In Touch with Woodbridge April 2020

In Touch

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with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge Volume 9 • Issue No. 12 • APRIL 2020

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Life | Land | Business

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In Touch online: In touch 93 x 132.indd 4

01/09/2019 18:00

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events.

There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful.

We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months.

Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward.

There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app.

Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory.

We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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 Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

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In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Tuesday 7 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

THE LONGSHIP TAPESTRY This exciting community project complements the work going on in the Longshed to build a replica of the Anglo-Saxon burial ship excavated at Sutton Hoo in 1939. The tapestry is a celebration of the Anglo Saxons, the river and Woodbridge itself. It will comprise around 30 large panels, each telling a part of the story – from 425 AD to the present day.

The first meeting of apprehensive but enthusiastic stitchers was held last autumn. We were able to choose the part of the story that appealed to us and given much freedom to choose whether we stitch, embroider appliqué, rag rug or felt the design we’ve made. Some are working in groups, others alone.

We get together every six to eight weeks to delight in what others have created and to pick each others’ brains. There is a range of experience and talents and there’s still space for anyone who may just want to give it a go.

Some of the panels have yet to be taken, so if you’re interested in joining in contact Jane Guy, our able administrator, for more information: janeandclive@gmail.com

THE BELLS RANG OUT There was a very special final footnote to the Revd Canon Kevan McCormack’s recent retirement as Rector of St Mary’s, Woodbridge. On 6 March, the bells rang out from St Mary’s Church tower with a Quarter Peal of Yorkshire Surprise Major (appropriately for someone from God’s own country). A lone bagpiper (Ron Bossingham) then concluded the farewell, piping Highland Cathedral in the quiet of the church. Quite extraordinary!

Photo by permission of Kate Eagle

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NEWS TEENAGER APPEALS FOR HELP REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

SAXON SHIP GETS EXTRAORDINARY BOOST FROM WILDLIFE TRUST

A teenage boy who has been stuck in bed since Christmas after his wheelchair broke has appealed for help regaining his independence.

Miles Alder, who suffers from a genetic muscle wasting condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, needs £20,000 to pay for a new electric chair and to mark International Wheelchair Day has launched a crowdfunder asking people to help him pay for it.

“I try to live my life to the fullest,” he said. “But without a chair I can’t go and see friends, walk my dog or even pop to the shops – tiny things that other people take for granted. I’m afraid I can’t even manage to take myself to the bathroom which is very distressing for someone like me who has always enjoyed my independence despite my medical condition.”

The 19-year-old, a former pupil of Farlingaye High School, lives with his family in Woodbridge. His mother Catherine said: “Miles is a bright, charming teenager who needs to use an electric wheelchair to go everywhere. Before Christmas, he thoroughly enjoyed getting out of the house and would get involved in any activities he could. He’s incredibly sociable and loves to do everything normal teenage boys do.

“His wonderful old wheelchair broke down on Christmas Eve after giving him many years of comfortable independence. Now he can’t sit at a restaurant table or even enjoy a trip to the shops which means that for the last two months he has been mostly confined to his bed.”

Miles has had temporary access to an NHS wheelchair but it doesn’t allow him to complete basic daily functions for himself. It also causes him extensive pain in his hips, pelvis and back so he can only tolerate it for 15 minutes at a time.

Catherine said: “His previous chair gave him complete independence but the NHS one means he needs hoisting onto his bed, help undressing, washing and using the toilet – all things he could manage before Christmas. He has also needed help with eating because the chair doesn’t allow his hands to reach his mouth without a table to rest his elbows on and yet often it won’t fit under the table to facilitate this. As you can imagine, it’s all very embarrassing and distressing for him because it’s the wheelchair restricting him right now rather than the muscle wasting condition.”

A wheelchair, manual or powered, can cost anything from £2,000 right up to £25,000, depending on the individual’s needs. The chair that offers Miles the most independence costs £19,236.

Catherine said: “Disability charity Scope recently released a report highlighting that people with disabilities are already experiencing on average extra costs of £583 per month – equivalent to half their income – compared to able-bodied people.

“It’s vital that more financial support is given to those in need of a wheelchair.

We hope Miles’ campaign highlights this issue with the general public who might feel moved to help him.”

If you would like to donate to Miles’ crowdfunder visit: https://tinyurl.com/vsqxr95

Wood from a medieval coppice will be used to create the oars for the reconstructed 90ft Sutton Hoo vessel to be rebuilt in Woodbridge.

Branches from ash trees in Bradfield Woods, a site of special scientific interest between Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, have been donated to the project. The gift was made by Suffolk Wildlife Trust which is also providing Goat Willow grown at Redgrave and Lopham Fens and Lackford Lakes for the wooden nails on the ship.

Giles Cawston, woodlands warden, said: “Bradfield Wood has been managed since medieval times and the shipbuilders wanted to use wood that had been grown as closely as possible to the way wood was when the original vessel was built.

“I spent some time with the shipwright searching for straight ash limbs which would be perfect for the oars. Our ash trees are under threat from ash dieback disease, and sadly we are expecting to lose 90 percent of the ash at Bradfield in the next five to 10 years due to the disease. That is why we are so thrilled to be involved in this project that will give the ash a legacy.”

Philip Leech, director of the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company which is working on the project, said he was delighted that the wood was coming from a place so close to home.

“The build is an extraordinary feat which brings together archaeologists, historians, experts in shipwrighting and a large team of volunteers to re-create a ghost ship. The discovery at Sutton Hoo is arguably the most fascinating and important Saxon haul of treasure in the world and the imprints left there of the huge king’s burial ship have resulted in much speculation about how it was made, rowed and sailed.

“We are now set to find out – beginning with our digitally produced plans from the original measurements to reconstruct the ship and sea-trial it. To do this we need to create 84 oars – three sets of 28 – and the ash from Bradfield Woods will do the job perfectly.”

The £1million project is being paid for through a public crowdfunding campaign which allows people to sponsor parts of the ship. Each oar costs £1,000 and each sponsor will have their name stamped into the wood.

Supporters of the project can also sponsor one of 4,000 individually numbered rivets for £20 each.

For more information visit: www.saxonship.orgw

Follow us on Instagram to keep up with all your local news: @mansionhousepublishing 4

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT AWARD-WINNING CHILDREN’S GARDEN TO OPEN FOR CHARITY

TREASURE TROVE OF HOMEWARE AND FASHION A Woodbridge shop is planning to take the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ mantra to the next level by creating a shopping experience that embraces the old alongside the new.

The Attic and Wardrobe is set to open in the Thoroughfare on the former site of clothing boutique Ninni Noo. Alongside a range of new goods, it will also feature pre-loved homeware, which has been sourced locally alongside upcycled furniture and vintage clothing.

St Elizabeth Hospice is delighted to announce that the award-winning garden designed and developed by the budding green fingered pupils from Kelsale CEVCP School is to open as part of this year’s popular Great Garden Trail.

The gardens were the vision of a parent who wanted to encourage more children to engage with nature, growing food and the outdoor environment in everyday life. She did this by designing multiple immersive and inspiring areas in the local school garden, areas that were supportive and inclusive so every pupil and staff member could both benefit and connect with their environment and the community around them.

Gardens include exploding volcanoes made out of a bath towel, canopy gazing chairs, forest bathing under a 500-year-old oak tree, prayer trees, plot-to-plate holistic gardens, wildlife areas, landscape themed beds, sensory garden and a theatre of herbs (Suffolk slowest theatre where stories are told using garden gnomes).

Work by a voluntary team of parents, teachers and pupils started in the gardens within a week of the new headteacher giving the thumbs up. All the work was done on a shoestring with the help of very resourceful parents and help from local businesses.

The garden has now become a flexible resource that has many benefits to the school both for the curriculum subjects taught at the school as well as extracurricular activities and physical/mental wellbeing.

The garden team wants to inspire more people to look at gardens from a child’s perspective to inspire a love of the natural world.

The gardens will be open to the public for one day only on 2 May from 11am to 3pm as part of the Great Garden Trail. The senior teachers and garden designers will hold a masterclass on the day for anyone interested in designing a garden with children in mind. A separate masterclass will be held by Suffolk Master Composters. Refreshments and fete style stalls will be run by the PTFA. Miss Coppens-Browne, a senior teacher and SENCO at Kelsale CEVCP School said: “Gardening with children doesn’t have to just be about playing in the mud. There are so many ways that gardens can inspire children to learn and develop in their own homes with very little cost..I’m not just talking about stimulating wonder and love of the natural world. Exploring habitats, wildlife, growing plants and food in the garden delivers a long list of benefits both physically, mentally and educationally.

Kelsale CEVCP School is on Carlton Road, Kelsale, Saxmundham IP17 2NP. For more information about the Great Garden Trail please contact Beth Condie: 07900 653972 / beth.condie@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

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Owner Nicky Risby, who ran Ninni Noo until its closure in December, said: “In the last few years I have noticed a big shift in customer behaviour – people’s shopping habits have dramatically changed. There is a general distain for mass-produced or throw-away fashion and more emphasis placed on quality. On top of that, people look for the unique instead of the mass market – so the jumble sale idea of the past has been replaced with the idea that second-hand means distinctive clothing, period homeware and furniture with a story.

“We have a lot of lovely new items in the store ready for the big opening but we want to introduce more recycled and repurposed items as we grow. I feel like there is an opportunity in Woodbridge to create a shopping experience which makes people feel good about their purchases so I see this as a treasure trove that could transform a person’s home or wardrobe.”

Nicky, who has spent the last 16 years working in fashion, will include a section for a dress agency – a place where people can bring in garments and Nicky will sell them for a 50/50 cut. On top of this, she has scoured auctions for a range of items for the store which include pieces of furniture she is in the process of lovingly upcycling.

“I’m really excited to see how the shop is received by customers who already know and love Woodbridge,” she said. “It’s a town that already attracts people who want something a little bit different to the mainstream and I think this will certainly tick that box.”

DEBEN ROTARY GOLF DAY The Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben is pleased to announce that its annual charity golf day will be held at St Audry’s Golf Club on Friday 3 July.

The format will be as in previous years, teams of four players playing standard greensomes in two pairs for the Marie Hunt Shield. Entry is £20 per player to include a bacon roll on arrival. Proceeds this year will be divided between Home Start in Suffolk and our charitable trust which supports a number of local, national and international causes.

An entry form can be downloaded from www.debenrotary.org.uk or obtained by contacting Rotarian Simon Smith: 01473 612410 / 07804 900086 The club will be undertaking its usual parking duties at Woodbridge Horse Show on May 8 and we will be at Woodbridge Regatta on May 24. We will also be at Kesgrave Fun Day, Melton Fete and Martlesham Village Day and we look forward to seeing you at these events.

ROTARY MEMORY CAFE SUSPENSION The Rotary Clubs of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Deben and Woodbridge Inner Wheel regret to announce that due to the coronavirus situation the Memory Cafe at Woodbridge Football Club is suspended until further notice. We hope to resume our meetings once the situation resolves itself and will advise our guest once the cafe re-opens.

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OUT & ABOUT CAROLINE’S COLUMN

TRANSITION WOODBRIDGE EVENTS

I’m going to write about it – Coronavirus. It’s kind of hard to avoid mentioning it these days, even though I would really rather not.

Spring Tree Walk Saturday 18 April at 11am with a local tree expert. Meet in Elmhurst Park by the gate from Elmhurst Walk and Turban Centre car park, £2 each.

For one thing, I have no idea what the situation will be when this is published.

It’s a situation, after all, which changes from day to day. But one thing we can be sure of is that whatever happens, this is one time when we genuinely are all in it together. Viruses – like bombs – do not discriminate on the grounds of income or social status.

I happen to be someone who is very well-informed on the subject because my daughter is in the seventh week of the voluntary self-isolation that China expects from its people – and the Chinese expect from each other – and which has been so effective in reducing the spread of this virus. Seven weeks in a flat on the 27th floor with only her partner for company. She will even spend her birthday there. Happy 30th birthday, daughter dear.

She’s been keeping me abreast via WeChat. I stopped being worried after a week or two and started being curious instead.

“What do you do all day?” I ask. “And what do you do for exercise? Aren’t you bored?”

“Bored? Oh no,” she says. “He’s teaching me calculus, I’m teaching him English cooking, and we’re both learning to salsa.” And of course they can both work virtually while universities and workplaces are shut in real life.

The interesting bit is that they are unlikely to be troubled much by the virus even if they do catch it. Currently it seems as if most young people get away pretty lightly, but they live in a community with a stronger sense of ‘all for one and one for all’ than maybe we have here. In China they have worked out that if young people spread the virus unthinkingly, the effects will be felt by those older or more vulnerable. How to act is not a choice!

Let’s face it, that’s true of many situations. Indeed when any of the Four Horsemen come calling, we have a choice as to whether we look out for each other we let the devil take the hindmost.

We are really lucky here to live in a small place like Woodbridge where we know and like the people we live alongside. Some of us can elect to stockpile but if we do, we need to remember we are living alongside people who may have no choice but to buy goods weekly. We can shut the world out but remember we are relying on others not to do so: from those who provide our food to those who look after our health.

In short, while remembering to wash our hands, we should also remember not to wash our hands of responsibility or care for others.

County Councillor Caroline Page

NEW SEASON AT WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB From 14 April Woodbridge Art Club welcomes you to their new exhibition at the clubhouse on Tide Mill Quay to view the varied art works created by club members.

Kersey by Jean Callwood

For the first time the exhibition will include photographs as well as paintings, pottery, lace and cards.

All items are for sale and there is something to please everybody’s taste and pocket.

The exhibition opens on Good Friday and will be open from 10am to 5pm every weekend and bank holiday until September. As the exhibition is refreshed throughout the season it’s always worth popping in for a look. You never know when you might find a piece of art that pleases you or makes a delightful and unique gift. www.woodbridgeartclub.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

We will be taking a gentle walk, lasting about two hours, across town, looking at and learning about some of the town’s lovely trees.

For more information please visit: www.transitionwoodbridge.org.uk Transition Woodbridge Carbon Hub Are you concerned about the Climate Emergency but feel baffled by what you can do about it yourself?

Come along to an informal discussion/idea sharing meeting with members of Transition Woodbridge to find out about simple ways you can work out your carbon footprint and how to reduce it. All questions, ideas or tips welcome!

The King’s Head, Woodbridge, Thursday 23 April, 7-8pm For more information contact us at: ttwoodbridge@gmail.com

THOMAS CHURCHYARD EXHIBITION The exhibition of Thomas Churchyard paintings at Woodbridge Museum opens on April 10 and will run until May 3.

The exhibition, which will be open from noon until 6pm, presents a selection of the best of Thomas Churchyard’s work and Woodbridge Museum makes a fitting location for them as it is sited near the locations where many were painted. This is the first ever major exhibition of his work and there will be around 80 of his pictures on display.

Churchyard was born at Melton in 1798. His father was the village butcher but Thomas, the only son, was destined to enter the professional classes as a lawyer after being articled to a Halesworth legal firm. Today Churchyard is best known as a painter, with works in national museums. Collectors and enthusiasts appreciate his skill and fluency in oil and watercolour.

It is intended to have talks and study sessions on the paintings. See the museum website nearer the time for details: www.woodbridgemuseum.com

A HERO FOR OUR TOWN That hero is John Clarkson, brother of Thomas, both friends of William Wilberforce, who worked together to abolish the slave trade.

The Clarksons, you may remember, featured in Simon Schama’s documentary and subsequent book, Rough Crossings: Britain, the Slaves and the American Revolution.

Clarkson lived in Woodbridge – there’s a Blue Plaque to mark the place on what is now Barclay’s Bank – and his grave is in St Mary’s Churchyard. There will be a very special speaker at St Mary’s Church Centre at 6.30 for 7pm on Wednesday 22 April, when David Keeling, John Clarkson’s threetimes-great-grandson, will present a talk entitled John Clarkson, A Hero for our Town on behalf of the Friends of St Mary’s.

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OUT & ABOUT AN EVENING OF EASTERN STEAM NOSTALGIA Presented by Amanda Huntley, archivist of the Huntley Film Archives Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society invites you to join them at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH on Wednesday 22 April at 7.30pm

IPSWICH HOSPITAL EYE APPEAL QUIZ

Entrance is £5. Tickets are available at IDHTS meetings (see page 17) or from Pat Caddick: pandj83@gmail.com / 01473 402152

The Eye Appeal at Ipswich Hospital aims to raise £55,000 to purchase a portable Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT), a state-of-the-art non-invasive imager which is used to detect, diagnose and monitor eye disease. It uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the layers of the retina. This allows the ophthalmologist to map and measure their thickness.

You can support the appeal by taking part in a fundraising quiz at Seckford Golf Club on Friday 24 April at 6.30pm.

Teams of four, tickets £15 (inc. a hot meal).

AN URGENT PLEA We have been struggling to sort out various problems this winter. In the autumn we learned that East Suffolk Norse wanted to discontinue watering our baskets and planters in 2020. This was partly logistics and partly due to environmental advice about fuel and water usage within their projects. After negotiations, which included representatives of Woodbridge in Bloom and similar groups in Leiston, Saxmundham, Aldeburgh and Wickham Market, continued watering was agreed but we had to reduce our number of hanging baskets from 110 to 40. We must also replace them with modern, more expensive baskets, which include a water-reserving trough, thereby reducing the quantity of water needed and wasted.

There were difficult decisions about which lamp posts to favour. We shall concentrate on access roads and the centre of town, but at two baskets per post, 40 don’t go very far.

We shall plant up the tubs around town this year at least, but in order to maintain these a tub watering rota needs to be organised and our committee of just eight volunteers, half of whom don’t live in Woodbridge itself, cannot fulfil this task by ourselves. There is a danger of the tubs being neglected and not re-planted in future. What a shame it would be if colour around Woodbridge were depleted like this!

Help is needed to water tubs in the Market Square, Turban Centre, Oak Lane (opposite Savers), outside Blue Salt and outside Café Nero. This need not be onerous.

If you can offer an hour per week during May to September, please make your availability known to me – 01394 382459 / barbaradann@btinternet.com – or Judith Wright – 01394 384848 / judithmarywright@gmail.com On a lighter note, we hope the early displays of daffodils cheered people up, particularly the tête-à-têtes which did well.

Buy tickets online at: www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/eye-appeal

WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Please note that Woodbridge Library will be closed on Good Friday 10 April, Easter Sunday 12 April and Easter Monday 13 April. It will be open as usual on Saturday 11 April.

Throughout April: ArtLib Exhibition by Bredfield Art Class Book Group: First Thursday of the month at 2pm On Thursday 2 April we will be discussing 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak. Please come along if you have read this book and would like to join in the discussion.

Every Thursday in April & 7 May, 9.30am-1.30pm: Suffolk Babies Book online at: www.suffolkbabies.co.uk Thursday 2 April, 7.30pm: Harbour Lights Trio (see page 13) Saturday 4 April, 10-11am: The Sunflower Group Free group for children (5-18) and families who have experienced serious illness, bereavement or loss.​ A space to make things with art and crafts, talk about feelings and make new friends.​ Come and chat with a member of our team, meet with other families with similar experiences and get information about services that can help. ​Free drinks and snacks.​ For more information contact Rob Ilett: 07810 481308 / robert.ilett@stelizabethhospice.org.uk Saturday 11 April, 10.15-11.45am: Well-being Coach Mia Philips The theme of this meeting is freedom and we will explore what it means to live a life unbound by fear and anxiety, at ease in the face of perceived challenges, motivated by adventure rather than daunted by it, and enthusiastic regardless of circumstances! Find out more at: www.facebook.com/ccEHWB Saturday 18 April, 9-11am: Drop-in surgery with County Councillor Caroline Page Tuesday 21 April, 1-1.45pm: Lunchtime music by Harpist Zoe Alderton (see page 13)

Our next Woodbridge in Bloom quiz will be held at the football club on Friday 17 April. There will be posters around town, or you can contact me or Judith as above. The profit, plus sponsorship by private residents and local businesses, goes towards purchasing plants. We look forward to seeing you there, and to hearing from willing volunteers in the meantime.

Vice Chairman Barbara Dann

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Wednesday 22 April, 9.30am-noon: Get Help to Get Active Drop-in Session For inactive adults living with a long-term health condition and doing less than 30 minutes of moderate activity per week. The aim is to support and encourage individuals to increase their levels of physical activity. The team at OneLife Suffolk understand that being physically active can be very challenging, particularly if you are faced with a long-term condition. They can provide the tools and information to enable you to gradually increase your activity levels in a safe and effective way.

Tuesday 28 April, 10am-noon: Somerset Star Patchwork Class Make a small mat using this English folded fabric technique. £15 (includes all materials, use of all equipment plus a complimentary cup of tea or coffee).

To book contact: 07753 960227 / annabellerey4textiles@gmail.com

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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Let us inspire you with our fantastic range of plants.

For quality and great value visit our friendly, knowledgeable plant centre, open 7 days a week.

Mix ‘n’ Match Offer... £2.99 each or 4 for £10 FREE PARKING Pettistree House

SUFFOLK PLANT CENTRE

Opening times Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm Main Road, Pettistree, Woodbridge, Nr Wickham Market, Suffolk IP13 0HH info@suffolkplantcentre.co.uk

www.suffolkplantcentre.co.uk 190x132 Kesgrave half page.indd 2

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09/03/2020 15:58

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturday 25 April, 9am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall Our market sells a range of delicious, seasonal, local food including two new stalls for 2020: flavoured oils/dips from Felixstowe and sourdough bread baked fresh just up the road in Melton. These complement the extremely fresh vegetables, fruit and bakes available at other stalls, the free-range chicken and other meat, and scrumptious handmade pickles, jam and marmalade also available.

Our market cafe sells made-to-order waffles which are very popular, along with traditional bacon sarnies and teas/coffees. All proceeds from the cafe are donated to Jetty Lane, the local charity working towards building a new community, arts and youth centre in Woodbridge.

The market this year has started collecting dry foodstuffs and toiletries which are donated to our local foodbank for people in need. Please do bring in your contributions and leave in the crate provided.

Please note: there is only one market in April.

FROM HARMONICA TO HARP: MUSIC AT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Making a welcome return to Woodbridge in April, the Harbour Lights Trio will perform at the library on Thursday 2 April at 7.30pm.

The folk trio specialises in East Anglian traditional, local songs and tunes together with music hall numbers and what they call ‘a few more recent gems’. The three are Alvar Smith, Derek Simpson and Rob Neal and between them they play seven instruments (including the harmonica), sing and spin yarns.

Tickets cost £10 (students half price) and include an interval drink.

They are available from Woodbridge Library in person or by phoning 01394 330855. A light-hearted and thoroughly enjoyable evening awaits you.

Later in the month as part of the library’s occasional lunchtime music events, harpist Zoe Alderton will perform for us for the first time. Zoe studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama at Manchester University and later trained as a teacher. She has been a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the Halle Youth Orchestra.

Zoe has recently moved to Suffolk and has played with Ipswich Symphony Orchestra, Prometheus Orchestra and the Academy of St Thomas Orchestra.

She can also be heard regularly on Radio Norfolk and Radio Suffolk.

Her lunchtime concert is on Tuesday 21 April at 1pm and entrance is free.

BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES: WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS – AND YOURS In a global marketplace isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money.

Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access.

“Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists.

For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!”

In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies.

If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies.

“We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ”

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted.

As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options.

“We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.”

So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry.

“Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND For sale at the Richards Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham IP12 4PB on Saturday 16 May from 2-4pm: • • • •

Pictures and cards by local artist Sonya E Burrows Mighty Morty’s handmade jewellery by Laura Morton Photos and limited edition prints by Helen Ellison Plants

All welcome, entrance free, light refreshments available. The venue is fully accessible with plenty of free parking.

For further details of the Roger David Burrows Music Fund: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

DANCE FOLKUS Posh Frocks & Shoes Ceilidh with Polkaworks Nationally known guest band Polkaworks, with caller Adam Hughes, feature at our Woodbridge ceilidh/barn dance on April 3 from 7.30-10.30pm.

This is a very special barn dance with an almost all female line-up. Polkaworks is made up of nationally well-known and respected performers: Fi Fraser and Nina Hansell (fiddles), Sue Harris (dulcimer), Katie Howson (melodeon and harmonica), Jeannie Harris (melodeon) and Gareth Kiddier (piano). Between them these six musicians have played at festivals and major events in many famous English folk bands. They produce a beautiful danceable sound and with Cambridge based Adam Hughes calling, it should be memorable evening.

The all-female trio The Columbines will perform during our mid-evening break. They were formed in 2015 and are a female folk and Americana trio specialising in original songs and their own arrangements of traditional songs. They are recognised for their striking use of close harmony singing, often a cappella, and their diverse range of instruments such as cello, Irish bouzouki, classical and steel string guitar, and percussion. They have performed at many folk clubs and also at FolkEast. Don’t miss this taster song spot.

Adult entry for this special event is £8, children/students £4. Contact Rob on 01473 610951 if you need further information. Visitors to Woodbridge and first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall in Station Road IP12 4AU. Tickets for this special dance event may sell out so it’s best to book your place in advance at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/woodbridge-dance-folkus

WHO LET THE DADS OUT? Who Let The Dads Out? (WLTDO) is a safe space for dads, father figures, carers and their children to enjoy time and activities together. All dads, father figures, carers and their preschool children are welcome. If you can’t come unless you can bring your school aged children, please come anyway. The sessions take place on the first Saturday of each month from 10am to noon.

To find out more visit the WLTDO Facebook page.

2020 SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL Have you ever crafted in the wild, enjoyed baking over a campfire or foraged for a cream tea? If not, then this year’s Suffolk Walking Festival is for you!

The 13th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday 9 May with over 120 guided walks and countryside events over three weeks across the county. This year also sees plenty of brand new events including Castle on the Hill celebrating Ed Sheeran’s favourite castle, a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford and a spooky day head hunting in Ipswich.

The event finishes at the end of half-term week withplenty of familyfriendly activities. Here are just a few events to whet your appetite.

A sell-out every year is Walk n’ Water, a short walk and boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury with a free hot drink at the end. RSPB Minsmere is one of the most special places in Suffolk, famous around the world for its wildlife. Surprising Spring Wildlife shows off the site, introducing you to some of its iconic species. Another icon of Suffolk is Orford Ness and Walk with a Shepherd and a Sheepdog is a guided walk by Kite, the sheepdog who manages the island’s very own herd of sheep. It’s a very fun walk and a joy to watch Kite in action.

Campfire Make and Bake at Thornham Walks brushes up your whittling skills before making damper bread over an open fire in the woods.

Family Wild Crafts at Brandon Country Park lets you get crafty in the woods as you collect natural materials such as sticks, leaves and rushes to make, and then keep, your creations. And The Nasty Normans at Clare Country Park is a fun take on the history of the Norman Conquests with an actor narrating the story as you’ve never heard before!

The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 9 May and runs for three weeks until 31 May. See the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

Tea/coffee is available in the interval or BYO booze. Posh frocks and shoes are a suggestion (not compulsory) but make sure you wear clothes that are comfortable to dance in. Please do not attend if you have any form of cough, cold or sore throat.

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9TH TO 31ST MAY THE SUFFOLK

WALKING

FESTIVAL 2020

OVER 120WALKS AND EVENTS www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE CAMERA CLUB

FRIENDS OF WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM Our enjoyable and informative series of talks featured a local topic when Bob Merrett considered some of the many Woodbridge Myths and Misconceptions, including some of the ‘old chestnuts’ which still raise their heads, as well as lesser known misconceptions. Like making mistakes, misconceptions are hard to forget once learnt.

The day school in March was about The Long Armistice: Britain 1919-39.

Once again Dr Andrew Lacey guided his audience through various questions: was there a land fit for heroes? Did the twenties really roar? The effect of the Wall Street crash and the way Britain attempted to deal with the rise of the dictators in Europe. These sessions shone a new light on a period of recent history which for many of those present would have been part of known family history.

Alan Sarsby presented Thinking in Colour to Shoot Black & White at our March meeting. After an informative presentation on how a digital camera’s sensor works, members were challenged to identify which colour images would convert to mono and why, rounding up with some techniques on conversion and presentation.

It was another great club evening enjoyed by all. In April we have two meetings: on 16 April the Granville Foulger Trophy with four other clubs hosted by East Ipswich Camera Club and on 27 April a practical workshop evening Still Life & Close Up.

April 12: Woodbridge Tide Mill Past and Present with Nigel Barrett May 15: Keep taking ye Tablets with Liz Wood For further information about Friday talks contact: 01394 585572

SAVING FORESTS & WILDLIFE AROUND THE WORLD An illustrated talk by Richard Cuthbert

Chairman Robin Garrod Here we see two of the winning images from our February competition; Henry Moore enters the Twilight Zone by Robin Garrod (first) and Deben Sunset by Richard Brown (third).

Richard Cuthbert is the director of conservation at the World Land Trust, an international conservation NGO based in Suffolk. He has more than 20 years of experience working in conservation, including international work with the RSPB. The World Land Trust has worked for more than 30 years to bring land into conservation through a network of partner organisations in 20 countries or more around the world. This talk will outline their work, highlighting projects that have secured more than a million acres of land for conservation.

We hope you will join us at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday 2 April at 7.30pm. Members of RSPB Woodbridge Local Group £3 (under-16s free), non-members £4. www.rspb.org.uk/localgroups

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY In a change to the advertised programme, on 4 March four committee members showed items from their own collections and one showed photos of his trip to India. Very interesting they all were too. On 18 March Terry Harrison presented an informative and colourful display of stamps issued and correspondence to and from St Vincent, a British Colony until 1979 but now part of the Commonwealth.

Looking to April, our annual auction is on 15 April with more than 400 lots of postal history, stamps and ephemera from around the world. The full list is available at: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk There is a whole host of information about us and about stamp collecting on the website so please visit. Or come along to one of our meetings at Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave. You’ll also find the programme and directions online.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT LEISTON & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP The Woods of Suffolk and Beyond You are invited to discover the woodlands of Suffolk when Gary Battell, woodland advisor for Suffolk County Council, gives an illustrated talk entitled The Woods of Suffolk and Beyond at Woodbridge Community Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 16 April.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 22 April in the United Church Hall, High Street, Leiston from 7.15pm, when there will be a visit from the Sudbury Philatelic Society. New members are always welcome. The annual subscription is only £5 (50p for students up to 18 years) payable in September.

Refreshments are available.

2020 is the 50th anniversary of society and there are extra activities throughout the year. The May meeting will consist of a short AGM and a celebration, including the cutting (and eating) of a celebration cake. Watch out for more details next month.

The talk has been organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Woodbridge Wildlife Group and chairman Phil Smith said: “This promises to be a very interesting talk during which we will learn about the history of woodlands and how they are managed. We are most grateful to Gary, who has stepped in to assist us after our original speaker for April, David Hooton, had to cancel for personal reasons.”

Admission to the talk is £3 for adults, with under-16s free. Light refreshments will be served during the evening and there will be a raffle. There’s no need to book but for further information please contact: 01473 625630 / swtwoodbridge@outlook.com

U3A EAST SUFFOLK SUSPENDS ALL ACTIVITIES In light of the spread of the Coronavirus, U3A East Suffolk has suspended all activities and meetings until further notice.

PEACE GLASS CRAFTERS (PGC) STAINED GLASS CLUB PGC is a club of friendly ‘glassers’ named after a respected tutor who taught many of the original members. We share an interest and enjoyment of creating art from sheet glass of all colours and textures.

As a group we support each other by sharing ideas, knowledge and experience. Projects include panels, windows, clocks, suncatchers, lamps, Christmas decorations, 3D items and more. The garden scenes panel pictured was donated to Ipswich Hospital and is on display there.

Each PGC member completed one of the six-inch squares.

For more images of our finished work please visit our Facebook page.

The committee has taken the decision in order to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of its members, many of whom are elderly and thus at greater risk.

All speaker meetings and interest group activities were suspended from Monday 16 March. The committee will review the decision in four weeks’ time.

This decision has not been taken lightly but the committee wishes to protect its members as far as it is able.

BRIGHT STARS

The club is mainly for ‘tiffany’ (copper foil) glass work but there are occasions where a member decides to make a leaded piece. We have our own equipment (mainly grinders and soldering irons) plus a few consumables for use on club nights.

We are always keen to welcome new members. Having attended workshops or classes previously, people who come to the club have some experience in the main stained glass techniques, including glass cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering.

We meet at Felixstowe Academy on Thursday evenings during term time. The fees are currently £35 per term and there are three terms per year. If you are interested in joining us please contact the secretary on 01473 625782.

Facebook: Peace Glass Crafters

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Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Monday of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. During the spring term we enjoyed sticking tissue paper all over 3D cardboard trees and adding a little picture of Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus and became Jesus’s friend. In another session we made cardboard lanterns and sang songs about light, with actions and percussion instruments, an opportunity to make lots of noise!

The summer term dates are 27 April, 11 May, 8 and 22 June and 13 July.

Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to welcoming you.

If you would like further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday 6 April: My Experience of Life in a Foundling Hospital by Ruth Miller From 1741 when the first babies were admitted, to 1954 when the last pupil was placed in foster care, the Foundling Hospital in London cared for and educated around 25,000 children. Ruth Miller arrived at the Foundling Hospital in April 1942, just a few weeks shy of her fifth birthday and will tell us all about what it was like to be one of these children.

Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

Sunday 26 April from 7.30pm Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE Doors open at 7pm Bar and food available

SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM If you are 18 years or over and keen to improve your confidence, public speaking and/or leadership skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, why not come along to Speak Easy at Martlesham speakers’ club?

We are affiliated to Toastmasters International, a non-profit educational organisation that has helped people in 143 countries build their confidence as speakers and leaders since 1924. Our members take part in meetings and follow projects, at their own pace, in Pathways, the educational resource provided by Toastmasters International.

Teams of up to six players, £2.50 each All proceeds go to Ipswich & District Kidney Association For more information contact Carol: 07922 155181

DEBEN YACHT CLUB

Speak Easy meetings are held on alternate Thursdays (March 5 and 19) from 7.15-9.30pm at the Richards Room in Martlesham (behind Tesco).

Guests are always welcome to attend; we look forward to seeing you.

For further information please contact Margaret Stanway: 07979 373934 / president@speak-easy.org.uk www.speak-easy.org.uk / Facebook: @SpeakEasyMartlesham

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Last year we reported that we were making syringe driver bags for Ipswich Hospital and were delighted to receive offers of materials from readers.

Palliative and End of Life Coordinator Tracy Hitching recently asked whether we could possibly make purple bags in a similar design, not for patients this time but for the Butterfly Volunteers. We couldn’t possibly say no.

These volunteers provide company and companionship to hospital patients in the last days of their lives. They also reassure and support patient’s loved ones (if they have any).

The purple bags will hold notebooks, pens, tissues and whatever else the volunteer thinks would be useful. By wearing the bags the volunteers will stand out so that patients, visitors and staff can recognise them easily.

We have made 16, with varying linings for both men and women volunteers.

We hope they will be of help to them in their sensitive role. But, to cap it all, we heard about Alfie, a volunteer who happens to be a dog! So we have made him a purple neckerchief to wear when he’s on duty.

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB

Now spring is here it’s starting to feel very lively again at the club. We’ve had some lovely walks this winter and three very interesting talks, but now it’s time to start thinking about sailing again.

A full programme of racing, flotillas and club sailing has been planned and this year we are doing several collaborations with Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club which is really exciting and should be great fun. Last year we did one all-day cruise to their club but this year we might go for the weekend and there will hopefully be sea sailing and an opportunity to try some different craft. They will visit us on a race day and we will meet for a picnic half way on a flotilla. We are also looking into running some training together.

DYC is also running the Onboard club again on six evenings. This was very successful last year and is aimed at ages eight to 18 who are new to sailing.

For those who did it last year or already know the basics, we will run some Onboard groups at our club sailing sessions. Club sailing is an opportunity to sail with safety boats on the water and club boats are free to use for cadet members.

The working party has been very busy keeping the club house looking smart and the club boats are all ready for the new season. There is still room on one of the sail training courses this spring but do book quickly. If you prefer the warmer weather there will be another course in August.

Find out more at: www.debenyachtclub.co.uk

Deben Flower Club meets in the Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.

On Tuesday 14 April Terri Potter from Chelmsford will present a demonstration entitled This Way and That. Terri has recently returned from a trip to India where she took part in the World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA) competitions, so no doubt she will have some interesting tales to tell us.

You may even be lucky enough to win one of Terri’s arrangements in the raffle. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available after the demonstration. Visitors are always welcome (£5).

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SPORT WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB Spring is here and Woodbridge Cruising Club is looking forward to summer sailing. The fitting out supper on 5 April marks the start of the summer with club members enjoying a convivial evening.

Boats will be going in the water soon but in the interim club members are enjoying on-shore activities including local walks followed by a welcoming pub lunch. On Thursday 13 February, 15 hardy club members (and three dogs) walked from The Shepherd & Dog at Hollesley, around the sea marshes, woodlands and beach. After a two-hour stroll the walkers arrived back at the Shepherd & Dog where a delicious lunch was most welcome, all organised

by Bram van der Have. The walk to and from Badingham White Horse was carefully chosen and led by William Wickham, and was another enjoyable sojourn.

The winter programme of Sunday talks organised by Captain Peter King continues, with wide ranging subjects enthralling club members. The February talks included a diversion from the nautical world with the renowned humourist Charlie Haylock, a historian of spoken English, and an authority on his native Suffolk. Charlie gave an amusing and entertaining exposition of the history of the English language to a packed club house.

Sue Whisstock, whose father Claude Whisstock owned the eponymous boatyard in Woodbridge, gave a personal history of the yard. In the period up to the outbreak of the Second World War, Whisstocks built 127 boats, including the famous Deben 4-tonner class of weekend cruisers. During the war, the yard was heavily engaged in production for the Admiralty and War Office. Returning to peace, the yard continued to build many famous worldclass yachts including Francis Chichester’s Gypsy Moth 1. In all, including wartime production, Whisstock’s built more than 700 boats before closure in 1991.

Captain Prithvi Singh, deputy harbourmaster of Harwich Haven Authority explained how the port has responsibility for all aspects of safe navigation within Harwich Haven and its seaward approaches. It conserves and protects

the channels into the harbour and provides pilotage services to commercial vessels. There are more than 15,000 vessel movements per year.

The ladies club continues to meet on Mondays and Wednesday suppers continue with 40 members enjoying a genial evening with home cooked food.

And the bar is open to members on Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

The maintenance parties do a sterling job and are busy repairing the west wall weatherboard, hence the scaffolding around the club. This proves club members are a talented bunch who can turn their hand to anything, nautical or otherwise.

Club members aren’t just sailors, but many are also musicians, with the club ukulele group growing in fame, and numbers.

Other non-nautical activities have included the ever-popular ceilidh on 29 February, where club members enjoyed an evening of dancing with a professional caller. The social programme also has a variety of other events, and the start of the day skipper courses, essential for those who are new to sailing or wishing to brush up, plus the RYA DSC YHF course.

There was a Saturday get-together lunch for members looking to find crew and skippers on 14 March. The club programme of cruises was announced on 15 March, with cruises to well-loved favourite havens along the East coast and further afield, plus some exciting new voyages, from Wells to Boulogne, Netherlands and Blackwater. If you own a boat and want to cruise in company, then why not join Woodbridge Cruising Club?

If all these sound intriguing, do check out the club website. www.woodbridgecruisingclub.org

WOODBRIDGE TENNIS CLUB Woodbridge Tennis Club is getting set for the coming season with a host of changes designed to attract members.

The club has undergone a full rebrand that encompasses an updated logo, a website refresh, the launch of dedicated club clothing via an online shop and a new membership card that offers members additional benefits beyond the courts.

Steve Lemon, chairman of Woodbridge Tennis Club, said: “We’ve been working really hard to ensure we hit home the message that we’re a welcoming and inclusive club. We’re open to players of all ages and abilities, whether they want some social or match play, or coaching to improve their game.”

The club is also working with a selection of local businesses and services to offer members some additional benefits when they join. Steve explains: “We’ve got some great businesses lined up, from sports therapists to restaurants, who will offer members a saving when they use their services.

It’s about encouraging our members to support businesses in town and the area.”

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

This year, the club will again be running its successful LTA-backed Tennis for Kids initiative. Every child who takes part in the six-week course of hour-long lessons gets a racket, t-shirt and balls for only £30.

At Easter (6-8 & 14-16 April) the club’s Mad for Tennis Holiday Tennis Camps take place.

Later in the season, the annual Great British Tennis Weekend will see the club throw open its doors to anyone who wants to try some tennis, whatever their age and playing level. Juniors can take part on Saturday 16 May from 2-4pm and Sunday 17 May from 1-3pm. Adults can join in on Sunday 17 May from 10am-noon.

Jon Mansfield, head coach at the club, commented: “Tennis is a great way to get fit, make some friends and have some fun. We’re giving everyone the opportunity to come and have a go.”

Find out more at: www.woodbridgetennis.org

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE AN INVITATION FROM WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB

NEW LUXURY HAIR SALON TO CREATE NEW JOBS

Woodbridge Bowls Club is holding their open morning on Saturday 2 May at the club green to the rear of Elmhurst Park. Doors open at 10am and will remain open until 1pm.

Planning for an exciting new luxury hair salon in the centre of Woodbridge is underway. Quay Street Collective is due to open in the former site of Smashing Wines in May 2020 and will create eight jobs.

You are invited to your hand at this gentle but interesting sport. Bowls (woods) will be provided in various sizes to suit your hand. Tuition will be given by our trained instructor assisted by members of the club. Refreshments will be available, so even if your woods don’t go straight you can be sure of a refreshing cup of tea or coffee to help you recover.

In order to recruit talented, career-minded individuals, Quay Street Collective is taking a novel approach to recruitment, inviting those interested in joining the team to send a 60 second video to the Quay Street Collective Instagram page that shows their passion for the industry, their inspiration, motivation and career aspirations. Successful applicants will be invited to a face-to-face audition where they can showcase their talent in front of industry peers.

We do ask visitors to wear flat shoes to protect the green, which is in perfect condition. So why not come along and give it a try?

You will be sure of a warm welcome and friendly guidance.

For further details please visit us on Facebook or check our website: www. woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk

MELTON BOWLS CLUB The 2020 outdoor season opens on Sunday 19 April at 1.30pm. The first bowl to officially open the club’s bowls green for the new season will be delivered by the club president, Robin Prior. This will be followed by a drive for club members, weather and green condition permitting. Anyone interested in finding out about playing bowls is welcome to come along on the day.

The club has a full programme of events arranged for the season, having entered six mixed leagues, one men’s league, several county and national cup competitions as well as having club competitions, friendly games and social events.

Entries are now being taken for the club’s four invitation tournaments to be held on Sunday 31 May (D Sharp Landscapes), 2 August (Woodbridge Cake Shop), 6 September (Happy Haddock) and 20 September (Greenkeeper).

Contact Peter Moyes on 07720 756911 for further information.

There will be an open day on Saturday 9 May at the clubhouse in Dock Lane from 10am to noon. Coffee and tea will be available, together with tombola, a cake stall and a raffle. Everybody is welcome to come and try their hand on the club green, free of charge (equipment and coaching will be provided).

All abilities catered for and beginners are very welcome.

For more information or anybody interested in joining the club, see the Melton Bowls Club Facebook page or contact Ray Andrews on 07933 241576.

The salon requires anyone applying for a position to have a minimum of three years’ salon experience. Part-time and full-time positions are available in a self-employed or employed capacity. Applicants must be qualified to NVQ Level 2/3. Auditions will take place in Woodbridge in April and applicants can contact info@quaystreetcollective.com with any questions.

Other non-hairdressing vacancies are available, with full and part time applications considered. Experienced front of house staff and salon managers are welcome to apply.

The director of Quay Street Collective explains: “We are creating a brand-new team and are looking for technique-driven, talented, innovative stylists who will bring their own vibe to the salon. We are passionate about education and proactively create opportunities for people within our industry.

We offer fantastic opportunities for our team members throughout their careers, including coaching, training courses, photo shoots, competitions, shows and incentives with great rewards. With wellbeing in mind, we will also offer our full-time colleagues the option of a four-day working week.

“The salon will be eco-friendly, and sustainable. Our stylists will be giving detailed, personalised consultations for every client covering colour, cut and bespoke hair treatments. A lot of research has gone into sourcing the right products and furniture to ensure a luxurious and contemporary customer experience. The salon will offer a full range of hair treatments and will satisfy the increasing requests for innovative products, techniques and styles that we’ve received from the people of East Suffolk.”

The town centre premises are currently being fitted out to create a unique space where comfort and creativity are at the forefront. *Upload your videos via Instagram to quaystreetcollective

IPSWICH 102 – 40,000 LISTENERS CAN’T BE WRONG Local commercial radio has changed significantly in recent years. National networks have emerged and programmes are beamed in from afar on what were previously local frequencies, but Ipswich is bucking the trend.

When in summer 2018 the regulator (OFCOM) awarded the local Ipswich licence to Ipswich 102 (to take over from the existing operator) work started within days to create the local radio station Ipswich deserved.

Paul Morris (formerly of SGR, Heart and Town) was appointed station manager and began to assemble a team of presenters, journalists and commercial staff, along with finding a suitable location to base a radio station. Inside two months Ipswich 102 had launched programmes on DAB digital radio and then in October they also began broadcasting on FM. The vision behind Ipswich 102 is simple – great music and information for the community, from the community and with the community.

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All programmes are broadcast from Ipswich, with a mix of new and experienced staff. Indeed two legends from the days of Radio Orwell – Nigel Rennie and Patrick Eade – present Solid Gold Sunday on the station every weekend.

Ipswich 102 supports local organisations and charities, working with St Elizabeth Hospice, Inspire Suffolk and Fresh Start, New Beginnings in their first year, and in 2020 you’ll see them at the Midnight Walk, Ipswich Music Day and many other local events. Reaction from listeners and advertisers has been overwhelmingly positive and with nearly 40,000 people tuning in every week Ipswich 102 is proving that proper local radio is still liked and much loved in Suffolk.

In Touch online:

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

SUFFOLK HOW ARE YOU? Are you a PTA or Friends of Schools/PRUs or community group such as Brownies, Scouts or a youth project?

Would you like ÂŁ1000 to help children and young people be a part of a project about reducing sugar in their diet?

Find out more at: www.suffolkcf.org.uk/grants/sugar-reduction-fund or contact Suffolk Community Foundation and ask about Sugar Reduction Fund on 01473 602602 or info@suffolkcf.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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