In Touch
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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 6 • Issue No. 11 • OCTOBER 2016
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Ashbocking Produce, Arts and Crafts Show, see page 4. Image by John Pollard
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
Jack wanted to hold a roadside cake sale to raise money for charity, but couldn’t decide who to donate the money to. Old people were his first choice so I suggested Age UK Suffolk. Then he decided it should go to people who don’t have a place to live so we decided on Shelter. Next it was to help people with cancer so we added Cancer Research UK to the list. We sat there for an hour or so with our little picnic table, offering free squash with every purchase and the option to buy a copy of Jack’s Little Blue Book of Bits and Bones, drawings of some of the many odd bits Jack has picked up on scavenger hunts in the woods and compiled into a book with grandpa’s help. My son definitely has a generous soul, but in this instance I think book sales was his main objective. He did sell three copies and we raised £4 for each of our chosen charities, so not a bad result overall. The best part was meeting people. Most of our customers were walking past but one lovely couple stopped in their car to see what we were up to and purchased four buns and a copy of the book. Turns out they have just moved into the house three doors up and this was their first opportunity, and ours, to meet. I dread to think how long it would have taken otherwise. Everyone seems so busy these days, racing from one appointment to another. I feel like I’m juggling all the time and rarely feel satisfied that I’ve done any one thing as well as I’d have liked. Time with extended family and neighbours, to get involved in community events or to volunteer in any capacity, seems impossible, but thank goodness so many people manage to conquer this balancing act. Those who do are the ones who collect for charity, who volunteer at schools and libraries, who organise fundraising events, who take part in all sorts of fundraising activities, who share themselves with others who may not be able to get out and about so easily.
HELLO FROM WITNESHAM’S NEWEST RESIDENT Violet Ellis was born five weeks early on June 29 and after 11 days in intensive care is doing great.
KETTLE ON, BISCUITS AT THE READY... IT’S TIME FOR THE BIG BREW UP
Where would we be without these angels? My paltry £12 split three ways is no more than a token effort which I’m unlikely to repeat in a hurry, but in the coming months we will have several opportunities to support the efforts of others dedicated to raising money for one cause or another. So don’t drive by. Stick your hand in your pocket and throw a few coins in the pot, and if you’re not in a hurry take a moment to chat.
In Touch
with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham
In Touch with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: westerfield@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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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 Kesgrave & Rushmere is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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The annual SSAFA Big Brew Up is a charity tea party that brings together friends, family and colleagues around the world for a cup of tea and a slice of cake and raises vital funds to support the forces community. A Big Brew will take place on Thursday, October 13, 10am-2pm, at Westerfield Business Centre, Main Road, Westerfield IP6 9AB. Free parking available. Coffee, tea, and cakes will be served. There will also be a tombola with exciting prizes donated by various organisations.
The Armed Forces Family
SSAFA offers lifelong support for our forces and their families. Started in 1885, SSAFA is a national charity. In Suffolk, all the members of our branch are highly trained volunteers who give their time freely.
WITNESHAM & SWILLAND DAFFODILS Witnesham & Swilland Parish Council will again be providing daffodil bulbs this autumn for parishioners to plant along roadside verges or other places of public benefit. Bulbs are available from Jerry Hindle (01473 785669). The council is particularly keen to see more bulbs planted around Weyland Road and Coopers Close so please get in touch if you are willing to plant some. It is also hoped to have a planting session starting 10.30am on Saturday, October 22 to which every one is welcome. Just bring a spade and some gloves.
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NEWS ASHBOCKING PRODUCE, ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW 2016
Village produce, arts and craft shows take place in village halls, but not in Ashbocking as we don’t actually have a village hall. The plus side is, we’re not restricted by four walls. We can include clay pigeon shooting, archery, pony rides, a barbecue and tractor and trailer rides. But all that takes people willing to sort and do and that’s a commodity we never lack. We also have to beg and borrow marquees, gazebos, tables and chairs. Thanks at this point to Vanessa Ling (Otley Village Hall), The Rev Catherine Beaumont (Otley Hall), Anne Debenham (Witnesham Village Hall), Mrs Hubbard-Whitehead (Witnesham Primary School), Steve Moor (Charsfield Village Hall) and Michael Strand (SWT) for generously allowing us to borrow the necessary tables and chairs. Now to roofs over our heads! Thanks to Adrian Cross, Glenn Read, Karl Venau, Vincent Langley, Steve Stegman, SWT, John Pollard, Brian Bell, Paul Dighton and Russ Delaney for supplying marquees and gazebos. Most of the above was collected and returned, with numerous trips, by Steve Stegman, John Bates, Emma Read and John Pollard. My sincere thanks to you guys too. All the pre-show administration was efficiently done over many months by Jo Gilbert. Her IT skills enable us to have professional schedules, tickets, fliers, signs and certificates. Thanks Jo for your hard work behind the scenes. Emma Read provided invaluable assistance with purchasing, selling tickets, recording of entries and results and generally helping keep folk positive and cheerful. Not an easy task at some points! Sharon and Lauren Chenery encouraged people to buy tickets and enter the show. Thanks for their time and energy. There were crowds of people helping to create the show scene. Apart from those I’ve thanked already, hugs and kisses to Robert Leggett, Joe Goodchild, Martin Watts, Mike Surridge, David Chenery, David Gaught, Tony Gilbert, Steve Sweet, Linda Pollard, Kierran Youngs, Sharon Delaney, Andrew Bradshaw, Kate Venau, Stephanie Lee-Andrews, Noreen Finch, Adine Schrankel, Phil Pollard, Maria Aguirrezabala, Lauren Chenery, Holly Gilbert, Amy Gilbert, Karen Dighton, Ian Beaumont, Lynne Chiverton, Eric Brett, Jan Bates, Sarah Lankester, Janice Williamson and William Napper.
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Not to mention all the folk who made cakes for our tea tent! Sincere apologies if I’ve forgotten anyone. Now to our judges. Without them the show can’t go on. Many thanks for turning up, tasting, sniffing, feeling and admiring our exhibits. We had twice as many exhibits as last time, requiring four marquees, 400sqft (37.16122m2) of table space for 456 exhibits. Our judges were Anna Lawson, Kelly Feavearyear, Sharon Jenkins, David Stoddart, Fran Moor, Heidi Atkins, Ruth Farnhill and Vanessa Ling. However, without your entries, folk of Ashbocking, the judges would have had nothing to judge. So thank you everyone for making the effort (and trust me, it is an effort) to display and enter. And all of us could have only placed our entries on the grass if it wasn’t for our two experienced show organisers, Brian and Jonathan Bell, who set the perfect scene in our marquees. (How else do you think I knew the table area?) Thanks to you guys! But, of course, massive thanks are due to Andrew and David Gaught, our hosts for the event. Manor Farm is a working farm and each year the village intrudes on Andrew and David’s lives and their workplace, either taking over their barns in the winter months or their grounds in the warmer months. Thank you for your hospitality, your hard work and your patience. Also thanks are due to four main sponsors for the afternoon. We thank David Ridgeway for the sausages and hot dogs, Lawrence Mallison and his staff for a very generous supply of fruit drinks, Denise Andrews who gave us two pieces of original art work to auction and to Tony Gilbert who acquired cakes and pastries from one local company and his company. Finally, thank you to all who came and enjoyed. Monies are not, as yet, finalised, but we’ve made just under £1,000! But it wasn’t about the money, it was about bringing our village community together to enjoy each other’s company and give some memories to the children and adults alike. Liz Stegman Images by John Pollard and David Stoddart
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OUT & ABOUT THE BARLEY PLAYERS PRESENT CRIPPS, CRIPPS AND CRIPPS BY STEVE HENLEY The year is 1966. England is the place to be. We are world champions at football, we are leading the world in popular music, fashion is at its peak and the City of London leads the way in finance and insurance, invisible earnings make us the country that everybody wants to be part of… The firm of Cripps, Cripps and Cripps specialises in insurance broking and the agency claims department is at the forefront of international business acting on behalf of Japanese, Chinese and American clients to name but a few. Things start to go wrong when the department joker upsets a very important client and starts a chain of events which could end in disaster for one of the staff. Romance is also in the air and, with the lead up to Christmas, lunch time drinks start to play a part. The play deals with the period of December 23 and 24 and contains some ‘adult humour’. Those taking part include actors and actresses from Witnesham, Westerfield, Tuddenham and Coddenham – so another multi-village event. There will be three main performances: Saturday, October 29 at 7.45pm and Sunday, October 30 at 4pm and 7.45pm. We will also be holding full dress rehearsals on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 at 7.45pm so if you can’t make the Saturday or Sunday you are welcome to come along to one of the rehearsals with a £1 discount on the ticket price. Performances will take place again at the LePanto Theatre, Manor Farm, Church Lane, Witnesham, with the kind permission of Erica and Terry Burrows. Tickets are £6 for adults and £4 for children. Parking will be at the village hall and you will be escorted to the theatre entrance. You will be able to purchase drinks during the interval and hopefully some snacks (although not on dress rehearsal nights). If you would like to help with the production we are still desperately looking for volunteers so please let me know if you would like to help. You can contact me at: 785707 / henleysteve@btinternet.com We are also looking for sponsors to help us with the cost of putting on the performances so if you would like to contribute or advertise in the programme please let me know. I do hope you will support this local event and look forward to seeing you at the LePanto Theatre. Steve Henley
SUFFOLK STITCHERS & KNITTERS There are ‘knit and natter’ groups which meet on a regular basis, and others who prefer to stitch and knit at home. We make items for charities both at home and abroad for all age groups such as jumpers, hats, scarves, toys and clothes for premature babies. Another project concerns the knitting of squares which are then assembled into blankets. The items are sent around the world to orphanages, to organisations who shelter street children and families who live in dire poverty. Similarly, our work is sent to such charities in the UK which support those escaping domestic violence We are part of a national charity, Volunteering Matters, which helps us to obtain grant applications. There a number of groups in the Ipswich area, which can found at: www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk There is an open day on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Old Crown Court in Ipswich, where you will find wool, fabric, needles, patterns and much more. Contact Susan Bowring: 01502 501030
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WESTERFIELD HORSE SHOW Westerfield Horse Show was run on August Bank Holiday Monday in the grounds of Westerfield Hall and was blessed with perfect weather. Having postponed the show from the traditional date of the last Saturday in June, due to waterlogged ground, what a relief it was to see the sun shine. The organising committee was very pleased with the attendance, although down on entries, it was enough to make their hard-work feel worthwhile. A respectable amount of £1,200 was raised for The Bridge School Holiday Club which helps children with severe and profound learning difficulties and autism. Grateful thanks goes to all our generous sponsors, judges, stewards and helpers, and of course to the competitors. With luck, next year we will be back to normal for the 53rd show on June 24.
FAMILY TIME TOGETHER AT WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH If you enjoy Messy Church you’ll enjoy this. This will be a time when families (parents, carers and children) come together, be creative, listen to a Bible story and hear about God. Starting on Sunday, October 2 at 9.30am for about 30-45 minutes, then every Sunday morning at 9.30am.
GRANT APPLICATIONS Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1, 2017. Grants will generally be of up to £150 towards the cost of instruments, music, equipment and musical activities. For further information about grants and application forms visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows Family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG / 01473 625196
THE BARLEY PLAYERS Present the comedy
CRIPPS, CRIPPS AND CRIPPS At Lepanto Theatre, Manor Farm, Witnesham OCTOBER 29 & 30 For details contact Steve Henley: 785707 7
OUT & ABOUT WESTERFIELD CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS Westerfield Bowls Club The club has more than 50 members who enjoy playing outdoors from April through to the end of September. Our teams compete in local leagues as well as playing friendly games against other clubs. For further information contact Tony Baker: 01473 411347 Village coffee mornings Coffee mornings are held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome. Westerfield & District Gardening Club The gardening club meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm. • •
October 5: History of the Cottage Garden with Andrew Sankey November 2: Mickfield Hostas with Melanie Collins
Everyone is welcome. For further details contact Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 251 843). Beavers, Cubs & Scouts The 1st Westerfield Scout Group was founded in 1955. Using the village hall as its headquarters the group consists of: Beaver Colony Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm Boys and girls, 6-8 years old Beaver Leader: Jenny Kent, 01473 435711 /
jennyk.kent@ntlworld.com
Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years. Cub Leader: Joan Gibson, 01473 785510 / joan_gibson785@yahoo.co.uk Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years.
Scout Leader: Peter Runnacles, 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com If your child is interested in joining us please use the contact form on our website from where your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate leader: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk Westerfield WI Lively meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the village hall with different speakers on a variety of topics. The membership is 42 at present. • •
October 13: For The Rest of Your Natural Life by Pip Wright November 10: Annual meeting
New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Kath Richards: 01473 217829 Pilates Classes are in the village hall on Monday, 10.45-11.45am or noon-1pm. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. £6.50 in advance/£8 dropin. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Exercise class at Westerfield Village Hall on Thursday, 7.15-9pm. Cost £12 per class. Suitable for all ages. If you are interested please contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Westerfield Village Hall on Thursday mornings, 9.40-11am. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches, breathing practices and relaxation. British Wheel of Yoga qualified teacher. £48 for block of six (£9.50 drop-in). Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability of the village hall. For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk
MOON AND MUSHROOM DATE FOR SILBURY HILL The Moon and Mushroom is hosting an evening of music with Suffolk based folk rock duo Silbury Hill on Saturday, October 22. Silbury Hill (Scott Dolling – flute, guitar and vocals and David Stainer – guitar, mandolin and vocals) have carved a name for themselves throughout the region in recent years, playing at festivals and in bars and folk clubs as well as supporting well known artistes in the genre. This year has been a busy one for the duo. They recently released their third CD of original material
Justice of the Rowan, played a short series of dates in Belgium and France, and have had their music featured in a film promoting Suffolk Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The concert at The Moon and Mushroom begins at 8.30pm and entry is free. Silbury Hill will play a mix of well known songs by artistes such as Sting, Jethro Tull and Crowded House, as well as songs from their own CDs. For further information visit: www.silburyhill.net
All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour It’s the little things that make a funeral special
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ADVERTORIAL
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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
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!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
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OUT & ABOUT DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING All events take place in Witnesham Village Hall unless indicated otherwise.
Thursday 20 Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm
Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 785798 Parish Clerk: Mr Steve Barron, swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917
Thursday 27 Mobile Library visits the Green, Ashbocking, 12.25pm
WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays Dance classes from 3.30pm in term time. Contact Kelly Fear: 07799 130967 Tuesdays • Post Office open at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm •
Drop-in Cafe at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm
•
Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Peter Elmy: 785754
Thursdays • Post Office open at Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm •
Carpet bowls, 2pm. Contact details: 785754
•
Tai Chi Classes for beginners at 5.45pm and the more experienced at 7.30pm. Contact Marc: 07860 471748
Fridays • Mums and Toddlers meet in Witnesham Baptist Room, 9.15-11.15am. All welcome. Contact Jean Pearson: 785478 •
Pilates, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com
Sewing Classes: For information please contact Kim Shaw: 785678 OCTOBER Saturday 1 Harvest Barn Dance with a ploughman’s supper, 7.30pm. Adults £5, children under 16 £1. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Tickets from Christine Laughlin: 785138 / Christine@wtandw.org.uk Thursday 6 • Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.50am), M&M in Swilland (10.25-10.40am), Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am). •
Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm. Contact Christine Laughlin: 785138
Saturday 8 St Mary’s Church Gift Day to be held at the top of Coopers Close, 10am-noon Wednesday 12 • Friendship Club meets for chiropody (if desired), chat and refreshments, 2-4.30pm. All welcome, but please let Heather know in advance if you wish to have chiropody (785464). •
WI meets to hear a talk entitled Memories and Songs of Old Suffolk by The Rev John Robinson. There is also a Bring and Buy, 7.30pm.
Saturday 15 Messy Church or Messy Joe (Joseph) for children and their families – fun, crafts and other activities, 10am-1pm at Witnesham Baptist Church with friends from St Mary’s. No booking. Just come along. No cost (free lunch provided). Wednesday 19 Charities Fair, 6-9pm. This event will raise funds for The Ormiston Children’s and Families Trust as well as for the Children’s Hospice. Book a table (£10) though Christina Darrell-Brown. All sales raised belong to you. Entrance £5 includes light refreshments.
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NOVEMBER Thursday 3: Mobile Library in Witnesham Saturday 26: Village Concert in Witnesham NURSING HOME ‘FRIENDS’ SAY THANK YOU Thank you to everyone who attended the summer fete at Witnesham Nursing Home on Saturday, August 20. As it was too windy and chilly for the residents to be outside we had to hold it inside but this didn’t stop it being a very happy occasion. The Nursing Home Friends hold two main fundraising events in the year, in summer and December, to provide extras for the residents such as gifts at birthdays and Christmas, musical entertainments, craft sessions and the occasional outing. With your generous support we raised £475.45. Heather Cade, treasurer EXAMINATION SUCCESSES Congratulations to Nicole Hogger from Witnesham who graduated recently from King’s College, London with a BSc in Business Management. The following students have completed their Advanced Level or other equivalent examinations and are now embarking on further studies. Zilah Atfield (Swilland) is now studying for a BSc in Psychology at Reading University. This includes a one-year professional placement. Robyn Bosworth (Witnesham) has embarked on a BSc in Psychology at the University of Hereford. She will spend one year of this course studying abroad. Matthew Cornforth (Ashbocking) is studying for a History BA at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. Sam Jepson (Swilland) is studying for a five year Master’s Degree in Chiropractic at the Anglo European Chiropractic College in Bournemouth. Cameron Lyle (Witnesham) has chosen to study a BA in Economics at Durham University. Stephanie MaCaulay (Witnesham) is embarking on a BA in Business Studies and Spanish at Reading University. Sophie Mair (Witnesham) completed her Level 3 Early Educator Course and is now studying for Level 5 Early Years Practice at the University of Suffolk followed by a further year for her teaching qualification. Meanwhile, Sophie is also working at Quayside Nursery, Ipswich. Alex Warne (Witnesham) is studying at Sheffield Hallam University for a BSc in Architecture. This is a seven-year course which includes three years practice. Izzi Williams (Swilland) has gone to Bristol to study for a BA in Economics. I should be glad to hear details of any who have taken A Level or similar examinations, or news of their degree success, so that I can include them in a future edition. Heather Cade: 785464 / heathercade@btinternet.com
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OUT & ABOUT EAT PUDDING FOR GREAT CAUSE AT DELICIOUS FOOD FUNDRAISER Wednesday, October 19 at The Swan in Westerfield A scrumptious dessert is a perfect way to end a meal – so why not make that the main attraction? Round up some friends, be a bit naughty and treat yourselves to a night of indulgence in aid of a great cause. Local award winning hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre invites you to attend their very popular event which gives the opportunity for dessert lovers to spend an evening in pudding paradise at The Swan, Westerfield. You will not only be allowed but positively encouraged to sample every dessert on the menu, and at the same time raise money for the fantastic charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The charity, close to the hearts of The Hearing Care Centre, delivers specialist training for hearing dogs which provides invaluable emotional support and gives many deaf people confidence, independence and constant companionship, which totally transforms lives. The Swan at Westerfield is the ideal location to enjoy a great range of wines, ales and delicious food among a great atmosphere. During the evening, guests can enjoy a delightful mini main course and all you can eat mouth-watering desserts from a huge selection supplied by Deben Inns. Foodie competitions and a big prize draw will give those in attendance time to digest between tasters to ensure maximum samples are enjoyed by all. The Hearing Care Centre Charity Pudding Club Evening is at 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 19. Tickets are excellent value, priced at just £17.50. Tables are limited, so book as soon as you can at: 01473 230330 / www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/puddings
HENLEY PLAYERS PRESENT CVS Anglia Ltd
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, October 18 when Dr Simon Bradley, architectural historian and editor of the Pevsner guides, will be exploring the life and works of Sir Nikolaus Pevsner. Between 1951 and 1974 Sir Nikolaus produced a series of guides detailing, by county, the buildings of architectural importance. The guides are lively and informative and Dr Bradley will be certain to feature many of the Suffolk entries. On November 15 Pip Wright will be bringing to life the amazing story of John Heigham Steggall, the Suffolk Gypsy, who was born in Creeting St Mary 200 years ago. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £2. National Trust members/volunteers can join us at half normal price for the rest of 2016 – £4 per year or £6 per couple at the same address. We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
Come and share a Messy 'Joe' morning at Witnesham Baptist Church
01473 216462
All ages welcome
Fun for The whole family,
Be prepared you might enjoy yourself
Wri%en by Molly Hazelwood Directed by Marina Griggs 5th Jan 7:30pm 6th Jan 7:30pm 7th Jan 2:30pm 7th Jan 7:30pm
You are invited to Messy 'Joe' on Saturday
TICKET PRICES
October 15th
Adults £8.00 Concessions £5.00
10.00 'til 1.00 pm
Family of 4 £20.00 HOW TO BOOK TICKETS
henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com Telephone Bookings: 07803 796706
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come as a family, all are welcome! No Charge,
Free lunch provided
Arts, crafts, games and activities for all This event is organised by Christian friends from St Mary's and Witnesham Baptist Church
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AFTER
Give your kitchen or furniture a new lease of life. Refurbishing can be an attractive and cost-effective alternative to buying new.
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY
ACCLAIMED PIANIST TO PLAY CHARITY CONCERT World-renowned pianist Christian Blackshaw will perform his one and only concert at Snape Maltings in 2016 on Friday, October 14, entirely and exclusively to raise money for Ormiston Families, the East of England’s leading family charity.
N Beecroft, B Murton and T Naylor
The 70th anniversary fair was held on September 10 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre. The fair was opened by the chairman of Kesgrave Town Council, Mr N Beecroft and the president of the society Mr B Murton. There were 18 dealers present, buying and selling stamps, There was also an exhibition showing key times in the society’s history, original programmes, menus and posters from the 33rd Philatelic Congress of Great Britain and The East Anglian Philex. Forthcoming meetings On September 21 there will be another opportunity to see the exhibition and to meet more members of the society. On October 5 Peter Day will be talking about Terrorism and the Mail and Crash and Wreck Mail. All meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
A deeply passionate and sensitive performer, Christian Blackshaw is celebrated for his incomparable performances. His playing combines tremendous emotional depth with great understanding and, in the words of one London critic, “sheer musicality and humanity”. Pianist magazine, reviewing his performance of Schubert’s great B Flat Sonata D.960 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, wrote that the work “has become the calling card of many a pianist wishing to declare themselves a musician’s musician and Blackshaw most certainly belongs to this category.” Recent notable appearances include South Bank International Piano Series, Berliner Philharmoniker, Tokyo, Montreal, Aldeburgh Festival, Bamberg Symphony, RAI National Symphony and Mariinsky Orchestra with Valery Gergiev. At Snape Maltings Christian Blackshaw will perform Mozart’s Piano Sonata in A minor K. 310 together with piano works by Schubert, Liszt and Chopin. Proceeds from the recital will be used to support Ormiston Families’ work providing services to support children, young people and their families, helping to improve their life chances. Ormiston Families’ work includes support for those affected by abuse and those struggling with mental health issues, providing children’s visits across the region’s prisons, operating children’s centres and support for parents through a range of parenting courses. Identifying and responding to the needs of children, whatever challenges they face, the charity’s vision is of a world in which every child will be loved, nurtured and valued.
Stuart Bowell will present a fascinating talk entitled The History of Advertising at 7.30pm on Thursday October 27 at the Co-op Education Centre. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG.
Christian has very kindly donated the recital to Ormiston Families so the full cost of each ticket goes to the charity.To book tickets please visit: https://tickets.aldeburgh.co.uk/Online/2016-autumn-christian-blackshaw
Admission is £3 for society members and £3.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door.
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB
For more information contact Howard: 01473 274300
Book a stall from £5.00
Ideal Fundraising Event
Henley Christmas Village Fayre Saturday 3rd December 2016 10:00am to 3:30pm Many stalls & refreshments Grand Charity Raffle
Henley Community Centre Contact email: henleychristmasfayre@gmail.com
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The Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from 2-4pm. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area behind the hall. It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within. We started back again on September 14 with our AGM and discussions on our new programme, details of which will follow in due course. We would be pleased to welcome new members, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS OTLEY AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Patron: Matthew Tanton-Brown
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY
Monday, October 3: Gardener’s Question Time with Matthew Tanton-Brown
Wednesday, October 10, 7 for 7.30pm: Not Only Aces – The Royal Flying Corps and the First World War, an illustrated talk by Mike Meech
We meet at 7.30pm at Otley Village Hall, Chapel Road, Otley. Compare gardening notes over tea, coffee and biscuits. All welcome, join up or just come along. Admission £1.50 for members, £4 for non-members, including refreshments. Annual membership is just £10.
We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.
To find out more contact: Alan Trevelyan, 07706 054630; Jenny Vince, 01473 738244; Isabel Lincoln, 01473 890826
OTLEY AND WITNESHAM PRIMARY SCHOOLS
ORWELL FLOWER CLUB
Open afternoons for prospective parents
Our autumn season started on September 22 when Joanne Randall from Norfolk presented a demonstration entitled Seasonal Delights. Her flowers were excellent and her demonstration was enjoyed by all our members.
Details from: 01473 414746/422145
Otley and Witnesham Primary Schools will be holding open afternoons for prospective parents to come and look around the schools in readiness for applications needing to be completed for their September 2017 pupil intake (children born between 1.09.2012 and 31.08.2013).
Our open meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre on Thursday, October 27 when national demonstrator John Chennell from Wellingborough will present Autumnal Equinox. Tickets will be £15 to include a light buffet and a fruit punch. We welcome all members and non-members, friends and families.
Visitors to Witnesham School are welcome from 2-4pm on Monday, October 10.
Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm. The doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration.
Please let family or friends know about this date if you think they are considering applying for their child to have a place at Otley or Witnesham in September 2017.
The annual subscription, due at the AGM in April, is £37. Visitors are always welcome at £4 a meeting. For further details please contact the secretary Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB
Visitors to Otley School are welcome from 2-4pm on Tuesday, October 18.
If you have any particular queries, please contact Otley on 01473 890302 and Witnesham on 01473 785252. We look forward to meeting you.
THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM The new term has started with a focus on colours – mixing paints, using tissue paper, cutting card and lots of sticking.
So what is the verdict? As we have to get copy to the editor by the 10th of each month this report is being written in the middle of Helen’s trial. Of course by the time the magazine lands on doormats everyone will know!
Our annual art exhibition of the children’s work is on Thursday, October 20, 6.30-8.30pm, an ideal opportunity for any prospective parents to come and see the nursery and talk to staff in an informal situation. We are offering a glass of wine or fruit juice plus nibbles as you wander from room to room.
Views about the Rob/Helen saga in The Archers may vary. Domestic violence is a key issue for Soroptimists and we have liked the clear focus on domination as the root of abuse.
The nursery is very unique in its layout of lots of little rooms with the benefit of a real country garden outside. Give us a ring on 01473 890950 to let us know you are coming. We look forward to seeing everyone.
As it happens we have recently funded copies of Living with the Dominator, a handbook for the Freedom Programme, a widely used course to help victims of abuse understand what has been happening to them and regain their confidence and self belief.
www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com
Another related issue has cropped up since one of our members heard of a poster and leaflets produced in Norfolk They explain in the languages of local migrant workers the support available to victims of domestic abuse. We are investigating if there is an equivalent in Suffolk and, if not, whether the Norfolk materials could be adopted here. We realised that we had not thought of the women in these particular communities; it’s important for them to know that they have rights here and to have easy access to information about how to get help if necessary. Our meeting on October 12 could be a bit more cheerful. After a supper of scampi and chips we shall hear about the progress of our regional project among children in Africa – a lot of good news and smiling faces. We are always pleased to welcome anyone who would like to come and hear a speaker, join in a discussion or share a meal with us. For more details and directions please call Jackie: 01473 659314
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Dear Guff lovers, unfortunately the guff meister is on holiday this month and so is unable to write his usual offering. We can however all look forward (or not) to Canadian jokes on his return. I thought I would take the opportunity to remind you all that Bramford Tennis club is open 12 months a year to all members. Membership details can be found at: http://bramfordtennisclub.onesuffolk.net/ If you want to play some tennis before you decide to join, you can play up to three times for £2 a person. Please contact us if you need a partner to play with. The summer season has now ended and the winter leagues will soon start. This means some courts may be in use by teams on Saturday and Sunday mornings. However there is always at least one court for members to use. Please consider joining the club. We are very reasonably priced, all the family can join in and it’s a fun way to exercise. You can play at league level, club level or just with friends and family. Everyone is welcome. Mick will be back next month. Lorna Jones, secretary
IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL With the start of autumn we are now turning our attention to the new indoor season when we will hold weekly playing and coaching sessions at St Alban’s School, Rushmere IP4 3NJ (near Ipswich Hospital) every Saturday from 2-4pm. If you are interested in giving them a try, whether as a complete beginner or an experienced player, now is the ideal time to join in with many of the players who started during the summer and have found out for themselves that volleyball is great fun, and really good exercise too. This season for experienced players we are aiming to build two teams to play in the monthly one-day tournaments at Maidenhall where we will pit ourselves against other volleyball clubs from across Suffolk and Norfolk, as well as starting a new ladies team to play full scale matches against other Suffolk ladies teams. Ipswich Ravens will welcome any new players, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from teenagers upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them highly enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875.
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DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK Don’t be left in the dark this autumn, call 105 Since last writing, school has returned after the long summer holiday and for me, it’s time to return to Westminster and the day to day business of parliament. One of the first parliamentary matters for me was an opposition day debate in the House of Commons focusing on the topic of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and a meeting of the Energy and Climate Change Select, so it’s fair to say that energy matters have been high on my agenda. As we draw towards the shorter days and darker nights of autumn back home in Suffolk, not to mention the seasonal weather changes, I am delighted to welcome the launch of a new easy-to-remember number for power cuts. Launched in early September, 105 is a free of charge service, accessible via landline or mobile, which will put customers directly through to their local electricity network operator. The service can be used for reporting or getting further updates on power cuts in their area, concerns about over or underground electricity cables or sub-stations, or especially important - for reporting any welfare concerns for those being affected by power cuts or emergencies. In a mostly rural constituency like ours, it is especially important that our communities look out for each other and take time this autumn and winter to spare a thought for the more vulnerable and isolated in our neighbourhoods. Many people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, aren’t sure who to call in the event of a power cut and may try to contact their energy supply company, instead of the network providers who maintain the network. This is particularly important when we are experiencing bad weather in winter as heavy storms can very quickly cause major disruption to electricity supply. I particularly welcome the introduction of 105 as a service as families and businesses in my constituency need to know where to go if they find themselves without power, either through severe weather or other disruption to service. 105 is a single, easy to remember number which prevents any confusion around who to call and most importantly, puts people in touch with the information they need when they need it. Linked closely to the issue of electricity supply is the matter of competitive pricing and on June 30 I contributed to a key session of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee when they considered the Competition and Market Authority’s Market Investigation report, specifically looking at transparency and clarity on price comparison websites for energy providers. I am keen to see greater transparency for consumers on this matter, ensuring that they genuinely can access the best deals and price plans for themselves. For more information, please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com
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To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING FAITH AND FOOD
WHAT’S ON
October is Harvest Festival season, the invitation of this time in the church’s year is to reflect upon the relationship between faith and food.
October 3: Otley and District Gardening Club, Otley Village Hall, 7.30pm (see page 16)
When you begin to take a look at the biblical narrative, you discover just a few verses into The Book of Genesis that one of the first acts of God is to give the world the gift of food. When you read on into the story of the Israelite people in the wilderness, you find that it is God who ensures that they are fed and watered – with manna and quails and water from the rock.
October 4: • Craft and Coffee at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon, 10am-noon • Baby Cafe at Grundisburgh Parish Room, 9-10.30am
In the New Testament, the stories of Jesus eating meals with people are many. Some provoke controversy, especially his choice of table companions. Others challenge understanding of who Jesus is – the feeding of the 5,000. The story of the Last Supper has shaped the liturgy and worship of the Christian community from the beginning, when Jesus takes bread – the staple of life, fruit of the earth and work of human hands – and wine – fruit of the vine, representing both the sorrows and joys of life – and gives them new significance and meaning.
October 5: • Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am • SWAPSHOP, Grundisburgh Parish Room, 10.15-11.30am • Hobbies Group, Clopton, 10am-noon. Everyone is welcome. If you don’t have a hobby just come for a coffee and a chat. October 10: • Prayer Group, Upper Room, 5pm • Knit and Stitch, Burgh Schoolroom, 10.30am-12.30pm. All welcome. Details: 01473 735544
Food and faith are clearly a partnership, with implications for our daily living. At harvest we rejoice and give thanks for the gift of food and the work of human hands, but we also use the opportunity to signpost the ways in which in this benefice we witness to the food and faith connection.
October 13: • COSA Pastoral Committee • Tiddlywinks in Grundisburgh Church at 2.30pm. A group for toddlers/ babies and their carers
In addition to our support of the food bank and the work of FIND, we also support a number of other local organisations such as West Villa, the homeless families unit in Ipswich, local nursing homes and the Salvation Army night shelter, and further afield Farm Africa.
October 19: Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, Ashbocking, 10am
Food poverty is a scandal in an age of plenty, in a country as wealthy as ours. Harvest gives us an opportunity to review our relationship with food, how it is grown, where it comes from, its nutritional value or lack of it, the price we pay and the way in which that figure is shared out between producer and retailer.
October 27: • Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm • Tiddlywinks in Grundisburgh Church, 2.30pm
Some years ago, a curate shared with me the idea of LOAF as a set of criteria for thinking about our food purchases: L O A F
Local Organic, healthy food Animal friendly Fairly traded
I have to admit I don’t stick to it rigidly, but it does challenge me to think through the connection between my faith and the food I buy and the refreshments we offer and share in our churches. In the benefice we run a Fairtrade stall based in Grundisburgh, but open to all our churches. We can order Fairtrade food from around the world, whether it be tea, coffee, sugar, pasta or chocolate, and it can be collected locally. Collect a catalogue from the back of Grundisburgh church and place your order with Pat Fletcher: 01473 735775 Food both unites us in family, in community and in church, but it also has the potential to divide us. May we use harvest to reflect upon the gift of food and the opportunities we have to proclaim our faith through our purchasing and sharing. May we take a quiet moment or two to contemplate Jesus who describes himself as the Bread of Life, and who offers his life to us in broken bread and wine outpoured. The Rev Clare Sanders SERVICES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER SUNDAY October 2: Holy Communion, Swilland, 9.30am October 9: Harvest Festival, Ashbocking, 11am October 16: Family Service, Swilland, 11am October 30: Benefice Service, Swilland, 11am
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October 14: Grundisburgh Reader Support Group, Upper Room, 2pm October 20: Social Bridge, Burgh Schoolroom, 7.15pm. All levels, tuition available: 01473 735544
Second Fridays, Hasketon Victory Hall Join us on October 14 for a ploughman’s supper followed by a talk by Andrew Brogan, the owner of Henstead Exotic Garden, about his two acres of fully landscaped exotic jungle. We start at 7.15pm and entrance is £5 each. Please let Katherine Smith (01473 735579) know by the previous Wednesday if you wish to come, but pay on the door. HARVEST FESTIVAL ACROSS THE BENEFICE October 2 • 9.30am at Burgh with Bp John • 11am Parade Service at Grundisburgh • 11am Parade Service at Otley October 9 • 9.30am at Clopton • 11am at Ashbocking: Linda Pollard and Jan Bates will be commissioned as Elders and Archdeacon Ian Morgan will be preaching and presiding. • 11am at Hasketon with guest speaker Ray Chaplin, a poet and farmer. We also welcome his ‘hospital dog’ Dice. BURGH HARVEST SUPPER Saturday, October 1, 5.30 for 6pm, at The Barn, Burgh House, courtesy of Bill and Jacqui Mane. Two course hot supper with a glass of wine or soft drink, vegetarian/gluten free options. Adults £5, ages five-16 £3.50, under 5s free. Bill will show a short video of wildlife in Burgh. Tickets from Sally (01473 738877) or Anne (01473 735544). GRUNDISBURGH HARVEST SUPPER Saturday, October 1, 7pm A Harvest Supper with a difference! Tickets are free, but you must bring a friend. There are only 25 tickets so get yours asap in order to avoid disappointment. If your ticket is pink, please bring a pudding for eight. If your ticket is green, please bring a salad as indicated for eight people. Vegetarian and GF catered for. In order to minimise washing up bring
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CHURCH NEWS your own plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery. If you want an alcoholic drink please BYO. Tickets available from Clare: 01473 735183
Steps charity helping children with lower limb disabilities. There will also be a sale of very good condition baby clothes at very reasonable prices.
HASKETON HARVEST LUNCH Sunday, October 9, noon at Hasketon Victory Hall following 11am Harvest Festival Service. Adults £7, children (under 16) £3.50. Two course meal with desserts on a bring-and-share basis (vegetarian option available). Contact Claire Harrington by Wednesday, October 5: 01394 380644
Baby Café Tuesday, October 4, 9-10.30am, at Grundisburgh Parish Room. For mums, dads, carers, babies and toddlers. Free coffee/tea and biscuits. Plenty of buggy parking space. Car parking in back lane in front of church. Future dates: November 1 and December 6
OTLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL AND CHURCH PARADE Sunday, October 2, 11am at Otley Church. Please bring gifts for the Food Bank and Farm Africa collection and join us for a glass of wine and nibbles.
Beyond Alpha – Autumn 2016 Held at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.30am-noon on Mondays, October 3, 17 and 31, November 14 and 28 and December 12. The meetings will be facilitated by The Rev Wendy Gourlay. Tea and coffee will be available and a warm welcome to those of faith, agnostic or atheist. A small charge of £1 a session covers costs. Enquiries to Paul: 01473 738474 / paulwiffen222@btinternet.com
PILGRIM Groups in Grundisburgh Mondays, October 3 & 10: 7.30pm at the home of Valerie McCuish, 36 Gurdon Road Fridays, October 7 & 14: 10am at the home of Mary Bean, Alice Driver Road Exploring Faith, Otley Do you want to explore the relevance of the Christian faith today? Are you free on the second and fourth Monday afternoons from 2-4pm? Come and join us. Contact Jane Woods: 01473 890786 Exploring Faith, Grundisburgh An opportunity to explore faith in God in relaxed company at The Upper Room from 7-8.30pm on October 6, 13 and 20. For some this may lead to Confirmation, for others it’s an opportunity to revisit what faith means. Coffee Morning: Saturday, October 8, 10am-noon Come and enjoy coffee and cake in Burgh Schoolroom and support the
FANCY A COFFEE? Ashbocking: Friday, October 7 at the home of Pam Simons of Harvest House, The Green, 10am-noon Clopton: Wednesday, October 19 at the village hall, 10am-noon Grundisburgh: Saturday, October 1, 10.30-11.45am and then Wednesday 5, 10.15-11.30am at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms Hasketon: Tuesday, October 4 at Shrubbery Farm, 10am-noon Otley: Thursday, October 27 at the home of David and Tess Papworth of Lavender House, The Green, 10am-noon Swilland: Saturday, October 1 at the home of Gina Wilden, 7 High Road, 10-11.30am
WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham IP6 9EU / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk We welcome you to worship at 11am each Sunday. Sunday, October 2: Morning Worship with The Rev Tony Wilcox Sunday, October 9: Morning Worship with Mr Paul Rivett Sunday, October 16: Morning Worship with Team Ministry Sunday, October 23: Harvest Festival Sunday, October 30: United Service at St Mary’s Westerfield We welcome all families to our new Family Time on Sundays at 9.30am on October 2, 9, 16 and 30. EVENTS Tuesdays • Drop-in Café, 2-4pm. Everyone is welcome to call in for tea, cakes and friendship. Combine a visit to the post office with a cup of tea. • Varied Church Open House, 7.30pm Fridays: Babies and Toddlers group, 9.1511.15am. Contact Jean: 01473 785478 Monday, October 3: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, noon-2pm. Light lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, October 12: Prayer Fellowship, 2pm
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Wednesday, October 24: Bible Study, 2pm Saturday, October 15: Messy Church featuring Messy Joe at Witnesham Baptist Church from 10am-1pm. All welcome for games, crafts, singing and lunch. The church is open for prayer and listening every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am-5pm. At other times please contact Pastor Andrew. The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory. Last year someone asked if they could use our hall for or, if we as a church held, a Halloween party for children. The answer to both questions was no but prompted me to write a simple pamphlet explaining our view of Halloween. I reproduce it below: October 31 is now known as Halloween and over recent years has turned into a celebration of darkness through ghosts, witches and the dead coming to life. The origin of today’s Halloween is hard to track but there is evidence of two things. Pagan Celtic history shows that the last day of October was celebrated as New Year’s Eve with a festival called Samhain (pronounced ‘sow-in’). This marked the end of the season of the sun (summer) and the beginning of the season of darkness and cold (winter). In the year 835 AD the Roman Catholic Church made November 1 a church holiday to honour all the saints. Another name for All Saints Day is ‘All Hallows’ (hallow is an old English word for ‘saint’). The
festival began on All Hallows Eve, the last night of October. Although it was a joyous holiday in medieval times it became customary to pray for the dead on this date. So Halloween comes from All Hallow Even, the eve (night before) All Hallows Day. With the corruption of both pagan and church festivals we end up with the trick and treat, dressing up in ghoulish clothes of today and celebrating darkness. As a fellowship of Christians we celebrate the ‘Light of the World’ – Jesus – who came to dispel darkness in the world and our lives. Jesus is the Son of God and came to show us and invite us to be part of God’s Kingdom. The darkness people celebrate at Halloween, even if seen as fun, is the opposite of what Jesus came to show us and is against God. Christians follow, serve and trust in Jesus, celebrating the good in the world and pleasing God. Doing that is exciting and includes having fun while not threatening people with tricks or expecting others to give us treats just because we ask them to. Want to know more? Please contact me via the website, by calling 07851 060482 or visiting the church on Tuesday, Wednesday or Sunday. This year we will be worshipping God with our fellow believers at St Mary Westerfield on Sunday 30 at 11am. Why not join us to celebrate the Light of Christ rather than darkness? Pastor Andrew Croft Also see FAMILY TIME TOGETHER on page 7 and MESSY CHURCH on page 12.
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In Touch with WTW The Body moves to the Neck Witnesham Church is undergoing building and decoration work at the moment. The main body of the building (the nave) has been closed off and we are left with the top end only (chancel and sanctuary). This space is quite small, and we’ve had to move things around or store them away in order to make that space accessible for our services. We’ll use the Village Hall where we may be expecting large numbers - our Carol Service will certainly be a different affair this year.
The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
speak without the aid of a PA system - the smaller space seems to work well for this as sounds are no longer bouncing around as in a cavern. It’s a case of slow-ing d-o-w-n when we speak.
far away from a good singer to lean on, and the proximity to everything means that you really do feel involved in the worship, rather than being just a spectator on a performance. Our worship also has become a shared experience rather than a private one, as can be experienced in an isolated pew. Reduced space and the increased proximity it brings may also save on fuel bills this winter and the boiler won’t have to work so hard either.
Quite a few folk have already expressed their surprise that they actually like this new arrangement! They tell me that being huddled together means that you’re never
This work has been planned and re-planned, submitted and re-submitted over the last eight years and now has met the strict requirements set by our Diocese and national bodies such as Historic England, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and The Victorian Society.
There’s actually enough space for 50 people. I’m alright, as the organ seat is wide enough for three people, and no-one seems to want to take up my offer to come and sit with me to lend a hand (or a foot) at the organ. The piano is nicely tucked in behind the rail - I have to be careful not to get stuck on the wrong side when it goes down during Communion services.
However, we know that a building in itself, be it awe-inspiring, historically interesting, community-facing, and however much it meets modern requirements for access, facilities, lighting, sound and so on, is not a substitute for its real purpose of worship, when people come together in that place before God in Christ to express their worth in Him alone. Paul
Sundays are fun. I’m learning how to balance the organ and piano with people’s singing. We’re all learning as we read the Bible passages for the day or lead prayers how to
CHURCH SERVICES October-November Day / Date 2nd October Trinity 19
9th October Trinity 20
16th October Trinity 21
23rd October Last Sunday of Trinity
30th October All Saints Day
6th November Three before Advent
St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin
20th November Christ the King
27th November Advent Sunday
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This information was correct at the time of going to press (early last month) occasionally it can be necessary to make changes—please cross reference with our website for the most up-to-date information at www.wtandw.org.uk
St Mary’s Witnesham
St Mary Magdalene Westerfield
9.30am Family Communion
10am All-Age Worship
11am Family Communion
9.30am Family Service
10am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service
9.30am Family Communion
10am Morning Worship
11am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Worship
10am Family Communion
11am Morning Worship
(joint service at Westerfield)
11am Joint Service (with Baptist Church)
10am All-Age Worship
11am Family Communion
(joint service at Westerfield) 9.30am Family Communion
13th November 10.45am Remembrance Remembrance Sunday
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Service
10.45am Remembrance Service
8am Holy Communion 10.45am Remembrance
9.30am Family Communion
10am Morning Worship
11am Family Communion
8am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Worship
10am Family Communion
11am Morning Worship
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The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham
Church Diary—October...
Who’s Who:
Mothers’ Union—meet on Thursday 6th October Mothers’ Union in Westerfield Church Room when Chris and Angie Dawkins will talk about tell us about their trip to Kagera, Africa (contact Ann Bennett 785685) Benefice Youth Group—meet on Wednesdays 12th and 26th October, 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—Rehearsals Thursdays 6th and 20th October 7.30pm in the back room of Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138) Kingdom Kids—meet on 16th October in Witnesham Village Hall and then church (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Wednesdays—said Morning Prayer at Westerfield Church weekly at 9.30am recommences—(Holy Communion first week of month) Gift Days: Sat 8th October at Witnesham and Sat 29th October Tuddenham
MINISTRY TEAM:
Thank you to everyone who so generously supported the Annual Church Fetes in Westerfield, Tuddenham St Martin and Witnesham and the Scouts Fete this year
CHURCHWARDENS:
Tuddenham Church Fete Saturday 11th June realised £1,704 Witnesham Church Fete Saturday 25th June realised £1,550 Westerfield Scouts Group Fete Sunday 26th June realised £1,216
Westerfield Church Fete Saturday 13th August realised £2,200
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PARISH PRIEST: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk ASSOCIATE PRIEST: Rev’d Catherine Forsdike t: 01473 252904 e: Catherine@wtandw.org.uk To enquire about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, telephone or email Alan & Catherine Forsdike. READERS: Paul Laughlin
01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk
Carol Rivett
01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk
ELDER Julia Farmer
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk
Tuddenham 01473 785296
Jim Punton Jim@wtandw.org.uk
Tuddenham 01473 785272
Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk
Westerfield 01473 230188
Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk
Westerfield 01473 251207
Loelia Brow Loelia@wtandw.org.uk
Witnesham 01473 785673
Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk
KINGDOM KIDS—WITNESHAM Gill Thorley 01473 890821
Gill@wtandw.org.uk
BENEFICE YOUTH GROUP Julia Farmer
01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk
Charity Fair—Witnesham Village Hall Wednesday 19th October from 6-9pm Applications are invited to book a space (£10 per table). All proceeds from their sales will be for the charity of their choice. All proceeds from Table Sales are kept by the Table Host, many of which are charities. After deduction of costs, table and entry fees will go to The Ormiston Children’s & Families Trust, which supports prisoners and their families to minimise the impact of imprisonment and the East Anglian Children’s Hospice which supports the families of children with incurable illnesses.
Entrance fee £5 (children under 16 free) includes glass of wine and snacks soft drinks available for children For further details and to book a table, contact Christina Darell-Brown at cbd1946@icloud.com or ring 01473 785318
www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield
MESSY HOLY JOE (Joseph) Saturday 15th October 10am— 1pm Witnesham Baptist Church Free admission and includes refreshments and lunch. Suitable for parents, grandparents and carers (and children of course!)
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