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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 8 • Issue No. 6 • MAY 2018

Bronze medal for Ashbocking girl – See page 4

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

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

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

NEWS MID-SUMMER TEA PARTY Presented by Westerfield Events Group Saturday, June 23 from 3-6pm Come and enjoy this village event Music by the Mellow Bellows Pre-booking is essential Tickets (£10) from Anne 01473 256991, Linda 01473 211015, Olive 01473 212316 or Val 01473 251624

THE GREAT EXHIBITION OF WITNESHAM 1851

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

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

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

In Touch

with 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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JUNE DEADLINE 10 MAY 2018

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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Presented by The Barley Players Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 6 If you haven’t booked your seat yet there is still time To book call: 01473 785707

WITNESHAM CHURCH FETE Saturday, June 16 Put the date in your diary and come along to enjoy all the bargains and fun at the annual Witnesham Church Fete to be held on Saturday, June 16 from 2pm in the paddock and village hall on Church Lane.

We will have Ipswich Community Band, llamas, cream teas, the grand draw, all the usual stalls including tombola, accessories, cakes, books, toys, white elephant and plants, along with games and children’s races.

Grand draw and stall donations welcome: contact 01473 785669

SUMMER IS A COMIN’ IN… …with village fetes to look forward to!

Now is your chance to clear out the cupboards of toys and nursery furniture the children have grown out of for Witnesham Church Fete on June 16.

Last year the children had lots of fun spending their (and their parents’) pocket money! We raised £120 pounds and donated the left-overs to the Church of St John the Baptist in Felixstowe for their ‘Pit Stop’ for families in need. This was a good result. It helps if your donations can come to High View, Tuddenham Lane before the end of May so we can sort them, or we can collect (call 01473 785067). We have plenty of storage space. Many thanks.

Barbara

SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL APPEAL TO USERS TO REPORT OVERFLOWING BOTTLE BANK There has recently been an occurrence of the bottle bank being full and overflowing by the play area in High Road, Witnesham.

The parish council asks that residents be urged to use the contact phone number 01394 444000 to report any instances of the bottle banks being full in future and to avoid fly tipping by leaving bottles outside the banks.

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NEWS ASHBOCKING NEWS

NEW SEASON OF GUIDED WALKS

It’s hard to imagine May on this damp, cold April day. Even harder to remember last April when the temperature was 25 degrees! Roll on those temperatures again.

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

I have informed the parish council that I think it is time for me to stand down as chair, so April 23 will be my last annual parish meeting as far as taking the leading role is concerned.

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

By now you may know that Tony Gilbert has been nominated and has agreed to take the position. Tony has been on the council for many years and has been an active councillor, particularly with social village events and more recently with the speed signs in the village. We wish him a fulfilling and successful time as chair and I know everyone in the parish will continue to give him their support.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chair, working with our district and county councillors, as well as the other parish councillors, not to mention the many parishioners who always help out and support the various projects I have been involved with.

At this point I would like to thank Steve, the clerk. Without his support and patience, much less would get done in this village! We are all grateful, particularly Tony, that Steve will be continuing as clerk, and Jo Boast will continue to support both. I will remain on the council for the meanwhile, so the team will continue and I give my thanks to everyone who has given me their support over the years.

Congratulations to the U17 Girls England Waterpolo Team for coming third in the EU nations competition in the Czech Republic.

Special congratulations to Ashbocking’s own Eve Poole for being vice-captain and earning herself a Bronze medal.

DIARY DATES

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

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

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

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

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

Church Flower Festival on June 30/July 1 with a cheese and wine evening on June 29.

Ashbocking Produce, Arts and Crafts show on September 1 (see the April edition for the schedule). We all know that Steve Wilson grows the longest cucumbers and the biggest plums, but the challenge is on to better his efforts. Good luck to everyone!

Liz Stegman

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

June 6: Faith June 20: Prayer

June 13: Jesus June 27: Sin

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

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

Everybody welcome.

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

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WANTED! RECORDS OF STAG BEETLE SIGHTINGS Please look out for stag beetles from the beginning of May to the end of August 2018 and report them to Colin Hawes using the contact details below.

Details required are date seen, where seen (address and post code, or a map reference). If possible include a photograph of the beetle. This request is made to enable as many records of stag beetle sightings as possible to be gathered in order to complete a distribution map of this species for the county of Suffolk.

Suffolk appears to be a hot-spot for this declining beetle, which is listed nationally as ‘Near Threatened’. The beetle is regarded as a ‘Flagship Species’ for insect conservation both here in the UK and in Europe.

Colin Hawes, Lead for Conservation of Stag Beetles in Suffolk hawescolin@gmail.com / 3 Silver Leys, Bentley IP9 2BS

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COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF WHY IDELO TRAVEL ARE DIFFERENT

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NEWS DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND AND ASHBOCKING Events take place in the village hall unless indicated otherwise.

Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham, 01473 785798 It is always 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 from 7pm. Contact Mr Peter Elmy: 785754 Thursdays Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm Carpet Bowls from 2pm Tai Chi Classes from 5.45pm; a new beginner’s class started in April. Other established ones follow on afterwards. Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Fridays Mums and Toddlers Group in Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.15-11.15am.

Contact Mrs Jean Pearson: 01473 785478 Pilates Class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Regular Sewing Classes Please contact Mrs Kim Shaw for details: 01473 785678 IN MAY Thursday 3: Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm.

Contact Christine Laughlin for details: 01473 785138

TALITHA KOUM UPDATE Some of you may have seen the announcement that Talitha Koum is postponing the planned residential clinical offering, so we wanted to update you on where things are. It’s certainly been a challenging start to the year and there’s been a lot of prayerful thinking about where to take TK next.

We were unable to open as planned because we did not have enough funded referrals to make the group therapy possible. It has become clear that it is now much harder for people to get referred for residential rehab – not least because the government has cut funding for addiction recovery by £350m in the past four years. We are taking a new approach to see how to best use the facilities at the Hope Centre to support vulnerable women in partnership with other like-minded charities. We hope to be able to make an official announcement about the future of the Hope Centre next month. Although there is sadness that we didn’t welcome the first women to the Hope Centre in February, we have positive plans for the future and we are proud of our successes so far, particularly with the Women Together (WT) groups we have been running in Ipswich for the last three years.

Jenny Frost runs the WT groups with the help of volunteers three times a week in different locations throughout Ipswich. During the meetings women with addictions are able to meet others who are at different points in their recovery journey and are able to share their experiences with people who understand what they going through because they have been there themselves. The support that WT provides goes beyond the group sessions as Jenny provides emotional support by phone through the week and practical support in helping the women attend appointments. Over the last three years WT has helped nearly 100 women. During this time we have witnessed many women overcome addiction and go on to find housing, jobs and repaired relationships. It is incredible to see the transformation that the women go through. Here is some of the feedback that women have given about the groups: “It’s a safe place to come and share my problems.”

“It’s given me courage and I know that I am worthy.”

May 4-6: The Great Exhibition of 1851 performed by The Barley Players at Manor Farm, Witnesham: Friday, May 4 at 7.45pm, Saturday 5 at 7.45pm, Sunday 6 at 6pm. Tickets: (adults £6, children £4), from Steve Henley: 01473 785707

“It has saved me from self-hatred, doubt and feeling disconnected.”

Wednesday 9: WI meets at 7.30pm for a talk on the The Ipswich Prostitute Murders by Janet Humphries

PLAYFORD FETE

Thursday 10: Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.15-12.35pm Wednesday 16: Swilland and Witnesham Parish Council Meeting, 7.30pm Thursday 17: Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.5010.20am), the Moon & Mushroom, Swilland (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am) Thursday 17 and 31: Village Voices meet in Witnesham Baptist Church Room, 7.30pm FUTURE DATES June 16: Witnesham St Mary’s Fete at Manor Hall Farm and the village hall, Church Lane, Witnesham, 2pm

“I’m clean, helping others and feel so good.”

After the success and fun of last year’s Playford Fete, we are really glad to announce that the Melroses, owners of Playford Hall, have insisted it be held again.

So come and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the beautiful grounds of this stunning historical building, the home of Thomas Clarkson, Friend of Slaves.

July 14: Swilland and Witnesham Village Show

The gardens are open again and the villagers have been baking and there will be all the usual quintessential English Fete type fun activities. To name only a few – bouncy castles, splat the rat, treasure hunt, pony and tractor rides and the washing line (a personal favourite!). There will also be ice cream and sausages. It will however, be up to you if you choose to eat them together!

September 1: Ashbocking Produce, Arts and Craft Show, Manor Farm, 2pm

See you there on Saturday, June 23, 2-5pm.

June 29-31: Ashbocking Parish Church Flower Festival June 29: Cheese and Wine Evening in Ashbocking Church

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NEWS SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL Clerk: Mr Steven Barron, swill-witpc@outlook.com / 07719 176917 Report from Wednesday, March 21 Footpaths: Mr Hindle reported that the flooding on Swilland FP 13 by Newton Hall was still there and that the landowner would need to wait for water levels to recede before proper investigation could take place. Issues reported with Swilland FP 15 south of the Moon and Mushroom seem to have been resolved now.

Planning: There had been one planning meeting since January. The highlight of concern was another planning application on the Homeland House site which prior to the submission, was pending enforcement action from SCDC. Chair gave an overview of the history of the site in planning terms. Chair thanked Mr Wilks for his responses made to SCDC on council’s behalf.

Police Report: Dr Nicol attended the ASB meeting in March and reported the concerns raised at the meeting about the alleged ‘grooming’ of young people in Kesgrave. Police had visited Witnesham School car park after issues had been raised about joy riders after dark, but had found nothing. The police stated that they would support an extension of the 40mph speed limit to cover Gibraltar Crossroads. The new police sergeant for the parishes is Sgt Chris Chaplin (Ipswich East).The next ASB meeting will be on Thursday, May 3, 10.30am.

Highways: The speed initiatives working group reported back. The latest feedback from SCC Highways on case No 185895 logged November 21, 2017, was that this had been referred to SCC Safety and Speed Team on March 15.

They have been chased for a response, but none received to date. Dr Nicol gave an update on the pothole saga in Hall Lane. Robin Vickery would be contacted and asked to assist progression.

Gibraltar Crossroads: It was felt by the chair that it would be of benefit to seek support of Suffolk County Councillor Matthew Hicks as he was very influential in the past regarding the 40mph speed limit implementation within his ward at the Ashbocking end of the B1078.

Chair stated that he was seeking a representative of Scottish Power to attend the APM in April to give a presentation on the cabling site by the B1077 at Westerfield.

Playing Field Management Committee: Chair reported that a PFMC meeting had been held on Thursday, February 22. Witnesham WASPs changing room building was due for demolition in July.

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

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

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

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The building was due to be emptied and SCDC rates removal was pending. It was suggested that WASPs be reminded of this loss of facility: Clerk to action.

The next meeting is May 10.

Play Area Inspections: A quote had been received for some repairs post RoSPA inspection of the recreation ground at a cost of £83.80 plus VAT. Mr Stanley had visited the site. Mr Hindle proposed to proceed to order, seconded Mr Stanley.

Recreation Ground: Mr Hindle reported that he had asked the building contractor close by to make good a potential pothole in the entrance of the car park. The repair would be under observation.

Allotments: Clerk reported that all the fees for 2018 had been received and that all plots were taken. One plot in Coopers Close would be used by a local charity this year with the year’s fee waivered.

Correspondence: Correspondence had been received by Mr Lightfoot which indicated that the current ‘away treatment’ strategy was no longer feasible at Talitha Koum Hope Centre. Mr Rush asked that a representative of TK be invited to report at the APM in April. Clerk to action.

It was agreed that the annual parish meeting (APM) would be Wednesday, April 18 and the AGM of the parish council would be Wednesday, May 16.

Consideration of providing a defibrillator in Witnesham Mrs Shaw gave an overview of potential defibrillator type and use. The approximate cost of the example given was £2,000 to purchase and £126 per annum maintenance cost.

Council raised the following points: Does council wish to purchase? If so, where would it be located? Council decided to make contact with Witnesham Nursing Home to see if they have a defibrillator.

Current financial situation Clerk reported that there will now be a definite under-spend due to the delay in the speed initiatives project and SID purchase. Dr Nicol proposed that clerk should arrange a finance committee meeting once year end was complete and all figures were known.

Matters to be brought to the attention of the Parish Council: Mr Hindle asked about the annual SALC meeting date, the chair asked Mr Hindle to check on any possible rabbit infestation by the Recreation Ground and Mr Stanley asked whether local MP, Dr Dan Poulter, was actually representing the constituency (chair agreed to follow this up).

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

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

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

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OUT & ABOUT EXCITING NEW PROJECT FROM THE BEFRIENDING SCHEME The Friends Farm Hub has been created by TBS to enable vulnerable adults from the age of 16 years+ to come together to a place where they can enjoy the outdoors, learn about animal care and get involved with gardening activities.

Rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and ducks will give the opportunity for those who love to cuddle and handle pets the chance to learn about how to care for them properly. Roaming amongst the flowers, plants and veggie patches will satisfy those who love gardening activities and being green fingered. Herbs will excite the senses and wild birds will sing giving those who visit the hub a glorious burst of bird song to listen to.

Located at Otley College, the Farm Hub will run twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am until 3pm from the first week in May. Hub members will also be able to get involved with craft activities, talks and demonstrations from local groups as well as learning life skills such as cooking, managing finances and loving and healthy relationships.

If you are interested in helping to support our members, be involved with the animals or gardening activities, then have you considered volunteering? We are looking for volunteers on a flexible basis who would be able to assist with the activities on the hub. See below for further details.

We hope to see you all there from May. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Friends Farm Hub or to give your time to the hub by becoming a volunteer, then please contact Friends Farm Hub Leader Becky Fox: 07802 724168 / becky.fox@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk Friends Farm Hub’ is a project run by The Befriending Scheme and kindly supported by Easton & Otley College.

FRIENDS FARM HUB VOLUNTEER Volunteer Role Flexible hours, weekdays on a Monday and Thursday.

Farm Hub Volunteers help our members get involved with tasks around the farm, while encouraging their social and teamwork skills.

You will be involved with cleaning, feeding and caring for the farm animals, taking on gardening tasks such as potting up, sowing seeds, growing veg, plants and flowers. You will also be involved with our team, making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable adults, those people with learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

Background A small farm where adults 16+ years with additional needs can spend a day each week in small, friendly groups taking part in the setting-up and running of the one-acre site at the Otley College Campus. Activities on the farm will revolve around growing fruit, vegetables and flowers and caring for small farm animals, such as chickens and ducks.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU • Full training given including safeguarding and mental health • Learn a new hobby or develop upon your own skill • Be part of a friendly, like minded team • Take part in external talks and demonstrations from local gardening/animal welfare groups • Know that you’ve made a difference to the lives of vulnerable adults.

• Gain skills/work experience for that new career choice Send your CV or interest in volunteering to Friends Farm Hub Leader Becky Fox: becky.fox@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk / 07802 7241688

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NEWS A BRIEF LOOK AT EVENTS IN WITNESHAM IN 2017 (PART 2)

By Village Recorder Steve Henley WI: The WI meets on Wednesdays as well as other days when fundraising.

They also arrange various walks. At the time of writing this report I am unaware of all their activities during 2017, but can assure you that they have a splendid calendar for 2018 with a host of new speakers. Voting of new officers takes place in November. A litter pick took place on April 29. The birthday party took place on April 12. A visit to Helmingham Hall took place on July 12 and Haugley Hall in September.

Regular Village Events Dance classes on Mondays from 3.30pm in the village hall (VH) Post office on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Baptist Church (BC) Carpet Bowls on Tuesdays and Thursday (VH) Pilates on Fridays (VH) Tai Chi on Thursdays (VH) Drop-in Cafe on Mondays (BC) Mums and Toddlers on Fridays (BC) Boxing Day Walk; 69 people attended. This year the walk started at the Recreation Ground car park at 11am and was again organised by Gerry Hindle.

The Church Fete in June The Flower Show in July Fireworks at the Barley Mow, 150-200 people attended School During 2017 the school had 105 pupils over four mixed aged groups. Mrs Joy Chambers retired and was replaced by Miss Taheart. The school remains ‘good’ with Ofsted. The school received a letter from the Minister of State for school standards which said: “Your school is in the top one per cent for primary schools in England for achievement in reading. This was helped in no small way by the team of mums reading to the pupils on a regular basis.”

A bench was presented to the school to be placed in the peace garden in memory of Janet Gordon. Janet taught at the school for 30 years between 1977 and 2007.

Pre School The Easter Egg Hunt took place on April 13 with the mini beast day on April 30. It caters for children aged two-five years. A ladies afternoon tea took place on July 16 which was part of the much needed fundraising. A newly formed parent support group arranged to meet on Thursday afternoons from 1-3pm. The school received a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted in October. The cost is £3.60 per hour.

St Mary’s The main reporting for St Mary’s is the re-opening of the church after all the work. The result is breathtaking and Witnesham again has a church to be proud of. The cost was paid from the monies accumulating in the trust set up by Ms Meadows. I can personally record all our thanks to who must have been a wonderful lady with so much love and affection for our village. I hope she didn’t mind too much our adaptation of The Ghost of Witnesham Hall performed in 2015.

Messy Church took place this year on June 3. The fete took place on June 24 and raised over £2,000. Special thanks were given to Gerry Hindle who managed the event, Terry and Erica Burrows for the loan of their land and Anthony Darrel Brown for the loan of his land for car parking. Ipswich Community Wind Band set up in a different part of the field as the usual siting resulted in a number of members falling out of the chairs last year due to the uneven ground. Living Faith had four sessions during October and November.

The Baptist Church Pastor Andrew Croft continues to be available most Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is available to anyone who would like pastoral care. There is always something happening at WBC including the free drop-in cafe from 2-4 pm. Each Sunday morning the Baptist church has a worship service at 11am. A post office outreach service can be found in the conservatory room on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Babies and Toddlers group meets from 9.1511.15am and there is a collection box for FIND in the conservatory.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

OTHER NEWS Fynn Valley Golf Course A man was killed on the course when he was struck by lightning while sheltering under trees near the fifth hole. Anglia One flew to the course, but the man died in hospital on June 31. Philip Shard from Rushmere had only been a member for a few months.

Aladdin was held at the club on December 20. Fynn Valley Golf Club is also the home of Ipswich Croquet Club which was first founded over 100 years ago and originally played at Christchurch Park. Their club nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm and Wednesdays from 2pm during the summer. The golf club is voted the most welcoming club in England by England Golf.

Crime Although we live in a lovely village in the countryside it has to be reported that in 2017 there were 132 crimes reported. The highest of these crimes were 27 burglaries, 26 violent crimes, 21 incidents of criminal damage and arson and 15 of anti-social behaviour.

Carpet Bowls The AGM was held in March. The club had raised £350 for Parkinson’s UK. The club meet every Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoons at the village hall.

Examination passes reported and therefore recorded Helen Powley PhD in Earth and Environmental science from the University of Waterloo, Canada James Claxton MSC in Town Planning from Anglia Ruskin Marnie Gooch BA (Hons) in Textile Design from Central St Martins University of the Arts, London Berghesh Place opened their gardens on June 25 as part of the National Garden Scheme, which raises money for charity.

Ryan Air cancelled a flight resulting in Adrian Hogger and his son Harry from Witnesham being stranded in Madrid where they had flown to watch Chelsea play Atletico Madrid. Apparently they were not very happy!

The nursing home came out of special measures on May 3 with the staff being praised. This follows a visit in April as special measures were recorded in July 2016. Their fete took place on August 12 and raised £502.29 There was a UFO reported siting at 11.30pm on March 14.

Christine Laughlin was this year’s recipient of the Sue Poole award for the outstanding work she does with Lighthouse Women’s Aid. The village show took place on July 8.

In September, members of Witnesham community visited the champagne producing area of France near Reims The Poppy Appeal raised £3,866 (£3,027 in 2016). Next year (2018) will be 100 years since the end of the First World War so hopefully a record breaking collection. For me personally it will be my 40th collection so if you live between the top of Juby’s Hill on Upper Street down to the Barley Mow pub then please dig deep in your pockets.

No report on The Wasps who were formed in 1995 and now have 200 members with 13 youth teams plus one senior team for men aged 35 plus.

Christenings, Marriages & Deaths Marriages Robert Shaw to Hannah Fieldman of Deben Road, Ipswich, May 27 Fredrick Weller to Kathryn Stone of Tuddenham St Martin, July 29 Deaths Cyril William Scoffield (91) of Barham (father of Erica Burrows), July 26 Sidney Guy Templeman (85) Springfield, Witnesham, December 26 Christenings: None Rainfall: No records supplied (new rainfall recorder required) Part 1 of Steve’s report was published in the April edition.

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OUT & ABOUT WESTERFIELD CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS Art Class A weekly class at Westerfield Village Hall for newcomers and improvers covering oils, pastels, watercolour and some mixed media over three terms.

To book a place or for more information contact Lisa Ann Puhlhofer: 01473 878734 / 07834 280287 Westerfield Bowls Club 50 members 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 & District Gardening Club Meets at Westerfield Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.15pm.

May 2: Rethinking your Garden with garden designer Andrew Sankey June 6: The Gardens of Cambridge Colleges by Rodney Tibbs 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.

May 10: Birthday party. Competition: Letter P… June 14: Wood Carving from Acanthus Leaves to Ho Ho Birds by Mrs Midwinter. Competition: Souvenir Mug New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749.

Pilates Classes in the village hall on Mondays, 10.30-11.45am. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Westerfield Village Hall on Tuesdays from 2.15-4pm and Thursdays from 7.159pm, £12 per class, suitable for all ages. If you are interested please contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Westerfield Village Hall, Thursday mornings 9.40-11am. British Wheel of Yoga qualified and experienced teacher. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches and relaxation for all. Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 / www.still-yoga.co.uk

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Thursday, May 3: Words and Women Words and Women are a literary agency based in Norfolk, supporting and promoting female writers living and working in the East of England. They set up in 2011 and in the last seven years they have published books, distributed £30,000 in prize money and commissions as well as organising a myriad of events around the East of England.

They have decided to put the project on hold and this event will be the last for the time being. For more information visit: http://wordsandwomennorwich.blogspot.co.uk Join us at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street Ipswich IP1 3AA. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members £4, non-members £8, students free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Payment required on arrival, preferably by cash (no cards accepted).

Tickets for reserved seats need to be collected by 7.15pm. Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.

BERGHERSH PLACE Garden open with teas at Berghersh Place, Witnesham to raise money for charities supported by the National Garden Scheme (NGS) on Sunday, May 27, noon-5pm.

Adult entry £4, children free.

Beneficiaries include The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Carers Trust, Hospice UK, Perennial and Parkinson’s UK. Berghersh Place (house not open) is just on the north edge of Witnesham village and enjoys wide reaching farmland views over the Fynn Valley. A leisurely walk around the partly walled and hedged gardens can take an hour, or for less energetic visitors there are pleasant flowered areas to sit in to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Some areas are formally planted with yew, box and hornbeam hedging. There are three ponds, a mound, a bog area and a loosely planted family garden with shrub and perennial borders. You will find clipped shrubs, many varieties of climbing, rambling and shrub roses, irises, salvias and geraniums.

Most areas of the garden have access for disabled visitors who can park in the farmyard close to the garden entrance. Dogs are welcome, and there is a longer circular walk through the woods and farm if you have time to spare.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Wednesday, May 2: Image and History: Art at the Landsdowne Club by Pamela Campbell-Johnston Landsdowne House, now a private club, has a wonderful art collection.

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

Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability of the village hall.

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

www.westerfield-village.co.uk

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

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OUT & ABOUT ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND AND WITNESHAM WI The craft sale and coffee morning on March 24 exceeded all expectations raising an amazing £1,100! Thank you to everyone who came along to contribute to the grand total. The atmosphere was friendly with all tables full for coffee, cake and chatter.

The WI ladies had enjoyed craft evenings over the winter, creating an array of Easter decorations for sale. There were nearly-new clothes, botanical prints, ceramic painting and books to encourage parting with money for a couple of hours.

Birthday celebrations are on the WI agenda for April. We’re 70!

Members and friends will carry out the annual litter pick around Witnesham and Swilland and no doubt will have some unusual finds to report.

Come and join us for a try out; our next meeting is at Witnesham Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 9.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB Open to anyone over-50 living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. 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. The building is fully accessible.

At our first meeting in March we had a quiz all about Suffolk; I think we all learned a lot that afternoon! For our second meeting, a favourite with the members, we had a beetle drive which always provides a lot of fun.

FORTHCOMING PROGRAMME May 9: A visit from Andrew Bingham, Independent Funeral Service May 23: Social afternoon with Brenda June 13: TBA June 27: A visit from Malcolm Crowe, Capricorn Crafts Toymaker July 11: Social Afternoon with Sandra July 25: Summer Party before our summer break New members are always welcome; if you would like to come along to see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

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GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, the club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) from 2-4pm. The building is fully accessible. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. If you prefer to bring your own project the charge is £1.50.

We received a very nice letter of thanks from the neonatal unit at Ipswich Hospital for the bonding squares we made so were pleased with our efforts.

As promised last month, a picture of the completed projects from our oriental themed workshop in March is shown above.

For our Take a Piece of Card workshop in April, members set about constructing a 3D card and paper decorated watering can. A picture of the completed projects will follow next month Our remaining programme for 2018 May 14: Layers for the Lads June 4: Bag Ladies July 2: Felting August 6: It’s a Jungle out There September 3: No Tune on this Accordion October 1: Christmas Stockings November 5: Christmas Card Making December 3: AGM and Christmas Party If you think this all sounds interesting there is currently room for new members so please get in touch if you would like to join us. 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

OTLEY & 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. Compare gardening notes over tea, coffee and biscuits.

Saturday, May 5: Open Plant Sale from 10.30am Monday, May 14: Dazzling Dahlias with Nick Dobson Saturday, June 9: Summer Coach Outing to Pensthorpe Natural Park, Norfolk All welcome; join up or just come along. Admission is £1.50 for members, £4 for non-members, annual membership £10.

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

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SCHOOLS / SPORT THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY The children have been going up and down, over and under, through and balancing along beams to support Sports Relief. We have built obstacle courses from camouflage nets (crawling under/riding bikes under), putting down blocks to support planks as the children balance with arms out – trying not to go too fast! Running in and out of cones and then through hoops before reaching their favourite piece of the course, The Spiders Web, with squeals of delight as they tried to get through. We even managed to do an obstacle course out on our woodland adventure, using branches and making a track from twigs and leaves. We raised £245 for the charity.

The nursery parents supported an Easter egg hunt in three parts on the last day of term. Starting after school finished meant older siblings could come and take part as well. We had a younger egg hunt in the nursery garden collecting eggs, an older ‘colour by numbers’ egg hunt up the woodland path and a scavenger hunt which parents could really get involved in, together with races, a cake stall, Easter crafts and a raffle. All rounded off with hot food provided by the committee of hot dogs, corn on the cob and potato wedges – and the rain held off. A final parade of Easter bonnets made by the children was a fitting end to the term.

We are now going to the jungle with lions, giraffes and monkeys, as well as a dark tent to investigate nocturnal creatures and use our torches! Visit our website or give us a ring: 01473 890950

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We have recently enjoyed an outing to Easton Farm Park which was funded by the quiz and curry night in February. Thanks again to everyone who supported this event. This is so popular we have already booked a date for next year, Friday, February 1.

On May 18 we will be having a sponsored toddle waddle around the school field in fancy dress where all children will be invited to take part to raise funds for some new resources.

We have recently had visits from both the fire and police services as well as a visit from a schoolteacher who did great story telling with the use of puppets.

We are looking forward to a visit from a farmer who will arrive at pre-school with his tractor and short walks to the local garage (Five Ways, Henley) to watch the mechanics at work.

The garden is being improved with new resources which will include a builder’s area and further planting areas. Many thanks for the continued supported and time given by Bob, our volunteer gardener, without whom these projects wouldn’t happen.

Open to everyone, our family fun morning will be held on Saturday, July 14 from 10am to 12.30pm in the Boughton Room at Henley Community Centre.

There will be lots of games and stalls and fun for all the family.

WITNESHAM AREA PRE-SCHOOL This term we are looking forward to being able to maximise our time outdoors. As I write this we have just had our Easter egg hunt which was great fun despite the drizzle. The kids loved searching for the paper eggs hidden in the pre-school gardens and squelching through the mud to get there. We are grateful to everyone who came and supported us – we raised nearly £150 which will go towards plans to refurbish the pre-school over the summer. Hopefully by the time you read this the sun will be out and the cold Easter weather will be forgotten.

Rising 5s: On Mondays during the spring/summer term we visit Witnesham Primary School where the older children are invited to join the Reception class while the younger children visit the school library. It has shown that this helps smooth transition to primary school.

This term we will be open 9am-3pm Monday-Friday. We charge £3.60 per hour for those who pay fees and we accept children on 15 or 30 hours government funding. We are a friendly, relaxed, rural pre-school and were recently rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted. If you would like to know more please get in touch on 01473 784934 or visit: www.witnesham-preschool.co.uk

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB The tennis season is finally upon us and we are excited to share the news that at our recent AGM we agreed to maintain our fantastic special membership offers for first time members, while also reducing the annual membership price for full members. This means that adult memberships now start from as little as £25/year for new members, rising to a maximum of £55 over a three-year period. Junior memberships start from as little as £10/year rising to a max of £20. We strongly believe we offer the best membership rates in Suffolk so get in touch to find out how to join us while the offer lasts!

JOIN US FOR THE GREAT BRITISH TENNIS WEEKEND Come and join us for a day of free tennis activities on Sunday, May 13 from 10.30am-2.30pm. We will have some fun competitions, you can meet our coach, try some tennis cardio workouts or even take on our ball machine challenge. We are a small friendly village club and members from the club will be available on the day to provide a warm welcome to prospective new adult, family and junior members. Our exclusive special introductory membership offers will also be available on the day.

Our sessions are currently full, but we will have spaces for those children who wish to start in September 2018 and would encourage parents/carers to apply as soon as possible.

TENNIS FOR KIDS 2018 This flagship programme from the LTA in which kids receive six weeks of coaching for just £25, plus a racket, a personalised t-shirt and a pack of minitennis balls, officially launched on April 5. Sign up at Bramford Tennis Club has been strong with the first course aimed at four to seven year olds selling out on the first day! The second course aimed at kids aged seven to 11 still has a few remaining places so act quickly if you want to secure one of the few remaining slots by contacting Carl on 07553 966380 or by following the link at the bottom of this article.

For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am3pm) or email Bridget Wyatt at: enquiries@henleypreschool.co.uk

To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit our website or call/text our coach, Carl Douglas: 07553 966380

www.henleypreschool.co.uk

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub

We are excited to announce the launch of our new website; please take a look to find out more about the setting and how to register your child. Also check out our Facebook page and ‘like’ us.

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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

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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING THY KINGDOM COME May is one of my favourite months; my birthday partially explains it, but I think it’s also about days being longer and warmer and a sense of renewed energy as we explore our Easter faith and the call to live the risen life and move into the season of Pentecost.

faith. Most months, our Messy Church congregation is the second largest in the benefice.

As it has been for many years now, Christian Aid Week is in May. Christian Aid began as a response to the enormous needs in war-torn Germany after the Second World War. It has now grown to an organisation which spans the globe in its care for the most vulnerable.

SERVICES THROUGHOUT MAY Sunday, May 6: 9.30am Holy Communion, Swilland Sunday, May 13: 11am Christian Aid Family Service, Ashbocking Sunday, May 20: 11am Family Service, Swilland

It is a uniting activity bringing people together across the nation and across denominations in service of those in need. Thank you in anticipation for the support you are able to give; thank you to those who deliver envelopes and a particular thank you to those who will knock on doors and collect envelopes.

It is a real testimony to our faith.

This year, Christian Aid Week coincides with Thy Kingdom Come which runs from Ascension Day through to Pentecost. This is an initiative which unites the church across the world; 85 countries are taking part across many denominations. The archbishop invites us to do something essentially very simple – to pray Thy Kingdom Come. It’s a prayer that Jesus taught us and it unites us with our brothers and sisters in Christ across the world, but it carries a warning!

There is a risk assessment that accompanies it, because to pray it, is to open ourselves up to being called by God to be part of the will that he has for the world. The Kingdom of God, in the words of one of our hymns, is a kingdom of justice and joy, mercy and grace, challenge and choice.

Our part in Christian Aid Week is a sharing in bringing the kingdom of God into being, but there are many other ways. As we in the benefice explore the Carlford challenge, we need to ask what this mean for us as we seek to be “alive and at work in God’s world”. How do we serve our local communities, what do we have to offer?

One of the suggestions for the Thy Kingdom Come 10-day initiative is for a prayer walk so on May 11 and 14 I am committing myself to walking around our villages, praying as I go for the people and the activities of the village. In some villages, I am delivering Christian Aid envelopes as I walk. If you would like to join me, I’d love the company.

On Friday May 11, meet at the Suffolk Wildlife Centre in Ashbocking at 9.30am, at Swilland Church at 11.30am, at Clopton Village Hall at 2.30pm and at Otley Church at 4pm. On Monday, May 14 meet at the phone box in Burgh at 9.30am, at Boulge Church at 10.45am, at Hasketon Village Hall at 11.45am and at Grundisburgh Church at 2.30pm.

Thy Kingdom Come will end for us on Pentecost Sunday, May 20 with a Messy Church at Otley Village Hall. I give thanks for the new life which is coming into being through Messy Church and all those who work to welcome people to

May looks like being a busy month, but please find time to pray Thy Kingdom Come.

The Rev Clare Sanders

WHAT’S ON IN MAY Saturday 5: Open Plant Sale, Otley Village Hall, 10.30am Thursday 10-Sunday 20: Thy Kingdom Come Friday 11: Prayer Walk (see above) Saturday 12-Saturday 19: Christian Aid Week Monday 14: Prayer Walk (see above) Tuesday 15: Ministry Team Meeting at 6.30pm Thursday 17: Archdeacon’s Visitation at Grundisburgh Sunday 20: Burgh PCC Meeting after the 11am service Sunday 20: Messy Church in Otley Village Hall, 3-4.30pm Thursday 24: Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm Sunday 27: Grundisburgh Sunday Club, Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.45am CARLFORD SOCIAL GROUPS Baby Café: May 1, Grundisburgh at 9am Hobbies Group: May 2, Clopton at 10am Swapshop: May 2, Grundisburgh at 10.15am Tiddlywinks: May 10 & 24, Grundisburgh, 2.30pm CARLFORD PRAYER AND STUDY GROUPS Going Deeper: May 2 & 16, Ashbocking, 10am Grundisburgh Sunday Club; May 13 & 27, Grundisburgh, 10.45am Monday House Group: May 21, Grundisburgh, 7.30pm Otley House Group: May 14 & 28, Otley, 1.45pm Beyond Belief: May 7 & 21, Grundisburgh, 10.30-noon 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 just four Tuesday mornings each year.

Our next meeting is on May 1 at 10.30am when we will be discussing Why There Almost Certainly is a God [Doubting Dawkins] by Keith Ward. 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 will be joining us: 01473 738474 / paulwiffen222@btinternet.com BEYOND BELIEF: SPRING 2018 A small group which gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of Christian faith at meetings held at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.30am-noon. The last two sessions are on Mondays, May 7 and 21. Tea or coffee and a piece of cake will be available and a warm welcome to all. A small charge of £1 per session covers costs. Enquiries to Paul: paulwiffen222@btinternet.com / 01473 738474 FANCY A COFFEE? Grundisburgh: Wednesday 2, 10.15-11.30am / Saturday 5, 10.30-11.45am, both at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms Ashbocking: Friday 4 at the home of Jan and John Bates of 4 Ashley Grange, The Green, Ashbocking, 10.30am-noon Swilland: Saturday 5 at the home of Gill Reidy of 1 Church Lane, Swilland, 10am Otley: Thursday 10 at the home of Russell Ling of Grange House, Otley, 10am Clopton: Wednesday 16 at the Village Hall, 10am-noon

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CHURCH NEWS

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Where People… Meet People… Meet God Sunday May 6 9.30am: Family Time Together 11am: Worship Service with Communion – Sylvester Dengzee Sunday May 13 9.30am: Family Time Together 11am: Worship Service – Pastor Andrew Sunday May 20 9.30am: Family Time Together 11am: Worship Service – Team Ministry Sunday May 27 9.30am: Family Time Together 11am: Worship Service – Pastor Andrew Family Time Together is a time when parents and children can come together and do a craft activity, hear a Bible story, sing and pray, all within 45 minutes! Come and enjoy.

Worship services are where we celebrate Jesus through songs about Him, speaking to Him (prayer), reading the Bible and trying to understand how it affects our lives. Open to all, whatever your understanding of god and faith.

Thursdays: Post Office in the conservatory, 9am-12.30pm Fridays: Mums and Toddlers, 9.15-11.15am Wednesday, May 9: Central Church Prayer Fellowship, 2-3pm Wednesday, May 23: Central Church Bible Study, 2-3pm Dear Readers, I thought that this month I would reproduce the report that I gave to the parish council at their annual meeting in April. It is a look back over the past 12 months.

As you would expect we have continued over the past 12 months with our purpose of declaring Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth and the Life. This we do through various activities, including two meetings each Sunday morning.

The first at 9.30am is called Family Time Together where we usually have a craft activity linked to a Bible story, a song and prayer. All families with children, mainly up to 11 years of age, are welcome.

The next is our Worship Service at 11am consisting of hymns, Bible readings, prayers and thoughts based on the scripture reading. We also have other open meetings for prayer or Bible study on alternate Wednesday afternoons.

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On Tuesday evenings we have our Open House, an informal time of discussion on topical issues, to air our views and to understand those views and issues from a Biblical/God perspective.

Jointly with friends from St Mary’s we have held three Messy Churches over the last year (here at the Baptist Church or at the village hall/St Mary’s Church) in June, October and March 2018. Back in May we had a film evening showing Risen starring Joseph Fiennes and Peter Firth.

New for 2017 we had a presence at the village show where we sponsored a puppet show put on for us by a team from St Augustine’s Church in Ipswich. As an alternative to Halloween trick and treat activities we held a family Light Party to celebrate the Light of the World – Jesus, rather than ghosts and death. At Christmas we had an evening of community carol singing at the Barley Mow courtesy of Les. On Good Friday just gone friends from St Mary’s joined us on a March of Witness from the parish church to the Baptist church , topping a couple of times to sing Easter hymns. A team from the church present Open the Book at Witnesham and Otley schools on a regular basis.

Parents/Mums and Toddlers Group is held every Friday morning, giving children a time to enjoy playing while mums (or occasional dads or grandmas) can have a chat to encourage each other in their family lives.

The post office continues to operate from our conservatory every Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning.

Alongside the PO on Tuesday between 2 and 4pm we have our free café for any who want a cup of tea, coffee, a biscuit and a chat. Our monthly Munch Bunch Lunch continues on the first Monday of the month (generally with occasional changes).

People from the community use our premises for a variety of activities; the planning meeting of the parish council, Village Voices practice sessions, Barley Players rehearsals or the odd birthday party. We don’t hire the hall out, but those using it usually give a donation.

During the past year we have had the main church room redecorated and the toilets upgraded to today’s standards.

The church is generally open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the Pastor is in residence for prayer, quiet reflection or conversation.

Pastor Andrew

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In Touch with WTW

Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement, which invites Christians around the world to pray between Ascension and Pentecost (10th-20th May) for more people to come to know Jesus Christ. What started out as an invitation from the Archbishops’ of Canterbury and York in 2016 to the Church of England has grown into an international and ecumenical call to prayer.

The hope is that: people will commit to pray with God’s world-wide family - as a church, individually or as a family; churches will hold prayer events, such as 24-7 prayer, prayer stations and prayer walks, across the UK and in other parts of the world; people will be empowered through prayer by the Holy Spirit, finding new confidence to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.

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

There are all sorts of events happening around the country and in our benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham with Witnesham we are going to be praying for the villages on the move.

Sun 6th May Sixth Sunday of Easter

We’ll pray at points on the way and hold short acts of worship in each of the three churches.

Pray as an Individual

We begin in Westerfield at 10am and will arrive at Witnesham in time for an early lunch. From there, we will walk to Tuddenham St Martin and then return to Westerfield. If you’d like to join us on all or some of the route, please email Revd Alan: Alan@wtandw.org.uk The “Thy Kingdom Come” website includes a host of information on events up and down the country. You can also download some excellent resources to help you pray.

Go to: www.thykingdomcome.global

St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin

Pray as a Family 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’s Westerfield

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-age Worship

9.30am All-age Worship

10am Family Communion

Sun 20th May Day of Pentecost

9.30am Family Communion

10am Morning Worship

11am Family Communion

Sun 27th May Trinity Sunday

8am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Worship

10am Family Communion

11am Morning Worship

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-age Worship

11am Family Communion

11am Farewell Service for Sarah Jenkins

(joint service at Witnesham St Mary’s Church at 11am)

Sun 13th May Seventh Sunday of Easter

Sun 3rd June First Sunday of Trinity Sun 10th June Second Sunday of Trinity

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Pray as a Church

On Saturday 12th May, “The Revs” Alan and Catherine Forsdike will be leading a walk around the benefice (mainly on footpaths). The entire route is 8 miles and we invite people to join us for all or part of the way.

CHURCH SERVICES May—June Day / Date

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(joint service at Witnesham St Mary’s Church at 11am)

11am Family Communion 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—May

Who’s Who:

Mothers’ Union—Thursday 3rd May Ken Donaldson gives us an update on the work of “TK” (Talitha Koum). Visitors most welcome. (contact Branch Leader Revd Catherine Forsdike 252904).

MINISTRY TEAM:

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NON-STIPENDIARY PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk NON-STIPENDIARY ASSOCIATE PRIEST: REV’D CATHERINE FORSDIKE

Benefice Youth Group—Wednesday 9th and 23rd May at 6pm (contact Julia 785497) Village Voices—rehearse on Thursdays 3rd and 17th May, 7.30pm in Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine 785138)

Kingdom Kids—will meet on Sunday 20th May at 10am in the church at Witnesham (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 Aug)

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

“Messy Palms”

was the theme of the latest ‘Messy Church’ held on 24th March.

Our 22 youngsters explored the meaning of Palm Sunday and Holy Week and created some super art-work including edible palm trees!

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

CHURCHWARDENS:

Saturday 12th May

Tuddenham Village Hall 7pm prompt start £7.50—bring your own drinks and nibbles [ticket price includes ploughman’s supper] Teams of up to 6—we’ll allocate you to one if you haven’t one of your own.

To book tickets contact Monica (784545) or Jean (785682)

Tuddenham 01473 785296

Jim Punton Jim@wtandw.org.uk

Tuddenham 01473 784545

Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 230188

Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 713285

Mary Scholey Mary@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

In aid of Tuddenham Church funds

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

Church Floodlighting

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

Saturday 12th May

starting at 10am at Westerfield Ch

Benefice Walk

as part of our response to “Thy Kingdom Come”

Join “The Revs” on all or part of an 8mile circular walk around our benefice beginning and ending at Westerfield praying for our villages along the way.

Well behaved dogs welcome.

Short acts of worship in each church and lunch at Witnesham.

Sign up by emailing Alan@wtandw.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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 St Mary Magdalene Westerfield, sponsorship is £7.50 for a week.

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

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