In Touch News with Hadleigh March 2020

In Touch

™™© ™ ©© ™©

with Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Raydon, with Hadleigh Layham & Holton St Mary Volume 1 • Issue No. 5 • FEBRUARY 2016 Volume 5 • Issue No. 6 • MARCH 2020

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Do you ever long for the days when you pulled up at a service station and waited for an assistant to come to your aid? This is just one example of a ‘social’ encounter which doesn’t exist anymore, replaced by self-service or technology.

Of course, self-sufficiency is good in many, if not all, aspects of life, but the need for and the benefits of social contact are proven. Loneliness and isolation are rarely freely embraced and Facebook, Twitter and the like have become lifelines for many while the internet provides unparalleled access to... well, to just about everything. However, I find that spending time with ‘real’ people, chatting over coffee, brief conversations over a counter, a helpful assistant when you need to try on a different (invariably bigger) size, even a nod on a cold morning have all become more precious as a consequence.

I saw a poster in a coffee shop recently which made me smile: “I saw a man in a coffee shop the other day. He was just sitting there drinking coffee. He wasn’t on his phone or checking his emails. Just sitting there doing nothing like some crazy person!” Not so long ago this would have described most of us and I hope you occasionally find time to ‘just sit’, despite what others may think!

We are fortunate to live in an age where access to just about everything we need, and lots more besides, is at our fingertips but we must never forget those who don’t have access or who may need our actual presence in their lives.

A message may be appreciated but a hug is everything.

Of course, this also applies to local business; without our support they simply can’t survive and where would we be without them. Now more than ever, we need to show some love to our high streets and to consider the carbon footprint of each and every purchase we make. Every face-to-face shopping experience helps us to stay connected with our local community and shopping locally ensures more of our money stays in the local community.

NEWS HIDDEN GARDENS OF HADLEIGH Saturday 6 June 2020 Entry to more than 30 gardens, open from 11am-5pm across the town.

Refreshments in St Mary’s Church from 10.30am-4pm Guided tour of the Deanery Tower.

Programmes on sale in advance from The Idler Bookshop and St Mary’s Church Office, and on the day from St Mary’s Church and participating gardens. www.hadleighgardens.co.uk

The Christmas Present Trust – The Way Forward

Of course, if you prefer to shop online or simply don’t have the means to get out and about, you can still choose to shop local by finding a local supplier online. As you’ll see in the following pages, most, if not, all of the businesses and service providers featured have an online presence.

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 Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Raydon, Layham & Holton St Mary is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

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 • Shotley, 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 • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall

Now that spring is around the corner (hopefully) we would like to invite all those who volunteered for us at Christmas, and anyone else who is interested, to a soiree in the Community Room at Hadleigh United Reformed Church on Tuesday 24 March at 7pm.

This will be an opportunity to see photos of the event, have a look at the accounts and share ideas and suggestions for the way forward. Having run the event for the last five years, we would like to share this task with like-minded individuals and to that end we are looking for at least three people to join us in organising this year’s event.

This Christmas Present Trust meal and entertainment is now well and truly a fixture of the Hadleigh year and by expanding the organising group we hope to ensure that the event continues for as long as it’s needed. We can honestly say that we have enjoyed every one of the last five Christmas Day occasions and we are sure we will do so again in 2020. If you feel you can help, or just want to know more about us, please come along on March 24. We would love to see you.

Simon and Sarah Thompson

We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Friday 20 March Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

Please recycle.

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the April edition

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NEWS NEXT STEPS FOR HADLEIGH’S NEW POOL Work to build a new swimming pool at Hadleigh Pool and Leisure will enter its next construction phase this spring.

Working with its partner Abbeycroft Leisure, Babergh District Council is investing £2.4m with £200,000 of funds provided by Hadleigh Town Council and a Sports England grant (£150k) to build a new swimming pool at Hadleigh Pool and Leisure.

The works being carried out by Rose Builders include a new pool 25-metre pool, 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. The old pool will be demolished once the new building has been connected to the existing centre.

By re-landscaping the former pool area into park land, the build will result in no net loss of open space, with the new pool expected to be complete in summer 2020. A design for the sunshade which will be located at the front of the new pool is also currently being created by local artist Jo Chapman working with local community groups.

Tracey Loynds, development director for Abbeycroft Leisure, said: “As exciting as this project is, we do understand that any closure can be a challenge for customers. So while we bring the new pool to life over the next few months, we have put a number of measures in place to keep disruption to a minimum.

Councillor Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “It’s exciting to see the new pool at Hadleigh really start to take shape to provide new community leisure facilities in Babergh. This work is a huge step in helping our residents remain healthy and active, as well as ensuring that future generations can enjoy our leisure facilities over coming years – taking an important step towards achieving the aims set out in our Leisure, Sport & Physical Activity Strategy.”

All existing facilities, including the current pool, have so far remained open and unaffected during most of the works to keep disruption to a minimum.

However, to enable final preparations ahead of its demolition later this year, the current pool will close on Friday 20 March. The closure will allow the new pool to be connected to the plant room and a link corridor between the buildings to be constructed.

Hadleigh Pool and Leisure’s other spaces and activities, including the gym, group exercise classes and the community and social rooms will continue to remain open throughout the works, allowing customers to stay active.

“For example, anyone with a swimming membership will be able to use the Kingfisher Leisure Centre – subject to normal public swimming times – and can also upgrade their membership free of charge to access gym and fitness classes for three months. And from April to June, Swim School members are being offered an alternative dry-side programme at Hadleigh for a reduced monthly fee. Alternatively, they can choose to temporarily have their lessons at Kingfisher Leisure Centre as well as access any public swimming sessions free of charge during the closure.”

From March 20, customers can find their nearest pool at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury with a timetable available on Abbeycroft Leisure’s website.

Customers wishing to find out more about Swim School arrangements and the dry-side programme should email: swimacademyhpl@acleisure.com Temporary closures of the footpath between Tayler Road and Stonehouse Road/George Street during the works will continue to be kept to a minimum.

HADLEIGH & BOXFORD PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP Taking a winter break or planning your holiday? Don’t forget your travel immunisations!

For further information please visit: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx

The following vaccinations are available free on the NHS from the practice:

Advice and vaccinations are given by the practice nurse. Please don’t ask the receptionists for advice regarding travel vaccines as they are not medically trained. If you have any queries, you must make a 10-minute appointment with the practice nurse. You will be asked to complete a travel questionnaire prior to the appointment so that the practice nurse can check what vaccines you may require. An online version is available on the practice website.

• Cholera • Diphtheria, polio and tetanus booster • Hepatitis A – some combined vaccines, such as combined Hepatitis A and B • Typhoid These vaccines protect against diseases which are considered to be the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country. For other private travel vaccinations you are advised to attend a private clinic and you will have to pay for these to be administered.

• Hepatitis B • Meningitis C and other meningitis vaccines • Japanese encephalitis • Rabies • Tick-borne encephalitis

You may need to start protecting yourself well in advance if diseases such as malaria are a risk. Prepare a kit of travel health essentials, including sunscreen, painkillers, antiseptic, insect repellent and anti-diarrhoea pills. These will be useful wherever you’re going. Sexual health experts advise taking condoms with you to avoid the risk of buying fake brands, which may be unsafe, when you get there.

• Tuberculosis

For further information visit: www.hadleighhealth.co.uk/travel-clinic

• Yellow fever

For information about the PPG or to join our online virtual group, visit: www.hadleighhealth.co.uk/patient-participation-group

• Malaria Tablets

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We recommend that you have your travel vaccinations administered at least four to six weeks before your departure date. Read the latest health advice for the country you’re travelling to on the Fit for Travel website, and check the travel safety updates with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

In Touch Online

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01/09/2019 19:41

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NEWS LATEST COMMUNITIES SEE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS ADOPTED Aldham, Elmsett and Botesdale and Rickinghall have become the latest communities to have their Neighbourhood Plans adopted.

Neighbourhood Plans should set out a positive vision for how an area can be developed in ways that meet identified local need. Unlike more traditional types of plans or statements produced by town or parish councils, successful Neighbourhood Plans also have statutory weight and status. They become part of council’s development plan and will be used when determining planning applications in the relevant area.

Aldham’s Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted at Babergh Full Council on 21 January, following a referendum held in the parish on Thursday 5 December 2019 which saw over 91 percent of votes cast in support of the plan.

The Botesdale and Rickinghall Neighbourhood Plan was adopted by Mid Suffolk Full Council on 23 January. The referendum was held on Thursday 28 November 2019, where 87 percent of those who voted did so in favour of adopting the plan.

These follow the adoption of the Elmsett Neighbourhood Plan by Babergh District Council in December, following a referendum in November which saw 94 percent of votes cast in favour of the plan.

Cllr David Burn, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “Building homes is a key government priority and Neighbourhood Plans are an important way for communities to shape how their areas grow and develop over coming years. I look forward to seeing more areas come forward with their plans.”

Neighbourhood Plans must be formally adopted within an eight week period following a successful local referendum. This usually takes place at full council but the December meeting was cancelled due to the general election. This meant Elmsett’s plan was adopted in an ‘out of meeting’ action instead.

Cllr Clive Arthey, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “We have many parishes working on or thinking about Neighbourhood Plans, which continue to play a crucial role in how we plan positively for the future and add value at the local level.”

This now brings the total number of adopted plans in Babergh and Mid Suffolk to twelve, with more than 35 other parishes across the two districts currently drawing up their own Neighbourhood Plan.

A full list of adopted plans, and further information can be found at: www.babergh.gov.uk/planning/neighbourhood-planning

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM During the last month I have been out and about delivering school presentations about careers in the police and internet safety.

It’s important for all for us to consider online safety. It’s not just young people who can get into difficulty online and there are many scams still going on around us. Many of you may have received emails using your email address but if your name isn’t used, it’s probably a scam.

If it doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t.

Tell your friends and family if you think you have been the victim of a scam or if you suspect a scam and call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for practical advice: 0808 223 1133 The Police and Parish Forum dates are set out below. Please take this opportunity to come along and ask any questions.

Wednesday 22 April: Hadleigh Swimming Pool / AGM Wednesday 17 June: Claydon & Barham Village Hall Wednesday 12 August: Hintlesham Community Centre Wednesday 14 October: Chelmondiston Village Hall Wednesday 9 December: Brantham Sports Centre Sign up to Police Connect and you’ll always know what’s going on in your own community. This is a free messaging service connecting you to the very latest policing news for your area via email or text. You can register online at Suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect or pick up a leaflet from your local police station.

I will be dropping into Paddy & Scott’s (inside the Co-op on Hadleigh High Street) on Wednesday 11 March from about 10am until 2pm. Please come and see me.

You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us Call the police on 101 to report non-urgent crimes and concerns which do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Community Engagement Officer PC 287 Sarah George E: CEOipwesthadleigh@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

CITIZENS ADVICE SUDBURY & DISTRICT I run a small business. It’s been a very difficult six months for us as we lost a contract with one of our major clients and I just haven’t been able to replace it with new business.

Now I’ve just received a huge energy bill. It feels like the last straw and I’m really stressed.

I’m sorry to hear about your problems. The first thing to do is to call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. They can often help to resolve problems with energy suppliers.

It’s particularly important to do this quickly if you’re on a business contract and you’ve been told you’re going to be disconnected. If this happens an extra fee can be added to your bill, and then there’ll be another charge for being reconnected.

If you think the bill is wrong, get in touch with your energy company. If you are a microbusiness you can only be charged for gas or electricity you’ve used in the last 12 months – they can’t send you a new bill dating back longer than a year.

If the bill is correct, but you just can’t afford it, your energy supplier might agree to a payment plan. Work out a realistic budget so you know

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you’ll be able to afford the payments. Here at Citizens Advice we can help sole traders and individuals, but for other businesses there’s the Business Debtline on 0800 197 6026.

Moving forward, if your bills are being estimated you might be paying more than you need to. Set up a reminder on your phone to send monthly meter readings to your supplier or see if you can get a smart meter installed.

You may also find switching energy companies will save you money. You could also try energy efficiency measures such as switching off computers and other equipment overnight, using energy efficient light bulbs or making sure your premises are insulated.

If you need help or information about a problem you have contact Sudbury & District Citizens Advice at 01787 321400 / advice@sudburycab.org.uk or visit: www.sudburycab.org.uk Alternatively, drop into our advice sessions Monday to Thursday 10am to 1pm at Keyse House, Acton Lane, Sudbury CO10 1QN. If you are a patient of Hadleigh Boxford Group Practice an advice session runs at Hadleigh Surgery every Tuesday morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Contact the surgery on 01473 822961 to make an appointment.

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In Touch Online

OUT & ABOUT HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY Dramatic and majestic in its sound, the organ will feature prominently in three choral works at Hadleigh Choral Society’s upcoming spring concert. All are invited to attend as we perform a series of musical depictions of biblical psalms, requiem mass and heartfelt poems. Latin, Hebrew, English plus a bit of Gregorian chant harmonisations will all be on the menu as the choral society sings Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein, Requiem by Maurice Durufle and Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Directed by Christopher Phelps, the choir will be accompanied by professional soloists Nina Bennet (mezzo soprano), Tim Travers Brown (counter tenor) and Owain Browne (baritone), along with organist Tom Bell. Harp and percussion instruments will round out the musical ensemble.

Join us St Mary’s Church in Hadleigh (IP7 5DT) on Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm for this evening of celebratory praise through these well-loved choral classics, two of which made their debut appearance at such esteemed venues as Chichester and Worcester Cathedrals.

SWING INTO SPRING Saturday 28 March from 7pm till late at The Delphi Centre, Sudbury CO10 2RR. Swing dance evening in support of Upbeat Heart Support in West Suffolk.

Featuring Sarah Mai and The Rhythm Riots.

Sarah is an accomplished singer from Norfolk and has just released her first record, Ain’t Gonna Hush. She is supported by vintage DJ Baker Boy. Unfortunately The Delphi Centre is due to close mid-year as the factory which owns the land and The Delphi Centre is moving its operations abroad.

Consequently this will be the last dance organised by Dance with Us Suffolk to raise funds for UPBEAT, the heart support charity for West Suffolk.

To book (£10 in advance, £12 on the door if available) go to: www.dancewithussuffolk.co.uk

Tickets are £15 (under-25s free) from www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk, The Idler bookshop in Hadleigh (37 High Street), choir members or on the door. For more information phone 01473 823791.

NEW TUNES FOR YOU

STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC

The members of this long-established Suffolk group offer a wider range of tunes and play for little more than expenses. They are easy to accommodate: a power socket and a bit of shade against the blazing sun is all they want. Plus a cup of tea and a bun would be nice.

Out of hibernation with new numbers and renewed enthusiasm is the message from Jazz Galore.

Four weekends are already taken up with repeat bookings – a beer festival, two village fetes and a concert – so if you’d like them to play at your event this year contact Mike Smith on 07874 034390 before too long.

BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS Carducci String Quartet Sunday 8 March, 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG Borodin, Quartet no 2 in D major Shostakovich, Quartet op 108 no 7 Beethoven, Quartet op 59 no 3 Razumovsky We are pleased to welcome back this internationally renowned, UK based Anglo-Irish quartet. They were founded by the present members in 1997 and have won numerous awards in competitions and for recordings. They recently performed a selection of Beethoven Quartets for the Beethoven 250 Festival at the Barbican.

Generously supported by Birkett Long Solicitors.

Kammerphilharmonie Europa Sunday 29 March, 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG Vivaldi, Concerto in G minor FX no 21 Ponchielli, Trumpet Concerto in F major Suk, Serenade for Strings op 6 J S Bach, Violin Concerto in E major BWV 1042 Rachmaninov, Vocalise Elgar, Serenade for strings op 20 Returning by popular request and bringing their virtuoso trumpeter and violinist, this small section of a larger German based orchestra consists of musicians from all over Europe performing much-loved chamber music repertoire.

Generously supported by Grier & Partners, East Bergholt.

Tickets (£15, students £7.50, under-16s free) can be booked online or from 01206 298426. www.svam.org.uk

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A market takes place in Belstead Village Hall from 9.30am-12.30pm on the first Saturday of every month from March till December to raise vital funds to support the upkeep of the village hall.

With an extensive range of tables, a raffle and refreshments, the market is the perfect place to meet with friends for a chat over a cuppa and a piece of cake while supporting this essential local amenity. You can also support our chosen charity at a table laden with homemade goodies for sale.

If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk Belstead Village Hall, Grove Hill, Belstead IP8 3LU

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.

The remaining dates for 2020 are March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, 20 September, 18 October, 15 November and 13 December.

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

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OUT & ABOUT

HOME LIBRARY SERVICE Let the library come to you Did you know that in addition to being located on Hadleigh High Street, we also offer a home library service?

The home library service is run by friendly volunteers who regularly visit people who are unable to get to a library due to mobility issues or disability.

They deliver books, audiobooks and large print titles so no one has to miss out on the pleasure of reading – or having someone to talk to. The service, which is entirely free, is also available to care and residential homes and all volunteers are reference and DBS checked.

You can borrow several items at a time and it’s not just the books that are of benefit. Some customers may not see many people during the week so the service provides much needed social interaction with volunteers who are happy to stay for a chat.

Suffolk Libraries has volunteers looking for new people to visit in 2020 so if you or someone you know would benefit from this service, contact your local library for more information: hls@suffolklibraries.co.uk / 01473 351249 You can also refer someone to the service at: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/hls Hadleigh Library, 29 High Street, Hadleigh IP7 5AG / 01473 823778

The society offers an interesting and stimulating monthly lecture programme delivered by experts on all aspects of the arts. Lectures take place at 2pm at The Quay Theatre, Sudbury on the third Tuesday each month (excepting July/August and December).

Membership is £43pa for nine lectures and a quarterly arts magazine, plus the additional option of visiting places of interest during the year.

The 2020 programme has already included such diverse subjects as Iran, Paul Nash, Edward Lear and the Wind in the Willows revisited.

Still to come Ravilious, Bawden and the Great Bardfield Artists, 18th and 20th Century Scottish Art and an additional summer celebration comprising tea and a lecture on the stained glass windows in magnificent Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford which will take place in the church itself.

On Tuesday 17 March we welcome Roger Mitchell, a lecturer at the University of Liverpool who leads country house tours across the UK, with a talk entitled The Georgian House around the world: Antique Treasures for the New World.

To join visit www.tassouthsuffolk.org.uk or to find out more contact membership organiser Pauline Cardwell: 01787 228482 / ninicardwell@live.co.uk To book a £5 taster session email: ninicardwell@live.co.uk

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

On Wednesday 4 March Maureen Clarke will talk to us about the plight of street orphans in India and we will hold our annual general meeting on Wednesday 18 March.

On March 17 Richard Symes will give a talk on Dunwich Heath. Over the last 300 years the heath has had a varied and colourful history. It has been the site of brandy and tobacco smuggling and trawlermen cleared mines to keep vital supply lines open during the Great War. More recently, the heath was used for military exercises to prepare for the Normandy landings, in particular how to breach enemy defences. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM.

Francis Sparrow will speak about the Black Death on April 1 and on April 15 Mike Rines will tell us why the English language is under attack. On May 6 David Lilley will introduce the Mitford sisters and Chris Parfitt will take us on a circuit of Central India on May 20.

On April 21 Mark Beesley, a local artist and historian, will give a talk on East Anglian artists. The talk will feature both the well-known and lesser known local artists.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members and volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB, 10 for 10.30am. For further details please contact our president Dave Carman: 01255 880202

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

HADLEIGH & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB

VILLAGE LINK CLUB

This month’s meeting on Monday 9 March is our AGM but the business is usually completed nice and quickly so we can enjoy a cuppa and a good natter afterwards.

Alex Bass will present a talk on Suffolk Wildlife and Landscapes at our next meeting in Tattingstone Village Hall on Wednesday 11 March at 10am.

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. Former and new members are welcome, either as visitors or members.

Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

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There is still a competition though (a small posy of spring flowers), as well as the plant and produce table and the raffle.

There’s no entrance fee for this special meeting so it might be a good time to come and find out more about the club.

We meet in the dining room at Hadleigh Town Hall at 7.30pm. We hope to see you there.

E: hadleighgardenclub@gmail.com

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SCHOOLS / ON THE GRAPEVINE ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears One chilly morning we wrapped ourselves and the babies up warm to explore the village. We walked to the memorial statue where we stopped for a snack, then set off towards the garden centre. The babies all fell asleep before we got there so we decided to carry on walking, allowing them to have a nice relaxing nap. They woke up naturally and were intrigued by watching cars, vans, dogs and trees on our journey home. We had a lovely time and hope to go on another adventure soon.

Toddling Tigers Tigers have had an interesting time exploring paint, adding everyday items such as pasta to create many different patterns. This fun activity generated lots of conversation.

Gruffalos The Gruffalos have enjoyed experiencing ice and cold, exploring how quickly they can make ice melt and using hammers to make it crack. They have demonstrated great concentration as they worked out how to rescue the animals that were frozen into the ice.

This provoked great story telling and imagination, as well as great team work as they rescued the animals.

Within the Gruffalo room we add ‘provocations’ and ‘invitations to learning’, based either on existing interests or to introduce something new.

The children were particularly interested in having some flavoured tea bags, teapots and water to make their own tea!

Forest School We enjoyed taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, learning about the birds that come to visit us at Forest School. We have been on bird hunts, listened to the beautiful bird song, kept the bird feeders well stocked and have been busy counting the many gulls that have joined us for snack.

LAYHAM PLAYGROUP We have had a fairly relaxed term, enjoying home comforts such as cooking soup and cuddling up in the calm corner with a book or two. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the birds visit our garden and eat from our homemade bird feeders, meaning we have been able to learn some new bird names.

A robin and a blue tit were regular visitors.

Towards the end of the half term we looked at families and people who we love and care for to coincide with Valentine’s Day. After half term we enjoyed several Forest School sessions led by one of our lovely parents. The sessions are a fantastic opportunity for children to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in the natural environment.

Lucky Dip Family Bingo Evening Saturday 28 March at Layham Village Hall; doors open at 4pm, eyes down at 4.30pm. Finezza Pizzeria will be helping us with supper. Tickets are £20 per family and include a bingo book and one pizza. Extra books and pizzas can also be ordered at an extra cost. Please contact the playgroup to book your tickets and order pizza.

LADYBIRD TODDLER GROUP Ladybird Toddler Group is part of Layham Playgroup and takes place every Wednesday during term time from 9.30-11am. It’s open to all children from birth to five years.

We have a range of toys and activities to explore.

07999 866419 / admin@layhamplaygroup.co.uk

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS I don’t know who Ciara is but she caused a dreadful storm in the garden.

Mum was nearly blown over when she went out to check the kennels and stables. The dramatic weather may be a distant memory now but our volunteers are still repairing the damage.

The Gruffalos have been showing great interest in fishing in our very muddy puddle. Following their interest we made our own nature fishing rods and went fishing. What a great test of hand eye coordination skills and patience. We waited a long time to catch our snack, but the wait was worth it when we cooked trout on the campfire.

It’s been a rough year so far. Apart from battling the elements, we lost dear old Peg, one of our Kune Kune pigs. She and Bob, her lifelong pal, arrived a few years ago after their owner died. Sadly Peg became ill recently and on the morning of her demise, Bob was laying by her side with his head laid across her. As you may imagine, a few tears were shed that day.

Meerkats We have been exploring Chinese New Year with a range of activities including food tasting and fun chopsticks challenges. The Meerkats have been very interested in learning about Joyce’s (our club leader) culture and her childhood experience in Hong Kong.

I also suffered a much smaller loss when the vet removed three of my teeth. It can’t be my fault, although every time Mum tried to clean them I bit her just to let her know they were still there. Perhaps I should have let her clean them.

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

We have lots of bargains ready for our £1 sale on March 14 at Newton Green Village Hall, CO10 0QS. Don’t miss it, if only for the delicious homemade cakes! Which reminds me, it’s nearly dinner time! As the rain lashes against the window and the wind howls down the chimney, here ends this under the duvet report from me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk Please check opening hours before visiting.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE IPSWICH TOWN FC TEAMS UP WITH ACTIVE SCHOOLS FREE HEARING CHECKS TO MARK WORLD HEARING DAY The Hearing Care Centre is supporting World Hearing Day (Tuesday 3 March) by offering free hearing checks at Health By Design (14 High Street, Hadleigh) in a bid to encourage local people to make their hearing health a priority.

Hearing for Life is this year’s World Hearing Day theme and will focus on timely and effective intervention to ensure those with hearing loss are able to achieve their full potential in life.

Hearing loss is a global challenge; 466 million people worldwide live with hearing loss and this number continues to grow. In the UK, 11 million people are living with hearing loss, approximately one in six of the population.

Karen Finch, managing director and lead audiologist of The Hearing Care Centre said: “Our team wish to raise awareness and spark discussion within the local area. At all stages of our lives, hearing is a vital element for communication, socialising, learning and working.

My team are focused on providing innovations and initiatives along with the best possible care to support people living with hearing loss to live their life to the fullest.”

To take advantage of a free hearing check in Hadleigh (usually £30) call 0800 096 2637. Offer valid on appointments booked between 2 and 7 March. Quote WHD-2020.

MEDICAL CANNABIS: WEEDING OUT THE FACTS In a talk at Stratford St Mary Parish Rooms on Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm, Professor Richard Appleton, Consultant and Professor in Paediatric Neurology at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the University of Liverpool, will provide an insight into drug trials and the facts behind the use of cannabis in medicine.

“Medical cannabis describes any cannabis-based medicine used to relieve symptoms in a medical condition,” explains Professor Appleton. “All are based on a part, or parts of the cannabis plant which contains hundreds of natural chemicals, the two most important being cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD does not have the psychogenic (‘high’) effects associated with cannabis. Medical cannabis has had only limited success in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, severe cerebral palsy and cancer. The past seven years has seen much research into the potential benefits and safety of cannabis (CBD, not THC), in the treatment of epilepsy.”

Professor Appleton helped design and participated in two trials in children in the UK. Results of these trials showed that CBD (called Epidyolex by the pharmaceutical company) was statistically significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. He says: “Epidyolex was approved for limited use in the treatment of children and adults with two severe types of epilepsy in 2018 (USA) and 2019 (UK/Europe). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently ‘allowed’ Epidyolex to be prescribed in these epilepsies. However, significant obstacles may still prevent it being prescribed to eligible patients. Consequently, confusion and concern continue, particularly over non-RCT tested cannabis in the treatment of epilepsy.”

Ipswich Town Football Club has joined the drive to get more youngsters active, becoming the £80,000 Active Schools project’s first ambassador.

Launched in July last year by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, in partnership with NHS West Suffolk and NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and supported by Active Suffolk, the threeyear Active Schools project aims to increase the number of people taking part in sport and physical activity.

Funded by an £80,000 investment, with £25,000 from each of the district councils and £15,000 from the two CCGs respectively, Active Schools will engage with 20 schools across Babergh and Mid Suffolk, with Active Suffolk already working closely with 15.

Ipswich Town Football Club supports and advocates the project’s key aspiration to enable young people in Babergh and Mid Suffolk to lead an active lifestyle. Through their community trust, they will provide access to initiatives that include sport, education, community engagement and health, working with Active Suffolk and partners to maximise the number of opportunities for young people to be physically active.

For the Babergh and Mid Suffolk areas combined, 28.9 percent of Year 6 pupils are overweight, including 15.6 percent who are classified as obese.

The project aims to address this problem through targeted support for schools, helping children live longer, happier and healthier lives, as well as reducing future healthcare costs and improving quality of life.

Councillor Derek Davis, cabinet member for communities at Babergh District Council, said: “Babergh is delighted to welcome Ipswich Town’s support. This work with Active Schools to promote healthier habits and physical activity is an exciting and challenging initiative and it’s important we take crucial steps to promote healthy and happy communities for generations to come - the very same reason we’re investing more than £4m to modernise and extend our leisure facilities in Hadleigh and Sudbury.”

Richard Watson, deputy chief executive and director of strategy and transformation at NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk and West Suffolk CCGs, said: “Developing good lifestyle habits at an early age is so important and gives young people the very best chance of enjoying a healthy and happy adulthood, reducing associated physical and mental health risks. We welcome the opportunity to fund this project and support our partners.”

Find out more about this fascinating subject on March 28. Tickets are £8 (wine included) with all proceeds going to Stratford St Mary’s Church Fabric Fund

Jason Curtis, head of community at Ipswich Town Football Club, said: “We are delighted to support this programme which mirrors our own ambitions to increase physical activity in schools creating a stronger, healthier more active community as a consequence. It offers us the chance to be able to encourage children to get active both within school time and when they play with us outside of the classroom providing extra-curricular opportunities from open access level to our academy.”

Tickets are available on the door or in advance from Hall Farm Shop or Stratford St Mary Post Office (Vale Garage, Upper Street).

Insights gained in the first year will inform how the project is delivered moving forward.

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ENSURING YOUR RTA CLAIM DOESN’T HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD No matter how serious, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are always distressing experiences. 2018 alone saw over 165,000 casualties of all severities resulting from RTAs. If you are a victim of an RTA, you could have a case for compensation.

To assist you ahead of any claim, there are important steps you should take / pieces of evidence that you should gather if possible.

Immediately following an accident, if possible, the first steps you should take include: • Get the details of all those involved: For vehicles, this includes registration numbers, the make, model and colour of the vehicles involved.

For people, obtain their phone numbers, addresses and insurance details. Also, be sure to write a description of the person involved and who you believe to be responsible for the RTA.

• Seek medical attention – even if you are feeling ok, it is important to get checked over.

• If possible, take photographs of the accident location, the vehicles involved and the damage caused.

•

Contact the police and report the incident – while they may not always be required to attend the accident, if any person refuses to provide their details at the scene, you must report them to the police.

• If you are the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, inform your insurer at the earliest opportunity.

• Get the details of any witnesses including their telephone numbers – and their own accounts of what happened – they could back up your claim.

• Keep your own record of the incident – this can include writing down what happened and taking photos of any injuries sustained.

• Keep records of all expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the incident and any injuries sustained – for example, loss of earnings, travel expenses and any medication costs.

If your property or vehicle has been damaged as a result of an RTA, or you’ve been injured, then you can make a claim.

Personal injury and loss claims following an RTA come in two parts: 1. Compensation for the pain and suffering sustained as a result of the accident.

2. Compensation for any financial losses flowing from that accident and injury – this could come in the form of the cost of vehicle repairs, medication and treatment costs or loss of earnings due to injuries sustained.

It is important therefore that, if possible, you capture as much information about the accident, injuries and losses sustained so that if you do wish to make a claim at a later date, the evidence and information that you need is already to hand to assist in the progression of your claim as quickly as possible.

For more information or advice on how to make a claim, get in touch with Prettys’ Personal Injury team. Contact Louise Plant by calling 01473 298293 or email: lplant@prettys.co.uk

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SPORT HADLEIGH UNITED FC SUFFOLK ROCKETS NETBALL CLUB On 8 February we entered two u13 teams in the OBH annual tournament. Cosmic Rockets (u13, u12 and u11 players) did really well and got into the semi-finals where they came up against our second team, Luna Rockets (u13 and u12 players).

Luna managed to get the win and went unbeaten all afternoon, but lost in the final to OBH1.

Everyone played really well and Lavinia (pictured) managed to catch the eye of the organisers and won overall player of the tournament. Congratulations Lavinia.

1st Team Our season of mixed results continues as we try to get clear of the drop zone.

Since last month, Long Melford beat us for the third time this season with a 4-0 home defeat. February 1 saw us do the double over Walsham as we came from a goal down to win 3-1, with Joel Glover, Jack Yaxley and Mason Ransome our scorers. Next we were away to Whitton where we hoped to record another win, but it was not to be as we lost 2-1, with Mason Ransome on the score sheet again.

Reserves A busy month has seen five matches played and one falling victim to Storm Dennis, starting with a fine 7-0 win at home to Thetford, before beating Long Melford away 1-0. In a tough game we lost 3-2 to Stowmarket, secured a well-deserved draw against league leaders Halstead and defeated Whitton 2-0 at home. We’re currently in the top five.

Under 18s Two scheduled games were postponed due to pitches being waterlogged but thanks to a George Clayton-Leeks hat trick we secured a 3-0 win against Coplestonians on February 5.

Veterans Unfortunately most fixtures over the past month have fallen victim to waterlogged pitches and weather conditions. One game did go ahead and saw the Brettsiders beating Martlesham Old Boys 8-0, with Martlesham helping us out by scoring three own goals and Ben Dixon, Ben Goodchild, Matt Baalham, Simon Hyde and Chris Dennett adding to the scoreline.

MARCH FIXTURES

Our fantastic u14 East Regional Team finished their league on 2 February in a very impressive third place. This was our first season playing regional netball and to finish in the top three in Division 1 is an incredible achievement, something we never expected. The girls are a credit to the club.

1st Team Friday 6: Woodbridge Town (A) Tuesday 10: Lowestoft – Suffolk Premier Cup (H) Saturday 14: Norwich Utd (H) Tuesday 17: Kirkley (H) Saturday 21: Haverhill Rovers (A) Tuesday 24: Whitton Utd (H) Saturday 28: Gorleston (H) Reserves Saturday 7: Holland FC (H) Saturday 14: Stowmarket (A) Tuesday 18: Hadleigh v Walsham Res in the Chell Trophy final at Stowmarket Town FC Saturday 21: Wivenhoe (H) Saturday 28: Saffron Walden (A) Under 18s Wednesday 4: Needham Market – SFA Midweek Cup (H)

Suffolk Rockets adult teams continue to strive in the Colchester League.

We love seeing the passion, drive and enjoyment the ladies have every time they step on court. If you are thinking of trying netball or coming back after some time out, please do get in contact. We promise you will love it and we have sessions to suit everyone.

Walking Netball is back. Our sessions are held on the outdoor courts at Hadleigh High School from 9-10.30am on the following dates: 7 and 21 March, 4 and 25 April, 9 and 23 May. No need to book – just turn up! It’s £5 a session which includes snacks. All abilities, ladies and gentleman 14 plus. The sessions are friendly, fun and very relaxed.

Veterans Sunday 8: Hadleigh Utd v Suffolk Police, Brettsiders v Chantry Phoenix Sunday 15: Brettsiders v Ipswich Phoenix Sunday 22: Hadleigh Utd v AFC Kesgrave Sunday 29: Hadleigh Utd v Suffolk Police With poor weather continuing further matches may be postponed.

Re-arranged match dates can be found on our website or Facebook page. www.hadleigh-utd.co.uk Facebook: Hadleigh United Football Club-Official

Head Coach Hayley Greenhill suffolkrocketsnc@hotmail.com www.suffolkrocketsnetballclub.weebly.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

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church news CAPEL & ELMSETT METHODIST CHURCHES

Easter Egg Hunt Our enormously popular Easter Egg Hunt is on Saturday 11 April from 10am to noon.

There will be prizes for all children. Please arrive dressed appropriately to go outdoors. It’s free!

Easter Services We are holding a Good Friday Service at 10.30am on Friday 10 April and an Easter Day All-Age Service at 10.30am on Sunday 12 April. Everyone welcome!

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 9.30-11.30am.

The second group for School Years 5 and 6 is called Equip and runs every Thursday in school term time from 7-8pm.

Further Information and where to find us George Street, Hadleigh IP7 5BE (free parking in nearby public car park on Magdalen Road) 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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Mistaken identity “Have you given a talk on cottage gardens in a village near Cambridge recently?,” I was asked by a colleague in a phone call. Some friends of his had been at this talk and he thought the speaker, Andrew Sankey, might have been me. A couple of years ago, several people in this area saw a report in a local magazine of this same person speaking at a horticultural club and thought that I was moon-lighting, as if I had time to fit in a second job!).

I discovered he was a landscape gardener so I told those who knew me that it couldn’t possibly be me – just look at my garden!

Some of you may have known namesakes for a long time, but mine is a relatively unusual name and so it has only recently happened with me. I note that in London there is another Andrew Sankey, an orthopaedic surgeon.

No one has mistaken me for him, but I was once mistaken for a registrar when I did a late evening visit to a hospital ward to see a patient who was a member of my church. For a moment, I toyed with the idea of going with the mistaken identity, but thought better of it and quickly informed her that I wasn’t the medic she had called for but was simply offering a pastoral visit.

There is a case of mistaken identity in the Bible. Jacob was looking for a wife and he loved the younger daughter of Laban, Rachel. His father-in-law insisted on seven years work for Rachel to be his wife and once completed, staged a banquet. After the banquet, Laban brought his elder daughter, Leah, to Jacob and it wasn’t until the morning that Jacob realised he had been deceived. Laban then insisted on another seven years to work for Rachel. Perhaps we feel sorry for Jacob being so outrageously duped on his wedding day. Perhaps it was a bit of restorative justice by Laban because Jacob had deceived his father years earlier by dressing up as his elder brother Esau (with the help of his mother) and stealing the family birth right.

(You’ll find the story in Genesis Chapters 27-30) There is an old proverb that says “Do as you would be done by”. As Jacob deceived his father and had stolen from his brother, so his father-in-law does the same thing to him. If we spin a web of deceit, the chances are we will end up getting caught in it ourselves. We are accountable for our actions in this life as well as the next.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CAPEL METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 1

10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Mr Ted Jack Prayer

Sunday 8

10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Rev Chris Hill Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 15

10.30am

Worship – Local Arrangement

Sunday 22

10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at St Mary’s

Saturday 28 3.30pm

Messy Church

Sunday 29

Worship and Communion with Rev Martin Dawes Contemporary worship with Mr Jim Ross

10.30am 6.30pm

AT ELMSETT METHODIST Rev Derek Grimshaw, Minister at Elmsett Methodist 2 Henley Avenue, Ipswich / 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msm.com Sunday 1

9.45am 6.30pm

Contemporary Worship Band Communion with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Sunday 8

9.45am 6.30pm

Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis Worship with Rev Joan Pell

Sunday 15

9.45am 6.30pm

Café Worship with Mr Geoff Wilson Worship with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Sunday 22

9.45am 6.30pm

Communion with Rev Derek Grimshaw Worship – Local Arrangement

Sunday 29

9.45am 6.30pm

Worship with Mr Guy Fairweather Worship with Rev Martin Dawes

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

SUFFOLK HOW ARE YOU? Are you a PTA or Friends of Schools/PRUs or community group such as Brownies, Scouts or a youth project?

Would you like ÂŁ1000 to help children and young people be a part of a project about reducing sugar in their diet?

Find out more at: www.suffolkcf.org.uk/grants/sugar-reduction-fund or contact Suffolk Community Foundation and ask about Sugar Reduction Fund on 01473 602602 or info@suffolkcf.org.uk

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