In Touch with Copdock April 2020 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock & Washbrook and Tattingstone Volume 10 • Issue No. 5 • APRIL 2020

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Rebutia Mentosa, submitted by John Hayward

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events. There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful. We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months. Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward. There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app. Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory. We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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 Belstead, Bently, Copdock & Washbrook and Tattingstone is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

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Please recycle.

REDECORATION CELEBRATION St Peter’s Copdock, Friday 1 May at 7pm

In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall

We are celebrating the finish of our redecoration of the inside of the church and we’re delighted to say that William Saunders, an eminent local and international organist, has kindly said that he will come and play some fine light music for us, showing off the versatility of our church organ. This will be accompanied with enjoyable wine and a selection of nice chesses. At the same time you can view the rediscovered 15th century doorway found during the work. Entrance free – voluntary donations on the night. All welcome.

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Tuesday 7 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

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PENINSULAR PIX The next Peninsular Pix production has been postponed due to the Coronavirus. Please see next month’s edition for an update.

NEWS HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY GP and staff training afternoons Our next training afternoons will be Thursday 2 April and Wednesday 6 May. The practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions and book appointments/make enquiries at reception. However, there will be no clinical staff on site and our telephone lines will be switched over to the out of hours’ service to allow for staff training. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Change of staff and hours We are delighted to advise that two new members of staff will be joining our clinical team from 1 April. Kate Whiting and Emma May will be our new clinical care practitioners and will be seeing patients in the practice as well as covering the majority of home visits. They are both known to many of our patients as Kate has been our practice paramedic for the past nine months and Emma was formerly a district nurse covering the peninsula.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Coronavirus Update The Coronavirus situation is changing daily. Please ensure you keep up to date with the situation nationally and locally and follow the latest advice from Public Health England at: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public Our top priority at the practice is to remain open. In order to do this, we are screening patients to ensure that no patient who has been to an affected area and has Coronavirus symptoms, comes to the practice. Even a suspected case will result in the practice closing temporarily and having to deep clean the building before it can be reopened. If the patient subsequently tests positive, all those who were in proximity to the patient (e.g. other patients in the waiting room or staff who spoke to the patient) will need to be traced, isolated and tested.

We have tried to recruit a GP but have been unable to do so and we have had to look at alternative options to embrace the new ways of working encouraged by NHS England. Kate and Emma will be working alongside our GPs to provide appointments for a variety of minor illness conditions, similar to what a nurse practitioner would do in other practices. Our receptionists will be asking why you need to attend the practice, so please help them to direct you to the correct person first time by giving as much information as needed.

It may seem that we are being over-cautious, but I hope patients can see that the impact of a patient attending the practice with suspected Coronavirus is not only disruptive, but will also prevent the practice from providing urgent health care to patients if we need to close.

In order that the new clinical care practitioners have support and guidance from our GPs, we have had to move our clinics between our two sites. This will mean that from 14 April, Holbrook will shut at 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Shotley will remain open until 6.30pm. There will be no afternoon GP appointments at Holbrook during the week, other than emergency appointments on Friday afternoons. We know this may inconvenience some of our patients as they will need to travel to Shotley to be seen, for which we apologise. However, we are now facing the same problems experienced nationally with GP recruitment and are working with the resources available to us. The number of available appointments will remain the same overall.

During this period we continue to offer as normal a service as possible. Our telephone call back service means that many medical issues can be dealt with over the phone. Please also use our eConsult service for any non-urgent issues. You can send an eConsult request any time of the day and we will respond within 48 hours.

Please therefore be ultra-cautious. Follow advice from Public Health England and if you believe you may be at risk of contracting Coronavirus, stay at home and contact 111 for advice. Don’t come to the surgery.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please see our website for latest advice and details of our eConsult service.

Our primary aim is to continue to provide the high standard of service that we currently give so please bear with us while we get used to our new ways of working.

Training Days Please note that the practice will be closed for staff training from 1pm on Thursday 2 April, Wednesday 4 May and Wednesday 10 June. On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy but reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. Our phone lines will be closed for the afternoon. If you need medical assistance please contact 111. If your need is urgent then please dial 999 or attend your local A&E.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

We are working with the Peninsula Patient Network to minimise the impact on patients and would welcome your feedback.

BENTLEY COMMUNITY SHOP: Best Possible Service Bentley Stores is the place to be; All sorts of coffee, all sorts of tea, Sugar and milk and all sorts of sweets, Yes, Bentley Stores is the place to be. Bentley Stores is the one for me; Newspapers, cards and stationery, Medicines, hygiene and toiletries, Yes, Bentley Stores is the one for me. Bentley Stores, I tell you no lies; There’s cereals, pasta and all sorts of rice, Frozen foods, fish meat and pies, At Bentley Stores, I tell you no lies.

Bentley Stores is where I am; There’s local honey and all sorts of jam, Butter and bacon and cheese and ham, Yes, Bentley Stores is where I am. Bentley is the place to be seen; Chocolate, biscuits, cakes and cream, Fruit and yoghurt and all sorts of ice cream; Yes, Bentley Stores is the place to be seen. Bentley Stores for everything nice; Eggs, bread, soft drinks and lollies of ice, Wholefoods, pet food, pickles and spice; Yes, Bentley Stores for everything nice.

I think that’s all now, I’ve run out of time; There’s fresh veg and pate, dry cleaning and stamps, Tinned foods and crisps, And all sorts of other things that don’t rhyme. – Anon! To buy all these items why not visit our volunteer run Bentley Stores. Further poetic contributions welcome to: info@bentleystores.co.uk

Open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and at weekends from 9am-noon / 01473 310182 / info@bentleystores.co.uk www.bentleystores.co.uk

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF VOLUNTEERING? We are looking for adults (18+) who would like to help girls realise their full potential and share some unforgettable moments along the way to join our fantastic team of volunteers. We are especially looking for extra help in Holbrook and Brantham but would welcome help in all of our units. There are many ways to volunteer with Girlguiding; it’s flexible and can be tailored to fit around your busy lifestyle. No matter how much or how little time you have, every hour counts. We run Rainbows (5-7 years), Brownies (7-10 years), Guides (10-14 years) and Rangers (14-18 years). If you are interested in volunteering with Girlguiding, please email our district commissioner for further help and information: baberghandsamford@gmail.com Or register your interest at: www.girlguiding.org.uk/Joinus

COPDOCK PLANT SALE Saturday 16 May 9am to noon at the Church Room Bedding plants, perennials and plants from gardens

STOUR VALLEY U3A 30TH ANNIVERSARY A speaker meeting took place on Wednesday 11 March when master beekeeper Jeremy Quinlan talked about the contest between bees and flowers to gain benefit from the relationship. Events and diary dates • Monster Walk on 3 June as part of U3A National Volunteer Day • 30th birthday party on 5 August at Constable Hall, East Bergholt Interest Groups • • •

Our three and five mile walking groups set off each month to keep fit using footpaths. A 10 mile walking group is coming soon. Members of our European travel group are going to Dubrovnik, Puglia and India during the next 12 months. The very popular garden visits group has organised coach outings to many parts of the eastern region over the summer months.

There are 40 learning and activity groups for members to join. Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. Our members are drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon, & Stratford St Mary. We have 400 members with room for more and membership is only £12 per annum. Contact our membership secretary, Val Pretty, via the website. Coffee Grinders meet from 10am-noon on the last Friday of each month at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. For updates visit the website. www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk

THE GREAT RUN LOCAL ALTON WATER Is 2020 the year you want to get fit and healthy?

NOTES FROM THE CASE We are very much looking forward to a busy spring with lots going on. This month sees the start of a new charity for The Case to support and our final event for FIND, who we have been fundraising for since our fifth anniversary last April. Along with our traditional Easter Egg Hunt and a children’s Easter Bonnet Competition on Bank Holiday Monday 13 April, we will be holding a Super Savoury Snacks event. We know that Bentley has a sweet tooth but we’re sure that many of you also like savoury bakes so do come along and support our last event for FIND. There will also be a hamper raffle, some baby Easter chicks and a guess the sweets in the jar competition. All events will be between noon and 3pm.

Why not try this free weekly 2km or 5km family and indeed dog friendly run or walk at Alton Water (Holbrook Road, Stutton IP9 2RY) every Sunday at 9.25am? No registration required. We’re always looking for volunteers who’d like to help, especially from the peninsula’s older members. All volunteers receive free parking and a free hot drink in the café afterwards. No experience required. Please check out our Facebook page for information: www.facebook.com/GRLAltonWater

Of course, we still have all our usual monthly events. Open Mic Night will be on Tuesday 7 April. As always, the PA is provided. The music starts around 8pm. For more details contact Dave on 07885 963882. Our April Quiz Night in will be on Saturday 25. The quiz starts at 8.30pm. Come along and test your wits against this month’s quizmaster. As always, teams can be up to six members and entry is £2 per person. All profits from this and the raffle will go to IES Samaritans. If you would like to help at any of these events or to volunteer in any role at The Case, please ask at the bar or contact the chair at: savethecase.bentley@gmail.com 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley

BOOK SALE AT MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH Saturday 6 June from 10am till 3pm

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9TH TO 31ST MAY THE SUFFOLK

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NEWS FOCUS ON COPDOCK TRAVAILS IN COPDOCK – THE PYE ROAD The Village is rightly concerned over the number of road traffic accidents occurring on the London Road through Copdock and Washbrook Village. We have experienced two in February at the Folly Lane end of the road. Speed seems to be the cause. At the northern end people seem to been travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway. This has been a long-standing issue. Over the past few years the parish council has been trying to get something done about this. In the light of changing circumstances, i.e. a further fatality, the number of accidents and potential housing developments in our village, Capel St Mary and Sproughton, the parish council funded a traffic consultant to come up with a plan to make it less attractive for non-village traffic to use a shortcut around the Copdock Mill junction and make it a more usable safer route for cyclists. As a separate project a few villagers have joined together with parish councillors to produce a Neighbourhood Plan. This is well advanced and villagers in general have had an opportunity to consider the Neighbourhood Plan team’s suggestions. The plan is nearing the final consultation period (closes 13 April 2020) before being forwarded to Babergh District Council for their approval. Speed limits, improved safety, reduced vehicle numbers and land usage are key areas, some of which will be highlighted in the Neighbourhood Plan. The parish council offered the consultant’s report to Suffolk Highways to consider the feasibility and practicality of the scheme which our consultant prepared. As a result of this the parish council and members of the Neighbourhood Plan team met with the Suffolk County Council Highways department to consider what can be done to improve the situation.

DOC

Pye Road is the Roman name for the London to Caistor Saint Edmund road serving the Roman fort at Caistor adj. Norwich. All roads lead to Rome so they say, or there is nothing new in life. Pye Road has been adopted as a corporate title for the development work being discussed with Highways. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE: COPDOCK & WASHBROOK Our neighbourhood plan consultation at Copdock Primary School on Saturday 29 February was very well attended and our thanks to the PTA for providing refreshments and supporting the event. It has taken over 18 months of preparatory work to produce the draft neighbourhood plan; it is really important for us to receive as many comments as possible by 5pm on Monday 13 April. To view all of the Steering Group’s activity, progress and achievements since 2017, please select the Timeline tab to be found under the Artifacts tab at: www.cwnpsg.onesuffolk.net The online comment form can be directly accessed using the second link under the heading Pre-Submission Consultation on Draft Neighbourhood Plan on the same website. Paper comment forms will be available at the village coffee mornings at The Brook and once completed can be left there. Alternatively, please contact the parish clerk for more copies or use the download link on the website to print a copy. If you have any questions, contact the parish clerk: copdockparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk / 07849 055699

The Roman Pye Road at Copdock

Constructed in the very first phase of the Roman occupation of Britain AD43 – AD68, The Pye Road originally connected Camulodunum (now Colchester) to Caistor, home of Boadicea’s Iceni tribe. It has been described as the first ‘super highway’ in Britain, was fully metalled and . . . it went directly through Copdock! When our school children enter Copdock Primary school, they do so on a road that is nearly 2000 years old!

YE RO A EP

Our village has a new aspiration for the 21st Century - a new PYE R cycleway toOcelebrate this ancient Roman road that would A E safely connect Copdock and Washbrook both north and south to Ipswich and Capel St. Mary and perhaps one day further . . .

YE RO A EP

There are ongoing discussions between the parish council and Suffolk County Council Highways officials to look at several options, the details of which will be shared with the village when further developed.

Positive news, but nothing is guaranteed for now; funding, design and implementation are still some way ahead of us. The parish council will push forward together with the Neighbourhood Plan team to endeavour to bring the much-needed changes to Old London Road as quickly as practically possible.

L E WA

C The PyeKRoad Cycleway O C but we believe that having the vision is a start and our Parish D Odays It’sPearly YE RO Council are already working with Suffolk County Council to consider such A E Pa

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cycleway in future plans. The Pye Road Cycleway would we believe, certainly benefit us now but more importantly, for our children and those that follow.

Y L E WA

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THE SUFFOLK

WALKING

OUT & ABOUT

FESTIVAL 2020

THE 2020 SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL The 13th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday 9 May with over 120 guided walks and countryside events over three weeks across the county. This year also sees plenty of brand new events including Castle on the Hill celebrating Ed Sheeran’s favourite castle, a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford and a spooky day head hunting in Ipswich. The event finishes at the end of half-term week with plenty of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few events to whet your appetite. A sell-out every year is Walk n’ Water, a short walk and boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury with a free hot drink at the end. RSPB Minsmere is one of the most special places in Suffolk, famous around the world for its wildlife. Surprising Spring Wildlife shows off the site, introducing you to some of its iconic species. Another icon of Suffolk is Orford Ness and Walk OVER with a 120WALKS Shepherd AND and aEVENTS Sheepdog is a guided walk by Kite, the sheepdog who www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk manages the island’s very own herd of sheep. It’s a very fun walk and a joy to watch Kite in action. Campfire Make and Bake at Thornham Walks brushes up your whittling skills before making damper bread over an open fire in the woods. Family Wild Crafts at Brandon Country Park lets you get crafty in the woods as you collect natural materials such as sticks, leaves and rushes to make, and then keep, your creations. The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 9 May and runs for three weeks until 31 May. See the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WI Our February meeting had a Chinese flavour with a talk from Geoff and Judy Wood. For their 25th wedding anniversary they went on an adventure to China and shared their experiences with us. They covered a large area, hopping on and off planes and cruising on the river and had adventures that most of us can only dream of. At least for a little while we could imagine we were there as we saw pictures and videos and enjoyed being part of their travels. February was our 101st birthday and we all enjoyed a wonderful fruitcake made by one of our members. We are all eagerly awaiting a talk in April from Andrew Wiltshire entitled Beatrix Potter’s Secret Code Breaker. Our meeting in May will be an open meeting and we welcome any potential new members. Copdock and Washbrook WI share a wide variety of interests and we enjoy some wonderful outings and events. There are opportunities to get involved or you can just come for friendship. All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed. If you want to join us you can come as a visitor to see what we get up to before deciding if you would like to become a member. We meet at Copdock Village Hall on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August). Please arrive around 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.

BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES: WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS – AND YOURS In a global marketplace, isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money. Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access. “Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists. For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!” In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies. If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies. “We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ”

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Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted. As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options. “We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.” So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry. “Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

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SCHOOLS / SPORT ROBIN’S NEWS

BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB

Baby Bears We invited parents and carers to come into the baby room on World Book Day. It was a lovely opportunity for parents to see their children at nursery and to observe the routine and interactions within the room. We hope to offer more sessions like this as it really strengthens the bond between home and nursery.

The season will soon be upon us; our first game is on Monday 4 May when we entertain Holbrook at home.

Toddling Tigers Tigers have been very active, pretending to be pirates and digging for treasure using spoons and other utensils and searching for treasure on the field. We also experienced snow for the first time at Forest School; we loved running through it and trying to catch the snow on our tongues. The Tigers have also been practising their fine motor skills to peel their own snack. It has been lovely to hear them talking about how it feels and smells.

We hope you will support us as this brings in much needed funds to keep the green in good order.

Gruffalos We had a wonderful time on World Book Day. The children brought in a favourite book from home. It was lovely to watch and hear the children talking so excitedly about their books with their friends. We use books as inspiration for the invitations to learning that we set up and felt strongly that the focus of our World Book Day celebrations should be about books rather than dressing up. The children responded to this as we hoped they would and were inspired by the books to become explorers, artists, illustrators and chefs. Imaginations truly inspired by the wonder of a story. Forest School How do children learn about the weather if they don’t have the opportunity to feel it or see it from beyond the window? At Forest School we firmly believe that children need to have hands-on learning experiences to understand what weather terms truly mean. We allow time to actually experience these terms so that when they hear the words, or come to read and write then, they have an understanding of what they mean. No matter the weather outside, we make the most of the learning opportunities the weather gives us. We wrap up well and go outside to ‘play’ and we always have a weather song to sing. If you would like further information about Robin’s Childcare, please contact Emma: 01473 310767/ info@robinschildcare.co.uk

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS Our schools need you! Both schools are doing a project on the Second World War and we would love to hear from local residents who have memories of what it was like in Bentley and Copdock, particularly if they remember children being evacuated to this area from London. Please get in touch if you can help us. Thank you. Looking at our local area continues at Bentley Primary with an additional project on the design and geography of the village of Bentley and the surrounding area. We will be making a 3D model of Bentley and are keen to see any maps or photos villagers may have of how the village looked in previous years and how it has changed. We will then be holding an exhibition in the school hall on Friday 24 April and would love members of the local community to come along from 1.30pm. We look forward to welcoming you. Congratulations to the teams of children across both schools who proudly represented us at the recent cross country competition held at Royal Hospital School, and the spelling bee held at East Bergholt High School. The children worked extremely hard and put in a great deal of effort. Well done all. Finally, as Easter approaches, our thoughts turn to the Resurrection and the importance of this event in Christianity. We wish you and your families all a peaceful and joyful Easter. “Know that I am with you always,” Matthew 28:20 Bentley CEVC Primary School: 01473 310253 / admin@bentley.suffolk.sch.uk Copdock Primary School: 01473 730337 / admin@copdock.suffolk.sch.uk

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This year’s quiz is on Saturday 2 May in Bentley Village Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 and are available from David Howe (01473 310344) or Lillian Calvert (01473 808652). As in previous years, Charles will be setting the questions and we will also have supper and a raffle, and the bar will be open.

Lillian Calvert

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC The bad weather that hit us in February has started to cause some problems with fixtures, with the whole programme being postponed on February 15. In the games that were played, the 1st Team continued their impressive form and remain unbeaten in 2020. By so doing they have maintained fourth place in the SIL Senior Division. The Reserves lost the only match they played in February while the A Team gained a point at Henley Athletic Reserves in their battle for survival in Intermediate B. This season marks the 125th anniversary of the club and on Saturday 12 April (Easter Sunday) we have a special event to mark this momentous achievement. There will be a day of football with matches featuring past and present Bergholt teams as well as ladies and juniors. There will also be a BBQ, bar, raffle and auction. FIXTURES 1 Team: Senior Division 28 March: Coplestonians (H) 4 April: Claydon (A) 11 April: Capel Plough (A) 12 April: 125 Year Celebration Day 15 April: Bildeston Rangers (H) 18 April: Haughley Utd (A) 21 April: Old Newton Utd (A) 28 April: Haughley Utd (H) st

Reserves: League A 4 April: Cockfield Utd Res (A) 8 April: Claydon Res (A) 12 April: 125 Year Celebration Day 18 April: Bacton Utd 89 Res (H) 25 April: Coplestonians Res (A) 9 May: Old Newton Res (A) A Team: League C 28 March: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) 4 April: Capel Plough Res (H) 12 April: 125 Year Celebration Day 25 April: Ransomes Sports Res (H) 9 May: Wickham Market Res (H) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm please visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc / Twitter: @EBUFC1

JUNIOR TENNIS COACHING Popular junior tennis coaching sessions re-commence at Sproughton Tennis Club on Thursday 23 April with ages 4-8 from 3.45-4.20pm, ages 8-11 from 4.20-5.05pm and ages 12+ from 5.05-6pm. We have three newly cleaned tarmac courts, two of which are floodlit. New members get half price fees for the first year only. We will endeavour to have some matches against other clubs in the summer. For more information ring John Tallent on 01473 402307 or visit: www.sproughtontennis.co.uk

SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS After a run of away games, we hosted the Burstall team who were newly promoted this season and are finding the going difficult. This didn’t change on the night and we had three fairly easy wins. The fourth game was a much more even contest and they managed to score two shots with the last wood of the night to earn a draw. This meant we won 9-1. Next was the trip to Barking, the league leaders, who in the past have won quite easily and this year was no exception with our hosts taking all four games, one of which was only decided on the last end. The Joe Rice Cup quarter-final was the next game and we were drawn against Brockley who always do well in the west league. However, with careful bowling we finished by winning all four games and put ourselves into the semi- finals. I finish this report with something very different, a poem written by one of our members. John Hayward

Open the door, what do you see? Two mats and some bowls, that’s the key Waiting to play, Jane, Kay, Barrie and Paul They’re on the left as you enter the hall. Mat number two, Sharon, Mike, Peter and John Concentrate please, don’t get it wrong At the end of an hour plus a bit more Will it be our day for a very good score. Now it’s the turn for Mike, Janet, Sue and John No they’re not playing twice, you just got it wrong At the very same time Andy, Alan, Terri and Terry No he’s not playing twice, so let’s rename him Gerry. We end the night with biscuits and tea May be a draw prize, just wait and see All is now tidy, in our cars we all jump. As we managed a win, no one has the hump. Just guess who insisted I wrote what is here The clue’s in his name, a village quite near.

CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES A Good Perspective I was recently given a new cardigan. I wanted to thank the sender who lived away so I got my wife to take a photo of me wearing it. I was disappointed with the first photo – it was a chunky cardigan which made me look a bit fat, and the angle of the photo gave me a big head! The second photo was better (but far from flattering) and went with a thank you note. I remember going into a house of mirrors and seeing myself and others through distorting mirrors. Some making you short and fat, others tall and thin and with kinks in the mirrors, lots of other distortions. These days you don’t need to go to a house of mirrors as there are multiple mobile apps which create the same effect. It can be a lot of fun, but it can also be destructive of relationships if we send some images to people who have low self-image. They already feel unattractive and sometimes worthless. They don’t need that message reinforced by distorted images. In contrast others have an inflated image of themselves that their ego is in danger of bursting. Often we are unaware of the difference between the illusion of our image in our minds and the reality of how others see us. In my landlady’s house when I was a student, she had mirrors above the fireplace in the lounge and dining room, there were mirrors in the hallways and bathroom and the bedrooms had wardrobes with full length mirrors. You couldn’t get away from images of yourself. Because we don’t have that number of mirrors, I was slightly shocked by the unflattering photo image of me. I believe God wants us to have a good perspective on ourselves, not an inflated view nor a devalued view. God wants us to know we are created in his image, he loves us as we are, we are a work in progress, not yet perfect. He wants us to be open to be transformed by his love and his grace and to value other people, also created in his image, whether they recognise it or not. Each of us is valued, none of us are perfect and all are redeemable. Don’t build yourself up, don’t do yourself down. Be the child of God that you are, beautiful for God. Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary Ipswich IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 5 10.30am 6.30pm Friday 10 9.30am 10.15am Sunday 12 8am 10.30am 6.30pm Sunday 19 10.30am Saturday 25 3.30pm Sunday 26 10.30am 7.30pm

Palm Sunday Worship with Mr Rod Stone Prayer Good Friday United Witness at the cross on the green Reflective Service Easter Day Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Easter Sunday Worship with Rev Keith Ponsford Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Dr Liz Cope Messy Church Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at Capel Community Church

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat: Mondays 2.30-4pm (HCT) Home Groups: Second & fourth Tuesdays 7.30pm Friday 3 2.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Saturday 4 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 5 9.45am Palm Sunday procession from All Saints to Methodist 10am Palm Sunday United Service – Rev Jane Cassidy Thursday 9 7pm United Maundy Thursday Communion Friday 10 5pm Good Friday Service Sunday 12 10am Easter Sunday Communion with Rev Ian Gardner Sunday 19 10am Family Friendly Worship with Mr Roger Fern Sunday 26 10am Worship with Mr Chris Finbow 6.30pm Something Different with Rev Andrew Sankey Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in April. For more information about Messy Church and Tiddlers (HCT) contact Gerald Laws: geraldolaws@aol.com / 01473 328507

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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: FROM THE REGISTERS The Rev Annette Shannon Baptisms: The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ Frankie Mason – Bentley revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Weddings: Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell Lorna Cameron and James Kerrison – Burstall northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116 Funerals: Dear Friends, Dorothy Daisy White – Bentley A recent poll of parents across the UK revealed that almost 79 percent of Jessie Mary Sugg – Bentley: children do not know the true meaning of Easter; a quarter thought it was Gerald William Brandom – Burstall to celebrate the birthday of the Easter bunny and more than 25 percent Burial of Ashes: Victor Talmadge – Tattingstone believed it marked the date chocolate was invented! One in three British children aged eight to 15 don’t know why we celebrate Good Friday, while for Easter Sunday it’s one in four. Many UK children are bewildered by the Easter story, confusing it with other parts of the Bible, Aesop’s Fables, and even fairy tales, with a quarter believing the Golden Goose and the Hare and the Tortoise may feature in the Easter story. Research has discovered that 43 percent of eight to 15-year-olds indicated they had never read, seen or heard the story of the Crucifixion of Jesus. Similarly, 71 percent of parents with children aged three to 15 indicated they didn’t think their child had ever read, seen or heard the story. I find those figures very sad. We are very fortunate that our village churches have a very positive relationship with our four schools and pupils have a pretty good understanding of the true meaning of Easter. We have four Open the Book teams, made up of volunteers from our congregations, who visit the schools to share Bible stories through drama and songs. We also hold experience days designed to provide a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection by children; interactive, multi-sensory stations are set up around the church helping children engage imaginatively with key Christian festivals or concepts. Understanding Christianity is important even to non-believers because it has a prominent role in history, and is one of the world’s leading religions. Christianity has the largest numbers of adherents of any religion, with more than two billion people following its teachings. Those teachings are important to those who believe, because among them are the keys to having a deeper relationship with God, as well as living a just and moral life, which will allow them to reach Heaven after death. Whether you are a seasoned worshipper, an occasional visitor or have never walked into a church, I warmly invite you to the Easter services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, as well as to the family Messy Church in Bentley Village Hall on Monday 6 April, when we will celebrate and remind ourselves of why we celebrate Easter. There will be joy and celebration as we proclaim again the good news of all Jesus accomplished in His life, death and resurrection. The church declares this Good News at all times, but we will certainly focus on such at Easter. “Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 Corinthians 15v3-4 North Samford Baby and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Sproughton Church Hall on Mondays in term time. Suggested donation £2 per family. Leaders: The Rev Annette Shannon (01473 807674) / Doreen (01473 311122) Burstall Craft Fair Saturday 4 April in the village hall, 10am-4pm Messy Church Monday 6 April, 10am-1pm. Messy Church celebrates Palm Sunday with crafts, songs and stories at Bentley Village Hall. This is a free event but donations are welcome. Minimum lunch donation £2. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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IN APRIL Wednesday 1: Bentley Home Communions, 10am Thursday 2: Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Saturday 4: Burstall Craft Fair in the village hall, 10am-4pm Copdock Monthly Market, 10am Monday 6: Messy Church, Bentley Village Hall, 10am-1pm Tuesday 7: Belstead APCM Wednesday 8: Burstall APCM and Vestry Meeting Wednesday 15: Copdock Home Communions, 10am Wednesday 22: Tattingstone APCM Thursday 23: Sproughton APCM Afternoon Tea, Sproughton Church Hall, 2-4pm Friday 24: Copdock Community Get-together, 2pm Tuesday 28: Copdock APCM SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday 5 April: Palm Sunday 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Prayer Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church

Thursday 9 April: Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Tattingstone Friday 10 April: Good Friday 11am Bentley This will be followed by a soup and hot cross bun lunch. There will be no charge but we are asking for donations to Myeloma UK and the RNIB. Sunday 12 April: Easter Sunday 8am Sproughton Holy Communion 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Copdock Holy Communion 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion 10am Belstead Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 11am Sproughton Holy Communion Sunday 19 April 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Simply Sunday Morning Prayer Morning Prayer Holy Communion

Sunday 26 April 9.30am Burstall Morning Prayer 10am Bentley Holy Communion 10am Copdock Holy Communion 6pm Tattingstone Holy Communion Please submit church letters and copy for the May edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by 4 April: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

CHURCH NEWS

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish Priest: Fr Paul Vincent OCD Assistant Priest: Fr Bineesh Elenjikkal OCD 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk

or Low Sunday, was officially designated as Sunday of Divine Mercy by the late Pope St John Paul II on 30 April 2000 during the canonisation mass of St Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun and mystic whose apparitions earned her the title of Secretary of Divine Mercy.

SERVICES FOR APRIL 2020

The apparitions occurred in the 1930s and St Faustina following instructions sought to spread their message. This was successful and the Divine Mercy prayers and devotions are widely known and followed in many countries, especially amongst Poles and other Catholics. They are widely credited as being very efficacious and, of course, can be accessed over the internet, as can the story of the life and times of St Faustina. She died in October 1938 before the approaching world war but during the terrible events in neighbouring Ukraine and other parts of Soviet Russia.

Sunday 5 Palm Sunday 9am Mass Tuesday 7 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 12 Easter Sunday 9am Mass

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday 29 March at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £161 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 26 April. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk

Tuesday 14 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 19 2nd Sunday of Easter 9am Mass Tuesday 21 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for our centenary celebration on 15 August this year. All are very welcome to join us; the next event is on Thursday 30 April.

Sunday 26 3rd Sunday of Easter 9am Mass Tuesday 28 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door. Catholic Commentary With the period of Lent almost over, the Church prepares for Holy Week with Palm Sunday, the Mass of the Last Supper (Maundy Thursday) and Good Friday followed by Easter Sunday. The second Sunday of Easter,

The Sick & Homebound Fr Bineesh Elanjikkal is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital, assisted by Deacon Clive Brooks. Please be aware that for reasons of patient confidentiality, the NHS will not inform the chaplains of any Catholics admitted to hospital. Unless you or your relatives inform the chaplain, you will not be visited by a priest or any other member of the chaplaincy team. Please let Fr Paul Vincent know of anyone who is ill at home or housebound, so that they may receive appropriate pastoral care. Both Fr Paul and Fr Bineesh can be contacted on 01206 684963.

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