In touch news with ipswicheast may18

In Touch

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with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath Volume 7 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2018

Spring has Sprung by Paula Irvine

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m sitting at my desk with aching limbs after an unexpectedly adventurous morning. At approximately 7.30am I heard by son shout “Oh my God” from the sitting room. I could tell it wasn’t a normal ‘I’ve just spilt my cereal on the sofa’ howl so I ran to him. I found him staring at what can only be described as a flash flood running through the garden. We both ran to the front door and sure enough it was there too, rushing down our neighbour’s drive, into our garage and garden, and a short time later, into my kitchen.

I’ve often wondered how I would cope in an emergency situation and now I know. I shout very loudly! “We have an emergency down here,” I roared to Daniel as I grabbed my wellies and coat and went to investigate. When Daniel arrived on the scene I was waist deep in the ditch with a garden hoe, having assumed the culvert where it goes underground was blocked.

On further anaylsis we realised the problem lay elsewhere and Daniel set off to find the source.

I won’t go into the details here, but while others tried to fix the cause we set about trying to divert the flow away from the house and outbuildings using everything we could lay our hands on. Meanwhile Jack used every towel he could find (even the good ones we keep for guests!) to mop up in the kitchen. It was quite a team effort (practically a ‘meitheal’ as we might say in Ireland) and soon others, including neighbours, joined in and a pump was set up to divert water into the brook.

I left them to it at this point (it was deadline day after all) but I’m not sure I want to go home tonight! Just imagine how many towel washes I’ll have to do? And grandma’s garden hoe is still firmly lodged in the ditch!

Thank goodness better weather is predicated for next week and summer is on its way. And there’s still plenty of Easter chocolate in the cupboard! Perhaps the one positive I can focus on is the satisfaction of working together with others which I highly recommend. You’ll find many opportunities in the following pages.

In Touch

with Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish In Touch with...

Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, 01473 400380 Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Send editorial copy to: Wetherden & Woolpit ipswicheast@intouchnews.co.uk •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations •C apel St Mary and photographs for publication. The publishers •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton reserve the right to amend such submissions and •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone cannot accept responsibility for any loss. & Washbrook Advertising •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk & Stratford St Mary 01473 400380 •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew Distribution •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley Tree Martin •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk •N eedham Market & The Creetings 01473 400380 •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Printing Stutton & Woolverstone Colourplan Print •B urstall & Sproughton Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk •S towmarket & Stowupland 01473 400379 • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Disclaimer: Westerfield & Witnesham The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors •M elton & Woodbridge 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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

NEWS FREE HEARING CHECKS AT TWO RIVERS MEDICAL CENTRE Ten million people in the UK ­– one in six of us – have some degree of hearing loss. It’s surprisingly tricky to spot gradual hearing loss as our brains are very good at compensating, so we’re not even aware of how much we’ve lost until things are quite far advanced.

The good news is that there are things you can do to about it. The bad news is that there are potentially serious consequences if you choose to ignore hearing loss, including an increased risk of dementia.

Local hearing care specialists The Hearing Care Centre offers award winning hearing care services from 25 centres across East Anglia. This year they are celebrating their 20th year in business and they hope to continue to raise awareness about the prevalence of hearing loss, its effect on everyday life and the potential dangers of leaving hearing loss untreated.

Audiologist Karen Finch and her team will be holding a series of open days at their local hearing clinic at Two Rivers Medical Centre on Woodbridge Road East between 9am and 5pm on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 May. During the events they will be providing complimentary hearing assessments (usually £20), along with the very best professional advice about your hearing test results and discussions about possible solutions that could help improve your hearing. All services are available by appointment only.

To book your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or for more information visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk *Please note that The Hearing Care Centre is in no way connected to the NHS.

CALLING ALL LOCAL ARTISTS The Lions Club of Ipswich will again be hosting their annual art show at the beautiful Tithe Barn in Sproughton this May and the club is now taking entries from local artists who wish to exhibit their work.

Artists can show up to six pieces of their work, which must be ready to hang.

The Lions Club take a small commission from any pieces that are sold over the weekend, which will go towards the Lion President’s Charity Appeal. This year the club is supporting Fresh Start – New Beginnings, a local charity who help children and families who have been victims of sexual abuse.

So whatever medium you use to create your artwork, you will be welcomed to exhibit your pieces.

The show open to the public from Saturday, May 26 until Monday, May 28, from 10am until 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday and 10am until 4pm on the Monday, with entry being just £1.

For more information about the show or to exhibit your work, please contact Lion Terry Hunt: 01473 747600

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT MASQUERADE CHARITY BALL IN AID OF THE BLOSSOM APPEAL The Ipswich Hospital Charity is excited to announce the Masquerade Charity Ball at The Venue at Kersey Mill on Friday, June 22 at 7pm in aid of The Blossom Appeal.

This glamorous evening will include a night of live entertainment with a drinks reception and a three course meal with wine in a beautiful location. JS and The Lockerbillies, who have previously played at Glastonbury, will be our band for the night so get your dancing shoes on and get ready to rock ‘n’ roll!

All money raised will go towards The Ipswich Hospital Charity, supporting The Blossom Appeal. Help us build a new £2.5million Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital where every breast care patient can have the best possible experience when they come to hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care at The Ipswich Hospital under one roof and provide an environment where patients can be imaged, biopsied where necessary, and see their clinician in one appointment without the need to get dressed and undressed several times. There will also be new dedicated clinics for men and young people.

Your support can help patients like Jo: “There is a lot of getting up and down and walking to and from for imaging and treatment, and it’s a very impersonal space.”

Former breast cancer patient Jo Whitelaw remembers the experience of visiting the hospital all too well, but the now 55-year-old also remembers the amazing care she received. She said: “The hospital was my security blanket. I got all the support and reassurance I could’ve asked for from the team. They were always there when I needed them.”

Jo, from Great Blakenham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 after discovering a lump in her breast. Initially she thought it was benign as she’d had others removed in the past, but it did turn out to be cancerous. When the lump was removed cancer cells were still found so Jo went on to have her breast removed and gruelling chemotherapy and drug treatment to fight the disease.

She said: “It’s a very open and impersonal space. I remember when I first went to hospital I sat there and looked at all the people in the waiting room and felt very alone. The new centre could be more personal, but then there would be opportunities and spaces to talk if people wanted to.”

Jo, married with two children, four grandchildren (and another on the way) has now been clear of cancer for five years. While the hospital team were Jo’s security blanket, she turned to the animals in her yard to relax. A keeper of horses, sheep and chickens, Jo credits them with helping her relax both during and since her cancer.

Help us build a new Breast Centre at Ipswich Hospital while enjoying a glamorous night.

To purchase tickets (£50) please visit www.ipswichhospitalcharity.co.uk or contact: 01473 702929 / charity@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Think you might enjoy it?

Then come along to St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm.

For more information contact Helen (howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979) or John (angelajohnadams@btinternet.com / 01473 710406)

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IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET Ipswich Country Market is part of a wider network of about 300 Country Markets across England, Wales and the Channel Islands which have been selling homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables, plants and handmade crafts for more than 90 years!

Our producers pride themselves on keeping traditional home cooking, home growing and hand crafted items alive and this month we are 34 years young!

You can find more information about the market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or our website: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk Country Markets also have a national website at: www.country-markets.co.uk.

We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking and a warm welcome and home baked refreshments too. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what you’ve been missing!

PLEASE NOTE: There is no market on Thursday, May 31 as we will be at the Suffolk Show with other markets from East Suffolk. Do come and say hello if you are there! We will be near the WI tent, close to the Foxhall Road entrance.

You can buy our baking, preserves and crafts and we will happily hold your items so that you don’t have to carry them around the show all day.

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, May 24, at 7.15pm: Following our brief Annual Group Meeting, Suffolk based professional archive researcher and genealogist Vivienne Aldous will present Interpreting Parish Records.

Genealogists tend to take parish registers for granted as valuable sources of information for finding our ancestors. Do we always get the most out of them? Do they always tell the truth? Why were they actually made at all?

Why did the format change at particular times, and how can this help family history research?

This talk shows how a deeper knowledge of parish registers can add context, understanding (and sometimes extra information) to the bare bones of the entries of baptisms, marriages and deaths of our ancestors, helping us discover richer family histories. A reminder that not all the answers are on the Internet!

We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door.

For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

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OUT & ABOUT QUAKER QUEST BROKE HALL WI

An opportunity to explore some important issues with Quakers on four evenings in June.

We would be pleased to meet any new ladies who would like to come and see what we do and maybe join in. We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. We also have monthly clubs, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits.

June 6: Faith June 20: Prayer

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS Friday, May 11: Resolutions and Bag Beetle Friday, June 8: Memories of a Career in Teaching by Ted Wheatley Friday, July 13: The Baron, the Policeman and the Mayor (an Ipswich Riot) by Linda Sexton For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).

NEW SEASON OF GUIDED WALKS The new season of guided walks led by Ipswich Tourist Guides and highlighting over 1,500 years of the town’s long and important history recommence this month. Walks take place every Tuesday and Thursday from May to the end of September, commencing at the Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane at 2.15pm.

Each walk lasts for approximately 90 minutes and will cover a variety of themes including architecture (Ipswich has over 600 listed buildings), medieval churches and priories, the waterfront and the town’s important maritime history, plus famous people connected with the town including the artist Thomas Gainsborough, Admiral Lord Nelson, Charles Dickens, and Thomas Wolsey.

As well as Tuesdays and Thursdays there are some evening and weekend walks.

There is no need to book on regular public walks and the cost is just £4 per person.

The first walk of the season on Tuesday, May 1 is entitled An Ipswich Almanac and will explore some of the key (and some quirky!) events and happenings that have taken place through Ipswich’s history – from the granting of a Royal Charter to the opening of the new town hall, and from the introduction of rudimentary Tudor street lighting to the excitement caused by some determined suffragettes.

A free leaflet with full details of all guided walks for 2018 is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

If you can’t make the regular public walks, or if you would like a private tour for your own club, society or group of friends, you can arrange this for a time to suit you. Contact Ipswich Tourist Information Centre (01473 258070 / tourist@ipswich.gov.uk) for details.

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June 13: Jesus June 27: Sin

There will be two short introductions to each subject, followed by large and small group discussion.

We meet at Quaker Meeting House, 39 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich IP1 3JH. Quaker Quest will be from 7-9pm with refreshments available from 6.30pm.

Everybody welcome.

For more information contact Virginia Marshall: ipswichquakers.org.uk / 01394 383006

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION 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. We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The start time is 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on May 15 when Peter Lawrence will be speaking on the stately homes of England. For several hundreds of years these homes have become a central feature of cultural life in England. Peter will be looking at some of these homes and show how individually they reflect the wealth and power of their owners.

The May meeting is the last before our summer break. We meet again on September 18 when Andrew Wiltshire will be looking at the secret code used

by Beatrix Potter to record her secret thoughts and observations, and the work carried out by one man to find the key to this code.

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

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

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Thursday, May 3: Words and Women Words and Women are a literary agency based in Norfolk, supporting and promoting female writers living and working in the East of England. They set up in 2011 and in the last seven years they have published books, distributed £30,000 in prize money and commissions as well as organising a myriad of events around the East of England. They have decided to put the project on hold and this event will be the last for the time being. For more information visit: http://wordsandwomennorwich.blogspot.co.uk Join us at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street Ipswich IP1 3AA. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members £4, nonmembers £8, students free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Payment required on arrival, preferably by cash (no cards accepted). Tickets for reserved seats need to be collected by 7.15pm. Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.

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OUT & ABOUT Martlesham Brass Making music fun in East Anglia Our next concert is on Saturday, May 19 at 7pm in St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL, when we are delighted to welcome Paul Duffy, former principal soprano cornet player with the Black Dyke Band. Tickets are £3.50 from 2nd Stop Kesgrave, 07544 962205 or www.martleshambrass.co.uk.

Martlesham Brass would like to thank John Kelso for his recent donation from his Enabling Communities Budget towards the cost of two new cornets.

We would love to hear from new players, young and old, with or without experience. Our aim is to encourage anyone who feels they would like to play in a brass band to come and have a go! If you would like to join us, or if you already play or have previously played a brass instrument and would like to come along and meet us, please contact us via the website or use the contact details below.

Publicity Officer Liz Howard: e_m_howard@talk21.com / 01473 625617 www.martleshambrass.co.uk

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm.

This month we meet on Thursday, May 24 when Emma will lead an activity.

There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members.

New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, June 11: Behind the Counter – Ipswich Shops in their Heyday by Roger Kennell Roger explores the shopping experience in Ipswich in the 20th century, concentrating especially on the two major department stores – Footman Pretty and Frederic Corder. Mention will also be made of some other long established and remembered shops including Edwards, Grimwade’s, Croydon’s, Masons and Ancient House among others.

All meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

Wednesday, May 2: Image and History: Art at the Landsdowne Club by Pamela Campbell-Johnston

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

Landsdowne House, now a private club, has a wonderful art collection.

Robert Adam’s original plan and changes made by later renowned architects will be explored. Eighteenth century prints, oils, mixed media and modern acquisitions are all part of the collection. We are promised stories of intrigue and passion as we learn the history of this fascinating building.

We at U3A in East Suffolk are at that time of year yet again when changes are afoot and plans are being made for the 2018-19 handbook and campus programmes for the next 12 months. Although there doesn’t seem to be much news at present, I can assure you the committee are beavering away behind scenes to ensure plenty of action coming your way. To whet your appetite, talks on subjects as varied as Colchester Zoo, Kingdom Isambard Brunel and helicopter flying could be advertised before too long. Details will of course eventually be in the new handbook and on our website. If you don’t have internet access our secretary can answer any questions you may have by telephoning 03001 233913.

Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

SIDEGATE LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE Tuesday Tea Dance with Teresa Brown 2-4pm with refreshments, £3 for members, easy parking / 01473 42242 Wednesday Evening Classes 7-8pm: Continue learning, ideal if your class has closed down 8-10pm: Improvers ballroom and Latin dance steps and style, £3 for members, easy parking / 01473 422427 / 01473 723070 Friday Evening Sequence Dancing Classes: 01473 712080 7-8pm: Sequence Dancing beginner’s class, £3 per class, ample free parking on site.

8-10pm: General Sequence Dance Class for improvers with new dances being taught on some evenings, £3 per class with ample car parking on site.

FORTHCOMING CAMPUS TALKS Thursday, May 10, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall IP17 1AF: Music Hall Memories by Bryan Thurlow – a pocket history of the Music Hall with songs and monologues. Refreshments follow.

Monday, May 21, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF: It’s a Grave Business by Peter Driver – a look at the history and development of tombs, gravestones and church memorials. Refreshments follow.

Monday, June 11: U3A Annual General Meeting at Kesgrave Community Centre Friday, June 15, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall IP12 4AU: Whatever Happened to the Magna Carter? by Martyn Hargraves – why was it agreed and what relevance does it have in today’s world? Refreshments available from 10am.

Sidegate Lane Community Centre, Ipswich IP4 4HZ

Please remember that visitors are welcome at one of our talks before becoming U3A members. Campus co-ordinators will be glad to give you joining details on the day.

www.sidegatelanecommunitycentre.org.uk/sequence

www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet on the second Thursday of each month at Greshams on Tuddenham Road (opposite the Millennium Cemetery) for lunch and usually a speaker entertains us afterwards.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, May 23: Norfolk Railway Society presentation illustrated by NRS members

Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings, and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends.

We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Graham Balfe, for further details: 01473 729012 / grahambalfe@tiscali.co.uk

www.idhts.co.uk

Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490).

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY April was a very busy month for the club with both our auction and stamp fair being held within ten days of each other. The auction was held on a normal Wednesday evening were we auctioned off 600 lots. Those that didn’t sell were again offered for sale at reserve price at the fair. The fair was attended by ten dealers from around the country buying and selling stamps. It was held at Kesgrave Community Centre, which is a great venue for these type of events with disabled access, free parking and very helpful people to work with. Our meetings in May bring the current season to a close.

On May 2 we have a talk from Jeremy Gaskell about British Borneo-Brunei, North Borneo and Sarawak, followed on May 16 by our AGM, quiz and a bourse.

Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm, visitors welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB For our meeting on March 22 we held an Easter workshop tutored

by Ann Marjorum. This was instead of a demonstrator and was very successful. The April meeting will be our Annual General Meeting, followed by an illustrated talk on Buckingham Palace by David Morton from Norfolk.

Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except in August and December) at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Demonstrations start at 7.15pm, but the doors are opened by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales tables and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstrations.

Yearly subscriptions of £40 were due on March 31. Visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting.

For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: gil.corbett@btinternet.com / 01473 623371

Spring tidings to you all as we enter the busy period of the gardening year with seed sowing, planting out and pruning as well as weeding and possibly even the need to avoid a sunburnt head and shoulders (as opposed to the risk of frostbite in the last two articles). My guinea pigs have moved into their summer residence in a run on the lawn – complete with little house – so in my world that means that spring/summer are definitely here. Sadly they don’t munch the grass evenly so the lawn mower will still get plenty of use!

The sun can be very powerful, but beware a May frost, especially if you have an open site. Keep tender plantings and seedling covered with cloches or fleece until the middle of the month.

If you plan to avoid having all your crops mature at the same time, then the sowings you made in March and April can now be planted out into their final cropping sites. Leave plenty of room between the rows so you can hoe and you’ll find the extra light and moisture per plant will give you bigger crops.

You can of course then sow seeds directly into the ground on a continual basis up to September which should provide an ongoing harvest until the November frosts.

Growing carrots can be challenging; ‘clayey’ soil leads to irregular germination and covering the seed with granular soil means much of the seed is buried too deep and rots. To improve germination try this: fill some 4” deep plastic rainwater guttering with peat and sow the seeds into that. When the carrot seedlings emerge dig a shallow 4” trench, give it a good watering and then gently slide the contents of the guttering into it. Then cloche the row to prevent carrot fly.

Finally, to avoid stringy runner beans, make sure you prepare the planting holes with plenty of compost or leaf mound and thoroughly soak them before planting the seeds. When the seedlings emerge give another good watering then leave them to develop deep roots searching for water. After three or four weeks give another good watering and then water weekly. The deeper roots and good water supply makes for a softer and pliable bean pod.

Why not come and join us in the good life at our beautiful Rushmere St Andrew site? Contact our membership secretary, Angela Brown: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Sally Peckham & Kevin Archer

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Parish Halls - Rushmere St Andrew Registered Charity No 1111060

Part time Caretaker

self-motivated individuals for two busy village halls in Rushmere St Andrew Key duties include: Provide a meet and greet service to nonregular clients, security checks, health and safety checks, cleaning and general upkeep to maintain Halls to a high standard.

General maintenance skills useful. Own transport essential.

Please apply to Mrs Jean Potter 01473 723409 or email jean.potter@parish-halls-rsa.org.uk for information pack ToweR HAll 5 Broadlands way, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich IP4 5SU VIllAge HAll Humber Doucy lane, Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich IP4 3PD

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OUT & ABOUT / ON THE GRAPEVINE RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Following a rather damp and cold re-opening at Easter, the RSPB Wildlife Garden at Flatford is now fully back into the swing of things for the new season. As I write this our nestcams are showing us lovely clear images of what’s going on inside four different nest boxes. One blue tit nest is well under way, with the female forming a cup among all the moss and grass that she has brought in. The next stage will be for her to line it with soft material such as feathers before she lays her eggs. Her partner has occasionally brought in material, but it’s mainly the female who builds the nest.

She will start to lay eggs soon, usually one a day. She could lay up to 16 eggs, but blue tits usually lay between eight and 12. Our nestcam blue tits at Flatford produced 11 eggs last year, with 10 of them hatching successfully.

The female bird will start to incubate the eggs the day before the clutch is complete and she will do all the ‘sitting’ until they hatch. The male will bring her some food, but these are gestures rather than life-supporting and she will leave the clutch regularly during the day to feed herself. This is one of the reasons why it’s good practice for us to keep providing food throughout the year, and not to stop just because the winter has ended. If the female can find nutritious food quickly, she won’t need to be away from the eggs for too long at a time. Similarly, it’s helpful for us to provide clean drinking water too.

If all is well, the chicks will hatch after about two weeks and they will be completely dependent on their parents bringing in suitable food for them.

Their main food will be caterpillars and so it’s very important that their hatching coincides with the time when these are plentiful – another reason for making sure our gardens include butterfly friendly plants! At this stage, the male plays a full role and both parents can be seen flying back and forth from the nest as they try to keep up with their hungry brood. Each chick can eat about a hundred caterpillars a day! The chicks are usually ready to fledge by about early June, depending on the season, and their parents will call them from outside the box to persuade them to join the big wide world.

Once outside, they will stay fairly near to their parents for a couple of weeks as they learn to find their own food and avoid predators.

Why not come along to see how our nestcam families are progressing? The screen is in the barn, where we also have plenty of information about how to make all of our gardens more wildlife-friendly. At half-term we’ll have family activities available as usual. Please see our webpage for more details.

We look forward to seeing you.

Sharon Barker www.rspb.org.uk/Flatford

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB Our May meeting welcomes a very talented demonstrator, Gill Mc Gregor from Waltham Cross Herts. Gill has written several books on the use of plant material and is an exciting demonstrator. The title of her demonstration is Floral Fantasy.

The meeting takes place in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton IP10 0PU on Tuesday, May 8 at 7.30pm. Visitors (£4) are always assured of a warm welcome so why not join us for a fun and entertaining evening with this wellknown demonstrator? The beautiful floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening and coffee and biscuits will be served.

DON’T FORGET OUR QUIZ NIGHT Deben Flower Club will be holding another one of their now very popular quiz nights on Saturday, May 12 in Kirton Church Hall, 7 for 7.30pm.

Once again this will be a light-hearted fun evening and will include a ploughman’s supper.

Why not join in the fun and bring along a team of six? If you don’t have six people for your team you may be asked to share a table with other club members.

Tickets must be purchased in advance (£8 each including supper). Please bring your own drinks and glasses. For further information and tickets contact: 01394 411422 / wa@sandlings.co.uk

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RSPCA PROJECT WINSTON Help us complete Project Winston, a £420,000 building project at the RSPCA Animal Centre at Martlesham, which will replace six of our old dog kennels with new, upto-date blocks, as well as improving staff, volunteer and visitor facilities.

Half of the new kennels will be bigger than normal, to provide better accommodation for bigger dogs, like Winston. Winston was a sweet Newfoundland dog who came into the centre as a cruelty case, but he finally found his forever home with a family that loved him dearly.

The branch already has £316,586 in grants, donations and legacies, and we’re raising the additional money through activities, including collections, events, a sponsorship scheme and asking our supporters to organise fundraising events on our behalf.

This project is for Winston and all the animals that are still looking for the thing they want most – a loving forever home.

Find our more and make a donation at: http://ipswich-rspca.org.uk/project-winston-fundraiser

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE St Elizabeth Hospice has been part of our local community for nearly 30 years and it’s a local charity that many people have come into contact with in that time, either through receiving care themselves or by knowing someone who has. Each year the hospice needs to generate £10.5million with over seventyfive per cent of that coming from the local community – from people like you.

This month we take a look at a few of the ways you could support the hospice including a new family friendly event.

This June the team behind Bubble Rush, The Midnight Walk (May 12) and Who’s Afraid of the Park? will be bringing a brand new family friendly event to Ipswich to test your nerve and agility. The hospice has recently announced that they will be bringing Extreme Ninja Assault to Ipswich Rugby Club in Humber Doucy Lane on Saturday, June 16.

The Great Garden Trail also returns this year with some favourite gardens re-opening for all to explore along with some new ones showcasing their owner’s horticultural talents. Trail maps are available in locations across Suffolk, including the hospice shops, or to find out more about the gardens that are open visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/greatgardentrail

FUNDING FOR SUFFOLK RESIDENTS Up to 100% funding is available to install first time central heating systems in Suffolk residents’ homes. This funding from National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund has been secured by Suffolk County Council and the district and borough councils to help more than 500 households in Suffolk over the next three years.

In Suffolk there are still a large number of houses that do not have a central heating system with a boiler and radiators. Not only are cold homes are not just uncomfortable to live in, but they can also have a negative effect on health.

Residents are eligible if they own their property or are privately renting (i.e. not a council house or housing association property) and must not have an existing central heating system (a boiler and radiators).

Eligibility criteria apply and may be linked to income. For more information see: www.greensuffolk.org/whf To find out more call the Suffolk Warm Homes Healthy People service on 03456 037686 (local rate), complete the online enquiry form at www. greensuffolk.org/seaenquiry or email sea@eastsuffolk.gov.uk quoting the ‘Warm Homes Fund’.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / SCHOOLS IPSWICH AND DISTRICT KIDNEY ASSOCIATION Ipswich and District Kidney Association – more usually referred to as IDKA – is a registered charity set up about 25 years ago by a group of patients who wanted to give something back to the hospital that had made such a difference to their lives and also to help newly diagnosed patients come to terms with their situation. Our aim is still to help improve the lives of people suffering from kidney disease and we try to achieve this through providing items of equipment not available through the NHS, providing entertainment systems and heaters to make time on dialysis more bearable and by providing welfare grants where financial hardship is as a direct result of kidney disease. Les Talbott, vice-chair of IDKA, is pictured presenting a cheque for £5,998 to Dr Richard Smith, renal consultant at Ipswich Hospital, to fund a research programme at a local level for dialysing patients in conjunction with the renal unit at the University of Suffolk. IDKA also organises social activities and our AGM has developed into a spectacular family fun day.

Local Kidney Patients Associations similar to IDKA formed all over the country and from these grew the National Kidney Federation which promotes best practice in renal medicine and treatment at a national level, getting involved directly with the government and the NHS. The NKF also provides support and advice services and IDKA works closely with them and similar national organisations to stay abreast of current developments. Membership of IDKA automatically provides membership to the NKF and access to their publications.

IDKA realises that kidney disease has far-reaching effects, not only on the patient but on their carers and family too and sometimes it is difficult to know where to turn. Many people are reluctant to ask for help or think that they are in some way ‘beyond’ help. Rest assured that is never the case so please contact us.

Whether the problem is financial, medical, emotional or whatever, if we are not in a position to deal with it ourselves we have access to a variety of specialists who will be able to so please do not suffer in silence. Although we do know a great many very clever people, none of them are clairvoyant so they will not be able to help you unless you make them aware. All contact will be treated in the strictest confidence, but if you are still unsure and would prefer first contact to be with someone anonymously over the telephone please contact The British Kidney Patient Association on 01420 541424. The BKPA operates an excellent advocacy service and their regional officer pays frequent visits to Ipswich.

In cases where someone is suffering hardship as a direct result of kidney disease, IDKA may be able to provide a welfare grant. As with other organisations who provide similar services we are obliged to ask a few questions so we can demonstrate that we are using our resources correctly and in-line with Charity Commission guidelines, but personal information is never shared with anyone else and is always treated in the strictest confidence. If you, or someone you know, is suffering hardship under these circumstances please contact us or speak to one of the renal nurses. Similarly, if you are aware of a problem with the care provided for kidney patients please contact us and we will investigate whether anything can be done to improve the situation.

IDKA is run on behalf of its members by a dedicated committee of volunteers who are keen to hear from patients, including home dialysis patients. We are also keen to hear from anyone who would like to support out fundraising events, such as our forthcoming quiz night at Kesgrave Social Club on Friday, May 4.

Please contact Doug Swayze, chair of IDKA – chair@idka.org.uk / 01449 612090 / 20 Bures Close, Stowmarket IP14 2PL – or vice-chair Les Talbott – 01473 635749.

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HEATHLANDS COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL The children were excited to see their mums and other female relatives in pre-school for our Mother’s Day Open Morning and enjoyed sharing snack time with them. We enjoyed a short walk to the post office during March to post the beautiful Mother’s Day cards they had made.

We held a spring fair at the end of March which was well attended by many families. Everyone had great fun making spring crafts and the entrants for the spring bonnet parade were amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped and to those who supported us.

In the summer term we will be looking at what makes us special and exploring skills around the world. We will be looking at occupations and hope to have some interesting visitors who help out in the community to come in and talk to us.

We have a sensory morning and a netball tournament planned for Saturday, May 19 from 10am-2pm. Please put the date in your diaries and bring your friends and family. Everyone welcome!

Our next open evening is planned for June 18 at 7.30pm and is a great chance for prospective parents to come in and see what we have to offer. If you are interested in attending please telephone us on 01473 417517 and speak to Marie or Julie to book your place.

Heathlands is a well-established, committee-run pre-school situated in the grounds of Broke Hall Community Primary School. We can offer funded places for eligible two year olds and for all other children the term after their third birthday. Breakfast and after school clubs are also available. We are pleased to accept applications for a place for terms starting September 2018 and beyond.

SUMMER TERM AT BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions from 10.30am-noon for pre-school aged children on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. These mornings are free and usually involve singing, games, making crafts to take home and telling stories from the Bible for the first half hour. We then have refreshments when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon.

Last term, we heard the Easter story, made our own palm tree and Easter garden and sang and played percussion instruments – making lots of noise!

You are welcome to come along to any of our mornings; just turn up, no need to let us know in advance. We look forward to seeing you!

The summer term 2018 session dates are (please note revised dates): May 14, June 11 & 25 and July 9.

For further information please contact Sonya & Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS

BIXLEY FARM CHURCH AT TOWER HALL: SUNDAY@4

Kesgrave Playschool We can’t believe that we’re well into the summer term already! School places have been allocated so we will be supporting our older children in their transition to their various schools this term, enjoying classroom role play and providing school uniform for dressing up. We will also encourage lots of self-help with dressing, putting on coats and shoes and PE sessions.

Now that spring is here and we look forward to warmer summer days, it seems odd to mention Christmas.

But we have had news about some of those who benefit from Operation Christmas Child, otherwise known as the Shoebox Appeal. In particular one account of a little boy in Zimbabwe (see photo) who was only too glad to swap his old football made of plastic bags and elastic bands for a new ‘proper’ football that he received as a gift. Now all the children in that village can benefit from having a kick about.

With so much grim news in the wider world, we can all feel insignificant and powerless. But small acts of kindness such as these and working together can make a big difference.

As if that wasn’t enough, the children will be hands on in the garden, planting fruits/vegetables and observing the changes in our pond to the frog spawn.

This will lead on to our next topic of life cycles of frogs and butterflies.

If you are looking for a playschool setting on Grange Farm with an outlook onto fields and woodlands, please get in touch or pop in and take a look.

We are at the Millennium Jubilee Hall. Call us on 07746 907060 or see us on Facebook and find out our opening times and session availability for 15 or 30 hours funded childcare as well as non-funded sessions. We have spaces for two year olds who meet the eligibility criteria for funded sessions from September.

Martlesham Playschool We were busy at the end of last term as the children took part in our sponsored bounce. We would like to thank all parents and carers for their generous sponsorship money to enhance our outside area. The children were busy planting bulbs and decorating pots for Mother’s Day and also made Easter cards and baskets and had lots of fun on an Easter egg hunt in the garden.

This term the children will be learning about growth and how things change over time. We are planting vegetables for the children to care for and observe over time. This will allow the children to take on responsibility and learn about where our food comes from.

As technology is such a big part of day to day life we are going to be giving the children the opportunity to have monitored access to their own kindle. This is to enhance their ICT skills and develop their future learning.

We can offer you term time or all-year round spaces. Spaces are available from September for 15 and 30 hours of funded childcare and non-funded sessions. Eligible for two-year-old funded sessions? Call Martlesham on 01473 625986 or visit our Facebook page for more details.

Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme in stores during January and February. We have been very lucky in being awarded £2,000. Thank you to Tesco. We shall post some photos of our lovely new resources on our Facebook page and on our new website (coming soon).

We also had a successful Easter egg hunt on Easter day and after watching a short video on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus we had our Easter service which was equally well attended. Afterwards we tucked into some welcome hot cross buns.

As mentioned in last month’s edition, we are starting a toddler group in Tower Hall at the beginning of June. The group will be called ‘Little Lambs’ and will run from 9.15-11am every Friday during term time. We can’t wait to start welcoming young families to the group so please help us by spreading the word. More details will be publicised nearer the time, but if you have any immediate queries, please contact children and families worker Emma Allinson at: families@mie.org.uk As always, everyone is welcome to join us each Sunday for our regular weekly service at Tower Hall from 4-5pm, whether you already have a Christian faith, whether you want to find out more or if you just want someone to talk to.

There are opportunities to speak to clergy or other members of the church, time for prayer and Holy Communion is celebrated every other Sunday.

We would love to involve more local people in this so if you are interested please come along any Sunday@4 to share in our worship and find out what we have to offer.

Bixley Farm Church (CofE) was initiated by St Johns, Cauldwell Hall Road and St Andrews, Britannia Road (collectively called Mission Ipswich East) For further information/questions please contact us at office@mie.org.uk / 01473 270978 or visit: www.mie.org/bixley

Martlesham Playschool: Martlesham Playschool, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 Facebook: Martlesham and Kesgrave Playschools

At this time of year our thoughts turn to summer and all that it brings. There is an air of expectation as to what will happen in the coming months. We ourselves are planning for barbeques, days out and ways to enjoy the hoped for sunny days and the great outdoors. At the end of the month we have our organisation’s 57th annual conference in Bromley, Kent where we join with our sister churches from around the country in a time of praise, worship and thanks-giving. We will have guest speakers, talks and seminars on the theme Jesus Is Lord over the three days of the conference, taken from Philippians 2:9 - 11. For more information go to: www.biblewaychurches.org Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Café and Children’s Church 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact us via email at arkipswichuk@gmail.com and we can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @arkipswich or online at: www.arkipswich.co.uk

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