In Touch News with Shotley January 2020

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 10 • Issue No. 2 • JANUARY 2020

Fabulous Frosty Mornings by Sheila Sawers

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I am utterly addicted to and obsessed by Leonard Cohen, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover a new album was to be released three years after his death. Thanks for the Dance has been arranged by Leonard’s son Adam and features various collaborators and previously unheard material. Every line is a masterpiece, all the more poignant because it was written and recorded when he was “Waiting for the miracle to come”. Death and dying have always been key themes of his work, but is it fair to refer to the man who said: “The older I get, the surer I am that I’m not running the show” as ‘the grandfather of gloom’?

I go to one or other of his albums for inspiration, comfort, reassurance, hope and even humour. Tonight Will Be Fine always makes me smile: Sometimes I find I get to thinking of the past.

We swore to each other then that our love would surely last.

You kept right on loving, I went on a fast, Now I am too thin and your love is too vast.

And the ultimate love song must surely be If I Didn’t Have Your Love: If the sun would lose its light And we lived an endless night And there was nothing left That you could feel That’s how it would be My life would seem to me If I didn’t have your love To make it real I can’t imagine a world without music (it doesn’t have to be Leonard Cohen all the time), but for others it might be art or theatre, movies or even long walks in the countryside which provide the indefinable something which makes life better. Whatever it may be, I hope you find time and space to indulge in it this year. Maybe we can help you find it if you haven’t already!

And when you’re having a bad day…

“Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.”

Leonard Cohen

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

Friday 10 January is the advertising and editorial deadline for the February edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

NEWS SHOTLEY PIER UPDATE Our new catering operation, Pierside Snacks, got off to a good start down by Shotley Pier. All profits will be used for the pier and we are already chatting to more passers-by with news about our renovation work at the pier. The grant funder encouraged us to invest in a new food truck to enhance the local scene, enabling a wider range of food to be sold, including vegan items. An added bonus is that the new food truck has stood up well to windy weather. Our range currently includes burgers, bacon baps, soup, hot chocolate and tea and coffee and we are developing our vegan range which is cooked on a separate griddle. Vegan burgers, sausage rolls, soup and hot chocolate are already available, and we are seeking ideas to increase the vegan range, your ideas welcomed.

As an ethical and co-operative community group, we had no wish to set up in competition with a local businessperson, so we were delighted when he agreed to sell his going concern to the pier group. We bought the business with a grant, which included the trailer, stock, equipment and excellent training from the former owner which enabled our team to gain the highest possible food hygiene score. Developing our reputation for high standards at a reasonable price is just as important at our mobile food truck as it is when we are hosted elsewhere.

Opening hours during the winter are Sundays from 10am-2pm, subject to weather conditions, so if you’re coming from far afield, why not ask to be on our email newsletter list to get weekly updates on our opening hours? Just email us at: shotleypier@gmail.com In the spring, we will extend hours as the weather improves!

In other news, our Christmas coffee morning at the Michelin-listed Red Lion was very popular and raised £745. A huge thank you to the volunteers, stallholders and supporters who helped make it such a fun event. The Pier AGM was also well received with nine per cent of the shareholders in attendance. Three sitting directors, Gary Newton, Barrie Powell and Mike Scott, were re-elected. John Davitt, the chairman, thanked all the volunteers for their hard work, which totalled more than 3,000 hours over the last year.

The timber order for the first section of the pier has been placed, with a video clip of the timbers being cut available online.

Shotley Heritage Charitable Community Benefit Society Ltd www.shotleypier.co.uk / Facebook: ShotleyPier Twitter: Shotley Pier / YouTube Channel: Shotley Pier

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 ANNE-MARIE’S INSPIRATIONAL SLIMMING WORLD JOURNEY My name is Anne-Marie Sinclair and I absolutely love my job! It has quite literally changed my life. I first started gaining weight after my divorce when I found food was a real comfort to me. The pounds gradually piled on almost without me noticing.

I met Geoff and I moved to the lovely village of Holbrook. We decided to marry two years ago, but there was a problem. I wanted a romantic dream wedding, to wear white and feel amazing, but at the time I had very little confidence about my appearance. I was also suffering with asthma and aching joints. We were due to marry in August 2017 and the venue was The Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge in Epping Forest.

GANGES TRAINEES RETURN TO SHOTLEY GATE This is nothing unusual, but the HMS Ganges Association Museum was delighted to welcome a special group of ‘old boys’ back to the fold on Saturday 26 October.

This group of former Ganges’ trainees had formed a branch in Beeston, Nottingham, but recently made the difficult decision to close the doors on their regular meetings, sadly due to dwindling numbers. The lads vowed to lay down their standard and donate it to the popular museum along with a generous cheque representing outstanding funds, for which the museum is very grateful.

Their act is a poignant one, since the flag represents everything they hold dear. This includes shared memories of hard but happy times as the lads, who were 15 or 16 years old when they met, trained and made lifelong friendships, proudly serving in their careers with the Royal Navy on ships all over the world.

Geoff and I had gotten into some bad habits, regularly sitting in front of DVDs with big bags of Kettle Crisps and wine or beer, eating out regularly and not making wise choices. Something had to change. I was working as a teacher at the time and people around me were losing weight through Slimming World.

Right I thought, I’m joining up! I found a beautiful bridal dress in a charity shop (I believe in recycling) but it was three sizes too small. My goal – to get into the dress!

My mum kept saying, “You’ll never do it!”; she knew that would make me more determined!

Slimming World was amazing. I was delighted when I could still eat everything I enjoyed; nothing was off limits and I still lost weight without feeling hungry or guilty.

Trustees at the museum arranged a special handover to receive the cheque and the standard from Division Chairman Gerry Taylor and treasurer Terry Abrams. A commemorative tot of renowned Pusser’s Rum and a small buffet was shared to mark the occasion.

Visitors to the museum, now numbering 4-5,000 each year, will be able to view this and other standards. The £1,165.31 donation will enable the museum to purchase three bookcases to enhance the library, helping provide information for ‘old boys’ and their relatives to understand what life was really like on the naval base in Shotley.

Chairman Roger Jones said: “We are very pleased and proud to accept the Beeston Division Standard into our collection along with the huge cheque and we look forward to welcoming visitors to view our growing library which is representative of life at the land-based Ganges Training School, attended by 160,000 trainees between 1905 and 1976.”

The HMS Ganges Museum is open at weekends and on bank holidays from 11am to 5pm from Easter to October. To find out more, or to volunteer with us, please visit our website or follow our Facebook page. www.hmsgangesmuseum.com

In fact the dress had to be taken in the week before because it was too big.

I had achieved my dream target of nine and a half stone. One of the best moments was walking through a hotel on my way to the marriage venue and a ladies face lit up and she said, “Wow, a bride!”. I never thought in a million years and at my age (in my fifties) I would have had that reaction. I felt amazing and I want everyone to feel this good. That’s why I want to reach out to as many people as I can to alleviate the suffering of being overweight.

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JANE GOULD

I have been a Slimming World consultant at Holbrook Sports Centre on Tuesday nights from 5.30-7.30pm for two years come January and have been privileged to support members on their weight loss journeys. I have more recently taken on the lovely group at Capel St Mary Methodist Church on Mondays at 5.30pm.

I take this opportunity as the district councillor for Orwell Ward to wish you all a very peaceful New Year. Taking down the festive decorations reminds us that the old year has passed and there is a new beginning; may we use it wisely and show kindness to others and to the planet as climate change begins to affect us all.

If you would like to know more please contact me on 07985 221053.

Babergh District Council meetings were mostly cancelled for the duration of the election period, but we are all keen to start our work again now that it’s all done and dusted. I am a Green Party District Councillor and have been encouraged by the positive response from some of the parishes in Orwell Ward as they consider declaring parish council climate and ecological emergencies. The Green group on the district council will challenge decisions and policies made to ensure the Green agenda is given priority wherever possible.

HARKSTEAD PARISH COUNCIL We are looking for someone with their own mower to cut the Millennium Green a few times during mowing season.

If interested please contact Pam, the parish clerk: 01473 613298 / p.tunbridge250@gmail.com This is a paid position and you will be covered by insurance.

Orwell Ward: Belstead, Chelmondiston, Freston, Tattingstone, Wherstead and Woolverstone Dear all,

If you live in Orwell Ward please contact me if you have any issues you think I may be able to help you with.

Jane Gould: Jane.gould@babergh.gov.uk

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NEWS SHOTLEY PENINSULA CYCLING CAMPAIGN New Leaflet We’ve just published a new leaflet for the campaign explaining what it’s about and how to join. It also has a map showing the two safer routes we are trying to develop on the peninsula. You can view it on the Contacts and Membership page on our website; it’s just below our online membership link.

By the way, membership still remains free.

Wherstead Interchange (A14) You might have seen that planning applications have been lodged with Babergh DC to develop the land north of the A14 Wherstead Interchange, between the A137 and the railway rail, for a roadside service area and an employment area. Both will require a redesign and enlargement of the roundabouts at the top of the sliproads onto the A14. The SPCC has lodged comments on both applications saying that these new, much larger roundabouts, and the entrance into these new development areas (if they go ahead) will need to be made bicycle and pedestrian friendly, including safe access across the A14 sliproads. This is particularly important as these roundabouts form part of the planned ‘southern route’ into and out of Ipswich and is already earmarked as an ‘advisory’ cycle route by Suffolk County Council.

Third Party Insurance We’ve been looking into the merits of the SPCC becoming a group member of Cycling UK, the country’s leading cycling organisation. The main benefit of doing this is that as members of the SPCC we would then be entitled to become affiliated members of Cycling UK for just *£26 pa per person, providing us with £10m third party insurance should we ever have an accident involving someone else when out cycling. For those of us who do use our bike reasonably frequently, especially on public roads, this is well worth considering. However, before the SPCC signs up to this we wanted to get a feel for how many of our members might be interested in taking advantage of this affiliated membership offer. Unfortunately, there is no affiliated membership for families and each individual member has to become an affiliated member.

If you think you might be interested in this, please email and let us know: admin@spcc.info * Full, individual membership of Cycling UK is normally £48pa, which includes other benefits such as a magazine and various discounts.

In the meantime, we wish you all a very Happy New Year.

SPCC CONTACT DETAILS Chairperson Cathy Crouch: chairman@spcc.info Secretary Denise Tinker: secretary@spcc.info Membership Officer Mike Crouch: admin@spcc.info Treasurer Sally Williams: treasurer@spcc.info Website Manager Tony Gould: webmaster@spcc.info www.spcc.info

GP and Staff Training Afternoons Our next training afternoon will be on Thursday 6 February. The practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions and book appointments/make enquiries at reception. However, there will be no clinical staff on site and our telephone lines will be switched over to the out of hours’ service on these afternoons to allow for staff training. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Shotley Building Work Update Our building works at Shotley are very nearly completed and we hope to soon be back to ‘normal’! Thank you for your patience while we worked around the noise, dust and inconvenience. We will now have more clinical space and automated doors at the main entrance as well as updating our office space behind reception.

Happy New Year We sent our best wishes for the coming year to all our patients and local community. Our staff would like to thank those patients who have kindly given us chocolates and biscuits for Christmas. This is much appreciated and we are pleased to know that you are happy with the high standards of service we strive to give to our patients.

Primary Care Network Pharmacist In July 2019 we became part of the South Rural Primary Care Network (PCN), a group of five practices that can jointly employ additional staff to help with the clinical workload. As a PCN we have now employed a community pharmacist who will be able to help with medication reviews and queries. Emma Okeke will start with us in January for one day per week after an induction week before Christmas. You may get a telephone call from her if you have a query.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello everyone, By the time you read this, the new year will be upon us, so I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe 2020.

PC Diane Porter has now retired and I am continuing the role as Community Engagement Officer and Link Officer for Hadleigh and those Babergh and Mid Suffolk Villages that surround it. I will be assisted where needed by three Ipswich-based PSCOs who will help where they can.

As I write in early December there has been a spate of overnight burglaries to outbuildings at properties in the areas of Aldham, Elmsett and Nedging.

Please ensure your outbuildings are secure and items of value are not left on display. This has also been true of vehicles with tools on board, not only causing costly vehicle repairs but also loss of earning until tools can be replaced.

A great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in your area is to sign up to Police Connect. This is a free messaging service which gives you the latest policing news for your area. This can be delivered by email, text or telephone. If you would be interested in this free service please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect

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

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HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY

Please remember that on these dark evenings, and with homes in darkness for longer, it’s more obvious when someone is not at home. Please consider PIR lighting outside your property which may alert a neighbour if you’re not home and someone enters within the perimeter of your property. Also consider leaving a light on, maybe on a timer. Again, please hide away those lovely presents which may have arrived into the house over Christmas.

Always think ‘security’.

You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us Call the police on 101 to report non-urgent crimes and concerns which do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Happy New Year once again, PC 287 Sarah George

In Touch online:

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NEWS CHELMONDISTON PARISH COUNCIL It has only been seven months since the election in May. Once again, Councillor David Cordle was re-elected chairman and Councillor Colin Keeble became our new vice-chair. We now have ten members and one vacancy, so if anyone is interested please do contact us.

The start of a new decade is a time to look ahead at the next 10 years and see what difference we can make going forward. What are the important issues that we can contribute to that will make our village a better place? High on the list is to look after the environment so that a walk out is a more pleasurable experience. We’ll be building on the good work already being done to remove litter, plastic and other waste products from our riverbanks and footpaths.

We’ll be promoting the use of public transport to travel to great walking hotspots around the peninsula with our suggested Return Walks to Shotley.

Catching the 97 bus to Chelmondiston and walking back along the banks of the River Orwell to Shotley from Pin Mill is already a popular choice. Future In Touch reports will feature more of these.

We’ll also be building on the countrywide strategy to look after our open spaces and footpaths and to make sure that with all the local house building, and therefore extra people who will live on the peninsula, we don’t cause any damage to the habitats and natural areas that are so special. With our local group of volunteers our input won’t be ‘high level and strategic’; it will be ‘hands on and specific’. Strategies don’t work unless they are implemented and we look forward to these challenges.

We are particularly keen to also promote the use of ‘Le poney du Jarrat’ to get around. In England this is known as Shanks’s Pony, and you’ll find this mode of transport all over the place. In the Oxfod English Dictionary this is listed as ‘to use one’s own legs and the action of walking as a means of conveyance’.

Please join us on our next short walk around Shotley on January 15, starting from the Bristol Arms at 11.30am. Free stabling for your ponies, and if Le poney de Jarrat is not well, any other mode of transport is fine too.

Finally, our website is getting a bit of a makeover and also looking ahead to the next decade. Check it out from time to time to see updates, particularly on the news and events pages.

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

Report by Gary Richens www.shotleyopenspaces.co.uk

This is what we have been up to so far this year: • We had a successful litter pick with 10 members of the public joining us on our annual event.

• In line with the new Data Protection Regulations and GDPR, new policies were approved to meet the legislation.

• The Neighbourhood Plan Working Party welcomed new members and has been working hard. At present, the Draft Neighbourhood Plan (Chelpin Plan) has been submitted to Babergh District Council for their comments.

The next stage in the process will be the second formal consultation that is due to take place in 2020.

• We have purchased an additional dog waste bin for Pin Mill. This is situated at the top of Pin Mill by the ‘kissing gate’.

• We repaired and repainted all the picnic tables and benches on Pin Mill Common.

• We renewed the Service Level Agreement with the Community Payback Team. They will be working in the parish on a permanent basis one day per month.

• We successfully completed both the internal and external audits for the year end March 2019.

• We submitted comments to the consultation of the Draft Joint Local Plan.

• We have researched the purchase of a Speed Indicator Device to help with traffic calming measures through the parish.

• We formed a Climate and Ecological Emergency Working Party to look at the projects that can be completed at parish level and to also look into the level of support within the village for declaring a Climate and Ecological Emergency.

• We organised the Babergh East Police and Parish Forum meeting in the village hall. It was such a success with more than 50 members of the public in attendance that we have approved another meeting for next year (date to be confirmed).

• We arranged for Babergh District Council to ‘tidy up’ and repair the furniture at the picnic area (near to the carpark) at Pin Mill.

• We renewed the lease at the Recycle Centre for a further six years, also applied and were successful in renewing the centre as an Asset to the Community.

• We approved the work for the new sleepers at Jubilee Garden. This was completed in July.

• We received our first ever Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) of over £11,400 from the ongoing development at Foresters Arms, to help with delivering infrastructure and projects in the parish.

HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL

We have also helped several community groups in the parish and further afield this year:

125th Anniversary The December meeting marked the 125th anniversary of Holbrook Parish Council. The details and minutes of the first meeting, which took place on 18 December 1894, were shared and a cake was cut in celebration. Thank you to all residents for the support given to the parish council both now and in the past.

Chelmondiston Village Hall: £2,000

Reade Field Lottery Fund The Holbrook Lottery has started again for its second year; if you’re interested in joining please contact the clerk. All funds raised will go towards the Reade Field Project.

Playing Field: £9,460 (£8,000 for a new roof on the pavilion)

Councillor Vacancies The parish council now has two vacancies. There is a particular need for representation from Lower Holbrook. If you are interested in applying, please contact the clerk for further information.

Full minutes of all meetings are available online or by contacting the clerk: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017

Chelmondiston Good Neighbours Scheme: £160 Chelmondiston St Andrew’s Church: £250 Holbrook Academy Endeavour Award: £30 Eleven local charities (in total): £440 We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the councillors who have stepped down this year with several serving the community for many years.

We would also like to take the opportunity to wish all our parishioners a Happy New Year and look forward to advising the parish of our future activities for 2020-2021.

Chairman: Councillor David Cordle Trelowena, Hill Farm, Chelmondiston IP9 1JU Parish Clerk: Mrs Jill Davis, Michelle, Church Road, Chelmondiston IP9 1HT

Future meeting dates: January 20, February 17 and March 16

clerk@chelmondistonpc.info / 01473 780159

www.holbrook.suffolk.cloud

www.chelmondiston.suffolk.gov.uk

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NEWS

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS GANGES WARD (SHOTLEY & ERWARTON) Christmas and New Year is not only a time of joy and festivity for me as a father, brother, friend and public servant, but one of reflection, renewed hope and determination to bring about a better future.

Despite all the celebrations and good times had by many, especially the young ones, I couldn’t help but feel for those in Babergh who are going through hard times. The extent of child poverty in Suffolk, including homelessness, hunger and stress, was highlighted in the 2019 figures released by End Child Poverty. We must do what we can to better the lives of those affected by central government cuts and the damage austerity has caused.

Among my New Year’s resolutions is for us at Babergh to instigate a pilot intergenerational food skills programme in Shotley, working with local good-hearted volunteers. More often than not those needing to use food banks do not have the basic skills to prepare healthy, balanced meals for the whole family. Other groups who can benefit are those who have been recently bereaved and have not had to previously learn to cook, or those who are about to leave home for the first time.

Other initiatives we are looking at district-wide is rural community transport to plug the gaps caused by cuts to bus services, which in turn can lead to isolation, loneliness and mental and physical health issues. My communities team is also looking at our grants system and how it can help local groups and those bigger organisations, such as Citizen’s Advice that have also been hit by cuts stemming from central government policies.

I know from experience how many good people there are in this ward and further afield. I thank you for all your support in the past year and hope I can count on many of you in 2020 to help make the lives of all our residents better.

Happy New Year!

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BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR MARY MCLAREN STOUR WARD Council Business A new year has begun and new challenges abound, especially for district councillors. Due to the moratorium on many committees during November and December because of the General Election, we are back to work with renewed energy and a backlog of work to catch up on.

One of the busiest committees is Overview & Scrutiny. As a member of that committee, I am pleased to be part of a group that can be proactive and impact the work of the council itself. Scrutiny has legal and democratic legitimacy. The main principles are: a) Holding the executive to account; b) Independence and ownership of our own function; c) Improving services and driving efficiency; d) Being the voice of the public.

Where the subject is common across Mid Suffolk and Babergh Councils, there are Joint Scrutiny meetings and joint action. All meetings are public and most of the time they are live streamed. More information can be obtained from the BDC website.

Citizens Advice Services Most people at some point in their lives need advice that requires more specific, confidential and accurate input than family and friends can offer, but are not sure that legal advice is appropriate. Citizens Advice has undertaken their role effectively across our county, supporting us in times of need and sometimes despair. Unfortunately, Suffolk County Council funding for this vital public service ceases in April. As a response to that, a new task force to support Citizen Advice has been formed and Babergh District Council have joined up with SCC, Mid Suffolk, Ipswich and West Suffolk Councils to create a forum that can be proactive in providing solutions to funding this very essential service to our communities. Citizens Advice have bases in Sudbury, Stowmarket and Ipswich and can be accessed on 0300 330 1151.

Homelessness Bill Homelessness is more common than we think within our communities.

Homelessness occurs where families may experience ill health, redundancy, family trauma, unexpected death or family breakdown. As a result, the family is unable to maintain itself and the family home. Babergh District Council spends more than £5,000 per week keeping homeless families in temporary accommodation. In 2018/2019 there was an increase of 12 per cent. The money spent does not include the administrative costs the council incurs.

Preventing homelessness is a priority for Babergh District Council. mary.mclaren@babergh.gov.uk

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

AUCTION AT SHOTLEY VILLAGE HALL

My Facebook page is: Derek Davis – independent Councillor

Our first auction of 2020 is planned for March 14. More details will be provided next month, but for advice or advance booking, contact Jim Catling on 01473 788499 or Norman Bugg on 01473 787358.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY PARISH COUNCIL The parish council continues to make progress with its two main projects: the Neighbourhood Development Plan and Play Area (Lloyd Road and Kingsland) Regeneration. Initial meetings have been held and working groups have been formed. However, if you would like to get involved, particularly with the play areas, we would appreciate your help as there will be lots to do.

We were delighted to have been able to support the Outstanding Ofsted rated Kidzone, not just with the provision of a letter of support for their Community Infrastructure Levy funding application, but also with initial funding of £1,500 to help the charity with their expansion project.

We have also been approached by a local resident wishing to establish a community orchard, which will hopefully see the planting of more trees in our village. If you would like to be a part of this project, please get in touch.

Although not an official consultee in the planning process, the parish council felt very strongly about the potential loss of the historic asset that is the Queen’s Head pub in Erwarton. A recommendation for the refusal of the recent change of use application was agreed and comments sent to Babergh DC in support of our neighbouring parish’s efforts.

Accounts for the first and second quarters remained on target and were approved. Budget and precept for 2020/2021 were due for approval in January.

The bollard at the entrance to the allotments on The Street will be regularly monitored by Councillor J Briscoe and we ask that allotment holders please do lock it when leaving the site for added safety.

In order to comply with GDPR and improve our communication strategy, we have adopted a new standard email address for all our councillors and the clerk. This should make correspondence much easier and safer. You may email any of our councillors/clerk on their dedicated email addresses, as follows:

FRESTON PARISH COUNCIL

Cllr R Wrinch (chairman) Cllr B Powell (vice-chairman) Cllr C Mills Cllr D Davis Cllr J Briscoe Cllr M (Elizabeth) Williams Cllr R Green Cllr R Bareham Cllr T Ingram Mrs D Bedwell (Clerk/ RFO) Website Editor

You may also continue sending any enquiries to the clerk by email, post or by phoning 01473 788248.

Note from the Clerk: VE and VJ Days 2020 Following the successful centenary commemorations of last year, I have rallied the troops (pardon the pun!) and our committee has re-formed in order to look at how Shotley and neighbouring parishes can celebrate these special dates next year.

May Day is traditionally held on a Monday, but will be put back to Friday 8 May 2020. The holiday will form part of a three-day weekend of commemorative events. Nationally, this will include more than 20,000 pubs encouraging people to toast the heroes of the war, while churches will take part in a Ringing Out For Peace.

We are in the process of approaching local businesses and organisations so events can be co-ordinated and complement each other. If you’re also organising something or would like to get involved, please let me know.

Shotley Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support, and to wish you all the best for 2020.

CHELMONDISTON VILLAGE HALL

The new parish council would like to say hello. After the resignation of the previous parish council earlier this year, the new parish council was elected in May and June 2019. Its members are: Henry Stogdon (chairman), Lee Jukes (vice-chairman), Russell Ross-Smith, Gemma Stronach and Vanessa Penn.

The diary is already filled in with our regular weekly and monthly hirers, and even some children’s birthday parties. If you are thinking about booking an event, my pen is at the ready.

We had our first meeting in August and the minutes were posted online. We will be publishing the meeting dates for 2020 in the next few weeks and with meetings being open to the public, we would love to see you all.

The carpet bowlers meet on Monday evenings (and some Friday afternoons).

Chelpin Players meet on Wednesday evenings (call 01473 780358 to confirm in case we are having a night off).

Chelmondiston Social Club (780718) meets on Thursday afternoon and it’s the dance class on Tuesdays. Amanda’s classes are on Wednesday morning and Thursday evening. Chelmondiston Parish Council meets on the first Tuesday, the WI on the second Tuesday and Chelmondiston Horticulture Club on the third Tuesday.

We will be also continuing to publish the Freston parish magazine on a regular basis, as well as updating the Freston parish website. The website includes information on the parish council, village hall and St Peter’s Church.

We look forward to updating you in 2020. www.frestonparish.co.uk

COMMUNITY MUSIC GROUPS Friday Fun Folk Friday Fun Folk (FFF) meet on Friday mornings in Holbrook Methodist Chapel from 11am-noon. We play for fun (as the name suggests), so if you’ve got an instrument you haven’t played for a while this could be your chance to get plucking, bowing or blowing again. Come and join us, £2 a session.

Vivo Village Voices (Vivo for short) meet every Friday evening from 7-8pm in Holbrook Methodist Chapel. We are a community singing group so no auditions needed. We sing for fun as well as sometimes venturing out to sing at village fetes and community events and local care homes, £1 a session.

For more information about either group contact Jane Gould – 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com – or just turn up!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

Richard@shotleyparishcouncil.org Barrie@shotleyparishcouncil.org Craig@shotleyparishcouncil.org Derek@shotleyparishcouncil.org Jeanette@shotleyparishcouncil.org Maureen@shotleyparishcouncil.org Rob@shotleyparishcouncil.org Robert@shotleyparishcouncil.org Tony@shotleyparishcouncil.org Parish.Clerk@shotleyparishcouncil.org Website@shotleyparishcouncil.org

We plan to redecorate the main hall in 2020 and hope it will be unnecessary to increase our hire charges in the coming year. We have always done our best to keep them at a lower rate so that our community can benefit from the use of this lovely building. Over 100 years old, things do start to ‘drop off’ or stop working (such as boiler pump in November), so we need to have some finances in hand just in case. For many years we have had the support of the parish council, but sadly this may no longer be the case.

So thank you to our hirers and a big thank you to the management committee.

2020 here we come!

Pat Lakey pat@gilpat.co.uk / 01473 780358 (before 6pm please)

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OUT & ABOUT PRODUCERS PRATTLE FROM CHELPIN PLAYERS It’s been another great run for this gang. Recipe for Murder was our latest play and what a success it was for us. Our three performances were enjoyed by all; some who have never been before were surprised to find how much food there was for supper! Having a fantastic atmosphere from the front makes all the hard work worthwhile. Thanks to Chris and the WI catering department and the front of house husbands.

Josie joined us this time and passed with flying colours. Once we got her out of the habit of shouting “he’s behind you” or “don’t drink the tea”, she was fine and fits in quite well with this mad crew. Did you work out how it was done?

April is our next bit of fun so mark April 23-25 it in your new 2020 diary. And remember, if you don’t want to act, we always need help backstage.

Thanks again for your support.

PENINSULAR PIX January’s Peninsular Pix film is Red Joan directed by Trevor Nunn. Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson and Tom Hughes lead the cast. It tells the story of a woman accused by the British Secret Service of passing on classified information relating to the atomic bomb to Russia.

The agent’s younger years are played by Sophie Cookson, but when the arrest comes, Red Joan is granny-spy Judi Dench, happily gardening and doing watercolours. Her suburban neighbours are amazed and disbelieving when they learn the history of the little old lady down the road.

The film is less about ‘filthy traitors’ than it is about a time when men believed women had fluff for brains and therefore Red Joan is able to grow into old age before her secret life as a Soviet intelligence agent catches up with her.

True stories such as this one, kept under wraps for a long time, are always more interesting than Hollywood blockbusters with unrealistic CGI cartooning on its way, providing spectacular but disappointingly improbable thrills.

January is a bleak month with long dark nights, the warm summer evenings a dim memory. You need a cosy cinema with a glass of wine to look forward to and we hope to see you at 8pm on Thursday 2 January. Turn off the gas fire, get off your sofas, get down to the village hall and get lost in a spicy (spysee, get it?) piece of previously unknown history as portrayed by our national treasure, JD. You can book tickets in advance by texting a name and the number of tickets required to 07732 709656.

HARKSTEAD FARMERS’ MARKET The market has continued to run with some new stallholders joining this year. Come pop in and see what’s there. It’s open from 9am-noon in Harkstead Village Hall on January 18, February 16, March 21, April 18, May 16 and June 20.

GENTS’ BREAKFAST St Andrew’s Church Room, Chelmondiston on Saturday 29 February from 9-11am Dilly Ridge will happily cook for any gents who would like an English or continental breakfast with tea/coffee as required. Bring a friend or neighbour or something to read.

It would be great to know in advance if you will be joining us but there will be places on the day. A donation of around £10 towards church funds would be appreciated. dilly@hildaridge.co.uk / 01 473 780350 / 07850 431628

SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB A happy and peaceful New Year to all readers and producers. Our grateful thanks for all our support.

November Draw Winners 1: Mrs S Ratcliffe (144) £25 2: J Lawford Randall (024) £20 3: Mrs A Page (138) £15 4: Mr A Rudland (157) £5 5: Mr B Ratcliffe (097) £5 Make a new start to 2020 and join the 700 Club. The cost is £1 a month which can be paid at three, six or 12 month intervals. To join, contact Norman on 01473 787358.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

CHELMONDISTON WI Every year I say it has been a busy year, but honestly 2019 was a busy year, and a mad one…

My life is hectic, but the fun of our monthly WI meeting far outweighs the challenges. When you read this it will be 2020 and the madness will already have started with birds of prey joining us on January 14 (7 for 7.30pm).

Our 2019 program was varied and quite musical with musical boxes, ukuleles, Morris dancing, local duo and members of Pop Chorus with a dash of Munton’s malt, the mystery of herbs and simple suppers. We met Lily, a three-legged hedgehog, collected our old ‘stuff’ for ACWW, had help from the carpentry department (Ian Scriv) of Chelpin Players for our windmill, grew sunflowers, ate cake, drove beetles, drank lots of tea, and with help of Amanda Haskell exercised without leaving our chairs. The AGM passed with no committee changes.

On top of that we hosted two great evenings, joined by Shotley & Erwarton and Alton Belles, Hi Di Hi with David Webb and evening with lestyn Edwards, who had us roaring with his tales of accidentally touring Afghanistan and Iraq.

I hope you will visit us in 2020. It really is a welcoming and fun group of ladies.

Pat Lakey

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OUT & ABOUT

SHOTLEY & ERWARTON WI In November the ‘Windmill Girls’ set off in a convoy of cars to explore the neighbouring countryside. This idea was born from our excursions visiting the centenary windmills, hence our name. This time we went to Nutshells tea rooms in Stowupland, looked around the shops and then on to Hadleigh for tea.

Our AGM was also held in November with special guest Jane Sago, our SEFWI advisor. Jo Lee, our secretary, reminded us of all we had achieved throughout the year while our president, June Edwards thanked all the members and committee for their help and input and Maureen Coulson, our treasurer, praised us for making a profit.

This meeting was to be special as we had an election. We all welcome new committee member Rosa McCulloch. Our thanks go to Caroline and Monica, members of Chelmondiston WI, for counting up the votes.

We ended the night with an amusing game of dice which was won by Dorothy Snell.

Our first meeting of 2020 will be on Wednesday 8 January in St Andrew’s Church Room at 2pm. We’re planning a social afternoon called All Sorts, chasing away the January grey!

Members are invited to bring along stories and poetry to make us smile, we’ll sing some favourite hymns, share favourite prayers and enjoy each other’s company over a cuppa and some home baked goodies. Guests are always especially welcome.

Looking ahead, please put 2pm on Wednesday 5 February on your calendar; we are fortunate to hear about L’Arche in Ipswich, a community that cares for adults needing support to live fully in that community, but with independence.

Our speakers are Tony Gibbings and Rowland Howarth. It’s going to be an informative afternoon.

Wishing you peace and joy for the New Year, Pam and Christine P Ross: 01473 780796 / C Ward: 01473 780621

1 HOLBROOK GUIDES ST

The 1st Holbrook Guides meet every Thursday during term time and enjoy a range of activities. The unit has grown to have 20 members aged 10 to 14.

Recently Natalie and Rebecca from The Pink Shed Beauticians in Brantham spent an evening showing the Guides how to care for their skin. They shared their top tips and demonstrated techniques and the Guides were able to practise using some wonderfully scented products.

The Guides gained a lot from the session. Grace said: “It has been an amazing experience and interesting to learn what we should be doing for our skin.” Abigail commented: “It really taught me more about caring for my skin.”

Guide unit leader Leanne said: “I would like to say thank you to The Pink Shed staff who gave us so much support on the night.

They made the session fun and interesting; everyone enjoyed themselves and learnt so much.”

Holbrook Guides had stalls at various village Christmas fairs in December, selling products from local business The Classic Candle Company. They made a profit of in excess of £260 which they will use towards a range of activities during 2020, including an evening at LUSH, wall climbing and drama and dance evenings.

If you would like to know more about Holbrook Guides and your child either lives on, or goes to school on Shotley Peninsula email: holbookguides@outlook.com

CHELMONDISTON 100 CLUB We are very pleased to announce that we have now made our December draw. Many congratulations to the lucky winners, who are: £120: Chris Cook £60: Caroline Giles The next draw will be in March and it will be the last draw of this present 12-month period. Hopefully we will all be enjoying some spring weather.

If you wish to join our club, set up to support the maintenance of the church yard and make it a place we can all enjoy, please phone Fiona for further details: 01473 780965

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SHOTLEY PENINSULA BRANCH

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.

Our next meeting is on January 21 when Chris Parfitt will be giving an illustrated talk on Hidden Bhutan, focusing on the eastern area and the less visited valleys. Chris has travelled extensively around the world and has built up a collection of interesting and informative talks. This promises to be no exception, especially as this area is one of his favourites.

On February 18 Brian Dyes, a founder member and past chairman of Ipswich Transport Museum, will be giving a talk about the museum.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

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

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

CHELMONDISTON SOCIAL CLUB Happy New Year! We hope you all enjoyed the festive season.

New Year – New Resolutions – so if you want a bit of company on a Thursday afternoon, come along for a cuppa, cake and a chat. We meet in the village hall every Thursday from 2-4pm.

Mike & Michele Rutherford: 01473 780718

SHOTLEY OVER 60S We hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and we wish you all a very peaceful 2020. This month we will meet on Thursdays 2, 16 and 30.

If you’d like to join us to see what we do, you would be well looked after.

Lifts are always available if needed.

For further information if required, contact Norman or Eileen on 01473 787358.

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OUT & ABOUT PENINSULA POETRY GROUP

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED

Do you enjoy reading, writing or listening to poetry? Join our friendly Peninsula Poetry Group at Shotley Village Hall at 7pm each month for a small fee of £3. Our dates and themes for next year are:

Happy New Year to all our members past and present.

January 15: Trees February 12: Weddings / Marriage March 11: Education / School April 8: Female Poetry

We start 2020 on Monday 6 January at 7.30pm when Janet will show us how to make a sock kitty. Please remember to bring your craft boxes with scissors, needles, cotton, etc.

On Monday 3 February, Jill will be making dream catchers.

We meet at Wherstead Village Hall and new members are always welcome.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

May 13: Mountains June 10: Birds July 8: Morning August 12: The Beach September 9: A Photograph October 14: People Watching November 11: A Different Perspective December 9: A Room at Home Themes are always optional, drinks and snacks are supplied.

SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE 2019 was a very successful year and there is still capacity if you would like to join us. Upcoming dates are Thursday, January 9 & 23 and February 6, all 1.50-4pm.

Lifts are always available. For further information if required, contact Norman or Eileen on 01473 787358.

STOUR VALLEY U3A Wednesday 8 January: The Mysteries of Easter Island Chris Parfitt, a retired teacher, will present an illustrated talk looking at life on this remote island today and explore its unique history revolving mainly around the famous statues and some of the theories surrounding them.

Wednesday 12 February: The Life & Times of an Essex Bad Girl From prison to a successful brand by Tracy from the Giggly Pig Co and how she managed to change the direction of her life into being a pig farmer and successful sausage producer.

Wednesday 11 March: Bees and Flowers Master beekeeper Jeremy Quinlan will talk on the contest between them to gain benefits from the relationship explained.

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. For further information please visit: www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk 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.

Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am-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 31 January.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

Getting afloat this year – interested?

As the new year begins we review what was achieved last year and finalise plans for the coming sailing season. So what opportunities will be available to get out everyone on the water?

We will continue our evening youth groups, aimed at progressing youngsters all the way from complete beginners to dinghy instructors, limited only by ambitions. You can join one of the groups if you are 10 years old (or very nearly). We aim to make membership affordable and can help by making fees more manageable. If your child would like to join us, now is the time to get in touch (youthgroup@ neptunesailing.org.uk). We have plenty of spaces for new members and offer free trial sessions for children who are not sure if sailing is for them.

During September we trialled Saturday sessions, open to all children at low cost. These proved popular, even though the weather was not helpful, so we are planning to offer these again next May. Details will appear on the website, so look out for more information from April onwards. There will be no need to become a member, but you will need basic sailing skills.

We had excellent responses from adults wanting to learn to sail and all of our weekend courses went ahead, with many sailors returning for a higher level course later in the year. We aim to make these courses enjoyable, with an instructor on board to offer coaching throughout the majority of the course.

All are welcome to join a course, and many come along to gain further sailing experience on tidal waters.

Powerboat courses were very popular last season and we will continue to offer at least one course each month. There has been much interest in the RYA Safety Boat Course and we hope to run some of these courses for keen club sailors.

Summer junior courses continued to be very popular and a full programme will be offered from July to the end of August. We were able to move our students through the RYA Youth Scheme, with many gaining higher stage awards.

Having had visits from six local schools over the last two years, we would particularly like to see more primary school and youth groups using the centre. Do get in touch if you would like to arrange a visit. www.neptunesailing.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL RECEIVES SUFFOLK CARBON CHARTER AWARD

ALTON BELLES WI Sadly, I have to report that two of our old members have passed away.

Mary Talmadge and Jean Howard. Both in their nineties, Mary and Jean were members of the committee. Mary helped out former treasurer Jenny Skilton and Jean always wrote the reports for Tattingstone News.

Several members attended Jean’s funeral at Seven Hills Crematorium.

Only one member was able to attend Mary’s funeral, which was held in Beccles.

In November, members of Alton Belles WI welcomed the CEO from Lighthouse Women’s Aid. Sally Winston gave us an insight into all the areas they cover, helping women and children who find refuge and help there. They often arrive at the refuge with nothing but the clothes they stand up in. Lighthouse depends on grants from the National Lottery and donations of all kinds. Alton Belles members put together a collection of toiletries to be given to women at the refuge as Christmas presents. These items were presented to Sally.

Alton Belles held their AGM and the committee remains the same with Tamzin Howell as named president, Jane Connell-Smith and Annette Kilworth as vice-presidents, Sheila Paxman as secretary and Nicci Kenny as treasurer. This year will be a little different as Tamzin plans to be travelling with her husband, therefore the two vice-presidents will share taking the meetings.

If you are interested in joining our vibrant and forward-looking WI, but feel nervous about coming along on your own, just contact our secretary, Sheila Paxman, on 01473 327319 and she will make sure you are looked after.

SOCIAL SEW-AND-SOS The group continued throughout 2019 and the next few dates are January 4, February 1, March 7, April 11, May 2 and June 6. We meet in Harkstead Village Hall with doors opening at 9am. All crafts are welcome.

Members of the Royal Hospital School’s pupil-led Eco Committee collected the RHS Gold Carbon Charter Award at an event held at Wherstead Manor at the end of November.

Three RHS pupils gave a presentation on how the school had achieved the Golden Carbon Charter award for a second time and what the school is doing to build on this in the future. The award recognises the school’s carbon reduction measures and its work with pupils, staff and the wider community to raise awareness and change behaviours to become more environmentally sustainable.

The Eco Committee has played a large part in educating and encouraging the school to focus on change. Campaigns have included teaching everyone to recycle correctly, conserve heat and electricity in boarding houses as well as a food waste reduction programme. Recently, a campaign illustrating the number of single-use plastic bottles the school got through in a month led to the introduction of stainless-steel refillable bottles for every pupil.

CHELMONDISTON PRIMARY SCHOOL Remembrance Service On Monday 11 November the whole school came together to remember and pay respect to those who have died in conflicts of the past. Mrs Butler led the service with a reading of In Flanders Field. This was followed by prayers written by the pupils of EDME class, our Year 6 children. The two minutes silence was observed by all. Miss Hawkins played the Last Post to signify the beginning of this and the Reveille at the end.

Our school councillors walked down to the village war memorial and laid a wreath on behalf of the whole school. All of the classes had completed work linked to Remembrance Day which included talking about relatives who had given their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

Cake Sale The caring nature of our school community was demonstrated by the generous donations of cakes and biscuits for our bake sale in aid of Children in Need. The sale raised the fantastic total of £176.86. They were sold at the end of the day and the queue to purchase them stretched on to Woodands Road!

Christmas Decoration Afternoon On Monday 2 December the school invited parents and carers in for an afternoon of Christmas decoration making. The children showed their creativity and cooperation as they worked with their house groups throughout the afternoon. The older children, along with staff and parents, helped to support the younger ones to ensure everyone was included. The decorations will be displayed in the classes.

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Christingle Service On Thursday 5 December the whole school made Christingles to take to our annual Christingle Service led by Reverend Liesbeth at St Andrew’s Church.

Parents and carers were invited to join us for this service. Again, older children helped support the younger children to foster a caring attitude to others.

Swimming Gala Some of our Year 5 and 6 children took part in the Peninsula Swimming Gala at the high school on Thursday 5 November, an excellent opportunity for them to represent our school.

Christmas Dinner Staff and children are looking forward to our school Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 11 December when staff help to serve the children.

Christmas Performances Costume letters have been sent out, songs are being learnt and parts have been allocated ready for our Christmas performances to parents in the last week of the term. Key Stages 1 and 2 are just beginning to learn the songs and parts for their performances which take place in the last week of term.

The children approach this with enthusiasm and commitment to entertain their peers and families.

Finally, a huge thank you to all who have supported the school in many ways during the autumn term. A special thank you to the dedicated members of our PTA for organising fundraising events to support the school.

Chelmondiston C of E School would like to wish everyone a prosperous New Year.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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SCHOOLS STUTTON TODDLER AND BABY GROUP Everyone is welcome when we meet on Tuesday at Stutton Community Hall from 9.30-11.30am. Children and babies up to five years old, new faces and families can join us for a free taster session on your first visit to the group.

Every week we get creative with crafts such as painting, drawing and making themed art. Toy cars, animals and trains are a firm favourite as well as whizzing around the hall on the ride-on toys. Whooshing down the slide, crawling through the tunnel and catching bubbles also offers lots of fun. Singing and story time also offer a chance for the children to express themselves and use their imaginations. Each session is £3 per family, including a healthy snack for the little ones and a tea or coffee for parents and carers.

We are a small, friendly group of mums, dads, grandparents and carers who look forward to meeting you very soon.

Group Volunteer Becky Fox

Happy New Year to you all! We do hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

Are you ready for the new term? We are looking forward to getting back into the routine and seeing the children to hear about what fun they had over the Christmas period.

This term we will be thinking about our annual fundraising events and coming up with new ideas. We will also be looking to add new faces to our committee.

We need people who can play an active part in fundraising, decision making and bringing new ideas to the setting. If you like to bake a cake, organise events, get creative with posters, letter drop, carry out gardening and DIY duties then we need you! For more information on this please contact Becky Fox on 07500 018672.

We continue to welcome any interest, queries or questions that you may have relating to new starters or the work of the playgroup in general. Please ask to speak with the playgroup manager, Lavinia D’zundza on: 01473 780948 / chelmoplaygroup@yahoo.co.uk Chairperson Becky Fox

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

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

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

Contact Dave Kelland: 01473 788441 / 07970 312705

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS HOLBROOK PRIMARY SCHOOL

SHORELINE BENEFICE, JANUARY 2020

We’ve had a very busy autumn term at Holbrook Primary School, including a number of fantastic trips and too many sports events to mention.

ST ANDREW’S, CHELMONDISTON Sunday 5 9.15am Feast of the Epiphany Holy Communion,

Revd Canon C Chapman Sunday 12 9.15am Sung Holy Communion, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Tuesday 14 10am Tuesday Midweek Communion, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Sunday 19 9.15am Holy Communion, Revd D Newton Sunday 26 9.30am All-Age Family Service, Mrs C Ward

This month our Year 3 class would love to share the great learning which has been happening in their classroom.

We have been focusing on the Romans. There has been so much to learn.

Children created their own gods. Wilfred created one which wears a scarlet robe with sparkling pearls. He can move volcanoes and fire and has the power to control them. Children also enjoyed making mosaics with lovely patterns made with glass tiles. Year 3’s class trip was to Colchester Castle to learn about Roman houses. Children learnt that wealthy Romans would live in a villa and the Celts would live in a round house.

Our Christmas celebrations included a visit from a panto group: it was fantastic to hear the children’s cries of “he’s behind you” echoing in the school hall while they munched on tasty popcorn. This cultural opportunity was also a great finale to the KS1 Celebrations topic. Our successful KS1 nativity and KS2 Carol Concert demonstrated how many of our hugely talented pupils are confident to perform to an audience.

The exciting topics for the spring term are now up and running. Just to give you a flavour, Years 1 and 2 will focus on Treasure Seekers, Years 3 and 4 on Island Explorers and Years 5 and 6 are learning all about Saving the Planet and Defining the Future. Take a look at our school website to find out more about what we’ll be covering during 2020; the class pages include lots of information about our bespoke River of Knowledge curriculum. www.holbrook-pri.suffolk.sch.uk

ST MARY’S, ERWARTON Sunday 5 4pm Celtic Evening Prayer, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Sunday 12 11am Family Service, Revd Canon L Oosterho Sunday 19 11am Holy Communion BCP, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Sunday 26 10.45am Holy Communion at Shotley, Revd Canon L Oosterhof ST MARY’S, HARKSTEAD Sunday 5 9.30am Feast of the Epiphany Holy Communion,

Revd Canon L Oosterhof Sunday 12 9.30am Morning Prayer, Mrs C Ward Sunday 19 9.30am Holy Communion, Revd Canon L Oosterhof Sunday 26 9.30am Holy Communion, Revd T Crosbie ST MARY’S, SHOTLEY Sunday 5 10.45am Shotley Family@Church, Mr A Coulson Sunday 12 10.45am Holy Communion, Revd T Crosbie Sunday 19 10.45am Worship for All, Mr A Coulson Sunday 26 10.45am Holy Communion with Erwarton,

Revd Canon L Oosterhof Please check the church website and noticeboards for any changes to services.

CHELMONDISTON & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES Hope for 20/20 What will 2020 be like? At the time of writing, I have no idea what the political situation will be like when this is distributed. We will have had an election, but many commentators are saying it’s too unpredictable to call at this stage. All I know for certain is that some will be really pleased and others may be devastated. There will be some new members of parliament and some shattered because they lost.

Writing the year ‘2020’, my mind turns to ‘20/20 Vision’. I’ve never researched the meaning before, but as I expected, it’s normal visual clarity/sharpness, seeing at 20 feet with the right degree of sharpness. My vision for the year 2020 is unclear, but for the long term I do have hope.

We’ve just celebrated Christmas, the story of a baby born in Bethlehem, in an occupied country, the family seeking asylum in Egypt for two years because his life was threatened. One of the unusual gifts given to baby Jesus was myrrh, an ointment to embalm dead bodies. Thirty-three years later Jesus was anointed with an expensive perfume, a week before he was hung on a cross dying. From the cross he spoke words of forgiveness to those who had done the deed. When the women came with myrrh to anoint his dead body in the tomb, he was not there and a young man said, “He is risen”.

Last summer I visited the garden tomb in Jerusalem where, perhaps, Jesus’s body was laid after he was crucified. One evening, a choir and ensemble gave an open-air performance of Handel’s Messiah. They sang “I know that my redeemer lives” in the very place where Jesus was raised 2,000 years earlier.

but we need to live with respect for others. Please pray for those elected that they may be people of integrity and working for the common good.

Pray also for those not elected that they may find other ways of serving their communities. The words Jesus spoke from the cross are offered to all of us – our sins are forgiven. As we start the year 2020, may we have clear 20/20 vision of the hope set before us by Jesus and the difference our individual lives can make to peace in our communities.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel, Chelmondiston & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Sunday 5 10.45am Worship with Mr Harry Chicken

6.15pm Worship with Rev Michael Allen Sunday 12 10.45am Worship with Mr Paul Finch

6.15pm Worship with Mr Chris Jowett Sunday 19 10.45am Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey

6.15pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 26 10.45am Worship with Mr Mike Cassidy

6.15pm Worship – Local Arrangement

The apostle Peter, who was there on that day, wrote: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Peter was to live through difficult times in occupied territory, he was persecuted. The resurrection of Jesus bought a living hope that death is not the end, but that there is something glorious beyond for those who have learned to trust in Jesus as Saviour.

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat: Mondays 2.30-4pm (HCT) Home Groups: Second & fourth Tuesdays at 7.30pm Saturday 4 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 5 10am Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey Friday 10 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Sunday 12 10am Worship with Rachael Wainwright Sunday 19 10am United Service at All Saints Sunday 26 10am Worship with Mr Chris Finbow

6.30pm Something Different

Whatever the outcome of the election, God calls us to live at peace with one another – hurtful language, arrogance and lies should have no place in our lives. We can disagree with one another; we can be passionate for our cause

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in January.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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CHURCH NEWS

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

Parish Priest: Fr Paul Vincent 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2020 Wednesday 1 Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 5 The Epiphany of The Lord, Solemnity 9am Mass Tuesday 7 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 12 Baptism of The Lord 9am Mass

5) Sundays should be holidays 6) Create dignified jobs for young people 7) Respect and take care of nature 8) Stop being 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 22 December at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £166 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 26 January. 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 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 to noon. We are raising funds for our centenary celebration on 15 August 2020. All are very welcome to join us and the next event will be on Thursday 30 January.

Tuesday 14 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 19 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass

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.

Tuesday 21 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 2 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass

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.

Tuesday 28 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

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

The Sick & Homebound A new Catholic Chaplain is yet to be appointed so in the meantime, please contact Fr Alan Hodgson (01473 728115).

Please be aware that for reasons of patient confidentiality, the current practice in the NHS is not to inform the chaplains of any Catholics who are admitted to hospital, so unless you or your relatives inform the chaplain of your hospital stay, you will not be visited by a priest or any other member of the chaplaincy team.

Please let Fr Paul know of anyone who is ill at home or housebound, so that they may receive appropriate pastoral care.

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CHURCH NEWS

TWO RIVERS BENEFICE, JANUARY 2020 Dear All, It doesn’t seem possible that I am now embarking on my fourth month in the parishes – time is certainly going quickly and we are leaving Christmas behind us, although in church we continue to celebrate the revelation of Christ until the end of the month.

One of the big concerns in rural parishes during these dark months is loneliness. Here in the parishes we have tried hard to accommodate those who are on their own. We have Coffee@Church in Woolverstone at 11am and afternoon tea at Holbrook at 4pm on January 5 and Comfort Corner (Holbrook and Stutton) and a soup lunch at Stutton on Saturday 11. All are occasions to get together and have a cup of tea or some soup in the company of others.

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It can make January feel dark and long, but there are a number of things to cheer us into the new year. If you haven’t been already, why not visit the replica of the Ark which is docked in Ipswich? At time of writing, I haven’t been, but have been reliably informed that it is well worth a visit. It is suitable for adults and children alike.

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Blessings, Jenny 01473 327951 / 07733 195866 / rector2rivers@outlook.com The Rectory, 15 Denmark Gardens Holbrook IP9 2BG ST PETER’S, STUTTON Sunday 5 10.30am Worship for All at Stutton School Saturday 11 Noon Soup & Roll Sunday 12 9.30am Holy Communion, Rev Jenny Wednesday 15 2.30pm Prayer Group at Oak House Sunday 19 9.30am Holy Communion, Rev Jenny Sunday 26 11am Informal Service, Duncan Myatt ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK Sunday 5 4pm Sunday 12 10am Sunday 19 10am

Sunday 26 9.30am

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Afternoon Tea Matins Joint Service with the Methodists: Christian Unity, Rev Sankey Holy Communion Rev Jenny

ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD Sunday 5 No Service Sunday 12 11am Holy Communion, Rev Jenny Sunday 19 No Service Sunday 26 11am Informal Service, Annette Steggles ST PETER’S FRESTON Sunday 5 11am Matins, Malcolm Farman Sunday 12 No Service Sunday 19 11am Holy Communion, Rev Jenny Sunday 26 No Service Fridays 9am Contact Malcolm Farman (01473 677050)

to confirm ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE Sunday 5 10am BCP Communion, Rev Jenny

11am Café Church, Duncan Myatt Sunday 12 11am Worship the Woolverstone Way, Jane Gould Sunday 19 11am Morning Prayer, Duncan Myatt/Jane Gould Sunday 26 11am Holy Communion, Rev Jenny

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