In touch news with westerfield – july 2017

In Touch

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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 7 • Issue No. 8 • JULY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR At the end of my weekly yoga class we spend about 15 minutes unwinding (sometimes literally). It’s meant as time to relax but this week I found myself imagining what I would say if my son had been caught up in one of the recent terrorist attacks. I tried in vain to dismiss the thought but silent tears were quickly sliding into my ears as I lay there counting down the minutes.

There simply are no words. How does one cope with grief such as this while also dealing with the fact that your child’s life has been taken from them? All their hopes and their potential wiped out, all that energy and excitement and fun and love stolen from the world forever.

Ironically, in the background my yoga instructor was speaking about being a positive influence in the world and the following words struck me: a positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, actions and outcomes.

In the context of recent events this seems more than a little frivolous, but in coming together to share a minute’s silence, or at an event such as One Love Manchester, isn’t that exactly what we are doing. When we come together to share our grief we find comfort in others and strength to carry on, and now more than ever we need to look out for each other.

NEWS WITNESHAM AND SWILLAND VILLAGE SHOW 2017 Witnesham Village Hall, Saturday, July 8, from 2pm By now most of you should have received your copy of this year’s schedule and hopefully are planning your entries (but there is still time if you haven’t). Entry forms need to be in by July 6, except for the cooking disaster class which can be entered on the day.

We would like as many of you as possible to enter at least one class to boost the entries as well as enjoying yourself. Parents, please encourage your children to enter too. This year there are a few new classes including making the same cake by men and women in separate classes for a bit of family competition!

There is a class just for allotment holders. In the flower classes we have a new class for a single flower of any variety; many should be able to enter that. Those of you who have cameras could hopefully find an entry for the photo classes.

Please re-read the schedule and get inspired.

We’re told our behaviour as adults has a direct impact on how our children behave. Is it possible that our behaviour can have a positive influence on the adults we interact with too? Is compassion contagious? Does the kindness of another change how we behave?

If we have it within us to influence the behaviour of others we have power and we can use this power to affect positive change. A kindness shown to a stranger today might change how they behave tomorrow, and so it goes.

We also need support on the day so would love to see lots of you from 2pm. You can see the entries and also have a delicious cake and a cup of tea, kindly provided by our WI. There will also be a raffle, outside games and a puppet show for all the family.

It’s a tiny ripple in what appears to be a rather deep, dark ocean but together we are stronger.

PS: Don’t forget the Villages Garage Sale on Sunday, July 10

In Touch

Look forward to seeing you there.

The Village Show Committee

with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham

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NEWS ASHBOCKING NEWS It seems to have been a quieter month in Ashbocking. No doubt we are all busy with our families, jobs and keeping back the weeds in our gardens.

TALITHA KOUM We at TK are delighted that our recruitment process is nearing a conclusion. The Hope Centre is looking forward to receiving the first women into the community in August.

If you wish to come and look at the centre before we open to residents you would be very welcome. To make arrangements please call us on: 01473 857432

CHARITY TEA AT WOODLANDS, WITNESHAM Thanks to the very generous support from those who helped, donated and of course the 70 plus who attended the event on May 13, the sum of £1,043 was raised. This amount has been divided between the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Ipswich Hospital and the Stone Foundation, a local charity set up to help vulnerable people with housing and tenancy issues. A huge thank you to you all again, Margaret Holman

THE SCAR ON THE OAK As some of you may already be aware, for the last two years I have been researching the true story of a young fighter pilot who lost his life when his English Electric Lightning aircraft crashed into a ploughed field between Otley and Helmingham on January 5, 1966, finally coming to rest in the garden of Oak Cottage.

In January of this year I finally produced a booklet telling the fact-based story of what happened on that fateful day and what Flying Officer Law was like as a person. The Scar on the Oak is still visible today along the side of the road.

The cost of the A4 size booklet is £4.95 including postage and packing. If you would like a copy of my booklet please get in touch to order a copy: akeyland@gmail.com / 07908 039438 Andrea Keyland

We held an Annual General Meeting of the parish council and I remain chairperson, with Tony Gilbert as vice-chair. We have co-opted a new councillor, Ben Few, who attended our meeting in May. We welcome him and look forward to him working with us. We have also had an applicant for an assistant to the clerk and we hope she will be happy in that role if she decides to join us. We’ll know after the next meeting on July 10.

Many from Ashbocking (pictured here enjoying a cuppa) attended Otley Gardening Club’s plant sale and some of us provided plants and cakes and helped set up and sell. More than £340 was raised and as all plants were priced at £1 or 50p, there were lots of bargains. Where else could one buy an agapanthus or a bearded iris for £1? If you’re into plants, you’ll know of the pleasure of buying a plant for 10% of the usual garden centre price. It was also very pleasant to have an activity with a neighbouring village. Thanks Otley.

May I remind you that we will be holding a Teddy Bear’s Picnic (other special cuddly toys can attend) on the Community Land on September 9.

Expect lots of fun and games with a barbecue.

The following are the proposed dates for Ashbocking Parish Council meetings at SWT headquarters, starting at 7.30pm: July 10, September 11, November 13, January 8, March 12, April 23 (Annual Parish Meeting) and April 30 (Annual General Meeting). All meetings are open meetings.

Please put the above dates in your diary.

Liz Stegman

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with Andrew Cowan, awardwinning novelist and academic.

Andrew is a Professor of Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. He is the author of five novels, the latest being Worthless Men, as well a creative writing handbook, The Art of Writing Fiction.

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

Doors open at 7pm with the event starting 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

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELSIE GARROD Eric, Theresa and Carl would like to thank all family and friends for their condolences and cards in memory of Elsie.

Thank you too for your donations to SESAW (Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare) which raised £455.

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OUT & ABOUT WITNESHAM VILLAGE RECORDERS REPORT 2016 PART 2 (PART 1 WAS PUBLISHED IN JUNE) Village Voices Songs and Scones on May 14 raised money for Christian Aid. The music festival took place at the village hall on November 26 with over 90 people attending. The evening was put together by the musical partnership of Christine and Paul Laughlin. The evening raised more than £525 for Woolverstone Wish Macmillan Nurse’s Appeal.

Examinations passes reported and recorded: • Genevieve Cook BA (Hons) Linguistics, Communications and Society, Nottingham Trent • Kerry Miller BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, University College Suffolk • Ben Townley BA (Hons) Theatre and Professional Practice, Coventry • Nicole Hogger BSc Business Management, Kings College London

Barley Mow On January 8, Andrew Pratt’s waxing raised more than £600 St Elizabeth Hospice. We celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations in June.

The firework display was again held at the pub thanks to the generosity of the landlord, Les Osborne. It was attended by approximately 200 people and is without doubt the best attended event of the year in the village, though sadly not financially supported. A carol service was held at the pub on December 13.

The following appeared in the East Anglian Daily Times: August 2: Emergency services were called to an accident yesterday afternoon when a motorbike and a bus collided on the road. The road was blocked 90 minutes.

The Barley Players The production of Cripps, Cripps and Cripps was well received and raised £750 for EACH.

September 29: Today marks the centenary of the birth of Ronald ‘Carl’ Giles who lived most of his life in Witnesham and was a frequent drinker and sometimes banned visitor to the Barley Mow.

An exhibition of the work of Leonard Squirrel, who lived most of his life in Witnesham, was shown at Christchurch Mansion.

WI Hosted a range of talks and activities throughout the year and took part in the Great British Spring Clean.

September 26: Dog finds Les Osborne’s wallet which was lost during a game of golf at Fynn Valley.

September 27: Witnesham Nursing Home rated inadequate by the health regulator

September 30: A mural created by Giles was discovered in the Sporting Farmer pub. It measures 16ft by 8ft but is in danger of being lost for ever as the pub is closed and will probably be demolished sometime in the future. The future of the mural is unclear.

October 4: Two men raise £1,000 by hiking for the Talitha Koum project.

Boxing Day Walk Started at the Moon and Mushroom. Low attendance this year of about 60 people.

October 10: Two Giles cartoons go under the hammer at Martlesham on October 13.

School Open afternoon on 10 October 2016. September 27 saw pupils and staff came to school dressed in the flag colours of a country of their choice.

The idea was to promote European Day of Languages. The Harvest Festival celebration took place on October 7. A sponsored walk and a firework cake sale collectively raised £500.

November 16: Witnesham Primary receives a ‘good’ Ofsted report.

An Ofsted inspector visited the school on October 11 and concluded that the school continues to be ‘good’. The Christmas play was Christmas with the Aliens. Because of the on-going work at the church, the carol service was held in the playground.

Church The Church Fete on June 25 featured Ipswich Community Wind Band, a gun dog demonstration and a history photographic display. The fete raised £1,550.

Improvement work at the church began in August. Harvest Festival took place on September 18 with a barn dance on October 1.

November 9: Two people were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning after an alarm was set off at flats in Witnesham. The property consists of seven flats in Upper Street, Witnesham.

November 30: Talitha Koum mark eight years of fundraising.

December 28: A car comes off the road and ends up in a ditch between Witnesham and Ashbocking.

Christening Albert George Henley born 1 April 2015, christened 14 August 2016, son of Thomas Stephen Henley and Elizabeth Henley of 2 Westerfield Road, Ipswich. Tom was christened at the same font some 35 years earlier Deaths Keith Patrick Jillings of Buckshorns, The Street, Witnesham died March 23, 2016; Mary Elizabeth Scotchmere (Late of Witnesham) died February 27, 2016.

Village Recorder and Historian Steve Henley, April 2017

We stopped to look at our favourite view It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851731

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OUT & ABOUT SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL Clerk: Mr Steven Barron, 07719 176917 / swill-witpc@outlook.com ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING May 17 at 7.30pm at Witnesham Village Hall Present: Mr Everett, Mrs. Shaw, Mr Rush, Mr Templeman, Mr Wilks (delayed arrival), Mrs Bailey, Mr Lightfoot, Dr Nicol and Mr Johnson.

Apologies received from Mrs Pace, Mr Stanley and Mr Hindle.

Dr Nicol proposed that Mr Rush to continue as chairman, seconded Mr Lightfoot. Mr Rush was elected unanimously. Mr Rush proposed that Mr Wilks be nominated as vice-chairman, seconded by Mr Lightfoot. Mr Wilks was elected unanimously.

Committee appointments Finance: Dr Nicol (chair), Mr Lightfoot, Mr Stanley, Mr Rush.

Planning: Mr Wilks (chair), Mr Everett, Mr Lightfoot, Mr Rush, Mrs Shaw, Mr Hindle, leaving one vacancy to be filled at a later date.

Communication: Mr Lightfoot and Mr Rush.

Footpath Representative: Mr Hindle Safer Neighbourhood Police Representative (SNT): Vacant Tree Officer: Mr Templeman Allotments: Mrs Bailey Highways & SAVID: Mr Everett, Mr Johnson and Mrs Pace Village Hall Management Committee Representative: Mrs Shaw SALC: Mr Rush Play Area Inspection (School): Mrs Pace Play Area Inspection (Rec): Mr Stanley Playing Field Liaison: Mr Wilks Finance Update (Clerk as RFO / balances as of April 28) Current Account: £20,393.34a Ipswich Building Society: £8,217.38 Recent payments agreed HMRC PAYE Tax Q4: £125.40 Hall Hire in January and March: £40 SALC Annual Subs: £357.44 SALC Payroll to March 31: £54 Rec. Ground Inspection: £48 APM Refreshments (drinks): £42 Administration March: £154.34 Administration April: £154.54 Stationery: £34.76 APM Refreshments: £24.73 Footpaths Mrs Shaw reported that the footpath sign indicator was still not repaired next to the Moon and Mushroom. Clerk would check with Mr Hindle. Mrs Bailey reported that the path from Wash Lane up toward Swilland was partially blocked by tree debris. Mr Templeman agreed to investigate.

Planning Mr Wilks reported that there had been a meeting on May 16 which included an application for 11 dwellings on the land at Mow Hill, three of which would be affordable dwellings. This was a re-submission, following a previous application which was not supported by the parish council and was subsequently withdrawn. The issues which were highlighted by the parish council on the previous submission had been addressed. The meeting was well attended and local support was apparent during debate.

The site was still not included in the new revised local plan, which only contains the Street Farm site, and was outside the village boundary limit.

On the basis that it was well designed, received local support and would benefit the village, it was supported in exceptional circumstances.

Sawmill site: An agent wished to promote the site for development of approximately 15 dwellings. A formal planning application was awaited.

Resurfacing on B1077 America and Mow Hill was near completion.

The new 40mph limit on B1078 at Ashbocking had been speed surveyed by the police safety camera team and the data showed one in five vehicles were exceeding the enforcement limit. The numbers suggested that approximately 27,000 vehicles per week were exceeding the limit.

SAVID (Safer Village Driving) Mr Everett was still covering the rep’s role and reported that the purchase of a shared SID/VAS was progressing and insurance for this across participating villages was being investigated. SAVID had sent a grid sheet of speed awareness initiatives deployed by participating villages to the parish council. Mr Everett asked that feedback be given by council at the July PC meeting. The next SAVID meeting is on August 3.

The chairman then presented a copy of a petition which had been provided by a local resident and supported by 26 Individuals, concerning accidents with cars parked on the street during the evenings near Apple Rose Cottage in Upper Street. Chairman gave an overview of the issues and the general dangers and concern voiced many times before over cars parking on the road in poorly lit areas. He additionally referred to the Community Speed Watch report given at the APM, which also gave cause for concern about speeding. The chairman did however state that he was keen to do something, but was keen to include schemes, signage and improvements that would benefit all areas of the parish area in the longer term. The chairman asked council for their consent to set up a small working group of three councillors to look at ideas with costed solutions and possible grant supports, etc. in regard to speed initiatives and to report back to council at the July meeting for further consideration. Mr Johnson, Mr Everett and Mrs Pace were asked to take this forward (Mrs Pace absent). Council unanimously agreed to proceed.

Playing Field Management Committee The play area repairs were warmly acknowledged.

Recreation Ground A recent safety inspection had reported some minor issues which required rectifying and these would be addressed forthwith. Clerk to arrange order following received quote.

VHMC Mrs Shaw reported on a VHMC meeting held on April 26. Matters arising included front door repair and an electrical problem which had been resolved with a rebate achieved to recover incorrect billing as a result.

Loft insulation requirement was quoted as £697. The parish council were asked to assist with the release of the £500 which had been agreed in the budget. Dr Nicol raised concern that capital project requirements were still not being notified in advance to the parish council each January by VHMC. This made VAT reclaim a potential issue. The clerk reported that as of June 1, hall hire costs would increase by 10%.

Allotments All allotments are still leased.

Meeting dates These will be standard alternate third Wednesday in the month for 2017/18. Clerk to publish on the website.

Matters to be brought to the attention of the parish council Mr Wilks asked about possible need for a grit bin on the Swilland fork junction with B1077. The clerk to do a check on grit bins, costs and report back on agenda item for next meeting. Mr Rush wished to publicly thank Nick Stanley, Graham Saward and Martin Bloomfield for the tree clear up work carried out by the allotments in Hall Lane.

Homelands House: There would be a committee meeting at SCDC on May 18 and Mr Wilks hoped to attend on behalf of the parish council.

Mr Johnson raised concerns that the Witnesham Pre-School contract was changing which could result in a considerable cost burden which may jeopardise the school. Dr Nicol asked for this to be an agenda item for the next meeting and council agreed.

Highways Mr Everett reported that the inspection of 30mph signs in Swilland and Witnesham by SCC Highways would take place starting on May 18, as a general check, with repeater sign specific checks the following week.

Dr Nicol asked about the progress with the phone box makeover work and Mr Rush added that a concern had been raised regarding bent hanging basket hooks on the boxes. Clerk to pursue contractor and also ask for hook repair/replacement to be added to the makeover work schedule.

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OUT & ABOUT DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING Events take place in Witnesham Village Hall unless indicated otherwise.

Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham 01473 785798 / annedebenham@aol.com

in the village hall from 9-11am. Once judging has been completed, entries may be viewed from 2pm. There will be tea and cakes for sale during the afternoon and a raffle.

Monday 10: Ashbocking Parish Council meets at SWT HQ, 7.30pm

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

Wednesday 12: WI members visit Helmingham Hall Gardens at 6.30pm

Please note: If you need notices placed on the village noticeboards please contact either the parish clerk or Anne Debenham who will arrange this between them.

Thursday 13: Mobile Library at Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.50 10.20am), Swilland M&M (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am).

WEEKLY EVENTS

Wednesday 19: Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council meeting, 7.30pm

Mondays Dance Classes in term time from 3.30pm. Contact Kelly Fear: 07799 130967

FUTURE DATES

Tuesdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm

Thursday, August 3: Ashbocking Mobile Library visits The Green Saturday, August 12: Witnesham Nursing Home Fete from 2.30pm Saturday, September 9: Teddy Bears Picnic, Ashbocking

• Drop-in Cafe at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm

CLERK REQUIRED

• Witnesham Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Peter Elmy: 785754

Ashbocking Parish Council is looking for someone to take on the role of a paid clerk. This person would only be responsible for taking the minutes at their bi-monthly meetings and at the annual parish meeting as Steve Stegman would deal with other matters.

Thursdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Tai Chi Classes from 5.45pm. Contact Marc for details: 07860 471748 Fridays • Mums and Toddlers in Witnesham Baptist Room, 9.15-11.15am.

Contact Jean Pearson: 785478 • Pilates, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com • Carpet Bowls from 2pm Sewing Classes: For information contact Kim Shaw: 01473 785678 EVENTS IN JULY

Chair: Liz Stegman, 785592; Vice Chair: Tony Gilbert; Secretary: Steve Stegman EXAMINATION SUCCESSES We offer our congratulations to the following on their recent examination successes. They were both brought up in Witnesham where their parents still reside: • Helen Powley has been awarded her PhD in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Waterloo, Canada

Saturday 1: Witnesham and Swilland Musical Concert at St Mary’s Church featuring Village Voices and friends, 7pm. Free admission. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the village hall – donations welcome.

• James Claxton has gained his MSc in Town Planning from Anglia Ruskin, doing this by working on day release. James is now a senior planner for the council at Bury St Edmunds and is working towards Charter Status in Town Planning.

Thursday 6: The Mobile Library visits the Green, Ashbocking, 12.1512.35pm

Please let me have details of young people who have completed their studies so that these can be included in future editions of In Touch:

Saturday 8: Swilland and Witnesham Village Show. Entries will be staged

Heather Cade: 01473 785464 / heather.cade@btinternet.com

FOLK MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING An evening concert is being held in the courtyard garden of Cake & Catwalk, St Peter’s Street, Ipswich IP1 1PX on Friday, July 21, featuring Suffolk based folk/acoustic duo Silbury Hill.

Bring your own picnic to this delightful garden in the centre of town – close to the Waterfront – perfect for an evening soirée, and share a fun, relaxing evening with Silbury Hill. Commences at 7pm. Free entry, bar available.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP …and fun for under-fives on Thursdays, July 6, 13 and 20 from 1-3pm at Witnesham Area Pre-School.

Contact Rose: 07873 345927

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OUT & ABOUT WESTERFIELD CLUBS & 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 Coffee mornings are held in the village hall every Wednesday at 10am.

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

July 5: Barbecue – for details contact Barbara, Michelle or Barry August: No meeting September 6: Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm Project by Joanna Mudhur 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 Leader: Jenny Kent, 01473 218501 / jennyk.kent1@gmail.com Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years.

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

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 at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month with speakers on a variety of topics. The membership is 42 at present.

July 13: Anyone Can Draw with Paul Seymour August: No meeting September 14: Felting, Yesterday and Today with Elizabeth Taylor New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749 Pilates: Mondays from 10.45-11.45am Beginners welcome, equipment provided, £6.50 in advance, £8 drop-in.

Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung: Thursdays from 7.15-9pm £12 per class, suitable for all ages. Contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga: Thursdays from 9.40-11am Eighty minutes of yoga stretches, breathing practices and relaxation.

British Wheel of Yoga qualified teacher. £48 for a block of six, £9.50 dropin. 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 ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Debbie Buckle from Felixstowe presented an entertaining demonstration entitled Floral Flavours on June 22. Her flowers were very different and enjoyed by all who attended. We are looking forward to our next meeting on July 27 when Brenda Tubb from Attleborough will present Another Fine Mess.

GRUNDISBURGH CRAFT FAIR

Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except in August and December) at the Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm with the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstration.

Annual subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £40 and visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, July 27, 7.30pm: A Short History of Shopping by Linda Sexton From bartering to the internet, taking in the development of markets, and thereby towns themselves, the changing appearance of shops through the ages, a short history of several well-known stores such as Sainsbury’s and the Co-op, future trends and the use of the internet, perhaps going back to bartering! The talk is illustrated with pictures from Ipswich and other parts of the country, and usually provokes memories among the audience of stores long since gone in our town.

Trust and dependability are too rare qualities – so it’s good to know that, whatever happens, there are friendly, reliable people in our local community making crafts, baking cakes, growing plants and produce to the highest quality and traditional values. After the magnificent Grundisburgh Village Show, local makers and bakers take over the grand marquee and offer their wares to the great British public.

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.

Country Markets is running the fair, a co-operative social enterprise which holds about 300 regular local markets where traditional skills are kept alive. These include jam-making, baking, sewing, knitting and crochet, wood-turning, barge-painting, growing plants for decoration and consumption, keeping bees and chickens.

Ladies Afternoon Tea

Our talented members make artists’ cards of local scenes, bags, blankets and bunting, scarves, sunhats and babies’ sandals, pretty and unusual beaded jewellery, delicious preserves and chutneys, cakes and cookies, sweets and savouries, all with an eye on the quality of the past and the fashion of today – and to suit all pockets.

To raise funds for Witnesham Area Pre-School

Members must meet high standards of hygiene, presentation and quality. Our bakers’ delights and all our crafts are handmade by the seller – from children’s knitwear and toys ‘like Grandma used to make’, to lovely-to-handle wooden dibbers and bowls – and lots more…

Sunday 16th July 2.30pm Witnesham Village Hall

Rediscover what a traditional craft fair offers: come and meet us on Sunday, July 16. There will be treats and treasures for every pocket – and more than 30 stalls. Get unique gifts for friends’ birthdays (or even Christmas) at good prices. Commission an original for a special occasion – a wooden bowl turned from a favourite tree, a portrait of a pet or favourite car, a warm quilt for a baby, a pretty purse, sunhat, ear-rings or brooch for a new outfit...

Only £5 per person Includes a glass of bubbly

Please pre-book: 01473 784934 witneshamarea@preschool1974.plus.com

Find the Craft Fair at the Grundisburgh Playing Field, IP13 6TN, 114pm. Entry and parking is free: refreshments available.

Tell your friends – don’t miss it!

OTLEY & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB 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.

Compare gardening notes over tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome – join up or just come along. Admission is £1.50 for members and £4 for non-members. Annual membership is £10.

Charity number: 1020851

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

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND & WITNESHAM WI

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM

Members and friends will be visiting the garden at Helmingham Hall on the evening of July 12. We look forward to a perfect summer’s evening with the sun shining.

We are back at Witnesham Village Hall for our meeting on Wednesday, August 9 when Celia Stevens will tell of her experience as a female racing driver. Do join us at 7.30pm.

Come to view the entries at Witnesham and Swilland Village Show from 2pm on Saturday, July 8 when we will be serving tea and cakes for you to enjoy.

Give WI a try. We will be pleased to see you at our meetings, walks and outings. Contact Caroline: 01473 785413

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 children are enjoying the summer days with lots of water activities on offer. A large water tray in the garden is the most popular piece of equipment at this time of year. Filling watering cans to water the plants, washing safari animals, putting the dolls in for a bath, buckets of water taken out to add to ingredients in the mud kitchen and of course water to put in a builders tray to paddle – shoes off hopefully.

The Parish Room is the building with the green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House. The parking area is at the rear and the building is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair.

Our grassy garden is glorious at this time of year with lots of shade from our willow house, shrubs that are intentionally overgrown and our massive willow tree that hangs over the large sand pit and mud kitchen.

Painting is placed under the trees, dens are built with sheets and various materials allowing the children to make up imaginary games and the language heard is wonderful.

At our first meeting in May we had a social afternoon where our literary skills were called upon. Members divided into pairs and each pair was given a slip of paper with three random words from which they had to compose a short story in 50 words or under in a short period of time. As an example the words Travel, Blossom and Riot became:

The nursery is hosting a live music night as a fundraising event on Saturday, July 8 in Framsden Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm with a barbecue and bar. Tickets (£5) are available from the nursery or by ringing 01473 890950. We are hoping for a warm sunny evening where families can come and enjoy the music altogether.

She stood outside the travel agents and gazed at the window display feasting her eyes on the riot of colour. She had always wanted to visit Japan and see the cherry blossoms. “It’s now or never,” she thought as she pushed the door open.

Our summer outing has been booked with all the children collecting at Foxburrow Farm to re-live the story of Going on a Bear Hunt and taking part in Forest School type activities – more about this next month.

Perhaps other clubs may wish to use this idea at a meeting.

At our second meeting in June, Liza Jones presented a talk and slideshow entitled Behind the Bathroom Door. This was a mix of history and memory jogging and enjoyed by everyone. The Romans originally brought bathing to England, but when they left so did the habit of bathing for some 200 years. We have no doubt all learned about bedpans being thrown into the street and the smells that pervaded our towns and cities in earlier centuries. It was not until after the Second World War that indoor toilets and bathrooms become the ‘norm’ and many of our members reminisced about growing up with outside lavatories and the tin bath tub once a week for all the family. Liza also talked about soaps and other toiletries and the early days of their production, items that we take for granted nowadays. On a more reflective note it is a fact that more people in India have access to a mobile phone than have access to a toilet.

Our programme up to our summer break is: July 12: Social afternoon with Sandra July 26: Summer tea party with entertainment by one of our members, Dot Chapman, on her accordion 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, 01449 672690

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A recent meeting about the 30 hours free childcare was well received with parents checking eligibility at www.gov.uk. If you are interested in using your 30 hours at our nursery please don’t hesitate to get in contact: 01473 890950 / theoldschoolnursery@btinternet.com

HELMINGHAM COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL The children have been making the most of the lovely, sunny weather and Stars Class has been busy over the last few weeks planting potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes and pumpkins.

Our Year 6 children are away on their residential trip to African Adventure at Sizewell which is always a great success, learning new skills and making friends from other schools. Sun Class is taking part in Forest School style of learning each week with a morning spent in the woods enhancing their learning in the outdoor environment.

The children have more exciting events to look forward to including sports day and the Year 6 children taking a trip to Alton Water where they will try windsurfing, sailing and kayaking.

We are looking forward to welcoming our new children in September who will be joining us for taster days over the next few weeks. In July we will also be saying goodbye to our Year 6 children and wish them all the best at high school.

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS STONHAM ASPAL C OF E VA PRIMARY SCHOOL As this is our first article for In Touch I would like to introduce you to Stonham Aspal Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School. We are a ‘one form’ entry school with 179 pupils currently on roll. We are a feeder school for the highly sought-after Debenham High School. We believe our school to be a very special place. We welcome families from all faiths and backgrounds. Our Christian values are threaded through everything we do and inspire a strong sense of responsibility. We focus on developing the whole child. In our SIAMS inspection in March 2016 we achieved ‘Outstanding’ in all areas and in our Ofsted inspection, in February 2017, we were graded as a ‘Good’ school. Both very positive reflections of which we are proud. Our children do well academically, but they are also grounded, caring, have a sense of purpose and are prepared for their future.

As a testimony to what a wonderful world Stonham Aspal Primary School truly is, 38.5% of our pupils live outside of our catchment. There is a genuine enthusiasm to be part of our very caring, learning environment.

For some, there is also the additional benefit of our Wrap Around care service which offers a longer day (8am-6pm) for working parents and carers. We do have some places in selected year groups. Come and visit us to see at first-hand what makes us different; you’d be most welcome.

Alternatively our website can give you a further insight into our school.

Below is a little of our news for events in the summer term so far.

The week beginning Monday, May 8 saw Class 6 completing a tough week of SATs. The children impressed us all with their maturity and diligence throughout. Class 2 have also completed the Key Stage 1 SATs during the month of May and they impressed us as well with how sensibly they approached the tests. Well done to Classes 6 and 2.

On Friday, May 12 the PTA organised a Beetle Drive which was very well attended. There was lots of excitement about who could build their beetle the fastest and everyone enjoyed the evening. Thank you to the PTA for organising it and thank you to everyone who supported it.

On Sunday, May 21 the Emperor Academy hosted a production of Emerald City at the Regal Theatre. This included 25 children from our Friday Emperor Camps Dance and Drama Club. It was an extremely impressive show. The children performed to two huge audiences on the Regal stage. They danced, sang and acted out scenes themed around the Wizard of Oz. Having seen the show it is clear how much talent we have here at our school and I am also convinced that we have celebrities of the future attending the school. Well done to everyone who took part and to Emperor Camps for organising and running it.

On Wednesday, May 24 we took a team of four Year 4 children to the High Suffolk Sports Partnership tennis tournament. The children played a number of singles matches. They did so well that they went through to play off for first and second place. In the final all four of the team members won their matches so we won the whole tournament. The children were amazing throughout and I would like to say huge congratulations for winning, but also for making us so proud, well done.

On Monday, June 5 the whole school celebrated Pentecost with a theme day. The children dressed in red, orange and yellow to represent the flames of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the day the children were in vertical groups with a mixture of children from Class R to Class 6. They did eight different activities and Open the Book came along and did a special Pentecost assembly to launch the day.

It was a lovely day. Please look out for the selection of birthday cards that the children made on displayed in the church.

Classes 5 and 6 are now busy learning their lines, actions and songs for their production of Robin Hood which we are really looking forward to seeing.

We hope you have enjoyed finding out what we have been up to in school. If you would like to know more our website is a good source of information, or contact the office to arrange to come and visit us: www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk

WITNESHAM AREA PRE-SCHOOL This term we are continuing to enjoy our time in the garden. The herb seeds which we sowed earlier in the year are now fully grown and the children are planning to make carrot and coriander soup with their own home-grown coriander. We are looking forward to our end of term outing which is going to be a swimming trip with mummies and daddies and then a visit to the park.

We are holding a Ladies Afternoon Tea on Sunday, July 16 at 2.30pm in Witnesham Village Hall, £5 per person. Please call 01473 784934 to book.

This is a fundraising event for grown-ups to raise money to maintain and improve Witnesham Area Pre-School building and garden. Come along and enjoy a glass of bubbly with a selection of home-made cakes, sandwiches and scones as well as the traditional steaming pot of tea.

This term we have started a new Parent Support Group, meeting on Thursday afternoons from 1-3pm. This is a chance for parents to come along with their young ones and chat over a cup of tea and cake in a non-judgemental atmosphere. For the young ones, we normally have free-play time in the first half and then a craft or music activity in the last half hour. Open to all parents with children under five. Come any time between 1pm and 3pm. Call Rose on 07873 345927 for more details.

Witnesham Area Pre-school is a friendly, relaxed, rural pre-school which provides a fun and caring environment for children aged two to five to learn and play. To find out more please contact Annette – 01473 784934 / witneshamarea@preschool1974.plus.com – or visit: www.witnesham-preschool.co.uk

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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION It is Bank Holiday Monday, the end of May. There has been heavy rain overnight, but the sun is shining now. The rain has cleared the air, the parched earth has received some much needed water and no doubt the combination of water and warmth will mean the grass needs cutting again before too long. I don’t know why I’m worried, I don’t cut the grass.

It sets my hay fever off!

So why reflect upon the weather, well it’s very British. My father always said: “What would we talk about, if we didn’t talk about the weather.”

But it isn’t the weather per se that has struck me, but living in a world of change. Nothing remains the same for long. We live in a constantly changing world. It is the week after the horrific Manchester bombing when lives were changed irreparably. The anniversary of Brexit is upon us and by the time you read this, there will be a new government. Change of political party I doubt, but change nonetheless, and what lies ahead regardless of the colour of party residing at No 10 will inevitably mean change for many.

Looking through my diary, change is happening for people across the benefice this month: weddings for Catrin and Richard, David and Amanda; babies being baptised – Jesse James and Ava; the end of term and the prospect of leaving one school to go on to another or awaiting results to discover which university or college will you be going to in Sept/Oct. For us here in the benefice, there are changes too, Jane Hall has resigned from parish ministry, Wendy is preparing for retirement in September, Jane Woods has been licensed as a reader and Jenny Taylor and Doris Main are being re-licensed as elders to work in Grundisburgh and Clopton.

Change and transformation are written into the DNA of our being. The whole creative process is governed by the cycle of life and death. Just as this is true in nature, so it is true of our spiritual lives.

Richard Rohr writes: “Jesus’ resurrection is an invitation to look deeper at the pattern of death and rising in all that is human. Jesus, or any member of ‘the Body of Christ’, cannot really die because we are all participating in something eternal—the universal Christ that has existed ‘from the beginning’.

“Death is not just the death of the physical body, but all the times we hit bottom and must let go of how we thought life should be and surrender to a larger power. And in that sense, we all probably go through many deaths in our lifetime. These deaths to the small self are tipping points, opportunities to choose transformation early. Unfortunately, most people turn bitter and look for someone to blame. So their death is indeed death for them, because they close down to growth and new life.

“But if you do choose to walk through the depths – even the depths of your own sin and mistakes – you will come out the other side, knowing you’ve been taken there by a source larger than yourself. Surely this is what it means to be saved. Being saved doesn’t mean that you are any better than anyone else or will be whisked off into heaven. It means you’ve allowed and accepted the mystery of transformation here and now. And as now, so later!

“If we are to speak of miracles, the most miraculous thing of all is that God uses the very thing that would normally destroy you – the tragic, sorrowful, painful, or unjust – to transform and enlighten you. Now you are indestructible; there are no dead ends. This is what we mean when we say we are ‘saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus’. This is not a one-time cosmic transaction, but the constant pattern of all growth and change. Jesus is indeed saving the world by guiding us through all wouldbe deaths to a life that is always bigger than death.”

Clare Sanders

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WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE BENEFICE SOCIAL GROUPS Baby Café: July 4, Grundisburgh, 9am Craft and Coffee: July 4, Hasketon, 10am Hobbies Group: July 5, Clopton, 10am Swapshop: July 5, Grundisburgh, 10.15am Hasketon Community Lunch: July 27, 12.15pm Tiddlywinks: July 13, Grundisburgh, 2.30pm PRAYER AND STUDY GROUPS Going Deeper: July 5 and 19, Ashbocking, 10am Grundisburgh Prayer Group: July 10, 5pm Monday House Group: July 10, Grundisburgh, 7.30pm BBC Bible Book Club: July 18, Grundisburgh, 10.30am Otley House Group: July 10 and 24, Otley, 1.45pm July 8 Wedding of Catrin and Richard, Grundisburgh, 12.30pm Burgh Church Thanksgiving and Baptism of Jesse James Crisp, 2.30pm July 9 Grundisburgh Sunday Club in the Parish Rooms, 10.45am July 11 Burgh PCC in the Schoolroom, 9.30am Boulge PCC meets at the home of Sheila Snelling, 2pm Hasketon and Grundisburgh PCCs meet at Grundisburgh School, 7.30pm July 15 Thanksgiving and Baptism of Ava Anderson, Grundisburgh Church, 2pm July 22 Wedding of David and Amanda, Clopton Church, 1.30pm July 23 Grundisburgh Sunday Club in the Parish Rooms, 10.45am Clopton Village Hall Messy Picnic, 3-4.30pm July 29-30 Grundisburgh Art Club Summer Exhibition in Grundisburgh Church, 10am-5pm. Admission free. Tea/coffee and cakes available. There will be a raffle for a painting and a percentage of all proceeds will be donated to the church.

BEYOND ALPHA: What do we really know about these Bible topics?

Grundisburgh Parish Rooms from 10.30am-noon on Mondays, July 3 and 17. Meetings will be facilitated by The Rev Wendy Gourlay. Tea/coffee will be available and a warm welcome to those of faith, agnostic or atheist. A small charge of £1 per session covers costs. We will consider: Session 5 – July 3: Moses and Exodus References: Google, commentaries, footnotes and appendices in your Bible.

Session 6 – July 17: Trinity Do definitions and metaphors assist or hinder our understanding of the Holy Trinity? How do we experience the Holy Trinity working in and through our lives today? Discussions will include insights from the 2016 recent publication, The Divine Dance by Richard Rohr.

Enquiries to Paul: paulwiffen222@btinternet.com / 01473 738474 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, July 5 and 19 and thereafter every first and third Wednesday from 10am-noon. For more details contact Jan or John Bates: 01473 892605

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CHURCH NEWS BBC: Bible Book Club A small group – those of faith, agnostics and atheists – interested in the historical context of Christian literature. We meet in Grundisburgh on the third Tuesday of just four months each year. Our next meeting is on July 18 at 10.30am. We’ll be discussing The Lost Message of Jesus by Steve Chalke and Alan Mann. Why not get a copy and start reading now? We would be very pleased to have you come along. Please let us know if you would like to join us: paulwiffen222@btinternet.com / 01473 738474 MIDSUMMER MUSIC: Saturday, July 1 at Grundisburgh House All styles of music welcome, whether you’ve performed at a previous Midsummer Music or not we’d love to hear from you: midsummermusic@easy.com There will be a bar, barbecue, tea, coffee, cake, sandwiches, face painting, a children’s area and, of course, wonderful musical entertainment.

Tickets are £5 for adults, £1 for children and can be obtained from The Olde Forge Stores, Williams’ Stores, Grundisburgh School or Clive Willetts on 01473 738831. All money raised will go to St Mary’s extension, toilets and boiler.

FANCY A COFFEE? Grundisburgh: Wednesday, July 5 at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.1511.30am. Please note that there will be no coffee morning on Saturday, July 1 due to Midsummer Music taking place that day.

Ashbocking: Friday, July 7 at the home of Liz and Steve Stegman at Old House Cottage, The Green, 10am-noon Otley: Thursday, July 13 at the home of Janet Booker Smith,Helmingham Cottage, Helmingham Road, 10am-noon Clopton: Wednesday, July 19 at the village hall, 10am-noon www.carlfordchurches.org www.facebook.com/CarlfordChurches

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

Sunday, July 2

Morning Service with Pastor Andrew, including Holy Communion

Sunday, July 9

Pastor Andrew

Sunday, July 16

Team Ministry

Sunday, July 23

The Rev Brian Ward

Sunday, July 30

United Service at Tuddenham

We welcome all families to our new Family Time on Sundays at 9.30am.

EVENTS Tuesday 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, 7.30pm Friday Babies and Toddlers Group, 9.15-11.15am. Contact Jean: 01473 785478 Monday, July 3: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, 12.30-2pm. Light lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, July 12: Prayer Fellowship at 2pm Wednesday, July 26: Bible Study at 2pm The church is open for prayer and listening every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 5pm. At other times please contact Pastor Andrew.

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

Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 Secretary: Anne Camp, 3 Acre Close, Witnesham / 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk Hello Readers, At the end of May and into the beginning of June we at WBC were reading through the book, or prophecy, of Zephaniah. He is known as one of the Minor Prophets and his writing is found near the end of the Old Testament. While I was doing some background reading I came across a quote by the daughter of Billy Graham, Anne Graham-Lotz. She said it soon after the 9/11 twin towers terrorist attack in 2001; it was a reply to the question ‘Why does God allow such things to happen?’

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I think that such a question contains an underlying accusation that God is to blame for such acts. I’ll quote the answer in a moment, but I immediately thought that the question is still being asked here in this country after the recent attacks in London and Manchester in May and June. While Anne spoke with regards to USA I believe the same is true for our country. So the quote: “I believe that God is deeply saddened by this as we are; but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.

“And being the gentleman that He is, I believe that He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His protection if we demand He leave us alone?”

You may not agree with me that we in this country have over a number of years sidelined God, confined him to the past as we think we are a civilised society, that we can continue without any foundation of truth as all things are true, we decide on the rules if any are needed and we each can do our own thing.

Of course with that thinking we actually have no responsibility for others only ourselves. Thus the problems; we are only beholden to ourselves and not to God. Sorry wrong! Believe in God or not, there will be a time for all of us to give account to the creator God. We keep our backs turned on God at our peril.

God is not to blame for these attacks, nor for other disasters. Religion is not to blame, but used as an excuse for selfish behaviour. We live in a democracy which has many benefits but there may be a time when we must look beyond ourselves and look to God (creator and sustainer also known as Jehovah or Yahweh) for stability, justice, fairness and the future. Maybe that time is now?

We at the Baptist church do not claim to be better than anyone else, but we do know that we stand before and are accountable to God for our actions and thoughts.

So with that knowledge we try to let God direct our lives and behave in ways that give Him pleasure and credit. As people who know we have got it wrong we apologise to God and ask for help to get it right in the future through accepting Jesus as our Lord.

Pastor Andrew

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In Touch with WTW Praise Be! The work is complete There has been a place of gathering and worship on this site for the best part of 750 years old.

Over those years thousands of villagers have gathered there to pray, to be married, to be christened, to say farewell to their loved ones.

Each generation has cared for the church building and adapted if for their needs. That work has not stopped and this generation is continuing the work. It is costly both in terms of money and time but it is done out of a love of an ancient building and a love of God and his people. We are custodians of this building for the next generation—we want to make sure this building remains as a symbol of God’s presence in this community.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) who is responsible the work of the church in this parish also has the responsibility for the maintenance of the church building and churchyard.

The late Rev’d Michael Morton had a vision for a reordered and improved interior and the PCC invested time and money in exploring changes in 2005; his late mother Muriel had left provision in her will towards such changes. Plans were explored and refined and in 2010 an architect’s advice was sought on a scheme.

However, In 2012, the PCC faced the need to fund major repairs costing over £125,000 to the walls and roof of the building so the interior improvements were put on hold.

The ancient Meadows family of Witnesham came to the rescue. Miss Caroline Meadows made a bequest in1951 for the purposes of maintaining two graves in the churchyard at Witnesham out of the income from the invested capital which she left for that purpose. She stated that any surplus could be used for maintenance of the church. The fund, which at the time was worth about £6,000, lay largely untouched for many decades but it had been wisely invested. It was possible to access this fund to pay for the repairs.

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

Once the exterior had been made sound and water-tight, the PCC again turned its attention to the interior. That work was partly maintenance but much was improvement and not eligible for funding by the bequest.

2nd July Trinity 3

9th July Trinity 4

16th July Trinity 5

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Whilst the beneficence of Caroline Meadows had enabled this splendid work to be achieved, the PCC still has to raise about £27,000 a year to carry out the work of God’s church in this place.

Donations and free-will giving (collections) are 77% of our income. They are essential to help the church meet costs. You can help by making a regular donation and if you pay UK tax on income we can reclaim 25% under the Gift Aid scheme.

Many individuals have been involved in the building and construction work as well as a hard working removal of pews at the west end (these were in a poor state of repair and unused) relighting, reheating and rewiring of power supplies creation of a kitchen, toilet and store and opening up of the west end lowering of the font to improve access and sight lines

If you’d like to help, please speak to Revd Alan Forsdike or Churchwarden Derek Austin.

installation of a new audio/visual system putting in a glazed screen in the south aisle arcade - the aisle can be used for its original purpose as a side chapel but it’s also a creche or meeting room

Come to see the interior any Sunday at 10am or the special viewing on Church Fete Day (24th June).

total redecoration after extensive repairs to plasterwork restoration of the Queen Anne Royal Arms and other paintings.

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

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-Age Worship

9.30am Family Service

10am Family Communion

9.30am Family Communion

11am Morning Worship

11am Morning Worship

Trinity 8

Contrary to popular opinion, St Mary’s church does not receive any direct funding from the Church of England.

The interior work included:

Trinity 6

6th August

On Sunday 18th June, The Archdeacon of Suffolk came to a special service of celebration and rededication. Archdeacon Ian has been involved in the planning from early days and was very encouraging. What’s been achieved is an example of good planning, design and craftsmanship,

After many meetings and a lot of earnest discussion, permission to proceed was granted just before Easter 2016, work began in September 2016 and was completed in April 2017.

8am Holy Communion

Trinity 7

The PCC are grateful to all who have been involved in the project and pay tribute to Revd Michael Morton and Keith Jillings for their vision and tenacity. It is sad that they are no longer here to see what’s been achieved.

That meant work could progress on designing the interior enhancements and improvements. Once a design had been agreed the long process of consultation with statutory bodies began in September 2012.

23rd July 30th July

team of people who cleaned the building week by week so that it could be used during the contract.

Rev’d Alan Forsdike (Parish Priest) and the late Keith Jillings (a Reader in the church) sought to make changes to the terms of the bequest and, with the support of the Charity Commission made a case to the Diocesan Board of Finance which was agreed.

CHURCH SERVICES July-August Day / Date

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11am Joint Benefice Family Communion 9.30am Family Service

10am Family Communion Joint service at Tuddenham 10am Family Communion

St Mary Magdalene Westerfield 11am Family Communion 8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service 8am Holy Communion

11am Morning Worship Joint Service at Tuddenham 8am Holy Communion 11am Family Service

In Touch online:

In Touch with WTW

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

Church Diary—July 2017

Who’s Who:

Mothers’ Union—Thursday 6th July: Afternoon Tea with Ken Bristo’s ‘Reflections as Time Goes By’ (Bring & Buy stall) (contact Ann Bennett 785685)

MINISTRY TEAM:

Benefice Youth Group—meet on Wednesday 12th and 26th July, 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—Rehearsals Thursdays 6th and 20th July, 7.30pm in the back room of Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138) Kingdom Kids—meet on Sunday 9th July Witnesham Church and will have a break during August (contact Gill Thorley 890821)

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 Alan & Catherine Forsdike.

Wednesdays—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)

READERS:

Messy Pentecost

ELDER

Paul Laughlin

01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk

Carol Rivett

01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk

Julia Farmer

Saturday 3rd June saw Witnesham Village Hall a buzz of activity as we explored aspects of Pentecost. Over in the smart and bright church we sang and listened to the story. Then back at the hall we had a rather good Pentecost-themed tea.

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01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

CHURCHWARDENS: 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

Kagera Challenge Regular readers will know that, as a Benefice, we rose to the challenge set by our bishops to raise awareness of the problems of our link diocese is Kagera.

We also raised money for them. Thanks to that, we were able to send over £1,600.

The diocesan organisers, Chris and Anji from Henley say: “Bwana asifiwe! Praise the Lord! You have helped to raise a magnificent £50,000 with money still coming in. What a result! We and the Kagera Working Group are so grateful.”

Westerfield Church Fete Saturday 12th August 2pm in the Paddock Thanks to good weather and a great community effort, Tuddenham Fete on 10th June raised £2,500 for church funds.

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

Witnesham Church

An Evening of Music in a beautifully restored and refurbished church

Saturday 1st July 7pm presented by Village Voices and Friends free admission refreshments in the Village Hall

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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