In Touch with Sproughton December 2019

Craciun Fericit

Feliz Navidad

In Touch

™© ™©

with Burstall & Sproughton

Mubarak

uon Natale

Milad Mubara

Nollaig Shona D

Sung Tan Chuk Ha

Volume 10 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2019

Merry Christmas

Fröhliche Weihnachten

Glaedelig Ju Gleðileg jól

Chuc Mung Giang Sinh

Rôômsaid Jôule

Boas Festas

Nollaig Shona Joyeux Noël Wesolych Swiat Sretan Bozic Merii Kurisumasu Zalig Kerstfeest

Lesimkha Gëzuar Krishlindjet

Zalig

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore.

This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives?

Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react…

My granddad was known to say, “Please and thank you will take you around the world”. It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back.

What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way.

SCOUTS CHRISTMAS POST SERVICE Collection Dates: Monday 25 November – Tuesday 10 December The Scouts are again offering their special Christmas postal service at 30p per card, less than half the price of a second-class stamp. Please put your cards and money together and post in our special post boxes, with full address and postcode clearly on the envelope.

This service has been provided for 33 years and is now run by 11 Scout groups. It is a major annual fundraising event, requiring hours of work by the leaders, parents and helpers of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers within each group.

Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all.

Scout groups from Ipswich, Claydon, Kesgrave, Martlesham, Grundisburgh and Felixstowe will be delivering cards in and around Ipswich (IP1-IP5), Kesgrave, Rushmere, Martlesham Heath, Grundisburgh, Gt and Lt Bealings, Playford, Pinewood, Claydon, Sproughton, Bramford, Gt Blakenham and Barham, Henley, Westerfield, Witnesham, Tuddenham, Felixstowe, Walton, Trimley St Mary, Trimley St Martin, Kirton and Falkenham.

And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.

For a full list of collection points across the area and any enquiries, please visit www.scoutspostipswich.org.uk or call 07812 052327.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISING

T: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk DISTRIBUTION

Tree Martin: 01473 400380 E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk PRINTING

ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Sproughton & Burstall is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.

We endeavour to deliver all the cards we receive that have a full address. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports our Scout groups by using the service and especially the businesses which allow our boxes to be placed in their premises.

In Touch Titles • S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Wed 4 December

SPROUGHTON CHRISTMAS MORNING MARKET Saturday 14 December from 10am in the Church Hall It can be as festive as you like to make it!

There will be mince pies as well as the usual biscuits. The bric-a-brac stall will have seasonal items and the raffle will have some surprise goodies to be won.

Any contributions for the raffle will be most welcome. The usual greetings cards will be on sale and there may be a game and treasure hunt for you to try.

What would you like to do to brighten up our Christmas Market?

Ideas and offers of help please to Heather or Michael: 01473 742766

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

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NEWS OAK HOUSE FARM OPENS ON-SITE BUTCHERY

MILLENNIUM GREEN FUN QUIZ NIGHT We are sorry that we had to cancel the Fun Quiz Night planned for Saturday 9 November, and we apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.

The event was cancelled because, with less than a week to go, only a few tickets had been sold – too few actually to cover the costs of putting the quiz night on. This was particularly disappointing because last year at the same time the event was a runaway success and the hall was full.

Family-run business Oak House Farm has launched an on-site butchery in the village of Sproughton, offering home-grown beef and pork from rare and traditional British breeds.

The new butchery’s range of fresh meat includes Gloucestershire Old Spot and Large White pork and Suffolk Red Poll beef. Provenance is at the heart of Oak House Farm, and all the beef and pork is grown on-site and fed predominantly from crops also grown on the farm.

Now run by husband and wife team, Ben and Georgina Woolf, Oak House Farm was bought by Ben’s parents, Madeline (who remains involved in the business) and her late husband Stephen, in the 1980s, fulfilling Stephen’s ambitions to run a farm. Stephen and Madeline’s previous retail business, Stuart’s, was well known locally for its ladies’ fashions stores in the centre of Ipswich.

Georgina commented: “We are proud to continue Stephen’s legacy with this significant investment in our farm. The butchery provides an ideal opportunity for our customers to enjoy quality products while being mindful of the environmental impact of their food and buying local. And, because of our field to fork set-up, we can keep prices competitive, meaning people won’t break the bank getting their meat direct from the farm.”

As well as popular and traditional cuts, the butchery range includes bacon, sausages, burgers, steaks and mince, as well as lamb and chicken, which is sourced from local suppliers who share Oak House Farm’s strict traceability criteria and high welfare standards. Meat from Oak House Farm is also used to make a range of homemade ready meals such as lasagna, cottage pie, pies and pulled pork, all available in the butchery.

With less than 350 Large White and 700 Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs remaining in Britain, Georgina and Ben are committed to keeping these iconic breeds on the British landscape.

Georgina commented: “The Old Spot and Large White are pretty well known as far as pigs go, but I think the public would be surprised to learn how few of them remain. It is very important to us to be able to play a small role in keeping these wonderful breeds going. Rearing rare and traditional breeds using techniques honed over many years delivers a product that is second to none. The beef reared on the farm is marbled, sweet and succulent and both Gloucestershire Old Spot and Large White pigs produce excellent pork that is particularly noted for its high quality bacon.”

For Ben, the launch of the butchery is a landmark moment in the family history. He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed growing up on our farm. Dad’s passion was for the arable farming – the crops – but livestock make a farm. We started with just a few chickens and then Mum started the cattle with two Red Polls and it grew from there.”

The business has evolved over time and stock numbers have continued to grow, with more than 100 cows now living on the farm. Ben added “Like all businesses, we need to continually evolve and we are hopeful that with the new butchery our family farm is in a position to thrive for many years to come.”

As well as fresh and frozen meat, Oak House Farm also sells local eggs and honey. The new butchery, which is located on Burstall Lane, Sproughton, is open to the general public on Wednesday, 9am – 3pm, Friday, 9am – 5pm and Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday by appointment.

Local residents interested in popping in outside of opening hours are invited to ring Georgina ahead on 07768 088095. To find out more information about Oak House Farm, visit oakhousefarm.co.uk or follow the farm on Facebook.

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We are planning another Fun Quiz Night in the spring – please watch these pages for details when they are published. In the meantime, this experience has taught us all a couple of lessons. First, we would appreciate it if patrons bought their tickets early so that we can plan with confidence for our fundraising events. Secondly, we would ask patrons buying tickets through the community shop to leave contact details so that we can advise if it’s necessary in future to cancel an event. Hopefully, that will not be the case, but being able to let everybody will be reassuring.

Ken Seager

REPORT FROM ZAC NORMAN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR SPROUGHTON AND PINEWOOD In the run-up to Christmas things do seem to be calming down here, especially due to the election and most meetings cancelled. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do!

A select few residents will have received a letter from myself regarding getting some Speed Indicator Devices for the village, one on the Larchwood Close junction off Hadleigh Road, one on High Street next to the existing ‘thank you for not speeding sign’ and one on Loraine Way next to the gate just outside of the main village. I believe these have become essential due to the speeding issues we have in the village, especially on Hadleigh Road.

These devices will give us non-enforceable traffic data which can be used for research purposes into areas such as pollution and traffic volume. I have submitted the forms to get them, however I am waiting to hear back if these were successful or not.

I was upset to hear that the floodlights at the sugar beet site are still blared out at all times of the night when I had received assurances from Babergh that come September they would be off after 11pm. I have since written to Babergh Planning Enforcement who are now re-investigating.

I haven’t heard anything from Suffolk County Council Highways regarding the Bennett Homes footpath so can’t provide an update despite repeated requests. There could however be positive news on the Bennett Homes puddle near there development; we will have to wait and see.

I have reported potholes in front of Oak Grove, High Street to Suffolk County Council under 00256787, which have now been filled.

Finally, I believe all there is left to do is to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing what the new year can bring for our parish and I will continue to fight in our corner.

As always, if you have anything, you’d like to discuss with me, please don’t hesitate to get in contact: zacharynorman06@gmail.com / 07577 359922 If you would like to sign up to my newsletter with more in depth information, please just send me and email and you will be added to the mailing list.

FROM THE ARCHIVES On 27 February 1813, the Ipswich Journal announced that a peal of five bells were to be opened on March 4. There would also be a new bell and frame hung by John Naunton and Thomas Meadows. The company of gentlemen ringers and others will be esteemed a favour by their humble servant John Lott at the Wild Man where a good dinner will be provided at two o’clock.

Doreen Bradbury

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NEWS

SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP: Something for Everyone Hard though it is to believe, another year has flown by and here we are approaching Christmas! So what has your shop got in store for you?

Hampers: you pick, we pack!

The perfect gift for people who are happy with what they already possess. What better than to give a gift that can be recycled, especially when it comprises lots of delicious local goodies. Sourcing locally means low carbon and shopping locally adds to that benefit. Just tell us what you want to spend on a chosen theme (tea time, breakfast, Fairtrade, gluten free, etc.) or any random selection and we’ll do the rest.

Sproughton Calendars might well find their way into a hamper. On the other hand a friend or relative who doesn’t have the benefit of living in such a pleasant place as Sproughton, might like to see what a real village gets up to. They are selling well, so don’t leave it too late!

up and running again so we have renewed supplies of recycled loo rolls and kitchen towels as well as having replenished our stock of small Christmas gifts.

Scout Post Box Onsite until 8 December. Don’t forget to put your cards in a separate package along with the appropriate money. The post codes covered are listed on the side of the box, but for those cards to be sent further afield, your shop has a good supply of first and second class stamps, as well as a wide range of Christmas Cards.

It only remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year and, of course, to thank our volunteers for another year of giving to the community, as well as our faithful customers.

Rosalind Lavington

Christmas Meat Bronze and black turkeys, boned crowns, capons, ducks geese and any other meat you fancy can be ordered from our suppliers in Halesworth.

We can keep your order in the low temperature chiller until you can accommodate it.

TraidCraft We are doing our usual Christmas service of ordering your gifts through the shop so that you can save on the postage and package costs.

We had thought Traidcraft had ceased trading, but thank goodness it’s

01473 747768 / www.sproughtoncommunityshop.co.uk

WILD RICE AND TURKEY CASSEROLE Producing a leftover-turkey encore just as worthy as the Christmas memory that begat it is reputedly a fruitless effort. However, apart from the excitement and glittery glamour of that day when the perfectly succulent turkey has made its debut, and long after the last houseguest has said their goodbyes and the house is eerily hushed again, remember that a somewhat less flashy, yet wholesome meal provided by that same turkey is waiting in the wings every bit as tasty the second time around. Maybe even more so. Enjoy!

85g / 3oz blanched, sliced almonds 25fl oz turkey or chicken broth 12.5fl oz double cream 3tbsp Parmesan cheese

6tbsp butter

Wash rice thoroughly. Cover with boiling water and let set for at least one hour as it is quite hard. Drain well. Gently sauté mushrooms and onion in 1tbsp butter for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix rice, vegetables and salt and pepper, then add turkey and almonds. Stir in cream and broth. Transfer into a large, greased casserole dish, cover and bake at 180°/ gas mark 4 for 1.5 hours. Remove cover, sprinkle with cheese, and dot with remaining butter. Turn oven up to 230° and bake five more minutes. Serves six to eight.

2tsp (or less) salt

© Mary Bright Basan

1/4tsp ground black pepper

Questions or comments to: mbb.101@hotmail.com

Wild Rice and Turkey Casserole 145g / 5oz wild rice 453g mushrooms, sliced 1 onion, chopped

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700g diced cooked turkey

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SPROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY

Pigeon Development/ Burstall Lane: Pigeon agreed to another exhibition which took palce on November 22-23. Pigeon and Sproughton PC and Sproughton Working Group will be looking for feedback from attendees.

Pigeon are aiming for planning submission in January 2020.

School Bookings for 2020 The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is taking bookings for the new year. Why not book your school in for a visit? Classes of up to 30 students from Key Stage 2 and above are welcome to visit the facility and explore how we make use of Suffolk’s household waste. During the visit, students will be given a tour of the facility and have a chance to explore our purpose built, interactive visitor centre.

Joint Local Plan Consultation: Babergh are now busy processing everyone’s comments. Apparently there were a lot of comments – we look forward to the next version of the JLP. Neighbourhood Plan: The parish council is considering the feasibility of a Neighbourhood Plan and if so will be looking for volunteers to help in the future. Sproughton Working Group have kindly offered to help. Please feel free to offer your services – all help gratefully received.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Wednesday 12 December, Barley Room 7pm Planning Meeting / 7.30pm Parish Council Meeting E: sproughtonPC@gmail.com

Visits can be tailored to meet specific requirements to ensure the experience is suitable for students from Key Stage 2 up to Higher Education level. If you would like to discuss what we can offer, please get in touch via the details provided below.

Interested in having a look around the facility?

The energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days this winter.

We currently have spaces available on the following dates: 11 December at 6pm, 19 December at 10am, 14 January at 2pm, 28 January at 10am and 19 February at 2pm.

TREE FOR LIFE FOR NEW ARRIVALS

There are 20 spaces available on each day and pre booking is essential.

To reserve your space contact: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149

A new Tree for Life scheme means families across Babergh can join those in Mid Suffolk in claiming a free tree to mark the arrival of a child, enhancing biodiversity in the districts.

We’re on Twitter Did you know that Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility is on social media?

For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and all the handy tips you could ever need about rubbish, recycling, and food waste, follow us on Twitter @suffolkefw.

Open to families who have welcomed a new arrival between 1 January and 31 December 2019, the scheme is also available to parents who may have lost a child during the same period to apply for a memorial tree.

Families in both Babergh and Mid Suffolk are now being encouraged to apply for this year’s trees, ahead of the 12 January 2020 deadline.

Families can apply for their tree at: www.babergh.gov.uk/tree-for-life Eligible applicants will be invited to choose and collect their tree at a tree giving event in early 2020, where they will be able to learn more about how to plant and maintain their tree.

VALENTINE’S DINNER Saturday 15 February, 7 for 7.30pm Church Hall, Sproughton MENU Carrot, Ginger, Turmeric Soup or Smoked Salmon Vegetarian Curry or Beef Bourguignon Filled Meringue Nests Choc Mousse with Shortbread Apple Crumble Tickets £15 including a glass of Prosecco / B.Y.O. Drinks Sponsored by Sproughton Community Shop

Any questions?

If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013

HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS CONCERT After an exciting fall performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Hadleigh Choral Society returns to St Mary’s Church this Christmas season with a Carol Concert in support of local charity Cancer Campaign in Suffolk on Saturday 14 December at 6.30pm.

Featuring a mix of old and new carols, the concert will also offer opportunities for audience participation. Join us for refreshments afterwards and help support a very important charity.

Free entry with a retiring collection for Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. For more information visit: www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk

COUNTRYSIDE RAMBLES We hope to walk on Sunday 8 December, starting from Elton Park at 2.15pm and walking in that area.

Doreen Bradbury

BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet from 10am-noon on Wednesdays 4, 11 and 18 December in the upstairs room at the Bramford Methodist Church. The cost is £3 per two-hour session plus £1 membership per school year, payable from September. There’s no set programme, but the club is here to help you get the best out of your computer.

We have a very fast internet connection and refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) are available. Why not give us a try?

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB BURSTALL WI Our November AGM isn’t usually well supported, but there was a good turnout, including two potential new members. The president had completed her three-year term, so it was time for a change and fortunately Nadia was prepared to take on the role. Three committee members stood down, but two more stepped forward and the treasurer agreed to continue for another year, so it all went very smoothly.

After the formalities and the organisation of the Christmas party, Nadia spoke about fostering and adoption. As a foster mother and an ambassador for the Suffolk Fostering and Adoption Service, she was able to quote some alarming statistics.

Nadia explained that there has been a considerable rise in the number of children needing care due, in part, to a greater awareness of troubled families. She told us of some of the difficulties of coping with traumatised children, but we were assured it is very rewarding. We were left full of admiration for Nadia and her fellow fosterers.

GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room every Monday from 2-4pm. The cost is £2 per week to include workshop materials, raffle prizes and refreshments.

Our November workshop was entitled Christmas with a Twist and focused on clean and simple cards, the twist being die-cut pieces of wreaths and twigs.

Our last meeting of the year is on December 2 when we will have our AGM with our Christmas lunch the following week. The club will reconvene on February 3 and the new programme will be featured next month.

For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 5G 5H 5I 5J 5K

Town/village Location Time Sproughton Church Lane 9.10-9.25am Sproughton Wild Man 9.30-9.45am Bramford St Mary’s Close 9.50-10.05am Bramford Paper Mill Lane 10.10-10.25am Great Blakenham Chequers 10.35-10.55am Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park 11-11.15am Baylham Post Box 11.25-11.45am Claydon Crown 11.55am-1pm Claydon, Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm Barham Bacon Road 2.25-3.50pm Bramford Packard Place 4-4.30pm

2019: 17 December

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 13A 13B 13C 13D 13E 13F 13G 13H 13I 13J 13K 13L 13M

Town/village Location Crowfield Lay by Coddenham Haysel House Barham Sorrel Horse Creeting St Mary Whissels Farm Creeting St Mary Village Hall Creeting St Peter The Lane Earl Stonham Village Hall Little Stonham Church Little Stonham Magpie Inn Mickfield Church, Debenham Road Stonham Aspal, Walnut Tree Meadow Pettaugh Old Bull Henley Garage

2019: 27 December

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Time 9.25-09.45am 9.55-10.50am 11-11.10am 11.20-11.30am 11.35-11.45am 11.55am-12.10pm 12.20-12.50pm 2-2.10pm 2.15-2.25pm 2.30-2.45pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm

We look back as another year nears its end, a year which started with lunch at the Wild Man in January and another in April at the Chequers, followed by our AGM. After all the lunches we certainly welcomed (and needed) the armchair exercises in May. Sadly we said goodbye to our chairman, John Bates, who died in April. In August we had our annual fish and chips lunch at the club. September gave us a very interesting talk and sampling by Wiltshire Farm Foods.

During the year we have had the company of the Jigsaw children on two occasions – this being a very amusing, but tiring half hour! This month will see our Christmas Party on December 18, then on to 2020 for another enjoyable year.

Happy Christmas to you all.

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

CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Our annual WOW Event took place at the beginning of November.

The curriculum was suspended so that all students could take part in activities designed to stretch, challenge, motivate and equip them with essential life skills which will help them on their journey through high school and beyond.

Year 7 had a fabulous time camping at Mersea Outdoor Centre in Essex where they took part in adventurous activities such as the high ropes and assault course, as well as art, PE and drama activities, all designed to develop the four Cs: Confidence, Compassion, Challenge and Conscientiousness.

Years 8-10 ‘wowed’ us all with their productivity and commitment to their enterprise tournament. In teams of 20, students had to work together to create and design a school house system which was pitched to a panel of judges the following day. They had to consider how it would benefit the school and work in relation to competitions, sports, rewards and uniform, as well as coming up with names, colours, logos and designing their new website page.

Year 11 demonstrated great maturity and focus as they prepared for the next step of their education/training. They spent a day at a college/sixth form of their choice and took part in a Learning About Work Day. Employers from local businesses were invited into school to act as mentors, working with small groups and teaching them about employer expectations when applying for jobs. Year 11 impressed our visitors with the way they conducted themselves throughout the day.

I would like to say a special thank you to all our guest speakers who worked with students across Years 8-11; your support was vital in making WOW Week the success it was.

Now that the festive season is upon us, I hope you will be able to join us at our Mince Pies and Music event on Monday 16 December from noon2pm and our Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17 December at 7pm. Tickets for both are on sale at reception. The PTA is also holding a Quiz Night on Thursday 5 December, 7pm at the school. To book your table please email: admin@claydonhigh.com Finally, I would like to thank staff, parents, carers, governors and the wider community for their support this term and wish everyone a Happy Christmas.

I look forward to keeping you updated with all our news in the New Year.

Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor

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In Touch online:

VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST

CHURCH NEWS

Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton

SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH

Allotments / Sproughton Parish Council

sproughtonpc@gmail.com 07540 053289

Almshouses (Cooper Trust)

make.shep@btinternet.com

Badminton Club

dennisjackaman@btinternet.com

Burial Ground / Sproughton Parish Council

07540 053289 sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Bowls Club

01473 742572 / David Taylor

Brownies

www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

Carpet Bowls Club

01473 748302

Children’s Play Area / Sproughton Parish Council

pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk

Church Hall Booking

01473 464336

Sproughton Community Shop

01473 747768

Footpath Warden / Sproughton Parish Council

pc@sproughton.suffolk.gov.uk

Jigsaw Pre-School

info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk

Sunday 29 December: 10am Prayer & Share, 11am Worship Service

Millennium Green Trust

kenseager511@gmail.com

Toddler Group

revannettes@aol.co.uk

Parish Council Clerk Diana Stroh

sproughtonpc@gmail.com 07540 053289

Parish Council Chairman Helen Davies

01473 742862 / helend@hotmail.com

Life Explored @ The Duke In the New Year we have a series of Thursday evenings in the Duke of Marlborough that, with the help of a superbly shot video and discussion questions, explore what we are really living for. It moves on to discover that, in Jesus, God meets our deepest desire for happiness.

7pm to eat together, 7.45pm video and discussion from Thursday 9 January.

Sproughton All Saints’ Church

revannettes@aol.co.uk

Playing Field Committee

pfmcandbar@gmail.com

Lunch Club

Rosalind Lavington 01473 213254 / 01473 747768

Quilters

Julie Hodges: 01473 226004 / martin.rl.hodges@btinternet.com

Ramblers

Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008

Reading Room & Caretakers House Trust

sproughtonreadingroom@gmail.com

Senior Citizens Club

eunice.pk585@yahoo.co.uk

We instinctively long to live in a world of love, joy and peace – for the few days of Christmas people seem kinder, more patient, love is in the air. But the peace is broken by the January sales.

Is it possible that the love, joy and peace of Christmas can be any more than a passing nostalgia? Life between each Christmas is so often a disappointment; there is none we can trust and no hope for anything better. But the Christmas story is about God breaking into time and space to live a fully human life from birth to death in the man Jesus of Nazareth. The New Testament sketches out for us a unique life, lived among despised people to bring forgiveness and real hope through his death. Jesus comes as the prince of peace, achieving upon the cross a reconciliation between a Holy God and rebellious creatures.

In a world of trouble, evil and fear, Jesus brings hope of everlasting peace, joy and love. Jesus is the best gift of Christmas, a gift that is received by faith. Jesus comes to make us right with God, acceptable to God, and fills our lives with love, joy and peace.

Candlelight Carol Service: 6.30pm on Christmas Eve You are very welcome to celebrate the birth of Jesus with us.

You are always welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship: Sundays 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion first Sunday) 11.30am-12.30pm: Worship Service Refreshments are served between meetings; come when you can and leave when you want.

Weekdays at the Chapel Lunch and Listen: Noon on Thursday 5 December Friends and Neighbours: 7.45pm on Monday 20 January

Sproughton Tennis Club

evercope62@gmail.com

CONTACTS Pastor Mark Newcombe: 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100

Tithe Barn Bookings / Sproughton Parish Council

07540 053289 sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk

Tower Captain (Church Bells)

ralphearey@gmail.com

Tree Warden / Sproughton Parish Council

07540 053289 sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Village History Recorder

Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008

Sproughton CEVC Primary School admin@sproughton.suffolk.sch.uk

WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER

CHURCH FLOWERS FOR CHRISTMAS We shall be decorating All Saints in Sproughton for Christmas from 10am-1pm on 13 and 14 December and shall be very pleased to have as much help as possible.

There is also the Christmas Tree and the crib to do.

Any volunteers please? We look forward to your help.

Doreen Bradbury

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook, and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact:

Sproughton Carol Service: 6.30pm on Sunday 15 December

The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674

Bentley Crib Service: 3pm on Tuesday 24 December

Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116

Copdock Midnight Mass: 11.30pm on Tuesday 24 December

What does Christmas mean to you?

I have such lovely memories of Christmas past; my father patiently unscrewing every coloured fairy light to find the broken one, followed by the family cheer when he was successful; a special table cloth placed on the sideboard ready for fizzy drinks that were only permitted at Christmas; the cupboard of tasty treats added piecemeal over the preceding months bought out of the weekly budget; enthusiastically decorating the tree before colour coordination or minimalism were embraced; writing letters to Father Christmas to throw into the fire so they would float up to him in the sky; ‘helping’ mum decorate the Christmas cake with plastic ornaments; making sticky peppermint creams and marzipan stuffed dates. All precious moments filled with the season sentiments of love, wonder and joy.

Burstall Holy Communion: 9.30am on Christmas Day

It was only in my adulthood that I experienced the awe and anticipation of attending Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve and appreciated the depth of the Christian message in the birth of Jesus. My childhood Christmas was filled mainly with excitement, but I did appreciate the fact that everyone seemed a bit kinder and more caring through the season. Now as an adult the emotions attached to this special time have grown to include a tangible mixture of faith, hope and love.

Sunday 1 December 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communion Christingle Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church

Every time I celebrate the Eucharist at midnight on Christmas Eve, I have an overwhelming sense of new beginnings, a time of renewal of faith not only in a sense of religious traditions but also deep within my soul. I am left with a powerful sense of God’s love and a renewed desire to share that love.

Sunday 8 December 9.30am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone

Croissant Church Christingle Nativity Holy Communion Evensong

Sunday 15 December 10am Bentley 9.30am Burstall 6pm Belstead 6pm Copdock 6pm Tattingstone 6pm Sproughton

Carol Service Holy Communion Carol Service Carol Service Carol Service Carol Service

Sunday 22 December 8am Sproughton 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 6pm Tattingstone 4.30pm Burstall

Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Carol Service

Christmas is enchanting but the potential held within our hearts is even more magical. Our ability to love one another, to renew our faith and bring hope into our lives and the lives of others, are the greatest of gifts to bestow and receive at Christmas. The greatest presents are not those wrapped in expensive paper or dressed with colourful tags and bows. They are the gift we give to each other with hearts full of faith, hope, and love.

This time of year as we come together to celebrate the birth of our saviour, the one who makes all things new, let us turn the page, sing a new song, hold our hands up high and shine a light… together. We can be the light, we can be the song and we can be the sanctuary. When we gather together in faith we are the church.

May you have a magical Christmas, The Rev Annette CHRISTMAS SERVICES & EVENTS Copdock Christmas Market at Copdock Hall: 1pm on Sunday 1 December Bentley Christingle: 10am on Sunday 1 December Sproughton Christmas Market: 10am on Saturday 14 December Burstall Christingle: 9.30am on Sunday 8 December Copdock Nativity: 10am on Sunday 8 December Bentley Mulled Wine & Carols in Bentley Village Hall: 7pm on Thursday 19 December Bentley Carol Service: 10am on Sunday 15 December Burstall Candlelit Carol Service: 4.30pm on Sunday 22 December, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the village hall Belstead Carol Service: 6pm on Sunday 15 December Copdock Carol Service: 6pm on Sunday 15 December Tattingstone Carol Service: 6pm on Sunday 15 December

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Sproughton Nativity: 3pm on Tuesday 24 December Tattingstone Crib & Christingle Service: 4pm on Tuesday 24 December Belstead Midnight Mass: 11.30pm on Tuesday 24 December Bentley Holy Communion: 10am on Christmas Day Sproughton Sung Communion: 10am on Christmas Day Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year from all at North Samford Benefice.

FROM THE REGISTERS Funerals Bob Scarpe – Tattingstone Anthony Booth – Sproughton Peter Jones – Copdock Burial of Ashes Katheine Lea – Tattingstone SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE

Tuesday 24 December: Christmas Eve 3pm Bentley Crib Service 3pm Sproughton Nativity 4pm Tattingstone Crib & Christingle Service 11.30pm Copdock Midnight Mass 11.30pm Belstead Midnight Mass Wednesday 25 December: Christmas Day 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 10am Sproughton Holy Communion Sunday 29 December 10am Copdock

Benefice Communion

Please submit church letters and copy for the January edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by December 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

In Touch online:

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

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

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