In Touch with Sproughton February 2020

In Touch

™© ™©

with Burstall & Sproughton

Volume 10 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2020

Image by Svetlana Sewell / www.landmstudio.co.uk

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Have you noticed the days getting the teensiest bit longer? It’s barely perceptible but I’m sure the sky is a little bit brighter when I leave work than it was even a week ago. However, it can be a rather gloomy time of the year so this month I’ve set out to give you something to laugh at! I hope it works.

NEWS PIGEON PUBLIC EXHIBITION AT THE TITHE BARN

The Funniest Joke of The Fringe award was introduced 12 years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe. The goal of finding the wittiest one-liners falls to an expert panel of 10 judges, comprising of the UK’s leading comedy critics. Last year’s winner was Swedish comedian Olaf Falafel. He took the title with the gag:

Readers will recall the public exhibition back in November in the Tithe Barn about the proposed development of up to 114 homes on Hope Farm

by Pigeon Investment Management. Many of you attended the exhibition and 105 of you completed a post-exhibition questionnaire for Sproughton Working Group in the Barley Room afterwards.

“I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets”

Full results of the survey can be seen on the Sproughton Working Group website at: www.burstalllane.com

Ten jokes made the 2019 shortlist. My favourites were: “Someone stole my antidepressants. Whoever they are, I hope they’re happy” Richard Stott “A cowboy asked me if I could help him round up 18 cows. I said, ‘Yes, of course.

That’s 20 cows’” Jake Lambert “A thesaurus is great. There’s no other word for it” Ross Smith “After learning six hours of basic semaphore, I was flagging” Richard Pulsford “To be or not to be a horse rider, that is Equestrian” Mark Simmons Here are a few others which made the shortlist over the years but failed to win: “I’m sure wherever my dad is; he’s looking down on us. He’s not dead, just very condescending.” Jack Whitehall “I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it the ‘brella’. But he hesitated” Andy Field “I’ll tell you what’s unnatural in the eyes of God. Contact lenses.” Zoe Lyons They say humour is subjective and I know (or have been told) mine is somewhat ‘dark’, but you can’t deny the beautiful simplicity of each of the jokes highlighted here, and the talents behind them. Oh just one more…

Overwhelmingly your response was to reject these latest proposals, despite the changes made by Pigeon. Our community rejects: • The cumulative impact of this proposal on top of other developments, planned and already under way that will swamp our village and change its identity forever.

• The proposed ‘Relief Road’, traffic calming and passing bays in Burstall Lane as solutions to Sproughton’s traffic problems.

• The sweeteners of a possible medical centre, relocated community shop and car park as part of the development.

• The whole premise of an Agricultural Trust offering up arable farmland rich in wildlife, landscape and heritage for building purposes.

Your voice – Sproughton Working Group – guided by you, will continue to stand up for our village at every juncture. Thank you for completing our survey and confirming your views. If we stick together and remain resolute, we can make a difference.

Contact us at: oakdene@burstalllane.com

“I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Ken Cheng

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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

Mon 10 February is the advertising and editorial deadline for the March edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

SPROUGHTON MILLENNIUM GREEN TRUST NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Members of the public are warmly invited to the annual general meeting of Sproughton Millennium Green Trust which will be held in the Barley Room at the Tithe Barn on Wednesday 18 March at 7.30pm.

AGENDA 1. Introduction and welcome by the chairman 2. Minutes of the last AGM 3. Matters arising 4. Chairman’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. Appointment of directors to Sproughton Millennium Green Limited, sole trustee 7. Open forum for suggestions and comments from the public about our Millennium Green; come along and have your say!

8. Any other business and close The public AGM will be immediately followed by the AGM of Sproughton Millennium Green Limited, a closed meeting for directors only.

Chairman Ken Seager

BURSTALL COFFEE MORNING There will be a coffee morning in aid of St Mary’s Church Funds in Burstall Village Hall on Saturday 8 February, 10.30am to noon. There will also be a cake stall, bric-a-brac, a raffle and a tombola.

Come and have a coffee and a chat with your friends.

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NEWS SPROUGHTON BONFIRE, FIREWORKS & BBQ The afternoon of Friday 2 November 2019 was wet and made for a muddy annual bonfire night. Thankfully the morning has been predominantly dry and the set-up team did their work in good time. The rain obviously put people off venturing out as we counted only 847 people coming through the gates to enjoy a great evening of family fun which included an enormous bonfire, an excellent BBQ and superb child-friendly fireworks.

So many people contribute to such a safe and well-managed event. Our clearup team worked after the event until midnight. We are very grateful to the head and governors of Sproughton Primary School for granting us permission to use the school playing field and also to the Playing Field Management Committee for car parking (although in the event we didn’t need to use it). The TA Cadets, ably assisted by Roger, managed to safely park 71 cars.

The collectors at the gates did a brisk trade and, as usual, our hard-working catering team provided an excellent BBQ while enjoying protection from the elements provided by the three large gazebos – the new gutters in-between the gazebos were well and truly tested by a downpour early in the evening.

The St John Ambulance team was in attendance and fortunately there was only one minor incident to report.

We must thank Factair for, once again, generously providing the generator to power the footpath lighting and the Wildman for sourcing the cooked onions.

A huge thank you to all those who enthusiastically helped during the day, especially Sally and Rosie who pre-cooked sausages in the Church Hall, Madeline Woolf for kindly feeding the hungry helpers at lunchtime and all those who helped in the evening and with the clearing up. Particular thanks go to the Millennium Green directors for allowing us to use the field, the Woolf family for their help and farm equipment, Ben, Charlie and Sophie Woolf and Bradley for their help building the bonfire, the cadets for manning the event, Tess and Dawn for picking litter, the washer-uppers at the Church Hall and last, but not least, the Brownies for making the Guy. Despite the poor attendance, perhaps thanks to the rain and maybe partially due to Halloween the previous evening, we are pleased to report a grand total of £1,380 raised for church funds. We also sent a donation of £150 for the use of the Millennium Green and £71.50 to the school for use of the field for car parking.

This event would not be possible without volunteers, from the 65+ helpers through to the cadets. We are again particularly grateful to Steve Palfrey and Bradley Hardman for their help with the organisation and preparation.

Bradley did a fantastic job in reviewing and correcting the electrical plan for the event to ensure we were efficiently using all the cables, connectors and lighting; not an easy task! If you are interested in helping at the event or with the organisation, we’d be delighted to hear from you – it really is good fun!

To help guide our plans for this years’ event, we’d be grateful if you’d spare two mins to fill in our simple survey (just six questions) which you’ll find at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2QX7BYJ Ralph Earey & Simon Curl, organisers on behalf of Sproughton PCC ralphearey@gmail.com

SPROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL Pigeon Development/Burstall Lane DC/19/00567 Following the public exhibition in November the working group has published their results on the group website: www.burstalllane.com This was mentioned in their recent flyer which was delivered to Sproughton residents. There was an overwhelming response to reject the latest proposals.

This planning application was expected and Sproughton residents are encouraged to respond with their views to Babergh.

Hopkins Homes DC/18/02412 DC/18/02010 The decision notice in April 2019 found against the development but the parish council has noted that both the original and duplicate applications were updated in December 2019 with revisions. The parish council has contacted Babergh for an explanation.

Bennett Homes/Flood Water Following an informal meeting with residents, Zac Norman, the district councillor for Sproughton and a member of Sproughton Parish Council, it was agreed that Mr Norman would contact James Cartlidge MP to help resolve this matter with a view to setting up a meeting with Bennett Homes and DS Watson who did the groundworks for Bennett Homes.

Hopkins Homes/Bramford Fitzgerald Road DC/19/01401 DC/19/01649 Duplicate applications have been submitted for 115 homes on land in Fitzgerald Road which would have an impact on all the other housing planned in the area.

New parish council members wanted There are vacancies for parish councillors so if you would like to help the Sproughton community please contact the clerk by email: sproughtonpc@gmail.com DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Wednesday 12 February in the Barley Room 7pm Planning Meeting / 7.30pm Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 26 February: 7pm Planning Meeting Parish Council Contact Details: 07540 053289 / sproughtonpc@gmail.com

REPORT FROM ZAC NORMAN District Councillor for Sproughton and Pinewood Happy New Year to everyone! Now we are back in the swing of things, we must look forward to a new year with, hopefully, things being done with Sproughton residents in mind.

I am still waiting for progress on my SID (Speed Indicator Devices) application which has been processed. I will publish an update when I have news to share.

I am surprised to see that Taylor Wimpey hasn’t yet put the Wolsey Grange 2 application forward to Babergh District Council but we are all on guard to see when this might come in, as well as the revised Pigeon application which is also pending.

Many of you may have noticed the lines marking out on the horrible bump sticking out from the new path on Lower Street. I reported this to Suffolk County Council Highways and they have confirmed that a bollard will be constructed on the bump, therefore making it more visible and unlikely to be hit.

I have done lots of work over the festive period trying to sort the Bennett Homes flooding situation. The works have all been approved by Highways and should be partially completed by now, with the rest to be completed in due course. I’d like to thank Sproughton residents for their patience on getting this sorted.

As always, if you have anything you’d like to raise with me, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. zachary.norman@babergh.gov.uk / 07577 359922 If you would like to sign up to my newsletter with more in-depth information, please send me an email and you will be added to the mailing list.

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NEWS DAVID BARNES – TOTALLY COMMITTED TO SPROUGHTON I arranged to meet David in the Barley Room, next to the community shop behind the Tithe Barn in Lower Street, Sproughton.

This was a most appropriate venue as the following paragraphs will reveal.

David was born in Anglesea Road Hospital, Ipswich in 1966 and at a few days old went to live in High Street. He has lived there ever since, apart from a brief, eight-week spell working in Watford when he was about 20. “I hated it. Worst thing I ever did and I couldn’t wait to get back to Sproughton.”

He attended Sproughton Primary before moving on to secondary education at Claydon. From there he went to Suffolk College on a two-year catering course and qualified as a chef. After working as a full-time bar and restaurant manager in Ipswich, he joined Ipswich Town’s catering department as restaurant and bar manager and worked there for 26 years until he was made redundant in 2012. During those years he knew all the Ipswich Town players and met a number of famous people such as the Beckhams, Tina Turner and Elton John.

When the community shop opened in 2009, David was one of the first to get involved as a volunteer and he has been a director since 2013. His main tasks are looking after food and veg, cashing up and general support for Wendy Lavington, the shop’s part-time manager. He really enjoys the commitment, which takes up about 10 hours of his time each week. What does he consider important? He answers without a moment’s hesitation: “Customer service, quality and cost.”

David has recently joined the staff at the Co-op in Bramford and is enjoying the experience. “Basically, I do what I do in the community shop, but I get paid. I would like to be there until I retire – but I can’t imagine retiring.”

Does he have any other interests in the village? He is involved with the Millennium Green and with the management of the playing field. He belongs to the working group which is monitoring the threat of overwhelming development in the immediate area of Sproughton. He invariably helps with the organisation of village events in the church hall, such as Burns Night, and in the Tithe Barn, such as the annual beer festival. Important among his activities is the preparation of the Wednesday lunch in the Barley Room.

This is mainly intended for the elderly, but is open to all: and a two-course lunch costs just £7!

How does he get around? “I walk everywhere. I have a bike but never use it.

I prefer walking.” And no, he has never owned a car.

Does he have time for hobbies? His face lights up as he talks about the allotment he has cultivated for the past 10 years and on which he keeps a dozen hens (‘the girls’). He grows vegetables, some fruit and a wild flower area to encourage wildlife and insects. Besides walking to work or into Ipswich, he also walks for pleasure, visiting other villages in the area or catching a bus to the Shotley peninsular to explore the byways.

As a life-long resident of Sproughton, how does he react to proposed new developments? “We need some new houses. A local survey suggests that about 15 new houses are needed to meet local demand and we already have 30 expensive new homes in Church Lane. There is too much scheduled for Sproughton.”

He speaks with feeling and as one who experiences at first hand the growth of traffic on a daily basis. That very morning he had felt his house shake as articulated lorries rumbled through High Street.

What of the future? Ever the optimist, he looks forward to bright and prosperous times for all who live in the village.

Ken Sheppard, fellow Sproughton resident

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COULD YOU HELP A LOCAL CHARITY? Suffolk Family Carers is based on Hill View Business Park in Old Ipswich Road, Claydon. We provide information, advice, guidance and support for anyone who is caring for a friend, family member or neighbour. The person they are caring for may be ill, have a disability, a mental health issue or be elderly and frail.

How can you help?

We have various volunteer roles available including admin and telephone support. You can even volunteer from your own home!

What do we offer?

Training and support for your volunteer role, out-of-pocket expenses, the opportunity to meet new people, and to make a real difference to the lives of family carers.

Who do I contact?

If you are interested or you would like to find out more, please call 01473 835450 or email us at: volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Come and have a look around

Are you interested in finding out how your waste is used to generate electricity for the national grid? We’ve just announced a series of open days for 2020 which are free of charge and available to anyone interested in finding out more about waste and the facility. We have places available on the following dates: March 25 at 2pm, April 8 at 6pm, April 15 at 2pm and June 3 at 10am.

There are up to 20 spaces available each day and pre-booking is essential.

To book a space email suffolkefw.uk@suez.com or call 01473 839149.

SUEZ Communities Trust SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding for projects that support community and environmental improvements. In 2019, the trust awarded in excess of £60,000 to projects local to the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility.

Funding is available to projects within close proximity to any SUEZ sites that meet certain criteria. If you know of any local projects that could be deserving of funding, visit the following website for more information about the trust and how to apply: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk We’re on Twitter Did you know that Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility is on social media?

For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and all the handy tips you could ever need about rubbish, recycling, and food waste, follow us on Twitter at: @suffolkefw Any questions?

If you have any queries about our operations, please don’t hesitate to contact us: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com

RICHARD STEWARD 3 October 1938 to 25 October 2019 We would like to thank all friends, neighbours and family for their love and support on the sad loss of Richard. Richard would have been so touched by the number of people who joined us at the chapel and afterwards at the village hall. Your generous donations amounted to £500 which will be shared between the British Heart Foundation and Heartbeat East Suffolk.

Thank you all, your kindness and support is very much appreciated From Rosemary and family

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OUT & ABOUT SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE After an exhausting couple of days at the beginning of January, we did the stocktake and finally ascertained our trading position for the end of 2019. Although our turnover was up by a small amount, we didn’t make a profit. Consequently, we’re not able to make any further donations to village charities.

Many thanks to the volunteers who put in extra hours to carry out the stocktake, followed by the unpleasant task of a ‘proper’ clean up.

The important message is that if we are to continue to serve the village, we need you all to support us. Every small purchase helps.

For those of you who like making marmalade, we are ready for you with big stocks of Seville oranges, lemons and sugar. Don’t forget we also sell lovely Fruits of Suffolk orange, lemon and lime marmalade, as well as a variety of other brands.

LISTENING LINE The other morning I was reading Word for Today, a United Christian Broadcasters publication. It was one of those mornings when I was feeling particularly low and Jesus seemed far away, but he was there.

The reading was entitled Lifting Others. It said that St Paul spent his life lifting and developing others. We can offer our ideas to others as ‘bullets’ or ‘seeds’. A bullet can kill while a seed can take root and grow. I realised how true this could be. Jesus gave me a message to ring the number in the book, Listening Line. It was certainly the right thing for me to do.

Through my tears the listener sensed my confusion and distress as I briefly told her why I had called. She helped me to realise that Jesus was with me… he had used the reading to bring me help by my phoning. She continued to help me put things in perspective. Many expect him to call us to some far off place when he actually needs us right where we are. Jesus doesn’t work to our timescale but he is always with us. We need to try to listen more through he does still want us to talk to him. He is as near as the air we breathe. Later I was led to where I was needed. This may seem pompous, but I felt compelled to write and share this experience. May others find Jesus is with them too in their everyday situations. Thank you Jesus for being there for me.

Joan Eagle

FROM THE ARCHIVES On looking at the chronology of events in Suffolk, 79 people walked from Felixstowe to Ipswich on 23 October 1920, a walk which was repeated on Boxing Day 1920, but the number of walkers is not recorded. I don’t think our local group (Country Rambles p10) would go in for those distances!

D.B.

We have changed the way in which we supply meat. From now on we shall only stock fresh meat when it’s ordered. Otherwise we shall continue to stock all kinds of bacon, smoked ham, a wide selection of salamis and cured meat and frozen sausages.

IMPORTANT EVENTS THIS MONTH

Valentine’s Dinner Saturday 15 February, 7 for 7.30pm in the Church Hall

Family Pancake Supper Shrove Tuesday 25 March, 3.30-5.30pm in the Church Hall Tickets for both events are available in the shop.

Rosalind Lavington www.sproughtoncommunityshop.co.uk / 01473 747768

IPSWICH DOG DAY CARE CRECHE CELEBRATES SECOND ANNIVERSARY As we reach our second anniversary on our fantastic journey, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported our dog day-care creche in Sproughton over the last two years.

We are a friendly, independent, family-run business and love nothing more than giving your dogs the best time of their life every time they come to creche. No matter what age or breed, we provide every dog with socialisation, play and activities. We educate, stimulate and provide canine enrichment, which is why dogs love coming to us. It’s incredible to see their reactions when they arrive in the morning, literally pulling their owners through the doors with excitement to get to their furry friends.

All the dogs off-lead in a fully enclosed secure environment and are supervised at all times. We ensure your dog’s safety by temperament testing all new attendees.

It’s all about your dog having the best time. We play brain games to work their minds and also encourage gentle safe play to get rid of that excess high energy. There’s plenty of cuddles and rest time too! Dogs leave tired and content.

Our happy customers have commented on just how well balanced their dog is now that they have been coming to creche. When they meet dogs in the park or out and about, their dog has become calmer and more well-balanced. This all makes for a happier and more content dog, with less destructive behaviour and better manners!

Want to join us as we go into our third year? Call us to arrange a registration for your dog or a visit. We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to our creche family.

‘Aunty Clare’ Holmes, Director of Ipswich Dog Daycare Creche Ltd

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

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OUT & ABOUT SPROUGHTON MILLENNIUM GREEN 100 CLUB As we start another year of looking after our Millennium Green, your directors wanted to say a big thank you our 100 Club subscribers for another year of vital support.

BURSTALL WI

The 100 Club raises around £1,600 a year for our funds. It’s our mainstay: we receive no funding from other sources, other than occasional public donations and our own fundraising events. The importance of the 100 Club cannot be overstated. Without it we would have to run a fundraising event every seven weeks to meet our annual costs.

Members enjoyed a traditional Christmas supper on Thursday 12 December in spite of the clash with the election (we had the date booked first!). Usually polling takes place in the village hall, but with the cooperation of the polling officer it was decided that the booths could be set up in the committee room, leaving the hall free for us, although it involved a considerable amount of furniture moving both before and after the event. However, some lovely village gentlemen dealt with all that, even putting our tables up which was very much appreciated.

Costing just £1 a month for a number in our monthly draw, and with the chance of winning a £40 prize each month, we have a few spare places for 2020 if anybody wishes to join. A prompt response to this item, and you could be in with a chance to win the February prize!

The evening, hosted by Nadia, our new president, went with a swing and we always agree that the meal we cook for ourselves is so much nicer than eating out, especially as we have two very skilled WI husbands to do the washing up!

For more details please call or text: 07578 552324

We celebrated the beginning of the new decade with the traditional popping of corks, but first we made the nibbles to eat with the glass of bubbly. Four tables were set up with ingredients and members circulated, making two of three canapés at each station until they had quite a plateful.

However, the quantity didn’t seem to be a problem as everybody tucked in while imbibing and watching an onscreen review of 2019 – a great fun evening!

LENT SOUP LUNCHES You are warmly invited to soup lunches at Sproughton Church Hall on Thursdays between noon and 1.15pm throughout Lent. They start on Thursday 27 February and continue until April 2. On each occasion there will be a cake stall (contributions are invited) and the proceeds from this and the lunches will go to World Vision.

World Vision is a Christian organisation currently helping more than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries who struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Come and enjoy a bowl of soup (home-made whenever possible) and a roll, buy a cake for your neighbour and have fellowship with others, knowing that your money is helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

RIVER GIPPING TRUST The trust’s new footbridge planning application across the river at Baylham has been delayed by a request from Natural England to undertake a preliminary ecological appraisal report into the hibernating and breeding of bats around the bridge vicinity. This has been extended to consider the impact on otters and water voles. The trust have commissioned Graven Ecology to undertake this appraisal and we look forward to working with Graven to improve the wellbeing of bats, otters and water voles along the river.

The trust are contributing to the TCV I Dig Trees campaign to plant more than one million native trees by planting 50 trees along the banks of the River Gipping. These trees were planted early in the new year along the south (sunny side) of the river at locations where there is currently little or no shade from the sun. We have noticed large areas of reeds, silt and aquatic weed growth along the river at these open locations, with much more free flowing open water where the river gets some shade.

If you would like to see canoes and boats along the River Gipping, you may wish to consider signing a petition raised by British Canoeing. Of the 42,700 miles of inland waterways in England, only 1,400 miles can be paddled uncontested. British canoeing wish to change this.

Go to www.clearaccessclearwaters.org.uk/petitions-map or click on the link on our Facebook page.

There was much flooding along the River Gipping when it burst its banks. This photo shows the towpath under water alongside Pipps Ford lock. There are many more photos of the river in flood on the River Gipping Facebook page.

Restoration Manager Ian Petchey

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Our president its very keen that we should get out and about more in 2020 and has come up with ideas for theatre, cinema and dining trips.

The first will be this month to see Little Women.

Several new members were enrolled at this meeting and we were delighted to welcome several guests who will hopefully return.

For more information email: annfday@gmail.com

COUNTRY RAMBLES In December we had a short walk in the Chantry but the other ramble was cancelled due to rain.

The dates for February are Sunday 9, meeting at the church at 2pm, and Tuesday 18, leaving the church at 10am. Both walks will be local.

PANCAKE SUPPER Sproughton Community Shop invites you to share a Family Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday 25 March, 3.30-5.30pm in the Church Hall on Lower Street. £2.50 per person. Games and entertainment included Soft drinks available; adults bring your own alcohol as required.

Tickets on sale at the shop.

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB We will keep our fingers crossed for good weather this month. Unless you hear from us by telephone, meetings will be held as usual at 2pm each Wednesday for cards, tea and bingo.

BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church from 10am to noon on Wednesdays 5, 12 and 26 February. Please note there is no club meeting on 19 February as this is half term.

The cost is £3 per two-hour session plus £1 membership per school year, payable from September. There’s no set programme but the club is here to help you get the best out of your computer.

We have a very fast internet connection and refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) are always available. Why not give us a try?

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

11

OUT & ABOUT VALENTINE’S DINNER Saturday 15 February, 7 for 7.30pm Church Hall, Sproughton MENU Carrot, Ginger, Turmeric Soup or Smoked Salmon Vegetarian Curry or Beef Bourguignon Filled Meringue Nests Choc Mousse with Shortbread Apple Crumble Tickets £15 including a glass of Prosecco / B.Y.O. Drinks Sponsored by Sproughton Community Shop

THE ORCHARD PLAYERS Quiz Night Join us for our fundraising quiz night on Saturday 21 March. More details to follow – keep an eye out in the next edition, check out our Facebook page or pre-register your team now via: info@theorchardplayers.com Summer Show 2020 – Musical of Dreams (July 2-4) Everyone has dreams, but for one young man his dreams may actually come true. Follow him through his tough times, his fun times and his simply magical times as he embarks on a musical adventure with all your favourite characters and songs.​ Will he find the courage and confidence to make dreams come true? Or will others force him to take a different path? All will be revealed in our musical of dreams!​ ​ dream you dream alone is only a dream​… a dream we dream together A becomes reality!​ Read through and auditions in February: Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details. New members always welcome.

Join Us! Are you creative, good with young people, calm in a crisis, a bit of a techie, but not keen to get up on stage? We’re always looking for people to get involved behind the scenes in creating props and scenery, chaperoning the juniors, helping back stage and front-of house and working with the technical team on sound and lighting.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please get in touch via Facebook, or email us at: info@theorchardplayers.com

GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room every Monday from 2-4pm. The cost is £2 per week to include workshop materials, raffle prizes and refreshments.

The club will reconvene on February 3 and our programme for 2020 is: February 3 March 2 April 6 May 4 June 1 July 6 August 3 September 7 October 5 November 2 December 7

A Little Light Reading Forever Flowerz Birds, Butterflies and Flowers Have a go at Bargello Prick and Stitch for Men The Vintage Look Sewing/Paper Mash-Up Wobble Wobble Christmas Tableware Christmas Card Medley AGM

For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / CHURCH NEWS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL

SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB

The spring term has started in earnest with Year 11 students undertaking internal exams in preparation for the real thing in the summer. It can be a stressful time but lots of support is offered, especially in the form of afterschool revision sessions. Later this month they will take part in a Revision Bootcamp on Mersea Island in Essex. As well as learning some useful revision strategies, they will attempt some challenging physical activities including high ropes and a climbing wall to build confidence and prove to themselves that if they have a go – they will succeed! Hopefully in addition to returning home cold, tired and muddy they will feel more confident moving towards their exam season.

Well, 2020 is upon us and the new outdoor season is fast approaching and, as ever, a huge amount has been going on behind the scenes at the green.

On 10 January, a group of Year 8 students took part in a creative workshop at the Guardian News and Media Education Centre in London. The Guardian is one of the biggest newspapers in the UK and their education centre provides a range of programmes to enable visitors to interact with the news and to get a realistic understanding of what it’s like to work in a busy news gathering organisation. Students had the opportunity to work together as an editorial team, writing front page and feature articles in a bustling and high-demand newsroom.

Drama students from all year groups are being given the opportunity to experience live theatre during the spring season at the New Wolsey Theatre, with five separate trips planned. Students study drama at KS3; analysing and evaluating live theatre is also a key component of the GCSE course. We hope they enjoy the productions and experience a wide variety of skills and performance styles.

This term will remain busy into March as we look forward to a number of activities and events including a rock band workshop, art exhibition, readathon, a trip to the Globe Theatre and a return visit from our Spanish exchange students.

If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Thursday 5 March. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place.

Headteacher Maéve Taylor

Ray and his team have been busy top dressing, tining, slitting and cutting and the results are evident – the green looks fantastic and everything is looking good for our opening weekend on 18/19 April. More on that in the next issue.

It’s not just the green that has been the subject of TLC. Numerous parts of the veranda roof have been replaced or repaired and the whole structure has been cleaned and re-stained. Ken has replumbed the outside taps to enable irrigation of the gardens and baskets to run independently, so expect an even better flower show during the new season. There are times when it rivals Kew Gardens! Grateful thanks to Albert and everyone else who contributes and works so hard.

Other plans are afoot for the outside areas of the green – watch this space for details next time.

It seems a long time ago but our dinner and dance at Bramford Golf Centre was a great night. Duo JimBob kept the dance floor packed all night so that everyone could work off a superb meal which was enjoyed by club members and guests alike. Highlights of the evening were the presentation of trophies and the handing over the president’s chain of office from Mick Jones to Joy Mackie. Congratulations to Mick for a successful presidential year.

The various leagues will be circulating fixtures soon and these will be added to the website as soon as we have them, so please look out for those.

Full details of our club can be found at: www.sproughtonbowlsclub.com

SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH The Glory of the Cross It hardly seems possible that we will soon be eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Lent begins on 26 February (Ash Wednesday). Why is that important?

It helps us focus on the cross and the love that God has shown in sending his Son Jesus into the world to be our saviour. Jesus is not simply an innocent victim; his death is the most glorious demonstration of God’s love to sinners.

Such extreme love deserves our proper preparation.

We have some free copies of Tim Chester’s book The Glory of the Cross, daily readings and prayers through lent. Just contact Mark and a copy will be delivered to you.

You can view Tim introducing his book at: www.youtube/WZFIuoStCm0 You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship:

BURSTALL CARPET BOWLS CLUB

REGULAR MEETINGS

We played our last league game of 2019 away against Claydon, losing 8-2, which isn’t too bad considering their team includes several Suffolk County players!

Sundays 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion first Sunday) 11.30am-12.30pm: Worship Service

Our Christmas meal at The Brook in Washbrook was a huge success.

A big thank you to Charlie, Cat and their staff!

Refreshments are served between meetings; come when you can and leave when you want.

Our members met for the first club night of 2020 on January 3 to celebrate Ivan Smith’s 90th birthday. Ivan was one of the founding members of the club 36 years ago and has been our treasurer all that time. Ivan’s son Glen had travelled from Scotland to be with us and our resident ‘baker’, Jane Sago, made a superb birthday cake depicting a bowls mat.

WEEKDAYS AT THE CHAPEL

By the time this is published we will have played Barking and Copdock, both very strong teams.

Pastor Mark Newcombe: 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com

We would welcome new members. Just come along to Burstall Village Hall on a Monday or Friday evening at 7.30pm and give it a try.

For further information contact Richard Sago: 01473 742468

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

Life Explored: 7-8.45pm on Thursday 6, 13 and 20 February There are seven Life Explored videos in the course. You are welcome to join us for a simple hot meal at 7pm, followed by the video at 7.45pm. Do come along and try it out.

Friends and Neighbours: 7.45pm on Monday 17 February Lunch and Listen: Thursday 6 February at noon

Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER

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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674

North Samford Baby and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Sproughton Church Hall on Mondays in term time. Suggested donation £2 per family. Leaders: The Rev Annette Shannon (01473 807674) / Doreen (01473 311122)

Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116

Wedding Preparation Day Saturday 1 February from 10am at Bentley Village Hall

Dear Friends,

FROM THE REGISTERS

As part of the governor role in Sproughton, I have taken on responsibility for monitoring religious education and helping the school to prepare for their SIAMs inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools).

Two of the three church schools (Copdock is a community school) were inspected last term and I’m delighted that both received high praise .

Funerals Frank Tunstall – Sproughton Andrew Dunn – Bentley Robert Hardwick – Sproughton

One of the issues raised for the governors in Sproughton was the value we place in encouraging respect and understanding of different faiths. I am passionate that our young people are well prepared to engage in positive interfaith dialogues. I believe it is essential in order to make communities work. Today we live in a multi-cultural 21st century Britain. People have come from different places and worship different gods. Our diversity should be a great strength by bringing together many different views, experiences and outlooks.

Saturday 1 Tuesday 4 Wednesday 5 Thursday 6

Tuesday 11 Saturday 15 Wednesday 19

Tuesday 25 Thursday 27 Friday 28 Saturday 29

On a personal level, my beautiful three-month old granddaughter Simran is dual heritage. Her paternal grandparents were born in India and are committed Sikhs. My daughter and son-in-law respect both Sikhism and Christianity and are finding ways to embrace and celebrate their family’s diversity. I think Simran will have much to gain from that wider understanding.

For many, their religion and faith reflects who they are and is an integral part of their lives. Nobody has the right to impose their faith or their theological perspective on others; this only serves to foster resentment and legitimise intolerance. In order to live, work and appreciate each other, we have to understand each other.

So whether you worship in the local church as I do, or a synagogue, mosque, temple or gurdwara, or don’t have a faith, we need opportunities to come together and see just how much common ground we share. There are still people who feel rejected, face threats, intimidation and or even violence simply because of who they are. One of the things that shocked my daughter was how people would call out racist comments when she was out with her husband; he would shrug and just ignore them. Now, fortunately, the incidents are very rare but it reminds me of how important it is that extremism, racism and violence are stopped in their tracks.

Our young people will be much better adults if they are equipped to build friendships across ethnic and religious divides. Friendships create trust, which is so important in resolving issues, overcoming suspicion and defeating intolerance.

We might look different and sound different and believe different things, but we are the same community.

I am not advocating ignoring our differences or diluting beliefs but understanding and appreciating them and working together to beat extremists whoever they are.

May you have a blessed year ahead, The Rev Annette St Peter’s Church in Copdock will be closed for refurbishment until March 8.

All services will be held at St Mary’s Church, Belstead. We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is being carried out.

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FEBRUARY Wedding Preparation Day (see above) Treasurer’s Meeting Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Churchwarden’s Meeting, Copdock Church Room, 10am Coffee Morning, 10.30am-noon Copdock Home Communions Burstall Adoption of Accounts Joint PCC Meeting, 7.30pm Afternoon Tea Copdock Community Get-together, 2pm Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday 2 February 8am Belstead* Holy Communion 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Bentley Family Service 10am Belstead* Morning Prayer 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion 11am Sproughton Family@Church Sunday 9 February 9.30am Sproughton Croissant Church 9.30am Burstall Family Service 10am Belstead* Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 6pm Tattingstone Evening Prayer Sunday 16 February 9.30am Burstall 10am Belstead* 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton 3.30pm Tattingstone

Holy Communion Simply Sunday Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church

Sunday 23 February 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Belstead* 6pm Tattingstone

Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion

Wednesday 26 February – Ash Wednesday 7.30pm Sproughton Holy Communion *Copdock Services will be at Belstead while essential work is being carried out.

Please submit church letters and copy for the March edition to Hayley Purnell by February 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

In Touch online:

VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST

Allotments / Sproughton Parish Council

sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Almshouses (Cooper Trust)

make.shep@btinternet.com

Badminton Club

dennisjackaman@btinternet.com

Burial Ground / Sproughton Parish Council

sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Bowls Club

01473 742572 / David Taylor

Brownies

www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

Carpet Bowls Club

01473 748302

Children’s Play Area / Sproughton Parish Council

pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk

Church Hall Booking

01473 464336

Sproughton Community Shop

01473 747768

Footpath Warden / Sproughton Parish Council

pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk

Jigsaw Pre-School

info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk

Millennium Green Trust

kenseager511@gmail.com

Toddler Group

revannettes@aol.co.uk

Parish Council Clerk

sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Parish Council Chairman Helen Davies

01473 742862 / helend@hotmail.com

Sproughton All Saints’ Church

revannettes@aol.co.uk

Playing Field Committee

pfmcandbar@gmail.com

Lunch Club

Rosalind Lavington 01473 213254 / 01473 747768

Quilters

Julie Hodges: 01473 226004 / martin.rl.hodges@btinternet.com

Ramblers

Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008

Reading Room & Caretakers House Trust

sproughtonreadingroom@gmail.com

Senior Citizens Club

eunice.pk585@yahoo.co.uk

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

Sproughton CEVC Primary School admin@sproughton.suffolk.sch.uk Sproughton Tennis Club

evercope62@gmail.com

Tithe Barn Bookings / Sproughton Parish Council

sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Tower Captain (Church Bells)

ralphearey@gmail.com

Tree Warden / Sproughton Parish Council

sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Village History Recorder

Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

15

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