InTouch News with Bramford December 2019

Craciun Fericit

Feliz Navidad

In Touch

™© ™©

with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham

ubarak

Nollaig Shona D

Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Volume 10 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2019

uon Natale

Milad Mubara

Merry Christmas

Fröhliche Weihnachten

Glaedelig Ju Gleðileg jól

Chuc Mung Giang Sinh

Rôômsaid Jôule

Boas Festas

Nollaig Shona Joyeux Noël Wesolych Swiat Sretan Bozic Merii Kurisumasu

Zalig Kerstfeest

esimkha Gëzuar Krishlindjet

Zali

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In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore.

This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives?

Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react…

My granddad was known to say, “Please and thank you will take you around the world”. It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back.

What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way.

Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all.

And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.

In Touch

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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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 Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.

In Touch Titles • S towmarket & 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

Wed 4 December is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

NEWS

SCOUTS CHRISTMAS POST SERVICE Collection Dates: Monday 25 November – Tuesday 10 December The Scouts are again offering their special Christmas postal service at 30p per card, less than half the price of a second-class stamp. Please put your cards and money together and post in our special post boxes, with full address and postcode clearly on the envelope.

This service has been provided for 33 years and is now run by 11 Scout groups. It is a major annual fundraising event, requiring hours of work by the leaders, parents and helpers of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers within each group.

Scout groups from Ipswich, Claydon, Kesgrave, Martlesham, Grundisburgh and Felixstowe will be delivering cards in and around Ipswich (IP1IP5), Kesgrave, Rushmere, Martlesham Heath, Grundisburgh, Gt and Lt Bealings, Playford, Pinewood, Claydon, Sproughton, Bramford, Gt Blakenham and Barham, Henley, Westerfield, Witnesham, Tuddenham, Felixstowe, Walton, Trimley St Mary, Trimley St Martin, Kirton and Falkenham.

For a full list of collection points across the area and any enquiries, please visit www.scoutspostipswich.org.uk or call 07812 052327.

We endeavour to deliver all the cards we receive that have a full address. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports our Scout groups by using the service and especially the businesses which allow our boxes to be placed in their premises.

BRAMFORD GUIDE & SCOUT 100 CLUB Nearly 40 years ago Bramford Guides and Scouts took over the newly converted ‘Old School’ building in Bramford as their HQ and have met there ever since.

Recently we have been busy fundraising to completely refurbish our kitchen and toilets and we are pleased to say that the kitchen has now been completed and it looks fabulous. Thanks are due to the fundraising team led

by Sarah, to The KBB Centre for overseeing and doing most of the work, to Suffolk County Councillor John Field for a generous grant from his Locality Budget which paid for the electrical work and to all the parents and friends who have given their financial support to the project.

Now we want to get the toilets done, including a disabled toilet, as soon as possible. To help with fundraising we have launched a 100 Club which will run for the 12 months of 2020. We have made a good start with members, but we need a few more so if you would like to help us, here are the details.

Numbers will be £2 a month, so £24 for the whole year (to be paid in full before the end of 2019). There will be a draw at the end of every month; prizes will be £50 for first, £30 for second and £20 for third (subject to us selling 100 numbers) and half the monthly income will go towards the project. If you are interested in buying a number or you have any queries, please email: sarah@kbbeastanglia.co.uk

USED POSTAGE STAMPS I wish to thank all of you that have saved used postage stamps for me to take to Redwings Horse Sanctuary. I also wish to thank Pat Woolhouse who has agreed to continue to be a collection point at The Willow, Chapel Lane, Somersham. These stamps are sold to make money to look after the horses, ponies and donkeys in their care.

Also, thank you all for continuing to donate items to the various charities that I support. My contact number is 01449 721039.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2020, Heather Dickinson

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NEWS OAK HOUSE FARM OPENS ON-SITE BUTCHERY

BRAMFORD FLOWER SHOW 2020 The theme for the adult class photography competition in 2020 is ‘Peace and Tranquillity’. For ages 12-16 it’s ‘Fun in the Sun’.

I’m giving you plenty of warning this time and have altered the schedules a bit and hope to have them out in March.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Maureen Renton

Family-run business Oak House Farm has launched an on-site butchery in the village of Sproughton, offering home-grown beef and pork from rare and traditional British breeds.

The new butchery’s range of fresh meat includes Gloucestershire Old Spot and Large White pork and Suffolk Red Poll beef. Provenance is at the heart of Oak House Farm, and all the beef and pork is grown on-site and fed predominantly from crops also grown on the farm.

Now run by husband and wife team, Ben and Georgina Woolf, Oak House Farm was bought by Ben’s parents, Madeline (who remains involved in the business) and her late husband Stephen, in the 1980s, fulfilling Stephen’s ambitions to run a farm. Stephen and Madeline’s previous retail business, Stuart’s, was well known locally for its ladies’ fashions stores in the centre of Ipswich.

Georgina commented: “We are proud to continue Stephen’s legacy with this significant investment in our farm. The butchery provides an ideal opportunity for our customers to enjoy quality products while being mindful of the environmental impact of their food and buying local.. And, because of our field to fork set-up, we can keep prices competitive, meaning people won’t break the bank getting their meat direct from the farm.”

As well as popular and traditional cuts, the butchery range includes bacon, sausages, burgers, steaks and mince, as well as lamb and chicken, which is sourced from local suppliers who share Oak House Farm’s strict traceability criteria and high welfare standards. Meat from Oak House Farm is also used to make a range of homemade ready meals such as lasagna, cottage pie, pies and pulled pork, all available in the butchery.

With less than 350 Large White and 700 Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs remaining in Britain, Georgina and Ben are committed to keeping these iconic breeds on the British landscape.

Georgina commented: “The Old Spot and Large White are pretty well known as far as pigs go, but I think the public would be surprised to learn how few of them remain. It is very important to us to be able to play a small role in keeping these wonderful breeds going. Rearing rare and traditional breeds using techniques honed over many years delivers a product that is second to none. The beef reared on the farm is marbled, sweet and succulent and both Gloucestershire Old Spot and Large White pigs produce excellent pork that is particularly noted for its high quality bacon.”

For Ben, the launch of the butchery is a landmark moment in the family history. He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed growing up on our farm. Dad’s passion was for the arable farming – the crops – but livestock make a farm. We started with just a few chickens and then Mum started the cattle with two Red Polls and it grew from there.”

The business has evolved over time and stock numbers have continued to grow, with more than 100 cows now living on the farm. Ben added “Like all businesses, we need to continually evolve and we are hopeful that with the new butchery our family farm is in a position to thrive for many years to come.”

As well as fresh and frozen meat, Oak House Farm also sells local eggs and honey. The new butchery, which is located on Burstall Lane, Sproughton, is open to the general public on Wednesday, 9am – 3pm, Friday, 9am – 5pm and Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday by appointment.

Local residents interested in popping in outside of opening hours are invited to ring Georgina ahead on 07768 088095. To find out more information about Oak House Farm, visit oakhousefarm.co.uk or follow the farm on Facebook.

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CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE How time flies! Already we are on the countdown to Christmas and not only are we busy getting ready for the arrival of our December group of children, we are also busy preparing for our visit to Belarus for our Father Frost Christmas program. We won’t travel until January 3, but we will still be in time for Christmas as this isn’t celebrated in Belarus until January 7. As we did last year, we will be delivering Christmas stockings to children who would otherwise receive nothing at all.

All of the families we visit are so pleased; they are in awe that people would come all the way from England to bring them presents and it is amazing to see how much pleasure the visit gives, not only to the children but to the families in general. Rarely can we leave a home without them trying to press us to eat with them or wanting to give us a gift in return, even when they have nothing.

The strapline of the charity is Giving Hope to Live and small acts such as this, together with bringing the children to the UK for health respite holidays, go such a very long way to show people that there can be a better future.

We thank everyone in Stowmarket who continues to support us, individuals and organisations alike. In particular our friends at Stowmarket Football Club who took us in and treat us like family. I hope Christmas brings you everything you wish for.

Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk / FB: @Ccllmidsuffolk

GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD I am producing this in early November, and you will be reading it in early December. In this period before the election, I must be careful not to report county and district issues in any way that would influence your election choice. Most public district and county meetings have been cancelled or delayed until after December 13. Cabinet and full council meetings will then start again.

Of course work will go on, just not in public view. Planning committees and meetings where only people directly affected are present will continue as normal. Reports on issues that have been concerning you will unfortunately have to wait until January, but it is vital we don’t compromise a fair election process.

This period straddles the time when Scrutiny would start to look at next year’s budget. We normally consider the estimated income and expenditure needed for services towards the end of November. That is then updated when the settlement from the government becomes clear, normally in late December.

This year we will have a presentation of the county’s transformation programmes and the budget figures on December 19 then subject them to scrutiny on January 7. I should be able to get our findings and recommendations to you for the February edition of In Touch.

I can only add Happy Christmas! The run-up to it will certainly be unusual.

If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk

In Touch online:

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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY School Bookings for 2020 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 purpose built, 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.

Interested in having a look around the facility?

The energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days this winter.

We currently have spaces available on the following dates: 11 December at 6pm, 19 December at 10am, 14 January at 2pm, 28 January at 10am and 19 February at 2pm.

There are 20 spaces available on each day and pre-booking is essential.

To reserve your space contact: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149 We’re on Twitter Did you know that Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility is on social media?

For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and all the handy tips you could ever need about rubbish, recycling, and food waste, follow us on Twitter @suffolkefw.

Any questions?

If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello everyone, Now that we officially in the winter months can we remind everyone to take a few minutes to check their vehicles to ensure all lights are working as well as tyres being correctly inflated with plenty of tread. Also carry a blanket, torch and emergency equipment in case of bad weather.

Suffolk continues to experience fraud with members of the public being asked to send money or transfer money from bank accounts. Please remember your bank or police will never phone you and ask you for your full PIN or password, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PINS, cards or cheque books.

Please report any fraud to: www.actionfraud.police.uk Suffolk Police are recruiting again at the moment. Do you fancy a job where every day is different? Walk a new path and join Suffolk Police as a constable.

Please look at our website for further information.

Finally, after 28 years PC Porter is retiring from Suffolk Constabulary. Your point of contact will continue to be PC Sarah George. PC Porter would just like to thank everyone for making her career a happy one. She has enjoyed her latest role at Hadleigh Police Station.

If your group or club would like a police visit, please contact PC George to arrange. Perhaps you would like a personal safety talk or an informal chat over a coffee. Please email Sarah at: sarah.george2@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

Can the Water Meadows survive people?

Last month I mentioned that there is a common misunderstanding as to who runs the meadows on your behalf. It’s not run by the county or district councils, but by a group of volunteers who maintain the area on behalf of Bramford Parish Council.

Recently our ability to do this has been put in considerable doubt by the thoughtless action of a few people.

Dog kills sheep Several people have reported a dog running loose in the sheep paddocks opposite Fraser Road. The effect of this is always to frighten the sheep. This unfortunate recent behaviour has now resulted in a dog killing a sheep. The loss of a sheep means that the farmer loses money. If he is forced to withdraw them because of uncontrolled dogs, it also means that more grass has to be cut at the expense of every ratepayer in the village.

Please act responsibly if you walk your dog and keep it under control. If anyone witnesses a dog being allowed to worry the sheep, please let us know.

Tree Surgery In late October a very large willow tree fell across the towpath just at the end of the picnic site.

Within a few days a tree surgeon and three unpaid volunteers spent almost a day to sort this out. The trunks were up to two feet thick and very heavy.

To get them out of the river and off the path, they had to be winched by wire cable across the end of the picnic site. This all went well apart from those people who ignored warning signs and argued with any request to steer clear of the danger area. Remarks included: “I don’t know how you think you are going to stop me walking past you” “You are lying, just to stop me walking where I want to go” “This is health and safety gone mad” After nearly seven hours spent on a chilly day these remarks became more and more aggravating.

All the effort was put in to save people getting injured and to ensure that the work by a qualified tree surgeon could proceed at a reasonable pace. No one should have to put up with this behaviour and it could deter volunteers if it persists. If we have to employ professionals to manage health and safety issues, the cost of tree care could become prohibitive and threaten the future of the meadows.

Horse-riding Horse-riding is not allowed on the meadows. The towpath is classified as a footpath, rather than a bridleway and the rest of the area is private land with no permission to walk or ride horses. In the past horse-riding has churned up the mown paths making them too wet and rough for comfortable walking.

Chairman John Hooker: jeh@jolin.plus.com

FUN QUIZZES AT BRAMFORD CHURCH ROOM Our next quiz evening is Thursday 5 December, starting at 7.30pm in Bramford Church Room, and in 2020 on Thursdays 2 January, 6 February, 5 March and 2 April.

You can report non urgent crimes online via: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us

Individuals and pairs are always welcome, or come as a table of four.

It’s still just £3 per person with food included.

You can also call the police on 101 to report crimes and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. In an emergency always call 999.

Please reserve your table in advance as the number of tables we can accommodate is limited.

Kindest regards,

All enquiries to David Thompson: 07711 388377

PC Sarah George and PC Diane Porter

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OUT & ABOUT

ST MARY’S CHURCH SOMERSHAM Christmas Concert with Pop Chorus Saturday 7 December at 7pm Tickets £7.50, including light refreshments Available from Somersham Village Shop or 01473 879263 / 01449 721039

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham /

01473 833416

OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm / Saturdays: 9am-1pm A COMMUNITY SHOP FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND RUN BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY How time flies! We’re really getting into winter now and Christmas is nearly here again. Seasonal goods are in the shop and orders can be taken for special bread, cakes, meat and many other products that you may require. Cakes can be ordered from our local bakers and all our fresh product suppliers can supply far more items than we can stock. Our selection of wines and beers are always available and can be ordered if required.

It’s probably sensible for us to stock up on a range of everyday household goods and products as we never know what the weather will throw at us through winter; it’s always good to have a few things in the store-cupboard. If the roads become impassable and a trip to town is impossible, our very local shop with its fantastic staff of local volunteers will very likely be a bright beacon in a dull situation, a time to make the most of our local facilities. And if you are taking a walk around our lovely footpaths, the Coffee Corner is a good point at which to finish with a warming drink.

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Tuesday 24 December, Christmas Eve: 8am-1pm Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26: Closed Friday 27 December: 8am-1pm Saturday 28 December: 9am-1pm Tuesday 31 December, New Year’s Eve: 8am-1pm Wednesday 1, January, Bank Holiday: Closed Lots of thanks go to all our hard-working volunteers and to our customers for supporting us over the past year. We wish everybody a Merry Christmas and happy, healthy New Year, and we wish a successful year ahead for our very own local shop. We look forward to seeing you all in 2020.

Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Mary Carter; Stephen Bullard; Janet Hodge – 832296; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288

HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT After an exciting fall performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Hadleigh Choral Society returns to St Mary’s Church this Christmas season with a Carol Concert in support of local charity Cancer Campaign in Suffolk on Saturday 14 December at 6.30pm.

Featuring a mix of old and new carols, the concert will also offer opportunities for audience participation. Join us for refreshments afterwards and help support a very important charity.

Free entry with a retiring collection for Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. For more information visit: www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk

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BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS Robin Hood tickets go on sale Cast and crew have been working hard at rehearsals for Bar-Clay Music Makers’ panto, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, but with plenty of laughs along the way. Come and share the fun, music and action and be sure to get your tickets when they go on sale on December 4.

Performances take place in Claydon & Barham Village Hall on Fridays 24 and 31 January at 7.30pm, and on Saturdays 25 January and 1 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets (£7/£3) sell out fast so contact Gillian Webb – webbfamily1@gmail.com / 01473 830538 – to book your seats.

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

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/village 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 5G 5H 5I 5J 5K

Location

Time

Sproughton Church Lane 9.10-9.25am Sproughton Wild Man 9.30-9.45am Bramford St Mary’s Close 9.50-10.05am Bramford Paper Mill Lane 10.10-10.25am Great Blakenham Chequers 10.35-10.55am Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park 11-11.15am Baylham Post Box 11.25-11.45am Claydon Crown 11.55am-1pm Claydon, Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm Barham Bacon Road 2.25-3.50pm Bramford Packard Place 4-4.30pm

2019: 17 December

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

Location

Crowfield Lay by Coddenham Haysel House Barham Sorrel Horse Creeting St Mary Whissels Farm Creeting St Mary Village Hall Creeting St Peter The Lane Earl Stonham Village Hall Little Stonham Church Little Stonham Magpie Inn Mickfield Church, Debenham Road Stonham Aspal, Walnut Tree Meadow Pettaugh Old Bull Henley 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 2.30-2.45pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm

2019: 27 December

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD COFFEE MORNING

BRAMFORD WI

The coffee morning will be from 10-11am on Saturday 21 December in Cherryfields, Gippingstone Road, Bramford.

There will be the usual array of cakes and savouries available to buy with tea and coffee, as well a variety of pickles and preserves being sold for charity. A stall with cards and calendars will also be in attendance. This is a good chance to come and meet fellow villagers and to chat in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

I do hope that everyone enjoyed our centenary celebrations. Our next meeting will be on Monday 9 December at 7pm at the Loraine Victory Hall.

Please remember to bring along your dishes for first and second courses and cutlery. If you require different drinks you can bring your own.

GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA Wow, where has this year gone! It’s incredible to think that this time last year a village cinema had gone from being an idea to receiving funding and all looking like it might just be possible to pull off. I feel very lucky that this has all become a reality thanks to the belief and hard work of the amazing volunteer crew and the support of everyone, especially those through the doors. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible.

Our Christmas showing on 1 December of Elf, complete with craft tables before and a visit from the man in red after, may have already happening when you read this edition. We will also have had the cake sale for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH).

We are going to have Secret Santa again with items costing no more than £2.

There will also be special entertainment.

It doesn’t seem that long since our last December party. I look forward to seeing you all again in your Christmas outfits.

BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet from 10am-noon on Wednesdays 4, 11 and 18 December in the upstairs room at the Bramford Methodist Church. The cost is £3 per two-hour session plus £1 membership per school year, payable from September. There’s no set programme, but the club is here to help you get the best out of your computer.

We have a very fast internet connection and refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) are available.

As requested, we start the new year with Yesterday (12a). Featuring music by The Beatles and with some of Yesterday being filmed in Suffolk, it should be a very good way to kick off 2020.

Why not give us a try?

In February we will bring you Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall in Mrs Lowry & Son (PG), a portrait of the artist LS Lowry and the relationship with his mother, who tries to dissuade him from pursuing his passion. In March we will celebrate our first anniversary with Bohemian Rhapsody (12a), the story of the legendary British rock band and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid.

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD

We cannot wait to show Downton Abbey. As soon as they announce when it will be licensed to village cinemas we will confirm when we will be showing it. Please don’t forget to add our future screening dates to your diary: 26 January, 23 February, 29 March, 26 April and 31 May. For those of you who haven’t heard of Great Blakenham Cinema, we are a not-for-profit run purely by volunteers with the aim of bringing the community together. A warm welcome awaits at Great Blakenham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham IP6 0NJ. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start, with free tea, coffee or squash on arrival courtesy of The East of England Co-op. Tickets are for sale on the door only for just £4 for adults and our revised price of £1 for under 18s. Carers, when accompanying the person they care for, have free entry.

If you have any film suggestions or if your charity wishes to run the cake sale to raise funds, get in touch via our Facebook page or contact Becky at: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com / 07852 472082

This month we meet on Monday 9 December for our Christmas meal.

In November, Ann, one of our members, led us in making Christmas cards, a simple design but I don’t think any two looked the same.

We meet on the first Monday of the month at Bramford Guide and Scout HQ, Ship Lane, Bramford. Our next home meeting will be on 6 January. Visitors are very welcome to attend. If you would like to know more please contact Linda: 01473 462317

BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP As the fourth Tuesday in December is Christmas Eve we will only meet once this month on Tuesday 10 December. As usual, we will be in the Parish Room from 9.30am to noon. After that we will retire to the Bramford Cock for our Christmas lunch.

Merry Christmas to all our crafty ladies; we’re looking forward to another busy year in 2020.

BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

If you wish to let us know in advance that you will be attending, send us a message on Facebook @Greatblakenhamcinema or ping an email our way to help us know how many people to expect. While we can get more chairs out, we would hate to run out of cake!

December is the month of our Christmas meal. This year we will be at the Golf Centre on the B1113 on Thursday 12. Please arrive around 7pm to eat at 7.30pm. The bar will be open throughout the evening. If you haven’t already given us your menu choices and money please do so as soon as possible.

ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

Tuesday 17 December at the Church Room on Ship Lane, but please note the start time is different this month and we would like you to arrive at noon for 12.30pm.

We look back as another year nears its end, a year which started with lunch at the Wild Man in January and another in April at the Chequers, followed by our AGM. After all the lunches we certainly welcomed (and needed) the armchair exercises in May. Sadly we said goodbye to our chairman, John Bates, who died in April. In August we had our annual fish and chips lunch at the club. September gave us a very interesting talk and sampling by Wiltshire Farm Foods.

We wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

BRAMFORD ART GROUP We are currently looking for more people to join our group which meets every Wednesday from 9.30am to noon in Loraine Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford.

During the year we have had the company of the Jigsaw children on two occasions – this being a very amusing, but tiring half hour! This month will see our Christmas Party on December 18, then on to 2020 for another enjoyable year.

For further information contact Ann Woolnough: 01473 743794

Happy Christmas to you all.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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OUT & ABOUT / ON THE GRAPEVINE GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB Open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 2-4pm. The £2 attendance fee includes the raffle and refreshments, and £1 extra when we have a game of bingo.

Our last meeting of the year is our Christmas meal on December 11 and we will reconvene on January 8, weather permitting of course. The programme for the new year hasn’t yet been finalised.

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

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room every Monday from 2-4pm. The cost is £2 per week to include workshop materials, raffle prizes and refreshments.

Our November workshop was entitled Christmas with a Twist and focused on clean and simple cards, the twist being die-cut pieces of wreaths and twigs.

The picture shows a few of the finished makes.

Our last meeting of the year is on December 2 when we will have our AGM, with our Christmas lunch the following week. The club will reconvene on February 3 and the new programme will be featured next month.

For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF TIME Christmas is a time of goodwill and giving back, so why not gift a little of your time over the festive season and put the magic back into someone’s Christmas this year?

Many charities need a little extra help during the festivities and they rely on a legion of brilliant volunteers. There are many different ways that you can help and volunteering doesn’t always mean a long term commitment or lots of hours per month.

WAYS YOU CAN VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISING Fresh Start New Beginnings have Christmas collections taking place throughout December in Ipswich and need people who can give up an hour or more to help us bucket collect and pack bags for Christmas shoppers.

HELPING OUT WITH CHRISTMAS EVENTS Suffolk MIND has various roles available during November and December at their head office, Quay Place in Ipswich. These include event planners/administrators – helping out with Christmas preparations for the various events they are holding, Father Christmas – the name says it all, and Christmas Elfs – to help Santa in his grotto.

VOLUNTEER AT A FOOD BANK Food banks provide an essential lifeline for families living in poverty all year round, but especially at Christmas. FareShare has a number of voluntary opportunities on Volunteer Suffolk, including volunteering in their warehouses and helping distribute food. Look out in your local supermarkets for donation points for food.

ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month and usually a speaker entertains us afterwards.

Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends.

If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact Chris Flint, for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk

IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB CHRISTMAS DEMONSTRATION We would like to invite you to get in the mood for decorating your home with fresh flowers for the festive season. Our next meeting is on Monday 9 December when Brenda Tubb will present a demonstration entitled Another Fine Mess. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. There is a visitor’s fee of £5. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet (01473 415749) or Stella Thornley (01473 711946).

VOLUNTEER FOR A LOCAL GOOD CAUSE There are so many small charities looking for reliable, friendly volunteers over Christmas and throughout the year. Search the Suffolk volunteering database at Volunteer Suffolk for the latest opportunities near you.

If you can’t volunteer, you can still help by making a donation to a Suffolk charity. You can support the Surviving Winter Appeal. Everyone in Suffolk over the age of 65 receives a non-means tested Winter Fuel Payment, whether they need it or not. Suffolk Community Foundation simply ask that if you don’t need it, you donate it. With 310 excess winter deaths in Suffolk alone, the Surviving Winter Appeal is quite simply a life saver.

There are many wonderful benefits of volunteering – and ways it can help achieve your new year’s resolutions. Did you know volunteering can lead to increased sociability, reduced loneliness and can get you out of the house? There are so many ways that you can make a difference and help a Suffolk charity or group.

To find a role to suit you visit: www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk If you are a charity or voluntary group looking for volunteers you can post your opportunities on the website too. If you would like support around managing volunteers, please contact the volunteering team at Community Action Suffolk by emailing: volunteering@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk

The club meets regularly on the second Monday afternoon of the month except for January. We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards.

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Festive Fun on the Tennis Court – #GOHITIT It’s great to see our courts 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 in just a couple of years and now have more than 100 members. On court tennis activities continue throughout the winter (weather permitting) so why not come along and have a go yourself?

NEW ANIMAL-THEMED LIBRARY CARD AVAILABLE AT SUFFOLK LIBRARIES

For Juniors (Monster Smash and Mini Tennis) Our annual Monster Smash parent/child doubles competition was a great success with 16 family doubles teams taking part. We saw some excellent serving and rallies along the way and everyone enjoyed the food and prizes.

Our Mini Tennis squads have also now resumed on Tuesdays with Mini Tennis RED (ages 5-7) from 4-4.45pm and Mini Tennis ORANGE (ages 8-11) from 4.45-5.30pm.

Suffolk Libraries have launched a new animal-themed library card for ages 0-5.

The new design includes a deer, a fox, a duck, a hedgehog, a pheasant, a rabbit and a squirrel, all led by Suffolk Libraries’ new children’s mascot, Oona the owl. The name ‘Oona’ was selected via a poll conducted on Suffolk Libraries Facebook page.

This new woodland-themed design was part of a wider project to relaunch Suffolk Libraries’ activities for 0-5 year olds, now renamed as Wordplay sessions. This includes the regular Baby Bounce, Tot Rock and Storytime sessions that are currently held on a weekly basis in each library.

The launch for this re-design took place at Newmarket Library on October 24 with Suffolk Owl Sanctuary in attendance alongside an Oona the owl mascot.

Hannah Foulstone, who managed the project on behalf of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We wanted to engage more with the community and provide a fun and interactive experience for the children who come along to our Wordplay sessions, as well as support early childhood development. As another organisation that supports learning – and as our mascot is an owl – Suffolk Owl Sanctuary was a natural fit for working together.”

Chris Astridge at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary said: “Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is delighted to be involved with the new Wordplay project and looks forward to welcoming young visitors to the sanctuary where they will see some amazing and unusual owls (and other birds of prey) which we are sure will add extra depth and texture to their reading as they first explore the wonderful world of books.”

As part of this partnership, not only did Suffolk Owl Sanctuary attend the launch with a visit from Darwin, a Chaco Owl, but they will be offering free entry to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary when a customer presents their Suffolk Libraries children’s card.

Owning a Suffolk Libraries children’s card allows children to borrow books at their leisure as well as eBooks, DVDs and eLibrary services.

As of April this year, children’s fines were removed for late returns to make libraries more child-accessible and welcoming for children of all ages.

Attending children’s activities at the libraries have been recently revealed by an independent Impact Report to have a positive impact on a child’s speech development and confidence, as well as reducing isolation for the parents who attend with their children.

For more information on Wordplay, visit: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/wordplay or reach out to your local library to find out about their regular children’s activities.

If you already own a child’s library card, pop into your local library to get a new one with a whole new batch of animal friends!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

For Adults Winter league matches are now underway so if you are interested in some team tennis please contact Graham, our team captain, on 07981 842517 to discuss. Ladies tennis group runs at 6.30pm every Tuesday and cardio tennis takes place on Thursday evenings at 7.10pm. Or why not come and join us for a hit and a minwced pie at our Christmas Tennis 3s event on Sunday 15 December (see events listing on our website for details) Club Awards Massive congratulations to our adult and junior annual club award winners who were nominated by their fellow players or coaches in recognition of their effort and determination in improving their tennis skills over the last year.

To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub Coaching enquiries: carl.douglas@talk21.com / 07553 966380

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB The last 100 Club draw took place on 30 October. The winners were: 1: Kirsty Cattermole (22) 2: Lisa Read (42) 3: James Johnson (19) Thanks to your support, the pre-school received £21.50. Half of all money given for the 100 Club goes to the pre-school and the other half is paid out in winnings. Membership is just £1 a month. You don’t need to have a child at the pre-school to be a member.

Membership forms are available from the office or by emailing: admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

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SCHOOLS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FOSS

CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL

Even though we are writing in early November, preparation for the school Christmas production is well under way and the songs have already become fixtures in most FOSS homes! We are looking forward to seeing the performance for ourselves very soon and this will also be when we host our Christmas Hamper raffle – a chance to win some of those all important Christmas treats and goodies!

Our annual WOW Event took place at the beginning of November. The curriculum was suspended so that all students could take part in 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.

We are also looking forward to a new addition to our calendar in December; a second hand Christmas jumper sale in the school hall. Please visit our Facebook page or contact a committee member for the date.

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who bought tickets and supported us at our two events last month; an evening with psychic medium Stephanie Carr, followed later in the month by our popular family quiz. Special thanks go to Stephanie for her kind financial donation, and to Tracy Westley, our super quizmaster, for giving up her time to help.

These were the first events for our new committee members and it was fantastic to have them on board – thank you to you all for joining! FOSS raises money for the benefit of Somersham Primary School, contributing to equipment, trips and materials to improve the pupils’ experience. We couldn’t do it without the help and support of our dedicated committee, school staff and parents, and the wider community, and we thank you all.

We have really appreciated the support we have received this year and we look forward to seeing many of you again in 2020, and maybe even some new faces too.

Year 7 had a fabulous time camping at 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 develop the four Cs: Confidence, Compassion, Challenge and Conscientiousness.

Years 8-10 ‘wowed’ us all with their productivity and commitment to their enterprise tournament. In teams of 20, students had to work together to create and design a school house system which was pitched to a panel of judges the following day. They had to consider how it would benefit the school and work in relation to competitions, sports, rewards and uniform, as well as coming up with names, colours, logos and designing their new website page.

Year 11 demonstrated great maturity and focus as they prepared for the next step of their education/training. They spent a day at a college/sixth form of their choice and took part in a Learning About Work Day. Employers from local businesses were invited into school to act as mentors, working with small groups and teaching them about employer expectations when applying for jobs. Year 11 impressed our visitors with the way they conducted themselves throughout the day.

I would like to say a special thank you to all our guest speakers who worked with students across Years 8-11; your support was vital in making WOW Week the success it was.

For more information about FOSS and our forthcoming events, please visit our Facebook page or speak to one of the committee members: Vicki Vincent (chair), Jennie Hutchinson (vice-chair), Debbie Shave (secretary), Marie Bannister (treasurer), Sally Aveling, Hayley Coote, Lucy Crush, Heather Dickerson, Emma Fairs, Rebecca Newman, Nicole Robinson, Lauren Sosnowski and Simona Steward.

Now that the festive season is upon us, I hope you will be able to join us at our Mince Pies and Music event on Monday 16 December from noon2pm and our Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17 December at 7pm. Tickets for both are on sale at reception. The PTA is also holding a Quiz Night on Thursday 5 December, 7pm at the school. To book your table please email: admin@claydonhigh.com

www.facebook.com/fossnet

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.

I look forward to keeping you updated with all our news in the New Year.

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL As Christmas approaches we are busy practising songs for our performance and making a range of festive crafts. We’re also looking forward to a visit from Ben Austwick who will be playing his guitar to the children and helping them practise their Christmas songs. The Rev Carl Melville will also be visiting us to share the Christmas story and bringing along props and outfits for the children to wear.

We wish everyone Happy Christmas and New Year.

Don’t forget that our Annual Quiz and Curry Night will be on Friday 7 February.

We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre.

We pride ourselves, on having a high ratio of staff to children and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children. Our highly trained staff continue regular training to build their knowledge further.

Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL In the coming weeks we will be celebrating with Christmas activities and crafts and preparing for our Christmas Nativity. The children will be learning lots of songs and performing them to their family and friends.

UPCOMING EVENTS – for pre-school children Christmas Nativity: Monday 16 December, 4.30pm at Claydon & Barham Church. This will be an event for all pre-school children and we welcome family and friends to come and watch them.

UPCOMING EVENTS – open to everyone

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.

Christmas Disco: Saturday 21 December from 6.30-10.30pm at Claydon & Barham Community Centre. Tickets are £2.50 per adult and £5 per child, which includes a gift from Father Christmas. Everyone is welcome and tickets are available from Claydon Pre-school, the community centre or by calling 07914 994170.

We currently have spaces available. We accept eligible 30hr funded children (the codes must be in place the term before they are needed). Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only, from 9am-3pm.

As we are now open all year (except bank holidays and the Christmas period) we can take children up to five years for additional sessions during school holiday weeks, subject to availability. If you would like to book days during the holidays, please contact the administration assistant for more details.

We have a well-supported Facebook page that provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly.

We can take children who are entitled to two year funding, three/four year funding and 30 hours funding (simply register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible).

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

If you would like an application form or any further information please contact our administration assistant, Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648

Bridget and the team

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BRAMFORD & DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER

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

Thurs 5th QUIZ CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE Sat 7th 3 COURSE MEAL, ENTERTAINMENT WITH MEL STEVENS AND THE CLASSICS. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Sat 14th 3 STEPS TO HEAVEN Thurs 19th QUIZ Sat 21st CHILDRENS XMAS PARTY

2.30PM • MEMBERS FAMILY ONLY

Xmas Eve INFRARED

New Years Eve

LITTLE MISS DIVA & THE SKITTLEZ

OVER 18s STRICTLY MEMBERS ONLY TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

(WILL NEED TO SHOW CARD AT TIME OF PURCHASE)

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• Sunday lunches 12-3 pm • Thursday lunches 12-2pm • Bar meals Friday evenings • For all food enquiries please contact Suzi Q on 07824830152

REGULAR DARTS, CRIB, KARAOKE, POOL AND SNOOKER NIGHTS DURING THE WEEK. MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW. 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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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CHURCH NEWS SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH We instinctively long to live in a world of love, joy and peace – for the few days of Christmas people seem kinder, more patient, love is in the air. But the peace is broken by the January sales.

Is it possible that the love, joy and peace of Christmas can be any more than a passing nostalgia? Life between each Christmas is so often a disappointment; there is none we can trust and no hope for anything better. But the Christmas story is about God breaking into time and space to live a fully human life from birth to death in the man Jesus of Nazareth. The New Testament sketches out for us a unique life, lived among despised people to bring forgiveness and real hope through his death. Jesus comes as the prince of peace, achieving upon the cross a reconciliation between a Holy God and rebellious creatures.

In a world of trouble, evil and fear, Jesus brings hope of everlasting peace, joy and love. Jesus is the best gift of Christmas, a gift that is received by faith.

Jesus comes to make us right with God, acceptable to God, and fills our lives with love, joy and peace.

Candlelight Carol Service: 6.30pm on Christmas Eve You are very welcome to come and celebrate the birth of Jesus with us.

Sunday 29 December: 10am Prayer & Share, 11am Worship Service Life Explored @ The Duke: In the New Year we have a series of Thursday evenings in the Duke of Marlborough that, with the help of a superbly shot video and discussion questions, explore what we are really living for. It moves

on to discover that, in Jesus, God meets our deepest desire for happiness. 7pm to eat together, 7.45pm video and discussion from Thursday 9 January.

You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship: Sundays 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion 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 Lunch and Listen: Noon on Thursday 5 December Friends and Neighbours: 7.45pm on Monday 20 January CONTACTS Pastor Mark Newcombe: 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER

ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, BRAMFORD Dear Friends, As December arrives, we start to think of Christmas and look forward to the celebrations and events. We are privileged to be hosting the Decibells evening of festive music and favourite carols on 18 December at 7pm.

Full details below.

Delia Smith once said that her Christmas starts at three o’clock on Christmas Eve when she listens to Carols from Kings on the radio and starts her Christmas cooking. For me Christmas will start at our Carol Service at 7pm on Sunday 22 December, and will be a wonderful time to experience the traditional carols and readings.

The first of my two best Christmas treats is the Crib Service for children and their parents at 3pm on Christmas Eve. Before the service begins, you may be offered a tinsel bracelet by the Angel. As we tell the Christmas story, children are enthralled to bring characters to the stable. We start with the animals, who are joined by Mary, Joseph and the donkey. We continue, as we tell the story until the stable contains everyone who was there to welcome Jesus.

My Christmas Day starts at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve with the midnight Communion Service, as by candlelight we enjoy again the familiar readings and carols. I look forward to welcoming you to one of our services.

Ken, on behalf of St Mary’s PCC Decibells Concert Decibells present an evening of festive brass music and favourite carols on Wednesday 18 December at 7pm at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bramford.

Refreshments will be available. Tickets (£10 / under-18s £5) are available on the door or in advance from Kay Dawson at: decibells@btinternet.com Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church 23 October: In memory of Philip Stewart 9 December: In memory of Ron and Marjorie Earthy on their joint birthday If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on: 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 for each dedication.

For an announcement to be in the correct issue of In Touch, please ask for dedications before the first of the preceding month, e.g. to commemorate an event on February 28, we need to know before January 1. Requests to floodlight the spire received after the first of the preceding month, will be in the earliest possible issue of In Touch.

CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER St Mary the Virgin Bramford, St Mary Nettlestead, St Mary the Virgin Little Blakenham, St Peter Baylham Please check porch notices for any changes.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: 10am (venue will be as announced) Sunday 1: Advent Sunday 10am Parish Communion Bramford Church Sunday 8: Advent 2 8am Holy Communion Bramford Church 5pm Christmas party Church Room 10am Parish Communion Nettlestead Church Wednesday 11 7.30pm Healing Service

Methodist Church

Sunday 15: Advent 3 10am Parish Communion Bramford Church 3pm Carol Service Nettlestead Church 6pm Carol Service Baylham Church Tuesday 17 12.30pm The Gathering

Church Room

Wednesday 18 7pm Decibells Concert

Bramford Church

Sunday 22: Advent 4 10am Communion 5pm Carol Service 7pm Carol Service

Baylham Church Little Blakenham Bramford Church

Tuesday 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Service Bramford Church 5pm Crib Service Baylham Church 11.30pm Christmas Communion at Bramford Church Wednesday 25: Christmas Day 10am United Christmas Service at Bramford Methodist Church Sunday 29: 1st Sunday of Christmas 10am Parish Communion at Bramford Methodist Church

www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford

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CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com 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 third Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (first and third Sundays, term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. plus free leaflet to take home.

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

4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea provided and a children’s activity (see diary for theme). Come and go as you please.

This is not a service but our minister usually joins us (once a month; please check diary).

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) 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 1

10.30am Morning Worship, Mrs M Finbow, Advent Sunday

Thursday 5

3pm United Service at Cherryfields

Sunday 8

10.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw

Sunday 8

3.30pm At Bramford Road Methodist Church, Ipswich IP1 4AY, Follow the Star – a family-friendly nativity play with refreshments afterwards

Tuesday 10

2pm Network/MWiB, Handbells and Carols, followed by mince pies

Wednesday 11 7.30pm Prayers for Healing Saturday 14

10.30am Carol singing outside the Co-op in aid of Action for Children (formerly NCH)

Sunday 15

10.30am Morning Worship, The Rev C Jowett

Monday 16

2pm Bible Study

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Wednesday 18 7.30pm Carols by Candlelight with refreshments afterwards Saturday 21

10-11am Coffee Morning at Cherryfields

Sunday 22

10.30am Morning Worship, Mr L Rokobuli, All-age Carol Service

Wednesday 25 Christmas Day 10am Methodist Church United Service with St Mary’s (30-45 mins) Sunday 29

10am United Service at St Mary’s

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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RRP £260

Adjustable lumbar operator chair • Pneumatic lumbar pad • Adjustable nylon arms • 2 lever mechanism • Black nylon base • Padded arms • Waterfall seat

Now Only £149.95

Now Only £69.95

Telephone To order01473 or for212000 more information please call officesupplies@boswellos.co.uk www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk

01473 212000

www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk