In Touch with Westerfield February 2020

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In Touch

™ ™©©

with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 10 • Issue No. 3 • FEBRUARY 2020

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Have you noticed the days getting the teensiest bit longer? It’s barely perceptible but I’m sure the sky is a little bit brighter when I leave work than it was even a week ago. However, it can be a rather gloomy time of the year so this month I’ve set out to give you something to laugh at! I hope it works. The Funniest Joke of The Fringe award was introduced 12 years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe. The goal of finding the wittiest one-liners falls to an expert panel of 10 judges, comprising of the UK’s leading comedy critics. Last year’s winner was Swedish comedian Olaf Falafel. He took the title with the gag: “I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets” Ten jokes made the 2019 shortlist. My favourites were: “Someone stole my antidepressants. Whoever they are, I hope they’re happy” Richard Stott “A cowboy asked me if I could help him round up 18 cows. I said, ‘Yes, of course. That’s 20 cows’” Jake Lambert “A thesaurus is great. There’s no other word for it” Ross Smith “After learning six hours of basic semaphore, I was flagging” Richard Pulsford “To be or not to be a horse rider, that is Equestrian” Mark Simmons Here are a few others which made the shortlist over the years but failed to win: “I’m sure wherever my dad is; he’s looking down on us. He’s not dead, just very condescending.” Jack Whitehall “I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it the ‘brella’. But he hesitated” Andy Field “I’ll tell you what’s unnatural in the eyes of God. Contact lenses.” Zoe Lyons They say humour is subjective and I know (or have been told) mine is somewhat ‘dark’, but you can’t deny the beautiful simplicity of each of the jokes highlighted here, and the talents behind them. Oh just one more… “I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Ken Cheng

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

NEWS £420K THREE-YEAR GUARANTEE TO SUPPORT CITIZENS ADVICE At cabinet meetings in early January, councillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils gave the go ahead to support Citizens Advice (CA) with more than £420k. Recognising the value of Citizens Advice, estimated to have saved £8.1m across Suffolk, and with more people than ever turning to them for help, both councils have agreed a more sustainable funding approach with two three-year funding agreements. Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet has granted Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice a minimum of £260,100, which equates to £86,700 a year over a three year period starting in 2020/2021. Councillor Julie Flatman, cabinet member for Housing and Communities for Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice is a really important partner for us, often providing a lifeline to members of our community in genuine need of help – including offering advice on debt management and arrears. We recognise their value in ensuring our district has a bright and healthy future, and hope this three-year agreement provides a more sustainable funding approach, in line with the aims in our communities strategy.” In Babergh, funds of at least £160,500 for Sudbury and District Citizens Advice were also given the green light over the same three-year period, equating to £53,500 per annum. Funding for the Suffolk West, Diss and Ipswich CAs will continue to be agreed annually, with the individual CAs needing to apply for the money on a yearly basis. Councillor Derek Davis, Cabinet Member for Communities at Babergh District Council, said: “Our colleagues at Citizens Advice do amazing work to support Babergh’s residents when they perhaps need it most, offering expert advice and guidance on money matters and much more. We hope that with this longer-term funding, they can continue to deliver a much-needed service, helping our communities to thrive and be more self-sufficient, whilst also playing a key role in achieving the aims in our communities strategy.” The exact sums will be confirmed in the early part of 2020, alongside funding to other voluntary sector providers as part of the councils’ grants programme. The councils will also work with the Suffolk Cross Authority Citizens Advice Task and Finish Group – made up of councillors from Ipswich, Babergh, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk councils along with input from Suffolk County Council – which aims to provide a more consistent scrutiny approach to CA services across Suffolk.

VACANT ALLOTMENT There is a vacant allotment plot in Coopers Close, Witnesham IP6 9ES. The cost to lease an allotment is currently £10 per year. Please contact the parish clerk to arrange a viewing: swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

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

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NEWS MAMMOTH QUIZ A mammoth quiz in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will take place in Witnesham Village Hall on Friday 28 February at 7pm. The quiz will cost £6 and includes a ploughman’s supper. P lease bring your own drinks. Contact Christine to book: 07587 150204

BREAKFAST INVITATION

St Mary's and Witnesham Baptist Churches invite the men of the village to breakfast on Saturday 14 March, 9-10.30am at Witnesham Baptist Church An opportunity to have a bacon butty, croissant and coffee followed by a Thought for the Day with guest speaker Chris Dawkins from Kagera To help with catering please let us know by Tuesday 11 March if you’re planning to attend Andrew Croft: 07851 060482 / andrew.croft06@btinternet.com

ASHBOCKING NEWS As I write, I have a box of tissues to my right and a Lemsip nearby! Many of us go down with colds after the festive period. Get through the Christmas celebrations healthy and you can be sure some bug will get you in the new year! To those of you who have experienced the same, I wish you a speedy recovery. There’s not much to report this month. The Christmas bazaar raised in excess of £600; just imagine what could be achieved if 50 per cent of the village attended! Perhaps a summer bazaar would be a better idea. We would love to hear your views as to what activities you would like us to organise to raise money for the church, but more importantly, to give the people of Ashbocking and beyond an enjoyable day. We’re all happy to put in the work, but we would like more of the village to join in and attend. Do email or WhatsApp me if you have any comments or suggestions. I’ve recently been approached by an experienced church bellringer who is prepared to teach some of us of how to ring. Is that an ambition you might have? Perhaps it interests you as a new skill and you’d like to have a go. Please get in touch with me as soon as possible. Hopefully we will be able to start an Ashbocking group. In time, we could be able to ring the very prestigious bells at All Saints Church. That will look very good on your CV! ‘April is the cruellest month...’ Not for me! January has to be, followed closely by February. So keep warm, keep active and care for the wildlife. Roll on spring! Spring Clean Suffolk 2020 Every year hundreds of volunteers across Suffolk mobilise to give an area they love a well-deserved spring clean. A quick litter pick can really improve the local community, is fun and gets people active outside, and is so satisfying as the results are instant. It’s also a great way to meet up with friends and neighbours. This year’s Great British Spring Clean runs from March 20 to 13 and I’m happy to co-ordinate a group pick if I can generate enough interest. Please let me know if you’d like to get involved. Liz Stegman: liz.stegman@btinternet.com

Paul Laughlin: 07587 150203 / paul@wtandw.org.uk

THE SUNDAY DEBATE Faith and science – complementary or conflict? Evolution or creation? All roads lead to Heaven? Why so much suffering – who’s to blame? Join in the discussion over a cup of coffee at Witnesham Baptist Chapel on Sunday 23 February at 4.30pm

SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL Report from the parish council meeting held on November 27 Vote of ‘No Confidence’ in SCC Councillor Robin Vickery (RV) A proposal was made: “The parish council agrees a vote of No Confidence in SCC Vickery and requests that he resigns immediately as he has repeatedly failed to represent the view of the vast majority of his constituents that the Ipswich Northern Route proposal should be opposed.” This proposal was seconded and carried with one vote against and one abstention. The chairman agreed to draft correspondence as a result of the decision. SAVID (Safer Village Driving) It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the council should sign up to the SAVID shared SID. In response to a written request received by all member parish councils, a one-off donation of £100 was proposed, seconded and agreed. Defibrillator Provision Based on the verified quotes received, council agreed to place the order. Training will be available. Draft Budget and Precept It was proposed, seconded and agreed that council approve the 2020-21 budget of £46,505 income and £46,605 expenditure and the precept for 2020-21 to £14,000. Future planting options along High Road, Swilland A resident’s suggestion for more diverse planting of wildflowers was noted and council agreed to consider options for the future. Clerk: Mr Steven Barron, 07719 176917 / swill-witpc@outlook.com

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT RECORDERS’ REPORT The Boxing Day walk was, as I understand it, a little disappointing this year due to the weather. The skies opened at about 10am and no doubt quite a few people decided to give it a miss, including my son’s family so we decided to play a few more games instead. However, according to an inside source, the weather improved and around 40 people braved the mud and puddles and a small number made their way back to the Barley Mow afterwards. Let’s hope for better weather this year. Thanks can be recorded to Jerry Hindle for again organising the walk. I attended the funeral of Victoria Dowsett on Friday 17 January at St Mary’s Church in Grundisburgh along with an estimated 200 local people and family. The church was full, which went to show how liked, nay loved, Vicky was. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a village hall quiz shortly after she moved into the village with her late husband Derek. Needless to say we didn’t win. I would like to record that I managed to convince her to join the Barley Players but I can’t claim that responsibility which I believe was probably a joint effort by Pat Roots and Rosemary Nicol. Maybe also Rose Johnson but whoever it was, I would like to record my personal thanks as she was a delight to work with and added much fun and warmth to our performance of The Great Exhibition of Witnesham 1851. When Victoria became unwell and unable to be part of our last performance, Upstairs Mow, she was so disappointed but still came along to watch both our first and last shows and told me she was determined to be part of our next one. Sadly that cannot now happen but as regular supporters will know, we raise money for good causes and therefore the funds raised this year will be in honour of Vicky. I am sure we all wish to record out sympathy and best wishes to her family. Steve Henley, Witnesham Village Recorder

ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND & WITNESHAM WI Litter picks around Witnesham and Swilland will take place on Saturday 28 March for anyone happy to join in. Followed by lunch, a nearly new clothes sale and mini reflexology sessions will be on offer at Witnesham Village Hall from noon. In memory of dear friends Vicky Dowsett and Pauline Girling, proceeds from the clothes sale and the reflexology sessions will be donated to St Elizabeth Hospice. Do come along for soup and pudding, browse the clothes rails, try a mini hand massage and support a great cause. The next WI get-together will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12 February in Witnesham Village Hall.

DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING Events take place in the village hall unless indicated otherwise Booking Clerk Anne Debenham: 01473 785798 It is always advisable to check availability with Anne. Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council Clerk Steve Barron 07719 176917 / swill-witpc@outlook.com WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays Pilates, 7-8pm. Contact Tracy for details: 01473 784558 Tuesdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm • Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Mr Peter Elmy: 01473 785754 Wednesdays Coffee, Conversation and Cake at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.30- 11.30am Thursdays • Pilates at 8am and 9.30am. Contact Tracy for details: 01473 784558 • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Carpet Bowls from 2pm • Tai Chi: Beginners’ class from 5.45-7.15pm and a more advance class from 7.30-9.30pm. Both have tea breaks. Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Fridays • Mums and Toddlers Group in Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.15-11.15am. The group only meets in term time. Contact Mrs Jean Pearson for details: 01473 785478 • Pilates, 9.45-10.45am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com EVENTS IN FEBRUARY Thursday 6: Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room at 7.30pm. Contact Christine Laughlin for details: christinelaughlin4@gmail.com Wednesday 12: WI meets for a talk on The Ipswich Prostitute Murders by Janet Humphreys at 7.30pm. Thursday 13: Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, from 12.15-12.25pm. Thursday 20 • Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.50-10.20am), the Moon & Mushroom at Swilland (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am). • Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm. OTHER EVENTS Friday 28 February: Macmillan Quiz at 7pm. For further details see page 3. Saturday 28 March: WI Litter Pick followed by a soup lunch, open to all. There will also be a nearly new clothes sale for St Elizabeth Hospice.

GIRLS HAVE FUN Are you aged between five and seven years? Witnesham Rainbows meet on alternate Thursdays from 5.30-6.45pm in Witnesham Primary School. Come and join us for crafts, cooking and lots of fun. For further information contact Nyree: 07722 170394

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Saturday 20 June: St Mary’s Church Fete, Witnesham, 2pm Saturday 7 November: Christmas Craft Fair, 10am-noon (note corrected date) Thank you from FIND Thank you very much to those who supported FIND’s Christmas appeal in December by providing special Christmas foods to those whose names had been given by social workers and various charities working with those in need. Precise details of the numbers of recipients for these are not available at present but will hopefully be available to include in a future edition.

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OUT & ABOUT WESTERFIELD CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS Art Class A weekly class for newcomers and improvers. To book a place or for more information contact Lisa Ann Puhlhofer: 01473 878734 / 07834 280287

IPSWICH DOG DAY CARE CRECHE CELEBRATES SECOND ANNIVERSARY As we reach our second anniversary on our fantastic journey, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported our dog day-care creche in Sproughton over the last two years. We are a friendly, independent, family-run business and love nothing more than giving your dogs the best time of their life every time they come to creche. No matter what age or breed, we provide every dog with socialisation, play and activities. We educate, stimulate and provide canine enrichment, which is why dogs love coming to us. It’s incredible to see their reactions when they arrive in the morning, literally pulling their owners through the doors with excitement to get to their furry friends. All the dogs are off-lead in a fully enclosed secure environment and are supervised at all times. We ensure your dog’s safety by temperament testing all new attendees. It’s all about your dog having the best time. We play brain games to work their minds and also encourage gentle safe play to get rid of that excess high energy. There’s plenty of cuddles and rest time too! Dogs leave tired and content. Our happy customers have commented on just how well balanced their dog is now that they have been coming to creche. When they meet dogs in the park or out and about, their dog has become calmer and more well-balanced. This all makes for a happier and more content dog, with less destructive behaviour and better manners. Want to join us as we go into our third year? Call us to arrange a registration for your dog or a visit. We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to our creche family. ‘Aunty Clare’ Holmes, Director of Ipswich Dog Daycare Creche Ltd

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. Our next meeting is on February 18 when Brian Dyes will give a talk on Ipswich Transport Museum. Brian is a former chairman of the museum and was one of the founder members over 50 years ago. Nowadays he looks after the photographic collection as well as giving talks and guided tours to visitors. This is a must for all bygone transport enthusiasts. On March 17 Richard Symes will give a talk on Dunwich Heath and its colourful history over the last 300 years, from being dug up, burnt, smugglers to poets – it all happened at Dunwich Heath. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members and volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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Westerfield Bowls Club Members 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 Every Wednesday at 10am in the village hall. Everyone is welcome. Westerfield & District Gardening Club Meets at 7.15pm on the first Wednesday of the month • February 5: Gardening with Grasses by Tim Fuller from the Plantsman’s Preference • March 4: Reducing Plastic in the Home and Garden by Ruth Goudy/Hannah Fulcher. This meeting is to be held in the coffee shop at Kiln Farm, Kesgrave. For further details contact Michele Doick (252330) or Barry Reeve (251843). Beavers, Cubs & Scouts 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 218501 / jennyk.kent1@gmail.com Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years Cub Leader Joan Gibson: 01473 785510 / gibsonjoan785@gmail.com 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. • February 13: Life as a Hi de Hi Yellow Coat by David Webb Competition: Heart Shaped Item • March 12: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Sharon Lockhart Competition: Decorated hard-boiled egg. New members and visitors are always welcome. For details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749 Pilates Monday from 10.30-11.30am and Wednesday from 6-7pm. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Tuesday from 2.15-4pm and Thursday from 7.15-9pm, £12 per class, suitable for all ages. Contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Thursday from 9.40-11am. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches and relaxation for all. Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability. For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB

Open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 2-4pm. The £2 attendance fee includes the raffle and refreshments, and £1 extra when we have a game of bingo.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 27 February at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstrator for the evening is Debbie Buckles from Felixstowe and the title of her demonstration is Colours of the Rainbow.

This month we shall have a social afternoon on February 12 and on February 26 a visit by Patrick O’Mahony from The National Trust. Patrick will give a presentation on Ickworth House during the First World War, how world changing events affected an aristocratic family living in a stately home in rural Suffolk and the impact on the staff and villagers. His talk will be illustrated with moving personal histories and photographs.

The demonstration commences at 7.15pm and Debbie will do six flower arrangements where we learn about flowers and foliage alongside a very interesting talk.

New members are always welcome so if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

You will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win one of the fabulous arrangements at the end of the evening. Debbie has some very innovative ideas and uses some interesting containers for her arrangements. Visitors are welcome at a cost of £5. We also have a fundraising stall (this month we have craft, cookery and flower arranging books for sale) and a small flower arranging supplies stall. Refreshments are served around 9pm and the raffle takes place immediately afterwards.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB

If you would like to find out more or would like to become a member of the club, please contact one of the following: Janet Dye: 01473 601750 / janet.dye@ntlworld.com

We have money on our mind – and we want to ask your help!

Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com

What we are thinking about is our Educational Bursary Fund. This offers small grants to women whose lives have been overshadowed by a traumatic experience, but who, with the support of one of the local organisations with whom we partner, have worked through the pain and damage and are now ready to start out on a new life.

IPSWICH GANG SHOW 2020

Recently we have made several grants, ranging from buying a laptop for a woman setting off to university to study law to funding some training for another wanting to set up an online business selling the glamorous lingerie which she designs and makes herself. It is a real privilege, and a humbling one, to be able to offer some small help to such courageous women.

A variety show performed by Scouts, Guides, Rangers, Explorers, Cubs, Brownies and Leaders to empower young people to make a positive contribution to society through performance.

Now our fund needs a serious top up. We are starting our fundraising effort with a quiz at Seckford Golf Club on April 1. Please book the date now and tell your friends. We would so appreciate your support.

Performing at Great School Theatre, Ivry Street, Ipswich from Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 April at 7.15pm, plus a matinee at 2.15pm on Saturday 11.

For more information please contact Joyce: 01394 615659

Tickets available online at www.ipswichgangshow.org.uk, at Craftability on St Lawrence Street, and from 01473 561004

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY We are delighted to confirm that our new season of talks will commence on Wednesday 5 February. Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. If any of the talks interest you and you would like to know more, please come and meet us. We are always happy to welcome new people. The guest speaker on February 5 is Aliki Braine. Her talk is titled Same Old Same New. Aliki questions whether old masters help us understand modern works. Her resumé includes her role as associate director for the University of the Arts London. She regularly exhibits her photographic work internationally.

Wednesday 26 February: Moving Abnormal Loads (R Norman Transport) by Steve Huggins We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park, visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments. 01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk

The guest speaker on Wednesday 4 March is Shawn Kholucy. Shawn explores the driving force behind the architect and designer R R Ashbee and is talk is titled R R Ashbee – What Made Him Do It. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

Thursday 27 February: Suffolk Windmills – Past, Present and Future by Chris Hullicoop of Suffolk Mills Group

Join us on the last Wednesday every month (excluding July & August) for a three-course lunch followed by an interesting speaker and a prize raffle. On the second Wednesday we meet for coffee and a chat.

Suffolk has had hundreds of windmills but where were they, what is visible today and what does the future hold for them?

In July and August, and at Christmas, our wives, partners and friends are invited to join us. They also accompany us to theatres, shows, musicals and trips to places of interest in East Anglia and beyond.

We meet at 7.15pm at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 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.

Why not come and meet other gentlemen, all retired or semi-retired and from a wide range of careers, interests and backgrounds?

For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The first meeting of 2020 was held at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall on Wednesday 15 January. The meeting featured a local dealer, Roger Swindells, who brought along a vast amount of his stock for us to peruse and purchase. His stock covers the entire world, but especially GB. He also had a standing display of one of his many thematic collections. This month’s meeting will return to Cedarwood Primary School on Wednesday 5 February from 7.30-10pm, where our members will show some of their own collections. Refreshments will be available, so why not come and join us? Information can be found online or by contacting our secretary, Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com www.ipswichphilatelic.uk

Our objective is to provide fellowship for members and their families. Prospective new members are always welcome and there is no requirement to have belonged to any other organisation previously. If you wish to join us, as a guest initially, or require further details, please contact our secretary, Malcolm Kemp: 07711 689130 / secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com

EVERYBODY NEEDS GOOD NEIGHBOURS Throughout the county, Suffolk’s Good Neighbour Scheme development officer has supported individuals and groups in setting up and maintaining a network of over 30 Good Neighbour Schemes (GNS) and this number is continuously growing. A GNS is a voluntary initiative arranged and run by a group of local residents who want to help local people enjoy a better quality of life by offering them support with everyday tasks or a friendly face to chat to. They help the elderly, those who may be lonely or isolated, living with disabilities, single or young parents and those in need of a little support due to illness or injury. To put it simply, we help anyone in need of assistance to get on with living their life to the fullest. We voluntarily provide a helping pair of hands. Some carry out simple tasks like grass cutting and light bulb changing while others offer transport to social activities and medical appointments. Some host events such as coffee mornings, afternoon teas, lunches and Christmas parties. They also get involved with providing transport to local events, Meet up Mondays or Rural Coffee Caravan visits in order to fight loneliness and isolation. Each scheme’s offer is unique to its community but with the same overarching aim: to build a stronger and more resilient community where people know each other and offer aid when needed. Its old fashioned community spirit but in the modern age!

SUFFOLK HOW ARE YOU? Are you a PTA or Friends of Schools/PRUs or community group such as Brownies, Scouts or a youth project? Would you like £1000 to help children and young people be a part of a project about reducing sugar in their diet? Find out more at: www.suffolkcf.org.uk/grants/sugar-reduction-fund or contact Suffolk Community Foundation and ask about Sugar Reduction Fund on 01473 602602 or info@suffolkcf.org.uk

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The Suffolk GNS project is supported by the National Lottery’s Community Fund and your GNS development officer can guide you through the steps towards setting up a scheme in your community and will provide support as needed along the way. The benefit of bringing a GNS to a community can never be underestimated as it makes a real difference to those most in need, particularly the elderly or vulnerable. To find out more about setting up a safe and sustainable GNS or about existing schemes near you, get in touch with Suffolk’s GNS development officer Jane Arkley-Crouch: 01473 345429 / jane.arkley-crouch@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk

SUFFOLK GOOD NEIGHBOUR NETWORK In Touch online:


ON THE GRAPEVINE

AUCTION TRENDS IN A SELECTIVE MARKET PLACE Following a record breaking sale in July last year, with a sales total of more than £265,000, Nigel Papworth from Diamond Mills & Co in Felixstowe reports on recent auction trends and a selective marketplace. It’s clear from recent results around the country that the market for Chinese porcelain and works of art is continuing to attract strong competition. There was a sale in early August in Bath where a Yongzheng celadon coloured vase was sold for £220,000. Here at Diamond Mills on 31 July 2019, a Doucai porcelain vase (pictured) went for £200,000 after brisk bidding at home and from abroad. However, other areas are attracting many buyers. Gentleman’s wrist watches by manufacturers including Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe and others are achieving record prices. In the field of taxidermy, cases of stuffed fish, particularly by J Cooper & Sons of London, are much in demand, and a bow front case of three rudd by Cooper was sold recently for £1,350.

Although in most cases, Chinese art is out performing Japanese and high quality Japanese items can do well. We recently sold a fine Japanese Meiji period fan with gold lacquered sticks and guards for £1,800. Strings of amber beads, in particular older yellow butternut examples, are also selling around the country in the hundreds to the thousands depending upon the quality and size. Items which appear to have fallen out of favour include modern China figurines, tea sets and dinner services, reproduction prints and most modern dark brown furniture. However, some modern furniture is still in demand, including light or beech-coloured Ercol and light oak items of Thomas Mouseman of Kilburn Furniture. Recently a pair of carved elephant and mouse oak bookends sold for £10,000 in the West Country. An important factor in all markets seems to be the quality of items rather than the age. For further information or to arrange a valuation, contact Nigel at: 01394 282281 / nigel@diamondmills.co.uk www.diamondmills.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL

QUESTIONS ON CASH

With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Alan from Diss is concerned about his role as a trustee. He writes: “My father left a significant sum of money in trust for the benefit of my son, who will inherit in four years time at age 21. My uncle, who was joint trustee with my aunt, died last year and I was appointed as a replacement trustee. I am concerned that the money is invested in shares. Do we have the right to cash these in and invest the money elsewhere?” As a trustee, you have a difficult and often thankless role. Although you don’t own the trust assets, you have to look after them as if they were your own. The Trustee Act 2000 states that trustees must show due care and diligence in the management of trust assets. When dealing with large sums of cash, it is essential that trustees take professional advice on investing the money. The traditional approach of just slapping everything into a portfolio of stocks and shares is not really an acceptable investment strategy. Tax efficiency is a very important consideration for trustees. The dividends produced from stocks and shares held in a trust fund attract income tax at the trustee rate, which is currently 45 percent. There are much more tax efficient investments available for trust money, such as single premium investment bonds. These are particularly trustfriendly investments where regular withdrawals of the capital can be taken within certain limits to produce an ‘income’ for the beneficiaries without any immediate payment of tax. If you ignore these investments in favour of less tax efficient options, you must be able to show good reasons why. You also have a responsibility to meet regularly to review the trust and to take professional guidance on the management of any assets. If it is a discretionary trust, you should be able to demonstrate that you have exercised your discretion in making decisions and that you regularly review those decisions. Examples might be how the income from the trust is distributed and who receives it. Minutes of all the trustee meetings should be kept in writing. Generally speaking, unless you have experience and professional qualifications, DIY investment management is not a good idea. Unless the trust assets are being actively managed by a financial adviser or discretionary fund manager, you may not be able to demonstrate that they are being professionally managed. That could again leave you open to allegations of negligence or even breach of trust. In this case, the beneficiary is your son, so it is unlikely that this will happen, but you should still take care and make sure you are protected. I would recommend that you and your aunt should seek the advice of an independent financial adviser, who has experience of advising trustees and management of trustee investments. He or she could review the current investment arrangements and offer some guidance on re-investment and ongoing management of the trust assets within more tax efficient investment wrappers. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s comments and answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice on their own situation should contact Nick to arrange a no-obligation complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The spring term has started in earnest with Year 11 students undertaking internal exams in preparation for the real thing in the summer. It can be a stressful time but lots of support is offered, especially in the form of afterschool revision sessions. Later this month they will take part in a Revision Bootcamp on Mersea Island in Essex. As well as learning some useful revision strategies, they will attempt some challenging physical activities including high ropes and a climbing wall to build confidence and prove to themselves that if they have a go – they will succeed! Hopefully in addition to returning home cold, tired and muddy they will feel more confident moving towards their exam season. On 10 January, a group of Year 8 students took part in a creative workshop at the Guardian News and Media Education Centre in London. The Guardian is one of the biggest newspapers in the UK and their education centre provides a range of programmes to enable visitors to interact with the news and to get a realistic understanding of what it’s like to work in a busy news gathering organisation. Students had the opportunity to work together as an editorial team, writing front page and feature articles in a bustling and high-demand newsroom. Drama students from all year groups are being given the opportunity to experience live theatre during the spring season at the New Wolsey Theatre, with five separate trips planned. Students study drama at KS3; analysing and evaluating live theatre is also a key component of the GCSE course. We hope they enjoy the productions and experience a wide variety of skills and performance styles. This term will remain busy into March as we look forward to a number of activities and events including a rock band workshop, art exhibition, readathon, a trip to the Globe Theatre and a return visit from our Spanish exchange students. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Thursday 5 March. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place. Headteacher Maéve Taylor

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We have been busy getting the garden ready to sow seeds so that we have lovely flowers and vegetables in the coming months. Our special waterproof clothing is well used as the children have been making mud pies and enjoying messy play in our mud kitchen. This allows them to develop their imagination and encourages them to talk about what they are doing. The excitement of being outside and involved in messy play gets young learners feeling even more confident about speaking and sharing their thoughts. We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on the high ratio of staff to children, providing maximum care and learning. All our staff are highly trained and continue regular training to enhance their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely in partnership with them. We also hold well supported stay and play sessions each term. We currently have limited availability for morning spaces but afternoon sessions are available. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children. These codes need to be in place the term before they are needed. Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only from 9am-3pm. We have a well-supported Facebook page where you will find lots of additional information and see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 07979 468467 during session time (9am3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget, Sarah and Kerry

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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING The welcome Chris, Katie and I received when we moved into Otley last November was wonderful. We are so grateful to all who have visited, brought cake, sent cards and prayed for us – and especially our wonderful neighbours in Spring Park. Understandably, given the unusual nature of my job, there have been lots of questions about what I’m doing and I am thankful for the invitation to explain here. I am a priest, living in the benefice – but I am not going to be your vicar, even when Clare retires. My job title is Archdeacon for Rural Mission and this means I work all over Suffolk and am often in other benefices on Sundays.

WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY

I don’t have any of the usual responsibilities of an archdeacon but instead I lead two initiatives called Lightwave and Loverural.

• Boulge PCC meets in Boulge Church, 2pm

Monday 3 and 17: Knit & Stitch at the home of Linda and John Pollard of Hawthorns, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am Monday 3, 10, 17 & 24: Grundisburgh Bridge Club, Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 7.30pm Monday 3: Otley & District Gardening Club informal lunch, 12.30pm Tuesday 4 • Baby Café, Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 9-10.30am

• Hasketon and Grundisburgh PCCs meet in Grundisburgh School, 7.30pm Wednesday 5: Grundisburgh Church Holy Communion at 9.30am, followed by SWAPSHOP from 10-11am in the Upper Room

Lightwave is about being a Christian community for people who ‘don’t do church’, including loving service and helping people to find faith – all through small groups. We are seeking to boost the number of new Christians across rural parts of the county and have 30 small groups working with us so far.

Wednesday 5 & 19: Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am

The Lightwave groups will be connected to some rural resourcing churches, one of which The Rev Charlotte Cook is planting alongside developing chaplaincy at Otley College (now called Suffolk Rural).

Sunday 9 & 16: Grundisburgh Sunday Club (ages 2-7) & Discovery Club (ages 7+), Grundisburgh Parish Rooms from 10.45am. Contact Sandra: sandra@thecresswells.me.uk

Charlotte will be writing about her work next month but in the meantime if you would like to support the ministry with students, start or join a Lightwave group, please contact Charlotte at: charlotte.cook@cofesuffolk.org

Sunday 9: Grundisburgh Symphony Orchestra Family Concert, St Mary’s Church, Grundisburgh, 5pm

Loverural is a smaller but significant initiative which is about to be launched at the annual meeting of Churches Together in Suffolk. It’s a simple initiative about making Jesus visible through loving service in the countryside. We aim to form a small dynamic team from different denominations to:

Wednesday 5: Hobbies Group, Clopton Village Hall, 10am-noon

Monday 10 & 24: Otley House Group at the home of Penny Clark of Cherry Bank, Otley, 1.45-3pm Monday 10 • Monday House Group at the home of Malcolm and Sandra Green, 7.30pm • Benefice Churchwardens meet in the Upper Room, 7.30pm Tuesday 11: Men’s Group in the Upper Room, Grundisburgh, 7pm

• Draw attention to the enormous role of rural Christianity in building social capital

Wednesday 12 & 26: Ashbocking Bible Study Group meets at the home of Linda and John Pollard of Hawthorns, The Green, Ashbocking, 7.30pm

• Connect projects and congregations in the countryside including those of different denominations so that good rural practice can be shared and mutual support offered

Thursday 13: Otley Church Holy Communion, 9.30am, followed by Otley Coffee Morning at the home of Karin Upson of 16 Spring Park, Otley, 10am-noon

• Enable people engaged in Christian-based social action to gain confidence in how to make exploration of the Christian faith accessible to those interested.

Thursday 13 & 27: Tiddlywinks in Grundisburgh Upper Room, opposite the Olde Forge Stores, 2.30pm

You are warmly welcome to the launch at Rural Enterprise East at Otley College on February 6 at 6.30pm, beginning with a light hot supper. At my licensing, Bishop Martin’s sermon focused on how: “God is doing something new in Suffolk”. I feel immensely excited to be a small part of that new thing. If you’d like to find out more about Lightwave or Loverural, please give me a ring on 07446 933129 or find me at church. I’ll often be helping out in the benefice on the first Sunday of the month. Meanwhile, thank you so much for your welcome and your prayers. Archdeacon Sally Gaze ASHBOCKING CHURCH SERVICES As February is a very cold month in the church, it has been decided to move the service to somewhere much warmer, namely Hawthorns, The Green, Ashbocking. This month’s service will take place on Sunday 9 February at 11am. You are welcome to enjoy a hot drink and a comfy chair.

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Thursday 13: Culpho PCC meets at 3.15pm the home of Richard and Chris Garnham Saturday 15: Burgh Soup Lunch, noon-1.30pm Sunday 16: Pub Church, Moon and Mushroom, Swilland, 11am Monday 24: Helen Dimmock, the chancellor’s representative in the appointments process, visits the benefice in preparation for interviews for a new rector Wednesday 26 • Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Holy Communion at Grundisburgh Church, 9.30am • Deanery Service with Archdeacon Jeanette at St Mary’s Woodbridge, 7.30pm Thursday 27 • Holy Communion at Hasketon Village Hall, 11.30am, followed by Hasketon Community lunch, 12.15pm • Otley Community Lunch at Otley White Hart, 12.30pm, £6 per head

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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTINGLE 2020 – CELEBRATE LIGHT Christingle has been bringing hope to thousands of children and young people for the past 50 years, providing vital support to The Children’s Society’s work. Come and join us for the traditional and much loved Christingle Family Service. Sunday 2 February St Mary’s Church, Otley at 9.30am St Mary’s Church, Grundisburgh at 11am

February 23: Messy Living Lent, 3pm at Clopton Village Hall March 22: Messy Keep Calm, 3pm at Otley Village Hall June 28: Messy Creation, 3pm at Hasketon Village Hall September 27: Messy Beginnings, 3pm at Clopton Village Hall October 25: Messy Light, 3pm at Otley Village Hall December 13: Messy Christmas Party, 3pm at Hasketon Village Hall Messy Church is designed for adults and children to enjoy together and includes a story, a variety of activities, food and lots of fun. For details or to confirm attendance please email: mark@carlfordchurches.org GRUNDISBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FAMILY CONCERT Sunday 9 February, 5pm at St Mary’s Church, Grundisburgh. Make sure you bring a coat as the church may be chilly. However, please don’t let that put you off as we will warm you up after our short concert with cake and a drink. Free admission, retiring collection and donations for refreshments. MEN’S GROUP Fish and chips and chat in Grundisburgh Upper Room on Tuesday 11 February at 7pm. We plan to place an order with The Moving Plaice so we need your order in advance. Please let Mark know by Monday 3 February if you are coming and what you’d like to eat: mark@carlfordchurches.org / 01473 738313 PUB CHURCH The Moon & Mushroom in Swilland at 11am on Sunday 16 February. An informal 45-minute service with familiar hymns, prayers and readings or reflections. If you’d like to bring a poem or to suggest a song, we’ll try to include as many as possible. Coffee on arrival and the option to stay on for lunch from 12.30pm (please book directly with the pub). Mark Cresswell: mark@carlfordchurches.org

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Unsurprisingly, my initial hopes for the new year have been dashed by recent events. While fires continue to rage in Australia, causing many here to worry about family and friends, a senior military leader from Iran has been assassinated by the Americans and all are on tenterhooks as we await a response. Was the missile attack on a US military base the only response? An Ukranian aircraft crashed soon after take-off, killing all on board. Here cliff edges have fallen into the sea, threatening both caravan holiday parks and peoples’ homes. There have also been a number of murders causing huge grief to families and communities. All this within the first week of the new year! What is going on? There are no easy answers but I’d like to provide the opportunity for us to discuss these issues and other big questions. On page 4 you’ll see a notice advertising The Sunday Debate, an opportunity to explore these questions over a cup of coffee and piece of cake. We’d love you to come along and discuss these issues. It may feel as if we can have little or no influence over many of the things that happen in the world. However, God created us and gave us choice and responsibilities. If we choose to take those responsibilities seriously we can make a difference within our own families and in our neighbourhoods. But how? Well, through how we behave, care for our environment and other people, thinking about the products we buy and recycling items when we can. Do we put others before ourselves? Do we treat others with respect? Do we try to mend broken relationships and look to reconciliation? Some of these things are small everyday activities but each can make a difference to our lives and the lives of others. Have you watched the film Evan Almighty? In it ‘God’ suggests that the ark represents acts of random kindness. May we all try doing acts of random kindness through 2020. Pastor Andrew DIARY DATES FOR FEBRUARY Morning Services begin at 11am (except when stated otherwise) Sunday 2 February: Morning Service / Holy Communion, Pastor Andrew Sunday 9 February: Morning Service Sunday 16 February: Team Ministry Sunday 23 February: Morning Service, Pastor Andrew Family Time Together: Every Sunday from 9.30-10.15am. All families, parents with children, are welcome for a special time together with craft, singing and stories. The Munch Bunch Lunch Club: Monday 3 February, 12.30pm. Please contact Heather for details: 01473 785321

WOODBRIDGE DEANERY LENT LECTURES March 4, 11, 18 & 25 at St Felix Rendlesham. Refreshments available from 7pm. Gifted to us not LENT by Dean Joe, The Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, an exploration of how our faith relates to the environment. COFFEE MORNINGS Saturday 1 February: Grundisburgh Coffee Morning, Parish Rooms, 10.30am Saturday 1 February: Swilland Community Coffee Morning at the home of Ann Kent of Red Court, Swilland, 10am Friday 7 February: Ashbocking Coffee Morning at the home of Sarah Wilson of East Brook House, The Green, Ashbocking, 10.30am Wednesday 19 February: Clopton Coffee Morning at the village hall, 10am-noon Thursday 13 February: Otley Coffee Morning at the home of Karin Upson of 16 Spring Park, Otley, 10am-noon

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Tuesday Craft Corner: Tuesday 4 February, 2pm. Open to all, just turn up. Bring your own craft if you have one. 3Cs Café: Every Wednesday from 9.30-11.30am for coffee (or tea), cake and chat – all welcome. Mums and Toddlers Group: Friday from 9.15-11.15am (not 21 February) Prayer Fellowship: Wednesday 12 February, 11.30am Bible Study: Wednesday 26 February, 11.30am We have a collection box for FIND (Families in Need) in the church and nonperishable food is very welcome. Outside there’s a clothes bank on behalf of the Salvation Army. We have bags you can use (please ask) or you can use your own. Thank you. The post office is open in our conservatory on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Please use this service to help keep it in the village.

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The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham

In Touch with WTW Resolutions? As I write this, the New Year is only 4 days old and my resolutions are still intact! Will they be by the time you read this? Maybe, maybe not. What about your New Year thoughts and resolutions? Did you make any, and have you been able to keep them? And after Christmas did you take the opportunity or even adopt a New Year resolution to think a little more about Jesus now and then? Perhaps not, but you can always do so; there's always the opportunity to get to know Jesus better. Thinking about NY resolutions, I thought Archbishop Justin Welby's resolution was most apt considering the sort of year we had in 2019 and is something all of us could adopt in our churches and our villages: "Let's resolve to reconnect, ...to reach out to just one person we don't know, or from whom we have drifted apart, ...pick on a person, pick up the phone, send them a text, meet them for a cup of tea. Make that connection. Let's begin cementing our unity one brick at a time." Journeys For churches the season of Epiphany, extending through January and February, is when we recall Jesus being first revealed to the world; to the three Kings or wise men who travelled from afar, led by a star. By the time you read this the three Kings will have long found and visited the baby Jesus and travelled their long journey back home, including a detour to avoid the bad King Herod. So this time of year, Epiphany is about journeys, about being led to new places and about finding Jesus. What journeys will you go on in 2020 and will one of them be to find Jesus?

Inspiring Ipswich One journey you can join in with for 2020, indeed through to 2025 is "Inspiring Ipswich". The three parishes of Westerfield, Tuddenham and Witnesham (WT&W) are part of the Ipswich Deanery, along with all the town churches in Ipswich. And the really exciting news is that our churches are part of the new "Inspiring Ipswich" project - a five year Growing in God project that has ambitious plans for our churches to grow in members, grow younger, grow in faith and to plant 25 new churches in Ipswich, so that by 2025 there will be some 1,500 new Christians in Ipswich! Some 15,000 people currently outside the church will be contacted and 7,500 engaged in exploring faith. It's a tall order but the impressive project team established in Ipswich, led by Archdeacon Rhiannon, has made a good start. Our parishes have set up a WT&W Inspiring Ipswich team to encourage growth - they are: Sharon Evans and Natasha Richards from Tuddenham, Mary Scholey and Carol Rivett from Westerfield, and Paul Laughlin and Jerry Hindle from Witnesham. They’re supported by the Rev Annette Shannon from North Samford Benefice, which is particularly important while we’re without a minister.

St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin

Getting in touch... WE HAVEN’T GOT AN ORDAINED MINISTER AT THE MOMENT, BUT YOU CAN CONTACT: MINISTRY TEAM: Paul Laughlin

01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk

Carol Rivett

01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk

Julia Farmer

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

CHURCHWARDENS: Tuddenham 01473 785024

Jim Bird Jim@wtandw.org.uk

Tuddenham 01473 784545

Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 230188

Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 713285

Mary Scholey Mary@wtandw.org.uk

Witnesham 01473 785673

Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk

Witnesham 01473 213959

Karen Cook Karen@wtandw.org.uk

Website: www.wtandw.org.uk

This information was correct at the time of going to press (early last month). Occasionally we have to make changes—please check our website for the most up-to-date information at www.wtandw.org.uk

St Mary’s Witnesham

St Mary Magdalene’s Westerfield

Sunday 2nd February

9.30am Family Communion

10am All age Worship

11am Family Communion

Sunday 9th February

9.30am Family Service

10am Family Communion

11am Family Service

9.30am Family Communion

10am Morning Worship

11am Family Communion

Sunday16th February Sunday 23rd February

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Sunday 1st March Everyone is warmly invited to come along to the Joint Villages Service at Witnesham, 11.00am on Sunday 1st March, at which Archdeacon Rhiannon will be speaking. I’m sure we’ll all be inspired by what she’ll have to say. Jerry Hindle

Reaching out As I say this is an exciting opportunity for everyone in our churches and our friends at Witnesham Baptist Church to reach out to our communities and offer ways of being able to be a friend of Jesus. We hope to do this through contacting people in our parishes, offering hospitality and inviting people to a range of new and different activities

CHURCH SERVICES - February Day / Date

and venues in our villages. This means there will be new and different ways to find out more about Jesus and our church families. We’ll share more of our plans and activities in the spring. This is a great journey and a long-term project and we want to explore places to go and develop ideas which involve more of our communities. If you’ve any thoughts, please get in touch. Please also hold the Inspiring Ipswich project, the WT&W team and our village communities in your prayers.

9.30am Morning Worship

10am Family Communion Incl. Sunday Club

11am Morning Worship

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