NEWS / OUT & ABOUT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, MARCH 8: A CENTURY OF THE VOTE Jenny, Fran, Janet, Carol and Susan have organised a celebration of women’s lives and achievements every early March for the past five years. The first one was held in Tattingstone, an outdoor event spanning the bridge, and then four more years in Stutton Community Hall. Every year there has been a different theme with contributions from schools, Scouts, Guides, the Ipswich Women’s Group, singing from Lifting Spirits, local musicians Ian and Clare, lambs, films and, of course, lunches and cakes.
HOLBROOK SOCIETY Friday, February 9: Holbrook Village Hall, 7.30pm Adrian Garnham, Group Coordinator of Stutton and Holbrook First Responders will talk about the First Responders work and offer some practical first aid advice. Friday, March 23: Bowls Club, 7.30pm Martlesham Speakeasy Toastmasters present an evening of Tall Tales
Last year we were busier and more packed than ever so we have many happy memories… it’s been hard work but amazing. Thanks to everyone who has helped out and come along. This year we are having a break. This is a very special year in Britain as it is the centenary of some women getting the vote, with age and property owning status qualifying. This was the Representation of the People Act of 1918. All other women had to wait another 10 years for the Equal Franchise Act of 1928. So many of the mothers of the older women we know were 20 or more before they were enfranchised: it is very recent. And what a struggle it was, both with the suffragists taking the path of ‘reasoned argument’ and lobbying, and the suffragettes taking direct action, for example damaging property, long marches and noisy demonstrations. Together their sustained actions, with the support of key men, finally prevailed. The international theme of 2018 IWD is to Be Bold. And what a year 2017 was, with feminism re-emerging world wide with a new vigour and determination. Feminist ideas and action are again setting a wide agenda. To track what events are taking place in February and March, note that there are important celebrations, with the popular Women of the World festivals in London (March 7-11), and WOW also coming to Cambridge in late February and Norwich (April 27-29). On Saturday, February 10 at the Suffolk Archives Record Office in Bury St Edmunds there’s a day of events, Suffrage Saturday, looking at some of the local political activists working for the vote, with exhibitions and some fun activities (free). If we hear of anything more local we will put it in the March edition so tell one of us if you hear of anything. SH
SECRETARY AND BOOKINGS SECRETARY REQUIRED Holbrook Village Hall Management Committee is urgently seeking the services of a secretary and bookings secretary. These vacancies occur following the retirement of the present post holders. These positions are vital to the administration of a busy and successful community asset. If you are interested and wish to offer your services on a voluntary basis please contact David Rose: 01473 328862
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Looking back to January we had quite a jolt with the arrival of Storm Eleanor. The South West winds blew up quite a storm along the River Stour, causing significant damage to the well-used coastal footpath at Shotley Gate. Thankfully the ongoing work done by Shotley Open Spaces to maintain the concrete footpath support walls and sheet piles along the foreshore helped keep major damage at bay. The immediate problem of the footpath surface was quickly repaired and well done to Shotley Parish Council for organising these repairs so quickly. There is much talk and debate about the long term protection of the banks of the River Stour at Shotley Gate, and it is likely that a public meeting will be held in the next month or two to look at what can be done to protect the woodland and community. The future delivery of the approved ‘Phase 3 Erosion Protection Scheme’ is now in question as Shotley Parish Council has decided not to take responsibility for the project. Our group looks forward to taking part in this meeting along with many residents, so look out for the date being advertised. Walking for Health continues to be a big part of what we do and walkers are welcome to our next walks out. Firstly on Tuesday, February 20 starting from the Bristol Arms at 11am, and the Shotley Rose on Tuesday, March 20. These are gentle stress-free strolls around the beautiful Shotley countryside lasting around 90 minutes in total. Please join us, you will be most welcome (and bring your four legged friends, they are welcome too). Finally, please keep an eye out for our team working around the village and if there are any paths or areas that you think need sorting out let us know and we’ll see what we can do. If you wish to be included on the growing Shotley Open Spaces email list, please contact: Geraint Pugh: g.pugh1@btinternet.com Gary Richens: gary.richens.583@btinternet.com Tony Lawford-Randall: keyworker@hotmail.co.uk Report by Gary Richens
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