at various places around the village. Please submit your entries any time between now and the end of July 2017 to marian.pugh@btinternet.com and they will be considered for the calendar. All entries will be displayed on our website from October 2017.

As with the 2017 calendar we would like to credit the photographer alongside their photos so please let us know if that’s okay. Also, if the photo includes any people, please confirm that you have their permission to allow it to be shown.

If you want to be included on the growing Shotley Open Spaces email list, please contact Geraint Pugh (g.pugh1@btinternet.com) or Gary Richens (gary.richens.583@btinternet.com) Gary Richens

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT CHELMONDISTON PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Council Budget The budget for 2017-2018 has now been set and for the second year running the parish council resolved not to raise the precept.

Parish Council Vacancy We are in a position to co-opt a new member. Take a look at the parish council page on the website to find out more about being a parish councillor. Feel that you may want to get involved? Then get in touch.

The Peninsula Community Recycling Centre Open on Saturday mornings between 8am and 1pm. If Saturdays are impossible for you, please contact Alan Nunn on 01473 780654 to arrange a time that is suitable. All Suffolk County Council household waste and recycling centres are now closed on Wednesdays, but Alan has offered to open the site on Wednesday mornings between 8am and noon in the hope that this will help prevent fly-tipping. Check out our website for information as to what you can and can’t drop off.

Following the increase in tonnage and skip costs, before unloading please discuss the cost with Alan as we now have to take into consideration weight as well as volume. A reminder… the credits received from the recycling banks that sit outside the site go towards the cost of the skips.

The credits from the bottle banks opposite the Red Lion go to various charities. Please do not fly-tip – it is an offence The Defibrillator Now in place on the outside wall of the village hall. Sara Hopkinson has kindly offered to run some training sessions to show people how to use an AED (defibrillator) and for CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation). Our first session, with the help of Michael and Michelle Rutherford, is with the Over 60s club on April 13. We will then aim to have some morning, afternoon and evening sessions for the public. If any groups or clubs are interested in having their own private session, please get in touch.

Our brilliant primary school has been running a poster competition to advertise the defibrillator and the winning poster will soon be put up around the village.

Public Transport New contracts have been awarded. There are a number of changes to the service so check before you travel: www.suffolkonboard.com Planning To view or comment on applications using Babergh’s online service, copy the following link onto your search box: https://planning.babergh.gov.uk/online-applications

HOLBROOK OPEN GARDENS Sunday, June 18, 10.30am-5pm 10 gardens will be open / refreshments available All proceeds to be divided between: All Saints Church Holbrook Methodist Church St Elizabeth Hospice Admission £5 at village hall on the day, children free Volunteers needed for help with cake/cookie baking, car parking and refreshment stalls If you feel you can help, please contact one of the team.

Suzanne Steer: 01473 327166 / holbrooksociety@gmail.com

WOOLVERSTONE OPEN GARDENS For the first time in many years, Woolverstone residents are opening their gardens to the public. There are cottage gardens, modern designer gardens and elegant gardens inspired by Gertrude Jekyll, one of the country’s most important and inspirational lady gardeners.

Have a fabulous day visiting the gardens and enjoying homemade cakes and cream teas on Sunday, June 4 from 11am-5pm.

SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB

Then on the relevant page, type in the village name you wish to search.

Sometimes applications are ‘called in’, which means they will be discussed and voted on by Babergh’s Planning Committee. These sessions are open to the public and the public are permitted to speak. For further details and to see their agendas and minutes go to: http://bdcdocuments. babergh.gov.uk/planning-formerly-known-as-development/

March Draw Winners

The parish council receives copies of all applications within the parish and our planning committee will discuss and send in their recommendations to Babergh DC. Parishioners are welcome to attend our meetings and put their views forward.

Council Meetings A reminder again that the council meets on the first Tuesday of every month with planning meetings held every three weeks. Everyone is welcome to attend and if you have any issues that you would like raised or help with, please get in touch. It is no good complaining about the parish council, about what you think they should be doing, if you don’t contact us or come to the meetings.

1: £25

Mrs S Ratcliffe (145)

2: £20

Mrs E Merrett (023)

3: £15

Mrs J Stafford (117)

4: £8

Mr A Arkley (031)

5: £7

Mrs J Catchpole (064)

New members are always welcome to join the 700 Club. The cost is £1 a month and can be paid at intervals of three, six or 12 months. To join contact Norman on 01473 787358.

SHOTLEY JUBILEE COMMUNITY COUNCIL Suffolk Show We are running a coach to the Suffolk Show on Wednesday, May 31, leaving Shotley at 8.30am and the showground at 4.45pm. To book a seat contact Norman on 01473 787358.

Agendas are posted on the noticeboards and on the website. Both draft and signed minutes can be found on the website. However, you can ask the parish clerk for copies at any time.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular We have tickets for the 2pm performance on Sunday, November 19. For information or booking contact Norman on 787358.

Fran Sewell, Clerk to Chelmondiston Parish Council 01473 780138 / clerk@chelmondistonpc.info

Shotley Village Hall Our next auction will take place on Saturday, September 16. More details later.

www.chelmondiston.suffolk.gov.uk

14

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OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE

SHOTLEY WALKING CLUB

We next meet in Shotley Village Hall on Thursday, May 18 and Thursday, June 1, both 1.50-4pm.

Seven members did a lovely walk around Orford on April 9. The weather was perfect for walking, but a bit cool near the quay. We started from the school, walked down a track called the Broom Covert, passing the castle which dominates the village and surrounding area. We also walked round the market square, the town hall and many fine buildings. When we got to the quay we went to the tea shop which was very busy and had a welcome drink. We came back through the church yard. Everywhere looked lovely with all the spring flowers and trees out in bloom. Thanks Shirley for taking us round the pretty village of Orford.

It’s just £2 for the afternoon. We play 12 games of whist, have refreshments (usually home-made cakes) and a draw for which every player brings a prize (you will not be taking yours home), then play 12 more games.

This is a very pleasant afternoon and I do have people who will help when needed. Give us a go! If you feel you don’t want to come again, that’s fine. Of course we would love you to continue with us.

For further information contact Norman or Eileen: 01473 787358

Our next walk will be on May 14, our annual day out. We will have lunch at the Mermaid Pub on Yarmouth Road, meeting at noon, and at approximately 2pm we will do a 4.5 mile walk from Chantry Park to River Gipping Walk. Please let me know if you are coming on the walk and the meal.

SHOTLEY SOCIAL CLUB

Jill Nunn: 01473 787504

This month we meet on Thursdays 11 and 25, and then on Thursday, June 8, all from 1.50-4pm.

We have several outings planned for this year. Our first is Tribute to The Andrews Sisters on June 6, an afternoon performance at the Spa Pavilion.

We are hoping to have a fish and chip lunch in Felixstowe first.

On June 28 we are planning to go to a garden centre, with details to be sorted within the next few weeks.

Watch this space for other outings. For information concerning our outings please contact Norman or Eileen on 01473 787358.

SHOTLEY 1ST SCOUTS Beavers and Biscuits Beavers needed to learn about Fairtrade, how best to do this?

Well, a taste test of course! They were given two types of shortbread biscuit and two types of chocolate and voted on which they preferred. Surprisingly the biscuit result was about 50/50, the chocolate was, well… enjoyed by all and nobody could choose a favourite. I know the feeling.

Cubs Compete What an enjoyable evening was had by all the Cubs when they had a session of team games. Who doesn’t need a good run around with friends? What they don’t realise is that all the fun and games was helping them to work on their team working skills.

Scouts Safety Scouts had an evening learning how to use axes, saws and knives safely and all managed to obtain their knife, axe and saw permits.

This allowed the Scouts to put these skills into action on their first camp of the season.

Just a reminder We are still collecting Sainsbury vouchers. These can be dropped into the boxes in Shotley Post Office, at the Rose Inn or outside the scout hut.

Penny Mile We will be having our annual penny mile on Saturday, June 3 from 10am to about noon, starting at the layby near Shotley Garage and hopefully finishing at the village hall. Any donations of small change will be much appreciated. Contact Jane: 01473 787416 Lastly, we take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Parkers Garage for their assistance with the servicing of our trailer.

CHELMONDISTON WI Our March meeting was a birthday party for being 91 years young. After a delicious buffet supplied by the committee, we had a hilarious beetle drive. However many times we play we never seem able to remember the rules. Monica triumphed and got the first prize.

Lucy gave us an account of the speakers and charities at the Suffolk East WI AGM at Trinity Park. Members have been to talks on knees and hips, and to a craft day. We shall be walking for sponsorship for this year’s ACWW project at the end of April, going to a talk on CPR and the new Chelmo defibrillator and having a talk by a First Responder. Our June speaker will be talking on maritime woodlands, which we have quite a lot of.

We meet in the village hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, and new members are always made very welcome.

CHELMONDISTON OVER SIXTIES We held our AGM on Thursday, March 30, and all committee members were re-elected. We are all looking forward to hearing the Phoenix Hand Bell Ringers on May 11 and everybody is welcome to come along for tea and cake and maybe even to have a go! Join us from 2-4pm.

An all-day coach trip to Southend on Sea is planned for July 6. Please phone us if interested.

Mike & Michele Rutherford, 01473 780718

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments, Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Monday, May 8: Talk and Demo of Folk Art by Heather Prince Monday, June 5: Flower Brooch (Debbie) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 71353

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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OUT & ABOUT 1ST HOLBROOK BROWNIES

1ST SAMFORD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP (HOLBROOK) It’s part of the ethos of Scouting that we are an international movement and also that we should try to help others, both locally and further afield. The maintenance work our Scouts did recently on Reade Field was certainly local (and, we hope, helpful), so the group has been looking out for an opportunity to improve the lives of people overseas.

We’ve decided to team up with a charity called Bookbridge, initially set up by a German Scout to send English language books to children in Mongolia. The charity has since expanded to Cambodia and Sri Lanka where it works in collaboration with local Scouts and has established learning centres, trained teachers and provided high quality children’s books.

Our part of the process is to collect children’s books, which will be despatched overseas from Bookbridge’s hub in Romford. We haven’t yet decided on the best way to do this, so please look out for updates on social media and local noticeboards. However, if you have any good quality books you would like to donate, please squirrel them away for us.

Every book donated makes a huge difference.

The Holbrook Brownies’ love of animals has been especially evident this term while working on their Friend to Animals Badge. So, the Owls should not have been surprised when the girls embraced the idea of raising money to help the Blue Cross. By baking and selling cakes and holding a pyjama party we raised an amazing £85.40 which was proudly handed over during our brilliant visit. We were treated to a behind the scenes look at the dog and cat kennels and much to the delight of the girls (and dogs), we were allowed to give treats.

To give the Brownies a chance to show off their artistic flair, we had a very enjoyable evening creating felt pictures. The combination of adding water and flattening while avoiding the huge temptation to pop the bubbles in the bubble wrap required loads of self-control! Choosing from a massive selection of colours also took much concentration but the resulting pictures were amazing and worth the effort.

The Owls have planned all the fun and excitement for the summer term which includes new activities such as playing human football, grass sledging and cooking sausages on an open fire, catching a train to the Tide Mill at Woodbridge, as well as lots of our voted for favourites.

We currently have a waiting list for our Brownie pack, but if you would like your daughter’s name added, please register on Girlguiding UK.

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our March meeting was postponed from the normal second Wednesday of the month to the third as a number of members and the committee wished to attend the funeral of a long standing member. With the hall unavailable on the third Wednesday, our thanks to Tattingstone Church authority for allowing us to hold the postponed meeting in the church, where Professor John Midwinter presented a talk titled Wolves, Dogs and Us. In his talk he explained how dogs evolved from wolves and how they consequently changed from potential predators to man’s best friend.

On Wednesday, May 10 Horry Parsons will present a talk titled The Building of Bury Tower. This will be followed by our AGM. The program for the next year has not yet been finalised but we hope to have it available at the May meeting.

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

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Bookbridge are looking for the following: • Fiction – beginner, intermediate and advanced • Information geography – books with information about places and countries, nature, environment and geography • Information animals – books about animals and dinosaurs • Information history – history, social and religion books • Information sciences – body and health • Dictionary beginner – with pictures, easy language • Dictionary advanced – Longman, Oxford, Collins • Learning books – numbers, alphabet (no school text books) • Activity books – with games, activities, colouring, stickers • Media – DVD and CDs, educational, audio books, children and youth movies • Games – simple puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, memory games Please contact Alison on 01473 327691 or via the contact form on our website if you would like more information. www.samfordvalley.suffolkscouts.org.uk

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB At our recent Annual General Meeting, Graeme Forsyth took up presidency of the club for the year, supported by Brian Rolfe as vice president, Paul Woodgate as the new secretary and Peter Stanway-Williams as treasurer.

On Wednesday, April 5, Julian Wong spoke about the good work undertaken by the charity Mary’s Meals and on Wednesday 19 Jim Lowe informed us of the work undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Society.

On Wednesday, May 3, Liz Bruce will tell us about the mission of The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service in the Second World War and two weeks later on Wednesday 17 Chris Parfitt’s presentation is titled The Arctic Circle Express. Tom Tyler returns on June 7 with a talk titled When Holidays Were Fun and on June 21 John Field will speak to us about the redevelopment of Ipswich Docks.

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 Wednesday of each month at St John’s Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, April 12, Amanda Richmond presented a talk titled Two Teachers Ascent of Everest. Amanda is a teacher, mountaineer, skier, traveller and bell ringer. She told of the ascent of Everest and the six years preparation, planning and hardships involved in tackling this formidable ascent.

On Wednesday, May 10, Emma Roodhouse, art curator of the Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service, will talk on Leonard Squirrel, known as the ‘grand old man’ of East Anglian painting. Emma’s talk will highlight his prolific career, concentrating on the artworks in the Ipswich Borough Council collection, including drawings, watercolours, etchings and pastels from 1912-1978.

On Wednesday, June 14, Alan Goldsmith from Stansted will present a talk titled Giving it Both Barrels, an amusing and light-hearted talk of his 50 years in the rock ‘n’ roll and entertainment business.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

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 August and December.

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

We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, May 16 when Anthony Cobbold will talk about one of Suffolk’s best known families, the Cobbolds, and their contribution to Suffolk life. Anthony founded the Cobbold Family Trust which seeks to collect and preserve archival material and artefacts relating to the family. Anthony will be delving into the family history, which, as we will see, consists of more than beer and football.

This is our last meeting until September 19 when the subject will be the Garretts of Leiston. Further details will be published in the September issue.

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

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

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SHOTLEY GARDENING CLUB I was sorry to hear from our speaker that she was unwell and unable to give the talk Plants Under Siege on April 10. However, we were fortunate that Pat had been to Barnsdale and brought back with her some videos of Geoff Hamilton’s television programmes. We chose to watch the one on gardening through the seasons. It was still useful, if a little dated, especially raising a laugh at the stated cost of things and was interesting to see how garden fashions, especially gardening programmes, have changed. We still have winter in reserve in case of another cancellation.

EAST SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND

The competition of an arrangement of spring flowers was won by Shirley.

Variety of interesting arts and crafts, face painting, tombola and raffle, artisan breads, cheese and pies, bacon rolls, sausage roll and cakes.

Our next meeting on May 8 is going to be a little different. Instead of a speaker we have an actor coming in the person of Mr Potter. Born in 1900 he will tell of the ups and downs of his life as a gardener in a large Suffolk garden from 1913 until 1963.

SHOTLEY PENINSULA BRANCH QUALITY CRAFT FAIR & CAR BOOT SALE (weather permitting, £5 per car on the day) Fundraising event at Holbrook Village Hall on Saturday, May 20, 10am-4pm.

Homemade refreshments available all day.

Enquiries: 01473 328028

If non-members would like to join us for this performance you will be welcome for a cost of only £2.50, but do please let either Karen (787731) or June (787422) know because we will need to know how many to expect for refreshment and seating. We only have the meeting room at the village hall and that may limit numbers. Our meetings start at 7.30pm.

The competition for members at May’s meeting will be a home-made garden tool or something you now use in the garden that was not originally a garden tool.

June Edwards

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OUT & ABOUT RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Busy, Buzzy May in the Wildlife Garden

Have you paid a visit to Flatford Wildlife Garden yet this season? Well, it’s peak nesting time now and the birds are busy, busy, busy. As I write this in April, we have cameras in three nest boxes, all showing the beginnings of nests. One pair of blue tits in particular seem to be taking matters very seriously and we’re looking forward to seeing a clutch of eggs nestled into the fluffy depths very soon. Last year we had 11 blue tit chicks hatch and fledge successfully from one nest, all on camera. The parents worked very hard to raise their brood and looked pretty exhausted by the end of it all, but they were helped by the close proximity of a bank of butterfly friendly plants. Caterpillars were in plentiful supply just a short flight away when there were 11 hungry chicks to keep up with. Up in the barn we have a screen showing all the dramas, so why not come along and keep up with all the latest nesting news?

Visitors of all ages are also invited to explore the treasures of the nature table. Examine the skull collection and feel the texture of the grass snake skins that were shed last summer. As part of our refurbishment, we also have a new ‘colouring wall’. Intrigued? Come and see for yourself.

Of course, most birds will have built their nests in hedges, shrubs and trees rather than nest boxes, so we need to remember not to risk disturbing them by cutting back at this time of year. They need our cooperation if they’re to successfully raise their broods.

As well as birdsong, the garden is full of the gentle humming of bees and the fluttering of butterflies in the sunshine. Our borders are full of good bee and butterfly plants, useful pollen and nectar providers, and we have lots of information to share about how to make gardens more wildlife friendly overall.

The half-term holiday at the end of May is approaching fast, and we’re planning a range of nature-themed family activities every day between May 27 and June 4, 10.30am-3.30pm. Bring your children along and join in some outdoor fun in the garden with no need to book in advance.

There is a small charge that covers all activities on the day, with a discount for those who are RSPB members.

Free for everyone to enjoy in the garden, among other attractions we have a child-sized nesting box, a log pile house to climb over and through, and a special living willow tunnel begging to be run through.

For full details of all activities visit: www.rspb.org.uk/Flatford If you have some spare time available and would be interested in volunteering with the RSPB locally, do get in touch for information about the range of roles available: 01206 391153 / sharon.barker@rspb.org.uk Visitor Experience Officer Sharon Barker

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SCHOOLS / SPORT A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF CHELMONDISTON CEVC PRIMARY At the time of writing we are enjoying some lovely weather during the Easter Holidays and looking back over a fantastic spring term and forward to the summer.

The last week of last half term summed up why Chelmondiston CEVC Primary School is such a wonderful place for children, staff and parents alike. The week started with a Key Stage 1 visit to Mountfitchett Castle near Stansted, a recreation of a Norman Castle on the sight of the original. Not only does it include the motte and bailey, but also many of the buildings that could be found inside the castle as well. The children thoroughly enjoyed encountering the animals that roamed free and also the many different sounds and sights of the castle. The children’s behaviour was fantastic and considering that we took the youngest children in the school this was particularly impressive.

There was however, one member of the team who did not behave as expected and if you go to the website you will see that yours truly was placed in an iron cage for misbehaviour!

The following day was one of sporting excellence. Along with many other schools in the local area we took part in a festival of running at Royal Hospital School in Holbrook. Once again the behaviour of the children was outstanding as was their achievement. The children in Year 4 came second and fifth and in the other races they all placed very well. This is something that I find particularly pleasing as I run a running club in the autumn term. I believe that it is very important that a school should cater for all the abilities and talents. For some children, this is academic excellence which we always strive for, while for others it’s sporting or musical. It is my belief that all children’s talents should be celebrated.

Prior to this, the children in Year 6 had taken part in a festival of dance at Jerwood DanceHouse in Ipswich. They worked for several weeks with a dance teacher from Jerwood to produce a section of a dance that was then performed to the public. It was a real pleasure to see the children grow in their understanding of dance and to contribute with other children, adults and performers at the final show.

On Thursday, April 30, the children treated an assembled audience to a display of their musical talents. We are very lucky to have peripatetic teachers who come in to teach different instruments. Guitar, violin and drums are taught in Key Stage 2 and ukulele is taught throughout Year 6. We also celebrated those children who have music lessons outside of school.

Chelmondiston CEVC Primary School is also a church school and we take our responsibility to educate the children spiritually seriously. The children enjoyed and learnt from the Easter experience at both the Methodist and St Andrew’s Church. I was delighted with the children’s behaviour and their understanding of the themes being discussed.

The last day of the term saw the children taking part in a service at St Andrew’s Church. The children led different parts of the service, contributing with readings and taking up offerings.

This all demonstrates the well-rounded education that we wish to give the children at Chelmondiston. We attempt to always give the children a rich and varied experience which enables them to take on future challenges with confidence and understanding.

STUTTON CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL It’s amazing how much we can fit into three weeks. It started with the children performing at International Women’s Day. Since then we have had a number of people join us for collective worship: Alicia Holmes from the Methodist Church, Open the Book, Heather and her CYM team and Vicar Geoffrey. Our friends from Oak House popped in at the end of an assembly to kindly present all the children with an Easter egg. We look forward to visiting them again next term.

You may have noticed that a working party took on the challenge of taming our willow dome. After four hours we finally won. We do need to replant some areas, but it already looks so much better.

We were delighted to welcome lots of mums and grandmas for our very enjoyable Mother’s Day lunch.

Our youngest children walked to the village shop, all clutching money, to buy the ingredients for our Comic Relief cake-baking. Not only did we sell a fantastic number of cakes, but we dressed up in red, had wacky hair and raised almost £200.

Our oldest children took part in a cross country run.

On the last day of term all our children had great fun taking part in an Easter egg hunt in Canham’s Wood. We also held our Easter Service at St Peter’s Church, where we were joined by lots of parents, grandparents and friends of the school, including past pupils. It was lovely to have such a great turn out. The KS2 children retold the Easter story, while our youngest children (pictured) read Easter riddles which were hung on our Easter tree.

If we can fit so much into just three weeks, what a busy summer term we will have with many exciting opportunities and experiences to look forward to.

Anne Clarke

CHELMONDISTON CARPET BOWLS CLUB The season has now drawn to a close with a respectable seventh place.

As predicted the teams below us made full use of games in hand to move up the table. A very creditable performance and again it must be said that we are one of the only teams never to turn up with less than a full team.

A very strong performance was on view at finals night at Needham Market on Sunday, April 2 with several players from the club competing in various finals, as follows: Singles: Karen Cadman Pairs: Patrick Mann and Michael Maile Fours: Wal Kittle, Chris Cook, Gilbert Lakey and Michael Maile This is the best representation we have ever enjoyed, and while we didn’t come away with any trophy’s, everyone acquitted themselves and had some enjoyable games, which must be a good pointer for the future.

I hope that this article gives you a picture of what life is like at Chelmondiston Primary School on an every-day basis. We do strive for academic excellence and making sure that children are fully prepared for life after they leave primary school in every way. We celebrate the talents and abilities of all our children.

We have our club competitions and AGM on the horizon, with a full report in the next edition.

Headteacher Sean Cornish

Alan Storey

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We have club nights on Mondays from 7.30pm and most Friday afternoons from 2pm; please feel free to come and join us.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

Our youngest children in the Easter Service at St Peter’s Church

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SPORT PIN MILL SAILING CLUB

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL

The sun is shining, giving energy to our efforts getting our boats ready for launching.

The club will be shining after its spring clean on Good Friday which is just as well as we work towards May 13 and the Arthur Ransome Jamboree. Starting at noon there will be so much to do: • Peter Duck and Nancy Blackett, both owned by Arthur Ransome, will be on show • An opportunity to go out for a sail in a dinghy, thanks to Neptune • Photographic exhibition • Mini mobile cinema • Music with High Water Mark and Vivo • Talks by interesting people in the sailing club • Hot dogs and cream teas Just simply an event not to be missed! www.pmsc.org.uk / Facebook: PMSC Social

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB With the weather being kind this season there were only a couple of fixtures through March for the First Team. A win and a draw kept them in a midtable position. They have continued to find penalties difficult to convert, but skipper Ben Bibby did score in a penalty shootout when he deservedly was selected for the SIL representative team alongside teammate Gary Hammond. Two wins and two defeats for the Reserves have maintained third place in League A. The semi-final of the Goals of Ipswich Cup, where they meet Benhall St Mary Reserves, is now approaching quickly.

There have been lots of goals in the A Team’s games. It looks as if it will go to the wire as the team looks to maintain their League B status.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team / Senior Division Sat, April 29: Leiston St Margarets (A) Sat, May 6: Stanton (A) Reserves / League A Sat, April 29: Coplestonians Res (H) A Team / League B Sat, April 29: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm, please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069

With the summer approaching, attention turns to our outdoor activities.

We will once again be running open friendly volleyball games every Saturday in Christchurch Park from 2-4pm (weather permitting). These sessions are completely free and open to anyone who wants to play, whether experienced or beginner, adult or junior, male or female.

The sessions are run by our qualified coaches who will give help and advice to anyone who needs it to get started. If you have ever been tempted to give volleyball a try this is a perfect opportunity, just come along on any Saturday afternoon wearing normal outdoor sports kit. You can bring a friend or relative if you wish.

If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk This last month saw the final tournament in the six-a-side indoor volleyball series at Maidenhall Sports Centre which started in October. It was another excellent tournament for Ravens and we were able to enter three teams for the first time thanks to the steady growth of the club throughout the season.

In Division 1 our First team finished in a highly commendable second place with wins against Stowmarket II, Diss, and Ipswich, and a defeat against the overall winners Stowmarket III. In Division 2 we were delighted to be able to enter both a ladies team and a junior team. Our women had impressive wins against Suffolk University and our own juniors, and defeats against Stingers and Fil Suffolk. Meanwhile our juniors pushed hard in their losses against Stingers, Suffolk Uni, and our women, and finished with a comfortable win against a new Bury juniors side.

SUFFOLK BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Recently bereaved or suffering a delayed reaction to loss? Are you in need of help and support?

Why not join a small focused group of five-10 sharing bereavement issues?

Groups are led by an experienced facilitator creating a warm, safe environment in which to explore the many aspects of loss.

We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee member, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background.

Groups are free and open to Suffolk residents able to attend the Hadleigh (afternoon) or Capel St Mary (evening) venues.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays all offer potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

For more details or to reserve a place contact Patrick or Margaret: sbsg246@gmail.com / 01206 299832 www.suffolkbereavement.org.uk

Steve Butcher, stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

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In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS HOLBROOK & CHELMONDISTON METHODIST CHURCHES LOOK AT YOURSELF AND LAUGH! I find myself in Cornwall the weekend before Easter on a few days break, normally reserved for after Easter. The weather is amazing. I spent the first five years of my life in Cornwall. My wife’s family roots are here and we have met up with her cousins and other friends who are still in the area, some of whom we haven’t seen in over 25 years. We are staying in a friend’s flat overlooking the River Fal Estuary and I always love looking through other people’s bookshelves. I spotted eight Bill Bryson books, whom my son had recommended but I hadn’t got around to reading. I’m loving it. His observations of people and in particular the British, makes you want to laugh. I was warned not to read the book in public “for fear of emitting loud snorts”!

The evening after meeting our cousins, I read a chapter that described several of the things we had done that very day in catching up 25 years and I laughed! Bill, who is from the USA, has spent most of his adult life in the UK, and can get us to look at our lives and laugh at the quirky things we sometime do, me included!

I think we sometimes take ourselves and life too seriously. Jesus came that we might have life and life in all its fullness. He went to a wedding party and was far from a party pooper. He was accused of mixing with the wrong crowd and of not taking the disciplines of the faith seriously!

In our Bible reading on the day we met with our cousins, it suggested “going with the flow”, connecting with people and “learning the unforced rhythms of grace”. Today’s mantra is often “busy, busy, busy” and we miss living life with people.

I love my job, I have quite a bit of flexibility and every day is different.

Those I work with, I sometimes frustrate, because I haven’t done all the admin work expected of me, or done things in a timely way because I have gone with the flow and met with someone and given them time.

Others, I might have unintentionally hurt, either because of being “busy, busy, busy” or another person came into the flow of my life and someone else was overlooked. I don’t always get the balance right. Come to think of it, I’m meant to be on holiday; the rest of the day is my wife’s and daughter’s in the beautiful Cornish countryside!

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Holbrook & Chelmondiston Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 HOLBROOK METHODIST What’s on in May (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Mondays, 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT) Tuesdays, May 9 & 23 at 7.30pm: Conversations Thursdays 4 & 18, 2pm at 16 Ipswich Road: Afternoon Group Saturday 6 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 7

10am

Sunday 14 10am Friday 19

3.30pm

Worship with Mr Luke Rokobuli Worship and Communion with Rev Allen Messy Church (HCT)

Sunday 21 10am

Family Friendly Worship including baptism with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 28 10am

6.30pm

Worship with Mrs Diane Sawyer Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey / Something Different

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in May. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478 AT CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Toddler Group: Tuesdays from 9-11.30am Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7.30pm Sunday 7

10.45am 6.15pm

Worship with Mr Chris Jowett Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 14 10.45am

6.15pm

Worship and Communion with Rev Sankey Worship with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Sunday 21 10.45am

6.15pm

Worship with Mrs Margaret Brock Worship with Rev Michael Allen

Sunday 28 10.45am

6.15pm

Worship with Rev Chris Hill Worship – Local Arrangement

TWO RIVERS BENEFICE ST PETER’S, STUTTON May 7 8am

10.30am May 14 9.30am May 21 9.30am May 28 11am

Holy Communion Worship for All at Stutton Primary School Holy Communion Holy Communion Informal Service

ST PETER’S, FRESTON

ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK May 7 3.30pm May 14 10.30am May 21 8am

10.30am May 28 9.30am

Afternoon Tea Church Matins Holy Communion Informal Holy Communion

ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD May 7 No Service May 14 No Service May 21 3pm Rogation Service May 28 11am Morning Prayer

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28

11am No Service 11am No Service

Matins Holy Communion

ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE May 1 Annual spring clean of church and churchyard (am) May 7 11am Café Church

May 13 9am-12.30pm Monthly Market May 14 11am Worship the Woolverstone Way May 21 11am Christian Aid Week, followed by

soup-a-lunch May 28 11am Holy Communion

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR MAY 2017 Tuesday 2 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 7 FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER 9am Mass Tuesday 9 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 14 9am

FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER Mass

Tuesday 16 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 21 9am

SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER Mass

Tuesday 23 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 28 9am

ASCENSION OF THE LORD Mass

Tuesday 30 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

Catholic Commentary It’s just over four years since Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St Peter’s to begin his mission, a ministry which might be described as a ‘start-up’ pontificate aimed at a ‘compassionate disruption’ of Catholicism. Two months after his election Pope Francis held a meeting with senior figures from the church’s charitable arm inside his new home, the Casa Santa Marta, where he made a startling claim.

The work of Caritas, he stressed, was not just about providing first aid to people in a crisis but must focus on giving on-going care to the most vulnerable. He admitted this was a big, expensive task but nevertheless there shouldn’t be compromises. “If that is too expensive,” Francis explained, “we’d even have to sell the churches to feed the poorest of the poor.”

Caritas executives were stunned although pleasantly surprised by Francis’ willingness to stake the church’s assets to help further their good work, a global operation which helps everyone from the homeless in Rome to Syrian war victims. Inside the Vatican, however, they were worried.

Anxious phone calls were made to Caritas from senior officials explaining what the Holy Father really meant to say while stressing the new Pope was not about to put the Holy See’s real estate portfolio on the market.

This is a story that gives an insight into this papacy, where the old ways of being Pope have been upended in order to push a radical message of mercy out into the world’s margins. That meeting with Caritas revealed a simple truth for this Pope: the needs of the institutional church come second to the needs of humanity.

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday, April 23 when three lucky winners shared £147. The club, set up to raise much needed funds 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 and online. The next draw takes place on Sunday, May 21.

Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place from 10.30am-noon at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR. We are raising funds for the parish room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next coffee morning is on Thursday, May 25.

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps and tp place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please contact him if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services.

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.

SHORELINE BENEFICE ST ANDREW’S, CHELMONDISTON May 7 9.15am Holy Communion May 10 10am Midweek Communion May 14 9.15am Holy Communion May 14 4pm Songs of Praise (Gift Day) May 21 9.15am Holy Communion with Harkstead May 25 7.30pm Benefice Holy Communion (Ascension Day) May 28 9.30am Family Service ST MARY’S, ERWARTON May 7 11am Matins May 14 11am Family Service May 21 11am Holy Communion May 25 7.30pm Benefice Holy Communion at Chelmondiston May 28 11am Holy Communion

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ST MARY’S, HARKSTEAD May 7 9.30am Holy Communion May 14 9.30am Morning Prayer May 21 9.15am Holy Communion at Chelmondiston May 25 7.30pm Benefice Holy Communion, Chelmondiston May 28 9.30am Holy Communion ST MARY’S, SHOTLEY May 7 10.15am May 14 10.45am May 21 10.45am May 25 7.30pm May 28 10.45am

Shotley Family @ Church Holy Communion Worship For All Benefice Holy Communion at Chelmondiston Holy Communion

Please note that some services may change. Look in pew sheets and on noticeboards or contact the rector on 01473 781902.

In Touch online:

F.A.O - Club Secretaries:

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For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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3RD EAST OF ENGLAND ORGAN DAY: AMERICANA SATURDAY 13 MAY

10AM – 6PM Royal Hospital School Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2RX

Featuring the 1933 Four-Manual Hill, Norman & Beard Grand Organ & Celebrity Recitalist NATHAN LAUBE (USA) 10.15AM: LECTURE/RECITAL £5 Tom Bell (UK) Music by Bolcom & Babbitt 11.30AM: ‘AN AMERICAN SONGBOOK’ £5 Quinn Ankrum Patrick (USA) Music by Rorem, Gershwin, Berlin, Porter & Kern 1.45PM: ‘STARS & STRIPES FOREVER’ £5 The winners of the London Organ Competition 2016

3.00PM: ‘CLOUDBURST’ £8 Prometheus Singers & William Saunders (UK) Bernstein, Chichester Psalms Music by Lauridsen & Whitacre 5.00PM: CELEBRITY RECITAL £10/7 Nathan Laube (USA) Music by Willan, Sowerby, Cook, Hampton, Muhly & Buck

ALL DAY TICKET £25 Tickets available from www.experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic 01206 573948