In Touch News with Claydon July 19

In Touch

™© ™©

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 9 • Issue No. 9 • JULY 2019

Image by Ellie Cook

Pip’s Tree Services Pruning, shaping and reductions.

Felling and dismantling.

Hedge cutting and stump grinding.

Contact me for a free quote or advice:

Philippa@pipstreeservices.co.uk

07538 797 302 All Aspects of tree work undertaken.

2

In Touch online:

NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mother Nature is having quite an impact on my life right now, mostly positive, but not entirely! I’m looking after grandma’s chickens for a few days while she’s away. It’s not difficult: put them in, let them out, give them some grain… job done. Except not this time! Last night one of them went missing and I found myself clucking around the garden for about an hour in torrential rain trying to find her. I can only image how ridiculous I looked but I most certainly wasn’t laughing. Of course I didn’t find her so spent a restless night wondering how to tell grandma that Blossom was done for.

When I went to let the others out this morning, there she was waiting for me in all her glory, perfectly dry, well-rested and seemingly happy. A bit too happy for my liking!

Meanwhile, back at home a mummy blackbird (I’ve called her Maralyn because she’s very beautiful) has taken up residence under the roof of our little outdoor lean-to, a place I like to sit with a book when the weather allows. She’s busily feeding four babies, constantly flying back and forth all day long. I must say I admire/envy her energy and it is a rather beautiful thing to see, but she’s making my garden a no-go area as every time I open the door she abandons her chicks and sits on the wall until I leave. I imagine she’s sitting there muttering “here she comes again… what is it this time… can’t she see I’m busy… what is she wearing?”. I end up feeling guilty for invading ‘her’ space so I retreat indoors and leave her to it. I haven’t even put the bins out this week because I’m afraid to scare her away. How would I cope with four baby blackbirds? Not very well I suspect.

I don’t suppose she and her babies will be there for very long and despite the inconvenience (and the mess, but let’s not go there right now) I’m glad we have given them a safe place to hatch. I do love living in the countryside.

Even those of us who live in Suffolk towns and villages are never far from a wide open space and a big sky view. We really are incredibly lucky and when better weather lands, as surely it must, I hope you have the opportunity and the means to get about to explore or simply admire our surroundings.

You may not have to go very far, unless your garden is out of bounds too!

In Touch

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

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: claydon@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

01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379 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 Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

We also publish In Touch with...

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

In Touch with...

AUGUST DEADLINE 10 JULY 2019 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

CLAYDON & BARHAM CHURCH FETE With forecasts of high winds and heavy rain causing many events in the area to be cancelled or relocated, we are extremely grateful to those who turned out before and on the day to ensure that our 72nd Church Fete was not another casualty.

The forecasts proved to be accurate and it was a real battle against the elements to set the fete up safely. However, at five minutes before start time on Saturday 8 June the wind dropped and the sun shone and the car park quickly filled. The many people who ventured out were rewarded with a very pleasant afternoon and we had a very successful fete.

The fete, the Days Gone Exhibition and the tower tours raised in excess of £1,700. This will go towards our recently launched appeal to restore and enhance our ancient bells.

Over the weekend more than 60 people negotiated the narrow steps and ladders to get to the roof of the church tower to be rewarded with the fantastic views across Claydon and Barham and the Gipping Valley. Dozens more wallowed in the nostalgia of the hundreds of photos, documents and press cuttings on display in the church, or spent time learning about the community they have moved into.

Thanks to everyone who supported our efforts.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2019 A big thank-you to everyone who offered their time to collect on behalf of Christian Aid this year, to everyone who donated and to Mick for finding so many volunteers. We have raised an impressive £1,259.71. We were unfortunately unable to cover some of our roads again this year, so apologies if you didn’t get an envelope. If you would still like to donate this is possible via: www.caweek.org Michelle

DEMENTIA COFFEE MORNING AT HENLEY The coffee morning on June 1 was a great success. Thanks must go to all who attended and to those who brought cakes and other items to sell. We had an amazing team who kept everything running smoothly.

I was so grateful to them. Thanks to some generous donations, the total raised came to £413, far beyond expectations. Now, with your help The Dementia Group can look forward to another excellent year.

Janet Dines

SALVATION ARMY CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE Despite the awful weather on Saturday, June 8, more than 20 bikers turned out to support the annual Stowmarket Salvation Army Charity Motorbike Ride. Organisers this year were worried about the weather conditions, so were delighted by the support shown on the day. Marshalls and riders braved the rain and wind to have an enjoyable morning in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, welcomed back with hot coffee and a delicious BBQ. A total of £280 was raised which will be used to help purchase a defibrillator, a vital piece of equipment to help save lives. If you require any details about the annual ride, please contact: jenny.johnson@salvationarmy.org.uk

3

NEWS BARHAM PARISH COUNCIL

CLAYDON & WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL

The parish council have had the village bench at the bottom of Barham Church Lane repaired due to the seat becoming rotted through. The bench will also be stained to ensure it is protected. During this time, the council also noted that the village sign was looking tired so after receiving quotes for repainting the sign it was agreed to give the job to a local businessman.

Village Historian Suffolk Local History Council runs a Recorders Scheme throughout Suffolk.

They administer a network of volunteers to ensure that the ‘present’ is adequately recorded at local level for the ‘future’. A vacancy has arisen for the post in Claydon following the resignation of Trevor Messenger and we thank Trevor for all his hard work over many years.

Following this year’s district council elections there has been a change to our district representatives. Councillor Caston has moved to stand in Bramford and for the next four years Councillor Tim Passmore has been elected alongside Councillor John Whitehead for Barham. We have already been able to welcome Councillor Passmore to a parish council meeting and look forward to working with both councillors moving forward.

The Recorder notes significant happenings in the parish, collects the local parish magazine, leaflets, election pamphlets and newspaper cuttings. At the end of each year, they are asked to submit a short report to SLHC summarising the activities of their parish. If you are interested, please look at the Recorders Pack by visiting www.slhc.org.uk to acquaint yourself with the guidelines of the scheme. You don’t need to be a historian or have 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

There were no county council elections this year. Councillor John Field continues to represent Barham at county level.

Reporting Problems with Highways and Footpaths You can report a complete range of problems with roads and footpaths quickly and easily online at: https://tinyurl.com/y5rmtaok (a short link to the Suffolk County Council website) Please contact our parish clerk (details below) if you encounter any problems using the reporting tool or you would like further guidance. Reporting highways issues helps to keep the village environment in good order for both pedestrians and motorists.

Claydon Bottle Bank Following the recent change of landlord at the Greyhound, the parish council has received confirmation from the new management that they are happy for motorists to continue to use the car park when they visit the bottle bank.

They have left a space next to the bottle bank for people to park. Please ensure that you take away bags, boxes, etc. so that the area around the bottle bank is kept clean and tidy.

Meetings in July The next parish council meeting will be held on Monday 8 July at 7.30pm in Claydon & Barham Village Hall. Members of the community are very welcome to attend and opportunity will be given at the beginning of the meeting for them to speak on items included on the agenda or other issues about which they have concerns. Agendas will be available prior to the meeting from Parish Clerk Mrs C Greenan: 129 Poplar Hill, Stowmarket IP14 2AX / 07887 459989 / claywhit@btinternet.com For the latest news and information and other items of interest, please visit: Twitter @claywhitpc / www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net

A reminder that the exercise of public rights period started on Wednesday 12 June and will finish on Tuesday 23 July. This gives residents of the village the opportunity to inspect the parish’s accounts for 2018-2019. This can only take place with the financial officer and by an agreed appointment only.

Barham has a break from meetings during August and will return on Monday 2 September with a full council meeting starting at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. If you would like specific topics discussed at a meeting then please email the parish clerk. The agendas have to be published at least three clear working days before the meeting date, therefore any items received after this time would then be added to the next full council meeting.

Parish Clerk Jo Culley 07958 402335 / barhampc@outlook.com

HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL At the parish council AGM on May 21, Kevin Griggs was elected as chair for a further year and Steve Brock was elected deputy. Both were unopposed.

It was reported that Hastoe Housing is still looking for a suitable site for potential development of 30 new houses for the village. The site they had in mind originally is tied up in legal processes and won’t become available for quite some time, hence the need to look for alternatives. The parish council will keep people informed about this process. It was also noted that there was very widespread public opposition at the parish council meeting on March 12 to initial inquiries from a commercial developer about the field opposite Pearsons Place and the primary school.

The parish council clerk was asked to attend the planning appeal hearing on May 29, when arguments would be heard for and against the application from the owner of the Cross Keys pub for change of use to residential. The district council turned down this application last year and the appeal has reached the level of the national planning inspectorate. The outcome of the hearing is awaited; the parish council’s often-stated view is that the application should be refused.

The AGM was followed by the annual parish meeting. Reports were received from the chair of the parish council, district and county councillors, the bowls club, the community centre charity, the WI, HOGS, Henley Senior Citizens, Henley Players and others. All will be published on the website. The recent sad loss of Joyce Hornsby was marked by memories of her huge contribution to village life over very many years.

The next regular meeting of the parish council will be on Monday 22 July at 7.30pm in the community centre. All are welcome to attend.

You can find our privacy notice on the Henley website. If you have any questions about this or anything else to do with the parish council, don’t hesitate to contact us.

If you are not on our village email list and would like to be, just send a simple request to henleyparishcouncil@gmail.com or rodcaird@yahoo.co.uk and we will sort it out. And don’t forget to keep an eye from time to time on our own website where we publish all sorts of useful (we hope!) information and contacts.

Henley Parish Council Clerk Rod Caird: 07785 331217 www.henley.onesuffolk.net

4

In Touch online:

advertorial

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter.

A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed

double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems.

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution… Just replace the glass!!

If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118.

We will send out our highly

experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.

Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors.

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas.

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

FIXED FEES

when times are tough WE’RE WITH YOU...

Providing legal support for couples & families Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting, splitting up can be an emotional time. We can offer advice and support on how to settle your differences constructively.

We offer some fixed fee payment schemes for: • Divorce, separation and dissolution of civil partnerships • Disputes about children • Pre and post nuptial agreements • Agreements for unmarried couples

call 01473 232425

to book your FREE 45 minute appointment

sarah.lawrence@ashtonslegal.co.uk www.ashtonslegal.co.uk/fixedfees

Bury St Edmunds | Cambridge | Ipswich | Norwich | Thetford

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

5

NEWS GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD SCC Children’s Services ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted have given Suffolk County Council Children’s Services an ‘Outstanding’ rating, one of only seven to achieve this and a testament to the hard work of frontline staff. The council struggles to fill social worker vacancies, but work in such a highly regarded service should be attractive.

Care-leavers Accommodation BBC Newsnight reported a large number of care-leavers housed in unregulated accommodation. The figures for Suffolk were the fourth largest rising from 24 in 2009 to 113 in 2018. We were assured that there are support workers living on site or paying regular visits, that the council is fully aware of the risks and has the issues under control.

Scrutiny Scrutiny will set up Task and Finish groups to investigate education issues, such as home-to-school transport and SEND placements. I am working with the chair of Scrutiny to get these up and running and open to the public and the press.

Our June meeting was dedicated to Elective Home Education where there is a fear that some schools faced with challenging pupils are ‘Off Rolling’ them to improve the school’s educational ratings. We will be doing more work on this.

Our July meeting will cover the poor progress on the production of education, health and care plans, a significant part of the county’s SEND performance issue.

New System for Sponsored Bus Services Funding for sponsored bus services will be fixed by a new system devised by a cross-party panel. It will consider:

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Suffolk Show 2019 Our team was back at the Suffolk Show in the Suffolk Waste Partnership marquee. This year the theme of the display was Wonderful Waste Free Woodland. Local schools kindly donated foxes, owls, deer and other woodland creatures which they had crafted out of waste materials.

There were plenty of activities to take part in, including a litter pick of a woodland floor, a crafting table where old CDs were transformed into owls and a quiz about rubbish and recycling. As well as answering questions about energy-from-waste and inviting people to open days and tours, SUEZ brought along a cycle-powered scalextric track where visitors could use the electricity they generated from pedalling a bike to race a car around a track.

Over the two days more than 4,000 people visited the marquee. We had a great time this year and are already looking forward to next year’s show.

Come and have a look around Are you interested in finding out how your household waste is turned into energy? We are hosting a series of open days throughout the upcoming months. We have places available on the following dates: 19 July at 10am, 6 August at 6pm, 28 August at 2pm, 9 September at 10am and 24 October at 6pm. There are up to 20 spaces available on each day, and pre-booking is essential. Email suffolkefw.uk@suez.com or call 01473 839149 to enquire about a space. Can’t make the dates? We host tours for groups or five or more people, or alternatively we can contact you when our next open days are scheduled.

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 To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

• Number of single passenger journeys per day of operation • Percentage of Concessionary Travel Scheme journeys • Number of entitled students on bus route • Type of service, days operated and alternative services • Integration with commercial bus services • Average cost per passenger journey Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s Local Plan The Local Plan starts with an estimate of the housing need in the Ipswich area and defines a hierarchy of settlements and policies that will allocate development to areas and villages.

A series of councillor meetings have looked at the draft text, but not the plans or detailed allocation of housing. The time was short, but I hope we were thorough.

We did find a number of issues and asked for the text to be cleaned up to remove ambiguity and errors that make it difficult to understand. It’s important you know what it means. Consultation should start in late June.

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

HENLEY SENIOR CITIZENS A group of singers from Pop Chorus gave us a very entertaining afternoon on 15 May. They mingled with the members and had extra song sheets for us to join in the singing, which was readily done.

The choir was formed seven years ago and have divided themselves into six separate locations including Ipswich, Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Burstall. They have performed both in The Regent and Corn Exchange in Ipswich and this year are performing at Latitude. Over the years they have raised thousands of pounds for various charities.

Their aim is now to visit care homes and organisations to entertain as they did for our club. We would highly recommend them and communication can be made through Jemma Addicott: 01473 832646

6

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP As a follower of our charity you may be aware of the recent interest in the Chernobyl Disaster revitalised due to the broadcasting of the Chernobyl miniseries on Sky TV. We can tell you the mini-series is very factual and what you saw is very close to reality. The producers made great efforts to stay true to the facts.

We were extremely proud to have been honoured by a visit from one of the few surviving First Responders from the Chernobyl Disaster. Colonel Andrei Mizko (retired) was one of the helicopter pilots sent in to try to put out the fire by dropping sand and other materials directly into the reactor. Many died and of those surviving few are able to travel to the west to tell the true story.

On 18 June Colonel Mizko gave a talk revealing the events of that terrible night when he was dragged from his bed and sent into Chernobyl, and the events that unfolded from then on. In this live witness account from a true Chernobyl hero, Colonel Mizko also talked about the surviving firefighters and others who were directly involved in the tragedy, together with information about those still having to live with the after effects.

Such is the power of television that tickets were almost sold out within a week of our announcing the talk.

I am told by friends in Belarus that the series is getting top rating, but as told to me: “It is very sad, no one wants to watch it but we must, it is our history and our future”.

At the time you will be reading this newsletter the summer group of children will have arrived and we will be doing our very best to ensure they go home with forever memories of their time in the UK with us, all thanks to the support of people such as yourselves.

On behalf of the children, a massive thank-you very much!

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidusffolk.org.uk FB: @Ccllmidsuffolk

In Touch online:

IPSWICH MR MISTY.pdf

1

06/04/2019

09:08

WE SPECIALISE IN DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS, CALL FOR YOUR FREE CHECK UP

I P S W I CH

Mr Misty ‘The W indow Doctor’ is a family run busines s that prides itself in exceptional customer care.

W e promise easy service from start to finish.

DOES YOUR DOUBLE GLAZING STEAM UP? WE REPLACE JUST THE GLASS AND NOT THE FRAMES AT A FRACTION OFTHE COST FOR NEW WINDOWS

C

M

PROBLEMS WE SOLVE

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

ELIMINATE WINDOW CONDESATION

SECONDARY GLAZING TO BLOCK OUT NOISE

BROKEN WINDOW PARTS

LOCKS

BROKEN GLASS

FAULTY HINGES

K

COMMON SUMMER TIME PROBLEM

LAWN MOWER STONE CHIPS & BROKEN GLASS

FREE PHONE : 0800 25 45 111 FOR YOUR FREE CHECKUP WWW.MRMISTY.CO.UK

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

7

8

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

CLAYDON & BARHAM VILLAGE HALL

Church Lane, Claydon IP6 0EG

Monday 1 Crafts Addicts

Barham PC meeting

Monday: Abicise HIIT Class (07963 566794), 6-6.45pm

DATES FOR JULY 1-4pm 7-10pm

Wednesday 3 BMM Panto Read-through

7.30-10pm

Thursday 4 Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Wednesday: Bingo / Pool League in the Compton Lounge / Bar Open 7-11.30pm

Friday 5 Moo Music

Gipping School of Dance

10am-noon 4-6pm

Thursday: Street Dance for Young People, 6.30-8pm

Sunday 7

Noon-4pm

Friday: Karate (all ages) 4-7pm / Weight Watchers in the Compton Lounge 5.30-6.30pm – entry via the rear gate on the school side of the community centre / Bar Open 7pm-midnight.

Monday 8 Claydon PC Meeting

7.30-9pm

Tuesday 9 Women’s Institute

7-10pm

Wednesday 10 BMM Panto Auditions

6.30-10pm

Thursday 11 Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 12 Moo Music

Gipping School of Dance

10am-noon 4-6pm

Monday 15 Crafts Addicts

Claydon PC Meeting

1-4pm 7.15-9pm

Wednesday 17 Private Hire

9am-noon

Thursday 18 Silver Surfers Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 19 Moo Music

Gipping School of Dance

10am-noon 4-6pm

Thursday 25 Sunshine Service Silver Surfers Slimming World

10am-noon 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Monday 29 Crafts Addicts

1-4pm

Tuesday: Karate (all ages) 4-7pm / Pool League in the Compton Lounge / Carpet Bowls in the hall / Ladies Darts, Crib (the card game) with single and double teams in the East Suffolk League / Bar Open 7pm-midnight

Money Box is drawn on Friday evenings at approximately 10pm. It starts with 15 keys and the prize increases each week until it is won. Tickets to win the key are just £1.

Saturday: Co-Op Juniors Dance Company (www.coopjuniors.co.uk) from 9am-noon / Bar Open 7pm-midnight.

Sunday: Bar Open noon-4.30pm / Christmas Saving Club and a Traditional Meat Draw.

Pool Table: Three games for only £1. Usual playing etiquette rules.

We have several popular lagers and real ales, plus soft drinks, wines and spirits (including the latest gins) at very competitive prices (cheapest in the locality).

The Main Hall and Compton Lounge are available for hire.

Contact: claydonandbcc@gmail.com / 01473 831805 Sunday 7 July: Poker Open Event. Registration 1pm, shuffle deal 2pm. Buy-in £20 plus £5 bounty. Starting chips 30,000.

Saturday 20 July, 7.30pm: Karaoke (Padman)

GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA Firstly, a massive thank-you for everyone’s ongoing support. We have received some lovely feedback in person, in our guest book and on Facebook.

Our Facebook page has reached 200 likes and some of our posts are being seen by more than 1,000 people. Please do like and follow our page if you are able and help spread word of Great Blakenham Cinema. All of this would not be possible without the fantastic volunteer crew, who really are the most amazing bunch of people. Fran, Gill, Jen, Larry and Mike, without you the show really couldn’t go on. Thank you for making the cinema a reality.

Stan and Ollie is our film of the month for July and I am very much looking forward to seeing it. I have heard great reviews and anything with Laurel and Hardy is surely worth a go. Our charity for July is the amazing East Anglian Air Ambulance. As well as cakes there will be merchandise for sale to help raise funds for their life saving work.

We are so pleased to do half price entry in August. The film has been voted and after receiving 64 per cent of the votes we will be showing Lego Movie 2.

Please don’t forget to add our future screening dates for 2019 to your diary: 15 September, 13 October and 1 December.

Tickets on the door are £4 for adults and £3 for under-18s. A warm welcome awaits at Great Blakenham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham, IP6 0NJ. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start.

Should you have any film suggestions, be happy to help out or have any queries, please do get in touch via our Facebook page or with Becky on 07852 472082 / greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

Private Hire

Please visit the Claydon and Barham website and use the online booking process. Follow the notes on the bookings page. If you have a problem please contact us at: cbvillagehall@btinternet.com / Geoff 01473 836972

CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Friday 12 July, 3.20-5.30pm Come and Join the fun in this year’s summer fete!

Barbecue, Teddy Tombola, Cake Stall, Class Hampers, Sweet Tombola and Face Painting to name a few!

Grand draw with cash prizes!

See you there!

BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS BE PART OF THE FUN! If you are interested in being part of Bar-Clay Music Makers’ next production, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, please note two important diary dates: the read-through on Wednesday 3 July at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall and auditions, also in the Village Hall, a week later (10 July) in two sessions: junior/senior chorus at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

For more information about the production and how you can be involved, contact Vera on 01473 836972 or email vera.rogers1@btinternet.com

9

OUT & ABOUT HENLEY MOTHERS’ UNION For our May meeting we gathered in the church vestry to listen to our speaker, Mary Payne. She gave us a wonderful informative talk on the time that her husband The Rev Philip Payne, their son and herself lived on the Falkland Islands. We gained a real sense of the remoteness, the sheer beauty of the landscape and of the variety of bird life, with some wonderful pictures including her favourites, the penguins.

Many members attended the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Joyce Hornsby. I have the service sheet next to me as I write, with a picture of the young vibrant Joyce on the cover, a snap in time of someone who touched so many lives. The respect, gratitude and thanks for this lady poured throughout the service. How wonderful would it be if I could be just half the person she was.

The MU Thy Kingdom Come service was held in Coventry Cathedral at the end of May. Some members were able to attend and were lucky enough to meet Sherman Harper, the new world wide president. She is the first person not from the UK to hold this title.

Our June meeting brought us together for Bible Study with The Rev Carl. We looked at 1 John 4: 7-21 – God’s Love and Ours. Questions were asked and we discussed the passage. It proved to be more complicated than at first glance as we looked in detail at the individual verses. As I reflect it brings me back to part of my Thy Kingdom Come prayers from the previous week, with the line ‘May your love be seen to all through your Church’.

Alex Pratt

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: 2 July, 30 July, 27 August, 24 September, 22 October, 19 November, 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: 12 July, 9 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 29 November, 27 December

Henley Players presents….

Henley Juniors workshop 2019 A fun and interactive workshop for young people aged 8-16 to improve performance skills and confidence.

There will be 3 x 6 hour workshop sessions, 10:3016:30, leading up to a final showcase performance.

Enrollment will take place on Saturday 27th July at Henley Community Centre Cost of the whole workshop is £25 which includes Henley Juniors T-shirt.

Workshop dates: 13th, 14th & 15th August 2019 Showcase date: Sunday 18th August 2019 For further details and to register your interest, please contact Henleyjuniorsworkshop@gmail.com

CLAYDON & BARHAM WI Richard Lewis, whose tomato growing expertise brought him to Suffolk two years ago to manage the amazing high tech glasshouses that lie between Bramford and Great Blakenham, was our speaker in June. The science involved in the production of this popular fruit was fascinating.

He also brought samples of all the varieties for us to try and take home with us – yum yum.

Our WI is taking part in the Suffolk East Centenary Windmill Trail. All WIs in the area are making a windmill and displaying it in their towns or villages. Part of the fun is visiting and spotting where they are located. A clue to where you can find our windmill is that you could book a trip to Amsterdam at the same time!

This month we will also be celebrating our centenary with lunch at the Claydon Hotel with many of our old and new members attending. We hope this will be a lovely event.

We meet in Claydon Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm. For further information call Sue on 01473 831396, or just pop along on the night where you will get a warm welcome.

COFFEE MORNING AT ST PETER’S COURT, CLAYDON First Tuesday of every month There are table top sales and raffles and all the money raised goes to the Air Ambulance.

10

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

11

OUT & ABOUT Looking after you and your family...

Our private client team offers individuals a high level of personal service, tailored to your needs, ensuring you have peace of mind.

Wills and Trusts Lasting Powers of Attorney Probate Disputes

Probate and Estates Court of Protection Financial Planning

Contact us today to make an appointment: enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com www.ellisonssolicitors.com

01473 556900 Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ

Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUP Book Club We meet at 10.30am on the last Thursday of the month at The Crown (Hungry Horse) in Claydon for an interesting discussion on the chosen book. We have a few spaces for new members so do come along.

Knitting Group We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10.30am noon in the lounge at Alasdair Place, Claydon. We are currently knitting lap blankets for St Elizabeth Hospice and hats and blankets for the premature baby unit at West Suffolk Hospital, with more projects to come. If anyone has any wool they no longer require, it would be gratefully received at one of our meetings.

Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club This group has gone from strength to strength. We meet at noon on the first Friday of the month at Gt Blakenham Parish Room. A two course lunch costs £4, plus the optional raffle ticket for £1. Anyone who has difficulty with transport can arrange a lift by contacting: Reverend Carl 833542; Ann 831031; Pauline 830723; Dorothy 830906.

Gipping Valley Art Society We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4pm in Gt Blakenham Parish Room.

We use our own materials and have our own projects, with Mike Wootton, our president, on hand to give us helpful advice and assistance where needed.

Weather permitting, we go outdoor sketching locally on the last Friday of the month. We have plans to visit Flatford Mill and The Munnings Museum at Dedham to view the Munnings First World War art on loan from the Canadian Museum during the summer, together with other projects. We will have a stand in St Mary’s Church, Gt Blakenham on 13 July for their Summer Fete, where original art will be on sale at a price to suit all pockets.

The Walk ‘n’ Talk Group We meet on the second Thursday of the month, weather permitting, in the car park of The Crown (Hungry Horse) and go for walks lasting approximately 1.5 hours along local footpaths and bridleways. All welcome, together with dogs. Afterwards we enjoy the hospitality of The Greyhound for coffee and cake. Do come along and enjoy our local countryside and a chat.

RIVER GIPPING TRUST It’s that time of year when Himalayan Balsam starts appearing along the River Gipping.

Himalayan Balsam is a non-native, invasive plant species which grows so quickly that it crowds out native wildflowers. Clearing Himalayan Balsam benefits both native plants and animals. Its stems are easy to pull out and leave the ground with a very pleasing ‘pop’ which makes it a fun family activity. We are seeking volunteers both young and old to help remove the plants along the river before it has a chance to go to seed. Volunteers are being asked to take just five minutes out of their walk to pull up the stems, snap off the root and stomp down on it to speed up the rotting process. It has reddish stems and pink-purple flowers. Our volunteers have already removed thousands this year, but there are millions left! For a free information pack and free gloves visit: www.waterways.org.uk/himalayanbalsam Later into July and August the trust is planning a major restoration project at Pipps Ford lock. To complete the lock structure, ready for lock gates, we need to install a temporary steel piling just in front and just behind the lock so that we can pump out all the water in the lock between the two steel pilings. We need the lock empty to make provision for the easy installation and removal of stop planks so the Environment Agency can better manage the river levels and flows. The trust has installed stop plank facilities at each of the four locks between Needham Market and Baylham. Pipps Ford is the only lock in this stretch of the river that has no flow control facility.

You’ll find work progress photos and more information on Himalayan Balsam on our Facebook page. www.Rivergippingtrust.org.uk

12

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society (IDHTS) is seeking to appoint a replacement chairperson. The current chairman, Martyn Hunt, is retiring after holding this position since September 1996.

The volunteer position is open to anyone, preferably with a transport interest. You will head up a buoyant and very successful local society with an extremely supportive committee.

Recently the society appealed successfully for a replacement secretary and subsequently appointed David Kerridge.

Interested parties should contact Martyn Hunt (01473 422145) or David Kerridge (01473 424904).

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks throughout the year cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Our guest speaker on June 5 was musician and broadcaster Sandy Burnett who set toes tapping with a musical journey into The Age of Jazz.

Talks resume on September 4 when Anne Haworth presents Porcelain for the Chinese Emperors, preceded by our Annual General Meeting We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. The meeting begins at 2.05pm and lasts about an hour with tea and coffee are available from 1.30pm.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Join us on the last Wednesday every month (excluding July & August) for a three-course lunch followed by an interesting speaker and a prize raffle. On the second Wednesday we meet for coffee and a chat.

In July and August, and at Christmas, our wives, partners and friends are invited to join us. They also accompany us to theatres, shows, musicals and trips to places of interest in East Anglia and beyond.

Why not come and meet other gentlemen, all retired or semi-retired and from a wide range of careers, interests and backgrounds?

Our objective is to provide fellowship for members and their families.

Prospective new members are always welcome and there is no requirement to have belonged to any other organisation previously.

If you wish to join us, as a guest initially, or require further details, please contact our secretary, Malcolm Kemp: 07711 689130 / secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD We had a lovely time in June at Freston House Gardens which were especially opened for us. This month’s meeting is on Monday 1 July at the Guide and Scout Headquarters in Ship Lane, Bramford. The meeting starts at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome to come along and see what we do.

20 YEARS OF FOREST THEATRE MAGIC In July, rehearsals begin for Red Rose Chain’s most ambitious summer season yet as the company celebrate the 20th anniversary of its open-air spectacular, Theatre in the Forest, with their fresh take on Romeo & Juliet.

Starting out in 1999 as a one-night event held in the depths of Rendlesham forest, Theatre in the Forest has exploded into the region’s largest outdoor theatre event, beloved by tens of thousands of audience members and regarded by The Stage as ‘Regents Park for the East’.

Every summer, families, fans and first-timers all venture together into the event’s woodland home at Jimmy’s Farm to experience Shakespeare as they’ve never seen it before thanks to the vision of Artistic Director Joanna Carrick who specialises in making the magic of Shakespeare accessible and fun for all-ages while staying true to the original text.

Joanna plans to make this summer the biggest and best yet, adding: “At a time when our young people are starting to make their voices heard about climate change and injustice, this play – which challenges the wisdom of our elders and promotes peace and tolerance between warring factions is extremely apt and appropriate. Whether you are new to the story or have seen it many times, there are always great truths in this play as well as passion, hilarity tragedy and love. Our extraordinary cast are going to take the show by storm with a back drop of 1960’s mods and rockers rebels. I can’t wait!”

On 24 August, the final Saturday of the run, the company are also throwing a big birthday bash before the show begins to celebrate with all the audience members. Free to ticket holders, the party includes birthday cake and lemonade for everybody, plus all the musical hits of the 1960s and the chance to come dressed up as a Mighty Mod (from House Montague) or a Raucous Rocker (from House Capulet).

The location of Jimmy’s Farm offers audience members the chance to explore the wildlife park during the day, and eat in the award-winning restaurant on the evenings pre-theatre dinners are available, or dine al fresco and bring your own picnic (and camping chairs) for that extra festival feel.

When they’re not putting their stamp on Shakespeare, Red Rose Chain have an exciting programme of events and community work going on all year round inside their studio theatre venue, The Avenue, located just a few minutes’ walk from Ipswich Train Station. The Avenue is quickly becoming a hot-spot comedy and live music venue for the town, giving Suffolk audiences the chance to see big names like Henning Wehn and Mark Thomas in a much more intimate and cosy space.

Whatever your plans this summer, make Theatre in the Forest your mustsee holiday adventure this July/August.There has never been a better time to discover what all the fuss is about!

Romeo & Juliet runs at Jimmy’s Farm from 31 July to 25 August.

For more details and to book: www.redrosechain.com/theatre-in-the-forest / 01473 603388

GIRLS HAVE FUN Are you aged between five and seven years?

Bramford Rainbows meet on Mondays from 5.30-6.30pm in the Scout & Guide Head Quarters opposite the Victory Hall. Come and join us for crafts, cooking and lots of fun.

For more information contact Helen: 07733 070012 We would love to see you.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

13

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB

CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL

The club is open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room.

This month we would like to share with you what our children in Key Stage 2 have been doing. The celebration of reading continues to be a particular focus. Among other things we have had a Pyjamarama Day where children read with each other across the year groups and swapped books, culminating with a Read with your Child session. In response to a request from younger pupils to have older pupils reading to them at lunch time, we have introduced our Reading Tree so that KS2 children can read to KS1 pupils under our large cherry tree, which has been very popular.

Our June meetings have not yet taken place at the time of writing so more of this next month. This month’s meetings will be on July 10, a social afternoon with Sandra, and our summer party on July 24 before our summer break.

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 The club is open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm every Monday from February to December (other than bank holidays).

Our Summer Sewing workshop in June involved making picnic table and plant pot mats and coasters. Our July project is A Bit of Bling.

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

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB This month’s meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 24 July at Woolpit Village Hall, when Helen Bird from Marks Tey will present a demonstration entitled Made to Measure. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Also this month, the East of England Area of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arranging Societies) will be holding a summer show at the Jubilee Centre, Mildenhall from 10am to 4.30pm on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July, with free entry.

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB

Another particular focus has been outdoor learning. This has involved making the most of our fantastic grounds. Year 5 made quadrats using hazel harvested from our coppiced trees to study the biodiversity of different habitats. Pupils enjoyed a whole school outdoor learning Day in May which involved den building, art, co-ordinates and measuring, minibeast hunting and reading.

Year 4 enjoyed an exciting and informative visit to Minsmere as part of their science topic, All Living Things. Over the duration of two days they embraced a range of activities to help them to learn more about habitats, food chains, minibeast classification and changes to the coastline – participating in pond dipping, bird watching, mini-beast hunting and a walk to the beach. They completed their first overnight stay away with school at Blaxhall Youth Hostel, where the weather stayed dry enough to have some fun at the park and a muddy adventure in the nearby pit.

Year 3 have been enjoying learning about cooking and nutrition. They have learnt how to shape and make bread as well as tasting crepes and developing their cutting, snipping and grating skills to prepare ingredients for their pizzas.

Year 6 have a busy time ahead, which includes a range of transition activities in preparation for Year 7, our Crucial Crew trip to The Mix in Stowmarket and preparing for our traditional leavers’ service at Barham Church in July.

Our May 100 Club draw took place on 23 May, a week early due to the May half term.

The winners were: 1: Lisa Robinson (20) 2: Cara Lee (58) 3: Marie Smith (81) A donation of £26 was made to the pre-school thanks to your support. 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 email.

Thank you to all those lovely people who continue to support us. We are very grateful.

Have you seen our baby elephant in Sailmakers shopping precinct? In May we had an Elmer Day when children wore brightly coloured clothes and brought donations to raise money to sponsor our Claydon Primary School baby elephant in aid of Saint Elizabeth’s Hospice.

Assistant Headteacher/KS2 Phase Leader Lesley Etchingham

CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mother’s Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 28 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers, grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five.

Entry is just £1.50 per family.

This month we meet on Thursdays 4 and 11 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.

This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Layne, Amelie, Thomas and Marnie-Mae who all celebrate in July.

Michelle

14

In Touch online:

ClaydonTiling Ltd CERAMIC TILER Shaun Richardson 4 Rowan Close, Claydon, Suffolk IP6 0RD

Tel: 01473 831247 Mob: 07810 291157

E: claydontilingltd@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

15

SCHOOLS / SPORT STONHAM ASPAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL

We are now into the last half of the summer term which means we are nearing the end of another academic year. The children are working hard and achieving great things as you will see below.

We can’t believe this school year is nearly finished. There has been lots of work getting the children who are leaving us ready for their new venture to ‘big’ school. We will be sorry to see them go. In the meantime, all the children are enjoying being in the garden and watching all the fruit and vegetables continue to grow as well as being able to enjoy some of these at snack time.

Year 6 SATS The children coped extremely well with their SATS and impressed us all with their perseverance, independence and resilience. They made us very proud, well done to all in Year 6.

Year 4 Tennis Tournament A team of four went to Debenham Leisure Centre on Tuesday 21 May to attend the High Suffolk Tennis Tournament. The children did incredibly well.

The girls won all their matches and the boys only conceded one game. They finished as overall winners and came away with gold medals. This was a very impressive achievement and well done to the team.

Cross-country, Wednesday 22 May Three of our cross-country competitors got through to the county finals and had to race again in some quite difficult terrain. Each did well and should feel proud of their achievements. Noah came second in his age group which is extremely impressive. Well done to all the children.

Class 4 Sharing Assembly Thank you to all the parents and carers who were able to come along to the Class 4 sharing assembly. The children were very impressive in the way they shared what they have been learning about. It was a difficult task for me to remember and celebrate all that they had learnt.

Non-uniform Day On Friday 24 May we raised £263.10 for Cancer Research.

Headteacher Mrs Sharon Waldron

CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL As another incredibly busy academic year nears its end, there is just time to catch up on what has been happening and what we can look forward to in the last few weeks of term.

Year 11 students have now left school and while it is sad to see them go, I am very proud of their successes and achievements, both personal and academic, over the last five years and I wish them all the very best for the future.

Students have enjoyed trips to the University of Suffolk for careers and taster days. Food and Business students participated in the Food and Farming Fair at Hollow Trees Farm, where, supported by more than 50 farming professionals, they had the chance to explore this industry as a career choice. Language students visited Cambridge University to experience university-style language teaching in French and Spanish. Duke of Edinburgh students completed their qualifying expedition for the Bronze Award and we have had two overseas trips, one to the Battlefields of Belgium and France and the other to Poland to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, both very poignant trips, particularly as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.

The arts faculty has been particularly busy this term as staff are preparing for the GCSE Art, Textiles and Design Technology Exhibition. Practice is underway for field and track events ahead of sports day and drama and music rooms are buzzing with the sound of students rehearsing for the upcoming production of Schools Will Rock You on July 9 and 10. We look forward to updating you with more news of this in the next edition; tickets are now on sale from our school reception.

We still have many events, such as the Community Tea Party, Praise Tea Party, Year 5 Arts Festival, Year 6 Induction Day and Sports Award Evening to look forward to before we break up. The PTA have also organised a Quiz Night on 4 July, 7-9pm at the school. Please do join us, your support at these events is greatly appreciated.

If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term.

Headteacher Ms M Taylor

16

Summer Fete: Saturday 29 June, 11am-2pm Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun at our annual summer fete. There will be lots to do and see including a magic show and balloon modelling from Mr Bean Entertainments. We hope to see you there.

As we are open throughout each of the school holidays, we have the option to take children up to five for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. If you would like to book days during the summer holidays (25 July to 3 September), please contact the administration assistant for more details.

Don’t forget that from September 2017 the government introduced an additional 15 hours funding for working parents of three and four year olds.

You can check your eligibility at Childcare Choices and also register for the childcare vouchers scheme.

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

TALES FROM THE 19TH HOLE Thirteen HOGS played at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club in late May. Held earlier in the calendar than usual, the autumnal leafy course was substituted with a sunny vista and pleasant cooling breeze. Odd numbers meant that the first team out would have an extra person – they would be subject to a six point reduction from their team score to make things fair in this ‘Team Shambles’ competition.

This format allows all players to move their ball to the position of the best tee shot when playing their second shot, after that you complete the hole in the normal fashion; the best two scores of each hole being recorded as the team score. This results in slightly disingenuous individual scores, but allows everybody the opportunity to keep in the game should their own tee shots go astray.

Tim and Steve benefitted greatly on the day with Scott driving long and true for most of the round, several exceeding 300 yards. The team of four got off to a good start, but knew that they would have to maximise every shot as they were effectively starting off with minus six on the scorecard. They helped their cause immensely on the twelfth hole, scoring eight points thanks to Peter holing with a 25 yard chip and run, followed by a 20 foot putt from the apron by Keith.

The HOGS wine store must have been in good shape because we were playing for not one, but two nearest the pin prizes. Terry Aldiss was the winner on the second hole and Nick Medlan at the ninth. Despite Scott’s driving prowess, he blew up on the hole that mattered, allowing Nick to win a prize double at the longest drive eighteenth.

The team competition was the closest that we have seen for a long while.

Paul, Simon and Terry scored 82 points while Brian, Grahame and Nick got 85, just one point behind Scott, Steve and Tim. The group of four – Keith, Mike, Pete and Shaun – amassed 93 points so just maintained the lead by a solitary point after that six point reduction.

The next event will be our annual weekend away at Dunston Hall where 14 golfers will compete over two days and enjoy the hospitality at one of our favourite fixtures in the programme.

Individual scores are noted as: Shaun 46, Nick 43, Keith, Tim and Terry 38, Scott 37, Paul 36, Mike and Steve 34, Brian and Pete 33, Grahame and Simon 29.

In Touch online:

SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB By the time you read this, Rafa will have been crowned King of Clay at the French Open and Wimbledon will be upon us.

With a bit of luck Andy Murray may be back in action in the doubles and Jo Konta will also be flying the flag for the Brits. However, don’t just watch the tennis, come and have a go! We welcome all ability levels and have special membership rates for first time members. As a member of the club you also have a chance to win options on tickets for Wimbledon 2020 so come and join us today.

Great British Tennis Weekend Following the success of our free tennis day in May, we are putting on a further free open day on Saturday 20 July between 11am and 2pm. Why not join us for fun competitions, to our coach, try some tennis cardio workouts or even take on our ball machine challenge? Our exclusive special introductory membership offers will also be available on the day with adult membership starting from just £25/year and juniors from just £10/year.

Team Challenge Following our highly successful Tennis for Kids programmes we will be running several fun junior tennis activity sessions throughout the holidays.

Each session will be a mix of tennis themed games with players grouped into teams and the winning team claiming the right to lift the Team Challenge trophy! Prizes and certificates will be on offer too. Go to the club website for further information and to book your place.

To find out more please contact our coach, Carl Douglas, on 07553 966380 or visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB The Stowmarket League outdoor season is now in full swing with the usual set of mixed results. Monday A had a great start with three wins in four games, while the B team had their first win at Woodfield. Tuesday A played seven and won four, while the B team played and won one and the C team played seven and won four.

The Wednesday team have started strongly in defence of their title, winning five of their seven games for 33 points. Our Thursday team is enjoying their bowling and hoping for an improvement on last year’s results.

We have become a wildlife friendly bowls club! Inspired by Amazing Grace Hedgehog Sanctuary, one of whose main sponsors is Dr Brian May, we have installed a hedgehog escape ramp thanks to John Cook. Photos have also gone to Poppy’s Creche at Forward Green who I believe have passed them on to the East Anglian Daily Times. Amazing Grace commented: “We Love Your Ramp”.

IT’S COMING HOME Saturday 8 June was the Queen’s official birthday with Trooping the Colour ending with the flypast. With my son and a neighbour, we went to find a spot where we could see the planes that formed the flypast in Suffolk. We parked up, a little early perhaps, but some time later another couple of cars turned up indicating something would be happening. When the rain stopped a couple of guys got out of their car with a radio in one hand and a phone in another. I suspected the phone was giving information on the whereabouts of the planes. So we got out and I asked if there was any clue as to when we might see anything. The phone was indeed showing a map with a live update of where the planes were and we waited patiently. Thankfully the rain held off so we could be outside to see the Queen’s plane, four Eurofighter Typhoons and the Red Arrows. It wasn’t many minutes before we were watching the Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace via the live stream on YouTube.

Having heard that this event would be happening I wanted to see it so I acted accordingly. The Bible speaks not only of creation and the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, but also His return to this earth one day. Just as there were clues to the coming of the planes, others turning up, radio and phone in hand and updates from the phone, so the Bible tells of things that will happen before the return of Jesus. Perhaps you have heard the good news about Jesus and have acted in faith to be ready for when He comes.

Perhaps you haven’t heard or know what to do to be ready.

There are opportunities to ask and find out more as we have an open day at the church on Friday 26 July. There will be activities, games, refreshments and more from 10am to 4pm, followed by a BBQ. So why not come along for some or all of the day? We would love to see you.

WEEKLY EVENTS Monday Fortnightly: Little Owls Toddler Group, 10am-noon on July 1 and 15 Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 7.30-8.30pm Wednesday: Coffee Morning, 10am-noon. All welcome.

Thursday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon For more information contact Michael: 01473 839785 / admin@blakenhambaptist.org.uk www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

Sunday 21 July is President’s Day, when the president’s team plays a captain’s team, with teams drawn on the day. The friendlies against Coney Weston are on Wednesday 28 August at Coney Weston and Wednesday 4 September at Needham. Both start at 2pm.

The draw for the club pairs and triples has been made; please consult the noticeboard to see who you are playing with and against. A date for the finals day has yet to be arranged. Any suggestions for events to fill up the day should be forwarded to Alistair. Suggestions have including a Roving Jack or a singles competition. You need to do something to earn your bacon sarnies!

Anyone wishing to discuss any aspect of NMBC can contact either Alistair Bailie on 01449 720759 or Pat Hadden 01473 831308.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

17

CHURCH NEWS THE CLAYDON GROUP OF CHURCHES The Church of England in Claydon and Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham We offer you a warm welcome to all our events and services.

For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact: Rector: The Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com www.claydonchurches.com

J-TEAM 2019 7-9 August at Barham Church. It’s not too late to book. Please visit our website and click JTEAM.

SERVICES IN JULY Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am Every Wednesday to August, there will be a service of Holy Communion at 10am at Barham Church.

Sunday 7 July – Trinity 3 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Prayer 11am family@blakenham 4.30pm families@4.30

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Barham Church

Sunday 14 July – Trinity 4 8am Holy Communion 9.30am family@henley 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion 4pm Pet Service

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Gt Blakenham Church

Sunday 21 July – Trinity 5 10am United Benefice Service

with licensing of new Elders Sunday 28 July – Trinity 6 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong Sunday 4 August – Trinity 7 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Prayer 11am family@blakenham 4.30pm families@4.30

Church Family Barbecue Lunchtime on Sunday 21 July at Barham Church. Come along for fellowship and food. Please contact Roger or Ann to book: 01473 831079 Visiting If you or anyone you know would like a visit from a member of our pastoral team, please get in touch with The Rev Carl, Rev Cathy or Rev Jenny. This might be at home or in hospital.

Lifts to Church If you’d like a lift to your local church, please contact The Rev Carl who can organise this for you.

FUTURE DATES

Barham Church

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Barham Church

Further services can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com Facebook / Twitter: The Claydon Group of Churches NEWS families@4.30: Our new congregation for families and young people, meeting on the first Sunday of the month at Barham Church. The next one will be held on 7 July and we have visiting puppets! We have loads of fun so why not come along and join us? (Note we take a break in August due to J-TEAM) Great Blakenham Village Fete and Doggy Day: St Mary’s Churchyard, Church and Parish Room, on Saturday 13 July from noon until 3pm. There will be loads of stalls with games, raffles, cakes, refreshments, ice cream and light lunch refreshments. There will be a chance to put someone in the stocks, enter the fantastic prize draw and show off your dog at the Doggy Day. There will be lots of fun items for dogs as well as humans, with groomers, dog toys, plus lots more.

18

Rectory Strawberry Tea Sunday 4 August, 2-5pm, The Rectory, Back Lane, Claydon. Music by Maggie and Stan with Strawberry Teas served. Tickets (£10) now on sale from Rev Carl or online at: www.ticketgun.com/events/rectory-garden-party

Saturday, July 13: Gt Blakenham Village Fete and Doggy Day Sunday, July 21: Family Barbecue, Barham Church (please book) Wednesday, July 24: St Peter’s Court Communion Friday, July 26: Vestry Night Out, Henley Vestry Sunday, August 4: Rectory Garden Party (see above) August 7-9: J-TEAM at Barham Church Saturday, August 10: Coffee Morning, Gt Blakenham Parish Room Sunday, September 1: families@4.30 Barham Church Friday, September 6: Henley Night Out, Henley Vestry Saturday, September 14: Ride and Stride Saturday, September 14: Coffee Morning, GB Parish Room Saturday, September 21: History with Roy Tricker at GB Church September 22: Harvest Festival, Barham Church LETTER FROM THE RECTOR You will note that my title has now changed! It has taken about 22 years to ‘legalise’ the position of Rector of Claydon again and now our group of churches are a legal benefice!

Each of our churches is unique and very different. The congregations differ and each church has its own character. Despite this, we are reminded that we are all in this together. Jesus Christ makes us one. Being ‘one’ doesn’t make us the same – we remain diverse and different, but one. This is what families are like too – diverse and different.

As we prepare to leave the EU, we should be reminded of our common humanity – that we are all one, although different and diverse. Our strength is not that we are all the same, or think the same, or act the same, but that we are different.

Jesus prayed that we ‘might be one’. He wasn’t praying that we would be robot, all thinking the same, but that in our diversity as a human race, we would find unity in the one true God. Why not join us as we discover more and more what that unity is like?

HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463

In Touch online:

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

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

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

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

19