In Touch News with Bramford February 2019

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Volume 9 • Issue No. 4 • february 2019

BRAMFORD & DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB WHAT’S ON IN FeBRUARy

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

Sat 2

3 StepS to heaven

Thurs 7 Sat 9th Sat 16th

th

Solo Singer

Quiz the houSeShakerS

valentineS Dinner Dance 3 course meal Music with Shane and the korrados tickets on sale now

Thurs 21st Quiz Sat 23rd Barry White triBute night with the fab a kay tickets on sale now

Wed 27th karaoke Thurs 28th Bingo

Coming up in March Andy Ottley and ABBA Tribute Night with ABBA Chique, Lots of great acts coming this year!!

• 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.

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My husband believes there are two kinds of people; those who see the positives in almost everything, and those who always see the negatives.

If opposites attract, we must be the perfect couple, so when Daniel played this song by Kacey Musgraves I’m pretty sure he was making a point.

It’s called Miserable.

Your heart’s as heavy as the stones you throw Can’t see the flowers for the weeds you grow You blow your bubbles just to watch ‘em burst For you it’s always bad to worse And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable Your neighbor’s dirty laundry’s cleaner And the wolf at your door’s always meaner The sky’s still grey when the sun’s around But you can’t set sail if your anchor’s down And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable I’m miserable

NEWS WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE THE RECORDER FOR SOMERSHAM? Suffolk Local History Council runs a Recorders Scheme throughout Suffolk. We administer a network of volunteers to ensure that the ‘present’ is adequately recorded at local level for the ‘future’.

A Recorder will note significant happenings in their parish and collect their local parish magazines, leaflets, election pamphlets and newspaper cuttings.

At the end of each year, they are asked to submit a short report summarising the activities of their parish. The reports are deposited at Suffolk Record Office and available to future researchers together with the collected items.

If you are interested, please look at the Recorders Pack to acquaint yourself with the guidelines. You’ll find it at: www.slhc.org.uk You don’t need to be a historian and you don’t need any qualifications other than an interest in your parish. In return you will receive a copy of the SLHC newsletter and be invited to the annual conference. To volunteer to help in this important work, please contact: recorders@slhc.org.uk

Can’t liven up for the both of us We have enough for the whole of us If misery loves company Then I can’t keep you company no more He got me good! I don’t think I’m this miserable, but when life is going well, I live in dread of what’s bound to come, and it’s bound to be bad! I think it’s an inherited trait, but it’s not one I want to pass on. Is it possible to change?

I sure hope so because my New Year’s resolution is to prove Daniel wrong!

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

01473 400380

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.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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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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SATURDAY, MAY 11 We have made good progress on the features for this year’s event.

The music programme is nearly complete with most of your favourites returning, plus some new acts. Our cherished vehicle display will be impressive again.

Stalls and children’s entertainment is well under way.

We would love to see local people getting involved as much as possible. Please get in touch if you would like to do a craft stall or want to do a table top sale of surplus items.

Please contact Andy if you have a vehicle (or anything with wheels!) you would like to show off: 07833 089148 / wheelievehiclebookings@aol.com Contact Terry if you would like to run your own stall or table top sale, or would like to help in any way: 07733 226898 You can also email us at: wheelieenquiries@btinternet.com Looking forward to a Wheelie Fun Day!

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10 FEBRUARY 2019

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS SPROUGHTON’S SPITFIRE PILOT AND SQUADRON LEADER

SPROUGHTON MORNING MARKET Please note that this will now be every three months or so. The next one will be at 10am on April 13. Any help in running these events would be much appreciated. Please contact Heather or Michael: 01473 742766

ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERINGS On behalf of all Church Gathering members, it’s my pleasure to write this letter of appreciation and gratitude to Janet Read and Judy Kemish.

Unfortunately, just a few weeks ago, Janet Read was suddenly taken ill. This served as an immense shock to her many friends because she always seemed completely indestructible, involved with various activities surrounding the church, including organising the gatherings consistently for 15 years with her good friend Judy Kemish.

John Bates has lived in Church Crescent since the 1 January 1972. At the time, he was a serving officer in the Royal Air Force from which he retired in late 1983.

His ambition to join the RAF and become a Spitfire pilot probably began when, at the age of eleven, he watched dogfights between German and British aircraft in the skies above Kent. For John, ambition started to become reality when he was old enough to volunteer for the RAF as aircrew in late 1946. He was accepted and was placed on the RAF Volunteer Reserves to await training, but he was called up as a National Serviceman, enlisting in January 1947. He first flew solo on 30 July 1947 in a Tiger Moth and was immediately chosen for further training in Southern Rhodesia.

Such was his success that the RAF recommended he be trained as a fighter pilot and as a result joined the last Spitfire course at RAF Stradishall in Suffolk, flying TE 184. Soon he was posted to 80 Fighter Squadron flying Spitfires in Hong Kong, practising ground attacks, interceptions and low flying.

His vast experience as a pilot included Sunderland flying boats operating from Japan in support of the Korean War, becoming an aerobatic ace and a flying instructor, conversion to jets such as Vampire, Provost, Canberra and Valiant, and time with an air-refuelling squadron. He flew in Germany, Denmark, Italy and France.

During his thirty-six years in the RAF, John held eleven ranks, from humble AC to Squadron Leader at Strike Command and Flight Commander. At his most senior level he was asked to fly a Victor to Singapore via Canada, the USA and the Pacific, and then to fly back to the UK via the Indian Ocean, Aden and Cyprus thus completing a circuit of the globe. That same Victor is now at Duxford undergoing complete restoration, which brings me to the point of this article.

For his recent ninetieth birthday, John’s family told him to get ready for a day out and to wear his RAF tie. He assumed he would be visiting Biggin Hill where there are usually a dozen or so Spitfires on site, but soon realised that Duxford was their destination. His second assumption was that they were going to see the Victor which he had flown round the world all those decades ago. Wrong again!

While they were standing near the runway, a Spitfire appeared overhead and performed a few aerobatics before landing. To John’s surprise, the aeroplane taxied along the runway and then turned towards them. At that point he realised that the Spitfire in front of him was TE 184, the very same plane that he had flown from RAF Stradishall nearly seventy years previously.

His daughter Susan and sons David, Tony and Martin had not only arranged for the Spitfire’s owner, Stephen Stead, to fly in to Duxford as a birthday celebration, but they also managed to keep it secret from their father until the very last moment.

Ken Sheppard (neighbour)

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Fortunately, Janet appears to have made an excellent recovery, but quite rightly feels the time has arrived to take life a little more leisurely, and Judy, whom I most respectfully guess is of a similar age, has decided to retire also. These two devotees’ contributions certainly brightened up the lives of many elderly people, including myself. In fact it would be totally remiss not to mention a few of the more enjoyable and amusing ones. Examples: making animals and birds from balloons, physical exercises while seated, our 10th birthday celebration in July 2014 where we enjoyed a good old sing-song with Dot Chapman of Burstall merrily playing her accordion.

Not to be overlooked are our good friends from Bramford Primary School for so kindly inviting us to share their street party celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday on 10 June 2016. They have also graced us with beautiful singing by their choir.

In conclusion, most deserving thanks go to our team of wonderful ladies who never fail to greet us without tea or coffee and a plate of pastries. I also feel we will see the two ‘Js’ from time to time, which will be most pleasurable!

Dennis R Page

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE A free educational resource for schools, colleges and clubs In 2018, almost half of all visits to the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility were educational visits from schools, colleges and clubs. We provide age appropriate educational activities for all visitors from age seven and up and have been awarded a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge for our commitment to sustaining high quality learning outside of the classroom.

We would like to encourage these visits even more; it’s a great opportunity to see first-hand what happens to non-recyclable waste in Suffolk as well as learning about reducing, reusing and recycling. If you know of any groups that would be interested in a visit to the energy-from-waste facility, we host visits five days a week for schools, colleges and universities, and in the evenings for clubs.

For all enquiries please contact us at: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com 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 to contact the facility at: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: JANUARY 2019 Full Council Three proposals were put to members at the council meeting on December 6. My group called on Suffolk County Council to do more to tackle single-use plastic waste in the county. All councillors agreed to use sustainable or re-useable plastics in all council buildings, and to create a plastic-free Suffolk network of councils, businesses and other organisations.

Later, the administration refused to set an annual carbon budget and create targets for reducing carbon emissions. This seemed strange as the county council already checks its carbon emissions. We proposed the council makes this process open, transparent and accountable.

Cooperation returned when we unanimously agreed to commit Suffolk County Council to follow the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and do all it can to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking in Suffolk.

In addition, the council will review its procurement processes to see where they can be strengthened to fully comply with the Modern Slavery Act. Cuts to Citizens Advice After budget scrutiny it was decided to phase the cut to CAB funding over two years. It will be reduced by £184 000 in 2019/20, before being removed entirely in 2020/21. I remain concerned by these proposals, which will have a huge impact on a service that is great value for money and supports our most vulnerable residents.

Hackneys Corner Work appears to be progressing again with new contractors. Mary Evans, the Cabinet member, visited Great Blakenham Parish Council and issued a series of apologies for the contractor’s delays and poor county council communication. What we need is improvement; apologies don’t do a lot of good.

Roads I have been trying yet again to get Highways Network Assurance to take account of residents’ views as well as the interests of the businesses concerned when road closures are proposed. Unfortunately, the total resistance I get to any attempt to minimise disruption to people’s lives is in line with the problems other councillors suffer.

The renewed effort was encouraged by a proposed closure of the road into Baylham village for seven weeks to enable the care centre to lay a pipe to connect its sewage processing plant to the village mains drains.

Seven weeks of a single-track diversion route with few passing places appeared unreasonable. Other routes for the pipe exist.

New equipment that heats the road surface and melts the material surrounding a repair is being used to try to produce longer lasting pothole repairs. It is too early to report the impact, but I will keep you informed.

Scrutiny When reviewing the quarterly performance report at Scrutiny last month we found wide variations in spend on temporary staff and contractors across the council. We shall be investigating this in in detail.

Information about Suffolk Highways performance did not include comparison data for the same season last year. It will next time, together with the time taken to respond to residents’ issues.

After some grilling about delays to highways works, particularly in Gipping Valley, the Cabinet Member for Highways was asked to review the Highways Reporting Tool and make it easier for residents to report problems.

As we reviewed the Highways Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey results, we were told that Suffolk’s approach to highways management has received national recognition and the assistant director is clearly deeply engaged with governmental and national organisations on behalf of Suffolk.

MSDC draft Budget MSDC’s Cabinet is recommending a two per cent Council Tax increase this year, generating an added £185k and expects a growth in the taxbase (the number of dwellings) of 1.3 per cent per yielding £83k.

It is surprising that the tax rise is necessary given next year’s estimated surplus of £1.6m. However, there are considerable uncertainties in the economy.

A new £1.6m commercial risk management reserve will be created to mitigate risks associated with the commercial investment and development that the council is undertaking. The investment is £25m in commercial property and £6m in the Gateway 14 project.

Despite concerns about this form of investment, Cabinet is now recommending a further £25m investment by 2021/22 to generate another £435k per year income.

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

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

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month.

Pick up a Valentine’s present for that special person and visit all your favourite market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items.

Their number for orders is 01206 392190

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

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

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

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD PARISH COUNCIL

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE

By the time you read this the parish council will have already made the taxing (excuse the pun) decision on the precept value for the 2019/20 financial year. This is the ‘lump sum’ of money we’re entitled to claim from the district authority to be able to pay the bills and serve the community effectively.

Councillors look at a number of factors when making this decision, including spending over the previous two to three years, future development in the area that could impact on existing services and government guidelines. So it’s certainly not a figure pulled out of the hat as some might have you believe!

By law, we’re also obliged to display our end of year accounts for public scrutiny; they can be found at: www.bramford.suffolk.cloud High up on the agenda of concerns received from local residents, along with finance, is planning! Councillors understand this can be an emotive subject for people and work hard to present all sides of the argument within the constraints that planning law allows.

On December 28 we were up at 4.30am to travel to Gatwick with the group of children who had been with us for the December visit.

Only last month our clerk, Diana Stroh, met with planning officers to discuss ways to improve the formal consultation process, with positive assurances that better communication would help residents feel more included in third party decisions that could, on occasions, significantly impact their day-to-day lives for years to come. Watch this space!

The children were obviously looking forward to seeing their families again, but they were also really pleased to learn that we would be travelling with them. There had been lots of fun and great enjoyment during the month, both for the visiting children and the families who hosted them. The children enjoyed everything, no matter how small, and each new experience was greeted with appreciation and delight. These children came from some of the poorest families and I am sure we have given them memories that will last a lifetime.

Did you know we support a local community transport scheme? Well, we do!

Anyone in the community unable to access public transport or where no such transport exists, can use this service for a small fee. It’s run by Suffolk charity BSEVC and offers help with journeys to and from health appointments, family visits and shopping trips; they can even help with getting you to specific events and days out. For more information contact: 01449 614271 / bookings@bsevc.co.uk

On arrival in Belarus the children went on their way home and we began our five-hour drive to Stolin for our Father Frost Christmas present delivery program. This was a very long and sometimes stressful nine days, but all 300 presents were successfully delivered and an additional party held for children we couldn’t reach from outlying areas. After the party one 14 year old girl went to Santa and said: “this is the best day I have ever had in my life, thank you so much for all the fun”.

Finally, local elections are being held this May and the parish council has a couple of vacancies. So if you’re sick of ranting to yourself about issues in the village and would like to play a more active part in ‘getting things done’, why not contact the clerk for information on how to become a parish councillor?

01473 747433 / bramfordparishcouncil@btinternet.com

We not only visited many families in their homes, but also three different hospitals and two social shelters. Traditionally children may receive a box of sweets at Christmas and obviously for organisations that donate gifts this is the easiest option. However, we were told time and time again by children, parents and hospital doctors and administrators that receiving a Christmas Stocking full of presents had made the children so happy. It was something they had never experienced and would give them a ‘forever’ memory so that in itself made all the hard work worthwhile.

Bramford Parish Council, The Parish Room, Ship Lane IP8 4AN

Q&A WITH IPSWICH CANINE CRECHE – LUXURY DOG DAY CARE You have been open almost one year already. I bet that’s gone quick?

It sure has! We opened on Farthing Road Industrial Estate in Sproughton in February 2018 and we are amazed how well we have done. Our luxury five-star rated dog crèche has proved very popular and we are still growing. We have a large custom designed 4,500-square-foot unit where dogs run freely as one happy pack. We have toys, stimulation games, Wendy Houses, climbing frames and comfy sofas for snoozing!

Sounds great, how do you keep the dogs safe? Safety is paramount.

All dogs have to be registered and pass a temperament test, and not every dog is right, or would be happy to attend. This ensures every dog is suitable and maintains the high standards of safety and wellbeing.

Wow, what’s a typical day look like? No two days are the same, however we do follow a routine. On arrival we get the pooches arranged into the correct groups for age, energy and size. We then progress to free play, with mental and physical games, enrichment toys and activities. We have a break at lunch and a power nap. Afternoons are more varied, followed by storytime! Then home, tired and content to their family who know their pups have had the best day.

It’s not possible to detail our journey in this short article, but a full write up will go out by email to all of those who subscribe to our mailing list and further details will be posted on Facebook. Please do get in touch if you would like to receive email updates.

We are now looking towards the summer group visit and will be confirming the list of host families within the next few weeks so if you haven’t already registered your interest please do so as soon as possible.

FORTHCOMING EVENT On March 23 we will be holding a pig racing event at Stowmarket Football Club. Come and see the pigs race down the lanes! There is no entry fee, but refreshments will be available to purchase on the evening.

We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us; you may think you only do a little, but without you we could not survive.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 / www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk

BRAMFORD WI

So how can I arrange to bring my dog? We are open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and offer both full and half days. We take dog of all ages, from puppies to golden oldies.

Our next meeting is on Monday, February 11 at the Loraine Victory Hall at 7.30pm. Magdalen Snowden will tell us all about the art of making hats and flowers.

Ipswich Canine Creche, Unit 7, The Sterling Complex, Farthing Road Industrial Estate, Ipswich IP1 5AP

The competition will be a practise run before the evening, because we have to make a floral arrangement including a hat! Good luck with this!

Jean

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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD COFFEE MORNING

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

This month’s coffee morning will be from 10am in Cherryfields, Gippingstone Road, Bramford, on Saturday, February 16. Tea, coffee, cakes and a large variety of preserves and pickles will be on sale, and there is usually a stall selling greeting cards. This is a good chance to sit, chat and get to know fellow villagers, so why not come along?

By way of an introduction, I am Police Constable 710 Michael Small and I have recently taken up the post of Community Engagement Officer for the Ipswich West and Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team. I have been a police officer in Suffolk for 26 years and have worked in a number of areas of Suffolk including Leiston and Ipswich, both as a response officer, roads policing officer and a community ‘beat’ officer. I have most recently been a trainer at our training school, teaching new student police officers. I am really looking forward to the opportunity of returning to community policing in my new role.

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 Happy 2019 to all our customers and volunteers; we look forward to seeing everybody in the shop in the coming year.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave of their time to keep the shop open over the Christmas and New Year period; your efforts were much appreciated.

Sad news is that our part-time manager, Lucy, is currently suffering ill-health.

We send her all our love and best wishes for a good recovery and better health to come. We all miss Lucy very much and all the good work she does for us. Of course, this has led to gaps in the rota which have been filled by our very loyal and generous volunteers working extra hours – huge thanks to them all. We have also been able to welcome a new volunteer to our team – a great welcome to him.

On a more positive note, the two vacancies on the committee have now been filled and we welcome back Janet Hodge and also Stephen Bullard. We go forward into the new year with faith and optimism. As well as the committee and volunteers to keep a local village shop active and viable, we also need customers, so come along and support our local community enterprise to keep it a hub of the community for many years to come.

Our Tea and Chat afternoons continue with the next one on Wednesday, February 27 from 2-4pm. Come along for a hot drink, a piece of cake and a chance to meet up with others for a chat during the cold weather. Also going well is the Petrolheads afternoons when those with an interest in all things motor-driven meet for a chat and cup of tea on the first Wednesday of each month in the Coffee Corner, also held from 2-4pm. So if this is your thing, you will be welcomed by other likeminded people. Golden Link is every other Tuesday afternoon.

Services in the shop include fresh local produce where possible and orders are taken for regular or one-off meat, bread, cakes, etc. Coffee Corner is a good place for a relaxing chat, you’ll find something new to read in the book exchange and dry-cleaning is collected on Tuesday afternoons. We promote reuse and recycling in the shop and are always happy to receive reusable carrier bags and egg boxes. Newspapers and magazines can be ordered for collection at the shop, with a delivery service for those with mobility problems So, not only a good place to shop and find local produce, meet up with people you haven’t seen in ages, but it also gives real heart to the local community.

We look forward to seeing you there.

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

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I work as part of a committed team of Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers on the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Our remit is to react to issues in the community with a problem solving approach to policing. We work closely with our partner agencies, responding to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour with the aim of making your areas a safer place to live and work for the whole community.

In order for us to achieve our goals, we rely on our communities to inform us of the issues in their areas that are a cause for concern. I aim to engage with your through traditional methods of patrolling your area and attending public events and forums as well as providing you with updates on social media and through our constabulary website. You can do this by following us on Facebook @IpswichWestPolice and on Twitter @HadleighPolice.

In addition to our social media posts we are promoting Police Connect.

This is a free messenger service for those who do not use social media, which means you can receive texts messages or emails with up-todate information about policing in your area. You can register online at www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect or request a form from us via: CEOlowestoft@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Since the start of the New Year, I have been looking at crime trends in the rural areas around Suffolk. There have recently been a number of domestic burglaries. Please be vigilant with your home security as some of these offences have occurred where properties have been left insecure. A typical crime of this nature now involves criminals taking car keys from within a dwelling and then stealing vehicles from a driveway or garage. Avoid leaving keys hanging near to access points such as letterboxes or cat flaps where they can be easily accessed by the offender.

Another alarming crime trend involves something known as a ‘distraction’ or ‘artifice burglary’. This usually involves the perpetrator pretending to be someone of authority such as a police officer of someone from a service industry. They convince the occupant to allow them access to the property and then either steal items from inside or deceive the occupier into giving them money. Please be extra vigilant in relation to this type of crime and support elderly or vulnerable people in your community who may be more trusting of this type of caller at their door.

Our Suffolk police website has advice on preventing these and other crimes through our First Principle scheme. Please visit our website and go to the ‘Advice’ section.

If you have any quires or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD Hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: Call 999 / Non-Emergency: Call 101

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

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OUT & ABOUT COFFEE MORNING

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD

On Saturday, February 23 in Bramford Church Room from 10am-noon.

Our meeting in Bramford Scout and Guide HQ on January 7 was our AGM. All the officers were re-elected, as was the planning committee. We then had refreshments and Helen led us in a game of Christmas bingo which caused many laughs. Judy, our latest member, was enrolled into the group it was a good start to 2019.

Enjoy bacon rolls or, if you prefer, sausage in a roll. There will also be a cake stall, bring-and-buy, books, jigsaws and a raffle.

Come along and enjoy.

BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP One of our favourite speakers, Mark Mitchels, will be coming to Bramford on Thursday, February 14 to tell us all about the Vasa Ship. It’s Sweden’s version of the Mary Rose, but went down about 100 years later so is in much better condition. It is now in a museum in Stockholm and having been there twice I can tell you it’s magnificent! It will be great to hear all about it.

The meeting will be in the Church Room at 7.30pm as usual, visitors are welcome, £3.

ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING Our January meeting saw Sue, Val and Sue run their first meeting. We are a very friendly group who meet in the Church Room, Bramford, on the third Tuesday of each month at 2.30pm. We have light refreshments, quizzes, games, speakers and generally have a good time.

If you would like to join us, or if you need a lift, please call Val: 01473 749686

GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA Sunday, February 24 is a date for your diary. This is the launch of the Great Blakenham Cinema, open to all of the surrounding villages and held at Great Blakenham Village Hall. The idea is to bring the whole community together for a chance to meet neighbours, friends and family and enjoy a film without having to travel far.

Working with the Suffolk Cinema Network, films will be shown on a 10ft x 7.5 ft screen. Doors will open at 2pm with free tea and coffee. There will be a raffle and the bar will be open ready for a 2.30pm start. We are trying to make the event accessible to all and to be dementia and autism friendly.

Our first showing will be The Greatest Showman and tickets will be half price at £2 for adults and £1.50 for under-18s. Other dates for your diary are March 31 (Mary Poppins) and April 28 (Paddington).

This is a not for profit business run by volunteers with any funds raised going back into the venture to improve the experience. We have been lucky enough to be supported by Power to Change whose vision is to create better places through community business.

If you feel you could give some time once a month, or join the rota of volunteers, donate raffle prizes or help spread word, please get in touch at greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com or call Becky on 07852 472082.

This month’s meeting is on Monday, February 4 at 2pm when Ken Lightfoot will speak about his National Service days. If you would like to join us please contact Linda: 01473 462317

BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB In February the club will meet between 10am and noon every Wednesday except February 20 which is during the school half-term break. Membership, payable in September, is £1, plus £3 for each two-hour session. All meetings are held in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church where refreshments and broadband (fast, ‘Ultra+’ has recently been installed) are available. We have no set programme, but are here to help you to get the most out of your computer. Why not give us a try?

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS I hope you all had a good Christmas. We started 2019 with our usual Wednesday meeting on January 9 and a meal at the Wild Man on January 16.

We’re not arranging much other than our usual Wednesday meetings in February as the weather can sometimes be too bad to travel.

More information next month on any future entertainment.

Eunice

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/village Location 5A Sproughton Church Lane 5B Sproughton Wild Man 5C Bramford St Mary’s Close 5D Bramford Paper Mill Lane 5E Great Blakenham, Chequers 5F Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs

Mobile Home Park 5G Baylham Post Box 5H Claydon Crown 5I Claydon Edinburgh Gardens 5J Barham Bacon Road 5K Bramford Packard Place

Time 9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-1055am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm

12 February, 12 March, 9 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 30 July, 27 August, 24 September, 22 October, 19 November, 17 December

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 2.30-2.45pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm

22 February, 22 March, no visit in April, 17 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 29 November, 27 December

12

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB

SOMERSHAM WI

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. Alternatively you may wish to bring your own project and enjoy our company and make new friends. Members take it in turns to make the tea.

We are lucky to have wonderful local food producers, crafters and business owners in our area of Suffolk and we are delighted to welcome several of them to speak at our meetings in 2019.

OUR PROGRAMME FOR 2019 February 4: New Year New Life March 4: Seaside April 1: Fact and Fantasy May 13: Village Life and Little Mice June 3: Summer Sewing July 1: A Bit of Bling August 5: Autumn’s Coming September 2: Take Heart October 7: Fabric Cards November 4: Christmas Cards with a Twist December 2: AGM 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

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50’s 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.

We started back on January 9 and though few in number had an enjoyable Beetle Drive in the afternoon. Our programme for the first half of the year is: February 13: The History of Valentine’s Day February 27: Social Afternoon March 13: On this Day March 27: The History of Mother’s Day April 10: Spring Raffle and Bring-and-Buy April 24: Celebrating the Queen’s Reign May 8: Games Afternoon May 22: Social Afternoon with Brenda June 12: TBC June 26: TBC July 10: Social Afternoon with Sandra July 24: Summer Party 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

SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB The second meeting of the new year will be on Monday, February 11 in Offton and Willisham Village Hall at 7.30pm. Lisa Rawley, the daughter of one of our members, will be giving a talk on conservatory plants, which should be very interesting. Please come along and see for yourself.

If you require any further information please ring: 01473 254941/830600

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

At our meeting on February 18 we will be joined by Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses who live just up the A140 – a locally run farm and cheese producer. I wonder how many of us enjoyed their produce on our festive cheeseboards?

If you want to come and hear how their business started, do come along.

For your diaries, our next few meetings into the spring are as follows: March 18: Suffolk MIND April 15: Local Beekeeping May 20: An Insight into Police Forensics Guests or new members are welcome at any time (pro-rata fees are available throughout the year). For information visit our website. We continue to meet on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm in Somersham Village Hall. www.somershamwi.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/SomershamWI

SOMERSHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL Mid-day Assistant – Lunchtimes in Term Time / £8.50 per hour We require a midday dinner lady to work one hour or one hour 20 minutes on one, two or three days per week at our friendly school.

You will be part of a team of five ladies. This will include setting up the dinner hall, overseeing the children while eating their dinners and in their play outside.

First Aid training is desired, but not essential and courses can be arranged.

If you are interested in one, two or three sessions do not hesitate in calling the school. If you can help in any way I am sure you would enjoy being part of our lovely school.

If you would like a chat to clarify things, or just to pop into the school to see the school in action, please call Mrs Maguire: 01473 831251

BRAMFORD PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP With another term well under way, our new starters are settling in well.

We continue to encourage independence with our older children, with many of them visiting the primary school for PE. For Chinese New Year the children will have the opportunity to try different types of Chinese food and we will explore the different animals related to their year of birth. We will also have craft sessions relating to this event.

This term the children have been looking at How We Are All Different – in our appearance, in our families and the world around us.

In 2019 the pre-school celebrates its 50th birthday and we are busy planning an event for later in the year.

We will be hosting an evening with medium Ryan Gooding at Bramford Golf Centre on April 23, doors open at 7pm. Tickets (£10) are now on sale from the pre-school (01473 740782 / bramfordplaygroup@btinternet.com) or contact Jen on 07907 291457.

If you are interested in your child joining us or would just like further information, please contact us at: bramford.playgroup@btinternet.com / 01473 740782.

We welcome enquiries, however far in advance. Our sessions are already filling up fast for the 2019/20 school year.

Bramford Pre-school Playgroup Staff & Committee

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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL

The spring term has started in earnest with Year 11 students undertaking internal exams in preparation for the real thing in the summer. It can be a stressful time, but lots of support is offered, especially in the form of after school revision sessions. Later this month they will take part in a Revision Bootcamp on Mersea Island in Essex. As well as learning some useful revision strategies they will attempt some challenging physical activities including high ropes and a climbing wall to build confidence and prove to themselves that if they have a go they will succeed! Hopefully in addition to returning home cold, tired and muddy they will feel more confident moving towards their exam season.

At the time of writing the children had just returned from their Christmas break – well rested and ready to start the new term.

Elsewhere in school, having successfully impressed the judges to beat Ipswich School in the first round of the English Speaking Union’s Schools’ Mace Competition, our debating team are preparing to battle it out against St Benedict’s High School and The Royal Hospital School in the next stage of the competition to be held at Langley School in Norfolk. In the following week they will also take part in a public speaking competition hosted by Youth Speaks; we wish them the very best of luck!

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

This month we have two overseas trips taking place. Two students have been chosen to represent our school on the First World War Centenary Battlefield Tours Programme, a national programme funded by the government.

Accompanied by a teacher, students will visit battlefield sites in Belgium and France, participate in remembrance ceremonies and record, reflect and share their own experiences. In addition to this, we will continue to run our annual Battlefields trip (open to students in Years 9 and 10) in July, offering them the same experiences with an additional focus on the history and English curriculum as well as keeping the memory and legacy of this war alive for future generations.

We have lots of exciting things planned already for this term and it’s really good to have the option of outside play in all weathers thanks to our new canopy.

Thursday, February 7, 7.30pm: We are holding a Ryan Gooding Psychic Night at Claydon & Barham Community Centre. Tickets are £10 and available from Claydon Pre-school, the community centre or by calling 07914 994170. This fundraising event is open to everyone.

We can take children who are entitled to 30 hours funding. Simply register at Childcare Choices to find out if you are eligible.

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

GIPPING VALLEY AWARD WINNERS

In half-term, 40 students will travel by ferry and coach to Obertauern in Austria for our bi-annual ski trip. This seven-day trip will include daily ski lessons, exploring the local area and organised evening entertainment.

As well as the physical challenge, this trip will allow students to try something new, experience the wider world and develop independence, resilience and confidence.

This term will remain busy into March as we look forward to a number of activities and events including a rock band workshop, art exhibition, Globe Theatre trip and a return visit from our Spanish exchange students.

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 Thursday, February 14. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place.

Headteacher Maéve Taylor

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We are getting ready to explore Chinese New Year through food tasting, books and crafts and Valentine’s Day by cooking for someone special.

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.

Session places are currently available. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children plus two and three-year-old funded. We are open in term time only from 9am to 3pm.

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

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Gipping Valley Bowls Club held their annual presentation dinner on Saturday, January 12 at Ipswich Sports Club. Award winners included Ladies Singles Winner Edith Roberts, Men’s Singles Winner John Hooper and 4-Wood Singles Winner Terry Griffin. The Most Improved Player award went to Keith Page.

On February 9, eighteen members of the club will be attending the Ipswich & District Dinner Dance where they will receive the trophy for winning Division D of the Ipswich & District League 2018.

CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB It’s still not too late to get your exercise regime back on track. 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.

For more information visit our website or get in touch with C&DBC chairman Dik Langan: 01473 831692 / claydonbadminton@dnacomputing.co.uk www.claydonbadminton.wordpress.com

In Touch online:

ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS QUESTIONS ON CASH Your questions answered by Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Paul from Stowupland is just one of many people who has contacted me to ask what can be done about poor performing ISA funds. He writes: “I have around £60,000 in a stocks and shares ISA with Legal & General and a cash ISA with Barclays Bank.

The stocks and shares ISAs have lost over £4,000 in the last six months and have never produced any significant growth, and the rates I am getting on the cash ISA, is awful. I wondered if I could move them?”

Yes. If you are unhappy with your stocks and shares ISA investments, you can move them to another fund manager while keeping the money within a taxefficient ISA wrapper. To do this, you instruct a financial adviser to effect an ISA transfer. You can also move a cash ISA into a stocks and shares wrapper, by the same ISA to ISA transfer process.

However, before you rush out to do this, you should first investigate whether you could make an internal fund switch into other funds within your existing ISA provider’s range. Legal & General offer quite a wide choice of investment funds within their ISA range, and this would normally be the most costeffective way of changing the investment funds within your ISA. However, this may not be an option if you are invested in a structured product ISA or if your ISA does not have access to the full fund range. It may therefore be just as cost effective to switch to a new fund manager altogether.

SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Love. It was what we were made for. Not just for Valentine’s with flowers and chocolates. We were made for love, every minute of our lives. The love of parents, siblings and friends as well as lovers. Love puts a spring in our step, a smile on our face. It transforms our environment, benefits our health. Most of all we are meant to enjoy love and to know and experience the love of God. But love is beyond us. We spoil, test, and fail love. Love does not last. It is because we find ourselves estranged from his love, no longer experiencing the love of God that God seems distant and stern. Amazingly we are not beyond his love. Love was the motive for sending his Son, Jesus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The result of faith in Jesus is love. Love for God and love enough for others.

The Christian is called to a life of love, drawing on the love of God to help us to love others. Albeit true some people are harder to love than others, but it is also true that none of us are very loving. Love is provoked in the Christian with God’s love for us, the unlovely. And the power of his love is channelled to us by his Spirit. All because “God is love”.

Christianity Explored @ The Duke We are delighted to be back in the pub every Thursday night in February for another video and discussion course, this time Christianity Explored. Over seven Thursday nights we will explore Mark’s Gospel, finding out who Jesus is, why he came and what it means to follow him. If you wish to eat, come at 7pm (order at the bar, prices from £5.50), or for the start of the video at 7.45pm, with discussion finishing at 8.45pm.

If you do wish to transfer, then you may wish to consider using an investment platform to hold your ISAs on. An investment platform is an online service that allows you to hold, manage, and track all of your investments in one place.

We have an alternative Sunday at the chapel planned for February 24, designed to complement the Christianity Explored course. There will be three videos and a time to reflect upon what we have heard about of Jesus and to eat and relax in each other’s company, 10am-3.30pm with lunch in between.

Using a platform means that you only have to give one instruction to one provider and you only receive one statement. You can use a platform to buy new investments, or to consolidate a number of different plans that you already hold into new wrappers. There can also be savings in charges when you have your investments all held on the same investment platform.

You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship:

Platforms also allow you to invest in a wide range of investment funds from many different providers which ensures a wider spread of assets and less volatility, and less dependence upon a single fund manager. A platform will usually provide access to a range of managed portfolios and multi-asset or multi-manager investment funds, which give you access to a wide spread of investment in line with your identified attitude to risk, with the bonus of professional investment management of the fund at a competitive cost.

At the moment, I would suggest that a good combination would be to access the Brewin Dolphin Managed Portfolio Service or MPS through a platform such as Novia Financial.

The Novia platform has very competitive charges and gives you online access to your investments 24/7, and the Brewin Dolphin Managed Portfolios have a good track record over the last five years, with a low annual management charge of 0.36 per cent per annum, including VAT. They are available to investors with a risk profile of anywhere between cautious and high risk and there are no initial or entry charges for people transferring ISAs into the Brewin Dolphin MPS when it is held on the Novia platform.

So, if you are unhappy with the performance of your existing ISAs, an ISA to ISA transfer could be the answer – but remember to take independent advice first.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser. Send your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email them to nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s answers to reader questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require specific advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial meeting to discuss their own position and requirements.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford

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 Lunch and Listen: Thursday, February 7 at noon Friends and Neighbours: Monday, February 18, 7.45pm CONTACTS Mark Newcombe, Pastor: 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER

JUMBLE SALE The 24th Ipswich Scout Group is holding its monthly jumble sale on Saturday, February 2, 1-3pm at 24th Scout HQ, 330a Bramford Road, Ipswich (beside the railway bridge) Come and bag a bargain

17

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 Jenny is currently on Sabbatical. Please contact Stewart on 01473 462231 if you need to get in touch with someone. www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford Wednesdays at 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service Sunday, February 3 10am Parish Communion, Bramford Sunday, February 10 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm 5 o’clock Service, Bramford Tuesday, February 12 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Wednesday, February 13 7.30pm Healing Service, Methodist Church Sunday, February 17 9am Parish Communion, Bramford 11am Parish Communion, Baylham Tuesday, February 19 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room Saturday, February 23 10am-noon Coffee Morning, Church Room Sunday, February 24 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am 4th Sunday Service, Bramford

In the meantime, the vicarage will be occupied and I will still be seen around the village periodically, although I will spend some time on retreat, bird watching, and spending time in Orkney, a favourite place of mine, catching up with friends and exploring that fascinating and ancient place.

Blessings to you all, The Rev Jenny Seggar, The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Bramford Safeguarding Officer: Mr John Chenery, 01473 742797 Cleaning Rota: V Mather and K Orvis Flower Rota: February 2 & 19 – H Breitsprecher / 16 & 23 – H Hart Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church January 13: In memory of Bernard Purbrick January 22; In memory of Maria Whight on her birthday January: In memory of Eileen Rampling January: In memory of Marg and Bob Hayes, much loved parents of Jane Cantwell nee Hayes 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 are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It’s good to share the reading of scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world.

February 2 Malachi 3.1-5

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple Gold/White Hebrews 2.14-18 Luke 2.22-40

February 9 Fourth Sunday before Lent Isaiah 6.1-8[9-13] 1 Corinthians 15.1-11

Green Luke 5.1-11

February 16 Third Sunday before Lent Jeremiah 17.5-10 1 Corinthians 15.12-20

Green Luke 6.17-26

By the time this is published, I will be on extended study leave. I will be back in harness just before Easter. In the meantime we have a great team of visiting clergy taking services across the parishes, including our new Cathedral Dean, the Archdeacon and several old and new friends. Queries about funerals will be handled by The Rev Diane Williams, our Rural Dean (01449 720316), and the churchwardens will handle general church enquiries.

February 23 Second Sunday before Lent Genesis 2.4b-9,15-25 Revelation 4

Green Luke 8.22-25

This is not just time off, but is a unique opportunity for me to undertake some academic study on something outside the normal sphere of parish concerns.

I have always had a passionate interest in history, and will be looking at our wonderful Suffolk born Anglo Saxon Saints, especially those connected to the Sutton Hoo royal family.

If you wish to be included on the new electoral roll, please complete a form, which is available at the back of the church, or speak with Stewart. Completed forms must be returned by Sunday, March 31.

Please check porch notices for any changes.

Dear Friends,

The girls in particular had a huge influence on the religious life of our country at the time, and their influence is still felt. One of them, St Ethledreda, actually figures in the Bramford East window. She was the foundress of Ely Abbey and I have been a huge fan of hers for many years. Finding her in our window was a delight, and heavily influenced what I chose to look at while away.

I am hoping that we can gain some clues from our Anglo Saxon forbears about how we can capture the excitement that they so obviously felt in their faith.

Watch this space! At the very least I should have some interesting talks to give the history group and network over the next little while!

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CHURCH ROLL REVISION Our list of church members needs to be completely renewed every six years, and is due this year. This must be completed before the APCM on Tuesday, April 9.

If you know of anyone who may be unable to complete the form, but wishes to remain on the electoral roll, please contact Stewart on 01473 462231.

JUST FOR FUN Visiting his grandparents, a small boy opened the big family Bible.

He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out. He picked it up and found that it was an old leaf pressed flat between the pages. “Mama, look what I found,” he called out. “What have you got there, dear?” his mother asked.

With astonishment in his voice, the boy answered: “I think it’s Adam’s underwear!”

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community 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, third 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.

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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) 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 FEBRUARY Sunday 3, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs A Holmes Thursday 7, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 10, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Prof D Welbourn Tuesday 8, 2pm: Network/MWiB, The Woodland Trust, Mr John Fleetwood Saturday 16, 10am: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 17, 10.30am: Morning Worship, The Rev D Grimshaw, Holy Communion Monday 18, 2pm: Bible Study Sunday 24, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs V Vallow Sunday 24, 4-6pm: Families@4, The Rev D Grimshaw Tuesday 26, 2pm: Network/MWiB, The Rev Martin Dawes

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