The Stradbroke Monthly October 2020

www.stradbrokemonthly.co.uk

A Happy and SAFE Halloween 2020 with the Pumpkin Trail...

If you wish to join in with this highly sensible COVID Safe idea from Facebook on Halloween this year, display this front page by your front door and put your pumpkin somewhere safe for children to spot!

This way no one needs to be opening front doors or going door to door in other than within their existing social bubbles, and most excitingly, you can eat your Halloween treats yourself... for this year only!

October 2020

No.466

STRADBROKE

COVID19 - LIFE IN STRADBROKE PROJECT - OCTOBER 2020

The Stradbroke Archive and Record Association (SARA) has set up a new online archive to capture what life is like in lockdown for the residents of Stradbroke. It is hoped that by collecting our social history of this global event in real time, that generations to come will have a real window into our village experience in 2020.

This new archive is slightly different to the other two online archives, it is designed to allow really easy upload by villagers of their contributions - anyone can add photographs, short videos, memories (as text) and audio recordings from computers, tablets and mobile phones!

SARA want to capture the every day types of experiences as well as the special events such as VE Day.

SARA want the village of now and in the future to see how the global pandemic has changed and affected our day to day life, so join in and add your experiences. Go to

https://pandemic.stradbrokearchive.org.uk

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 coming October: Worship Services Sundays at 10:15am Bible Study Thursdays at 1:30pm followed by a time of intercessory prayer We are fully compliant with the latest Government laws/safety guidance for COVID-19.

Please feel free to join us for Worship or Bible Study even if you haven’t visited before.

You would be made most welcome. If you would like a lift to the Chapel please contact Bruce or Mary.

Takeaway Services - God willing a Service Sheet will be delivered during the middle week of each month The Struggle of the Butterfly A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day, a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then, it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further. So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily, but it had a swollen body and small, shrivelled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shrivelled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives too. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, we would not be as strong as what we could have been.

"I asked for strength, and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom, and God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity, and God gave me a brain and brawn to work.

I asked for courage, and God gave me danger to overcome.

I asked for love, and God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favours, and God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I asked for but everything I needed!"

If you would like me to pray for you please contact on: 01379 388 744 or 07484 219 265 or by email at: psalm34.8@yahoo.com Grace and peace to all, Bruce Francis

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

Mid Suffolk District Council has reinstated brown bin garden waste collections.

They have also requested that residents DO NOT HAVE BONFIRES the smoke & fumes can be very dangerous for neighbours with COVID-19

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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 Canon Susan.

Services: Limited worship in the church continues, following National guidelines. There will be just one service a month, on each 3rd Sunday.

18th October 10.30am Holy Communion with bread (wafers) only 15th November at the same.

You are warmly invited to join us, with all considerations for safety in place. Sanitising of hands is provided, please wear a simple face mask in the church sancroftbeneficechurches.org also gives you the current inter-active link for a service of reflection, prayer and singing –only you will hear yourself! – ready for 9.30am every Sunday. This is also recorded so you can view later for yourself. For help with finding the links, call Revd Susan or Peter.

Church giving: If you have missed being able to make a donation to All Saints Church you can now do this through ‘A church near you’ website using email allsaintsstradbroke@gmail.com Act of Remembrance 8th November at the war memorial will be observed if Government guidelines permits. Face masks will need to be worn and social distances kept.

Thanksgiving and memorial: the church will be open on Wednesday 11th November from 10 am to 2 pm.

Everyone is invited to bring something to commemorate a loved one lost; in conflict or war, through illness or accident. Photos, poems, special messages can be pinned on the boards provided. Small flower posies or tributes can be left with a name. Candles provided could be lit in the Lady chapel. Prayers will be offered at 12 noon and 2 pm. The church will be supervised; please wear a face mask while in the church.

All Saints Church Fundraising Committee

It is with great sadness that I write this month’s notes due to the passing away of one of the Committee’s founder members, Pat Fill. Pat was a larger than life figure in the village, always ready to help, especially for her beloved church. We shall miss her so much. She had been very ill recently and is now at peace with no more pain.

Well, the outside Jumble Sale went exceptionally well, with donations we raised £555.78. Thanks for your help and support. We are having another sale on 10th October, same as before, so 10-12. If you have any more items for sale please think of us. Leave them at the church on the morning or let me know, 01379 384642 and I will collect.

I have now received the insurance a/c so the money will come in handy. Thanks to FOASS for their donation of £1000 for the insurance.

Also thanks to those who took part in the Ride & Stride for the Churches Historic Trust on 12th September, and also those on duty in the church. Many thanks.

Mary Ellis

From the Rectory…

Dear friends and neighbours The harvest is in and now the hard work begins getting the land prepared for next year’s crops. We will be missing our harvest thanksgivings in church this year and harvest suppers will need to be put on hold.

However, as we continue to worship, we will include thanksgiving songs and prayers for the season.

There does not seem to be any part of our lives that is not affected by the pandemic. Children and young people have returned to their schools, colleges and universities and everyone is working hard to keep things going in the best way possible. There are much anticipated new starts which will be quite different from expectations. We have to accept that this is as good as it gets for the time being and be thankful for the things we can be thankful for.

As for me, I am ridiculously thankful that I was finally ordained as a priest on 6th September. A year ago I was ordained a deacon at the cathedral in Bury St Edmunds and arrived to begin my curacy in Sancroft Benefice. It has been a wonderful year getting to know people and places and growing into my role.

Now I am called to grow into a new role as a priest and have two more years in Sancroft Benefice .

It may feel like things are on hold for the time being but life does go on. The seasons will change – we have beautiful scenes to look forward to in autumn and we will need to be creative as we prepare to look out for each other this winter. Let us all look forward to better times ahead and in the meantime be confident in sharing our burdens and looking after our neighbours.

With love and blessings, Rev’d Gini

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Parish Pump

Next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for: 12th October 2020 Stradbroke Parish Council information: • Details of all meetings can be found on: https://www.stradbrokepc.org/ • Agendas for all Council meetings will continue to be issued only on the Parish Council website.

• All details of how the public can join the meeting remotely can be found on the website or on the agenda.

MEETINGS OF STRADBROKE PARISH COUNCIL – 14th September 2020 Councillors voted to co-opt Rev Susan Loxton to the vacancy on the council.

Councillors noted that no election has been called to fill the remaining vacancies; therefore these can be filled by co-option. Anyone interested in joining the council should contact the Clerk.

Councillors commented on planning applications as follows – DC/20/03143 & DC/20/03146 – Stradbroke Antiques, Queen Street IP21 5HG – REFUSED Councillors noted MSDC planning outcomes as follows – DC/20/03194 – Willow Cottage, Pixey Green REFUSED DC/20/02758 – Grays Folly, Laxfield Road GRANTED DC/20/02687 – The Maltings, New Street GRANTED DC/20/02687 – Building @ Lime Tree Farm, Laxfield Road REFUSED

Parish Council Updates: • Following the resignation of Mr Merritt as footpath warden, Councillors recorded thanks for the work he has undertaken. Anyone interested in taking up the vacant role should contact the Clerk.

• Councillors noted the concerns raised about footpaths off Queen Street.

• The Parish Plan working party was dissolved with matters being delegated to separate groups led by councillors, eg: highways, broadband/mobile phone, flower planters and youth council.

• Highways – a lorry watch group is underway. Additional volunteers are required for the community speed watch.

• Broadband – requests were made that the poor mobile phone signal be added to the investigations of this group.

• The council appointed Kamal Ivory as its second representative on the Stradbroke Sports and Community Centre Committee.

• Councillors agreed to be co-signatories to a report opposing some of the proposed changes to planning.

• Councillors approved a further submission to the Secretary of State regarding planning call-in request. · A website accessibility statement was approved. · A decision on a request to add an additional user of the community shed was deferred to a later meeting.

• An energy audit has taken place on the Health Centre, as well as a Fire Risk Assessment.

• Tree works at various locations is on-going.

• The Land Registration issues remain outstanding.

• Councillors requested a ROSPA inspection of the equipment around the fitness track.

• The Council has registered an interest in capital grants for electric vehicle charging points.

• The Council gave approval for maintenance work on the scorebox on the playing field.

• Correspondence was noted regarding highways issues and the lack of facilities for the older population.

• A meeting between representatives of the Community Centre and Parish Council is to be arranged.

Available recordings of Parish Council meetings plus all papers, accounts and information can be accessed via the Parish Council’s website. Video recordings of recent meetings are available on the Parish Council Facebook page.

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

The Chair writes..

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At our September meeting we were delighted to be able to co-opt as a new councillor Rev Susan Loxton who is the Rector of the Sancroft Benefice that includes Stradbroke, as a councillor. We look forward to her joining our next meeting.

As no election was called we have five vacancies for councillors that the Council can co-opt to. We are looking to fill these vacancies now. If you would like to be considered for co-option please send a brief pen-portrait about yourself and why you are interested in supporting Stradbroke by joining the council, to our clerk by email at stradbrokepc@outlook.com The council is currently meeting by video conference for two hours each month and most councillors are also part of a committee or working group of some kind so there is not a huge time commitment needed. We would particularly like to have applications from younger people of working age including those with school age children as this group is currently under-represented on the Council. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have had a great response to the broadband survey that we launched last month! If you did not get chance to complete it then please do soon as it will close on Monday 5th October at 12 noon. You can find the survey on our website at https://www.stradbrokepc.org/. We will publish the results of the survey and an update on broadband in Stradbroke in the next Stradbroke Monthly.

Our next meeting will be held online on Monday 12th October at 7.30pm. You can find details about how to join the meeting on our website at https://www.stradbrokepc.org/ James Hargrave, Chair, Stradbroke Parish Council

Speed Watch and Lorry Watch volunteers needed!

I feel the need for Speed…..well Speed Watch to discourage speeding traffic through our village from the outskirts to the centre.

Speed Watch….5 people have come forward to be trained by Suffolk Police for Speed Watch. We need one more volunteer to enable the training to take place. If nobody comes forward then the team will not be formed. We need to grasp this opportunity. Once we have enough people (six) to form a team the training will be available from the police.

Lorry Watch…On Tuesday 15th September some members of the Lorry Watch group observed and recorded traffic data from 0800-1000 and that showed that 49 heavy vehicles passed through the Queen Street, Laxfield / Horham and Wilby Road junctions. That is equivalent to one Heavy vehicle every 2.5 minutes. We now need to gather a bigger sample and the goal could be from 0800-1800 Monday to Friday inclusive. This goal is dependent on getting sufficient people within the Lorry Watch group to participate. The more we have the easier it will be to gather data.

The quality of life of all village residents is being impacted by the apparent increase in heavy vehicle traffic through the village. Gathering Traffic data will demonstrate this and we can pass it on Mid Suffolk and the Highways department.

Jeremy Fox

Stradbroke Community Land Trust - SCLT

It’s almost that time again! All of us in Stradbroke have housing needs and the only way to understand what they are and plan to meet them is to undertake a survey! Maybe you are looking to downsize or your adult children want to move into the village but prices make that a challenge? Perhaps you have a young family and your starter home is just getting a bit small, and you need mid priced family homes in the village? If you rent, you will know why the survey is important! It is very difficult to have much in the way of private rental choice in Stradbroke!

The Stradbroke Community Land Trust is your local organisation working to ensure the houses we need are the houses that are provided (and it IS your local organisation - you should join in!)

Stradbroke has Housing Needs Surveys every few years - because obviously needs change and evolve, and this survey is no exception. The last survey was in about 2014 which seems like yesterday, but was SIX years ago! The exciting thing about the next survey is that we now have our award nominated Neighbourhood Plan as the vehicle to deliver the housing you and your family need now and in the future. Next month we will give you more information about the content of the survey and what will be done with the information the Community Land Trust collect. It’s exciting to be able to focus on and plan for the future at a time when everything in the present is so very odd!

Look out for the survey in Spring 2021 - it’s going to be important for Stradbroke and for you.

Stradbroke Community Land Trust - www.stradbrokeclt.org.uk

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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: 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!

-

Rachel Lead

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

Remedial Massage, Reflexology Touch for Health – Kinesiology One-One and Group sessions available via Zoom rachelpbck@gmail.com www.ukkinesiology.com 01379 388031 07733 105752

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

Email: marty@martynorris.co.uk

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Dirty Oven??

Friendly & Helpful Service From Adie

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Organisations

September 2020 Meeting Of Stradbroke W.I. Hello and welcome back to the W.I. report, yes, we actually managed a socially distanced meeting of 15 members in the Covid 19 secure Community Centre on September 10th. The committee came armed with bleach, cleaning cloths and a list of instructions on how to safely proceed and some rather smart visors for each member so that face masks could be avoided, all very successful and thanks to Gwyneth for locating them. Linda our president welcomed everyone and explained a few rules on covid protection and we caught up on news about other members and how the W.I. hierarchy are hoping we can move forward with our meetings but it is clear that as infection numbers change and restrictions alter these will need be our guiding lights. Well onwards and upwards and over to our guest speaker.

Julie Theaker is a musician and a mostly self taught harpist who comes from Laxfield . Julie brought with her a small Celtic harp and a larger Chamber harp to demonstrate her skills on. Julie gave us an interesting history of their development and place in the musical world and interspersed it with stories about her own history with these instruments We were treated to a traditional Celtic tune called Kiss the Quaker or Kiss the Quakers Wife depending on your preference, very light and airy, and several beautiful tunes on the Chamber harp which had a very dreamy lyrical feel and sound . There was time for Qs and As followed by our applause and thanks for a very soothing pleasant evening.

Next a brief chance to chat amongst the members always keeping that safe distance and the evening drew to a close. We are hoping and currently planning to have our 8th October meeting when we will be entertained by the Rev. Canon David Atkins. Hopefully current restrictions will be reduced but we will keep our members informed. Thanks to all who made the meeting possible and look forward to our next chapter. Stay Safe everyone.

Prue Rush

Stradbroke Court House and Library News

Stradbroke Library is pleased to announce that the request service is fully available for ordering books in and you can browse our shelves to take books out. Currently DVDs are free but charges will be reinstated in October, along with fines for overdue books.

The Post Office is open normal hours (and has been all through lockdown) but unfortunately government rules and legislation make it really difficult for us to open the Court House Café at present. We know a lot of people are missing our Café and as soon as we are able to do so, we will re-open again, so please bear with us. Those of us that work in the Library and Post Office also miss the buzz of Café days, the place is quiet and lacking without our volunteers and customers. It makes you realize just how much the Café contributes to community life in Stradbroke.

We still have the mummy and baby kangaroo with a green ribbon that was left behind before the lockdown in the Library. If these are yours, please call in and pick them up as they are looking very forlorn and want to go home.

Maureen John, Library/Post Office Manager

Stradbroke Sports and Community Centre

Stradbroke Sports and Community Centre – Public Consultation At last we were able to meet Sean Jeffries, our Architect, in person in August and he gave a very detailed presentation to the SSCC Committee of the possible extension to the Club Room. We are now asking him to prepare a Village Consultation on Saturday October 17th 10am to 2pm and Sunday October 18th 10am to midday. We would like as many of you as possible to come along and give your views and ideas, as the agreement of the Village is paramount for this to go ahead. Of course, you will all have to be socially distanced and we will restrict the numbers of people allowed into the Community Centre but we hope you will enjoy talking to Sean and the Committee members and giving us your thoughts. Please keep an eye on www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk for any last-minute changes or special arrangements.

Jane Merritt

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KENT SKIPS

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

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.

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Organisations

Stradbroke Village Archive

James Chambers:1748 – 1827 and Mary M Betham: 1779 - 1820 We talk a lot about our amazing Stradbroke photographers and thank them for those moments in time that are captured with a click. The opening of the school, the refurbishment of the church, the past day to day life of the village, are so much easier to imagine with the help of images. BUT how did people feel? Probably the best insight to that would be Poetry. James Chambers, the wandering poet, is buried at All Saints Church. He wrote poetry in exchange for food and kindness: “At eve I walked in keen distress In yonder town disturbed in mind; Kind friends who might my grief redress, I at the present could not find.

Friends yield no solace -not the least, No gentry for my help provide, But like the Levite and the Priest, They pass by on the other side.”

James wasn’t born in this village but Mary Matilda Betham (known as Matilda), was. Matilda’s life story was very different to James’. She was born into comfort, the eldest of fourteen children, the child of educated parents who taught her a love of Literature and Art: “Alas! will Time’s rapacious hand, These golden days restore?

Or will he suffer me to taste These golden days no more?

Will he permit that here again, I turn my willing feet?

That my glad eyes may here again, The look of kindness meet?”

Both James and Matilda have been recognised as poets of national importance and have had their poems reproduced in print. James was born in Soham 1748 and died in Stradbroke 1827.

Source: The Poetical Works of James Chambers Itinerant Poet. Matilda Betham, Elegies and Other Small Poems. Wikipedia.

Ann Readman, SARA

Radio Stradbroke

Normally at this time of year, Radio Stradbroke would be encouraging you to take part in the Annual Pop Music Quiz, but sadly, this has to be put on hold, placing further strain on the finances of the station, which makes it even more remarkable that by the time you read this, the 'Home Service' will have been broadcasting each morning for six months, without missing a day, plus of course three Bank Holiday shows, 'live' from the garden of Marty Norris, which have proved very popular. Forming a link with 'Harleston Breakfast' has seen new listeners to Radio Stradbroke, & with Covid increasing again, we will continue to extend the run as long as we are able. Log on to www.radiostradbroke.co.uk or the TuneIn Radio app, or harlestonbreakfast.co.uk .

Thank you for continuing to support what we do.

Michael Hugman

Lottery Bonus Winners

12 Paddy Wright; 16 Sue Ayton; 32 A Naulls; 14 T Moore. £96 donated to village organisations.

M Ellis

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Poppies & Daisies Tearoom

Antique Restoration

Ian Brown LCGI

Come and visit our vintage style tearooms in the heart of Stradbroke. We offer classic Afternoon Teas, Cream Teas, Over 30 Loose Leaf Teas, Homemade Cakes & Scones and Hot & Cold Food Served all day

Poppies and Daisies 2 Town House, Church Street, Stradbroke, IP21 5HT Tel; 07921512052

Find us on Facebook & Instagram

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Letters To The Editors

Further to my letter in the September issue of the magazine regarding the loss of Dad (David Haine) of Woodfields, we recently lost mum (Olive). People remember them walking around the village with mum following in Dad's footsteps and it is somehow fitting that after over 60 years of marriage she followed him. Mum enjoyed her Saturday coffee in the Court House Cafe for many years and loved to chat.

She will be buried with Dad in Stradbroke cemetery, next to their grandson Jack who we lost in 2015.

Wendy Cook (and Steve who lost his grandma) Believe it or not...

There are times in our lives when we witness something and we want everyone to know about what we saw. We know it happens but there is still a part of us that refuses to believe it. That was me when I turned off Laxfield Road onto London City Road and witnessed the harvesting of the field on the right: the whole plant was being cut and chopped straight into mulch (corn and all), clearly not for feeding purposes. I am not even sure if it deserves being called “harvesting”.

So if anyone tells you that’s a myth and no one would waste arable land, fertiliser and diesel to grow fuel for a bio-digester, with no food produced in the process, well, it is not a myth. It does happen, I have seen it. How is this any better for our planet!

I am not a green activist but I am a great believer in common sense. And this just doesn’t make sense.

Karine Last Congratulations and best wishes to Gwen Grayston who celebrates her 100th birthday on 25th October. Mum was born to Ernest and Flo Ellis at the old Ellis Butcher shop, now known as Hartfield House. They moved to Westwood, now known as Timbers, because if Ernest’s ill health, which was then a small holding. In 1942 Mum married Harold Grayston at All Saints Church and they moved into Hill Crest which is still Mum’s forever home, 78 years later!

In their younger days they were both very active and involved with village life in the close-knit community. Mum spent her working life at Ward’s grocery shop for many, many years, and then on to Foulshams Hardware shop, before she retired.

Both Mum and Dad have always been so proud of their family – their daughter, three granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren. Mum adores them all and they certainly keep her young at heart and with a great sense of humour. With out love to a special lady from all the family. I guess Mum can be called a Stradbroke girl now!

Jan

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

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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.

MARK BANCROFT PAVING SERVICES

Specialist in all types of paving and hard landscaping, driveways, patios, ornamental garden walls, water features, drainage and fencing.

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

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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

Forthcoming Events

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Stradbroke Cinema

Thank you to our Cinemagoers who watched our September screening – all 30 socially distanced seats were sold and I feel we all enjoyed the opportunity of seeing a film on the big screen again.

The cashless system for buying the tickets online, at the door and at the Bar was successful and again we thank you for changing so readily to this way of payment. However, if you are unable to use a credit or debit card then we will still take cash but are obviously trying to minimize risk and extra work for our volunteers.

On October 15th we will be showing 1917. This hard-hitting, immersive and impressive film captures the trench warfare of WW1 with raw, startling immediacy. At the height of the war two young British soldiers are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop an attack on hundreds of soldiers. Thrilling, shocking and visually breath taking in its technical brilliance.

Tickets will go on sale online for this performance at the beginning of October. If you have any problems contact Jane on 01379 388 382. We will of course still take payment on the door as long as seats are available.

Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. We ask you to wear a mask during the performance if you are not drinking or eating a snack from the bar. There will be no interval for icecreams, but the bar will be open from 7pm to 7.30pm Entrance is £5.50 for adults, £3 for 16s and under. Full details can be found on the Village website that is at www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk Roger Turkington and Jane Merritt

Borderhoppa

We are so pleased to announce that our full dial-a-ride service is back up and running. It has been a long period of uncertainty for everyone but we are now able to once again provide transport around the local area for our members. However, we all need to continue to be alert and take all the precautions we can while attempting to go about our usual business.

Seating will be limited for a while to allow for the correct social distancing within the vehicle and we will ask passengers to use the hand sanitisers provided on the vehicles and to wear face masks.

We are also asking that where possible, the driver is paid in the correct change as we are trying to limit the amount of cash that is passed around.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the office on 01379 854800 or email adminborderhoppa@btconnect.com. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Borderhoppa

UPDATE! Buses and Other Services for Stradbroke

You can book our two community buses in advance for different services now during Covid 19.

The offices are very friendly and helpful. Drivers are volunteers.

Borderhoppa (pay up to £10 pa to join) See advert in this magazine.

Regular bus service to Harleston on Wednesday and Diss on Friday.

01379 854 800 Socially distanced: limited no of passengers, masks, deep cleaning, Covid safety first, etc.

BSEVC - Passengers for medical appointments at present, one passenger at a time: deep cleaning, masks, etc, Covid safety first.

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - James will pick up small amounts of shopping, do posting, etc, if you phone ahead.

Please phone the office regarding the service, as things may change. 01449 614271 118 - There is a limited 118 bus service from opposite The White Hart to Ipswich and back, Monday to Friday. Details are posted in the library and around the village.

Toni Wisbey

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Sports Roundup

Stradbroke Cricket Club

A cricket season that seemed to take an interminable time to get underway, witnessed the sun go down on it with a satisfying glow. Eight friendlies were played, only one of which was won, but the overriding memory is not a statistic, but the achievement of playing any cricket all, in a safe, enjoyable mode. I have already thanked those villagers who have not only expressed an interest in the Club, but took the time to watch us play also. With the 'Rule of Six' precluding a presentation evening, trophies were voted for & presented during the interval in the annual Presidents Match, in front of a good number of spectators.

The winners were: 'Player of the Year' - Steve Perrin, 'Leading Run Scorer' - Steve Perrin (260), 'Leading Wicket Taker' - James Gilbee (6), 'Champagne Moment' - Michael Hugman, for a diving catch. Secretary Malcolm Tenneson is 'Clubman of the Year', in recognition of his tireless work behind the scenes in obtaining funding for the Club, as Covid reduced income to zero. This siege mentality puts Stradbroke on a secure footing to rise again in 2021, reflecting great credit on everyone involved.

Michael Hugman

Tennis Club

Play is continuing on the Clubs all weather courts with members enjoying tennis all year round. Social play afternoons are continuing for members on both Monday and Thursday afternoons but are currently restricted to groups up to six from different households in line with the revised government restrictions and the guidance from the Lawn Tennis Association for playing tennis in England during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The club is continuing to offer 50% off all Membership subscriptions and with the membership year running unti 31st March 2021 now is the ideal time to join. For further details please ring me on 01379 384557.

Non members can hire a court through Everyone Active for ÂŁ8.00 an hour for adults (ÂŁ4.00 an hour for under 16). To book a court contact them directly on 01379 384796.

Anyone currently playing tennis is required to maintain social distancing, follow public health guidelines for hygiene, take only minimal equipment on to the courts, clean equipment after use and not to play if self isolating Stay Safe, Kevin Holmes

Stradbroke Table Tennis Club

Dear club members, I hope you are all safe and well, and your Families are as well.

We shall be starting again on the 9th of September pending no more problems. There are a few conditions we must adhere to, but these I will explain when we start. Please bring your own bat, if you have one, or we will loan you one, but they will need to be cleaned before and after use.

We are a small club so there should not be a problem with our style of play, l welcome young and old new players or old pros. The start time is again 7.30 pm and hope to see you all there. More information can be obtained from Tony on 01379 384713. Many thanks and stay SAFE. Tony Potts

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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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News & Views

Suffolk Police

Dash Cam Footage. Police are often asked if it is possible for the public to submit footage from a dash cam in their car to Police as part of the reporting of a road traffic offence. The answer is 'Yes' and there are on-line facilities to do so on the websites of both Norfolk & Suffolk police. However, it can also be done via a website called 'NextBase.com' which has an interactive map of the UK showing each policing area with links direct to the relevant Police website where a report can be completed. This is useful if you have been travelling in a part of the country away from your home address and want to quickly find the correct Police force and reporting facility.

The NextBase website explains how to retrieve footage from a dash cam & what Police require in order to consider a prosecution, taking into account the 6 month limit on prosecuting moving traffic offences and the 14 day limit on some offences for Police to notify the driver concerned.

Suffolk Police (PC 187 Simon Green, Community Engagement Officer, Halesworth Police Station)

Aimee takes on virtual marathon

The assistant manager at a popular Suffolk pub will run the virtual London Marathon next month to raise funds for the Pear Tree Fund.

Aimee Button, who works at the Queen’s Head in Bramfield, had originally planned to take on the gruelling 26.2 mile challenge alongside thousands of other runners on 26 April. But when the race was cancelled due to coronavirus, she decided to make alternative arrangements to raise vital funds.

Instead of pounding the pavements of the capital, the 26-year-old will instead run a ‘virtual’ London marathon by completing 18 laps of a 1.4 mile loop based around the pub on Sunday 4 October. She is now inviting supporters to join her for a lap or simply cheer her on while making a small donation to the Pear Tree Fund.

Aimee, who lives in Lowestoft, said: “Like many others, I was really disappointed when this year’s marathon was cancelled, especially as I’d be training hard for the race. But I still wanted to cover the distance while raising money for the Pear Tree Fund, and thought running a virtual marathon would be a nice way to do just that.

“I’ll be encouraging people to walk, jog or cycle with me on the day before making a small donation to the charity. I also plan to hold a charity book sale and have a dedicated area where people can cheer me on.

“I hope as many people as possible will be able to support me so that I can raise as much as I can for this fantastic local charity.”

The Pear Tree Fund, formerly known as Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund, was set up more than 30 years ago support people with life-limiting illnesses who wish to die in the comfort and security of their own homes.

The charity is now raising money towards the centre’s £150,000 a year running costs.

Ted Edwards, charity trustee, said: “We are very grateful to Aimee for choosing to support our charity and wish her the very best of luck when she runs the virtual marathon on 4 October.

“We look forward to cheering her on and toasting her success at the Queen’s Head once her challenge is complete.”

Aimee will begin her virtual challenge at 9am. Anyone who would like to sponsor her can at https://www.goldengiving.com/fundraising/Abuttonmarathon To find out more about the centre and how you could support the charity, go to www.peartreefund.org Liz Hearnshaw, Zenith Public Relations Ltd

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Etheridge Nurseries Laxfield Road, Tel: 384204 Mob 07881 440140

LARGE SELECTION OF PUMPKINS AVAILABLE FOR HALLOWEEN Autumn Bedding, Polyanthus Pansies Sweet William Wallflowers ready now Autumn Bulb now in stock Cut Flowers Hardy Cyclamen in stock Home & Local Fruit & Vegetables in our Farm Shop Hedging Yew Box Lavender Laurels in stock

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

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.

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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

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As Parliament returned earlier this month, we continue to live in uncertain times and this summer has certainly been very different. One of the things which I have missed the most is being out and about and meeting so many members of the local community at the annual village fetes and community events. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great many of our businesses have been impacted – across all sectors. With the hospitality industry being greatly impacted, I’ve been especially impressed to see so many examples of businesses adapting and innovating to offer new services supporting our rural communities. For example, during the forced closures of lockdown, a number of pubs across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich have adapted to offer pop-up grocery stores or take away dining. These pop-up shops and take away dining outlets proved incredibly popular with local residents, meaning that they didn’t have to venture too far from home to shop locally and source top quality, local ingredients. Now that lockdown has eased, many of those businesses who had adapted are continuing to offer the add-on services and customers are continuing to support them, valuing the important contribution they make to the local community.

As we’ve come out of lockdown, businesses and consumers have readjusted and early signs of economic recovery are encouraging. Our towns and villages are at last seeing increased footfall and sales are slowly beginning to recover. Although many consumers are still being cautious, our businesses have gone to great lengths to ensure they are COVID-19 secure, giving consumers confidence that they can shop safely. That said, it is important to remember that the virus has sadly not gone away, and we all have a part to play in stopping the spread of the virus whilst also supporting our local economy. Good hand hygiene is particularly important; when out and about, if you can’t easily wash your hands, remember to take along an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser and wear a face covering when indoors. Keeping at least 2 metres apart from people who are not from your own household helps to protect you and others and reduce the spread of the virus.

In closing, I would like to put on record my thanks to all of those who have worked tirelessly during these recent months – our teachers, frontline public sector workers, NHS staff and community carers, along with the army of volunteers who stepped in to help deliver food or prescriptions and looking out for others. www.drdanielpoulter.com

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Village Diary October 1st Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am www.radiostradbroke.co.uk and every day 1st Table Tennis in the community centre at 7.30pm & every Wednesday (see page 18) 8th WI meet in Community Centre (see page 10) 10th All Saints Church Fundraising Committee Jumble Sale from 10am (see page 4) 12th Parish Council meeting – all can join remotely (see page 6) 15th Stradbroke Cinema showing 1917 in Community Centre (see page 17) 17th SSCC public consultation, 10m to 2pm (see page 10) 18th SSCC public consultation, 10m to 12 noon (see page 10) 23rd **Deadline for submissions for November edition strictly by this date**

Web Links for up to date COVID19 local information Radio Stradbroke The Home Service—Daily 10-1pm—music and information. Send messages to friends and share info. www.radiostradbroke.co.uk or on the free TuneIn app (Search Radio Stradbroke)

Home But Not Alone Suffolk urged to rally together as new local COVID-19 app and phoneline launched to connect volunteers and people who need help. The free app, called Tribe Volunteer, can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The telephone number for those in genuine need of help is freephone 0800 876 6926 and will be staffed from 09:00 to 17:00, seven days a week.

Stradbroke Good Neighbours Whilst we hope neighbours and friends will help each other the Good Neighbour Volunteers would like to offer help to any residents who need to Self Isolate or are Social distancing. We could deliver essentials:- food, medication etc to your doorstep. Information on the website http://www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk/facilities/services/good-neighbours/ or phone GN- 07749445531

Stradbroke Village Website Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Stradbrokeweb for National COVID19 news as it happens and messages from local businesses and services giving updates on what is available.

Stradbroke Parish Council https://www.stradbrokepc.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/StradbrokePC/ Stradbroke Parish Council are sharing information about local services and advice for residents. Keep checking the sites for online Parish Council Meetings info.

Mid Suffolk District Council https://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/

Suffolk County Council https://www.suffolk.gov.uk

NHS Coronavirus Advice https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Government Coronavirus: What you need to do https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

BBC Explainers—Your COVID19 Questions https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers

The Stradbroke Monthly https://www.stradbrokemonthly.co.uk—all current and archive Monthly’s online.