In Touch News with Martlesham May 2019

In Touch

™© ™©

with Martlesham Volume 9 • Issue No. 6 • MAY 2019

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR One recent Sunday morning, Jack and I got up early to bake cakes for one of our little charity stalls at the front gate, this time in aid the Cyclone Idai appeal. We’d watched the news reports about the cyclone which has left around three million people in need of help and Jack’s immediate response: let’s bake! And so we did.

We cut out letters to make a Cyclone Idai Appeal banner and set up the table with cupcakes at 50p each.

It was a lovely morning and the lane was busy with dog walkers and cyclists so trade was brisk. The little money pot was filling up nicely, but when we realised we’d forgotten to tell grandma what we were doing, and knowing how much she loves cake, we ran next door to tell we were almost sold out. When we returned our little money pot had disappeared!

At first I thought it had just blown off the table, but there was so sign off it anywhere. It was well and truly gone. Jack’s little face was a picture, and not a pretty one. I still can’t quite believe it happened. I just don’t understand how anyone could be so heartless, or even have the nerve to do it! But the story doesn’t end there.

Feeling the need to vent, I posted a message on the local Facebook page and was humbled by what happened next. The first person who posted a reply also made a £25 donation to the appeal. Then a man I don’t know turned up at the door with a £5 donation. He wanted to meet Jack and to tell him not to be disheartened by what had happened. There were a few angry comments on Facebook, but most people wanted to express sympathy and to ask when we were having our next cake sale. Many others donated to the appeal and in addition to the £10 we received from a lady who dropped by the house later in the day, and our own contribution to cover sales, the total donated on the day was £160.

NEWS CHRISTIAN AID WEEK, MAY 12-18 Having a baby is a very special time in any family’s life, and it does seem very unjust that a mother and baby’s chance of survival are so dependent on where in the world they happen to live. In Sierra Leone, the world’s most dangerous place to become a mum, ten women die from giving birth every day. Here in Martlesham we can do our part to help put this right.

This Christian Aid Week the campaign is focussing on their plight, and we will be collecting house to house and giving you the opportunity to make your contribution. Funds will be used by Christian Aid’s local partners on the ground, who are best placed to deliver the help they know is needed. Help is always given on the basis of need not belief.

Are you inspired to be a volunteer collector in a road near you? Please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you. When you receive your red envelope through your door and a volunteer calls to collect, please consider making a donation.

If you are a tax payer, filling in the gift aid slip will make your donation worth a further 25p in the pound, at no additional cost to you. You can also give by text, or online at: www.caweek.org Together we can help to make childbirth safer for all mums and babies, so when you see one of our volunteer collectors please respond as generously as you can. Thank you.

Carolyn Smith, 01473 625630

Clearly there is an odd bad egg in the world, but so many, many, many more good eggs who can achieve great things when they come together. Of course, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. In every area where we publish there are multiple fundraising events happening all the time, but isn’t it lovely when a negative becomes a positive and doubts are overcome. And on that basis we shall be running another cake stall very soon!

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JUNE DEADLINE 10 MAY 2019 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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MARTLESHAM VILLAGE FETE SATURDAY, JULY 20 Join us for a day of fun for the children and grown-ups without breaking the bank. Building on last year we plan to have a larger and more varied choice of activities to cater for younger members of the parish. Currently our planning includes: • Fairground rides and activities for the younger children to enjoy • A mini multi sports tournament open to individual older children and adults in different age groups which will give you a chance to demonstrate your sporting skills and score points to find out who’s the best on the day.

Will you appear on the podium at the end of the day?

• An opportunity to practise your artistic and crafting skills • Taster sessions of yoga for younger children • Some of our stallholders are co-ordinating their activities to ensure a good range of games and pursuits will be available for all to enjoy • Other stallholders will have fundraising and other activities for children and adults alike All of this in addition to the entertainment programme, art display, a wide variety of refreshments, stalls and displays from local organisations, charities and businesses.

It’s going to be a great day, but could be even better with your participation For community groups and local charities, it’s a chance to showcase your activities, raise funds and awareness and recruit volunteers. Residents, would you like to join the small team to help organise the event or volunteer on the day? Local business, would you like to exhibit, reach out and thank your customer base or sponsor the event?

If so, we’d love to hear from you at: mvfete@gmail.com

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NEWS MARTLESHAM HOLIDAY AT HOME 2019 Martlesham Holiday at Home 2019 is taking place from Monday, June 10 to Sunday, June 16. Holiday at Home is a holiday with a difference, a week of activities organised specially for the over 55s who live in Martlesham and the surrounding area.

An interesting programme has been arranged to include entertainments and outings plus lots of tea and cake. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet others and you are welcome to come to just one event or as many as interest you.

Programmes and booking forms are now available from St Michael and all Angels, The Runway Café, St Mary’s Church, Martlesham Post Office and St John’s Church, Brightwell. For more information contact Hazel: 07896 728332

HEADWAY SUFFOLK MARTLESHAM DEMENTIA GROUP

SPRING OPEN DAY Saturday, May 25, 10am-4pm Many people first heard about the farm when it featured on BBC Countryfile and Escape to the Country. It’s located in Rushmere St Andrew right on the doorstep of local residents in the Rushmere, Kesgrave, Ipswich and Woodbridge areas.

If you haven’t already visited you can do so on Saturday, May 25 when the farm has its Spring Open Day. You can enjoy tours of the farm including a special wildlife tour which starts at 11am. Think Spring-Watch at the farm! Refreshments will be available, donations appreciated. The farm is a not-for-profit social enterprise and grows food in an environmentallysustainable way.

The group partak in a variety of stimulating and engaging games and activities.

It costs £6, which includes a fish and chip lunch and refreshments.

The open day provides the perfect opportunity to find out about the farm’s Community Supported Agriculture Scheme. This is a bit like a shared allotment – shared with more than 50 households! The scheme enables people to enjoy fresh food in a weekly veg box without having to do all the work you would normally do if you had your own allotment. The scheme employs paid growers who do most of the work and people have the option of helping out at the farm if they wish to. Find out more on May 25 or by visiting: www.the-oak-tree.co.uk

The next group meeting is on Thursday, May 23.

For further information please contact Sue Hall: hello@the-oak-tree.co.uk

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 Can you volunteer some time to help us?

The group relies 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

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE Alan Oliver plans to complete eight Ultra Challenges this year to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Here he explains why and you’ll also find details of how you can support his extraordinary commitment.

Having seen first-hand the devastating affect that Alzheimer’s can have on a person and their way of life, I have set myself a challenge to raise money and awareness of this terrible disease. It not only affects the individual but their family and friends who see the person they knew change forever and in my case watch my mum fade away to nothing over a period of years.

It started with her just not being able to find the odd word to express herself, then moved on to forgetfulness until she ended up in a care home existing rather than living. She went from a person who loved life and was full of joy to a shell who could not communicate. We often think of this as an old person’s disease but she was only in her late fifties when she started symptoms before dying at only 69 years old.

To see someone who used to care so much about what her children did, not be able to understand what she was being told was horrible. Not being able to tell her how I felt when visiting was horrible. Knowing she would have been a wonderful grandmother but couldn’t fully fulfill that role was horrible.

At least I will have the memories of her face lighting up when she saw my young son even though she didn’t have full comprehension.

words, solving problems or making decisions. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatments however, may temporarily ease some symptoms or slow down their progression in some people.

I am aiming to raise at least £5,000 in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and will be organising various events such as quiz nights and raffles throughout the year to supplement fundraising from completing the Ultra Challenges.

I want to push the boundaries to raise money to help end this terrible disease. I am aiming to complete all eight Ultra Challenges during 2019 with each one being at least 100km (62miles). I know I will suffer during these long endurance events, especially with so many close together, but when I feel like quitting, I will remind myself that the pain I am going through is nothing to the suffering my mum must have gone through.

I have set up a JustGiving page and would ask that you visit and pledge something to help in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Every penny donated to Alzheimer’s Society is making sure they can be there for people affected by dementia. They offer information, care and support to people with dementia, their families, friends and carers. They are the only UK charity investing in research into dementia care, cause, cure and prevention. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alan-oliver860 / Text ULTCH99 to donate

Alzheimer’s is a physical disease that affects the brain, disrupting how nerve cells work and communicate with each other and eventually causing them to die. Alzheimer’s usually begins gradually with mild memory loss, difficulty recalling recent events, learning new information, finding the right

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NEWS MARTLESHAM PARISH COUNCIL Result of Uncontested Election for Parish Councillors On April 5 we received confirmation from East Suffolk Council (ESC) that the three Martlesham wards will not be contested and therefore there will not be a poll. However, don’t forget to vote for your district councillors on Thursday, May 2.

Your newly elected parish councillors take office on May 7. They are: Martlesham Parish Ward: Jackie Bear, Chris Blundell, Laurence Burrows, Stephen Denton, Jane Drummond, John Forbes, Mike Irwin, Ros Jones, Ian O’Brien Baker, Richard Staines, Edward Thompson and Mike Williamson.

Martlesham North Parish Ward: No valid nominations received by ESC. Martlesham West Parish Ward: No valid nominations received by ESC. With 12 out of the 15 seats filled we are left with three vacancies; one in each ward. The parish council is quorate overall and therefore the vacancies may be filled by co-option. This means that, if you thought of standing but didn’t get around to it, there is still an opportunity to become a councillor. The new parish council will be in a position to co-opt at its first meeting on Wednesday, May 8. Please contact the clerk for further details. You will need to verify that you are eligible to stand as a parish councillor and explain briefly why you wish to become a councillor.

The New Council – farewell to the old and welcome to the new Four current councillors did not put themselves forward for election this time: Messrs Brome, Calver, Kelso and Welch. Messrs Brome, Kelso and Welch are long standing members of the council and will be sorely missed.

They have contributed so much over many years and take with them a wealth of experience – we cannot thank them enough.

Leo Brome’s contribution was particularly related to planning, serving as the Development Plans Committee Chairman for eight years, representing the views of council and of parishioners on numerous occasions on planning matters and consultations. He has also in recent years actively represented us on the Suffolk Association for Local Councils (SALC) and became a SALC Area Chairman. Mr Brome has contributed in very practical ways too, helping with small work parties in the parish and overseeing the installation of the automatic barrier at the community hall car park which has greatly reduced anti-social behaviour.

John Kelso has taken an active interest in all things happening in the parish, with a particular focus on planning issues. He has combined this with his role as district councillor, from which he is also stepping down after many years.

He has spent much time researching planning applications, making site visits, giving feedback and providing his expertise. He has represented the council on MHHL for many years. Mr Kelso is currently a member of our Sports Fund Working Group so involved with developing new sports facilities for the parish. He actively participates in our litter picks and common open days.

As both parish and district councillor, and previously even county councillor for Martlesham, Mr Kelso has been dedicated to serving and representing his parish.

Last but not least, Wally Welch has served as chairman and vice-chairman, chairman of the Recreation & Amenities Committee (for the past six years, although he has taken on that role more than once), chairman of the Finance & General Purposes Committee and even a short spell as chairman of the Development Plans Committee. He has overseen the installation of new play areas, bus shelters, noticeboards, benches, dog and litter bins, the development of management plans for the common and recreation ground, always taking a hands-on and very active role. Mr Welch also regularly inspects play areas on a voluntary basis. We are very grateful that he has offered to continue to help in practical ways once he is no longer a councillor.

All the things listed above are just a snapshot of the work that these three councillors have undertaken and much will have been missed. We thank them for their time, commitment and dedication to the parish over innumerable years. We wish them the very best for the future.

Michael Calver is not returning due to personal reason, but we hope that he might re-join us in the future when circumstances allow. We are grateful for

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Mr Calver’s expertise and contribution in the short period he has been on the council.

However, we look forward to working with and getting to know Ros Jones and Mike Williamson who are joining the council in May. New pedestrian crossings on Martlesham Retail Park Potential closure of Felixstowe Road As part of the Costa Drive Thru planning permission, the developer agreed to provide two much needed pedestrian crossings on Anson Road and Felixstowe Road. We expect the Anson Road crossing will be complete by the time you read this. According to Suffolk County Highways (SCC) the installation on Felixstowe Road is more complex due to the width of the road.

SCC therefore requires a road closure for up to three weeks, with completion the end of June. The last time the Felixstowe Road was closed for about a week last autumn it caused daily gridlock on the retail/business park, creating problems for local businesses and residents.

The parish council remains in favour of traffic calming on Felixstowe Road and remains unhappy that it is now a popular rat run. There are also wider issues relating to movement of traffic through old Martlesham. Until these are fully addressed by the planning authorities taking account of the Brightwell Lakes development, we have the unsatisfactory current situation where the use of Felixstowe Road appears to be vital to local businesses and residents. We are consequently seeking alternatives to full closure at the time of going to press.

Annual Litter Pick A huge thank-you goes out to staff from Tesco Martlesham and our other volunteers for their help with our annual litter pick. Twenty-seven volunteers successfully collected 35 bags of rubbish and an assortment of other large items including a vacuum cleaner, a microwave, a car exhaust and a very long plastic pipe. East Suffolk Council recognises community groups cleaning up their neighbourhood and award £20 for taking part. These funds will be used

by Portal Woodlands Conservation Group members who do fantastic work in looking after the woodlands for all to enjoy.

Forthcoming Meetings Please note the parish council meeting does not take place on the first Wednesday in May due to the election process.

Wednesday, May 8: Annual Parish Council Wednesday, May 15: Recreation & Amenities Committee Wednesday, May 29: Finance & General Purposes Committee Wednesday, June 5: 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.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF COUNTRY MARKETS One hundred years ago the members of the Lewes Women’s Institute set up their tables before their first ever market. Were they nervous? Did they worry that no-one would come and buy their jams, pies and beautifully baked cakes? It must have been a success: let’s imagine them folding their table cloths and sweeping the floor to tidy up afterwards, smiles on their faces, congratulating each other. Did they know what a Great British institution they had started?

Shortly after the East Sussex ladies’ success, markets sprang up in East Kent and soon spread through Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. By 1932 a grant from the Carnegie Trust had enabled the model rules and a handbook to be written and individual markets were soon being registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act. An IPS is a type of mutual society and now comes under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies and Credit Unions Act 1965. Under the provisions of the 1965 Act, an IPS must be run either as a co-operative or for the benefit of the community.

“Country Market” was trade-marked in 1982 and in 1990 the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, NFWI, became a Charitable Company Limited. WI Country Markets Limited separated from NFWI in 1995 and the WI initials were dropped in 2004. The clever little Country Markets Cook Craft Grow logo appeared in 2013. Look carefully – it symbolises our high quality local artisan products, homemade baked goods, preserves, eggs, garden grown fruit, vegetables and plants and a uniquely diverse range of skilled craft and artwork. Every market is different but they all share the same co-operative values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.

Our Martlesham Heath Country Market has proudly existed for the last 19 years. We have a Tuesday morning market from 9-11.15am at the Pavillion on the green in Martlesham Heath and a monthly market every third Saturday in the month at Kesgrave. You can find lots of information on our Facebook and Instagram pages; just search for Martlesham Heath Country Market and look out for the logo.

Our centenary celebrations are beginning to unfold and on Tuesday, April 9 we took great pleasure in presenting our first customer ordering from our new Family Sized Menu with a free floral arrangement.

You can collect the menu at the market or view it on our social media pages. The next floral arrangement to be given away will be to customer number ten. Will it be you?

We hope so!

The archaeology event on March 11 was very successful and much enjoyed, but unfortunately we had to turn many people away as the venue was full.

We are very sorry for any disappointment this caused and by popular demand we present Amazing Archaeological Discoveries – A New View Down the River Deben Valley by archaeologist Andy Peachey again on Monday, June 24 at 7.30pm at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Andy 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. He will be talking about the amazing and unexpected finds discovered during this work.

Admission, by ticket only, is £5. The venue is fully accessible with adjacent free parking. Tickets are available from the Burrows family at 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath IP5 3UG. Please provide a stamped addressed envelope and any cheques payable to The Roger David Burrows Music Fund. www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

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MARTLESHAM HEATH HOUSEHOLDERS LTD MHH Visitor Parking Spaces Some years ago we changed the policy on their use to allow residents to use them. However, recently we are seeing a trend for large livered vans to park on them. In many cases they are far too large for the spaces and are overhanging the paths. We would ask that these vans are parked on drives rather than the parking spaces which are only really suitable for cars. Many of the spaces are such that large vans can actually obstruct people’s windows so please park with consideration towards others.

Cars are being parked on the verge at the entrance to Manor Road. This land is privately owned and MHHL has no responsibility for it.

Can we ask residents to remind contractors working on houses or removal vehicles to be aware of the restrictive covenants and not to place building materials or park on MHH land or grass verges?

We have been carrying out maintenance on a number of trees in the village as a result of a recent health and safety survey. Further work is planned for Northern Green. MHHL has been proactive in cutting back gorse to improve visibility at the blind spot of the junction at Parkers Place and Eagle Way. If you know of any other blind spots caused by overgrown vegetation please do contact us.

Yet again a reminder to dog walkers to clear up after their dogs as we are seeing increasing amounts of dog fouling on the SSSI, Birch Woods and the Green. Please be aware of where your dog is at all times to avoid this.

MARTLESHAM BRASS Making music fun in East Anglia Our preliminary and beginners bands will be showcasing their talents at Tea & Tunes on Saturday, May 18, 10am to noon in St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL. Admission is free. There will be a raffle and a cake stall, and refreshments will be available.

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

FARLINGAYE HIGH SCHOOL CAR BOOT SALE Come and join us at our very first car boot sale at Farlingaye High School, Ransom Road, Woodbridge IP12 4JX, on Sunday, June 9 from 9.30am to noon. Sellers can set up from 8am. Advance booking is essential: cars £8, vans £10, table hire £5, with a discount rate for FHS student-only tables. No trades, no food and drink to be sold. Entrance to buyers from 9.30am, 50p per adult. We shall have tea, coffee and cold drinks for sale, plus a cake stall and bacon butties. There will also be a raffle with lots of great prizes.

Everyone is welcome to join us at what we hope will become a regular event.

For more information and a booking form email: fhsfcarboot@gmail.com

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, June 10: Ipswich Friars by Elizabeth Serpell Did you know that Ipswich was home to a number of communities of friars and other religious orders before the Reformation? Who were they, where did they live and what remains to be seen of their houses? Interested, then come along and find out.

Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

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OUT & ABOUT KESGRAVE LIBRARY Sunday Crafts (10am-noon) in May • Sunday 5: Yesterday was Star Wars Day. Why not pop along and make a BB8 to take home?

IPSWICH COUNTRY MARKET 35 YEARS YOUNG!

• Sunday 19: Did you know that vegetables can be jazzy? Make a 3D jazzy veg to brighten up your room!

Ipswich Country Market is part of a wider network of about 300 Country Markets across England, Wales and the Channel Islands which have been selling homemade baked goods, preserves, garden-grown fruit and vegetables, plants and handmade crafts for more than 90 years. Our producers pride themselves on keeping traditional home cooking, home growing and hand crafted items alive and this month we are 35 years young!

• Sunday 26: Are you scared of sharks? Create your own Big Mouth Shark picture.

You can find more information about the market on our Facebook page and at: www.ipswichcountrymarket.co.uk

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

We are open on Thursday mornings from 10.15-11.30am at Rushmere Village Hall on Humber Doucy Lane IP4 3PB. There is plenty of free parking, a warm welcome, and home baked refreshments too. We offer a free tea or coffee on your first visit so come and see what you’ve been missing!

• Sunday 12: Today is Edward Lear’s birthday. One of his most famous poems is The Owl and the Pussy Cat. To celebrate, we are making 3D cats.

Free BookStart Sessions – every Thursday Tot Rock 9.45-10.15am / BabyBounce 10.30-11am Free Story Time Sessions – every Friday 9.45-10.15am This session combines stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along?

OTHER LIBRARY EVENTS FOR MAY 2019 Lego Club: Every Tuesday afternoon in term time from 3.45-4.45pm. Parents must stay with under eights. This is a free activity.

Knit and Natter: Wednesdays 1 and 15 at 2.30pm. Just £1 with tea/coffee provided. Welcome to all new members.

Afternoon Book Group: Thursday 2 at 2.45pm. Currently reading The Child in Time by Ian McEwan.

Evening Book Group: Thursday 23 at 7pm. Currently reading The Marble Collector by Cecelia Ahern.

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

NEW FOR MAY 2019 Sofa Storytime: Monday 13, 10-11am IT Drop-in Sessions: Monday 20, 10.30am-noon MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning: Monday 20 from 10am Once a month the library holds a group for those suffering with cancer and their carers. This group is 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. Just pop along if you would like to attend. We now have a volunteer, who worked for Macmillan, helping to run this session.

Adult Colouring Every Tuesday morning from 9am-noon. All materials provided. Just pop along and relax. Just £1 with tea/coffee and biscuits provided. No need to book.

Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers Needed: Are you interested in volunteering to help the staff at Kesgrave Library run this year’s Summer Reading Challenge? The theme this year is Space Chase.

The challenge runs all through the summer holidays for primary school aged children. If you are interested, please speak to a member of staff who will explain what the reading challenge entails and the process involved to become a volunteer.

The library will be closed on Mondays, May 6 and 27.

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 Maggie Lusher, Kesgrave Library Manager 01473 626103 / www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

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PLEASE NOTE: There isn’t a market on May 2 due to the hall being used for elections and no market on May 30 as we will be at the Suffolk Show with other markets from East Suffolk. Do come and say hello if you are there! We will be near the WI tent, close to the Foxhall Road entrance. You can buy our baking, preserves and our crafts and we will happily hold your items so that you don’t have to carry them around the show all day. We have plenty of delicious and economical options for food to eat while at the show too.

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 May 21, when, in a change from the previously advertised programme, Mark Mitchels will be giving a talk on London’s Globe Theatre. He will be bringing the theatre to life, describing the atmosphere, and explaining what it was like to attend a performance. Why were all classes of London society, from the noblest to the poorest, able to enjoy and appreciate the genius of Shakespeare? It promises to be a fascinating journey back in time.

This the last event before the summer break. We meet again on September 17 for a talk on Churchill and his part in the First World War. 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

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Suffolk Book League welcomes the writer Tessa Hadley to Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Thursday, May 16.

Tessa has written seven novels: Accidents in the Home, Everything Will Be All Right, The Master Bedroom, The London Train, Clever Girl, The Past which won the Hawthornden Prize in 2016 and Late in the Day published in February. She teaches at Bath Spa University.

Doors open at 7 and the event starts 7.30pm. Suffolk Book League members £4, non-members £8, students free with ID, cash at the door.

To reserve a seat please email: sblmembsec@hotmail.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MARTLESHAM HEATH AVIATION SOCIETY Friday, May 3, 7.30-10pm: Annual General Meeting Followed by some rare films, with some likely to have never been seen in public before. Entry is free.

We meet at Martlesham Heath Community Centre on Felixstowe Road.

01473 274300 / www.mhas.org.uk Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum is now open every Sunday afternoon from 2 -5pm.

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, May 23: From Ipswich to East of England – A Growth Story

by Percy Lomax Percy will talk about how the East of England Co-op grew from Ipswich in the 19th century to become an independent member of the Co-op family today.

The talk will include a description of the society as it is today and the scope of its charitable donations.

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

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

DANCE FOLKUS FEATURES ROCK PROJECT MUSICIAN Dance Folkus is excited to welcome Rock Project singer/ musician Jess Deans (pictured) for a taster song spot on Friday, May 3. Jess is 14 years old and has been singing in rock bands (Harmless Crossfire and OK OJ) since she was 12. She also performs as a solo act with piano, singing a variety of old and new pop songs. Jess has a wonderful voice and has performed at over 30 gigs with her bands or playing solo at venues ranging from StowFest and Maui Waui to Framlingham Gala and Aldeburgh Food and Drink festival.

This is our first collaboration with the Ipswich/Woodbridge Rock Project run

by David Brown. He suggested Jess as one of their outstanding musicians.

We hope to feature other Rock Project musicians at future Dance Folkus events. The Rock Project offers lessons in electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals with the opportunity for young people aged 7-18 years old to put their musical skills into practice by performing regularly each week as part of a band. Their aim is to provide quality tuition and performance training. There are over 100 schools across the UK including Ipswich and Woodbridge. The first session is free. For further information contact: Ipswich@therockproject.com The main part of the evening will be our regular first Friday barn dance format. Our caller will be well-known local Suffolk caller Shirley Harry. She has been our guest caller before and has some great dances.

The dance band will be led by local ceilidh band Harbour Lights with additional musicians making up to 12 people in the Dance Folkus ‘Come All Ye’ band. New dancers wanting to attend can book a discounted place by emailing Dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance) or you can simply come along on the night (entry £7). Students or children are £3 at the door.

Bring your own drinks!

If you need further information contact Rob on 01473 610951.

Visitors to Woodbridge and new first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall in Station Road IP12 4AU from 7.30pm.

This month’s markets are on Saturdays, May 11 and 25 from 9am-12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall.

We sell a wide range of seasonal produce, all made or grown in Suffolk. We aim to provide an alternative to out-of-town supermarket shopping and our stallholders can tell you exactly what ingredients they have used and, if relevant, how to cook their produce. We have very low food miles and are cutting down on use of plastic. Most stallholders accept cash only and your money will circulate in the local economy for longer than if it was spent at a supermarket.

We are always on the lookout for new stalls so do get in touch if you are interested: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks throughout the year cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Our guest speaker on April 3 was Simon Inglis, a sports and architectural historian. Simon gave an amusing and interesting talk on the heritage of some of our many pub games and their influence on the architecture of the building. It was no surprise that we continue to play darts and skittles, but a surprise to many that we continue to play more unusual sports such as ‘dwile flonking’.

We next meet on Wednesday, May 1 when we look forward to welcoming Leslie Primo speaking to us about, what looks to be a fascinating subject, The Cult of the South Pacific from Cook to Gauguin. Leslie is an art history tutor and lecturer. His lectures, talks and guided tours include those he conducts at the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

On June 1 our speaker will be musician and broadcaster Sandy Burnett with a talk entitled The Age of Jazz.

We meet 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

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT LIONS

KESGRAVE WI

Woodbridge Lions Club is running two exciting fundraising events during May.

Barbara McElroy presented a talk about The Bevin Boys at our April meeting. Her father had been a Bevin Boy so her talk was practically direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’ so to speak. She told us how her father came to be a Bevin Boy instead of going into the army to fight as he had planned and described the conditions the boys had to endure, not only in their time down the mines but also their living conditions. Due to the topic of the meeting we invited our ‘men folk’ to join us – a few brave souls took up the offer! It was a very interesting and emotional talk.

Our April competition was to write a poem connected with The Bevin Boys. Angela Finch took first with a poem entitled The Miner (below) , with Doreen Roderick second.

Kesgrave WI will once again be supporting Kesgrave Fun Day on Saturday, June 8 by running their traditional refreshment stall serving homemade cakes and pastries.

Angela Finch, Yvonne Mills and Lyn Parker have volunteered to produce a floral arrangement as part of the All Saints Church Flower Festival at the end of May and a group of members will enjoy a bit of retail therapy as Hotter Shoes have invited us to visit their Ipswich branch after normal hours to view and try on their shoes and other products.

Ladies always love an opportunity to buy shoes and handbags. I feel a few bank accounts might be a little depleted after our visit!

Our next meeting is at Kesgrave Community Centre at 7.15pm on Thursday, May 2, when our speaker will be Karen Finch talking about hearing and well-being for ears. Visitors are very welcome to join us.

For further information please contact Di Chilver: 01473 611415 THE MINER Each day they went – Burrowing Down, Down, Down, to the end of the line in the deep, dark mine.

Earning a scant wage, their life to live – They toil and graft in heat and dust until the shift’s work is done.

Then, blackened and worn, Up, Up, Up – to summer’s sun or winter’s gloom, Exhumed at the siren’s call – Exhausted from the day’s toil.

Home – and blessed relief – but for a brief while before Down, Down, Down – descent once more to the dank, dark gloom.

Brave and strong, men bound by life and tradition.

AVF

MARTLESHAM LADIES CLUB We have two meetings planned for May. On May 9 Peter Car will give a talk entitled From Sheep to Shawl. He will bring some fleeces and show us how they are spun into wool and made into a shawl. He will also bring some wool spun from dog hair!

On May 23 Mick Lowe, a fire safety officer, will advise us how to stay safe in our homes.

Looking ahead to next month, on June 6 Elaine Whitmore will give a talk on the Mary Rose, past, present and future.

With the coming of the lighter evenings perhaps more ladies will be tempted to come to one of our interesting talks where they will receive a warm welcome. Meetings are held on alternate Thursday evenings in the Richards Room at 7.15pm.

For more information contact Doreen Boar: 01473 622768

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Our Electric Pig Race Night is at Hacheston Village Hall on Saturday, May 11 from 7pm. There is a licensed bar and tickets are £8 which includes a ploughman’s. Tickets are on sale from Garnett’s Gardens in Hacheston or by contacting Lion Margot Wobey on 01728 746421. All profits from this event are going to East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH).

If the Pig Race Night isn’t your thing, why not come along and support our efforts the following week at our Art Show and Sale on Saturday, May 18? The venue is the Salvation Army Hall, just off the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge. Doors open at 9.30am and entry is free. Works of art generously donated by the art clubs of Rushmere and Kesgrave will be on show and for sale. Every painting is framed and nothing costs more than £30, with many prices well below that.

Tea, coffee and home-made cakes will be on sale.

WHERE LEADERSHIP BEGINS! Deben Rotary club recognises that today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders and they often need help to make themselves more valuable to their community and organisations. The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is an International project with a proven record.

RYLA is a Rotary program to encourage the development of young people aged 18-26 as future community and business leaders and succeeds by: • helping them to find out who they are • creating a testing environment for them to operate in • challenging them, both physically and mentally • supporting them while they deal with fears that hold them back • teaching them how to be effective servant leaders • encouraging them to get involved in the wider world – and making it all fun If you know a person who would benefit from going on a one-week leadership course in September, please contact Rtn Monty Guest on 01473 625838 or send a message via the Deben Rotary website where there is also a link to RYLA: www.debenrotary.org.uk

SUFFOLK HERITAGE AVIATION GROUP Foxhall Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich Open from 11am to 4pm every Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter until October. Come along and see our exhibition of the history of Suffolk aviation, a full size replica of Edith Cooks Bleriot and many other interesting exhibits.

Enjoy the tea room and picnic area with free admission and parking.

For further information contact Colin Durrant: 01473 677517 /colindurrant113@yahoo.com

ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month and usually a speaker entertains us afterwards.

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

If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Chris Flint, for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk

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OUT & ABOUT INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE At our March meeting, members enjoyed a fascinating glimpse of a very different life when our guest, Margaret Lury, spoke about her home in Kenya. Imagine stunning sunsets, staff (who are housed in the grounds) and abundant wildlife roaming free and drinking at the nearby river. Certainly different, although the potholes in the roads are remarkably similar!

Also in March, we held our annual quiz night. With 22 teams competing, it was a very close contest and much enjoyed by all, as well as raising £1,000 for EACH and SARS. Another £800, including £300 from a raffle, was raised for the same charities on April 1 when our club entertained guests to afternoon tea, preceded by a talk by Chrissi Rix of The Style Show in Norwich (www.styleshow.co.uk). Chrissi advised us on dressing to suit our colouring or body shape. Chrissi’s models demonstrated different looks for different occasions, including what to wear when walking the dog! Pictured are guests Sue Verow and Sara Foster Pegg enjoying tea and cakes.

At our April meeting our guest was Anne Griffiths, who’s talk was entitled Art for a Synchrotron. The Synchrotron is a scientific establishment in Oxfordshire where research is conducted into various diseases. Oxfordshire WI groups collaborated with the scientists to produce fabric panels reflecting this research, using a variety of textile crafts such as dyeing, collage, embroidery and weaving. These beautiful panels now hang in the atrium of the Synchrotron.

To find out more please visit: www.woodbridgeinnerwheel.org.uk

FREE FLOWER ARRANGING TASTER DAY On Saturday, September 14 Ipswich Flower Club will be holding a free workshop with Adele Kent as the tutor at St Augustine’s Church Hall from 10am to 3pm. You will make two flower arrangements during the day with a break for a packed lunch. For details or to book a place, please phone Stella on 01473 711946.

We would also like to invite you to our next meeting on May 13 when Alan Smith will present a demonstration entitled Floral Magic. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. This month’s meeting is free for visitors and will include tea and biscuits. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet on 01473 415749. The demonstrator on June 10 will be Brenda Eyers whose presentation is entitled Bursting Out All Over. The usual visitors fee of £5 will apply.

The flower club meets on the second Monday afternoon of the month.

We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards. The workshop on June 28 will be a tapestry/pave arrangement and will be tutored by Janet Philimore. For details please phone Stella on 01473 711946.

BRIDGE LESSONS START IN SEPTEMBER Ipswich and Kesgrave Bridge Club (I&K) will be starting a new Bridge course in September. The course is aimed at anyone who wants to start playing the game. No prior knowledge of Bridge or any other card game is required. The course runs for two years on Thursday evenings (7.30-10pm) at Kesgrave Community Centre. The course has been designed by the English Bridge Union (EBU) and all the teachers used by I&K have been trained by the EBU. On the basis of our previous experience of running these courses, at the end of two years you will be ready to play Bridge at any of the local Bridge clubs.

September may seem a long way off, but we have a limited number of places available and we are already half full so if you are interested, don’t wait, get in touch using the contact details below.

HISTORY, CHEMISTRY & TRAVEL WITH EAST SUFFOLK U3A Historical events, scientific theory, sporting life and travel are just some of the themes of U3A’s spring programme. Meetings are held throughout the year at five different venues in East Suffolk. You’ll find full membership details at: www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk.

Please note a future date for the diary. The U3A East Suffolk AGM is on Monday, June 10 at 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. Thursday, May 2, 10.30am at Felixstowe Salvation Army Hall / IP11 7EL Kitchen Chemistry – a lecture and demonstration of some basic principles of chemistry using everyday objects by Dr Stephen Ashworth Thursday, May 9, 2pm at Saxmundham Market Hall / IP17 1AF Two Old Bags – A Gap Year is Wasted on the Young. Janice Hughes’ account of traveling overland to Australia by train and road post-retirement Monday, May 20, 2pm at Kesgrave Community Centre / IP5 1JF Brunel – The Man and His Work by Roger Mannion Friday, May 24, 10.30am at Woodbridge Community Hall / IP12 4AU The Boy who Burned the Barn by Jonathan Belsey, the account of an 1844 crime that resulted in transportation.

U3A promises a warm welcome to existing and potential members.

BROKE HALL WI 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.

Friday, May 10: Resolutions (no speaker) Friday, June 14: Active Lives with Julie Stokes Friday, July 12: Silver and Gem Stones with Marianne Brame For more information contact: Sue (01473 414746) / Cynthia (01473 726068).

PORTAL WOODLANDS CONSERVATION GROUP After the recent sustained periods of rainfall, we have noticed that surface water on the perimeter path often fails to drain away and the resulting puddles are frequently to the annoyance and safety of the walkers, cyclists and other users. As such, in March our volunteers attended to clearing out the French drain which had become completely blocked up with sediment and other material from the run-off accumulated over the past few years.

The volunteers also continued clearning the perimeter path, the most used route in the woods. We hope you appreciate the difference!

Dates for the Diary Saturday, May 18, 10am-noon: Volunteer Work Morning (all ages) Meet at the Education Area. Tools, training and light refreshments provided.

Saturday, May 18, 9-11am: Nature Explorers (ages 11-18) Subject TBA. Please book a place via our email below.

If you are an aspiring Bridge player or just want to know more about us visit our website or contact me at: greencj06@hotmail.co.uk

Unfortunately, our numbers are dwindling as members get older, so if you want to learn about conservation and add experience to your CV please contact us.

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 www.pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join our members’ Facebook group by messaging Duncan Sweeting.

Chris Green / www.bridgewebs.com/ipswich

Nature Explorer and Young Volunteer George Pennick

www.keepingintouchwith.com/martlesham

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT DEBEN FLOWER CLUB

SUMMER TERM AT BRIGHT STARS

The next flower club meeting will be on Tuesday, May 14 in Kirton Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton at 7.30pm.

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.

We have a change to our programme as the demonstrator booked has unfortunately had to cancel. However, we are very lucky that Joyce Furssedonn has agreed to take on the demonstration. Joyce is a very accomplished and exciting flower arranger and with a demonstration entitled Flights of Fancy we are assured of a fantastic evening’s entertainment.

Visitors are always welcome for just £5 with tea, coffee and biscuits served after the demonstration when Joyce’s designs will be raffled.

WOOLLY WONDERS Thank you so much for all the recent donations of wool and toy stuffing. All much appreciated.

If you fancy joining us now and again or regularly to knit or crochet, we’d be pleased to see you on Thursdays at The Runway Café, 10am-noon.

HEDGEHOG NURSERY AT GORSELAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Hedgehog Nursery has been busy meeting new faces at our successful open events. The children proudly showed the Nursery to all of our visitors.

The children were pleased to have their mummies come to Nursery at the end of term. We sang to them and shared a special bag of homemade treasures.

To finish, we gave our VIP ladies a small bunch of flowers to say thank you for all that they do for us.

We have explored gloopy paint and what it looks like on different surfaces; the Hoglets got really absorbed in watching the paint dribble and drip down the big pieces of paper on the easel. We hung our art work up in the room so we could all see the amazing effects.

Jack and his Beanstalk made an appearance as did Jasper the cat! Both characters have helped us to continue our interest in gardening. Some ‘magic’ beans appeared in the room. Where did they come from? Who put them there? What will happen to them if we plant them? We set up an experiment to look at the roots of the magic beans. What do you think you will find at the top of your beanstalk?

The children continue to enjoy the challenge of puzzles; we are even turning the pieces upside down so we look at the shapes rather than the colours and patterns!

We are looking forward to the warmer days to continue developing our outdoor classroom to fire up our curiosity for the world outside.

If you are ‘curious’ and have a three or four-year-old, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school office to let us know you’re coming or to arrange a visit.

Nursery Lead Teacher Mrs T Haig Hedgehog Nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm for three and four-year-olds. If you would like more information please or contact the school office on 01473 623790 or visit: www.gorseland.net FACILITIES FOR HIRE AT GORSELAND SCHOOL Gorseland School has some excellent facilities in the form of a multiuse games area (MUGA – with floodlights), a large Astroturf pitch, two playgrounds and two indoor halls. These facilities are available for the benefit of the general public on weekday evenings, weekends and throughout school holidays for a very competitive fee. The facilities are currently used for after school clubs, soccer schools, fitness classes and beavers. 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: 01473 623790 / office@gorseland.net

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Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories. After each session we have refreshments, when the adults can chat and the children can play until approximately noon.

The next session dates for the summer term are May 13, June 10 and 24 and July 8. Just turn up, there’s no need to let us know in advance.

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

WOODBRIDGE BOWLS CLUB The club is holding an open morning on Saturday, May 4 at the club green to the rear of Elmhurst Park. Doors open at 10am and will remain open until 1pm. You are invited to visit and try your hand at this gentle, but interesting sport. Bowls (woods) will be provided in various sizes to suit your hand.

Tuition will be given by our trained instructor assisted by members of the club. Refreshments will be available, so even if your woods don’t go straight you can be sure of a refreshing cup of tea or coffee to help you recover. We do ask visitors to wear flat shoes to protect the green, which is in perfect condition.

So why not come along and give it a try? You will be sure of a warm welcome and friendly guidance into the game. For further details please visit us on Facebook or check or: www.woodbridgebowlsclub.co.uk Happy bowling!

MARTLESHAM CARPET BOWLS We have finally completed our Winter League matches and I am pleased to report that we just managed to take top spot in our division. Well done to Captain Christine Rowland and all club members who participated. We can now look forward to the challenge of competing in the First Division next winter.

In the Club Singles competitions, Sharon Clarke beat Gloria Dimelow in the final of the Ladies Singles. Vic Harrup and Bob Wellington will meet in the men’s final, and Vic has also made it to the final of the Club Championship where he takes on Gordon Levett.

The Club Fours competition was held on Sunday, March 24, and although only three teams entered we still had a good time. The winning team were Vic Harrup, Gloria Dimelow, Bob Wellington and Eddie Manning.

I have to apologise for an error in last month’s edition. I incorrectly included Judith Longman in the list of winners of the Triples Competition. It should have been Ena Manning. Sorry Ena! By the time you read this, we will have had our annual dinner at Woodbridge Golf Club. More on this next month.

The AGM will take place on Tuesday, May 7, starting at 1.30pm. I hope all of our members will be able to attend as this is your chance to raise any issues with the committee.

You can keep up to date with the club diary and the latest competition results at; www.martleshamcbc.appspot.com We still have a few vacancies at the club and would welcome new members.

We meet on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1.30-4.30pm, and Tuesday evening from 7.30-10pm at the Community Hall on Old Felixstowe Road (behind Tesco). Just turn up or contact our secretary, Ian Hunt – 01473 611947 / douglas.benger@btinternet.com – especially if you plan to come along on a Tuesday evening as there may be a league match. The club provides all of the necessary equipment. Why not give us a try?

Doug Benger

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS KESGRAVE & NORTHGATE KARATE CLUB There’s never a dull moment at the club and we have another action packed update to share with you this month.

As we went to print in the last edition, the competition squad were travelling to Poland for the Tczew Energa Karate Cup. This was a fast-paced international competition where the squad had to compete within hours of getting off the airplane. The club came home with 12 medals in total from just six competitors, one gold, five silver and six bronze. Massive congratulations to Amelia, Georgie, Jade, Lauren, Lilly and Thomas, not only for their outstanding effort, but also their fantastic team spirit.

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March 30 was Grading Day. Anyone who has graded will tell you this is a nerve-wracking experience. However, it is an experience that is worth every second when your efforts are rewarded with a pass or distinction and a new KYU grade and belt colour. Well done to everyone who graded. There were some disappointments but overall it was a very good grading. Hard work and perseverance does and will pay off.

On April 5 we held our annual family race night at Kesgrave Social Club. All had a brilliant night and the event helped us to raise £1,332 for club funds.

Thank you so much to our race sponsors Simply Climate Control, Airborne Fit, Suffolk Welding, I.S Electrical, Proveeda, Whip Street Motors, Edmundson Electrical and M & C Diesel Services for your generosity and support, as well as a huge thank you to many local businesses who donated raffle prizes for our event. We will be posting a full update on our Facebook page and at: www.northgate-karate.co.uk It was then back on the road for the competition squad who headed to Hornchurch on Sunday, April 7 for the CHKA Open Championships.

Congratulations to all squad members for their hard work and effort at a tough competition. We came home with gold for Dylan, Holly, Lauren and Riagan, silver for Lilly and bronze for Chloe. No medals this time, but outstanding performances nevertheless from Amelia, Ava, Callum, Daniel and Thomas.

If you think you would like to try karate why not come along a give it a go?

The first lesson is free. Check out our website for class times and locations or contact us for more information: admin@northgate-karate.co.uk / 01473 622707 www.northgate-karate.co.uk

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH In the past, if I wanted to communicate with the Queen, I would have to write a letter and post it. But you could never be sure that the Queen herself read it, and generally any reply – if one came – would be from one of the royal staff. These days, due to an increase in social media and instant communications, the Queen is on Twitter (@royalfamily). This means that you and I can communicate with her at any time of the day or night. But there is still that thought lingering in my mind, ‘Does the Queen herself actually read all of her Twitter posts?’. If her 3.8 million followers all chose to contact her, would she ever know?

Well, the good news that we celebrate as Christians – and especially at Easter – is that we don’t have to worry about possible access to a distant monarch.

We can have direct access to the Lord of the Universe. No waiting around for a letter to be delivered, no wondering if our tweet will get passed to someone else. God is waiting for us to speak to him. The psalmist said: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

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So rather than worrying whether the Queen is up at 4am waiting for your tweet, why not talk to God, who you can guarantee is listening? And if you want to talk more about this, you can email me, or find the church on Facebook – and I will read it and reply.

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The Rev Toby Tate: toby@martlehsamcofe.org.uk

call John Burch: 07870 347486

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