in Touch News with Martlesham - January 2017

In Touch

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham Volume 7 • Issue No. 2 • JANUARY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I spent some time chatting to one of the mums from the school gate recently, a woman I’ve admired from afar for some time as she always has the biggest smile. Of course she’s always surrounded by other mums, as happy, engaging people tend to be. I’ve imagined how wonderful her life must be, how much fun it would be to be her for a day, how lovely it must be to begin each and every day with delight, as surely she much do.

Or so I imagined.

As it turns out I was completely wrong. As we chatted and I learned a little more about this remarkable woman, I came to realise how lucky I am. Her life has been, and continues to be, challenging, even heartbreaking, in ways I never hope to experience. And yet she faces each and every day with a smile. I know I don’t, as no doubt my work colleagues can attest.

It’s all relative you might say, but is it possible that I’ve simply developed a selfish streak and forgotten to appreciate what I do have? In Ireland I’d be called a me-feiner, someone who thinks only of themselves, the nastiest put down you can get on Irish soil. Have I adopted a less cheerful persona simply because it’s easier or, and this may be the crux of it, because it has become a bad habit?

Now I don’t think I’m a miserable sod, but I do have a tendency to see the dark side first, which possibly explains my addiction to Leonard Cohen.

Perhaps it’s a trait I’ve inherited, perhaps it’s cultural, perhaps it’s just who I am, but right now I’m determined to fight it. I know my worries won’t disappear overnight, but how I deal with them might make them easier to bear. My insecurities may be deeply embedded (I am 47 after all), but I’m keen to see how others react when I present a happier face to the world.

I know we all have days when all we want to do is keep our heads down and do what we have to do without interruption or interference, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see how others react if you reach out, maybe starting tentatively with a smile. Let’s do this experiment together in 2017 and hope we all have a wonderful, happier, more fulfilling and smilier year.

Happy New Year from my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing.

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with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham

In Touch with Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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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 Broke Hall, Ipswich East, Ravenswood & Warren Heath is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Bramford, Offton & Somersham • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

NEWS HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SAY YET? Did you know that the Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan is almost at the stage where it can be finalised before being submitted for approval by a planning inspector?

After the inspector approves it, Suffolk Coastal will carry out a referendum of Martlesham residents and, if a majority agree, it will become a legal planning document affecting the future of the parish.

The consultation period started on November 14 and you now have until January 31 to send in your comments before the plan is submitted.

To talk to us about the plan please come to the final drop-in session being held on Monday, January 30, 4-7pm, in the Parish Room behind Tesco on the Old Felixstowe Road.

To read the draft plan and get advice on how to send in your comments, please visit the Neighbourhood Plan website at http://martleshamnp. onesuffolk.net or do a search for Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan.

All the best for 2017 from the Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan Team

RECONNECTING THE COASTAL FOOTPATH BETWEEN MARTLESHAM AND WALDRINGFIELD You may remember the articles I recently published about the possibility of reinstating the River Deben coastal public footpath so that it reconnects the south of Martlesham Creek with Waldringfield. Much has been done to improve the Martlesham Creek sea wall after the floods a few years ago, and the sea wall north of Waldringfield has now been refurbished with the addition of a bird sanctuary.

If the sea wall footpath was reinstated between these two points it would make a spectacular walkway with beautiful views up and down the river. The are some engineering difficulties to overcome, but similar schemes have been completed as part of the Natural England coastal access scheme initiative. This initiative looks at coastal areas with a view to creating or reinstating footpaths and has funding allocated to complete these projects.

2017 is an important year because Natural England will be reviewing public access along the River Deben. There will be a series of site visits and meetings to discuss improvements. If you are a walker like me and enjoy the outdoors and would also like to see this footpath reinstated, please join my email list and I will inform you of future site visits and meetings. Obviously the more who show an interest then the more likely the project will be completed.

There has been much development in Kesgrave and Martlesham, and more to come. It all seems unstoppable. Here is a project to help improve our environment and gives us something to look forward to.

If you wish to join my email list then write to me at: t.obrien24@yahoo.com Thomas O’Brien, local walker and nature lover

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.

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NEWS THE NEW LOOK DOUGLAS BADER GETS OFFICIAL THUMBS UP THE FIRST LANDING ON MARTLESHAM HEATH January 16, 2017 marks 100 years since The Royal Flying Corps set up at Martlesham Heath. Here we see the Porte Baby 9800 Flying Boat with Bristol Scout Model C Fighter on the top wing. This configuration took off from the Felixstowe Air Station, at what is now Felixstowe Docks, on May 17, 1916.

After separating from the Flying Boat, the Bristol Scout Fighter landed safely on the gorse strewn area that was Martlesham Heath, the first aircraft to do so. This adventure, and other factors, set the scene for the eventual opening of the Royal Flying Corps base at Martlesham Heath on January 16, 1917.

The objective was to extend the range of the small fighter to counter the threat of the German Zeppelins airships that were roaming over the East Coast and London. Taking off from the area of Harwich harbour, the pair climbed up to 1,000 feet, whereupon the Scout’s pilot released the quick release latches and zoomed up to fly away and land locally at Martlesham Heath.

Squadron Commander John Porte, who designed the Flying Boat, was well known as an innovative designer and was based at Felixstowe.

He flew the Flying Boat in the picture, assisted by Flight Lieutenant Hope, with (upstairs) in the Bristol Scout, Flight Lieutenant M.J. Day. The experiment was not repeated and Flight Lieutenant Day was unfortunately killed shortly afterwards in France.

MH100 EVENTS The free MH100 Christmas Prize Quiz is now available at: www.mh100.org.uk. We are delighted to announce that the prize will be a free (car) MOT donated by The Richard Pipe Engineering Motorist Centre, 5 Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath. Paper copies are available at Marks and Mann Estate Agents, 7 The Square, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL, who are also supporting our centenary celebrations. You can return completed entries to them.

In late January we will be holding a public meeting in a venue on Martlesham Heath. This will give you the opportunity to find out more, to contribute memories and get involved. We do need more help with this major celebration.

For more information of the date, time and place of this meeting visit www.mh100.org.uk or contact Howard King (publicity@mh100.org.uk / 01473 274300) or the MH100 secretary (secretary@mh100.org.uk).

The newly refurbished Douglas Bader pub in Martlesham Heath has opened again, welcoming loyal customers back through the doors at its VIP launch event.

Guests had the opportunity to view the pub for the first time following a £254,000 Publican John Wray and his team investment by national pub operator Punch. New publican John Wray and the Douglas Bader team welcomed customers old and new to view the refreshed look and feel at the pub located on The Square.

Internally, the pub has been remodelled to increase its dining capacity and improve the flow between dining and drinking areas. The space has also been redecorated to create a more modern and sociable space in which to relax, including new furnishings, flooring and toilets.

And with sporting fixtures a key focus, televisions and a Sky sports package have been installed while the gaming and entertainment area has been upgraded, featuring a pool table and darts board. The external appearance of the pub has also be updated with new signage, lighting and furniture.

Commenting on the launch event, John said: “The investment marks a new era for the Douglas Bader and one which I am delighted to be a part of. The pub benefits from a great location at the heart of the village and represents a quality community venue where customers can expect fantastic service, a revitalised food and drinks offer, alongside its already popular live sports and entertainment programme.

“The turnout was fantastic and by the reaction of everyone who attended we got it spot on. It was great to see the pub buzzing with so many guests – we felt very honoured that they all came down to join in the celebrations.”

Mathew Hughes, openings manager for Punch, concluded: “I would like to congratulate John and his team for all of their hard work which went into making last night’s launch night such a success. The Douglas Bader is a fantastic example of a great British community pub and I am certain that under John’s leadership it will have a very successful future ahead.”

BEAT THE POST CHRISTMAS BLUES WITH A FUN QUIZ NIGHT Have you had enough of those dark evenings in? Come along for a fun quiz at the Bell Inn, Kesgrave on Sunday, February 5, 7.30 for an 8pm start. Tickets will be £5 to include food (a vegetarian option will be available), teams of four. Tickets available from Home-Start, 8a The Square, Martlesham Heath, 01473 621104.

All monies raised from the event will go to the charity Home-Start Suffolk: East Ipswich & Coastal who during this year will support over 150 families in the East of Ipswich or Suffolk Coastal areas. These families will receive one to one or group support from trained volunteers because for them the pressures of family life have become too much to cope with alone this can be for a variety of reasons such as illness, disability, mental health problems, bereavement, isolation and multiple births.

Our thanks goes to Debbie McCallum for hosting the evening.

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KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL

CARETAKER/LITTER PICKER JOB VACANCY Permanent contract Salary ÂŁ11,789 for 26 hours per week The council are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, conscientious, self-motivated person to job share this role with our current caretaker/litter picker.

This is a key position at the town council and involves opening and closing the council’s Millennium Jubilee Hall and park areas on a daily basis.

Duties at the hall include setting out the halls for hirers and some general building cleaning and maintenance work.

Additional responsibilities include litter picking to ensure that the open spaces in the Kesgrave area are kept safe and tidy.

This position will include some weekend working.

A full job description along with the application pack is available to download from: www.kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk Or contact the town council office on: 01473 625179 / enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk Closing date: noon on Wednesday, January 11 Interviews: Friday, January 13

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NEWS

MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Our best wishes for the New Year to all our parishioners.

Development by Michael Howard Homes at Black Tiles Lane, Martlesham An application for 47 houses, including 22 affordable homes, at the end of Black Tiles Lane was approved by Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) in November 2016. Chater Homes will provide the affordable housing. The parish council objected to this development because it is outside the defined physical limits of the village and is against policies in the SCDC Local Plan, and also against the emerging Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan. There is great disappointment that the SCDC Planning Committee chose to approve the application.

Martlesham Neighbourhood Plan (NP): Pre-Submission Consultation The NP team, made up of dedicated voluntary parishioners, has spent a lot of time and energy over the past few years to get the first draft of the plan published. Consultation has been ongoing during November and December with plenty of opportunity to submit comments. The pre-submission consultation has been running for a period of 12 weeks and ends on January 31, 2017. If you haven’t yet sent the team your views we urge you to do so this month – there is still time. For full details please go to the NP website: http://martleshamnp.onesuffolk.net/ Felixstowe Road, Martlesham We have received lots of queries from parishioners regarding two issues: 1: Access from the Mill Heath development onto Felixstowe Road Suffolk County Council (SCC) Highways has confirmed that there should be access for emergency vehicles only and three removable bollards should be in place that can only be removed by the emergency services.

2: 30mph Speed Limit The blackening out of the 30mph roundels has caused some

confusion. SCC Highways advised us that “the markings were placed here in error, the system of street lighting creates a 30mph speed limit.

The use of 30mph markings and other signs within a system of street lighting is legally incorrect. The removal of the markings will allow the police to undertake enforcement. There should not be any repeater signs although the signs to indicate the start of the limit will still be present”.

The council is taking up this issue with SCC because many drivers seem to have assumed that the 30mph limit has been removed.

What have we been doing recently?

• Setting our budget and precept for 2017/18 – more news next month once agreed • Litter bin agreed for Black Tiles Lane near the memorial seat and awaiting installation • Responding to planning applications, including proposals for five new homes on land at Home Meadows Nursery, and appeals • Council in the Classroom at Gorseland Primary School • Successful application for locality funding from County Councillor Patricia O’Brien for new seating at Kronji’s Piece, Recreation Ground, The Street Forthcoming meetings Wednesday, January 4: Parish Council Wednesday, January 11: Recreation & Amenities Committee Wednesday, February 1: Parish Council All meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Room on Felixstowe Road and are open to the public, who are welcome to ask questions or make comments to the council during the adjournment.

Contacting the council Clerk to Martlesham Parish Council, Parish Room, Felixstowe Road, Martlesham, Woodbridge IP12 4PB / clerk@martleshamcouncil.org. uk / 01473 612632 For latest news and events visit: www.martlesham.onesuffolk.net Parish Office opening times: 9am-noon, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, but please book an appointment in advance.

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN KELSO’S REPORT RECENT PLANNING DECISIONS Planning application DC/16/1992/FUL to build 47 dwellings at Bloomfield Farm on Blacktiles Lane: Planning permission was granted despite the fact that the area involved is outside the Martlesham village envelope and is therefore classed as countryside. In my opinion this application did not meet the necessary criteria to overrule the many policies contained in the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan that should have protected this area from development.

Planning application DC/16/2828/FUL to erect two non-food retail units (including a Wicks store) at Anson Road on land adjacent to Tesco and Felixstowe Road: I attended the public consultation held by the developers and many residents were concerned about the additional traffic movements that this development would create in an already congested area. Unfortunately the highway department at Suffolk County Council raised no objections and did not propose any road or pedestrian access improvements.

MARTLESHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN Hopefully, by now, you will have received various correspondence from

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the Neighbourhood Plan team if you live in the Neighbourhood Plan area. You will see from the above planning application decisions that often local opinion and concerns are ignored. That is why it is vital that residents support the introduction of the Neighbourhood Plan as once adopted it will be a legal planning document helping us to protect our village from inappropriate developments.

Please check out this very important document at http://martleshamnp. onesuffolk.net and take the time to let the team know what you think of it. If you are unable to access it online please contact me so that I can arrange for a paper copy.

The closing date for comments is January 31 so you still have time to make your views known.

Wishing all residents a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

John Kelso If you wish to discuss any of the above issues or any other district council matter please contact me: john.kelso@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk / 01473 631682

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Make a fresh start in

2017

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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE We are a charity set up to help bereaved people to understand their grief and cope with their loss. We provide information, one-to-one support and offer advice, education and training services. We also have a specialist children and young people team.

If you would like to volunteer to support bereaved people, help on our area committee or with publicity and fundraising please contact us.

For help or information please telephone your local branch: 01394 670770 For further information visit: www.cruse.org.uk / www.suffolkcruse.co.uk

FROM THE ARCHIVES

“I felt my counselling with my volunteer was very helpful indeed, at a time when I felt isolated and at times desperate.”

VALLEY FARM IN 1980 Submitted by Thomas O’Brien

MARTLESHAM HEATH COUNTRY MARKET – MAKING YOUR NEW YEAR EVEN BETTER Our artisan cooks are planning new varieties of cakes, sweets and savouries for you to try in 2017, tasty, fresh home-baked treats and staples to suit everyone’s taste. Did you know that our cooks will make you a cake or savoury to order? Gluten-free, dairy-free, no nuts, with and without ingredients or to a special recipe. Give them a chance: come to the market to tell them your needs as soon as you can.

Jams and marmalades, hedgerow preserves, prize-winning chutneys and spreads are just asking to be tasted on breakfast toast or for an elegant afternoon tea. New seasons marmalades will be ready mid-February.

While at the market, take a good look round the crafters’ tables. Check out the one-off wooden bowls and treen made from local trees, the original glass-beaded ear-rings and necklaces, key-rings and other charming unusual delights, so-soft, warm fleece mittens, hats and scarves, fun sewing kits to keep children occupied, artist’s cards and hand-painted tiles, cushions, fabric wreaths, hand-made bags, snug knitted cardies and jumpers for all ages, all made by local experts. Commissions accepted for that special gift if you order soon.

Visit the Country Market at Martlesham Pavilion every Tuesday morning from 9.15-11.15am. The first market of 2017 is on January 10. We also have a table at the mid-monthly Kesgrave market at 1st Kesgrave Scout Hall, this month on January 21.

Contact Margaret Gayfer to discuss and place any special order: 01473 623849

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KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts, 10am-noon The following winter craft activities will take place in January.

Sunday 1: New Year’s Day – Closed Sunday 8: Winter is here and it’s cold outside. Design a colourful hat with a bobble on top.

Sunday 15: Ice skating is a very popular winter sport. Create a pair of ice skates to display at home.

Sunday 22: January 20 is Penguin Awareness Day. Make feet shaped penguins.

Sunday 29: Make a winter tree collage to brighten up your home.

Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There’s no need to book – just turn up and have a go.

Every Thursday (term time only – starts January 5) • Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am • BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Every Friday (term time only – starts January 6) • Story Time: 9.45-10.15am OTHER EVENTS IN JANUARY Wednesday, January 4: Knit and Natter, 2.30pm Thursday, January 5: Afternoon Book Group, 2.45pm Adult Colouring, 7pm. Tea, coffee, biscuits and all equipment provided, £2 Date to be confirmed: Evening Book Group, 7pm. Please ring the library if interested.

IT HELP SESSIONS: Starting on Saturday, January 28, 10.30am12.30pm Every fourth Saturday morning in the month, a member of staff will be offering help sessions to all customers who would like some support using their iPads, smart phones, tablets, ebooks, computers or need some general guidance using the internet and computers.

If you would like some help with your technology, please call and speak to a member of staff about booking one of our half-hour slots.

Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager, Kinsey House, Kays Close, Kesgrave Tel: 01473 626103 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk OPENING TIMES Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND The art exhibition and sale we held in November was very successful and we are grateful for the support we received.

On Monday, March 6, back by popular demand, we present another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS. Elizabeth is the auction room director of T W Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It. Join us at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm.

Further details from: 01473 625196 / www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM BRASS

CHORAL RESOLUTION

Making music fun in East Anglia

Ipswich Hospital Community Choir provides a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can join together in the pure pleasure of singing.

Our ever-expanding repertoire includes pop songs throughout the decades and show songs, most of which are sung in four or six-part harmony under the direction of our musical director, Nick Coleman.

A very Happy New Year to you all and thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities, Cruse Bereavement Care Suffolk, Over the Rainbow and Tools with a Mission. In next month’s article we will report back on the final amount raised.

On Sunday, January 8, our main band are taking part in a joint concert with Gippeswyk Singers at St Michael’s Church Centre on Martlesham Heath at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 and will be available on the door.

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

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

We are in no way a formal choral society, rather a very relaxed and fun group. We are affiliated with Ipswich Hospital and are regularly asked to perform at hospital events. We also perform at community fetes, fundraising events and enter local and national competitions. Last year these included Ipswich Music Day, Ipswich Has Got Talent and Choir of the Year. We also took part in a very successful joint charity concert with the Ipswich Hospital Band which raised over £700 for the hospital’s Sunrise Appeal. On the first Wednesday of every month you’ll find us singing around the hospital wards as part of the national Kissing it Better initiative founded by Jill Fraser which looks to improve the patient experience during their stay in hospital.

You don’t need to have the voice of an angel to sing with us. All you need is a basic ability to hear the music. Members pay £1 voluntary subs each week, 10% of which goes to charity. Rehearsals take place each Wednesday in the Courtyard Restaurant at the hospital from 6.15-8pm.

We regularly welcome new members, but are always looking for more across all voice ranges.

SPRING FASHION EVENING

If you’ve been thinking about joining a choir but haven’t got round to it yet, resolve to now. For more information and contact details visit: www.ipshospchoir.org.uk

The Orwell Singers in conjunction with Edinburgh Woollen Mills are hosting a spring fashion evening at 7pm on Tuesday, February 28 at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Join us for a really fun evening which will include refreshments, a cake stall, a raffle and, of course, the latest fashion items presented by our very own ‘top’ models which will be available for purchase at 20% reduced rates.

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR AT IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET

Entrance is only £3.50 so make a date in your diary.

We re-open on January 12 with bacon rolls for just £1!

Full details will be available nearer the time on our Facebook page and from Debbie: 01473 635955 / 07768 911512

We hope this year to welcome many new customers and also new producers. At Ipswich Country Market we aim to encourage the public to discover the diversity and deliciousness of local British homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables. We also showcase the skills and talents of local crafters. Producers pride themselves on the quality of their produce and the friendliness of the market. We like to think that we have become a popular and lively meeting place.

Individuals over the age of 16 with suitable produce to sell may apply to join the country market. If you like to cook, craft or grow and would like to find an outlet for your skills in a friendly, local cooperative, we would like to hear from you. Prospective new members are always recommended to visit the market during opening hours and have an informal chat with Janet Pearse, our market manager, who will be able to answer questions.

We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane. We have plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments with a free tea or coffee on your first visit. You can sample a slice of cake or a scone with a drink for around a pound.

Find out more about our market on our Facebook page – Ipswich Country Market – or at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

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Re-Form fitness offers a range of services to suit your aims and budget from one to one personal training sessions to weight loss programmes and body shaping group classes in exercise and food education. Loai explains : “we believe our success comes from helping others to succeed”.

Re-form is launching a new wallet friendly programme for the New Year with an aim of being able to help more people.

Re-figure is a weekly class that will run at Ipswich’s Suffolk New College Sports Centre at the Goals building. It will help you step out of the shadows of your former self and into a new healthier, leaner fitter body. Combining individual diet plans, an educational seminar and a fun achievable exercise class, it’s the perfect solution to help lose those extra Christmas pounds and spring clean your life for good.

For more information contact Loai on 07922 880325 or Vickie on 07970 947820. Email us at re-formfitness.co.uk. Our webpage www.re-formfitness.co.uk.

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OUT & ABOUT FUNDRAISING CONCERT FOR TEENAGE CANCER TRUST Presented by Suffolk Singers on Saturday, January 21 at 7.30pm at Woodbridge Community Centre.

A varied programme of easy-listening music to suit all tastes, also featuring Claire’s young singers and The Jam Sandwiches Jazz Group.

Tickets £12.50 from WeGotTicklets.com or 01394 279907. Informal table seating to include a light supper of savoury and sweet refreshments.

Please bring your own drinks.

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB A Happy New Year to you all. Our first meeting of 2017 will be on January 5 when Maureen Reynel MBE will tell us about the work of the charity FIND – Families in Need.

We have a post-Christmas lunch arranged for January 12 and on January 19 one of our members, Nora Fisher, will demonstrate the art of making sugar flowers. Dr Heather will tell us about her travels in New Zealand on February 2.

Make a New Year’s resolution to do something new in 2017. Join our club for interesting evenings among friends. We meet on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room.

To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

WOODBRIDGE FARMER’S MARKET Happy New Year to all our customers, we look forward to seeing you at our markets throughout 2017.

All our stallholders are based locally and money spent at the market really does benefit the local community. January markets will be held on Saturdays 14 and 28, 8.45am-12.30pm, at Woodbridge Community Hall.

BRIGHTWELL UKULELES January 2017 sees a new session starting with a welcome extended to all newcomers. We meet for rehearsals and learning at Brightwell Church Hall on two Tuesday afternoons per month. Our meetings for January and February will be as follows: January 10 and 24 and February 7 and 21.

After that we will meet on the first and third Tuesday each month from 2.30-4.15pm. Our meetings include a refreshment break and all printed material is included in the fee of £2 per meeting.

We strive to improve our playing by learning new songs and tunes and working on them to be able to play to others.

If you would like to join us either turn up on the dates above or for more information contact Geoff Lambert: yestermusic@btinternet.com / 01473 624130

All the girls wore yellow, her favourite colour.

It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01473 860030

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

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DAY CARE AND COUNTRYSIDE HOLIDAY STAYS FROM MARTLESHAM HEATH

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OUT & ABOUT NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS, NEW SKILLS The New Year is the traditional time we set ourselves personal goals, or resolutions as we like to call them. Here’s a goal you can succeed at, with our help and support.

Let Speak Easy at Martlesham, your friendly neighbourhood speakers’ club, help you improve your public speaking in 2017. We’re back in the New Year with an open evening meeting on Thursday, January 12 with a special warm welcome to you.

Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club. TI has spent over 90 years devising and refining the best ways for all of us develop our public speaking.

Improving your public speaking boosts your confidence and puts you on the track to becoming a better leader. Toastmasters recognises this. There are leadership projects and opportunities, as well as the speaking projects, within its educational tracks which are all supported by books and other materials that guide and challenge you. It’s always up to you how far and how fast you progress.

We meet every Thursday fortnight at the Richards Room in Martlesham (behind Tesco). Our meetings are structured to include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation. Evaluation is a vital part of how Toastmasters’ clubs operate. When you evaluate someone else you not only help them, you also – through empathy and understanding – help your own speaking.

For further details please call our VP membership on 07968 372563 or get in touch via our website: www.speak-easy.org.uk If you just want turn up at a club meeting that’s fine. You’ll find directions and dates online.

Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you in 2017.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY The society now takes a short break and our next meeting is on February 1 when Dr Peter Webb will talk about the artist David Hockney. His lecture is titled David Hockney: Art as Biography. Dr Webb has been a friend of David Hockney since the 1970s.

Our 2017 programme is ready and looks great. It includes: March 1: Picasso, Man Ray & Max Ernst through the eyes of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose by Antony Penrose (their son) April 5: Hidden Canvasses: Street Art and the City by Doug Gillen May 3: Sacred Silver in England: 500 Years of Change by Timothy Schroder June 7: AGM followed by Artists and Espionage: the Lawn Road Flats NW3: Modernist Living in mid-20th Century London by Deborah Lambert Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures are presented by national and international lecturers and start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised). Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space.

A £6 donation is asked.

For more information contact Wendy Robbins: 07736 417347 / info@orwelldfas.org.uk www.orwelldfas.org.uk

HOW A BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP COULD HELP YOU Wherever you are on your grieving journey, one of the East of England Co-op Funeral Services’ bereavement support groups could support you in coming to terms with your loss. Your local group offers a safe place to acknowledge your emotions with others who understand what you’re going through.

Experienced Bereavement Support Counsellor Rebecca Louis runs regular support groups in Suffolk. All groups are free and you are invited to attend as many sessions as you would like, for as long as you feel you need to.

The Woodbridge support group meets every third Thursday of the month, from 10am12pm at St Mary’s Church Centre on Market Hill. Every second and fourth Wednesday, from 1.30pm - 3.30pm, the Ipswich support group meets at the Co-op Education Centre on Fore Street.

We’re here for you, for as long as you need us If you’ve lost a loved one, our bereavement counsellors are here to help It’s the little things that count www.eastofengland.coop/bereavementsupport

Rebecca also works on a one-to-one basis, meeting people where they feel comfortable, whether that is in their own home or in a local café or quiet space.

As a local, independent business, the East of England Co-op only operate in the Eastern region and are owned directly by their members. Because they are the local Co-op, they work hard to support the community by helping local groups and initiatives as well as partnering with good causes and charities all year round.

For a friendly, informal chat about your local bereavement support groups in Woodbridge and Ipswich or to find out details of all East of England Coop bereavement support groups across Suffolk please contact Rebecca on 01473 231460 or email bereavementsupport@eastofengland.coop

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY

MARTLESHAM HARD OF HEARING GROUP

Our meeting on Friday, December 2 featured an illustrated talk by an old friend of the society. John ‘Smudge’ Smith was accompanied by his wife and they came all the way from Stevenage on a damp December evening.

The title of John’s fascinating talk was The History of Duxford, From its Inception to the Present Day. Duxford has an aviation history almost as old as our own here at Martlesham. We will be celebrating the centenary of the opening of an airfield at Martlesham in little more than one month from now (see MH100 on page 4) and Duxford has a prestigious history over a similar period of time. The original buildings at Duxford were built

by German prisoners of war.

An independent social group for people with any type of hearing loss.

Partners and hearing dogs welcome.

John talked also of RAF Fowlmere. This was also operational during the Great War, but was completely dismantled in the 1920s before coming to life again in the Second World War. Flt Lt Frank Whittle, who developed the jet engine, was studying at Cambridge and flew from Duxford in the pre-war years with the Cambridge University Air Squadron. RAF Duxford was, like Martlesham, one of 11 Group, the ring of airfields defending London in 1940 and Douglas Bader was also stationed at Duxford at this time.

John went on to talk of the United States Air Force presence in the second half of the Second World War and then on to the adoption of the airfield by the Imperial War Museum. A most interesting talk by someone who really knows his subject. A vote of thanks was given by our president, Mr Richard Barker.

Our next talk is on Friday, January 6 when we will be entertained by Nik Coleman. The subject is Plane Resurrection, Tailwheels and Tears – The Making of Series One. Nik directed the television series which is now showing throughout the world. Members of the audience will be given a website code to view the whole series for free.

Meetings are held in the community hall on Felixtowe Road and start at 7.30pm with a tea/coffee break. Non-members are welcome for a payment of just £4 at the door.

Alan Powell, 01473 622458

Our group meets on the first Thursday of the month at Martlesham Pavilion, 10.30am-noon. We charge £3.50 per session and frequently have a speaker. Last year we had everything from a local historian speaking to us about Prettys corset making in Ipswich to running a bed and breakfast in Colchester, as well as a lady who told us about her trip to Iceland (the country not the shop!).

We always have time to chat over coffee/tea and biscuits. We are very sociable and always welcome new people to the group. The pavilion has an excellent hearing loop and a lady voluntarily text types so even people with the most sever hearing loss don’t feel left out, something lots of people with hearing loss suffer. There is also free parking.

Why not give us a try – we would love to see you?

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, January 26, 7.30pm: Family Stories, Family Heirlooms, Family Black Sheep As on similar evenings in the past, members are invited reveal their favourite stories on one or more of these themes. If you have a tale to tell contact Howard on 01473 274300 who will help to set up your talk.

We will also try to help anyone with research so come along with details of your ‘brick walls’ and let’s see what we can achieve together.

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

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

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on January 17 when we welcome back the ever popular Mark Mitchels. Mark has a wide range of talks and this time will be telling us the moving story of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, an Aldeburgh girl who became a doctor, established a hospital and finally ended up as mayor of the town.

On February 21 Ben Cowell, formerly regional director of the East of England National Trust, will be talking about his first year as director general of the Historic Houses Association and the challenges that face historic houses in private ownership.

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

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

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IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 25, 7 for 7.30pm: The Railways of Durango and Germany, an illustrated talk by Graham Austin We meet at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich – entrance via rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.

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

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Members will display parts of their collections on January 18 and on February 1 we have a talk from Jeremy Gaskell entitled The British and Foreign Treaty Ports in China.

We have a trip to Stampex in London on February 15, an outing we arrange every year. There are often spare seats on the coach so if any collectors would like to join us then feel free to contact us on 01473 723863.

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Happy Birthday Lighthouse! Over 12 months many local organisations are arranging events to celebrate 40 years of Women’s Aid in Ipswich. We are now busy preparing our birthday present, a day at the university with key note speakers, stalls and displays. The focus will be on equality. How far have women come in the 40 years? What still remains to be achieved?

We hope to range from the abuse and discrimination experienced by the women whom Lighthouse and similar organisations support to a wider review of the barriers to progress in our whole society.

Please note the date: Friday, February 10. Full details will be advertised at the beginning of the new year with booking via Eventbrite.

We have just received greetings from our twin club in Arras including an invitation to visit them in the autumn. Our speaker on January 11 will update us on the work of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

If you would like to know more about our club or would like to visit us, please call Jackie: 01473 659314

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR 2017 RESOLUTION YET? Here’s a suggestion. Why not treat yourself to some new or nearly forgotten interests and hobbies, brilliant talks on a wide variety of subjects, new friends and social events. How do you do that? Easy – just join the University of the Third Age in East Suffolk U3A can help to brush up your talents with likeminded people and forget about the winter weather while looking forward to spring. You can find out about joining at www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or telephoning the secretary on 0300 123 3913.

Talks to celebrate the New Year include: Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall on Thursday, January 5, 10.30am: The History of St Audrey’s, Melton by David Phelan Saxmundham Market Hall on Thursday January 12, 2pm: So Climate Change is Real; what can we do about it? by John Midwinter Kesgrave Community Centre on Monday, January 30, 2pm: Dealing with Dementia by Jim Lowe Woodbridge Community Hall on Monday, February 6, 2.30pm: Felixstowe Ferry Men by John White Please put these dates in your diary. Visitors are welcome to attend one talk before applying to become a full member. The campus co-ordinator at each venue will be available to give further details of applying for membership on the day.

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LIONS’ CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT The turn of the year is always a time for reflection and looking back at 2016 a number of events come to mind: the torrential rain on the day of the Woodbridge Regatta, the brief but heavy shower on a very successful Martlesham Road Race, litter picking on Bawdsey beach and at Woodbridge Horse Show, the Christmas parcels project and all the fundraising that went to support it, several enjoyable social events and a number of charities supported, including: Home Start Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal Young Peoples Project, Home Farm Trust East Suffolk, Friends of Orwell Panthers (sending a team to the Special Olympics) and East Anglia Children’s Hospice.

The Little Dresses for Africa project really caught the imagination of a number of sewing groups. We are very grateful to them for all the beautifully decorated dresses, which will be sent on in the New Year in a consignment from the Lions’ Clubs of East Anglia. For anyone wishing for more details of this project, please visit: www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog If you would like to include dresses with those we send, please get in touch (details below) or contribute independently if you prefer.

Our thanks to everyone who supported us in 2016 and may we wish you all a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year.

For more about what we do or to get in touch please visit www.woodbridgelions.org.uk or call 0845 8332820.

CODING FOR CODGERS Come on Codgettes, don’t be shy. We regularly have four Codgers at present, but it doesn’t need to be an entirely male pastime.

Your children and/or grandchildren are learning coding at school, i.e. how to write computer programs. This group is for people who would like to try it themselves. No experience necessary as it’s just for fun.

We meet to play at programming and consume coffee and cake on Friday mornings in The Runway Café at Martlesham Heath. For details of the next meeting please visit: www.CodingForCodgers.co.uk So far we have written simple web pages and made the lights flash on a warning triangle (see website for pictures).

If you are interested, please contact me for further information.

Ken Odam, Ken@CodingForCodgers.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT WOOLLY WONDERS The knitters will be meeting on January 5 and 19 from 10am-noon at The Runway Cafe next to St Michael’s Church.

More details from Rachel: 01473 610437

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

Thursday, January 26: Iris Folding (Jill) Thursday, February 23: Decorated Notepad (Emma) There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members.

New members always welcome. For more details contact Jill (01473 713534) or Emma (01787 373850).

CAN YOGA BREATHING TECHNIQUES HELP WITH DEPRESSION? According to Mind, the mental health charity, one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year. As we continue to live busy lives and the pressure of work and home commitments increases, it is important to think about what we can do to help maintain ourselves in good mental and physical health.

A recent study in the United States showed that the regular practice of yoga breathing techniques can help to strengthen our ability to resist the pull of anxiety and pressure and help us to maintain our mental health.

See: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314310.php The key is to learn and practise rhythmic breathing exercises and to do them regularly. The breathing practice produces a calming effect on the nervous system and places the mind in a deeply restful state.

Hatha Yoga classes include breathing techniques as well as posture work and relaxation. If you would like to know more about yoga classes with Izzy Ixer and Angie Punaks in Melton and Martlesham Heath please contact Angie Punaks: angie@erik.punaks.waitrose.com / 01394 446054 / 07443 422263

CHRISTMAS AT DEBEN ROTARY The festive season at the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben got off to a rousing start on December 1 when the club held it’s annual Carol Concert and Supper at Woodbridge School. A capacity crowd were magnificently entertained by the Woodbridge School Chamber Choir and Martlesham Brass Band, and enthusiastically joined in the carol singing. Final figures are not available at the time of going to press, but the event raised a significant sum of money which will enable the club to go on supporting a range of local, national and international charities.

By the time you read this we will also have done our tours of Martlesham Heath with Santa’s sleigh and, as always, we thank the public for their generous support.

The next Memory Cafe will be at Woodbridge Football Club on Wednesday, January 25 at 10.30am. If you would like more information about the Memory Cafe or about Rotary in general please contact Rotarian Martin Kenyon: 01394 386933

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OUT & ABOUT THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Bertie Hirst, president of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge, together with Robin Wraite, the lead for District 1080 on Rotary Young Leadership Awards (RYLA), are pictured presenting Will Hicks, the club’s sponsored candidate for 2016, with his certificates.

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP

Eighteen-year-old Will gave members a very interesting and engaging presentation on all aspects of the course which is designed to bring young people together and inspire confidence in all aspects, which it truly has for Will. The course is both physically and mentally stimulating and gives participants leadership skills which they can take with them in any career that they choose.

Robin Nest by S Corley

KESGRAVE WI

The survey revealed that 70% of the tit boxes had been used as well as 50% of the robin boxes having been nested in. Overall this is an impressive 16% increase on last year’s box usage. The volunteer working party spent their morning clearing one of the tumuli.

Our December meeting had a real Christmas feel, the community centre looking warm and welcoming and WI members sporting a variety of Christmas jumpers and hats.

After quickly working through the business section of the meeting we started our Christmas celebrations with entertainment from a small group from The Kesgrave Singers led by Joan Keen. Well known songs, some from their recent very successful concert, carols and short, very amusing drama performance quickly got us in the festive mood.

Supper was a bring and share buffet accompanied by mulled wine, with much chattering with reminiscing of past times and plans for members own Christmas celebrations. We ended the evening with a good sing-along of more traditional songs and carols.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, January 5 at 7.15pm in Kesgrave Community Centre when we will play Bag Beetle, a modern take on an old favourite.

Visitors are very welcome to join us. For more information call our secretary, Di Chilver: 01473 611415

At the last meet-up on a beautiful autumn morning in November, the Nature Explorers checked and surveyed the woodlands’ 39 bird boxes. This largely involved climbing a ladder (this was only for the tit boxes as the robin and wren boxes are at ground level) and taking out the nest if there was one, which is then recorded. Any damages are also noted before putting the boxes back on the tree after giving them a new coat of paint if necessary.

Simple maintenance such as this prolongs the lifespan of the bird box greatly.

Autumn Portal Woods

by P Davies

Make your New Year’s resolution to volunteer with Portal Woodlands Conservation Group. Fresh air, exercise, learn something new and develop new skills as well as meeting new people and helping the local community. All ages and abilities are welcome to join us in improving the woodland for visitors and the wildlife. We meet for a couple of hours a month. Email us if you would like more information.

The PWCG wishes everyone a Happy New Year and we hope to see you in the woodlands come January.

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB

DATES FOR THE DIARY

We held our open meeting at Kesgrave Community Centre on Thursday, October 27. This was a complete success as it was a new venue for our club. Everybody who attended enjoyed the light and airy hall. The demonstration was excellent and enjoyed by all who attended.

Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided. All ages welcome; no need to book.

Volunteer Work Morning: Saturday, January 21, 10am-noon

Nature Explorers (11-18 year olds): Saturday, January 21, 9-11am

The club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew. Our demonstration starts at 7.15pm, but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales table and buy tickets for the displays created in the demonstration which are raffled at the close of the meeting.

Meet at the Education Area. Booking essential; please email: pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com

Our next meeting is on January 26 when Sandra Adcock, a new demonstrator from Martlesham, will present Tales of the River Bank.

For further information please contact pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com / 01473 612632 or visit: www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net

Annual subscriptions, due at the AGM in April, are £37. Visitors are always welcome at £4 per meeting.

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

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Nature Watch Club (5-11 year olds): Starts again in the spring New volunteers are always welcome, all ages and abilities.

Nature Explorer Sam Cork

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SCHOOLS MARTLESHAM & KESGRAVE PLAYSCHOOLS We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the very best for 2017.

Like many of you, we spent most of December preparing for Christmas.

The children and all the staff worked very hard in learning new songs and creating the most magical nativity story, which our audiences seemed to really enjoy and we thank them for coming along to watch.

2017 plans are now in the making and we start the new term with the introduction of a lunch club at both of our settings. So if staying all day is too much, children can enjoy a three-hour session and then an extra hour with a packed lunch before heading home.

We are also looking into how the government’s 30 hour plan will pan out. Children will be offered the opportunity of 30 hours of funded sessions instead of the current 15 hours. If this is something which will be beneficial to your family we would love to hear from you.

Our fundraising team have lots planned for the year ahead so please look out for further details. As a charity run organisation we really appreciate your support.

Should you and your two to five year old wish to look around you are very welcome. Contact us on the numbers below and any of our fantastic staff will be happy to help.

START THE NEW YEAR AT BRIGHT STARS Would you like a fun start to your week? Mondays aren’t always people’s favourite day, but if you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a cheerful start to your week we would love you to come along with your parents, grandparents and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars.

We meet at 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath.

Each session is full of fun children’s activities such as singing and Bible stories for children, crafts and games. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to chat and play until approximately noon.

Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to turn up on the day, but if you would like further information please contact us on the numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our session dates for the spring term are January 9 and 23, February 27 and March 13 and 27.

For further information please contact Jennie Fidler (07584 420729), Sonya and Maureen Burrows (01473 625196) or Sue Lambert (01473 624130).

Charlotte, play manager

THE SAPLINGS

Martlesham Playschool:

Welcome back after the Christmas and New Year festivities. We hope you all had a wonderful time and can’t wait to hear all your stories.

Gorseland School, Deben Avenue, Martlesham IP5 3QR / 01473 625986 Kesgrave Playschool: Millennium Jubilee Hall, Millennium Way, Kesgrave IP5 2EN / 07746 907060 Email: mplayschool@btinternet.com

This month we will be celebrating Chinese New Year. Our pre-schoolers will be busy making lanterns, lucky money envelopes and tasting Chinese food. Amy will be helping after school clubbers make dragons and shadow puppets.

We are now taking bookings for our February half term holiday club (February 13-17), where our holiday clubbers can enjoy cooking and crafting activities and much more.

CALLING ALL MUMS… Martlesham Mums’ Club meets for their first meeting of the New Year on Tuesday, January 10 at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath between 12.45 and 2.30pm. All mums, grans and carers with babies and toddlers are invited to our ‘Chomp and Chat’ – enjoy lunch then chat with your friends while your children play. Why not bring a friend?

The Mums’ Club is a group of mums who meet together once a month. Meetings start with a sandwich, cake and fruit lunch which is provided for a donation of £2 per adult. Lunch is then followed by an activity or interesting speaker.

The Drink and Dribbles Baby Cafe will be open at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath between 10am and noon on Thursdays, January 5 and 19 for mums and carers of young children. We provide refreshments, friendship and toys. Drop in or stay awhile.

For more details of Mums’ Club and Baby Cafe please feel free to ring Sue on 01473 624130.

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We currently have vacancies in all our rooms, including spaces for funded two and three year olds. Don’t forget your child’s funded sessions can be used across our opening hours and ‘stretched’ across holiday club too.

The Saplings is open Monday-Friday from 7.30am-6pm for children aged three months to 11 years. We offer term-time and year-round care, with a baby room, pre-school, breakfast club, after school club and holiday club sessions and a ‘walking bus’ to Birchwood Primary School.

FACILITIES FOR HIRE AT GORSELAND SCHOOL Gorseland School is fortunate to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), a large Astroturf pitch, a playground and a large indoor hall. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on week day evenings and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee. The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, sporting groups, Scout and Guiding groups, fitness classes and other one off events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed. Parking is available on site. For further information or to make a booking please contact the school office: office@gorseland.net / 01473 623790

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SPORT KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE NEWS Firstly, an amendment to last month’s article.

The club does not have a Twitter account - it’s an Instagram account and can be found at northgateassociatedkarateclubs

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL In November there was a record entry at the Suffolk six-a-side series held at Maidenhall Sports Centre, with seven teams in each of Division 1 and Division 2. Diss II and Suffolk University both entered teams for the first time in Division 2 as well as Ipswich Ravens Women, showing how this popular sport is growing in our region.

On to more important things however. Well done to everyone who attended the Belgian Open in mid-November. Competitors all gained from their experience, with Ruby Hunt the standout performer, taking gold in her first international competition. Thank you to all the parents and drivers for their support and organisation. It was good to make friends with a Belgian club and open communication on a possible clubtraining event. Sensei Chris Stott said: “I always learn something from attending bigger events, about our competitors, about the current standard and about our own training methods. I hope everyone can learn from the weekend and progress their performances in the future.”

The Northgate and Kesgrave team in Belgium were Georgie Lawson, Natasha Howard, Oscar Hunt and Ruby Hunt.

In Division 1 the Ravens continued our improvement from last month with a solid performance. Three wins and one defeat left us in a creditable third place out of the seven teams. Captain Chris Giles said: “Our performance was much improved from last month. We really earned our three wins with some sublime hitting from chief hitter Ugis, backed up by good all round teamwork.”

DIV 1 RESULTS: Ipswich Ravens 21-17 Diss Ipswich Ravens 21-17 Stowmarket II Ipswich Ravens 21-13 Bury Stowmarket III 21-14 Ipswich Ravens In Division 2 we entered a team which would have been all women had it not been for a small injury to one of our ladies. We were delighted to be able to field a ladies team at this level for the first time, showing a good return on the efforts we have been putting into developing our women, many of whom were complete beginners only a year ago.

Although we lost all our games to finish sixth out of seven teams, we grew in confidence as the tournament went on.

In other news, Georgina Lawson, currently a member of the England Karate team, a six times consecutive English champion and three times British gold medalist, has been selected to represent England at the next European Cadet, Junior and U21 Karate Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria in February 2017. Karate is a self-funded sport and she relies heavily on her parents to support her financially to enable her to train and travel to attend competitions both abroad and in the UK. She is hoping to raise money to help get to the European Championships in February and fulfill a lifelong dream and goal of becoming European champion.

If you would like to support Georgina in achieving her goal, any donations, whatever value, will be greatly appreciated. Please go to: www.gofundme.com/help-georgina-get-to-the-Europeans Finally, at the end of November, the mayor of Ipswich visited the club and was presented with a plaque commemorating the Arras 2016 visit.

It was a great honour to have him visit and Sensei Bill Williams is grateful to all the demonstrators and organisers who helped to make the morning such a success.

Eleanor Legg

DIV 2 RESULTS Ravens Women 11-21 Stingers Stow Aces 21-11 Ravens Women Suffolk Univ 21-17 Ravens Women Ravens Women 19-21 Diss II Ipswich Ravens hold club practice sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. Qualified coaches run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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ON THE GRAPEVINE WILL MONTH IN SUPPORT OF THE MACMILLAN MAMMOTH QUIZ SUFFOLK AGE UK The Macmillan Mammoth Quiz is back, now Did you know that two thirds of the UK population do not have a will?

Whatever your age, making your will is a vital part of planning for your family’s future and ensuring that when the time comes, your family are supported and comforted by the fact that your wishes are being carried out.

Throughout February, Suffolk Age UK have partnered with 12 Suffolkbased solicitors, offering a will making service with the fee being donated to Suffolk Age UK. Each solicitor will have a fixed charge for their will making service, that is a lower price than their usual fee, and the full amount will be donated to the local charity, making a huge difference to supporting local older people with vital services.

Solicitors taking part in this year scheme are from all across the county, and include Atkins Thomson, Blocks Legal, Christchurch Solicitors, Fosters, Goodwin Cowley, Gotelee, Gross & Co, Haywards, Jackamans, Michael Smith & Co, Norton Peskett and Watkins Stewart & Ross.

The scheme will launch in January 2017 with appointments available to book throughout February. For full details about the scheme and how to take part call 01473 359911 or visit: www.ageuksuffolk.org If you would like to find out more about how you can support Suffolk Age UK, or about the services that the charity provides, visit: www.ageuk.org/ suffolk or call 01473 359911

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in its ninth year with a brand new, brainteasing quiz for 2017. The Mammoth Quiz is Macmillan’s nationwide quiz. Simply put, it is the same quiz, being held on the same day, at the same time, throughout the country.

The mammoth quiz even holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest simultaneous quiz. We need you to help make the 2017 Macmillan Quiz the biggest and best yet.

Macmillan are looking for local groups and businesses across the UK to host a quiz on February 24 to raise vital funds for people affected by cancer. It’s a really fun and easy way to raise money for Macmillan, and you can hold your quiz anywhere from the local pub or bowling club to the office or school.

It’s free to sign up to host a Mammoth Quiz. You will then be sent a welcome pack with your quiz and fundraising materials. All that is left for you to do is book a venue and sell tickets. There is also the Macmillan Mammoth Quiz website –www.macmillan.org.uk/mammoth – where you will find tips for organising your quiz, posters and tickets, a bit of information about Macmillan and even some sneaky samples.

To register for your 2017 quiz pack, find out more about the Mammoth Quiz and start downloading sample questions and fundraising materials, please log on to www.macmillan.org.uk/mammoth or email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK YOUTH OFFENDING SERVICE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD Suffolk Youth Offending Service (SYOS) has been awarded an Evidence Based Practice Award for their Enhanced Triage programme at this year’s National Youth Justice Convention.

The award ceremony, hosted on November 29 by the Youth Justice Board, recognises and promotes effective practice in working with young people. The award comes in recognition of the youth triage and diversion programme which was piloted in Suffolk in 2015.

Youth Offending Officer, Vicki Grice

SYOS delivered the programme in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary to divert young offenders (aged between 10 and 18) away from the youth justice system, whilst also delivering interventions to address the underlying causes of their offending.

The joint approach allows young people and their families to be visited at home within 48 hours of a referral being made, meaning that a decision and appropriate work with the family could begin very quickly after the initial police contact.

The aims of Suffolk’s triage and diversion programme are: • To reduce the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system • To reduce re-offending rates • Provide earlier and more effective engagement with victims and increased levels of victim satisfaction • Avoid additional cost to the youth justice system Young people diverted as part of the programme do not receive a formal outcome for the offence committed (for example a caution or court outcome), but instead voluntarily engage with a planned programme to address their offending.

This work often includes support for parents and access to a variety of other services to ensure that the young person is receiving the available support, such as education or training and appropriate health services.

In 2016 SYOS achieved the Restorative Service Quality Mark from the Restorative Justice Council, an independent assessment that the service delivers safe and effective restorative justice practice.

Analysis of the pilot carried out by the Centre for Justice Innovation,

evidenced that over six months, in the north of the county, there was a net benefit of 57k.

Councillor Gordon Jones, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I am thrilled that Suffolk Youth Offending Service has received this award in recognition of their stellar work with the youth triage and diversion programme. Working in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary has meant that SYOS and police officers have been able to make joint decisions about the best outcomes for the young people they work with. This has ultimately sped up the process, allowing young people to be referred and assessed much quicker than before.

“Since 2013/14 Suffolk has seen an almost continuous reduction in the number of young people entering the youth justice system for the first time. We have seen a 28% reduction over the last year and Suffolk has consistently achieved a lower rate than the national average.

“We are confident that this figure will continue to drop, following the success of this partnership.”

Sergeant Darren Oxbrow who leads the project at Suffolk Police, said: “I am delighted that the work of youth triage and diversion programme has been recognised by the Youth Justice Board. Our work with the Youth Offending Service has enabled us to provide outcomes that are more dynamic and effective when dealing with young people who are involved in low level crime.

“Early intervention is often the key in stopping lives spiralling in the wrong direction. Understanding that children and young people can make mistakes but that this needn’t blight their future opportunities is central to this project. We are mindful that any interventions are proportionate and appropriate to the crime.

“By giving young people the opportunity to choose again, to make better supported choices, future re-offending really can be prevented, enabling young people to continue to pursue their goals and aspirations.

The programme offers better outcomes for the suspect, improves victim satisfaction and ultimately reduces re-offending. Something we should all be proud of.”

More information about the work that SYOS do and details of who to contact if you have concerns about a young person’s behaviour or risk can be found at: www.suffolkyos.co.uk

SAVE TIME AND MONEY WHEN BUYING YOUR HEATING OIL If you are one of over 46,000 households in Suffolk which is off the mains gas network, you could be saving money on your oil heating bill thanks to a local social enterprise.

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) runs a community buying scheme which has purchased over 2.1 million litres of oil in the last year. In this time, households saved an average of £60, higher volume users such as community groups have saved £100 and rural businesses have saved £321.

Despite recent record falls in oil prices, the scheme’s members have still made a collective saving of over £70,000 in the past year, as heating oil is purchased in bulk.

Oil deliveries are then planned to provide an environmental benefit, with one oil tanker making a single trip to several members, rather than numerous single trips to the same area. Not only is the tanker’s fuel consumption is reduced, but so is the heavy traffic through rural villages.

Natalie Lomas, resources officer at CAS, said: “Our members simply like the low prices that we get for them. Since the scheme started, our prices have been consistently lower than the average prices our members would have paid independently.

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“Members also appreciate the ease of the scheme, as they do not have the hassle of phoning around suppliers for quotes. We take orders from our members across Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire and place bulk orders twice a month. We can also organise individual orders for members who miss a deadline, or find that they are running short.”

Members are not required to place orders online in order to benefit from savings, as is often the way with similar schemes. This is one way in which the scheme prides itself with customer service. One regular customer recently commented: “Once again I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your colleagues for organising and providing this service, which continues to offer significant savings on heating oil purchases as well as proving to be very efficient in its operation and delivery, thank you.”

As well as heating oil, the scheme also supplies members with Fuel Additive, Red Diesel, Gas Oil and LPG. Membership starts from just £20 per year and members have the option of placing orders via the website, by email, post or telephone.

To become a member or for more information visit www.community buying.org.uk or call 01473 345355 for a membership pack to be sent to you.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS

QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb

Kate from Woodbridge writes: “I am a trustee to a life insurance policy taken out by my parents. The other trustee is the financial adviser who sold the policy to my parents. His company has recently gone into liquidation, he has disappeared and I understand that he is being sought by the police in regard to an investment fraud. I am obviously concerned about him being a trustee. Is there any way he can be removed and replaced?”

The short answer is yes. Under section 36 of the Trustee Act 1925, as a trustee, you can replace other trustees in certain circumstances.

These include: • If a trustee dies • If a trustee wishes to be discharged • If a trustee remains outside of the UK for more than 12 months • If a trustee refuses to act • If a trustee is unfit to act, i.e. if they are bankrupt It could clearly be argued in this case that the other trustee is ‘unfit to act’ and you should therefore write to the insurance company to explain the position and ask them to send you a deed of revocation and appointment of new trustees. If they do not have a pre-drafted form, a solicitor should be able to prepare the deed for you.

Charles from Great Blakenham asks: “I recently applied for an insurance policy so that my family would have a lump sum if I died. I have received a letter from the insurance company telling me that following underwriting the premium has been increased from £29 per month to £48 per month on medical grounds. My bank, who arranged the policy for me, has refused to tell me why.

How can I find out?”

In reality Charles, your bank are not hiding anything from you.

They simply cannot tell you why you have been rated as medical information is confidential and your bank are not told the reasons for the rating by the insurance company. The insurance company can only discuss this with you personally or with your doctor, with whom they would have corresponded to obtain medical information, with your consent of course.

LOOKING BACK / LOOKING AHEAD For me New Year’s Eve is always a day of wonder. I wonder how I survived last year. I wonder why things happened as they did. Or more importantly, I wonder what this next year will bring.

I have heard it said that if we don’t make choices about the direction of our lives, we are always going to be reacting to what others do. While at times this can be to our benefit, it can also leave us feeling undervalued and used, and we then try to make ourselves feel good by blaming others for our misery. We blame our spouses or significant others, our parents, our bosses, the economy, the world situation, Elvis, or whatever person or phenomenon we have encountered. And the sad thing is, nothing ever changes.

So what’s wrong in your life? What’s missing? What mistakes have you made that need fixing? What is left undone? As you ask these questions, notice how easy it is to blame others for the holes in our lives.

What do we do? Looking at the range of solutions offered by television adverts, it seems that everything would be better in life if only we had a certain product. Better cakes perhaps. Although even adverts are starting to admit this isn’t true (it’s all lies, they aren’t even square). But is that the solution? Follow the crowd again, maybe buy or eat something to push the pain or discomfort away? Blame is a good mellowing agent, whether it’s directed at others or ourselves. It diffuses the issues enough that we are soon mellowed into an uncomfortable inactive state.

Living with God offers another way. Look realistically at your life (don’t just accept the view that others put on you, but get rid of what you know to be wrong in your lives – see Colossians 3: 1-4), accept the forgiveness that is offered you in Jesus (this releases us from being controlled by guilt and self-blame – see John 3: 1418), forgive others (this releases us from the power that blaming others to excuse our problems has over us – see Ephesians 4:3132), ask God for guidance and power to live out your faith, and begin to move out in new or better directions. Cut the strings, break the chains, find joy and peace in Jesus as you serve him and his people.

I pray that you will have a blessed and happy New Year.

The Reverend Toby Tate toby@martleshamcofe.org.uk

Give the insurance company a call to ask why you have been rated. If they will not discuss their decision over the phone, write to their chief underwriter. They must reply to your written request for information. You may also wish to speak to your doctor to find out what information was provided to the insurance company.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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