April 2019

www.stradbrokemonthly.co.uk

April 2019 No.451

FOSH are excited to announce the next fundraising Car Boot Sale following the great success of the last one!

It will be held on Saturday 11th May, from 9am to 1pm (8am for sellers to allow time for setting up). The event will be located at Stradbroke High School.

A breakfast cafe will be available during the sale offering hot food, sweet treats and a variety of hot and cold drinks.

If you would like a pitch they are priced at £5 per car or £10 per van.

You can arrive on the day or reserve a spot by getting in touch with iandschilds@btinternet.com OR send us a message via our FOSH Facebook Page Sue Childs, Friends Of Stradbroke High School

Can you help Suffolk Libraries by sharing your story?

We’re looking for people who love their library and are prepared to tell us about their experience of using our services. Would you or your family or group be happy to your photo taken or maybe even filmed talking about what their libraries mean to you or the difference they may have made to your lives?

Perhaps you’ve had a really positive experience in one of our libraries you’d be happy to talk to us about?

We think sharing the stories of the people who use libraries is a really powerful way of showing their value to local communities and encouraging more people to visit libraries and make the most of the huge range of services and activities we offer.

If you’re interested in talking to us please contact our customer services team by calling 01473351249 or emailing help@suffolklibraries.co.uk James Powell

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Local Churches

Stradbroke Baptist Church

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Stradbroke Baptist Church, Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, Suffolk You would be most welcome to join us this April: Sundays Worship Service 10:15-11:15 Wednesday 10th Friendship Lunch 12:30 Wednesday 24th Soup ‘n’ Sweets lunch 12:30 Thursdays Prayer Meeting 13:30 at the Chapel 19:00 at 4 Westhall Bible Study 14:00 at the Chapel 19:30 at 4 Westhall "Why do Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter?"

Celebrating Easter is about rejoicing in the risen Saviour, Jesus Christ. In the days leading up to Easter, we recount His horrific death on the cross. It is a death Jesus died willingly (Mark 10:45; John 10:18). He came to earth as a baby in order to live a perfect human life and one day die on the cross at Calvary as the atoning sacrifice for our sin.

But it is not only Jesus’ death on the cross that is important. Jesus’ resurrection proclaims His victory over sin and death. Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. Then He rose back to life, proving He is who He says He is and that He accomplished what He came to earth to accomplish. Jesus Christ is fully God, fully human, and our only Saviour. It is because He is risen that we can trust in His sacrifice for our sins and receive new life in Him. His resurrection also demonstrates that His promise to resurrect us one day will come true.

The apostle Paul wrote, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also” (1 Corinthians 15:3– 8). It is this important reality that we pause to focus on and rejoice in at Easter.

Easter is the time to celebrate Jesus’ victory and to celebrate the new life He freely offers. All people may have their sins forgiven and experience new life in Jesus Christ as they acknowledge their sin and need for a Saviour, believe upon the finished work of Jesus Christ and commit their way to Him. It is fitting that Easter occurs in the springtime. Much like spring is the time when new life buds after the death brought about in winter, so Jesus brings new life to those who were formerly dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1-10). The life Jesus brings is eternal. We celebrate the reality of His death and resurrection every day, and especially at Easter. We can trust Him and worship Him all year through because He is risen!

Happy Easter! May God’s blessings be yours in abundance, Bruce Francis 01379 388744 or 07484219265 or bruceatsbc@outlook.com

Stradbroke Good Neighbours

Telephone: 07749445531 Do you need our help? For example, a lift to the surgery, or to a hospital for an appointment?

Can we pick up a prescription for you? Change a light bulb? Check your smoke alarm?

Then contact Good Neighbours. We only charge for mileage.

Our friendly volunteers will be happy to help.

We would appreciate at least 24 hours notice please.

Carol Darling

Bordahoppa

The Borderhoppa 2019 outings leaflet is now available. We have many trips arranged throughout the year including pub lunches, garden centres, the coast, mystery tours, boat trips and many more. You can pick up a leaflet at your local library, information centre, GP surgery, from one of our drivers or by calling the office and we’ll post one to you. Need help with transport? Borderhoppa buses are available to people of all ages who are unable to use ordinary bus services either because of mobility difficulties or because there isn’t a bus service for them to use. Our door-to-door dial a ride service can take you shopping, to medical appointments (excluding hospitals), to visit a friend or relative or attend a local club.

If you would like to find out more about the great service we provide please call us on 01379 854800 or visit our website www.borderhoppa.org Borderhoppa

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Local Churches

All Saints, Stradbroke

Revd Canon Susan Loxton 01379 388493. Church wardens, Peter Chetwynd 384069; Karen Ruth 388762 If you have any questions about Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals, or any questions about the Faith, please contact Revd Susan.

Services: 7th Apr 11am Village service with Baptists in All Saints church 14th Apr 8am HC said service for Palm Sunday 15th Apr 2pm service of meditation for Good Friday 21st Apr 11am HC service for Easter 28th Apr No service in All Saints 28th Apr 10am family@church in Fressingfield 5th May 11am Family service, followed by coffee and tea.

Lent Suppers with a speaker at Fressingfield in Sancroft Hall 6.45 for 7pm. On 4th April we hear from the Germinate team who have been developing ways forward for the church today and 11th April speaker is Rev’d Canon Dave Gardner, diocesan director of mission and ministry. Supper first, just turn up and join us; no charge, a donation is appreciated.

Your PCC Following the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 2nd April, election of the PCC members and officers will be detailed on the church porch notice board. Church Electoral Roll details are also available to view on the porch notice board.

All Saints Church Fundraising Committee

The Pancake/Beetle evening was not too well supported but raised £68. Thanks to the Baptist Chapel for the use of their room. On the Saturday the cake stall raised £114.28. Thanks for all the cake donations. Our next event on 30th March is the Book Sale with Puzzles and a stall in the church, 10am to 3pm. The Art Exhibition is well on the way with many paintings already entered. The Preview is on 1st May, 7pm – 9pm. Thanks must go to the businesses which sponsor this, ie Rattlerow Farms, Les Cotton Drainage and Barley Green Garage and Mr and Mrs Reeves. Thank you all so much.

Mary Ellis

From the Rectory

As I put these words together, we are in the middle of Lent: a time when you may have given something up or decided to take on an extra challenge for yourself or others.

Some of us have given more time to reading the bible and reflecting on what it means to us today.

One of the readings was concerned with The Good Samaritan – a familiar story from the bible. It was when Jesus had been asked ‘Who is my neighbour?’ and he responded with this story to illustrate his answer.

‘A man travelling on his own, had been beaten, robbed and left half dead. Both a passing priest and then an elder of the temple crossed to the other side rather than help him. But the Samaritan stopped and cared for him. He cleaned and bandaged his wounds; put him on his own animal to transport him to the nearest inn for care; even gave the innkeeper money to pay for that care and promised to pay more on another visit if that was needed.’

The priest and the Levite had lost the capacity to mourn. They were blind to the pain of others.

Only the Samaritan was moved with pity. His compassion moved him to action: he provided first aid, offered practical and financial support, and enlisted the help of others.

Maybe, during this Lent you could take some time to consider where you could help others, whether in prayer or in more practical ways.

God Bless, Susan

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Street Farm, Laxfield Road

Hair Logic Closing It is with sadness we announce that

Hair Logic will close at the end of April.

We are sorry to leave Stradbroke as we all

enjoy working there but the

circumstances are beyond our control.

All stylists from Hair Logic will be

working at Sarah's Hair Design in Eye for the time being whilst we try to re-locate.

We thank all our clients for their custom over the years and hope to see many at

Sarah's Hair Design in Eye - 01379 871560.

Many thanks from Sarah and team.

This is a quarter page advert!

Go to page 25 to find out more about how your business could be advertised here!

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Parish Pump

Meetings Of Stradbroke Parish Council – 22nd February & 11th March 2019 Next full Council meeting 8th April 2019 at 7.30pm, next PC Clinic Tuesday, 16th April 2019 (2.15pm): both at the Court House 22nd February 2019 – the Parish Council agreed to a request from the Stradbroke Trust to allow them to surrender the Lease on the Health Centre in Stradbroke.

Planning Applications supported: DC/19/00614 – Full planning application: erection of 1 no. dwelling (following demolition of existing dwelling). York Cottage, Laxfield Road IP21 5HX. Councillors unanimously approved this application subject to comments made on the need for the dwelling to be connected to the main sewer and concerns regarding surface water drainage and the filling of the current pond. The application should comply with neighbourhood plan policies: STRAD4 and STRAD5.

DC/19/00783 – Application for Listed Building Consent: Installation of a new passenger stair lift to the existing ground to first floor staircase and removal of the existing modern (2010’s) softwood timber handrail. Church House, Queen Street IP21 5GH. Approved by unanimous vote.

DC/19/00789 – Application for Listed Building Consent: replacement of first floor windows.

Town Cottage, Church Street IP21 5HT. Approved by unanimous vote DC/19/00853 – Full planning application: change of use of hair salon to dwelling. Oak Cottage, Laxfield Road IP21 5HX. Approved by unanimous vote.

Results of planning applications considered by MSDC since the PC last met: DC/19/00022 –Land to the south of New Street, Stradbroke NO UPDATE DC/18/04706 - Land opposite Magnolia House, Wilby Road, Stradbroke, Suffolk NO UPDATE Parish Council updates from 11th March meeting: • The Stradbroke Trust addressed Councillors concerning statements made concerning the Surgery. The Chair clarified that the Parish Council has always supported the work undertaken by the Trust on the Surgery.

• The Neighbourhood Plan was officially made (adopted) by MSDC on 18th March 2019 • Councillors fully supported the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for the work to All Saints Church and offered any assistance required to the group organising the bid.

• Councillors noted that the website: stradbrokeonline.org is now sponsored by the Community Centre.

• Councillors decided to close one of the pieces of fitness equipment alongside the fitness track.

The equipment was deemed to be too slippery and unsafe at the moment.

• Councillors noted the work that has taken place to ensure a smooth handover of the management of the Health Centre following the surrender of the lease. The Parish Council has arranged insurance for the building and will work with the current contractors to ensure that the maintenance of the building continues without interruption.

• The Annual Parish Meeting this year will be on the 9th May 2019 and will be held at Stradbroke High School.

Odile Wladon (Clerk ) Mobile: 07555 066147 email: stradbrokepc@outlook.com www.stradbrokepc.org Mill Hill House, Church Lane, Wickham Skeith, Suffolk IP23 8NA

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Dirty Oven??

Friendly & Helpful Service From Adie

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· · · · · · · ·

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Rachel Lead

KFRP (Adv), LCSP (Phys), Cert Ed

Remedial Massage, Reflexology Touch for Health – Kinesiology rachelpbck@gmail.com www.ukkinesiology.com 01379 388031 07733 105752

Email: marty@martynorris.co.uk

Organisations

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W.I.

For our open meeting last month, we had an excellent turn out of thirty four members, and welcomed fourteen visitors. We began the evening with a rendition of Jerusalem.

Thanks to our hostesses, Annie and Jennifer who provided delightful posies for members with March birthdays.

We were then treated to a wonderful talk by Mark Mitchels on the life of Beatrix Potter. He began by reminding us that her books had been enjoyed by children for over 100 years, and that they were as popular today as they ever were, with a copy sold somewhere in the world every fifteen seconds. They have been translated into many languages, the second most popular being Japanese.

Beatrix was brought up in an upper class Victorian household by a very remote mother, a father to whom she was very close, and a much adored governess. Her collection of pets was most likely a substitute for friends. Her father was a keen photographer and so her childhood and later life were well recorded in photographs.

Her governess, Annie Carter, left to get married when Beatrix was nineteen, and her first book, Peter Rabbit began life as an illustrated letter to Annie’s son, who was her godson.

In 1830, Beatrix bought a rabbit who she called Benjamin Bouncer, and used him as a model for a set of Christmas cards which she sold as a set “The Happy Pair”. She was to prove to have a good head for business.

Her books were published by Frederick Warne and she developed a strong relationship with a director, Norman Warne, but sadly he died before they could be married.

She had spent many childhood holidays in the Lake District and bought Hill Top Farm in Cumbria, finally managing to break away from her parents, and marrying William Heales in 1910.

She became well known for her love and knowledge of farming and when she died, left her estate of fifteen farms to the National Trust, with the instruction that there was to be no hunting on the land. Mark’s talk was truly informative and entertaining, and Caroline gave a very appreciative vote of thanks.

Our next meeting will be a Silent Auction on 11th April Gill then closed the meeting with a reminder that we will be holding our Soup and Cake Lunch on Saturday 6th April to donate to the Blossom Appeal, which is raising funds for a state-of-the-art breast care facility at the Ipswich hospital. Please support us by buying a ticket, which cost £6 each. Thank you.

Carol Darling

LIFE IN THE LEGION – R.B.L. Stradbroke Branch

Please note that our Summer Meetings are 7pm :- Apr, May, Jun, Jul and Sep. The meeting on 11th April is at 7pm at the Royal Oak at Laxfield. Ben Mayne will talk about the ‘Legacy of Remembrance for future generations’. Ben is a retired Police Officer, turned WWII Historian. He is fascinated with making the past come to life for future generations, ensuring that the youth of today and our generation, understand what forebears gave from their life span to secure todays freedoms. He is a Battle Field Tour Guide, who has been where veterans trod and fought. His own grandfather fought in WWI, dying later from the wounds he received.

Ben feels that he has a duty to continue the act of Remembrance. Ben organises visits to the Battlefields and Cemeteries across Europe contributing to the Legacy of Remembrance. Come and share his experience.

Diary Dates:( local venues TBC):- 9th May speaker NYC, 13th June we have Lucy Croft, National Westminster Bank, lifting the lid on ‘Scams.’ Listen and learn. Prepare to protect your interests. 11th July at 7pm, Dr John Wyke, Consultant Gastroentorologist at Ipswich Hospital is going to speak about ‘the Digestive Disorders Foundation Suffolk, and the Bowel Cancer Screening Program.’ Many families suffer from digestive ‘upsets’ and many are thankful for the work carried out in Suffolk to help those who suffer. DDF Suffolk is a charity which raises money to help Suffolk hospitals in the research, treatment, cure and prevention of these many painful disorders and diseases, eg, ulcers, colorectal cancer, hiatus hernias and diverticulitus. A rare chance to learn informally, and ask questions. You do not need to be a member to come and join us.

RBL contact:- Bernard Mills mills.laxfield@gmail.com

Saving All Saints

Saving All Saints are delighted to let you know that again we have been successful in obtaining another Grant. You are aware that All Saints Church is now on the Heritage At Risk Register and this has prompted us being helped by The Taylor Review Project - part of English Heritage. This has allowed us to participate in a pilot with them and through this we have been awarded a Minor Repairs Grant of £8,978. This money is for urgent repairs to prevent further damage caused by adverse weather conditions. The total cost of these repairs to guttering and downpipes is £12,317, the shortfall being made up from the FOASS funds of £52,995.65, which have also been used to pay for Architects’ fees. As our Church is a listed building, we have to employ specialist contractors to carry out any work funded by these Grants and our chosen specialist will begin this vital work in October 2019. This is just the beginning of an exciting time ahead when, anticipating a successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, we can make our Church roof watertight again and then begin the long-awaited improvements inside All Saints to make All Saints the hub of the village once more.

Gillian Rennie-Dunkerley, Carol Darling and Jane Merritt

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Organisations

Stradbroke Court House and Library News

Stamps and all postage did go up on Monday March 25th. Hopefully you all managed to buy some stamps before the price rise. We have some new greetings cards, so call in and have a look. I am running the BookShoots project again in June 2019. This is a fun project where a group of us adults, teenagers and children over 10 years old, come together to read a book, then watch a film of the book and have lunch and a discussion about both on a Sunday morning. Anyone interested in taking part, please get in touch with Maureen at the library.

Court House Café The next ‘Friday Friends’ Café is on Friday 5th April 2019. These café sessions are dementia-friendly but open to everyone, so come along and meet people for a friendly chat.

Vicky Hutchinson is on hand for anyone needing advice and support.

Events coming up: Sunday Afternoon Tea at the Court House Café on Sunday 12th May 3-5pm.

Tickets £7.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Summer Lunch In The Meadow Sunday 14th July 12-4pm. Tickets £15. Book early to avoid disappointment!

We currently have a ‘Tiny Talk Baby Signing’ class at the Courthouse on Monday mornings at 10.30am. Learn to sign with your babies and help them communicate before they can speak. If you are interested in taking part ring Gemma on 07855181253 or e-mail: gemmap@TinyTalk.co.uk Stradbroke Library/Courthouse Weekly Events Monday: Tiny Talk Baby Signing 10.30am (contact Gemma see above).

Rummikub board game club at 2pm (September to April) Tuesday: ‘Jumping Beans’/Rhymes/Stories/Craft for 0-4yrs old 10-11am.

Wednesday: Pilates (please contact Nikki Hambling 07899888778).

Thursday: Court House Café 9.30am-12.30pm.

Last Thursday in the month ‘Thursday Bookgroup’ 2.30-4pm for the over 50s.

Friday: First Friday in the month ‘Friday Friends’ dementia- friendly café session 10am-12pm.

Saturday: Courthouse Café 9.15am-12.15pm.

Maureen John Library/Post Office manager

Lottery Bonus Winners

12 Paddy Wright £25; 58 no Winner; 54 No Winner; 2 D Dawson won £75; 38 D Penycate won £25. £48 donated to the Community Centre and £48 donated to Church funds.

M Ellis

Stradbroke Allotments & Gardening Association (SAGA)

Onion sets can be planted out this month 23cm apart and just below the surface, when they start to grow their roots sometimes push the onion set out of the soil and birds sometimes disturb them, so keep an eye on them and gently push them back. As the weather warms up pot on young seedlings and start bringing them outside or open cloches and cold frames during the day to harden off. Keep an eye on the development of seedlings growing in pots. H it is still too early to plant then out they may become pot bound and their roots will be constricted.

Tomatoes in particular are prone to outgrowing their pots. Simply replant them in larger pots until they can go into the ground. All fruit trees and bushes are coming out of dormancy this month and entering a growth spurt, give them a feed of high potash fertiliser or an organic mixture of blood fish and bone to get them off to a good start. Spread fertiliser around the base and water in well and cover with a layer of rotted down farmyard manure which will act as a mulch. Slugs can do a lot of damage in the vegetable plot. Slug hints are available and can be very effective, they should be put in small heaps along the sides of the vegetable and around plants, covering each heap with a flat tile or board propped up with a small stone. In this way the slugs can get underneath, but birds and domestic animals can't, also being protected from the weather they last longer and are more effective. Weeds are starting to grow now, so keep the hoe going and enjoy your gardening.

Ivor Hyde

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KENT SKIPS

My Care at Home - My Care at Home is a family run business covering the rural communities in Suffolk. We provide Personal Care and Companionship, Respite Care and Dementia Care in your own home. Our commitment is to provide ‘high quality care’, which we deliver through our greatest asset, our staff and the training that they receive. We only employ people who love to care. Your care package could be a one off arrangement, ad-hoc or on a regular basis. Request a Brochure or book an appointment on 01449 763086.

Find us on Facebook or visit our website www.mycare-athome.co.uk We are also recruiting NOW We need exceptional people who love to care.

Organisations

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Radio Stradbroke

Radio Stradbroke celebrates it's 13th birthday this month, & like most teenagers, we are obsessed with music that no-one understands. Give us a listen on Sunday mornings at 10am. You may even enjoy it! The 'Music Day' on Saturday 13th July is gathering momentum. There is much to do behind the scenes, both before the event & on the day, so volunteers to flip burgers, serve drinks, etc would be welcome. Remember, it is a FREE festival, for the benefit of the Community. Some musical acts have already been secured, Hemingway, Breeze Redwine, Lisa Redford, Gray Wolf Band, among them, + some local acts too. Contact any member of the Radio Stradbroke team if you feel you have something to offer. Thank you. www.radiostradbroke.co.uk Michael Hugman

Stradbroke Village Archive

Bankruptcy was common place during the 19th century. Then as now, there were difficult times. Many traders came back from this position to start again. This isn’t something SARA normally brings to attention but in this following report from the early 20th century, we make an exception.

“At the Ipswich Bankruptcy Court on Thursday, (name), harness maker, Stradbroke, was examined, and in answer to the Official Receiver, he said he had not kept any books, nor did he know how much he took in a week, or a month, or a year.

He was unaware of the amount of his profits. Two sons assisted him, and he paid them 8s. and 2s a week respectively, and kept them at home. He reckoned he ought to earn 30s. a week. He had not paid his wife any regular sum for household expenses. He had losses on horses through their turning out badly. He had been robbed by dealers at various times. He had also costs and damages to pay in connection with County Court cases. His wife got the loan of some money from an aunt to start him in business. He had a bank book once, but as he had no money to put in it he destroyed it. He drew out £20, and his sons got some of it for their wages. He guessed at the prices of goods and could form no estimate of his profits, and yet he expected the business to pay. He had been a steady man and attentive to his business. He did not know if that was his character amongst his neighbours, as there were some ‘Rum people” in Stradbroke. (Laughter). The examination was adjourned.”

Well there you are!

NB: In 1915 The gentleman went on to enlist in the army but was discharged in May of the following year being physically no longer fit for duty with hardening of the arteries. He died in September of the same year, aged 52, leaving a wife and eight children.

SARA, Ann Readman

Over 60s Our next Over 60s meetings will be on April 4th and 18th. Our Meeting on the 18th will be our AGM, after which we shall be having an Easter raffle and hot cross buns. In May we have a trip organised to Stonham Barns Theatre to an old time music afternoon. Our Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month in the Community Centre 2.00 till 4.00 pm. You will be made most welcome if you wish to give us a try.

Just come along.

Joan Grimes

Letters to the Editors

Hair Logic closing.

It is with sadness we announce that Hair Logic will close at the end of April.

We are sorry to leave Stradbroke as we all enjoy working there but the circumstances are beyond our control.

All stylists from Hair Logic will be working at Sarah's Hair Design in Eye for the time being whilst we try to re-locate.

We thank all our clients for their custom over the years and hope to see many at Sarah's Hair Design in Eye. 01379 871560. Many thanks from Sarah and team.

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Antique Restoration

Ian Brown LCGI

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Council Notes From the Chair…

Councillors, Chris Edwards, Kamal Ivory, Maureen John, Velda Lummis and Toni Wisbey, joined me in welcoming Jeremy Fox to the Parish Council at the end of February. It is great to have another member of our community joining the Parish Council.

Mid Suffolk formally made (adopted) our Neighbourhood Plan on 18th March and the Parish Council hope to review a draft of the Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan at the Parish Council meeting on 8th April. The work on this plan has come from discussions with groups within the village as part of the neighbourhood plan process.

As this term of office for the Council is coming to an end shortly, the Parish Council is finalising and signing off their current projects, leaving a clear agenda for the Council to take forward after AGM on 13th May. Due to the election period, we have had to move the Annual Parish Meeting usually held in April to the 9th May, sadly this means that the Community Centre isn’t available so the hall at Stradbroke High School has been booked.

James Hargrave, Chair, Stradbroke Parish Council

Parish Council Election 2nd May 2019

Make A Difference - Become A Parish Councillor. Don’t say: “There is nothing I can do”, because there is: You can stand for election to the Parish Council on Thursday 2nd May 2019.

Can I stand? There are only a few rules to stand for election. You must be: • A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union • 18 years of age or older • Live in an area that is served by a local council Nomination packs are available from the Clerk. Please email stradbrokepc@outlook.com to request a copy. Further information is available at: https://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/features/are-you-election-ready-heres-our-quickguide/ Nomination forms must be hand delivered to a member of the Electoral Services Team, Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council Office, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP21 2BX by 4pm on 3rd April 2019.

If you would like to book your appointment to deliver your nomination paper, please email: elections@baberghmidsuffok.gov.uk Each nominee must be proposed and seconded by a registered elector in Stradbroke, the Clerk has a copy of the full electoral roll should anyone require information on their elector number. Please email the Clerk for information stradbrokepc@outlook.com Odile Wladon, Clerk

Mid Suffolk District Council Briefing for the May 2019 Elections

Campaigning dos and don’ts for candidates • Do use imprints on all your campaign material, including websites.

• Do comply with planning rules relating to advertising hoardings and large banners.

• Do make sure outdoor posters are removed 2 weeks after the election.

• Do not produce material that looks like a poll card.

• Do not pay people to display your adverts (unless they display adverts as part of their normal business).

Code of conduct for campaigners Campaigners are an essential element of a healthy democracy, but their activities should not bring into question the integrity of the electoral process.

Electoral registration and absent vote applications: • Ensure forms fully conform to the requirements of electoral law • Include the ERO’s address for the return of forms • Ensure unaltered applications are sent to ERO within two working days.

• Make sure electors understand implications of applying for an absent vote.

• Do not encourage postal ballot pack redirection.

• Do not encourage electors to appoint a campaigner as proxy Postal ballot packs: • Never touch a postal ballot paper • Never observe electors completing their postal vote.

• Never handle or take any completed ballot paper or postal ballot pack from voters Campaigning outside polling stations: • You are allowed to put your messages to voters on polling day, including public spaces outside polling places.

• Keep access to polling places and the pavements around polling places clear to allow voters to enter.

Mid Suffolk District Council https://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/elections/local-elections-may-2019/

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Pressure washing of drives and patios.

Family run business with over 25 years experience.

Fast friendly professional service.

Fully insured and all work guaranteed.

For a friendly visit with a free quotation call Mark on: 01379 677027 or Mobile 07768636618

The original Stradbroke Village Website!

Now in its 18th year the Stradbroke Village Website brings you news, views and information about Stradbroke.

A place to talk to the village.

Post your village group

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Forthcoming Events

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Stradbroke Cinema

On April 18th we will be showing ‘The Wife’. Glenn Close is superb as the long-suffering literary spouse whose marriage reaches crisis point when her husband (Jonathan Pryce) wins a Nobel prize. Years of quiet frustration come to a head when they travel to Stockholm and the slow-burn resentment is revealed. Both actors are outstanding in their roles and the tension and dynamics between them draw us into their self-loathing and fury. Yet they still need and depend on each other which makes the relationship fascinating for us as is the history of white lies and silent partners. Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. The bar is open before the start and during the interval when ice creams will also be on sale. Entrance is £5.50 for adults, £3 for 16s and under and everyone is welcome Full details can be found on the Village website at www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk Following the live screenings of the 6-Nations Rugby matches we may show future live sports screenings if there is a demand - so please let us know if you would like to watch them on the big screen in relaxed surroundings with a Bar! Roger Turkington and Jane Merritt

Stradbroke Church Village Show

Stradbroke Church Village Show of Flowers, Vegetables and Produce will be held at the Community Centre on Saturday 29th July 2019. Potatoes for the bucket competition are still available at 21 Woodfields, 50p each.

Schedules are available at the Bakery shop and the Library. Open garden and plant sale at 21 Woodfields on Saturday 18th May at 2pm to 5pm and Sunday 19th May, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 5pm. Good range of bedding and vegetable plants. All proceeds to the Church Flower Show. Any enquiries to Roly Copping on 01379 384839 .

R Copping

White Hart Bowls Bingo

Prize Bingo on Friday 26th April 2019 at 7.30 pm in Stradbroke Community Centre to raise funds for Stradbroke White Hart Bowls Club. Many excellent prizes and Easter Treats plus a flyer to win a Hamper.

Julie Ward, Secretary, Stradbroke White Hart Bowls Club

Simply Spanish Dining and Dancing

A night of dining and dancing at Stradbroke High School on Saturday 27th April 2019, from 7pm until 12 midnight. There will be a live 5-piece band “Mid Life Crisis”. Cost will be £25 per person, to include drinks on arrival, tapas, paella and homemade cake. There will be 10 people per table. Tickets are available from the school office.

Raising funds for FOSH (Friends of Stradbroke High School).

Amy Graham

Points Of View Photography Exhibition

Points of View is a photography exhibition created by Chrissie Kitchen, Candy Blackham, Nick Eade, and Geoff Moore who all live in Cratfield. Our first exhibition was in April 2018 when we displayed over 90 photographs and had around 150 visitors. The Tea Room was a great success, enabling people to linger over the homemade cakes and chat. Points of View returns on 12 and 13 April 2019 with a completely new collection. Chrissie enjoys street photography; Geoff likes landscape photography, while Nick’s wildlife photography is taken in Suffolk and abroad. Candy is showing the parish church enclosures in Brittany and Suffolk residents may be interested to see the huge contrast between the highly decorated churches of the 15C-18C, built on the proceeds of the flax trade, and the ‘clean’ churches in Suffolk. Entry to the exibition is free but a Raffle will support Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund and Macmillan Cancer Support and we would like to exceed the c.£300 we raised last year.

Friday 12 April, 18.00-20.00, paybar and nibbles. Saturday 13 April, 10.30-17.00, tea, coffee and homemade cakes.

Held at Cratfield Village Hall, Manse Lane, IP19 0DJ Candy Blackham

Concert at St Peter’s Church

Concert at St Peter’s Church, Westleton. Saturday, April 13th 7.30pm Kenneth Sillito and Friends play String Quintets Mozart: K 174 in B flat major Vaughan Williams: Phantasie Mendelssohn: op 87 In aid of Westleton Church funds. Tickets £16 from Westleton Village Stores or on the door (cheques payable to Westleton PCC).

Andrew Campbell

Worlingworth Easter Music

The Benefice choir will be singing Easter anthems and congregational hymns in St Mary's church on Good Friday evening at 7.00 p.m, you will be welcomed with a hot cross bun and a drink from 6.30 p.m, admission is free and there will be a retiring collection in aid of charities.

Vera Abbott

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Forthcoming Events

The Blossom Appeal

Stradbroke W.I. are supporting the Blossom Appeal by raising money for the dedicated Breast Care Unit at Ipswich Hospital. We are holding a “Soup and Cake “ Lunch in the Community Centre on Saturday April 6th from 12-2pm. Tickets on sale in the Butchers and Library or from Gill Bird 388418, Carol Darling 388098, Jane Gemmill 384518 Jane Gemmill

Laxfield Produce, Craft and Flea Market

Laxfield Produce, Craft and Flea Market on Saturday 6th April 9.30am -12.00pm inside All Saint's Church and in the Royal Oak, and outside on Church Plain.

No doubt an Easter theme will be heavily featured at April's Market, with it being just under two weeks away.

Look for cards, gifts, beautiful flowers, delicous lamb and other local meats, lots of baked goods, and generally items with a cheerful Spring feel, including bird themed items being sold in aid of the Church. There'll be plants and garden items for those itching to make a start on getting their garden into shape for the months ahead.

Amongst all the good things on offer will be lots of individually created crafts and gifts (one of our crafters has successfully gained space at the prestigious Country Living Spring Show at Alexandra Palace in London, so remember where you saw her first!) This does highlight the quality and individuality of our craft offerings at the Market.

If all the shopping and chatting seem tiring, then look out for the super energetic entertainment this month supplied by 'Everything's Jumpin', they will be demonstrating jive and jitterbugging dancing out on Church Plain, weather permitting of course, although joining in will be very warming if the weather is chilly.

As usual plenty of sustenance will be available including tea, coffee and tasty cake inside on the Church refreshment counter, the Royal Oak will be offering breakfasts, bacon butties during the morning and then lunches after, plus all the usual drinks, hot and cold. Why not make a morning of it?

The Market is so popular there is always a waiting list for indoor stall space, but do contact Catherine Cawood on 01986 798852 for info on availability.

The Laxfield Produce, Craft and Flea Market welcomes you on the first Saturday morning of every month – A Suffolk Market run by lovely friendly people -looking forward to seeing you there!

Carolyn Nichols

Joint concert at Snape Maltings

Verdi : Requiem - 7.30 PM Saturday 11th May 2019 At Snape Maltings Concert Hall Beccles Choral Society, Gippeswyk Singers, Phoenix Singers Tickets £25, £20, £15 available from cherylcoutts468@btinternet.com 01502 714655 or snapemaltings.co.uk 01728 687110 Stephanie Askew (publicity)

What's On At Wingfield Barns

On Friday 5th April, 7.30pm Open Space Theatre Company presents Cat On A Hot Tin Roof by Tennesse Williams. On a steamy night in Mississippi, a family gathers to celebrate the birthday of cotton plantation owner “Big Daddy” Pollitt. But the scorching heat is almost as oppressive as the lies that are told. His son, Brick, and daughterin-law, Maggie, dance around the secrets and sexual tensions that threaten to destroy their marriage. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth will win out? Tickets £12/£9.50 Saturday 13th to Monday 22nd April RPS Creative Eye Group and Barry Freeman exhibitions in Galleries 1, 2 and 4. Open Weds to Sunday, and Easter Monday, 11am to 4pm.

Friday 26th April, 7.30pm Kick In The Head presents My Dog's Got No Nose Giles Shenton (Old Herbaceous) returns with a "thought provoking" and "cleverly constructed, wonderful piece of theatre" about a man preparing to fulfil his lifelong ambition to be a stand-up comedian, “…puts one in mind of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads”. You join the man as he prepares backstage for his first ever stand up comedy gig. Something he has waited over 30 years for.

Find out how he got to this point in his life... but be warned... the man and the performance are not quite what they seem! Tickets £14/£12 Saturday 27th April, 7.30pm Peter Knight's Gigspanner. May 2019 marks the tenth anniversary of the release of the intriguingly named Lipreading the Poet, the debut album by Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, which had the distinction of being listed as one of the best 10 Global albums of 2009 by The Wire Magazine. Described since as one of the “most quietly brilliant sets of musicians in the folk world and beyond” (Folk Radio UK), Gigspanner has stayed true to their quest to take self-penned material along with music rooted in the British Isles and beyond, and with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat, produce richly atmospheric arrangements “with notes seemingly plucked from the stars and rhythms from the equator” (Spiral Earth). In 2013, Gigspanner’s founding member, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight, left Steeleye Span to wholly commit to the trio, and in the process established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British folk scene, inspiring Maverick magazine to write "Gigspanner are making some of the most beautiful music the genre has to offer" 5***** Tickets £16/£14 For information and online bookings, visit www.wingfieldbarns.com, or call 01379 384505.

Anna Castleton

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—

Registered childminder and qualified Montessori teacher.

Set in the beautiful hamlet of Wilby.

Full and part-time places available for all ages.

Open 8am–6pm Tuesday to Friday all year round.

For all enquiries, contact Stephanie on: Phone: 07787154143 Email: stephanie.a.harvey01@gmail.com

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Sports Roundup

Stradbroke Cricket Club

Just like a Brexit leaving date, the start of the cricket season sneaks up unexpectedly. By the end of April, we will have played our first match of the Summer, a National Village Cup match at Wakes Colne, somewhere near the equator, heralding the start of a 276th season. We still need players, even if you can't play regularly, or haven't played cricket in a while. Get in touch.

As a Club we do our bit for the next generation by coaching in four local Primary Schools, introducing cricket to all ages from 5 to 11. More details next month. These things cost money, so our annual Horse Race Evening on Saturday 13th April at the Community Centre, is a vital fund raiser & demands your support. 1st race is 7:30pm. For your £8 entry, you will get Fish & Chips, betting facilities on 8 Horse Races, + the chance to own one of the horses & win the sponsor’s prize. There is a bar. It is always fun. This year is the 20th, so we must be doing something right. Please book by 10th April. Ring me on 07796-465347. Again, thanks to those Villagers old enough to remember cricket in the 50s for helping me research the history of the Cricket Club. As ever, any stories, photos, & particularly Diss Express reports for the period 1956-1960 are very welcome. Keep supporting your local Cricket Club, especially Race Night. Thank you Michael Hugman

Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre

Stradbroke Triathlon & Aquathon 18th & 19th May 2019 Following on from the success in previous years, this award winning Triathlon & Aquathlon is now in its 5th year.

“Can But Tri” have taken over the running of this event from Active Outdoor Sport, we are looking forward to working alongside Iain & Jill Dawson!

Triathlon This superb event is open for those aged 15 years+ and is an ideal introduction to Triathlon as well as a great warm up to the season for more experience competitors!

The swim is a short 160m (8 lengths), followed by a 17k cycle, finishing with a 3k off road run.

Spaces available Saturday 18th (evening) & Sunday 19th (morning) Junior Aquathlon This fun event takes place on Sunday afternoon & is open to all Juniors aged 8-14years (age as at 31.12.19).

The Swim & run (around fitness track) distances vary dependant on age group, please see website for more details!

Entries are now open, please go to www.stradbroketriathlon.com for more information, Volunteers Needed!

Many village residents volunteered as Marshals last year, we would love you to join us for the great atmosphere & to cheer the triathletes on, please send an email to stradbroketri@gmail.com or via : http://www.stradbroketriathlon.co.uk/volunteer For more information on any of the above events please call in & see us!

Maria Smith, Duty Manager

Stradbroke Tennis Club

A new tennis season is now underway. The Courts have recently undergone a spring clean which clears any moss and debris accumulated throughout the winter.

The club has been working closely with Suffolk Lawn Tennis Association over the last few months to ensure that we provide a safe environment for everyone that uses the courts. We have developed our own Safeguarding and British Tennis Inclusion and Diversity policies as well as appointing Lorraine Stanley as the Clubs Welfare Officer.

Lorraine's contact details are displayed on posters at the entrance to the courts and in our clubhouse.

For 2018/19 the Club will be a registered British Tennis Venue which enables the club to benefit from both public and employee liability insurances, financial support and gives members the opportunity to become British Tennis Members enabling members to apply for the ballot for Wimbledon Tickets and benefit from a number of other packages.

At our recent AGM it was agreed not to increase membership subscriptions this year and therefore they remain very good value for money. We are keen to attract new members all standards are welcome so why not come and have a game and join the club you will be most welcome. For further details please give me a ring on 01379 384557.

The club provides both adult and junior coaching so if you are interested in having some coaching you can contact the Club Coach Andy Bedwell. Mobile:07725851426 Phone: 01379 384796 email:abedwell86@gmail.com On Monday and Thursday afternoons Social Play runs from 1.00 to 4.00 and this is an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting a game so come and join us.

Kevin Holmes, Secretary Stradbroke Tennis Club

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Etheridge Nurseries Laxfield Road,Tel: 384204 Mob 07881 440140 Seed Potatoes & Onion/Shallots sets in stock now.

Wide selection of hedging plants (Laurel,Beech,Spindle,Hawthorn etc) Fruit Trees sale now on.

Local selection of Fruit & Vegetables available all year round.

Bags of Potatoes from£5:50 & £11.

A Selection of Cut Flowers and Pot Plants

Passmore Weeks & Richardson

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Sports Roundup

White Hart Bowls

Our annual trip to Potters was enjoyed by several of our members. It turned out to be very competitive. Roy Wilkinson claimed 3rd spot. Mike Smith came runner up to Roger Ward making Roger the winner for the 3rd year running. Greg Harlow was kind enough to present the large trophy to Roger with prize money going to 1st 2nd and 3rd spot. A big thank you to Mike Smith for arranging our warm up tour.We are now looking forward to the start of the bowls season and hope that the weather is kind to us. Paying in date for the bowls club is on Friday April 5th at 7.30pm.

Lynn Ruth

Stradbroke and District Bowls Club

Hello everyone, the club has held its annual dinner and presentation evening at the White Hart in February and our thanks to Alison and Max for their welcome and the excellent meal.

Presentations were made to the following.

Winner Runners Up Presidents cup J Alderton M Murray Barrs cup J Alderton S Theobald / S Leeder Packman cup J Alderton P Lewis Whitbread cup J Alderton M Last Bowers cup M Last G Leeder John Dann Shield D Webster P Dann Ray Biggs M Ellis T Leftley/L Lofts Les Parker cup Not Played Sat April 20th The green opens at 2.00 pm which is the start of the new season and we sincerely hope that you can come along when you will receive a warm welcome. The club is always looking for new members so please drop in and members will be on hand to show you the game with rollups on the green.

No gear is required all we ask is that you wear trainers or flat soled shoes.

The following are fixtures for the first six weeks of the season.

Tues April 23 Home to Wortham 6.30 pm Tues 30 Home to Hoxne 6.30 pm Sat May 4 Presidents Cup (singles) 5.00 pm Thur 9 Home to Thornham Magna 6.45 pm Mon 13 Away to Halesworth 7.00 pm Fri May 10 Bingo for bowls takes place in the community centre with 7.30 start.

As always we thank you for your time in reading this and hope to have the pleasure of meeting you on the opening day. If you have any questions with regard to the club please contact me on the following number.

Roy Lee 01379 384729

Fit Villages

A new free Community-led informal Walking Group is starting in Stradbroke on Thursday April 11th 2019. We will meet every Thursday at the Stradbroke Antiques Café, so please come along and join us for a friendly 30minute walk and chat around this beautiful Village. Everyone is welcome, whatever your age or ability - all you need are sensible shoes – and we look forward to seeing you.

For more information contact either Annie Groves or Dennis Merritt Tel: 07557 633 824. Email: annie.groves@suffolksport.com Tel: 01379 388 382. Email: dennis_merritt@hotmail.com Dennis Merritt

Stradbroke Cricket Club Race Night

Stradbroke Cricket Club 20th Annual Horse Race Evening on Saturday 13th April at Stradbroke Community Centre. 1st Race at 7:30pm. Entry £8 per person (inc Fish & Chips) 8 Horse Races on DVD: *own a horse & win sponsor’s prize: *betting facilities available: *free race card: *bar. To book Fish & Chips – ring Michael Hugman 07796-465347 or 01379-384433 by Wednesday 10th April.

Michael Hugman

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Friendly Professional Carer Offers quality care in your own home Personal care & associated tasks N.V.Q trained Trained in dementia Manual handling References available Contact Andrea 07872530567

For your Lawnmower & Small Engine Repairs and Servicing Tel: Phillip Cleveland on 388306

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Painting and Decorating by Ron Rankin - 25 Years Experience For All Your Domestic & Commercial Property Maintenance & Decorating Competitive Prices - Professional Standards Reliable & Experienced - Highly Recommended Advice & Quotations With No Obligation Tel: 01379 388243 Mob: 07762 326226

eMail: johnbedwell18@yahoo.co.uk Web:www.angliansalt.co.uk For all your salt supplies of: Hydrosoft tablet & granular salt, pure dried vaccum salt, de-icing salt.

Also we stock tablets & granular in 10kg bags.

Please contact us for competitive prices either collected or delivered.

Tel 01379 854061 Fax 01379 854 804 We offer free delivery to all Stradbroke residents.

Hammond Garden & Countryside Services Matthew Hammond

Felix Cottage Horham, Eye Suffolk IP21 5EG Tel: 01379 384643

Specialising in Conifer reduction.

All hedge work and garden clearance.

Any size lawn mowed.

Rough grass cut & strimmed.

Hedges and trees supplied and planted.

Small tree work - pruning/felling Lawns turfed and seeded All types of fencing Patios and paths laid.

Free estimates, all jobs considered.

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Here’s my advert!

Want to advertise in The Stradbroke Monthly?

Here’s the low down...

How long can I have my advert in the Monthly?

Advertisements are taken for a full year 01 April to 31 March.

How much will it cost?

Charges are dependent on the location of the advertiser as follows:

E J BROWN Builder

Stradbroke based: Quarter page £52 pa Eighth page £37pa Non Stradbroke based: Eighth page £47pa Sponsored Inside Front Cover Page £25 per edition Flyers and Inserts are not accepted.

What if I put my advert in mid year?

Payment for adverts listed part way through the year is on a pro rata basis. Invoices are, thereafter, sent annually for payment in advance. If the space is no longer required please inform the Monthly as soon as possible!

Please send your advert to editors@stradbrokemonthly.co.uk

Page 26

Steven Pleasance Carpenter and General Builder From hanging doors To Complete builds 01379 388253

Service and repairs to all cars, light commercial and 4x4’s Specialists in vehicle diagnostics Free local collection and delivery Courtesy car available Prompt attention assured Competitive rates

Open 8:00am - 5:30pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 12 noon Saturdays Barley Hall, Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, IP21 5NQ Located on the B1117 1 3/4 miles outside Stradbroke towards Laxfield.

News & Views

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Stradbroke Sports and Community Centre

The Community Website now has a new look and we encourage Villagers to post their events on the Calendar. If you have an annual diary of events which you would like to promote then send the details to the Editors for inclusion in the calendar. This helps all organisations in planning their respective programmes to avoid conflicting events as well as help residents to know what is happening over the year. All events will be included and special events will be promoted on the Front Page and on Facebook for maximum publicity.

We have now revised the Constitution for the SSCC it up to date and in line with recommendations from Community Action Suffolk. We are currently waiting for the Charity Commission to agree to the new version so the Management Committee can ratify it.

We are now planning our forth-coming events so look out for a Fun Sports Event and a Walking Treasure Hunt – details to be posted later on the Community Website and on posters around the Village.

Jane Merritt

Reassurance Policing

Exploring public opinion on: Reassurance Policing Name of researcher: Abigail Kegge The aim of the research: To identify current perceptions (opinions and feelings) about what Suffolk Constabulary is doing well and what needs to be improved, in respect to reassurance policing. The findings will be used to form part of my Masters Degree dissertation and in the production of a document, detailing recommendations, addressed to Suffolk Constabulary.

Who is eligible to participate: All Suffolk residents who are aged 16 years and over.

Full details are provided ahead of the questionnaire. Both of which can be found by following this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=2V0m7q0Et0G0CeZplwXTXWHURY6UbPhEqmel66qte8JUO DdNNEc2MEtWUFVPOVBES0tLNjJPMzlXWS4u or use the QR code.

Please allow up to 15-20 minutes to complete.

Please note, the format of the survey appears best on a desktop computer, laptop or tablet. But it is manageable on a mobile phone. Thank you for your time and your support.

Abigail Kegge

Exciting partnership announced

The Pear Tree Fund is joining forces with Big C Cancer Charity to increase the range of help and support available to local people with life-changing illnesses once its new resource centre opens.

Big C offers support for those affected by cancer across Norfolk and Waveney, and will provide training and financial help when the Pear Tree Centre in Halesworth becomes operational later this year. It will also arrange peer support staff to work at the centre, who will be able to share their own experiences of living with cancer or offer a listening ear or advice.

The partnership will give people living in north east Suffolk and south Norfolk the chance to get expert advice closer to home to help them or their loves ones living with cancer or undergoing treatment.

Ted Edwards, co-chair of the Pear Tree Centre project, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Big C. The charity plays a significant role in helping to improve the lives of people with cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, and also has extensive experience of running drop-in centres for patients and their families.

“We are really looking forward to working with them once the Pear Tree Centre opens to improve the support which is available when local people need it the most.”

Dr Chris Bushby, chief executive at Big C said: “Since 1980, Big C has been committed to improving cancer care for local people. As a local charity, we are proud to invest in and provide support at the Pear Tree Centre, which will greatly enhance the help available to those affected by cancer in north east Suffolk and south Norfolk.”

The Pear Tree Fund, which was formerly known as Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund, is building the £880,000 Pear Tree Centre on land next to Cutlers Hill Surgery. Once complete, it will offer family services and advice on finance and benefits, as well as help understanding a diagnosis and coping with bereavement.

The centre will include space for local support groups to meet, a counselling room, small library and a comfortable area where people can relax and chat informally. A therapy room where patients can receive complementary treatments, such as Reiki and massage, will also be available, along with a landscaped garden to help promote wellbeing.

To find out more about the centre and how you could support the charity, visit peartreefund.org

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News & Views St Elizabeth Hospice

Our Bubble Rush events are back this summer on Saturday 8 June in Chantry Park, Ipswich, and Sunday 8 September in Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds.

These fun-filled, foam-tastic family days out are a great way to entertain the kids while helping to support St Elizabeth Hospice and Zest, part of the St Elizabeth Hospice family which provides tailored support services for young adults .

You can walk, run or dance your way around the 5km routes where there will be five different coloured bubble stations to blast you with frothy bubbles. Early Bird tickets are just £13 for adults, £8 for under 16s and under 2s go free. Book now to avoid disappointment! The Ipswich early bird ends on 31 March and Bury St Edmunds early bird ends on 31 May. Joanne Rodger, Events Manager, said: “Last year over 1000 people took part in our Bubble Rush events helping to raise thousands of pounds for our services – and they all had a fantastic time doing so, dashing through the foam! We’re really pleased to be able to offer these events again this year and to say that we have lowered the price of all adult tickets based on feedback from last year’s participants, so it’s now cheaper for all of the family to enjoy Bubble Rush.”

All proceeds raised from these events will help us to provide vital end of life care to people living in East Suffolk as well as services for young adults living across Suffolk who need our support. If you want to help St Elizabeth Hospice even further, you can also fundraise to complete the Bubble Rush in memory of a loved one.

Elmers Big Parade

Following the huge success of our 'Pigs Gone Wild' art trail in 2016 we are pleased to announce our 2019 event Elmer's Big Parade Suffolk.

The trail, which is based on the much loved character Elmer the patchwork elephant, sees the hospice once again join up with Wild in Art, who organised last year’s trail, and new partner Andersen Press who own the publishing rights to Elmer. The 2019 event, which coincides with both ours and Elmer's 30th anniversary, is planned to be even bigger running for two weeks longer and with an anticipated 50 Elmer statues compared to the 40 pigs we had last time. As well as raising significant funds towards the vital services offered by St Elizabeth Hospice - the £200,000 raised pays for one week's care - 'Pigs Gone Wild' attracted over 250,000 visitors to Ipswich and contributed £1m to the local economy. We want our next trail to be even more successful.

Website The official website for the campaign is now live! Visit www.elmersbigparadesuffolk.co.uk to find out more.

Sponsor an Elmer We are on the look out for sponsors for our remaining few Elmer statues; find out more by downloading our sponsorship pack or by emailing info@elmersbigparadesuffolk.co.uk Learning Programme As well as the trail of large Elmers, 2019 will see a whole herd of 'young Elmers' taking over too! As part of the Learning Programme, each school or youth group that pledges to raise £750 for the hospice over the next 18 months will be given a 'young Elmer' sculpture to decorate - plus the chance to win a large blank Elmer of their own!

Elmer promotes positive messages about inclusivity, courage and friendship and it is hoped our herd of 'young Elmers' will help to create a sense of unity among the young people of Suffolk. If you are part of a group who would like to take part in this way, download our Learning Programme brochure to find out more.

Don't delay, get in touch and join the parade that will literally be 'tons of fun for everyone!'

Artist Call Out We will be putting a call out to artist to submit designs to paint our 50 Elmer sculptures for the 2019 trail. The artist information pack will go live on the evening of Tuesday July 31. Follow this link to find out more elmersbigparadesuffolk.co.uk/artists St Elizabeth Hospice

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THE CELLPHONE & FAX SPECIALIST

TGA Communications Ltd Purchase your new cellphone from TGA Communications at competitive prices Enquiries welcome 7am to 7pm days a week.

We also sell secondhand equipment & part-ex welcome.

WE OFFER A FULL RANGE OF CELLULAR PHONES INCLUDING Motorola - Panasonic - Mitsubishi - NEC - Nokia Professional After Sales Service Hire of Equipment (including European use of GSM) For further details: Brundish Rd, Wilby Tel: 01379 388156 Fax 01379 388109

Keeping in touch: Dan Poulter, MP

Page 31

At the end of February, I was delighted to welcome a delegation of farmers from Suffolk, all of whom were attending as part of a group of National Farmers’ Union (NFU) members, led by Suffolk County Chairman, Glenn Buckingham.

A special meeting was held in Westminster, where the farmers were able to directly put across their concerns collectively to Suffolk’s MPs. Not surprisingly, most expressed concern about how agricultural policy will be affected as Britain draws ever closer to leaving the European Union. Other shared concerns included tariffs, animal welfare standards, food traceability, environmental practice, food production costs, availability of seasonal and migrant labour and the future of water abstraction licenses.

Alongside my Parliamentary colleagues, I also heard first-hand members' concerns about the recent increase in illegal hare-coursing, resulting in significant trespass and damage to land and property. Often perceived as a low-key activity, hare-coursing is a highly organised, lucrative affair, with high stakes and organised gambling. The Government is clear that responsibility for tackling this issue lies with local police forces and commendably, Suffolk Constabulary are doing all that they can to tackle this issue head on. I remain keen to support the farming community in their pursuits to stop this cruel, illegal and barbaric practice, and I will continue to do all that I can to support them in the fight against rural crime.

My colleagues and I were also urged to support NFU-proposed amendments to the Agriculture Bill, which would put food production front and centre of future Government policies and ban imports of food produced in ways that would be illegal, or to lower standards than those required of British farmers. We already know that Britain is a world-leader in high standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety and quite rightly, Suffolk’s farmers voiced their concerns about not allowing food to be imported into this country post-Brexit which may compromise those standards.

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich is a predominantly rural constituency and with so many jobs being dependent on the agricultural sector, I am a great supporter of our local farmers and regularly meet with the NFU and the farming community to keep abreast of the important work being carried out across this sector. It’s always helpful to hear first-hand the challenges faced and to offer my help in raising awareness or addressing their concerns when necessary.

For more information please visit my website www.drdanielpoulter.com

Sponsor Page 2 with your own article or advert!

Page 2 is a Sponsored Page, allowing any individual or organisation to request the page for their article or advertisement! The cost of ‘sponsoring ‘ the page will be £25 - this guarantees the whole of the inside front cover page and would give contributors the opportunity to include their own graphics and pictures, laid out to their own design!

It will be possible to request the page some time in advance, but to give fair access the page will not be blocked booked by the same individual or organisation/company for more than two consecutive months. The page will be available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, but can be booked ahead of time, with payment securing your space in the magazine.

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Village Diary March 30th All Saints Church Fundraising Committee Book/Puzzle sale in church (see page 4) 31st Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am www.radiostradbroke.co.uk April 1st ‘Tiny Talk Baby Signing’ at the Court House at 10.30 am and every Monday (see page 10) 1st Rummikub Club in Court House at 2pm and every Monday (see page 10) 2nd Jumping Beans for babies/toddlers/children under 5, and every Tuesday (see page 10) 2nd Contact Club meet in Community Centre and every Tuesday 2nd Stradbroke Badminton club meet at Stradbroke High School, and every Tuesday 3rd Table tennis in the Community Centre at 7.30pm, and every Wednesday 4th Over 60s meet in Community Centre, 2pm to 4pm, (see page 12) 4th Court House Café 9.30am-12.30pm, and every Thursday (see page 10) 4th Stradbroke Youth Football at playing field, and every Thursday evening 5th ‘Friday Friends’ dementia friendly café in Court House (see page 10) 5th Open Space Theatre Company presents Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (see page 18) 6th ‘Soup and Cake’ Lunch in the Community Centre (see page 18) 6th Laxfield Produce, Craft and Flea Market from 9.30 am (see page 18) 7th Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am www.radiostradbroke.co.uk 8th Stradbroke Parish Council meeting at Court House, 7.30 pm (see page 6) 10th Baptist Church Friendship Lunch at 12.30pm (see page 3) 11th Free Community-led informal Walking Group is starting (see page 22) 11th WI meet in Community Centre (see page 9) 12th Points Of View Photography Exhibition from 6pm to 8pm (see page 17) 13th Points Of View Photography Exhibition from 10.30m to 5pm (see page 17) 13th Stradbroke Cricket Club Race Night at Community Centre at 7.30pm (see page 20) 13th Concert at St Peter’s Church, Westleton at 7.30pm (see page 17) 14th Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am www.radiostradbroke.co.uk 16th PC Clinic at 2.15pm in Court House (see page 6) 18th Over 60s meet in Community Centre, 2pm to 4pm, (see page 12) 18th Stradbroke Cinema presents ‘The Wife’ in the Community Centre, doors at 7pm (see page 17) 19th **Deadline for submissions for May edition strictly by this date** 19th Worlingworth Easter Music in St Mary's church (see page 17) 20th Stradbroke and District Bowls Club Green Open at 2pm (see page 22) 21st Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am www.radiostradbroke.co.uk 24th Baptist Church Soup ‘n’ Sweets lunch at 12.30pm (see page 3) 26th White Hart Bowls Bingo at 7.30pm in the Community Centre (see page 17) 26th Kick In The Head presents My Dog's Got No Nose Giles Shenton (see page 18) 27th Simply Spanish Dining and Dancing in aid of FOSH (see page 17) 27th Peter Knight's Gigspanner at Wingfield Barns (see page 18) 28th Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am www.radiostradbroke.co.uk

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