In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 8 • Issue No.6 • APRIL 2018
Spring has Sprung by Paula Irvine
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Some years ago I was invited to take part in a ‘Grumpy Women’ segment on Radio Suffolk. Each guest was asked to choose one topic, a task I set about with relish. When I met my fellow grumpy women in the green room before the show we chatted about how difficult it had been to choose. I was embarrassed to discover that while they had struggled to find a topic, I had struggled to select from a rather long list. I’d chosen people who eat from noisy packaging at the theatre or in the cinema, but the shortlist had included people who interrupt all the time, rude drivers who don’t acknowledge when you give way, the pseudoscience used to sell skin creams and cosmetics (just what is a free radical?), people who spit in the street… When I told my husband about the green room conversation he howled with laughter, until he noticed my silence. “Well you’re hardly surprised are you,” he said. “I’ve never known anyone who gets so easily annoyed about small things.” I’m sure you can imagine how that conversation went, but I’m making no apology for my grumpiness, though I prefer to see it as sensitivity! Of course this conversation took place at least 10 years ago and I think I’ve become a nicer person since I started working at In Touch. It’s impossible to be angry and judgemental when I’m constantly reminded of the good in people. Every month I hear from people who are raising funds for charity, organising local events (a significant and often thankless undertaking), setting up or leading support groups, promoting social opportunities for people who are otherwise isolated… the list goes on. We are so fortunate to live in a society where people care, where they look out for each other and give their time to make local communities stronger. The least the rest of us can do is turn up. Of course locally owned businesses are the beating heart of every strong local community, often supporting local causes, investing in the local economy and creating local jobs. Support each other and together we can look forward to a ‘grump free’ future!
In Touch
with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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NEWS WALKERS IN SUFFOLK ASKED TO UNITE AGAINST PARKINSON’S Suffolk residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham on Sunday, June 10. The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018. Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure. There are longer and shorter distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone. At Glemham Hall distances include a 1.5-mile, 3.5mile and 5.5-mile walk to choose from. Last year, 180 people took part in the walk at Glemham Hall to raise £17,000 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year. Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved. He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. Exercise can be really beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s. It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms. “So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected by Parkinson’s.” The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal. As the charity is hoping to raise over £500,000 from the 37 events it suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50. All the money raised from the event will fund research to help to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s UK is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area, or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day. To find out more, or to sign up to walk or volunteer at the event, call 02079 639367, email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.
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NEWS RE-ORDERING IN BAYLHAM CHURCH For more than 20 years the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Peter’s, Baylham has been discussing re-ordering the church and installing a toilet and kitchen area. We have succeeded and the work is at last completed. After a couple of years of fundraising and filling in grant applications, the PCC finally had enough money to start. The PCC’s architect had drawn up plans to install an equal access toilet and kitchenette in the north transept, the area behind the organ which was being used as the vestry. The plan was to lower the raised floor and then build the toilet on the east side and the kitchen on the west. Heronbuild began the work in July 2016 and it was due to be completed by the end of October. You may remember that a few weeks after the work started, a crypt was found when the builders removed the wooden floor. This turned out to be a vault for the family of Nathaniel Acton, who was Lord of the Manor of Baylham in the 18th century. We knew there was a burial vault in the church belonging to this family, but were unsure of its exact location. The vault has 13 ‘ovens’, five of which are ‘occupied’. Each of these has a sealed headstone and they are for: Nathaniel Acton himself who died in 1795; his first wife Caroline who died in 1761 aged only 29; three of their children who died young, between 1756-1760; Nathaniel’s second wife Dorothy who died in 1805; and his youngest daughter Caroline who died in 1838 and the last to be buried in the vault. We do not know exactly when the crypt was built, but most likely in the earlymid 1760s. The north and south transepts of the church were added in 1870 and the floorboards look as if they were replaced in the early 20th century, so the vault has not been seen for about 100 years. It is apparently quite unusual to find such a fine vault in a small country church such as Baylham. As a result of finding the crypt we had to close the church during this time for health and safety reasons, but we were able to continue to hold services. During the months the church was closed and the excitement of finding the crypt we held some open afternoons for people to come to see it. These were very popular and well attended. After nearly a year of discussion on how to proceed and with new plans in place, it was decided to leave the vault intact and build the kitchenette on top of it with the floor of the west side to be lowered and the toilet to be built there to enable equal access. Work began again in June 2017. The work progressed well apart from a few little hiccups and was completed before Christmas. The organ was replaced in February and the furniture put in the tower, which will be used as the vestry. The church is now open again, so please come along to see the finished work and to maybe use the new facilities.
The PCC is planning to hold some heritage events over the next year to share some more information about the church and the crypt. Please look out for details over the next few months. We are also thinking about other uses and activities for the church now that we have a toilet and kitchen, starting with the heritage events already mentioned, but also wildlife talks and workshops in the church and the churchyard, day retreats and group meetings. If you know of a group that would like to use the church we would like to hear from you. We would especially like to thank everyone who has attended and helped with our fundraising events over the last few years and also the following for giving us grants and donations towards the work: ASDA: £5 Alfred Williams: £5,500 Allchurches Trust: £1,500 Foyle Foundation: £5,000 Friends of Baylham Church: £20,000 Ganzoni Trust: £2,000 Garfield Weston: £7,500 National Churches Trust: £5,000 Mid Suffolk District Council: £500 Suffolk Historic Churches: £3,000 Viridor: £23,122 Fundraising and donations from friends, visitors and parishioners: £1,185
If you would like more information, please contact The Rev Jenny Seggar: revjseggar@outlook.com Churchwarden Hilary Ritchie: hilarym.ritchie@btopenworld.com
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: MARCH 2018 Accountability and transparency of Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Board The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Board is made up of council leaders and chief executives from across Suffolk, the PCC, chief fire officer and representatives from Suffolk’s Clinical Commissioning Groups. They control £7.447m from the Suffolk business rates and £3.23m of central government funding. We Lib Dems, Independents and Greens are concerned about the accountability and transparency of the board. Meetings are held in private with no minutes and neither residents nor councillors are made aware of the group’s decisions. We raised our concerns with the chief executive at Suffolk County Council and I have been informed that they will be reconsidering governance arrangements. Next phase of Raising the Bar strategy The cabinet has approved the Raising the Bar 2018-20 strategy. It will focus on three priorities: 1. Exceptional leadership and governance across the education sector 2. Excellence in teaching and learning, driven by system led improvement and innovation 3. The best opportunities for every child and young person The strategy includes a very ambitious goal to place the education system in Suffolk among the top 25% nationally. These goals will not be achievable without adequate investment, so I am concerned that no new funding has been allocated. Scrutiny On March 8 we scrutinised Suffolk’s efforts to improve attainment at Key Stage 2 in Mathematics. There are some interesting figures, including some that showed schools in deprived areas performing well and others in prosperous areas doing badly. Leadership appeared to be the vital factor, and that is reflected in the priorities above, but academies where leadership has changed significantly did not necessarily appear to be doing well. Contract to support adolescents on the edge of care Suffolk’s Cabinet has agreed to set up a new ‘outcomes-based’ contract to provide intensive therapeutic support for adolescents at the edge of care. The idea is to reduce the need for and costs of care by providing
services that seek to keep children safely with their families. The contract will be funded by a Social Impact Bond: this means that private investors will provide the start-up capital and running costs for a private service provider and will receive a return on investment if the service is successful at keeping children out of care. I am concerned about the use of a payment by results contract where vulnerable children are involved. The authority’s team of social workers will oversee the service, but the administrative costs of doing this properly could be substantial. New drone technology for managing blue light service incidents Emergency services across Suffolk now have access to aerial surveillance by two small drones funded by Suffolk Resilience Forum. A multi-agency Air Support Unit will support Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue and Norfolk & Suffolk 4x4 Response. Barham and Claydon Planning The application for 312 houses at the Whitton end of Old Ipswich Road was rejected at planning referrals, despite the need to follow planning law and the need for housing. I am sure the application will be back, perhaps modified to address its deficiencies or through the appeals process. One useful step forward was that the county is at last aware of the overall numbers of houses proposed in Gipping Valley, which hosts a large part of the Mid Suffolk Ipswich Fringe. The total so far approaches 2,000 and they will need educational, highway, medical and social infrastructure if they are to be acceptable. The application for 300 houses on Barham Church Lane will be at Planning Referrals Committee on March 14, over by the time you read this. I will report back If you have any queries, please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808 or email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk I do have Twitter (@JohnFieldjd) and Facebook (fieldjd) accounts and my website is at: www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Spring shut downs The site will be undergoing routine cleaning and maintenance between April 15 and May 14. Cleaning and maintenance takes place twice a year to ensure the integrity and longevity of the facility. During this planned shutdown, and for the first time since we began operation, the turbine will have a minor service and the superheaters in the boiler will be replaced in part. There will be extra contractors on site, but there should be no impact on the local community. Want more Suffolk energy-from-waste facility news? You can now sign up for our twice-yearly e-newsletter. The e-newsletter is packed full of news, from how much waste we have processed to visitors we have welcomed on site. If you would like to receive these then sign up at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/suffolkefwnewsletter Paper copies of the newsletter are available on request by calling 01473 839149 or emailing: suffolkefw@sita.co.uk If you would like to keep in touch more regularly, Suffolk energy-fromwaste is now tweeting site updates and tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste; follow us on Twitter @suffolkefw.
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SUEZ Communities Trust The Suez Communities Trust provides funding to projects that improve community life and the natural environment. It distributes money donated by SUEZ recycling and recover UK, although it is independent and has its own board, which decides which projects to support. Funding is available for projects within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk energy-from-waste site and applications can be made online. If you know a project that could be deserving of the funding please visit: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149. OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836821 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
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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!
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP
As we all know, there are many challenges facing our community – now and in the future – as development continues and the population of the village grows. The parish council has noted the frustration about infrastructure problems that has been expressed recently in social media and during the public forum part of our meetings. The council shares this frustration, but unfortunately there is little that we are permitted to do about such matters as roadworks and traffic problems.
The Four Communities Action Group (4CAG) was created in 2010 by members of the churches of Barham, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Henley. We aim to work together as four parishes to develop new activities and support networks and provide spiritual support and encouragement with a view to enhancing the lives of all members of the community. We currently have five organisations under our umbrella.
Any parish council can only do the things that it is permitted to under the duties and powers that are given to it by legislation. Duties – things that must be done – are few in number, e.g. to hold a minimum number of meetings every year. Powers are things that council can do, but councillors choose whether or not to use a particular power. They range from raising money though the precept, to providing a wide range of facilities such as cemeteries, bus shelters and rubbish bins, as well as less used powers such as that of ‘providing a public water supply by utilising stream, well or spring water’. In a similar way, county and district councils have areas defined by legislation that they are solely responsible for. For example, Suffolk County Council Highways are responsible for the provision and maintenance of roads and the parish council can only seek to influence what happens in these matters. Councillors regularly raise your concerns about roadworks, traffic problems, road layout, road surface maintenance and road drainage with Highways and district and county councillors. The council will continue to put as much pressure as possible on the relevant authorities to obtain the improvements that we all want to see. If you have looked closely at your Council Tax bill for 2018/19, you may have noticed that we have held the rise in the parish council element of your bill to less than one per cent. During the discussions about the level of precept, councillors were mindful of the difficult economic situation many households are facing at the moment and were clear that the increase should be kept as low as possible. We always welcome the chance to hear the views of our community, so if you have any suggestions for improvements that can be considered for the benefit of the parish, we want to hear from you. Please either come along to a meeting or email our clerk. The next meeting is on Wednesday, April 11 in the Parish Room. The annual meeting of the parish will take place at 6pm and will be followed by the annual meeting of the parish council at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend either or both. Parish Clerk: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777 Facebook: @greatblakenhampc / Twitter: @pcgtblakenham www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. Chairman Steve Plume
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The Knitting Group Do you enjoy knitting or want to learn how to? The Knitting Group meets in the lounge at Alasdair Place on the first Thursday in the month from 10.30noon. We pay £1 towards refreshments. Do come along and see us there. The Book Club Do you fancy reading something different to what you would usually choose? The Book Club has a few places left for new members on the last Thursday in the month at The Crown at 10.30am. Just come along and join us for a light-hearted discussion on the book we’ve chosen to read (we don’t go in for debating the author’s use of metaphors!) and perhaps the moral or social implications raised. The Gipping Valley Art Society We meet every Tuesday afternoon at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms. We are a small, friendly group who enjoy art. We take our own materials and have our own ‘projects’ for painting in various medias, including watercolour, acrylic, oils, pastels, pencils and ink. Membership is free but we pay a weekly subscription to cover room hire, refreshments and so on. We hold a local exhibition of our work once a year and also show our art at other exhibitions and attend small shows and galas. If anyone is interested in joining our group we are now taking contact details as the group membership is almost full for the size of the room. Please contact Ann (secretary) on 01473 831031 or Margaret (treasurer) on 01473 830135. 4 Ever Young Men’s Club In 2018, the 4 Ever Young Men’s Club will meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am in The Crown at Claydon. We are looking for new members to both join the club and lend a hand in helping to run the group, arrange and organise activities, speakers and events and make the club what you want it to be. Pop in and meet us for a chat, the chance to make new friends and maybe a ‘pie and a pint’ at lunchtime! Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club Unfortunately, the Meet ’n’ Eat Lunch Club is unable to continue at the present time. We are actively looking for volunteers who would be able to take on some of the responsibilty of running the event every month, covering the administration, food safety training, preparation and service and the inevitable washing up! For an informal chat, please contact Mike: 07805 507497 / 4CAG@bigvax.co.uk
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NEWS SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP
A Community Shop for the local community, run by the local community
The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm / Saturdays: 9am-1pm Spring is coming – what a happy thought! During the winter the community shop has been happy to host the Tea and Chat afternoons when it has been a pleasure to meet up with everybody. With the warmer weather these have now finished and the Coffee Caravan will be continuing its summer service with its tea, coffee, cake and information once a month on the green at Brook Way. Petrolheads will, however, be continuing in the shop on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month through the summer. We were sorry to have to say goodbye to Heloise, our delightful French volunteer assistant, at the end of February. Heloise had been in Somersham for three months over winter to improve her English and very generously gave of her time to volunteer in the shop during that time. She settled into our village life very happily and took part in many events, improving her language skills all the time, and would have been happy to stay for much longer. She would like to thank everybody for their very kind welcome and generosity to her during her time here and is sure she will be back at some time in the future (and be back in the shop hopefully!). How quickly time seems to pass and now Easter is upon us. Hot cross buns and Easter eggs have featured in the shop. Opening hours over the holiday period have been set at: Good Friday: 9am-1pm Easter Saturday: 9am-1pm Easter Monday: the shop will be closed to allow our ever reliable volunteers to enjoy some time off and hopefully a bit of sunshine along the way Our share purchase option scheme is still ongoing. This scheme enables local people to buy £5 ordinary shares in Somersham & District Shop Community Interest Company (CIC) as a gesture of goodwill and support for the shop, and to make it a truly community project. Unlike conventional shares there is not an annual dividend paid to shareholders as a CIC means that any profits generated will either be applied to develop the services of the shop, or used for the benefit of the local community. Shares will only be transferred at par or £5 value, so there will be no tax liability and a proper share certificate will be issued for safekeeping. Contact Terry for details – it’s the support of the local community that sustains our community enterprises for the benefit of all. As usual, our regular services include orders for regular or one-off meat, bread and cakes, the coffee corner for a relaxing chat, the book exchange, a dry-cleaning service (currently collecting on Tuesday mornings) newspapers and magazines for collection at the shop and a delivery service for those with mobility problems. New volunteers are always welcome to join us – even a couple of hours a month can make all the difference, and don’t forget that we would also very happy to see any students on holiday who might wish to gain a bit of work experience by volunteering. Have a word with Lucy if you think you might like to come along. The community shop gives real heart to the local community. Long may it continue. MANAGEMENT TEAM Lucy Barrett: 831890 / Sue Browne: 831321 Terry Fordham: 831529 / Peter Jousiffe / Natasha Leach Anne MacFadyen: 831288 / Steve Woolhouse: 831080
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STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, April 6, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, April 20, 6.45am: Breakfast – NEW VENUE Finborough Hall, Great Finborough, Stowmarket IP14 3EF To book online follow the link at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage and ecological mitigation. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all it’s member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. The SPA recently held a meeting with BMSDC Planning to find out the latest position on Reserved Matters. It was confirmed that there is no date planned for the application to be considered by the Planning Committee and there are still several major issues where information is still required or where the technical experts have not yet made their comments. These include wildlife and the environment, transport and drainage. It was also confirmed that the station in Great Blakenham is no longer being considered as part of the plan and that public transport for the development would take the form of shuttle buses from Stowmarket station. If you would like to comment on this or any other matter relating to Reserved Matters, the Planning Committee has said that, because of the unusual scale and nature of the application, they are still accepting comments. The SPA also asked if the developer could provide more detailed information about their responses to the comments made by the SPA last year on the application. Planning agreed to forward this request and we await their response. We remain committed to highlighting the issues of concern to residents and will use every opportunity to press for the best result for our community. As part of this process, we are meeting with Planning on a regular basis. For further information, please email SPA Clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
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NEWS THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH The pub continues to go from strength to strength and as such we are now open five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. March saw the start of the events diary in the pub with a host of interesting and varied events, including a quiz, live music, cookery demonstration and a charity fundraising evening. April continues in the same vein with the following events: Wednesday, April 4: The Duke of Marlborough Quiz Wednesday, April 11: The Offton & Willisham Carpet Bowls Club Presentation Dinner
CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Monday: Short Mat Carpet Bowls / Bar Open Tuesday: Karate (all ages, 4-7pm), Carpet Bowls, Ladies Darts / Bar Open Wednesday: Bingo / Bar Open Thursday: Street Dance for Young People, 6.30-8pm Friday: Karate (all ages, 4-7pm) / Bar Open
Wednesday, April 18: An Open Mic evening for budding local talent
The hall is available on Friday evenings for your suggestions
Wednesday, April 23: Music Hall Evening with Maggie and Stan. Lots of choruses to join in with, so bring your voices, have a drink and a good oldfashioned sing song, 7.30pm, free admission.
New to the centre: Weight Watchers from 5.30-6.30pm on Friday in the Compton Lounge. Enter at the rear gate on the school side of the community centre. Money Box: A new competitive game held at 10pm on Friday. Purchase a ticket and if your ticket is drawn, you select a key from the secret container. If your key opens the Money Box you win the accumulative cash contents of the Money Box. At the time of sending this article the prize is a staggering £413 with five keys left. Saturday: Bar open from noon-3pm and from 7pm Sunday: Bar open from noon-6pm, Christmas Saving Club and a traditional Meat Draw
Volunteers Keith and Chrissie McKeown Thursday nights continue with pizza night, the perfect way to spend the evening with family and friends, either in the pub or enjoying the outside terrace garden. The chef, Richard, continues to receive rave reviews for his menus. Booking is always recommended so as not to be disappointed. He uses many local suppliers for his meat, fish and vegetables, helping the local economy as well as ensuring we have the highest quality ingredients. We are always open to suggestions, so if you have a favourite meal that you would like to see featured on the menu then please do speak to us and we will do our level best to incorporate it. The Marlborough Suite, as well as operating as a fantastic restaurant, is also the perfect space for a private function. Please speak to Kevin if you are planning an event and he will be happy to help you organise your special celebration. The pub is also a great place to stop off for refreshments now that the nicer weather is here, and many are back on their bicycles or venturing out on foot to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. The light lunch menu is available from Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 3pm and includes many firm favourite dishes. If you have a big occasion you’d like to celebrate, simply fancy meeting up with a friend, or you’d like to get away from the home office for a couple of hours, the pub welcomes you to spend some time in its charming building. For all the latest news from the Duke of Marlborough, please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marlboroughsomersham, on Twitter @DukeOfMarl or visit: www.thedukeofmarlborough.com 01473 831283 / enquiries@thedukeofmarlborough.com
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We are looking for groups or solo performers to use our stage in the hall. Contact us to book your slot. The American pool table is available to all to use during opening hours. Come and have a game; £1 for three games. The bar is fully stocked with popular lagers and cask ales, plus spirits and the hall or Compton Bar is available for hire. www.claydonandbarhamcommunitycentre.co.uk
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 MIP/5A MIP/5B MIP/5C MIP/5D MIP/5E MIP/5F MIP/5G MIP/5H MIP/5I MIP/5J MIP/5K
Town/village Location Sproughton Church Lane Sproughton Wild Man Bramford St Mary’s Close Bramford Paper Mill Lane Great Blakenham, Chequers Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park, Great Blakenham Baylham Post Box Claydon Crown Claydon Edinburgh Gardens Barham Bacon Road Bramford Packard Place
Time 9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-1055am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm
2018 DATES: April 10, May 8, June 5, July 3 & 31, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 20, December 18
Please note that Mobile Library Route 13 stops off at the Sorrel Horse in Barham from 11-11.10am on the following dates: April 20, May 18, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7, October 5, November 2 & 30, December 28
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NEWS / out & about SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER-50S CLUB
Hadleigh SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team) is based in Hadleigh and cover 49 parishes in parts of Babergh & Mid Suffolk. The area is diverse, covering a predominantly rural area, but also the Pinewood Ward on the outskirts of Ipswich and the Shotley peninsula south of Ipswich.
Great Blakenham Over-50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room.
Hopefully by the time you read this the weather will be getting warmer and you will be thinking about getting into the garden or onto the allotment. We are fortunate that many of the areas we cover have access to allotment space; on the downside, due to the locality of many allotments they can often be vulnerable targets for damage and thefts.
The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea.
It is worth considering the guidelines below to ensure you do not become a victim of crime. • Fit good quality mortise locks to BS 3261 standard or closed shackle Sold Secure police approved padlocks and hasps. • Don’t forget hinges as they can be a weak point, so use coach bolts or oneway security screws so they cannot easily be undone. • Cycle locks and good quality closed shackle Sold Secure approved padlocks and chains can be used to secure equipment to a strong anchor point or to each other using a closed shackle padlock. • Protect your shed with a ‘shed bar’ across the door to prevent access. This and other approved security products will improve the security of your shed or outbuilding and can be found at www.soldsecure.com or www.securedbydesign.com.
The weather at the end of February meant that our meeting on February 28 was cancelled so our bring-and-buy has been rescheduled for April 25. As I am writing this before our meeting on March 14, I will bring you up-to-date next month. Forthcoming Programme April 11: A visit from Andy Malcolm from the Fisherman’s Mission April 25: Social afternoon including a Bring-and-Buy May 9: A visit from Andrew Bingham, Independent Funeral Service May 23: Social afternoon with Brenda June 13: TBA June 27: A visit from Malcolm Crowe – Capricorn Crafts Toymaker July 11: Social afternoon with Sandra July 25: Summer party before our summer break New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.
• Consider whether you really do need a window as it is another way in for thieves. Make sure you lock windows and either paint over or cover the glass to avoid people looking in to see what you have to steal. Wire mesh can be used on the inside to improve overall security.
Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
• Remove high value items and store at home.
Great Blakenham Craft Club is open to anyone living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. The club meets every Monday from 2-4pm (other than bank holidays) in Great Blakenham Parish Room which is fully accessible.
• Gates should be securely locked out of hours and have anti-climb features. • Perimeter fencing should be in good condition, visually open, 2m high, (removed) so any suspicious or criminal activity can be seen.
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB
• If shed alarms are in use, consider noise to adjacent properties and have procedures in place for if the alarms are activated. If secluded, consider GPS alarms or similar.
Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. If you would like to bring your own project to work on, enjoy our company and make new friends without doing the workshops the charge is £1.50 per meeting. Members take it in turns to make the tea.
• If there is an electricity supply, good levels of lighting are advised especially if allotments can be seen from passing members of the public via footpaths, adjacent properties and roads.
As mentioned last month, one of the projects undertaken by members was knitting bonding squares to go to the hospital. In all 75 pairs of squares have been sent.
• Make a property list detailing the make, model, serial number, value and description of valuable items. Use photographs to aid identification.
At our meeting on March 5 members were given a goody bag of papers, toppers and die cuts together with some blank cards and envelopes all with an oriental theme.
• Consider planting thorny shrubs inside the fence at low level to stop climbing. Shrubs/trees adjacent to fencing gates should not provide climbing aids.
• Overtly mark your property with your house number and postcode so that marking is permanent and property is less attractive for a thief to sell. See property marking section for more information. • Consider setting up an ‘asset register’ for the whole allotment scheme. • Consider investing in one large secure metal alarmed container for the storage of valuable items for all allotments. • Consider holding property marking days with the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing team. • Register your property at www.immobilise.com. This is a free web based property registration service approved by the police. See details below for help organising a property marking day or to contact police on any other matter. The next parish forum meeting is on Wednesday, April 11 at 7.30pm at Hadleigh Leisure Centre; all are welcome to attend to discuss local priorities and concerns. EMERGENCY: ALWAYS CALL 999 NON-URGENT INCIDENT: CALL 101 EMAIL: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk (non-urgent, should you wish to contact local officers FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HadleighPolice
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As well as making cards the items could be used for notebooks, making framed pictures and other items of home décor. Pictures to follow next month, 2018 Programme April 9: Take a Piece of Card May 14: Layers for the Lads June 4: Bag Ladies July 2: Felting August 6: It’s a Jungle Out There September 3: No Tune on this Accordion October 1: Christmas Stockings November 5: Christmas Card Making December 3: AGM and Christmas Party If you have been interested in our entries to the magazine over the past year and think it all sounds interesting, there is currently room for new members so please get in touch if you would like to join us. Although the club is all ladies at present gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
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OUT & ABOUT BARHAM HALL OPEN AIR CONCERT
COFFEE MORNING
Claydon & Barham Church presents an eleventh Open-Air Concert in the gardens of Barham Hall by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Burrows with music by the Essential Sounds 18-piece big band and Pete Wayre on Saturday, July 7.
Saturday, May 12 at Baylham Village Hall from 10.30am
Open from 5.30pm for garden viewing, music from 7-10pm, ending with a Last Night of the Proms type session. Essential Sounds is an East Anglian based modern big band line up of 18 experienced musicians and top quality singers in the style of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble. Pete Wayre is a renowned and award winning vocalist who is one of the leading names on the 1940s event circuit. Admission strictly by ticket, number limited to 450. Bring your own picnic, drink and seats/blankets. Early bird ticket price £11, full price £14 after May 31 if any remain. Cheques payable to Claydon & Barham PCC to be sent with stamped self-addressed envelope to Roger Colthorpe, 5 Phillipps Road, Barham IP6 0AZ. Contact for queries: rogercolthorpe@aol.com / 01473 831079
CLAYDON & BARHAM WI We met on the evening of March 13 when unfortunately our speaker was unable to attend, but we had a most enjoyable evening playing Beetle and having various quizzes and flower anagrams. In February Stephen Hope spoke about his life and times in the Falklands – a most interesting presentation. Our book club continues apace and our lunch club will be at Westerfield Railway at the end of the month. We will hear about the work of a veterinary nurse at our next meeting on April 10. Should anyone wish to get in touch, please contact Linda: 01473 839948
In aid of the New Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital Coffee, cakes, tombola, etc. Enquiries to Jan: 01473 832260 / jan@dyes.f2s.com
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB A new (to us anyway) judge, Howard King, visited the club on February 12 to judge our Open 3 Competition. He gave constructive, useful comments and only gave good marks for good pictures. We would welcome him back again as he enjoyed joining in with our banter. On February we welcomed Mike Lloyd back to judge our wildlife competition. He gave a very knowledgeable critique of both the wildlife subject matter and the photography. First was Kittiwake Feeding its Chick by Roy Fidler (pictured), second was Lackford Robin by Keith Hyland and third was Courting Puffins again by Roy Fidler. Well done to both of you. NEXT MEETINGS Monday, April 9: Colin Stubly Shield for Portraiture and the Audio Visual Salver – both to be judged by John Wrigley Monday, April 23: AGM/Club Night Monday, May 14: Lecture 4: Landscape by Justin Minns New members are always very welcome at the club. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket, IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, April 26 at 7.15pm: Black Teeth and Dirty Fingernails: The Great Unwashed of Victorian London London was a magnet for people from Victorian Suffolk, often thinking they were going to live in a better place. Imagine living in cramped, overcrowded, vermin ridden slums, with hunger, crime and filthy water. Set against London’s transformation to a grand capital city, with the privileged few contemplating which bonnet or shoes to wear that day, yet within spitting distance, thousands faced a grim, brutal struggle living in desperate poverty. In this entertaining talk David lifts the lid on the Victorian underclass. What was it really like being poor in Victorian London? We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB Winning tickets for January
Winning tickets for February
£25 £15 £10 £10 £5 £5
£25 £15 £10 £10 £5 £5
Malcolm Haan (244) Janette Compton (83) Kerry Prentice (39) Mr Hackett (298) David, CHEQUERS (54) John Hood (143)
MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE
Doris Lockwood (99) Nick Miller (192) Daren Fuller (1) Lisa Turner Smith (224) SACKERS (50) Margaret Day (160)
Thank you to everyone who has bought tickets for the 200 Club this year. All the money raised by your membership goes toward the repair and preservation of St Mary’s Parish Church. Tickets are £12 per year. You can join at any time and only pay for the months remaining in the year. If you are not yet a member and would like the chance to win a prize and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building, please call Marion on 01473 830915.
BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS A market is set to take place in Belstead Village Hall from 9am-noon on the first Saturday of every month – starting on Saturday, April 7 – to raise vital funds to support refurbishment of the kitchen and ladies toilet. With an extensive range of tables, a raffle and refreshments, the market is the perfect place to meet with friends for a chat over a cuppa and a piece of cake while supporting this essential local amenity. You can also support Macmillan who will have a table laden with homemade goodies for sale. If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK 2018 At Orchard Barn we are supporting International Compost Awareness Week by running a free workshop. We will show you how we make great compost that we use in our organic garden and orchard. We will also demonstrate how you can easily make your own compost to use in your garden or allotment. The workshop will cover what materials can be composted and what cannot. You will have a chance to look at different ways of making compost and ask questions of experienced compost makers. Composting is an entirely natural process that produces an ideal and odourfree food for plants. It is good for the environment and uses material that otherwise you might throw away or burn as waste. Rather than spend money on artificial fertiliser and peat-based soil improvers you can make your own compost for free. The traditional methods that we will cover on the workshop are perfect for a sustainable twenty-first century lifestyle. This free workshop will take place at Orchard Barn, Bildeston Road, Ringshall IP14 2LY on May 2 from 2-4pm. Places are limited and so if you would like to attend please email: sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk
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On Bank Holiday Monday, May 7 the village of Mendlesham will be holding its 38th annual Street Fayre. The fayre will start at noon with a procession of May Princess and the May Queen accompanied by Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band. Old Market Street will be closed to traffic and full of stalls selling crafts, bric-a-brac, plants, jewellery and tickets for our grand draw. Throughout the afternoon there will be live music on stage from the The Emmatones, Suffolk School of Samba with dancers, dancing from East Suffolk Morris Men, clog dancing from the Haughley Hoofers and the Tricky Twister to entertain the children. Visit Wings Elite Birds of Prey, the craft fayre in the community hall and the famous armoury in St Mary’s Church will be open. This year The Mix in Stowmarket will be bringing their portable skate park for you to try with instruction for children and adults. You will find plenty of refreshments including a hog roast, hot dogs, teas, sandwiches and cakes, all provided by village charities. Not forgetting the bygone farm machinery. Entry is by £3 programme for adults with under-16s free and a free car park. To book a space in the street contact Angela on 01473 766483 (no food outlets needed). The event is run by Mendlesham Community Council and the money raised each year goes to help support village charities, the school and the community.
HAUGHLEY PARK GARDENS & BLUEBELL WOODS The gardens and bluebell woods at Haughley Park, near Wetherden, IP14 3JY, are open once again this year on Sunday, April 29 and Sunday, May 6 from 2-5.30pm to help raise funds for St Mary’s Church, Wetherden. To enjoy the gardens and the six acres of bluebell woods, entry for adults is £4 per person while entry for accompanied children under 16 years is free. After walking in the gardens and woods you can relax in the barn with a cup of tea or coffee and your choice from the selection of homemade cakes on offer. Some cold drinks will also be available. The church relies on members and friends to volunteer to make cakes and to be on duty in the barn or at the gate. Without them the event could not happen. St Mary’s Church, Wetherden, Parochial Church Council is also very grateful to Robert Williams and his family for allowing us, as they have done for a number of years now, to use the grounds and barn on these occasions to raise valuable funds to help keep our Grade I listed church in good order.
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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
The children are all enjoying a well-earned break for Easter. They had a busy term with Stay & Play week, our Easter Eggstravaganza, Mother’s Day and lots of craft work. We hope they got lots from the Easter Bunny.
Despite the snow putting an unfortunate and unavoidable stop to teaching and learning for a few days, the month of March was extremely busy for staff and students with various trips, visits and activities taking place.
We have lots planned for the summer term, with lots of expectation for warm sunny weather to enjoy playing in the garden.
On March 15, a group of Year 8 students took part in the BBC’s annual School Report Day. The school has been participating in this event since 2008 and students spent the day planning, researching and interviewing staff and students, before writing articles which are featured on a dedicated online news website.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Saturday, June 23: Summer Spectacular Wednesday, July 4: Pre-school Sports Day W/C July 9: Stay & Play Sessions As we are now open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. The next bookings are for May half term (Tuesday, June 29 to Friday, June 1) and the summer holidays (Wednesday, July 25 to Tuesday, September 4). Please contact the administration assistant for more details. Don’t forget that from September 2017 the government are introducing an additional 15 hours funding for working parents of three and four year olds. This means that parents who both earn the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage (£115.20 per week) or more per week and less that £100,000 per year (or just one carer if a single parent) will be eligible to claim up to 30 hours of funding. You can register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible and also register for the Government Childcare Vouchers Scheme. If you are using the 30 hours you must provide us with the 30-hour code (given once registered) and your national insurance number. Once we have checked these details you can book sessions (subject to availability) for the following term. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648
CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 27 years! We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 per family.
This project offers great opportunities for all of those taking part, while offering everyone else a fascinating snapshot into life at Claydon High School. Mrs LovellBrown, English teacher and organiser of the event, said: “I was really impressed by the dedication shown by students on the day. Every single article was produced from scratch and to a 2pm deadline, which was a tough challenge. “The students continue to impress me with their enthusiasm for developing their media literacy skills and producing their own stories about subjects that matter to them. Please visit our news page at www.claydonhigh.co.uk to read reports produced on the day.” On Monday, March 19, the art department held an exhibition featuring work from our Key Stage 3 students alongside work from Key Stage 2 students at our feeder primary schools. Students, teachers and parents/carers were invited along to view the colourful and talented work on display, which included some cityscape pictures from Witnesham Primary School, mixed media portraits, Fauve landscapes from our Year 7 and 8 students and much more. During the month of March we had two trips to universities. A group of Year 9 students visited Cambridge University on March 22 to tour their Gonville and Caius Colleges, meet staff and students and join them for lunch, before heading out to Cambridge Arts Theatre in the afternoon to watch their production of The Jungle Book. On March 27 a group of Year 11 French students visited the University of Reading for a GCSE French Student Conference run by PiXL. The interactive and motivational revision conference was designed to encourage and support students to be ‘exam ready’, equipping them with a range of strategies and techniques which will maximise their exam performance and achievement in all four language skills. We have also had two Maths Challenge events, as well as celebrating British Science Week. We will update you further with the results of these activities in the next edition.
This month we meet on Thursday, April 26 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. At our regular sessions families can enjoy a themed craft activity where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece.
Time is flying by and we are now in the Easter holidays with only one more term left in this academic year! We have lots to look forward to when we return, including rehearsals for our forthcoming production of Madagascar in June.
Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. For parents and carers it is a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children.
The cast has been announced and students are very excited. More information will follow, but if you would like to be involved in sponsoring our show, please contact Nikki McGuinnes: nmcguinness@claydonhigh.com
This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Elliot and Rosie-May. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. For more information contact Michelle on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com
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If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Monday, April 23. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place. Headteacher Maéve Taylor
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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB February 2018 Prize Winners 1: Linda Harman (36) £17.70 2: Keith Sparrow (11) £8.85 3: Amanda Harkett (75) £2.95 £29.50 was raised for Claydon Pre-school. New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 a month and the draw takes place on the last Thursday of each month. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance he lives of our children within the pre-school. For an entry form please contact: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB After a very successful outdoor season a large number of our bowlers are enjoying indoor bowling at the Meadlands. Any member wanting information about indoor bowling can contact me, David Hindley, on 01449 613144. The green was successfully put to bed and the green team have been busy with maintenance, although as I write five inches of snow is proving a bit of a hindrance! Anyone interested in joining the green team should contact Alastair Bailie on 01449 720759. Our winter socials have again proved popular with good attendances. The ‘Big Quiz’ was won by Captain Cook’s Mutineers after a close contest with Keith’s Angels and we will have finished off with cash bingo by the time you read this article. Plans for summer events are already under way. The opening drive will be on Saturday, April 14 at 2pm, or Sunday 15 if wet on the Saturday. Please bring food for an American tea. Raffle prizes would be appreciated. MEET AND GREET DAYS AT CROWLEY PARK These have been very successful and will resume on Saturdays, April 21 and 28 at 10am so come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit. Bowls and basic instruction will be provided, but if you just want to watch and chat that’s fine. NMBC CONTACTS: Pat Hadden 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759
IT’S TIME TO GET OUT ON COURT AND PLAY SOME TENNIS Welcome everyone to this, our first In Touch article at the start of an exciting new tennis season. Firstly we would like to thank Mick Russ for his articles on behalf of Bramford Tennis Club in recent years. We are extremely grateful to Mick and hope to build on Mick’s efforts going forward with interesting tennis related news relevant to our local community. We held our AGM recently to review the last 12 months and plan for the coming year, and what a year it was! Big strides were made since bringing in a new head coach, Carl Douglas, who has helped us to breathe new life into the club by establishing a much more active junior and family membership and by creating a modern website and Facebook page for us. Now we want to build on this success and get more people from the local community involved. So, each month we will highlight a couple of key activities to whet your appetite to come along and give tennis a try. Tennis4Kids Tennis4kids, the LTA’s flagship programme for kids aged four-11, is coming to Bramford Tennis Club for the first time in May 2018. For just £25 your child will get six weeks coaching, a racket, a personalised t-shirt and a pack of mini-tennis balls. Places are limited so contact Carl quickly on 07553 966380 to express your interest or pre-register at: www.tennisforkids.co.uk.
BRAMFORD FOOTBALL CLUB 1928/29
This picture shows a very successful Bramford team, champions of the Ipswich Junior League and runners-up in the Suffolk Minor League Cup. The final, which was played at Portman Road, was the only game they lost that season. The shirt colours were blue and amber. Some of the players above are believed to include Jim Page, Ted Page, Sunny Rodwell, Bill Cook, Charlie Cook, Jack Lambert, Albert Lillyman, Albert Garner and George Markham. Jack Francis is known to be seated at the front holding the shield on the right. Jack Barrell was the goalkeeper and wore a bright red jersey. Lawrie Garnham was the secretary and Gilbert Lambert was the linesman (information from the recollections of Les Beckett in the Book of Bramford). Matches were played at ‘Broadwater’ – a field owned and used by Fisons/ Packards as a sports field. The field is on the opposite side of the railway line and partly bordered by the river. t is currently used as grazing land for horses.
Great British Tennis Weekend A free tennis experience event on Sunday, May 13. Come along and meet our coach, have a go against the ball machine or just meet other tennis minded people. Exclusive offer memberships available on the day with adult starting from just £25/year and junior starting from just £10/year. The above is just a taste of what’s coming up but we need your support to make Bramford Tennis Club the best village club in Suffolk. Visit our website to find out more or call/text our coach, Carl Douglas, on 07553 966380. Hope to see you on court soon! https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub
If anyone can identify any of the individuals in the photo, please contact Kelvin Dakin: kelvin.dakin@btinternet.com / 01473 464502
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CHURCH NEWS RUNNING IS EASY That is the title of a book I have on my shelf and I question it sometimes. It is designed to help you get into running with training schedules, even for a marathon. I thought about running a marathon once, but the thought didn’t last long. This year’s London Marathon will be on April 22 and no doubt those who have entered will be, or ought to be, well on in their preparations. All who complete it, helped by others along the way, receive a medal and I am sure will be very happy having reached their goal. Having had a look at how to enter the race I notice that you are not guaranteed a place because of so many who want to take part. There are a number of ways you could apply to enter next year’s marathon though. The ballot entry receives applications for five days in May and applicants find out the outcome in October. You could qualify through the charity entry. Each charity has a limited number of spaces and so runners are selected based on their connection with the charity and how much they could raise, so no guarantee there. Finally, you could qualify through the Good for Age entry if you have a run a marathon before in the same or a faster time given in the guidelines, but you would have to prove it. That rules me out so I’ll just think about it for another year! The Bible likens the Christian life as a race, which all can enter because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. How do I enter? By turning from your sins to God and believing in Jesus to receive forgiveness. Just like the marathon this life is not always easy, but to know God’s help through it and to receive the ultimate prize of life everlasting with Him makes it all worthwhile.
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 Please feel free to contact either of us with any queries; baptisms, marriages and funerals by arrangement with the minister who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound. SUNDAY Morning Worship with Holy Communion: every second Sunday, 10.3011.30am* Lighthouse Club: 10.30-11.30am (term time only) Families @ 4: informal get-together with afternoon tea, 4-6pm (once a month – please check diary). Come and go as you please. This is not a service, but our minister usually joins us. MONDAY Bible Study: informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss, every third Monday, 2-3pm TUESDAY Network/MWiB*: Our ladies’ meeting, although gentlemen are always welcome, second and fourth Tuesdays of month, 2-3pm WEDNESDAY Computer Club: 10am-noon (term time only) Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing: second Wednesday of month, 7.30-8.30pm THURSDAY United Service at Cherryfields: first Thursday of month (very informal), 3-3.30pm* SATURDAY Coffee Morning: Methodist Church or Cherryfields (see diary), third Saturday of month, 10-11am
WEEKLY EVENTS Monday fortnightly: Little Owls Toddler Group, 10am-noon Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 7.30-8.30pm Wednesday: Coffee Morning, 10am-noon / all welcome Thursday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon
DIARY FOR APRIL Sunday 1 – please note 10am start: Easter Sunday Worship with Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw
For more information contact Michael: 01473 839785
Thursday 5: United Service at Cherryfields, 3pm
*Tea and coffee served afterwards
Sunday 8: Morning Worship, Mr P Walker, 10.30am Tuesday 10: Network/MWiB – Daddy, What is a Television Talk? by Lewis Taylor, 2pm Wednesday 11: Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing, 7.30pm Sunday 15: Morning Worship, Mr H Chicken, 10.30am Monday 16: Bible Study, 2pm Saturday 21: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields, 10am
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In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / revjseggar@outlook.com
We are very aware that not all of you have computers, so we will be able to offer face-to-face training if you need us to.
www.stmarybramford.co.uk
As a group of parishes we have a safeguarding officer, a safeguarding policy which we have adopted, and by the end of the year, anybody attached to one of our churches who you meet officially will be aware of what to do if they notice, or are told about any problems.
Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service APRIL SERVICES Sunday, April 1: Easter Sunday 10am Group Communion Service for Easter Sunday, Bramford Thursday, April 5 3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday, April 8: Easter 2 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm 5 o’clock Service, Bramford Tuesday, April 10 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Wednesday, April 11 7.30pm Healing Service, Methodist Chapel Sunday, April 15: Easter 3 10am Holy Communion, Bramford 6pm Parish Communion, Baylham
Please feel free to contact either myself or our safeguarding officer if you wish to find out more about what this involves, or if you have any concerns. The Rev Jenny Seggar The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Bramford 01473 748914 / revjseggar@outlook.com What already? The annual village fete is not held until July, but we would welcome any unwanted gifts or items that we can use in the tombola. So please do have a look to see if there is anything (even a tin of beans) that you could donate. If you have can you either bring it to church or contact Stewart on 01473 462231. Thank you in anticipation. PARISH REGISTERS Funerals February 12: Daphne Fisher. Bramford February 15: Raymond Hardwick, Bramford We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers.
Tuesday, April 17 2pm The Gathering, Church Room
Cleaning Rota: J Sillett
Sunday, April 22: Easter 4 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am 4th Sunday Service, Bramford
Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church
Saturday, April 28 10am-noon Coffee Morning, Church Room
April 7:
Sunday, April 29: Easter 5 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Joint Parish Communion, Baylham Please check porch notices for any changes. Dear Friends, This month I need to write about something serious, which affects everybody.
Flower Rota: Easter, April 21 & 28, W McGinty
March 22: In memory of Don Banyard In memory of Jim Thacker In memory of Diana Curtis In memory of Tom Wardley In memory of Peggy Wardley In memory of Tim Curran In memory of Hazel & Joe Gibson on their birthday In memory of Hazel & Joe Gibson at Easter
If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 4622317. The requested donation is £10 per week. LECTIONARY
I am sure that many of you saw the difficult headlines at the beginning of March regarding historical abuse in the Church of England. This has been a matter of great concern to the church for many years now and the church are taking very real and important steps to ensure that this is now properly and swiftly dealt with, in conjunction with many other local groups and agencies.
Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world. April 1 Acts 10:34-43
Easter Day 1 Cor.15:1-11
White or Gold John 20: 1-18
A new and really comprehensive training scheme has been launched to help us to keep our church communities safe, and spot any signs of abuse in our communities. All ministers, churchwardens and PCC members will be required to undertake the new training, and as I write I have just completed the training I need to do to minister in our churches. Everybody who volunteers with us will need to undertake the basic level of awareness training which will help us to spot abuse and bullying, and stamp on it hard.
April 8 Acts 4:32-35
Easter 1 1 John 1:1 - 2.2
White John 20.19-31
April 15 Acts 3:12-19
Easter 2 1 John 3:1-7
White Luke 24:36b-48
April 22 Acts 4:5-12
Easter 3 1 John 3:16-24
White John 10:11-18
April 29 Acts 8:26-40
Easter 4 1 John 4:7-21
White John 15:1-8
This initial awareness training is done online and takes about an hour.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
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CHURCH NEWS THE CLAYDON GROUP OF CHURCHES The Church of England in Claydon and Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham We offer you a warm welcome to all our events and services.
For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Carl Melville 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmail.com SERVICES IN APRIL Henley Church – every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church – every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church – every Sunday at 11am Sunday, April 1: Easter Sunday 9.30am Easter All Age Communion 10am Easter All Age Communion 11am Easter All Age Communion
Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham
Sunday, April 8: Easter 2 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am family@henley 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, April 15: Easter 3 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, April 22: Easter 4 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Holy Communion 11am Elevenses@GB 4pm Evensong BCP
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church
Sunday, April 29: Easter 5 10am Benefice Holy Communion
Barham Church
APRIL – EASTER: JESUS, JOY TO THE CHURCH What does Easter mean to you? Easter reminds us that in the end, love always wins. Gt Blakenham Church: Sunday, April 1, 11am Henley Church: Sunday, April 8, 9.30am Barham Church: Sunday, April 15, 10am Refreshments available, all welcome. NEWS Claydon Church: Currently open during day light hours, thanks to our volunteers. If you can spare a few minutes one day a week to open/close the church, please contact Rev Carl. Sunday’s Cool: Meets on the second and third Sundays of every month in Gt Blakenham Parish Room from 10.30am (April 8 & 15 / May 13 & 20). Stories, games, songs, loads of fun and it’s free – no need to book! Contact Irene for more info: 01449 676567
Wedding Festival: We are looking forward to our Wedding Festival at Great Blakenham which takes place from May 26-28. The main event will be a wedding exhibition on Monday 28 in the church, Chequers pub and Parish Room (page 8). Holy Conversations: A relaxed home group that meets once a month at The Rectory in Claydon. All are welcome and the group is particularly suitable for those new to church or faith. We discuss all sorts of things from faith to prayer, as well as chat and meet others. Tots Groups: Henley Tots meets in Henley Church on the first and third Fridays, the Claydon group meets on alternate Thursdays in the village hall, and the Gt Blakenham Group meets on the second and fourth Fridays in the Parish Room. See our website for more details. OTHER SERVICES AND EVENTS APRIL Tuesday 3 Holy Conversations, The Rectory, 7pm Friday 6 Henley Tots, Henley Vestry, 9.30-11.30am Friday 13 Pram Service, GB Parish Room, 9.30-11am Wednesday 18 Midweek Communion, Barham Church, 10am Friday 20 Henley Tots, Henley Vestry, 9.30-11.30am Saturday 21 Vestry Café, Henley Church, 10.30am-1pm Saturday 21 Fish ’n’ Chip supper for St George, GB Parish Room, 6.30 for 7pm, bring your own drinks Wednesday 25 Midweek Communion, Barham Church, 10am Friday 27 Pram Service, GB Parish Room, 9.30-11am Saturday 28 Pudding Night, Henley Church Vestry, 7.30pm MAY Tuesday 1 Holy Conversations, The Rectory, 7pm Wednesday 2 Midweek Communion, Barham Church, 10am Friday 4 Henley Tots, Henley Vestry, 9.30-11.30am For further dates visit: www.claydonchurches.com LETTER FROM THE VICAR Easter is such an exciting time of the year and a great time of celebration in the church calendar. Whatever you’ve given up for Lent may be taken back on again, or if your life has been changed by what you’ve given up, then you can learn to live without it now throughout Easter which also last for 40 days, like Lent. Going through Lent helps us really celebrate Easter with style. It’s a bit like Christmas and brings the same sense of excitement for me. There are so many symbols around us that help us focus on what is good and pure and holy. Signs of new life in creation, the Easter egg, the flowers… For Christians it is the knowledge that Jesus is alive. He is alive today and lives with the Father in heaven. He is alive for me and alive for you. Jesus being alive today means that we can live life to the full – that is why he came and lived and died. Are you living life to the full? What can you do to start? Jesus wants to live his life in you. Why don’t you start living your life in his too?
Godparents’ Sunday: If you have godparents come along to Barham Church at 3pm on Sunday, May 6 for a special service followed by crafts, games and an afternoon tea. Please let Ann and Roger Colthorpe know numbers for catering purposes.
Happy Easter! He is alive. Alleluia!
WW1 100 Years Festival: Over the weekend of June 22-24, Henley Church will be filled with displays of flowers and wartime memorabilia to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The church tower will be covered in a fountain of poppies. On Saturday 23, there will also be a War Time Village Street Party at Henley School to which all are welcome (page 4).
HALL BOOKINGS
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The Rev Carl Melville: carlmelville@hotmail.com Facebook & Twitter: The Claydon Group of Churches Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463
In Touch online:
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