In Touch News with Kesgrave, January 2019

In Touch

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with Kesgrave & Rushmere

Volume 9 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2019

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Kesgrave on Ice, p4

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently I spent time with an friend who is caring for her elderly dad. Sarah is exhausted, sad, stressed and worried, worn out from sleeping on chairs next to her dad’s hospital bed. She talked about the ongoing struggle to get the support they both need, the ever-changing nature of her dad’s condition and her fears for the future, but also of the people she calls ‘Angels’ who she has encountered along this difficult journey.

These ‘Angels’ are few in number, but they stand out because they are so remarkable. One she particularly remembers is Sam. He operates the overnight tea trolley in A&E at their local hospital. A&E is never a pleasant place to be, particularly so at 3am, but when Sam arrived, pushing his tea trolley quietly so as not to disturb or agitate patients, my friend was amazed by his smile and the gentle manner in which he approached people. She watched him make his away around the room and was astonished by the effect he had. People returned his smile, grateful to have a hot drink and to chat for a moment to someone who actually looked happy to be there.

As he approached, my friend prepared herself to speak for her dad, but Sam spoke directly to him. He said: “I have a cup of tea for you and something tells me you’d like it with sugar.” Her dad hadn’t said a word for hours, but to Sarah’s surprise he replied and he and Sam had a brief chat. When Sam departed with a smile and a wave, Sarah’s dad continued to chat into the morning. This one brief encounter had lifted his spirits and for a short time Sarah and her dad chatted about all and sundry. For this Sarah will forever be grateful to the ‘Angel’ with the tea trolley.

I share this story because it has had such an impact on me. I have never been, and will never be, an ‘Angel’. I try to be positive, I really do, but it doesn’t come to me naturally. If I had to push a tea trolley around A&E at 3am I’d be more likely to leave a trail of despair. I dread to think what my work colleagues might have to say!

When I’m feeling sorry for myself I think of Sam and my friend’s tears as she recalled her all to brief encounter with him. January is a difficult month for many people for many different reasons. Do you have the capacity to be an ‘Angel’ in someone’s life for a brief moment? I hope I do!

InTouch

with Kesgrave & Rushmere

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

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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.

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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 Kesgrave & Rushmere is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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NEWS

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE THE LOCAL RECORDER FOR KESGRAVE? Suffolk Local History Council runs a Local Records Scheme throughout Suffolk. We administer a network of volunteers to ensure that the ‘present’ is adequately recorded at local level for the ‘future’.

A recorder will note significant happenings in their parish and collect their local parish magazines, leaflets, election pamphlets and newspaper cuttings. At the end of each year, they are asked to submit a short report summarising the activities of their parish. The reports are deposited at Suffolk Record Office and available to future researchers together with the collected items.

If you are interested, please look at the recorder’s pack at: www.slhc.org.uk You don’t need to be a historian; you don’t need any qualifications other than an interest in your parish. In return you will receive a copy of the SLHC newsletter and be invited to the annual conference specifically for local recorders. To volunteer to help in this important work, please contact: recorders@slhc.org.uk

LOCAL QUIZ NIGHT RAISES OVER £2,600 Regarded as one of the region’s biggest quiz events, a local family run hearing care company held their bi-annual quiz night which managed to raise an incredible amount for charity.

The Hearing Care Centre hosted their sixteenth quiz fundraiser in Kesgrave on Sunday, November 25. Presented by local entrepreneur Steve Flory, the evening was supported by 200 guests who enjoyed nine rounds of tough trivia, with five teams taking home cash prizes. The event sold out in less than a week which just goes to show its popularity.

Thanks to generous support from local businesses, ticket sales and a bumper raffle, in excess of £1,600 was raised on the night. This was then boosted with an extra £1,000 from the team at Barclays in Ipswich, taking the total to over £2,600.

This event was all in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a charity close to the hearts of The Hearing Care Centre. Karen Finch, Managing Director and founder of The Hearing Care Centre, expressed: “Hearing Dogs give many deaf people confidence, independence and companionship. I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who helped us support this great charity.”

She also commented: “We are exceptionally grateful to have received an extra £1,000 towards our final total from the kind team at Barclays. This incredible total brings us extremely close to our goal.”

SOUND ON – IPSWICH & DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPER We are in need of more volunteers to run this vital service to keep people with sight loss in touch with their community.

FEBRUARY DEADLINE

Do you have a couple of hours free on a Thursday once every six or seven weeks? There are a variety of jobs involved in the production of the weekly news such as packing, unpacking and sorting address labels, reading, editing and recording the news to go out to more than 300 listeners on memory sticks delivered free by Royal Mail.

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

We are based in the centre of Ipswich. If you think you can help please contact Pam Pelling on 01473 684601 for more details. Your help would be welcome and much appreciated.

10 JANUARY 2019

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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NEWS KESGRAVE TOWN COUNCIL

MARTLESHAM SURGERY

Happy New Year everyone!

Kesgrave on Ice saw just under 600 people of all ages and abilities have a go at this very popular community event which was funded by the town council and with thanks to County Councillor Stu Lawson’s Community Enabling Budget and Spark (Sport and Recreation Kesgrave).

Practice & Patient Group News If you have attended the recent flu vaccination clinics at the surgery, you will be aware that the Martlesham Practice & Patient Group (PPG) has been looking for more volunteers. We are most grateful to the two new patients who have decided to join our group. If you would like to find out more about this yourself, please do get in touch by sending your contact details to Lynne Marsh at the surgery (marked PPG) or email the chair of the PPG at MartPPG@gmx.com. It would be really good to have someone on our group with a young family.

The next Kesgrave Market is on January 19, 9am-12.30pm.

We now have our own tab on the surgery website at: www.MHdoctors.co.uk

We look forward to keeping you up-to-date with forthcoming events for 2019, Kesgrave Fun Day and senior citizens outing and much more. Keep an eye out in the In Touch magazine and posters around the town.

We are in the process of updating the information on these pages, including copies of our newsletters and how to contact us. Of course, there’s lots of other useful information on the website, so if you haven’t seen it, please do check it out.

It was a busy December for Kesgrave. The Christmas tree light switch-on in Rupert Fison Square was well attended and many people visited the Scout Fair and came to listen to the choir before the lights were switched on.

01473 625179 / enquiry@kesgravetowncouncil.org.uk

CORRECTION: Unfortunately, in the news article published in the December edition, Dr Lelijveld’s name was spelt incorrectly. Apologies to him and his family.

Office Opening Days and Hours Monday: 9am-1pm Tuesday: 9am-1pm Wednesday: 9am-3pm Thursday: Not open Friday: 9am-1pm

We wish all patients and staff at the surgery a very happy and healthy 2019.

YOUR LOCAL COUNTRY MARKET

The Battle’s Over Beacon Lighting Community Event We raised £205.68 for Help for Heroes at the Beacon Lighting community event on November 11. A big thank you to everyone who contributed.

Now that the event is over the parish council will be busy making plans on the legacy this event leaves us with. Among other things, in the spring 100 plants will be dug into the playing field at Broke Hall Community Primary School by Year 6 pupils, forming a hedgerow where wildlife can thrive. Each plant represents a year of the 100 years since the end of the First World War. A plaque will then be dedicated as a lasting reminder.

Remember photographs of the event are on the Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council website: www.rushmerestandrew.onesuffolk.net Renaming the Parish Newsletter It is time to decide on a new name for the Rushmere St Andrew parish newsletter. We have received some ideas already, but would love to have some more. So, don’t be shy and please feel free to think ‘outside the box’.

Send your ideas to the assistant parish clerk.

The next edition of the parish newsletter will be in full colour, so we are very excited about planning the next issue. If there are any articles or photographs you think may be of interest, please contact the assistant clerk.

Brighten the new year’s early-darkening days with tasty delights fresh from the kitchens of our clever cooks; our market is open as usual from Tuesday, January 8 so there’s no excuse to deprive yourself any longer. If it’s comfort food you’re missing, our brilliant bakers have the answer with mouthwateringly good cakes and biscuits as well as quintessential quiches and appetising savoury dishes. Browse locally clucked hens’ eggs and beatific honey, piquant preserves, fruity jams to remind you of lazy summer days while you make toast in front of the fire.

Our crafters (not elves) have regrouped and restocked, having busied themselves over the break. There are gloves and scarves and hand-knitted and crocheted accessories to cheer and warm you and your family, woolly jumpers for all the family. Commissions can be taken.

We can also bake sweet and savoury for your special dietary requirements: just ask our cooks. If you are unable to come along in person, why not phone up and discuss your order? And if you would like to make your own hobby pay, we are looking for more cooks and crafters to join the team: pop along to find out more or give Margaret Gayfer a call on 01473 623849.

Resolve to find our promised warm welcome at the Country Market in Martlesham Heath Pavilion every Tuesday morning from 9-11.15am. Enjoy a cuppa after some productive browsing. We have a card payment system now so it couldn’t be easier to buy nice locally made things.

Thank you for your support over the past year! We look forward to meeting you again soon.

SPRINGFIELD FOLLIES PANTO, THE SECRET PRINCESS

Rushmere Village Pond (Smugglers Pond) We are in the process of designing an information board which will be installed at the pond near Chestnut Close.

Springfield Follies are proud to present their 2019 panto, The Secret Princess, with lots of singing, dancing and fun for all ages.

If anyone has any information and/or photographs relating to the history of the pond, please could you get in touch with the assistant parish clerk, Sarah Jenkins: sarah.jenkins@rushmere-st-andrew.org.uk

Early Bird Special: all tickets for the 2.30pm matinee on Saturday, January 26 are £5 if bought in advance.

Happy New Year from Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council

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Performances take place at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.30pm on Saturday, January 26, Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2 with matinees at 2.30pm on both Saturdays.

Tickets (child £6, adult £10, family £28) are available on our new hotline number, 07780 344247, at www.springfieldfollies.org or from the 2nd Stop Charity Shop on Ropes Drive.

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NEWS IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET This New Year, we want to welcome you!

Would you like to shop local in 2019? Eat better quality homemade food?

Maybe you want to get out more or get more involved with your local community, or start selling your handmade crafts, baking or surplus garden produce.

You can do all of those things at Ipswich Country Market cooperative, and we would love to welcome you into our community.

Make us part of your routine and enjoy good company, great food and produce, or maybe find an outlet for your home grown, cooked or crafted items. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit, so you have nothing to lose by checking us out!

Our first market in January is on Thursday 10, when we will also have bacon rolls on offer!

We are open from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. We have plenty of free parking and home baked refreshments, so you can try before you buy!

You can find out more about our market on our Facebook page (Ipswich Country Market) or: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

We would like to thank everyone who supported our Christmas shopping evening in November, the sponsors, the stallholders, the therapists, everyone who attended and bought tickets, the wonderful Pip Duffy for serenading the shoppers and to all the staff and volunteers who helped out on the night.

You have all helped to raise an amazing £1,748.49 for the community centre and the Parents & Friends Committee of Cedarwood Primary School. This is a great community event; get the date in your diaries for this year, Friday, November 22.

HEALTH & FITNESS

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Join us ar St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact: Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406

Pictures by Fi’s Fab Photos

A New Year, A New You! We offer bite sized weekly exercise classes for just £2.50 per person. The Commit to Get Fit sessions on Wednesdays (term-time only) from 9.159.45am are just 30 minutes and aimed at improving your fitness and toning your body. £30 for six weeks payable in advance at the first lesson.

Active Adults Monday from 9-11am and Friday from 9.30-11.30am, designed to improve health and well-being. Participate in a one hour low level instructor led session of physical activity, with an opportunity to socialise before and afterwards. Just £3 per session including tea and coffee.

For more information or to book your place on any of the KWMCC health and fitness activities, please contact: cheryl@kwmcc.co.uk

®

Another year has flown by...

Where has the time gone?

New Tai Chi Sessions Also called tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th century China, tai chi is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise. Friday mornings in the Bowls Pavilion from 11.15am-12.15pm, with new sessions available from the end of February/beginning of March. For more information or to book please email Marion at: fitforliving2007@aol.com

Everyone at Cherry Kitchen Makeovers hopes that you had a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you would like further information on KWMCC activities and events or to book a function room, please contact the centre on 01473 612648 or visit: www.kwmcc.co.uk

Kitchen Makeovers S O U T H

E A S T

Invitation

MARTLESHAM BRASS

We are pleased to invite you all to our showroom open day on the 12th January.

There will be plenty of tea, cakes and of course bottles of bubbly for everyone to enjoy whilst looking at the new kitchen ranges we have to offer. We are offering an extra 5% off our existing 25% sale on all furniture, to everyone who attends.

CONTACT US ON

01206 615858 www.cherry-kitchens.co.uk

Making music fun in East Anglia Everyone in Martlesham Brass would like to wish you a Happy New Year!

A very big thank you to all who supported us over the Christmas season by donating towards our chosen charities: The Stroke Association, Tiffers Bus Shelter and Martlesham Community Responders. In next month’s article we will report the final amount raised.

Our main band is performing in a joint concert, Ceremony of Carols, with the Gippeswyk Singers on Sunday, January 6. See page 9 for details.

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

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY NEWS The following craft activities will take place during January:

NEW GROUPS BEGINNING IN JANUARY

Sunday 6: Pop along and design a photo frame for that special picture you took over Christmas. Don’t forget to bring the photo along with you!

Sofa Storytime: 10-11am on the second Monday from Monday 14. Do you enjoy sharing stories? These sessions are designed for parents and carers to pop along to read a variety of books and afterwards allow children to interact and play while you have a coffee and a chat. This month’s theme is Winnie the Pooh and Friends.

Sunday 13: Did you know that a peg can make a great bookmark? Create a peg insect bookmark. What insect will yours be?

Sunday 21: Make a 3D crocodile using lolly stocks and pipe cleaners to sit on your shelf at home.

Sunday 28: Design a fan for those warm days that will hopefully be with us in the spring!

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

Free BookStart Sessions every Thursday Tot Rock: 9.45-10.15am / BabyBounce: 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions every Friday in term time, 9.45-10.15am This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome.

OTHER EVENTS FOR JANUARY Lego Club: Every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm.

Parents must stay with under-eights. No need to book. Just pop along, this is a free activity. The themes this month are: Tuesday 8: Monsters; Tuesday 15: Bugs; Tuesday 22: Dragons; Tuesday 29: Creatures from Harry Potter.

Knit and Natter: Wednesday 2 & 9, 2.30pm. Just £1 with tea/coffee provided. Welcome to all new members.

Thursday 3: Afternoon Book Group, 2.45pm. Currently reading All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

Thursday 17: Evening Book Group, 7pm. Currently reading Exposure by Helen Dunmore.

If you are interested in joining any of the groups, please ring or speak to a member of staff

LEARN TO DANCE ARGENTINE TANGO

IT Drop-in Sessions: 9.30am-noon on the third Monday from Monday 21.

Are you having problems getting your CV sorted or do you need some help with setting up an email address to be able to apply for jobs online?

Just pop along and speak to the staff.

MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee Mornings: 10am on the fourth Monday from January 28. A group for those suffering with cancer and their carers, an opportunity to meet others, chat and offer each other support. Leaflets offering advice will be available. Coffee, tea and biscuits will also be provided.

Do you like reading? Why not make your New Year’s resolution to join Kesgrave Library? All you need to join is something with your name and address on and staff can sign you up straight away. The library not only has books but also DVDs and CDs for hire and audio books and an e-library which includes audio e-books, e-books, magazines, music and newspapers – all free of charge.

Used Stamps and Old Coins. Don’t forget you can drop off all your used stamps and any old coins at the library. These are collected in aid of St Elizabeth’s Hospice. Just hand items in to the staff.

01473 626103 / www.suffolklibraries.co.uk NORMAL OPENING TIMES Monday: 9am-noon Tuesday: 9am-noon, 2.30-5pm Wednesday: 2.30-6pm Thursday: 2.30-8pm Friday: 9am-noon & 2.30-6pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-3pm

CEREMONY OF CAROLS

Starting on Monday, January 7, Richard and Mandy from Suffolk Tango are offering the chance to learn the elegant, evocative social dance of Argentine Tango.

Gippeswyk Singers are welcoming in the New Year with special guests Martlesham Brass in a concert at St Michael & All Angels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Sunday, January 6 at 7.30pm.

The five-week introductory course aims to provide a solid foundation in the key elements of Argentine Tango in an enjoyable sociable environment. It concentrates on how to lead and follow the fundamental steps of Argentine Tango. The dance is improvised to the music so there are no long sequences to learn.

Enjoy an uplifting evening of beautiful music including Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Brian Latchem’s An Abundance of Blessings conducted by Gippeswyk Singers’ inspirational musical director Geoff Lavery and accompanied by the talented young professional harpist, Anna Wynne. Martlesham Brass will perform on their own as well as joining the singers for a wonderful medley from The Sound of Music which will have the whole audience singing along!

Our current dancers are of all ages, some coming with a background of ballroom, salsa or modern jive, but many have never attended dance classes before. Once you try Argentine Tango you will soon get hooked and an exciting range of dancing opportunities near and far opens up. After this course you will be able to progress into our structured courses for improvers and intermediates.

Prior booking is essential, but there is no need to book with a partner as we will offer places as and when we can match followers and leaders. What is more, we always rotate partners during the class to speed the learning process and to make the evening more fun. Held at The Richards Room, Martlesham Community Centre from 7.30 to 10pm on Mondays from January 7, the cost is just £40 per person for the five-week course.

You can apply via the online form at www.suffolktango.org.uk, or contact: Mandy@suffolktango.org.uk / 07766 694618

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Tickets £5 at the door and in advance from choir members or: paulgalley@btinternet.com Gippeswyk Singers are supporting local charities FIND (Families in Need/ Food Bank Ipswich) and ICSRE (Suffolk Law Centre).

2019 Spring Concert Update Tickets for Verdi’s Requiem, a special collaboration between Gippeswyk Singers, Beccles Choral Society, Phoenix Singers, Lambeth Orchestra and four outstanding international soloists at Snape Maltings on May 11, are already selling well. Conducted by Geoff Lavery, the massed chorus and full orchestra will have over 250 musicians. Tickets (£25, £20, £15) are available from members of all three choirs, cherylcoutts468@btinternet.com or Snape Box Office: 01728 687110 www.gippeswyksingers.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Monday, March 11: A New View Down the River Deben Valley – Prehistoric, Roman and Saxon Archaeology along the East Anglia One Cable Route by archaeologist Andy Peachey Andy is an archaeologist who has been working across East Anglia for the last 15 years and over the last two years on a major project, the East Anglia One cable route. This is a corridor excavated along the Deben Valley, through the northern part of Martlesham, before passing over Ipswich to connect the new wind farm to the National Grid.

He will talk about the amazing finds discovered during work for these wind farm cables. Earlier last year there was a lot in the press about the interesting and unexpected things unearthed by archaeologists, especially on a site close to Martlesham. These included an exciting array of new settlement evidence, including Roman and Saxon buildings, and an exceptional prehistoric monument, trackway and artefacts that may coincide with the earliest settlements and agriculture in the region approximately 4,000 years BC. This fascinating talk will be on Monday, March 11, 7.30pm at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. The venue is fully accessible with adjacent free parking. Light refreshments will be available.

Further information about this event and the music fund please contact the Burrows family on 01473 625196 or visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.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 where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on January 15 when Mark Mitchels, arguably our most popular speaker, will be talking about the River Deben. Rivers were the old highways of England and along their banks stood the towns and villages which form the earliest settlements in our history. Mark will be taking us on a trip along one off the country’s most beautiful rivers, a journey through history showing how the landscape changed to support the needs of the people.

On February 19 Marcia Whiting will speak on the life and works of Alfred Munnings.

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

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

MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday, January 4, 7.30pm: Hitler’s Aircraft by John Pyle John Pyle looks at Hitler’s later, advanced aircraft; fighters and bombers, the rocket fighter which actually saw service and others which were only prototypes, including the Amerika bomber, and some amazing designs which only got to the drawing board though the concepts used still influence military aircraft designs.

We meet at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road.

Admission on arrival is £3 for members and £4 non-members.

01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk

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KESGRAVE CO-OP GUILD On Tuesday, November 13, David Empson brought some very interesting memorabilia from the First and Second World Wars. These were particularly poignant as many of the members had family who fought in one or both of theses wars and we had all recently seen the 100-year remembrance events.

David explained about the various medals, letters and clothing he had collected. It was a fascinating insight into how the wars impacted on the local people in Suffolk.

Everyone enjoyed the coach trip to Perrywood Centre in Essex, a chance for some retail therapy and to get in the Christmas spirit early.

On Tuesday, November 27, Chris and Marian Stephens gave a talk entitled Honey – The Journey from Flowers to Jars. They are beekeepers from Trimley and we learned about the different bees we might see including bumblebees and solitary bees, although there is only one species of honey bee. Marian explained how the female bees look after the hive, feed the lavae and produce wax and honey. We also learned which plants and flowers to grow in our gardens and which pesticides are harmful. Chris explained how to notify the Suffolk Beekeepers Association if we spot a swarm and also to report any sightings of the Asian hornet which has started to appear in the UK and kills our honeybees for food.

NEXT MEETINGS Tuesday, January 8: The first meeting of the new year will be a social evening playing Bag Beetle. Please bring a bag with two items costing approximately £1 with you.

Tuesday, January 22: AGM and a talk by a local shepherdess Sheila Innes Tuesday, February 5: A talk from Ipswich Dementia Alliance who are working in partnership with the East of England Co-op, whose 4,700 employees are taking part in training to become Dementia Friends.

Tuesday, February 19: The East of England Co-op use locally sourced food in their shops and we will hear about the local producers and how the Co-op supports them.

We welcome new members who can visit for two meetings before joining.

The annual membership is £15 and we charge £2.50 per meeting to including refreshments and raffle tickets. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the community centre.

The guild holds 23 meetings a year plus other trips and events. For more information please contact Gloria Everett: 01473 614991 www.kesgravecoopwomensguild.onesuffolk.net

IPSWICH AND KESGRAVE BRIDGE CLUB Are you looking for ways to improve your bridge game?

Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club is the largest in the area. Given the size of our membership, we are a broad church and pride ourselves on being welcoming to players of all levels of experience. As a club we believe we have a responsibility to offer our membership (and the wider Bridge community) ways of developing their game. We try to do this in a number of ways: Beginners Bridge Classes: a two-year course based on a nationally developed program. We currently have nearly 40 students.

Seminars: aimed at more experienced players and run on specific topics.

Weekly Bidding Challenges: where we send out 16 hands for people to practise their bidding with a proposed set of answers sent the following week.

We are always investigating additional ways we can help anyone who wants to develop their game and we have a couple we hope to announce soon.

If you are a Bridge player and want to know more about the various ways we look to help our members improve their game, or just want to know more about us, visit our website or contact: greencj06@hotmail.co.uk www.bridgewebs.com/ipswich

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE CANASTA CLUB

SPEAKING MADE EASY AT SPEAK EASY

Meets at the Royal British Legion Hall on Ropes Drive at 7.30pm and welcomes new players.

Happy New Year! Here’s a New Year’s resolution you can enjoy keeping, with our help and support.

This month we meet on Wednesday, January 16 and the dates up to July are Wednesdays, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19 and July 17.

Join us at Speak Easy at Martlesham, your friendly neighbourhood speakers’ club, to improve your public speaking in 2019.

For more information contact Barbara Rose: 01473 622017

We’re holding a special open evening on Thursday, January 24, your chance to find out what happens at a speakers’ club and if it’s for you.

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY

Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club. TI has spent nearly 95 years devising and refining the best ways for all of us to develop. If you improve your public speaking it also boosts your confidence and helps you become a better leader. TI recognises this. There are leadership projects and opportunities as well as speaking projects, all within Pathways, TI’s new educational framework. There are online and downloadable learning materials to guide and challenge you. You’re in control of how far and how fast you progress.

Monday, February 11: The History of the Catholic Church in Kesgrave

by The Rev Chris Brighten I’m sure many of you will have passed the small Catholic Church in Kesgrave on your way into Ipswich. But are you aware of the story of two exceptional families and a tragic accident that resulted in the building of the church? The church, which is still in private ownership, has some of the most amazing stained glass windows made by an artist who was one of the finest stained glass designers of the Arts and Craft Movement in the first half of the 20th century. Come along and find out more!

Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Orwell DFAS does not meet in January so our next lecture will be on Wednesday, February 6 when Andrew Spira will deliver what we are sure will be a fascinating talk entitled The Art and Architecture of St Petersburg.

Orwell DFAS meets at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU, on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly 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 before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

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

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Jane Riley, to our last meeting and particularly encouraged to hear that she is focussing on finding out more about smaller voluntary groups in the town – like us of course! She kindly presented the quilt which we raffled in aid of Light House at the Women’s Voices, Women’s Vote event to the winner – as it happened, our own newest member.

December meant a Christmas meal together. We exchanged greetings with our Friendship Clubs in France and Denmark. We share many concerns with them. This Christmas we sent a donation to Arras towards an event they are hosting on domestic violence. Naested has a long history of working for trafficked women and we recently organised a lunch in aid of a similar project set up by our club in Poole.

Our meeting on January 9 has the odd title Knowing Me, Knowing You. For the benefit of new members, we are going to spend the evening introducing ourselves and explaining more fully what Soroptimism is all about. If you are interested why not come and listen in? Just phone our secretary Joyce on 01394 615659.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

We meet every Thursday fortnight at the Richards Room in Martlesham (the Tesco). Our meetings include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation. Evaluation is a vital part of how Toastmasters’ clubs operate.

When you evaluate someone else speaking you not only help them, you also help develop your own speaking through empathy and understanding.

For further details or queries please call our VP membership on 07968 372563 or get in touch via: wwwspeak-easy.org.uk (select Contact Us ). If you can’t make the open evening, you’re very welcome at any club meeting.

You can check directions and club meeting 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 2019!

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, January 24, 7.15pm: The History of the Suffolk Fire Service, a specially written talk by Chris Turland on the history of fire fighting in Suffolk, from early beginnings to the formation of the national fire service during the Second World War and the immediate post-war history.

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 call 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk

STAR YOUTH CLUB RUSHMERE Wednesday Evenings, 6.30-8pm (term time only) St Andrew’s Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere Youth Club for ages 9-16 Wii, Xbox, Table Tennis, Table Football Theme Nights, Indoor & Outdoor Games Tuck Shop & Free Refreshments Only 50p entry each week (first week free) Bring your friends to have fun, play games or just sit and chat We look forward to welcoming you to STAR Club For further information contact Jo: 07857 763150 / rushmerestarclub1@btinternet.com All sessions are run by a qualified youth worker and CRB checked volunteers with Diocesan Safeguarding Training.

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OUT & ABOUT CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Happy New Year to all our crafting members past and present.

U3A GEARS UP FOR THE NEW YEAR

Crafters Unlimited is a craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm.

With the arrival of the New Year, East Suffolk’s lively U3A programme is a feast for the lively minded and includes a wide variety of topics to stimulate interest and discussion.

Thursday January 24: Fabric Owl (Emma)

Thursday, January 3, 10.30am: Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe IP11 7EL The Art of Theft (Fraud in the Art World) by Richard Ellis. Why art is stolen, how criminals use it and why it is forged.

Thursday February 28: Rolling Penny Card (Emma) New members are always welcome. For more details contact Emma: 01787 373850

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB A Happy New Year to all our members!

We have three meetings planned for January. The first after the Christmas break is on January 3 when Mr Westren will tell us about the work of TWAMS (Tools with a Mission). TWAMS collects unwanted tools and equipment, renovates them and send them to developing countries – mainly in Africa.

On January 17 Clare Simmons is bringing a selection of Body Shop products which will be on sale at the meeting.

Finally, on January 31 the Rev Mandy Reynolds will tell us about her work as a hospital chaplin.

Make a New Year’s resolution to do something different in 2019 and come to our friendly, interesting meetings which are held on alternate Thursday evenings at 7.15pm in the Richards Room. To find out more contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

Friday, January 18, 10.30am Woodbridge Community Hall IP12 4AU Land of the Pharaohs by Chris Parfitt. Aspects of the time of the Pharaohs and life in Egypt today through visits to Cairo, Aswan and Luxor.

Monday, January 28, 2pm Kesgrave Community Centre IP5 1JF Oliver Cromwell: Magic, Mystery and Myth by Tony Diamond Thursday, February 7, 10.30am Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe IP11 7EL The Campaign for Votes for Women by Joy Bounds. Phases of the campaign from the mid-19th century to the end of the First World War. U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members. You’ll find membership details online or you can call the membership secretary on 0300 123 3913.

Occasionally U3A may have to make last minute changes to so please see the website for the most up-to-date information. www.a3aeastsuffolk.org.uk

ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet on the second Thursday of each month for lunch followed by a speaker at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road.

What is Probus? Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired, gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded 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 Chris Flint for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

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IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Our last meeting in December was at Kesgrave Community Centre where we were able to purchase material from Sarah Brooks. We also took the opportunity to have some festive refreshments and a good time was had by all.

Our January meeting is at the same venue, also in the afternoon. Roger Swindells, a society member and a dealer, will talk about thematic collecting and there will be opportunity to purchase material from his extensive stock.

The centre will be open from 1-5pm.

In February we return to our normal venue, Cedarwood Primary School, and evening meetings (7 for 7.30pm) with a members’ display evening on Wednesday 6 and our annual competition on Wednesday 20. We are also arranging a trip to London Stampex on February 13 for £20 per person; there are some seats available if you would like to attend.

Visitors are welcome; for further information contact Mike Smith – 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com – or visit: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk

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OUT & ABOUT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 23: The Massey Shaw Fireboat by Tony Roome Wednesday, February 27: Zeppelin Raids Over East Anglia by Ian Mclachlan Happy New Year to you all. I don’t expect too much work will have been carried out on the allotment or in your gardens over the month of December or in the Christmas Holidays. It’s a very dormant period indeed. Some people may have enjoyed home grown sprouts and parsnips for their Christmas dinner though!

January too is a very quiet month, but it is worth checking to see whether the cold and wet conditions have caused any over-winter or winter-sown vegetables to rot – in which case they will need to be disposed of. Fleece and cloches can offer protection to over-winter vegetables too as the cold weather won’t be disappearing for some time to come.

You can also protect cabbages and cauliflower stalks by digging up the soil around them. And don’t forget to stake broccoli and sprouts to support them in strong winds.

Towards the end of January, rhubarb can be forced so dig up roots and split them and leave them on the surface for a few days. This will allow the frost to get to them before planting and covering with a bucket or pot to force them, which could yield edible results as early as February.

Our Annual General Meeting is at the end of January and potential new members are very welcome to attend to find out more about us. It’s on January 30 at Cedarwood Primary School, Grange Farm at 7.30pm. The more the merrier!

Do contact Angela Brown, our membership secretary, if you’d like to go on our waiting list for a plot – a handful usually become vacant every year: 01473 612283 / membership@kesgrave-allotments.org.uk Sally Peckham

BROKE HALL WI We would be pleased to meet any new ladies who would like to come and see what we do and maybe join in. We meet at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) on the second Friday of the month at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. We also have monthly clubs, walks, meals out, darts, crafts, theatre trips, outing and visits.

We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park, visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB Why not come along to our meeting on Tuesday, January 8 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane Kirton IP10 0PU at 7.30pm? Our demonstrator will be Shirley Perkins from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex with a floral demonstration entitled Nice to See You. Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome. There will be a bring-andbuy stall for any unwanted Christmas presents you may have and the floral designs will be raffled at the end of the evening so you may be lucky enough to be taking away a design to brighten your home. Tea and coffee will be available and an opportunity to see the flowers at close quarters and to ask any questions you may have.

For further information please contact: wa@sandlings.co.uk / 01394 411422

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP In November, our Nature Explorers spent their meeting doing the annual bird box check, ably assisted this year by the 1st Martlesham Scout Troop and Girlguiding 1st Martlesham Heath Rangers. Each year we record which bird boxes have been used in order to monitor the trends in changing populations of the bird species in the woods.

The bird boxes also require fixing and painting, and several have been in dire need of repair for some time. Fortunately, for the past few months the Scouts and Rangers have been constructing new boxes made from unwanted sheets of plastic, kindly donated by John Parker Fixings, and we fitted six on the day.

On the same morning, our volunteers were joined by members of Martlesham Heath Aviation Society (MHAS) to clear the area around the fuel tanks on the perimeter track near the eastern entrance of the woods.

Friday, January 11: Quick and Easy Supper Dishes with Jane Sago Friday, February 8: Suffolk Lavender Farm by Karen Orchard Friday, March 8: Pearly Kings and Queens by Gerry Baxter For more information contact Sue (01473 414746) or Cynthia (01473 726068).

RSPB IPSWICH LOCAL GROUP During the dark days of January, and following the excitement of Christmas and New Year, we can be forgiven for wondering what to do with ourselves.

For those who have an interest in birds, wildlife and conservation why not give Ipswich RSPB Local Group a try? You don’t need to be a member of either the national organisation or the local group, just come along to our meetings on the second Thursday of the month between September and April at 7.30pm in Rushmere St Andrew Church Hall where you will receive a warm welcome Talks coming up include The Issues Facing Wildlife in Dedham Vale with Darren Tansley from Essex Wildlife Trust (January), Nature Our Way with Photographers Jim and Fred Price (February) and Birds, their Hidden World with Peter Holden (March).

We wish everyone a Happy New Year, and perhaps as one of your New Year resolutions you might come along to help at one of our work parties, or just enjoy a walk through the woods.

DATES FOR THE DIARY Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Saturday, January 19, 10am-noon Meet at the Education Area – tools, training and light refreshments provided. All welcome, no need to book.

Nature Explorers (ages 11-18) Saturday, January 19, 9-11am Please book a place via our email below.

Nature Watch Club (ages 5-11) 2019 dates to be confirmed

Now the darker evenings are, some of our evening walks have moved to the weekends. Walks coming up include Manningtree and Mistley, Levington Creek and the River Orwell, Alton Water and Holywells, Chantry and Bourne Parks.Further information can be found at: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich

New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us at 01473 612632 / pwcg.martlesham@gmail.com, visit our website or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Twitter @IpswichRSPB / Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group

www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net

www.keepingintouchwith.com/kesgrave

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SCHOOLS HUMPTY DUMPTY PLAYGROUP The children were amazing at the Remembrance Day service and made us incredibly proud. Thank you Anisha for coming into the setting and showing the children how to make Rangoli patterns and do Bollywood dancing for Diwali. The children explored animals in the artic by learning about their habitat, even breaking animals out of the ice!

Thank you to Rev’s Chris and Christine from All Saints Church Kesgrave for inviting the children to look around the church. Thank you to everyone for your kind donations to Brake, the road safety charity, and a great big thank you to Zac the Zebra for coming in to teach the children about road safety and taking them to cross the road and use the local pelican crossing.

As I write this article, the children are getting very excited making Christmas gifts for their loved ones and looking forward to their Christmas party with a very special guest, Santa!

Thank you to all our parents and grandparents for supporting the setting throughout the year through fundraising events, coming into the setting for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and other special occasions. Your continuous support helps us to make Humpty Dumpty a wonderful place for your children to play and learn.

So, thank you again; we hope all our children, parents, grandparents and guests who have come into the setting have had a great Christmas. Wishing you all a very happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2019.

We currently have spaces, so please feel free to contact Wendy (details below) or pop in for a chat with our friendly Early Years team where we have two qualified teachers, and all other staff are CACHE qualified level 3/4.

HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL RECEPTION INTAKE 2019 The window to apply for Reception places for September 2019 is still open until January 15.

At Heath Primary School we offer a broad and rich curriculum with a particular focus on outdoor learning. We are lucky to have extensive grounds that include a dedicated Forest Schools area and a separate wildlife area featuring a pond with dipping platform.

We are also proud of our school garden that includes an orchard, allotment and an enclosure for our chickens and rabbits.

At Heath we have a dedicated team of highly-skilled and experienced Reception teachers and a committed team of support staff who work together to ensure that every child has the best possible start to school life.

For those who require childcare outside of the school day, our popular before and after school club, Jigsaw, is available.

There are also a number of reputable childminders in our area.

For more information or to obtain an application form, please contact the school office on 01473 622806.

If you would like to look around the school, then please call to arrange an appointment for a guided tour at a time that is convenient to you.

Co-Head Teachers Sue Bowditch and David Whatley

We are an Ofsted registered childcare provider for children from the age of two years onwards. As we are registered as ‘Good’, we can provide funded places for two-year-old children who have received ‘Golden Tickets’ from Suffolk County Council.

We offer 30 hours of free childcare to children who are eligible the term after their third birthday, allowing your child to be in the setting from 9am to 3.30pm, and we have signed up with HM Government to offer tax-free childcare as parents can no longer to join employer childcare voucher schemes.

To find out more information regarding the governments new Childcare Choices visit: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk You can see all the activities the children take part in on our Facebook page: Humpty Dumpty Playgroup https://humptydumptyplaygr.wixsite.com/website We are situated inside Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Bell Lane.

You can contact us on 07837 154081 in term time or our manager Wendy Payne: on 07816 505423 / wendy.adams@hotmail.co.uk

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Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme.

They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories, followed by refreshments and more play.

Just turn up; no need to book.

The session dates for the spring term are: January 14 and 28, February 11 and 25 and March 11 and 25.

For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

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SCHOOLS / ON THE GRAPEVINE VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START

HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Can you believe that we are now into 2019? Hedgehog Nursery had a great end of term Christmas celebration with our Wriggly Nativity, which quite literally had everyone wriggling in their seats! We also joined the Polar Express to walk to Martlesham Square to post our very special letters to Father Christmas.

Our wonderful families came in to make Christmas decorations and take part in a wide variety of Christmas activities; we all had lots of fun and enjoyed spending time together.

The new year has brought some new friends to join us. We have been getting to know each other and have been playing lots of friendship games to help the new Hoglets feel welcome and make new friends.

If you would like to visit and see us in action, please contact the school office on 01473 623790 and you will be warmly welcomed!

Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig

GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

Home-Start met Lauren and her family shortly after their new baby was diagnosed with brain damage. Lauren and her husband were completely overwhelmed with the emotional and practical demands of caring for a baby suffering with multiple seizures and being unsettled day and night, while also trying to juggle the needs of their other children.

Life was turned upside down for the family with hospital appointments, admissions and the worry of an unknown future. Their Health Visitor referred them to Home-Start Suffolk, who introduced them to Ruth, a trained HomeStart volunteer. Ruth visits Lauren and the children once a week, providing support when Lauren’s husband works late.

Having Ruth there to share the load enables all of the children to get vital one-on -ne attention: reading, playing or doing school work. Mum or Ruth cook dinner and they all sit together while Ruth holds or sings to the baby.

Lauren’s evenings are less chaotic and easier to manage with Ruth’s help.

Lauren says she felt “immediately at ease” with Ruth and found it easy to talk to her when she was having a difficult week. Although the family’s situation is the same, her visits have allowed the family time to adjust and explore what ongoing support is needed and available to them.

Home-Start in Suffolk has family support volunteering opportunities all across Suffolk. Although we value parenting experience, you don’t have to have children or grandchildren of your own to help. You just need a little time and a willingness to make a difference. By joining our team, you will receive accredited training, ongoing support and friendship. Our volunteers support a family on a weekly basis for between two and four hours.

If you think you could give some of your time to support a Suffolk family, please contact Fiona on 01473 621104. By giving the gift of time, you will help to change the lives of families in Suffolk.

Open Session for September 2019 If your child is starting school in September 2019, please come along to our Reception Open Session on Monday, January 7 at 6pm. This is an opportunity to meet our headteacher, Mr Jackson, and the Reception team, as well as having a tour of the school with our Year 6 pupils. We look forward to meeting you.

HEADWAY SUFFOLK MARTLESHAM DEMENTIA GROUP

Facilities for Hire Gorseland School is fortunate to have some excellent facilities in the form of a multi-use games area (MUGA), large Astroturf pitch, playground and 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, fitness classes and other one off events. Weekly, monthly or ad hoc bookings are all welcomed.

Parking is available on site.

The group partake in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities. It costs £6, which includes a fish and chips lunch and refreshments.

The next group meeting is on Thursday, January 24.

For further information or to make a booking please contact the school office: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

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Headway Suffolk runs a monthly social support group for people with dementia in Martlesham. It takes place every fourth Thursday of the month at St Michael’s Church Centre, The Drift in Martlesham from 11.45am to 3.15pm. The person with dementia must be accompanied by a carer.

Find out more at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/dementiamartlesham The groups rely on the goodwill of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with preparations and tidying away, as well as engaging clients in discussion and with various activities, such as indoor games, cognitive exercises and singing.

If you would like to make a referral or want to volunteer, please contact Maureen Howes: 01473 712225 / maureenhowes@headwaysuffolk.org.uk

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS KESGRAVE CRICKET CLUB Our two captains attended the annual Two Counties Awards evening in November to collect their league championship trophies from ex-Kent captain and Sky Sports presenter David Fulton. The previous evening, we enjoyed our own senior presentation evening at the Sports Pavilion where we celebrated a fantastic season.

Preparations are already under way as we start to plan our indoor junior coaching sessions which will take place on Monday evenings in the Sports Hall starting in January. We are also planning a ladies softball festival in the summer so if there are any girls/ladies out there who fancy getting involved in cricket, please contact us. Further details are on our website.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped the club this year including our tea-ladies, groundsmen, coaches, committee members and staff at KWMCC. Also, special mention to Debbie at The Bell for supporting our fundraising events and her hospitality after our matches. May you all have a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

As usual, you can catch up with all the news and events on our website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Dickie Bard www.kesgrave.play-cricket.com

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS VALENTINE

BY LEAVING AN EVERLASTING GIFT The Leave an Everlasting Valentine Gift Will Month is being supported by Jackamans Solicitors (Ipswich), Ross Coates Solicitors (Ipswich) and Norton Peskett Solicitors (Halesworth), who have kindly offered their services to offer people the opportunity to make a basic single or mirror will in return for a suggested donation to Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of making a Will, as well as highlighting the work of the charity, and is a special way to make a difference and celebrate Valentine’s Day in February.

Around 60 per cent of people in the UK do not have a will and planning for later life is essential!

People are living longer and with ever-changing family lives; second marriages, extended families, civil partnerships, long-term care needs, lasting power of attorney, funeral costs, inheritance tax… Choosing who you want to leave your gifts to is ever more important so your wishes are fulfilled as complications can arise which can become costly.

Making a will gives peace of mind and ensures families and loved ones are cared for in the future. It also gives people the opportunity to leave a lasting gift to a charity that will make a difference to others as well as reduce the inheritance tax bill for the beneficiaries.

Karen Hare, Chief Executive of Cancer Campaign in Suffolk, said, “We are delighted that Jackamans Solicitors, Ross Coates Solicitors and Norton Peskett are supporting the Leave an Everlasting Valentine’s Gift scheme by giving their time and offering a will writing service for a donation to our charity. All the monies raised stays in Suffolk to help before, during and after cancer.”

For more information contact CCiS on fundraiser@cancercampaigninsuffolk. co.uk or visit: ww.ccisuffolk.org

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Another January and the start of a new year of promise, a blank page ready to be written on. What will this coming year bring? Our 30 Days of Prayer theme for the month is The Safe Place and that is something we all need to have in our lives.

We, at the Ark, believe that Jesus is our place of safety, a sanctuary for the soul, spirit and body, somewhere for our well-being that is secure and gives us protection. In Him we know that have a strong tower and a refuge from the dangers of the world and that our welfare is top of His agenda. All this is provided free of any charge, we only need to realise that we need to be rescued from our own self-centred ways and see that without God we are not really living to our full potential but merely existing. We have discovered there is a God shaped hole in all of us that only Jesus can fill. Do you feel an emptiness within, but don’t know how to fill it? Unsatisfied with the life you’re living, then try Jesus. We did and haven’t looked back since.

We hope you have a blessed year in 2019 and maybe we’ll see you Sunday.

Join us on Sunday mornings at 11.30am (Adult and Children’s Sunday Schools 10.30am) at The Ark Church, The Drift, Nacton Road, Ipswich IP3 9QR. You can contact us via email at arkipswichuk@gmail.com. We can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @arkipswich or online at www.arkipswich.co.uk where you will find up-to-date information on what’s happening at the Ark each week.

COULD YOU BE A YOUNG SHADOW TRUSTEE? Community Action Suffolk has launched an appeal to identify a new Young Shadow Trustee who will have a pivotal post in contributing to how the organisation is run, and how it portrays the county’s youth contingent.

It’s the first time CAS has chosen to include a dedicated Young Shadow Trustee on their board, and comes as part of the organisation’s desire to reflect more diversity.

A Suffolk-based programme to support young trustees has been in place since last year, led by CAS, and now sees a total of 10 younger persons in place with the region’s charities. Charities in Suffolk with an existing Young Shadow Trustee include the University of Suffolk Students’ Union, Suffolk Mind, Suffolk Artlink and St Elizabeth Hospice.

The person for the newly created Community Action Suffolk role will need to be between 18 and 25, and will be prepared to offer around four hours per month. They will not be able to vote in their position, but will develop leadership skills, increased knowledge in business and finance, and will receive training and mentoring. Meetings are mainly held in Ipswich and travel expenses should be covered.

Janet Perry, Youth Volunteering Development Officer for Community Action Suffolk, said: “Since Community Action Suffolk has been leading the Suffolk Young Trustee Programme in the county, we’ve received such great feedback from charities about the benefits of having a clear youth perspective as part of their team.”

Anyone interested in an informal discussion about this or another young trustee placement should contact Janet at: janet.perry@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk

In Touch online:

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

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