In Touch News with Brantham December 2018

In Touch

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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 9 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2018

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hate winter! There, I’ve said it. I’ve tried to appreciate the positives but I spend every long dark evening longing for spring, which for me starts on February 11. For this reason I love Christmas; it gives us something to look forward to and brings family and friends together with time to relax. Of course it can be an expensive time and requires a huge amount of planning, but somehow it’s always worth it.

So bring it on I say! Let’s embrace this time to relax and to enjoy the company of those we may not see as regularly as we’d like. This year I’m determined to make Auntie Mary smile, even if I have to spend all day working on it.

I’m going to find the perfect non-gift for the impossible aunt who says she doesn’t want or need anything, until she doesn’t get anything of course.

I’m going to make the bread sauce nobody eats just so my brother can’t complain that it’s not the same without it! I’m going to discuss the timings with absolutely everyone so nobody comes to the table saying ‘I wish I’d known we were eating this early as I wouldn’t have had that fifth mince pie for breakfast’. I’m going to serve custard, brandy butter, ice cream and cream with the Christmas pudding so mum, my husband, my brother and my nephew have no cause to complain, and for those who always say ‘I don’t really like Christmas pudding’ I shall be serving chocolate mousse.

NEWS BRAMFORD SCOUT AND GUIDE HQ Bramford Scout and Guide HQ unveiled their legacy wall after the Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 11. A big thank you to Sarah and Patrick Peck and Don and Doreen Golding for getting the bricks on the wall and making it look so great, and to everyone who has purchased a brick so far. Please let us know if you would like to come and see your brick on the wall.

There is still space on our wall, so if you would like to purchase a brick, perhaps in memory of a loved one or as a lasting tribute to your family, please contact one of the following before January 31: G&SHQ: bramfordgandshq@gmail.com Sarah Peck: sarah@kbbeastanglia.co.uk / 07790 506265 Claire Bickers: clairebickers28@googlemail.com / 07576 350296

My approach to Christmas present shopping has changed over the years.

Where once I might have spent hours online looking for something unusual or quirky, this year I’m focused on finding more thoughtful gifts; this requires a hands-on approach so it’s local shops and markets for me this year. I’m taking the same approach with my son. We’ve been influenced by TV ads for the latest gadgets and plastic monstrosities in the past; recent mistakes include Boom Boom Balloon Game, Chippies Robot Dog, Zoomer Dino Robot Dinosaur and Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage. This year I’m determined to find things I know he will enjoy well into 2019 and I’ll be having a word with Father Christmas too.

I hope this month doesn’t cause unnecessary stress in your home. Please do support local businesses and local markets in the coming weeks and together we can look forward to a Happy New Year.

InTouch

with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham

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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Send editorial copy to: bramford@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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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 Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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•B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

WHEN THE BOYS COME HOME What a fantastic weekend of entertainment we had in November to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War. Together with friends and family Bridget Jackaman put on a show with hours of songs, sketches and jokes old and new (with apologies to It Ain’t Half Hot Mum). Everyone left the hall with a smile on their faces.

Not only was it a wonderful show, but it also made a profit of over £800. The history group will be giving donations to various local charities, so thank you Bridget and the rest of the cast. You are stars!

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JANUARY DEADLINE

4 DECEMBER 2018

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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NEWS Every home in the two villages will have received a copy of Through Witnesham and Swilland to The Roman Road with the December copy of In Touch. These are sent to you with the compliments of Councillor Robert Whiting, Suffolk Coast District Council, and Witnesham and Swilland Parish Council, wishing everyone a Happy Christmas.

Further copies, also copies of A Very Ordinary Place, 2,000 years of Swilland and Witnesham published in 2012, may be obtained from Barbara Butler: 01473 785067 / barb-witness@hotmail.co.uk

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 Terry Fordham, our long-serving and hard-working committee chairman, has decided it is time for him to resign this post and allow someone new to take on the task. Terry was a member of the original steering group which oversaw the setting up of the community shop. Since opening in 2012 he has been chairman of the management committee and a long-time devotee and passionate enthusiast for the promotion of the shop. We thank him very much for his commitment to our community. Happily Terry will continue with his work as a volunteer and still be with us for, what we hope, is a long time to come.

A GOOD START TO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON If you want a good start to the Christmas Season how about the following?

Visit the Wreath Festival in Bramford Church on Saturday, December 1 (10am-4pm) and Sunday 2 (noon-3.30pm). Our usual fresh wreaths and floral tributes will be for sale in the church. They sell fast so come early.

You can enjoy a reasonably priced hot lunch at the Church Room between noon and 2pm on Saturday 1 before visiting the Christmas Bazaar in the Lorraine Victory Hall from 1.30pm.

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP We are delighted with the response to our appeal for the Father Frost Special Delivery program. Many people have pledged to send a Christmas stocking to a Chernobyl child and we are very grateful for all the support given to us for this program. We will travel to Belarus on December 28 with the children who will have visited for December and spend nine days distributing all the stockings to disadvantaged children in outlying villages and in the children’s hospitals.

We are still looking for hosts for our 2019 program; although it seems a long way off much preparation has to be done both here and in Belarus to allow the children to come. Next year’s visit will be from June 30 to July 28 and we would ask that anyone interested about finding out more about the program gets in touch with us as soon as possible for an initial discussion.

A reminder about our forthcoming events:

Another loss from the committee is Steve Woolhouse. Thanks to Steve for his valuable work over several years. Steve also will continue with volunteer work for and in the shop.

We are holding a Christmas themed Chocolate Bingo event on December 15 at Stowmarket Football Club. Tickets are already selling strongly so make sure to get yours in plenty of time. Tickets (£6 / £4 for under-10s) are available from our charity shop in Needham Market or directly from the football club.

We have been pleased to have a new volunteer, John, who has done some magnificent work and we thank him for being part of our team. Of course, we still have two spaces on the management committee. If anyone should feel they would like to take a place either as volunteers or on the committee they would be very welcome to join us to ensure the continuation of such a worthwhile project for the local area. Somersham featured in a recent article on community-run pubs in the Guardian newspaper, and it was remarked that “what is clearly a very active community (volunteers also run the village shop), it’s a lively place . . .”. Come and play a part if you can in this lively and active community.

The charity continues to enjoy your support and for that we are extremely grateful. Please remember, if you are having a clear-out before Christmas, all those unwanted gifts you have put away and don’t know what to do with make fantastic raffle prizes for our fundraising.

Customers are essential for the continuation of the shop and all are warmly invited to come in and start the Christmas season by purchasing seasonal stock, enjoying the fayre with a hot drink and snack in Coffee Corner and a chance to chat with others. Community events continue with regular Tea and Chat meetings during the winter on the last Wednesday in the month between 2-4pm, though not in December so the next is on Wednesday, January 30. Golden Link is every other Tuesday afternoon and Petrolheads is on the first Wednesday of each month.

The shop provides a huge range of products, many produced locally, household goods and other services including newspapers, dry cleaning collection and deliveries to people with mobility difficulties. All gives real heart to the local community and happens because of the magnificent volunteers who give time to man the shop and do many other unsung jobs.

We wish all our customers and volunteers a Happy Christmas and New Year.

We look forward to your continued support.

Management Team Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288

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We regularly receive new donations to our charity shop in Needham Market and stock is frequently rotated so the shop is well worth a visit. We provide regular updates regarding new items of interest via our shop Facebook page so keep checking back there.

Donations are especially welcome at this time of year as we may be able to use some items for the children who arrive in December, or those that we are taking presents to at the end of the year on our Father Frost program.

We are starting to build a really good stock of eveningwear for that special big night out during the festive season. Why spend a fortune when you can pick up something ‘nearly new’ instead?

As always we are extremely grateful for your support of our children and we can assure you that every penny raised stays in Mid Suffolk to use for the benefit of our local link and the children and families we support in Belarus.

Elizabeth Parker, Link Chair CCLL Mid Suffolk 01449 760343 / www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: NOVEMBER 2018 New approach to pothole repairs A Highways Improvement and Innovations Board has announced that Suffolk Highways will be piloting a new approach to prioritising pothole repairs over the winter. It aims to tackle more potholes during a visit and to reduce the number of temporary repairs. The travelling time of maintenance crews will be reduced, and more potholes will be filled. Improvement at last!

The Board has also been looking into improving the coordination of road closures, reducing the number of roadworks which overrun, and exploring ways for Suffolk Highways to work closer with town and parish councils.

I hope the lessons of Hackneys Corner will be learnt. I expect a progress report from the Board at Scrutiny in December.

Second Suffolk children’s home judged “inadequate” A children’s home run by Suffolk County Council has been judged “inadequate”

by Ofsted following an inspection. This is the second council-run children’s home to receive an inadequate rating in the past two months. Ofsted were particularly concerned over unsafe behaviour management techniques used.

They found a significant increase in the number of physical interventions.

Council signs up to 100% nuclear energy deal At the council meeting on October 18 members of my political group called on the council to recognise the benefits of renewable energy. This is now low cost as well as low carbon. We asked them to commission a report into a smart grid for Suffolk. This would allow the array of renewable, top-up and storage facilities for electricity supply to be managed optimally. We also asked for a commitment to ensuring that at least 50 per cent of the council’s energy comes from renewable sources by 2025. Unfortunately, the Conservative administration amended the motion to remove any clear actions or targets. It was also revealed that the council have recently signed off on a 100 per cent nuclear energy deal for the next three years, to commence in March 2019.

This represents a major step backwards since the current energy contract includes 18.7 per cent renewables.

No funding to help end “period poverty” The Labour Group asked council for a budget commitment of £15,000 to help tackle “period poverty”. Many girls suffer embarrassment and frequently miss school because they are unable to afford sanitary products.

We asked the council to fund products for such girls in all local authoritymaintained schools in Suffolk, and to encourage academies to implement similar measures. Unfortunately, the Conservative administration once again amended the motion, removing all funding.

New Home Care Operating Model Cabinet has agreed the new Home Care operating model. It was acknowledged that the previous model had been a failure. Smaller care providers were expected to give up their contracts and residents receiving home care were expected to change provider. We were assured that “lessons had been learned” and that greater care had been taken to develop the new operating model in partnership with stakeholders.

The funding to providers will be set by the county and will vary dependent on the availability of care in each parish. There will be five steps from £16.49 to £22.24 per hour of care. That sounds quite reasonable, but the county does not pay for travel time and providers frequently do, together with a small allowance for travel expenses. There is also a need to fund holidays and sickness so the fee per hour received by a carer is substantially lower.

I fear that the rate paid to carers remains too low to attract the number of people required.

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 Autumn shutdown Between October 1 and 19 the facility completed its second shutdown for 2018. These planned shutdowns take place twice a year to ensure the facility continues to run efficiently.

During this shutdown, inspections were carried out inside the furnaces, and repairs were carried out within the boiler. A new belt was installed on the conveyor which transports bottom ash from the furnace to the building where it is sorted for recycling.

School bookings for 2019 The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is taking bookings for the New Year. Why not book your school in for a visit? Classes of up to 30 students from Key Stage 2 and above are welcome to visit the facility and explore how we make use of Suffolk’s household waste. During the visit, students will be given a tour of the facility and have a chance to explore our specially designed interactive visitor centre.

Visits can be tailored to meet specific requirements to ensure the experience is suitable for students from Key Stage 2 up to Higher Education level. If you would like to discuss what we can offer, please get in touch via the details provided below.

If you have any queries about our operations, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149 OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Book a visit: 01473 836149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

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Mid Suffolk District Council Waste and Recycling

Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2018-2019

Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection

Recycling

Refuse

Recycling

Usual Collection

Monday 24th December Tuesday 25th December Wednesday 26th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Monday 31st December Tuesday 1st January Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January

Revised Collection Monday 24th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Saturday 29th December Monday 31st December Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Saturday 5th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January Saturday 12th January

Change

None 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later

There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 24th December and 4th January) Please refer to brown bin collection calendars available on: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk for details.

From Monday 14th January 2019 normal waste and recycling collections resume.

Waste Services: 0300 1234 000 (option 4) email: Recycling@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

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OUT & ABOUT WREATH FESTIVAL Our Wreath Festival in St Mary’s Church, Bramford will be open on Saturday, December 1 from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday 2 from noon until 3.30pm.

Should you wish to exhibit your own creation please contact Stewart on 01473 462231. We will need to set up the wreaths in the church on Friday, November 30 between 2 and 4pm. If this is inconvenient please speak with Stewart.

BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS – RAPUNZEL TICKETS GO ON SALE The weeks have flown by since rehearsals for Bar-Clay Music Makers panto, Rapunzel, began in September, and tickets will be on sale from December 5

Let’s see what different ideas you come up with to make this a successful event.

Performances take place on Fridays, January 18 and 25 at 7.30pm, and on Saturdays 19 and 26 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £3 for children and always sell out fast. To book your seats contact Gillian Webb: webbfamily1@gmail.com / 01473 830538

BRAMFORD COFFEE MORNING

For more details about BMM contact Vera Rogers: vera.rogers1@btinternet.com

This month’s Coffee Morning will be on Saturday 15 at Cherryfields, Gippingstone Road, Bramford from 10-11am. There will be tea, coffee and a wide selection cakes for sale, as well as a variety of pickles and preserves being sold for charity. A stall selling cards and calendars is also usually there.

This is a good chance to meet with fellow villagers and chat in a friendly atmosphere. Why not give it a go?

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 8, 9am-12.30pm.

Come and get those hard to find Christmas presents and hear the carol singers.

Of course we will also have all your favourite market stalls; fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents.

Date for your diary: Saturday, May 11 The Wheelie Team are now working on the 2019 event. Our format has proved successful so we will continue to have a range of attractions, but aim to add more. For example, how about doing a table top sale and making some money from your unwanted items?

We do need people to help in all sorts of ways, both as participants and volunteers. Please get in touch and register your interest.

CONTACTS Terry on 07733 226898 / wheelieenquiries@btinternet.com if • You are an organisation, individual or trader and would like to run your own stall • You would like to be a Wheelie Sponsor • You would like to join the Wheelie Team as a volunteer • You would like to perform on our stage Andy on 07833 089148 / wheelievehiclebookings@aol.com if • You have a vehicle (or anything with wheels!) you would like to show off All proceeds will go to the maintenance of the village playing field.

A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS Saturday, December 15, 6.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh Come and join Hadleigh Choral Society for traditional carols (with some for the audience to join in), readings and Christmas songs by Serendipity.

The concert is free, but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the Ansell Memories Cafe run weekly for people living with dementia and their carers.

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East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier.

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP This month we’re going to have our Christmas Lunch at the Bramford Cock on Tuesday, December 18. Food must be ordered and paid for in advance.

Because of this our first meeting in the month will be on Tuesday, December 4. So instead of the second and fourth Tuesday we will meet on first and third this month. Usual time and place, Parish Room 9.30am-noon. Hope this doesn’t cause problems for anyone.

BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Our Christmas meal will be back at the Bramford Cock again this year on Thursday, December 13. Please arrive at 7pm to be served at 7.30pm. If you want to sit with a group it is advisable to arrive early to make sure you can sit together. We look forward to seeing you then.

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD This month’s meeting is on December 3 and is our annual Christmas meal.

This year it’s at Bramford Golf Club.

May we take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas?

Also thanks to the officers and committee members of the Guild for all their hard work.

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WOMEN TOGETHER RECOVERY GROUP Self-help recovery groups for all women, regardless of their addiction or life problem, which are facilitated by women in recovery themselves and people who have supported others in their journey to freedom.

We provide an environment where women can talk openly and honestly in a safe place about their daily struggles, share their experiences, strength and hope. They can be with others who share a common desire to overcome addictive behaviour.

It’s somewhere women can seek healing for one another.

WT wants women to regain the self-confidence, self-belief and self-worth that addiction has stolen from them.

Meetings are listed below.

For more information please visit the Women Together Recovery Group Ipswich Facebook page or contact us at: womentogether@talithakoum.org.uk / 07503 416576

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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BRAMFORD & DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER

71-73 The Street, Bramford IP8 4DX. Tel: 01473 745198

Sat 1st Thurs 6th Sat 8th Sat 15th Sat 22nd

ADAM HARROD QUIZ ALAN WADE AND RALPH MEYER CLASS ACT 4 PIECE R/R BAND MEMBERS CHILDREN / GRANDCHILDREN XMAS PARTY £2 PER CHILD 3 TO 6PM

Xmas Eve Xmas Day Boxing Day NYE New Year’s Day

JUKEBOX NIGHT SHADOOGIE PAY ON THE DOOR JOIN US FOR A DRINK OPEN 12 TO 2PM OPEN 12 TO 6PM KARAOKE 1 TO 5PM INFRARED TICKETS ON SALE 1ST DEC OPEN 12 TO 4PM

All the staff and committee wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New year!

For all food enquiries please contact Suzi Q on 07824830152

REGULAR DARTS, CRIB, KARAOKE, POOL AND SNOOKER NIGHTS DURING THE WEEK. MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW. First 3 Wednesdays of the month Line Dancing. Come along and have a go.

Every Sunday night Bingo at 8pm

We have a snooker room, pretty outside seating area and hot drinks available at the bar – so come and join us for coffee or beer.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad.

You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.

Contact us

www.prettys.co.uk

01473 232121 enquiry@prettys.co.uk In Touch online:

10 PR534 Personal Injury Advert (InTouch) v3.indd 2

09/05/2018 16:33

OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5

BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB

Route 5 Town/village 5A Sproughton 5B Sproughton 5C Bramford 5D Bramford 5E Great Blakenham 5F Great Blakenham

5G Baylham 5H Claydon 5I Claydon 5J Barham 5K Bramford

The club will meet on Wednesdays, December 5 and 19 and then break for the Christmas holidays. It will start again on January 9.

Location Church Lane Wild Man St Mary’s Close Paper Mill Lane Chequers Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Post Box Crown Edinburgh Gardens Bacon Road 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

DATES: December 18, January 15

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 13A 13B 13C 13D 13E 13F 13G 13H 13I 13J 13K 13L 13M

Town/village Crowfield Coddenham Barham Creeting St Mary Creeting St Mary Creeting St Peter Earl Stonham Little Stonham Little Stonham Mickfield Church Stonham Aspal Pettaugh Henley

Location Lay by Haysel House Sorrel Horse Whissels Farm Village Hall The Lane Village Hall Church Magpie Inn Debenham Road Walnut Tree Meadow Old Bull Garage

Time 9.25-09.45am 9.55-10.50am 11-11.10am 11.20-11.30am 11.35-11.45am 11.55am-12.10pm 12.20-12.50pm 2-2.10pm 2.15-2.25pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm

We meet in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church from 10am to noon. Annual membership is £1, payable in September, and £2 per twohour session. Broadband and refreshments are available. There is no set programme; we are here to help you to get the most out of your computer.

Why not give us a try?

BRAMFORD WI When we next meet it will be for our Christmas Party.

This year has gone so quickly and now our last meeting of the year is here.

Let’s make it a great evening and all dress up Christmassy. The buffet will be great (it always is), so try not to eat too much before to leave room. Please remember to brink along your own dishes, cutlery, glass and drinks.

Opps, I nearly forget to tell you the date and time. It will be Monday, December 10, starting at 7pm at The Loraine Victory Hall.

The 24th Ipswich Scout Group is holding its monthly jumble sale on Saturday, December 1, 1-3pm at 24th Scout HQ, 330a Bramford Road, Ipswich (beside the railway bridge). Come and bag a bargain; you may even find some Christmas presents!

DATES: December 28, January 25

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen.

We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com

SOMERSHAM WI Our meeting on December 17 is our Christmas celebration where we look back over our year and share food and festive games with our WI friends. It’s been a busy year once again and we’ve had some fabulous speakers join us since January 2018, including a sculptor, a talk about India and Suffolk Lavender Farm. We always like some hands-on crafting, so we’ve also learnt how to zentangle, make glass beaded bracelets and a bit of cake decorating! We will be carrying this mix of speakers and activities into 2019.

The New Year kicks off on January 21 with a talk from an exercise expert on how to exercise safely at all ages. It is shaping up to be a fascinating year with a talk from Suffolk Mind and a birds of prey demo coming up.

Membership for 2019 starts in January. If you wish to join the subscription is £41 for the year which includes all your meetings and more. Visit our website for all the information you need.

We welcome women of all ages and look forward to seeing old friends and new in January. We continue to meet on the third Monday of the month.

Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year from us all. www.somershamwi.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/SomershamWI

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB Open to anyone over-50 living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The building is fully accessible.

The cost per meeting is £2 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and the raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each.

At our October meetings we had a social afternoon with a picture quiz entitled What on Earth is That? and a visit from the Rural Coffee Caravan with up-to-date information and leaflets including activities taking place and health and welfare information. In November we will be having a visit from Wiltshire Farm Foods and Sandra will be hosting a Call my Bluff afternoon.

This brings us to the end of this year’s programme, but we will reconvene on January 9 (weather permitting).

New members are always welcome; if you would like to come along to see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING The Gathering will be meeting on December 18 and it may be the final one.

After 14 years Janet and Judy have enjoyed the company of many people, but due to circumstances and advancing years, they feel it is time to call it a day.

However, if anyone thinks they would like to continue to run it, please contact Janet on 01473 741331 or Judy on 01473 743363. I’m sure that many members of The Gathering would love to see it continue.

Janet and Judy

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB

CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL

Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, the club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) from 2-4pm. The building is fully accessible. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. If you prefer to bring your own project the charge is £1.50.

Our project in November was a quilted Christmas stocking so members enjoyed a leisurely time hand quilting their work.

Our workshop programme for 2018 is now at an end and my thinking cap is on for next year’s programme so look out for this in January. Perhaps we may see you at our meetings?

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

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB Well another month has passed. In October we had a demonstration then participation in armchair exercises, which was very informative and beneficial with not too much pain the following day!

In November we have arranged a talk from the East Anglian Air Ambulance who have promised to bring some goodies so we can look for some stocking fillers.

We are also arranging our Christmas meeting and still meeting every Wednesday at 2pm as usual.

Eunice

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We look forward to a visit from The Rev Carl Merville who will be sharing the Christmas story with the children, and a trip to the New Wolsey Theatre to see The Ballard of Rudy.

The children have been practising Christmas songs along with Makaton which they will be singing to the parents/ carers at our Christmas performance, and of course we finish with a visit from Santa.

We are a small, rural and friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on high levels of staff to children ratios and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children.

All staff are highly trained and continue with regular training to build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely together to ensure we work in partnership.

We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers.

Our annual ‘WOW Week’ took place at the end of October and was very rewarding for all year groups. The curriculum was suspended for three days so that all students could take part in various activities designed to stretch, challenge, motivate and equip them with essential life skills which will help them on their journey through high school and beyond.

Year 7 had a fabulous time camping at the Mersea Outdoor Centre in Essex where they took part in adventurous activities such as the high ropes and assault course as well as art, PE and drama activities, all designed to build confidence and encourage creativity, curiosity and teamwork.

Years 8-10 ‘wowed’ us all with their productivity and commitment to their enterprise tournament. In teams of 15, students planned, budgeted and pitched a social action project of their choosing. Guest judges and experts in the industry were invited in to support and help choose an overall winner of the prestigious ‘Challenge Cup’. Students had to assign themselves roles and were scored on their innovation and vision, marketing strategy, teamwork, quality of their pitch and the creativity of their portfolio.

Congratulations to the ‘2020 Help’ team (pictured), whose well researched and very detailed plans for a ‘hub’ to provide activities and events to tackle social isolation in the community saw them crowned overall winners. Special thanks also go to our guest speakers, whose support was vital in making the event the success it was.

Year 11 demonstrated great maturity and focus, impressing our business guests and the outside agencies they visited during WOW Week, preparing them for the next step of their education/training. They spent a day at a college/sixth form of their choice, a day at the Suffolk Skills Show held at Trinity Park and a day in school listening to talks from guest speakers and completing application forms and CVs in preparation for a ‘Learning About Work Day’ on Wednesday, November 28.

I would like to congratulate our newly appointed head boy and head girl, deputy and senior student leadership team and wish them well as they take up their positions. The preparation, dedication and commitment shown by all candidates has made me very proud. Students demonstrated an array of skills which will serve them well for the future, but also made the decision on who to appoint a very hard one!

Now that the festive season is upon us, I hope you will be able to join us at our Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 11, 7pm at the school (tickets on sale at reception). Our talented students are busy preparing some lovely vocal and instrumental pieces for your enjoyment. The PTA is also holding a quiz night on Thursday, December 6, 7pm at the school. To book your table please email: admin@claydonhigh.com

Session places are currently available. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children plus two and three-year-old funded. We are open term time only.

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 Tuesday, January 22. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place.

For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am-3pm) or email Bridget Wyatt, our manager, at: enquiries@henleypreschool.com

Finally, I would like to thank staff, parents/carers, governors and the wider community for their support this term and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and I look forward to keeping you updated with all our news in the New Year.

Bridget and the team

Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor

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SPORT / on the grapevine BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Winter Tennis, Year Round Sport: #GOHITIT We’ve been busy at the club with court cleaning, fence and floodlight repairs, all essential to allow us to continue to play all year around. We’ve also just renewed our LTA venue registration so new joiners will be eligible to enter the club ballot for Wimbledon tickets for 2019. It’s great to see our courts still in consistent use even at this time of year for winter league matches, mini tennis squads, adult cardio squads and ladies tennis. We’ve come a long way since just over a year ago when we only had nine members left, we now have almost 70 members! As you can see there’s still a lot going on at Bramford Tennis Club over the winter so why not come along and have a go yourself?

For Juniors (Monster Smash & Mini Tennis)

We held a Monster Smash fun parent/child doubles competition on Saturday, October 27 and despite the freezing cold weather we had a good turnout with parents and kids having a great time. We saw some excellent serving and rallies along the way (mainly from the kids). Our Mini Tennis squads have now resumed; Mini Tennis RED (ages 5-7) runs on Mondays at 4.30pm and Mini Tennis ORANGE (ages 7-11) runs on Tuesdays at 4.30pm. We are also pleased to say that a group of our kids have been invited to attend the National Tennis Centre for an event, but more on that next time. For more information about junior coaching get in touch with Carl on 07553 966380.

FOR ADULTS Winter league matches are now underway so if you are interested in some team tennis please contact Graham, or team captain, on 07981 842517 to discuss. Our Tennis Tuesday’s ladies group (6.30pm every Tuesday) continues to go from strength to strength. Skills are picking up so much that our coach, Carl Douglas, has even started letting them loose with yellow tennis balls and is setting up a fun tournament for them based on the Fast4 Tennis format. Come along and have a go; it’s a really friendly welcoming group.

Cardio Tennis classes are also proving very popular, if not a little exhausting.

They run on Thursdays at 7pm so get in touch with Carl on 07553 966380 for further details.

To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit: • www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub • www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub • Monster Smash: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/CarlDouglasCoaching/Events

CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB Why wait until the New Year to start getting a little more exercise? Why not get back into badminton right on your doorstep here at Claydon High School?

Claydon & District Badminton Club is a social badminton club which meets on Monday nights from 7-9pm during school term time in Claydon High School Sports Hall. Although we are a popular club we have some space and you would be very welcome.

If you fancy a game you can have a free taster session. Come along to meet us and have a few games at the Sports Hall on any Monday night during school term – our season started in September and we’ll have a short break over Christmas, but start again in January.

For more information visit our website (claydonbadminton@wordpress. com) or get in touch with C&DBC chairman Dik Langan: 01473 830692 / claydonbadminton@dnacomputing.co.uk

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CALL FOR ARTISTS 2019 Suffolk Open Studios have launched their 2019 Call for Artists, inviting artists and galleries living and working across Suffolk to join next year’s programme.

Earlier this year, more than 100 artists opened their studios to the public and enjoyed the many advantages of taking part, including reaching new audiences and showing their work in the comfort of their own studio; receiving valuable feedback by interacting directly with potential clients; and the chance to meet and collaborate with fellow artists in their area. Artists and galleries also benefit from valuable publicity through their profile on the Suffolk Open Studios website and Facebook page, and inclusion in the printed directory, distributed free of charge to tourist centres, art venues and visitor attractions throughout the county.

Members are also guaranteed a place in the annual Suffolk Open Studios Annual Showcase Exhibition at the Apex Centre in Bury-St-Edmunds, running from 25 February – 1 April 2019. This year’s show proved extremely popular and drew favourable comments from across the art community.

Run by volunteers, Suffolk Open Studios is open to all Suffolk artists and galleries regardless of the media in which they practise. Members open their studios free of charge to the public from 11am-5pm over the first five weekends of June, choosing to open on as many or few weekends as they wish. Many join together to form their own local artists’ trails; anyone unable to include their own studio can still take part by renting space with other artists and forming their own artists’ hub. For more details visit: www.suffolkopenstudios.org Cally James, Suffolk Open Studios Chair, commented: “This year’s programme was a great success. In many cases, visitors travelled significant distances both within and from outside the county; several make it regular date in their diary to see what their favourite artists are working on now. Suffolk is rightly celebrated for the depth and breadth of its artistic heritage and it’s a pleasure to be making the talent and achievements of our resident artists available once again to the public.”

Artists and galleries wishing to take part in next year’s programme can do so by completing the online membership form at: www.suffolkopenstudios.org/membership Early applications are encouraged in order to guarantee a place in the printed directory.

SAMARITAN BOOKSHOP When you find after Christmas that you have no more room on those bookshelves to accommodate all those generous gifts, and you need to do a cull of the shelves, the Samaritan Bookshop will be pleased to receive your unwanted books.

Collections can be arranged for larger amounts of books. To arrange a collection ring Janice on 01473 287727 and we will find a date and time to suit you.

If, however, you are searching for a sequel, or looking for fresh inspiration visit the Aladdin’s Cave, otherwise known as the lower floor of the Samaritan’s Shop in Carr Street, Ipswich, where you’ll find a veritable treasure house of books on almost any subject.

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on the grapevine WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE STARS OF BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK AWARDS The winners of the Stars of Babergh and Mid Suffolk Awards have been announced following a night of glamour and celebrations on Thursday, October 18. The finalists gathered at St Mary’s Church in Hadleigh for a starstudded event to celebrate their outstanding efforts in the community. The awards received over 150 entries and the church was packed with businesses and individuals who have all played a vital role in making the districts what they are today.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND FINALISTS Business in the Community Award – Babergh Winner: Manish Patel, Shotley Stores Winner: Mukunthan Thurairajah (Muku) Business in the Community Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Cabbages & Kings and the Mix Finalist: Orbital Media Business Growth Award – Babergh Winner: Suffolk Market Events Finalist: Hollingsworths Store & Butchers, Chelmondiston Finalist: Stour Sort & Sparkle Business Growth Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Ocala Finalist: C&K Meats Ltd Community Group of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Stutton Community Shop CIC Finalist: Ansell Memories Café Community Group of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Information Line Volunteers – Suffolk Family Carers Winner: Talk & Support Volunteers – Suffolk Family Carers Community Spirit of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Joes Golf & Activity Park Finalist: Shotley & Erwarton Good Neighbour Scheme Community Spirit of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Redgrave Community Society Finalist: Radio Stradbroke Best Community Achievement Award – Babergh Winner: Team Together Tuesday Finalist: Kernos Centre (KERNOS) Best Community Achievement Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Courthouse Café Volunteers Finalist: Stradbroke Good Neighbours Community Project of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Lavenham Community Land Trust Finalist: Diane Chase & Audrey Lorford, producers of Hintlesham & Chattisham, The Story of Two Suffolk Villages

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Community Project of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Inspire Suffolk’s Princes Trust Team at Stowmarket Finalist: Search for the Stars Sporting Achievement of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Sudbury Cricket Club Finalist: Kelly Mires, Hadleigh Stars Gymnastics Sporting Achievement of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Mark Trent, Scorpion Martial Arts Academy Finalist: Tim Carr, Claydon FC Community Champion of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Norman Bugg, Community Volunteer Finalist: Janet Dicks, Hollywood, Ansell Centre, Hadleigh Community Champion of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Irene Davis, Community Volunteer Finalist: Roger Rehan, Founding Trustee of Mid Suffolk CA Finalist: David Goodlad, Community Volunteer Volunteer of the Year – Babergh Winner: Will Hunt, Cornard Dynamos Finalist: Jane Snowdon, Community Volunteer Volunteer of the Year - Mid Suffolk Winner: Carol Prybus & Chris Brook, Stowmarket Rookery Bowls Group Special Recognition – Babergh Winner: Caroll Reeve, Lavenham Community Volunteer Special Recognition - Mid Suffolk Winner: Kat Terry, Community Volunteer Overall Star – Babergh Winner: Will Hunt, Cornard Dynamos Overall Star - Mid Suffolk Winner: Redgrave Community Society Councillor Julie Flatman, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Last night was about celebrating the real heroes and heroines who’ve done so much in our districts. We feel so proud to be able to offer these awards to recognise such outstanding achievements. We couldn’t have done it without any of our nominees or sponsors so well done to everyone involved.”

Councillor Margaret Maybury, Babergh District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’ve been able to celebrate those who do amazing things throughout our towns and villages, often unnoticed. This exciting and important work helps our communities thrive and makes a big impact in out districts. The look on people’s faces last night when they received their awards made the event and I’m sure that the happiness and memories will resonate long after the music and lights went down. Congratulations to all.

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on the grapevine OVER £1,000 OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS IN LOCAL CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW One local family-run hearing care company has announced details of a charity Christmas Prize Draw, giving the local community the chance to win one of twelve prizes with a combined value of over £1,000.

The Hearing Care Centre, which has 26 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk including two locally at Upper Brook Street and Two Rivers Medical Centre in Ipswich, is holding its annual Christmas Draw in aid of deafness charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, with the winners being declared on Wednesday, December 19.

The charity delivers expert training for Hearing Dogs which provides invaluable emotional support to their deaf recipient. New found owners gain confidence, independence and companionship.

This year to celebrate their 20th anniversary, The Hearing Care Centre have pledged to raise £20,000 for the charity, with many fundraising initiatives having taken place this year, including quiz nights, a pudding club and a huge drive to collect 20 pence pieces.

The prize draw has received generous support from local businesses including Fred Olsen Travel, Theatre Royal Norwich, Archant and Coes Department Stores.

On offer in the draw is a luxury break at The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a fivecourse tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant in London, a giant festive hamper, Hotel Chocolat goodies, travel vouchers and more.

Tickets cost only £1 and can be purchased online at www.hearingcare centre.co.uk/draw or in person at the company’s practice at 11 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich.

EAST OF ENGLAND CO-OP FUNERAL SERVICES SCOOPS OUTSTANDING DEMENTIA CARE ACCOLADE East of England Co-op Funeral Services has won the Outstanding Dementia Care Innovation category in the National Dementia Care Awards 2018, which recognises the vital role of innovation in developing high quality services for people living with dementia.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is often not easy, and when someone is living with dementia it can become more challenging for them, their families and professionals too.

To enable better support for families through the arrangement and funeral of a loved one, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services has undertaken bespoke dementia-friendly training, the first comprehensive training of its kind and unique to the funeral services industry.

The training was developed and co-facilitated by Sharon Harkin, Dementia Champion at the East of England Co-op, and Danuta Lipinska, Specialist in Ageing and Dementia Care, with input from East of England Co-op Funeral Services teams.

Danuta said: “It was a delight and an encouragement to see and hear large numbers of compassionate, enthusiastic, open hearted and open-minded women and men who are passionate about their work.

With an impressive range of existing humanitarian and specific funeral skills, we had a very positive interaction and enthusiastic engagement.”

Andrew Dawes of the East of England Co-op Funeral Services, said: “To be awarded with this accolade is a true testament to our compassionate and dedicated teams, who go above and beyond to support those in our care.”

The East of England Co-op was previously named the Large DementiaFriendly Organisation of the Year in 2016, in recognition of its work towards becoming the leading dementia-friendly retailer in the region, including training over 90 per cent of their workforce to be Dementia Friends.

The East of England Co-op Funeral Services was presented with its National Dementia Care Award by the former Labour Party politician, Hazel Blears at the high-profile Gala Night, attended by over 450 guests.

Pictured left to right are Hazel Blears, Danuta Lipinska, Sharon Harkin and Andrew Knight of Care UK

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on the grapevine / CHURCH NEWS Walk run cycle

BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community

THE ORWELL CHALLENGE – FUNDRAISING THE EASY WAY – Do you need to raise funds for a charity, good cause, sport’s club or youth organisation? The ready-made answer is the Orwell Challenge.

Just enter and arrange your own sponsorship and Ipswich East Rotary Club will organise the event for you.

The Orwell Challenge, previously known as the Orwell Walk, has been organised for the last 42 years by Ipswich East Rotary Club and has enabled £3million to be raised for local good causes.

The next event will be held on Sunday 23 June 2019. Each entrant pays an entrance fee to take part in the event and then raises sponsorship for their charity or good cause. Entrants can book their place in the event by registering on the Ipswich East Rotary Club website. There is a discount for early registration.

The annual event ranges over private land between Ipswich and Felixstowe which is not usually open to the public. The event has become known as the ‘Happy Walk’ because Rotarians go the extra mile to be welcoming and encouraging to all the entrants. You can walk between three and 25 miles, or run distances up to a full marathon. Rotary provides check points, toilets, ice cream vans, food stalls and a rescue service to ferry walkers and runners back to the start when difficulties occur.

Sign up now to raise funds for your good cause: www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk

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 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion (every second Sunday) 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. plus free leaflet to take home.

4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea and a children’s activity; come and go as you please (once a month – please check diary). Not a service but our minister usually joins us.

Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) 7.30-8.30pm: Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing (second Wednesday) Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday) Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month *followed by tea/coffee DIARY FOR DECEMBER Sunday 2 – Advent Sunday 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr W Glasse Thursday 6 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 9 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs R Loggie 3.30pm: Follow the Star, a nativity play at Bramford Road Methodist Church, Ipswich 1P1 4AY Tuesday 11 2pm: Network/MWiB, a Christmas Celebration with Bramford Primary School Choir Wednesday 12 7.30pm: Prayers for Healing Saturday 15 10am: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 16 10.30am: Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw Monday 17 2pm: Bible Study Wednesday 19 7.30pm: Carols by Candlelight Saturday 22 10.30am: Carol singing outside the Co-op in aid of Action for Children Sunday 23 10.30am: Morning Worship, All-age Carol Service, Mrs M Watsham Tuesday 25 – Christmas Day 10am: United Christmas Service with St Mary’s at the Methodist Church (30-45 mins) Sunday 30 10am: United Communion Service at St Mary’s

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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 747819 / revjseggar@outlook.com www.stmarybramford.co.uk DECEMBER 2018 Please check porch notices for any changes.

Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service Sunday, December 2: Advent Sunday 10am Parish Communion and Baptism, Bramford Thursday, December 6 3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday, December 9: Advent 2 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm Five o’clock Service Christmas Party, Bramford Sunday, December 16: Advent 3 10am Parish Communion, Bramford 3pm Carol Service and Mulled Wine, Nettlestead 6pm Carol Service and Mulled Wine, Baylham Tuesday, December 18 2pm The Gathering, Church Room Friday, December 21 7pm Carol Service and Mulled Wine, Bramford Sunday, December 23: Advent 4 10am Holy Communion, Bramford 6pm Carol Service, Lt Blakenham Monday, December 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Service, Bramford 5.30pm Crib Service, Baylham 11.30pm First Communion of Christmas, Bramford Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day 10am United Christmas Communion with Methodist Chapel 10am Christmas Morning Service, Nettlestead Sunday, December 30: Christmas 1 10am Parish Communion with Methodist, Bramford Dear Friends, Christmas is coming and we have an exciting programme of services and events planned. Keep your eye on our service schedules and noticeboards for our wonderful traditional Carol and Crib Services – it will be a real celebration.

We begin with the wreath festival and Christmas bazaar. We will have craft stalls and our handmade Christmas wreaths on sale, as well as a lovely display of unusual Christmas wreaths in the church.

The national church is taking the theme ‘Follow the Star’. If you have a computer, do go online and sign up for the daily reflections which can be delivered to your phone or email address. These are well worth receiving and help us to reflect on Christmas together, keeping our eyes fixed on the real meaning of Christmas as we prepare our family celebrations.

After Christmas I have been granted three months study leave from the

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middle of January to just before Easter. Clergy can take study leave every seven-10 years. We have to spend part of the time in retreat, part of the time resting, and part of the time on a specific area of study which will help in your ministry going forward. I have a holiday planned in Orkney and lots of bird watching, as well as a residential retreat, and my field of study has been approved by the bishop!

All the services will be covered by visiting clergy and we have some quite exciting people coming to help us out over the next few months, including the archdeacon and the new cathedral dean, so do watch your service schedules.

On a sadder note, many of you will be aware that Janet Read has not been well and she and Judy Kemish have taken the sad decision to finish running The Gathering. Although meetings will stop for the time being, we have plans afoot to restart it again in the New Year, so watch this space. Janet and Judy have done a wonderful job over the last 14 years drawing people together to chat, laugh and drink tea, and I am sure that you will all wish to thank them for their hard work, as I do.

Blessings to you all, The Rev Jenny Seggar PARISH REGISTERS Funerals November 5: Vera Daldry, St Mary’s Bramford November 7: Derrick Thorndyke, 7 Hills Crematorium November 8: Sandra Cracknell, St Mary’s Bramford We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers.

Confirmations November 4: Fran Noble, St Mary’s Coombs November 4: Jessica-May Noble, St Mary’s Coombs November 4: Lexi Davey, St Mary’s Coombs Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church October 23: In memory of Philip Stewart December 4: In memory of Jim Thacker December 9: In memory of Patricia (Pat) Brown December 9: In memory of Marjorie Earthy on her birthday December 9: In memory of Ron Earthy marking the centenary of his birth If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week.

LECTIONARY 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.

December 2 Jer. 33:14-46

1st Sunday of Advent 1 Thess. 3:69-end

Purple Luke 21:25-36

December 9 Mal.3:1-4

2nd Sunday of Advent Phil. 1:3-11

Purple Luke 3:1-6

December 16 Zeph. 3:14-end

3rd Sunday of Advent Phil. 4:4-7

Purple Luke 3: 7-18

4th Sunday of Advent Heb. 10:5-10

Purple Luke 1:39-45(46-55)

1st Sunday of Christmas Col. 3:12-17

White Luke 2:41-end

December 23 Mic. 5:2-5a

December 30 1 Sam. 2:18-20, 26

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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH NETTLESTEAD Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus have been celebrated at the ancient church of St Mary’s in Nettlestead for nearly a thousand years.

Once upon a time, there would have been at least one service taking place every year on Christmas Day. Inevitably as congregations have dwindled, the number of services at this small rural church have decreased, as they have at so many other churches. However, the churchwardens of St Mary’s are delighted to announce that the traditions of a country Christmas are still being kept in Nettlestead and that there will still be a Christmas Day Service in St Mary’s at 10am.

Also, to start the traditional Christmas celebrations, there will a Carol Service in the church on Sunday, December 16 at 3pm, followed by mince pies and mulled wine As the New Year begins, we also have a Holy Communion Service on January 13 at 10am.

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

All residents of Nettlestead and the surrounding communities will be warmly welcomed to all of these services. We look forward to welcoming both old and new friends.

SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk A SIGN FOR CHRISTMAS We have all done it, missed the signpost and ended up turning around.

Perhaps we were distracted, or the sign was unexpected. In the UK, we are spared the confusion of signs at road junctions advertising businesses, restaurants, hotels, factory shops; some of them many kilometres away. It is easy to miss the sign hidden among all the others.

This Christmas, it will be easy to miss the sign, there are so many – Santa and presents, parties and feasting – all clamouring for our attention. But it is there, the sign is a person – Jesus. Seven hundred years before his birth Isaiah the prophet spoke to Ahaz the King: “The Lord will give you a sign; the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel”1. A clear sign, he was born of the virgin Mary. A sign with a descriptive name, Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’.

‘God with us’ in the mess of life, ‘God with us’ for the mess of life. Jesus is the sign for us to follow and the sign for us to trust.

Candlelight Carol Service: 6.30pm on Christmas Eve You are very to come and celebrate the birth of Jesus with us You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship: Sunday 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion on the first Sunday) 11.30am-12.30pm: Worship Service Refreshments are served between meetings, come when you can and leave when you want.

Weekdays at the Chapel

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Lunch and Listen: Thursday, December 6 at noon Friends and Neighbours: Monday, January 21, 7.45pm CONTACTS Mark Newcombe, Pastor 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER 1

Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14 Holy Bible, New International Version 2011

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Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

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Unit 3 Alstons Court, Leslie Road, Ipswich IP3 9PL

Call: 01473 851 360 Visit: gt-ipswich.co.uk Colchester Showroom

Hatfields Home Furnishings, Peartree Road, Colchester C03 0LA

Call: 01206 807 347 Visit: gt-colchester.co.uk *Free sink and tap with every order when purchasing worktops and door replacements.

Offer ends 31/12/2018. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

£500 FREE Sink & Tap worth

*

UP TO

Voucher Valid until:

31/12/2018