January Town Herald by Town Herald

Town Herald www.townherald.co.uk

Free! Issue 18: January 2014

The Next Step – Into Employment

TAXI 01728 602009 HART CARS: Local & long distance PC Problem? No Problem! The Computer Cabin at HG Crisp www.thecomputercabin.co.uk 01728 602026

Church Street, Saxmundham Students met employers at Alde Valley School Alde Valley School and the Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative brought pupils and employers face to face in their whole school careers day – The Next Step. The day, held on 27 November aimed to bridge the gap between education and employment. It included workshops on Raising the Participation Age, Further and Higher Education and Apprenticeships. Sixth form students also attended a forum on employability skills where they were able to ask questions on employability and interview techniques. Lower school students had the opportunity to visit the Alde Valley Sixth Form Centre on Waterloo, for many of them the next step in their career progression. Most of the day took place in the school where a market place of providers, advisors and businesses were encouraged to showcase the wide variety of trades, training and industries recruiting in the region. Jill Douglass, Employer Engagement Coordinator at AVS said: ‘ The event was a great opportunity for companies, both big and small, to converse with students, promote their business as a local employer and meet prospective employees.’

One free tea or coffee to drink in or take away with a myWaitrose card!

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Health Plans available for dogs, cats, rabbits & horses to help you spread the cost of preventative health care. To find out more call us on Woodbridge 01394 380083, Rendlesham 01394 420964 Felixstowe 01394 284554 or Ipswich 01473 274040 http://ryder-daviesvets.co.uk Established for over 40 years

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Talking Shop – the perfect chance to put your bags down, have a ponder and some welldeserved refreshment.

Saxmundham Farmers' Market

Because Saxmundham Market Hall is such a spacious venue, Penny Finch explains that there’s always room to fit in another stall, “If you’re a local food or drink producer, get in touch at info@saxmundhamfarmersmarket.co.uk or pop in and talk to one of the stallholders.” If you’re interested in finding out more about the market before you visit, stallholders have made a website www.saxmundhamfarmersmarket.co.uk which gives details of special offers, seasonal produce and the list of stalls that will be present on a particular week.

There's a wide range of fresh local produce on offer every Friday at the Farmers' Market Saxmundham Farmer’s Market takes place every Friday from 9am to 1pm in, fittingly, the town’s Market Hall. After a Christmas break it will be open again on Friday 24th January. Since the Farmer’s Market opened in July 2013, it has proven increasingly popular with local shoppers as they become aware of what’s on offer – food and drink direct from the people that produce it. Penny Finch of Newbourne Farm Shop, the market’s main fruit and veg retailer, helps to organise the market. “Brian Parkin of Oaktree farm, Shelton, originally started the market and put all the effort into to getting it off the ground. After he retired in October 2013, I’ve been helping to organise the market although all the traders do their bit so it really is a market run by all concerned.” The number and diversity of stalls appears to build each week, as the indoor market becomes better known and more popular. As well as the fruit and veg, there’s meat and Suffolk cheese, handmade cakes and pastries, jams, chutneys, sauces, honey and dairy produce. There is even an on-site café offering hot and cold drinks, cakes, sausage rolls and snacks

THE WHITE HORSE, RENDHAM FREEHOUSE REAL ALE & REAL FOOD

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Food available every evening From 6:30pm (7pm on Sundays) Plus Saturday & Sunday lunchtimes from noon until 2pm

www.whitehorserendham.co.uk on the B1119 between Framlingham and Saxmundham Telephone: 01728 663497

Community News Obituary: Philip Singleton

of Retail, said: “If you received any unwanted Christmas presents, or if you’ve updated your wardrobe or furniture this New Year, please consider donating your items to the Hospice. “This year the Hospice is marking its 25th anniversary, so if you want to get involved in our special anniversary year, why not donate 25 items, and help keep our shops stocked for the whole of 2014!”

To donate stock such as bric-a-brac, books or clothes, drop them off at your nearest Phil, formerly of Deben Road in Hospice shop which you can find by visiting Saxmundham, sadly died in early December www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk after several years of ill health. He had been living in Felixstowe. If you would like to donate furniture, please

Philip Singleton 25/8/62 – 2/12/13

do not drop it off at your nearest shop. Call Many people in Saxmundham will remember 0845 259 0319 and someone will collect it Phil from his days at the Peakhill Organics from you. Farm Shop in the High Street, where he worked until the shop closed in 2009. He loved working there and made many friends in town.

Olive Dental Practice

At Olive Dental Practice we are delighted to After a stay at Ipswich hospital in September 2012, Phil went to live in Felixstowe where he announce that we are now taking on new NHS patients enjoyed trips out to see the sea with family For more information or to book an appointment and friends. please give us a call or visit the practice

Phil is survived by an older brother Stephen, and twin daughters Grace and Ellen, of whom he was immensely proud. Penny Robertson

Hospice Shop Donations Appeal St Elizabeth Hospice is appealing to the local community to donate 25 items to their local Hospice shop to keep it stocked during the charity’s 25th anniversary year. The Hospice, which provides local Hospice care for local people, has 26 shops across East Suffolk and South Norfolk, and relies on the support of local people to keep their shops stocked.

Sue Goodchild, St Elizabeth Hospice’s Head

9 High Street Saxmundham IP17 1DF 01728 602537 saxdental@googlemail.com www.olive-dentalpractice.co.uk

Thérèse Coffey, MP Writing exclusively for the Town Herald Happy New Year to all readers of the Town Herald. I hope you enjoyed the festive season. We all had an early Christmas present with the decision not to put any Dr Therese Coffey tolls on the A14. The Government listened to the arguments put forward by MPs, businesses, councils and residents. As we set out in the case we made to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, East Anglia is one of the leading growth areas in the UK and it is essential that that wasn’t put at risk. The strength of feeling demonstrated by the 2,382 signatories of the petition was key in showing Ministers that local people weren’t prepared to accept the toll. The £1.5bn upgrade is scheduled to get under way in 2016. I want to thank Town Herald readers who signed the petition. Your signature really did help. The tidal surge hit with vengeance last month with many places experiencing higher tides than in 1953. Thankfully the community was well warned and largely, the sea defences held firm. There was some flooding in Aldeburgh with greater issues inland – particularly in Snape. I spoke in an adjournment debate in Parliament recently that my Suffolk

colleague, Peter Aldous secured. It was a timely opportunity to question the Minister and press for full funding for the urgent works that need to be carried out to repair the damage. Regular readers will know about my ongoing campaign to improve response times in our Ambulance Service. I am therefore delighted that Dr Anthony Marsh has been appointed as the new temporary Chief Executive, starting in January. Dr Marsh will be here 4 days a week as he continues to lead the very successful West Midlands Ambulance Service. It was Dr Marsh that conducted the report into the failings of the East of England Ambulance Trust and made recommendations for changes. He has a proven track record of strong leadership and I am pleased he has an opportunity to implement those recommendations. The Key Stage 2 results for Suffolk Primary Schools were published last week, which didn’t make for good reading. Well done to those schools that achieved results above the national average but there is still a long way to go to make improvements that will offer sustained prosperity in the future for our young people. It is possible and I want to ensure that we do what we can to attract the best teachers to our fair county

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Saxmundham Library News Liz Gleave writes: A very BIG thank you to all our customers and supporters for contributing their green tokens to our Waitrose box. We will be receiving £650 in approx 6 weeks. We had a lovely craft session with the children on Saturday 7th December. 13 children thoroughly enjoyed making Christmas Cards and tree decorations. Thank you to Margaret Huddle and Louise Hailey! Did you know? Services from your library have expanded lately. There's lots more available including: Toptime sessions are free sessions for all adults. Every Thursday 11am – 12.30pm. A different activity every week, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat (50p for tea & biscuits).

unable to get out or find it difficult to get to a library Suffolk Reference Direct: Access the subscription services for free from a computer in any Suffolk library or record office, or from any other computer using your library card number. (Ancestry library edition can't be accessed from home.) Music & Drama library: For groups, bands, orchestras, repertory companies, dramatic societies, play reading circles or individuals. Check the online catalogue to find out what is available. Help Us: Become a library volunteer or join the Friends’ of the library for only £2 per year, per person. Ask inside for details

Bookstart sessions for 0 – 3 year olds and their parents/carers. Tuesday 9.30am – 10am & Friday 10.30am – 11am Term time only. Renew & reserve your library books online at home or work. Reservations are FREE. We have a huge selection of DVDs. Most are £1 per week, premier DVDs are £3 per week and sets of more than 2 discs are £2 per week. 2 hours FREE Internet use every day. £1 for additional half hour sessions. You can borrow ebooks and audio for FREE Freegal is our FREE music download service. You can download up to 3 songs a week, as well as music videos. The Freegal service is available via their website and iOS and Android apps (when you set up the app search for 'Suffolk Libraries' rather than your local library). Home Library Service volunteers take books and audio CDs & cassettes to people that are

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What's Cooking? Sponsored by Try these healthy recipes for some guilt free snacks in the new year.

Blueberry drop scones Time: 30 minutes Makes: 20 Ingredients 50g essential Waitrose porridge oats 250ml skimmed milk 175g Waitrose organic light brown selfraising flour 1 tsp baking powder 2 eggs 150g Waitrose LOVE blueberries 1 Sunflower oil spray

Blueberry drop scones

in a microwave. Have two as a snack, or serve four with a salad for lunch. Time: 40 minutes Makes: 20

Life

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Method Soak the oats in a little of the milk for 5 minutes. Mix together the flour and baking powder. In a jug, beat together the eggs and remaining milk. Make a well in the flour, pour in the liquid and beat together until smooth. Stir in the oat mixture and dried blueberries. Spritz a large non-stick frying pan or flat griddle with oil. Drop small spoonfuls of the batter in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until risen and golden brown. Serve warm with fresh blueberries and a tiny drizzle of honey. Tip Any leftovers, once cooled, can be stored in an airtight container and toasted to reheat.

Pea and sweet potato samosas These spiced veggie parcels are delicious hot from the oven, eaten cold or reheated

Ingredients 500g sweet potatoes, diced 200g frozen petits pois, thawed 1 Bunch of salad onions, thinly sliced 2 tsp garam masala 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 Large pinch crushed chilli flakes 1 pack of La Petite Maison Feuilles de brick, 10 pastry sheets 1 Vegetable oil spray Method Cook the sweet potatoes in a pan of boiling water for 10 minutes until tender. Drain, mash lightly and mix in the peas, salad onions, garam masala, cumin and chilli flakes. Cover and leave to cool. Preheat the oven to 180Ë&#x161;C, gas mark 4. Cut each pastry sheet in half to make semi-circles. Divide the filling between them, then fold the sheets three times to give a flat cone shape. Dampen the sides and press edges together to seal. Transfer to a baking sheet, spritz with oil and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Coming Events Sponsored by The Computer Cabin at HG Crisp Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 January, at various times, Framlingham and Sweffling. French conversation classes with native Frenchspeaking tutor. Cost £76 per 10-week term (£69 for over-65s). For information on places available this term contact Agnès Clough on 01728 621276 or 07896 964626 or agnesclough1@gmail.com Wednesday 8 January, 7.30 pm, Leiston United Church Hall. “The Norfolk Cranes Story”, a talk by Chris Durdin for Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Entry £2.50, all welcome. Wednesday 8 January, 7.30 pm, Aldeburgh Cinema. A screening of Harold Lloyd's Safety Last, preceded by the short Charlie Chaplin film Easy Street, will open the cinema's Classic Silent Film & Live Music season. Introduction and live piano accompaniment by ingenious composer Neil Brand. Tickets from the box office or call 01728 484584 or visit www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk Friday 10 January, 6 to 7.30 pm, Saxmundham Library. For customers old and new, volunteers, friends committee and staff. We would like to say thank you for your support with wine, mulled wine and delicious nibbles (non-alcoholic beverages also served). PLUS a Surplus Christmas Raffle Swap – bring something you don't want and swap it for something you do want. No charge for this event. Saturday 11 January, 9.30am to 1pm, The White Horse, Sweffling. If your new year resolution is to start writing that short story or novel, The Writer's Hut creative writing group is the place to start. New members are welcome to this small and friendly group, talking and scribbling by a log fire. Fee £12 per session, £6 for students. For details contact timcazalet@gmail.com or 01728 663683 or search 'Sweffling Writer's Hut' for the website. Sunday 12 January, 10am, Snape Maltings. Saxmundham Library's Walking Book Group will meet near the large Horse & Cart

sculpture for a walk from Snape to Iken, talking about Andy Mulligan's Trash. Copies of the book are available from the library. Friends and family are welcome on the walk. Participants pay £1 towards Saxmundham Library's Friends' Group. Monday 13 January, 1.30 for 2pm, Wenhaston Village Hall. The Halesworth and District Flower Club will meet to see a demonstration by Area Demonstrator Alan Smith whose title for this session is “Pot Luck” . Why not come along and have a cup of tea, make new friends and maybe win one of the wonderful flower arrangements in the raffle? Visitors £4 - you are guaranteed a very warm welcome. Thursday 16 January to Sunday 19 January 7.30pm (matinee 2.30pm Saturday) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The Pantomime. Join Leiston's acclaimed Bright Sparks theatre group, as they invite you to join them along the yellow brick road to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, in a very special family pantomime, to celebrate the centenary of Leiston Film Theatre. Performances are sold out, but standby/returns may be available on the day. Call 01728 830549 or see www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk Thursday 23 January, 7.30 pm, Wickham Market Village Hall. Wickham Market Flower Club will meet to see a demonstration by Vickie Hease. Her subject will be “Treasured Moments” and the practice piece will be “Entwined” – three flowers, twigs and foliage. Also remember to bring a stunning “Stem” from your garden. Our wonderful club is lots of fun. Why not come along and see for yourself? Make new friends and learn a trick or two. Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19 January 11am - 3pm RSPB Minsmere. Big Garden Birdwatch Have you ever wanted to join the 500 000 people who take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch but were not sure how to get started? Then fear no more

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Coming Events Sponsored by The Computer Cabin at HG Crisp as we will be creating bird feeders, helping you with your bird identification skills and showing you how to carry out the survey – ready for you to take part in the 2014 survey (25/26 of January). £2 per child, plus usual reserve entry fees. No booking required Saturday 25th January 2014, 10am - 1pm Leiston Film Theatre Coffee Morning and Open Day Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Leiston Film Theatre? Well, here's your opportunity to have a peek behind the curtains and even visit the projection room, on one of six guided tours around Suffolk's oldest cinema. Enjoy a cuppa and perhaps a slice of cake, whilst raising funds for the Leiston Film Theatre Support Club. FREE ADMISSION. Guided Tours: £2.50 per person. Please note: guided tours are not suitable for ages 5 and under. Saturday 25 January, 11:00 am to 4 pm, the Long Shop Museum, Leiston. At a Special Family History Open Day the Alde Valley Family History group will be placing a variety of exhibits on show, including local graveyard surveys and a special display about the Leiston Great War Centenary Memorial Book Project. For information about the group, its regular meetings at the Leiston Community Centre, and how to join, contact Nigel Turner on 01502 718019 or http://tinyurl.com/aldevalley Sunday 26 January, Leiston starting point for a Suffolk Wildlife Trust trip to RSPB Titchwell. Coach from Leiston with pickups en route. £15. For more information contact Carl Powell on carlann.powell@tiscali.co.uk or 01728 831841. Sunday 26 January 10am-4pm, Glemham Hall, Little Glemham Wedding Open Day Step inside this very beautiful family home and see exactly what the Grand Hall looks like when dressed for a wedding! Our Drawing Room will be set for a vintage style Afternoon Tea wedding and our Marquee will be looking splendid with help from our favourite wedding suppliers.

Thursday 30 January 7pm Aldeburgh Cinema National Theatre Live: Coriolanus. The Donmar Warehouse’s production of Coriolanus, Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation the title role and Mark Gatiss as Menenius, directed by the Donmar's Artistic Director Josie Rourke. Tickets £15 (£13 cinema club members) Looking Ahead... 13-15 February at 7.30 and 16 Feb at 2.30, 2014 - Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy ‘Ten Times Table’. Walberswick Village Hall. Tickets £8 pp from the Tuck Shop Walberswick, or on the door 30 minutes prior to performance. 01502 722255. All funds in aid of Walberswick Village Hall (reg charity no: 1100032).

Contact suzy@townherald.co.uk to add your event to our web diary or next edition. Still searching for that perfect gift? Why not give a language? A Spanish course is the ideal present for someone special (add a guide to Barcelona, and you might benefit too!). Whether you’re a Beginner or an Improver, our small group classes in FRAMLINGHAM will equip you with all the Spanish skills you need.

Spanish for Beginners Dates: 15 January – 26 March Where: 17a, Market Hill (above Leo’s Deli) When: Wednesdays 7.30-9.00pm Cost: 10 week course £ 90

Spanish for Improvers Dates: 14 January – 25 March Where:17a, Market Hill (above Leo’s Deli) When: Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm Cost: 10 week course £ 90

07833 330 236 www.eastangliantuition.co.uk

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Regular events sponsored by Do you run a local group? Need to add, update or correct an existing listing? Get in touch! editor@townherald.co.uk. Details can change at the last minute so call ahead before visiting for the first time.

1st Saxmundham Scouts Group at HQ, Memorial Field, Rendham Rd, Saxmundham. Boys and girls welcome to join. Beavers: Fridays 5.15pm to 6.30pm. Ages 6 to 8, Contact Lisa Wood saxbeavers@hotmail.co.uk Cubs: Tuesday and Thursday 6pm to 7.30pm. Ages 8 to 10.5. Contact Dave Kenny or Adrian Norris on the email below Scouts: Wednesday 7pm to 8.30pm. Ages 10.5 to 14. Call Haydn Morris, sax_ scoutgroup@btinternet.com Yoga In Westleton. Monday 5.30-6.30pm novices 7 to 8.30pm intermediates. Westleton Village Hall. Oneto-one yoga therapy by appointment. Judie Shore 01728 648460 www. Suffolkcoastyoga.co.uk “CRAFTY Ladies” Craft Group. 1st and 3rd Mondays, 10am to 12.30pm, committee room, Kelsale Village Hall. £3 per session. Call Pam 01728 603995. Ladies Eastern Dance Classes Wickham Market Primary School, Tues from 6.15pm (Beginners); Riverside Ctr, Stratford St Andrew, Thurs from 7pm. Call Leanne 07796 087255 or leda2713@btinternet.com Dress comfortably. No experience necessary. Pagans Beyond The Pale. Discussion Grp Badingham, Nr Framlingham 7.15 for

7.30. Meets monthly, on the Wednesday after the New Moon. For further info call 01728 638580 or visit http://tinyurl.com/paganspale Top Time At Sax Library. Thurs 11am to 12.30pm. All adults welcome. Games, films, play reading, talks and much more. Free entry. Call Sax Library on 01728 403094. Refreshments 50p. Molly Dancing Come and see Oxblood Molly at a practice session for a taster. Musicians and dancers always wanted – no previous experience necessary. Most Sundays at Peasenhall Village Hall but check with Roy on 01728 648901 or Julian 01986 873941. Kelsale Art Group Thurs 7-9pm, Kelsale Village Hall committee room. New members welcome. Call Roger 01728 667037 or Mike 01728 603995. KT Crafts Craft Fair, Saxmundham Market Hall, 1st Sat, 9.30am to 1.30pm. Free entry, refreshments. Call Tina 01728 604784. In aid of local charities. Closed Jan, Feb, March Leiston & District Philatelic Society meet 4th Wed. at Leiston United Church Hall, High St, 7.30pm. Visitors and new members welcome, whether beginners or advanced stamp-collectors. Further info contact the President on 01728 830415 or Secretary on 01394 460901. Point Devis North West Morris and Garland Dancing Thurs, Gannon Rooms, Sax 8-9.30pm Open to

all abilities. Dancers and musicians welcome. Contact Lin 01728 602465. Quaker Meetings in Leiston 10.30am every Sunday, Quaker Meeting House, Waterloo Avenue, Leiston. Children's class and Simple Lunch every Fourth Sunday. Singaround Kelsale Social Club, 2nd Thurs 8 to 11pm. All welcome. Join in or just have a drink and watch. Call Mike on 01728 603995 for details. GreenerSax come and join a friendly transition group, working towards a more sustainable Saxmundham and surrounding villages. greenersax@hotmail.co.uk call 07801 065385, website www.greenersax.org.uk Heritage Coast Dog Training Club every Wed 7.15 to 8.30pm, Market Hall, Saxmundham. Dogs of all ages; it’s a must for puppies. Run on a voluntary basis. Any enquiries call Denise on 01728 603386. Praise and Worship Evening 1st Sat 7.30pm, Yoxford Village Hall. Great musicians, vibrant singing, all welcome. Contact: Ray/Margaret 01728 602372. Melody Makers Mixed Choir. Rehearsals every Monday 7.30 to 9pm. Kelsale Village Hall (2nd Mondays, Main Hall, all others Committee Room). Details from 01728 602822 or 01728 602690. Labour Party, Leiston and District Branch. Meets 4th Tuesday at Friends Meeting House, Waterloo Avenue, Leiston, 7.30pm. More info

www.bistroatthedeli.co.uk Regular events. Extraordinary Coffee! call 01728 833578. Leiston United Church hold a coffee morning every Friday and Saturday 10-11.30am in aid of church funds. All are welcome. PASTEL Fun Workshops 1st/3rd Saturdays (10.30am3.30pm) at Fromus Centre. For young adults aged 1525 with a learning disability. www.pastel.org.uk or contact 01728 604944 or email don.tricker@pastel.org.uk Everyman Folk Club Riverside Centre, Gt. Glemham Rd, Stratford St Andrew. Last Friday each month 8pm. Call 01449 615523 for tickets and membership. Carpet Bowls. Saxmundham Market Hall. Tuesdays 7-9.30pm. New members welcome. Info from Frances Maynard 01728 605797 or Lyn Martin 602078. Tai Chi Classes. Thursday mornings in Knodishall Village Hall, 11.15am to 12.15pm. Other classes also available. Contact Ali Crawford 01394 411717, ali.crawford@virgin.net Saxmundham Art Group Fromus Centre, Thursday afternoons from 1-4pm. New members welcome. £1.75 per session. Please contact Judy 01728 602353. Saxmundham Royal British Legion every 3rd Wednesday at the Gannon rooms. 7.45pm. Contact Rose Damiral White 603817. Sax Boules. Join our friendly group. Club meetings will restart Saturday February 1 2014. For more details contact Jennie Pink 604340.

Westleton Village Quilters Westleton Village Hall each Friday from 1-4pm. £12 per term or £1.50 for a single session. For more information contact Ann Bebbington on 01728 648943 or email john@ bebbington2.orangehome.co.uk

Aldeburgh Art Group. Meets at The Baptist Chapel, Aldeburgh High Street from 1.45-4pm every Tuesday. Open to all, this is a casual, untutored group. Bring your own art. £2 inc. tea and biscuits. Bruisyard Village Hall. Pub nights, every Thurs 7.30pm. Live music. Free admission. Come along for a pint and a chinwag. Pilates every Tuesday in Village Hall 9.30 to 10.30am. Bruisyard Young People every Wednesday 6-7.30pm. Info contact John Gibb 01728 638912. Kelsale-cum-Carlton W.I. meets 2nd Tuesday, committee room Kelsale Village Hall from 7-9pm. New members welcome. Contact Sue Potter on 01728 602177 or Sue Granville-George on 01728 604954. Monthly Market Yoxford Village Hall, 2nd Sat 9am1pm. Stalls and refreshments, raising funds for village hall. 01728 668529 or email dawn@ip17.co.uk Sax IT Club. Restarts March 12, 2014. For details see www.saxitclub.org.uk Saxmundham W.I. Meets 3rd Thursday 7.30-9.30pm United Reform Church Chapel Road. Walking, play reading, lunch groups. Contact Jenny Mann 01728 604608

Sizewell and Leiston Karate Club meets Tues and Thurs from 6-8pm. Run for over 25 years! Children, adults, beginners or more experienced. All welcome. Telephone Liz 01728 604827 www.slkc.co.uk or just turn up. Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group. Meets 3rd Mondays United Reformed Church Hall, Chapel Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1BJ. Members £1.50, nonmembers £2.50 http://tinyurl.com/aldevalley Saturday Morning Drama Club. Middleton Village Hall. Ages 4 to 7 years from 9.30 to 10.30am. Ages 8 to 11 years from 10.30 to 11.30am. £3 simon@simonbridge.co.uk or 01728 648420. Halesworth & District Flower Club Meet 2nd Mondays at Wenhaston Village Hall 2.pm, doors open 1.30pm. Visitors £4

HOLMES & JONES SAXMUNDHAM SERVICE CENTRE LIMITED Service and repairs (all makes welcome) Batteries – Tyres - Exhausts MOT assessment and Submission Specialist CITROEN & PEUGEOT knowledge MARCUS HOLMES AND KEITH JONES UNIT 3, ST JOHN'S ROAD SAXMUNDHAM IP17 1BE TEL: 01728 603 504 FAX:01728 604825

On the Farm If you see grass in January, Lock your grain in some of our yearlings so we have a few less your granary. mouths to feed. They are off to join a new herd this month so we wish them well in their new I think I have said before that whilst most life away from Peakhill! people see January as the start of the New Year to me September and harvest marks the end of On a different note we are starting to plan our one farming year and the start of the next. So other work for 2014 as we look ahead to in January at Peakhill farm its business as warmer weather and campers and visiitors to usual. Rob is getting as much maintenance the farm. We are hoping to expand the done as he can around the farm and continuing camping area and facilities so more people can to feed and care for the cows as they come and share in the lovely bit of Suffolk we overwinter indoors. As many of you will have look after. We are also planning some more a pet that you get up each day to feed and water Film at the Farm events this year so keep an spare a thought for livestock farmers who eye on the Town Herald for information on spend most of their day doing the same thing upcoming events. but on a much larger scale. It takes Rob most of the morning to get all our 'girls' fed with As January is usually pretty dark and cold, if silage and he takes fresh straw into their winter you are stuck indoors looking out at your quarters to keep them warm and bedded down. gardens dreaming of spring it's important to remember two things...the shortest day has Sadly, this year the silage feed will not stretch passed so it's only going to get brighter and to feed all our cows through the winter months. lighter...and it's the perfect time for seed Last years hot dry start to the summer meant catalogues so grab a cuppa and plan what you that the grass available to make silage was will grow in 2014! seriously reduced. It's costly to buy in organic Karen White silage so we have taken the decison to part with

School Report New Year at Saxmundham Free School

which for the school is simple we focus on our 6 C's to success; Commitment, Cooperation, Community, Confidence, Challenge and Celebration. For students at the start of this New Year with a new term ahead of them, my message is one of inspiration from the late Nelson Mandela. "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do". So go and achieve your best in all you do!

Jordan Blezard's winning Christmas Card design My name is David Lees and I am the newly appointed Headteacher of Saxmundham Free School. Being appointed as the first Headteacher of Saxmundham Free School is a tremendous privilege and an amazing opportunity to positively influence the lives of so many young people in Saxmundham. I am a firm believer in getting the best out of people, and that's no different with the students who attend Saxmundham Free School. I have a real desire for them to achieve the best they can, to leave as lifelong learners and to have a real enjoyment and passion for learning. So everything I do comes with the caveat that it must improve student outcomes and help them to learn better.

And the message I'd like to share with all of us at this time, is one that reminds us of the importance of the role that all schools play in today's society; again from the words of Nelson Mandela. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." I look forward to the day when students from Saxmundham Free School are changing the world, thanks to the work that all educators are doing to provide all students with a foundation for life. So like all of us the New Year is going to be a busy one; but that's how I like it! David Lees Headteacher

So what will the New Year bring? It will start for us with a celebration of what has gone before. Firstly congratulating Jordan Blezard aged 11 in Year 7, who is the winner of the Saxmundham and Beccles Free School Christmas Card Competition. Her fantastic design is shown below and was used as our official Christmas card this year. We then welcome back our students and celebrate their end of year trips to the Norfolk Snowsports Club to try skiing and the Lille Christmas market in France. We will then set our New Year resolutions,

Letters to the Town Herald Write to editor@townherald.co.uk, Town Herald, c/o HG Crisp, 27 High Street, Saxmundham, IP17 1AF

Thank you from Cats Protection Dear Town Herald, The Fram and Sax Cats Protection Homing Fair held at the Saxmundham Market Hall on 23 November was a huge success. Of the 14 cats and kittens we took for viewing 11 of them found new homes and potential homes were found for other cats in our care. Donations and sales raised over £600 and a substantial amount of cat food was donated. We would like to thank all of those who came along to support us and gave so generously. It was a great end to our Homing Fair season and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2014. If are thinking of adopting a cat or kitten or would like to volunteer at one of our future events, see www.framandsax.cat.org.uk or call on 01728 723499.

COPY DATES The Town Herald is published at the beginning of the month. The deadline for Issue 19 is 5pm, on January 20 for February 2014 publication. Please note this is earlier than usual due to the bank holidays. Call 01728 885147 editor@townherald.co.uk or deliver copy to HG Crisp in Saxmundham High Street. Items may be edited and appear subject to space. THANKS TO Belinda Moore, Bob Foyers, Penny Robertson, Suzy Powling, Karen White. PUBLISHER Joe Cassels, 22 St Johns Road, Saxmundham ADVERTISING 1000 copies of the Town Herald are printed and distributed in Saxmundham, Leiston and surrounding villages. Ads start at £12 per insertion for an eighth-page ad. Call 01728 885147 editor@townherald.co.uk

Sara Turley - Publicity Officer, Framlingham and Saxmundham Cats Protection.

The Show Must Go On Dear Town Herald On behalf of the Friston Aldeburgh Players I would very much like to thank those of you, imbued with the Dunkirk spirit, who came to the Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh at the time of high flood alert to watch “ Black Comedy “ on the 5th, 6th and 7th of December. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were thrilled to have such appreciative audiences. We would also like to thank the East of England Co-operative Society for supplying the mince pies which everyone enjoyed after the performances. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the next show! Sebastian Allaby Friston Aldeburgh Players

RSPCA Collection Dear Town Herald May we thank the folk of Saxmundham and surrounds for their generosity during RSPCA week when we collected at TESCO. The combined total raised (Beccles and Lowestoft) was £955.11 and loads of cat and dog food. We are currently full with cats so the food will go a long way to help. Deborah Dann Secretary Suffolk East Coast Branch RSPCA

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Prambling Pramblings are a series of pram-friendly walks suitable for anyone wanting to get out and enjoy the countryside with young children. These walks help parents and children to get fresh-air and exercise in the wonderful Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB.

Thorpeness-Aldeburgh Steamer 1.

2. 3. 4.

Park at Thorpeness beach car park and turn right towards the Mere. Walk past the Meare and turn left into the road to the Golf Club. At the Golf Club turn right and then take the footpath on your left down the side of the Golf Club. Stay on this path keeping the Mere to your left. At the end of this path you will emerge with the stone cottage in front of you, turn left and bear round to the left where you will see the signs for North Warren RSPB reserve. Keep the sign on your right and proceed with the Mere to your left and woodland to your right initially. This is the old railway line to Aldeburgh so stay on this path with beautiful views of the North Warren reserve and coast on your left until you reach Church Farm Holiday Park. (Please note the second section of this path is permissive). Follow the footpath signs through the campsite to the main entrance where you turn left towards the famous Maggie Hamblin Aldeburgh Shell sculpture on the beach. Cross the main road and go across the beach carpark. At this point you can turn right and enjoy an hour or two in Aldeburgh. Toilets and refreshments are in front of Aldeburgh Moot Hall. (About 500m).

With the “Shell” ahead of you pick up the paved path at the back of the beach. Turn left and head back towards Thorpeness, through the Havens back to Thorpeness car park. This walk can be done in reverse, from Thorpeness head South through the Haven beach car park near the Aldeburgh Shell sculpture. Or park at the Aldeburgh “Shell” and walk either way to Thorpeness.

The full guides are for sale in HG Crisp in Saxmundham. The cost is £6 in shops or you can order online for £6 with 99p postage on top. Anyone interested in getting a group walk together can contact the author Karen White through the Prambling website. www.prambling.co.uk