In Touch
™© ™©
with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge Volume 9 • Issue No. 6 • OCTOBER 2019
Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk
For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service
01728 832462
orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
Image by Stephen Squirrell
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
1
● Stainfree & Wool Carpet ● Luxury vinyl tiles ● Vinyl ● Woven & Natural Flooring 01473 626 097 | info@debencarpetsandflooring.co.uk Unit N Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3RY www.debencarpetsandflooring.co.uk @Debencarpets /DebenCarpetsAndFlooring
VISIT OUR IPSWICH SHOWROOM Goddard Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP1 5NP 01473 465 002 | www.sliderobes.co.uk Credit is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply. Custom Storage Solutions Ltd, 1 Goddard Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5NP & Register No. 737776 trading as Sliderobes, Ipswich is a credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a trading style of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register no. 704348). Full T&Cs at www.sliderobes.com.
2
In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR We live in interesting times, never knowing from one day to the next what’s going to happen. I’ve been fascinated by the House of Commons debates, not so much by the content of what’s being said, but by the sheer drama of it all. At times it’s calm and relatively reasoned, but when it’s not, it’s almost unbearable. Come what may, I do think it’s important to try to keep up with what’s happening, but I’d only just got my head around the ‘backstop’ when ‘proroguing’ became the lead news story. Perhaps it will be all over before the next edition is published! Meanwhile many of us have been getting children back to school or off to college. I was an emotional wreck on the morning I dropped Jack for his first day in Year 5. I don’t suppose I was the only mum who cried her way to work that day, but we quickly get back into the routine of it all and the summer holiday becomes a distant memory. In fact it’s shocking how quickly that happens! When Jack had to write about the best day of the summer, he wrote about the very last day when we had a couple of friends over to build a den and print initials on t-shirts using grated crayons. Admittedly we didn’t have a fancy holiday, but it seems he’d forgotten about all the lovely days out we had, our week in Ireland and all the clubs and camps he’d been to. Grating crayons won the day! Instructions available on request. Jack is a bit of a mad scientist and I don’t think his grandpa or his dad will object if I say it’s in his blood. The number of weird and wonderful experiments we’d done recently, from avocado ice-cream that tastes like chocolate (it didn’t!) to slime made using liquid detergent and cornflour. And my least favourite, instant ice-cream in a bag. Oh it might sound like a great idea, but when you end up with vanilla flavoured ice all over the sofa, the walls and the ceiling it loses its appeal, even if it’s quite nice to eat what’s left. Still, he’s a useful distraction from more serious issues so I think I’ll keep him! Perhaps I should ask him to invent a Brexit solution! If you’re looking for a distraction or an opportunity to get out and about, I think you’ll find it here, in addition to lots of essential drama-free (mostly) information about local developments.
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.
Advertising
T: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk Distribution
Tree Martin: 01473 400380 E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk Printing
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
NEWS
SEE TIDAL ENERGY IN ACTION AT WOODBRIDGE TIDE MILL Visitors of all ages can be enthralled by tidal energy in action this half term at Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum. Activities this half term – Friday 18 to Sunday 27 October – include interactive milling and wheel turning demonstrations, and The Moon on The Water: How the Tide Built Woodbridge exhibition which will show the impact of tidal energy on Woodbridge then and now. Milling demos will run at the following times: Friday 18 at 11am; Saturday 19 at 11am; Sunday 20 at 11am, Monday 21 at 11am, Tuesday 22 at noon; Wednesday 23 at 2pm; Thursday 24 at 3pm; Friday 25 at 4pm; Saturday 26 at 4.30pm; Sunday 27 at 4.30pm. The mill will be open as usual for The Moon on The Water exhibition and normal entry fees apply. Chairman of trustees John Carrington commented: “We are looking forward to being able to captivate visitors of all ages by getting them involved in, and showing them first-hand, how this iconic building captures and uses tidal energy to grind grain. The Moon on the Water exhibition complements our own exhibits to provide a real depth of information on the tide mill’s crucial role in the historical development of Woodbridge.” A stone’s throw from Woodbridge Tide Mill, there’s a Going with the Flow exhibition on tidal energy at The Long Shed Museum that will provide further information and make an excellent additional stop.
WOODBRIDGE CRAFT, GIFT AND MAKERS’ MARKET The Craft, Gift and Makers’ Market in Woodbridge has had a makeover. This year’s event will be bigger than ever, with more than fifty stalls selling gifts and handmade goods such as jewellery, stained glass items, handthrown pottery, soaps, Christmas decorations and felt work, original art, children’s clothing and cards. If you’re making a trip into town, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a few hours. You can sit down for a cuppa and a piece of cake or take part in one of the demonstrations going on throughout the day. There’s music and the old favourites – a tombola and a raffle. Oh, and of course, plenty of free parking. Pick up unique and interesting gifts, get some early Christmas shopping done and feel great too – all proceeds go directly towards necessary and valuable school projects. The Craft, Gift and Makers’ Market is on Sunday 13 October from 10am-4pm at Farlingaye High School, Ransom Road, Woodbridge IP12 4JX.
We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Thurs 10 October is the advertising and editorial deadline for the November edition
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
3
NEWS WOODBRIDGE SWIFTS The swift season is over again for another year. The sounds of high summer, swifts whirling and screaming through the town have ceased. They have now completed their breeding season here and have started their migration to Central and Southern Africa, where they will stay until next spring. These marvellous birds are endangered; their numbers have halved in the last 20 years. We don’t want to lose them from our town. Please help the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group for the fifth year of their campaign to help our local swifts. We have been successful in encouraging people to put up nest boxes, to carry out swift friendly roof repairs and to record swift nest sites in roofs and nest boxes in Woodbridge. We have recorded around 20 nest sites in Woodbridge with others in Melton and Bromeswell and there are 50 nest boxes in the town with more in Melton and Bromeswell. If you have observed a swift nest site in your own roof, in another roof or in a nest box this summer please tell us. We need to know: • The number of nests, if possible • The height above the ground • Age of the building – estimate • Whether there is a possible threat to the nest site • The number of years that you have seen nests at this site • Your address and postcode If you are able to record your nest site for yourself, please do so on the RSPB and Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service websites: www.swiftsurvey.org/rspb/home/index www.suffolkbis.org.uk/swift If you would like us to do it for you, send your observations to: woodbridge.swifts@gmail.com For more information visit: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/woodbridge We have nest boxes for sale at £25 at the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group monthly meetings in Woodbridge Community Hall at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of the month from October to May. To arrange a consultation email: woodbridge.swifts@gmail.com Many thanks for your help, Jenny James
SPECIALISTS IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 40 YEARS One of the things in life people value the most is having a roof over their head, and here at Next Generation Roofing we never underestimate the need that people have to feel safe and protected. This is why we put so much hard work into ensuring that we provide the most comprehensive roofing services Ipswich wide, as well as the surrounding areas of Bury St Edmunds and Colchester. As a team of expert roofers, we only use the best quality materials in our work, but it isn’t only this that gives us such as excellent reputation, it’s our work ethic. No matter what amount of work is needed, we approach every job with the same care and attention to detail. All of
4
WOMEN IN JAZZ When Woodbridge resident and botanist Sue Stephenson decided to write about jazz music, she didn’t know how much interest in her work would grow. She decided to use the name Sammy Stein to separate her work as a botanist from that of the music. Sammy had a piece published on London Jazz News, thinking of it as a ‘one-off’, but soon found herself in demand for review writing and with major columns on online magazines. She also contributed to magazines and papers with her jazz-related pieces and interviews. Then, in 2017, she ran The London Jazz Platform, an event sponsored by JazzBites Radio in the US which showcased 14 jazz acts from across the world, including acts from New Orleans, Scandinavia and Europe, at The Brew House in London Fields. She also had a book commissioned on Tomahawk Press called All That’s Jazz which gained many five-star reviews. Sammy went on to curate a series for radio called Ladies in Jazz where listening figures went through the roof and also covered a gig at London’s Cafe Oto for the BBC. She says: “I realised that women were still underrepresented in the jazz industry so I spoke to many of my contacts and got their stories and experiences. I put the idea to publishers and got offers from three. I went with 8th House Publishers. Writing the book was a journey for me and I learned that many women who are stars of the jazz world have had to put up with misogyny and prejudice. This is changing, but slowly.” The book is about women of jazz, those of the past, present and new to the business, and includes stories not just from singers and musicians but also radio hosts, women in PR, photographers and fellow writers. The result is a book which tells the stories of women in the music business and there is poignancy, frustration, some unbelievable faux-pas from men and a good deal of humour. The overall message is one of positivity and the joy and passion the music provides is the over-riding character of the book. It is available for pre-order now and the official release date is September 27. Sammy is still slightly bemused at her success because jazz music is a passion and from one article, a whole career has unfolded. She writes for JazzViews, Something Else Reviews and Free Fazz Collective and for her, jazz music is an important part of social reflection. Sammy says: “Jazz reflects who we are. It changes with society and mirrors back at the viewers what is happening in music. It is music which unites and one of the joys at gigs is the increasing number of young people coming to see live jazz. Whether in Ipswich Jazz Club or a London venue like the Vortex, jazz continues to thrive”. www.8thhousepublishing.com/press/ 470-announcing-women-in-jazz-by-sammy-stein
our work is completed to the highest standard and we know that you’ll be happy with the result. We quote for each job individually, based on your requirements, and offer a wide range of roofing products and services from minor repairs to replacements. We know that roofing doesn’t just stop at the actual roof, which is why we can provide fascias and guttering as well, all of the best quality, and we can help you chose something that will match the rest of your home. Here at Next Generation Roofing Specialists our team of roofers are proud of our strong reputation for quality and reliable roofing services and take our work as seriously as you take your home. We enjoy seeing our work finished to a high standard and look forward to your call. Find out more by visiting: www.nextgeneration-roofing.co.uk Suffolk Office: 01473 833446 / Essex Office: 01206 827454 Mobile: 07896 787424 Email: enquiries@nextgeneration-roofing.co.uk
In Touch online:
FREE* Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order
Bathing a problem? – we can help • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails, shower seats & raised toilets • Disabled Facilities Grants • Discounts for over 60s and EX Service personnel Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote
01394 333334 www.ahminstallations.co.uk Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.
*
IPSWICH MR MISTY.pdf
1
06/04/2019
09:08
In touch 93 x 132.indd 4
WE SPECIALISE IN DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS, CALL FOR YOUR FREE CHECK UP
01/09/2019 18:00
IPSWICH
Mr Misty ‘The Window Doctor’ is a family run business that prides itself in exceptional customer care. W e p r o m i s e e a s y s e r v i c e f r o m s t a r t t o fi n i s h . DOES YOUR DOUBLE GLAZING STEAM UP? WE REPLACE JUST THE GLASS AND NOT THE FRAMES AT A FRACTION OFTHE COST FOR NEW WINDOWS
C
M
PROBLEMS WE SOLVE
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
ELIMINATE WINDOW CONDESATION
SECONDARY GLAZING TO BLOCK OUT NOISE
BROKEN WINDOW PARTS
LOCKS
BROKEN GLASS
FAULTY HINGES
K
COMMON SUMMER TIME PROBLEM
LAWN MOWER STONE CHIPS & BROKEN GLASS
FREE PHONE : 0800 25 45 111 FOR YOUR FREE CHECKUP WWW.MRMISTY.CO.UK
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
5
NEWS / OUT & ABOUT COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN It was only a couple a months ago I wrote you an appreciation of bus travel and its delights: the joys of the morning 71, the speedy 800, the reliable 64 that went round the houses. I was tempting fate. I came back from holiday in late August to find sudden, shocking cuts to bus services for Woodbridge and neighbouring areas. These are services that many people rely on, and particularly those with few other choices. Young people travelling to college on the 71 (cut from November) have no alternatives. Neither do all those in the Peterhouse Estate or Old Martlesham who found their bus services cut savagely and unexpectedly, leaving teachers unable to reach school, disabled people without access to services, many different workers in Ipswich – including me – with no bus home after 6pm. To top it all, there is no chance of evening hospital visiting by bus at all. Adding insult to injury, the fast and efficient 800 Park and Ride extension vanished at the beginning of September with three weeks’ notice. Although this service replaced two other buses an hour, it was never properly advertised anywhere. Woodbridge is crying out for means to take visitor parking off-street (and I had told First so). Basically, the bus company has stopped serving most of the people who need buses most. I predict, unless we protest loudly, they will tell us that the new route has insufficient passengers and cut that too, leaving us busless. They say passenger numbers do not add up. I rely on buses and this has not been my experience. And what is “too few passengers”? Private companies think of shareholders, not of passenger need, and by law the county council can only subsidise lossmaking services. In the old days, profits from routes with lots of passengers could be ploughed back into routes that served areas with less population but the same needs. So we all benefited. Pretty much like the Royal Mail charging the same to send a letter from Woodbridge to Edinburgh as it did to Grundisburgh. Fair, that is what it was. Now sadly, bus transport has become a postcode lottery: cheap and plentiful in London, expensive and increasingly non-existent in Suffolk. Recent decisions to stop funding roadside bus timetables and refusal to accept bus passes on ‘on-demand’ replacements has added to the confusion and shock of the vulnerable, elderly and disabled people who are most affected. I’m sorry; I usually write an upbeat piece but this time I can’t. I want to tell the world we must not allow this to happen. People say “We have the car”. We have one if we can afford one, if our health permits us to drive, if we are eligible, if there is enough petrol. If this decision doesn’t affect you today, it might tomorrow. I call on everyone local to join me in protesting these damaging decisions. Sign the petition today at: www.change.org/p/ensure-first-eastern-countiesrolls-back-the-cuts-to-woodbridge-district-s-vital-bus-services-64-and-800 (or the shorter URL: https://tinyurl.com/y4cdn5pj) Councillor Caroline Page
MARITIME WOODBRIDGE BOAT JUMBLE Sunday 3 November, 9am-noon Whisstocks Place, The Longshed, Woodbridge Admission: £2 adults, accompanied children free Refreshments available To book a space in the jumble visit: www.maritimewoodbridge.org To raise money for Maritime Woodbridge 2020
WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays 12 and 26 October, 9am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall We have a plentiful variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers available, also delicious cakes, quiches, bread, jam, marmalade, fudge, meat and even pasta. It’s like a real harvest festival. Autumn is a great time to buy fresh, local produce! To enquire about having a stall or join our mailing list, please contact Cordelia at: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com
IPSWICH GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SOCIETY Ipswich Gilbert and Sullivan Society are performing Ruddigore at the Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 October. Ruddigore is a musical comedy that tells the tale of Robin Oakapple, a bashful young man in love with the rather prim Rose Maybud. They are set to marry, much to the delight of the troupe of professional bridesmaids. Robin has a secret, in fact an evil secret that will prove to be his undoing. When Robin’s true identity is revealed by his sea-faring friend Dick Dauntless, Rose despises him. Robin finds himself re-united with the portrait gallery of his ancestors that won’t allow him to escape the witch’s curse. Will Robin escape the curse or will Dick steal Rose and marry her himself? Will the world’s only troupe of professional bridesmaids ever get their wedding? Tickets are available from 01473 295900 or go to: www.ipswichgands.org.uk
6
In Touch online:
advertorial
Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed
double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly
experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.
Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
BuildMyGarden We are your one stop company for every single garden requirement, from small maintenance jobs to a stunning landscaped garden.
Fencing TurďŹ ng Patios
Please call now for a free no pressure quotation:
Mark McNeill-Parker M: 07833 567770 or 07486 947031 E: buildmygarden@yahoo.com W: buildmy.garden www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
Block paving Hedge cutting Maintenance Plus lots more... 7
C
E EL
B R AT E
S
YEARS
TICKE TS FROM
ÂŁ15 Celebrate Christmas at Snape Maltings with the Co-op Juniors Cast of 100, song, dance and music accompanied by a live orchestra!
Snape Maltings Concert Hall
6 to 15 December
Buy Tickets at 01728 687110 or snapemaltings.co.uk 8
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT YOUNGSTERS TO THE FORE AT DANCE FOLKUS At our dance on Friday 4 October, starting at 7.30pm, we expect to have an influx of youngsters. We have Bowie Bartlett, the excellent young Colchester singer and guitar player, performing for our taster song spot. Bowie has been making a name for herself singing classic cover songs and some of her own compositions at events in Essex and Suffolk She has an absolutely beautiful voice – don’t miss her. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhbDXK1_SVk We will also be joined by the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts who will join in with our other young dancers. It should be quite a busy night. Students or children are £3 at the door. Mary Panton, the nationally known festival caller, will be in charge of the dancing. She is an excellent, experienced, London-based caller with an extensive range of dances. Don’t miss this opportunity of dancing with one of the country’s best traditional social dance teachers. The band will be our resident Dance Folkus ‘Come All Ye’ Band led by Harbour Lights. Last month we had a record of 16 people playing in the band! It is doubtful whether we can beat that number but we will try.
1st KIRTON AUTUMN JUMBLE SALE Saturday 12 October, 2-4pm Kirton Church Hall, 3 Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU Jumble Sale to raise money to build a Scout Hut – all welcome. Tea, coffee and soft drinks available; entrance 30p. Pickup: Wednesday 9 October, 6.30-8pm Drop off at the Hut Wednesday 9 October, 7-9pm Saturday 12 October from 9.30am No electrical items
New dancers wanting 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 £7). Telephone Rob on 01473 610951 if you need further information. Visitors to Woodbridge and new first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall in Station Road IP12 4AU.
Contact: scouts@scarletline.com www.1stkirton.suffolkscouts.org.uk Facebook: 1st Kirton Scout Group
WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Every Wednesday 2-4pm: Open Space Meeting Group If you’re looking to meet new people and find out about local events and resources to support your wellbeing, please drop in and see us. Every Saturday, 10.30am-2.30pm: Games Club Drop in to play a wide selection of board games including pre-school learning, sci-fi and traditional games, with a few puzzles too. The club is free to attend, but young children must be supervised by an adult. Tuesday 1 October, 10am-2pm: Volunteer Fair for Suffolk Action Week Thinking of volunteering in the Woodbridge area? The Woodbridge Library Volunteer Fair will offer opportunities to meet with charity staff and volunteers, find out about specific roles, and learn more about why volunteering is good for mental health and wellbeing. Wednesday 2 October, 7/7.30pm: Woodbridge Fashion Show Fashions from Holly Blue, Ninni Noo, Laura Jane and Sweet Dreams will be modelled by local customers. Doors will open at 7pm when you will have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets or check out the stalls of several other Woodbridge shops including Silver Sun, the Woodbridge Emporium, Tilley & Grace and the Lounge Hair & Beauty Salon. The show itself begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 (including a welcome drink) and are available only from the library. Sunday 6 October, 7.30pm: Film Feast Event When Harry Met Sally starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal Following the screening, food inspired by the film will be available in the library from The Cooks Shed, a treat provided by the East of England Co-op. Tickets only available online from https://filmfeast.co.uk/sunday-6th-october Tuesday 8 October, 3.30-5.30pm: The Book Journey Challenge from Woodbridge to Felixstowe Suffolk Libraries has challenged itself to send a copy of The Huntingfield Paintress by Pamela Holmes, a local author, to all 44 of its libraries, from Bungay to Haverhill. The book will cover a total distance of 323.9 miles! From 3.30-5.30pm, Hughes, the electrical retailer, is taking the book on the leg of the journey from Woodbridge Library to Felixstowe Library.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
Thursday 10 October, 10am-noon: Little City in the Children’s Library Does your toddler or pre-schooler just love to role play? If so, come and try out our purpose-designed little street where they can be a shopkeeper, run their own café and be a superhero all in one hour! A truly fun and interactive play experience for you to share with your little one. Two sessions, 10-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm. Free but places are limited to 25 per session so please book in advance at the library. This is aimed at under-fives and children must be able to walk. Friday 11 October, 10am until the cakes run out! Cake Stall to celebrate Suffolk Libraries Day Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm: Suffolk Libraries Day Quiz and Raffle Test your brains on Suffolk Libraries Day with a quiz! Teams of four-six, £3 per person. Please book your table in person at the library or by phoning the library on 01394 330855. Tuesday 15 October, 2.30-4.30pm: Get Online Week Taster Session Would you like to find out what the internet is all about? Start by signing up for a free internet taster session and learn about the internet and what it could do for you. It’s a free, fun and interactive course to demystify the internet, suitable for absolute beginners and technophobes. Places are limited to 12 so please book in person at the library or by telephone on 01394 330855. Saturday 19 October, 2-4pm: The Form Reality Practice event with Venetia Campbell An invitation to experience the power and beauty of The Form Reality Practice, a profound five-part moving meditation/dance which can be practised alone or shared with another. To book contact Venetia Campbell: 07736 976190 / www.facebook/holistichealthsuffolk. Tuesday 22 October, 12.45-1.30pm: Lunchtime music with guitarist Nigel Tuffs Guitarist Nigel Tuffs is also the author of a four-volume series of books entitled The Beginner Guitarist. The concert is free, but donations to the Friends of Woodbridge Library are very welcome.
9
OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE HAVEN MUSEUM TALKS The new Woodbridge museum (now Woodbridge Haven Museum) opened at Whistocks Place at Easter this year. Since then we have seen a huge increase in visitors. The open space has meant that exhibits can be properly displayed and more detail has been given to the explanations. There is a good range of souvenirs in the shop, ranging from tea towels and mugs to photo histories of the town and books and pictures of local significance. The Friends of the Museum ended their series of talks for the year with visits to Martlesham Heath Aviation Centre and Kenwood House. Both trips were well attended and enjoyed. The programme of talks for the coming autumn has been arranged. The first on October 18 will be The History of Whistocks Boatyard. The next on November 15 is on the Royal British Legion, its history and work, and the talk on December 6 will be about memorable North Sea storms. Photo by Charmian Berry
RIVERSIDE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY At the request of The Friends of St Mary’s, Riverside Musical Theatre Company is returning to St Mary’s Church in Woodbridge with their Showstopper Favourites Concert on Saturday 19 October.
All these talks talk place in Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm. On October 19 we have our next day school, Pack up Your Troubles: Britain at War 1914-1918. This will be taken again by Dr Andrew Lacey. For further information about the Friends of the Museum and events please ring 01394 385572.
Their return follows a sold-out performance in July and includes selections from Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, The Greatest Showman, The Wizard of Oz and many, many more. Company Founder and Producer, Michael Warden says: “We are delighted to have been asked to return to St Mary’s. The performance in July was the first with our new MD, Mike Wren, and pianist Andrew Burke and was a credit to them and the company. The comments we have received from our followers and audiences have been brilliant and we thank everyone for their ongoing support.” Tickets for this concert are £12.50 and can be bought from The Riverside Theatre, on 01394 38217, online at www.theriverside.co.uk, in person at St Mary’s Church shop or by calling 01394 383000. The company is also excited to announce that they will be bringing The Slipper and the Rose to the Riverside Theatre on November 15 and 16. The Slipper and The Rose was originally a 1976 British musical film directed by Bryan Forbes and starred Gemma Craven as the heroine, Richard Chamberlain as the prince, and featured a supporting cast led by Michael Hordern, Kenneth More, Edith Evans and Annette Crosbie. It was adapted for the stage by Philip Burley in 1984 and retells the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. With its romantic score by Richard and Robert Sherman, it’s a real story about two people in love. Enhanced by wonderful tunes, it’s very much aimed at the family audience, retaining at the same time the enchantment and wonder that the Cinderella story has always held. Director Sam De Vita says: “The company has gone from strength to strength over the past four years and to have the opportunity to stage a full-scale musical at The Riverside Theatre is a credit to everyone Involved. We have evolved so much as a company in such a short space of time and I am delighted to be able to direct such a wonderful musical. “The whole company work incredibly hard when rehearsing to ensure that they bring the best performance that they can to the audiences that support us. We have an excellent cast who are already bringing their characters to life after only a few rehearsals. Audience members will not be disappointed and with it being so family oriented it really is a musical suitable for everyone”. Tickets for this charming production are available from: 01394 382174 / www.theriverside.co.uk
10
THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND RSPB 70 Years at Havergate Island by Steve Everett Monday 14 October, 7.30pm at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL It’s 70 years since the RSPB took over ownership of Havergate Island, 267 acres of nature reserve in the River Ore, just below Orford. Join Steve Everett for an illustrated talk about the history, wildlife and people that have shaped Suffolk’s only island over the years. Steve is a volunteer guide, photographer and presenter at Havergate Island and Minsmere reserves. When he’s not leading guided walks, photography tutorials or driving safaris, you’ll find him pointing out wildlife in hides and hotspots across the reserves together with his wife, Davene. Admission is £5 at the door or by ticket in advance from the Burrows Family. Please send a stamped addressed envelope and cheques payable to ‘The Roger David Burrows Music Fund’ to the address below. Light refreshments and raffle. The venue is fully accessible and there is adjacent free parking. Profit from the evening will go to The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, set up in 2012 in memory of Roger David Burrows (1980-2012) by his family. We offer small grants to groups or individuals which we hope will inspire all abilities, adults and children in music making. Information about the fund will be available on the evening. 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
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
11
12
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT 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. Our next meeting is on October 15 when Russell Bowes will give a talk entitled Digging For Victory. As the title suggests, the talk will concentrate on the Second World War years when gardens, great and small, public and private, were transformed into food gardens. Russell will be looking at the role played by the Land Girls who helped put food on the tables of the nation. He will also explore the advice, including propaganda, given to gardeners, both in print and via the radio. On November 19 Peter Lawrence will entertain us with a talk on timber framed buildings in Suffolk and Essex. 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
WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB Woodbridge and District Lions Club continue to support organisations and initiatives to raise awareness about the issues of single-use plastics, litter and waste in general.
CHILLESFORD ART AND CRAFT FAIR RAISES OVER £1,500 FOR ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY Woodbridge Rotary held the first Chillesford Art and Craft Fair this summer and some 400 visitors flocked to to see 25 sculptures and 75 paintings spread throughout the house and grounds of the Old School House. Money raised was for the Alzheimer’s Society who do an incredible job for those living with the condition and their carers. With perfect weather conditions, visitors experienced the ideal combination of fine art, good company and cake. After devouring delicious cakes baked by local volunteers, visitors set off on the sculpture trail and viewed paintings in various media produced by seasoned professionals like Maggie Hambling and Emma Green and amateur artists from the local area. After hitting the craft tables piled high with knitted animals and clothing, up-cycled wine crates, potpourri and decorated furniture, people left with arms full in many cases. On the way out, green fingered visitors snapped up some unusual and interesting plants for their gardens backed by extensive know-how and advice from the Rotary Club’s gardening enthusiasts. The Rotary Club would like to thank all who helped, supplied artefacts and generously purchased items to raise such a great amount for the Alzheimer’s Society. Although we all hope that we never need their help, ongoing research is transforming the lives of everyone affected by this disabling condition.
The club has provided 15 schools in and around the Woodbridge area with a book from the Wild Tribe Heroes collection. Written by acclaimed children’s author Ellie Jackson, they aim to inspire and engage a whole generation of children across Suffolk with this issue and how they can get involved and help tackle the problem in their community. The photo shows Roy Benton, President of Woodbridge Lions, handing over the book to Alun Davies, Headteacher of Melton Community Primary School, with pupils Amy and Joshua. In a separate environmental initiative, the club have funded the Transition Woodbridge group to enable them to open a repair café at St John’s Church with a view to reducing the number of items which end up in landfill by repairing them. The café will be open on the first Monday of each month. The photo shows the opening day with Mayor Eamonn O’Nolan, Lion Martin McLeavy, Carol Naude from St John’s Church and Jane Healey from Transition Woodbridge
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY We celebrated our 20th anniversary on September 4. We also welcomed Anne Haworth, our first guest speaker following the summer break, who provided a beautifully illustrated talk on Porcelain for the Chinese Emperors. Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. The next talk is on October 2 when we look forward to welcoming back Louise Schofield with Archaeological Adventures in Albania. On November 6 Daniel Snowman is our guest speaker, the subject being The Hitler Emigrés; Their Impact on British Artistic and Cultural Life. 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
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
13
OUT & ABOUT DEBEN ROTARY SPONSORS YOUNG LEADERS
Woodbridge Camera Club’s Annual Exhibition in the Longshed was a huge success with 536 visitors over three days. This year’s print winner with a Heart of Stone by Ron Maxfield, and the winning projected digital was Woman’s Best Friend by Kirsteen Crossan. The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben recently sponsored two delegates to the RYLA course at Grafham Water. RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Awards – is a week-long residential course which aims to develop confidence and leadership skills in young people through a series of challenging activities. Four club members visited the course and were impressed by the enthusiasm of the delegates and the standard of training that they were receiving.
Sue Garrod was runner-up in both print and PDI sections with Brian’s Looking for Florence and Pinney’s Smoked Mackerel Delights. Alan Sarsby chose the best images and presented commemorative mugs to the winners.
The photo shows our delegates, Jenny East and Jordan Samuels, who had been undertaking a day of waterborne activities, along with the four visiting Rotarians. The club will be holding its annual charity busk in the Thoroughfare on Saturday 5 October. Monies raised will go towards our support of various local, national and international charities.
WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB
INNER WHEEL SUPPORTS OVER THE RAINBOW At its September meeting, members of the Inner Wheel Club of Woodbridge heard a very interesting talk from a local charity, Over the Rainbow. Over the Rainbow. was set up by Beverley Lambert just four years ago to enhance the lives of Suffolk children who are living with a serious or lifethreatening condition. The charity will help with the purchase of equipment such as wheelchairs, specialised beds and chairs. They also help in organising fun days out. Over the Rainbow will be one of the beneficiaries from the proceeds of the club’s annual quiz. If you are interested in supporting them through the quiz on Friday 28 February 2020, please call 01473 612049 for more information and to reserve a table.
September 29 sees the end of another successful summer season. As well as the annual exhibition, this year we ran two special events. To celebrate Suffolk Day in June we held an exhibition of Suffolk paintings in the studio. In August we held an Arty Jumble when a selection of surplus art materials was supplemented by a very generous donation of children’s games, toys and books, providing a bonanza of bargains for visitors. We are grateful to our stalwart volunteers who braved half a gale blowing along the quayside to man the stall all day. But they seemed to enjoy themselves. Our regular Wednesday meetings for members provided a variety of interesting activities, a highlight being a demonstration of fired glass sculpture by Fiona Fawcett. She vividly illustrated the many complex and delicate processes involved in turning out beautiful pieces of coloured glasswork based on her interpretation of the natural world. We are now preparing for the pre-Christmas exhibition in November. We may have something extra on offer so watch this space for details, or visit: www.woodbridgeartclub.co.uk / Facebook We are always interested in welcoming new members. You’ll find more information about us and our activities online.
14
WOODBRIDGE PROBUS At our September meeting we enjoyed an excellent presentation from David Empson on war medals and related artefacts and how they, in their own unique way, tell a story of what happened. Many fascinating items were shown, including a hat belonging to a crew member of an observation Zeppelin which had flown over Woodbridge during the First World War. He talked of military notables from Suffolk, including Lt Col Frank Pretty of the Suffolk Regiment and Admiral Vernon who became MP for Ipswich. The speaker at our meeting on October 7 will be Bryan Knibbs, Bryan is involved in the construction of the replica longship to be built in the Longshed in Woodbridge. His talk will be a report on the ship built at Nydam in Denmark which relates to the Woodbridge project and what’s scheduled to happen in the near future. An incredible subject and I look forward to hearing his talk. Join us for lunch if you would like to hear him, you don’t have to join Probus. For more information contact our secretary, Ray Hooper on 01751 122454 or visit: www.woodbridgeprobus.org.uk
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 14 October: Giles (The Cartoonist) and his Adopted Town by John Field Ever wondered who inspired the statue of ‘Grandma’ in Ipswich, then come along and find out about the amazing life of cartoonist Carl Giles. Ipswich and Suffolk locations form many of his cartoon settings and he supported local charities and groups with free cartoons and drawings. Giles was famous for his work for the Daily and Sunday Express. In 2000, he was voted Britain’s favourite cartoonist of the 20th century. Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.
EAST SUFFOLK U3A’S NEW SEASON OF ACTIVITIES BEGINS As autumn gets underway, U3A members are out and about as usual, attending a wide variety of classes and listening to inspirational speakers talking on a wide range of topics. Upcoming events are listed below. 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. Thursday 3 October, 10.30am-12.30pm: Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe Antiques Roadshows: The Insights of a Provincial Auctioneer by Steve Lester Thursday 10 October, 2-4pm: Market Hall, Saxmundham IP17 1AF A History of Art through Portraits by Tania Harrington Monday 28 October, 2-4pm: Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF Early Prehistory of Suffolk by Edward Martin U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members. For membership details call 0300 123 3913 or visit: www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes so please see the website for up to date information.
MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY St Audry’s to Melton Park Wednesday 9 October, 7.45 for 8pm at Burness Parish Rooms, 38 The Street, Melton IP12 1PW We are fortunate to have local author and historian Robert Blake giving an illustrated presentation on the history of the St Audry’s Hospital site in Melton, from its use as a hospital through to the current housing development. Robert will be showing some original and unpublished material. There will also be contributions from those who worked within the hospital and now live on the housing development. This will be a fascinating account of the history of a landmark Melton institution and its transformation. All welcome; members free, visitors £3. For further information email mlhs.sec@aol.com or visit: www.mlhs.btck.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
15
16
In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT TRANSITION WOODBRIDGE PRESENTS JUST EAT IT Free screening of Just Eat It, an inspiring 74-minute documentary about food waste and how we can reduce it. Find our more at: www.foodwastemovie.com Join us on Friday 27 September at The Longshed, Tidemill Way, Woodbridge. Doors open at 7pm. Refreshments will be available for a donation to raise money for the costs of the evening. There will be time for discussion and information on local initiatives after the film. This is an issue we are passionate about at Transition Woodbridge. Our Community Fruit Tree Harvesting project is now in its seventh year and we also have a coffee grounds composing project underway so do come along and learn more about these projects.
WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP Conservation Grazing We launch our series of autumn/winter events with a talk on Conservation Grazing by Will Russell, Reserves Manager from Natural England, on Thursday 17 October, 7.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall. Phil Smith, Chairman of the Woodbridge Wildlife Group, said: “Many nature reserves are now managed using grazing animals and it is going to be fascinating to find out more about this subject.” Admission is £3 for adults, with children under-16 free. There will be a raffle and light refreshments during the evening. There’s no need to book, but if further information is required contact us at: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com EVENTS AT FOXBURROW FARM Wednesdays, 4 September to 16 October, 10.30am-noon Weekly Wild Tots – Forest School activities and wild play for ages one to four and their carers. Sunday 6 October, noon-4pm Family Apple Day – apple ID, juicing and tasting, walks, games, crafts, donkey rides, music, dance and refreshments. No need to book. Tuesday 15 October, 10am-2pm. Go Wild in the Week – activities for home educated children aged 6-11.
LEISTON & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The club will meet in the United Church Hall, High Street, Leiston from 7.15pm on Wednesday 23 October. At the meeting, Bernard Mabbett, from The Great Yarmouth group, will display and talk on Great Yarmouth Postal History. The club is always ready to welcome new members. Membership is £5 per annum (50p for students up to 18 years) payable in September. Refreshments available.
WOODBRIDGE BRIDGE CLUB The club was formed in the early 1960s after a bridge class at Farlingaye grew to an unmanageable 71 students. There followed a public meeting which decided that they needed a bridge club rather than a bridge class. Almost 60 years on, the club continues to thrive based on three principles – a good standard of duplicate bridge, played in a happy atmosphere by friendly people. We are always pleased to welcome visitors or guests and to this end we operate a ‘host’ system to ensure that any single visitor can be partnered and will get a game. The club meets at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge. Car parking is available and is free after 6pm. We start at 7pm sharp every Monday and finish around 10.15pm. Visitors should arrive by 6.45pm. Table money is £2 per person for members and £3 for visitors. Light refreshments are included in this fee. The club is affiliated to The English Bridge Union (EBU) which aims to advance the game of duplicate bridge in England by providing competitions and services to its members. All members receive a free magazine and diary. If you would like to join us please just turn up on any Monday evening. If you would like to join but feel you need some lessons before you take the plunge, you can find your nearest class by logging on to www.ebu.co.uk/directory and entering your postcode.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY Our 2019/20 season kicked off on September 18 with a display from Basildon Philatelic Society, showing a variety of collecting themes by the members present. Our second meeting will be on October 2 where our colleagues from Norwich & Norfolk Philatelic Society will be displaying. 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
DEBEN FLOWER CLUB
Saturday 19 October, 10am-noon Young Wardens – practical conservation and naturalist skills for ages 11-16.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 8 October in Kirton Church Hall at 7.30pm. Our demonstrator will be Lionel Clark and the title of his talk is Swan Song.
Saturday 19 October, 2-4pm Family Forest School – wild art, den building and fire lighting.
You will always be assured of a warm welcome and time to chat and make new friends over a cup of coffee or tea after the demonstration. Visitors £5.
Tuesday 22 October, 10.30am-12.30pm Room on the Broom family event. Follow the story, make a broomstick, smelly potions and more. Wednesday 23 October, 10.30am-noon Wild Tots and Family – Incy, Wincy Spider. Spider themed fun activities. Wednesdays, 30 October to 18 December, 10.30am-noon Weekly Wild Tots – Forest School activities and wild play for ages one to four and their carers. Booking: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events / 01473 890089 Foxburrow Farm, near Woodbridge IP12 1NA
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
Quiz Night Deben Flower Club is holding another of our very popular quiz nights on Saturday 12 October in Kirton Church Hall, 7pm for 7.30pm. Once again this will be a light-hearted evening and will include a ploughman’s supper. Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six? If you don’t have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members. Tickets must be purchased in advance at £8 each including supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses. For further information please contact: wa@sandlings.co.uk / 01394 411422
17
OUT & ABOUT / SPORT 1st RENDLESHAM SCOUT GROUP Swarm Explorer Scout Unit Despite only being set up in the summer of 2018, Swarm, our Explorer section for ages 14-18, has been hugely successful and has doubled in size in just 12 months. They meet from 7.30-9pm on Wednesday evenings at Rendlesham Primary School. Summer Camp 2019
This year the Explorers headed off to Glenbrook Outdoor Activity Centre in the Peak District. After travelling to Derbyshire and quickly settling in at their accommodation, it was straight off to Hathersage outdoor swimming pool for a quick dip before returning to Glenbrook for dinner and an evening of games. On Saturday the Explorers climbed Kinder Scout, making it to the highest point in the Peak District just in time for the weather to take a significant turn for the worse. Fortunately, the storm didn’t last for long and it was soon back to sunnier weather, but a timely reminder of why the Scout’s motto is Be Prepared, and why even in summer all the Explorers had packed waterproofs along with the map and compass to help them navigate their way back down! On Sunday the group cycled 25 miles round Ladybower Reservoir and took the opportunity to visit the memorial to 617 Squadron RAF, The Dambusters, who practised their low level flights across the reservoir during the Second World War. After working up an appetite on their bikes, more swimming, a visit to an ice cream producing dairy farm, climbing wall and a barbecue rounded out the day. On the last day of camp the Explorers headed for Alton Towers theme park for a day of rollercoasters, rides, fun, laughter and just the occasional high pitched scream! Membership Swarm ESU currently has spaces for young people (both boys and girls) aged 1418. They are also in need of more adult leaders. If you would like to join them please contact Explorer Scout Leader Clare Barstow for details: explorers@rendleshamscouts.org.uk
MARTLESHAM IN BLOOM Monday 4 November, 7.30pm: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – Not a Waste of Time! by Sharon Lockhart 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. 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. For further information please contact J Maureen Burrows: martleshaminbloom@gmail.com / 01473 625196
DEBEN YACHT CLUB The club held another successful sail training course in August together with a team from Neptune Sailing. There were six adults and nine youngsters using Wayfairers, Feva’s and Toppers, and there was even a cruise to Waldringfield with a picnic by the pub. It was a very challenging week as the winds were quite strong and very gusty so everyone did very well not to swim more than they did! The Onboard sessions we trialled this year were a big hit and we will look to offering more sessions next year to give opportunities for more youngsters to get into sailing. This scheme has also enabled us to put six members through a RYA Dinghy Instructor training programme subsidised by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. The training is being run at the club this autumn so next season we will have the means to run even more training. There was also a Safety Boat course run in the summer which ensures we keep a skilled pool of people for our RIB cover at all club sailing events. On September 7 we had an exciting downriver sail from our club to Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club to tie in with the Deben Macmillan Challenge. Nine dinghies and two yachts set off with the tide just before 10am and got to the ferry just before low water at the bar at midday. After lunch there was a long and challenging beat all the way home with two dinghies ending up on tow behind a safety boat. Everyone then enjoyed a break at Waldringfield Sailing Club, with much appreciated cups of tea and cakes. We’re now hoping to make this an annual adventure. In October we will finish off the races in the Autumn Points series and also fit in the Terminal Series, a pursuit race and a quiz on October 25 at 7.30pm, all welcome!
WOODBRIDGE FLOWER CLUB At our September meeting, Jenny Sheppard (pictured) gave us a great workshop on making up hand tied bouquets. An easy way to put them together gave beautiful arrangements and smiling faces. Our next meeting will be a demonstration by Sandra Adcock on Wednesday 2 October at 2pm at Martlesham Village Hall.
18
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
19
Don’t sit on the fence! Choose a comfy chair Palermo
Dura
£159.95
Leather faced executive chair • Contemporary design • Stylish arms with silver trim • Silver nylon base with black trims • Double padded seat • Head rest • Lumbar support • Black leather faced
Sofia
£109.95
Modern materials and design make the Dura a favourite in the range • Durable, stylish and nylon backrest • Breathable air-mesh upholstered seat • Hard wearing fixed armrests included • Chrome 5 star base with matching gas lift • Lock/tilt mechanism with eight tension adjustment • Available in a range of colours
£149.95
Adjustable lumbar operator chair • Pneumatic lumbar pad • Adjustable nylon arms • 2 lever mechanism • Black nylon base • Padded arms • Waterfall seat
Luna 2
£69.95
Shaped padding for day-long support and comfort • Large waterfall seat and contoured back • Adjustable back height • Heavy duty • 2 lever model – back tilt and height adjustment • EN1335 certificated • Gas lift tested up to 150kg
Finish options
Blue (B)
Black (K)
Telephone 01473 212000
To order or for more information please call officesupplies@boswellos.co.uk www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk
20
In Touch online:
SPORT FIVE STAR SUCCESS FOR WOODBRIDGE TENNIS CLUB
MELTON BOWLS CLUB
This year’s Happy Haddock Triples Tournament was won by Bob and Rosemary Manning and Maureen Milldown. They finished ahead of Darrell Howard, Mark Baker and Ray Andrews in second place with Ken Wright, Norma Wright and George Downes in third place. This popular event, sponsored by Darrell Howard, attracted a full entry of 72 bowlers again this year and with Melton’s bowls green in excellent condition, spectators were treated to play of the highest standard. Manning’s team was the only one to win all their games and finished with a total of 50 points. Going into their last game they met the only other triple to have won all their games, the team headed by Colin Calver. In a closely fought game that determined who was going to be the overall winner, the Manning’s triple just came out on top. The format of the tournament meant that Calver’s team finished with only 40 points and back in fifth place. Second place was taken by Howard’s team which finished with 44 points, the same as Wright’s triple but with a superior shot difference. After the games were completed, tournament sponsor Darrell Howard presented the winner’s trophy and prizes to the first, second and third placed triples and is pictured here with Maureen Milldown and Bob and Rosemary Manning.
Woodbridge Tennis Club is celebrating a successful summer season in the Ipswich and District League, with five of its teams gaining promotion from their respective divisions. The Men’s 2nd team, captained by (and pictured with) club member Gerard Travers (centre), also gained the distinction of remaining unbeaten throughout the entire summer season, winning 81 per cent of all the sets played in their matches. This achievement was the highest of any team in any division of the league. Gerard commented: “The top tips I’ve learnt as captain is firstly, warming up with your team half an hour before the match to get everyone into the right mindset and off to flying start, and secondly, don’t forget the insect repellent!” The club’s teams achieved the following set of results in their divisions: Ladies 2: Runners-up in Division 5 (captained by Stella Fitzgerald) Men’s 1: Runners-up in Division 4 (captained by Steve Anker) Men’s 2: Champions in Division 7 (captained by Gerard Travers) Men’s 3: Runners-up in Division 7 (captained by Alistair Bacon) Mixed 2: Champions in Division 6 (captained by Paul Rainer) Steve Lemon, Chairman of Woodbridge Tennis Club, said: “We’re thrilled by the achievement of our club’s competitive teams, and their hard work and dedication has really paid off with a set of impressive results.” Picture submitted by Woodbridge Tennis Club
Photograph provided by Ian Harvie
WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB Strictly is back and Woodbridge Cruising Club is not being left behind. Following last year’s Argentinian Tango night, Ken Eade is organising some strict tempo tuition for those budding stars with aspirations to get on the telly. And for the really serious there are tap dancing classes every Thursday morning in the clubhouse – bring your own faucet! This should keep those without their own boats occupied through the winter months while the menders and scrapers are husbanding their prize possessions.
likely to attend the final cruise dinner at Royal Harwich so they will need to seize the gauntlet and take up the challenge.
The annual club barbecue, held on the August bank holiday, was a glorious success and with roasting sunshine all day long it was almost unnecessary to have lighted charcoals. Still the sun wouldn’t have given the tangy flavour of carbon crusted burgers so beloved by the true barbecue enthusiast. And there was a fabulous array of salads provided by the ‘girls in the galley’, followed by a wide spread of, almost, sugar free puddings with not an ounce of cholesterol in sight!
Sailing in the east midlands seems a bit of a contradiction, but that’s what Ted and Diana Evans do and the regaling of their experiences will be of particular interest to the increasing number of inland water sailors in the club.
Forty-nine club members sat down to the Walton Pond cruise dinner which is something of a record and shows the increasing strength of interest in the club’s annual cruise programme.
It promises to be a busy and entertaining closed season.
It’s perhaps also a testament to the standard of catering at W&FYC because we completely filled their restaurant. A similar number are
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
On the subject of food, the fortnightly Wednesday suppers where members take it in turn to do the cooking are about to begin and the winter talks will soon be starting on Sunday mornings. The first topic by Simon Scammel will be the making and maintenance of sails, obviously an essential prerequisite for the yachtsman!
Finally, after all the cruise dinners of the summer, members will have a chance to regain control of their waistlines by accompanying Neil Brooks on some of the walks he organises throughout the winter.
For information about the club and its activities visit: www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org John Warwick
21
ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK HERITAGE AVIATION MUSEUM Foxhall Road, Kesgrave IP3 8JU, open 11am-4pm every Sunday
PLAY QUIZGO Sunday 27 October from 7.30pm Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road IP5 1EE
Come along to see our exhibition of the history of Suffolk aviation, with a full-size replica of Edith Cook’s Bleriot and many other interesting exhibits.
Maximum six per team, £2.50 each Licenced bar, food available in the interval
Tearoom and picnic area, free admission and parking.
Ipswich & District Kindey Association aims to improve the lives of people suffering from kidney disease through the provision of equipment not available through the NHS, entertainment systems and heaters to make time on dialysis more bearable and by providing welfare grants where financial hardship is as a direct result of kidney disease. Find out more at: www.ipsanddistkidneyassoc.onesuffolk.net
Autumn Vintage and Classic Car Day Don’t miss our Autumn Vintage and Classic Car Day on Sunday 13 October, 10am-4pm. Stalls, refreshments and fun for all the family. For further information contact Colin Durrant: 01473 677517 / colindurrant113@yahoo.com
PERSONAL FINANCE WITH NICK PLUMB Do you value your life? Most people take out insurance for their home contents and their buildings and have motor insurance to protect their cars. Some people even have insurance for their pets, but more than 60 per cent of the people I meet as a financial adviser do not have enough life insurance in place to properly protect their family if they die prematurely. Unfortunately, life insurance is one of those products that the majority of people don’t have just when it is needed most. And if you don’t have it when you need it – it’s already too late to do anything about it. Taking out life insurance is something that many people are quite unsure about, typically prompting questions like; “How much cover do I need?”, “How long do I need it for?” and “How much will it cost?”. The following is intended to answer some of the questions you may have, and will hopefully persuade you to contact a financial adviser to review your own insurance arrangements sooner rather than later. Do I need life insurance? If you have an outstanding mortgage or if you have dependent children, you need life insurance. It’s that simple. If you bring an income into the household, or if you care for children who are financially dependent upon you, then there will be a financial cost to your family if you die. If the main ‘bread winner’ dies, their salary will have to be replaced. If the partner who cares for your children dies, their duties will have to be taken up by someone who will need to be paid for their services, so that their partner can continue to work and earn. If you have an outstanding mortgage, having insurance that pays off the mortgage will not only ensure that your family will have a roof over their heads, but will also save your spouse or partner the cost of monthly mortgage repayments – usually one of your biggest financial commitments each month. How much will it cost? The cost of life insurance depends on two factors: How much cover you need, and how long you want the cover to last for. Factors such as your age, sex, occupation, health condition and whether you smoke or not are all taken into account when calculating how much your insurance
will cost. This is called the ‘underwriting’ process. The important thing to remember is that it need not cost the earth and getting a quote costs nothing. How much life cover do I need? If you’re the main breadwinner, you will obviously want to maintain your family’s lifestyle so that they do not encounter any financial hardship. If you care for children or other dependents, then your partner will need to provide cash for professionals to take over your role. As a guide, the figure should be enough to replace around 80 per cent of your net earnings (you will be entitled to some state benefits) or at least £20,000 for professional child care each year. How long for? I would normally recommend family protection lasts until the youngest child is aged 21 years, which ensures that your children will have the opportunity to go through university and will reach financial independence. For a mortgage, you should protect the whole of the outstanding term of the loan. Where do I buy it from? To ensure you get the very best deal, you should always take independent financial advice when buying life insurance. Never trust a bank or building society to give you the best deal on your life insurance or mortgage protection, unless their adviser is independent and has searched the entire marketplace for you. Banks and building societies are usually tied to one company or a small group of companies, and that means that they rarely offer the best premium rates for life insurance. Take my Insurance Challenge and save yourself some cash today! If you have a life insurance policy or mortgage protection policy that was arranged for you by your bank or building society, or by an adviser tied to one company, I am confident that in at least 90 per cent of cases, I will be able to find you a policy that offers the same or better benefits for a lower monthly cost. Just give me a call or e-mail me with the policy details (the amount of cover, policy term, and premium, and your date of birth and smoking status) and I will call you back with a free no-obligation quote.
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, BaylhamIP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s 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 should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position.
22
In Touch online:
ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK LIBRARIES YOUTH TAKEOVER FESTIVAL
This autumn, Suffolk Libraries’ youth-led arts programme will be hosting a mix of events for their Takeover Festival, which takes place on Saturday 9 November.
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
The Takeover Festival will run with the tagline ‘Suffolk Youth – Our Art, Our Voice’ and will have an array of art workshops, including music, dance, poetry, digital, virtual reality, painting and drawing. There will also be talks and an exhibition displaying artworks from students and young people around the county. The theme of the festival is celebrating youth voice and young Suffolk creativity, as well as to show a more artistic side to our county’s library service. The festival will be presented by the BLOC programme, run by Suffolk Libraries and funded by Arts Council England. Ipswich Library will be the centre of the festival, with workshops running from 11am to 5pm and live music from 6.30pm to 11pm. Libraries around Suffolk will be invited to run fringe events and exhibitions with a focus on young people and the arts to link up with the Takeover Festival. Sally Garwood, Creative Programmes Assistant for Suffolk Libraries, said: “We are so proud of our Youth Council for putting together a festival to support youth engagement in the arts, particularly for those without ready access to cultural activities. We are passionate about showcasing regional talent and supporting developing young artists.” The Takeover Festival is entirely youth-led in what events and activities will take place, with contributions from YAIS (Young Artists in Suffolk) in the programming. For more information about the Suffolk Libraries BLOC programme, visit: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/bloc
TALES FROM THE EARLY DAYS OF BRITISH COMPUTING Simon Lavington, former Professor of Computer Science at Essex University, is to give a talk at the Ipswich Institute on the early days of British computing, when Ferranti Ltd led the way. The talk, Stardust: Tales from the Early Days of British Computing, will tell the story of the life and times of nine Ferranti computers launched into an unsuspecting market place between 1951 and 1957. This was a family of very early supercomputers, digital dinosaurs that lumbered from Manchester to Toronto, Amsterdam and Rome, consuming a diet of applications that ranged from atomic weapons to cotton spinning. Above all, this is the story of the men and women who struggled to tame the dinosaurs and put their primitive powers to useful work. Some of these pioneers are still alive, which has enabled the talk to be embellished with rare photos and intriguing personal anecdotes. While the talk does give plenty of technical details, particularly about GCHQ’s installation of a Ferranti computer, the socio-economic and human backdrop always shines through. We hope you can join us at Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA) at 7pm on Wednesday 9 October. Tickets (£5 / £4 for Ipswich Institute members) from the venue, by calling 01473 253992 or by emailing: library@ipswichinstitute.org.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge
23
R E N O VAT E O R S I M P LY U P D AT E
I N A S L I T T L E A S A D AY Give your kitchen a stylish new look without going through all the disruption of ripping out your old one. Our bespoke worktops and replacement doors are made to cover existing surfaces precisely, leaving a hardwearing and luxurious finish. Known as ‘The Top That Fits
p
t
t ha
fit s o n t o p
T he
to
On Top’, it’s a winning combination of strength and slimline dimensions that has made us a household success around the world.
ARABESCATO
BLACK STAR
COOL WHITE
CRISTALLINO COPPER
PORTLAND SILVER
Granite & TREND Transformations is the leading brand in engineered stone worktops. These include a choice of natural granite, quartz or recycled glass particles, blended with approximately 12% polymer resin compound, creating worktops that are non-porous, scratch, stain and corrosion resistant. These worktops are fitted on top of existing worktops for an instant makeover!
For a free consultation call or visit: IPSWICH SHOWROOM: 01473 851 360 Unit 3, Alstons Court, Leslie Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 9PL www.granitetransformations.co.uk/ipswich
-TT_Ipswich ad_215x277_July 2019.indd 1
COLCHESTER SHOWROOM: 01206 807 347 Hatfields Home Furnishers, Peartree Rd, Stanway, Essex CO3 0LA www.granitetransformations.co.uk/colchester
25/07/2019 11:17