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Volume 8 • Issue No. 9 • JULY 2018
Sproughton Mill by Charmian Berry
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NEWS
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR You know what it’s like when you have a few precious minutes to catch up on a million tasks. It’s usually a mad dash involving at least one bruise, multiple encounters with people you’d love to chat to at any other time (just not right now) and, almost always, a whole lot of frustration. Well, last Saturday I left home with a mile-long list and 30 minutes to complete them. Parking took at least 10 minutes so the pressure was on from the get-go. First, the library where I grabbed the first Jo Nesbo book I saw (turns out I’d read it before but I’m enjoying it nonetheless). Then I lost precious minutes standing in a queue at the pharmacy. Next the pet shop and then back to the car with a bale of hay. Round two took me first to the gift shop for a baby gift and card, then to the homeware shop for window cleaner and a new squeegee (still unused by the way) and finally to the hairdressers to make an appointment (which I’ll probably have to cancel). I’m exhausted just writing about it, but as I raced from shop to shop and criss-crossed the market square at least four times, I noticed a father and son sitting on a bench under a shady tree. Each time I raced by I was struck by how still they were, dad with his arm draped over his son’s shoulders as they sat close together in silence watching the world go by. I stopped at one point to watch them from behind and in that moment I felt like a complete lunatic. I tried to remember the last time I’d simply sat with my son, doing nothing, just being together, and it had been a while. With one last admiring glance at the relaxed pair on the bench, I headed to the car and home to Jack. After a quick kick around (always his first choice) we snuggled up on the sofa to watch a movie. Of course, I do wonder what the wife/mother was doing while the dad and son relaxed! Perhaps she was tearing about like me, but I hope not. That list of things to do will always be there, but I’m determined to find that happy balance and to spend more time with my nearest and dearest. Now who’s going to clean those windows?
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BURSTALL’S FLOWER SHOW, FETE AND FUN DOG SHOW THE AMERICANS ARE COMING! On Saturday, August 4, Burstall will be hosting a party of Americans at their 65th annual show. The group from Missouri will be rounding off their holiday in England with a little bit of rural Suffolk culture in the form of this very traditional village show. The format of Burstall’s show has hardly changed since the 1950s, although bowling for the pig and the smell from the goats have gone! Still to be enjoyed are the displays of garden produce, baking, flower arranging and crafts in the marquee. The fete includes the ever-popular coconut shy and tombola, races and tug-of-war and this year there will be entertainment from Ipswich Hospital Band, West Trafalgar Morris Dancers and Punch and Judy. Burstall’s catering comes highly recommended with a lunchtime salad buffet, cream teas and lots of homemade cake served in the village hall, plus an alfresco barbecue. With a Fun Dog Show (see page 10), free parking and no entry fee, this is definitely an afternoon out for all the family, including the dog! Lunches will be served from noon and entertainment from 1.30pm. For more information visit: www.burstall.onesuffolk.net
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Burstall & Sproughton is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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FLOWTON FIRST WORLD WAR COMMEMORATION There will be a First World War Commemoration in Flowton Church on Saturday, September 15, particularly featuring the stories of the two Flowton men killed in the war in 1918. There will be an extensive exhibition of military equipment and memorabilia from noon and the event from 6.30pm including a look at Flowton and how people lived in 1918 and the stories of Private Gordon Wyartt and Private George Jackaman. The day is timed to be very close to the centenary of Private Jackaman’s death. The Benefice choir will be singing First World War songs.
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NEWS SPROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL We currently have five parish council vacancies. Everyone is welcome to attend council meetings and if you have any issues that you would like raised please contact us or come along to the meetings. The meetings are open to the public and press. The next meeting is on Wednesday, July 11 in the Barley Room at the Tithe Barn at 7.30pm. Agendas and minutes for all meetings are posted on the noticeboards and at: http://sproughton.onesuffolk.net 10th Sproughton Beer Festival A very big thank you to all our volunteers and helpers, especially Ian Booth for recruiting and managing the bar staff rota and to Sue Frankis for her pre, during and post event work in securing food and drink, accounts and organising all those things which combined made it another tremendous success and enjoyable weekend. This years profit was a little over £4,400. This money will go to the Tithe Barn development fund. The festival has a great following amongst the real ale drinkers in the region and is a firm date in their calendars. Babergh Planning Applications If you want to look at planning applications, you can view them (just type in the village name you wish to search) online at: https/planning.babergh.gov. uk/online-applications The parish council no longer receives paper copies of applications, but remains a consultee and our planning committee will discuss and send all their recommendations to Babergh DC. Parishioners are welcome to attend our meetings and put their views forward. Hopkins Homes Proposed Development Hopkins Homes have applied for planning permission to build 64 dwellings on the land just north of Lower Street, bounded by Bramford Road to the west and the curtilage of Sproughton Hall to the east. The land is currently pasture in open countryside. The site is not allocated in Babergh’s current Local Plan, but has been put forward by the landowner and published as a possible site in the draft Babergh Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan. The parish council does not support the proposal, it is not an allocated site and there is considerable concern that the development of this site will lead
to eventual further development that would join Sproughton built area with that of Bramford .Two identical applications have been submitted by Hopkins to Babergh – the planning references are DC/18/02010 and 02412. You can view them on Babergh’s website. Vegetables and Fruits V Houses Sproughton Parish Council has been contacted by Pigeon Developments of Bury St Edmunds regarding a proposal to redevelop the allotments for housing. Pigeon were seeking to understand the council’s aspirations for the area. Like the land on which Hopkins Homes plan to build 64 houses, the allotments are not allocated for housing in the Local Plan but appear in the draft Joint Local Plan. The parish council has not met with Pigeon and again is concerned about the spread of development beyond the village built envelope. Babergh & Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan It seems that the process has been delayed yet further. The next round of consultation was to have been in the spring of this year, then it was going to be September, and now the latest information puts it at December 2018/ January 2019. Because of a technicality associated with the current adopted Local Plan, developers can expect to be given favourable consideration by Babergh to housing proposals on virtually any piece of land they put forward. The delay in the Joint Local Plan process puts Sproughton in a very vulnerable situation with regard to development on inappropriate sites with unacceptable impacts. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Babergh places a levy on completed developments – developers pay into a fund that Babergh holds which is put to providing strategic infrastructure which seeks to support development. This is a nationwide requirement. Sproughton Parish Council receives 15 per cent of the levy collected from development in Sproughton. The parish council can apply this to provide infrastructure in the community within its legal remit. In order to identify need and prioritise spend on such items, the council is required to develop a Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan (PIIP), which it will commence in the next few months. The process begins with an audit of existing facilities followed by capture of opinions on the needs and wants of residents and the community. More to follow in future editions of In Touch. Tithe Barn and Barley Room Hire Please contact our parish clerk Sue Frankis who deals with bookings: 01473 463852
DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH, SOMERSHAM Since our last feature, the Duke of Marlborough has welcomed visitors from the local area and further afield. The pub made full use of the past couple of warm and sunny bank holidays by hosting very successful barbecues, as we will do again in summer, so keep an eye out! Wednesday evening events are proving very popular. Recently, the pub hosted a Tudor Entertainment evening, an Open Mic Night and a fantastic beer tasting event with Beer Writer of the Year Adrian Tierney-Jones. The highlight for many continues to be the Duke of Marlborough Quiz Night on the first Wednesday of every month. Make sure you reserve a table in plenty of time as they sell out fast! The pub is available for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to host your own event on a Wednesday evening, whether it be for a group activity, a charity or as part of a corporation, then please get in touch with Kevin who
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will be delighted to discuss your idea and help with your evening. Café at The Duke on Fridays gives the chance to grab a coffee and slice of cake. Whether you need a break from the office (we have free Wi-Fi and plug sockets) or a catch up with friends, come along and join us. Richard and Tom in the kitchen are continuing to receive rave reviews regarding their food. A more extensive chef’s menu is now being offered on Friday and Saturday evenings, supplemented with daily specials, involving locally sourced and market produce to the delight of the diners. Sunday lunch is also very popular, so book in advance via phone or email to secure your table. Keep up to date with events, news and offers at: www.thedukeofmarlborough.com / Facebook @marlboroughsomersham / Twitter @DukeofMarl
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Pip’s Tree Services Pruning, shaping and reductions. Felling and dismantling. Hedge cutting and stump grinding.
Contact me for a free quote or advice:
Philippa@pipstreeservices.co.uk
07538 797 302 All Aspects of tree work undertaken.
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NEWS SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP: Something for everyone As you know, your shop tries to source as much as we can from our local suppliers. So, although our Suffolk Fresh strawberries from Kersey were a bit later in arriving than strawberries in other outlets, they came in at the end of June and we have been enjoying them since then. They are especially delicious topped off with Marybelle Greek style yoghurt, or Marybelle super double cream. The strawberries are bee pollinated and squeak as you hull them. So if you haven’t tried them yet then give yourselves a treat! Suffolk Fresh, run by Andrew Sturgeon, has also produced a new line of hummus in three different flavours. It is made from their own runner beans which grow too big for sale. They are really delicious, safe for vegans and, of course, gluten free. Many of our products are cheaper than the same items available in other outlets. We endeavour to keep the price of our basic groceries competitive. Part of our mission statement is to make the best local food available at reasonable prices. The shop stall at the village fete was a marvellous sight, full of splendid plants from Katie’s Garden. We sell a lot of plants, which are of excellent
quality. There are perennials in stock now if you still have some spaces to fill up. The fete is a most enjoyable village celebration and we thank the events committee and especially Ken Seager for organising this event. Coffee Link has recently brought out a number of different blends, including Columbian Blue Mountain, Ethiopian Gold and Costa Rican. As I have mentioned before, their beans are sourced from Rain Forest Alliance Fair Trade producers. The Swiss Water decaffeinated blends are from 100 per cent Arabica beans. Thanks go as ever to our dedicated team of volunteers who are happy to give their time to this “truly wonderful shop”. I quote from a customer who comes regularly all the way from Claydon. Thanks too to our regular customers, whose support is also absolutely necessary to keep the shop viable. Rosalind Lavington www.sproughtoncommunityshop.co.uk / 01473 747768
GREEN BEANS TANTALUS With a kick hot as Hades and a respite sweet as the kiss of a strawberry, this side dish will steal both the tongue and heart. Served alongside the burnt offerings of your barbecue, this dish will stealthily initiate the unaware with a single sting of Tantalus, the beginning of a forbidden taste odyssey you may wish you never had begun, yet returning for more. Oh, the torture – Homer’s inspiration! Enjoy! • 220g fresh green beans (dwarf or round) • 1 jar hot and spicy pickled onions
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Clean beans as usual, removing strings, and steam whole only until al dente. Cool. Cut into bite-size pieces and place in a bowl. Chop up about half the jar of onions, more or less according to taste, and add sundried tomatoes chopped into large-ish chunks, about half a jar, or again, to taste, with a little of the oil drizzled over all. Mix in a dessertspoon of the vinegar from the onions. I always include a few of the peppercorns for appearance, but caution: do warn your guests! Finally, add a dollop or two of strawberry jam, mix thoroughly and let set in a cool place if serving on the day, or a refrigerator if longer.
• Sundried tomatoes in oil
Mary Bright Basan
• Strawberry jam
Questions or comments? Email: mbb.101@hotmail.com
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ADVERTORIAL
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of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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09/05/2018 16:33
newS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning
Ducklings on site On site we are very pleased to welcome six new resident ducklings to the pond. This is the third year that ducklings have made the pond their home. Suffolk Show – Making waves to reduce plastic A wonderful few days were spent at the Suffolk Show at the end of May. The theme of the Suffolk Waste Partnership tent was plastic and 20 schools, one library and three Brownie and Guide groups made fish, turtles and other sea creatures from waste plastic for the display. Plasticpus the octopus, made entirely of plastic waste, was also on display. In keeping with the theme, SUEZ had a virtual reality experience to meet a whale that was seen by over 400 people. Come and have a look around. The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days over the summer, which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on Tuesday, August 21, 6-8pm, and Wednesday, September 5, 10am-noon. There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book your place, please email suffolkefw@suez. com with your preferred dates and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned. OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836821 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
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Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all its member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. As I have recently reported, SPA recently held a meeting with representatives from SnOasis and their planning consultants to discuss our concerns and queries about Reserved Matters. We have received their response but note that many critical areas still remain unclear and have sought clarification on these. We have also contacted BMDSC to raise our continuing concerns and also to attempt to establish what the timescale is for progressing Reserved Matters. For your information, I attach the content of the email: “As you know, the SPA have opened dialogue with the SnOasis team and received a response from the SnOasis team to the comments and questions on our spreadsheet. Members agree that these do not answer all our questions. We remain concerned about a number of issues, such as transport, traffic, emergency access, drainage and run off.
It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage and ecological mitigation.
“However, our greatest concern is the ongoing failure of the developer to provide the necessary information. “In the light of this, the SPA would like to know what the current status of the application is. Is there any date (or even a proposed timescale) yet for it to go to committee? What will the process be? We are all aware, of course, that there is still outstanding documentation and information required to fully assess the application. Will this be arriving before the committee meets and sent out to consultees for comments so that the committee members will be aware of the latest SPA comments, as well as the initial comments on the SPA spreadsheet? “Members felt that they had not been able to comment as thoroughly as they would have wished because of missing and outdated information and queried how, if they felt this way, how could Planning feel confident that there was enough information for committee to make their decision? What steps are being taken to get the information and what is the timescale for this? “Members expressed their dismay at the length of time this process has taken with no end in sight. They queried how long it would be before the developer was given a final deadline that would be enforced and would be interested to have your thoughts on this. “Members agreed that the SPA would consider the possibility of seeking a judicial review over the handling of this application and the lack of crucial information on which to proceed. “The SPA looks forward to your comments.” We await responses from both the developer and Planning. For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP SOUTH SUFFOLK
BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS A market is set to take place in Belstead Village Hall from 9am-noon on the first Saturday of every month to raise vital funds to support refurbishment of the kitchen and ladies toilet.
Last month I was delighted to host a meeting with councillors from South Suffolk’s parishes regarding neighbourhood plans. The meeting, which was held at Hadleigh Town Hall, was well attended with representatives from many of the villages across the constituency. The purpose of the meeting was clear; I wanted to impress upon those gathered the necessity of drawing up a neighbourhood plan, and allocating sites within that plan. A neighbourhood plan is a way for parishes, or groups of them, to have greater control over development in their area. The plans cannot stop development but there is no doubt that a community without such a plan will be more vulnerable to speculative development than one with a made plan and where – crucially – they have used the plan to allocate sites for new housing. What does ‘allocating sites’ mean and why it is so significant? The answer is that I have not known a community yet that is unable to answer fairly forthrightly the question of where they don’t want development to go. Allocating sites is the much harder question for communities of where they do want it. But by going through that process and drawing up a plan with a reasonable allocation of homes for the future, the neighbourhood plan has far greater weight in law. I would describe this as the classic trade-off between ‘pain’ and ‘gain’. There is no point denying that the process for a community to allocate sites could be very controversial and divisive. But going through that pain brings the gain of far greater control in future, and the likelihood that housing numbers in the area will be more sustainable than in the absence of such a plan. I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people. Please see page 7 for my contact details.
With an extensive range of tables, a raffle and refreshments, the market is the perfect place to meet with friends for a chat over a cuppa and a piece of cake while supporting this essential local amenity. You can also support Macmillan who will have a table laden with homemade goodies for sale. If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@ belsteadvillage.co.uk
COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK CHARITY CHILDREN’S FAIR
Childrens Fair
The first Copdock and Washbrook Charity Children’s Fair will be hosted at Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall on Sunday, July 8 in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The event, which runs from 11am-4pm, is aimed at children of all ages with lots for them to see, do and try and we’d love to see you there! We have bouncy castles, a penalty shoot-out from Goals, a huge Nerf battlefield, craft and science activities, face painting, a balloon modeller, soft play, baby massage, baby signing, messy play, a photographer, music, pampering, karate, theatre and lots more! Lots of local businesses, groups and organisations will be joining us to showcase what they do and give you an opportunity to try out with some free taster sessions. Come along and bring the family for a day of fun! Entrance is £1 (including a raffle ticket). Find us on Old London Road (the old A12), Copdock IP8 3JN.
Sproughton C of E Primary School
Saturday 7th July 2018 11am – 3pm On the School field
More information, including timings for the taster sessions, can be found on our Facebook page – Copdock and Washbrook Charity Children’s Fair – or contact Genna (07545 002478) or Jo (07729 863223).
FUN DOG SHOW At Burstall Flower Show and Fete, Saturday, August 4, Burstall Village Hall Meadow IP8 3DR The show categories are: Musical Sit, Best Paw Shaker, Dog with the Waggiest Tail, Best Turned Out Dog, Cutest Puppy (3-12 months), Veteran Dogs (over 9 years), Best Sausage Catcher, Dog the judge would most like to take home Best in Show, Judged from the Eight Winners The show judges will be looking for dogs and owners with bags of character and who are loads of fun. Looks come second.
Come and join the fun!
Registration is at 2pm and the show starts at 3pm. You can enter as many classes as you like for a single entry fee of £3.
Hamper raffle Cafe Bouncy castle Tombola Balloon modelling Pimm’s Tent BBQ Street dance at 12pm Draw Games Trade Stalls Face Painting Digger and Lots More!
Rosettes for first, second and third places in each category plus Best in Show with a prize of £25 donated by Ipswich Canine Creche, and reserve Best in Show.
Please come and support your local school.
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For more details call: 07578 552324
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SPORT AFTERNOON TEA In aid of Somersham Church Water Fund Sunday, July 29, 2.45-5pm Griffin Cottage, Main Road Somersham IP8 4PH Entrance by ticket only. Tickets (£10) are available from: Christine 01473 830710 / Heather 01473 830068 Entertainment by Pop Chorus / Raffle / Tombola
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB Last month I brought you up-to-date with details of club events over the last 12 months and items mentioned at the annual general meeting. I can now refer to the initial plans for the coming year. On May 30, Ann Gray Gave an interesting talk about Ipswich Waterfront, giving the history of most buildings and discussing the various changes that had been made to the docks over the years. By the time you read these notes, I hope you will have been to Laurel Farm on Henley Road. This is the result of a suggestion from members and is provisionally planned for June 27. As I have not been there, any comments will have to wait until my next article. John Bates
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, the club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) from 2-4pm. The building is fully accessible. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. If you prefer to bring your own project the charge is £1.50. Layers for the Lads was the title of our workshop in May and members were given a selection of card and paper to make men’s cards using different shapes and layers. For our June workshop, Bag Ladies, we set about making little drawstring bags and shopping bags from the large quantity of material we received recently.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen. The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com
COUNTRY RAMBLES The group enjoyed their walk around Needham Lake and watched the ducks and their off-spring swimming on the water. There were many families there having ice creams and drinks and playing games on the grass around the water. This month’s walks will be on Sunday, July 8, meeting at the church at 2pm for a local walk. The midweek ramble will be on Tuesday, July 17, meeting at the church at 10am, destination not yet decided upon. Doreen Bradbury
JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL SPROUGHTON If you are thinking about childcare for your little ones for September, please give us a ring to see what availability we have. Call 01473 745716 and ask to speak to Rosemary who will be able to answer any questions you may have. The children have had a very busy and exciting summer term with lots of fun indoor and outdoor activities taking place, including a sponsored bike/scooter ride around the school playground and a visit to Needham Lake with the afternoon to play at our Needham Market setting. There are more exciting things to come before the end of the summer term when we break up on Friday, July 20 for the summer holidays, including our summer trip which this year is to Banham Zoo, a Teddy Bears Picnic and a sports morning. We have spaces available for children from the age of two years to school age and are open in term time from 8am-3.25pm. For further information about Jigsaw please call Rosemary or Sharon on 01473 745716, visit www.jigsawsproughton.org.uk or email us at: info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk
Our remaining programme for 2018 July 2: Felting August 6: It’s a Jungle out There September 3: No Tune on this Accordion October 1: Christmas Stockings November 5: Christmas Card Making December 3: AGM and Christmas Party If you think this all sounds interesting there is currently room for new members so please get in touch if you would like to join us. Although the club is all ladies at present, gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
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SPORT SPROUGHTON PLAYING FIELDS
CLAYDON FOOTBALL CLUB
It’s been a while since the last update and during that time there have been some changes behind the scenes and a few changes visible to all who use the playing fields.
Claydon Football Club is looking for new managers and players for the 18/19 season. If you are interested in any of the below please contact admin@ claydon-fc.co.uk and we can discuss further with you. Claydon FC is an FA Charter standard club with excellent facilities and a friendly environment for players and coaches to improve their game. We have just become a senior club as our first team won the SIL Division 1 title with a number of prior Claydon Youth players in the squad.
Firstly, behind the scenes and some difficult times. The Playing Field Management Committee (PFMC) is, as its name implies, the body that oversees the general maintenance and operation of most of the playing field area and issues the ‘licences to occupy’ used by the various sports clubs – bowls, football and tennis. (For historical reasons, the parish council directly looks after the younger children’s play equipment.) Until the middle of last year there was also a sports and social club, which again sat under the PFMC, but was separate and ran the bar. (As an aside, did you know there is a bar and clubhouse at the playing fields which is available for anyone from the village to hire?) During 2017 it was discovered that there had been serious fraudulent activity occurring with the sports and social club accounts, to the extent that it was effectively bankrupt with debts owed. The sports and social club disbanded and the PFMC was asked to cover any outstanding debts and take over the running of the bar directly. To cut a long story and much hard work short, the fraud has been dealt with, the police and CPS have taken their appropriate action, and the bar is now up and running with a clean bill of health. The PFMC is looking forward to a brighter future where the facilities offered at the playing fields can go from strength to strength. While we’re on tricky subjects, this is another plea to clean up after your dog and use the special bins provided. Ninety-nine per cent of dog walkers are excellent at this, but it only takes one missed scoop to cause real misery for those affected. Now for the happier, visible changes. You may have noticed a bottle bank next to the clubhouse, available for all, but please be mindful of the neighbours when choosing what time to recycle your glass. We had a working day in early May where we re-installed the bin by the gym equipment and generally tidied the place up. Further improvements are planned this summer which will make life easier and more comfortable for the tennis and football clubs, freeing up space in the changing rooms.
Under 7 Manager We are looking for a manager/coach to take on our new induction of Under 7s for the coming season. You will be required to take an FA level one course which the club will pay for as well as undergoing a CRC check. This age group plays festivals at some of the best grounds in Suffolk and you will enjoy the first step on the coaching ladder. Under 7 Players We are recruiting new Under 7s for next season and will accept players from five years old into the squad for training and festivals. It’s a fantastic way to get into football and join an expanding friendly club. Under 8 Players We are looking to expand our current Under 7 squad as they move to Under 8 and need a number of new players to join a friendly and enthusiastic team as they move to five-a-side. Under 11 Manager We are looking for a manager/coach for our Under 11 Dragons squad as we move the Under 10s to nine-a-side. Rather than losing players from both teams we would much prefer to see them continue forward as they have done. A great chance to become a manager and coach a proven squad of players as they move into the next stage of their footballing path. Under 15 Players Our current Under 14s are looking for new players for next season to enhance the squad. They play in the SYL Division 2 on Saturday mornings and train on Tuesday evenings. If any of the above interests you please contact us at: admin@claydon-fc.co.uk or visit: www.claydon-fc.co.uk / Facebook
Longer term, we are still hoping to make bigger improvements to the clubhouse to make it more attractive and useful for residents. However, none of this can be achieved without the hard work and dedication of the small band of volunteers who make up the PFMC and we always need (and welcome) new faces. If you’re not sure, why not come along to one of our meetings and see for yourself? To find out when the next meeting is email: pfmcandbar@gmail.com We won’t force you to join us, but the responsibilities are not onerous, and if you care about the village and its prosperity then this is your chance to help. Dan Pryce, on behalf of the PFMC
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In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST
Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton Allotments / Sproughton Parish Council
01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk
Almshouses (Cooper Trust)
make.shep@btinternet.com
Badminton Club
dennisjackaman@btinternet.com
Burial Ground / Sproughton Parish Council
01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk
Bowls Club
awaiting
Brownies
awaiting
Carpet Bowls Club
awaiting
Children’s Play Area / Sproughton Parish Council
01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk
Church Hall Booking
jill.quadling@gmail.com
Community Shop
awaiting
Sproughton Football Club
georgina.studd@aol.com
Footpath Warden / Sproughton Parish Council
01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk
Jigsaw Pre-School
awaiting
Millennium Green Trust
awaiting
Toddler Group
awaiting
Parish Council, Sue Frankis
01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk
Parish Council Chairman, Simon Curl
01473 747114 / simoncurl@btinternet.com
Sproughton All Saints Church
awaiting
Playing Field Management Committee
pfmcandbar@gmail.com
Lunch Club
awaiting
Quilters
awaiting
Ramblers
awaiting
Reading Room & Caretakers Trust House Charity
awaiting
Senior Citizens Club
awaiting
Sproughton CEVC Primary School
awaiting
Sproughton Tennis Club
evercope62@gmail.com
Tithe Barn Bookings, Sproughton Parish Council
01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk
Tower Captain (Church Bells)
ralphearey@gmail.com
Tree Warden, Sproughton Parish Council
01473 463852 / pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk
Village History Recorder
awaiting
SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH ONE MESSAGE Baptist, Anglican, Methodist, church or chapel – the Christian world certainly looks confused – we don’t seem to be ‘on message’. Each church is affected by its own history, and there have been some trying times for the Christian Church and many self-inflicted wounds. It is a priority for us all to travel as far as we can back to the core message of Jesus. In him God has visited our world and has come to form us into a new people, a forgiven people who live for God by the power of the Holy Spirit and with the Bible as our source material on God and life. The good news that the Christian Church has, is that God welcomes us back as we turn to Jesus. Jesus commands us to love each other and all people, and even our enemies – to do good to all – following God’s example. Jesus left us with a lot to live up to, but he has sent his Spirit to be with us, and placed us in multiple believing communities that share this one message. Do come and listen to Jesus and seek to live his life of love. Little Church Day Out: Sunday, July 15, 11am on the village playing field Our guests this year are members of the Christian Motorcycle Association. Do join us as we worship and hear a personal story of faith from one of the bikers and then conclude with a lunchtime barbecue. You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship: Sunday Prayer and Share, 10-10.30am Bible Study (Communion first Sunday), 10.45-11.15am Worship Service, 11.30am-12.30pm Refreshments are served between meetings, come when you can and leave when you want. Weekdays at the Chapel Lunch and Listen: Thursday, July 5, noon Friends and Neighbours: Monday, September 17, 7.45pm CONTACTS Mark Newcombe (Pastor): 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE
CHURCH FLOWER DECORATION We shall be pleased to receive more help with the church flower decoration at All Saints. Some people might like to do the flowers for an anniversary, a birthday or some other family event. There is a list in the church porch for names or if you wish people contact the undersigned or the churchwarden. Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008
Following the recent changes to the data protection laws, GDPR 2018, a number of village contacts have not forwarded their details for publication. The parish council will however endeavour to put you in contact where we can.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton
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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead and 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 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell, northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116 Dear Friends, Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed can often feel like the millennial equivalent of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’! Don’t get me wrong, I think Facebook is great; it enables me to keep in touch with my friends who are globetrotting and share in their adventures. I use it for my business too. However, one of the problems with Facebook is that often it solely portrays the ‘best bits’ of our lives, the sunny Devon beach selfie, but not the six-hour car journey with the screaming kids that preceded it. The happy couple in the restaurant, but not the argument they had on the way there. The hill walker at the top of Mount Blanc, but not the reality of the physical and mental journey it took her to get there. For me living life as a Christian is not always easy. Thankfully I live in a country where I can openly talk about my faith without the risk of persecution, so it’s not difficult from that perspective. For me there is pressure to conform, pressure to follow a path against living the Gospel. I picture my journey with God as a scenic bicycle ride in the beautiful countryside. Sometimes I encounter a bumpy road and I have to weave in and out of the rocks; these are the obstacles and temptations that try to throw me off course. The struggle of a steep hill, trying to overcome an immense challenge, then the sheer joy and exhilaration of freewheeling all the way down the other side. There are moments in my journey where I completely come off my bike, but God is there, waiting patiently for me to ask for His help. Imagine what this journey would look like on Facebook! Would it be an image of me on the ground with my head in my hands sobbing, cycle lying beside me? No, of course not, it would be the freewheeling picture wouldn’t it? I am not perfect. There will be many times in my journey through life with God that I need to seek His forgiveness. Life is not the perfect picture that we like to present, but it is full of challenges for us all. Part of my faith is knowing that when I mess up and fall off my bike, I can ask for forgiveness from God. 1 John 1:8-10: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness With love, Lay Elder Alison Hobson North Samford Churches Baby and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Sproughton Church Hall on Mondays in term time Leader: The Rev Annette Shannon, 01473 807674 Belstead Songs of Praise Sunday, July 1, 2.30pm with afternoon tea to follow Bentley Boules and Barbecue: Sunday, July 8 Messy Church: Monday, July 30 in Sproughton Church Hall, 10am-1pm Burstall Flower Show, Fete & Dog Show Saturday, August 4, lunches from noon, flowers from 1pm, fete from 2pm FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Clare Evans and Stephen Beal – Bentley Joanne Tucker and Carl McCarthy – Copdock Felicity Olle and Robert Berry – Sproughton Emily Weston and Benjamin Thomas – Belstead
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IN JULY Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Saturday 7 Sunday 8 Wednesday 11 Saturday 14 Wednesday 18 Wednesday 25 Monday 30
Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Copdock Morning Market, 10am Bentley Boules and Barbecue Burstall PCC Meeting, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Copdock Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Messy Church, 10am-1pm
IN AUGUST Wednesday 1 Saturday 4 Wednesday 8 Saturday 11 Wednesday 15 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 Wednesday 29
Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Burstall Flower Show, Fete & Dog Show Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Copdock Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Ministry Meeting, Sproughton Church Hall, noon Bentley Mothers Prayers Bentley Mothers Prayers
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday, July 1 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am 2.30pm Sunday, July 8 9.30am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm Sunday, July 15 9.30am 10am 11am 10am 6pm Sunday, July 22 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 10am 10am Sunday, July 29 10am Sunday, August 5 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am
Copdock Holy Communion Burstall Holy Communion Bentley Pet Service Copdock Morning Prayer Tattingstone Holy Communion Sproughton Holy Communion Belstead Songs of Praise (afternoon tea) Sproughton Church HallCroissant Church Burstall Family Service Copdock Holy Communion Bentley Holy Communion Tattingstone Evensong Burstall Holy Communion Bentley Family Service Sproughton Matins Copdock Simply Sunday Tattingstone Holy Communion Sproughton Holy Communion Burstall Matins Bentley Holy Communion Belstead Morning Celebration Copdock Holy Communion Tattingstone Family Service Sproughton Family & Friends Bentley Benefice Communion Burstall Holy Communion Bentley Family Service Copdock Morning Prayer Tattingstone Morning Prayer Sproughton Holy Communion
Please submit church letters and copy for the August edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by July 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
In Touch online:
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