Nature’s Most Spectacular Night Show – The Northern Lights Amazing, magical, wonderful, awe inspiring, out of this world, mesmerizing and enchanting are just some of the words to describe the Northern Lights. These natural phenomena, of which sightings can never be guaranteed, bring a certain magical touch to your holiday. There are many theories about the best place and best time of year to see them. One thing is certain, they are very much real! What are the Northern Lights? Displays of the Northern Lights occur when solar particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere and on impact emit burning gases that produce different coloured lights. Where can you see them? The most spectacular displays occur in the northern parts of the following areas: the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Alaska, Canada and Russia. Where you go will depend on your budget and the time available, but a more crucial decision is what else you want to do when you’re not standing outside in sub-zero temperatures staring up at the night sky with fingers crossed. When to go Displays of the lights are notoriously unpredictable and cannot be forecast in advance. In the northern hemisphere, the aurora season runs from late September or early October to late March. The lights may be seen at any time during this period, but late October, November, February and March are the best bets. The period either side of a new moon is recognised as the best time to see the Northern Lights. The remaining New Moon dates for 2013/14 are 1st & 30th March and for 2014/15 23rd October, 22nd November, 21st December, 20th January, 18th February & 20th March. Although visible during all phases of the moon, the light from a full moon can dilute some of the effects. For the best viewing conditions the sky needs to be clear and you need to be away from artificial light such as street lighting. What is a Solar Maximum? We are currently experiencing a solar maximum. The Northern Lights are affected by the energy, or solar flares, emitted by the sun. A solar cycle generally lasts about 11yrs. The energy and solar flares are currently at their expected peak. The recent ‘flip’ of the Sun’s magnetic field marks the midway point of the current solar cycle, extending the current period of solar maximum into the winter of 2014/15. Who can go on a Northern Lights Holiday? Anyone! We have a full range of Northern Lights holidays from the active (eg. Husky sleds) to the more sedate Northern Lights cruise. www.travel-stop.co.uk 57 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 5DY Telephone: 01473 828728 Fax: 01473 829647 ABTA P6645
Green Fair Returns to Hadleigh Five years ago, in March 2009, Hadleigh Guildhall thronged with stalls and people and music at the first Green Fair to be held in the town. Five years on, it’s happening again. Green Fairs, to raise environmental awareness and money for environmental campaigns, already take place every year in Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Eye. Now Tesco has been seen off, it's time to celebrate by reviving the Green Fair in Hadleigh. There will be Fair Trade refreshments all day and stalls run by local environmental groups, such as the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, local craftspeople, products made from recycled materials and childrens activities. The doors to the Guildroom will open to the public at 10am on Saturday, March 29 and will remain open to 4pm. There will be stalls in the Guildroom and events outside in the garden. To apply for a stall, contact John on 01449 771742, 3 Wash Lane Corner, Gt Finborough, Stowmarket, IP14 3BJ. Or download a form from the website www.greenfairs.org.uk.
FARM SHOP
Pause for Thought - Languages of love Valentine’s Day is the time we think about roses, chocolates and love. The Beatles sang “Love is all you need” and the Bible says “Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love-- the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13. So what’s a love language? We all want love shown in different ways. Most people love gifts but if that’s not your main love language but touch is, then you probably prefer a cuddle or having your hand held as you walk down the street. Experts say there are five love languages that you, your partner, your children and everyone has. They are: words of encouragement, acts of service, quality time, gifts and touch. Find out which your partners, your children’s or your friends are, then try showing that love to them and make a real difference. God knows what our love language is and how to make a difference! “For God so loved the world that He gave his One and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 What an amazing gift of love that was and is, because those words are: Words of encouragement, an act of service, quality time, the best gift ever and it touches all our hearts. Following Christ is all about showing love because of the love we have been given. Find out more about this love. Ken Sanderson
Quality meat reared and sold at our farm in Semer
Hollow Trees Farm Shop Semer, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 6HX Tel: 01449 741247 Email: shop@hollowtrees.co.uk www.hollowtrees.co.uk
Follow us on
On A1141 Hadleigh/Lavenham Road www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk
15