In Touch with Shotley April 2020

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 10 • Issue No. 5 • APRIL 2020

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

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01473 327596

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Some listed events may be cancelled following publication so please check before travelling

Holbrook Guides, p14

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events.

There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful.

We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months.

Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward.

There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app.

Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory.

We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

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

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T: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk DISTRIBUTION

Tree Martin: 01473 400380 E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk PRINTING

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

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

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Please recycle.

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

Tuesday 7 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

SHOTLEY PIER UPDATE With such bad weather in recent months, things aren’t looking so bad for Shotley Pier. Despite changes appearing after the storms, we’re assured that the structure remains sound. Due to Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge it has been necessary to keep the Pierside Snacks food truck closed but the promise of spring is in the air and with it is the expectation that we will be open more frequently in the coming months.

Anne Plummer, our artist of the month for March, displayed some of her work at our coffee morning and shared interesting tips for the artists in our midst, such as venturing into the open air to achieve 3D, selecting a spineless sketch book which encourages open pages to lay flat while working and the art and difficulties of pour painting.

All our events are cancelled until further notice due to COVID-19 coronavirus.

Pierside Snacks by the pier, art coffee mornings at the Red Lion, and our annual art exhibition at Shotley Church are all cancelled till further notice.

These are unprecedented times, and we need to protect our wonderful volunteers and members. We will miss seeing you for our enjoyable fund raisers, but safety comes first. Take care everyone and remember that strolling outside is possible, just be sure to keep a good distance away from others.

If you need to self-isolate, you can still be in touch by viewing and commenting on our Facebook page. If you are not already a Facebook user, press the blue button below to see our Facebook page.

We were running all these events to raise funds for the pier, and we need to start fundraising for the railings for the first section of renovations. If you have any suggestions or would like to donate, please get in touch at: shotleypier@gmail.com Ending on a high, excitement is building for the imminent arrival of the reclaimed timbers for the first phase of renovations. Planning ahead to the next stage, volunteers are applying for further nationally awarded grants, tender documents have been issued and enquiries from contractors are being received. Watch this space for more updates. www.shotleypier.co.uk / Facebook: ShotleyPier / Twitter: @ShotleyPier

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NEWS HOLBROOK HELPERS Holbrook Helpers are a group of volunteers put together to assist people who are isolated during the current coronavirus outbreak and require help.

Examples of help may be: • Essential shopping • Collecting prescriptions • Exercising a pet • Needing a chat To access this help, call one of the co-ordinators listed below and they will arrange a volunteer to come and assist you. If you don’t get an answer from the first contact, try the next number.

Please do not feel reluctant to call if you need help. All volunteers have freely offered their time and would love to help you.

Please note, volunteers cannot offer help with health guidance.

CO-ORDINATORS Suzanne Steer: 01473 327166 Joy Squirrell: 01473 327304 Reverend Jenny Seggar: 07733 195866 Cynthia Anderson: 01473 328538 Roy Fisk: 01473 327099

GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEMES A HELPING HAND WHEN NEEDED 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.

OPENING TIMES AT SHOTLEY Monday to Thursday 8am-11am Open for urgent prescription collections 11am-2pm Close for protected dispensing 2pm-3pm Open for collection of prescriptions by over 70s only 3pm-5pm Open for urgent prescription collections Friday 8am-11am

Open for urgent prescription collections

OPENING TIMES AT HOLBROOK Monday to Wednesday 8am-11am Open for urgent prescription collections 11am-2pm Close for protected dispensing 2pm-3pm Open for collection of prescriptions by over 70s only Thursday 8am-11am

Open for urgent prescription collections

Friday 8am-11am 11am-2pm 2pm-3pm 3pm-5pm

Open for urgent prescription collections Close for protected dispensing Open for collection of prescriptions by over 70s only Open for urgent prescription collections

• Please put any urgent repeat requests in the letter box in the back door.

• For urgent appointment queries please ring the practice and our receptionists will help you.

• Order your prescription as you would ordinarily – do not put it in early • Give us a couple of hours if the doctor asks you to pick an acute prescription up from the practice so we can prepare this for you – ask the doctor where to collect it from.

• Do not attend the surgery if you have a temperature or a new continuous cough.

It is for all to use – all of us at some point are glad to be able to call on a neighbour for help.

• Go online to NHS111 for advice on coronavirus and self-isolation certificates or ring 111 if you have no online access.

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

• Thank our staff for the great job they are doing.

VE 75 PARADE CANCELLED The parade scheduled to take place at Shotley Marina on Sunday 10 May has unfortunately had to be cancelled.

SHOTLEY VILLAGE HALL At the recent annual general meeting, the following were elected: Chairman: Ian Peters Vice-Chair: Jim Catling Secretary: Maureen Coulson Treasurer: Norman Bugg Booking Secretary: Michelle Merrin A small number of annual reports are still available. Contact Norman on 01473 787358 to obtain one. We have a full size snooker table in an independent room; to book contact Michelle on 01473 787405.

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HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY PRACTICE

THOUGHT OF VOLUNTEERING? We are looking for adults (18+) who would like to help girls realise their full potential and share some unforgettable moments along the way to join our fantastic team of volunteers. We are especially looking for extra help in Holbrook and Brantham but would welcome help in all of our units.

There are many ways to volunteer with Girlguiding; it’s flexible and can be tailored to fit around your busy lifestyle. No matter how much or how little time you have, every hour counts.

We run Rainbows (5-7 years), Brownies (7-10 years), Guides (10-14 years) and Rangers (14-18 years).

If you are interested in volunteering with Girlguiding, please email our district commissioner for further help and information: baberghandsamford@gmail.com Or register your interest at: www.girlguiding.org.uk/Joinus

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NEWS HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Annual Parish Meeting Scheduled to take place on Wednesday 22 April at 7.30pm in Holbrook Village Hall. The meeting provides an opportunity for parishioners to meet and to receive updates from the parish council and other local organisations.

If you would like to present a report (written or verbal) or reserve a table to display information about your organisation, please contact the clerk. We hope that you will be able to join us.

Parish Clerk Vacancy If you are interested in applying for the role of clerk to the parish council, please use the details below and information on how to apply and the full job description can be provided. The role is for 12 hours per week.

Full minutes of all meetings are available on the Holbrook Parish website at or by contacting the clerk: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017 Future meetings: 20 April, 18 May and 15 June www.holbrook.suffolk.cloud

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS GANGES WARD (SHOTLEY & ERWARTON) Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB celebrated its 50th anniversary and a very useful £129,000 grant from the National Lottery.

Our AONB covers much of the Shotley peninsula, in addition to the Suffolk Coast, and is vital in the protection and preservation of our beautiful landscapes. One project the AONB funded many years ago was the Viking Project in Shotley, which is a huge success.

The woodland and wildflower meadows are there for all to enjoy and the work done by Ian Peters and his many willing volunteers is simply outstanding. The Viking Project marked its 18th birthday by planting more trees, donated by Babergh District Council, and continues to go from strength to strength.

Many of use recognise the importance of not just being mealy-mouthed about the vows councils, including Babergh, have made about becoming carbon neutral and understanding we are in a climate crisis. Every bit helps, from ensuring the environment and the ecology are taken into account in the planning process because while we need to deliver houses, we also need to think ahead in terms of a sustainable infrastructure.

One of the things we are doing at Babergh, along with our shared revenue partners Ipswich Borough Council and Mid-Suffolk Council, is to introduce paperless billing, where residents can receive their bills and pay their Council Tax online. You can play your part by signing up today on the Babergh website.

When will it stop raining? The paths and fields are so soggy that it’s almost welly time when out and about. It’s really good to see Peninsula Pebbles on many local walks. Some of the artwork is in brilliant colour and very creative so please keep doing it. Finding and rehiding them has become part of many people’s everyday walk.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Walkers are Welcome litter pick event during March, however we will reschedule as soon as we can.

This month’s recommended ‘bus out, bus back’ walk using the number 97 is up to Freston (off at the Freston Boot) and walk to Woolverstone Marina, returning from Woolverstone on the ‘97. If time and fitness permits maybe carry on walking from Woolverstone Marina to Pin Mill and again return on the ‘97. All you need is a bus timetable, a footpath map (or follow the public footpath signs) and a few friends to chat to along the way. What’s not to like?

Plus you are on the bus and not in the car so stopping off at a pub before, during or after the walk is not an problem.

While the health of the planet is important, looking after yourself and family is crucial. One of the simplest, most enjoyable and easiest, is to go for walks, long or short around our stunning Shotley peninsula. Suffolk Walking Festival showcases more than 100 walks in the county, half a dozen involving the Ganges ward, in May and June.

Of course, Shotley Open Spaces host health walks all the year round as part of its commitment to the national Walkers are Welcome initiative. Brilliant for your physical and mental health and well-being!

Congratulations to our team at Babergh for winning silver in the Best Use of Digital and Technology category at the annual iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2020. I was fortunate to pick up this award at a ceremony in London last year, so it’s great to see the continuing success.

Contact details: If you have an issue you would like to discuss please contact me at: derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk / 07548 153784 My Facebook page is: Derek Davis-Your Independent Councillor

Suffolk Walking Festival is a step nearer (May 9-31) and all of the details can be found at www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk or in the festival booklet available free of charge at many local outlets. Walks can be booked online, via telephone or at Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury Tourist Information Centres. There are eight walks on the Shotley Peninsula and it’s a great way to learn more about your local area. Shotley Open Spaces has five walks organised with varying lengths from 2.5 miles up to 7.5 miles. We look forward to meeting up with friends old and new.

Do you want to get involved in your local community? Do you enjoy being active, especially riding a bike? Do you enjoy working with people of all abilities?

Finally, our April short health walk is on Wednesday 15, starting from the Shotley Rose/ Village Hall at 11.30am. Using Shanks’s Pony (Stinchi Pony to our Italian friends) we take a gentle stroll up to Shotley Church and return via Golden Wood, which should be ablaze with colour from primrose and cowslips, with many other wildflowers beginning to peep through. We had our best ever turnout at half term in February so hopefully we can keep this up now that the better weather is here. All are welcome including our four legged friends.

If you want information about the work of Shotley Open Spaces visit our website or contact Geraint Pugh (g.pugh1@btinternet.com), Gary Richens (gary.richens.583@btinternet.com) or Tony Lawford-Randall (keyworker@hotmail.co.uk).

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We started life 20 years ago as BikeAbility Ipswich providing cycling for adults with a wide range of disabilities and come rain or shine we still do!

We believe we are the only special needs cycling project in this country that rides on-road every Friday, enjoying the superb countryside around Alton Water and the surrounding villages. All bikes are provided.

Report by Gary Richens

If you are interested to lean about our organisation or about volunteering with us please visit our website or email us at: bikeactive.org@gmail.com

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9TH TO 31ST MAY THE SUFFOLK

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT THE 2020 SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL The 13 Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday 9 May with over 120 guided walks and countryside events over three weeks across the county.

This year also sees plenty of brand new events including Castle on the Hill celebrating Ed Sheeran’s favourite castle, a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford and a spooky day head hunting in Ipswich. th

The event finishes at the end of half-term week with plenty of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few events to whet your appetite.

A sell-out every year is Walk n’ Water, a short walk and boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury with a free hot drink at the end. RSPB Minsmere is one of the most special places in Suffolk, famous around the world for its wildlife. Surprising Spring Wildlife shows off the site, introducing you to some of its iconic species. Another icon of Suffolk is Orford Ness and Walk with a Shepherd and a Sheepdog is a guided walk by Kite, the sheepdog who manages the island’s very own herd of sheep. It’s a very fun walk and a joy to watch Kite in action.

Campfire Make and Bake at Thornham Walks brushes up your whittling skills before making damper bread over an open fire in the woods. Family Wild Crafts at Brandon Country Park lets you get crafty in the woods as you collect natural materials such as sticks, leaves and rushes to make, and then keep, your creations.

The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 9 May and runs for three weeks until 31 May. See the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR MARY MCLAREN STOUR WARD Halifax Quality of Life Survey We all know that living in Harkstead, Holbrook and Stutton within the Shotley Peninsula is a privilege so we must not be surprised that the recently published, Halifax Quality of Life survey rates the Babergh District Council area is in the top ten in the country. In fact we were in eighth place out of 50.

In a recent press release, John Ward, the leader of BDC, states: “Our ranking is testament to the people, businesses, and communities who work tirelessly and collaboratively to make Babergh somewhere that everyone calls home.”

A great round of applause for all our residents for a job well done.

Helping ratepayers high on the agenda One of the ambitions of our council and our communities is to encourage existing businesses to prosper and encourage new businesses to our area.

As a major tourist centre we have to provide for visitor needs during their visit. We have a huge resource in Alton Water which thousands of people use, but walkers, cyclist and tourists also need amenities right across our area and it’s important that pubs and food outlets especially have the financial encouragement to continue to provide services of a high standard.

Babergh District Council is discussing proposals to ensure that they are poised to provide a discretionary retail discount, local newspaper discount and pub discount to support business rate payers across the district as quickly as possible.

Re-assurance regarding the car park in Lower Holbrook from the Public Realm Officer, Peter Garret – Babergh District Council Anti-social behaviour in and around the car park: telephone the police on 101 (non-emergency number) and email the Public Realm Office who were unaware of any problem until I contacted them: public.realm@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk There are no plans to close this car park. Wardens seen inspecting the car park were there to identify the need for new signage.

There are no arrangements for the locking or unlocking of this car park at present. No one locally has the authority from Babergh District Council to use the barrier to close or open the car park. Only the council has the authority to close the car park, so it must be kept open at all times as it is a public amenity.

TATTINGSTONE GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme provides support to its residents by providing transport to appointments, assisting with minor household chores, shopping and befriending. We need more volunteers to enable our residents to remain independent, mobile and not to become isolated.

If you have an hour or two to spare each week, month or every other month, you could be the person for us. The scheme will fit in with the time you have available.

Volunteering is a great opportunity for you to give something back to your local community. It will help you feel good and it is very rewarding.

The reservoir of water at the bottom of the hill and around the car park is due to weeks of continuous heavy rain and the large amounts of water flowing down from Alton Green is due to poor drainage on the highway (raised manhole covers on the right and an inadequate water main on the left). The Public Realm Officer will be pursuing this situation with Anglian Water and Suffolk Highways department on our behalf.

The thought of April always makes us feel brighter and hopeful even when the world appears to be ill at ease with itself. We are into British Summer Time so morning and evenings are lighter and we think of the Easter Holidays and plan for summer holidays.

Whatever you are doing over the holiday period – staycation or overseas – enjoy and keep safe. mary.mclaren@babergh.gov.uk

We are looking for volunteers who are Tattingstone residents, are reliable, fun and want to help their community. You don’t have to drive to become a volunteer.

If this sounds like something you could do, contact the Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme for more details: tattingns@gmail.com / 07895 052086 Drop-in Thursday Call in at Tattingstone Village Hall for tea, coffee, squash, biscuits, crisps (sometimes cake) and lively conversation every Thursday morning from 10.30am to noon, £1 minimum donation per session. All are welcome.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

PENINSULAR PIX The next Peninsular Pix production has been postponed due to the Coronavirus. Please see next month’s edition for an update.

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OUT & ABOUT

HMS GANGES MUSEUM Our volunteers look forward to welcoming you to view our extensive collection of photographs and artefacts reflecting the life and heritage of Shotley’s Naval Training Establishment.

Open from Good Friday then weekends and bank holidays until the last Sunday in October from 11am to 5pm.

Free entry and parking.

Shotley Marina, Shotley Gate IP9 1QJ 01473 788315/788723 www.hmsgangesmuseum.com Facebook: The HMS Ganges Museum

STOUR VALLEY U3A 30TH ANNIVERSARY A speaker meeting took place on Wednesday 11 March when master beekeeper Jeremy Quinlan talked about the contest between bees and flowers to gain benefit from the relationship.

Events and diary dates • Monster Walk on 3 June as part of U3A National Volunteer Day • 30th birthday party on 5 August at Constable Hall, East Bergholt Interest Groups • Our three and five mile walking groups set off each month to keep fit using footpaths. A 10 mile walking group is coming soon.

• Members of our European travel group are going to Dubrovnik, Puglia and India during the next 12 months.

• The very popular garden visits group has organised coach outings to many parts of the eastern region over the summer months.

There are 40 learning and activity groups for members to join.

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. Our members are drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon, & Stratford St Mary. We have 400 members with room for more and membership is only £12 per annum. Contact our membership secretary, Val Pretty, via the website.

Coffee Grinders meet from 10am-noon on the last Friday of each month at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD. 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. For updates visit the website. www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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OUT & ABOUT

BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES: WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS – AND YOURS In a global marketplace, isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money.

Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access.

“Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists.

For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!”

In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies.

If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies.

“We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ”

Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted.

As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options.

“We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.”

So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry.

“Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

CHELMONDISTON WI Unfortunately, we were beaten by the bridge closure for our January gettogether. Hawk and Owl were unable to visit but there was still plenty to do.

Meeting up for a chat and a cuppa is always appreciated.

In March we had a fun birthday get-together to celebrate being 94 years young! They all arrived clutching a carrot and a potato and the game began, with lots of laughter and the occasional groan.

In February we welcomed Jan Mutimer who spoke about how the Blue Cross started its life as the Dumb Friends League and then Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals. It began as a society dedicated to helping cruelly treated and ill horses in the 19th century and soon began to help dogs, cats and other animals. Cruel treatment such as abandonment and neglect of horses is on the increase some 150 years later. Re-homing of pets began in the First World War and has continued since. Jan now gives talks to schools to teach children that a pet really is for life and not for ‘swopping’. Foster carers are desperately needed for dogs waiting for a new home as they need socialising.

Little did we know that that would be our last get-together until this madness ends. Our April meeting will not go ahead and we will see how things are for May.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

The VE Day hamper will be continued once a new date is decided. Our collection of small change and stamps for ACWW will continue.

In the meantime, all our very best to our ladies and our friends in Shotley and Erwarton WI – stay healthy ladies.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CHELMONDISTON 100 CLUB

SHOTLEY GARDENING CLUB

Results of the March draw Caroline Giles: £120 Oliver Gravell: £60

We were delighted to welcome three new members to the club when we met on Monday 9 March to hear a talk by Darren Lerigo on water management.

We booked him last summer when we wondered if it would ever rain again.

The irony wasn’t lost on us as we listened to the ways in which water could be conserved, redirected and utilised to a background of rain pounding down outside. Darren did also include flood management. It was a thoughtprovoking talk delivered with humour as well as commitment.

This is the last draw of the financial year. Thank you to all who have supported us. We hope you will continue to do so and Fiona would appreciate your contribution as soon as you are able. The next draw will be in June. If you have not been a member this year, please consider doing so. Any queries to Fiona: 01473 780965

SHOTLEY & ERWARTON WI At our February meeting, Hawk Honey, the visitor officer for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, told us how humans were responsible for the decline of our wild bees. Our use of weed control chemicals, nitrates, and habitat management all contribute.

We are now taking bookings for our trip on Saturday 8 August to RHS Hyde Hall to visit the garden and the annual flower show. Last year’s visit was enjoyed so much that we are going again. Entry to the garden and the show is free to the club on this occasion as we are a group member of the RHS. So the cost is just the coach fare (probably £15). Call Karen Smith to book a place on this very popular outing: 01473 787731 June Edwards

To encourage bees, leave lawn weeds to flower by cutting less often, avoid the use of pesticides and provide nesting sites. He recommended filling the garden with bee friendly plants such as wild flowers and foxgloves.

Our cinema club is going from strength to strength. Having watched The History of David Copperfield with mixed reviews, our latest trip was to see Emma, which we all agreed was brilliant.

SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB February draw winners J Staftord (117) £25 J Rutherford (072) £20 C Thomas (045) £15 S Newman (146) £5 S Cocksedge (063) £5 We are always ready to welcome new members. The cost of £1 a month can be paid at three, six or 12 month intervals. Contact Norman: 01473 787358.

NEW SKILLS & CHALLENGES FOR HOLBROOK GUIDES It’s been a busy and interesting three months for Holbrook Guides. The Unit of 23 girls, whose ages range from 10 to 14 years, have made the most of what has been a grey, wet and muddy winter.

They have been taught to sculpt using tin foil and old t-shirts with the help of an art student from the University of Suffolk. They have learnt how to ‘felt’ wool and have made some astonishingly colourful flowers to use as decoration on clothes and hats.

With an environmental theme to the term, they have studied the natural ingredients which can be used in skin products with Tracey from Tropic and made bubble bars on a night out at LUSH.

SHOTLEY PENINSULA BRANCH We welcomed new friends and old to the World Day of Prayer service prepared by the women of Zimbabwe and held in St Andrew’s Church on March 6.

It was a delight to have Evie, Tallula and Joab, Year 6 students from Chelmondiston Primary School, to light the candles and lead us to pray for love, peace and reconciliation for Zimbabwe and in our lives.

All future meetings have been postponed but new dates will be poster here when we are able to meet again.

Christine Ward: 01473 780621

SHOTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL The children have been extremely busy since the start of the year. At the beginning of a new term, an essential question is set for each class to consider: What’s the best way to travel?

(Ladybirds); Fire: Friend or Foe? (Hedgehogs); What was here before us? (Zebras); How deep is the ocean? (Owls); What happens if we kill the Earth? (Eagles); How are people affected by natural disasters? (Albatrosses).

The question then requires an answer (the learning) and is completed with an authentic outcome in the form of a performance, film, exhibition or business enterprise to name a few.

Here we see children in Albatross using oracy skills to work as a group and exchange ideas.

They have been learning to use various language stems or frames for different purpose, such as language of opinion, explanation, prediction or evaluation. Inspired by Kirsty Applebaum’s The Middler, they have been debating the pros and cons of being the eldest child!

With a trip to ClickNClimb to test their fitness and nerve, plus evenings at Freston Boot Kino and Crown Pools coming up, the Guides will have the made the most of the dark evenings.

They will soon be looking forward to a summer programme with lots of outdoor activities. These include campfire cooking, trips to Jimmy’s Farm, the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre and a boat ride from Shotley Marina for seal watching.

Leanne Castle, leader of Holbrook Guides, said: “I would like to thank Holbrook Parish Council who have awarded our unit a grant of £200. This sum, along with other fundraising monies has enabled us to arrange exciting and challenging activities for the Guides.

If you would like to know more about 1st Holbrook Guides, email: holbrookguides@outlook.co.uk

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Visits to the school from prospective parents are warmly welcomed; please phone the school office to make an appointment and we will be delighted to show you around. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will do our best to help you. Your thoughts and views on how we can all work together in a meaningful way are always welcome.

Headteacher Richard Dedicoat www.shotley.suffolk.sch.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS STUTTON TODDLER & BABY GROUP We are looking forward to spring and warmer weather, especially as we have our annual Easter Egg Hunt coming up. This lovely event normally takes place on the playing field opposite Stutton Community Hall, where the children get to hunt around the wooded area and the long grass for some yummy chocolate eggs. Join in the Easter fun, Tuesday 7 April. All welcome!

Please visit us every Tuesday at Stutton Community Hall. Children and babies from zero to five years old, new faces and families can join us for a free taster session on your first visit.

Each session is £3 per family, including a healthy snack for the little ones and a hot drink for parents and carers. We are a small, friendly group of mums, dads, grandparents and carers who look forward to meeting you very soon.

Becky Fox

SHORELINE BENEFICE: APRIL 2020 St Andrew’s, Chelmondiston Sunday 5 9.15am Palm Sunday Holy Communion* Monday 6 7.30pm Monday Compline & Meditation, Mrs C Ward Friday 10 10am Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Service, Mrs C Ward Sunday 12 9.15am Easter Service of Family Communion* Sunday 19 9.30am Service at Harkstead Sunday 26 9.30am All-Age Family Service, Mr A Coulson St Mary’s, Erwarton Sunday 5 4pm Celtic Evening Prayer* Tuesday 7 7.30pm Tuesday Compline & Meditation* Friday 10 2pm Good Friday + Stations of the Cross, The Rev T Crosbie Sunday 12 4pm Easter Evening Prayer (CW)* Sunday 19 10.45am Service at Shotley Sunday 26 11am Holy Communion (BCP)* St Mary’s, Harkstead Sunday 5 9.30am Palm Sunday Holy Communion, The Rev T Crosbie Wednesday 8 7.30pm Wednesday Compline & Meditation, Mr A Coulson Sunday 12 10am Easter Service of Family Communion,

The Rev D Newton Sunday 19 9.30am Holy Communion, The Rev Canon C Chapman Sunday 26 9.30am Holy Communion, The Rev Canon S Brown St Mary’s, Shotley Sunday 5 10.45am Family@Shotley Church, Mr A Coulson Thursday 9 7.30pm Maundy Thursday Holy Communion* Sunday 12 10.45am Easter Service of Family Communion,

The Rev T Crosbie Sunday 19 10.45am Worship for All, Mr A Coulson Sunday 26 11am Service at Erwarton Please check church website and noticeboards for any changes to services. * The Rev Canon L Oosterhof

THE PENINSULA BAPTIST CHURCH Pin Mill Road, Chelmondiston IP9 1JE

We invite you to join us on Sunday morning at 10.30am.

“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

CHELMONDISTON & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES A Good Perspective I was recently given a new cardigan. I wanted to thank the sender who lived away so I got my wife to take a photo of me wearing it. I was disappointed with the first photo – it was a chunky cardigan which made me look a bit fat, and the angle of the photo gave me a big head! The second photo was better (but far from flattering) and went with a thank you note.

I remember going into a house of mirrors and seeing myself and others through distorting mirrors. Some making you short and fat, others tall and thin and with kinks in the mirrors, lots of other distortions. These days you don’t need to go to a house of mirrors as there are multiple mobile apps which create the same effect. It can be a lot of fun, but it can also be destructive of relationships if we send some images to people who have low self-image. They already feel unattractive and sometimes worthless. They don’t need that message reinforced by distorted images. In contrast others have an inflated image of themselves that their ego is in danger of bursting.

Often we are unaware of the difference between the illusion of our image in our minds and the reality of how others see us. In my landlady’s house when I was a student, she had mirrors above the fireplace in the lounge and dining room, there were mirrors in the hallways and bathroom and the bedrooms had wardrobes with full length mirrors. You couldn’t get away from images of yourself. Because we don’t have that number of mirrors, I was slightly shocked by the unflattering photo image of me.

I believe God wants us to have a good perspective on ourselves, not an inflated view nor a devalued view. God wants us to know we are created in his image, he loves us as we are, we are a work in progress, not yet perfect.

He wants us to be open to be transformed by his love and his grace and to value other people, also created in his image, whether they recognise it or not. Each of us is valued, none of us are perfect and all are redeemable. Don’t build yourself up, don’t do yourself down. Be the child of God that you are, beautiful for God. Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Chelmondiston, Holbrook & Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary Ipswich IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Sunday 5 10.45am Palm Sunday Worship with Rev Ian Gardner

6.15pm Worship with Rev Michael Allen Friday 10 10am Good Friday Service Sunday 12 10.45am Easter Sunday Communion with

Rev Andrew Sankey

6.15pm Worship with Rev Diane Smith Sunday 19 10.45am Worship with Mr Paul Finch

4.15pm Easter Celebration Joint Service Sunday 26 10.45am Worship with Mr David Cordle

6.15pm Communion with Rev Ian Gardner AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea & Chat: Mondays 2.30-4pm (HCT) Home Groups: Second & fourth Tuesdays 7.30pm Friday 3 2.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Saturday 4 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 5 9.45am Palm Sunday procession from

All Saints to Methodist

10am Palm Sunday United Service – Rev Jane Cassidy Thursday 9 7pm United Maundy Thursday Communion Friday 10 5pm Good Friday Service Sunday 12 10am Easter Sunday Communion with Rev Ian Gardner Sunday 19 10am Family Friendly Worship with Mr Roger Fern Sunday 26 10am Worship with Mr Chris Finbow

6.30pm Something Different with Rev Andrew Sankey Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in April.

For more information about Messy Church and Tiddlers (HCT) contact Gerald Laws: geraldolaws@aol.com / 01473 328507

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CHURCH NEWS TWO RIVERS BENEFICE: APRIL 2020 Dear Friends.

As it’s Easter our eyes are turning towards Christ’s journey to the cross and his resurrection. This is the central moment for commemoration and celebration as Christians. We have eight days during Holy Week (Sunday to Sunday) to follow His journey, and there will be something on every day to help us to focus on this most important of stories.

On Palm Sunday we will have a 9.30am Communion Service for Palm Sunday at Woolverstone, and at Holbrook, there will be the traditional Walk of Witness with palms from All Saints to the Methodist Church, with Matins at Freston. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm there will be a form of Reflective Evening Prayer at Stutton, Woolverstone and Wherstead respectively. On Maundy Thursday we will do a traditional Maundy Thursday Communion with vigil and stripping of the altar at All Saints Holbrook (7am).

On Good Friday there will be an hour’s reflection at 10am at Holbrook, then I will journey round the benefice with short services at Freston (11.30am), Woolverstone (12.15pm), and Wherstead (1pm) and on to Stutton for 2pm for the last hour by the cross. I will be using some of the material used in the Lent group sessions from Stephen Cottrell’s The Nail.

Please feel free to join me.

Then we celebrate the resurrection in all our churches (please see service schedule for timings). Holy Week is an important opportunity for us to reflect and worship together as a church, and helps to give us an insight into the sacrifice Jesus made for us – that sacrifice changed our relationship with God, giving us free access to Grace and our own salvation.

Blessings, Jenny 01473 327951 / 07733 195866 / rector2rivers@outlook.com The Rectory, 15 Denmark Gardens Holbrook, Ipswich IP9 2BG St Peter’s, Stutton Sunday 5 10am Monday 6 7pm Friday 10 2pm Saturday 11 Noon-1pm Sunday 12 9.30am Wednesday 15 2.30pm Sunday 19 9.30am Sunday 26 11am Wednesday 29 2.30pm

Palm Sunday at Holbrook see below Evening Prayer Good Friday, Last hour by the Cross Soup & Roll lunch Easter Sunday, Holy Communion Prayer Group, Oak House Holy Communion Informal Service with Baptism Comfort Corner at Stutton Church

All Saints, Holbrook Sunday 5 9.45am Palm Sunday – Processing from All Saints to the Methodist Hall for 10am Service Thursday 9 7pm Holy Communion, Maundy Thursday Friday 10 10am Good Friday, Meditation & Vigil Sunday 12 9.30am Easter Sunday, Communion by Extension Wednesday 15 3pm Comfort Corner at The Rectory Sunday 19 10am Informal Service

11am APCM Sunday 26 9.30am Holy Communion St Mary’s, Wherstead Sunday 5 No service Wednesday 8 7pm Friday 10 1pm Sunday 12 11am Sunday 19 No Service Sunday 26 11am

Evening Prayer Good Friday, Meditation & Vigil Easter Sunday, Communion by Extension Informal Service

St Peter’s Freston Friday 10 11.30am Sunday 12 11am Sunday 19 11am Sunday 26 No Service Fridays 9am

To confirm contact Malcolm Farman: 01473 677050

St Michael’s, Woolverstone Sunday 5 9.30am

11am Monday 7 7pm Friday 10 12.15pm Sunday 12 8am

Sunday 19 11am Sunday 26 11am

Palm Sunday, BCP Holy Communion Café @ Church Evening Prayer Good Friday, Meditation & Vigil Easter Sunday, Holy Communion (including Easter Fire) Morning Prayer Reflective Morning Worship

Meditation & Vigil Easter Sunday, Holy Communion Matins

Care Home Services Oak House: 10.30am on Monday 6 April St Mary’s: 2.30pm on Monday 6 April Family and friends of residents welcome.

Other Services Benefice Prayer Meeting: Woolverstone Church every Tuesday, 9.30am

As we prepare this article in March there is some uncertainty about what may or may not happen in the future regarding the Coronavirus. To keep up to date with how developments impact on our services and activities, please visit: www.tworiversbenefice.org

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