In Touch News with Shotley, January 2019

In Touch

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with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 9 • Issue No. 2 • January 2019

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently I spent time with an friend who is caring for her elderly dad. Sarah is exhausted, sad, stressed and worried, worn out from sleeping on chairs next to her dad’s hospital bed. She talked about the ongoing struggle to get the support they both need, the ever-changing nature of her dad’s condition and her fears for the future, but also of the people she calls ‘Angels’ who she has encountered along this difficult journey.

These ‘Angels’ are few in number, but they stand out because they are so remarkable. One she particularly remembers is Sam. He operates the overnight tea trolley in A&E at their local hospital. A&E is never a pleasant place to be, particularly so at 3am, but when Sam arrived, pushing his tea trolley quietly so as not to disturb or agitate patients, my friend was amazed by his smile and the gentle manner in which he approached people. She watched him make his away around the room and was astonished by the effect he had. People returned his smile, grateful to have a hot drink and to chat for a moment to someone who actually looked happy to be there.

As he approached, my friend prepared herself to speak for her dad, but Sam spoke directly to him. He said: “I have a cup of tea for you and something tells me you’d like it with sugar.” Her dad hadn’t said a word for hours, but to Sarah’s surprise he replied and he and Sam had a brief chat. When Sam departed with a smile and a wave, Sarah’s dad continued to chat into the morning. This one brief encounter had lifted his spirits and for a short time Sarah and her dad chatted about all and sundry. For this Sarah will forever be grateful to the ‘Angel’ with the tea trolley.

I share this story because it has had such an impact on me. I have never been, and will never be, an ‘Angel’. I try to be positive, I really do, but it doesn’t come to me naturally. If I had to push a tea trolley around A&E at 3am I’d be more likely to leave a trail of despair. I dread to think what my work colleagues might have to say!

When I’m feeling sorry for myself I think of Sam and my friend’s tears as she recalled her all to brief encounter with him. January is a difficult month for many people for many different reasons. Do you have the capacity to be an ‘Angel’ in someone’s life for a brief moment? I hope I do!

InTouch

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

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

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Send editorial copy to: shotley@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

NEWS HANGING UP THEIR DELIVERY BAGS Tree, Sharon and all the staff at In Touch would like to thank Norman and Eileen Bugg for their many years delivering the Shotley magazine. They have decided it is now time to hang up their delivery bags and we wish them all the very best for the future. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Norman on his recent Babergh Community Champion of the Year award.

If you are interested in taking over the Shotley round, please contact Tree Martin for more information: tree@intouchnews.co.uk / 01473 400380

SHOTLEY PIER UPDATE The Pier continues to get plenty of attention. While the planning appeal progresses, the volunteers have been drawing up new plans with the view of amending the application or putting in a new application in the near future.

Following much debate with stakeholders and investors, the main areas of compromise at this point are: • Reduce the height of the buildings • Reduce the width of the buildings – giving a rather narrow interior • Reduce the overall length of the Visitor Centre • Reduce the number of tables and chairs • Remove the office from the Visitor Centre • Place the heritage display area in the Workshop Investors are invited to vote on the style of roof, with the four choices displayed in more detail at: www.shotleypier.co.uk Our popular coffee mornings at the Michelin-listed Red Lion, Chelmondiston will continue on Thursday, January 3 and Wednesday, February 6 from 10.30am to noon at £5 per person for tea/coffee and home-made cake.

We also publish In Touch with...

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

In Touch with...

February DEADLINE 10 January 2019

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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS – BERNERS WARD Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Freston One of the beauties of being an Independent councillor living on the peninsula and serving this wonderful community, is being able to cherry pick and push the best things we have going here, and also going against what I don’t believe is the right thing for our residents without fear or favour.

Independents don’t answer to a political party but instead work for the good of the majority. It also means we can help mediate, mitigate and motivate for the best way forward and we mean what we say, with you – the electorate – as our judge.

As the only non-Conservative on the Babergh Cabinet I have spoken and voted for and against policies which affect our residents, and also reflected a wider view than might normally have been heard in a one party inner sanctum. I have supported Labour motions on things such as Modern Day Slavery, backed the Lib Dems on planning issues, and have initiated tangible projects called for by the Green Party.

Of course, we can’t please all of the people all of the time, and I am not averse to occasionally upsetting those in high places as I stand up for residents who otherwise may feel they are spitting in the wind, or are not being heard. More often than not though, compromise is the best way forward. I believe just because you disagree with someone it doesn’t make them your enemy and at this time of year it is good to reflect on the year just gone, and the bright future 2019 offers.

We should be thankful to all the marvellous volunteers that have made our area such a joy to live in and who help it to flourish. It is right these people are recognised and we can celebrate our small successes with a raft of various awards and nominations.

Much good has been done over the past year as we work towards ensuring we have enough sustainable housing for all generations as our population grows. We need to continue tackling rural isolation and loneliness with our various initiatives.

Better infrastructure is needed and to this end many parish councils will benefit from increased funding from Babergh through the Community Infrastructure Levy and our grant and funding experts continue to find pockets of cash for local projects.

While the right houses in the right places are needed, we still need to protect and preserve the fantastic peninsula we live, support the work of the AONB, including the extension being sought, and respect the rich heritage and

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

culture that surrounds us. It should not always be about the money, but instead we should make it about the people.

I’m a glass half full type of person, looking forward with optimism knowing there is still much work to do, but we can build on a strong platform and by pulling together we can continue to achieve a great deal, regardless of any rosette colours.

Social Housing Housing is a hot topic, but I’m delighted that Babergh has applied to build eight new social homes to replace three old buildings in Shotley. The bungalows will all be two-bedroom and help towards filling a need on the peninsula. This is something that has been on my agenda ever since getting elected, and while progress has been painfully slow, it is heartening to see things moving forward and all things being equal people will be moving in next year.

Ganges Much nonsense is being spoken about the delays at Ganges, but the hold-up to building the foundation is to do with the discharge of conditions, which the developers are legally obliged to fulfil before homes can go up. The biggest delays have been the archaeological work by done by Oxford, which is expected to be completed by early next year, and discussions regarding the S106 agreement and the commuted sum of £40,000 to the parish council.

Now it has been agreed, a viability study into saving the swimming pool will not now be undertaken. So, nothing to do with Grenfell, Galliard, or any other false rumour you may have been misinformed about.

Diabetes Prevention As someone who inherited Type 2 diabetes, I fully understand the problems it can cause, but also how, for many people, it can be prevented, and in some cases reversed. I’m delighted therefore to support the One Life Suffolk initiative. Anyone aged 18 or more with a body mass index of 30 plus can sign up to the programme designed to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes with a 12-week programme, involving specialised tips, guidance and advice, including practical and physical support. Please contact 01473 718193 or email info@onelifesuffolk.co.uk to book your place on the course at Holbrook Sports Centre.

If you have an issue you would like to discuss please contact me at: derek. davis@babergh.gov.uk / 07824 167196 My Facebook page is: Derek Davis – Your Independent Councillor

STUTTON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Affordable Housing and how this can work for families and young people hoping to stay in the village is one of the big issues for the Neighbourhood Plan.

What will help inform this is for as many households as possible to complete a Housing Needs Survey. The group have been working on how this will be collated, paid for and delivered to every house in Stutton sometime in the spring. This won’t be the last time you hear about affordable housing – even Countryfile was talking about it in their 18 November episode (available on iPlayer).

In other news, the Neighbourhood Plan in Debenham has been praised by an independent examiner for its “clear vision for the parish” which has helped it win a fight against a development of more than 600 houses. I think this shows the value of communities making choices on their terms.

Tattingstone: 07895 052086

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY

CHELMONDISTON PARISH COUNCIL

GP and Staff Training Our next training afternoon is Wednesday, February 13. The practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions, book appointments and make enquiries at reception. However, there will be no clinical staff on site and our telephone lines will be switched over to the out of hours’ service. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Linden Homes Property developers gave a presentation in relation to a potential development in the village. Full minutes are available to read on the parish council’s website with all updates (when available) including the draft plan.

Blood pressure machines owned by the practice Please could these be returned to the practice for calibration and electrical testing before January 23? This is an essential part of our maintenance and we are grateful for your help with this so we can continue to loan them out to patients.

Free Adult Weight Management and Diabetes Education Course For those living on Shotley peninsula, a programme has been put together to prevent diabetes and lose weight too! It starts on Wednesday, January 9 at 6pm at Holbrook Sports Centre – booking is essential. For more information call 01473 718193 or email info@onelifesuffolk.co.uk and quote ‘Shotley Community Connector’.

Community Connector Bus Our Community Connector Bus is going from strength to strength and supporting a number of patients who are in social isolation or needing help.

Posters are up at both surgeries showing where the bus is located each week so please pop in to see Sheila and Pete if you are around. The bus has been so successful that it is now at a number of different sites and has spread to Brantham to be more accessible to those at the edge of the practice area. It may soon expand into East Bergholt but will continue to service the peninsula until at least the end of March 2019. A number of additional services are also provided with this scheme including some training events and a minibus from Stutton to Manningtree Co-op which is supported by the Stutton Good Neighbour Scheme. This enables patients to shop themselves when they would otherwise have to rely on others to shop for them.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

ST MARY’S CHURCH, BELSTEAD We would like to thank all those who have supported St Mary’s in 2018 in any way.

We are very grateful and enjoy seeing our many friends at our services and events.

We hope you will continue to support us in 2019.

St Mary’s PCC

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, January 12, 9am-12.30pm.

All your favourite market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier.

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

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The Planning Committee reported: • One planning application • Two planning decisions granted by Babergh Planning Department • One planning decision – Refused • The Secretary of state has declined the request from the parish council for a review in relation to the Woodlands Development.

• The Neighbourhood Plan – hoping to be completed by the end of 2019 There has been a 22 per cent increase in use of the website.

The parish council approved the purchase of a projector to help with viewing planning applications, presentations, invited guest speakers, etc.

Tree risk assessment has been completed and remedial work to be conducted.

The parish council approved several documents in relation to its financial commitments.

The parish council also approved and updated several of its policies.

The next meeting of the Planning Committee: Tuesday, January 8 at 7pm in the Methodist Hall The next meeting of the Parish Council: Tuesday, January 8 at 7.30pm in the Methodist Hall

DEATH CAFÉ The next Peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, January 6 in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook.

We meet for an hour and a half from 10.30am. We are very grateful to The Compasses for allowing us to use their lounge where we were made very welcome in November with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins.

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

HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Key points from the meeting held on October 15, 2018 Reade Field Project Great progress has been made with the lottery and there are now 175 entries.

The total cost of the Reade Field project is £29,000 and it is hoped that the groundwork will be undertaken in the winter and then the equipment to be fitted in the spring.

Speeding Sign Update The purchase of the speeding sign is making good progress, with meetings taking place with Babergh District Council to decide on suitable locations, which have now been agreed. Property owners who will be affected have also been consulted. The request to have the poles installed has now been submitted into the programme of works, which has no financial implications for the parish council.

The first edition of the Parish Papers has been produced and hand delivered to residents. If you did not receive a copy please contact the clerk, who will arrange for it to be delivered.

Full minutes of this and all other meetings are available online or from the parish clerk: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017 Future meeting dates: January 21 and February 18 http://holbrook.suffolk.cloud

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OUT & ABOUT BEGINNER ENSEMBLES

GENTS’ BREAKFAST

Fun music groups created especially for children in Key Stage 2

St Andrew’s Church Room, Chelmondiston on Saturday, February 9, 9-11am

Is your child in Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)? Are they in their first year of learning to play an instrument?

I will be there from 9-11am on Saturday, February 9 and will happily cook for any gents who would like an English or Continental breakfast with tea/coffee as required. Bring a friend or neighbour, a newspaper or any sports news or whatever interests you. Come at a time to suit you and I will cook a fresh breakfast for you.

Starting from 8 January 2019, Suffolk County Music Service is hosting Beginner Ensembles across Suffolk. Created especially for young musicians in KS2, children are invited to join an ensemble to develop their skills, make progress, play as a group, learn new music and have fun!

Ensembles meet weekly during term-time, either after school or on Saturday mornings. Please visit our website for locations and times: http://bit.ly/ks2beginner Free membership is available for those pupils learning with Suffolk County Music Service. The usual termly charge applies for those not learning with the Music Service. Further details are on the website or you can contact us for more information: 01473 263400 / county.musicservice@suffolk.gov.uk

Shotley Rose, every Tuesday from 11.30am-1pm Do you feel like the weekend has dragged?

Are you fed up with your own company or new to the area?

Come along and enjoy a free cuppa and some friendly chat. #dontbeonyourown Meet Up Mondays Suffolk @meetupmondaysSu www.meetupmondays.org.uk

SHOTLEY DRAMA GROUP PRESENT MOTHER GOOSE Shotley Drama Group is pleased to announce the annual pantomime at Shotley Village Hall from Wednesday, February 20 to Saturday 23, which is half-term week. Evening performances start at 7.30pm and the Saturday matinee at 2.30pm, with doors opening 30 minutes before ‘curtain up’.

Tickets will be available from January and can be purchased from the Shotley Rose. Tickets will also be available from the village hall on Saturdays, as members of the drama group will be constructing sets and painting scenery from 10am. Tickets purchased in advance are £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for concessions and £24 for a family ticket. Tickets on the door will be £8.50, £7.50 and £28 respectively. We strongly recommend you buy your tickets in advance as some performances get sold out!

Mother Goose was our first pantomime production and took place in the old village hall in 1991, with a grand array of four floor-standing lights! Come along and enjoy our show, just as our first audience did. It’s the perfect way to beat those mid-winter blues!

If you do have for any queries, please contact Mandy Peters (07801 591102) or Angela Arnold (07721 556490).

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It would be great to know in advance if you will be joining us, but I am sure there will be places on the day. A donation of around £10 towards Church Funds would be appreciated.

Dilly Ridge: dilly@hildaridge.co.uk / 01473 780350

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB On December 5 Peter Parfitt presented Reflections on The Scilly Isles and our December 19 meeting featured Brantham’s famous quizmaster Paul Oliver who presented his now very famous Christmas quiz.

John Hammond will explain the skill of will writing at our meeting on January 16 and we hold our New Year Lunch at the popular Haywain, Little Bromley, on February 6 when our spouses and Probus widows join us for what will be an enjoyable event and a tasty meal.

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on January 15 when Mark Mitchels, arguably our most popular speaker, will be talking about the River Deben. Rivers were the old highways of England and along their banks stood the towns and villages which form the earliest settlements in our history. Mark will be taking us on a trip along one off the country’s most beautiful rivers, a journey through history showing how the landscape changed to support the needs of the people.

On February 19 Marcia Whiting will speak on the life and works of Alfred Munnings.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary at: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761

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A warm welcome

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At St Marys care home, we understand that we are part of a wider community. We also understand how important it is for all of us to share, to talk and to feel safe and secure. That is why we are reaching out to older people within the community and inviting you into our home to enjoy a warm meal and some good company.

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St Marys care home Holbrook IP9 2PS If you, or someone you know, would benefit from this then please call us for more details on 0808 102 5202 or visit anchor.org.uk/StMarys Rated January 2018

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

If you would like to join us, contact Ian, our community support worker, for more information: 01473 788380 We are always in need of volunteer drivers to assist us with our monthly social event. If interested please contact Barbara McDonald: 01473 328907

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Wednesday, January 9, 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall: Rumour – A Suffolk Scandal Our aim is to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members, all ages, male and female, from many villages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am-noon. I would like to welcome former members and to see new members from all local villages at our meetings, either as visitors or members in readiness for our 25th celebration.

Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

BENTLEY TODDLER GROUP Thank you to everyone who helped and supported our latest jumble sale and made it a great success. If you missed this last sale, there will be another in April/May so watch this space! Please save all your goodies but, if this is a problem, we can collect sooner.

Pam Rament

SHOTLEY & ERWARTON WI Our last meeting was our AGM. June, our president, made a rousing speech of thank yous, while our treasurer told us we could do better.

Jo, our secretary, amazed us with her summary of the things we had achieved throughout the year, and Sharon Kennedy was nominated and seconded onto our committee. Jo Lee then demonstrated how to make a festive table decoration. She made it all look so easy. Finally, we tucked into a finger buffet, which included glasses of Prosecco.

Our next meeting is on January 16 when we will be doing circle dancing. Our meeting starts at 7.15pm in Shotley Village Hall. Anyone interested in joining our group would be welcome to attend. Contact Jo Lee: 01473 787311

SOCIAL SEW-AND-SO’S The Social Sew-and-So’s met in December, with many members choosing to make some Christmas sock monkeys. Mini kits were provided for those who wanted to make one. At lunch, the group headed off to the Bakers Arms for a social Christmas lunch.

Dates for the first few months next year are: January 5, February 2, March 2 All will be held at Harkstead Village Hall from 9am-4pm.

Pop in for a day, a morning, an afternoon, or just an hour.

Any craft is welcome.

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We had a very successful 2018 and will have to work very hard to top it, but I’m sure with us all working together we can achieve that. This year we are hoping for some new outings, plus repeats of one or two we did last year that were successful.

Norman and I would like to thank our members for supporting us and we hope to welcome new members too.

Our dates for January, all 1.50-4pm, are: Thursday, January 3 Thursday, January 17 Thursday, January 31 The club would like to thank everyone from the two villages who have supported us on our outings. Lifts are always available; for any information please contact Norman or Eileen: 01473 787358 Eileen Bugg

STOUR VALLEY U3A We don’t have a speaker meeting in December but held our popular Christmas Lunch this time at the Best Western Hotel, Copdock on Wednesday, December 5. This is always a very popular event and was enjoyed by all who attended.

On Wednesday, January 9 Sally Dearman will present Woman Can Fly. This is the story of one women’s journey from jumping out of a landing window, then out of planes, to becoming a civil pilot and the first women through the RAF’s fast-jet flying trains system.

An Afternoon with Joyce Grenfell by Gillain Grinham is the subject for our meeting on February 13. Gillian is an author, former teacher and a director of plays and musicals. She will perform a series of monologues and songs from Joyce’s repertoire, interspersed with details of her much loved entertainer’s life.

Family historians and authors Toni Neobard and Kate Broad will present For Better or For Worse on March 13. This will be a lighthearted look at marriage and relationships through the eyes of Victorians. What happened if they didn’t marry and what if you did but weren’t happy with your choice? It will be a glimpse at bizarre goings-on showing wedded bliss wasn’t always so!

Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday, Janaury 25.

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

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except in December.

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OUT & ABOUT CHELMONDISTON WI

SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700

2018 was a busy year! Actually, all years are busy, but the ladies of the WI still find the time to get together. Our meetings are a ‘different’ sort of busy – our time busy – fun busy.

November was our AGM so a group photo was in order for those who don’t mind being on show!

When you read this we will have sung our way through the 50s and 60s with Dennis Maisey, eaten our way through a mountain of food (and probably a drop of liquid refreshment). And that’s just our December meeting!

In 2019 we look forward to a very varied program. Our first three months will include: January 9: Jane Sago (of radio fame!) will get the New Year started with Simple Suppers February 12: A speaker from Muntons Malt, possibly with ideas for using Malt in cooking March 12: Birds of Prey We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Visitors are more than welcome to join us for a good cuppa and always great cake. Check out Chelmondiston WI on Facebook.

Pat Lakey: 01473 780358

THE BIG QUIZ Shotley Village Hall Saturday, January 26, 6.45 for 7pm Entry: £5 per person If your group would like to be included as one of the teams please ring Allana: 01473 788163 November Draw Winners £25: Mrs E Bugg (095) £20: Mrs J Briscoe (115) £15: Mrs C Colman (129) £8: Mrs D Ratcliffe (098) £7: Mrs A Taylor (78) The 700 Club raises £900 a year for the repair and improvement fund of St Mary’s Church. To become a member of the 700 Club, please call Norman Bugg on 01473 787358 Membership is £1 a month and can be paid in three, six or 12 monthly intervals.

St Mary’s Church and Shotley School Between September and December we have welcomed the pupils of Shotley School for their Harvest Festival and Remembrance Services. The children were a credit to themselves and their parents and it was a joy to see them.

ALTON BELLES Alton Belles’ Christmas meeting was very different this year as we welcomed a local bluegrass band to Tattingstone Village Hall. Business was short and everyone enjoyed socialising over a potluck supper provided by all the members.

1st SHOTLEY SCOUT GROUP What’s to come?

I am sat here trying to think of what to write. You see the problem is that I am sat writing this in the first week of December for January’s edition. One of the problems is that I can’t really wish you a Merry Christmas or a Happy New Year because by the time you read this the celebrations will all be more or less over.

I also can’t write about what’s happening in the group this term because guess what? We haven’t written the plans yet; that happens next week.

January sees the beginning of a new year of interesting programmes. At January’s meeting we will discuss the new resolutions that have been put forward for 2019. Each year WI members vote on a resolution to carry forward to the national AGM and to work on. Some notable resolutions include loneliness, bees and plastic soup, all of which have been in the news.

We welcome a variety of speakers throughout the year. We are a democratic, social and educational organisation for women, giving them the opportunity to work and learn together to improve the quality of life in the community.

If you want to hear more about how you could get involved in our vibrant and forward-looking WI, but feel nervous about coming along, contact either Tamzin (328670) or Jane (327865) and we will make sure you are looked after.

I can tell you that whatever the plans are going to be they will be excellent, exciting and extraordinary. So for now just watch this space.

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY

TWO RIVERS ART GROUP

Orwell DFAS does not meet in January so our next lecture will be on Wednesday, February 6 when Andrew Spira will deliver what we are sure will be a fascinating talk entitled The Art and Architecture of St Petersburg.

The Two Rivers Art Group, formerly Harkstead Art Group, have moved to Stutton Village Hall.

The group meets every Friday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm, starting on January 4. It can be difficult to indulge your hobby at home; someone always wants to use the kitchen table! New members are welcome to enjoy their art in the company of a small friendly group of likeminded people. Help and advice is always available if wanted.

To find out more contact Mike Cook (01473 327397) or Tony Fox (01473 328423).

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

Orwell DFAS meets at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU, on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm.

Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space.

Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE First we would like to thank you all for the support you have given us in 2018.

The whist drive has been going in Shotley for 25 years and we hope it will continue for many more years.

Please come along and see if you like it. There is always someone who will help if needed.

Upcoming dates, all 1.50-4pm Thursday, January 10 Thursday, January 24 Thursday, February 7 For lifts or information contact Norman or Eileen: 01473 787358

CHELMONDISTON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A bit like our gardens, there isn’t much activity in the club over the festive season, but we come back to life on January 29 with our AGM, which we try to make last 20 minutes, followed by our free cheese and wine buffet and a catch up with friends, old and new. The meeting starts, as always, at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Then on February 26 we have Karen Kenny coming to speak to us. Karen has been to us before and the evenings are always lively. This time her topic is Weeds, Wonderful Weeds and if anyone can get us to love weeds, it will be Karen.

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

Monday, January 7: Floral Embroidery (Debbie) Monday, February 4: Cardboard Trug (Jill) Monday, March 4: Clock (Debbie)

STUTTON C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL

Monday, April 1: Easter Table Decoration (Anita & Mary)

Message from Glenn Parfitt, Headteacher at Stutton Primary

Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

For all of us the start of the new year is a time to take stock and consider the future. Certainly for myself it is a time of great change.

From January 1, I will take up a new position as teaching head at Stutton C of E Primary School. I am greatly excited by this opportunity and eagerly look forward to leading the school in the next phase of its development. Most obviously I want to build on the excellent work of Anne Clarke, previous head at the school. Having spent some time at the school I can see that it is a very welcoming, nurturing, creative, learning environment. A school that children are excited to attend. These are the qualities that I believe are the bedrock for an outstanding school.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL SHORTLISTED FOR TWO NATIONAL AWARDS It has been announced that the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook has been shortlisted in both the Best Use of Technology and Marketing Campaign of the Year award categories.

The Royal Hospital School has been identified as a ‘beacon of good practice’ in the use of technology. Hamish Mackenzie, Head of Digital Learning, explained: “Technology is embedded across policy, curriculum and practice with positive impacts on educational outcomes. We recognise the importance of embracing new technologies while promoting good practice and preparing young people to use it safely, productively and responsibly.”

The school has also been recognised for its distinctive Navigating Success marketing campaign in the Marketing Campaign of the Year category. Director of Communications Sophie Braybrooke commented: “The objective of the Navigating Success campaign was to enhance and evolve the reputation of the school so that it might achieve national and international recognition as the school of choice for parents seeking an outstanding all-round and full education, enriched by a unique naval heritage. The campaign developed in conjunction with Ipswich-based creative agency Jacob Bailey, involved the production of a new prospectus, the launch of an innovative website, digital and print advertising and social media. More recently, we worked with Affixxius Education to produce Navigating Success, the film. The results of the campaign as a whole have exceeded all expectations with a 15 per cent increase in new users visiting our website, a 22 per cent increase in overall enquiries, a 13 per cent rise in the number of visitors at our open mornings and a 16 per cent increase in private visits”.

Tes Editor Ann Mroz said: “Independent education in this country is truly world class and those shortlisted for the Tes Independent School Awards are the crème de la crème. We received a record number of entries this year and the standard is the highest yet, so to be shortlisted is an extraordinary achievement for any school.”

The winners will be revealed at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on Friday, February 1.

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I am gradually getting to know people in the school and the wider community. For those who don’t know me, I have for the past 15 years worked across various year groups as a teacher and then phase leader at St Helen’s Primary, a school in central Ipswich. On the surface the schools may seem very different, but common and central to both schools is the importance placed on the holistic development of each individual child. It is a passionate belief of mine that the role of educators is to enable every child to reach their potential.

You may be wondering what the role of teaching head entails. In very simple terms I will be leading the school as its headteacher, but also teaching for two days a week. Having the opportunity to teach as well as lead is a massive bonus and something that is very close to my heart.

I should stress however, that in the words of Albert Einstein: “I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn”. Certainly when I recall my favourite, most influential teachers, they were the ones who challenged me by opening doors and new vistas for me to explore.

Stutton is a school that is at the heart of its community. It is my desire to build upon those positive links, to develop the many strengths of the school and to lead the school to an excellent future! Please feel free to visit the school. I will be in the playground at the end of each school day and I am also running an evening for parents or others to attend at 7pm on January 9. I look forward to meeting you.

Glenn Parfitt http://stuttonprimary.school

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St Mary’s Church Harkstead

COME AND FOLLOW OUR TRAIL OF DISCOVERY The Heritage Lottery Fund has helped us to secure the structure of St Mary’s Harkstead with a grant of over £50,000, and now the Arts Society has helped to create a ‘Trail of Discovery’ round the interior of the church to introduce you to its historical treasures.

The Trail will lead you round: * medieval graffiti carved into the stones by the stone-masons * a 13th century wall painting (you will have to guess what is being held in the outstretched hand) * sculptures of the wild men of Suffolk * an enormous brass eagle and a host of other surprises

Do come and explore your heritage! You can turn up at any time and find the Trail sheet waiting for you.

Thank you for buying Lottery tickets. www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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BE YOUR OWN BOSS START YOUR BUSINESS WITH MENTA FREE BUSINESS TRAINING START RIGHT WORKSHOPS

Do you want to be your own boss or have you started a business in the past 12 months and are based in Suffolk or Norfolk?

MENTA’s three, free ‘Start Right’ workshops are designed to be fun and informative.

You’ll find out about legal structures, business plans, successful marketing, bookkeeping and tax.

With multiple dates and workshop locations, book your free training soon and ‘Start Right’.

Start Right is funded by

Book online at www.menta.org.uk or call 01284 760206 mentabusiness

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mentabusiness

mentabusiness

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SPORT

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC November started in great fashion for the First Team with a great 3-1 victory over near neighbours Capel Plough. However, disappointingly, that was followed by two narrow defeats (the second on penalties) in both the Bob Coleman and Suffolk Senior Cups which ended First Team interest in the cup competitions for this season.

Neptune Youth Groups

The Reserves had only one fixture, which ended in a defeat to high flying Coplestonians, but remain mid-table with games in hand.

The A Team had a disappointing month with a reverse in League C and exiting both the Club Colours Cup and the Suffolk Primary Cup. UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Dec 22: Claydon (H) Sat, Dec 29: Leiston St Margarets (A) Sat, Jan 5: Bramford Utd (H) Sat, Jan 12: Crane Sports (A) Sat, Jan 19: Grundisburgh (H) Sat, Jan 26: Henley Athletic (A) Reserves: League A Sat, Jan 5: Bramford Utd Res (A) Sat, Jan 12: Framlingham Town Res (H) Sat, Jan 19: Achilles Res (A) Sat, Jan 26: Sporting 87 Res (H) A Team: League C Sat, Jan 5: Somersham Res (H) Sat, Jan 19: Kesgrave Kestrels (H) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Ladies and Juniors We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to come and join us as we look to grow the club. If you are interested please contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com Darts Competition Night: January 5 Please contact us for more details.

We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether 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 are potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

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We are now reviewing how we organise our evening youth groups, aiming to make them even more successful.

If you are interested in joining one of the groups we would value knowing about your future needs and any existing experience to clarify which group you would like to join. You can do this by completing an expression of interest form on our website. This will let us know any additional qualifications gained externally. You may have completed training at Neptune or elsewhere (schools, Scouts, etc.) and feel you would like to join one of the Neptune groups.

Our groups begin with children aged 10 and above. If you have previously sailed, you may be able to join a more advanced group, though we do try to keep those of similar ages together. Our advanced group includes those who are working towards qualifying as instructors in their own right.

Neptune Youth groups are likely to be popular again. Do contact Simon, our new membership secretary, soon to request a place for your son or daughter: youthgroup@neptunesailing.org.uk Other Courses If you are interested in any of our sailing or powerboat courses, youth or adult, or are part a group who would like to train at Neptune, contact us via our website to help us evaluate and plan for next season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Thanks to everyone who has helped us with offers of time, skills and facilities as without this help we would be unable to function. www.neptunesailing.org.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

FREE YOUR FINANCES WITH EQUITY RELEASE?

VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START Home-Start met Lauren and her family shortly after their new baby was diagnosed with brain damage. Lauren and her husband were completely overwhelmed with the emotional and practical demands of caring for a baby suffering with multiple seizures and being unsettled day and night, while also trying to juggle the needs of their other children.

Our local team has over 60 year’s combined experience in equity release matters. Unlike many national equity release firms, we have full in house financial planning capability. All our staff are based at our office in central Ipswich enabling us to fully support you through the whole process from initial consultation (always at our expense), through a thorough viability assessment and then application and processing to a successful completion.

Williams Farrall Woodward Priority House, 8 Turret Lane, Ipswich IP4 1DL 01473 231644 equityrelease@wfw.co.uk • Cash or Income from an Equity Release scheme could restrict the borrowers’ eligibility for State Benefits.

• Equity released will reduce the value of the estate and could leave nothing to pass on as an inheritance.

• Home Reversion plans and Lifetime Mortgages are complex products. To understand the features and risk, please ask for a personalised illustration.

• Williams Farrall Woodward is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA 175614.

Lauren says she felt “immediately at ease” with Ruth and found it easy to talk to her when she was having a difficult week. Although the family’s situation is the same, her visits have allowed the family time to adjust and explore what ongoing support is needed and available to them.

Home-Start in Suffolk has family support volunteering opportunities all across Suffolk. Although we value parenting experience, you don’t have to have children or grandchildren of your own to help. You just need a little time and a willingness to make a difference. By joining our team, you will receive accredited training, ongoing support and friendship. Our volunteers support a family on a weekly basis for between two and four hours.

If you think you could give some of your time to support a Suffolk family, please contact Fiona on 01473 621104. By giving the gift of time, you will help to change the lives of families in Suffolk.

The Leave an Everlasting Valentine Gift Will Month is being supported by Jackamans Solicitors (Ipswich), Ross Coates Solicitors (Ipswich) and Norton Peskett Solicitors (Halesworth), who have kindly offered their services to offer people the opportunity to make a basic single or mirror will in return for a suggested donation to Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of making a Will, as well as highlighting the work of the charity, and is a special way to make a difference and celebrate Valentine’s Day in February.

Kitchen Makeovers E A S T

Another year has flown by...

Where has the time gone?

Everyone at Cherry Kitchen Makeovers hopes that you had a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Around 60 per cent of people in the UK do not have a will and planning for later life is essential!

Invitation We are pleased to invite you all to our showroom open day on the 12th January.

There will be plenty of tea, cakes and of course bottles of bubbly for everyone to enjoy whilst looking at the new kitchen ranges we have to offer. We are offering an extra 5% off our existing 25% sale on all furniture, to everyone who attends.

CONTACT US ON

01206 615858 www.cherry-kitchens.co.uk

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Having Ruth there to share the load enables all of the children to get vital one-on -ne attention: reading, playing or doing school work. Mum or Ruth cook dinner and they all sit together while Ruth holds or sings to the baby.

Lauren’s evenings are less chaotic and easier to manage with Ruth’s help.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS VALENTINE BY LEAVING AN EVERLASTING GIFT

®

S O U T H

Life was turned upside down for the family with hospital appointments, admissions and the worry of an unknown future. Their Health Visitor referred them to Home-Start Suffolk, who introduced them to Ruth, a trained HomeStart volunteer. Ruth visits Lauren and the children once a week, providing support when Lauren’s husband works late.

People are living longer and with ever-changing family lives; second marriages, extended families, civil partnerships, long-term care needs, lasting power of attorney, funeral costs, inheritance tax… Choosing who you want to leave your gifts to is ever more important so your wishes are fulfilled as complications can arise which can become costly.

Making a will gives peace of mind and ensures families and loved ones are cared for in the future. It also gives people the opportunity to leave a lasting gift to a charity that will make a difference to others as well as reduce the inheritance tax bill for the beneficiaries.

Karen Hare, Chief Executive of Cancer Campaign in Suffolk, said: “We are delighted that Jackamans Solicitors, Ross Coates Solicitors and Norton Peskett are supporting the Leave an Everlasting Valentine’s Gift scheme by giving their time and offering a will writing service for a donation to our charity. All the monies raised stays in Suffolk to help before, during and after cancer.”

For more information contact CCiS on 01473 211884 / fundraiser@cancercampaigninsuffolk.co.uk or visit: ww.ccisuffolk.org

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

Since May 2017 StartEast has supported over 340 cultural businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk by delivering over 3,500 hours of networking events, workshops, webinars and one-to-one advice sessions.

StartEast: building the cultural economy is a major regional economic development initiative which is managed by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk County Council and on behalf of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Cultural Board. It is delivered by the New Wolsey Theatre and funded by Arts Council England Creative Local Growth Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.

StartEast supports creative sole traders, established SMEs and start-ups working in various art-form areas, such as performing arts, outdoor arts, dance, music and literature. It also supports technical roles in the sector such as, for example, stage management.

The project has invested over £250k in grants to support the growth of StartEast businesses, including attendance at international festivals and trade fairs to reach new markets and secure new contracts.

Laboratory Media Education Paul Weston attended Music Tech Fest in Sweden in September: “We have joined support networks that were previously unknown to us, attracted the interest of a major international technology developer and gained new knowledge, skills and technology that we will use in our work in the region.”

Ellie Bowers-Jolley, co-Founder of The Come and Sing Company, describes the project’s impact: “We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for StartEast. We have amazing branding, tech and company clothing thanks to the grants, and the support and knowledge in our one-to-ones, seminars and workshops has helped us to explore how our business can grow.”

The cultural sector is an important employer in the New Anglia region and a higher proportion of people work in the sector in New Anglia than the national average. The cultural sector has exhibited strong growth in recent years and continues to do so.

An interim evaluation report by BOP Consulting has revealed that StartEast has been particularly successful in attracting early stage and start-up enterprises and there is some early evidence that the support is having an impact in changing the attitudes, aspirations and behaviours of participants. Over 90 per cent indicate they have more ambition for their business, are more motivated to grow and feel more motivated and enthusiastic as a result of the StartEast support.

Suffolk County Councillor Paul West said: “Suffolk County Council is

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proud to play a major role in developing and delivering the New Anglia LEP Cultural Board and the important work it carries out. One of our key commitments to Suffolk people is to promote inclusive growth in the area. By working with our partners in Norfolk County Council and local leaders of the cultural sector across the two counties we can have a real impact on the growth of this particular sector.

“I am delighted with the achievements of StartEast. By focusing on building our small cultural businesses we are not only promoting economic growth but also adding significant value to the quality of life here in Suffolk.”

There is early evidence that StartEast is helping businesses feel more connected, develop a clearer vision, set financial goals and generate new opportunities for their businesses. A positive uplift in turnover for participants is something that will be explored in more detail in the final report next year.

“We know that the use of business support by arts and entertainment businesses has declined significantly since 2010. The StartEast programme is delivering high quality, much needed support to the cultural sector in New Anglia, support that would not otherwise be available.

“StartEast encourages creative practitioners to focus on how they can make a living out of their practice. This is distinctive from many other artist support programmes.”

BOP Consulting StartEast funding was awarded to Norfolk County Council, of which £609,773 is from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) on behalf of the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Cultural Board.

The funding released an additional £500k, already awarded to Norfolk County Council from Arts Council England’s Creative Local Growth Fund to support the initiative. One of nine national projects supported through the first round, it was one of only three to be awarded the full amount available through the fund.

The initiative is enabling a step-change in the capacity, ambition, impact and economic contribution of our regional cultural sector which is one of the New Anglia LEP’s ten priority growth sectors. The programme is leveraging the strong partnerships already established between Norfolk and Suffolk’s cultural sectors – including 12 Arts Council England National portfolio organisations, the New Anglia LEP and other key growth sectors.

For further information about StartEast please visit: www.starteast.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE LOCAL QUIZ NIGHT RAISES OVER £2,600 BE YOUR OWN BOSS IN 2019 Regarded as one of the region’s biggest quiz events, a local family run hearing care company held their bi-annual quiz night which managed to raise an incredible amount for charity.

The Hearing Care Centre hosted their sixteenth quiz fundraiser in Kesgrave on Sunday, November 25. Presented by local entrepreneur Steve Flory, the evening was supported by 200 guests who enjoyed nine rounds of tough trivia, with five teams taking home cash prizes. The event sold out in less than a week which just goes to show its popularity.

Thanks to generous support from local businesses, ticket sales and a bumper raffle, in excess of £1,600 was raised on the night. This was then boosted with an extra £1,000 from the team at Barclays in Ipswich, taking the total to over £2,600.

This event was all in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a charity close to the hearts of The Hearing Care Centre. Karen Finch, Managing Director and founder of The Hearing Care Centre, expressed: “Hearing Dogs give many deaf people confidence, independence and companionship. I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who helped us support this great charity.”

She also commented: “We are exceptionally grateful to have received an extra £1,000 towards our final total from the kind team at Barclays. This incredible total brings us extremely close to our goal.”

ACORN VILLAGE Happy New Year to you all and thank you so much for supporting adults with learning disabilities at Acorn Village throughout 2018 and most recently at the Christmas Market. Your support truly does make the difference. To start the year we have a January Sale on Saturday 26 with more details to be found on our website so please take a look. We will also have the Witchfinder Trail Run/Walk returning on Sunday, April 14.

We hope you all had a peaceful Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2019.

‘Be your own boss!’ is a statement everyone has come across. You read it, hear it and see this declaration online, on the radio and television – but is it really worth considering as a viable work option?

Of course, being employed has its advantages – a certain amount of stability, usually a regular income and fixed holiday, but even then, more people are weighing up whether being self-employed would give them the flexibility they yearn and additional prospects.

Denise Winder and Heidi Franklin set up Wild Play Ltd in 2018. They originally met at antenatal classes and being outdoor types, they endeavoured to get their own children outdoors.

Both women have a teaching back ground and decided to set up Wild Play as they strongly believe that children and adults need time to play outdoors, away from the digital world. They encourage children to learn through outdoor play in a woodland setting.

Denise and Heidi attended MENTA’s free Start Right workshops led by expert trainers who helped them explore the business world, legal structures, marketing and book keeping. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the three, four hour Start Right sessions are held on a regular basis by MENTA in Ipswich, Bury, Norwich and Dereham.

The Wild Play team commented: “MENTA’s Start Right workshops are relaxed, informative and invaluable; a real ‘must’ for anyone creating a new business.

They are also a great way to begin your networking journey!”

Leanne Castle at MENTA said: “Many people are deciding to be their own boss. Yes, there are downsides, however if a business idea is researched thoroughly and there is a good marketing strategy planned then a business can really thrive and flourish.”

Established in 1984 MENTA provides business advice, training, bespoke social media support; networking opportunities, a virtual office service and easy term office unit options.

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

The MENTA Team are passionate about helping start up, emerging and existing businesses to thrive.

For more information go to www.menta.org.uk, call 01284 760206 or follow them on social media at #mentabusiness.

To find out more about Wild Play visit: www.wildplayltd.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

CALL FOR ARTISTS 2019 Suffolk Open Studios have launched their 2019 Call for Artists, inviting artists and galleries living and working across Suffolk to join next year’s programme.

Earlier this year, more than 100 artists opened their studios to the public and enjoyed the many advantages of taking part, including reaching new audiences and showing their work in the comfort of their own studio; receiving valuable feedback by interacting directly with potential clients; and the chance to meet and collaborate with fellow artists in their area.

Artists and galleries also benefit from valuable publicity through their profile on the Suffolk Open Studios website and Facebook page, and inclusion in the printed directory, distributed free of charge to tourist centres, art venues and visitor attractions throughout the county.

Members are also guaranteed a place in the annual Suffolk Open Studios Annual Showcase Exhibition at the Apex Centre in Bury St Edmunds, running from 25 February – 1 April 2019. This year’s show proved extremely popular and drew favourable comments from across the art community.

Run by volunteers, Suffolk Open Studios is open to all Suffolk artists and galleries regardless of the media in which they practise. Members open their studios free of charge to the public from 11am-5pm over the first five weekends of June, choosing to open on as many or few weekends as they wish. Many join together to form their own local artists’ trails; anyone unable to include their own studio can still take part by renting space with other artists and forming their own artists’ hub. For more details visit: www.suffolkopenstudios.org Cally James, Suffolk Open Studios Chair, commented: “This year’s programme was a great success. In many cases, visitors travelled significant distances both within and from outside the county; several make it regular date in their diary to see what their favourite artists are working on now. Suffolk is rightly celebrated for the depth and breadth of its artistic heritage and it’s a pleasure to be making the talent and achievements of our resident artists available once again to the public.”

Artists and galleries wishing to take part in next year’s programme can do so by completing the online membership form at: www.suffolkopenstudios.org/membership Early applications are encouraged in order to guarantee a place in the printed directory.

COULD YOU BE A YOUNG SHADOW TRUSTEE? Community Action Suffolk has launched an appeal to identify a new Young Shadow Trustee who will have a pivotal post in contributing to how the organisation is run, and how it portrays the county’s youth contingent. It’s the first time CAS has chosen to include a dedicated Young Shadow Trustee on their board, and comes as part of the organisation’s desire to reflect more diversity.

A Suffolk-based programme to support young trustees has been in place since last year, led by CAS, and now sees a total of 10 younger persons in place with the region’s charities. Charities in Suffolk with an existing Young Shadow Trustee include the University of Suffolk Students’ Union, Suffolk Mind, Suffolk Artlink and St Elizabeth Hospice.

The person for the newly created Community Action Suffolk role will need to be between 18 and 25, and will be prepared to offer around four hours per month. They will not be able to vote in their position, but will develop leadership skills, increased knowledge in business and finance, and will receive training and mentoring. Meetings are mainly held in Ipswich and travel expenses should be covered.

Janet Perry, Youth Volunteering Development Officer for Community Action Suffolk, said: “Since Community Action Suffolk has been leading the Suffolk Young Trustee Programme in the county, we’ve received such great feedback from charities about the benefits of having a clear youth perspective as part of their team.”

If you are interested in this or other young trustee placements contact janet.perry@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE The hospice is looking for a wide variety of prizes to use at their tombolas at forthcoming events. Prizes will include drinks, cans of food, sweets and toiletries. Anything you could spare would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me on 01473 311651 if you would like to donate and I will arrange to call and collect.

Thank you in anticipation, Linda Morrison

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CHURCH NEWS TWO RIVERS BENEFICE, JANUARY 2019 ST PETER’S, STUTTON Sunday 6 Sunday 13 Wednesday 16 Saturday 19 Sunday 20 Wednesday 19 Sunday 27 Wednesday 30

11am Baptism, The Rev Simon Brown 10.30am Worship for All 2.30pm Prayer Group Noon Soup & Roll 9.30am Holy Communion 2.30pm Prayer Group 11am Informal Service 2.30pm Comfort Corner

ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK Sunday 6 Sunday 13 Sunday 20 Sunday 27

4pm Winter Warming Afternoon Tea 9.30am Matins 10am Christian Unity Service – Methodist Chapel 9.30am Holy Communion Rev Anthony Lury

ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD Sunday 6 Sunday 13 Sunday 20 Sunday 27

No Service 11am Communion No Service 11am Informal Service

ST PETER’S, FRESTON Sunday 6 Sunday 13 Sunday 20 Sunday 27

11am Matins No Service 11am Holy Communion No Service

ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE Sunday 6

Saturday 12 Sunday 13 Sunday 20 Sunday 27

10am BCP Communion 11am Café Church 9am-12.30pm Market 11am Worship the Woolverstone Way 11am Morning Prayer 11am Holy Communion

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

SHORELINE BENEFICE IN JANUARY ST ANDREW’S CHELMONDISTON Sunday 6 9.15am Tuesday 8 10am

Sunday 13 9.15am Sunday 20 9.30am Sunday 27 9.30am

Feast of the Epiphany Holy Communion, Revd T Crosbie Tuesday Midweek Communion, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Holy Communion, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Service at Harkstead All-Age Family Service, Mrs C Ward

ST MARY’S ERWARTON Sunday 6 Sunday 13 Sunday 20 Sunday 27

11am 11am 11am 11am

The Epiphany Holy Communion BCP, Revd T Crosbie Family Service, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Holy Communion BCP, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Holy Communion BCP, Revd T Crosbie

ST MARY’S HARKSTEAD Sunday 6 9.30am

Sunday 13 9.30am Sunday 20 9.30am

Sunday 27 9.30am

Feast of the Epiphany Holy Communion, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Morning Prayer, Mrs C Ward Holy Communion with Chelmondiston, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Holy Communion, Revd Canon L Oosterhof

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CHURCH NEWS

THE GATE OF THE YEAR The poem below was the end of a nine-minute speech of King George 6 in his Christmas broadcast of 1939 which he called above all ‘the festival of peace,’ but Britain was at war. “I believe from my heart,” the King said, “that the cause which binds together my people and our gallant and faithful all is the cause of Christian civilisation.”

The poem was written by Minnie Louise Haskins 1875-1957 in a collection of hers called The Desert published in 1908 In the repercussions of the Brexit discussions and decisions we too need Faith and Hope.

Marian Carter GOD KNOWS And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

But he replied: “Go out into the darkness, and put thy hand into the hand of God. That shall be to thee better than light, and safer that a known way.”

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And he led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So heart be still what need your little life Our human life to know If God had comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife Of things both high and low.

God hideth His intention.

God knows, His will Is best. The stretch of years Which wind ahead, so dim To our imperfect vision, Are clear to God. Our fears Are premature: in Him All time hath full provision Then rest: until God moves to lift the veil From our impatient eyes.

When, as the sweeter features Of Life’s stern face we hail, Fair beyond all surmise God’s thought around His creatures Our mind shall fill.

CHELMONDISTON & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES (UN)CERTAINTIES IN THE NEW YEAR As I write, there are still four weeks to the new year when this will be published. What will the new year look like? How will the vote go in parliament over the Brexit plan? Will Theresa May still be prime minister?

Are we going to have a peoples’ vote? What will be the plan for leaving the EU? I can’t remember a time when there was so much uncertainty as we enter a new year. By the time you are reading this there may be some answers to some of these questions.

Two and a half years ago, the country made a binary choice and chose Brexit.

The route has raised all sorts of questions marks along the route. Those questions still abound and there is a huge amount of uncertainty along the route. We are going into unchartered waters.

I’m not going to provide the answers, because I just do not know how things will turn out. One thing I sometimes say at funerals is that there are many uncertainties in life, but one thing is certain – we will all die one day. What will happen after you die depends on decisions you have made before you die. If you agree with God that you have done some wrong and selfish things, then you can choose to ask him to forgive you. When you realise that the cost of your forgiveness was the death of Jesus on a cross, you will want to get to know this Jesus better because he has shown you love when you don’t deserve it. You will discover an unfolding plan for your life and you can choose to follow his amazing plan.

There will still be some uncertainties in that life, but you will know that the eternal destination is heaven (not because you deserve it or have earned it, but because it is the promise and gift of Jesus). There will be twists and turns along the route and even storms, but Christmas means God is with us.

Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, was crucified outside Jerusalem for the sins of the world. He rose from the dead and offered the kingdom of heaven to all who would believe in him. That’s enough certainty for me to enter the new year with hope and a sense of expectancy, despite the turbulence of our times. Brexit can’t change my eternal destination.

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 SERVICES AT CHELMONDISTON Sunday 6

10.45am 6.15pm

Worship with Mr Chris Jowett Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 13 10.45 am

6.15pm

Covenant service with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Sunday 20 10.45am

6.15pm

Worship with Mr Harry Chicken Worship with Rev Michael Allen

Sunday 27 10.45am

6.15pm

Worship with Prof David Welbourn Worship with Mr Chris Jowett

SERVICES AT HOLBROOK What’s on in January (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Mondays 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT) Home Groups: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7.30pm Saturday 5 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 6

THE PENINSULA BAPTIST CHURCH Pin Mill Road, Chelmondiston IP9 1JE We invite you to join us on Sunday morning at 10.30am or Sunday evening at 6pm.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Contact Dave Kelland: 01473 788441 / 07970 312705

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

10am

Worship with Mr Colin Westren

Sunday 13 10am

Worship with Mr Brian Clow

Friday 18 3.30pm

Messy Church (HCT)

Sunday 20 10am

United Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 27 10am

6.30pm

Worship with Dr Liz Cope Something Different

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in January For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 831120

25

CHURCH NEWS

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

Parish Priest: Fr Peter Raj 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR JANUARY Tuesday 1: Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 6: The Epiphany of The Lord 9am Mass Tuesday 8 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 13: Baptism of The Lord 9am Mass Tuesday 15 9.30am Morning prayer 10am Mass Sunday 20: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 22 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 27: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 29 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door.

negative; 9) Don’t try to convert somebody, respect others’ beliefs; 10) Work for peace.

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, December 23 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £157 prize pot. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the parish room and all are very welcome to join us. The next is on Thursday, February 28.

Supporting our Local Hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

The Sick & Homebound Please let Fr Peter know of anyone who is ill at home or homebound so that they can receive appropriate pastoral care. If you or someone you know is going into Ipswich Hospital and would like the ministrations of the church while there please inform Fr Peter or leave a message on Deacon Clive’s answerphone on 01206 396319.

All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services; it’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome.

Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

Catholic Commentary Many people make resolutions at the start of a New Year and it can be difficult to consider what they should be. So a review of Pope Francis’ Top 10 Secrets To Happiness can provide many ideas. 1) Live and let live; 2) Be giving of yourself to others; 3) Proceed calmly in life; 4) A healthy sense of leisure; 5) Sundays should be holidays; 6) Create dignified jobs for young people; 7) Respect and take care of nature; 8) Stop being

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