The Stradbroke Monthly November 2021

www.stradbrokemonthly.co.uk

November 2021

No.477

REMEMBRANCE This year we have seen the end of the war in Afghanistan.

When we stand before the memorial at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, we will think of all of Stradbroke’s young who have lost their lives in conflict, but especially this year, we’ll remember with both sadness and pride, James Grigg. James was a quiet man, with a dry sense of humour, and a deep passion for cricket. He loved being a soldier and a Viking. James lost his life in Helmand province on 16 March, 2010, aged just 21. th-

REMEMBERED WITH HONOUR

Stradbroke comes together to remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of all the casualties of war, on Sunday, 14 November at 10:50am at the War Memorial or online at radiostradbroke.co.uk. th

AFTERMATH -

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Local Churches

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Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, Suffolk, 01379 388 744 You would be made most welcome.

Sundays 10:15am Worship Service Thursdays 1:30pm Prayer & Share ‘Friendship Lunches ***After careful consideration we have decided to delay lunch gatherings until 2022.*** Something to ponder… ‘A Message of Hope… ’ (By Aboyowa Dabor, aged 12, from All Nations Baptist Church, Clapham) Even through this coronavirus pandemic, we should look to God and not lose hope in Him. We need to be using this as an opportunity and discover the godly way of facing trials and tribulations in our own individual lives and as a community. We should suffer with joy just like Paul and Silas in the prison and be patient knowing that after all this pain it will be better and those who kept strong and hold of their faith in Christ will be rewarded more than they’ll ever know by the FATHER. The Old Testament recounts the story of Job who lost everything but his faith was never lost. My prayer is that people will not lose their faith to anger, upset, sickness, loss of hope, impatientness and disappointment. My prayer is that people will not curse God to His face and use this as a chance to blame Him for all the deaths of the innocent and the not-so-innocent. But instead give people the wisdom to look to the cross and seek inspiration, encouragement and peace. In John 14:27, Jesus talks about a special peace that he gives to us as a gift. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do, I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This peace that God gives us is free to take but it’s also free to lose. It’s like a comforter; a restorer of any guilt or pain or trouble or heartbreak that we may feel in our hearts. It’s that peace that kept so many righteous and great men and women of God in the Bible to continue the work because they knew they had a purpose on earth- to fulfil God’s gracious promise – a promise that was made to humanity in the very beginning at the fall of man.

Never forget that God will willingly try to come through to even the most evil of all people to show his very best. If Jesus could change and turn around the entire life of a persecutor of His own name (Paul), who’s stopping him now? Miracles can happen.

Sometimes the best way to get through to people is indirect communication. Videos, stories, movies, books are all indirect. That’s why we should look positively through this virus and see it as a moment to share God’s message of love and peace through ways we may not have imagined we’d ever do. But do not abandon what truly matters, which is glorifying God’s name to the ends of the earth. We don’t do this for the glory to come to us.

No! It all belongs to Him: the one who loved us so much that He gave His only Son; the one who remembered each and every one of us even though we wake up every morning and somehow deliberately falling into the trap of sins tempting grasp; the one who so desperately wants you to commit your life to Him and be his child.

So go for it! Don’t let anyone stop you from fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for your life and others surrounding you. By doing this, just like for Job, your works will not go unnoticed by others and God. And remember you are not alone.

(Aboyowa Dabor, aged 12) May God continue to bless us all, Bruce Francis, Pastor 01379 388 744 / 07484 219 265

Stradbroke Good Neighbours

Stradbroke Good Neighbours are now offering lifts to hospitals and Drs etc.

We can only take one passenger sitting diagonally opposite the driver and masks and hand gel will be provided. We can have help from porters at the hospital if needed.

Good Neighbours 07749445531 Jane Gemmill and the G N Committee

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Local Churches

All Saints, Stradbroke Revd Canon Susan Loxton 01379 388493, Church warden Peter Chetwynd 384069 If you have any questions about Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals, or any questions about the Faith, please contact Revd Canon Susan 31st October – Mon 8th November Week of Remembrance 7th November 10.30 am Café church, coffee and biscuits to start.

14th November 10.50am Act of Remembrance, followed by service in church 21st November 8.30 am BCP Holy Communion 7th December 10.30 am Café church, which will include Gift giving to Salvation Army For other services each week across the Benefice, see church noticeboard.

The church continues to be open for private prayer every day from 10am to 4pm Short, informal prayer time each Monday at 10 am in the church. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Also find us on our website: sancroftbeneficechurches.org Thanks to all who contributed to Waveney Food Bank at Café Church last month. If you want to experience joining together in a church in a relaxed manner, then give us a go in November.

The third Sunday each month is a short, 30 minute service for Holy Communion. We read and speak the traditional words taken from the Book of Common Prayer. All are welcome to take the Bread and Wine or receive a blessing.

All Saints Church Fundraising Committee

The cake stall raised £95.80 and the cash bingo raised £185.40.

The craft fair is coming along well with about 10 stalls selling gifts ideal for Christmas, in the Community Centre Nov 6th 10am -2pm. November 20th is the Book and Puzzle sale in Church 10am-2pm when the Christmas Hamper will be on display. This will then be raffled at the Christmas Cash Bingo in the Community Centre on December 10th. The Cake Stall for Christmas is on December 4th in Church Street 8:30am onwards. Any cakes would be welcome.

The Committee thank everyone for their support raising money to keep the church running smoothly.

Mary Ellis As Treasurer of the church many thanks to Andrew Hugman and Peter & Jennifer Chetwynd for raising money in aid of Suffolk Historic Churches Fund when half of the money raised will be going to our church. Thank you all so much. Hope you have recovered!

Mary Ellis

From the Rectory

Dear Friends, Dark mornings with a torch, walking the dog; short days, longing for sunshine; autumn is well and truly here. But it is not all bad; the colours of autumn are wonderful. Looking up at a clear sky, seeing the stars, helps us realise how small we are and how vast the sky. And yet, we are loved by a God who cares for us.

For the church, November sees the end of the current year and the beginning of a new one on Advent Sunday, 28th November. At our family@church service we will be retelling the most wonderful story of the birth of Jesus a bit early but telling the story of Christmas will hopefully give us a better perspective of the coming festivities.

We have had warnings from the media about shortages of food and Christmas gifts, so why not take stock this year of what really matters and what is important. Maybe we might do things differently. Just as much fun can be had on a budget – just watch a toddler with a wooden spoon and a saucepan! Board games, making things together and enjoying family and friends’ company, these are the things that warm our hearts.

Earlier in the year I was touched by the poem The hill we Climb by Amanda Gorman. She wrote it for President Biden’s inauguration after the awful scenes we saw on our TVs at the White House. She wrote: Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved, we grew, That even as we hurt, we hoped, That even as we tired, we tried.

Amanda Gorman is, I think, a woman of faith, for she quotes the bible elsewhere in the poem, and it is God who can bring hope out of hurt and growth out of adversity and pain.

The Christmas story is all about that; hope glows in a dark stable, hope rises in the hearts of those who knelt in worship and homage to this special baby; out of the death of the man Jesus, comes the greatest hope of all. Death and sin are conquered, new life and hope available for everyone, the promise of life everlasting.

I end with the final words from the poem: For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.

Take care and God bless, Susan

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Parish Pump

Next Parish Council meeting: 8th November in the Court House starting @ 7.30pm There is a vacancy on the Parish Council which Councillors are hoping to fill via co-option. If you are interested in the role, please contact the Clerk (details below).

Planning consultation decisions reached by the Parish Council: DC/21/05424 – Corner Cottage, Church Street IP21 5HS SUPPORT DC/21/05022 –Oakfields, Battlesea Green IP21 5NE Comments to be submitted regarding Policy STRAD12 – Light Pollution.

DC/21/05141 –Hubbards, Queen Street, IP21 5HG SUPPORT Planning outcomes issued by Mid Suffolk: DC/21/03586 – Land adj The Cottages, Pixey Green IP21 5NH REFUSED. DC/21/04538 – Land rear of the Beeches, Meadow Way IP21 5JW APPROVED as an annexe to the existing buildings.

DC/20/20252 – Castle Hill Farm, Thorndon IP23 7JT APPEAL DISMISSED DC/21/04627 – White House, Rattlerow Hill IP21 5HR APPROVED Parish Council updates: • Tennis Court Land – investigations showed that the Council would retain ownership of approx. a third of the tennis courts and surrounding land. Cllrs await a response from Community Centre Trustees as to whether they wish to continue with the transfer.

• A revised PIIP and Implementation Plan were approved and the Clerk will be obtaining estimates for costs involved for a number the projects which will be funded by the CIL paid to the Council.

• The draft lease for the Health Centre has been submitted to NHSE and the District Valuer for review and approval.

• Cllr Wisbey resigned as one of the Parish Council’s nominated Trustees on the Stradbroke Sports & Community Centre committee.

• County Broadband has received sufficient interest to proceed to the design stage. Further areas of the parish could be covered if further interest is expressed.

• Youth Engagement – social media will be investigated. Cllr Ayling and the Clerk will contact the high school.

• Solar Car ports – a meeting took place with end users but no report was available at the meeting.

• Jubilee: The proposed meeting with the community centre regarding an invitation to work with the Parish Council has yet to take place, it is hoped this will take place before the November meeting.

Green canopy will be investigated further once land becomes available. The idea of a beacon was rejected by Cllrs.

• Requests to use the car park at Wilby Road by fast food mobile outlets was rejected as it was considered that parking on the roads in the centre of the village would be a better location.

GRIT BINS: The parish council has received requests to place a grit bin in the village. To enable this to be successful a number of volunteers are required to spread the grit – if you are interested and able to help, please contact the Clerk (details below). Thank you if you have already been in touch.

Odile Wladon (Clerk) Mobile: 07555 066147 Email: clerk@stradbrokepc.org Website: https://www.stradbrokepc.org/ PC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StradbrokePC Address: Mill Hill House, Church Lane, Wickham Skeith, Suffolk IP23 8NA

From The Chair..

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It was great to be back at the Court House again for our October meeting for the first time since early 2020.

A number of issues were raised at this meeting with our County Councillor Peter Gould particularly in respect of flooding on Queens Street and adjacent buildings. Cllr Gould agreed to look into this longstanding issue drainage that has recent times seen at least one house badly flooded as well as classrooms at the Primary School.

Cllr Gould also reported that he has been involved in conversations at Mid Suffolk District Council in response to concerns expressed about the proposed Grove Farm development. These plans show access from very near to the “pinch point” on Queens Street and he has been investigating a suggestion from the Stradbroke Community Land Trust that the site could be accessed from Shelton Hill. This would need support from Mid Suffolk as they own a “ransom strip” that could provide access.

Councillors also reviewed the Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan (PIIP) which documents how we intent to spend any community infrastructure levy (CIL) money that we will get when the proposed housing developments are built. Key priorities are to help fund a new nursery and traffic calming measures. We also discussed some more immediate use of money we have received from smaller developments and our Clerk Odile is preparing some estimates for the Council to consider at our next meeting.

The next Council meeting will take place on Monday 8th November at 8pm at the Court House. You can also watch the meeting on the Council’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stradbrokeweb James Hargrave, Parish Council Chairman

Stradbroke Good Neighbours Need Your Help!

The Suffolk Good Neighbour Network project This project is funded by the Lottery Community Fund and is now entering the last year of the five-year term.

Help is needed from communities around the county to secure funding for the future.

Most Stradbroke residents will know of our local Good Neighbour scheme. Some of you will have benefited directly, or know someone who has, or you may be one of our thirteen volunteers. Whatever your experience of Stradbroke Good Neighbours, we would like you to take part in a short survey. The feedback will help the Suffolk project to demonstrate the impact of our scheme in the community.

Stradbroke Good Neighbours has received regular funding from the Parish Council and, over past years, also from the Stradbroke Charitable Trust. During the pandemic, we also received a grant from the Suffolk project via Mid Suffolk Council which enabled us to operate on a much larger scale than previously.

You may not be aware that Stradbroke Good Neighbours was started in 2004 and had an original steering group of nine. Two of the original members are still volunteers and Jane Gemmill is still our chairman seventeen years on.

In a typical year our volunteers carry out around 550 trips between them and cover over 15,000 miles. Our main journeys are to doctors’ surgeries, dentists, hospitals, opticians etc. but we have also been known to take pets to veterinary surgeries when the owners don’t have the means of getting there. We also collect prescriptions and shopping for our clients.

These last two years, however, have been anything but typical. At the start of the first lockdown, it was immediately evident that people would be needing more help, and that we would sometimes be helping people who were extremely vulnerable. We circulated an appeal for volunteers to all houses in the village and surrounding area and had a tremendous response. At the end of two weeks, we had an extra eighty volunteers and our client list had grown from around 100 to nearer 250. People needed shopping done, prescriptions collected, and other small tasks carried out, as well as the comfort of seeing a friendly face in what had become a rather scary world.

During the pandemic other villages in the region set up their own support networks. As a result, Fressingfield has set up its own Good Neighbour Scheme, although they are yet to recruit drivers. Prior to this Stradbroke was one of only two schemes part of the county and we served clients as far away as Cratfield, Dennington and Hoxne.

Stradbroke is still supporting small villages such as Horham, Wilby and Hoxne.

I hope you can see that this scheme is a valuable service to rural areas, and particularly Suffolk, which has so many small villages where people often must rely on infrequent public transport or help from neighbours and friends.

To maintain and expand this service, The Suffolk Good Neighbour Network project needs funding. You can help by completing a simple questionnaire.

You can a find link to the questionnaire on the home page of Stradbroke Online.

Alternatively, you can collect a paper copy of the questionnaire either from the Bakers or the library.

Carol Darling

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Friendly & Helpful Service From Adie

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Organisations

W.I.

Yes we have made it to another meeting and I am pleased to say that we had an impressive turnout for the evening.

This was an open meeting which meant non members could join us to enjoy the evenings speaker who was Mary Newton . Mary is a retired forensic scientist with a wealth of fascinating and sometimes gorey stories of true life cases but, more later.

Our president was unable to be with us and so I welcomed all to the meeting and followed the usual offices before thanking our hostesses Jennifer and Annie for their floral offerings and provision of refreshments aided by cakes from Gwyneth and Roz, thank you ladies. Now it was time to welcome Mary and settle down to an enthralling evening.

As mentioned before Mary is a retired forensic scientist of 40 years standing who has worked on many high profile cases including murders and latterly specialising in cases of rape. First she explained methods and means of how she would examine a crime scene painting a clear picture of how she approached each new case, what she would be looking for, why, and how she would complete these tasks. We are now well versed in blood spatter patterns, well a little anyway. Once we were clued up as to how she worked Mary introduced us to cases that she had worked on and which we had heard of in the media so were, in a way, familiar to us. Always pleased when her work helped to convict a criminal and justice was done there were also occasions when evidence could be insufficient to convict or maybe leave doubt as to the truth of a case. Heavy stuff to deal with I feel. Latterly Mary moved on to specialising in rape cases helping to format the investigative process and becoming a leading expert in the field. The audience were enthralled throughout and expressed their appreciation roundly asking lots of good questions and very pleased when Mary said she was happy to come back and do another talk on her rape investigations so watch this space. Jane M thanked Mary on our behalf and we retired for refreshments.

Following our break we returned, dealt with a little more business and presented birthday posies nearly forgetting to congratulate Jane and Stuart Gemmill on their golden wedding anniversary, very impressive well done. The raffle was next and Mary kindly pulled the tickets for us as the prizes were collected. A very good evening was had by all and before they left the ladies were reminded that the next meeting would be November 11th when a guest from Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue would coming to talk to us about how to look after hedgehogs . As always do come and try us out, all are welcome no strings . Until next time Cheers everyone Prue Rush

Stradbroke Court House and Library News

Collect your COVID 19 Lateral Flow Home test at Stradbroke Library. Call in and ask.

October saw the arrival of our Charity Christmas Cards and Christmas Hamper Raffle, so do come and support what we do at the Courthouse and raise money for good causes.

The Court House Cafe is now open with its normal opening hours every Thursday and Saturday mornings.

It is a vibrant, lively Café with lovely homemade food and very good coffee.

We have started an informal Craft & Natter group at the library on Tuesday afternoons from 2 to 4pm. If anyone is interested in joining the group please call in at the library (01379 384465) and let Maureen know or ring Maureen (07507802360) or Candice (0779569105). It would be an opportunity to bring your own craft and get to know other like-minded people in our community or to just come along and socialise. Craft packs can be provided if needed for a small fee and refreshments are provided.

Our Thursday Afternoon Book Group is now up and running again. Our meetings are held on the last Thursday in the month. Next meeting Thursday 25th November. New members welcome.

Our Friday Friends Café will be relaunching on Friday 5th November from 10-12pm and will be held on the first Friday in the month onwards, we will still be supporting families that have been affected by dementia but would also like to invite anyone to come along who might just like some friendly company and chat.

There will always be someone understanding to talk to about support and advice if you need it. For more information, please contact Maureen 01379 384768 or mobile 07507802360 Christmas stamps will be on sale in the Post Office from November 2nd 2021.

Maureen John

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Organisations

Stradbroke Village Archive

Source:BNA

Left to Right: Col GP Humphrey, Miss I Skinner, Mrs AR Chambers, Mr BT Cummins, Mrs J Harwood Harrison.

The Diss Express reported on 6th June 1950 , that a fair had been held at Stradbroke Priory by invitation of Col and Mrs Humphrey, in which several children’s races and other competitions were held. It named the baby show winners as (up to 6months) Margaret Muttock, (up to one year) Christine Jaggard and (up to eighteen months) Ann Amies. Winners of the ankle competition were (ladies) Mrs Drawmer, and (men), Mr L Blythe. Other competition winners were, R Baxter, R Chambers, HA Webb, Col. HT Kent, Mrs AR Chambers, Miss RJ Johnson, Mrs J Clarke, and Miss Mary Lockwood. The total takings amounted to £36.5s.5d.

We recognise some of these names and hope you do too.

Ann Readman, SARA

Radio Stradbroke

At this time of year Radio Stradbroke discards its Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses, and dons a sturdy Winter coat. It is reflective of the times we live in that we stage more outdoor events in November, than in the whole of Summer. Firstly, we have been asked to provide music and PA for Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston, at their annual Firework display on Friday 5th, followed by 'live' video and audio coverage of the Remembrance Sunday wreath laying from Stradbroke War Memorial on Sunday 14th. This has proved very popular in past years, particularly among former residents of Stradbroke who cannot attend, but can feel close to events. All this, plus daily broadcasts between 10am & 1pm, can be found on www.radiostradbroke.co.uk Michael Hugman

Over 60s

We had a successful Coffee morning and Sale on Saturday 16th, a big thank you to everyone who came along and supported us. We have two meetings in November, Thursday 4th with a game of Beetle, and Thursday 18th when we will be playing Bingo. Why not come along and meet us, the meetings are 2pm to 4pm. We will then be looking forward to our Christmas lunch on 2nd December.

Carole Sach

Contact Club

The contact club takes place every Tuesday in Stradbroke Community Centre. We are open from 10.00 am for coffee and a chat, we play cards, bingo etc. There will be a small charge of £1.00 to help our funds. If you would like to stay to lunch which is served at 12.00 it’s an extra £2.00. The Contact Club has been running 20 years to help the older community contact one and other, but is more important now than ever after the isolation we all faced through the Covid Pandemic.

If you would like to join us on a Tuesday please contact myself. We would be happy to welcome you. stella.goddard@yahoo.com or 01379 384704 Stella Goddard

Your local Citizens Advice needs you

A local charity offering advice is looking for new volunteers to join their team.

Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk offer people free advice on issues like benefits, debt, employment and housing. Volunteers are based in the Advice Centre in Stowmarket.

Simon Clifton, Chief Officer, said, “over the covid-19 pandemic we have continued to provide a service to people who need it – closing up shop was not an option. One challenge that remains is to continue to meet demand.

Volunteers are at the heart of our charity and we’re looking for new people to join our team. You don’t need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer with us, just an interest in working with people to make their lives better.”

Steve Avery, who has been volunteering with Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk for 4 years, said, “I like volunteering here because you make a real difference to people’s lives. There’s a great team of people and you get a lot of support. I would say to anyone considering volunteering to give it a try because it keeps you connected and up to date.”

There are several roles available including Advisers, Telephone Assessors and Trustees.

Jaz Last, Community Officer

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01379 677 770

Antique Restoration

Ian Brown LCGI

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Forthcoming Events

Rustic Barn Craft And Gift Shop

The Rustic Barn at The Old Lion Queen Street Stradbroke, will be holding a late night shopping event, with mulled wine and 10% off all sales, going towards pancreatic cancer.

Do come along on Thursday the 2nd of December, between 6pm and 9 pm, to look for that unusual Christmas present Mary Thompson

Syleham and Wingfield village hall (IP21 4LT)

We are open! and we provide an ideal compact venue for events, parties, get togethers - contact Donna on donnamariegoose@hotail.co.uk for a visit or booking.

You can join us for Coffee and Cake 1st Tuesday of the month 10 - 11.30am or Come for Coffee (with or without craft) Last Thursday of the month 1.30 - 3pm or J's Meadow get together 2nd Thursday of the month 10 - 12 - bring your own refreshments & tools Syleham and Wingfield Sports and Social club is open Tuesday and Fridays from 8pm.

Annual membership is £3.50 (£3.00 concs) 1st Friday = Open Mic 2nd Friday = Purplestar Karaoke We will be rearranging our monthly fundraising Bingo sessions - previously we have supported Eye Opportunity group, Meningitis Now, Waveney foodbank and many more Carpets bowls - Monday evenings - roll ups and matches J's Meadow is down the footpath opposite the village hall, open space for community use with fantastic views over the Waveney valley. Info: Julie T text 07929794636 Julie Thompson

Coffee Morning

St Andrews Church Wingfield Coffee & Cake Morning at Syleham & Wingfield Village Hall On Saturday, 13th November, 10am – 12. Raffle, Tombola, Cake Stall, 2nd Hand Clothes Rail, with bags, shoes & handbags , CDs/DVDs/Books. Donations of the above very welcome. Jacky Taylor 07846365818 to leave message or E-mail Dower1965@gmail.com Thank you, Jacky

Stradbroke Cinema

It was lovely to see you all again last month and we look forward to welcoming more of our cinemagoers in the coming months On November 18th we will be showing The Last Bus. To continue our trip away from Suffolk here we have the magnificent Timothy Spall journeying from John O’Groats to Land’s End using only local buses and his free bus pass to carry the ashes of his recently departed wife to the place where they first met. Like the people he meets on the way we become intrigued by him and cheer him on. A revealing portrait not only of a determined character (Spall) but also about Britain. A truly satisfying film.

Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. It is no longer mandatory for you wear a mask during the performance but if you feel more comfortable doing so then please wear one. There will be an interval half way through the film, with ice-cream on sale and the Bar will also be open.

Tickets will be on sale from November 1st via the online booking system - £5.50 for adults, £3 for 16s and under.

If you are unable to use our booking system, tickets will be available using card payments on the door and at the Bar - but we will never refuse cash!

Full details can be found on the Village website that is at www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk Roger Turkington and Jane Merritt

Learn: 2 New Talks

Learn: is delighted to be able to offer two new afternoon talks in November. The first is An Historical Tour of the Waveney Valley given by Stephen Poulter. This will be a fully illustrated tour of the Waveney looking at buildings, tales, famous people and myths over the last 400 years. It will be held at the Stradbroke Community Centre on Wednesday, November 3rd at 2.30pm. Tickets on the door: £7.00 including refreshments at the end.

The second is Jane Austen: her Life and Times given by Mark Mitchels. Again, a fully illustrated and detailed talk on one of our best authors. This is to be held at Stradbroke Community Centre on Wednesday, November 24th at 2.00pm. Tickets on the door: £7.00 including refreshments at the end. Any enquiries please contact me on 07730011951 or 01379 384248 or at gillianrenniedunkerley@hotmail.com We look forward to seeing you there.

Gillian Rennie-Dunkerley

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The Original Stradbroke Village Website!

Now in its 19th year the Stradbroke Village Website brings you news, views and information about Stradbroke.

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

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OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 07:00-20:00 Saturday 07:00-18:00 Sunday 07:00-14:00 Phone number 01379 388547

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Forthcoming Events

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Heveningham Hall Events Return

We are so excited to announce that our Fireworks Event will be going ahead this year. It will be held on Saturday 6 November. You can expect all the usual stalls and fairground attractions and the ever popular LED Drummers. Our headline music act this year is RAZORLIGHT whose hits include, “Somewhere Else’, ‘In the Morning’ and “America”. Sharing the stage will be Freddie and the Freeloaders and the Norwich band, Little Red Kings.

The gates will open at 4:30pm and the spectacular firework display, by Full Effect Fireworks, will start after 7:30pm.

Tickets are £35 per car in advance or £40 at the gate, those choosing to walk to the event are £15 per adult and £5 per child (ages 4-14).

Tickets can be purchased at Halesworth Golf Club, Laxfield Co-op, Halesworth Wine Shop and the Huntingfield Arms or www.suffolk-fireworks.co.uk/tickets Our Christmas Market Event has grown in popularity so this year it will be bigger and better. This will be held on Saturday 4 December and run from 12pm till 8pm. To add to the Christmas feel, there will be a synthetic ice skating rink and a train ride across to see Father Christmas in his grotto. This event will now be moved to the Orangery at the back of the Hall.

No date has yet been set for the Country Fair.

To protect your wellbeing, we will be working with Environmental Health to ensure we are compliant with COVID 19 guidelines.

Call for Volunteers!

These events rely on our amazing volunteers who look after the site and the public. Duties are varied and include, for example, patrolling an area, helping car parking, litter picking, assisting the public and helping in the tea room. The length of the ‘shift’ is dependent on the number of volunteers we have and the size of the event. If you would like to volunteer, or to find out more about the role, please email juliecollett@gmail.com All proceeds from these events go to Heveningham Hall Country Fair Trust, registered charity number 1095403 Mike Stephens

Common Ground Theatre Company touring East Anglia

The Dream Of A Ridiculous Man, by Fyodor Dostoevsky, adapted by Pat Whymark Touring East Anglia , October 14th to November 20th, 2021 Having had, like all theatre companies, over a year of twiddling their creative thumbs, Ipswich-based Common Ground Theatre Company are gearing up for a joyous, yet cautious return to rural touring with their autumn tour of Dostoevsky's dream-like, redemptive tale.

A fantastical story of new beginnings, featuring Julian Harries as the Ridiculous Man, with Pat Whymark and Emily Bennett providing live musical accompaniment. It tells the story of a man who, much like Scrooge in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, has a dream which saves his life, brings him back from the edge of despair, reconnects him to society and restores his faith in humanity. Its a poignant, funny and cathartic piece, particularly appropriate for this present moment in time.

“It takes real skill to take a sturdy piece of classic literature and turn it into one of the most imaginative shows of the year.” Andrew Clarke, reviewing our tour of The Count of Monte Cristo in the EADT For audiences' peace of mind, social distancing will be maintained for our performances.

A one act play, 1 hour long. Ticket prices: Adult: £12 Under 21s £8 www.commongroundtc.co.uk 07807 341364 TOUR SCHEDULE Diss The Corn Hall (IP22 4LB) Thursday 4th November, 8pm 01379 652241/www.cornhall.co.uk Tickets £12/£8 (U21s) Ipswich Sir John Mills Theatre (IP1 2LQ) - Weds 10th, Thurs 11th, Fri 12th & Sat 13th November 7.30pm 01473 211498 /easternangles.co.uk Tickets £12/£8 (U21s) Wingfield Barns (IP21 5RA - nr. Stradbroke) Saturday 20th November, 8pm 01379 384505 / wingfieldbarns.com £12/£8 (U21s) Julian Harries & Pat Whymark

Page 18

Sports Roundup

Stradbroke Cricket Club

Nature needs a good electrician! There is clearly a faulty switch which changes the weather from mild to freezing, warm sun to cold rain overnight. The plus side is that these are perfect ingredients for growing new grass, the healthiest the square has looked in a long time. Thanks are due to those volunteers who helped with the Autumn renovations. It is good that there is a Community spirit in some places. On the flip side, those of you who receive the Club's occasional newsletter 'The Nightwatchman' will know that we are concerned for the future of cricket in the Village. Central to this is a lack of players. Cricket is a game for all ages. If you are a parent who used to play, why not start again? Introduce your children to the game. Worrying figures released this week suggest that inactivity among the 16 - 24yo age group in Suffolk since the start of lockdown, is at an all-time high. Forget about sport, your children's health will benefit. Exercise is always more fun if it is within a game. Think about it. Your Cricket Club needs you!

Michael Hugman

Stradbroke Tennis Club

With the onset of Autumn members are continuing to enjoy their tennis on the Clubs all weather courts and should anyone wish to join now is an ideal time as discounted rates on subscriptions are currently available. Please contact me for further details on 01379 384557.

The Club is still seeking a volunteer to take on the position of Safeguarding Officer and this vital role provides a link between the Tennis Club and the Lawn Tennis Association. On appointment the Club will make a donation to the persons chosen charity. For further details please give me a ring.

Courts are available to hire to Non-members and can be booked through Everyone Active on 01379 384376. Courts cost £8.00 an hour per court and £4.00 an hour for under 16s.

Currently the floodlights are not working and therefore unavailable for floodlit play. It is anticipated that following the Clubs AGM in January when the matter will be discussed repairs can be carried out before the new season commences.

Kevin Holmes, Secretary Stradbroke Tennis Club

White Hart Bowls Bingo

Don't forget to join us at Stradbroke community centre for our Christmas prize bingo on Friday 26th November starting at 7.30pm. Some lovely prizes, including a flyer for a Christmas hamper.

Lynn Ruth

Stradbroke Sports and Community Centre

Your Community Centre needs your opinions! On Saturday November 20th 10am-2.30pm we will be holding a second Public Consultation in the Main Hall. This will once again be an opportunity for you to come along and see the proposed drawings for the Extension to the Club Room. Following the first Public Consultation in 2020 we have listened to your comments, made appropriate changes to the drawings and also brought the Changing Rooms into line with the FA and ECB recommendations. But – we still need you to come along and see how we are proposing to update your Community Centre and make it a venue worthy of the 21st Century with new meeting rooms, additional kitchens and toilets. These will accommodate more activities and events to be held here. Please come along and speak to our Architect, the Trustees and our Fund-Raising Team about this exciting new venture.

The extension will only happen if we can raise sufficient capital to build it. Consequently, there will be a major fund-raising programme over the next 12 months including applications to the Lottery, CrowdFunding and sponsorship. In addition, we will hold a variety of fund-raising events and hope that clubs and organisations who make use of the current facility will also take part in raising enough to help make the whole project a reality.

Roger Turkington, Richard Alexandre, Don Darling and Jane Merritt

Page 19

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

Page 20

News & Views

Citizens Advice Bureau

My energy supplier recently went under and the new tariff I’ve been put on is far more than I used to pay. I’ve heard energy prices are set to rise further and I’m just not sure I can afford it. What help can I get or small changes can I make around my house to help save some money this winter?

The cost of energy is very high at the moment and it's causing many people to worry. Normally we would suggest switching to a better deal, but the situation is very difficult at the moment and there aren’t a lot of good deals out there. However, there are still other small ways you can keep your bills down.

Little everyday things can help, such as making sure televisions and other electronic devices are switched off and not left on standby; washing clothes on a lower temperature; and only filling the kettle with the water you need.

Turning down your main thermostat by 1 degree can save you around £60 on your energy bill. And by spending one minute less in the shower each day, a family of four could save £75 a year on energy and water bills.

You’re right in another way about bills going through the roof - and the walls. One way of cutting costs in the longrun is to invest in good insulation if you can afford to. If you’re renting, ask your landlord to do this.

You may be able to get financial support to help insulate your home under the Energy Company Obligation scheme. Contact your energy supplier for more information on this. If you’re in a household that’s not connected to the gas grid you may also be able to receive help under the Home Upgrade Grant scheme through your local authority.

There’s some financial support available for paying your energy bills, depending on your situation. For example, if you’re a pensioner with a low income or receive Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits, you may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount. This gives you £140 a year to go towards your bills.

If it gets too much If you are starting to fall behind on your energy bills, then Citizens Advice can help. Our Advisers can look at your budget to see if we can help you save money and check that you’re claiming everything that you’re entitled to, including Warm Home Discount.

Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk can provide advice on this or any other issue, including debt, employment, benefits and family law. You can contact them on 01449 676060 or use the contact form at midsuffolkcab.org.uk/contact-us.

For more information and our opening hours go to midsuffolkcab.org.uk.

Jaz Last, Community Officer

Borderhoppa

Our full door to door dial-a-ride service is up and running again with weekly trips to Diss and Harleston for shopping and appointments.

We are also pleased to announce that we are running our weekly outings again. Our November outings are as follows: Monday 1st November – Waitrose, Wymondham – Fare £10.00 Monday 8th November – Taverham Garden Centre – Fare £15.00 Monday 15th November – Cherry Lane Garden Centre & Goodies Farm Shop – Fare £7.00 Monday 22nd November – Highways Nursery & Shopping Centre – Fare £10.00 Monday 29th November – Norwich City Centre – Fare £15.00 Some outings do have limited space so please book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information or if you would like a copy of our 2021 outings leaflet, please contact us on 01379 854800 or email adminborderhoppa@btconnect.com Borderhoppa

Lottery Bonus Winners

53 No Winner 43 P Shelford £50 55 No Winner £96 donated to village organisations

Letters to the Editor

22 Paddy Wright £50

Thank you to everyone who helped and came to our Macmillian Coffee morning.

We raised £510. Pauline & family

M Ellis

Page 21

Etheridge Nurseries Laxfield Road, Tel: 384204 Mob 07881 440140 Autumn Bulbs, Wallflowers, Sweet William, Pansy, Primrose Available Now. Mx Hedging Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Field Maple etc. Available to order.

Yew Box Laurel Available now. Fruit Trees Available in November.

Christmas not long off. We will have a wide selection of Home cut Xmas tree Home made Holly Wreaths.

Our Shop is full of Local Fruit and Vegetables. Orders can be taken .

Please check our Facebook Page Etheridge nurseries.

Passmore Weeks & Richardson

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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

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

Goddess Beauty is a beauty and skin clinic based in Stradbroke.

Annabel has over 10 years experience in the beauty industry. Offering the highest quality products and treatments including: Manicure Pedicure Bio sculpture gel Waxing Spray Tan Environ Skincare Jane Iredale Skincare Make Up Lynton lasers - a medical grade IPL system for hair removal and skin rejuvenation I can help with acne, pigmentation, thread veins, port wine stains and much more.

For more information check out our website www.goddess-beauty.co.uk Call 07535656044 39 Westhall, Stradbroke

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.

Page 24

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.

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Hammond Garden & Countryside Services Matthew Hammond

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

E J BROWN Builder

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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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

Dan Poulter, MP

Page 27

We are incredibly lucky to live in a rural county like Suffolk, largely protected from overdevelopment, but one of the biggest issues that people ask me about is the planning system.

Whilst we all accept that we need to build more homes for local people and for our children and grandchildren, it is essential that any new homes are built in the right place and with the right infrastructure.

It is for these reasons that I helped to lead the successful campaign to stop the Ipswich Northern Bypass. Right from the start, it always seemed to me that the bypass was more about mass house building than about relieving any travel and congestion issues in Ipswich, and that is why so many people, like me, fought against it.

Any new housing should, in general, be on a small scale and incremental. The planning system needs to protect our precious countryside wherever possible and retain the fabric, character and heritage of our villages and towns. I have made it clear to Government ministers that any decisions around new homes and where they should be located, is a matter which must be decided locally, in full consultation with residents, parish and local councils. New homes should be delivered through a locally led planning system. Communities should retain the right to shape the areas in which they live and to be able to demand health and educational infrastructure to support any new housing.

So, I am pleased to report that working alongside a number of other MPs, I have succeeded in delivering a rethink on the recent Government Planning White Paper. The White Paper would have set national targets for house building, made it much easier for developers to build houses and would have circumvented the local planning process. For me, this would have been wrong. It is essential that planning rules are set locally, not according to national targets, and I am pleased to have played my part in ensuring that this will continue to be the case.

Later this year, the Government will firmly set out new planning laws in its Planning Bill and I am confident that these laws will deliver a planning system that is locally led and fit for the future.

With COP26 upon us, it is essential that due consideration is also given to the environment and I would also like to see a planning system that delivers high quality, low carbon design, helping to ensure cost effective, energy efficient homes, so that we continue to play our world-leading role in tackling climate change. www.drdanielpoulter.com

Please send all articles to editors@stradbrokemonthly.co.uk The Stradbroke Monthly team encourages readers to submit letters to the Editor expressing their opinions, comments or insights regarding any of the material that appears in the magazine.

The team will publish letters that reflect the diversity of opinions of our readers, but cannot publish all letters received.

The Editor retains the right to edit published letters for clarity and length.

Letters should include the writer's name and be clearly marked ‘FOR PUBLICATION’.

The advertising contact for new and existing adverts is editors@stradbrokemonthly.co.uk for all your advertising enquiries.

Submission Guidelines can be downloaded from stradbrokemonthly.co.uk Handwritten Submission?

Articles can also be left in the library and will be collected at 10am on the Saturday after the final submission date. However, it makes our job much easier and more accurate if articles can be submitted via email. If you do not have access to email you can use the computer in the library and the librarian will happily help you to submit your article.

PLEASE MENTION THE STRADBROKE MONTHLY WHEN CONTACTING ADVERTISERS!

Village Diary November 1st Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am at www.radiostradbroke.co.uk, and every day 1st Borderhoppa outing to Waitrose, Wymondham (see page 20) 2nd Contact Club meet in Community centre, and every Tuesday (see page12) 2nd Craft & Natter at the library from 2-4pm and every Tuesday (see page 10) 3rd Learn talk at Community Centre at 2.30pm (see page 14) 4th Court House Café open – and every Thursday (see page 10) 4th Common Ground Theatre Company in Diss (see page 17) 4th Over 60s meet at Community Centre (see page 12) 5th Friday Friends Café relaunching at Court House (see page 10) 5th Radio Stradbroke at Archbishop Sancroft High School firework display (see page 12) 6th Heveningham Hall Firework Display (see page 17) 7th Court House Café open – and every Saturday (see page 10) 8th Borderhoppa outing to Taverham Garden Centre (see page 20) 8th Parish Council meeting in the Court House (see page 6) 11th WI Meeting at the Community Centre (see page 10) 10-13th Common Ground Theatre Company in Ipswich (see page 17) 13th St Andrews Church Coffee Morning at Syleham Village Hall (see page 14) 15th Borderhoppa outing to Cherry Lane Garden Centre & Goodies Farm Shop (see page 20) 18th Over 60s meet at Community Centre (see page 12) 18th Stradbroke cinema showing ‘The Last Bus’ at the Community Centre (see page 14) 20th *Submission deadline for December ‘21/January ‘22 edition strictly by this date* 20th Common Ground Theatre Company at Wingfield Barns (see page 17) 20th Stradbroke Sports & Community Centre Public Consultation (see page 18) 22nd Borderhoppa outing to Highways Nursery & Shopping Centre (see page20 ) 24th Learn talk at Community Centre at 2pm (see page 14) 25th Afternoon Book Group (See page 10) 26th White Hart Bowls bingo in Community Centre at 7.30pm (see page 18) 29th Borderhoppa outing to Norwich City Centre (see page 20) December 2nd Rustic Barn Craft And Gift Shop late night shopping event in Queen Street (see page 14)

Useful Phone Numbers Fressingfield and Stradbroke NHS Medical Centres Fressingfield Medical Centre. Tel: 01379 586456 / 586227 Stradbroke Medical Centre. Tel: 01379 388313 / 384220 www.fressingfield-medical-practice.co.uk Samaritans: 116 123 24hours Citizens Advice: 03444 111 444 9am – 5pm weekdays Shelter: 0344 515 1860 8am - 8pm weekdays, 9am - 5pm weekends ACAS: 0800 470 0616 24hours Relate: 0300 0030396 BOOKING appt. Monday-Thursday: 8am to 8pm, Friday: 8am to 6pm, Saturday: 9am to 1pm Universal Credit: 0800 328 5644 Chemist 01379 870 233 (Eye) 01379 642 436(Diss Boots) Norfolk And Norwich University Hospital 01603 286 286 Ipswich Hospital 01473 712 233