In touch news with westerfield september 2017

In Touch

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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 7 • Issue No.10 • SEPTEMBER 2017

Sand play at the Old School House Nursery, Helmingham (see page 14)

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR 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.

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.

NEWS RIDE AND STRIDE Visit unique historic buildings, see beautiful countryside, get some exercise and have fun with the family on Saturday, September 9, 9am-5pm.

Ride and Stride is a sponsored bike ride or walk in which people all over England walk or cycle between churches, exploring and enjoying the countryside. The money they raise helps to save historic churches, chapels and meeting houses for future generations by helping to fund urgent repairs and the installation of modern facilities. The idea is to visit as many places of worship as possible open near you and also get sponsored for visiting them. In 2015 Ride and Stride raised almost £1.5 million for churches.

The sponsorship money you raise is shared 50/50 between a county church trust that helps historic churches and the individual church of your choice. Contact your local church taking part in Ride and Stride or your county church trust and they’ll provide you with a form to collect pledges from sponsors on which you can indicate the church that you’d like to receive half of the money you raise.

On the day of the event all the participating churches are open from morning to late afternoon. Cycling is the most popular way of travelling from church to church, but you can walk, run or use public transport, or even go by car – whatever you feel most comfortable doing.

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?

Please see below a list of all of our local co-ordinators:

Q: Name Britain’s highest award for bravery.

A: Probably Nelson’s Column.

Boulge: Susan Parr, 01394 382643

In Touch

with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: westerfield@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 Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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OCTOBER DEADLINE

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

Ashbocking: John Pollard, 01473 890836 Burgh: Clare Sanders, 01473 735183 Clopton: Doris Main, 01473 737602 Grundisburgh: Sheila Caryer, 01473 738108 Hasketon: Julia Longe, 01394 382518 Otley: James Hall, 01473 785251 Swilland: Ann Kent, 01473 785262

MOTH SURVEY Recently at Manor Farm in Witnesham, the home of Mr and Mrs Barrows, a survey was carried out on the number of different moths that could be found in the old barn situated at the rear of their property.

The results were quite staggering as 60 different types of moths were discovered at the site, as well as a number of beetles. If anyone would like a full list please contact me. I would be happy to forward a copy of the results.

Village Historian and Recorder Steve Henley henleysteve@btinternet.com

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE CALL 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

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NEWS

SSAFA FUNDRAISING EVENT SSAFA, the armed forces charity which offers lifelong support for our forces and their families, is holding a fundraising event as part of Operation Big Brew Up on Friday, October 13 from 10am-2pm.

The event takes place at St Andrew’s Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere IP5 1DH. There will be coffee, tea, cakes and tombola.

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. 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.

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

Westerfield Horse Show, which was held on June 24, has raised a wonderful £2,000 to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, going towards paying for more nurses in the Macmillan Woolverstone Unit at Ipswich Hospital.

Many thanks are due to our sponsors, supporters, judges, stewards, and of course the competitors. There was a very well supported, highly imaginative fancy dress class, but the jumping entries were sparse at the higher end of the scale. The showing classes had some very high quality entries, and there was much enthusiasm in the gymkhana races.

Thank you to all who baked (the cake stall raised £174) and to all who donated prizes for the tombola which took in excess of £250.

A long service award of a bronze horse was made to Peter and Violet Garrod in appreciation of their help before the day and on show day for over 50 years.

Next year’s show, all being well, will be on Saturday, June 30.

SUFFOLK SINGERS CHORAL WORKSHOP Gloria by John Rutter, directed by Claire Weston, assisted by John Hutchings and Chris Milton, Sunday, October 22 at Framlingham College from 9.30am-5pm. Adults £20, under 19s free. Includes all music, expert tuition and tea and coffee all day with delicious afternoon cakes. Please bring a packed lunch. Free public performance at 4.30pm.

To reserve a place or for more information contact: 01379 788143 / bvankoningsveld1@btinternet.com Online booking available at: www.suffolksingers.co.uk

COUNCIL OFFERS DAFFODIL BULBS FOR PLANTING

COFFEE MORNING CALLED OFF

Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council will again be offering daffodil bulbs for planting this autumn along roadside verges and in other public places. The parish council is particularly looking to plant more areas along Weyland Road and Coopers Close and to have a volunteer planting session in early October.

Due to unexpected family circumstances William and I will be unable to hold the village coffee morning at our home, 10 Nelson Close, Ashbocking on September 1.

If you would like to join in the bulb planting (all ages) or would like some bulbs to plant outside your house in any part of the villages, please contact Jerry Hindle: 01473 785669

Kind regards, Janice Williamson

The bulbs should be available from late September.

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

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WESTERFIELD HORSE SHOW

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NEWS SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL Report from the Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday, July 19 County Councillor Report Councillor Vickery reported that since his re-election he had been doing various training courses. He is an observer for the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich which is part funded by SCC. A new CEO is required at SCC as Deborah Cadman is moving on to the West Midlands. A replacement CEO is hoped for by September.

Councillor Vickery’s Highways Budget for 2017/2018 was in dispute and is currently reduced from £25k down to £10k.

There still appeared to be some outstanding repair requirements in Coopers Close to the recent tarmac works and the quality of the work already carried out was in question.

Councillor Vickery advised the clerk of the contact details for grit bin applications within SCC, for which the clerk gave thanks.

The chair advised Councillor Vickery of water leak/drain problem on Juby’s Hill which he may be approached about. The clerk had advised Anglian Water and would keep Councillor Vickery in the loop.

such as Community Speed Watch signs and 30mph wheelie bin stickers. It was estimated that this would cost between £5.5k and £6k.

Other initiatives to follow could be the purchase of SIDs (Speed Indicator Devices) which would be dedicated to the parish and located at random sites at various times. There are various options and unit costs are approx £3k plus each, but the posts required at multiple locations would be provided by SCC. Battery powered type was recommended along with a data recording facility.

Mr Rush proposed that: “Council authorise the working party committee to proceed with obtaining costs for the 15 pairs of 30mph roundels to be painted on the road network through Swilland and Witnesham along with a time scale for any future implementation”: Carried. b) SCC Highways 30mph sign survey Mr Johnson reported that due to a legislation change, remarkably, repeater signs were no longer maintained by SCC Highways and any missing they would not replace. Also they would only cut back obscuring vegetation on existing ones when the bird nesting season ends on September 1.

c) Coopers Close drain issues Footpaths The garden of 18 Coopers Close has previously been reported and There had been two complaints from Swilland residents earlier in the year witnessed by the chairman as regularly flooding during heavy rain. The regarding the overgrown state of some footpaths in Swilland which had surface water drain running between several houses in Upper Street and made dog walking very difficult. the bungalows in Coopers Close appears to be blocked at some point Mr Hindle reported that footpath cutting priorities fell into two categories which is causing the drain to overflow and flood No 18 in particular. This at SCC. Grade 1 paths were cut twice a year. Grade 2 paths were only cut if is a private drain and is subsequently the responsibility of all the various property owners along its route. Chairman presented a large diagram for resources were available. Most of the parish paths are Grade 1.

On the late date of cutting issue, Mr Hindle had written to SCC Public council to indicate the drain route and explained that until the location of Rights of Way to ask for first cut on Grade 1 paths to be done before late the blockage was found, it was difficult to pinpoint whose responsibility it was to resolve.

June in our parishes which might help.

There had been a report that RUPP35 (length of path across the meadows and up to Cockfield Hall) was blocked with overgrown vegetation. Mr Hindle had written to SCC asking for this to be cleared and ensure this was on the cutting cycle for Grade 1 paths.

Other issues included: The arm of the footpath sign close to the school was still awaiting a fix The missing sign by the Barley Mow had been reported There had been a repeat occurrence of SCC cutting of vegetation on a way through the woods instead of the public right of way on FP 16 Witnesham, behind Chapel Cottages. Mr Hindle explained that this had occurred before and SCC needed to clarify by way marking the correct public right of way.

Planning Mr Wilks reported that there had been planning meetings on May 30 and July 4. Highlights were the application for demolition and new dwelling at Broom Hill, Tuddenham Lane had been supported by the PC and permitted

by SCDC, plus the application for car park changes and a new dwelling in the grounds of the Barley Mow, which was objected to by the PC, and has been subsequently withdrawn.

Planning appeals: Five dwellings on America Hill opposite Burwash: Appeal dismissed Hillbrow Farm, Tuddenham Lane: Appeal allowed The parish council had been advised that there was also a strong possibility of a planning application appearing at some point in the future for a potential ‘Windfall site’ at the Witnesham Saw Mills site. This was expected to consist of new build dwellings on the site, but as yet no application has been submitted for formal consultation.

Highways a) The speed initiatives working group which had been set up at the previous PC meeting reported back An initiatives grid sheet was shared with council by Mr Johnson and Mr Everett. The working party had concluded that there were nine missing repeaters through the villages but sadly SCC would not replace these.

The suggestion was to focus on providing a minimum 15 pairs of painted 30mph roundels on the road surface through Witnesham and Swilland which are common in other rural villages, combined with low cost signage

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It was explained that SCC Highways had assisted the investigation initially, but as it was now proven that the blockage was on private land, they could not assist further.

Chairman had obtained a costing from a drainage company and asked the parish council to consider funding an investigation estimated at £960 to establish where the blockage was and which landowners could be responsible. Council commended Mr Rush for researching and spending so much time with this issue, but were not supportive of providing funds as it was felt it could set a precedent given the problem was on private land, and felt that it should be funded by seeking contributions from those affected or those whose properties drain into the network.

New Grit Bin requirements Clerk reported that he had finally managed to find the contacts in SCC and the process for Grit Bin provision. Two sites had been identified: Junction of Upper Street and High Road, plus junction of High Road Swilland and Wades Lane. Grit piles were present at these locations. Clerk asked via the chair, for council to approve expenditure for two green 90litre grit bins at £102.96p each plus VAT. Approved.

Correspondence An email has been received from The Rev Clare Sanders asking to address the council on the subject of parish council contingency plans in the event of any future senior royal bereavement. Chair asked that this be an agenda item for September PC meeting.

A member of the public had emailed the clerk asking whether there was a village historian for Swilland. They stated that they would be willing to volunteer if this was vacant. Chair asked the clerk to arrange contact details for the enquirer with another volunteer in Swilland who may be able to advise or assist.

Review of clerking costs and hours After discussion around clerk’s workload and the increased demands now within the parish clerk’s role, it was proposed by Mr Rush, in line with this year’s budget, to increase the weekly hours from five to six. Carried.

A proposal to back date this change to April 1, 2017 was put by Mrs Shaw and carried.

Clerk: Mr Steven Barron swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917

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OUT & ABOUT DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING Events take place in the village hall unless indicated otherwise.

Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 01473 785798 It is advisable to check with Anne to see if the village hall is available.

Parish Clerk: Mr Steve Barron, 07719 176917 / swill-witpc@outlook.com The parish clerk or Anne will arrange between them to put notices on the noticeboards.

WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm • Drop-in Café at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm • Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Mr Peter Elmy: 785754 Thursdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Tai Chi classes from 5.45pm. Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Fridays • Mums and Toddlers Group in Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Mrs Jean Pearson: 785478 • Pilates class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com • Carpet Bowls from 2pm Regular sewing classes: Please contact Mrs Kim Shaw: 785678 SEPTEMBER Thursday 7: • Mobile library visits Witnesham at Weyland Road (9.50-10.20am), and Swilland outside Moon and Mushroom (10.25-10.40am) • Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm.

Contact Christine Laughlin: 01473 785138

Saturday 9: • Historic Churches Cycle Ride visits local churches, 9am-5pm • Teddy Bears Picnic on Ashbocking Community Land from 2.30pm.

Community barbecue, various games, tug of war and more…

Monday 11: Ashbocking Parish Council meeting at SWT HQ, 7.30pm Wednesday 13: WI meets to hear a talk by Brian Cornell entitled Life of a Water Boatman, 7.30pm Saturday 16: Bingo and Buns Family Fun with tea and cake, 2pm. Adults £6, children £3.

Wednesday 20: Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council Meeting, 7.30pm Thursday 28: • Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.15-12.35pm • Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm DEGREE CONGRATULATIONS We congratulate the following people who were recently awarded their degrees. We wish them every success in their future careers: Marnie Gooch from Witnesham gained a BA (Hons) in Textiles Design from Central St Martins University of the Arts London Johnathan Laws from Swilland achieved a BA (1st Class Hons) in Economics from Nottingham Trent University Please let me have details of young people who have completed their AL or equivalent examinations so that their future education or work can be included in the next edition of In Touch.

Heather Cade: 785464 / heather.cade40@gmail.com

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM TALKS Woodbridge Museum Talks begin their new season on October 20 when in a talk entitled The Coaching Age Stewart Bowell will tell about the comfort and discomforts, the pleasures and pains of travelling in the Georgian Age. On November 17 the talk will be given by Clifford Smith, past planning officer and Suffolk County Council chief executive. He will tell us why planning was fun in his talk entitled Woodbridge Centre of the World, 1965-2015.

All talks are in Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm. Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50 and visitors £3.50.

On Thursday, September 14, Bob Merrett will lead another history walk around Woodbridge. This will start from the museum on Market Hill at 2pm. The cost for this is £2. The next day school is on Saturday, October 21 when Dr Sean Lang continues his look at the Napoleonic Wars: France’s Bid for Global Power. Early booking is advised as these sessions have proved very popular. The cost for the day is £25.

A special fundraising event in support of the move to the new museum premises will be held in the community hall on Saturday, December 2 when there will be a Gilbert and Sullivan concert, tickets £10. Further information for this and all events from Anne Merrett: 01394 385572

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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OUT & ABOUT ENPOINTE SCHOOL OF DANCING The Enpointe School of Dancing performed The Princess and The Frog at Henley Community Centre in May. The cast of 43 dancers took to the stage to re-enact the story while showcasing their ballet and tap dancing skills. The show was a wonderful success and the school raised £500 for their chosen charity – EACH. This picture shows some members of the cast with the presentation cheque.

In addition to the show being a fantastic success, an excellent opportunity arose resulting in the two branches of the dancing school combining together as one. The school was originally founded in 2011 at Witnesham Village Hall with just nine pupils, but as the school started to grow a further branch opened in 2014 at Great Blakenham Village Hall.

The Enpointe School of Dancing was made to feel so welcome at Henley Community Centre that the decision was made to co-locate the Witnesham and Great Blakenham branches together at Henley in July 2017. The reaction to the news has been very positive, and as principal and founder of the school I feel that it is lovely to be able to have one true home for the dancing school.

The school is currently holding lessons in ballet and tap on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3.45pm onwards.

If you would like further information regarding lessons please contact Kelly: 07799 130967

WESTERFIELD CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS Westerfield Bowls Club The club has more than 50 members who enjoy playing outdoors from April through to the end of September. Our teams compete in local leagues as well as playing friendly games against other clubs. For further information contact Tony Baker: 01473 411347 Village Coffee Mornings Held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome.

Westerfield and District Gardening Club Meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm.

• September 6: Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm Project by Joanna Mudhur • October 4: Autumn Planting for Spring Colour by Matthew Long Everyone is welcome. For further details contact Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 251843).

Beavers, Cubs & Scouts The 1st Westerfield Scout Group was founded in 1955. Using the village hall as its headquarters the group consists of: Beaver Colony Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm Boys and girls, 6-8 years old Beaver Leader Jenny Kent: 01473 218501 / jennyk.kent1@gmail.com Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years.

Cub Leader Joan Gibson: 01473 785510 / gibsonjoan785@gmail.com Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years.

Scout Leader Peter Runnacles: 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com If your child is interested in joining us please use the contact form on our website from where your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate leader: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk Westerfield WI Lively meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the village hall with different speakers on a variety of topics. The membership is 42 at present.

• September 14: Felting, Yesterday and Today by Elizabeth Taylor • October 12: My Sister & Other Liars by Ruth Dugall New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749 Pilates Westerfield Village Hall on Mondays from 10.45-11.45am. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. £6.50 in advance / £8 drop-in.

Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Westerfield Village Hall on Tuesdays from 2.15-4pm and Thursdays from 7.15-9pm. £12 per class, suitable for all ages. Contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Westerfield Village Hall on Thursday mornings from 9.40-11am. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches, breathing practices and relaxation. British Wheel of Yoga qualified teacher. £48 for block of six / £9.50 drop-in.

Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability of the village hall. For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, September 28 at 7.30pm: The Ipswich War Memorial Project A major work researching the Great War dead on memorials in Ipswich, particularly those in Christchurch Park. We will learn how the project has grown and the stories behind many of the names. Bring along details of those you have an interest in or want to know more about.

BINGO AND BUNS FAMILY FUN

Witnesham Village Hall Saturday, September 16 from 2pm Adults £6, children £3 Fundraising event for Ashbocking, Swilland & Witnesham WI

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

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

FLUTE COCKTAIL

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 at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on September 19 when Stuart Hines will be talking about the Garretts of Leiston and in particular the Long Shop Museum. He will tell us the history of the museum, an integral part of the Garrett Engineering Works and a company which played a prominent role in bringing the industrial revolution to rural Suffolk. He will also outline the wider influence of the Garrett family in Suffolk, including two pioneering women – Millicent Garrett Fawcett and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.

On October 17 John Field will tell us about the history of the Ipswich Wet Dock, from its opening in 1842, its decline and subsequent regeneration.

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

Do you have a flute?

Would you like to play?

Standard: Grade 2/3–ish up to 8 COME AND JOIN US! We meet in Grundisburgh on the first Thursday morning of each month To find out more contact Christine Tremlett: 01473 623992

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with award winning novelist Emma Healey.

Emma grew up in London, where she completed her first degree in book binding and graduated from the MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 2011. Her debut novel, Elizabeth is Missing, won Best First Novel at the Costa Book Awards.

Emma will be appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, IP1 3AA) on Wednesday, September 13 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.

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

Doors open at 7pm, event starts at 7.30pm. General admission is £8 (members £4). Students free with ID. Tickets to be paid for on the door.

Reservations can be made by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk

www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

www.sbl.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB BRING OUT YOUR BRAS! Obviously not the ones that you are currently wearing, but how about those that are hiding at the back of your underwear drawer?

Maybe they were an impulse buy or you got tired of them or they didn’t fit comfortably. If you could use the space we could use your bras!

We shall be in Sailmakers in Ipswich on Saturday, October 7 from 10am4pm to collect new or ‘gently used’ unwanted bras.

What are we going to do with them? They will go to a project which supports women and girls who have survived being trafficked and forced into the sex trade in Mozambique, El Salvador and Kenya.

To escape from this horrendous experience they need a sustainable way of earning their own living. Every 100 bras that we collect will enable a woman to set up her own business selling second hand bras, which are a status symbol in these countries and command a good price.

It seems such a simple idea to us, but it can have amazing results.

Economic independence can give a woman back her self-esteem and self-confidence. As the project says ‘Empowerment gives women the opportunity to be who they were designed to be’ (freethegirls.org).

Somehow donating a bra feels a rather personal way of holding out a hand to another woman.

Soroptimists in Southend have collected 1,500 bras. Far be it from us to suggest that we are in competition with a sister club but with your help…

Please come and bring your contribution on October 7 – and tell your friends about it.

For more information please call our secretary Joyce: 01394 615659

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 of food followed by a sing-along led and accompanied by member Dot Chapman playing 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.

Jackie Durrant

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GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area, the club meets from 2-4pm every Monday, other than bank holidays, in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham.

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. Members pay £2 per meeting to covers hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. Alternatively, if you would just like to come and bring your own project to work on, enjoy our company and make new friends without doing the workshops, the charge is £1.50 a meeting. Members take it in turns to make the tea.

Our first picture shows our first batch of more than 350 Suffolk Puffs. We mentioned in an earlier report that we are contributing to a project involving the Embroiderers Guild and the Museum for East Anglian Life who are both celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year and are aiming for an entry in The Guiness Book of Records to make the longest caterpillar in the world from Suffolk Puffs.

Various schools, clubs and individuals are taking part and the caterpillar will then be on display at the museum in Stowmarket.

In July our workshop involved using Brusho, a pigment powder activated by spraying a mist of water. Each of the pigments is made up of many colours and no two pieces will ever be the same. Members had fun ‘playing’ with the powders to create different backgrounds and samples to be used in their card making.

Our programme for the rest of 2017 September 4: Boxed-up October 2: Kantha November 13: Mini Makes Month December 4: Christmas Party If all this sounds interesting there is currently room for new members so if you would like to join us please get in touch. Although the club is all ladies at present, gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome.

Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM WI September promises to be a busy time. Members and friends will venture to Haughley for an Invitation to View at Haughley House. A guided tour followed by tea and cakes at the bargain price of £15. Places are available – telephone 01473 785413.

There will be a family afternoon at Witnesham Village Hall with a welcome for everyone on Saturday, September 16 at 2pm for bingo and buns – adults £6, children £3. Book your place with Caroline on 01473 785413 or come along on the day.

We plan to commence the fitness regime in October with a walk around Woodbridge. A short route of three miles will do to get us back into the routine, with a café visit along the way.

Brian Cornell will join us on September 13 to tell us about the life of a water boatman. Come and join us at Witnesham Village Hall at 7.30pm.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY It’s September and the new season of talks and displays starts at the club after the summer break. The programme is varied again this year with two additional afternoon meetings to be held in December and January.

The season starts on September 6 with Bill Gibb displaying Nevis and British Virgin Islands, followed on September 20 by Richard Amery with The Life and Times of King George VI. Membership gives access to all the talks and displays and also to a circulating packet that allows you to buy material from other members and vendors from your own home.

Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, 7 for 7.30pm; visitors welcome.

For further information contact the secretary, Mike Smith: 01473 403904

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Friday, September 29: On the Railway Lines to Yarmouth and Lowestoft, illustrated talk by Stuart Mcnee We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.

Details from: 01473 414746/422145 www.idhts.co.uk

WITNESHAM RAINBOWS Witnesham Rainbows reopened in April meeting fortnightly (Thursdays from 5.30-6.45pm in term time) at Witnesham Primary School alongside the Brownies who meet weekly.

We opened with 11 members with our 12th joining in September. We now have a full unit with a waiting list.

Rainbows are celebrating their 30th birthday this year. The theme for the 30th birthday challenge is Under the Sea which was taken from the 30th anniversary being pearl. Over the summer term we have made octopuses and promise mobiles, had a bug hunt, eaten ice cream in oyster shells and fish shaped sandwiches, done weaving and played themed games. When we return in September we will finish our challenge to gain our badge.

Five members attended a Norfolk/Suffolk counties event at Bewilderwood in Wroxham in July; a lovely day was had by all who attended. On our last night of the term, all 11 girls were enrolled and made their promise.

If you are interested in joining Guiding as a member or volunteer please register your interest at: www.guiding.org.uk Nyree, Kirsty and Linda

OTLEY AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Patron: Matthew Tanton-Brown We meet at 7.30pm on the first Monday of the month at Otley Village Hall, Chapel Road, Otley.

New season meetings start on Monday, September 4.

Monday, October 2: Jane Austen’s Garden with Jackie Bennett Compare gardening notes over tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome – join up or just come along. Admission £1.50 (members), £4 (non-members), annual membership £10.

To find out more, contact Alan Trevelyan (01473 890563), Emma Coomber (07814 785029) or Isabel Lincoln (01473 890826).

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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SCHOOLS / SPORT THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM The children rounded off the summer term by attending four play days in the first two weeks of the summer holidays, all planned around the elements – air, water, earth and fire. The normal toys and bikes were available each day with different emphasis on the elements.

We had dinosaurs down in the sand – creating caves, planting cress to grow at home and eating blackberries for snack time. The water tray had different items in it each day from boats with Playmobil people to shells, squirting fish, funnels and bottles.

The main water element was the super paddling pool available for the whole two weeks. Although sometimes the sun decided not to come out it didn’t stop the children getting changed into their swimming costumes and launching themselves into the water! A squirting turtle added to the fun.

The fire element was used to good effect for cooking each day – chocolate and vanilla marble buns, pizza faces, blackberry crumble and raisin scones all taken home to share with families.

We made masks and treasure boxes, adding names before varnishing.

A very special time was had eating our packed lunches together and chatting about what we had done.

We return on Wednesday, September 6 when we will be looking at the seasons, linking into the interests of the children from tractors to harvest, planting, seeds, leaves falling leading into autumn.

To book a visit ring us on 01473 890950. Downloaded our recent newsletter at: www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL

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 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.

It’s always a little sad to see the summer coming to an end, but the good news is it will soon be the start of the new indoor volleyball season.

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.

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.

Happy tennis!

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

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At Ipswich Ravens we have much to look forward to and building on the club’s growth over the last year, there will be something for everyone.

For the first time our First team will be raising the standard of their competitive play by entering the Suffolk League and/or the Essex League. Our new ladies team will compete in a new series of triangular tournaments against other women’s teams from around Suffolk.

Our junior boys will continue their development and we hope to see them in action in the Eastern Region junior teams which they qualified for last year, and our newest section of junior girls will progress through their specialist coaching which they began towards the end of last season. Alongside all of this, we will be entering mixed teams in the monthly Suffolk-wide indoor 6-a-side tournaments to be held this year at Northgate School.

Of course our regular indoor training sessions will also continue; these take place twice a week on Saturdays from 2-4pm and Tuesdays from 7-9pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere, IP4 3NJ (near Ipswich Hospital).

If you are interested in giving them a try, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced player, now is the ideal time to join in with many of the people who started playing during the summer and have found out for themselves that volleyball is great fun, and really good exercise too.

Ipswich Ravens will welcome any new players, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from teenagers upwards.

We have qualified coaches who run our sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them highly enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills.

If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875.

In Touch online:

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For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505

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call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING I hope some of us will use September 9 to visit churches open for Suffolk Historic Churches Trust’s annual Ride and Stride (page 3). Throughout the years I have taken part, I have always come back feeling inspired, whether by the church buildings themselves or by those who have welcomed me: stained glass doing stunning things with light; cheery ladies serving tea and cake; corners; churchwardens tackling a leaking roof; smells of harvest decorations; flower-arrangers working with nature; medieval carvings; young people making music; the peace of an empty church in the fields; the happy chatter of a children’s activity club… make your own lists.

Such encounters away from home make me realise how much I overlook what is going on here in Carlford. Just look in your own church for its own particular ‘angels”’ or points of inspiration; don’t overlook its sermons in stone. Look in Grapevine for evidence of God at work in his people regardless of collar or label. Be inspired by what and who we have and are here, however familiar, ordinary and taken for granted they may seem.

There are churches where major building projects have been successfully completed or where they are exciting increases in congregations, but behind all the stories there will always be a number of unassuming individuals working patiently at ordinary things like making tea, filling in forms or putting out chairs. They too are both inspired and inspiring.

Tearfund runs a programme that supports ‘Inspired Individuals’. One such is Christophe Mbonyingabo, an orphan of the Rwanda genocide.

As he looked around his community, Christophe saw that forgiveness was desperately needed if the people of Rwanda were ever going to move on from the pain of the past. This led him to start Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance (CARSA), a programme that brings together survivors and offenders from the genocide in pursuit of forgiveness.

September 5: • Craft and Coffee at Shrubbery Farm, Hasketon, 10am-noon • Churchwarden’s meeting with Ministry Team, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 7pm September 10: Sunday Club, Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.45am September 11: FOBS AGM, Burgh Schoolroom, 2.30pm September 12: • Open the Book performs at Grundisburgh School, 9.15am • Burgh PCC meet in the schoolroom, 9.45am • Boulge PCC meets at the home of Shelia Snelling, 2pm • Grundisburgh and Hasketon PCCs, Grundisburgh School, 7.30pm September 17: • Baptism of Fergus Gomm, Otley Church, 12.30pm • Messy Welly Walk, 3pm September 24: Grundisburgh Sunday Club, Parish Rooms, 10.45am September 26: Diocesan Clergy Study Day September 28: • COSA Pastoral Committee meets in Otley, 9.30am • COSA PCC meets in Clopton Village Hall, 7.30pm September 30: Grundisburgh Harvest Supper at the village hall, 7pm CARLFORD SOCIAL GROUPS Baby Café: September 5, 9am, Grundisburgh Craft and Coffee: September 5, 10am, Hasketon Hobbies Group: September 6, 10am, Clopton Swapshop: September 6, 10.15am, Grundisburgh Hasketon Community Lunch: September 28, 12.15pm Tiddlywinks: September 14 and 28, 2.30pm Monday House Group: September 18, 7.30pm Otley House Group: September 11 and 25, 1.45pm

“We provide a cow, which is shared by a perpetrator and a victim. They take care of the cow together, and this becomes a bridge that allows them to meet on a regular basis and continue their journey of forgiveness.

When the cow has a calf, victim and perpetrator share the milk. And when the calf has grown, the survivor gives this calf to the offender as a sign of true forgiveness.”

PRAYER AND STUDY GROUPS Going Deeper: September 6 and 20, 10am, Ashbocking Grundisburgh Prayer Group: September 11, 5pm

Damien and Leonard attended a CARSA workshop. Before the workshop they hated each other. Leonard had killed members of Damien’s family in the massacres. “It would have been better to flee the country than to meet him eye to eye,” says Damien.

Going Deeper Homegroup We meet at Manor Farm to study the Bible, pray and encourage each other to ‘go deeper’ in our faith in Jesus together. We will be meeting on Wednesdays, September 6 and 20, and thereafter every first and third Wednesday from 10am-noon. For more details contact Jan or John Bates: 01473 892605

Nonetheless, during the workshop Leonard asked for forgiveness and Damien gave it – a genuine and powerful transaction, but only the beginning. They became good friends and their example now inspires others to learn and practise forgiveness. Yes, it’s a long way from here and yes, the need for healing and reconciliation manifests itself differently in Carlford, but that doesn’t make us any less able to play our part.

God works through cows and people like Christophe in Rwanda; so He does in Carlford, often in the things and through the inspired and inspiring people we take most for granted.

James Hall SERVICES THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER Sunday, September 3: Swilland, Extended Holy Communion, 9.30am Sunday, September 10: Ashbocking, Family Service, 11am Sunday, September 17: Swilland, Harvest Festival, 11am WHAT’S ON ACROSS CARLFORD BENEFICE September 1: Grundisburgh Service of Thanksgiving for Scarlet and Tom and their daughter Atyla, 3.30pm September 2: Grundisburgh Church Fete on the village green, 2pm

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Pilgrim: Grundisburgh at 7pm on September 4, 11 & 25 and 10am on September 8, 15 & 29

Macmillan Soup Lunch Burgh Schoolroom, Drabbs Lane IP13 6QA on Tuesday, September 12, noon-1.30pm. Homemade soups and rustic bread £3.50, dessert £1.50, free tea or coffee. Win a hamper! All proceeds to Macmillan.

Otley Progressive Supper There are still places available for the ever-popular Progressive Supper taking place in Otley on Saturday, September 23. If you haven’t taken part before, diners eat three courses at three different houses, meeting different people at each course, and then everyone meets up for coffee at the end of the evening.

It’s always an enjoyable event and a great opportunity to catch up with local friends and meet new people. Tickets are £10. Most people will be asked to host one course for eight diners, but there are a few noncooking spaces. For more details contact Vanessa (01473 890787) or Ruth (01473 890543) by September 7.

LETTER FROM THE RECTOR September is a month for new beginnings – a new school year, going off to college and university.

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS

For us in the Carlford Benefice, it is a new beginning too, with a newly shaped ministry team – newly shaped, because we will be more lay focussed and more men than women – so we are in for an exciting time!

For some churches, it will mean the introduction of an Extended Communion Service – the bread and wine being consecrated at the 8am service and then brought to your church by one of our Readers, who will lead you in that service and enable you to share in the bread and wine of communion. For some in the benefice this has become familiar practice, for others it will be a new experience.

But the team doesn’t stop there; we all have a role to play for all of us are called. We could not manage without churchwardens, treasurers, PCC secretaries, people who clean, prepare for services, look after churchyards, help with Messy Church, and work with children, lunch clubs, coffee mornings, house groups… the list goes on.

We are all members of the Body of Christ – each of uniquely gifted. May we use those God given gifts to serve others in his name.

The Rev Clare Sanders

We are richly blessed in those offering themselves in ministry across the benefice – in addition to James, Bill, Mark and Jane – our Readers – we have six Elders – Dot and Molly in Hasketon, Linda and Jan in Ashbocking, Jenny Taylor in Grundisburgh and Doris in Clopton.

FANCY A COFFEE?

The ministry of Elders is rich and varied. For some it will involve visiting people in their homes and on occasion, taking communion to them. For others, their ministry is in leading services on a Sunday morning. Elders and Readers are a local point of contact for you and share with me pastoral care across our eight villages.

Grundisburgh: Wednesday 6, 10.15-11.30am at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms

Ashbocking: Friday, September 1, 10am-noon at the home of Brenda and Bernard Mitchells of Knole House, Church Lane, Claydon IP6 0EN Clopton: Wednesday 20, 10am-noon at the village hall

Otley: Thursday 14, 10am at St Mary’s Church Swilland: No coffee morning this month

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH We welcome you to worship at 11am each Sunday.

Sunday, September 3: Morning Service – Pastor Andrew including Holy Communion Sunday, September 10: The Rev Simon Matholie Sunday, September 17: Team Ministry Sunday, September 24: Pastor Andrew – Harvest Festival, All Age Service We welcome all families to our new Family Time on Sundays at 9.30am.

On Sunday, September 24, Family Time Together will be at 11am for Harvest Festival.

EVENTS Tuesdays: Drop-in Café, 2-4pm. Everyone is welcome to call in for tea and friendship.

Combine a visit to the post office with a cup of tea.

Varied Church Open House, topical discussion group, 7.30pm Fridays: Babies & Toddlers Group, 9.15-11.15am, restarting on September 8. Contact Jean: 01473 785478 Monday, September 4: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, light lunch and good company, 12.30-2pm. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, September 13: Prayer Fellowship, 2pm Wednesday, September 27: Bible Study, 2pm Please note Messy Church will be here again on Saturday, October 14 at 10am. More details next month.

The church is open for prayer and listening every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am-5pm. At other times please contact Pastor Andrew.

The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory.

In the conservatory we have a collection box for FIND and welcome any donations of non-perishable food to help families in need locally.

Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham / 01473 785448

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Witnesham Baptist Church invites you join us for our Harvest Festival, All Age Service on Sunday, September 24 at 11am. Food and monetary gifts for FIND. Over the summer the local Baptist churches join together for the Sunday evening services. We had six each at a different church. At the end of July we were privileged to hold the service at WBC. The church was full to near capacity as 80 people joined together to worship Jesus Christ.

As a fellowship we had that morning joined with the Benefice for a joint service at St Martin’s in Tuddenham; so it was a good day for Christian unity! Our working with St Mary’s, Witnesham will be seen again as we have Messy Church on Saturday, October 14 at WBC from 10am.

However, this month sees the return to school for many and the start of school for some, including children who are barely four years old having had birthdays during the school holidays. We will miss some of them as they will no longer becoming to Mums & Toddlers on Friday mornings.

Yes, as school starts so Mums & Toddlers restarts this month on Friday, September 8. I know that we will be welcoming some new little ones who were born in July.

Also restarting this month, on Sunday 3, is our Family Time Together at 9.30am. This a time when we have an activity/craft for all the family to take part in followed by a Bible story, a thought about the story, a song and prayer – all families are welcome for this short time together.

Even as I write this article at the beginning of August the harvest is well under way and so we are going to hold our family/all age Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 24 at 11am. It would be really good to see you and have a packed church to give God thanks for the harvest and all the provisions we have.

This is a village church and we are surrounded by agriculture and we mustn’t take it for granted! While we celebrate harvest the collection of food stuff and any monetary gifts on the day will be given to the FIND (Families In Need) food bank for distribution to those in the area that are not as fortunate as most of us. Giving and sharing is part of our celebration and thanks.

Pastor Andrew www.witneshambaptist.org.uk

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In Touch with WTW New Beginnings Where has the summer gone?

Suddenly it is September and for many people it is a time of new beginnings. It is the start of a new academic year; maybe a new year in the same school, or moving on to a new school, college or university.

For others, September may bring the start of a new job or a new challenge.

For some, holiday time gives the opportunity to reflect on their lives, to dream dreams, think of new directions to take, new activities to try, make decisions about what to give up in order to make space to move on.

The idea of making a regular review, of considering how God wants us to develop our lives, how he wants us to grow as individuals, how we can make God’s world a better place to live in, how we can contribute to the life God’s church is an important idea for us all to adopt.

The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham

For parents, one of the most difficult task is that of letting their children go, giving them the freedom to do their own thing but at the same time being there in the background for when they are needed. In doing so they give them room to grow and develop.

3rd September Trinity 12

10th September Trinity 13

17th September Trinity 14

24th September Trinity 15

1st October Trinity 16

8th October Trinity 17

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Talking of making a change in your life, are you interested in exploring Reader ministry?

Bishop Mike is throwing a “Party with a Purpose” on Thursday 12th October at his house and anyone who is interested in finding out more is welcome.

As Christian ‘Pilgrim People’, it’s healthy for us to grow and develop and to give space for others to do the same. Sometimes God will surprise us by taking us in different directions or to different places than we expected. He may move us on to do something different in the same place or it may mean moving out doing His work in a different place.

Rev Alan will be there (as a staff member) and will be delighted to take someone along who is even vaguely interested: there’s no pressure and there is a good meal too!

It’s worth noting that training can now be completed in two years rather than three and is just as good (if not better).

If you haven’t done so recently, I commend to you the practice of prayerfully asking God who he is calling you to be in the years ahead.

Have a word with Rev Alan as soon as possible to see if this could be you.

How is he calling you to grow and develop?

Where or what is God moving you to?

How do we support others to spread their wings to become the people God wants them to be?

Ask, and let God surprise you.

Catherine

CHURCH SERVICES September – October Day / Date

page 1 of 2

St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin

This information was correct at the time of going to press (early last month) occasionally it can be necessary to make changes—please cross reference with our website for the most up-to-date information at www.wtandw.org.uk

St Mary’s Witnesham

St Mary Magdalene Westerfield

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-Age Worship

9.30am All-Age Worship

10am Family Communion

9.30am Family Communion

10am Morning Worship

11am Family Communion

10am Family Communion

11am Harvest Festival

9.30am Family Communion

10am Harvest Festival

11am Family Communion

9.30am All-Age Worship

10am Family Communion

8am Holy Communion 9.30am Harvest Festival

11am Family Communion 8am Holy Communion 11am All-Age Worship

8am Holy Communion 11am All-Age Worship

In Touch online:

In Touch with WTW

The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin with Witnesham

Church Diary—August 2017

Who’s Who:

Mothers’ Union—return after a summer break on Thursday 14th September with a service in church followed by tea in the church room (contact Ann Bennett 785685) Ͳ note this is not the first Thursday as usual.

MINISTRY TEAM:

Benefice Youth Group—recommence on Wednesday 13th September and meet again on 27th September, 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—rehearse on Thursday 7th and meet again on 21st September, 7.30pm in the back room of Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138) Kingdom Kids—will recommence on 10th September in the church (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Wednesday Prayers—said Morning Prayer in Westerfield Church Room each week at 9.30am (Holy Communion is said on the first week of each month except January and August)

PARISH PRIEST: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk ASSOCIATE PRIEST: Rev’d Catherine Forsdike t: 01473 252904 e: Catherine@wtandw.org.uk To enquire about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, telephone or email Rev’ds Alan & Catherine Forsdike.

READERS: Paul Laughlin

01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk

Carol Rivett

01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk

ELDER Julia Farmer

Annual Benefice Away-Day Sat 18th November at Playford Village Hall.

We’ve been having these informative and interesting days for many years. They are an opportunity to work together as a benefice and share some valuable fellowship and make friends too.

This year, the Revd Canon Sally Gaze the new Diocesan Dean of Rural Mission will be working with us to help us to listen carefully to how God is at work and to join in with that work.

This event is open to everyone in the benefice.

There’s plenty of room for a lot of people. We make no charge and there will be an excellent hot lunch and drinks throughout the day.

More details will be available nearer the time but please put the date in your diary now and let Rev Alan know if you are coming asap.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

page 2 of 2

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

CHURCHWARDENS:

Church Floodlighting

Could you mark an important date in your life by sponsoring the floodlighting?

You could remember a loved one who is no longer with us or perhaps light up a church to celebrate a special birthday or another happy occasion.

The money helps the church to maintain and run the lights which really make our churches stand out in the community.

At Westerfield sponsorship is just £7.50 for a week.

Ring Judy on 230188 or email Judy@wtandw.org.uk Sponsorship at Tuddenham is £5 for a weekend Ring Jim on 785296 or email Jim@wtandw.org.uk

Tuddenham 01473 785296

Jim Punton Jim@wtandw.org.uk

Tuddenham 01473 785272

Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 230188

Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk

Witnesham 01473 785673

Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk

KINGDOM KIDS—WITNESHAM Gill Thorley 01473 890821

Gill@wtandw.org.uk

BENEFICE YOUTH GROUP Julia Farmer

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield Church Fete At the time of going to press, the result was not known.

Nevertheless, the PCC express their grateful thanks to everyone who worked before, on and after the day, plus of course, everyone who supported the event.

19

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