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Feliz Navidad
In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead
ubarak
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Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Volume 10 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2019
uon Natale
Milad Mubara
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orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk
Merry Christmas
Fröhliche Weihnachten
Glaedelig Ju Gleðileg jól
Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
Rôômsaid Jôule
Boas Festas
Nollaig Shona Joyeux Noël Wesolych Swiat Sretan Bozic Merii Kurisumasu
Zalig Kerstfeest
esimkha Gëzuar Krishlindjet
Zalig
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In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore. This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives?
NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM VILLAGE HALL The friendly bunch who support Great Blakenham Village Hall, aka ‘The Committee’, are looking for a further trustee, a treasurer. All trustee roles are voluntary so you would need to offer a little of your time each month. Ideally the person would have knowledge of basic accounts and finance and will have to attend a monthly meeting (except Dec). If you want to help support the village hall committee and help the local community, please get in touch by dropping us an email at halladmingbvh@btinternet.com to register your interest, leaving a contact telephone number for us to call you. Alternatively, please call Steve on 07477 907661 to discuss. We look forward to hearing from you.
Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react… My granddad was known to say, “Please and thank you will take you around the world”. It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back. What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way. Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all. And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.
ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS LARGE OR SMALL Book your stall (£7.50 each) today for the Barley Mow Christmas Fayre at Witnesham on December 22 by calling: 01473 785395 The fayre will open at noon with Santa’s Grotto to keep the children happy, a variety of stalls for last minute Christmas presents or extra treats, food and horse and cart rides.
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 Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.
In Touch Titles • S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Wed 4 December is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL We are looking for councilors to join us. The work is wide ranging and there is plenty of variety – from working towards the infrastructure improvements that the village so desperately needs, to overseeing the council’s accounts, to the provision of defibrillators and rubbish bins, to deciding on grants to local organisations. Please contact the clerk for further details or why not come along to the next meeting to see what it’s all about? By the time you read this our group of volunteer litter pickers should have started their regular litter picks. The council really appreciates these individuals giving up their time to help improve the environment of our village. If you would like to join the group, please contact the clerk. However, as we all know, the amount of litter being dropped in the village is increasing all the time so, even if you can’t join our volunteers, please help to keep the village clean and tidy – use the bins provided, if the lid of your rubbish bin or your neighbour’s has been blown off, please put it back. The Allotments The landowner has offered a two-year licence and the council has agreed to this. As you know, the council would like to provide plot holders with longterm security by purchasing the land or negotiating a longer lease and we will continue to try and achieve this. In the meantime, why not join our friendly plot holders? Plots are free and there is plenty of help and advice available. Gardening is a healthy outdoor activity and has been proved to reduce stress. Please contact the clerk if you want to find out more. SnOasis A new group, formed by the new owners of the site to work on the way forward, has had an initial meeting. Once meetings are taking place regularly, we will keep you informed of what’s being discussed. Your council is determined to do all that it can to protect the interests of residents and make sure that we all get some benefits from this massive project. The council does not meet in December, so our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 January in the Parish Room. Everyone is welcome at council meetings and there is a 15-minute public forum where you can ask questions or raise issues related to the work of the parish council. Parish Clerk Janet Gobey: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777 Facebook: @greatblakenhampc / Twitter: @pcgtblakenham www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the parish council to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Chairman Steve Plume
GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD I am producing this in early November, and you will be reading it in early December. In this period before the election, I must be careful not to report county and district issues in any way that would influence your election choice. Most public district and county meetings have been cancelled or delayed until after December 13. Cabinet and full council meetings will then start again. Of course work will go on, just not in public view. Planning committees and meetings where only people directly affected are present will continue as normal. Reports on issues that have been concerning you will unfortunately have to wait until January, but it is vital we don’t compromise a fair election process. This period straddles the time when Scrutiny would start to look at next year’s budget. We normally consider the estimated income and expenditure needed for services towards the end of November. That is then updated when the settlement from the government becomes clear, normally in late December. This year we will have a presentation of the county’s transformation programmes and the budget figures on December 19 then subject them to scrutiny on January 7. I should be able to get our findings and recommendations to you for the February edition of In Touch. I can only add Happy Christmas! The run-up to it will certainly be unusual. If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY School Bookings for 2020 The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is taking bookings for the new year. Why not book your school in for a visit? Classes of up to 30 students from Key Stage 2 and above are welcome to visit the facility and explore how we make use of Suffolk’s household waste. During the visit, students will be given a tour of the facility and have a chance to explore our purpose built, interactive visitor centre. Visits can be tailored to meet specific requirements to ensure the experience is suitable for students from Key Stage 2 up to Higher Education level. If you would like to discuss what we can offer, please get in touch via the details provided below. Interested in having a look around the facility? The energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days this winter. We currently have spaces available on the following dates: 11 December at 6pm, 19 December at 10am, 14 January at 2pm, 28 January at 10am and 19 February at 2pm. There are 20 spaces available on each day and pre-booking is essential. To reserve your space contact: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149 We’re on Twitter Did you know that Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility is on social media? For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and all the handy tips you could ever need about rubbish, recycling, and food waste, follow us on Twitter @suffolkefw. Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013
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Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass Ground Floor, Station Yard, Needham Market
01449 798267 www.eastofengland.coop/funerals
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OUT & ABOUT
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm / Saturdays: 9am-1pm A COMMUNITY SHOP FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND RUN BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, December 7, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, December 13, noon: Christmas Lunch The Shepherd & Dog, Lower Road, Onehouse, Stowmarket IP14 3BX To book online follow the link at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
How time flies! We’re really getting into winter now and Christmas is nearly here again. Seasonal goods are in the shop and orders can be taken for special bread, cakes, meat and many other products that you may require. Cakes can be ordered from our local bakers and all our fresh product suppliers can supply far more items than we can stock. Our selection of wines and beers are always available, and can be ordered if required. It’s probably sensible for us to stock up on a range of everyday household goods and products as we never know what the weather will throw at us through winter; it’s always good to have a few things in the store-cupboard. If the roads become impassable and a trip to town is impossible, our very local shop with its fantastic staff of local volunteers will very likely be a bright beacon in a dull situation, a time to make the most of our local facilities. And if you are taking a walk around our lovely footpaths, the Coffee Corner is a good point at which to finish with a warming drink. CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Tuesday 24 December, Christmas Eve: 8am-1pm Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26: Closed Friday 27 December: 8am-1pm Saturday 28 December: 9am-1pm Tuesday 31 December, New Year’s Eve: 8am-1pm Wednesday 1, January, Bank Holiday: Closed Lots of thanks go to all our hard-working volunteers and to our customers for supporting us over the past year. We wish everybody a Merry Christmas and happy, healthy New Year, and we wish a successful year ahead for our very own local shop. We look forward to seeing you all in 2020. Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Mary Carter; Stephen Bullard; Janet Hodge – 832296; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288
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TRY SINGING WITH HEARTSONG Ever wondered what it would feel like to sing with others? Come and give it a go at HeartSong. Whether you are managing a caring role or a difficult time, or would just like to try something new, singing with others really can make a difference. It lifts spirits. No one ever thinks they can sing, but HeartSong is not a choir; we sit in a circle, teach everything by ear and sing for the joy of it. You’ll quickly find out that together we always make a great sound. Come on your own or with a family member or friend who you think would enjoy the experience. Singing offers a host of proven health benefits ranging from improved breathing, vocal strength and posture to improved mood. There are always newcomers at our friendly groups and you will be sure of a welcome. We meet from 1-3pm at Gt Blakenham Parish Room on the second Friday of the month. To find out more and to check dates and times, contact Tracy: 07757 809297
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OUT & ABOUT BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB
Robin Hood tickets go on sale
Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room every Monday from 2-4pm. The cost is £2 per week to include workshop materials, raffle prizes and refreshments.
Cast and crew have been working hard at rehearsals for Bar-Clay Music Makers’ panto, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, but with plenty of laughs along the way. Come and share the fun, music and action and be sure to get your tickets when they go on sale on December 4. Performances take place in Claydon & Barham Village Hall on Fridays 24 and 31 January at 7.30pm, and on Saturdays 25 January and 1 February at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets (£7/£3) sell out fast so contact Gillian Webb – webbfamily1@gmail.com / 01473 830538 – to book your seats.
Our November workshop was entitled Christmas with a Twist and focused on clean and simple cards, the twist being die-cut pieces of wreaths and twigs. The picture shows a few of the finished makes.
For more details about BMM contact Vera Rogers: vera.rogers1@btinternet.com
GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA Wow, where has this year gone! It’s incredible to think that this time last year a village cinema had gone from being an idea to receiving funding and all looking like it might just be possible to pull off. I feel very lucky that this has all become a reality thanks to the belief and hard work of the amazing volunteer crew and the support of everyone, especially those through the doors. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible. Our Christmas showing on 1 December of Elf, complete with craft tables before and a visit from the man in red after, may have already happening when you read this edition. We will also have had the cake sale for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH). As requested, we start the new year with Yesterday (12a). Featuring music by The Beatles and with some of Yesterday being filmed in Suffolk, it should be a very good way to kick off 2020. In February we will bring you Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall in Mrs Lowry & Son (PG), a portrait of the artist LS Lowry and the relationship with his mother, who tries to dissuade him from pursuing his passion. In March we will celebrate our first anniversary with Bohemian Rhapsody (12a), the story of the legendary British rock band and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid.
Our last meeting of the year is on December 2 when we will have our AGM, with our Christmas lunch the following week. The club will reconvene on February 3 and the new programme will be featured next month. For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUP Knitting Group We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10.30am-noon in the lounge at Alasdair Place, Claydon. The group has been busy knitting their display for the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, Great Blakenham and we continue to knit 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.
We cannot wait to show Downton Abbey. As soon as they announce when it will be licensed to village cinemas we will confirm when we will be showing it. Please don’t forget to add our future screening dates to your diary: 26 January, 23 February, 29 March, 26 April and 31 May.
Book Club We meet at 10.30am on the last Thursday of the month at The Crown in Claydon for an interesting discussion on the book we have chosen to read. We have a few spaces for new members so please feel free to come along.
For those of you who haven’t heard of Great Blakenham Cinema, we are a not-for-profit run purely by volunteers with the aim of bringing the community together. A warm welcome awaits at Great Blakenham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham IP6 0NJ. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start, with free tea, coffee or squash on arrival courtesy of The East of England Co-op. Tickets are for sale on the door only for just £4 for adults and our revised price of £1 for under 18s. Carers, when accompanying the person they care for, have free entry.
Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club We meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room at noon on the first Friday of the month. A two course lunch is served at a cost of £4, plus the optional raffle ticket for £1. Anyone wishing to attend but who has difficulty with transport can arrange a lift by contacting one of the following: The Rev Carl – 833542; Ann – 831031; Pauline – 830723; Dorothy – 830906.
If you have any film suggestions or if your charity wishes to run the cake sale to raise funds, get in touch via our Facebook page or contact Becky at: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com / 07852 472082
Gipping Valley Art Society We meet in Gt Blakenham Parish Room every Tuesday from w1-4pm. We are a small, friendly group, from beginners to amateurs, and take our own materials and have our own projects. Help is always on hand from our president, Mike Wootton. At present we are preparing our display for the Christmas Tree Festival and will also have a table at the Christmas Fayre in the Parish Room on Saturday 7 December, with a selection of our paintings for sale at affordable prices. In the better weather we sketch outdoors. We are looking forward to our Christmas meal which will be held at The Chequers.
If you wish to let us know in advance that you will be attending, send us a message on Facebook @Greatblakenhamcinema or ping an email our way to help us know how many people to expect. While we can get more chairs out, we would hate to run out of cake!
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet from 10am-noon on Wednesdays 4, 11 and 18 December in the upstairs room at the Bramford Methodist Church. The cost is £3 per two-hour session plus £1 membership per school year, payable from September. There’s no set programme, but the club is here to help you get the best out of your computer. We have a very fast internet connection and refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) are available. Why not give us a try?
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Please Note: The December lunch, which is the Christmas meal, is fully booked with no further spaces available.
If you are interested in joining our group we have a few spaces available. The cost is £3 per week, which includes refreshments. Please phone Ann (831031) or Margaret (830135) for further information. Walk ‘n’ Talk Group Weather permitting, we meet at 10.30am on the second Thursday of the month in The Crown car park and go for a walk lasting around 1.5 hours around local footpaths and bridleways. All welcome, together with dogs. On behalf of all of the groups we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
Open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 2-4pm. The £2 attendance fee includes the raffle and refreshments, and £1 extra when we have a game of bingo.
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.
Our last meeting of the year is our Christmas meal on December 11 and we will reconvene on January 8, weather permitting of course. The programme for the new year hasn’t yet been finalised. New members are always welcome so if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
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
GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB Winning tickets for November John Gilson (37) £25 John Coe (153) £15 Helen Staff (218) £10 Denise Hansen (46) £10 Gemma Betts (212) £5 John Hooper (258) £5
Winning tickets for December Margaret White (45) £25 Chris Connor (4) £15 Phill Harman (84) £10 Ted Black (36) £10 Pat Winfield (93) £5 Alan Rose (80) £5
Thank you to everyone who has supported the 200 Club this year, and congratulations to those of you who have won a prize. All money raised by your membership goes toward the repair and preservation of St Mary’s Parish Church. Subscription is £12 per year, collected in January. If you’re not yet a member and would like the chance to win a prize and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building, please call Marion: 01473 830915
CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 28 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 per family and it’s a great opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. This month we meet on Thursday 5 December from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon & Barham Village Hall. This will be our Christmas party so please let Michelle know (01473 833788) if you wish to attend. This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Alana. Michelle
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL As Christmas approaches we are busy practising songs for our performance and making a range of festive crafts. We’re also looking forward to a visit from Ben Austwick who will be playing his guitar to the children and helping them practise their Christmas songs. The Rev Carl Melville will also be visiting us to share the Christmas story and bringing along props and outfits for the children to wear. We wish everyone Happy Christmas and New Year. Don’t forget that our Annual Quiz and Curry Night will be on Friday 7 February. We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves, on having a high ratio of staff to children and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children. Our highly trained staff continue regular training to build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely together to ensure we work in partnership. We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers. We currently have spaces available. We accept eligible 30hr funded children (the codes must be in place the term before they are needed). Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only, from 9am-3pm. We have a well-supported Facebook page that provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am-3pm) or email me at: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget and the team
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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL In the coming weeks we will be celebrating with Christmas activities and crafts and preparing for our Christmas Nativity. The children will be learning lots of songs and performing them to their family and friends. UPCOMING EVENTS – for pre-school children Christmas Nativity: Monday 16 December, 4.30pm at Claydon & Barham Church. This will be an event for all pre-school children and we welcome family and friends to come and watch them. UPCOMING EVENTS – open to everyone Christmas Disco: Saturday 21 December from 6.30-10.30pm at Claydon & Barham Community Centre. Tickets are £2.50 per adult and £5 per child, which includes a gift from Father Christmas. Everyone is welcome and tickets are available from Claydon Pre-school, the community centre or by calling 07914 994170. As we are now open all year (except bank holidays and the Christmas period) we can take children up to five years for additional sessions during school holiday weeks, subject to availability. If you would like to book days during the holidays, please contact the administration assistant for more details. We can take children who are entitled to two year funding, three/four year funding and 30 hours funding (simply register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible). If you would like an application form or any further information please contact our administration assistant, Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Our annual WOW Event took place at the beginning of November. The curriculum was suspended so that all students could take part in activities designed to stretch, challenge, motivate and equip them with essential life skills which will help them on their journey through high school and beyond. Year 7 had a fabulous time camping at Mersea Outdoor Centre in Essex where they took part in adventurous activities such as the high ropes and assault course, as well as art, PE and drama activities, all designed to develop the four Cs: Confidence, Compassion, Challenge and Conscientiousness. Years 8-10 ‘wowed’ us all with their productivity and commitment to their enterprise tournament. In teams of 20, students had to work together to create and design a school house system which was pitched to a panel of judges the following day. They had to consider how it would benefit the school and work in relation to competitions, sports, rewards and uniform, as well as coming up with names, colours, logos and designing their new website page. Year 11 demonstrated great maturity and focus as they prepared for the next step of their education/training. They spent a day at a college/sixth form of their choice and took part in a Learning About Work Day. Employers from local businesses were invited into school to act as mentors, working with small groups and teaching them about employer expectations when applying for jobs. Year 11 impressed our visitors with the way they conducted themselves throughout the day. I would like to say a special thank you to all our guest speakers who worked with students across Years 8-11; your support was vital in making WOW Week the success it was. Now that the festive season is upon us, I hope you will be able to join us at our Mince Pies and Music event on Monday 16 December from noon2pm and our Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17 December at 7pm. Tickets for both are on sale at reception. The PTA is also holding a Quiz Night on Thursday 5 December, 7pm at the school. To book your table please email: admin@claydonhigh.com Finally, I would like to thank staff, parents, carers, governors and the wider community for their support this term and wish everyone a Happy Christmas. I look forward to keeping you updated with all our news in the New Year. Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor
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In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS ENGINE MALFUNCTION! “That’s serious!” was my immediate reaction to the Engine Malfunction message that appeared on my dashboard recently. I was thankful I wasn’t on a long journey far from home with what seemed a major issue. I went to good old Google to see if other owners of the same vehicle as mine had experienced the same message and if there was any cure. It turns out that the one message could refer to a whole host of possible causes. The car wouldn’t be able to fix itself but needed help from outside and these days that means connecting up to a computer for a diagnosis. Once the fault was found the mechanic was able to sort it out. Problem solved! The Advent season is really the message on my life, not an engine malfunction, but a heart malfunction. The heart in this case is who I am, not the physical organ, and I needed to know what the issue was. The Bible tells me that others have the same issue, in fact I read, ‘All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God’. Sin is the problem and I cannot cure myself from it.
resurrection. Knowing the diagnosis of my heart, I went to the One who had the cure. Unlike the garage though, I didn’t have to pay the bill, it was a gift; Jesus paid it all at the cross! Advent starts on Sunday 1 December; why not join us to find out more. You are also very welcome to our Craft and Christmas Carols on Sunday 22 December at 3.30pm. WEEKLY EVENTS Monday Fortnightly: Little Owls Toddler Group, 10am-noon 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: admin@blakenhambaptist.org.uk 01473 839785
However, the good news, which I read about, is that there is a cure available for everyone and this was the reason for Jesus coming that first time just over 2,000 years ago. He came to rescue us from our sin through His death and
www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, BRAMFORD Dear Friends, As December arrives, we start to think of Christmas and look forward to the celebrations and events. We are privileged to be hosting the Decibells evening of festive music and favourite carols on 18 December at 7pm. Full details below. Delia Smith once said that her Christmas starts at three o’clock on Christmas Eve when she listens to Carols from Kings on the radio and starts her Christmas cooking. For me Christmas will start at our Carol Service at 7pm on Sunday 22 December, and will be a wonderful time to experience the traditional carols and readings. The first of my two best Christmas treats is the Crib Service for children and their parents at 3pm on Christmas Eve. Before the service begins, you may be offered a tinsel bracelet by the Angel. As we tell the Christmas story, children are enthralled to bring characters to the stable. We start with the animals, who are joined by Mary, Joseph and the donkey. We continue, as we tell the story until the stable contains everyone who was there to welcome Jesus. My Christmas Day starts at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve with the midnight Communion Service, as by candlelight we enjoy again the familiar readings and carols. I look forward to welcoming you to one of our services. Ken, on behalf of St Mary’s PCC Decibells Concert Decibells present an evening of festive brass music and favourite carols on Wednesday 18 December at 7pm at St Mary the Virgin Church, Bramford. Refreshments will be available. Tickets (£10 / under-18s £5) are available on the door or in advance from Kay Dawson at: decibells@btinternet.com Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church 23 October: In memory of Philip Stewart 9 December: In memory of Ron and Marjorie Earthy on their joint birthday If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on: 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 for each dedication. For an announcement to be in the correct issue of In Touch, please ask for dedications before the first of the preceding month, e.g. to commemorate an event on February 28, we need to know before January 1. Requests to floodlight the spire received after the first of the preceding month, will be in the earliest possible issue of In Touch.
CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER St Mary the Virgin Bramford, St Mary Nettlestead, St Mary the Virgin Little Blakenham, St Peter Baylham Please check porch notices for any changes. Wednesday Morning Prayer: 10am (venue will be as announced) Sunday 1: Advent Sunday 10am Parish Communion Bramford Church Sunday 8: Advent 2 8am Holy Communion Bramford Church 5pm Christmas party Church Room 10am Parish Communion Nettlestead Church Wednesday 11 7.30pm Healing Service
Methodist Church
Sunday 15: Advent 3 10am Parish Communion Bramford Church 3pm Carol Service Nettlestead Church 6pm Carol Service Baylham Church Tuesday 17 12.30pm The Gathering
Church Room
Wednesday 18 7pm Decibells Concert
Bramford Church
Sunday 22: Advent 4 10am Communion 5pm Carol Service 7pm Carol Service
Baylham Church Little Blakenham Bramford Church
Tuesday 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Service Bramford Church 5pm Crib Service Baylham Church 11.30pm Christmas Communion at Bramford Church Wednesday 25: Christmas Day 10am United Christmas Service at Bramford Methodist Church Sunday 29: 1st Sunday of Christmas 10am Parish Communion at Bramford Methodist Church
www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford
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CHURCH NEWS 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 SERVICES IN DECEMBER Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am
NEWS families@4.30: Our new congregation for families and young people meets on the first Sunday of the month at Barham Church. The next one will be held on December 1. We have loads of fun so why not come along and join us? It helps us if you could book in with The Rev Carl or Roger Colthorpe beforehand (see contacts). December 7 – Christmas Fayre: 10am-2pm at Gt Blakenham Parish Room. Lots of stalls with Christmas gifts, including craft, art, beauty products, party items, and, new this year, Santa’s Grotto!
Sunday 1 December – Advent Sunday 10am Advent Holy Communion 4.30pm families@4.30
Gt Blakenham Church Barham Church
Sunday 8 December – Advent 2 8am Holy Communion 9.30am family@church 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion
Claydon Church Carols: Once again we meet at St Peter’s Church, Claydon for the annual Carol Service on Monday 23 December at 7pm. Please walk if possible and wrap up warm!
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Carols on Gt Blakenham Fields Green: Villagers are invited to carols, mince pies and a get-together on Blakenham Fields Green/Park on Tuesday 17 December from 6.30pm and visiting Budgens and The Chequers Pub.
Sunday 15 December – Advent 3 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Worship 11am Morning Worship
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday 22 December – Advent 4 10am Benefice Holy Communion 3pm Carol Service 5pm Carol Service 7pm Carol Service
Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church
Monday 23 December 7pm Carol Service
Claydon Church
Tuesday 24 December – Christmas Eve 3pm Service of Light 4pm Christingle 5pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Mass 11.30pm Midnight Mass
Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Carols at the Crossroads, Henley: Villagers are invited to carols, mince pies and chat at Five Ways crossroads on Wednesday 18 December from 6.30pm. Free hot chocolate! Four Communities Activities Groups: See page 9 Great Blakenham Coffee Morning: Second Saturday in the Parish Room from 10am-noon, restarting on January 11. All welcome. We will be serving bacon butties during the colder months! 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, The Rev Cathy or The Rev Jenny. This might be at home or in hospital. Advent and Christmas: See poster on page 10
FOLLOW THE STAR In the run-up to Christmas we are asking people to display a lighted star in their windows to help us #followthestar. Our churches will have stars on too!
Wednesday 25 December – Christmas Day 10am Holy Communion Henley Church Bring along one of your Christmas presents to show us! Sunday 29 December – First after Christmas 10am Benefice Holy Communion Barham Church
Revd Carl and all in the Claydon Group of Churches wish you all a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Further dates can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com
FUTURE DATES
Social Media: find us on Facebook and Twitter by searching The Claydon Group of Churches.
January 5 January 18 February 2 February 25 February 26
HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463
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Epiphany Bring-and-Share Lunch at Barham Church families@4.30 at Barham Church Gt Blakenham Quiz, Parish Room, 6.30pm families@4.30 at Barham Church Pancake Evening, GB Parish Room Ash Wednesday
In Touch online:
CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 Please feel free to contact either of us with any queries. Baptisms, marriages and funerals by arrangement with the minister, who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound. Sunday 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every third Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (first and third Sundays, term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. plus a free leaflet to take home.
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4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea provided and a children’s activity (see diary for theme). Come and go as you please. This is not a service but our minister usually joins us (once a month; please check diary). Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday) Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month) *followed by tea/coffee DIARY FOR DECEMBER Sunday 1 December, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs M Finbow, Advent Sunday Thursday 5 December, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 8 December, 10.30am: Morning Worship with Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw Sunday 8 December, 3.30pm: Follow the Star – a family-friendly nativity play with refreshments afterwards Tuesday 10 December, 2pm: Network/MWiB, Handbells and Carols, followed by mince pies Wednesday 11 December, 7.30pm: Prayers for Healing Saturday 14 December, 10.30am: Carol singing outside the Co-op in aid of Action for Children (formerly NCH) Sunday 15 December, 10.30am: Morning Worship, The Rev C Jowett
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Monday 16 December, 2pm: Bible Study Wednesday 18 December, 7.30pm: Carols by Candlelight with refreshments afterwards Saturday 21 December, 10-11am: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 22 December, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr L Rokobuli, All-age Carol Service
Dry Carpet Cleaning
Wednesday 25 December, Christmas Day, 10am: Methodist Church United Service with St Mary’s (30-45 mins)
For a FREE no obligation quotation
Sunday 29 December, 10am: United Service at St Mary’s
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Professional Local Service call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
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