In Touch
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with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge Volume 9 • Issue No. 7 • NOVEMBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
There’s an elderly gent I see almost every day walking very, very slowly from the local supermarket carrying the same small plastic bag. I say ‘gent’ because he’s always ‘properly’ dressed in a suit and tie. I like to think he would have worn a hat in his younger days. I wish he still did. His clothes may have seen better days, but there’s a curious dignity about him. He doesn’t appear to make any effort to engage with others, barely lifting his gaze from the path as he proceeds. Nobody stops to speak to him and, despite my curiosity, neither have I. I’ve smiled and mumbled good morning on one or two occasions, but he has never responded. It may be that he didn’t hear me, but it seems more deliberate than that, as if he’s either totally focused on the task in hand or is holding the world at arm’s length for some reason. If this is the case, and my instinct tells me it is, I respect his right to privacy. However, I have created a whole lifestory for him. I think of him as Robert. His wife Celia died several years ago and since then he has been brokenhearted and alone, locking out the world because the pain of her loss is his most precious possession. Celia is with him in everything he does, walking by his side each morning and straightening his tie before he leaves the house. I worry about him too. If I don’t see him for a day or two, I start to panic. I have no idea where he lives or if he has anyone to look out for him. Thankfully he always turns up, but one day he won’t and he’ll never know how much I miss seeing him. Isn’t it odd how strangers find their way into our hearts! Of course, many of us admire, even love movie stars, musicians and football players and look up to people we respect for one reason or another. We are often inspired by the actions of someone we may never meet, Greta Thunberg being a perfect example. It’s important, especially for children, to have role models but I don’t think we have to look very far to find them. Every older person is just someone who was born before us, done most things before us in fact. Everyone has a story. All we have to do is stop to listen. I’m going to make one more attempt with Robert. Perhaps you can find someone who deserves a moment of your time.
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@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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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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 Woodbridge & Melton is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.
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 • Shotley, 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 • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Sun 10 November is the advertising and editorial deadline for the December edition
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WOODBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL The Town Mayor, Councillor Eamonn O’Nolan invites members of the public to the following REMEMBRANCE SERVICES Saturday 9 November 10.45am at the New Cemetery Sunday 10 November 10.45am at the War Memorial Followed by open-air service on the Market Square Monday 11 November 10.45am at the War Memorial
NEW BIRD SPOTTING GUIDES FOR WOODBRIDGE Thanks to the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group and The Riverside Theatre, Woodbridge has two brand new riverside information boards to help locals and visitors learn more about the many species of bird that call the River Deben home. Located on the riverside wall between Jetty Lane and the Deben Yacht Club, the beautifully illustrated information boards introduce passers-by to some of the 150 species of birds that visit the river throughout the year – many to breed. The reeds and grasslands around Woodbridge are also key habitats and breeding grounds for birds. The eye-catching wildlife information panels were the idea of the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group, who raised money to design and install two boards over 10 years ago. Earlier this year these original boards were badly vandalised, and the group was keen to replace them for their community. RSPB Woodbridge Local Group leader Paul Hetherington (pictured with Tina Wiseman from The Riverside) said: “The River Deben is a really important habitat for birds, including waders who come to feed on the muddy banks which are exposed once the tide goes out. For people living in and around Woodbridge, it’s like having a free nature reserve on their doorstep and we hope our riverside boards will encourage more people to have a closer look at the birds that visit the river and get to know them better.” The new RSPB information boards have been funded in part by The Riverside, whose kind donation made the project possible. Manager Tina Wiseman said: “The Riverside has been a supporter of the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group for 15 years, and I myself have a keen interest in birds and local wildlife. So when they asked whether we would be interested in supporting the replacement of the riverside boards, we really wanted to help. The River Deben is so close to us and many people come to us via the footpath that runs along it, so anything that enhances their experience of Woodbridge is a positive for us.” For more information about RSPB Woodbridge Local Group visit: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/woodbridge
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NEWS MILESTONE IPSWICH TO WOODBRIDGE WALK FOR TUDOR HISTORIAN A Tudor historian has completed a historic walk, following in the footsteps of an important local Elizabethan lawyer, Thomas Seckford. Dr Eva Griffith is a Shakespearean theatre historian who undertook a sponsored walk on Friday 20 September from Ipswich Museum to the Seckford Almshouses in Woodbridge. She made this walk as the culmination of a research and walking tour across Europe, visiting towns and cities where English actors of Shakespeare’s time are recorded performing. She has visited Paris, Lille, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Utrecht, Frankfurt and more.
TIDE MILL AWARDED COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION FUND GRANT Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum has been awarded funding from the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Community & Conservation Fund to support and increase the number of school visits to the museum by subsidising the cost of coach transport for schools within the Suffolk Coast AONB. The award, which was granted in April this year but has been allocated for the new school year, allows Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum to offer transport subsidies of up to £100 to each school located within the Suffolk Coast AONB.
Eva has also been undertaking extensive research of the Seckford Collection which is housed in Suffolk Records Office. Thomas Seckford served in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and was also a Member of Parliament for Ipswich. His charitable works benefited the townspeople of Woodbridge, his ancestral home.
The museum has recently updated its learning programme and now offers an exciting, authentic learning experience for educational settings through exploration of the site. They can cater for children from both KS1 and KS2 and cover a wide range of curriculum subjects, and can even tailor sessions to suit the school’s learning needs and fit with the current topics and themes of learning.
The home leg of Dr Griffith’s walk took her from the site of Thomas Seckford’s former Ipswich home, all the way to Woodbridge, arriving at the Seckford Almshouses – the charity that Thomas Seckford set up. The residents welcomed her arrival with a tea party and festivities.
Heather Sheehan, Head of Education at Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum, explains: “Students can see tidal power in action, grind their own flour and get a sense of the ingenuity, mechanics and engineering that was used over 800 years ago when Woodbridge Tide Mill was built. The exhibits also show the pivotal role Woodbridge Tide Mill played in Woodbridge’s rich history and the prosperity of the town. We look forward to welcoming lots of schools to the mill over the coming months.”
(image © Seckford Foundation)
Eva has been walking in aid of Classic FM’s Make Some Noise charity as part of their Big Walk. Donations are invited here: www.makesomenoise.charitycheckout.co.uk/pf/eva-griffith-eurowalk Melanie Chew, Development Director at the Seckford Foundation said: “We have been delighted to work with and welcome Dr Griffith to Woodbridge. We have been thrilled to learn from her about the early days of Thomas Seckford’s land in Tudor times. Eva’s walk has been amazing, and we are proud to welcome her home to Thomas Seckford’s greatest work – his Almshouses!”
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT LEAVING A GIFT IN YOUR WILL? Having a will in place is one of the most important things you can do to make your wishes clear on how you want to provide for your loved ones and the charities you hold close to your heart and want to support. Leaving a gift to the hospice really is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can support us.
Any schools located in the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB can apply for subsidised travel to Woodbridge Tide Mill and book a visit by contacting Heather Sheehan at: enquiries.woodbridgetidemill@gmail.com The Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB Community & Conservation Fund is a homegrown fund, developed in partnership with local businesses. The aim of the fund is to support grass roots conservation, access and education projects in the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB.
BAWDSEY RADAR TRANSMITTER BLOCK Although the museum closed at the end of October, there’s another chance to visit in December to celebrate both #ThankstoYou to National Lottery Players and Museum Shop Sunday.
It’s a common myth that only the rich and famous leave money to charity when they die. The reality is that everyone, from any walk of life, can leave a gift, and no matter the size of the gift, big or small, it all contributes to helping the hospice continue to care for our patients.
This year is the 25th birthday of the National Lottery and, as a recipient of lottery funding, we’re excited to be a part of the celebrations by joining in the #ThanksToYou campaign.
Very often people who are thinking about leaving a gift in their will believe that the amount they are able to leave is too small to consider, however this is not the case as we do very much rely on the combined power of many more modest sums. We are really appreciative for any gift, as they really do make a difference to us and allow us to continue our work in the local community.
To thank National Lottery players for their support, on December 1 we will be offering free admission to up to six people on production of a lottery ticket or scratch card. Anyone who presents any National lottery ticket on this day will be able to take up this special offer. Please see our website for full terms and conditions.
Currently one in four of our patients are helped by the hospice each year, thanks to those who leave gifts to us in their will.
Museum Shop Sunday falls on the same date – Sunday 1 December. No crowds, free parking, a gem of a museum and interesting and unusual gifts with a lovely selection of bespoke items for all ages, perfect as gifts for Christmas.
Leaving a gift in your will is a highly personal and special gift. It’s entirely up to you whether or not you inform us of your gift, but it would be wonderful to know so we can thank you properly and also so that we can plan for our future. Please contact us at: 01473 723600 / giftinwills@stelizabethhospice.org.uk
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There will be a small exhibition and sale of work by local artisans including ceramics, hand bound journals and seascapes. So, join us between 11am and 3pm on December 1 for complimentary seasonal refreshments, explore the museum (free entry if you bring a lottery ticket) and make a start on that Christmas shopping!
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NEWS COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN
Interested in making a real impact on your community?
November 21 is Carer’s Rights Day. Hooray! If there is one group in this country whose rights – existence even – have been overlooked, it’s the army of family carers who shoulder so much and are offered so little. All out of love. The date also marks 19 years since the day my own child dropped like a stone as I baked her birthday cake. Suddenly – just like that – she became someone needing care, I became one of the UK’s seven million family carers and both of us lost control of our lives, careers, futures, the way people looked at us, the lot. We were so far from being alone; 6,000 people in the United Kingdom become carers every day. Like most new carers, I started out bewildered, unrecognising, expecting that sooner or later things would return to ‘normal’ – a day that would never come. Indeed it was years before I realised I was a carer – and that as well as providing help I needed help myself. For being a carer is hard. Being ‘on duty’ – responsible for keeping someone alive – 168 hours a week, every week, is quite as dreadful as it sounds. After a while, you have difficulty with everything: working, sleeping, socialising, even existing. Yet you have to be on top of the game for the one you love: dealing with – and often being dismissed by – health and social care professionals. Acting as advocate, banker, companion, therapist, pharmacist, paramedic, heavy lifter, medical expert, support-worker, filler-in of endless forms and cleaner. Fighting every step of the way for your loved one’s needs and future. You begin to forget you exist as a person. Worst of all, you become invisible. Your work as a carer takes place in isolation, and though invaluable, is not valued by society. In fact the government refuses to call it work (though the cost of replacing you if you fall ill suggests the reverse). You have no workmates. People forget about you, you lose your place in social plans, activity groups and parties. So, of course, you are lonely. And no, you don’t get used to it. To make this worse, carers often stop being people in their own right, but are defined by the condition of the person they care for. We are not carers, but carers for dementia, for ASD, for Parkinson’s, epilepsy, stroke, etc. Yet family carers’ problems are easily identifiable and universal: exhaustion, stress, loneliness, anxiety. Twenty years on I still find it strange that charities set up initiatives to enable carers to be ‘better carers’. What we really need is for society to be better to carers.
Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) is looking for a dynamic new chairperson to lead our trustee board in setting the long-term strategic direction of the organisation. We want someone who is willing to share their skills and knowledge and maybe learn something new while making a real impact in the local community. You will be: • looking for a challenge • an influencer with excellent communication skills • experienced at chairing meetings in an inclusive way • experienced in monitoring and managing budgets • experienced in business planning and performance managing individuals and organisations • committed to diversity, and the work of DAS in improving the lives of disabled people and removing barriers that disempower them. • willing to accept the responsibilities of being a trustee • flexible to meet the minimum time commitment and more, to respond to emerging developments such as serious complaints This is a hands-on voluntary role, championing DAS and providing robust support and challenge to ensure we fulfil our charitable objects. Minimum time commitment • • • •
Seven full trustee meetings and seven planning meetings per year Minimum of 12 manager supervision meetings per year Minimum of three SDAS meetings per year Funder and PR meetings and events as required.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community to enable us to have a diverse trustee board that reflects our clients and community. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people as we want our trustee board to reflect our service users. Disability Advice Service (East Suffolk) is a small charity based in Martlesham Heath providing advice and advocacy to disabled people in East Suffolk. To apply for the role or for an informal discussion about the role please contact Isobel Abbott: 07565 389020 / isobel.daisy@btinternet.com The closing date is November 17.
So this week, why not think if there’s someone – a friend, a neighbour – who suddenly disappeared from your view and ask whether they are sitting alone at home with the person they love and care for? And if they are, is there something you can do about it? For information about Carers Rights Day and support for carers visit: www.carersuk.org Locally, Suffolk Family Carers: 01473 835477 / www.suffolkfamilycarers.org Councillor Caroline Page
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is looking forward to warmly welcoming supporters to carol services this festive season. The charity will host five family-friendly evenings one taking place at St John’s Church in Woodbridge at 7pm on Tuesday 3 December. Guests will have the chance to join in with traditional carols and hear some heartfelt readings – guaranteed to get everyone in the festive spirit. Jo White, EACH Community Fundraiser (Suffolk and East Essex), said: “We hope to see many happy and smiling faces at this festive evening, taking place in many beautiful venues across our area. Community support at events like these is vital to our work, allowing us to continue providing families with a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. Please do come along to celebrate with us as this special time of year.” The carol services form part of the Light Up EACH Life campaign which celebrates the life of every child and family EACH cares for. For more information about carol services across the region and how you can support Light Up EACH Life please visit: www.each.org.uk/lighupeachlife
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY
POEMS, PARODIES AND DICKENS
Throughout November: Sale of Donated Books All proceeds go to the Friends of Woodbridge Library. Friday 1-Saturday 30 November: Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy ArtLib Exhibition Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy MBE (1952-2012) was best known for painting the official Golden Jubilee portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II and many other portraits, from famous stars on the one hand to people living on the streets of London, Maputo or New York on the other. Yet her main body of work, completed during the 25 years she lived in Suffolk, covered an exceptionally wide range of landscape, historic, spiritual, emotional and impressionistic work in oils, pastels, etchings, stone-based lithography and sculpture. This exhibition will showcase just a small portion of her work, much of which will be available for sale. Friday 1 November, 8pm: In Conversation with Filmmaker Lindsay McCrae Award-winning wildlife cameraman Lindsay McCrae has written an extraordinary account of the time he spent alongside emperor penguins in Antarctica. Filming for the BBC Dynasties series was the fulfilment of a childhood dream, but meant spending an entire year 15,000km from home. Tickets are £20 to include a copy of My Penguin Year (RRP £20). One additional ticket may be purchased without the book for £10. Available from: Browsers Bookshop, 60 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge / 01394 388890 Book Group: Meets at 2pm on the first Thursday of the month On November 7 we will be discussing The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. Please come along if you have read this book and would like to join in the discussion. Fridays 8 & 22 November, 10.30am-12.30pm: Active Lives Singing Group For more information call 01473 345350 or visit: wwwactivlives.org.uk Saturday 9 November, 10.15-11.45am: Talk by Well-being Coach and Three Principles Practitioner Mia Philips For more information please visit: www.facebook.com/ccEHWB
As autumn moves towards winter, the Friends of Woodbridge Library are producing two heart-warming events in preparation for Christmas. The first, on Saturday 9 November at 7.30pm, is a light-hearted evening of poems, parodies and literary laughs called Wordplay. Prepared especially for this performance by well-known local poet Sylvia Fairley, the programme will include poems, prose and a couple of duologues from a range of authors. Sylvia will be accompanied as readers by Terry Sheppey and Clare Hawes and a musical touch will be added by pianist Val Shelley. Sylvia and Terry are well known to Woodbridge audiences as the librettists of The King’s River pageant. Most of Sylvia’s poems in the programme have been published as prize-winning entries in magazines such as the New Statesman and the Spectator. Clare Hawes is a professional actor with a special interest in role play. Tickets are £7 (including an interval drink) and are available from the library or by phoning 01394 330855. One month later, on Saturday 6 December at 7.30pm, as a special preChristmas feature, actor James Hornsby will make his third visit to Woodbridge for a one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This wellknown story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Cratchit family and the ghosts never fails to delight and James – dressed as Dickens – will bring to life the whole array of different characters. Tickets (£10 including an interval drink and mince pies) are available at the library counter or by phoning 01394 330855.
Saturday 9 November, 7.30pm: Wordplay: Poems, Parodies and Literary Laughs (see opposite) Tuesday 12 November, 10am-noon: Realise Futures walk-in advice & guidance session for people with a learning disability and/or autism. Contact Realise Futures to find out more about this service and what’s happening in your local area: 07753 447607 / info@realisefutures.org / www.realisefutures.org Wednesday 13 November, 10am-noon: Veterans’ Coffee Morning Open to veterans, serving personnel and families. Come along and meet like-minded people for tea, coffee and a chat. Organised by The Matthew Project – Outside the Wire. For more details contact: 01603 626123 / otw@matthewproject.org Saturday 16 November, 9-11am: County Councillor Caroline Page will be holding her surgery at the library.
WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays 9 and 23 November, 9am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall We sell a range of seasonal fruit, vegetables, bread, cake, quiches, jams, jellies and other preserves, meat and flowers (weather permitting). We have fine Suffolk produce which is sustainable and made in small batches with care. Our charitable-hearted Breakfast Belles serve coffee and waffles at every market to raise money for Jetty Lane, the new community, arts and youth centre for Woodbridge. See you in November! woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com
Saturday 23 November, 7.30pm: Jimmy Livingstone, spoken-word poet Jimmy Livingstone has recently fled from Hackney to seek asylum in Suffolk. On his poetry menu you’ll find plenty of food for thought, spicy observation, some fruity sauce and a generous sprinkling of ‘funny’, particularly when he’s talking about the shock of reaching middle age. Tickets £5 on the door. To reserve email: jimmy.livingstone@blueyonder.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Afternoon Tea and Crafts We will have a stall at the Afternoon Tea and Crafts event at Tuddenham Village Hall on Saturday 23 November from 2-4.30pm. The event is organised by Tuddenham WI and there will be a set afternoon tea and a variety of craft stalls.
THRILL AT THE MILL Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum and Company of Four are hosting their first ever Thrill at the Mill fright nights this Halloween. Guests will be entertained as the mill (inside and out) becomes the stage for a selection of haunting characters inspired by the Tide Mill’s grizzly history. The spine-chilling evening will consist of consecutive slots for the thrillseekers to tour around the mill at night. They will start at 4.30pm and go on until 9.45pm. The minimum age is 14 and anyone under-18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21. Tickets are £10, with students under 21 paying just £5 a ticket. Attendees will need to pre-book online at: www.ticketgun.com/events/thrill-at-the-mill-halloween-fright-night Tide Mill’s Chairman of Trustees John Carrington says: “We are really excited to put on these events and look forward to thrilling visitors of all ages. The Tide Mill is old, but its appeal should span the ages. Company of Four have gripped our idea with enthusiasm and professionalism and, living up to their excellent reputation, visitors will not be disappointed with their performance.” Lily Jessica from Company Four says of these events: “Company of Four are delighted to have been asked to join this brand new project within the local community. It’s a joy to be able to bring an iconic building to life through the use of history. We can’t wait to scare Woodbridge with our spooky set-up and introduce everyone to the ghosts of Suffolk past.”
Grant Applications Applications are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by 1 January 2020. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities. For further information and an application form 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
SUTTON VILLAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET Our annual Christmas event, namely the Sutton Christmas Market, will be held on Saturday 23 November in Sutton Memorial Hall, Old Post Office Lane, Sutton IP12 3JQ from 10am. The hall will be packed with a variety of local craft stalls, together with a cake and bake stall, tombola, raffle, nearly new stall, hamper raffle and much more. Light refreshments will also be on sale including hot bacon rolls. It’s a great opportunity to view local crafts, see what’s on offer and buy for Christmas. In aid of Sutton Memorial Hall and Church Funds.
DEBEN ROTARY HITS THE RIGHT NOTE
AUTUMN FAIR AT ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH In aid of church funds Saturday 23 November, 10am-noon at St Mary’s Church Centre, 11 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LP Cakes, gifts, toys, cards, games and much more. Entry £1.50 to include tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a mince pie or cookie.
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The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben held their annual Charity Busk on Saturday 5 October. It took place in the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge and raised £388, which will go towards the club’s support of various local, national and international charities. We would like to once again thank the people of Woodbridge for their generous donations. At a recent meeting we were pleased to be able to present a cheque for £700 to the East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group. This was half the proceeds of our charity golf day, the other half going to our charitable trust. Our ever popular Carol Concert will take place on December 12 at Woodbridge School. As always, the concert will feature Martlesham Brass and Woodbridge School Chamber Choir, as well as seasonal readings and communal singing. Tickets are £12, to include a light supper, and can be obtained from Rotarian Martin Kenyon on 01394 386933 or from any of our club members.
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OUT & ABOUT SKYLARKING & TIN RIVER AT DANCE FOLKUS
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY
The October dance was great fun with over 80 people attending, including at least 30 youngsters. The lively barn dancing was enjoyed by all.
Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Moving on to the next hoedown, we are delighted to welcome guest band Skylarking playing for our Woodbridge ceilidh on Friday 1 November from 7.30pm. Skylarking is a trio from East Anglia playing modern folk dance music. They play mostly arranged European tunes with unique drum tracks for each tune which helps drive the rhythm for the dances. Steve Wiles is their experienced caller and the brains behind their drum arrangements. He also plays melodeon and guitar. Sarah Holmes plays recorders, whistles and French or Spanish pipes. Alex Bartholomew plays fiddle and may also be known to locals as one of the driving forces behind the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust (EATMT) based in Stowmarket.
The guest speaker on November 6 will be Daniel Snowman. Daniel, a writer, lecturer and broadcaster on social and cultural history, will present The Hitler Emigres; Their Impact on British Artistic and Cultural Life. The guest speaker on December 4 will be Giles Ramsay. His subject is Pantomime: A Very British Treat.
Our taster song spot will be Tin River from the Waveney area of north east Suffolk. Their performance includes instrumentals, acapella three-part harmony singing and accompanied songs. The trio has built a solid reputation in East Anglia, having appeared at every FolkEast Festival, as well as folk clubs and local community entertainment venues. They have played together and separately for many years in various ensembles including Skelton Level, Bells Reaper, the Lucys, The Gatehouse Lads and Tony Hall’s Von Krapp Band. Members Skip Shipley, Mim Barnes and Marya Parker play melodeon, whistle and guitar. They all sing and are past winners of the Blaxhall Ship Chorus Cup. New dancers wishing to attend can book a discounted place by emailing dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (entry £8 / children and students £3). If you need further information call Rob on 01473 610951. Visitors to Woodbridge and first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall in Station Road IP12 4AU.
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. On Tuesday 19 November, Peter Lawrence will entertain us with a talk on timber framed buildings in Suffolk and Essex. We regularly walk past these old buildings without knowing too much about their construction and history. Peter’s talk will help fill a few gaps in our knowledge.
On October 2 we were pleased to welcome back Louise Scholfield who gave a fascinating and often intriguing talk about her archaeological adventures in Albania.
We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2.15pm 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
INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE At our October supper meeting, Chris Mason, our president, welcomed special guest Sue Verow who talked about her career in health care. Sue’s remarkable career has embraced the NHS, the military as a senior officer in the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps, the private sector, statutory health care bodies and the Royal British Legion in Suffolk. She declared at the outset that none of her career was ‘planned’, it just ‘happened’, but surely there can’t be many people who have had such a breadth and depth of experience, not least of the way nursing has changed over a 50-year period. Her talk was truly absorbing, and Sue was warmly thanked by Anne White on behalf of us all. Later this month, we look forward to being the host club for an Inner Wheel District Rally, an opportunity for members of 14 Inner Wheel clubs to get together for an enjoyable day. In addition to our social activities, our club is now geared up for a busy Inner Wheel year supporting a range of local, regional, national and international charities, both on our own account – Chris’s chosen charities for this year are Over the Rainbow and The Eve Appeal – and in support of the two local Rotary Clubs. Two key dates in the calendar for 2020 are our quiz evening on February 28, and a Fashion Show on April 6. For more information, please visit; woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk
There’s no meeting in December; we meet again on 21 January. 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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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB
EAST SUFFOLK U3A
Weekly activities continue for club members, who enjoyed a particularly interesting evening recently when Hilary Gelan organised a session on sketchbooks. It ranged from making your own sketchbook, not as difficult as you might think, to producing beautiful designs by boiling plant material clamped between two sheets of paper!
U3A is aimed at older people who want to get as much as possible out of life. There are no entry qualifications, no barriers to joining and lots of activities to get involved in and to contribute to. If you are interested, please come along and find out what U3A can offer.
September also saw the establishment of a new photographic group for both established photographers and beginners, with a fortnightly programme designed to appeal to both. They will be displaying some of their work in the November exhibition. The group meets on alternate Thursdays from 3-5pm at the art club and welcomes new members. If you’d like to know more contact: steve.mecrow@outlook.com
Monday 18 November, 10.30am-12.30pm: Woodbridge Football Club The Finds of a Lifetime, the exciting stories behind the discovery of buried treasures in East Anglia by Mark Mitchels
The pre-Christmas exhibition starts on Saturday 2 November from 10am-4pm and continues every weekend throughout the month. Visitors are welcome to browse through a great selection of paintings, pottery, lace and photographs, as well as original greetings cards and a shelf of second hand books. This year we will be ending on Saturday 30 November with a festive sale of crafts produced by members and friends, plus another bonanza sale of brand new children’s books – a very generous donation from good friends of the club. So plenty of opportunity to find an original gift or a bargain book or two for a child. For more information about club activities and membership visit: www.woodbridgeartclub.org / Facebook
WOODBRIDGE PROBUS We enjoyed a fabulous talk by Bryan Knibbs at our October meeting. Chair of Woodbridge Riverside Trust, Bryan spoke about what surely must be the most exciting archaeological project in England, the building of a full sized replica of the Saxon ship excavated at Sutton Hoo. Brian reported on a ship built at Nydam in Denmark which relates somewhat to the Sutton Hoo replica and provides important construction details. Over the next two years a team of expert volunteers will build the ship using authentic methods in the long shed at Tide Mill Way, followed by sea trials on the Deben. There is a huge publicity project about this with interest from all the major TV channels. Roy Dowding will present a talk on Vehicle Manufacturers of East Anglia at our next meeting on Monday 4 November at Woodbridge Golf Club. East Anglia has been home to one of Europe’s largest vehicle plants, innovators who built cars that have won Indianapolis and the 24-hour Le Mans, and a lot of other facts that I’m sure we have never heard of. Do visit our website to find out more: you are most welcome to join us for lunch with no obligation to join Probus. www.woodbridgeprobus.org.uk
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The second meeting of the 2019/20 season was on October 2 when the Norwich & Norfolk Philatelic Society presented a display showing a variety of collecting themes included forgeries and fakes, Japanese stamps from 1990 onwards, Hungary during the Second World War and stamps of Edward VIII. Our third meeting covered Aspects of Collecting Local Postal History by Alan Moorcroft, a past president of the Royal Philatelic Society, London. This was a fascinating presentation on how to collect local postal history without breaking the bank, unless you wanted to. Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave at 7.30pm. All are welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith – 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com – or visit: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk
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Thursday 7 November, 10.30am-12.30pm: Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe The World of Optical Illusions and Why They Work by Colin Hopper Thursday 14 November, 2-4pm: Market Hall, Saxmundham The Plight of the East Prussian People and their Horses by Paula Short
U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members Membership details are available at: www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk / 0300 123 3913 Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for up-to-date information.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR CAMERA CLUB The AGM of Woodbridge Camera Club on Tuesday 17 September was supported by 36 members. The chairman’s report commended the high standard of entries in club competitions and photographs taken to support local charitable organisations. The treasurer’s report was in the black, even with some investment in additional equipment, and the accounts were accepted by the meeting. The steering group stood for re-election and were returned en-block. The chair was also returned for his third term. After the meeting an open forum aired the views of members and brought many ideas and suggestions forward for the next year. The evening was completed by a presentation on night photography by member Barry Cross in preparation for next month’s outdoor shoot. Our next meeting in The Quay Church Hall will be a members’ competition (Book Titles) on Tuesday 19 November, with judge Mike Cowling ARPS.
NEW HORIZIONS New Horizons, the club for active older people in the area, continues to grow and thrive. We really do need extra volunteer leaders to help out with the occasional Monday and/or Thursday session. There are always two leaders present and you are well supported by other volunteers. Tasks would include taking the register, collecting the daily fees and generally overseeing the day’s activities. Full training would be provided. This month, the club is looking forward to two themed days – a wartime meal with 40s costumes and Thanksgiving Day – in addition to its usual activities. We meet on Mondays and Thursdays (except bank holidays) from 10am to 2.30pm in St Mary’s Hall, Woodbridge. If you would like to join us, either as a member or a volunteer, please contact us at: 07514 364752 / newhorizons912@gmail.com
MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 25 November: Cakes, Ale and Partying: Feasting and Fundraising in Medieval Suffolk by Kate Jewell Don’t miss our festive meeting when Kate will trace some of the festivals which were important to medieval Suffolk communities, looking at how they celebrated them and discussing how one particular community used festivity to raise a huge amount of money in a time of need. Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB In October, Anne Bell (pictured) gave us a wonderful demonstration entitled From Me to You. With more of an emphasis on using alternatives to ‘flower foam’, she made several beautiful arrangements which provided food for thought, particularly at this time when reducing the use of plastics is a consideration. The competition winners (a foliage and fruit arrangement) were Amanda Tett (advanced), Louise Fortescue (intermediate) and Pat Edworthy (novice). Our next meeting will be our AGM on November 6 at Woodbridge Golf Club at 2pm.
WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP
Our annual quiz evening with wine and nibbles is at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday 21 November, with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Chairman Phil Smith said: “The quiz is very interactive, with teams of four to six people joining together to answer a wide range of questions on wildlife and general knowledge. Entry is £5 per person, which includes a glass of wine and savoury nibbles. In order to help us cater for this event, we’d appreciate it if teams could book a table in advance.” Booking: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com EVENTS AT FOXBURROW FARM Spooky Surprises Friday 1 November, 5.30-7.30pm Booking essential: adults £2, children £4 Young Wardens (ages 11-16) Saturday 16 November, 10am-noon Booking essential: £3 Wild Weekends: Family Forest School Saturday 16 November, 2-4pm Booking essential: adults £2, children £4 Wild in the week: Activity Day for Home Educated Children Saturday 19 November, 10am-2pm Booking essential (ages 6-11): £7
MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Local Connections to the Battle of Waterloo Wednesday 13 November, 7.45 for 8pm at Burness Parish Rooms, 38 The Street, Melton IP12 1PW
Wild Art, Den Building, Woodland Crafts & Fire Lighting Saturday 16 November, 2-4pm Booking essential: adults £2, children £4 Weekly Wild Tots (accompanied 1-4 years) Wednesdays from October 30, 10.30am-noon Booking essential: £5/session or block booking at £4/session Booking: 01473 890089 / www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events
We are fortunate to have local historian Peter Driver giving an illustrated presentation on local Suffolk connections to the historic Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Peter will describe some of the links to the famous battle that have left their legacy in local buildings, road names and other commemorations that can still be seen today.
Foxburrow Farm, near Woodbridge IP12 1NA
All welcome; members free, visitors £3. For further information email: mlhs.sec@aol.com or visit: www.mlhs.btck.co.uk
We will meet on Wednesday 27 November for a society auction, held in the United Church Hall in the High Street, Leiston from 7.15pm. For details contact Andy Soutar: 01394 460901
LEISTON & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY
Society membership is £5 (50p for students up to 18 years). We are a friendly club so why not give us a try?
MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM Monday 4 November, 7.30pm: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – Not a Waste of Time! by Sharon Lockhart
SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS FLORAL DEMONSTRATION Deben Flower Club is holding its Christmas Floral Demonstration on Tuesday 12 November at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU.
Sharon is the Information and Education Manager from FCC Environment who operate the Household Waste Recycling Centres in Suffolk. FCC is a national company involved with many aspects of waste recycling.
Vicki Hease from Great Finborough will be putting us in the festive mood with a demonstration entitled Christmas Sparkle.
The event takes place at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. There will be light refreshments and a raffle. Admission is £4 at the door. The venue is fully accessible with free adjacent parking.
Visitors are assured of a warm welcome. Entry is £5 with tea, coffee and biscuits available after the demonstration. Vicki’s floral arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening.
For further information please contact J Maureen Burrows: martleshaminbloom@gmail.com / 01473 625196
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For further information: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT AUTUMN TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/ or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon. The remaining dates in the autumn term are November 11 and 25 and December 9. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196
50 YEARS OF RUGBY AT WOODBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE SPACES FOR 469 NEW SUFFOLK SCOUTS Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and Suffolk Scouts are joining forces to find more adult volunteers in order to enable more young people to learn skills for life. CAS will offer an updated, easy to use website to help potential volunteers. Although we have many great teams in Suffolk already running everything from youth sections, finances, web masters, marketing, training courses and many more, to support our growth we need more volunteers. Many skills that you may have can apply to Scouting too – accountants to treasurers, teachers and trainers to leaders and construction workers to activity centre managers – or you may feel you want to put you hand to something new. Joining together with CAS enables Suffolk Scouts to reach a wider audience than existing parents and supporters, and aims to attract new volunteers to the movement. In the first move of its kind in Suffolk Scouting’s 112-year history, flexible volunteering is an option for those who want to help but cannot commit to every week. Volunteers gain valuable skills as well as the reward of seeing young people in their community gain the skills they need for life. Over 90 per cent of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting have helped them in their working or personal lives. Plus adults get to have fun and make new friends too! Mark Pearson, the new County Commissioner for Suffolk Scouts, says: “No matter who you are, we would love you to be part of Suffolk Scouting, joining a dedicated, positive team of individuals and made to feel part of the Scouting movement. It will change your life and the lives of many more young people in Suffolk.” Andy Simpson from CAS added: “Community Action Suffolk is very excited to be working in partnership with an organisation as well established as the Scouting Association. Together we can promote the flexible and diverse range of volunteering opportunities within the Scouts to businesses, community groups and individuals across the county. With the award winning training available to volunteers we see this as a real win-win volunteering opportunity.” To see what opportunities will suit your life, visit: www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk
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More than 70 teams from 11 clubs across East Anglia attended the eleventh Woodbridge Rugby Club U7-U12 Rugby Festival on Sunday 6 October. Now a regular fixture for local junior teams, Woodbridge Rugby Club made maximum use of its Bromeswell pitches as games continued from 10.30am until 3.30pm. Heavy rain throughout the day didn’t dampen the spirits of more than 300 children from youth squads as young as six from Chelmsford, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich YM, Southwold, Ipswich, Stowmarket, Colchester, Felixstowe, West Mersea and Woodbridge to play under the RFU’s Age Grade Regulations. The event was generously sponsored and supported by Woodbridge School. Junior Chairman Stephen Wilding said: “I would like to thank Woodbridge School, volunteers Oliver Johnson and Claire Cole, Garry Sykes for the fantastic pitches, Woodbridge Medical Services, Roger Aston and our catering staff and all the coaches, marshals, parents and supporters of WRUFC who have helped. I was approached by half a dozen coaches from other clubs to thank us for a fantastic festival. Given the weather conditions, everyone still had an amazing day.” Club Chairman Rob Simpson added: “We are thrilled our eleventh U7-U12 festival has been so well supported yet again. Players from seven to 12 attended from a wide of range of clubs across East Anglia and the committee is very proud to be providing this opportunity to play festival rugby for children who are starting their rugby journeys. I join Steve in thanking all the coaches and parents who made the trip to Woodbridge, the players who played with such spirit and, in particular, the long list of volunteers at Woodbridge who helped to organise and run such a thoroughly enjoyable event.” Woodbridge Rugby Club has an extensive youth section with a growing membership of some 350 boys and girls – a record in the area. Its successful appeal to youngsters comes not only from the growing appeal of the game, but also from its full schedule of fixtures and other events organised by a tireless group of parents and RFU qualified and CRB-checked coaches.
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Woodbridge & Melton Fundraisers are holding a fundraising quiz
THE BIG QUIZ FOR
WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL Station Road, Woodbridge, IP12 4AU Friday, 15th November 2019, Doors open at 6:45 for Luxury Ploughmans Supper, £12 a ticket For further information contact 01394 387884 or by email to sredsell@sky.com @WMFundraisers
@WoodbridgeMeltonFundraisers
Registered charity no: 1085900
9 Put your best feet forward for the cosiest dress-down day of the year!
Host your own Dress-Down Day between October and December Simply don your comfiest slippers or pyjamas for the day, in your workplace, school, community or home. Donate £1 (or more!) and raise money to help older people in Suffolk who may be lonely or isolated. More than 1 in 10 people over 65, say that they are often or always lonely. £50 could help to pay for a telephone befriender for a year for a lonely, isolated older person, who may not see or speak to anyone for a week, month or more. Every penny we raise, stays in Suffolk to help improve the lives of older people in the county. Email fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org for a Fundraising Pack, or call 01473 298683 for more details on how you can get involved. SUPPORTED BY
Improving the lives of older people across Suffolk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO STAY IN YOUR SLIPPERS Local older person’s charity, Age UK Suffolk, is calling for people across the county to don their slippers or pyjamas for the day, anytime between October-November, and help to raise funds to support services for the older people of Suffolk. Slip Into Slippers has become an annual fixture in the charity’s fundraising calendar and is a simple way of pledging support to the vital work that the organisation carries out, tackling loneliness and social isolation both now, and for older people in the future. Supported by Ipswich Building Society, Slip Into Slippers is essentially a ‘themed dress down day’ with a difference – encouraging people to simply donate £1 in their workplace, school, social group, or even at home as an incentive to don their comfiest clothes for the day. Jo Reeder, Head of Fundraising & Marketing for Age UK Suffolk, said: “We understand the demands on organisations to support charities, and wanted to create a campaign that was easy to take part in, and could be tailored to the individual, workplace or school. Slip Into Slippers is a fun, simple and rewarding way of supporting a local charity and raising awareness of the needs and challenges of older people.” While Slip Into Slippers is a fun event to take part in, the charity recognises that there can also be health and safety implications to people wearing their slippers for the day, and would urge people to check with their workplace or school to ensure that there are no additional risks in doing so. If your school, business, community group or household would like to take part in this year’s Slip Into Slippers campaign, contact the fundraising team at fundraising@ageuksuffolk.org / 01473 298688 or visit: www.ageuksuffolk.org
SUFFOLK DOG IS THE STAR OF a NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK
FOOD DRIVE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED URGENTLY FareShare East Anglia needs volunteers to help collect donations for local charities as part of the Tesco Food Collection between Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 November. Based in Ipswich, FareShare East Anglia redistributes good quality surplus food to over 100 charities, including holiday hunger schemes, homeless hostels, refuges, family centres and hospices. During the cold winter months, charities often struggle to keep up with the increased demand on their services, so volunteers are needed to encourage shoppers to donate store cupboard staples such as pasta, rice, tinned fish and tea. FareShare will then redistribute these – along with the surplus meat, dairy, fruit and veg that it receives from the food industry – to charities and community groups in the region. In partnership with FareShare and foodbank charity The Trussell Trust, the Tesco Food Collection is the UK’s biggest food drive. Last year the public donated enough food to provide 3.6 million meals for vulnerable people across the UK. FareShare Manager Mike Barrett said: “Taking part in the Tesco Food Collection is a quick and easy way to make a big impact, and it can be a lot of fun too. We’re calling on everyone from right across East Anglia to give just three hours to help us fight hunger – just a morning or afternoon – but in that short time, just 180 minutes, you can collect enough donations to make up 600 meals for local people who really need your help.” Volunteers can sign up at: www.fareshare.org.uk/tescofoodcollection
COULD YOU BE A VOLUNTEER AT EAST ANGLIA’S CHILDREN’S HOSPICES
A new children’s book has been written about a dog from Suffolk. Based on a true story that was featured in Country Life magazine, Julia Adlard was inspired to write and illustrate Domino the Miracle Dog. After reading that a terrier had become stuck in a rabbit hole under a tree in Suffolk, the story resonated with Julia. She had a similar experience with her own pet when she was a child. Julia Adlard, who trained with Raymond Briggs in illustration, brings this exciting story to life through her imaginative watercolour style. For further examples of Julia’s work see: www.juliaadlard.com Domino the Miracle Dog is available from The Aldeburgh Book Shop or from Amazon.
Could you spend a couple of hours a week, or even an hour a month helping a family with a child who accesses our hospices in their own home? Caring for a seriously ill child or young person can put a lot of extra demand on a family. The aim of the Help at Home service is to put a caring individual into a family’s home to provide everyday practical support such a cooking, sibling support, cleaning and gardening. We provide you with the necessary support and training; all you need to do is provide some of your precious time. If you would like more information or to apply, please contact Hugh: hugh.mcelhinney@each.org.uk / 07714 737139
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ON THE GRAPEVINE THE BIG SUFFOLK QUIZ FOR BBC CHILDREN IN NEED One of the biggest trivia events the region has ever seen is being organised to raise money for this year’s BBC Children in Need appeal. The Hearing Care Centre has been organising charity quiz nights twice a year since 2010 and is this time joining forces with BBC Radio Suffolk to make this event bigger and better than ever. The Big Suffolk Quiz night will be held on Sunday 10 November at the wonderful events space at Trinity Park with a 7pm start. Teams can include between four to six members and entry is £5. A bumper attendance of more than 400 people is expected for the event. Thanks to generous support from local businesses, there are lots of cash prizes to be won and additional prizes can also be won in a giant prize draw.
Photo by Michael Jarvis
NEW PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR SHOW IN AID OF EACH Stephen K. Amos, Katy Brand and Andy Parsons have been added to the allstar lineup set to perform at Happy Christmas Ipswich, the comedy evening being organised by Griff Rhys Jones to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Also added to the bill are the cast of BBC radio comedy programme Radio Active as well as the spoof country and western band that features Rory McGrath, Death By Country. Lee Mack, Al Murray and Jess Robinson were the first of Griff’s friends confirmed for the event at Ipswich’s Regent Theatre on Tuesday 3 December. He hopes to add more big names from the world of comedy soon. The evening will end with a special musical moment, led by a singer to be announced in the coming weeks.
Karen Finch, Managing Director of The Hearing Care Centre, said: “The quizzes we hold every year are a real highlight for us and such a great evening. This year we wanted to do something different and make the event bigger than ever. We are so excited for BBC Radio Suffolk and Trinity Park to be involved and we feel so grateful to have their support.” BBC Radio Suffolk Breakfast Show presenter Mark Murphy who will help co-host the event, said: “Pull your friends and family together, round up a group of your colleagues at work or even come along with a local group or organisation that you are a member of. We really need your support to help raise money for this fantastic cause!” Tickets are expected to sell out fast so organisers are advising interested teams to book early to avoid disappointment. 01473 230330 / www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/quiz
Griff is a keen supporter of EACH, having visited The Treehouse, its hospice in Ipswich, and even hosted a special visit to his home for a 12-year-old boy and his family who receive care and support from the charity. Previously, he has said: “The Treehouse is a hospice, but it’s really about living and helping people to get the most out of life. It does remarkable, inspired and very difficult work to help families through circumstances that might affect any of us at any time. I was so impressed by the people I met, so amazed by the detail and compassion I found there. It’s a good place, it provides a vital service, but it can only do this with our continued and continuous support.” For that reason, Griff has done solo comedy performances for EACH in each of the last two years. He hopes asking his peers to join him this year will bring in even more cash. Becky Redbond, EACH Events Fundraising Manager, said: “This is truly a star billing, with those who come along assured a unique evening of hilarious laughs. I’m delighted to say that Just Recruitment has agreed to sponsor the event, meaning every penny raised will go directly towards continuing care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and support for their families. Other sponsorship opportunities exist, so please get in touch if you may be interested.” Tickets are available from: www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk / 01473 433100 Those on general sale will be priced from £32.50. There will be a limited number of ‘best seats in the house’ available for £100 and an even more limited number of VIP meet and greet tickets for £250. Holders of those will receive champagne after the show and a goody bag to take home after mingling with the stars. For more information about EACH go to: www.each.org.uk For more about sponsorship opportunities with EACH please get in touch with Vicky Matthews: 01473 917962 / victoria.matthews@each.org.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE
We are now looking for people who would like to open their garden to raise funds for The Blossom Appeal between April and September 2020.
All types and size of garden are very welcome and you choose your preferred day and opening times.
To help make your Open Garden a success, we will send you a fundraising pack and personalised marketing materials. We will also help promote your special day to ensure everyone knows about it.
REGISTER YOUR GARDEN NOW:
www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/opengardens The Blossom Appeal is helping to raise ÂŁ2.5m to build a new breast care centre at Ipswich Hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care under one roof for the first time. We want every breast care patient to have the best possible experience when they visit the hospital and need your help to make our dream a reality.
0300 770 1369 charity@esneft.nhs.uk www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk
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