In touch news with great blakenham september 2017

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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 7 • Issue No.11 • SEPTEMBER 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

I think we all need something to make us laugh. I’ve found the perfect thing.

A wonderful little book titled F In Exams by Richard Benson (Published

by Summersdale Publications Ltd) has provided much hilarity in my house of late.

GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH ROOM COMMITTEE SECRETARY Great Blakenham Parish Room Committee is currently looking for a secretary.

This position involves taking minutes at meetings, agenda preparation and some basic administration tasks.

You would be required to attend approximately six meetings per year held in the evening at the Parish Room. A small honorarium is available for this position.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact in the first instance, Chairman Mrs Wendy Hooper: wendydhooper@gmail.com

It’s “full to the brim with funny examples of creative answers from clueless but canny students” and I’ve chosen some of my favourites for you. Enjoy!

Q: What is a nitrate?

A: It is much cheaper than a day rate.

Q: What is a fibula?

A: A little lie.

Q: What does ‘terminal illness’ mean?

A: When you become ill at the airport.

Q: Explain the concept of homeostasis.

A: It is when you stay at home all day and don’t go out.

Q: How high is Mount Everest?

A: Depends how much snowfall it has had since it was last measured.

Q: Freud stated that the superego contains the moral aspect of one’s personality. Define the term ‘superego’.

A: A really fast sports car.

Q: What is a co-operative?

A: It is a shop which is not as expensive as M&S. Q: Jess has been asked to collect data about the amount of television his friends watch. Think of an appropriate question he could ask them.

A: How much TV do you watch?

Q: Name Britain’s highest award for bravery.

A: Probably Nelson’s Column.

In Touch Published by:

Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: blakenham@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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

01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published

by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

We are organising a walk around the Baylham area on Saturday, September 30. Meet at the village hall at 10am for coffee/biscuits. The walk will be around two hours long and finish back at the hall for soup and rolls. Tickets £5.

Do come and join us: dogs can come too!

Date for your diaries We shall be holding our popular quiz night on Saturday, November 11 – details later.

BAYLHAM BASH Many thanks to all who attended the Baylham Bash on July 22. It was a fun afternoon for all the family and raised nearly £1,100, which was split between Baylham Village Hall Committee and the Friends of Baylham Church.

with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead

Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

BAYLHAM VILLAGE HALL

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

Both the village hall and the church are currently undergoing refurbishment, and the money raised will go towards this work. The raffle was very successful, and special thanks go to all those who donated prizes, including the following local businesses: J T Few, Sackers, Muntons, Boltons, Quintons, Binders, Birds Tackle, Apex Homes, Pauls Hardware and Lower Barn Classic Cars.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING There will be a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Baylham Village Hall on Friday, September 29, 10am-noon. There will be cakes, tombola, raffle and a bottle stall. Call 01473 830615 for more details. Any donations for the above are welcome.

ROY TRICKER TALK AT CHURCH On Tuesday, September 19, Roy Tricker will be coming to Baylham church to give one of his memorable talks. He will tell us the history and background of the church in his usual informative and amusing way.

Talk starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 and will include refreshments. Contact Wendy (01473 832885) or Ann (01473 830316).

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

In Touch with...

OCTOBER DEADLINE

10 SEPTEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

Our regular networking opportunities for September 2017

Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, September 1, 10am-noon at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, September 15, 6.45am at The Mix Please visit the online events page for further details and to book and watch out for updates on our first ever business exhibition due in March 2018. www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

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NEWS LITTLE BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

SNOASIS PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA)

The next parish council meeting will take place on September 19 at 7.30pm in the village hall. Members of the public are always very welcome to come along to any of our meetings to raise issues and ask questions.

In the autumn of last year, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16.

The new play equipment for the playground behind the Beeches has been installed at last and a whole set of bright and modern play equipment is ready for use. The swing will be refurbished and given a coat of fresh paint. We have had to wait for this for a long while, but the parish council hopes that you will all feel it was worth the wait. The parish council would like to thank Suez Communities Trust for the large grant and County Councillor John Field for the generous contribution from his Locality Budget. Together these have virtually covered the cost of the new equipment.

Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning

Now that the work on the playground is completed, the parish council will be considering other projects for improvements within the parish. If you have any suggestions, please contact the clerk (details below).

The village hall on Valley Road is available for hire at very reasonable rates. There is an outside area which could be useful for games if you are planning a party for lots of energetic children. The hall has plenty of parking and a kitchen area. If you would like to book it for an event, meeting or party, or would like further information, please contact Nathan Elvin: nathan.elvin@btinternet.com / 07913 586188 If you have any queries on the work of the parish council, please contact our clerk, Janet Gobey: littleblakenhampc@outlook.com / 01473 833520 The parish council also has a website – www.littleblakenham.onesuffolk.net – and a new Twitter account at twitter.com/LtBlakenhamPC Little Blakenham Parish Council Chairman Wally Binder

GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB Winning tickets for August 2017 £25 46 Denise Hansen £15 8 Lisa Read £10 36 Ted Black £10 137 Paul Hunter £5 135 Stephanie Brand £5 270 Janet Haddow

It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC as the comments from the SPA and all it’s member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham.

The document is available to view on the Great Blakenham Parish Council website: http://greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net/snoasis-parish-alliance.

Since my report in the August edition of In Touch, the SPA had a meeting with staff from MSDC’s Planning Team who are working on SnOasis Reserved Matters. As a result, it has been agreed that there will be regular meetings, usually on a monthly basis, as new or missing information already requested

by MSDC is provided by the developer. This means that the parishes who will be affected by the development will continue to be able to put forward their views on what will be the best possible outcomes for residents.

The SPA has been clear from the beginning that it wished to work with MSDC in a positive way so that any development on the site will take account of the requirements and concerns of local people. We look forward to participating in this process.

At the time I am writing this, no date has been set for MDSC councillors to consider Reserved Matters, but the SPA will continue to work for local people on this development, both up to that point and beyond. For further information, please email Janet Gobey, SPA clerk: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume

BISHOP & MILLER VALUATION DAY On Saturday, September 23, 9.30am-noon, with all proceeds to the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Needham Market, at the Ark (Church Hall), King William Street, Needham Market IP6 8AE

BRAMFORD ART GROUP

Our valuers will be on hand to give specialist valuation advice on all your antiques and collectables, including medals, silver, jewellery, watches, postcards and stamps.

Bramford Art Group held an exhibition at Bramford Fun Day. Thanks to everyone who visited. We received many lovely comments about our work.

Free parking available a short walk to The Ark in either Barretts Lane or Hurstlea Road Car Park. No appointment necessary, refreshments available to purchase. Entrance fee £3.

For further information please call Ann: 07747 117659

On our way to say goodbye, we drove past our first family home It’s the little things that make a funeral special

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Here for you every hour of every day

01473 858517

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals In Touch online:

FLU VACCINATIONS 2017 Important Notice for Patients Registered at Needham Market Country Practice If you are over 65, or have any of the following: heart condition, asthma, COPD, kidney disease, diabetes, are pregnant, have a lowered immunity, have had a stroke or are a carer for someone else – you are entitled to a free flu vaccination.

We are not writing invitation letters but if you are in one of the groups above, you are free to turn up on the day to be vaccinated.

The clinic for Ashbocking, Barham, Baylham, Claydon, Coddenham, Crowfield, Earl Stonham, Forward Green, Gosbeck, Great Blakenham, Hemingstone, Henley, Little Stonham, Pettaugh, Stonham Aspal, Stonham Parva & Wattisham will be held on

TUESDAY 10th OCTOBER 2017 at

GREAT BLAKENHAM VILLAGE HALL between 9.00am – 11.30am If you are in one of the groups mentioned and are unable to attend this flu clinic, please telephone Needham Market Country Practice on 01449 720 666 where information on further clinic dates can be obtained.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL After a break in August, monthly parish council meetings resume on Wednesday, September 13 at 7pm in the Parish Room. At each meeting, there is a public forum. The purpose of this is to give members of the public, especially residents of Great Blakenham, the opportunity to raise concerns or ask questions about topics that are related to the work of the parish council.

If you would like to raise an issue for councillors to consider, please contact the clerk: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777 We continue to have great engagement with social media – Facebook: @greatblakenhampc / Twitter: @pcgtblakenham – and some issues have many hundreds of views and a good number of comments. We post information about the parish council and its work, but also items that are of interest locally, such as roads and closures, the allotments and local events.

If you wish to leave us a message this way, please do so. You’ll also find information about all the above and the work of the council, as well as copies of agendas and minutes of meetings, at: www.greatblakenham.onesuffolk. net There is now a smart new parish council noticeboard on Masons Drive. The council has three noticeboards – on Masons Drive, outside the Parish Room and beside the bus stop at Jack Brands. If you represent a local organisation or are organising a local event and would like your publicity material displayed on our boards, please contact the clerk (details above). This can include events and organisations in neighbouring villages, not just Great Blakenham.

You may have seen the landscaping and planting at the Hackney Corner end of Blakenham Fields. As part of this process, Orbit Housing has kindly offered to pay for the refurbishment of the village sign. The sign has been in place for about 20 years so it is due for some maintenance and we are very grateful to Orbit for undertaking this.

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE Maintenance planned in September The facility will be undergoing routine cleaning and maintenance between September 10 and 29. Work on the two lines will be staggered so we will continue to accept waste throughout this period, with only a few days when the processing is completely shut down for maintenance of common areas.

There will be extra contractors on site, but there should be no impact on the local community as the usual arrangements for operations, parking and transport are in place.

The major works planned for the shutdown are inspection and minor repairs to the martin grate on both lines. The boiler is also going to be cleaned and modified to support a continuous improvement plan on site, along with the replacement of some valves.

Ducklings on site Following a mother duck and her ducklings making the pond on site their home last year she has returned this year with eight ducklings.

Come and have a look around The Suffolk Energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in October which include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. There is space on the following days: Wednesday, October 11, 6-8pm / Wednesday, October 25, 10am-noon

Your council has been walking around the village checking on the state of roads, paths, signs, bins, etc. and will be discussing some problems and plans to tackle them at the September meeting. In the meantime, we contacted Orbit Housing about the numerous blocked drains along Masons Drive and they have agreed to arrange for the drains to be cleaned out. Hopefully this will help with the flooding problems on Gipping Road during heavy rain, as rain water running down Masons Drive will be able to go into the storm drains once again. At our request, they will also repair the sunken part of the pavement at the Chapel Lane end of Masons Drive.

Councillors are determined to make sure that the long planned pedestrian crossing on Stowmarket Road becomes a reality and are maintaining pressure on Suffolk County Council to ensure that this happens.

The Allotments Unfortunately, there is still no news on a longer term solution to the lack of a secure lease. The council has made an offer to the landowner to open negotiations about a possible purchase of the allotment land by the council.

We have now spoken to the landowner and will be maintaining this contact while the Reserved Matters for the development are going through the planning process.

Finally, we have vacancies for councillors. If you would like to know more about the important and varied work that the council does, please contact the clerk for further information. As you can see from the above information, the council is involved in all areas of life in the village and would welcome people who are committed to helping with its work to improve the community.

Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council.

Great Blakenham Parish Council Chairman Steve Plume

DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH, SOMERSHAM Bought and owned by the community, now with a new professional management duo If you live locally you will know that since the purchase of the Duke of Marlborough a few months ago, the doors have been opening regularly.

You will have seen that a huge amount of refurbishment has been achieved inside and out and that work is still ongoing. It takes time, not least because it involves people who are giving their skills on a voluntary basis!

New Manager and Chef – food coming soon!

Good news! A new pub manager and chef are in place as from early September. Kevin Long (manager) and Richard Podd (chef), bring with them lots of experience in hospitality, catering and events. Duke of Marlborough volunteers are looking forward to welcoming them and to working with them to make a success of the business.

It won’t be long before good food is being served daytime and evening.

The exact timings – and the menus – are yet to be worked out by Kevin and Richard. Keep an eye open for updates on the Duke of Marlborough website and Facebook.

There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre book. To book please email c.davies@suez.com and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come to an open day but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned.

Get Involved The Duke of Marlborough is the 51st cooperatively-owned pub in the country and the second in Suffolk (the other one being The Case Is Altered in Bentley).

We have around 250 investors as well as the backing of several funding and statutory organisations.

If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149.

If you would like more information about becoming a shareholder (part-owner of a 15th century pub, no less!), please contact marlboroughsomersham@ gmail.com or call Keith McKeown on 07817 418942.

Other useful contacts: To book a visit: 01473 836821

Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

Equally, if you are in a position to volunteer time and skills, please contact: marlboroughsomersham@gmail.com Or, get involved by just using the pub – you are most welcome!

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

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NEWS FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP The Four Communities Action Group (4CAG) was created in 2010 by members of the churches of Barham, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Henley. We aim to work together to develop new activities and support networks and provide spiritual support and encouragement with a view to enhancing the lives of all members of the community. We currently have five organisations under our umbrella.

Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club Meets at noon on the first Friday of each month at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms. On September 1 we will be offering jacket potatoes and a pudding in addition to the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo and have a bit of fun, all for just £4. For more information contact Mike (07805 507497) or just pop in.

The Book Club Places are available for new members on the last Thursday in the month at The Crown at 10.30am. Just come along and join us for a light-hearted discussion on the book we’ve chosen to read.

The Gipping Valley Art Society Meets every Tuesday afternoon at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms. We are taking contact details as membership is nearly full for the size of the room.

Please contact Ann (01473 831031) or Margaret (01473 830135).

4Ever Young Men’s Club Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am in The Crown. Our next meeting is on September 20. Some sad news at the club this month – our friend and founder member, Bert Potter, died on August 1. He will be missed at the club and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. For more information contact Mike (07805 507497) or just pop in.

The Knitting Group Meets in the lounge at Alasdair Place on the first Thursday in the month, 10.30am-noon. We pay £1 towards refreshments. You can bring along any knitting you want but if you need ideas, we have plenty. At the moment some of us are knitting small teddy bears for the fire brigade to take for children involved in incidents or hats and scarves for the soup kitchen.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area at the rear. It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

We have had a break in August following our summer tea party on July 26 when we partook of a lovely spread followed by a sing-along led and accompanied by member Dot Chapman on her accordion. This proved a most enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.

Our programme up to the end of the year September 13: Social Afternoon with Sandra September 27: AGM October 11: Social Afternoon October 25: Halloween History and Customs November 8: Beetle Drive with Jean November 22: Social Afternoon December 13: Christmas Meal at The Chequers We have quite a varied programme and new members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP

A Community Shop for the local community, run by the local community The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm Saturdays: 9am-1pm We hope that everybody has been able to enjoy the fine summer.

Holidays of course meant that many of our volunteers were away and at times there were often big holes in the rota, so a huge round of applause for all those who put in extra time to cover and help with the smooth running of the shop.

We now look forward to autumn and the fresh produce that season brings. We pride ourselves on having local produce in the shop and it’s a pleasure to know the producers who supply our goods. Bread, cakes, eggs, pies and meat, even beer and cider as well as honey, are all sourced locally.

Most come from well within a 10-mile radius of the shop and so very much support our local economy, taste good and cut down on travel miles, thus helping the environment as well. Try our locally produced sausages – reported to be “the best ever”.

We extend a very warm welcome to a new member to our management team. Sue Browne has long supported the shop as a customer and volunteer and has now added her support to its organisation and dayto-day running. Sue brings lots of good experience and new ideas and we look forward to a long and happy association with her.

Our community-based events are growing in number – we now have several groups who use our shop to meet and enjoy each other’s company.

Petrolheads, for those who enjoy motors and anything engine-driven, gather for a cup of tea and an exchange of ideas and experiences on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. Sometimes there is an interesting motor-linked mystery object passed around to see if anyone knows what it is – always a good conversation piece.

The Golden Link members meet every other Tuesday afternoon in Coffee Corner and from October we will be having our regular Tea and Chat afternoons on the last Wednesday of the month.

Do come along to meet up with others as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. It’s a good place to meet like-minded friends and to get to know others in the community.

We extend our community ethos to the wider community and again this year our shop manager, Lucy, is organising the World’s Largest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Nurses in the shop on Friday, September 29. Do come along and support this very worthwhile cause.

Of course, as well as fresh produce we stock everyday household goods, provide a dry-cleaning service, newspapers for collection, a book exchange and delivery for people with mobility problems, plus much more – a fantastic facility for our local area. Come along if you haven’t already, you’ll find lots to interest you.

Management team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Brown – 831321; Terry Fordham – 831529; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288; Steve Woolhouse – 831080

Jackie Durrant

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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: AUGUST 2017 County Council Structure The Cabinet Committees have not yet determined their forward plans but we are trying to agree the boundaries between their work, Scrutiny and the Audit Committee. Essentially, Cabinet Committees will be working with cabinet members to plan the future, we will be scrutinising current performance and Audit will determine if all is done correctly with satisfactory controls in place.

Scrutiny: Highways Our scrutiny of County Highways operations covered a lot of detail around the human resources processes involved in the re-structuring of the county’s area offices and the Kier operations into a single team. Changes had to enable the day to day processes of two organisations to work in an integrated way.

In addition, it was essential that the resultant job changes were introduced fairly, correctly and with equality issues fully addressed.

We were concerned that the process was delayed and made less effective by reorganisations in progress in critical support functions like HR and ICT at the same time. The work involved in these major changes must not be underestimated and essential functions on which rapid progress depends must not be decimated during reorganisations.

All will be in place by early September, around one year late. The ‘lean systems thinking’ review that was underway to improve efficiency has been essentially on hold since the middle of last year. We were warned that we should not expect a significant yield from it for some time.

My view is that the highways reorganisation from which we were promised so much delivered chaos and there is still some way to go before we see real benefits. However, there have been improvements in the state of our roads from an extended programme of surface dressing. Early examples of integrated teams have delivered many more flooding reduction schemes and more local improvements from councillor’s local highways budgets. Not what most of us feel, but apparently true.

Scrutiny: Waste We moved on to review the effect of changes made to waste collection.

County support to districts that collected garden waste free of charge was reduced last year. The hours and days of opening for Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) were changed.

The county has ‘saved’ about £2million per year by moving to services paid for by those who use them rather than all households. My interests were: has the waste moved from green bins to black or to various ditches round the county? Has use of HWRCs changed and has that been affected by changed opening hours and charges for disposal of rubble?

It was perhaps surprising to learn that in districts where people are now

charged the take up of the service has been between 35% and 50%. The green waste collected has reduced by 12,453 tonnes at a gate fee of £23.50 per tonne. Garden waste at HWRCs has increased by 1,140 tonnes. Residual (black bin) waste has increased by 5,135 tonnes at an incinerator gate fee £85 per tonne. 6,178 tonnes have vanished.

Overall Suffolk now recycles 50.1% of its waste. Fly tipping has reduced from 3,100 to 2,884 occurrences and garden waste fly-tips have risen from 123to 156, a small change in the wrong direction.

There has been little change in the use of the HWRCs with tonnages up from 58,106 to 59,132 tonnes. The disposal of rubble, soil, and plasterboard where there is now a charge of £2.50 a bag has dropped from 10,342 to 3,357 tonnes. Where has the rest gone? The waste team believe it has gone into skips hired by householders.

District Council Ward Boundaries The unelected bureaucrats in Whitehall are concerned that growth, particularly in Stowmarket, means that each district councillor in some wards represents up to 35% more people than the average and in other areas 14% less. To make it fair the differences should not be more than 10%.

They have asked for proposals to regularise the position and at the same time the administration want to reduce the number of councillors to 35 to make a small reduction in costs and make the numbers represented the same as in Babergh. That will make it easier to merge the two councils, a process that no longer requires a referendum.

After a long meeting, we could not come to an agreement on the proposal.

We got to statements like “we are the administration and this is our plan” so other views were not passed to Whitehall.

Opinions vary on which parishes fit together best to give a clear sense of a community to be represented by a councillor and whether two councillor wards work. There is a view that with two councillors you have the opportunity to be represented by two parties and that perhaps 60% to 70% of residents can get their problems addressed by someone with views that match their own.

Anyone can put in a proposal so we will see what views prevail.

If you have queries please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808. You can also email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk I do have Twitter @JohnFieldjd and Facebook /fieldjd accounts and my website is at: www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org

REWARDING VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding role when you make a real difference to someone’s life. Home-Start in Suffolk is a local charity supporting families in Suffolk. We are recruiting individuals especially in West and Mid Suffolk to join our team of volunteers supporting our Home Visiting Service and You’re in Control projects.

Home Visiting Service Our volunteers are trained to support families for whom the pressures of family life become too much to cope with alone. This can be for various reasons: isolation, illness, bereavement or post natal illness. Volunteers visit a family in their own home once a week for two-three hours. How they help is really down to the family itself.

years in Ipswich. Our volunteers support young people for two-three hours a week – evenings and weekends – providing one-one support, building self-esteem, giving emotional and practical support, doing fun activities and building a trusting and stable relationship.

Volunteers don’t need qualifications; friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting. We value people who don’t judge others; people who will respect the fact they have been invited into a family’s home. All volunteers undertake a minimum of 30 hours preparation training before they are matched to a family who would benefit from their skills and experience. We shall require a DBS check and references.

Some need someone to talk to, others need more practical support with meal planning and cooking, reading to the children, going to the local park or finding out about local services.

Volunteers can get a lot out of volunteering with Home-Start, a boost to self-esteem and confidence, even a foot on the job ladder as we offer OCN accredited Levels 1, 2 and 3 training. We also hold social events and opportunities for our volunteers to get together.

You’re in Control This is a Children In Need funded project to support children aged seven-12

If you are interested in volunteering with Home-Start please contact Stephen Stokes: stephen@homestartinsufflok.org / 01473 822822

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 26 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five.

Entry is just £1.50 per family.

So the summer break is already over and we are now, hopefully, all refreshed and ready to start the new autumn term. We will be welcoming back some of our existing children, along with quite a few new ones and we are really looking forward to meeting them all and getting starting on lots of new creations, fun times and memories.

This month we meet on Thursdays 7 and 21 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

We will be open from Monday, September 4 for all our year round children and from Wednesday, September 6 for all of our termtime children.

At our regular sessions we welcome anyone with babies or children under five for imaginative play, songtime and lots of fun. Families can enjoy a different craft activity with a theme where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. For parents/carers it is a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children.

We would like to wish a happy birthday to Leo who celebrated in August and Noah who celebrates in September.

Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.

Michelle

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE CALL 01473 353350

From September 2017 we will be opening for 51 weeks of the year, not including bank holidays, and from 8am to 4pm. Due to the year round hours and the introduction of the additional 15 hours funding for parents of three to four year olds who work, we are proving very popular from September.

As we will be open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. Please contact the administration assistant for details.

Don’t forget that from September 2017 the government is introducing an additional 15 hours funding for working parents of three and four year olds. This means that parents who both earn the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage (£115.20 per week) or more per week and less that £100,000 per year (or just one carer if a single parent) will be eligible to claim up to 30 hours of funding. You can register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible and also register for the government Childcare Vouchers Scheme. If you are using the 30 hours you must provide a code to us with your national insurance number in order to be eligible.

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

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB July prize-winners No. 41

Katie Lee: £15.60

No. 43

John Harrison: £7.80

No. 44

Brenda Bugg: £2.60

New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 a month and the draw takes place on the last Friday of each month from September through to July. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance the lives of our children within the pre-school.

For an entry form please contact Nadine Harrison: 01473 831857 / treasurer@claydonpreschool.co.uk

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In Touch online:

SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB

Greetings guff lovers, here I am again suitably refreshed after my annual hols.

We went somewhere different this year, spending two weeks trying to get through security at Palma airport. The weather looked very hot outside, and we were thankful for the air conditioning in the terminal building, though it was a bit chilly at night (not that we got a lot of sleep anyway as the floor was full most of the time).

The outdoor season is now in its final month and our Stowmarket League teams are having a very good season. The Monday night ‘A’ team have completed their fixtures, winning 12 out of 14 matches and finishing top of Division 3. The ‘B’ team struggled for players but enjoyed their bowls.

The food was nice in the vending machines, and it was quite cheap to live, especially when the Red Cross were giving away food parcels and water rations. On a positive note it made the return journey quite quick as we still hadn’t got through passport control, so we simply went straight to the departure gate. We may go somewhere different next year though; my wife has heard there are some really nice airport terminals in Greece so that looks promising.

Next month we have the annual American Mixed Tournament match against Sproughton for the Maureen Sillett Memorial Trophy which we are hosting this year. It is being played on September 3 at 10am. Maureen was a popular and well-known figure in both villages, being a teacher at Bramford Primary for many years and regularly playing for Sproughton for their league sides.

Now for a bit of cut and pasting for news from the coach. A further Great British Tennis Weekend was held on July 23 and was well attended. As a result, further members joined the club and a good time was had by all including various coaching activities. Light refreshments were provided (the strawberries were lovely) and prospective members also brought their own picnic. Thanks to Carl, the coach, Tracey, Clive, Lorna, Graham and Nick for use of his ball machine which again proved very popular.

Tuesday ‘A’ are in first place in Division 1 with three games to play and hope to retain the trophy. The Tuesday ‘B’ team are third in Division 2 and the Tuesday ‘C’ team fourth in Division 3 in a very successful season.

The Wednesday team are currently in first place and hope to go one better than last season’s second place. The Thursday ‘development’ team have had their successes and continue to enjoy their bowling.

Our social occasions have been very successful, the latest being the president’s team versus the club captain’s team which was attended by 40 people. Thanks to our president John Holloway for providing the buffet.

Club competitions for pairs will take place on September 3 and for triples on September 10, with the closing drive on September 17.

Anyone who wants more details about NMBC should contact one of the people listed below. Roll-up/social bowling takes place every Wednesday at 2pm.

Meet and Greet Days at Crowley Park These have been very successful and will resume with the opening of the 2018 outdoor season in April so come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit, bowls and basic instruction will be provided. If you just want to watch and chat that’s fine.

The men’s summer league team have won seven and lost two matches with one match to play so have a good chance of promotion.

Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person, remember ‘YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL’.

Happy tennis!

Contacts: Pat Hadden 01743 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759

JOKE OF THE MONTH Nick discovered a suitcase by the courts and inside he found four small puppies. He immediately phoned the RSPCA for advice. The officer on the other end of the phone asked if the puppies were moving. “Oh I don’t know,” replied Nick, “but I suppose it explains the suitcase!”

More guff next month – you have been warned, Mick Russ

GREAT BLAKENHAM CARPET BOWLS CLUB Our free open evening is on Monday, September 18, at 7.30pm at the village hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham and we invite you to come and try carpet bowls.

We are always looking for new members. This is a sport played by men, women and children of all ages and abilities so there is no need to be shy.

, Zs ^d & ^d/s > ůĂLJĚŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂƌŚĂŵ͕ ,ĞŶůĞLJ Θ 'ƚ ůĂŬĞŶŚĂŵ ŚƵƌĐŚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŽƉĞŶ

^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ϮϯƌĚ ĂŶĚ ^ƵŶĚĂLJ ϮϰƚŚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϭϬĂŵ – ϱƉŵ

Come down and have a cuppa and a laugh, we have members of all levels.

If you are unable to attend and would like to try, please ring Andy (07872 695484) or Steven (07850 549723).

A warm welcome awaits you.

GREAT BLAKENHAM ALLSPORTS

ŝƐƉůĂLJƐ ŽĨ ĨůŽǁĞƌƐ͕ ƐĐĂƌĞĐƌŽǁƐ ĂŶĚ ůŽƚƐ ŵŽƌĞ͊ tĂůŬ Žƌ ĐLJĐůĞ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ĞĂĐŚ ĐŚƵƌĐŚ͘

Badminton, Tuesday evenings from 8-10pm Each Tuesday evening from 8pm we play badminton in the village hall, Mill Land, Great Blakenham.

We are looking for new members and if you would like to come along and have a go we should be pleased to see you.

For more information please telephone Heather: 01473 832546

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

^ƵŶĚĂLJ ϮϰƚŚ͕ ϲƉŵ͕ ĂƌŚĂŵ ŚƵƌĐŚ – ũŽŝŶ ƵƐ ĨŽƌ ǀĞŶƐŽŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĂƚŚĞĚƌĂů ŚŽŝƌ

ǁǁǁ͘ĐůĂLJĚŽŶĐŚƵƌĐŚĞƐ͘ĐŽŵ 11

CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / Stmarybramford@aol.com Assistant Curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250 Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service Sunday, September 3: Trinity 12 10am Parish Communion with Prayer for Healing, Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer, Baylham Thursday, September 7

3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday, September 10: Trinity 13 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm Five o’clock Service, Church Room Tuesday, September 12 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Sunday, September 17: Trinity 14 8am Holy Communion, Baylham 10am Parish Communion, Bramford 1pm Nettlestead Harvest Lunch followed by…

3pm Harvest Festival Tuesday, September 19 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room with Songs of Praise Saturday, September 23 10am Coffee Morning, Church Room

who are alone this Christmas by the simple act of giving them a gift, and a little time. We are looking for volunteers, and will let you know how to refer people to the project and who we are hoping to help in the October issue.

Anything that is left over, will be donated ‘with love from the Tabitha Project’ to charities which support those in need, the homeless and the lonely just to give a little cheer this Christmas.

If you wish to find out more, do not hesitate to contact me; any help would be gratefully accepted for this genuinely exciting project.

Blessings, Jenny PARISH REGISTERS Baptisms July 23: Mollie Elizabeth Studd, Bramford May she grow in grace and the knowledge of God. Weddings July 15: Matthew Bell and Samanta Chaitoo, Baylham August 4: Tom Page and Heidi Brown, Bramford August 5: Patrick Williment and Sharna Upson, Bramford May they grow in their love for each other.

Funerals July 13: Edith Turner, Bramford August 4: Margaret Garnham, Bramford We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers.

Cleaning Rota: V Mather and K Orvis Flower Rota: September 2/9 – G. Wardley, 16 – H. Breitsprecher, 23 – Harvest

Sunday, September 24: Trinity 15 10am United Parishes Harvest Communion, Bramford 3pm Harvest Service, Lt Blakenham

Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church August 1: In memory of Chris Bradshaw on his birthday August 29: In memory of Sue Cave on her birthday

Please check porch notices for any changes.

If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week.

Dear Friends, September always feels like a changing point in the year. We come out of summer and start to turn our eyes towards autumn and winter. In church terms we enter into what the national church are calling ‘A Season of Invitation’. This begins with the harvest celebrations in each of the parishes, leads on to Remembrance Sunday and then towards Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all at these special services.

LECTIONARY Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world.

This year we have a brand new harvest appeal. We have a new and exciting project in the parishes we are calling The Tabitha Project. Our aim is to collect small items that we can place in Christmas stockings which we hope will be distributed to those who do not have family at Christmas. By the time you read this, we will have lists available through the primary school, at the back of the church and in the pub and shops, of the things we will need and details of our collection points.

September 3 Exodus 3:1-15

Trinity 12 Romans 12:9-end

Green Matthew 16:21-end

September 10 Exodus 12: 1-14

Trinity 13 Romans 13: 8-14

Green Matthew 18: 15-20

September 17 Exodus 14:19-end

Trinity 14 Romans 14:1-12

Green Matthew 18:21-35

Trinity 15 Philippians 2:21-30

Green Matthew 20:1-16

The Tabitha Project has come out of one family’s desire to reach out to those

www.stmarybramford.co.uk

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September 24 Exodus 16: 2-15

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CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH

BACK TO SCHOOL

Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117

Three weeks into the summer holidays and the Back to School signage is all too visible. I am sure they would have been in the shops the day school broke up for the summer. There have been times where I wished I could have gone back to school in order to make up for what I didn’t grasp and to refresh what I did.

Sunday Morning Worship with Holy Communion: Every second Sunday of month, 10.30-11.30am* Lighthouse Club for Children: 10.30-11.30am (term time only) Families @ 4: Informal get-together, 4-6pm once a month with tea, come and go as you wish, not a service but our minister usually joins us Monday Bible Study: an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss, 2-3pm every third Monday of month Computer Club: 7.30-9.30pm (term time only) Tuesday Network/MWiB: our ladies meeting (although gentlemen are always welcome), 2-3pm* on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from October-April and the second Tuesday from May-September Wednesday Computer Club: 10am-noon (term time only) Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing: 7.30-8.30pm on the second Wednesday of month Thursday United Service (very informal): 3-3.30pm at Cherryfields* on the first Thursday of month Saturday Coffee Morning: 10-11am either at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below for location) on the third Saturday of month. Tea, coffee, cakes, jams and pickles will be on sale on Saturday, September 23. *Tea and coffee served afterwards Diary for September Sunday 3 10.30am Morning Worship Thursday 7 3pm United Service at Cherryfields September 9 Suffolk Historic Churches Trust annual cycle ride;

our church will be open from 9am-5pm Sunday 10 Our 144th Church Anniversary Day:

10.30am Morning Worship with Rev D Kemble,

Holy Communion

6.30pm Evening Worship with Rev D Grimshaw

United Service with our friends from the Parish Church Tuesday 12 2-3pm Network/MWiB – speaker to be advised Wednesday 13 7.30pm Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing September 16 Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 17 10.30am Morning Worship with Rev D Grimshaw Monday 18 2pm Bible Study Sunday 24 10.30am Morning Worship with Rev D Smith

4-6pm Families @ 4 with Rev D Grimshaw

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

Our children have given us some opportunity of being back at school as we have tried to help with their homework. For some this year it will be all new – new school, primary or secondary, a new teacher and new uniform including shoes. Those feet in shoes walking through life, learning as they go.

At Great Blakenham Baptist Church this September sees the start of new activities. Little Owls Toddler Group will start on Monday, September 11, and meet from 10am-noon fortnightly. Coffee Morning will run weekly, staring on Thursday, September 7, 10am-noon. Details of The Hot Chocolate Bar for high school age will be available soon.

Friday Club will start up again on Friday, September 15, 6.30-7.30pm.

Having had a cream tea followed by well-known hymns in July, another 4pm service is planned for September 24 with traditional Harvest hymns followed with tea and cakes. We will have a Harvest Service in the morning at 10.45am, following a Harvest Quiz Night on Saturday, September 23, 6.30-9pm.

For more details of these events and our services please visit our website.

At all these events we want to share the good news of Jesus. Maybe it is something you have never heard or grasped, or need refreshed. Let your feet visit us and learn together more of this good news from God. WEEKLY EVENTS Monday fortnightly, starting on September 11: Little Owls Toddler Group Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 9.30-10.30am Wednesday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Thursday: Coffee Morning, 10am-noon. All welcome.

Home Group, 7.45-9.30pm Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon HARVEST CELEBRATIONS Harvest Quiz on Saturday, September 23, 6.30pm-9pm, followed by traditional harvest hymns on Sunday, September 24 at 4pm.

For more information contact Michael: admin@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / 01473 839785 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

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

For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact: Priest-in-Charge The Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com www.claydonchurches.com Services in September Barham Church – every Sunday at 10am Henley Church – every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church – every Sunday at 11am Sunday, September 3: Trinity 12 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 10am Holy Communion Barham Church 10am Holy Communion Henley Church 11am family@blakenham Gt Blakenham Church Sunday, September 10: Trinity 13 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 10am Holy Communion Barham Church 10am family@henley Henley Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Sunday, September 17: Trinity 14 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 10am family@barham Barham Church 10am Holy Communion Henley Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Sunday, September 24: Harvest Festival 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 10am Harvest Communion Barham Church 10am Harvest Café Church Henley Church 11am Harvest Elevenses@GB 6pm Evensong with The Cathedral Choir, Barham Church Sunday, October 1: Trinity 16 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church

Back to School Services We think about those starting school, those returning, the students, the teachers and all who assist and care for them. Refreshments available, all welcome.

September 3, Gt Blakenham Church, 11am September 10, Henley Church, 10am September 17, Barham Church, 10am Further services can be found on our website.

Weddings August 5: Helena Richards and Robert Mutton Baptisms July 16: Sophie Probert July 16: Dougie Revett July 16: Tommy Yates August: Samantha Leki Harvest Festival: Harvest Festival will take place in all our churches over the weekend of September 23-24. Our churches will be open the whole weekend with displays and events. Each church will be decorated with scarecrows, so if you would like to make a scarecrow, please take it to your local church.

The weekend will end at 6pm on Sunday 24 with a special service at Barham

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Church where we will be joined by The Cathedral Choir. All welcome.

J TEAM 2017: Once again J TEAM was a huge success – thanks to all who supported us and came along. We entertained 80 children and had a load of fun. As it was our 30th birthday we ended the week with a huge party and reunion. Please see our website and Facebook page for photos.

Halloween: This year we’re running a Light Party for children aged five to 12 as an alternative to trick or treating and Halloween. It will be held at Great Blakenham Village Hall on Tuesday, October 31 at 6pm, with party food, games, singing, crafts and loads of fun. Booking is essential, so please contact The Rev Carl (01473 833542) or Irene (01449 676567). It’s free.

Social Media: Find us on Facebook and Twitter by searching ‘The Claydon Group of Churches’.

Sunday’s Cool: A traditional Sunday School takes place at Gt Blakenham for any children within Henley, Claydon, Barham and GB. It will run on the second and third Sundays (September 10 & 17, October 8 & 15) from 10.30am in Gt Blakenham Parish Room. Under fives should be accompanied by an adult.

Older children can be left unattended. Enjoy stories, games, songs and loads of fun! Contact Irene on 01449 676567 for more information; it’s free – no need to book.

Departed Loved Ones Service: This service will once again take place on Sunday, October 29 at 3pm at Barham Church. All who have lost loved ones are invited to join in and remember at this special service.

Claydon Church is kept open every day of the week now. If you’d like to help volunteer to keep it open and clean, please contact The Rev Carl.

OTHER SERVICES AND EVENTS Saturday, September 9: Ride and Stride (all churches) Coffee Morning, Gt Blakenham Parish Room, 10am-noon Sunday September 24: Harvest with The Cathedral Choir, Barham, 6pm Saturday, September 30: Gt Blakenham Barn Dance, Claydon Community Centre, 7pm Sunday, October 29: Departed Loved Ones Service, 3pm Tuesday, October 31; Light Party (non-Halloween), GB Village Hall, 6pm, LETTER FROM THE VICAR September is the month for celebrating Harvest Festival. Even though the actual harvest has been and gone, we celebrate and give thanks before God for all we receive, for food, health and wealth and for all the blessings of life.

Please do make a scarecrow and take it to your church.

Looking ahead to October, another celebration takes place, but we don’t all like it – Halloween. There is little doubt that Halloween has its roots in preChristians times and is still the focus and ‘day of darkness’ for many. Dressing up as scary monsters, witches and murderers may seem harmless, but in fact we are celebrating and normalising all that represents evil in our world. For some, that isn’t fun at all. It was originally used by Christians to celebrate the lives of saints and was known as ‘All Hallows Eve’. Hallowed means ‘sacred’ or ‘special’ and so it became a day to remember all special and sacred people (or saints) who didn’t have a saint day of their own.

Whatever your thoughts, not everyone enjoys trick or treating, so we’re throwing a party instead. Instead of sending your children out door to door in the dark, come to our Light Party instead. There’ll be party food, games, singing, music, crafts and prizes for the best dressed light costume.

Jesus said that he was the Light. Walking in that light means turning away from all that is dark – even all which pretends to be dark like fancy dress costumes. Come and discover the light with us.

The Rev Carl Melville

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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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

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