In Touch News with Shotley April 2019

In Touch

™ ™ ©© ™©

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 9 • Issue No. 5 • April 2019

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I often write about how fortunate we are to live in a part of the world where ‘community’ is valued and where there are endless opportunities to engage with those who share our little part of the planet. Finding that special place to lay your roots and raise your children, where you know you will be greeted with a smile when you pop into the local (shop or pub) and share your day-today existence with neighbours you can call on in an emergency is something to treasure. If you’re lucky you may even have family close by. A recent trip home to Ireland to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday has reminded me how distant I have become from my extended family, inevitable when you move away. Events like weddings and significant birthdays have become treasured opportunities to catch-up, to meet new family members and to get to know others a little better.

And so it was on this occasion.

For possibly the first time ever, I had an opportunity to have a proper girly chat with my dad’s three sisters, a chat which started when they admired my dress.

Well in no time at all they were telling me about the way they dressed going to dances and balls when they were young. They howled with laughter as they told me about cycling six miles to dances at the Emerald Ballroom and back home again at 1am. They talked about the music, the dancing (proper dancing!), the way all the men lined up on one side and the women on the other… and the dresses. They’d all learned to make their own dresses but occasionally paid a local dressmaker to create something for a special occasion. The planning and effort they put into these events was extraordinary. Everyone had to get their hair properly done and in those days hair-dos were an architectural phenomenon. Hair pieces are not a new invention! They laughed in horror when they remembered having to sleep on their faces because their hair had so much lacquer in it!

I know it wasn’t all dressing up and dancing, but boy did they know how to party, and alcohol wasn’t mentioned once (which is probably why they remember every tiny detail). If you do have older family members in your life, or neighbours who would like nothing better than an opportunity to reminisce, don’t wait for an occasion. Put the kettle on and get to know someone a little bit better while you’re fortunate to have the opportunity.

InTouch

with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone

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

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Send editorial copy to: shotley@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints.

We also publish In Touch with...

•B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

© In Touch with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

The weekly library at Shotley Village Hall is celebrating its second birthday with a free party on Monday, April 8. Gloria and Rosie, our wonderful volunteers, will be providing a free teddy bears’ picnic for everyone from 3pm to celebrate this milestone. Expect sandwiches, sweet treats and other refreshments. Please bring your teddy bear with you!

Library staff will also be celebrating the fact that its customers have made over 3,500 visits to the library since it opened, borrowing over 5,000 books!

Everyone is welcome to attend the birthday party. Our usual activities and book borrowing will take place as normal. We hope to see you there.

HOLBROOK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN As part of the Neighbourhood Plan, Holbrook Parish Council intends to look at sites in the parish that may be suitable for development, either now or in the future. If you are a landowner – however large or small – and wish to put an area of land forward for consideration, please register your interest by emailing HolbrookParishClerk@outlook.com or writing to Holbrook Parish Council Clerk at 12 Roundwood Road, Ipswich IP4 4LX. The closing date for submissions is May 31.

STUTTON’S HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY Residents of Stutton will receive a Housing Needs Survey Form on April 27.

To help shape the future of the village, we ask that as many of these are completed and returned to Community Action Suffolk (CAS) in the pre-paid envelope provided within two weeks. CAS will then analyse and collate all of the returned surveys. The information you provide is quite detailed, but will not be attributed to individuals.

Filling in forms is never that much fun, so to make it more so, why not come along to the community hall on the evening of Saturday, May 4 where the Neighbourhood Plan team will be holding a survey supper?

For more information visit www.stutton.org.uk/big-conversation-stutton, look out for posters on the various noticeboards around the village or drop a note in the green suggestion box in the shop.

SHOTLEY PIER UPDATE Volunteers were thrilled to hear that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has offered us a £50,000 grant from the Coastal Revival Fund. This is very good news, and has already led to another funder contacting us to encourage an application. It is so hard to get grants these days, so we are very grateful to be included in the ministry’s plans to economically improve coastal areas with tourism potential. With staycations and days out becoming more popular, the pier is well placed to create more casual visits.

The board is ready to share the revised design of the proposed buildings at the pier. Please come along to the Shotley Rose pub to see the proposals on display. Thanks to landlady Sarah for her kind permission to display the plans on the wall of the lounge bar in April.

We have taken public feedback into account, and have lowered the roof height, shortened the visitor centre, and added a weathervane detail. We will be holding a competition to design the weathervane theme silhouette.

Should it be a sea creature, a boat, something else completely or our logo?

10 April 2019

Coffee mornings at the Red Lion, Main Road, Chelmondiston continue to be popular with the home made cakes and original art. Wednesday, April 3 and Thursday, May 2 from 10.30am to noon are the next dates

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

LIBRARY CELEBRATES second BIRTHDAY

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NEWS

If you have any comments for us, please email us at: shotleypier@gmail.com

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NEWS FIRST AID AND DEFIBRILLATION Harkstead Parish Council Clerk Pam Tunbridge is an RLSS Lifeguard.

With the backing of the council, she is planning on arranging a basic First Aid and CPR course including using a defibrillator.

Pam will not be running the course, but her work colleagues/ assessors will be. The aim is for a Sunday morning, probably during April, in Harkstead Village Hall.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Pam at: p.tunbridge250@gmail.com There may be a nominal charge to cover costs of RLSS staff.

HOLBROOK’S COMFORT CORNER This new self-support group for people coping with bereavement began very quietly in January with just two people, but to my surprise they were both men. One of them commented that, “there are not many places where men can go to talk about their feelings”. I felt really ashamed that I had never recognised that and am very glad that our group is offering an opportunity.

The second meeting saw another gentleman and two ladies join us. We all have such different experiences and it is, I think, really healthy for us all to recognise that other people have had to face difficulties we have not. In a strange way it helps us see our own pain as part of a much bigger pattern of grief, affecting pretty much everybody at some point in their lives, and that we are not undergoing something no-one else has ever had to bear.

Recognising another’s pain and wishing to offer them support and comfort makes us realise we still have reserves of strength that perhaps we had felt were dried up.

One lady said honestly that she was not sure this group was right for her, but she would give it another go before deciding. I assured her that the group will be there, on the third Wednesday of each month, for people to come to or not, as they please – nobody has to make any kind of commitment. Only come if you find it helpful.

Cynthia Anderson

SHOTLEY VILLAGE HALL Following the Annual General Meeting the committee offices comprise: Chairman Ian Peter, Vice Chair Albert Smith, Secretary Pat Scholfield, Treasurer Norman Bugg, Booking Secretary William Henry.

All groups who use the hall may send a representative to committee meetings.

Contact the secretary for details. Our next project is to provide lighting for the car park.

HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Parish Council Elections The election will take place on May 2. If you want the opportunity to take on this exciting role and stand as a councillor, or just want to find out more, contact the parish council clerk or the district returning officer and request a nomination pack.

Speeding Sign The parish council is pleased to advise that the new speeding sign is now in place and will be rotating around four separate positions in the village. It is hoped that it will encourage cars to slow down and adhere to the speed limits to improve safety for all residents.

Full minutes of this and all other meetings are available online or by contacting the clerk: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017 Future meeting dates: April 15 and May 20

LOCAL RECORDER NEEDED FOR CHELMONDISTON AND PIN MILL Suffolk Local History Council runs a recorders 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 the Suffolk Record Office and available to future researchers together with the collected items.

If you are interested, please look at the recorders pack at www.slhc.org.uk to acquaint yourself with the guidelines of the scheme. You do not need to be a historian; you do not 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.

To volunteer to help in this important work, please contact: recorders@slhc.org.uk

SHOTLEY PENINSULA SHORELINE CIC Shotley Peninsula Shoreline Community Interest Company (SPS CIC) aims to protect and restore the shoreline and cliffs that stretch from Bristol Hill towards the brickyard.

SPS CIC was formed in 2018 to help save the Shotley shoreline from erosion after discovering that, due to a legal quirk, no government body was legally obliged or willing to protect this particular length of coastline. SPS CIC is a not-for-profit, voluntary organisation which consists of the board of directors and the steering group. The board has legal responsibility for SPS CIC and is responsible for applying for grants, securing necessary permits and engaging contractors to undertake the work that is urgently needed. The steering group is the wider body of volunteers who offer what support they can to facilitate the grand plan and steer the board so that it stays on track and is representative of the community.

So what is the grand plan? Well, it seems that most people are in agreement that something needs to be done to protect the cliffs and shoreline, but the course of action to achieve this is yet to be decided. Before we can undertake any work or come up with a course of action, a full and authoritative survey assessing the state of the cliffs and shoreline must be carried out. This survey requires great subject knowledge and expertise, which is reflected in the cost: our quote for this survey is £14,160 (including VAT). In one of their largest ever awards of this kind, Shotley Parish Council has granted us £2,000 towards the cost of this survey, for which we are grateful. We are also in discussion with local councillors and groups, as well as statutory bodies, to try to raise the rest of the funds required.

But we also need you. We need the support of the local community behind us to demonstrate to potential financial backers that this is a community worth helping. Displays of support – either through volunteering, supporting us and signing up on our Facebook page – are vital to our cause.

Shotley peninsula is a vibrant and wonderful place to live, work and play, but if we don’t act now to protect our shoreline, we will join other coastal communities that have slipped slowly and silently into the sea. We need to overcome this struggle with Mother Nature (and a few other culprits!) and work towards a safer, more structurally stable Shotley shoreline. Will you stand with us?

Email: shotleyshoreline@gmail.com ww.spscic.onesuffolk.net / Facebook: @shotleypeninsulashorelinecic

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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS – BERNERS WARD Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Freston Crikey, is it really just shy of four years since my first In Touch report as district councillor? I remember meeting Sharon, the editor, at Shotley’s celebration evening of being named both Babergh and Suffolk Village of the Year, and I feel we have grown together.

It seems a little strange that whatever happens in the elections on May 2, this will be the last report from a Berners Ward member as the new boundary comes into effect that day. Shotley and Erwarton will become Ganges Ward, while Chelmondiston Woolverstone and Freston will combine with Belstead, Wherstead and Tattingstone to form the new Orwell Ward. Until then I will continue to serve you the best I can as your Independent councillor.

It has been an interesting, challenging and, on the whole, enjoyable experience in what has been unprecedented time in local and national politics.

Babergh, like all other councils, has had to deal with the austerity measures implemented by central government, and, crucially for the peninsula as a whole, the National Planning Policy Framework assertion that there should be ‘a presumption in favour of sustainable development’ when it comes to making planning decisions.

This, government targets, a shortage of housing and questions over the fiveyear land supply, has encouraged developers to make speculative applications and unpopular planning decisions have followed.

The new look council, with 32 members instead of 43, will have a new Local Plan outlining its planning policies. As more and more Neighbourhood Development Plans come to fruition, it’s essential local people have more say in seeing the right sort of housing, in the right places, and future ward members have an important role in ensuring just that.

With the Conservative group enjoying the largest majority for the first time in Babergh’s history and naturally ensuring government policy was consolidated, there was a difficult period until they split, ostensibly over the merger with Mid-Suffolk issue.

A new leader offered a new, more collaborative approach and that meant I was appointed onto the cabinet as the only non-Conservative member, meaning the opposition had a voice at the top table, one I have ensured has been heard, even if outnumbered at times.

Given the Cabinet make up it was important that the new look Overview and Scrutiny Committee stepped up and under my Independent colleague Alastair McCraw it has done just that. Hopefully, whatever happens going forward these lessons are heeded and practices continued.

Another local issue is the proposed expansion of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While development in AONBs is not automatically prevented, as a member of the Joint Advisory Committee, I remain committed to preserving and protecting the peninsula, while never pre-determining planning application as each has to be determined on its merits.

One of my last duties of this term was to represent Babergh at the iESE awards in London where our innovative database allowing everyone to see exactly how much Community Infrastructure Levy is due from developers for every application passed. This pilot scheme, using Exacom software, is a boon to parish councils and the general public in knowing how much they are due and my thanks go to officers in the CIL and IT projects teams whose hard work made it happen.

Please exercise your right to vote. Traditionally, local elections suffer from a low turnout yet it could be argued local councillors play a big part in your daily lives, and not just in getting the bins collected. Please vote for the councillor who you know will work hard for you, understand the community and the issues, because they live among you and will represent you at council free of party political pressure.

If you have an issue you would like to discuss please contact me at: derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk / 07824 167196 My Facebook page is: Derek Davis – Your Independent Councillor

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We haven’t had to do much cutting back so far this year. However, the brambles are beginning to show through again so best sharpen hedge trimmers and mower blades, spring has well and truly sprung!

The public footpath down Marsh Lane continues to be a popular route, and the work done by Shotley Marina has tidied up the far end. The path around the marina has plenty of benches for walkers to sit on and enjoy views across the Orwell to the Port of Felixstowe. I wonder how many people have a ‘favourite bench’ to sit on!

Our next two Health Walks are on Wednesday, April 17 (from Shotley Village Hall) and Thursday, May 16 (from the Bristol Arms), both starting at 11.30am.

If you haven’t been along to one of these walks then, why not come along?

You would be very welcome.

The Suffolk Walking Festival brochure is now out and SOS will be busy making sure our Shotley walk routes are in tip-top condition. It’s a chance to showcase Shotley to many visitors and share with them the secrets of our lovely location. The festival runs for three weeks starting May 11.

Our group has five walks registered in the festival, including the new First World War Submariners Memorial Walk, which featured on BBC Look East in November. Our walks range from 2.5 miles to 7.5 miles, all around our beautiful village. Pick up a free brochure from most locations in the village with all the Suffolk Festival dates and events listed. It’s a great way to visit another town or village for a few hours and be taken on a guided tour.

If you want to help look after paths and open spaces in Shotley look out for information on our Facebook page – Shotley Open Spaces – or visit: www.shotleyopenspaces.co.uk Finally, we are pleased to be supporting the newly formed Shotley Peninsula Shoreline Community Interest Company (www.spscic.onesuffolk.net) in their quest to protect the shoreline at Shotley Gate from further erosion damage. If their work is successful it will ensure the long-term protection of the riverside footpath from Bristol Hill towards Cockle Creek, and protect the Bristol Hill picnic area. This path and picnic area have long been a favourite place for locals and visitors, offering unique views across the mudflats towards Parkstone Quay and the County of Essex.

As we progress with other projects in our community, including the retention of the Walkers are Welcome accreditation for Shotley, the preservation of any paths and recreation area is welcomed.

If you have any queries about the work of Shotley Open Spaces contact Geraint Pugh (g.pugh1@btinternet.com), Gary Richens (gary.richens.583@ btinternet.com) or Tony Lawford-Randall (keyworker@hotmail.co.uk).

Gary Richens

Shotley Rose, every Tuesday from 11.30am-1pm Do you feel like the weekend has dragged?

Are you fed up with your own company or new to the area?

Come along and enjoy a free cuppa and some friendly chat. #dontbeonyourown Meet Up Mondays Suffolk @meetupmondaysSu www.meetupmondays.org.uk

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HOW LONG IS A PIECE OF STRING? When meeting new clients and taking on claims for personal injury, one of the first questions that we are often asked as personal injury practitioners is “how long will my case take to settle?”

Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer. It tends to be case specific and is dependent upon a number of factors: • What further evidence is required before we can submit a claim for personal injury and loss on your behalf to the person who we deem to be at fault.

• Whether responsibility for your accident or illness is accepted at an early stage by the person at fault or whether further evidence is required before a decision can be made as to whether the claim can be pursued.

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• Whether you require further treatment to assist in your recovery. If this is the case then it depends on when we are able to obtain a final medical report detailing the extent of your injuries and loss.

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Once the above information has been gathered, then your case can either proceed to a settlement, normally by way of negotiation with the person at fault (or more likely their insurer.) Or if fault has not been admitted and we are still of the view that the case should be brought against the person who we deem to be at fault, then at a court hearing.

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09/05/2018 16:33

OUT & ABOUT REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: APRIL 2019 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MCCRAW LOOKING FORWARD (TO IT) This will be my last report to Alton Ward as the new wards start on the very day of the election, May 2. I’ll continue to represent Alton Ward meantime so, should something come up, I can cover it for you.

The new ward structure sees Tattingstone in Orwell Ward and Stutton in Stour Ward, just labels but nice names. Your parishes should be served equally. It’s been a privilege to learn more about, to serve, Stutton and Tattingstone. I’ve really enjoyed the experience, learnt, made a few friends, had a few beers, and shared common experience with the excellent parish councils you have.

It’s where I come from. I’ll be an Independent candidate for the Brantham Ward, where I’ve lived, raised my family, worked, and the place I’ve loved.

Brantham will be facing massive planning pressures in the next few years.

Dealing with that has already occupied six years of my life.

My central point is what your future councillors will be facing in Babergh and in general. I’m working very hard here not to get too political. This is a report, not an election leaflet. I’ve always preferred analysis and information as a consistent approach.

The overwhelming factors in local government have been the austerity programmes and the effects of National Planning Policy. Councils have seen cuts in central government support of 35 to over 40 per cent (figures vary).

Take away a third of your income? How would you deal with that? Planning policy has presumed, in a ‘golden thread’, that councils are legally obliged to grant planning permissions in favour of a, poorly defined, sustainable development. That ‘double whammy’ explains the decision making that we’ve often hated.

Still analysing, what will they be dealing with? 2015 saw a General Election, raised turnout and the first majority administration in Babergh’s history.

With 31 out of 43 seats, and on board with the government approach, Conservatives were able to plan to consolidate their position. This was the oppositions ‘mushroom period’, kept in the dark and covered. But when the Conservatives started splintering, we asserted ourselves and could take a larger role within council decision making. The new members seem unlikely to face the initial situation. No General Election, high tide past and fewer members. 32 will have to do the work of 43. Some didn’t do that much anyway (like most organisations) but all will now represent more people and carry out the same internal functions. They’re going to have to work harder.

It’s never been tougher, with more responsibility, since 1974.

One improved aspect will be clear guidance on what to do. I had to write

GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEMES A HELPING HAND WHEN NEEDED The Shotley Peninsula Good Neighbour Schemes are an important support network in our villages. They are run by volunteers under the umbrella of Community Action Suffolk. They can be contacted for assistance over a range of activities, including shopping, pet care, trips to hospitals and surgeries and collecting prescriptions. We are supported by parish councils and voluntary donations.

All volunteers have been DBS and reference checked and are simply people in the community who don’t mind being asked for a helping hand. The contact phone is held by a rota of volunteers who ask volunteers in turn if they are free to help with a particular task.

It is for all to use – all of us at some point are glad to be able to call on a neighbour for help.

Please contact the Good Neighbour Scheme for your village: Chelmondiston and Pin Mill: 780408 Harkstead and Lower Holbrook: 328326 Shotley and Erwarton: 07799 873881 Stutton Support Network: 327753 Tattingstone: 07895 052086

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my own job description, developed since. There’s a cross party member development programme ready with extensive descriptions of all roles, initial training and future development. This existed before, but the commitment died out fairly quickly. I went to everything! 50% of the 2015 council were brand new. Some had done little preparation, not really expecting to be elected. There won’t be that much turnover this time, so hopefully more continuity. My own committee, Overview and Scrutiny, have, by now, met to look forward, scrutinise our own work and make recommendations to our successors.

The last two years of 2015-19 have been, in my opinion, the better ones.

Babergh have looked forward, prepared, and updated our constitution again based on those two years of experience. We have Cabinet Government for at least three more years, so I’ve sought to ‘deal with it’, as has Derek Davis, the only opposition cabinet member. The new council must complete the Joint Local Plan, a possible merger with Mid Suffolk is still possible, serious deficits loom for two years and there are a host of issues you’d never have thought of. An insight into some of them might be in the Scrutiny Annual Report.

(The report is included in the papers for our final Council meeting on March 19, available online) I’ve asked for a separate online link as well. I’m honestly proud of the work that committee has done over the last two years.

THE VOTE That’s what I think your next councillors will face. Please vote for them because you think they’re the best candidate, who will do the work, who knows their community. Experience can be gained. We all started knowing only a little. I’ve worked with members from all political groups and I don’t subscribe to the cynicism of social media. It’s a tool which can be used sensibly, or destructively. All candidates deserve your respect. They’re going to have to work hard and none of them deserve abuse. Above all, resist the temptation to give up on it all. These matters matter. They affect you. Use your vote.

The blue Claud Butler will be in service again. I’ll be seeing a lot of you in Brantham shortly, and I may pop up elsewhere in April. The new Facebook group for Brantham will be ‘Alastair McCraw, Independent in Brantham’.

Invitations to Alton members will be sent. Thank you all for your attention and the opportunity.

Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)

DEATH CAFÉ The next peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, May 5 in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook. We meet for an hour and a half from 10.30am. We are very grateful to The Compasses for allowing us to use their lounge where we are made very welcome with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins. For more information about the Death Café contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com

HARKSTEAD FARMERS’ MARKET The last market was on March 16 at Harkstead Village Hall with some new stalls and an extensive variety of produce available.

Of our new stalls, we now have two jewellery sellers, with Amanda Haskell focussing on the healing properties of the gems, and Allies Precious Gems focussing on precious stones. We also had Penny and Alan selling their Fairtrade goods. The raffle was won by Lynn, Cyril and Mike Crouch.

Future dates: Saturdays, April 20, May 18 and June 15

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OUT & ABOUT HOLBROOK SOCIETY EVENTS April, Friday 5, 7.30pm at Holbrook Bowls Club The Future of Wild Essex – Disasters & Opportunities John Hall MBE will talk about his work at Essex Wildlife Trust.

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

Friday, May 10, 7.30pm at Holbrook Village Hall Dr Mike Garland will tell the story of the Morris, hopefully with music. £4 on the door for each event, no need to book.

The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, April 13, 9am-12.30pm.

Holbrook Photographic Competition and Exhibition The closing date is Saturday, June 1. For competition details and entry forms visit: www.holbrooksociety.strikingly.com

Visit all your favourite market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month.

Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

Holbrook Photographic Exhibition Saturday, June 8 at Holbrook Village Fete

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

Friday, September 27 Brian Barker on Modern Farming

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

EXHIBITION OF ANTIQUE AND NEW QUILTS St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 4 11am-4pm on Sunday, May 5 10am-4pm on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6

Saturday, November 30 Christmas visit to Norwich For more information about Holbrook Society events please visit: SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 www.holbrooksociety.strikingly.com

BINGO & RAFFLE SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 BINGO & RAFFLE

Other craft stalls, spinners and weavers and a chance to buy from the stalls

Saturday, April 6 7 for 7.30pm at Shotley Village Hall

Refreshments on offer and a raffle each day

EVERYONE WELCOME

Entry £3, accompanied children free SATURDAY 6th April

Profit to St Michaels Church Funds

AMICI Starting: IN 7pmCONCERT for 7.30pm

Shotley Village Sunday, April 28, 3pm atHall St Mary’s Church, Harkstead IP9 1DD

MURDER AT THE WEDDING Chelpin Players are looking forward to welcoming you as guests to the wedding reception(s) of Fiona and Daniel. Please join us and help solve a murder at the wedding reception.

EVERYONE WELCOME

Murder at the Wedding has been devised by our very own Ian and Sam Scrivener.

To help us get into the swing of things, it would be fun (though not compulsory) if you would wear some special occasion attire, maybe a fascinator or a posh frock!

The ‘reception’ is at Chelmondiston Village Hall on Thursday 11, Friday 12 and Saturday, April 13. Fiona and Daniel will be ready to greet you from 7pm. They ask that everyone is seated, ready for speeches by 7.30pm. £8.50 per guest includes your welcome drink and the wedding buffet.

EAST SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND An independent and voluntary charitable organisation promoting the welfare of blind and visually impaired people in East Suffolk since 1914. Membership is free. We also hold a social on the last Wednesday of every month at Stutton Community Hall from 2-4pm when we provide entertainment, afternoon tea and a raffle, and twice a year we have a lunch at a local hotel.

If you would like to join us, contact Ian, our community support worker, for more information: 01473 788380 We are always in need of volunteer drivers to assist us with our monthly social event. If interested please contact Barbara McDonald: 01473 328907

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We are delighted to welcome back the much admired Amici choir who came to Harkstead Church four years ago. A Suffolk based amateur choir, they sing music drawn from the 16th to the 21st centuries.

The UK has produced some of the best chamber choirs in the world. Groups like The Sixteen, Voces 8 or Tenebrae command a huge following and hefty fees! Amici’s programme will cover a similar repertoire of music to include works by Byrd, Monteverdi, Vautor, Billy Joel, traditional folk song and spirituals.

Amici aims to present an afternoon of beautiful music, and promises it won’t be stuffy! Why not come along? Tickets are £10 and £5 for 16 years and under and include light refreshments.

CONTACT Sally Wilden: 01473 327140 / sally.wilden@gmail.com Eleanor Soar: 01473 327266 / eleanor.soar@gmail.com

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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OUT & ABOUT Chelpin Players

SHOTLEY DRAMA GROUP’s MOTHER GOOSE A Review by Derek Davis

Ian Scrivener & Sam Scrivener

Chelmondiston Village Hall 7.30pm Thursday April 11th Friday April 12th

& Saturday April 13th

Bar and refreshments Tickets £8.50

I never thought I would ever hear the Strawbs’ Part of the Union in a panto.

This 70s hit with a political message fitted in perfectly in this version of Mother Goose, which was full of lovely little surprises.

Shotley Drama Group never do a bad panto so the bar is set high, and this year’s, directed by Mandy Peters, had to meet the sort of standards set by Carol Blumfield and Derek Long, two stalwarts who passed away over the past year.

This cast made up of 15 enthusiastic children and nearly as many dedicated adults mixed lively music with colourful dance numbers and groan worthy gags (some I didn’t even see coming). In military style organisation the youngsters had no chance to get bored with constant changes and chorus lines in many scenes, all made possible by an amazing array of high quality costumes set against a backdrop of top-class scenery and props. Debbie Frost as the Queen of Birdland stars in one of the most colourful scenes, while Sharon Ratcliffe as Monster of the Haunted Wood delights in the spookiest and cleverest of second half openers.

There are many lovely little cameos weaved in among the bigger picture. Mel and Jude as Hickory and Dickory bounced off each with ease as only sisters can, especially as their dad is Derek Long. Their Thank You For Being A Friend felt particularly poignant. The mischievous Jack, played with impish devilment

by Angela Arnold, displayed a cheeky sense of humour, while Jill (Michelle Merrin) tried to keep a straight face, but didn’t always manage. Connor Sams gave his all as the ever-fussy Mother Goose and made a convincing drama queen, not least for the number of costume changes and not so subtle makeup. But Mother Goose was not just all bluster; a strong singing voice came over and he/she added twinkle to each act, even when he was tricked

by Demon Discontent, played by Michael Connell who looks and sounds the part was the antithesis of Fairy Fortune (Lynne Catling) who narrated with patience and style. As Squire William, Bob Oliver added gravitas, while Jennie Hammond as the Queen of Hearts added glamour, and played the fall guy with panache, especially in a quality jam tart factory farce, and Alfie Cubitt is a good little Knave of Hearts. You can’t have a panto without a love interest and Polly Flinders (Josie Tromans) and Prince Colin (Naomi Mitchell) bring a little tenderness to the mayhem surrounding them.

For all that was said and sung, it takes something special to stand out without uttering a vowel. Yet that is exactly what the endearing Emily Tromons as Priscilla the Goose managed to do. If Shotley Drama Group did merchandise, Priscilla would have been a sell-out.

Once again Shotley Drama Group produced a wonderful fun-for-allthe-family panto and you just know Carol and Derek will be smiling down approvingly (although no doubt with some added direction).

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OUT & ABOUT GENTS’ BREAKFAST HARKSTEAD AUCTION Our popular twice yearly auction will be held on Saturday, April 6 in the village hall starting at 10am.

If you haven’t been before, this is an enjoyable and profitable way of recycling those household goods that are too good to throw away and to make a few pounds yourself. The best form of recycling!

For buyers it’s an opportunity to pick up collectors’ and useful items for those of us with an eye for a bargain.

Please put this date in your diary. If you would like more information or to book items in for sale, please contact the Loosers: 01473 328649 / harksteadauction@btinternet.com Lots are taken in between 2 and 8pm on Thursday, April 4, but it is essential to book items in for sale in advance as we will be limiting the number of lots. First come first served! No items can be accepted after 8pm on Thursday.

The hall is open for viewing on Friday, April 5 between 11am and 1pm and 4 and 8pm, as well as from 9am on the day of the auction.

Entrance is free of charge with excellent refreshments during the sale and ample free parking.

EASTERN ANGLES TOUR We are delighted that Eastern Angles will be performing again this year at Harkstead Village Hall on Tuesday, April 23.

The new production is The Tide Jetty by Tony Ramsey. The story follows two brothers who grow up on the banks of Breydon Water with tomboy Eliza. The three are inseparable. As they grow older the inevitable happens and both the boys fall for her. But tragedy strikes and years later it is time to discover the truth of what really happened…

The new play combines music and movement to explore what we treasure and how and why we preserve it.

Tickets are £10 and the performance starts at 7.30pm. Please book with Tony Leeson (328687 / tandm@leesontony. plus.com) or Margaret Harward (328657 / harward@btinternet.com).

There will be a Gents’ Breakfast at St Andrew’s Church Room in Chelmondiston on Saturday, May 4, between 9 and 11am. This will be a cooked breakfast with fruit, toast and other options.

I will happily cook for any gents who would like an English or continental breakfast with tea/coffee as required. Bring a friend or neighbour, a newspaper, sports news or whatever interests you. Come at a time to suit you and I will cook a fresh breakfast for you.

It would be great to know in advance if you will be joining us, but I’m sure there will be places on the day. A donation of around £10 towards church funds would be appreciated.

Dilly Ridge: dilly@hildaridge.co.uk / 01473 780350

SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB February Draw Winners 1: Mrs T Butler (067) £25 2: Mr H Suckling (087) £20 3: Mrs S Newman (146) £15 4: Mrs J Kirk (082) £5 5: Mrs N Simpkin (161) £5 New members are always very welcome in the 700 Club. To join simply contact Norman on 01473 787385.Membership is £1 a month and can be paid at three, six or 12 monthly intervals.

PENINSULAR PIX What do Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga and Sam Elliott have in common?

Answer: they all scored 90 per cent with Rotten Tomatoes.

Pen Pix is showing the third remake of A Star is Born on Thursday, April 4. Judy Garland and James Mason were in the first one of course and Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson in the second, but now we have the definitive version of that wonderful film.

You’ll probably remember the storyline from the first version you saw (if you watched it when it came out in the 1937 version, tell me the secret of longevity), or even the second one from 1954 (which is within my life range believe it or not).

The story: a young, handsome musician helps a beautiful singer find fame as his own career spirals downwards in a haze of alcoholism. What can I say? It’s a classic. It’s a legend. If you miss it, you’ll probably regret it for the rest of your days, and if you’re my age you won’t see the next remake with Deborah Stiletto and Alex Scarborough, because those future wannabes ain’t even born yet! www.peninsularpix.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY & ERWARTON WI Instead of a speaker in February we invited our members to speak for up to three minutes about themselves. Our president was the first to speak and we heard how she was a teacher and at one time trod the boards. Our secretary told us how she use to live next door to and went to school with Barbara Windsor. Not to be outdone, our treasurer boasted how Paul Daniels was her bakers delivery boy at one time. I wonder whether he was doing magic tricks on his delivery round?

IN LOVE Organ and Voice Recital by Ben Banks and Taylor London

Our ages range from 48 to 91 with several teachers, nurses, cooks, a secretary, an environmental officer, a Butlins redcoat, a Wren and a district councillor.

A number of our ladies had taken gap years to Europe while one ended up potato picking in New Zealand to supplement her funds. Another had toured the world with her husband’s work and had a waltz with a tribal leader in the middle of Somalia.

Including music by Mozart, Schumann and Rachmaninov

We come from all corners of the country, but none from Ireland. We will have to remedy that! While two of our ladies had never moved further than the Shotley Peninsula.

There will be an interval with refreshments provided

Bryan Thurlow was our speaker on March. As he donned a flat cap, waistcoat and jacket covered in silver buttons he morphed into Billy Jackson, a pearly King from Bethnal Green. `Billy` recalled his memoirs as an evacuee on his family’s farm in Suffolk with his sister Doris, while their mother stayed in London. Quiet sounds of recognition as Billy’s blitz story unfolded, laughter over his teacher, murmurings of sympathy as their father went MIA, and singing We`ll Meet Again. After tea, we sat in a circle as Wendy Sadler read a story with the words ‘left’ and ‘right’ highly featured as little boxes were passed in accordance with directions amongst us, with much giggling. It was a truly enjoyable evening.

For anyone interested in joining our WI, we would be pleased to see you.

Our meetings start at 7.15pm in Shotley Village Hall, with the next on April 17. For more details ring Jo Lee: 01473 787311 Between 10am and noon on May 11 we will be holding our Spring Coffee Morning. Everyone is welcome with lots of delicious cakes to eat for only £3.50 for adults and £1 for children. We will also be selling cakes, preserves and plants, as well as holding a tombola with super prizes. Hope to see you there.

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 April 16 when an ambassador from Trinity House will be talking about the lighthouses that are located around the coastline. He will explain their origins, maintenance and everything to do with lighthouses.

Trinity House is a 500-year-old organisation based in London and Harwich. It is the general lighthouse authority for England, Wales and he Channel Islands, making the seas around us safer for mariners carrying out their business.

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

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St Andrew’s Church, Chelmondiston Saturday, April 13 at 7.30pm All proceeds will be shared between the performers and the Benefice Fill The Gap Fund

Free entrance, retiring collection Ben Banks and Taylor London are experienced and talented music students. We are proud to welcome them and help support their studies.

SOCIAL SEW-AND-SO’S The March get-together of Social Sew-and-So’s enabled a lot of new projects to get off the ground. Crochet, knitting of fidget blankets and scarves, patchwork quilting and card making all continued with abundance and enthusiasm. The crocheted animals are getting bigger and more colourful each time one is made!

To avoid clashing with Harkstead Auction, our next get-together is on Saturday, April 13. Plans are afoot to visit the Blackthorpe Quilt Show on either the Sunday or Monday (May 5 or 6).

Please let Sarah know if you are interested in going.

STOUR VALLEY U3A On April 10 Mark Mitchels will talk to us on The Genius of Charles Dickens.

Dickens rose to become a great novelist by sheer talent and determination.

He worked a self-imposed schedule that never relaxed and in the end he probably brought about his early death. But the novels survive to be rediscovered by each generation. What sort of man was he? His genius is astonishing and this talk uses biography and extracts from his books to re-create the man and his achievements.

Our speaker on May 8 is Dr Helen Geake, National Finds Adviser, Portable Antiquities Scheme. She will talk about local finds recorded by PAS and explain what to do if you find an historic artefact while gardening, beachcombing or walking the dog. This talk look at how archaeologists reconstruct items and will include details of local finds.

Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday, April 26.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

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OUT & ABOUT CHELMONDISTON 100 CLUB Results of the March draw: Lynda Askew £120 Chris Deacon £60 This is the last draw of the financial year. Thank you to all who have supported us. We hope you will continue to do so and will be in the next draw in June. If you haven’t been a member this year, please consider doing so. Any queries to Fiona: 01473 780965

CHELMONDISTON WI What a mad couple of months it has been! Our Man from Muntons, Andy Janes, was enjoyed by all. A surprising number of items from our shopping lists contain malt, the most surprising being Cheddars (adding malt enhances the cheese flavour, meaning less cheese is needed). We received a lovely recipe book and a sample of malt to take home and try. I love it in my porridge.

A large group of ladies (over 200 from our SEFWI area), including our members and friends from Shotley & Erwarton, had a trip to Norwich Theatre Royal in February. We did what we ladies enjoy – a bit of shopping, people watching and eating cake before we met up for the show.

Calendar Girls the Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth was amazing. I doubt if there was a dry eye in the place at times, but the laughter was also loud.

Clearly we all had a great time. For some the excitement of getting back in time for the chip van in Shotley ended a great day.

Our March meeting is our 93rd birthday. Chelmondiston ladies first got together in 1926. We will be entertained by local musician Mike Read and enjoy a glass of something and a nibble or two. I was lucky enough to be a member when we were 50. That photograph pops up quite a lot so here we have a sort of ‘then’ and ‘now’! No prize for guessing which is me.

We also attended the SEFWI AGM at Trinity Park with special guest Kevin Clifton from Strictly Come Dancing.

Paula will be letting us into the secrets of hedgehogs on April 9 with, I hope, some guest hedgehogs.

You are always welcome to attend as a visitor to enjoy good company, a good cuppa and great cake.

Pat

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Out & about VILLAGE LINK Mark Reynolds will present a talk entitled My life as a Live Drawing Cartoonist Comedy Impressionist when we meet at 10am on April 10 in Tattingstone Village Hall.

The club aims to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon. I would like to welcome back any former members and to see new members from all local villages at our meetings, either as visitors or members.

Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

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.

On March 6 Chris Garibaldi’s talk on The Fine and Decorative Arts of Horse Racing opened our eyes to the history of art relating to the Sport of Kings and was entertaining from the start through to the finishing post.

We next meet on Wednesday, April 3 when the guest speaker will be Simon Inglis. Simon is a writer and historian, a regular contributor to radio and television who specialises in the architecture and heritage of sport and recreation. His talk has the interesting title, Beer and Skittles. On May 1 our visiting lecturer will be Leslie Primo with a talk entitled The Cult of the South Pacific from Cook to Gauguin.

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.

SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE This month our whist drives are on Thursdays 4 and 18, both 1.50-4pm.

For information or lifts, please contact Norman and Eileen: 01473 787385

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club which meets on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Monday, April 1: Diamond Greeting Card (Jill) Monday, May 13: Crochet Flowers (Debs) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Brian Wills presented a lecture of particular local interest on Wednesday, March 6 when he spoke about Constable and his Paintings, and we held our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 20.

On April 3 Chris Parfitt will introduce us to Bhutan, Land of The Thunder Dragon and David Ablewhite will return to present The Horrible Hanoverians on April 17. On May 1 Francis Boardman will present Son of a Gun – Woman in Nelson’s Navy and on May 15 Bill Roberts will recall Memoirs of An Armed Protection Officer.

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

SHOTLEY PENINSULA BRANCH

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

ALTON BELLES Our February meeting was very entertaining. Michelle Postlethwaite from The Featherstep School of Dance came with two former pupils, Ellie Williamson and Harrison Damant. Michelle described how pupils work up to competition level and talked about the costumes worn for competition. Ellie and Harrison showed us the dress and suit they would wear to compete in the waltz and then gave us a demonstration. Michelle then asked for a volunteer so she could show how pupils begin to learn the waltz.

Meanwhile Ellie and Harrison changed into their Latin outfits and gave us a demonstration of the Cha Cha Cha. We were then invited to get up and try the basic step.

This year marks the centenary of the Suffolk East Federation of the Women’s Institute. Five members of Alton Belles were lucky enough to secure seats at Trinity Park for the AGM on March 5. It was a very interesting day, culminating in Kevin Clifton from Strictly Come Dancing giving us the story of how he came to be on the show. Kevin came from a family of dancers and danced from an early age, but never quite managed to gain a first place in competitions, which led to a lack of confidence in his own abilities. He has led an interesting life so far. Perseverance has certainly brought him success.

In April we will be welcoming Sandy Taylor who will demonstrate how to make new jewellery from old.

If you want to hear more about how you could get involved in our vibrant and forward-looking WI, please contact either Tamzin (328670) or Jane (327865).

www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley

This month’s meeting is on Wednesday, April 3 at 2pm in St Andrew’s Church Room where our speaker will be a hospital chaplin.

Wednesday, May 1 is our annual deanery get-together with East Bergholt and Brantham members. After a short service, followed by a social afternoon which promises to be fun, we meet as usual in the church room at 2pm.

We welcome visitors to all our meetings. Should you require a lift please contact Christine (780621) or Pam (780796). We look forward to seeing many of you on these dates.

Pam Ross

SHOTLEY SOCIAL CLUB (OVER 60s) In April we meet on Thursdays 11 and 25 from 1.50-4pm. For information or lifts required, please contact Norman and Eileen: 01473 787385 Social Club Outings for 2019 Wednesday, May 1: A visit to Hearts Delight at Lawford, followed by lunch at Ardleigh Wooden Fender. Menus on request, coach £10, meal at cost.

Leaving Shotley at 9am and arriving home at 3.30-4pm.

Wednesday, June 5: Bury St Edmunds. Leaving Shotley at 9am and Bury at 2.30pm. Fare £10.

Wednesday, May 29: We will be running a coach to Suffolk Show, leaving Shotley at 8.30am and the show at 4.45pm. Show entry tickets on request.

Please give names to Eileen or Norman.

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out & about / Schools SHOTLEY GARDENING CLUB Andrew Brogan was our speaker for March. This was a follow-up to our visit to Andrew’s Exotic Garden in Henstead last summer, one of the highlights of 2018.

Andrew’s illustrated talk was informative and at times made us laugh. His almost single-handed development of the garden is inspiring; starting with a small and completely undeveloped plot, which is now famous in gardening circles around the world and has even been on TV. It was praised by Alan Tichmarsh and is featured as the front cover of a book on exotic gardens with The Alhambra, a late-medieval castle gardens in Spain, relegated to the back.

I think that says it all. Do visit the garden – it’s not far away.

On April 8 Rodney Tibbs with be telling us about the gardens of Cambridge Colleges. This is an open meeting. Why not come along and join us at 7.30pm in the committee Room at Shotley Village Hall?

CHELMONDISTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY We had an enjoyable evening with Karen Kenny, the queen of the allotments, who told us about the wonderful world of weeds. Do not throw them away as they contain lots of nutrients. Put them in a bucket of water to steep and then water the goodness back into your plants and veg.

Would members please note that annual subs are now due and at £7.50 represent good value for money?

We are still looking for a show secretary, so if you think you could help please contact Linda.

Alan Storey

SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL Now in its 12th year, the Suffolk Walking festival (May 11 to June 2) has established itself as one of Britain’s premier walking festivals with over 120 walks and events across our county. Last year all walkers collectively walked 24 million steps over 23 days across Suffolk!

The 2019 festival is going to be the most creative, imaginative and ambitious one to date. From a dawn chorus to hidden orchids, Arthur Ransome to John Constable, and from Anglo-Saxons to naval heritage, there’s even murder, myths and a little bit of magic.

The festival has something for everyone: short strolls, gentle rambles, long hikes, family walks, history walks, nature walks, story-telling, art lessons, photography courses, walks with boat trips, walks with breakfasts, walks with train rides...

Some of the highlights include: • A walk with Kite, the Orford Ness sheepdog, and her shepherd owner who will explain how they manage the reserve for wildlife.

• Night Safari will enter an ancient woodland just after sundown to experience the wood’s nocturnal life and talk to owls!

• A walk to Eye Airfield will reveal its wartime history with a ride back in vintage military vehicles!

• A walk discovering the fascinating history of Ipswich’s Waterfront, followed by a Thames Barge cruise down the River Orwell.

All walks are ticketed and all tickets must be purchased in advance. Brochures are now available in various outlets including libraries, leisure centres, country parks, Tourist Information Centres, visitor information points and Cotswold Outdoors. To find out more and buy tickets visit: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

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SPRING JUMBLE SALE Clear the Clutter – Bag a Bargain!

Saturday, April 6 from 2pm at Bentley Village Hall If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or telephone Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) who will arrange to collect it from you.

If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm with tea and coffee available.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

STUTTON PRIMARY SCHOOL The importance of reading has always been at the forefront of our ethos. The school is lucky to be awash with books accumulated over many years.

Sadly, a number of these books are starting to show their age and need replacing. It is, therefore, with great joy and excitement that we have the pleasure of announcing that the school was recently successful in winning £2,500 in the recent Books for Schools token collection scheme organised by the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times. To win the prize, the school collected one of the highest numbers of tokens on average per child.

It says everything about the school and the wider community that a concentrated effort from a number of people allowed us to be successful in this venture and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved. This success comes at a very opportune moment as one of our targets this year is to encourage a love of reading. As part of this, we have a reading advocate coming to work with us on a weekly basis and we recently invited parents into school for an afternoon to share the pleasure of reading with the children. We have also arranged for a performance poet to spend a day working with all the children later in the year and we are receiving more enquiries from people in the community about being support readers.

As I’m writing on World Book Day, the school is full of various book characters, including myself. As regards my character – to give you a clue I am wearing a red and white hooped T-shirt!

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that a love of reading and academic achievement are closely aligned. As a reception class teacher, I would constantly suggest to parents that the most important homework they could do with their child was to set time aside to either listen to their child read or to discuss stories together. There are almost as many quotes about the importance of reading as there are books themselves. A personal favourite of mine is from Lemony Snicket: “Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

Of course, these days reading can take different forms and I’m sure many of you, like me, find it easier to read through electronic devices such as a Kindle or tablet. However, the readers among us will agree that nothing can replace the pure pleasure of picking up and opening a book.

Perhaps, you will forgive me one last quote to finish on; it comes from Roald Dahl, who is still very popular: “I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.”

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SPORT SHOTLEY ROSE BOWLS CLUB The bowls season is fast approaching and Shotley Rose Bowls Club is preparing itself for a new season of challenges. We have again entered the Samford League (Mondays) and the Triples League (Wednesdays). These matches are all played in the early evenings starting at 6.30pm. After our successes of last year, we will be entering teams in the Millennium Trophy (where we were runners-up last year) and the Samford Knock Out Cup. Also, individuals will be entering numerous county competitions and we hope to follow Ian Lord’s triumphs from last year.

This season Martin Stiff has taken on the new role of club captain and will be organising both teams for next year. Our new greenkeeper, Colin Appleby, ably assisted by Paul Catchpool, has been working hard preparing the playing surface for the forthcoming season.

Also, those passing the Shotley Rose may have seen a shiny looking hut in the background. The outside of our clubhouse has been decorated and repairs carried out. There is still a lot to do inside for next season to give everything a fresh feel and volunteers to help should contact me, Simon Whitney, on 01473 788886.

The club had a good attendance at the County Bowls Presentation and Dinner on February 9 where we collected two awards. There is a pre-season gettogether at the Shotley Rose on March 21 at 7.30pm.

Please get in touch with the people below if you would like to join our merry band of players or just have a try at this sport. It’s a great way to meet people in the village and enjoy a competitive sport that’s not too strenuous or serious. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Secretary: Andrew Coulson, 01473 787304 Treasurer: Norman Bugg, 01473 787358

Neptune Youth Groups Neptune youth groups will be running over a 12-week period starting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings after Easter. If you are 10 years or over and would like to enroll or know anyone who would like to join please contact us now. The groups cover from complete beginner to advanced and offer a chance to progress to assistant or instructor.

First Aid Courses All our instructors and safety boat drivers have a current first aid qualification, which has to be updated every three years. By the time the April addition is distributed we will have run two courses to ensure we are all up to date.

Open Youth and Adult Courses Our website is now up to date and all courses are detailed including the dates, brief course content and qualification to be awarded on successful completion.

Dinghy Instructor Course This is filling up fast so if you want to enroll contact us via the website.

Note we can also offer the pre-assessment and powerboat course required.

Website Update All dates and course information updates are now online. The diary is a useful source of activities. www.neptunesailing.org.uk

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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC After suffering defeat in the first game of February, the 1st Team scored emphatic victories over two teams below them in the league to move to a solid mid-table position, giving optimism that they can finish the season in style.

The Reserves won all three games in February to move up to seventh in League A, but they are still some way off the top two.

One draw and one defeat in February did not improve the A team’s position, but a victory over high flying Kesgrave in the first game in March put them right back in the mix. The team are now only three points behind the second placed team, with games in hand.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team Senior Division Sat, April 6: Capel Plough (A) Sat, April 20: Coplestonians (H) Sat, April 27: Claydon (A) Reserves League A Sat, Mar 30: Mendlesham Res (H) Sat, April 6: Achilles Res (A) Sat, April 13: Old Newton Res (A) Sat, April 27: Trimley Red Devils (A) A Team League C Sat, April 13: Framlingham Town A (A) To confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Sponsorship We will be looking for new kits for all three teams for next season. This is a great opportunity to support a local organisation and publicise your venture.

There are a number of options available and anyone interested is invited to make contact with the secretary in the first instance.

Ladies and Juniors We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. If you are interested please contact David George at: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com Events It is anticipated that the darts tournament will become a regular event and will be open to all, so darts players, keep an eye for the next event.

Secretary Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

CHELMONDISTON CARPET BOWLS With one game to play we are currently fifth in the league, but as there are teams below us with games in hand we are likely to finish up lower.

We were through to the Suffolk Plate quarter-finals at Needham Market.

Unfortunately, although we were all square with two games each with Claydon, they held more shots than us so we went out.

Congratulations to a team comprising Wal, Barbara, John and Michael who entered The Langham Trophy in Essex and came away as winners.

We went to the Red Lion in Chelmondiston for our annual supper and, as usual, had a great meal thanks to Mandy and staff.

The summer league will be shortly upon us so more news as we progress.

THE PENINSULA BAPTIST CHURCH Pin Mill Road, Chelmondiston IP9 1JE We invite you to join us on Sunday morning at 10.30am or Sunday evening at 6pm.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Contact Dave Kelland: 01473 788441 / 07970 312705

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EXPLORING PUBLIC OPINION ON REASSURANCE POLICING University of Suffolk student Abigail Kegge is conducting research into the current perceptions (opinions and feelings) about what Suffolk Constabulary is doing well and what needs to be improved in respect to reassurance policing. The findings will be used to form part of her Masters degree dissertation and in the production of a document, detailing recommendations, addressed to Suffolk Constabulary.

All Suffolk residents who are aged 16 years and over are eligible to participate.

Full details are provided ahead of the questionnaire, both of which can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/y3jn5k74 There are a variety of questions asked, some of which allow you to answer in your own words. So please allow up to 15-20 minutes for completion. At no stage will your name be requested. Any personal information asked, such as your age and ethnicity, is to assist with analysis and the generation of recommendations. The end of the survey will be made clear as you will click the ‘submit’ button when you reach the end.

The data provided will be held securely until successful completion of both aims, outlined above. At which point the data will be disposed of confidentially.

Please note, the format of the survey appears best on a desktop computer, laptop or tablet, but it is manageable on a mobile phone.

Thank you for your time and your support.

TWO RIVERS BENEFICE – APRIL ST PETER’S, STUTTON Sunday 7 10.30am Saturday 13 Noon Sunday 14 10am Wednesday 17 2.30pm Sunday 21 9.30am Wednesday 24 2.30pm Sunday 28 11am

Worship for All at Stutton School Soup and Roll Benefice Service Holbrook Prayer Group Easter Day Holy Communion Comfort corner Informal Service

ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK Sunday 7 4pm Sunday 14 10am Wednesday 17 3pm Sunday 21 9.30am Sunday 28 9.30am

Winter Warming Afternoon Tea Benefice and Methodist Communion Comfort Corner Easter Sunday Holy Communion Holy Communion

ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD Sunday 7 No Service Sunday 14 10am Sunday 21 11am Sunday 28 11am

Benefice Service Holbrook Easter Day Morning Prayer Informal Service

ST PETER’S, FRESTON Sunday 7 11am Sunday 10 10am Sunday 21 11am Sunday 28 No Service

Matins Benefice Service Holbrook Holy Communion

ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE Sunday 7 10am BCP Communion

11am Café Church Saturday 13 9am-12.30pm Monthly Market Sunday 14 11am Worship the Woolverstone Way Sunday 21 11am Morning Prayer Sunday 28 11am Baptism Please check church websites and noticeboards for any changes to services.

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CHURCH NEWS CHELMONDISTON & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES PLANNING FOR – PART 2 Last month I shared a little of my lifestory, which included planning for retirement. Thank you for a number of encouraging comments I have received.

My current invitation to serve the churches in this area is until August 2020, but I am hoping that might be extended when the review of my appointment comes up this summer. So although I am planning for retirement it might be another three-and-a-half years away so I still have some more monthly articles to write!

I seem to have had a run of funerals to officiate at recently. It is a privilege to come alongside families when a loved one is dying or has already died.

The circumstances of the death, the faith of the deceased and the family relationships are all very different. There are some families where the deceased has made very clear requests about their funeral arrangements.

Sometimes this is a formal funeral plan, which has been paid for in advance and the funeral company keeps details on file. Others are where the person has chosen the songs, hymns, music and readings, place and method and left the details with the family. It is even better when they have talked it through with their family so that it doesn’t come as a shock.

It is good to plan for your funeral. It takes away the uncertainty for relatives that they are doing what you wanted. There are so many uncertainties in life, but one thing is certain, we will all die (unless the Lord returns first) so why not plan what you want? And why not make a commitment to Jesus and invite him to make that difference in your life now and for the future. That’s not just planning for the short term, but for an eternity.

For those who are Christian, the funeral service is a celebration of their lives and affirmation that although the deceased was never perfect, he/she is with the Lord in heaven. I cannot tell you what heaven is like, beyond saying it is a place of peace, beauty and love – it is where Jesus is. Jesus was raised from death and we will be celebrating that fact in churches on Easter Sunday, April 21. Funeral services where the future hope is proclaimed give strength and hope to the grieving relatives. At a funeral I conducted we believe the deceased made a commitment to the Lord shortly before he died and so the funeral service affirmed he was with Jesus.

I must do as I preach. I have sometime said in services, ‘that’s a hymn I want at my funeral’, but I haven’t written them all down. By the time this is printed I commit to making sure it is written down, and I will update at regular intervals during my retirement as new songs become inspirational.

I am happy to sit down with individuals and families (whether you go to

church or not) to talk through the options available to you and make a long term plan for your life. Forty years ago before I went to work in Zimbabwe, my mission organisation insisted that I wrote a will and make a plan if for some reason I didn’t come home. It’s never too early to make plans, but we can leave it too late and never do it!

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Chelmondiston, Holbrook & Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary I IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Sunday 7 10.45am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

6.15pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 14 10.45am

6.15pm

Palm Sunday Worship with Mr Ted Jack Worship with Rev Derek Grimshaw

Friday 19 10am

Good Friday Service

Sunday 21 10.45am

6.15pm

Worship with Prof David Welbourn Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 28 10.45am

6.15pm

Worship with Mr David Cordle Worship – Local Arrangement

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat (HCT): Mondays, 2.30-4pm Home Groups: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7.30pm Saturday 6 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 7 10am

6.30pm

Worship with Mr Roger Fern Lent Group (HCT)

Sunday 14 10am

Palm Sunday Worship with Rev Ian Gardner at All Saints (HCT)

Friday 19 5pm

Good Friday Service

Sunday 21 10am

Easter Sunday Communion with Rev Michael Allen

Friday 26 3.30pm

Messy Church (HCT)

Sunday 28 10am

6.30pm

Worship with Mr Harry Chicken Something Different

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in April.

For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 831120

SHORELINE BENEFICE ST ANDREW’S, CHELMONDISTON April 7 9.15am Holy Communion, The Rev Canon T Jones April 9 10am Tuesday Midweek Communion,

The Rev Canon L Oosterhof April 14 9.15am Palm Sunday Family Communion,

The Rev Canon L Oosterhof April 15 7.30pm Compline & Meditation, Mrs C Ward April 19 10am Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Service, Mrs C Ward April 21 9.15am Easter Service of Family Communion,

The Rev D Newton April 28 9.30am All-Age Family Service, Mr A Coulson ST MARY’S, ERWARTON April 7 4.30pm Evening Prayer CW, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof April 14 11am Palm Sunday Family Communion CW,

The Rev Canon L Oosterhof April 16 7.30pm Compline & Meditation, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof April 19 2pm Stations of the Cross, The Rev T Crosbie April 21 11am Easter Service of Holy Communion BCP,

The Rev Canon L Oosterhof

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April 28 10.45am Service at Shotley, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof ST MARY’S, HARKSTEAD April 7 9.30am Family Service and Baptism, The Rev Canon L Oosterhof April 14 9.30am Palm Sunday Family communion,

The Rev Canon C Chapman April 18 7.30pm Maundy Thursday Holy Communion,

The Rev Canon L Oosterhof April 21 9.30am Easter Service of Family Communion,

The Rev Canon S Brown April 28 9.30am Holy Communion, The Rev T Crosbie ST MARY’S, SHOTLEY April 7 10.45am Family@Shotley Church, Mrs C Ward April 14 10.45am Palm Sunday Worship for All, Mr A Coulson April 17 7.30pm Compline & Meditation, Mr A Coulson April 21 10.45am Easter Service of Family Communion, The Rev T Crosbie April 28 10.45am Holy Communion with Erwarton,

The Rev Canon L Oosterhof Please check church website and noticeboards for any changes to services.

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CHURCH NEWS

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish Priest: Fr Peter Raj 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR APRIL Sunday 7 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 9 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 14 Palm Sunday of The Passion of The Lord 9am Mass Tuesday 16 Tuesday of Holy Week 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Thursday 18 Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St Mark’s, Ipswich Friday 19 3pm

Good Friday Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at St Mark’s, Ipswich

Saturday 20 Holy Saturday 8.30pm Easter Vigil & First Mass of Easter at St Mark’s, Ipswich Sunday 2 9am 11am

Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Mass at St Mark’s, Ipswich

Tuesday 23 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 28 2nd Sunday of Easter 9am Mass Tuesday 30 St George Patron of England 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door.

Catholic Commentary In a recent homily the Pope preached: “Blessed is the word with which Jesus begins his preaching in St Matthew’s Gospel. And it is the refrain

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he repeats, as if to fix in our hearts, more than anything, an essential message: if you are with Jesus, if you love to listen to his word as the disciples of that time did, if you try to live out this word every day, then you are blessed. Not you will be blessed, but you are blessed; this is the first truth we know about the Christian life. It is not simply a list of external prescriptions to fulfil or a set of teachings to know. The Christian life, first and foremost, is not this; rather, it is the knowledge that, in Jesus, we are the Father’s beloved children. The Christian life means living out the joy of this blessedness, wanting to live life as a love story, the story of God’s faithful love, he who never abandons us and wishes to be in communion with us always. This is the reason for our joy, a joy that no one in the world and no circumstance in our lives can take from us. It is a joy that gives peace also in the midst of pain, a joy that already makes us participate in that eternal happiness which awaits us.”

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, March 24 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £159 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, April 28. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the parish room and all are very welcome to join us. The next event will be on Thursday, April 25.

Supporting our Local Hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

The Sick & Homebound Fr Jeremiah Matthias is the Ipswich Hospital Chaplain and he can be contacted on 07951 066607. Please let him know as soon as possible if a friend or relative has been admitted. Please let Fr Peter know of anyone who is ill at home or homebound, so that they can receive appropriate pastoral care.

All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services; it’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome.

Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

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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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call John Burch: 07870 347486

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©Jet Photography

SCHOOL BAND & BIG BAND CONCERT SATURDAY 11 MAY

7.30PM, ASSEMBLY HALL

Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE Available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic 01206 573948 ASSEMBLY HALL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IP9 2RX Sponsored by the Royal Hospital School Association