In Touch
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with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 7 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2016
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’ve just been informed that Auntie Sarah will be visiting Suffolk on December 3 and as it’s the perfect opportunity to get Christmas presents to that side of the family (all 11 of them) I’m now on a deadline! Thank goodness there are many, many Christmas markets and festivals coming up. They are a particularly useful place to find locally produced gifts for out-oftowners. I’m definitely focused on finding handmade gifts this year, possibly inspired by the beautiful Christmas Tree decoration I received from a close friend last year. It was one of my favourite presents and I’m secretly hoping she gives me another this year. I have been dropping heavy hints since June or thereabouts so I’m quite hopeful. There are many good reasons to shop local at Christmas, not least the fact that your spending will boost the local economy, save or indeed generate jobs, support local entrepreneurs and create a more vibrant and engaged community. There’s also the social aspect, the fact that you are more likely to find quirky, one-off items, maybe even try before you buy and get a better deal or some advice. According to a new study, UK shoppers are predicted to spend £73 billion this Christmas, with online sales accelerating to unprecedented levels. Apparently convenience, price comparison and avoiding crowds and queues are three of the main reasons why online shopping is so popular, but don’t assume than ‘online’ and ‘local’ are entirely contradictory. Most of our local retailers sell online so you can take advantage of the benefits of online shopping and support local business at the same time. For me, Christmas means cleaning the house from top to bottom (sad I know, but deeply embedded) and down ‘n’ dirty old style shopping with the crowds, the queues, the Christmas music, carol singers, hot chocolate, mince pies and a glass or two of mulled wine to soothe aching muscles. I can’t wait. On behalf of my colleagues here at Mansion House Publishing I wish you and yours a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
In Touch
with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone In Touch with Shotley, Pin Mill & Woolverstone is 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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IN TOUCH WITH... • Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Bramford, Offton & Somersham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham
NEWS FATHER CHRISTMAS DELIVERY IN HOLBROOK If you would like your children to receive a present from Father Christmas on Christmas morning please leave a small, clearly labelled present with you child’s name and address with Millie Gilson at 11 Gifford Close (01473 327016) by Wednesday, December 21. IN SHOTLEY As in previous years, Father Christmas will be delivering presents on Christmas Day morning starting at Corner Garage at 7.30am. Presents no bigger than 10” (25cm) x 8” (20cm) x 2” (5cm), clearly labelled with the child’s name and address must be handed in at the Shotley Rose by Thursday, December 22 together with a donation of £1 minimum for charity.
THE POPPY TRAIL Holbrook Primary School has recently been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a small project supporting the fund’s work on First World War heritage. The project – The Poppy Trail – will commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the First World War through recognising the contribution made by the people of Holbrook. The primary school houses a ceramic Roll of Honour which remembers those pupils who fought for their country. The loss of so many men of working age had a profound impact on the lives of those they left behind and on the local economy. The Poppy Trail will research all those on the Roll of Honour. Their lives will be documented and presented along The Poppy Trail, a heritage walk around the village to be launched in mid-2017. A short film and exhibition will also be shown at locations on the peninsula and teaching and learning resources will be developed for schools in the local area. These events and activities will highlight the impact of the First World War on Holbrook and its surroundings. If you would like to know more about the project, or have any information about those listed in the Roll of Honour, please contact Mrs A Hookway: info@holbrook-pri.suffolk.sch.uk / 01473 328225
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A very moving Last Post was played superbly by seven-year-old Gyllis Devonshire as part of a fitting tribute by pupils from Shotley Primary School at the Service of Remembrance, St Mary’s Church, Shotley at the 11th hour on Friday, November 11.
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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS – BERNERS WARD
COMMUNITY GROUP TO RESCUE SHOTLEY PIER
Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Freston TAG A successful networking event hosted by Shotley Peninsula Tourism Action Group at Chelmondiston Village Hall was well attended. Led by Oliver Paul, and supported by Babergh District Council communities team, a number of initiatives to help boost sustainable and sensible tourism to the peninsula were discussed. Ideas included putting on a year-long series of exhibitions, events and attractions to mark the anniversaries of Arthur Ransome writing We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea and his death 50 years ago. For more details of the group or information about joining SPTAG, contact myself (details below) or email: tracey.brinkley@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk Shotley Pier A community group has been formed to buy, repair and renovate the 122-year-old Shotley Pier opposite the Bristol Arms in Shotley Gate. Sally Chicken was volunteered to chair the initial steering group and a Facebook page has been set up – Shotley Peninsular Interest Group. Babergh DC is delighted to support this initiative with Kate Lowe from the communities team and myself on hand to offer advice and practical help. Walkers are Welcome Excellent progress has been made in forming the first Walkers are Welcome initiative in Suffolk. WrW is a nationwide organisation which helps promote walks in a specific area, working with local businesses, and in our case the AONB, RSPB and Suffolk County Council’s Rights of Way team. SCC’s Claire Parker has been the driving force and the idea has been picked up and moved forward by the very active Shotley Open Spaces group. New CEO Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have appointed a new joint chief executive ahead of what is going to prove an interesting and challenging few years. Arthur Charvonia, currently strategic director at Suffolk Coastal and Waveney, will officially take up his new £110,000 pa post in the new year. Council to leave Hadleigh Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils voted by a majority to move their respective headquarters to Endeavour House in Ipswich. Plans are in progress to combine the authorities in their new home with the existing headquarters being put up for sale. Contact details If you have an issue you would like to discuss please get in touch: derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk / 01473 787375 / 07824 167196
HELEN YEMN TALK RESCHEDULED Due to a family bereavement, we have had to postpone Downsizing Without Tears by Helen Yemm, an illustrated talk with a question and answer session at Harkstead Village Hall. It will now take place on Saturday, January 28 at 3pm.
A community group has been formed ready to buy, repair and restore the 122-year-old Shotley Pier. Led by company director Sally Chicken, the Shotley Pier Heritage Group intends to purchase the 600ft pier opposite the Bristol Arms in Shotley Gate and make it fully accessible to the community. Shotley Pier has been valued at £100,000 by current owners East Anglian Property Developments and it is estimated around £300,000 would be needed to restore it fully. The group will offer shares in order to raise funds and a variety of funding sources, including selling engraved planks or plaques and applying for grants, will be used in order to reach the £400,000 needed. A grant has already been promised by Babergh District Council, and this will be used towards the purchase price, with an application being prepared for a booster grant. Interest in the community owning the pier has already proved widespread with nearly 40 people attending an initial open meeting at the Bristol Arms when a steering group was formed. That has now morphed into the Shotley Pier Heritage Community Benefit Company with a committee committed to progressing the pier project further. “This is an important first step and there was a lot of enthusiasm and interest in getting things done,” said Mrs Chicken. “We can ensure the preservation, protection and restoration of the pier, which will benefit the community. “Shotley Pier is an important part of the peninsula’s heritage and once restored it will offer a great deal in terms of historical education, tourism and leisurely views down the River Stour and towards the ports of Harwich, Dovercourt and Felixstowe.” District Councillor Derek Davis said: “Babergh is fully supportive of this community project, which will enhance this part of the peninsula. Transforming Shotley Pier will make it an attractive amenity for everyone far and wide to enjoy and will fit in superbly with all the improvements being made to the area. Not only will it be a wonderful facility to enhance tourism, it will offer employment opportunities locally.” Planning permission for two kiosks on the shore side of the peninsula has recently lapsed, but the group aims to reapply to have that reinstated. These will offer commercial opportunities, with scuba diving hire, wet fish and shellfish sales, a visitor centre, cycle hire and food outlets among the possible uses.
Gardener, writer, author, teacher and hardy perennial Thorny Problems columnist for The Daily Telegraph, Helen Yemm suddenly found she had to ‘up sticks’ and leave her much photographed and admired two acre Sussex cottage garden. This lavishly illustrated talk – the story of how she ‘downsized’ her garden and started again with a tiny neglected patch – is personal, practical and entertaining. It is intended to provide inspiration and information for everyone, not just those finding themselves in a similar situation. The talk will be followed by an informal gardeners’ question and answer session, and refreshments.
Among the ideas put forward by the community is a viewing platform, fishing, landing pontoons, wedding ceremonies, educational visits linking with the Ganges Museum, the Commonwealth War Graves and the recently improved Heritage Woods trails.
Tickets £10 on the door, £9 in advance, available from Patty Shone: shonepatience@gmail.com. All proceeds in aid of Harkstead Church.
Shotley Gate is already home to the HMS Ganges Musuem, Shotley Marina, a sailing club and the 170-old Bristol Arms pub.
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Built by the Marquis of Bristol in 1894, Shotley Pier was originally used for an improved ferry service between Shotley, Harwich and Felixstowe. It was hoped the pier could be used to link the postal route between England and the Hook of Holland.
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NEWS SHOEBOX APPEAL Thank you to everyone who contributed to the shoeboxes in any way, especially those who attended the workshops at Holbrook Chapel and Tattingstone CoE. Messy Church and Norwood Methodist Home made up their own boxes. Many items were donated so that we could make up the shoeboxes, including from three ladies who knit the whole year so we can have hats, scarves, mittens and hand puppets. Many like to make their own boxes, which is very rewarding. All the shoeboxes will be going to St John’s CoE to be sorted and put in containers to go to Africa or Europe. Up to now 200 shoeboxes have been made around the peninsula. Kath Chalkley, Angela Neale and Gerald Laws
NOSTALGIC GANGES EXHIBITION PROVED POPULAR More than 300 people visited a unique, one-off exhibition to mark the closure of HMS Ganges. The ensign was lowered for the final time at the famed Royal Navy training establishment on October 28, 1976 and a successful series of events were held at Shotley Village Hall and the HMS Ganges Museum on the 40th anniversary. HMS Ganges played a hugely important role in the lives of civilians living on the peninsula and in Ipswich, Harwich and Felixstowe and the exhibition consisted of people’s memories of working at the base. Many shared their stories on memory forms and photographs, so others could enjoy the ditties and tales of life enjoyed by the men and women that made HMS Ganges tick. At one time the base had almost 600 local people working there. Whether it was working to help look after the 2,000 trainees and instructors at any one time, or enjoying the swimming pool, sporting facilities, the bowling alley or coming along to the open days, fetes and various parties held at HMS Ganges, the Royal Navy’s most famous training establishment impacted on many peoples’ lives. HMS Ganges Museum volunteers were on hand to guide people around the exhibition at the hall and at the museum. A sunset colours ceremony, a service by Andrew Coulson, a disco with a 70s and Halloween theme, and a performance of sea shanties by High Water Mark at the Bristol Arms were among the events over the weekend. If you would like to know about HMS Ganges Museum, or how to become a member, contact Derek Davis: chairman@hmsgangesmuseum.com
HARKSTEAD AND LOWER HOLBROOK GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME It is noticeable that over the last 20 years, quite a few of our village activities and services have declined, such as the mobile shop, the WI, the gardening club, drama group, bonfire night and village fete. To some extent new activities have developed in their place, such as the village quiz night and book group, both based at the Bakers. However, in addition to the activities in the village, there are a lot of activities in other villages around our peninsula, including gardening clubs, WIs, drama and singing groups, concerts and festivals. Taken as a whole it would seem the peninsula has quite a lot happening. If you would like to go to any of these peninsula activities but are put off by transport difficulties, do contact the Good Neighbour Scheme. We are happy to help whenever possible with local transport. The number to ring is 328326. All our volunteers have been DBS and reference checked.
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WARNING OVER NOTTINGHAM KNOCKERS Police are warning residents to be mindful of so-called ‘Nottingham Knockers’ working in the area. The have recently been cold calling in the West Suffolk area and could be in your location next. A group of young salesmen, historically dubbed the ‘Nottingham Knockers’, often operate in our part of the county. Named after a scam originating in Nottingham in the 1970s, young people travel across the UK targeting a town at a time. They knock at doors and claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, before trying to sell the householder everyday household products at very high prices. Police always advise residents to refrain from buying at the doorstep and not to buckle to pressure from salespeople offering supposedly one-off ‘buy it now’ low prices. However, often kind-hearted residents feel they are helping the ‘Nottingham Knockers’ to turn their lives around so agree to buy their wares. These so called ‘Nottingham Knockers’ work in groups across the country but they are not involved in any officially recognised offender rehabilitation programme, and many do not possess a pedlar’s certificate, which are issued by police and are necessary for salespeople to be legally allowed to sell door-to-door. Sympathetic members of the public are being duped into buying cheap products at highly-inflated prices. These young people are normally wearing some form of identity badge, which is not a lawful substitute for being in possession of a valid pedlar’s certificate. Certificates are issued by the police in the area in which the applicant has resided for the previous month. You must be above 17 years of age, a person of good character, and in good faith intend to trade as a peddler. Once issued the certificate will remain in force for one year and the holder is entitled to trade as a pedlar in any part of the UK providing the certificate remains in force and the licence must be produced on request. Please note that having a pedlar’s certificate is in no way an indication that the goods for sale are of merchantable quality.
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. 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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NEWS HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Key points from the October parish council meeting Election of Chairman Councillor Meekings expressed his thanks to Simon Page who has resigned from the council after many years of service, the last nine as chairman. On behalf of the council, Councillor Meekings wished Mr Page well in the future and thanked him for his commitment and hard work. Following a vote, Councillor Ambrose was appointed as the new chairman. Reade Field Improvement Project Update The Rospa report on the condition of the playground has been received and there are a number of issues to be considered. One suggestion is to turf the play area as this would meet the new regulations. There was some discussion regarding this and alternative options. It was agreed that work would be undertaken on costs and options for the short and long term. Applications for the current councillor vacancies There had been three applications for the two vacancies which were considered by the council. Following a vote, Mrs J Springall and Mr C Sawyer were appointed as councillors.
REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: DECEMBER 2016 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw It’s been a while since I last reported here. Not that I’ve been doing nothing (quite the reverse), but much of it wouldn’t be very interesting or helpful to report. I attend the three parish councils every month and update regularly on Facebook (open group – please join). The one thing that has been constant in 2016 is change. Babergh is no exception to this, if in a less radical manner. We have appointed a new joint chief executive in Arthur Charvonia from Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Councils. He already has experience of operating over two councils. A qualified barrister with a useful background in relevant law, Arthur should be in position in the New Year.
DOG FOULING There appears to have been an increase in the amount of dog mess that is not being cleared up around the village, particularly on Reade Field.
Both councils have voted to move our centre of operations to Endeavour House in Ipswich. The Independent and Lib Dem groups at Babergh argued extensively for both to use the Hadleigh offices but lost the vote. There will still be a physical presence within each district, but the thought was that this had financial and organisational benefits. Another strand of this thinking is in how people access our services in the 21st century. Fewer people than ever actually visit, most using the phone and increasingly the Internet. These public access issues are being addressed with a single local rate phone number and an improved website design. Importantly this is being configured for the mobile devices used by the vast majority of people, useable where there are low bandwidths or poor internet signals. For those who have no access, work is being done to make these methods more accessible to all.
Dog mess is the most unacceptable and offensive type of litter on our streets. Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, it is dangerous. While rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis, a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness and seizures.
The website will be going live after Christmas, but a ‘beta’ version is up and running for trial purposes. Please take a look at this link: http:// tinyurl.com/h3wmy88. You’re invited to give feedback at the top right. It’s a beta version and may need patience initially.
While many dog owners are caring, responsible individuals, there are still some people who do not clean up after their pets. Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice. If the case goes to court this could set the owner or person in charge of the animal back up to £1,000. The law even states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse. The parish council has installed and pays to maintain a large number of dog waste bins around the village – please use them.
Still on the change theme, we will have voted by now whether to accept the devolution deal on offer to Suffolk/half of Norfolk, but not Norwich. This would give us an elected mayor for the combined authority with a basic budget of £25M a year. It doesn’t replace district or county but would carry out some strategic planning currently managed at Westminster. I have considerable reservations about how democratic this will be, composed of council leaders under the mayor, and with, what I see, as quite a limited budget. By comparison, Suffolk County Council spent £42M in August alone, a fairly typical monthly amount. The rushed process has seen a peculiar consultation process seemingly designed to produce, or accentuate, the ‘right’ answer. Governments too can change, sometimes within the same party, and future support for even this lacklustre version of devolution may be different. Many of the original architects are gone from government already. If it is passed by all councils you will be voting for the mayor in May 2017.
Consultation on removal of BT phone box from Clench Road It was agreed that the householders in Clench Road should be consulted about future use and the response reported back to the next parish council meeting. Full minutes of these and all other meetings can be found at: www.holbrook.onesuffolk.net
Location of dog bins • Ipswich Road, just down The Cut • Ipswich Road, footpath entrance next to Garland Cottage • Church Hill, on Church Green opposite Hill Cottage • Fishponds Lane, near the footpath entrance • Five Acres, at the Hyams Lane end just opposite the footpath to Alton Water • Heathfield Road, opposite the surgery • The Street, at the entrance to the Community Car Park near the bowls club • Clifton Wood, opposite number 23 • Petticoat Lane, on the corner of the footpath to Denmark Gardens near the Cabin Club • Woodlands Road, in the layby next to St Mary’s • Harkstead Road, at the Lower Holbrook car park Reade Field Improvement Project Survey There has been a very pleasing initial response to the survey which was distributed to the Holbrook area in last month’s In Touch. Councillors are still keen to hear your views so that any decisions they make represent the views and needs of the community wherever possible. The survey is still available on the village website. Please send your thoughts to the clerk at 27 Denmark Gardens, Holbrook IP9 2BG, to any of the councillors (addresses on the website and noticeboards) or send general comments by email.
I’m running out of my allotted space, so What Does a Councillor do? Part Two: Training and Committees will have to wait for the New Year. Restrain your excitement please. I’d like to mention the useful recycling leaflet that’s been delivered to us all. Suffolk has an excellent record in recycling, but there are a few changes (again) and some useful tips on how to improve it even further. Please read it or keep it by, not in, your bin. Campaign page with video at: http://tinyurl.com/ja7xsrx I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Keep an eye out for those who will not be able to enjoy the festive period for whatever reason. As a final Christmas present here’s a link to the festive bin collection schedule: http://tinyurl.com/gmoenpv
Wishing all the residents of Holbrook a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
As always, if anything concerns you please contact me via the methods below – or just say hello sometime. I’m on a Blue Claud Butler bicycle, usually with yellow winter cycling jacket.
Questions or comments about parish council matters should be addressed in the first instance to the clerk, Mrs Ferial Rolfe: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / or leave a message on 07999 583017
alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)
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NEWS SHOTLEY FOOTPATH GROUP MOVES TO THE NEXT LEVEL Shotley Open Spaces will be our new identity from December 1. Thanks to professional guidance from Alex Rawlings and her design specialist, it was agreed that we would have a team brand. Our new logo (above) will be used as often as possible when we are working in the community. We hope that, over a period of time, people will be familiar with who we are and what we are doing. Challenging and exciting times are ahead, and we hope all for the good of Shotley. The Shotley Stour Footpath Renovation Group was formed in 2009. Our work to date has been to maintain Shotley Heritage Park, an area comprising eight acres of woodland and 50 acres of mudflats adjacent to the River Stour at Shotley Gate owned by Shotley Parish Council. In the past year we have been involved in maintaining other open spaces and footpaths in Shotley to benefit our local community. At our Annual General Meeting in July 2016 our new management committee was formed (increased to 12 members) and we revised our group constitution to include a wider role in keeping an eye on the condition of more of our open spaces and pathways in Shotley. We will work with our community, businesses, statutory organisations and other groups to maintain and improve them. We are also well on the way to registering Shotley as an accredited Walkers are Welcome village, part of the national Walkers are Welcome organisation which is actively promoting recreational walking in communities all across the UK. As well as gaining support from many residents, we have also received letters of support from other organisations who are keen to see this initiative succeed. We have already been invited to include several walks around Shotley in the
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Suffolk Walking Festival in its tenth anniversary event from May 13 to June 4, 2017. While our volunteer numbers are fairly modest at the moment, we aim to involve more community members, growing organically so to speak, and there is something that we would like your help with. During the next two months to the end of January 2017 we will be asking Shotley residents of all ages to let us know which open spaces and footpaths you would like to see improvements to, and to work out how best these improvements can be made. We are talking with Babergh District Council about their experience in successfully carrying out this research within a community. Please join in when we do this research and especially encourage children to help. In the meantime if you have any suggestions for improvements to any areas in Shotley, please let us know on the numbers given below. Finally I’d like to thank everyone who has purchased a Shotley 2017 Calendar. The modest profit we make from these sales helps us do what we do and keep our equipment in good order. If you haven’t got a copy yet we may have a few left if you are quick. Please contact Marian Pugh (marian.pugh@btinternet.com / 01473 787182) or Gary Richens (gary.richens.583@btinternet.com / 01473 788555). Have a great Christmas and a fabulous New Year. Cheers to great things in 2017!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TREAT YOURSELF TO A LITTLE EXTRA LUXURY? For many people, it simply doesn’t make sense to have thousands tied up in a
property but be short of spending money for the things in life that matter. You may feel you’ve worked hard throughout your life and now you deserve to kick back and enjoy yourself. If you’re looking for a lump sum, or to increase your income to treat yourself and your family, Equity Release could be the solution. Typically, if you are over 55 and own your own home, you could release some of the equity in your home. People are already using Equity Release for: 1. Home Improvements 2. Holidays and travel 3. Clearing debts and mortgages 4. New cars 5. Gifts to family If eligible, you could get a loan based on your age and the value of your home – minimum loan amounts typically start at £10,000. You may spend the money however you like. Best of all you will still own your home and can carry on living in it. The loan will eventually be repaid when the property is sold, either on death or when the owner(s) have moved in with family or into residential care. As Equity Release specialists, we are convinced of the merits of raising capital by these means as long as the following measures are taken: • All possible alternatives are discussed with your advisor and your family. • The initial release matches your plans. Don’t take out any more than you need.
LIGHTHOUSEPLATINUM Wealth Management Ltd Equity Release may involve a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan. To understand the features and risks of an Equity Release scheme please ask for a personalised illustration. Equity Release may not be right for everyone. It may affect your entitlement to state benefits and will reduce the value of your estate. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or want your family to inherit it. Lighthouse Platinum Wealth Management Ltd is an appointed representative of Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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• You receive independent equity release advice from a suitably qualified advisor • The recommended lender complies with the ERC Code of Conduct • You receive separate legal representation from that of the lender. This will involve a face-to-face meeting with your solicitor. • You receive a Key Facts Illustration and a Suitability Report covering all aspects of your advisor’s recommendation including set up costs, interest rate, future balances and early repayment charges. To find out if you are eligible, contact Michael Hodgetts, Lighthouse Platinum Wealth Management Ltd T: 01473 730 999 E: mike@lighthouseplatinum.com
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NEWS CHELMONDISTON PARISH COUNCIL Defibrillator With a grant from the British Heart Foundation, the parish council has recently purchased a defibrillator for the village. It will probably be placed on the outside of the village hall. We have to train people in its use first (a condition of the grant which part-funded the machine) and that is in hand, along with CPR training. We have to have a weatherproof box for the machine before it can be installed and we are looking to get one of these as soon as possible. There is a defibrillator at Pin Mill, situated on the outside wall of the sailing club. The Peninsula Community Recycling Centre A reminder that the site is open on Saturday mornings from 8am-1pm. If Saturdays are impossible for you please contact Alan Nunn on 01473 780654 to arrange a time that is suitable for you to come to the site. Details can be found on our website. Alan, under the umbrella of the parish council, holds a Waste Carriers Licence. If you need to get rid of your washing machine or other metal items, give him a call. Be aware of traders who do not hold a licence. They are acting illegally and you could be held responsible. The cost of hiring the skips and the tonnage costs for the removal of waste have just been increased. We will try not to increase our prices, but we need your support to keep the site operating. The recycling credits from the bottle, paper and textile banks sitting outside the site goes towards the cost of the skips. The recycling credits from the bottle banks opposite the Red Lion goes to selected charities. Scattered Orchard Project We would like to thank Suffolk Coast and Heaths for inviting us to participate
in their Scattered Orchard Project. David and John Cordle kindly agreed to allow part of their land down Pin Mill Road to be used and the fruit trees, donated by Suffolk Coast and Heaths, were planted. They are all doing well. This is a community project and the fruit will be available for the community. Lee Foster and Keith Cooper are looking after the trees and will be keeping the nettles in check. The website Suffolk County Council is no longer hosting the Onesuffolk sites. These have been passed to Community Action Suffolk and councils are now having to pay a small annual charge. There are a few problems with the site which we hope will be sorted out as soon as possible. Council meetings The council meets on the first Tuesday of the 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 need help with, please get in touch. It’s 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. 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. Fran Sewell, clerk to Chelmondiston Parish Council: 01473 780138 / clerk@chelmondistonpc.info www.chelmondiston.suffolk.gov.uk
HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Wednesday, December 14 and Thursday, February 9 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.
Fully funded heating systems At least four of our patients are now benefitting from fully funded heating systems supplied by the Warm Homes, Healthy People project that we have been promoting. There are still funds available so if you would like to take advantage, please contact 03456 037686. Conditions apply.
Flu clinics If you didn’t manage to get to one of our flu clinics and you are eligible for a free flu vaccination, we will be running catch-up clinics so please ring reception for an appointment. Eligible patients will be either over 65 or have received a letter from the practice. Please note that we are unable to vaccinate you unless you are eligible and you should attend a pharmacy for this if required. Thank you to those patients who were patient with us while we had to work manually at one of our Shotley flu days due to IT issues.
Don’t be a DNA The number of patients not attending for appointments is on the increase and this is putting pressure on our appointment system. Many of these patients are booking on the same day so it would be appreciated if you can let us know if you can’t make your appointment so it can be offered to someone else.
Christmas and New Year opening times We will be closed for the Christmas bank holidays on Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27 as well as the New Year’s Day bank holiday on Monday, January 2. Otherwise we will be open as usual including Christmas and New Year’s Eve for pre-booked appointments. From December 19 to January 6 appointments will be available on the day. Please do not put your prescription request in early over the Christmas holidays and allow us at least three full working days before calling to collect your medications.
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Did you know you can self-refer to One Life Suffolk for weight loss, smoking cessation, health walks? Visit www.onelifesuffolk.co.uk or ring 01473 718193. Why not join the walk on Friday, January 6, starting at Pin Mill? Meet at 10.50am at the car park. This is a Grade 5 walk of three miles and should take approximately 90 minutes. For other walks, visit the website or pick up a brochure from the practice. Practice Manager Julia Smith
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Christmas at Ellisons
We are closed from 5.30pm on Friday 23rd December 2016 until
Monday 2nd January 2017 We re-open on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 at 9am Ipswich Office Appointments at your convenience enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com 01473 556 900 Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336
First Impressions Beauty Salon Gate Farm Road, Shotley Gate
Celebrating 16 years of serving the Shotley peninsula Your first choice for waxing and permanent hair removal, Shellac manicure and pedicure, Eve Taylor facials and massage, lash and brow treatments, Sienna X spray tanning. Easy parking on the premises - Opening hours to suit you Fully insured with BABTAC for all treatments For details of treatments and offers Visit 1stimpressionsbeauty.co.uk Call Lin on 01473 787429 www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM As we look forward to Christmas 2016 and the New Year 2017, I have a few wise words which I hope you will take the time to read. We all know how stressful and expensive Christmas shopping is and that children and friends look forward to receiving gifts from us. Don’t let theirs and your Christmas be ruined by opportunist thieves who stumble across open doors and windows, cars or sheds, to find neatly wrapped Christmas presents. If you go out make sure your house is secure, lights have been left on and valuables are out of sight. Cars on driveways should be locked and any valuables put in the boot. Why make it easy for someone else to enjoy your hard work and money? Use timer switches at home to give the impression of someone being in now that the nights are darker sooner. Try not to leave presents wrapped and visible from a window. The less incentive there is, the lower the risk you have of a break in to your property. If you are considering making expensive electrical purchases, consider marking them with a security pen and photographing their serial numbers for your records. www.immobilise.com is a free property registration service and a very powerful tool in the fight against crime. We would encourage you to register your valuable and identifiable possessions on this website. Please remember to include make, model and serial numbers where possible. It may be this winter that we experience snow flurries as well as ice cold
temperatures. Make sure that you are prepared for this if using your car on the roads. Make sure your fluids are topped up, think about a blanket or warm clothes in the boot in case you get caught in a road closure. It is also worth having your tyres checked by a garage to ensure they are legal and safe to use on the roads. Decent tyres can be lifesavers, and bad ones could cost you your licence. Many people get caught out by sudden changes in road conditions; be prepared to drive slower and plan well ahead for your journey. Suffolk Police will again be taking a zero tolerance approach to alcohol fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour this Christmas. Please drink sensibly when out, have designated drivers; you will not want to be the person who is arrested on Christmas Eve and has to spend the following day in police custody. Remember you can now follow the Safer Neighbourhood Team at Hadleigh on Twitter @HadleighPolice. Finally, from all officers and staff at Hadleigh Police Station we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year. Until next month, PCSO 3173 Julia Bignell, Hadleigh SNT, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD Email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk For emergency calls 999 / non-emergency calls 101
STOUR VALLEY U3A 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 Val Pretty may be contacted. On Wednesday, November 9, Adrian Wright FRGS presented a talk entitled Earth on Fire. Hawaiian larva oozes continuously while Krakatoa and Vesuvius have been dormant for decades – sometimes centuries
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– between cataclysmic events. This illustrative talk examined volcanic variety, exploring reasons for such diversity. While we don’t have a speaker meeting in December our popular Christmas Lunch will take place on Wednesday, December 7 in The Constable Hall. On Wednesday, January 11, Dr Geoffrey Kay, former lecturer at Norwich School of Art and Anglia Ruskin University, will speak on Drugs, Sex & Death – the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. In the mid19th century a group of young artists began to sign their work with the initials PRB. For a short time gallery visitors baffled. What was it that united these artists and how did they determine the course of British art for the next 50 years? We meet at The 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.
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OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 EVENTS
700
SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700
THE BIG QUIZ CHRISTMAS CONCERT Suffolk Concert Band and Chelmo Male Voice Choir Saturday, December 10 Shotley Village Hall, 7.30pm
ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 10, 9am-12.30pm. Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying.
Tickets £8 (£3 for juniors) available from Shotley Village Store; Norman Bugg (01473 787358); Pat Scholfield (01473 788521)
Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, mulled wine and mince pies.
The Big Quiz Saturday, January 28 Shotley Village Hall, 6.45 for 7pm Entry: £4 per person
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.
SUFFOLK CONCERT BAND and
CHELMO MALE VOICE CHOIR th
on Saturday 10 December at 7.30pm If your group would like to be included as one of the in Shotley Village Hall teams please ring Allana on 07907 841430.
Where?
SHOTLEY VILLAGE HALL Tickets:
Tickets are £8 (£3 for juniors) - available from the Village Store
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
Norman Bugg (tel: 787358) or Pat Scholfield (tel: 788521)
When? SATURDAY HARKSTEAD VILLAGE HALL
28th JANUARY
Time? 6.45pm foron7pm Thanks to everyone who supported our auction November 5 (it went with a bang!) which raised more than £420 for hall funds and is always Entry: £4.00 per person enjoyable. We shall be having our usual monthly Farmers’ Market on Saturday, December 17 when we will have all like our to regular stalls as andone perhaps a visit If your group would be included of the teams from Father Christmas. please ring Allana on 07907 841430 We wish all our supporters a Happy Christmas.
SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB October draw winners £25 099 Mrs E Bugg £20 158 Mr A Rudland £15 130 Mrs C Colman £8 056 Mrs J Stiff £7 122 J Cross New members are always welcome to join the 700 Club. The cost is £1 a month and can be paid at three, six or 12 monthly intervals. To join contact Norman Bugg on 787358. The 700 Club raises between £900 and £1,000 for repairs and improvements to Shotley church. Our current project of repairing the porch is nearing completion. Trip to Norwich The next trip to Norwich is on Wednesday, February 15, leaving Shotley Gate at 8.50am and Norwich at 4pm. This trip is being run by Suffolk Norse who have taken on some of Soames Coaches’ (Forget Me Not Travel) trips.
SHOTLEY OVER SIXTIES CLUB Our next meetings are on Thursdays, December 8 and 15, 1.50-4pm. As there are no whist drives during December, we are having our club on December 15 (no club on December 22). This will be an afternoon of fun for the village starting about 2.15pm. On arrival at the hall there will be wine, sherry or orange juice. This year a lady will be playing and singing songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. At half time there will be tea, coffee, sausage rolls and mince pies. The only expense for the afternoon is the draw. This will be a friendly and enjoyable afternoon and we should finish about 4pm. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a very peaceful 2017.
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For information or lifts, contact Norman or Eileen: 01473 787358
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OUT & ABOUT 1st SHOTLEY SCOUT GROUP
SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE
Scary Scouts Beavers and Cubs had a joint Halloween party. They had a few party games including apple bobbing, doughnuts on a string and the Jaffa Cake challenge (who knew how hard it was to get a Jaffa Cake into your mouth without touching it while trying to get it off your forehead?). There was, of course, food, dancing and sweets (kindly donated by Sarah and Jamie from the Rose). Thank you.
With some people on holiday or other things happening, there are no whist drives during December. The club wishes you all a peaceful Christmas and a very happy 2017.
The Scouts also had a party. They played the flour and Malteser game (what child would pass up the opportunity to get a face full of flour for a Malteser?). They also played human hungry hippos.
SHOTLEY & ERWARTON WI
Pampered Pets The Beavers had an enjoyable evening learning about pets in preparation for their visit to Pets at Home later on in the term. They got to stroke a chick, played the beetle game and created their very own pet while enjoying a home-made rock cake. Cold Cubs The Cubs had a very cold and dark hike around part of Alton Water reservoir, starting at Lemons bridge and finishing in Stutton. Sharing Scouts The Scouts have been sharing their hobbies with each other. These ranged from sketching and quad biking to drama and musical instruments. This went towards part of badge work and they have also created a bird box and desk organiser. The Scout group attended the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church, Shotley. It’s always great to see so many of the youngsters in their uniforms. Updates The Phil the Bag has finally been taken away for weighing and I hope to be able to report the total in the next edition. One cabin roof is fixed and hopefully the other will be fixed soon. Thanks to all those who have enquired about the hut and for those who have offered help, it’s much appreciated. Lastly can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB On November 2 John Stark introduced us to the Mid Suffolk Light Railway and on Wednesday 16 a representative from Homestead Senior Care spoke to us about senior fraud. Both informative meetings were much enjoyed by our members. December meetings December 7: Entertains, Robin Finch December 21: Christmas Quiz with Paul Oliver We are also holding our popular Christmas Lunch at The Venture Centre, Lawford on Sunday, December 11. Our only January meeting will be on Wednesday 18 when Dr J Knight will talk on the life and works of Sir John Betjeman CBE, an English poet, writer and broadcaster who described himself in Who’s Who as a “poet and hack”. He was Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death in 1984. 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 Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665
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Our first whist drive of the new year is on Thursday, January 12. Anyone wishing to join us is most welcome. For information or lifts, please contact Norman or Eileen: 01473 787358
We held a well attended AGM on Wednesday, November 16. The business of the AGM, followed by our usual monthly meeting, was its usual mix of serious business interspersed with laughter. We had two visitors who were warmly welcomed and, having experienced the fun and fellowship offered, are going to become members in January at the start of our new year. Marian then introduced us to her version of the card game Newmarket. Not many of us had played this before and the look of concentration on faces was a delight. We each started with a 20p pot and the idea was to end up with just one winner per table. At the end of the evening the ‘pot’ of £5.20 was donated to our charity for next year, which is Canine Partners. The raffle was won by Heide Gent and the competition for best wrapped Christmas present went to Lin Howell who had decorated her box to look like a reindeer and all agreed it was charming. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, December 21 when Marian and Elaine, members of our group, will present Making Something for Christmas and the results of our efforts will be judged. The January meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 20 when a lighthearted talk entitled Experiences of a Travel Rep will be presented by Lynne Catling. We are a lively, accommodating and welcoming group of ladies so if you fancy coming along to one of our meetings to see if it’s something that might interest you, do come, don’t be shy, we would be so pleased to see you. Our meetings are held in the village hall on the third Wednesday of the month. GLITZ AND GLAMOUR Saturday, November 19 saw Shotley Village Hall turned into a sparkling nightclub complete with elegantly dressed guests who were greeted with Prosecco and canapés as they arrived. Shotley and Erwarton WI pulled out all the stops to make this year’s Grand Autumn Ball a night to remember. There was a marvelous tombola and Jim Kemp chivalrously bestowed a pretty necklace he won to his wife while keeping a firm hold of the port and whisky! The guests were treated to a three course meal, lovingly made by WI members, followed by dancing to the Tyler Kemp band who played an excellent range of music. It was terrific fun and we would like to thank all those who came along to make the evening such a success. The £538.10 profit will be split between WI funds and the Over 70s Christmas Party.
ART ON THE PENINSULA Harkstead Art Group has long been the meeting place for like-minded people wishing to practise and develop their skills. The group welcomes both beginners and experienced. We have occasional lessons/demonstrations by local artists, such as drawing with Mr Nick Carter (01473 780808). The fee is £25 a term with three terms a year. If drawing and painting is your interest, then come and join this friendly group. Shirley, 01473 787633
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OUT & ABOUT 1st SAMFORD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP (HOLBROOK) Here at Samford Valley we’re really pleased to welcome Tiff Sims as our new Beaver Leader. Tiff grew up in a Scouting family and for the last six years has led a Rainbow unit so is well versed in providing adventurous and thought provoking activities for Beaver aged children. Tiff has a varied and entertaining programme drawn up for next term. As the way to any Beaver’s heart is through their stomach, Tiff has wisely included a variety of food-based activities: they’ll be cooking pancakes, decorating biscuits, hunting Easter eggs and, to celebrate Burns’ Night, Tiff will be challenging them to try haggis. Once the evenings get lighter they’ll be venturing outside to look for shells on a local beach. Until then they’ll be doing their Scouting indoors, with an evening of den building, a bit of science in the form of teabag rockets, a variety of craft activities, including a Mother’s Day present, junk modelling, lots of glitter and, for St David’s Day, flag and sword making. As well as welcoming Tiff to the group, we’d also like to say a big thank you to Cheryl, our outgoing Beaver Leader, for all her hard work and enthusiasm over the past three years. Fortunately, we’re not saying goodbye as Cheryl will now be joining the Cub pack as an assistant leader. You may have seen reports in the media of research recently carried out by scientists at Edinburgh University. They found that the positive effects of membership of Scouting and Guiding organisations carry on into adult life. Even at the grand old age of 50, those who have been Scouts or Guides as children are less likely to suffer from anxiety or mood disorders than their peers who have never joined. Even in the youngest sections, Scouting encourages self-reliance, problem solving, teamwork and an appreciation of the outdoors that make navigating adult life that much simpler. We can’t promise to inoculate your child against life’s problems, but we can help to provide them with the skills to tackle them. With plenty of fun, games and adventure along the way.
CHELMONDISTON WI October was a very busy and interesting month for Chelmo WI. Our speaker was an old friend, Carole Wheatley, who gave a fascinating talk on her trip to China. She loved the Great Wall, but was a bit worried by some of the food which included snakes and worms. The terracotta warriors were, of course, totally wonderful. She met some lovely Chinese people, saw people taking their cage birds for a walk in the morning sun, and learned that ladies thought that drinking green tea keeps your hair black. Shanghai and Hong Kong were amazing and the latter a shoppers’ paradise. We all want to go there now. Five of our ladies went on a pre-Christmas card making and how-to-wrapalmost-everything course and had a really good day. We can now wrap some very strange shapes indeed, but not bicycles. Our Chelmo WI Ladies bowling team went off to the South Eastern WI carpet bowls night at Needham Market where 12 teams were competing, and they won! Well done to our great team of Chris, Michele, Fiona and Karen – you were amazing (see picture on page 26). Finally, we hosted the Peninsula WI’s Group Halloween Party which was enormous fun as pretty well everybody came dressed as a Shotley, Chelmo or Tattingstone witch, and some were seriously scarier than others. Brilliant hats and make-up ladies – you all looked terrific. A big buffet and games followed a fascinating evening’s entertainment by our lovely young magician David. No-one could work out the £5 in the envelope trick. The prize for Best Witch went to Elaine from Shotley who had contrived to be both elegantly witchy and green. Oh, that nose! November brought our AGM and December brings a Happy Christmassy evening with the wonderful Vivo choir.
1st HOLBROOK BROWNIES
If you would like your child to benefit from all that Scouting has to offer, please get in touch via: www.samfordvalley.suffolkscouts.org.uk We currently have spaces in our Beaver (ages 6-8) and Cub sections (ages 8-10) for both boys and girls. Our subs are £30 a term and both sections meet on Wednesdays in Holbrook.
VILLAGE LINK CLUB Carolyn Leigh Belcher presented a talk on creative storywriting at our November meeting. She explained her approach to storywriting and read out a few sections from some of her books as examples. Having written her first book, she then found how difficult it was to find a publisher. She had almost given up hope when one contacted her at the eleventh hour. Even then some modifications were required before her story could go to print. Harry and Sue Parsons will present a talk entitled Nothing Like a Dame when we meet on Dceember 14. Future talks: Dedham, Lavenham and the Cloth Trade; Chaplin of the Methodist Homes; Wolves, Dogs and Us; Easter Parade; The Building of Bury Tower. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. 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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We had our first visit to Flux trampolining. Once socks were on, our Brownies had a fantastic time jumping, bouncing and somersaulting. As Sooty Owl and myself hardly saw the girls, and they couldn’t believe they’d had their hour when it was time to swap socks for shoes, I think we can say it was a huge success. Another first for Holbrook Brownies was our martial arts evening. Watched over by our pumpkin (kindly donated by Peter Page), our Brownies demonstrated such discipline and enthusiasm, not least when it came to the unison chants. While some of us made tasty food for the birds, our advanced Brownies worked hard for their badge by cooking a very tasty Spag Bol and delicious fruit salad for us all to try. We were so impressed with their culinary skills that we all wanted seconds. If you have a daughter between the ages of seven and 11 who would like to join in the fun, or a six-year-old who would like to go on our waiting list, please register on Girlguiding UK.
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OUT & ABOUT CHELMONDISTON OVER SIXTIES We are sad to say we lost one of our long standing members, Doris Marshall, on October 25, aged 95 years. She will be greatly missed. On December 1 we are having our Christmas Lunch at the White Horse in Stoke Ash. At the moment we still have a few places left. Our Christmas Party is on December 15 with music by High Water Mark and then we break for Christmas until January 5. We wish all a very Happy Christmas and a best wishes for the New Year. Michele and Michael Rutherford: 01473 780718
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Meeting on the first Monday in Wherstead Village Hall, 7.30-10pm. Monday, December 5: Party & Gift Boxes (Committee) Monday, January 9: Washi Tape (Debbie) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534 / Janet 01473 689681
PARTY GIRL Zoe Gleeson wants to bring people together to enjoy great food in unique spaces. “My nickname in London was Goldilocks. Somehow I could always find party spaces that were just right. Now that I’ve moved to Ipswich with my partner and new bub, I’ve decided to be brave and go for it,” she says of setting up Goldilocks Suffolk. Zoe’s ambition is to bring people together in places they’ve not been before and she’s on the hunt for unusual local spaces to host pop-up feasts; boats, lighthouses, churches, woods, private estates, rooftops, gardens, warehouses, barns… She’s also looking for local suppliers who can help turn a good party into a great one. Please get in touch if you know somewhere or something she might be interested in: hello@goldilockssuffolk.com
EAST SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND A local charity for local people An independent and voluntary charitable organisation promoting the welfare of blind and partially sighted people in East Suffolk since 1914. Membership is free. We also hold a social from 2-4pm on the last Wednesday of every month at Stutton Community Hall when we provide entertainment, afternoon tea and a raffle. Twice a year, in the summer and at Christmas, we enjoy lunch at a local hotel. If you would like to join us, please contact Ian, our community support worker, for more information: 01473 788380
RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN AND STOUR ESTUARY SPEND SOME TIME WITH NATURE The gates of RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden have closed now until next Easter, except for a few special weekends. The last of our Green Christmas Weekends, to coincide with the National Trust’s Tudor Christmas events, is December 3 and 4, 10.30am-3.30pm each day. Do come along and join us. In line with our ‘green’ theme, there will be a woven willow Christmas tree, festive bird feeders and simple willow decorations to make, an RSPB volunteers’ craft stall to browse and some jolly wassailing in our tiny orchard. We’re also hoping for a visit from the Green Mother Christmas. Flatford Wildlife Garden has established a tradition of opening up for The Big Garden Birdwatch weekend at the end of January and for two special Snowdrop Weekends in February, and we plan to continue with these events, so do keep an eye on our website for further details nearer the time: www.rspb.org.uk/flatford As Christmas approaches, it’s sometimes a relief to get away from all the preparations and out into the fresh air to slow the pace down and spend some time with nature. Have you visited Stour Wood lately? There’s ample car parking at the entrance on the B1352 and a footpath map can be downloaded from: www.rspb.org.uk/stourestuary
Photo by Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
A choice of circular trails lead through the trees to stunning views over the estuary, where many winter migrant birds have now arrived to feed on the mudflats and roost on the saltmarsh. If the tide is right, you may see the Brent geese who’ve flown in from their Arctic breeding grounds and a host of other waders and ducks. Keep your eyes on the sky for flocks of dunlin wheeling over the water, their white underwings shining and twinkling in the sunlight as they twist and turn en masse. A wonderful sight, and right on our doorstep – aren’t we lucky? The river is home to good numbers of teal at the moment too, the male dabbling ducks with their strikingly distinctive broad green eye-patches, and both sexes showing bright green wing patches in flight. The woods themselves are an oasis of peace and calm at this time of the year. Find the time to rustle through the leaves or swoosh through some puddles in your wellies and take in the sound of the breeze through the branches and the song of the robin. Your blood pressure will thank you for it. If you have some spare time available and would be interested in volunteering with us at the RSPB locally, do get in touch for information about the range of roles available: 01206 391153 / stourestuary@rspb.org.uk Visitor Experience Officer Sharon Barker
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Out & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SHOTLEY GARDENING CLUB There are still a few places remaining on the 2017 club holiday. This is open to all comers and is a Shotley event, picking up only along the peninsular before heading off to Yorkshire from Monday, May 22 to Friday 25. For further details of a very full itinerary please contact Karen Smith: 01473 787731 2017 PROGRAMME Tuesday, January 10: New Year dinner at the Red Lion in Chelmondiston / no competition Monday, February 6: Simon Leatherhead on Maritime Trees / Competition: a photographic portrait of a tree We met on November 15 for a return visit from Karen Kenny who spoke about container gardening. She began with a potted history of pots and the different ways that container gardening has been explored throughout history, and then proceeded to engage us all in naming all the possible things that could be used to grow plants in. We were quite inventive, so if unusual objects with plants in crop up in Shotley we know who to blame. The WI have already used bras! Karen has a store of gardening knowledge and a great sense of fun. She believes in audience participation and you can’t help but join in. There was lots of laughter and a great deal of information gained and shared. The key message, I think, might have been ‘control’ and had quite a lot to do with pruning. There was also the idea of being resourceful. Who would have thought of going to a jumble sale to get a woolly jumper to line hanging baskets with? And again there was a brief discussion on the size of a vine weevil’s bum (you had to be there!) and so much more. It was a really good evening and I’m sure she will be back, maybe to talk about compost! I almost dread to think what she might do with that. The competition of a pot plant was won by June Edwards. This month we will be gathering for our pre-Christmas get together at the village hall on December 12. The competition will be a table centre with natural materials (one candle may be used)
Monday, March 13: Matthew Tanton-Brown, topic TBA / Competition: a photograph of Shotley in winter Monday, April 10: Sonya Burrows on Plants Under Siege / Competition: an arrangement of spring flowers Monday, May 8: Bryan Thurlow as The Perennial Mister Potter, a performance piece / Competition: something you use in your garden that was not originally a garden tool or a homemade tool Monday, June 19 (note later date): Evening garden visit to East Bergholt, earlier time TBA / no competition Monday, July 10: Club Open Gardens, earlier start TBA / Competition: a single rose grown by a member Monday, August 14: Annual Cream Tea / Competition: a photograph of a Shotley sunset Monday, September 11: AGM / Competition: a plate of fruit or vegetables grown by the member The club meets every second Monday in the month at 7.30pm in Shotley Village Hall (unless otherwise indicated). We have a range of speakers and activities and welcome new members. If any of the talks interest you, why not join us for a nominal fee of £1 for a taster evening? We are a friendly, chatty group who like gardens. Come and meet us. For more information call Karen (787731) or June (787422).
IPSWICH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS ANNOUNCES NEW FINANCIAL AWARD Ipswich High School for Girls has announced a brand new financial award to enable the brightest and best from state-funded schools to enter its unique Sixth Form. The Elliston Award is a financial award worth up to 50% of the Ipswich High School fees throughout the Sixth Form for strong applicants from state-funded schools. The school is fully committed to enabling the best and the brightest to enter the IHS Sixth Form and guarantee that at least one of these awards will be given to any suitable applicant from each state-funded school in Essex or Suffolk. All applicants must meet the following criteria: •
Be predicted/have achieved 7 A*-C grades (or 6 to 9 in the new marking scheme) in their GCSE subjects
•
Have a letter of recommendation from their current school
•
Be studying for GCSEs in a state school in Essex or Suffolk
•
Be motivated and have the potential to succeed
The application deadline is January 30, 2017. For more details, applicants should visit www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk/Elliston or contact: Admissions@ihs.gdst.net
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Headteacher Oona Carlin commented: “We have always strived to encourage the most talented and motivated girls to take up places in our bespoke, friendly and challenging Sixth Form. However, I have been aware that our school fees have restricted access for some in the past. This year, we want to widen access for brilliant pupils who may not have been able to consider us in the past by offering a generous financial award to those suitable girls coming from state-funded schools. I am really excited to announce this incentive, which has already proved popular with heads of local statefunded schools.” Ipswich High School for Girls is the only independent girls’ school in Suffolk and one of the leading schools in our region. As one of 26 schools in the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), IHS is fully committed to the value of girls only education.We are committed to providing financial assistance to talented, motivated girls, whose families are not in a position to pay full school fees. We extend this provision even further in the Sixth Form to allow as many girls as possible to benefit from this transformative phase of education and our coach routes mean that our Sixth Form is accessible to girls across this region.
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SCHOOLS / SPORT CHELMONDISTON CEVC PRIMARY SCHOOL The first half term of the year is now over with and what an exciting one it has been.
all of its Christmas glory. There will of course be refreshments and we look forward to welcoming you to the school.
This half term has started with a wonderful Harvest Festival. The theme of our assembly was that of giving thanks and the children worked incredibly hard producing prayers, drama and singing some wonderful hymns. I am indebted to the parents of the children in the school who brought in a wonderful array of produce which we were able to distribute to local elderly residents. It has been a real pleasure to receive a number of thank you cards from them.
Naturally, these events don’t just happen by themselves. As I have said before, the PTA (Parent School Association) does a wonderful job in putting on events and organising the stalls. I would like to thank all the present members of the PTA for all that they do. We would welcome your support be you a present, past or future parent. Ex-pupils are also very welcome to help, providing they are over the age of 16. If you would like to help and contribute to the school, please contact me and I’m sure that we will find a job for you.
The theme of the school being involved in the local community continues into this half term. We will be having a number of events which we would like to invite you to. The first of these is our service of readings and carols. This is a wonderful way to begin the Christmas festivities and we hope to see as many of you as possible at St Andrew’s on Tuesday, December 13 at 6pm.
We will, of course, be having our Christmas Fair and hope you will join us from 3.30pm onwards on Friday, December 2. You will have a wonderful opportunity to buy Christmas presents and see the school decorated in
The children in Key Stage 2 enjoyed a fantastic visit to the Museum of East Anglian Life. They thoroughly enjoyed their day making butter and looking around the museum. This allowed them to see what life may have been like in Chelmondiston in years gone by. Music is one of the real strengths of the school and our children will be contributing to various choirs, including those taking place at the Royal Hospital School and at Snape Maltings. I am also pleased to report that the children have taken part in football and tag rugby tournaments. As a small school I feel that it is very important that the children are involved in extra-curricular activities like these. It allows the children to participate with others at local schools in fun and friendly competition. I wish you a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. Headteacher Sean Cornish
CHELMONDISTON CARPET BOWLS
PIN MILL SAILING CLUB
We are currently in third position in the winter league, but have some tough away games coming up. A very creditable performance as we are nearly the only club that always turns up with a full team even if we have to play with some reserves, who always give a good performance.
This was Halloween Night – the red stuff was a heady mix, including eye balls. An interesting way to greet your guests. There were some interesting fancy dress outfits and ghoulish make up. This is probably the only evening of the year that you can get away with telling a guest they look hideous.
On the social side we held a fish and chip supper recently, with lovely food from Barry’s mobile chip van. Thanks Barry and Angie. We can thoroughly recommend them. Call 07710 338414 for information. Congratulations to Chelmondiston WI (see page 21) on winning an inter-branch competition at Needham Market. The winning team pictured receiving the trophy were Karen, Chris, Michelle and Fiona, who are all club members. It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Doris Marshall, one of our longest members, still bowling in her nineties and even with failing eyesight still unnervingly accurate.
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The children had a good time as well and now look forward to their Christmas Party on December 10. Over the Christmas break, the club will open its doors to members and the community for carol singing on Christmas Eve and on Boxing Day when the Morris Dancers will entertain us at noon followed by mince pies, bacon butties and more carol singing. Get there early on both occasions if you want to get in. Watch this space for more action and entertainment: www.pmsc.org.uk / Facebook: PMSCSocial
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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
NEPTUNE SAILING
Neptune sailors with Martin Memory, NYG chairman and senior instructor
We have completed another very successful sailing season, Neptune’s fiftieth anniversary and our fourth since Neptune Sailing was divested, becoming a registered charity. It was a reasonable month for the First Team, registering two victories, one draw and one defeat and maintaining a mid-table position. The Reserves slipped back a little, suffering two defeats to go along with one win and one draw, but are still well placed in League A. The A Team had a tough October in the B League. Having won their first match, they failed to gain any further points and are now in a mid-table position. You may well have noticed that our dug outs at Gandish Road are now looking much better. We are very grateful to G&C Softwoods for supplying the materials to make this possible. A reminder for all spectators. Kick off times have reverted to 2pm now that the clocks have gone back. They return to 2.30pm at the end of January. UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team Senior Division Sat, Nov 26 Achilles (A) Sat, Dec 3 Henley Athletic (H) Sat, Dec 10 Ransomes Sports (A) Tue, Dec 27 Capel Plough (A) Mon, Jan 2 Coplestonians (H) Sat, Jan 7 Witnesham Wasps Bob Coleman Cup R3 (A) Reserves League A Sat, Nov 26 Sat, Dec 3 Sat, Dec 10 Sat, Dec 17
Achilles Res (H) Old Newton Utd Res (A) AFC Hoxne Res (H) Ipswich Athletic Res (A)
A Team League B Sat, Nov 26 Sat, Dec 3 Sat, Dec 10 Sat, Dec 17 Sat, Jan 7
Coplestonians A (A) Trimley Athletic Res (H) Trimley Red Devils Res (A) Henley Athletic Res (H) Bacton United ’89 Res (A)
Fixtures subject to change. To confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 We are always looking for people who can help the club as a committee member, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background. 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. Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
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This season we have developed further our links with Holbrook Academy and Ipswich High School for Girls, helping staff to gain and maintain qualifications, as well as enabling students to gain RYA Stage certificates. This working partnership has been instrumental in making our sessions so successful. We hope to include even more local schools next season, having provided sessions for Chelmondiston and East Bergholt Primary Schools this year. Summer courses were very popular, with several of our five-day courses full to bursting. We were even able to offer some family group sailing, which proved very successful and was much enjoyed by the parents. As in previous years, we were able to support both Royal Harwich YC and Deben YC with courses for their members. The chance to work at different venues was much enjoyed by our team of instructors, which we continue to develop. On Saturday, October 15 we combined the laying up of our fleet with the presentation of RYA certificates and awards achieved by Neptune Youth Group young sailors. This was followed by a barbecue for all those helping on the work party and young sailors receiving their awards. The work party was well attended and we were able to de-rig our fleet of Toppers and Fevas and store them on racks. Our Wayfarers and RIBs were also brought ashore and cleaned ready for anti fouling next season. 2017 SEASON Young sailors We will be running several evening youth groups, beginning in April next year. If you are interested in joining a group please contact us: youthgroup@neptunesailing.org.uk Dinghy instructor/powerboat instructor training We hope to offer opportunities for training again next year, having organised two dinghy instructor courses this season. If you are interested in qualifying as an instructor, please do get in touch. Additional support for Neptune We are always keen to work with new people, so if you are a dinghy instructor, senior instructor, powerboat/safety boat driver, or just a keen sailor and would like to get involved with Neptune Sailing please contact us. We always need volunteers to support our committees and to help maintain our large fleet. Craft for sale As we are keen to update our fleet, we have a number of dinghies and powerboats for sale at the end of season. Neptune Sailing is run by volunteers, both as trustees and committee members, backed up by helpers both on and off the water. The on-water teams are all qualified to RYA standards and controlled by our internal operating procedures. Our annual RYA inspection was conducted on September 15 and our continued certification approved. www.neptunesailing.org.uk
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS SHOTLEY BOWLS CLUB
TWO RIVERS BENEFICE
We celebrated a very successful season at our presentation night at the Rose Tavern on October 2. Scott Moir won the inter-club Mick Chaplin Cup and Andrew Coulson won the club’s Roger Page Cup. The Players’ Player of the Year award went to Scott Moir.
ST PETER’S, STUTTON
A lovely spread was provided by the Rose Tavern and a thoroughly enjoyable night was enjoyed by club members.
6pm
December 24
11.15pm Midnight Mass with Holy Communion
Shotley Bowls Club held its AGM at the village hall on October 12. The club elected a new chairman, Bill Sarachet, and re-elected team captains Martin Stiff (Mondays) and Len Haines (Wednesday). Norman Bugg remains as club secretary and would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in taking up bowls and joining our club.
December 25
9.30am Family Communion
Finally, Shotley Bowls Club would like to send our condolences to the family of former member Doris Marshall who passed away recently. Norman Bugg, 01473 787686
SHORELINE BENEFICE ST ANDREW’S, CHELMONDISTON December 4
9.15am Holy Communion with Harkstead
December 11
9.30am Holy Communion at Harkstead
December 14
10am
December 18
9.15am Holy Communion
6pm
December 24
2.45pm Crib Service
Midweek Communion Carols by Candlelight
11.30pm Benefice Midnight Communion at Harkstead December 25
9.15am Family Communion
ST MARY’S, ERWARTON December 4
10.45am Christingle Service at Shotley
December 11
11am
Family Service
December 18
11am
Holy Communion
December 24
6pm
Nine Lessons and Carols
11.30pm Benefice Midnight Communion at Harkstead December 25
11am
Holy Communion
ST MARY’S, HARKSTEAD December 4
9.15am Holy Communion at Chelmondiston
December 11
9.30am Holy Communion with Chelmondiston
December 18
5pm
December 24
11.30pm Benefice Holy Communion
December 25
10am
8am
Holy Communion
6pm
Christingle Service
December 11
9.30am Holy Communion
December 18
9.30am Holy Communion Carols by Candlelight
ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK December 4
9.30am Holy Communion
December 11
9.30am Matins
December 18
8am
Holy Communion
10am
Informal Service
December 20
7pm
Carols by Candlelight
December 24
6pm
Crib Service
December 25
9.30am Family Communion
ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD December 4
No Service
December 11
11am
Holy Communion
December 18
4pm
Carols by Candlelight
December 24
4pm
Christingle Service
December 25
11am
Family Communion
ST PETER’S, FRESTON December 4
11am
December 11
No Service
December 18
4pm
Matins Carols by Candlelight
December 24
No Service
December 25
11am
Family Communion
ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE December 4
11am
December 10
Monthly Market, 9am-12.30pm
December 11
11am
Worship the Woolverstone Way
December 18
11am
Morning Prayer
December 19
7pm
Family Carol Service
Christmas Day
11am
Christmas Family Communion
New Year’s Day
11am
Benefice Service at Stutton
January 6
Baptism
Epiphany Barn Dance
Carols by Candlelight Family Communion
ST MARY’S, SHOTLEY December 4
10.45am Christingle Service with Erwarton
December 11
4pm
December 18
10.45am Holy Communion
December 24
4pm
Crib Service
December 25
10am
Family Communion
Carols by Candlelight
Please check on the website or the church noticeboards for any change to the service times and places.
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December 4
PENINSULA BAPTIST CHURCH Pin Mill Road, Chelmondiston Sunday Mornings: Family Service 10.30am Sunday Evening: 6pm CHRISTMAS Carol Service on Sunday, December 18, 6pm Christmas Morning Family Christmas, 10.30am Minister: Dave Kelland 01473 788441 / 07970 312705
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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 Tel: 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information, please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door of the church. Services for December Sunday 4 9am
2nd Sunday of Advent Mass
Tuesday 6 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 11 9am
3rd Sunday of Advent Mass
Tuesday 13 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 18 9am
4th Sunday of Advent Mass Children’s Liturgy
Tuesday 20 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Saturday 24 5.30pm 8pm
Christmas Eve St Joseph’s College, Ipswich IP2 9DR Holy Family, Brantham
Sunday 25 9am 11am
Christmas Day Mass Holy Family, Brantham Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich
Tuesday 27 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Catholic Commentary The quest for Christian Unity received a boost from the recent meeting in Rome when Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury met for talks at which 19 pairs of bishops from the two communions were charged to return to their countries and promote more joint prayer, joint proclamation of the Gospel and joint works, especially charitable
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activity and for justice. The meeting marked the 50th anniversary of the beginning of formal Anglican-Roman Catholic ecumenical efforts. While doctrinal differences still exist there is much common ground for more co-operation. The Catholic Church has welcomed the government’s proposal to remove the 50 percent cap on faith-based admissions for free schools and academies. This will enable Catholic schools to meet the current parental demand for thousands of new Catholic school places across the country. Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday, November 20 when three lucky winners shared £139. The next draw takes place on Sunday, December 18. The club has grown from strength-to-strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Our Christmas Hamper Raffle will be drawn on Sunday, December 11 and tickets are now on sale. Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, December 29. The parish are planning an Epiphany lunch on Thursday, January 5 at The Ipswich Hotel (formerly The Cameo), Old London Road, Copdock IP8 3JD. This lunch will follow 11.30am mass at St Mark’s. Further details will be published in the weekly newsletter. Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps and to 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 at Holy Family, Brantham 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.
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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE HOLBROOK AND CHELMONDISTON METHODIST CHURCHES WHO, ME? At the beginning of 2016 who would have thought we would have Prime Minister Teresa May, Chancellor Phillip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and President-elect Donald Trump by the end of the year? On Radio 4’s The Now Show, Steve Punt asked the question: “Is it just me that finds it confusing that we have Hammond and May in charge of the country? It makes me worried that Clarkson might be in there somewhere!” Any one of those suggestions earlier this year would have evoked the surprised response “Who, them?”. So many surprising things happening during this year. Of the four I’ve listed, three were positioning themselves for these post and Boris was probably the only one who might have been surprised when the call came and asked the question himself “Who, me?”. Have you ever been asked to do something amazing and answered “Who, me?”. We are so surprised that we are asked. Sometimes we may try to make excuses for not doing it, other times we might relish the challenge. If being chosen for this amazing thing involves making some sacrifice, again we might not be so willing. Mary was asked to do an amazing thing, to be the mother of Jesus. Her first response “Who, me?”. Then I guess she thought about the consequences, what her fiancé would say or do, and her parents – the potential for shame was enormous. Mary’s parents and Joseph may have asked the question with surprise “Who, Mary?”. But her response was: “I am willing, let it happen as you have said.” Then her parents accepted it, her fiancé married her. Mary was changed as she made herself available to God. The story of Mary calls for a similar response from us. We will hear the stories of the birth of Jesus again in this coming month. We love the story, we’ll enjoy the carols, but actually Jesus wants us to be part of his team, Team Jesus. As the old joke says, Jesus, a carpenter’s son, is looking for joiners! He wants us to be part of his team and I hear you say with surprise “Who, me?”. Jesus responds “Yes, you!”. If you want to discover more of what that means, please drop me a line (email or post), text or ring, or join us at one of our services and make yourself known. Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Holbrook and Chelmondiston Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216
AT HOLBROOK METHODIST What’s on in December (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Monday, 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT) Thursday 1 1.30pm Wreath Making (repeated at 7.30pm) Friday 2 9am Tiddlers / 10am Family Live 3.30pm Christmas Messy Church (HCT) Saturday 3 10am Christmas Coffee Morning in aid of DOM’s FUND with festive food and drinks, gift stalls Sunday 4 10am Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Tuesday 6 7.30pm Conversations Meeting – informal time to discuss Christian issues Wednesday 7 11am-4pm Christmas Knit In / chat including festive lunch Thursday 8 2pm Fellowship Meeting at 16 Ipswich Road, Holbrook Sunday 11 10am Worship with Dr Liz Cope 6.15pm At Chelmondiston with Rev Julian Pursehouse Friday 16 9am Tiddlers / 10am Family Live Sunday 18 10am Family Friendly Worship with Mrs Alicia Holmes 4.30pm Carols at The Swan (HCT) Wednesday 21 7pm Carol Service Thursday 22 2pm Fellowship Meeting at 16 Ipswich Road, Holbrook Sunday 25 10.30am Christmas Day Worship with Mrs Sylvia McLean AT CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Sunday 4 10.45am Worship with Mr Paul Finch 6.15pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 11 10.45am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.15pm Worship with Rev Julian Pursehouse Sunday 18 10.45am Worship with Rev Michael Ayden 6.15pm Carol Service with Mrs Dee Molton Sunday 25 10am Christmas Day Worship with Mr David Cordle Sun, Jan 1 10.45am Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey
COULD YOU BENEFIT FROM THIRTY HOURS FREE CHILDCARE? From September 2017, eligible working parents will be able to have up to 30 hours free childcare a week for three- and four-year-old children.
“Early learning provided by qualified early years professionals supports a child’s development and provides them with valuable opportunities to learn though play and be ready to start school.”
Parents of three and four year olds currently get 15 hours a week of free early learning and childcare, and this offer will increase to 30 hours for working parents.
“It is vital that as many parents as possible take part in this survey, to give us a clear picture of how many childcare places might be needed by September 2017.”
Suffolk County Council is launching a survey to find out how working parents with young children across the county plan to use the additional childcare. The information collected will help the council and childcare providers to plan for the increase in childcare places.
Parents will be able to split their 30 hours between a maximum of three Ofsted registered providers. While 30 hours is the maximum entitlement, parents will be under no obligation to take up all these hours.
Councillor Gordon Jones, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “The majority of Suffolk families already use up to 15 hours of free early learning for three and four year olds at a range of providers. Places can be taken at pre-schools, day nurseries, school nursery classes or with a childminder.
The survey closes on December 16. You can complete the online survey at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/30hours
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For more information about the survey, contact the Suffolk Family Information Service: 0345 60 800 33 / 30hoursurvey@suffolk.gov.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH
With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Steve from Woodbridge asks: “In a previous article you stated that your world-wide assets would form part of your estate on death and could be liable for UK inheritance tax. We live around eight months of the year in Portugal where we have a property, and we also keep a flat in Suffolk. We also have around £200,000 in an offshore bond in Jersey. If we died, would the property in Portugal and the money in the bond be included in our estate and liable to inheritance tax or would the property and the bond be dealt with under Portugese and Jersey probate respectively?” The short answer is ‘Yes’ Steve. Both assets would be potentially liable to UK inheritance tax. Onshore or offshore, if you are domiciled or deemed domiciled in the UK, any assets that you own will count as part of your estate on death. An offshore investment may have some income tax advantages, but it will not escape the attention of HMRC when it comes to paying UK inheritance tax. However, we need to remove any confusion between probate or property succession law, and inheritance tax law. They are not the same thing and one does not preclude or cancel the other. Many people assume that if their assets are in another country, they will not form part of their estate on death for tax purposes under UK tax law, but that’s not the case. What drives UK inheritance tax is your domicile status, which is much more complicated than just your residency status. If you were born in the UK and are a UK citizen, and you pay or previously paid UK income tax, and still have UK property or assets, you will almost certainly be domiciled or deemed domiciled in the UK. If HMRC say you are domiciled or deemed domiciled in the UK on death then all of your assets regardless of where they are located in the world, will form part of your estate for the calculation of UK inheritance tax. How those assets are then administered is a completely different and entirely separate thing altogether to how they are treated for tax purposes.
In your case Steve, the Portuguese property will be distributed either in accordance with any Will you have made in Portugal or if you have not made a Will, in accordance with Portuguese property succession laws. Portuguese property laws are complicated and very unlike UK property law. If you haven’t already done so, make a Will in Portugal in regards to your Portuguese property. The offshore bond provider will almost certainly require a Jersey Grant of Probate to release the funds to the executors of your English Will, but in some cases, they may accept a grant issued by an English Probate Registry. You will have to check direct with the provider. There are some offshore investments that can be held in special ‘discounted gift’ trusts that allow you to gift capital to your children now, and still enjoy a tax efficient income from the fund ongoing. This type of plan may help you with your inheritance tax planning if you are happy to gift a reasonable sum of money into trust. However, you should understand that once the capital is gifted into the trust, although you can have an income from it, you will not be able to ever get the capital back during your lifetime. That will obviously not appeal to everyone, but if you have some capital that you will not need to access in retirement, but which you would like to take an income from, then these discounted gift trust plans can be a great inheritance tax planning tool. Nick Plumb is an independent financial adviser and practice principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments, pensions or general financial planning you can contact Nick at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH BACKS TRUST’S VISION FOR NEW NATURE RESERVE Sir David Attenborough has urged people to get behind Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s campaign to raise £1million and create a giant nature reserve for people and wildlife in the Suffolk Broads. Following initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Trust now has the unprecedented opportunity to buy land flanking the existing nature reserve at Carlton and Oulton Marshes to form 1,000 acres of wildness in the Broads National Park. It is hoped the site will ultimately become the Suffolk Broads National Nature Reserve. The land purchase, the biggest attempted in the Trust’s 55 year history, will lead to the creation of a mix of wet habitats that so many nationally rare animals and plants depend on. Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “England’s wildlife is under great and ever growing pressure. It is vital that we restore our land on a landscape scale so that it can support more wild plants and animals. Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s ambition to extend Carlton and Oulton Marshes is a unique opportunity to do just this and it has my whole-hearted support. “Please help Suffolk Wildlife Trust rescue this precious corner of East Anglia and bring back wildlife in all its splendour. By giving generously you will be investing not just in wildlife but in the happiness and fulfilment of thousands of people now and in the future.” The new reedbed will be the largest in the Broads, supporting breeding marsh harrier and bittern, as well as reed bunting, grasshopper warbler and lesser known species like white mantled wainscot moth, which has only been found in Suffolk.
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A seven mile network of restored freshwater ditches will be amongst the best in the UK and will allow Broadland specialists including plants, water voles and the rare fen raft spider to spread across the landscape. More than 150 acres of marsh, fen meadow and shallow pools will be created, with thousands of metres of soft muddy edges, for wintering wildfowl and nationally declining waders like lapwing and redshank to feed. HLF has approved the Trust’s initial plans for the land purchase, together with proposals to improve the reserve for visitors and develop wideranging education activities. HLF has awarded the Trust a development grant of £246,300 to work on the detailed plans necessary to secure a full grant of £4m for the project. The enthusiasm of HLF for the Trust’s vision brings the project a step closer and Suffolk Wildlife Trust is now launching a £1million fundraising campaign towards the land purchase. Julian Roughton, chief executive of Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: “This is an opportunity to create wildness as far as the eye can see and restore a magnificent landscape in the UK’s most nature-rich National Park. Buying this land will create an amazing place for wildlife that people can enjoy forever. It’s an ambitious vision and raising £1million will enable us to make it happen.” To donate what you can to help create the Suffolk Broads nature reserve visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org Each donation will effectively be tripled by the legacy gifts the Trust has already received, Gift Aid and through the charity’s approaches to funders like the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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