In Touch with Hadleigh December 2019

Craciun Fericit

Feliz Navidad

In Touch

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with Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Raydon, with Hadleigh Layham & Holton St Mary

ubarak

For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service

Nollaig Shona D 01473 327596

Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Volume 1 • Issue No. 5 • FEBRUARY 2016 Volume 5 • Issue No. 3 • DECEMBER 2019

uon Natale

Milad Mubara

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

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 www.keepingintouchwith.com/hadleigh

Zali 1

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In Touch Online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon 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

NEWS BOWZA’S IN THE NEWS AGAIN Bowza, the Hero of Hadleigh, will be singing along to Jingle Bells on the Channel 5 show Pets do the Funniest Things at Christmas on Monday 2 December at 8pm. It’s only a short clip so make that cup of tea and get settled on the sofa by 8pm sharp!

ARTIST COMMISSIONED FOR NEW POOL Suffolk-based artist Jo Chapman has been commissioned to work with community groups in Hadleigh to design a sunshade for the new pool.

Jo will now work with local community groups in Hadleigh, including Hadleigh Dementia Action Alliance, to look at themes to inspire the sunshade (brise soleil) design for the new swimming pool at Hadleigh Pool and Leisure.

The groups will explore themes such as the importance of wellbeing and exercise, the pool environment, local landscape and more.

This work forms part of a £2.4m investment by Babergh District Council, with £200,000 of funds provided by Hadleigh Town Council and a grant from Sports England (£150k) to build a new swimming pool. Built by local firm Rose Builders, the pool is expected to be opened to the public in summer 2020, with the old pool re-landscaped into parkland, resulting in no net loss of open space.

The works will include a new pool with five 25 metre lanes, disabled access to the pool via easy access steps and handrail or via lift, Changing Places toilet and shower facility, a sauna, spectator seating and access through to the existing changing facilities, refurbished in 2010.

As a site-specific artist, Jo specialises in large scale public commissions for parks, colleges, libraries, hospitals, housing developments as well as running educational workshops. She said: “It’s always exciting to be part of a big public project like this and being able to work with the community to inspire a design. I know Hadleigh, and the pool especially, is a special place for many people in Babergh and I look forward to being able to capture those feelings in the final design.”

Councillor Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “It’s exciting news we’ve now been able to announce Jo as the local artist who will work on the pool’s sunshade design. We recognise the importance of remaining healthy and active, so this investment in our leisure facilities and infrastructure shows that commitment. I look forward to seeing how our community and Jo work together to create the final design.”

Tracey Loynds, Development Director for Abbeycroft Leisure, said: “We hope that the artwork will show the history of swimming in Hadleigh to the current day. The new pool will be in a stand-out location for the community and this art project to create a sunshade design will provide something important to the people of Hadleigh for years to come.”

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Wed 11 December is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/hadleigh

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NEWS OAK HOUSE FARM OPENS ON-SITE BUTCHERY

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

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

Please report any fraud to: www.actionfraud.police.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Suffolk Police are recruiting again at the moment. Do you fancy a job where every day is different? Walk a new path and join Suffolk Police as a constable.

Please look at our website for further information.

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

If your group or club would like a police visit, please contact PC George to arrange. Perhaps you would like a personal safety talk or an informal chat over a coffee. Please email Sarah at: sarah.george2@suffolk.pnn.police.uk You can report non urgent crimes online via: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us You can also call the police on 101 to report crimes and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. In an emergency always call 999.

Kindest regards, PC Sarah George and PC Diane Porter

TREE FOR LIFE FOR NEW ARRIVALS A new Tree for Life scheme means families across Babergh can join those in Mid Suffolk in claiming a free tree to mark the arrival of a child, enhancing biodiversity in the districts.

The initiative, which has been running in neighbouring Mid Suffolk since 2018, offers parents with a new born or newly adopted child the chance to mark their arrival by planting a tree – benefiting families, communities and the environment by boosting the number of trees in the district.

Open to families who have welcomed a new arrival between 1 January and 31 December 2019, the scheme is also available to parents who may have lost a child during the same period to apply for a memorial tree.

Any Tree for Life must be planted within the two districts; a plant pot grown tree will also be available for those without access to a garden.

Families in both Babergh and Mid Suffolk are now being encouraged to apply for this year’s trees, ahead of the 12 January 2020 deadline.

Councillor Elisabeth Malvisi, Babergh District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to officially launch the Tree for Life scheme in Babergh. Across the world people are becoming more aware of the importance of leaving a healthy and richer environment for future generations. We recognise the importance of this too, and hope the initiative enables our new families to take the first step whilst marking their new arrival at the same time.”

Families can apply for their tree at: www.babergh.gov.uk/tree-for-life Eligible applicants will be invited to choose and collect their tree at a tree giving event in early 2020, where they will be able to learn more about how to plant and maintain their tree.

In Touch Online

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NEWS HADLEIGH & BOXFORD PPG Could it be lonely this Christmas?

Nearly one million older people say they feel lonelier at Christmas. However, loneliness can affect anyone from any walk of life, especially if they have been through bereavement, a relationship breakdown, have moved to a new area or suffer from physical or mental health challenges.

Christmas on your own, particularly the first one, can be really hard. People often feel that there is a pressure to be happy and we are bombarded with images of smiling couples and close-knit families by the media. The Mental Health Foundation has found that loneliness is an even bigger concern for young people than the elderly.

What can you do if you’re on your own?

You might decide to curl up with your favourite snacks and a movie or go for a walk in the frosty air. If you haven’t chosen to spend Christmas alone and you’d like some company, have a think about what you might like to do.

You can visit the Community Christmas website for older people, meetup. com for younger age groups or visithadleighsuffolk.co.uk to find details of community Christmas events taking place in your area.

You could consider volunteering at the Christmas Present Trust (01473 829246) who provide a traditional meal and party on Christmas Day for those in the Hadleigh area who, for whatever reason, are by themselves at Christmas. You will also be welcome as a guest.

Volunteering can be a great way to meet like-minded people. Visit Do-it.org to see where your nearest volunteering opportunity is.

If you know other people who are also spending Christmas alone, you could suggest that you go out for a meal as a group or organise a get-together where each person brings part of Christmas lunch.

What can I do to support someone who is lonely?

If you’re having a Christmas party, think about inviting people in your neighbourhood or others who you know are going to be on their own – the more the merrier! Don’t forget that some people may prefer to spend Christmas on their own, so keep any offer casual – you don’t want to put anyone under pressure.

It can also be tough to spend Christmas Day surrounded by someone else’s family all opening presents, so consider inviting someone for just part of the day, like Christmas lunch, or for a drink in the evening.

You could drop a gift round to someone’s house part-way through the day, invite someone out for a walk or a trip to the local carol service or just pop in for a cuppa and a chat.

If you know an older person who is lonely, you could offer to help them find local community events over Christmas. Community Christmas has listings of events for lonely older people happening across the UK. A Merry Christmas to all from Hadleigh & Boxford Patient Participation Group

DECEMBER’S ADVICE COLUMN I live with my two children and partner in a small semi-detached house. During the winter we use more heating and electricity as we’re home more. Do you have any tips on how I can keep the cost of my energy down during the winter?

There are a few things you can do to save some money during the winter period. Check when your energy contract is due to expire. If you’re at the end of your contract, find out if you could save money by switching supplier or tariff by visiting: energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk If you’re on a prepayment meter you could save money by replacing your meter with one that lets you pay after using energy rather than in advance. Most suppliers won’t charge you for removing a prepayment meter, though many will run a credit check or ask you for a deposit You may also be eligible for certain grants and benefits. These could include Warm Home discount or help with energy debt.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP KEEP COSTS DOWN 1. Using a timer for your heating, lowering your thermostat and using radiator valve controls could save you over £100 per year 2. Changing light bulbs to an energy-efficient one could save £50 over the lifetime of the bulb 3. Turn appliances off standby mode to save around £30 a year 4. Seal cracks in floors, skirting boards and add draft excluders to letterboxes, doors and windows Some energy suppliers also offer grants to allow improvements to your home, like insulation or a new boiler. What help you can get depends on your circumstances and what would help your home. You don’t need to be a customer of one of these suppliers to apply but you’ll need to check your eligibility. Sudbury & District Local Citizens Advice can help you do this.

At Sudbury & District Local Citizens Advice we are aware that people do not always know that there are ways to save money on heating their homes. We can give you detailed energy advice on how to switch energy companies and on energy saving tips and information about grants that are available.

If you need help with any of these issues contact: Sudbury & District Local Citizens Advice: Keyse House, Acton Lane, Sudbury CO10 1QN T: 01787 321400 / 0300 330 115 E: advice@sudburycab.org.uk Drop-in advice sessions: Monday to Thursday between 10am and 1pm We also offer a drop-in advice session on the first Thursday of every month at the Ansell Centre in Hadleigh, no appointment necessary.

If you are a patient of Hadleigh Boxford Group Practice an advice session runs every Tuesday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm at Hadleigh Surgery. Contact the surgery on 01473 822961 to make an appointment. For further information visit: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

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In Touch Online

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11 December at 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall when Barbara Faulkner will present a humorous talk on The Man in Red. Our aim is to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon. I would like to welcome back former members and to see new members from all local villages, either as visitors or members.

If you wish to take part in our Christmas tombola please bring a small wrapped present to include. Also bring a small plate of food to share with refreshments.

Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

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

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

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

THE ORCHARD PLAYERS 2020 PANTO Red Riding Hood, January 9-11 at Capel St Mary Community Centre

HADLEIGH & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB December wouldn’t be the same without our end of year quiz and this year we have been promised a music round to add to the excitement. There will be plenty to eat and drink and, by special request, a Christmas raffle!

Not many things can upset the villagers of Fermley on the Fiddle – that is except werewolves and politicians! This Panto season, join us as we tell the story of the most famous Red Hood around.

Can the Woodcutter outwit the Wolf? Will Red get to Granny in time? Or will the evil Baroness hoodwink them all? You’re in for a howling experience!

We meet in the dining room of the town hall on Monday 9 December at 7.30pm. Entrance is £2 for members and £4 for non-members. It’s always an enjoyable evening and we hope to you see you there.

Tickets (£8/£6) for performances on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 January at 7.30pm, and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 11 are now on sale. Box Office Number: 07793 820215

E: hadleighgardenclub@gmail.com

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OUT & ABOUT LIBRARY LIFE: REFLECTIONS HADLEIGH COMMUNITY CHOIR Our next concert on December 7 is in aid of Fresh Start New Beginnings, a local therapeutic service that helps children who’ve been abused and supports their families.

This time the songs are mostly about winter and Christmas (yes, a lucky coincidence; I thought that too), and the music team has dug out songs that are mostly new to us and possibly to you. Ring out Solstice Bells, anyone, or maybe Torches? You can reminisce over Paul Simon and Tori Amos numbers or maybe feel a bit sad about that old lover of yours with Tim Rice and A Winter’s Tale. A special treat for those of you in Hadleigh who happen to be 17th century native Canadians, you can sing along to The Huron Carol, and there’s the old Wizard classic I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday for people who will insist on being happy over Christmas.

So come along to our concert, have fun and enjoy a wide range of songs and support a very worthwhile charity – 7.30pm on December 7 at the United Reformed Church in Hadleigh. Tickets are available at The Idler and Keith Avis, newsagents or on the door.

If you like singing or you’d like to try it, come along when we practise on Thursdays at 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church in Hadleigh or contact Stella (01473 823477) or John (01473 823791). www.hadscommunitychoir.onesuffolk.net Facebook: Hadleigh Community Choir

The darker months and colder weather naturally forces us to spend more time hunkered down inside and leads inherently to a state of reflection on the year that has passed. And so I find myself thinking over my year at the library.

I have been at Hadleigh for less than two years and yet it has become hugely important to me, as I know it is to many others. I have seen, heard and learned more about what our community needs and wants more than I can say and am proud to be part of Suffolk Libraries, a charity which is fundamentally there to help, support and enrich the lives of everyone who comes to us.

At our core, we offer the important staples of knowledge, information and a place to come and learn, but we are also adapting to the growing needs of our society. We provide a safe place that anyone can come to without judgement, whether it’s for a group activity or to just quietly sit and read the paper. We look for new ways to excite and inspire with events and activities and, of course, we are on hand to help you use our public computers and technology services. But more than that, we are your community space and we hope that when you come in to see us you feel as happy as we do to see each and every one of you walk through our doors.

We wish you all, a very Happy Christmas. www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

CHRISTMAS FAYRE AND MARKET Friday 13 December, 3.30-5.30pm at Hintlesham Community Hall A warm welcome awaits you at the annual Christmas Fayre and Market which is raising valuable funds for Hintlesham and Chattisham CoE Primary School.

It’s the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy festive traditions such as mulled wine, mince pies and Santa’s grotto.

We’re delighted to have a number of local craft and product stalls join us to offer handmade gifts, luxurious skincare, candles, pottery, jams and more. Plus a song performance by our very own schoolchildren at 4pm!

A fun afternoon for all of the family.

CAPEL IRISH SET DANCE GROUP Capel Irish Set Dance Group meets at St Mary’s Church Hall on the third Sunday of every month (except August and the second Sunday in December) from 2-5.30pm. We are a friendly group and it’s not necessary to have a partner. In fact you’re welcome to come along just to enjoy the music.

Our Christmas Dance is on December 8.

Hille and Trevor Peartree, 01473 310146 Chris and Marjorie Haste, 01473 311615

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SCHOOLS / SPORT HADLEIGH UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB LAYHAM PLAYGROUP We have continued to think about autumn in our crafts and activities this month. The children found lots of conkers, fir-cones and sticks on their walks, which we have had lots of fun; counting, sorting, using them in the mud kitchen and transporting them in dumper trucks, diggers and wheelbarrows.

We had lots of fun scooping out a pumpkin to make a pumpkin house for our garden and have also thought about fireworks and used lots of different media to make firework pictures.

We are now getting very excited as we prepare for Christmas.

If you are interested in seeing Layham Playgroup for yourself and would like to arrange a visit, please contact us: 07999 866419 / admin@layhamplaygroup.co.uk Ladybird Toddler Group takes place every Wednesday morning during term time from 9.30-11am, and is open to all children from birth to five years. We have a range of toys and activities ranging from a quiet baby area to role-play, small world, playdough and crafts.

ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears Although the wintery weather is approaching, we are still making the most of our outdoor environment. Our outdoor sleeping area is still open to those who wish for their children to sleep outdoors. We provide children with fleecy sleepsuits, sleeping bags and warm fleecy blankets. There will be days where it’s just too cold, windy or rainy for this to be appropriate, but for the most part we will be sleeping outdoors. Through researching sleeping outdoors, it’s believed in many sources that sleeping outdoors, rather than in a room with other children and the heating on, the risk of the spread of germs, colds and illness is reduced. It is suggested by activeforlife.com that spending time in enclosed spaces can contribute to the spread of germs.

Toddling Tigers The Tigers have been developing their turn-taking skills recently using the wishing well in the garden. We have demonstrated to the children how to use the handle safely in order to raise and lower the bucket. The children then used mathematical language to discuss the direction of the bucket and the handle. The children also were able to exercise the cognitive development in the brain ‘crossing the midline’ through circular gross motor motion of turning the handle.

Gruffalos We are continuing along our curious journey with lots of exciting things planned to ignite their curious sides. The children will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of authentic resources throughout December. It will be completely led by the children’s own creative ideas and inspiration. They may wish to use the Curious Christmas resources in playdough or water. They may choose to paint or glue them. They may choose to use them in a way we as adults could never imagine! There is no right or wrong way to be curious and investigate, the most important thing is that the children are allowed the time and space to do this in a way that sparks their own interest and learning style. We hope you all have a happy and curious Christmas!

Meerkats With the evenings becoming darker earlier, it’s an opportunity for the Meerkats at after school club to make the most of the darkness by exploring the great outside by torch light. The Meerkats love to go outside all year round and have also enjoyed various cooking activities; these have been a great success and we have some fantastic wintery recipes planned to look forward to.

If you would like further information about Robin’s Childcare, please contact Emma: 01473 310767 / info@robinschildcare.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/hadleigh

Thank you to all the helpers for their hard work on a damp day to get set up ready for the fireworks display, and to all the spectators who turned out once again to made this annual event a very successful night. Hopefully we will do it all again in 2020.

First Team Since our last report lady luck has deserted us and we have lost the last four matches. A narrow loss at home to Thetford (3-2) was followed by a 6-1 defeat at Long Melford with new signing Gavin Van-oene scoring in both matches. A slightly improved performance against Swaffham on Saturday 9 November saw us lose 1-0 and our sixteenth a trip to Norwich Utd saw us lose 4-1. We put in a much stronger performance despite the scoreline which did flatter the hosts. One victory in all of this was loyal supporter Tommy Chisnall winning the 50/50 raffle at Norwich Utd. Reserve Team The scheduled match at Cornard on October 26 fell victim to a waterlogged pitch. Next up, a trip to the seaside (Holland-on-Sea) to play Holland Res saw us return home pointless in a nine goal thriller as we came back from 4-1 down at the interval to lose 5-4. A Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup match on November 9 saw a 2-1 win over Long Melford to secure a place in the quarter finals when we host Woodbridge Town Res on 29 February 2020. The home match against Diss was called off due a waterlogged Millfield pitch.

Under18s It’s better news for the Under 18s. Although losing by a goal (2-1) against Stowmarket, the side has been playing with more confidence and recorded a convincing 7-0 victory away at Coplestonians on Thursday 31 October, although the hosts made us work hard for the win. Buoyed by this win, the next home match on November 6 saw the second win of the season, a 3-2 victory over Felixstowe & Walton. We came back from a goal down and battled hard to go 3-1 ahead in the second half. A late rally by the visitors saw them pull a goal back to set up a tense final few minutes as we held out for the points.

Veterans October 27 saw both teams in action with the Vets winning 6-0 away to Ipswich Revolution while the Brettsiders drew 1-1 away to Coplestonians. Both teams were in cup action on Sunday 3 November with the Vets winning 7-1 away at AFC Kesgrave to progress into the next round, but the Brettsiders lost 7-3 away to Bury Town Vets. Both scheduled matches on Sunday 17 November were called off due to waterlogged pitches DECEMBER MATCHES First Team Sat 7: Hadleigh v Walsham-le-Willows Sat 14: Wroxham v Hadleigh Sat 21: Hadleigh v Newmarket Town Sat 28: Hadleigh v Brantham Athletic Reserves Sat 7: Away to Walsham-le-Willows Under 18s Wed 4: Hadleigh v Whitton Utd Thurs 12: Framlingham Town v Hadleigh Veterans Sun 1: AFC Kesgrave v Hadleigh Vets Sun 8: Felixstowe Falcons v Hadleigh Vets Sun 15: Hadleigh Vets v Witnesham Wasps & Hadleigh Brettsiders v Ipswich Phoenix October 200 Club Winners 1: John Day (74) £100 2: Rolf Beggerow (8) £50 A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all from Hadleigh United Football Club

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL & ELMSETT METHODIST CHURCHES

COME AND MEET US We are a family of ordinary people who love God and trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. We would be delighted to welcome you to our Church office in George Street and to any of our services, activities, courses and events.

Sunday Services (live streaming) 10.30am: All Age Worship including crèche, teaching and activities for ages three-13 6.30pm: Evening Service Audio recordings of our services are available on our website, YouTube and as podcasts from iTunes.

Christianity Explored If you are unsure what Christianity is all about but would like to find out, we regularly run free, friendly and informal Christianity Explored courses. You will not be asked to read or pray aloud but will be given the opportunity to ask your questions. Many people have found this course helpful. Please check out our website for the starting date of our next course.

Midweek Small Groups We have seven small groups that meeting on a Wednesday afternoon and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in homes around Hadleigh and the surrounding area for Bible study, fellowship and prayer.

Baby, Toddler, Children and Youth Groups We have two-midweek groups. One, run jointly with our friends from the URC, is for babies and toddlers with their parents or carers and is called The Ark. It meets on Friday mornings in term time from 9.3011.30am. The second group for School Years 5 and 6 is called Equip runs every Thursday in school term time from 7-8pm.

Our Christmas Winter Wonderland Day will be held on Saturday 14 December from 11am to 3pm. This is a free event with games, crafts, refreshments and more for everyone.

We have three Carol Services this year. On Sunday 15 December at 6.30pm we will have a service with contemporary carols; on Sunday 22 December at 6.30pm a traditional Carols by Candlelight; and on Sunday 22 December at 10.30am, a Family Nativity Service, where we encourage children to dress up as a nativity character and become part of the story.

I grew up in a Christian household, I was told the stories of Jesus, I went to Sunday School and loved my Sunday School teacher. I loved the stories and many people around me believed the stories. A few knocks to my simple faith came and I began to wonder whether it was a joke, stories just made up.

My brother told me about a group of young people meeting in the Potteries which had grown from four to 150 young people in four years. I went along and for these young people the stories were vividly true – not just in the historic case of in Jesus’s time, but God was speaking to them personally. A girl younger than me got up at the end of the meeting and said anyone can come and meet Jesus. I realised then that I knew lots about Jesus, but I didn’t ‘know’ Jesus. Like I know a lot about the Queen, but I don’t know her, and she doesn’t know me. That evening, I ‘came’ to Jesus, discovered he knew my name and everything about me – including the wrong things I had done, and despite that, he still loved me and I could talk with him.

Two thousand years ago on the hillside outside Bethlehem shepherds were told of the birth of a baby, born to be the Saviour. It could have been a joke, a fantastic laser light display with sound effects, but they said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see if it’s true for ourselves”. They hurried off and found the baby and all the detail was exactly as they had been told. As they returned to their sheep, they told everyone what they had heard and seen. I still love introducing people to Jesus. I would love for to see for yourself. You can’t rely on my faith, Jesus knows you and he wants you to know him. Jesus came into our world 2,000 years ago in the flesh, now he comes by his Spirit and you can know him.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 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 1

10.30am Worship with Mr Victor Jack 6.30pm Prayer

Sunday 8

10.30am Worship with Mr Tom Boswell

Sunday 15

10.30am All-age Christmas Celebration 6.30pm Carol Service with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 22

10.30am Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey 4-5pm Cakes and Carols – for all ages

Christmas Day 9.30am Sunday 29

Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

10.30am Worship with Mr Roger Hulford

On the morning of Sunday 22 December at 10.30am we will be having a family nativity service, where we encourage children to dress up as a nativity character and become part of the story.

AT ELMSETT METHODIST Rev Derek Grimshaw, Minister at Elmsett Methodist 2 Henley Avenue, Ipswich / 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msm.com

Further Information and where to find us: George Street, Hadleigh IP7 5BE (free parking in nearby public car park on Magdalen Road)

Sunday 1 9.45am 6.30pm

Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Circuit Service at Chantry

Sunday 8 9.45am 6.30pm

Worship with Dr Liz Cope Communion with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Sunday 15 9.45am 6.30pm

Worship with Mr David Keeble Worship with Mr William Glasse

Sunday 22 9.45am 6.30pm

Communion with Rev Derek Grimshaw Worship with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Sunday 29

Worship – Local Arrangement

Tel: 01473 829602 and speak to Greg or Chris Website: www.hadleighbaptist.org.uk Twitter: @HadleighBaptist Facebook: HadleighBaptistChurch YouTube: Hadleigh Baptist Church

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Seeing for Myself Have you ever been told something and passed the information on to others and then discovered it was untrue? It can be a bit embarrassing and we may protest, “Well that’s what I was told”. We may even go so far as to name the person who told us. A girl bought up in the centre of England far from the coast, was walking with her boyfriend’s family near the sea. There was a lot of stringy seaweed and he told her that there must be a string factory around the headland and what she was seeing was the offcuts thrown in the sea. At first, she believed him and enquired more, expressing disgust that a factory could discharge its waste into the sea. Before she had a chance to go to the shoreline and examine the ‘string’ herself, she realised that it was a joke that she had fallen for.

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