In Touch News with East Bergholt – June 2018 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 5 • Issue No. 9 • JUNE 2018

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Out & About in Flatford by Nigel Paul

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Do you know what a non-Newtonian fluid is? My eight-year-old son has just explained it to me, and even demonstrated it using cornflour and water. In case you are interested, a non-Newtonian fluid is one which changes under stress. It may become thicker and act like a solid (as Jack’s cornflour concoction did) or get more liquid (as ketchup does when you shake the bottle). Remove the stress and they will return to their earlier state. I think most of us are non-Newtonian beings. Most of the time we’re relatively reasonable! We deal with life’s typical trials and tribulations without too much fuss. We know how to manage our moods, we recognise our triggers and we manage them. We may even have a release value we engage when it all becomes too much. I rely on Leonard Cohen and chocolate, perhaps it’s jogging or maybe baking. Leonard had to work overtime yesterday! I take a cross country route to and from work and we all know how bendy our Suffolk roads are. As I approached a side road, I was overtaken by a car which came within a hair’s breadth of hitting an oncoming van head-on. I was forced to break hard to make space for the driver to pull back in (I’m still trying to find half the contents of my handbag). Thankfully the driver behind me had enough space to do the same. Two miles further along, the same car overtook two others in a 30mhp zone and again just missed an oncoming vehicle. Despite the driver’s haste I caught up with him again a few miles on and this time he pulled out at a junction and forced yet another shaken driver to slam on their brakes. The driver was on my mind all evening. I hope he made it home safely, but if he carries on driving like this I dread to think what might happen. Now the weather has improved there are more cyclists, runners and even horses on the roads, and more children playing outdoors. Please, please bear this in mind when you drive on our twisty roads and take extra care around blind bends. As yesterday’s example shows, the time savings for speeding are pretty minimal. The risks don’t bear thinking about.

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

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• Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary • Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton • Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Baylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • Ipswich East • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Needham Market & The Creetings • Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone • Burstall & Sproughton • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham • Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Melton & Woodbridge

DEDHAM ART SOCIETY ART EXHIBITION & SALE Aldham Parish Church, Sunday, June 10, 11am-5pm Come and enjoy a display of artwork by local artists which promises to be full of vitality, colour and originality. The exhibition will be in support of Aldham Open Gardens Day. Entry to the gardens is £5, and there will be lunches and teas and a free bus. For more information about Dedham Art Society, please visit: www.dedhamartsociety.co.uk

DEDHAM CHURCH MUSIC AND ART WEEKEND July 13-15 in the beautiful settings of the church and vicarage garden Friday 13: Kingsland Community Gospel Choir 7.30pm in church; an uplifting evening of contemporary and classic gospel music from this talented local choir Saturday 14 in the Vicarage Garden 3.30-5pm: Local band, Duvet bring music to make a perfect afternoon tea 7pm: Music for a Summers Evening with In Firm, Soul Collective and the Dedham Songbirds. Bring your own food or enjoy a BBQ provided by Evans the Butchers. Tickets on the gate £5, children free. Sunday 15: Local artist Gerda Newsham will be exhibiting her paintings in church from 2-5pm and at 3pm will speak about how her Christian faith has inspired her work. We round off the weekend with film night in the Vicarage Garden: open from 7.30pm, The Greatest Showman starts at 8pm, tickets on gate £4. www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk

SUMMER SERENADE Stour Choral Society and the combined choirs of Highfields and Lawford Primary schools are proud to present a concert version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, plus a smattering of other songs. Susie Hyman is the musical director and the evening features terrific performances from rising star Cameron Collins as Joseph, and Marcus Wood as Pharaoh (alias Elvis!) Stephen Smith is the accompanist and Anna Maria Hyman is the percussionist. The concert will take place in Old Hall, East Bergholt on Saturday, June 23 at 6.15pm. Tickets are £8 for adults, £4 for children and £20 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). Tickets are available from Howells Hardware Shop, Manningtree High Street and from 01206 392820.

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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD, JUNE 2018 I am writing this before the latest round of elections across the country, which doesn’t directly affect Babergh. There is no doubt, as reported in the national and local press, a quiet revolution going on. Lack of individual involvement in the decisions that affect local communities and a broad brush approach from national government is giving rise to even more unpredictability in forecasting results! Soon we will have the outcome from the Boundary Commission’s review into Babergh council ward divisions. Many would argue that there are too many politicians and a reduction is a good thing, but it depends on how easy it is to communicate with them. Much is made of modern communication methods, including Facebook, Twitter, websites and Snapchat to name but a few, but our electronic infrastructure is far from reliable or has the wonderful speeds we so often see used on our television screens! Face to face communication is becoming a rarity, but it is much easier to communicate a view or problem in a face to face encounter. This is behind my efforts and the efforts of other campaigners within Babergh, now based outside its district, to get them to think how it represents and communicates with its residents. I am receiving more calls about difficulty in contacting officers or in some cases correcting mistakes that Babergh has made with often incorrect information and addresses on letters. Ipswich is easier to reach than Sudbury for residents in a large area of the eastern district yet there is no access point in Ipswich for Babergh residents to use. On a positive note, my recent meeting along with East Bergholt PC members and Highways England was constructive and I think we made them aware of the local concerns and our particular ‘bucket list’ for the A12. We all know of the financial constraint all aspects of government funded bodies experience, but there are some smaller measures that they are promising to address. The first will be resurfacing the slip roads at junction 31 (The Four Sister) and addressing the signage concerns. The recent spate of accidents, including a fatality at Capel North, has also been flagged up. Common sense says there are simple things that will help, but we will have to wait and see and hope for safer motoring, especially as the summer holiday traffic increases. Planning still seems to be a challenge and recent suggestions from Whitehall do not make things easier. Introduce a system and stick to it rather than constantly introducing changes and modifications. Is it so difficult? Promises of funding for infrastructure to limit the impact of development always seem to fade into the mists of time and we are left with overloaded roads, schools, trains, doctors, etc. Why does it take so long to make and implement a decision in this country? On the continent it seems to take a fraction of the time and often lasts longer, especially the surface on roads!

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Medication Queries The practice employed a clinical pharmacist in August last year who has been working with us for two days a week to help with re-authorising medication, undertaking medication reviews, resolving patient medication queries and ensuring patient medication is recorded accurately and patients are monitored as necessary. We are one of just a few practices in Suffolk to employ a clinical pharmacist and it has been a huge success as it has enabled us to provide a better service to patients and free up our doctors to focus on other patient needs. Moni, our pharmacist, will now be working three days a week for the practice, which means that he will be available to address the majority of patient queries regarding medication. As most of these queries are not urgent, our receptionist will ask him to contact the patients when he is next in, which may be the same day or the next working day. This will further help to relieve pressure on our GPs which in turn will increase their accessibility to address other patient problems. Of course, if patients have an urgent medication problem, and Moni is not working that day, then it will be passed to a doctor. Capel Refurbishment By now many patients will have seen the refurbished clinical rooms at Capel and the new automated front doors. The clinical rooms have been completely refitted and now provide a brighter, cleaner, and better-organised environment for our doctors and practice nurses to consult with patients. The new automated doors are taking some getting used to, as a button needs to be pressed to open the doors when entering and exiting the premises. We have revised signs to make it clear to patients how to operate them. The refurbishment was undertaken over a three-week period leading up to Easter and it was a requirement of NHS England that it was completed by the end of March. We are sorry for any disruption over that period, but hope patients agree that the improvements are worthwhile. Financial support was provided by NHS England, but our GP Partners also made a significant financial contribution towards the project. This was the first stage of improvements to the Capel site and we plan to upgrade the rest of the building in due course as plans are approved and finances permit. Ample notice will be provided before further work commences.

Councillor John Hinton

Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on Thursday, June 28. The Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy, but the practice reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

Enjoy the better weather and keep safe.

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: MAY 2018 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Resources Babergh is facing a number of resource challenges, both in financing and staffing. Several experienced officers have left the organisation in the last year or so, and the council is struggling to recruit new personnel. The planning department has had a shortfall of seven or more officers in recent times, partly because there is a general market shortage of planners, many of whom have moved into the more lucrative consultancy business. There have been twelve redundancies overall during 2017/18 at a cost of £254K. In financial terms, the report to the May Cabinet re-affirms a commitment to six key actions: aligning resources to a refreshed strategic plan and essential services; continuing the shared service agenda, collaborating with others and transforming service delivery; behaving more commercially to generate more income; considering new funding options, such as acting as an investor via its investment company; encouraging ‘channel change’, i.e. digital interaction wherever possible; and making the most of revenue from sources such as new homes bonus and business rates retention. The report predicts a cumulative funding gap over the next three years of some £1.169m, largely because of the loss of funding from central government and the uncertainty of business rates collection. The same report indicates a favourable revenue budget variance to date of some £1.818m, but most of this is earmarked for specific reserves. The resources situation – financial and human – figures significantly in the council’s current risk estimation.

Suffolk Framework for Growth The foundation for the framework was laid during the work on devolution. Although that fell through, the Suffolk leaders wanted to progress their ideas for economic growth (jobs), infrastructure investment (transport, communication, utilities, education and health facilities) and residential growth (our homes). Suffolk has high levels of employment, but wages and productivity are lower than the UK average. Within the Eastern region, Cambridge and Norwich are two of the five fastest growing cities in the UK. Key growth sectors include energy technology, agriculture and food/drink processing, ICT research and innovation, and life sciences such as the global expertise in equine and bloodstock science. There is a need for infrastructure that enables development – roads, passenger and freight rail routes, broadband for all of Suffolk, coastal protection and flood defences, and consistent, clean and efficient power and water supplies. Investment is also needed in infrastructure that supports development – schools, healthcare, green spaces and social facilities. The spatial distribution of this growth (in our area) is particularly aligned with the A14; Ipswich is a major hub, and within Babergh, Sudbury. Felixstowe is recognised as a major gateway handling over four per cent of all container traffic coming into the UK Suffolk’s population is expected to rise by 10 per cent over 20 years. At least 67,000 new homes will be needed, but the target could be as high as 95,000. At one end of the demographic scale, one in three residents will be over 65 by 2037; at the other end, the younger generation will need the higher skills to grow and fill the higher tech businesses in the key growth sectors. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Council Leader Question and Answer Session Babergh District Council Leader Councillor John Ward and Deputy Leader Councillor Jan Osborne held their first event in Sudbury on Saturday, April 28, giving residents the chance to speak directly to the council’s leadership and ask their questions. After a great response, plans are being drawn up for a second event this summer in Shotley, and a third later this year in Hadleigh, allowing residents the opportunity to talk to the council’s leaders. New Council Homes New tenants in Glemsford are settling into their homes as Babergh completes the first of a number of new council housing developments. Work began on site at Hammond Croft, Glemsford in December 2016 and has delivered nine two-bedroom houses and six three-bedroom houses. All the homes were advertised through Gateway to Home Choice and priority was given to people with local links to the area. These new homes are part of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ joint project to deliver 65 new council homes across both districts. New government initiatives have made it easier for local authorities to build their own homes and both councils seized the opportunity. In May 2014, the councils appointed Havebury Housing Partnership as their development partner and after securing a £1m grant from government, work began on building 27 new homes in Babergh and 38 in Mid Suffolk. All the eight schemes have now been completed. Property Services Following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, while there are no highrise tower blocks within the district, Babergh have been working on

reviewing fire safety in all accommodation that has communal areas or are blocks of flats. This has been a significant piece of work but now ensures there is a robust fire risk assessment for every site, and where necessary remedial action has already taken place. Scrutiny Committee The Scrutiny Committee have been reviewing voids on council owned properties. This is the time taken from a property becoming vacant to when a new tenant moves in. The target is to reduce the void time by 10 days within six months. Work has continued in preparation for the Homelessness Reduction Act 2018 which places a greater responsibility on the Ccouncils to prevent homelessness. This has most recently involved restructuring the existing team, training and the development of new ways of working. A further review will be conducted by the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the autumn, six months following the implementation of the act. During the recent cold weather the homelessness team provided severe weather and extended winter provision. Publicity promoted that any rough sleeper would be given accommodation overnight while the temperatures were below zero for an extended period. As a result of the Homeless Reduction Act, both Babergh and Mid Suffolk are considering their provision of temporary accommodation and during the next few months will review if this accommodation is suitable in respect of its location, cost and quality, as part of this process they will consider opportunities to purchase or dispose of such accommodation accordingly. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

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The Shop Shop Road Little Bromley Manningtree CO11 2PZ

Open to the public Mon - Fri 8.30 - 4.15 01206 396167 www.harlequin-uk.com

We’re more than just a pet food store Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA • 01473 731117

gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm www.copdockmill.co.uk

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NEWS LAWFORD SURGERY 2 Edgefield Avenue, Lawford / 01206 392617 Lawford Surgery is an innovative and growing GP Practice on the Essex Suffolk Border. We are currently accepting new patients from Brantham and East Bergholt.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE?

Our practice We strive to the highest quality in medical care. We have a diabetic nurse specialist and doctors with a special interest in heart disease, diabetes and women’s health. We also offer heart tracing (ECGs), blood tests and warfarin monitoring.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOLUNTARY ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY?

We offer the NHS England extended hours service several evenings weekly until approximately 7pm. Appointments can be pre-booked in advance or can be booked on the day for more urgent attention. We also offer minor surgery. Dispensary We have a dispensary which dispenses for patients who live over a mile away from a pharmacy. If not applicable to this category, prescriptions can be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. In the dispensary we have a pharmacy technician who runs medication usage clinics, so if you have any queries regarding your medication an appointment can be made to discuss. Please pick up a registration form from reception.

NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub The sun is shining at last and our garden has come into its own with customers able to enjoy a drink or a snack lunch in the open air. If you haven’t yet sampled our new range of lunchtime light meals, come along with a good appetite on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from noon-2pm. Sandwiches, ploughman’s lunch, soup of the day and more. You won’t be disappointed. Our popular monthly quizzes continue through the summer on the last Saturday. Book if you’d like a curry supper, otherwise just turn up. Dates are May 26, June 30 and July 28. The start time is 8.30pm. Open Mic nights also continue on the first Tuesday of each month, from about 9pm. If you get your copy of In Touch in time, you might be interested in a Walking Treasure Hunt round the village to be held on the late May Bank Holiday, May 28. Teams can be any number and the treasure hunt starts from The Case at noon. There will be a barbecue at The Case from 1pm. You don’t have to participate in the treasure hunt to come to the barbecue but it might give you an appetite! Following the success of the last two years, we are once again holding a Grand Village Garden Party on Sunday, July 15 (and yes, we know we’re competing with two major sporting fixtures!). Home-made cakes, live jazz band and lots more. We are very grateful for offers of home-made cakes to sell, so if you have a ‘special’, will you make us one? Some of our most impressive cakes have been from gentlemen, so we want to hear from you too. Please email me on gill.redcotts@ icloud.com to be added to our list of very much appreciated bakers. Free tickets for the garden party will appear in the pub in June.

Why not train to become a Community First Responder in East Bergholt? Full training given By East of England Ambulance Service (Qualification also covers First Aid at Work) East Bergholt Coordinator Carol Moss 01206 298483 / carol-moss@uwclub.net

JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP SOUTH SUFFOLK This November our nation will mark 100 since the end of the First World War. It was a terrible, industrial-scale conflict which saw chemical weapons deployed at scale for the first time. Around 1.3 million soldiers were killed or wounded by chemical attacks. We said then that it would be the ‘war to end all wars’; we certainly hoped never again to see our troops blindfolded and shuffling along with their arm on the shoulder of a comrade in front following blinding from chemical attack. And yet, that same terrible technology of chemical warfare used against our troops in the trenches a century ago, was recently deployed in Douma, Syria. The force responsible for the attack struck innocent civilians, leaving up to 75 people dead, including children and toddlers. It now seems irrefutable that the Syrian Government was responsible for deploying those weapons to murder, traumatise and disfigure the very same civilian population which it is their responsibility – like any civilised government – to defend. In response, having reviewed the extensive evidence base, the Prime Minister committed the Royal Air Force to a limited series of targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian Regime’s chemical weapons capability. This action was taken in a co-ordinated response with our allies in the United States and France, and has been heralded as a successful action by national leaders from countries across the globe, including Germany, Canada and Australia. I believe that tyrants prepared to gas their own civilians cannot be allowed to conclude that it is a legitimate action. Committing to the use of force is a true last resort, a step no government ever wants to take. But what were the options? Diplomacy is always preferable, but Russia can veto any meaningful measures at the UN. Doing nothing would have meant more deaths, more chemical attacks and more terrible suffering. We therefore committed to a proportionate, targeted air raid that undermined Syria’s chemical warfare machine without any reported casualties. It was a difficult decision, but I believe Britain did the right thing in seeking to check the terror that is chemical warfare. I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people. Please see page 23 for my contact details.

Finally, a word of thanks to Graham Whybrow who stepped in at the last moment to make the early May Bank Holiday go with a swing by providing some excellent garden games. We had a great time in the sun, children and adults alike. A true community event! And as always, huge thanks to all our volunteers who contribute above and beyond to make The Case work. If you’re not already a volunteer, would you consider becoming one? Pick up a leaflet from the pub. You would be very welcome. For what’s on at The Case visit: www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on

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NEWS ENGALYNX TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY: 1998-2018 Engalynx, the charity founded in Manningtree in 1998, is celebrating its twentieth year working for orphans and widows in Rwanda. The charity has worked tirelessly over these years covering a variety of projects, including supplying goats, school uniforms, health insurance, setting widows up in their own small businesses, working with the local Diabetic Association training girls in hairdressing, supplying one container of medical equipment to Kivu Hospital and one of general goods and clothing to Pauvre Enfant in Kigali, supplying bunk beds, books and microscopes to L’ecole de Science in Gisenyi and many other things. The greatest achievement to date is the opening in 2014 of a maternity unit in Ntunga, Rwamagana. This was designed by Arup and built using a local labour force. All the equipment for the unit was purchased in the UK and shipped from Felixstowe. Our first discussions took place in November 2011 and we opened in April 2014. The first month after opening five babies were delivered, but the monthly average now is 30. The last project was the training of 29 young women in tailoring; we have now set up a co-operative, which is working well, and the ladies are now training other young women. The maternity unit was just one unit of a complete health centre. This is a major challenge for us. The cost will be in the region of £400,000. We are applying to as many people as we can, and still fundraising to carry on with our other projects. Fundraising Concert: Saturday, June 30 We are holding an evening with the U3A singers which will include a good variety of songs together with novelty items and a sing-along. There will be wine and nibbles available at the interval. Admission is free and there will be a collection at the end for the charity. This is on Saturday, June 30 at 7pm at East Bergholt Congregational Church, Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt. If you would like further information, please contact Maralyn Bambridge on 01206 393022 or visit: www.engalynx.org.uk

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA The Constable Hall, Gandish Road Friday, June 8: Darkest Hour (PG) During the early days of the Second World War, with the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms. As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newlyappointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Oscar winner Gary Oldman stars. “Across the veil of years, we have seen tall Churchills, obese Churchills, sloppy Churchills, gross Churchills and scowling bull dog Churchills, and yet not one movie or TV Churchill has come close to giving us the man in full, both in look and spirit, until Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour.” San Francisco Chronicle Tickets (£4, £2 for 18 years and under) are available from the Fountain House Tea Room East Bergholt, 01206 299774 or on the door. All films start at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm. Bar and refreshments available. If you would like to come to the cinema but need a lift, please call 01206 299774 and we will try to arrange one for you. www.eastbergholtcinema.com

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM With the summer months approaching (thank goodness I hear you say) we unfortunately have an increase of anti-social behaviour. This is usually committed by young people. I don’t want to accuse all youngers of anti-social behaviour as this is not the case, but 90 per cent of anti-social behaviour is committed by youths. This is not just a police matter but a family and community matter. Where are your children right now? Are they stealing from the local shops, smoking drugs, being abusive to staff in shops? Please take responsibility for your children. Hadleigh SNT has been busy searching youths and a large quantity of cannabis and drug accessories have been seized. We have also been busy interviewing youths for threatening behaviour in local shops, theft of alcohol and theft of cycles. These youths will now be on the police system and could end up getting a police record which will stay with them for life. Please try and explain to your children how much having a criminal record affects them later on in life. With a drug conviction a lot of travel becomes unavailable as many countries, including America, will not allow anyone in their country with a drug conviction. Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, we have noticed an increase in people/youths using our parks. This is now a good time to remind young people and their parents to be responsible and sensible during the evenings and forthcoming summer holidays. We hold a very strong view on anti-social behaviour (ASB) and we will take action against those who chose to diminish the quality of life of other residents. It also serves as a reminder that anybody over the age of 10 years can be prosecuted, and that we will still engage with a problem individual if they are under-10. We urge you all to contact us if you are a victim of ASB. Your call could be the missing link, or your information may be enough to prevent somebody else from becoming a victim. Last summer our area was subjected to enormous ASB; we regularly had to deal with under age drunken youths who had no respect for their town, the parks, other residents and children using the parks. We will be taking a zero tolerance approach this summer; officers will be wearing body worn video cameras to record anything of any evidential value. Parents, please be mindful of where your children are and what they are getting up to. Our parks and play areas are to be enjoyed by all residents of our villages and should be a safe and fun place for everyone. We have seized a quantity of alcohol from underage drinkers and unfortunately a lot of this alcohol has come from their homes. Are you aware of any alcoholic drinks being taken from your drinks cupboard or are you giving your children alcohol for their weekend sleepovers? Young people can easily suffer alcohol poisoning and this is something we have witnessed in our local area. Until next month, if you have any quires or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD Hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: Call 999 Non-Emergency: Call 101 Follow us on Twitter@ HadleighPolice Police Connect: Suffolk.police.uk/police connect

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OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS BREEZEBLOCK PARK

THE DEDHAM PLAYERS

BATS enjoy plays which are that little bit different. Breezeblock Park by Willy Russell is certainly that. This is one for the adults, with an amusing comedy, tinged with some more sober social comments. You may not know this play, but may remember Educating Rita which was made into a film.

The Dedham Players are delighted once again to be presenting our popular and distinctive open-air event in the delightful grounds of Castle House, Dedham. From the Italian style of Commedia dell’arte to English Restoration Comedy we have been delighting our audiences since 1995 with colourful costume dramas.

It is the early 1970s and Sandra, the daughter of Syd and Betty, is finding out that there are other attitudes to life and living it outside the conventions of the council house estate she has been brought up in. She is ready to challenge her parents and move on. Her new boyfriend, Tim, is partly responsible for this simmering awakening. Watch it explode and then see the aftermath. Meet Sandra’s other close relations and especially her cousin, John. Is he about to move on, too? Or is he too heavily influenced by his mother? These fascinating characters will be brought to life by BATS from June 7-9 at 7.30pm in Brantham Village Hall. Tickets (£7 if ordered in advance / £8 on the door if any remain) are available from Bakes & Blossoms Café, Acacia Court, Brantham, or online from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/branthamamateurtheatricalsociety

This production in July will be our eighth and will again incorporate our unique style of presentation. As You Like It, one of Shakespeare’s early plays, is a light-hearted, charming comedy set in an enchanted forest. The play follows a multitude of characters driven from a nobleman’s court to exile in the magical Forest of Arden where they find refuge from ambition, intrigue and envy, but of course ultimately find love! To make the evening extra special, gates open at 6pm giving audiences the opportunity to bring their picnics and enjoy the beautiful Castle House grounds before the show starts at 8pm. Refreshments are available to purchase during the evening, including delicious beers from local brewers and free car parking. So, book early to make sure you don’t miss out and start planning now for that extra special picnic with all your friends and family on a summer evening in the magical Forest of Arden! Tickets are £15 and available from: www.dedhamplayers.org / Shakespeare House Gallery / Munnings Art Museum

No concessions, not suitable for under-18s.

CHATTISHAM MIDSUMMER OPEN GARDENS Sunday, June 17, 11am-5.30pm A great family day out with 12+ gardens open in this friendly village. Enjoy visiting a wide range of types and ages of gardens including formal, natural and aquatic features. Attractions include plant sales, cakes, lunches and cream teas. Family competition. Admission £4, accompanied children under-14 free. Tickets on the day from car park or any open garden. All proceeds to Chattisham Church Restoration

Childrens Fair COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK CHARITY CHILDREN’S FAIR The first Copdock and Washbrook Charity Children’s Fair will be hosted at Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall on Sunday, July 8 in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

www.hintleshamandchattisham.onesuffolk

The event, which runs from 11am-4pm, is aimed at children of all ages with lots for them to see, do and try and we’d love to see you there! We have bouncy castles, a penalty shoot-out from Goals, a huge Nerf battlefield, craft and science activities, face painting, a balloon modeller, soft play, baby massage, baby signing, messy play, a photographer, music, pampering, karate, theatre and lots more!

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

Lots of local businesses, groups and organisations will be joining us to showcase what they do and give you an opportunity to try out with some free taster sessions.

The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, June 9, 9am-12.30pm.

Come along and bring the family for a day of fun! Entrance is £1 (including a raffle ticket). Find us on Old London Road (the old A12), Copdock IP8 3JN.

The theme this month is Flowers so come and see our mini-flower festival, as well as your favourite market stalls: fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items.

More information, including timings for the taster sessions, can be found on our Facebook page – Copdock and Washbrook Charity Children’s Fair – or contact Genna (07545 002478) or Jo (07729 863223).

Three miles west of Ipswich, one mile south of the A1071 at Hintlesham / Sat Nav ref: IP8 3QE. Further information: 01473 652359 / r.d.chase@uwclub.net

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190. Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 visit: www.dementia-together.com

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

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OUT & ABOUT CONSTABLE SINGERS: SONGS OLD AND NEW Constable Hal, East Bergholt on Saturday, July 21 at 7pm Tickets £7 to include tea and coffee Up to June 11 contact Mel for tickets: alantuttlebury@hotmail.com After June 11 contact Paula: paulagraham716@btinternet.com

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY What a change in the weather; we’ve had the ‘Beast from the East’ and the hottest May Bank Holiday on record within a few weeks of each other. Now at last we have our beautiful summer weather to look forward too, so get your umbrellas ready and enjoy the numerous events that will be taking place over the next few months. On Saturday, June 9 we will be setting up our stall at Capel Funday. Please come along, say hello and browse through the hundreds of books on sale at unbeatable prices. Our team of volunteers will be available to tell you about our fundraising activities and provide details of future events and films. If you are not already a member of the friends group, we will have plenty of application forms available if you would like to join. Or if you would like to volunteer to help us in the future we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about what this would involve. June 14 is Cupcake Day and we will be supporting the Alzheimer’s Society in the library from 10am-noon. With cakes on offer I’m sure you won’t need much persuading to come along and support this worthy cause. So why not join us for a cake, a chat and a cuppa? If you would like to bake or donate some cupcakes please contact Jackie Harman, the library manager. The community cinema continues to go from strength to strength and takes place in the library on the third Tuesday of every month; doors open at 7pm and the village bar is open if you wish to buy a drink before the show begins. On June 19 we will be showing The Greatest Showman, an original musical inspired by the imagination of PT Barnum, celebrating the birth of show business and telling the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Finally, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Beacon Coffee Shop for their generous donation. If you haven’t been, it is open every Tuesday morning in the Vine Lounge of the Capel Bar and serves tea, coffee and delicious cakes. I can recommend the coffee, which the ladies kindly keep me supplied with during my computer lessons. Trevor Stevenson

THE ORCHARD PLAYERS DANCEATHON The Orchard Players are organising a Danceathon, a fun and energetic afternoon with four local dance and fitness instructors leading a variety of dance styles. Saturday, June 16 at Capel St Mary Village Hall from 12.30-4.30pm Registration from noon Get a taste of what dance and dance fitness is available in Capel St Mary and help raise funds for the Orchard Players with the option of raising money for a charity of your choice To register or find out more information contact: emmacole92@hotmail.co.uk THE ORCHARD PLAYERS PRESENT OLIVER Wednesday, July 4 to Saturday 7 Capel St Mary Village Hall Ticketline: 07793 820215

CAPEL LIBRARY It’s that time of year again when we ask if anyone can spare a few hours to help with the Summer Reading Challenge. If you can, please drop into the library to have a look at the volunteer schedule. DATES FOR THE DIARY Alzheimer’s Society Cupcake Day: June 14, 10am-noon Please come and support us in raising funds for this very worthwhile cause. Pop in for a cuppa, chat and a cake. If you can make us some cupcakes please let Jackie know. Baby Bounce: June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2pm Minecraft Club: June 3 and 17, 10.30am-12.30pm Scrabble Club: June 16, 1-3pm Community Cinema: June 19, doors open at 7pm, film starts at 7.30pm Lego Club: June 23, 10.30am-12.30pm Look out for the Suffolk Libraries gazebo at Funday on June 9; please pop along and say hello. You may pick up a few books for your summer holidays. OPENING TIMES Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm and 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Contact: 01473 311699

HADLEIGH CHURCH WELCOMES SUFFOLK SINGERS Saturday, June 30 at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh Relax and enjoy a concert of songs and music performed by this well-known Suffolk choir, led by Claire Weston, a former singer with English National Opera. Suffolk Singers will be providing an evening of music specially selected to complement the wonderful acoustics of lovely St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh. The varied programme will comprise rousing anthems such as O Radiant Dawn by James MacMillan, beautiful music by contemporary composers Arvo Pärt and John Hutchings, well-loved spirituals such as Deep River, as well as specially arranged ‘lighter’ pieces including Love Walked In and Spread a Little Happiness. The concert will also include clarinet pieces played by an exceptionally talented young student, Lucas Evans. Something for everyone! Suffolk Singers has been established in Suffolk for over 25 years and has become one of the most accomplished amateur choirs in the county. They are a mixed choir of just over 30 voices whose harmony and blend as a choir goes from strength to strength. They have been winners of the Whitman Cup for the best adult choir in the Suffolk Festival and were among 10 international choirs to compete in the Choir of the World competition at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 2014. They regularly perform in churches and cathedrals in which their beautiful sound can resonate to full advantage. Suffolk Singers are invited annually to perform in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral and were recently privileged to sing in the superb Binham Priory in North Norfolk. In May 2018 the choir is making a trip to Belgium where they will perform in the cathedrals in Ypres and Ghent as well as singing as part of the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. The choir hosts an annual workshop which is attended by over 100 singers from across the county and is very popular; make a note in your diary for November 4 at Woodbridge School. In the meantime, don’t miss this opportunity to hear such a special local choir. Proceeds from the concert will be helping raise funds for St Mary’s Church. Tickets for this concert are £10 and are available from: Peter Frost – 01473 311240; St Mary’s Church Office, Hadleigh (10am-noon, Mon-Fri); The Idler Bookshop, 37 High Street, Hadleigh / 01473 827752; www.wegottickets.com www.suffolksingers.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL CHORISTERS

Canterbury Cathedral Choristers present a concert in St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone on Wednesday, June 27 at 7pm. Tickets are £12.50 including summer refreshments. For more information and to secure your tickets contact Chris Hodgkinson: 07764 285928 / jchodgkinson@gmail.com All proceeds to St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone and the Choir House Choristers Social Fund.

EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM BRANCH RBL This year is a momentous one for many reasons, but leaving aside politics, it is the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that brought the 1914-18 war to a close. There will be many events organised across the area and the country, and in East Bergholt the Royal British Legion will be doing their best to mark this significant milestone with various events. RBL branches across the county are working with schools to visit and mark the graves in local cemeteries to bring closer to home the impact of the conflict. There will be an event in the Constable Hall in October where Mark Ashmore, a talented local historian, will bring to life the memory of the 65 men from East Bergholt who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Many more were injured, some were maimed and they should not be forgotten either. The East Bergholt branch is organising a display around the war memorial, a pastiche of the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red that moved and impressed so many at the Tower of London in 2014. Memorial packages will be on sale in strictly limited numbers to mark each of the 65 individuals from the village who made the ultimate sacrifice. More details on all these events will follow. Yours support and participation in these various events will be a lasting legacy for future generation and a show of support for past, present and future members of our Armed Forces. Branch Hon Secretary John Hinton Ajohn.hinton@btinternet.com / 01206 298309

POETRY PLUS The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, June 12 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree. All those interested in poetry are invited to attend either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets. There is no admission charge. To keep up-to-date with this poetry group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Testing our mettle again at the annual Granville Foulger Trophy Competition, hosted by the East Ipswich Camera Club in April, left us a creditable third out of five clubs and so nearly second place. Marks awarded: Bury St Edmunds 221, East Ipswich 204, Manningtree 202, Woodbridge 184 and Stowmarket 180. Later in the month worldwide wildlife photographer Kevin Maskell FRPS showed us some exquisitely fine shots of birdlife in the Falklands and Florida, while his wife, Margery Maskell ARPS, introduced us to non-flowering plants on your doorstep – literally. Lichen can look very colourful in close up and moss is pretty good in macro too. Our early May evening saw a return visit from experienced West Mersea photographer Colin Westgate FRPS. In a very relaxed evening Colin talked about some special places, ranging for example, from Iceland to Vietnam. He has visited destinations all over the world in connection with his photographic holiday business, Quest Landscape Photography. Shown here is a view of Glencoe in Scotland, so typical of Colin’s atmospheric renditions of light and landscape at its best. Please see www.questphoto.co.uk for further information. Our 2018/2019 season will commence in September and run through to May 2019. We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at St John’s Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join for the forthcoming season or may attend initially as a visitor. Please contact Margaret for details: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

VILLAGE LINK CLUB In a talk entitled Pray Silence For ? at our April meeting, Brian Russell recounted some notable events in his role as Master of Ceremonies at special events and dinners. There was a late change to the programme for our May meeting when the intended speaker was unable to attend due to poor health. Our thanks to club member Mike Castle who stood in with a talk on a trip he made to Nepal. Our new season of talks will commence on June 13 with More Stories from the Bury Tower. Future talks will include Nature through the Seasons, Special Music Box Eggs on Display, Collecting Hobbies – Or Obsession, Fused Glass Demonstrations & Sales, Remnants of War, Life as a Tudor Housekeeper, Acorn Village – History to Present Day, The Mystery of Going Underground, My Life as a Live Drawing Cartoonist Comedy Impressionist and Life as a Thames Waterman/Lighterman. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. Roger Felgate: 01473 311684

STOUR VALLEY LADIES PROBUS CLUB Stour Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at Brantham Leisure Centre at 10am on the first and third Thursday in the month. The first meeting in the month includes lunch and the second is for coffee. At every meeting there is a general interest speaker. The aim of our club is to encourage interest and fellowship among our members, all of whom are retired and have a lively and informed outlook on life. New members are welcome and anyone interested in attending a coffee morning should contact our president, Doreen Gant: 01206 395548 / deegant@tiscali.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB We had two interesting speakers in May. On May 2 Joyce Kimber spoke on Britain’s Finest Hour and on May 16 Brain Kelly enlightened us on The Life of a British Consul. Both meetings were much enjoyed by members. In a talk entitled The Man & His Poetry, Dr John Knight will talk to us about John Betjeman on June 6. On June 20 Chris Parfitt will present A Portrait of a Suffolk River and on July 4 John Field will introduce us to The Treasures of Ipswich. We hold our summer buffet at the popular Haywain on July 18 when our spouses and Probus widows join us for what is sure to be an enjoyable event and a tasty meal. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

NORTH ESSEX OVAL RACING CLUB The North Essex Oval Racing Club is a radio controlled model banger and stock car racing club based in Ardleigh Village Hall. We race 1:12th scale replicas of cars raced at tracks like Spedeworth Ipswich. The cars we use are kits made by Large It, Kamtec and Mardave. The body shell is made of Abs plastic and comes in many styles to replicate the real cars like Ford Granadas, Rover P5, etc. There’s plenty of choice to suit the race meets theme, i.e. engine size or age related or body styles hearse, limo, estates…

RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Have you been along to Flatford and seen our beautiful wildlife garden in the heart of Constable Country? “The staff were lovely, explaining about the birds and bugs and how we can help them in our own gardens.” Natasha on TripAdvisor Supporting birds and bugs in our gardens is especially important in these times of increasing housing development if we’re not to squeeze out nature completely, and we can all play a part. Could you find a little time to help to spread the word? The RSPB has more than 12,000 amazing volunteers in a range of roles, but there’s always room for more. We are always keen to expand our volunteer based welcome team at Flatford. It’s a very varied role but mainly involves talking to our visitors about the ideas behind the design of the garden and the small tweaks to support nature that we can all make to our own plots, whether they be rolling acres or just window boxes. We also encourage children to discover and enjoy nature as they take part in our family activities during the school holidays. We don’t have unaccompanied children in these sessions so their parents or guardians are always responsible for them overall. Nobody is expected to be an expert in plants or wildlife – there’s always something new to learn about in nature. Our volunteer shifts are based on a very flexible rota that is worked out month by month. This is just a very basic outline of the role. If you’d like to learn more about what’s involved and how you could play a part, please contact us for further information: 01206 391153 / sharon.barker@rspb.org.uk If you read this in time, just a reminder that our free half-term #Wildthing family activities run from May 28 to June 1. For details visit: www.rspb.org.uk/Flatford Sharon Barker

We also race stock car replicas, also a contact formula but not as hard as the bangers where more car repairs are necessary, but the low cost of parts makes it very cheap compared to other types of racing. Any age or ability of person can race and be competitive. The dates for next meetings are: June 17: Estates Bangers / 1300s NEORC Champ Rd2 July 22: Yanks / 1300s August 26: Any Shell / 1300s September 16: Dukes of Essex – Escorts, BMW, Sierra, Nova, Corsa / 1300s NEORC Champ Final Rd 3 November 18: Hearses and Limos / 1300s Anyone interested can come down and watch or get in touch through our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/1584166288551489

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SCHOOLS ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bear Our Baby Bear family has grown this term as we have welcomed some new little faces. It is very important to ensure that new Baby Bears settle in well and feel comfortable and secure. We are really pleased with how well our new Bears are managing and already for some it seems like home. Toddling Tigers The Tigers have been exploring the story of The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. They have been for a stroll through the trees to find the Gruffalo and on the way they found the snake, the fox and the owl in the tree. They can recognise the characters and are delighted when we turn the page when reading the story to see who will be next. Gruffalos May has been a month of spring exploration. We have experienced the wild and wonderful weather of spring in full force. We have been out in the wind, rain, cold, sun and heat all in one month. While outdoors the children were very good at spotting the signs of spring. They noticed leaves and blossom growing on the trees and all the insects crawling and flying around. We look forward to seeing what June will bring! Forest School Open Session Invitation Exciting news! We shall be running our Forest School sessions as normal for our Gruffalos on June 5 and 7 from 9.30-11am and we would like to offer an open invitation to anyone who may like to bring their child along to experience first-hand our amazing Forest School. This will be an ideal opportunity to meet our Forest School leader, Early Years teacher and take part in an active session. These sessions are free and we just ask that you call us on 01473 310767 if you would like to take part and to confirm your attendance. For more information please contact us on 01473 310767 or visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook.

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS Spring has finally sprung and the sun is shining! With spring comes the joy of new life and at Bentley we are expecting an abundance of cute fluffy chicks to be hatched as all our hens are currently sitting on eggs. This joy is now being shared; one of the broody girls, along with her clutch of eggs, has moved home to join the lovely children at Copdock. We can’t wait to see how she gets on and if she can start a successful new branch of the family. Enterprise Scheme The final amount is now in! For those of you who have been reading up on our exploits, you will remember that following the successful construction of a conservatory at Bentley to give the children more space to work in class, a project was launched at Copdock to do the same. Conservatories don’t come cheaply, so a rather lovely benefactor set the children a challenge: “Take £10 and grow it” Every child in Copdock was given a £10 start-up fund, some information on starting up a business and the opportunity to become budding entrepreneurs! Well they didn’t let us down – the total profit made by the children, and their sometimes wacky but all ingenious schemes, was a staggering £3,700. Now with the extremely kind donation of the original start-up fund by our benefactor, the total raised towards the project is a wonderful £4,500! The Bentley children were given a similar challenge to raise funds for their individual classes starting with just £1. It is not a huge startup fund for a business, but the children showed their determination and originality and those 57 children, from a £1 start, made a magical £935 profit. Thank you to everyone who supported the project, including everyone in the community who helped make the children’s businesses a success. There are too many to thank you all, but one special mention to the Case is Altered pub in Bentley (Suffolk’s first Community Owned Pub), who kindly donated a meal as a raffle prize for one group of young Bentley entrepreneurs, as well as an amount of money to the cause. Thank you all. Hedgehogs and Woodpeckers had a fabulous time at the Schools Farm and Country Fair. As you can imagine, the baby animals were a huge draw. The children learnt so much about agriculture and food production and used it to inspire their learning. Year 6 across both schools are working fervently to achieve the very best they can in their forthcoming SATs. By the time this goes to print, they will have all finished their tests and be looking forward to celebrating the conclusion to their time at Bentley and Copdock Primary Schools. It is a funny time of year, where we celebrate all the children’s amazing achievements and wish them the very best as they move into secondary education, but also feel sad as we say goodbye to them. We wish them all the very best for the future and hope they continue to be confident, successful and responsible learners and citizens as they move through to the next chapter of the education. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to come along to our summer fetes. All money raised by our hardworking PTAs goes directly to benefitting the pupils and their learning, and every visitor who supports our events makes a valuable contribution. We look forward to seeing you there. This year’s summer fetes are as follows: Bentley: Sunday, July 1, noon-3pm at the school field Copdock: Friday, July 6, from 3.15pm in the school hall If you are interested in a stall at either event, or have any other enquiries about the schools, contact us at: Bentley: admin@bentley.suffolk.sch.uk / 01473 310253 Copdock: admin@copdock.suffolk.sch.uk / 01473 730337

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FROM DESIGN TO CONSTRUCTION Established since 2001, AW Landscaping provides a complete range of hard and soft landscaping services for both private and commercial customers, throughout the Essex and Suffolk regions. Our personal, professional service is carried out by our reliable, friendly team. Services include: DRIVEWAYS • FENCING • PAVING • PATIOS • TURFING

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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB With the poor weather extending through April there was something of a fixture pile up and the time of writing the Reserves have a match still outstanding while the A Team are still unsure of which division they will be in next season. The 1st Team finished the season well with only one defeat in their final seven games, a run that included an emphatic three nil victory at near neighbours Capel. This left them in tenth place in the Senior Division and wondering what might have been if the consistency could have been achieved a little earlier in the campaign. The Reserves season rather petered out to leave them with a ninth placed finish while the A Team’s difficult season continued. The end of season awards evening took place in the pavilion. The winners were: Clubman of the Year: Dale Vince Young Player of the Year: Kyle Jay 1st Team Players Player of the Year: James Moughton 1st Team Managers and Supporters Player of the Year: Scott Fryer 2nd Team Players Player of the Year: John Cooper 2nd Team Managers and Supporters Player of the Year: Ian Gedny 3rd Team Players Player of the Year: Steve Wardle

LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB First Team Promoted Next season will see Lawford’s 1st Team back in the Premier Division of the Essex & Suffolk Border League. The team’s return to the top tier was confirmed at the end of March after league leaders, Great Bentley beat third placed Brightlingsea Regent ensuring that Lawford would take the second promotion place. Andy Young has been 100% focused on securing promotion since he joined the club as 1st team manager at the start of the season. According to Andy this “means everything to the team and that promotion will ensure that the team will stay together”. With the players very much looking forward to next season, Young feels that this season’s success will “inspire the team to play even better and with a level of consistency that the Premier league requires”. And, of course, there will also be the local derby with Brantham to look forward to. Lawford Ladies Many congratulations to our Ladies Team who have reached the final of the Essex County Women’s Football League Cup after winning 3-2 their semi-final against Frontier Ladies.

3 Team Managers and Supporters Player of the Year: Luke Taylor

Lawford play Corringham Cosmos in the final which will be held on Sunday, May 13.

LADIES AND JUNIORS We are pleased to announce East Bergholt Utd Juniors and Ladies are to join with East Bergholt Utd Men to become one club, East Bergholt United Football Club. This will help the club look forward to a bright and exciting future. We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to come and join us as we look for the club to grow. If you are interested please contact David George at: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com.

Thrilling Season for U13s With one game left to play, Lawford U13s are certain to be promoted from Division C and remain in contention to be division winners. The team have had a fantastic season, only losing one match of the 21 games played so far. Both Lawford and Elmden Rovers Blues are on 60 points at the top of the table, with prospect of a play-off for the top spot.

Congratulations to the ladies who won their league cup at Brantham on Tuesday, May 1. The date of the AGM is to be confirmed. We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether on the playing side or just in the background. If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners and boards on match days are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation. Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

EAST BERGHOLT TENNIS CLUB Now that summer is well underway why not come along to East Bergholt Tennis Club for a game of tennis? We welcome new members of all ages and abilities on our all-weather floodlit courts located behind the playing fields at Gandish Road, East Bergholt. Whether you are a complete beginner, coming back into the game after a number of years off or a regular player, there is something in it for you. The club will be offering a range of coaching programmes for members and non-members catering for both children and adults. Annual membership subscriptions (allowing free use of the courts until 10pm every day subject to prior booking) are: adults £50, family £70100, juniors (under 18) £15, students £25, junior summer special £10. Prices for coaching programmes, which are higher for non-members, will depend on the course. All enquiries about the coaching programmes should be directed towards Pete Richmond, whereas membership enquiries can be directed to either Pete Richmond or Paul Lake. Chairman/Coach Pete Richmond: NEETacademyHQ@gmail.com

Good progress for Lawford U9s The U9s moved up to the 7v7 format this season after playing a season at 5v5. This has given the team more space, players and time on the pitch. They adapted quickly to the format in the early stages of the season and have improved as the season has progressed. There are currently 12 players in the squad, with a good balance throughout the team to fill all positions. Farewell to Grassroots Hero Sadly, John O’Mara is stepping down as secretary of the senior section after over 27 years of service to football at Lawford. He and his wife Gillian are moving to Ireland, where we wish them both much happiness in their new surroundings. In 1991 John was a manager for a team with Lawford Juniors and went on to win the league at U15. He moved to Lawford Lads in 1996 to take over as secretary and held that post to date. In 1997 he became a committee member of the Essex & Suffolk Border League and in 2014 became their ground standards officer. In 2015, he helped the same league achieve FA Charter Standard, helping member clubs to that status by organising such things as FA Emergency First Aid courses at the pavilion. In 2009 he helped set up a ladies team at Lawford who play in the Premier Division of Essex County Women’s Football League. He has also represented Lawford FC over the years on the parish council, with his role as a parish councillor. John always advocated ‘One Club’. His help and support played a significant role to finally see it over the line in 2015. On behalf of everyone at the club, thank you so much John for everything you have done over the years and being our grassroots hero. If you are interested in playing football for Lawford FC or supporting the club in any way, please visit our website for further information: www.lawfordfc.co.uk

Acting Membership Secretary Paul Lake: 55paullake@gmail.com

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SPORT BRETT VALE FC WOMEN’S FOOTBALL If you are interested in joining our club and taking the opportunity of working with our FA qualified coaching staff, please contact our chairman/manager: chairman@brettvalefc.co.uk / manager@brettvalefc.co.uk Players Wanted Brett Vale Football Club are seeking new players to add to our women’s squad for the 2018-2019 season If you would like to be part of our club please come and join in with our training sessions every Wednesday from 6.30-8pm.

MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB Cricket began, albeit a week late due to the constant rain through March and early April, which resulted in the first week of the league schedule being postponed to the end of the season. The 1st XI were defeated at Witham, but the 2nd Team recorded a close victory over Bury St Edmunds 2nd. However, after one round of games the following week was again beset by rain which wiped out almost all of the league programme again. Week four saw fortunes reversed with the 1st Team winning at Maldon and the 2nd Team losing to Walsham Le Willows. The Saturday Third team also kicked of their season with a narrow defeat.

Find us at King George Playing Field, The Street, Raydon IP7 5LT.

The Sunday sides got the first games in, the NECL side winning at Copdock and the Two Counties team losing at Abberton. The Ladies kicked off their campaign too, losing a close encounter at Sudbury.

Please also take the opportunity to view our website and learn more about us and our club. All players must be age 16 plus.

The early May weather has been sensational; let’s hope it continues right through the summer and cricket can continue unabated.

www.brettvalefc.co.uk

SATURDAY CRICKET

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB The season finished for our two Saturday teams on May 5 with the 1st Team coming sixth in the Senior Division of the Suffolk and Ipswich League while our young Reserve side were runners-up in the Inter C League. Our 1st Team ended the season by playing seven games in three weeks in order to get all the outstanding games in, winning three and losing four. Leading scorers were Daniel Alderson with 12 goals and Shaun Webb with 10. Our Reserves had an excellent season with several village teenagers in the side for most games winning 17 out of 22 league games to gain promotion under the leadership of new manager Frazer Lord. Our Sunday team was third in their league at the time of writing and were not due to finish their games until May 27. They recently beat Lattice Barn 4-2 thanks to goals from Adam Oleary, Adam Moore and a brace for Sterling Mayes, while our Veteran side finished as runnersup in their league after some fine performances by our over-35-yearold players who make up this side. Many thanks to all those who work so hard to help run our club, especially our many youth team coaches and lets hope that you enjoy the summer break as you put your feet up and watch England win the World Cup! See you next season. Bob The Ploughman

1st Team: Two Counties Div 1 Sat, May 26: Hadleigh (A) Sat, June 2: Coggeshall (H) Sat, June 9: Elmstead (A) Sat, June 16: Frinton II (H) Sat, June 23: Woolpit (A) Sat, June 30: Wivenhoe (A) Sat, July 7: Witham (H)

2nd Team: Two Counties Div 3 Sat, May 26: Brockley (H) Sat, June 2: Easton (A) Sat, June 9: Long Melford (H) Sat, June 16: Dunmow (A) Sat, June 23: Woolpit II (H) Sat, June 30: Abberton (H) Sat, July 7: Bury St Edmunds II (A)

3rd Team: Two Counties Div 9 East Sat, May 26: Felixstowe & Corinthians II (H) Sat, June 2: Kesgrave II (A) Sat, June 9: Saxmundham (H) Sat, June 16: Woodbridge II (A) Sat, June 23: St Margarets II (H) Sat, June 30: Wodbridge II (H) Sat, July 7: St Margarets II (A) SUNDAY AND MIDWEEK CRICKET NECL Sun, May 28: Wivenhoe (A) Sun, June 10: Colchester & East Essex (H) Thu, June 14: Ipswich (T20) (A) Thu, June 21: Para RHA (T20) (H) Sun, June 24: Galleywood (H) Sun, July 1: Clacton (A) Thu, July 5: Colchester & East Essex (T20) (H) Sun, July 8: Copdock & OIs (H) Two Counties Sunday League Sun, June 3: Wivenhoe (A) Sun, June 17: Frinton (A) Sun, July 1: Gt Bromley (H) Ladies Two Counties (T20)/BSL Fri, June 1: Colchester (BSL) (A) Tue, June 5: Copdock & OIs (TC T20) (A) Fri, June 8: Sudbury (BSL) (H) Sun, June 10: Bury St Edmunds (TC T20) (A) Fri, June 15: Eight Ash Green (TC T20) (A) Fri, June 22: Copford (BSL) (A) Sun, June 24: Felixstowe (TC T20) (A) Fri, June 29: Copdock & OIs (TC T20) (H) Fri, July 6: Colchester (BSL) (H) Sun, July 8: Bury St Edmunds (TC T20) (H) April 2018 100 Club Winners 1: Ruth Spendley (17) £110 2: Robin Mills (12) £50 3: Peter French (44) £50 New players are always welcome; for more information please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Sunday, June 3: Trinity 1 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion and Baptism of Ralph Whatling, Brantham 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Open Gardens in East Bergholt

It’s time to unlock the doors. The #MeToo movement has roared into life. Women are feeling empowered to say that some things are not OK. Traumatic experiences that have been too painful too talk about, are now being shared, and people in positions of power are finding that every action has a consequence.

Wednesday, June 6 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt

It is our duty to speak truth and hold people accountable. Not a smear campaign. No false accusations. No fake news. Time to stand up to the bullies whether they be on social media, in government departments, the local parish council, the hospital ward, at home or in the church.

Sunday, June 10: Trinity 2 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion and Baptism of Gildas Finch-Boyer, East Bergholt 11am Family Service, Brantham Sunday, June 17: Trinity 3 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham Sunday, June 24: Trinity 4 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Choral Matins, East Bergholt 11am Informal Service, Brantham Sunday, July 1: Trinity 5 / Patronal Festival 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Check the website for details. In East Bergholt there is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral Matins is usually on the fourth Sunday. This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed. RAMBLING RECTOR This year we have been remembering the work of the suffragettes who through their activities were trying to raise awareness of something we now take for granted, Votes for Women! They felt passionately about the cause and were prepared to pay the price for their (sometimes criminal) activities. The keys turned in the locks behind them as the paternalistic society struggled to come to terms with the issues they raised. And of course, in some places women still are not allowed the opportunity to vote on things that affect them deeply.

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational / meeting at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford CO11 2JG (unless otherwise stated) Saturday, June 9 Our popular monthly Cafe Oasis Coffee Morning, 9.30-11.15am Community Praise & Worship, 11.15am-noon Friday, June 22 Prayer & Praise Fellowship, 10-11.30am In partnership with Key to Love Fellowship Services at 11am every Sunday at the Venture Centre on Bromley Road For pastoral visits, further information and bookings, contact: 01206 272064 linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk

Our diocese is taking very seriously indeed the absolute necessity of doing all we can to protect the vulnerable and truly care for those around us. Spectacular failures have hit the headlines. It is particularly awful and the deepest betrayal of all we stand for and hold dear when abuse takes place within a church setting. Sadly, because of the actions of some, we all stand accused and trust in the institution is lost. All our volunteers are now required to complete training that helps them identify the signs of abuse and to know what to do about it (this is a new requirement) and those working with the vulnerable also have to have DBS checks (this has been the case for some years). Rev Steph The Rev Steph is on sabbatical doing some writing and will be unable to respond to any messages until after June 1. If any need should arise, the churchwardens or verger will be able to help you. East Bergholt: Fiona Trott 01206 298205 / Liz Digby 01473 312281 / Rodney Brundell 01206 298607 Brantham: Jane Pavitt 01473 328512 / Ken Stuttaford 01206 394446 www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk In the light of recent events in East Bergholt and Brantham, please encourage your neighbours to ensure door locks are in good working order and consider installing outside lights. I am always concerned to find front doors left open for carers or even the well-meaning rector! The best protection of course is to have a pet dragon, but as they are hard to come by the next best protection is keeping a loving eye open and report anything suspicious to the police. We must not allow cowards to force us to be anything other than sensibly loving. Rev Steph

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus COME AND JOIN US IN OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP – EVERYONE IS WELCOME Hear the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, with our lively worship and service. Refreshments served afterwards. Every Sunday morning at 11am in The Ivell Suite at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE. If you or someone you know needs prayer for anything, please contact us. David and Rosie Rhule 07787 572977 / 01206 397533 info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.keytoloveministries.com

We warmly welcome people of all ages.

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CHURCH NEWS BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES A TOUGH DECISION In June 2018 the World Cup will be upon us. Some readers will be old enough to remember the World Cup of 1966 and for those that aren’t old enough, we will have heard repeatedly that this was England’s finest hour, the last time England have won the World Cup. I was 14 at the time, living just a mile away from the hotel where the England Team were staying. I remember cycling down to see the team coach pick them up to take them to the World Cup Final against West Germany. That was as close as I would get to the action. West Germany scored first, England equalised and then went ahead, but West Germany came back with an equaliser in the dying moments before full time. The game went into extra time and Geoff Hurst scored his second goal for England. Or was it a goal? Did it cross the line before it bounced out and was tipped over the bar? The referee spoke with his linesman who was well positioned to tell whether it was a goal or not. There was no slow motion replays at the time and even with slowing down the replays today you cannot be certain it actually crossed the line. But the referee had to make a decision. He awarded the goal. There are often moments like that in daily life. Moments when we are faced by the need to decide even though the right choice is far from clear. The apostle Paul writing to Christians in Corinth wrestled with this question. He said “Everything is allowable for me, but not everything is valuable. All things are permissible, but I will not allow anyone to dictate to me.” Paul is worried about how his decision will affect others and is saying “it depends on the circumstances”. What is right in one situation may not be right in another.

Some issues are clear cut, but others require tough decisions which we take hoping for the greater good. Fortunately for the referee in 1966, Geoff Hurst scored again to make a 4 – 2 victory to England, ensuring the victory couldn’t be disputed in the long term. The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Brantham & Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 SERVICES AT BRANTHAM 11am Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 3 Sunday 10 11am Worship with Mr Harry Chicken Sunday 17 11am Worship at East Bergholt Congregational with Mr Luke Rokobuli Sunday 24 11am Worship with Mr Tony Brookes SERVICES AT CAPEL Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 3 10.30am Worship with Mrs Linda Pepper 6.30pm Prayer Sunday 10 10.30am Worship with Mr Bob Molton Sunday 17 10.30am Worship with Mr Terry Tennens 7pm Informal Worship with Jim Ross and band Sunday 24 10.30am Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey 7.30pm United Prayer Time

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Father Christopher Smith 01473 684963 / 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR JUNE 2018 Sunday 3 Corpus Christi 9am Mass Tuesday 5 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 10 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 12 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 17 9am

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 19 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 24 9am

The Nativity of St John The Baptist Mass

Tuesday 26 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Thursday 28 St Peter & St Paul 7.30pm Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door. Catholic Commentary Pope Francis has published another significant document for Catholics (and others who might be interested) across the world. It is an Apostolic

Exhortation starting with the words ‘Rejoice and be glad’ and is a radical call for holiness in today’s world. Holiness is what all committed Christians can and should aim for – not only the holiness to be found in solitude and contemplation, but in the patience and daily perseverance to be seen in our neighbours and ourselves in the ordinary tasks of life, undertaken faithfully and with a hope that all is worthwhile. Growth in holiness, we are told, is a journey in community side by side with others. In 177 paragraphs it is quite a long read, but will repay the effort. In the world of the third millennium the workings, teachings and flaws in the Church are more available for all to see than ever before. The Vatican itself has been using the Internet to great effect for many years. The Vatican also has an observatory that is one of the oldest astronomical institutes in the world. Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place at Holy Family on Sunday, May 20 when three lucky winners shared a record £153 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, June 17. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the Parish Room and all are very welcome to join us. The coffee morning is on Thursday, June 28. Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice. Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Father Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital. Please contact him (01473 726701) if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services. All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services, it is not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE DEDHAM AND ARDLEIGH PARISHES www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk 01206 322136 / stmaryda@gmail.com SERVICES AND EVENTS FOR JUNE Sunday, June 3 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Dedham 9.30am Rise ‘n’ Shine, Dedham 11am Eucharist, Ardleigh 5pm Evensong (BCP), Dedham Sunday, June 10 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Ardleigh 9.30am Holy Communion (CW), Dedham Sunday, June 17 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Dedham 9.30am Matins (BCP), Dedham 11am Parish Eucharist, Ardleigh 3pm Sunday@3, Ardleigh Sunday, June 24 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Ardleigh 9.30am Morning Praise, Dedham 5pm Revive at 5, Dedham BCP – Book of Common Prayer / CW – Common Worship Midweek Services Tuesday Morning Prayer at Dedham at 10.30am Thursday Evening Prayer at Ardleigh at 5pm SPECIAL EVENTS Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, June 16, 9am at The Vicarage, Dedham Friendship Group: Tuesday, June 26, 10am Ardleigh Church Mission Bake Sale: Saturday, June 30 from 10am outside Dedham Church DEDHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL Friday, July 13, 7.30pm: Kingsland Gospel Choir, Dedham Church Saturday, July 14, 3.15pm: Music and Afternoon Tea, The Vicarage, Dedham Saturday, July 14, 7pm: Music for a Summer Evening, The Vicarage, Dedham Sunday, July 15, 2-5pm: Art Exhibition, Dedham Church Sunday, July 15, 7.30pm: Open Air Film Club, The Vicarage, Dedham

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2018

ST HELENA HOSPICE OPEN GARDENS 2018 If you enjoy gardening and would love the chance to share the fruits of your hard work with friends and family, your neighbours, or members of your community, then you may like to hold an open garden event in aid of St Helena Hospice. Whether you have an acre of beautiful shrubs and borders, or a pocket yard of stunning tubs and herbs, opening it up for a few hours for other people to see will give you a sense of pride, inspire your fellow gardeners, and support your local hospice. It’s free and easy to get involved. Decide if you want to open up your garden just to people you know or to your whole community; pick your own day and time (any time between April and September) and simply collect any donations from visitors on the day. There are many ways to raise even more funds at your event such as selling plants, garden produce and crafts, or serving tea and cake – each open garden is unique! If you took part in St Helena Hospice’s Can You Dig It campaign an open garden may be the perfect way to start selling your produce. St Helena Hospice can provide you with collection pots, posters and tips on promoting your event, and if you decide to have a public event we can advertise your event on the hospice website and via social media. To register your open garden event, or if you would like more information, please contact: fundraising@sthelenahospice.org.uk / 01206 931468 Will you make a difference this June? Have you written your Will? If yes, have you revisited it in the last five years? June is Wills Month at St Helena, a chance to write or update your will with the help of a number of local solicitors. For more information visit: www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/makeawill

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TEDDY BEAR PARACHUTE CHALLENGE

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge runs from Saturday, July 14 to Saturday, September 1 and is called Mischief Makers. It has been created in partnership with The Beano, celebrating its 80th year in 2018. Children will be invited into the world of Dennis, Gnasher and all the other Beano Town residents and will explore new titles and discover facts, characters and stories across the best contemporary children’s writing. During their challenge children will be encouraged to read any six books of their choice. They will collect stickers for their Mischief Makers folder, solving puzzles as they go to find… well we can’t give too much away yet! There are other exciting rewards along the way and, when they complete, they will receive a medal and certificate. So let’s get ready for library jokes, pranks, whoopee cushions and silly moustaches. Mischief Makers is for children aged three to 12 with a special Early Year’s version for babies and toddlers. For those aged 10 or about to start secondary school there will be an arts based creative reading challenge called ImagiNation. The national Summer Reading Challenge is created by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries.

Saturday 30 June from 9:30am St Michael’s Church Brantham

1st Prize £50 2nd Prize £30 Sponsorship forms are available in the church In Touch online:

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ON THE GRAPEVINE MANNINGTREE ROWING FESTIVAL, JUNE 16 & 17

Stour Sailing Club is hosting a weekend of coastal rowing in June as the Manningtree Rowing Festival returns to the estuary. As an ancient port, Manningtree has a close connection with the water, and events featuring rowing and sailing and other water sports took place in the town as far back as 1846. In the 1890s there was fierce rivalry with Ipswich with the Horlock family from Mistley being so successful in rowing events that they were banned by some organisers for being ‘professional’. Today the club’s very active coastal rowing section is based around our Harker’s Yard gig William Rose, purchased in 2016 with the help of a grant from the Sport England Lottery Fund. Crews from the club regularly row the club gig and members’ own Claydon Skiffs on the estuary as well as competing in races around the east coast and further afield. Coastal rowing is one of the fastest growing sports in the country providing great exercise combined with wonderful scenery enjoyed as part of a team. Our rowers (including our race crews) include people from their twenties to their seventies, and we are all keen to share our love of the sport and simply being on the water with others. On Saturday, June 16 the club will be holding free ‘Have a Go’ sessions for people to try coastal rowing. High water is at 3pm and we will be taking people out from 1pm until 3.30pm. You won’t need any special equipment and we will take you out as part of a crew. You can just turn up on the day, although if you do let us know in advance it will help us to plan the day. More information can be found on the Stour Sailing Club website and Facebook page and you can contact us at: rowing@stoursailingclub.co.uk Then on Sunday, June 17 we will be welcoming visiting boats and crews from clubs around the east coast to enjoy rowing on the beautiful Stour Estuary and visiting our historic town. The day will feature a seven-mile race starting at 2.30pm from the sailing club start line close to the beach, down to Wrabness and back. The race is always hotly contested with the fastest boats completing the course in around 75 minutes in good conditions. The heavier, slower boats can take up to two hours to complete the same distance. The event is primarily for traditional fixed seat rowing boats, but sliding seat coastal rowing boats can also take part. The competing boats will be very different in terms of weight, size and speed. So there are class prizes for the fastest in each category, and we also operate a handicapping system for the fixed seat boats so that we can compete on an (almost) level playing field. The fastest boat over the course will not necessarily be the overall winner! So come and have a go on Saturday, June 16 and then come back and cheer on your local boats and crews on Sunday 17! Caroline Cunningham www.stoursailingclub.co.uk

Presented in partnership with Munnings Art Museum

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GLORIA! A BAROQUE CELEBRATION Holbrook Choral Society || Royal Hospital School Chapel Choir || National Youth Choir Fellows The Reade Baroque Orchestra || William Saunders, Conductor

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