In Touch News with Sproughton July 19

In Touch

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with Burstall & Sproughton

Volume 9 • Issue No. 9 • JULY 2019

Image by Lizzy Graham

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Mother Nature is having quite an impact on my life right now, mostly positive, but not entirely! I’m looking after grandma’s chickens for a few days while she’s away. It’s not difficult: put them in, let them out, give them some grain… job done. Except not this time! Last night one of them went missing and I found myself clucking around the garden for about an hour in torrential rain trying to find her. I can only imagine how ridiculous I looked but I most certainly wasn’t laughing. Of course I didn’t find her so spent a restless night wondering how to tell grandma that Blossom was done for.

When I went to let the others out this morning, there she was waiting for me in all her glory, perfectly dry, well-rested and seemingly happy. A bit too happy for my liking!

Meanwhile, back at home a mummy blackbird (I’ve called her Maralyn because she’s very beautiful) has taken up residence under the roof of our little outdoor lean-to, a place I like to sit with a book when the weather allows. She’s busily feeding four babies, constantly flying back and forth all day long. I must say I admire/envy her energy and it is a rather beautiful thing to see, but she’s making my garden a no-go area as every time I open the door she abandons her chicks and sits on the wall until I leave. I imagine she’s sitting there muttering “here she comes again… what is it this time… can’t she see I’m busy… what is she wearing?”. I end up feeling guilty for invading ‘her’ space so I retreat indoors and leave her to it. I haven’t even put the bins out this week because I’m afraid to scare her away. How would I cope with four baby blackbirds? Not very well I suspect.

I don’t suppose she and her babies will be there for very long and despite the inconvenience (and the mess, but let’s not go there right now) I’m glad we have given them a safe place to hatch. I do love living in the countryside.

Even those of us who live in Suffolk towns and villages are never far from a wide open space and a big sky view. We really are incredibly lucky and when better weather lands, as surely it must, I hope you have the opportunity and the means to get about to explore or simply admire our surroundings.

You may not have to go very far, unless your garden is out of bounds too!

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NEWS

MORNING MARKET GET-TOGETHER Saturday, July 13 at Sproughton Church Hall Some call it a coffee morning, others think of it as a social get-together, a general fundraiser or a chance for a chat, but whatever you call it, we invite you to join us in the Church Hall between 10 and 11am on Saturday, July 13 to meet up with friends.

There will be tea or coffee, plenty of biscuits, a small raffle, cards for all occasions, a bric-a-brac stall and any spare garden produce or cakes you might care to bring along!

Offers of help much appreciated. Why not support this village event?

We would be very pleased to see you. Contact Heather or Michael: 01473 742766

DR ANDY KEMP MBE Some of you may have seen an announcement in the national press about the recent awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. We would like to add our congratulations to Andy Kemp on being awarded the MBE. He has spent a lifetime helping the under-privileged using his great influence in the food industry, and for this he received an honorary doctorate last year.

Many will remember Andy and his brother Paul being brought up opposite the old shop in Lower Street by Mr and Mrs Todd Clarke, who had hearts of gold and adopted the Bernardo’s boys. Andy moved away and worked his way up in industry very successfully, while Paul remained in the village. Sadly, Paul died from cancer a few years ago.

Andy’s wife Hazel has recently retired as a nurse specialising in Parkinson’s disease. They have restored the original family home in Lower Street, and it is now a holiday home where Andy and Hazel can be seen visiting the village from time to time.

Well done Andy! A well-deserved award indeed.

I would like to thank everybody who was involved in the table top sale held recently in Burstall Village Hall.

We raised a total of £220 that was split equally between the village hall funds and Bumblebee.

Katie Cooper

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NEWS THE REV ANNETTE SHANNON When Annette moved into Sproughton Rectory with her husband Dave in November 2011, she became the first woman rector in the history of the seven parishes in the North Samford Benefice, Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook, Belstead and Bentley with Tattingstone. She had previously worked in the Manningtree area as an ordinand (a candidate for ordination) and came straight to us from a curacy in Bury St Edmunds. Annette was ordained in 2008.

What of life before the ministry? Annette taught A Level psychology and sociology at Colchester Girls’ High School for some years and was head of department. While in post, she felt an increasing desire to become more involved with the Christian faith and an ideal solution would have been to do both jobs, priest and teacher, but such a combination would have been impossible. When her students heard that their teacher was to join the ministry, they said, “We’d come to your church, miss”.

Annette’s father and mother both taught in Sunday School, but it wasn’t until she was in her thirties that she began to attend church on a regular basis. She was actually 37 when she finally left formal teaching to study for the priesthood. Fortunately, part of her current duties is to mentor curates, members of the clergy engaged as assistants to parish priests. She also mentors seven deacons within the diocese which covers Suffolk and part of Norfolk, and she conducts training sessions for new priests and lay elders.

What would constitute a typical day in her life as a priest? Probably there is no such thing as ‘a typical day’, but there is an element of routine. She is, by the way, allowed one day off a week, as long as it’s not a Sunday. Every day starts at 6.30am, reading and answering emails, usually about 35 of them, and often doesn’t end until late in the evening. After breakfast there will be a

wide range of demands and activities related to her ministry, some essentially personal, others heavily administrative – and paperwork is an ever-growing consumer of valuable time. As Annette says, she never knows what demands might be made, but people are a priority. For example, when she has news that someone, perhaps a child, is dying, any plans for the day ahead must be discarded – and, yes, such situations are a reality.

Annette loves to be involved with the very young. She is a governor and past chair of governors at Sproughton Primary School where she is a frequent visitor to work with staff and children. She recently started the extremely successful Mothers and Toddlers group which takes place on Monday mornings in Sproughton Church Hall.

She delights in christenings, in weddings which have become far more personalised, less formulaic, and in supporting local events. She is chairing this year’s Sproughton Fete.

At any time, she may be called to visit the sick, to conduct home communion and to arrange the inevitable funerals.

In the background there is always ‘admin’: data protection; targets to be set, achieved and analysed; six Parochial Church Councils to chair and look after; twenty people to help and guide in the ministry team. Indeed, all the tasks that seven vicars used to tackle before paperwork had been invented now land on her desk, along with the relevant forms to be completed.

Despite it all, Annette’s belief and her positive attitude shine through. She loves the activity of ministry and the contact with parishioners. “Negativity is contagious. I look for the best in people.”

What of the future? Annette wants to watch the benefice grow, to draw people together, to widen the involvement of the benefice, to play an increasing role in the diocese. I, for one, believe that Annette has the determination, the strength and the faith to achieve her ambitions.

Ken Sheppard (neighbour)

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY!

66TH BURSTALL SHOW Saturday, August 3 Lunches from noon-2pm Cream Teas from 3pm Flower Show open from 1pm Fete open from 2pm Flowers, Vegetables, Cakes & Crafts in Marquee Traditional Side Shows, Punch & Judy Vehicles of Interest, Ipswich Hospital Band Morris Dancers, Wacky Races Fun Dog Show: enter on the day – starts at 2pm FREE ENTRY – FREE CAR PARKING Come along with friends and family and enjoy a traditional flower show and fete.

Burstall Memorial Hall IP8 3DR Entry schedule at: www.burstall.onesuffolk.net

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Don Barnes of Beech Close, Sproughton, is pictured on his 90th birthday surrounded by members and friends from the Tithe Barn Carpet Bowls Club who held a party for him in the church hall on June 5. Don is a long-standing member of the club and, although he no longer bowls, he does enjoy attending social events.

STEPHANIE CARR PSYCHIC EVENING Tuesday 27 August at The Loraine Victory Hall in Bramford IP8 4AL. Doors will open at 6.30pm. Tickets (£10) and available from Gilly Sillett (01473 463178) or at The Crown/Hungry Horse in Claydon, Bramford Cock Public House, Fresh fills Bakery in Claydon and Budgens Stores in Great Blakenham.

All ticket proceeds go to Prevent Breast Cancer, the only UK breast cancer charity researching how to predict, prevent and protect future generations from developing breast cancer.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT REPORT FROM ZAC NORMAN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR SPROUGHTON AND PINEWOOD It’s a busy time in Babergh at the moment with lots going on. At the time of reading this, the new Joint Local Plan will have likely been approved and therefore we will have new site allocations in Sproughton. As we are all aware, we are being absolutely assaulted with planning applications, however, there isn’t a set planning committee date for any of the big ones yet. As soon as the dates are announced I will let you know and will be a strong voice against the destruction of our village.

One key issue that I am trying hard to get solved is the flooding of Church Lane opposite the Bennett Homes site. This is something that has been going on for a long time now and I have been in contact with Planning Enforcement at Babergh who are going to be working with Bennett Homes to get this issue rectified as soon as possible.

It has been reported that more than 62,000 homes will be needed in Suffolk over the next 20 years just to keep up with demand, with Mid Suffolk taking the brunt of this with 11,460 homes. The Secretary of State for Suffolk’s 2019 report recommends that both local and neighbourhood plans are needed to ensure that new homes are built in sustainable locations.

SPROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL Planning News All planning applications can be found on the Babergh and Sproughton Village websites: www.babergh.go.uk/planning / www.sproughton.onesuffolk.net There are three major applications still current. Pigeon Development DC/19/00567 – addressing community concerns before submitting revisions.

Hopkins Homes DC/18/02010 and DC/18/02412 – addressing the heritage and flooding issues before they submit revisions. Taylor Wimpey (Wolsey Grange) Part 2, DC/19/00454 and DC/19/02571 – both applications are dealing with the environmental impact for the second phase of the Wolsey Grange development. It is proposed that approximately 800 homes, a primary school and more will be built on land north of the A1071. The parish council has set up a working group in order to relay its concerns to Babergh District Council.

New Councillors The parish council has vacancies for three councillors; we now have a total of nine out of 12. We would welcome any other parishioners who would like to get involved in local community issues. Please contact our clerk, Diana Stroh: 07771 528397 (temp) / SproughtonPC@gmail.com News

In recycling news, metal pots and pans including TetraPak style cartons will no longer be accepted in recycling across Suffolk.

I would also like to thank everyone who was involved with the litter pick on 15 June – it was a great event and allowed many people to get hands on in the community to make it a better place.

It was also great to see many of you at the village fete which was very well attended and was a great event for the whole community.

If you have any questions or issues you’d like to raise with me, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. zacharynorman06@gmail.com / 07577 359922

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Suffolk Show 2019 Our team was back at the Suffolk Show in the Suffolk Waste Partnership marquee. This year the theme of the display was Wonderful Waste Free Woodland. Local schools kindly donated foxes, owls, deer and other woodland creatures which they had crafted out of waste materials.

There were plenty of activities to take part in, including a litter pick of a woodland floor, a crafting table where old CDs were transformed into owls and a quiz about rubbish and recycling. As well as answering questions about energy-from-waste and inviting people to open days and tours, SUEZ brought along a cycle-powered scalextric track where visitors could use the electricity they generated from pedalling a bike to race a car around a track.

Over the two days more than 4,000 people visited the marquee. We had a great time this year and are already looking forward to next year’s show.

Come and have a look around Are you interested in finding out how your household waste is turned into energy? We are hosting a series of open days throughout the upcoming months. We have places available on the following dates: 19 July at 10am, 6 August at 6pm, 28 August at 2pm, 9 September at 10am and 24 October at 6pm. There are up to 20 spaces available on each day, and pre-booking is essential. Email suffolkefw.uk@suez.com or call 01473 839149 to enquire about a space. Can’t make the dates? We host tours for groups or five or more people, or alternatively we can contact you when our next open days are scheduled.

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 To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

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On Saturday 15 June volunteers organised by Zac Norman, our Babergh District Councillor and resident in the village, undertook a litter pick of the village from 10am for two hours. Our thanks to all who gave up their spare time to help. It is hoped to organise two litter picks a year. If you would like to volunteer, look out for notices in future issues of In Touch. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

There has been an ongoing issue with the spring water run off onto Church Lane near the Bennett Homes development. All agencies are aware of the problem and hopefully the issue will soon be resolved.

A report on Sproughton Beer festival will be in the August issue.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Wednesday 10 July: Planning Meeting 7pm / Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm Wednesday 24 July: Planning Meeting 7pm All meetings are normally held in the Barley Room behind the Tithe Barn.

BURSTALL WI Sadly, our garden party was a wash-out and we had to take shelter in the village hall.

Fortunately, the decision was made in time to deck the hall with bunting and to organise some indoor activities, so with the addition of some pink bubbly, strawberries and cream, we were able to pretend that it was a glorious evening and enjoy a really sociable get together.

We are still reeling from coming first in the Suffolk Show competition, from running a table top sale and being part of the Arts and Crafts event in the church. With a guided walk of Ipswich and a visit to the tomato farm we look forward to July being a quieter month.

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OUT & ABOUT

SPROUGHTON COMMUNITY SHOP: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Glorious June has passed, but the season for all the most delicious British food and riotous colours of plants continues. The frontage of the shop with Farm Fresh Strawberries, living salads, salad potatoes, glossy green cabbages, pale organic Portobello mushrooms, masses of summer bedding from Katie’s Garden has put us all in the festive mood. And best of all, a bit of planting followed by eating these treats is good for us body and soul – if not for the back!

new ideas are tabled. At our last meeting, it was suggested that we get badges for our pinnies. So, if we manage to get them sewn on, this month you will see our shop logo on each apron (a bit simplified) declaring that the person serving you is a volunteer.

In July we are expecting broad beans “sleeping in their blankety beds”.

How lucky we are to have such abundance locally!

It takes a bit of time to get used to the till and all the multifarious tasks which constantly need attention, so it will be a while before they go solo, but in the meantime, having two people on a shift makes life much easier. We welcome them with open arms, but don’t ever forget the loyal band they are joining.

From the middle of June, our suppliers of meat have been Kw Clarkes Ltd of Halesworth. This should mean that we get a better supply of cured meats, to include such things as salami, chorizo, black pudding, and of course Suffolk ham.

Periodically we have volunteer meetings (and parties) where lots of good

This was the message the meeting wanted to get across. It was felt that because the shop looks so professional, people might overlook the fact that it is actually built entirely on the willingness of about 30 people to give their time free for the benefit of the village.

The community of the shop is a marvellous network and adds immeasurably to the value of our whole community. Which brings me to the good news that four more people started to volunteer in June: Marian Sheppard, Jackie Brusaferro, Kerry Swann and Kirsty Sheldrake.

Rosalind Lavington sproughtoncommunityshop.co.uk / 01473 747768

NESTED STRAWBERRIES ROMANOV 1pt whipping cream 3tbsp confectioner’s sugar, sieved 2-3oz Cointreau (about a sherry glass) 1-2oz Bacardi Rum 400gms strawberries 2tbsp castor sugar Meringue nests

To Serve Prepare the cream by folding in the sieved confectioners’ sugar, then pour in a bit of the remaining liqueurs. Go slowly and taste before adding all of it as you may wish a mere wisp of the taste of the liqueur flavour. Adjust accordingly. Place a dollop or two on each meringue, then a few strawberries. Repeat, then garnish with one or two whole berries.

Using a chilled bowl and cold whisk, beat cream until almost firmly whipped, stopping just before it starts to separate and turn to butter. Cover and keep chilled in the refrigerator until serving. If possible, put the cream in a fine-mesh sieve over the bowl rather than directly in the bowl to catch any drips. It helps to keep the cream stiff.

This recipe is easy and quick to prepare and easy to halve (or to double!). Arranged in goblets, into which pieces of meringue have been broken, Strawberries Romanov is as beautiful as it is a delectable choice of dessert. Whatever you decide, the decadence of liqueur-soaked strawberries gliding across the tongue followed by the gentle softness of a cloud of whipped cream is unforgettable bliss. Enjoy!

Clean and halve the strawberries if large, leaving a few nice ones whole for garnish. Mix half the liquors with the castor sugar to dissolve into syrup and gently stir into the berries to marinate a few hours in the refrigerator before serving. © Mary Bright Basan Questions or comments to: mbb.101@hotmail.com

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This began as a recipe for Eton Mess, but as the political situation develops, I see no reason to further exacerbate the already prodigious reputation of either the school or the politicians who, by association, have already created their own ‘Eton Mess’. So instead, I’ve gone for the far less controversial Russian* option – Strawberries Romanov. Приятного аппетита!** *Russian – it really isn’t Russian at all, just named after its Russiannamed inventor. **Preeyatnava appeteeta! – Bon Appétit!

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OUT & ABOUT SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZEN’S CLUB This month we shall meet every Wednesday from 2-4pm to play cards and enjoy refreshments, followed by bingo for the remainder of the time. New members are always welcome.

Eunice

FUN DOG SHOW

GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB The club is open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm every Monday from February to December (other than bank holidays).

Our Summer Sewing workshop in June involved making picnic table and plant pot mats and coasters. Our July project is A Bit of Bling.

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

COUNTRY RAMBLES We had a good midweek walk in May when we went to Tattingstone and rambled along the reservoir towards Tattingstone Wonder. We could see the water and the birds on it in several places. For the Sunday walk in June we went along the towpath towards the Sugar Beet site, and back. The sides of the Gipping are very overgrown.

The July walks will be on Sunday 14, meeting at the church at 2pm, and on Tuesday 23, leaving the church at 10am. Destinations not yet decided upon.

At Burstall Flower Show and Fete Saturday 3 August, Burstall Village Hall Meadow IP8 3DR The show categories are: 1. Dog with the Most Appealing Eyes 2. Best Sausage Catcher (under one year) 3. Musical ‘SIT’ (Strictly Hands Off owners!)

4. Watch my Best Trick 5. Dog with the Waggiest Tail 6. Best Shown Dog by Child Handler (under 16) 7. Best Sausage Catcher (over one year) 8. Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home 9. Best in Show (judged from the eight winners) Cruft’s this is not but the show judges will be looking for dogs and owners with bags of character and who are loads of fun – looks come second!

Registration is from 1.30pm and the show starts at the earlier time of 2pm.

You can enter as many classes as you like for a single entry fee of £3.

Rosettes for first, second and third places in each category and reserve Best in Show.

For more details call: 07578 552324

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SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB By the time you read this the league season will be very nearly finished.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this doesn’t look to be one of our finest seasons for results! We have had some success in the cups so hopefully the next report will be filled with news of silverware and a resurgence in league form.

The club has just hosted our annual President’s Charity Day tournament which was keenly contested (despite the best efforts of the weather) by more than 25 sets of bowlers and eventually won by the pairing of Di Roper and Erik Wicko.

President Mick Jones’ nominated charity, St Elizabeth Hospice, will benefit from in excess of £800 raised on the day. Many thanks to everyone who contributed.

RIVER GIPPING TRUST It’s that time of year when Himalayan Balsam starts appearing along the River Gipping. Himalayan Balsam is a non-native, invasive plant species which grows so quickly that it crowds out native wildflowers. Clearing Himalayan Balsam benefits both native plants and animals. Its stems are easy to pull out and leave the ground with a very pleasing ‘pop’ which makes it a fun family activity.

We are seeking volunteers both young and old to help remove the plants along the river before it has a chance to go to seed. Volunteers are being asked to take just five minutes out of their walk to pull up the stems, snap off the root and stomp down on it to speed up the rotting process. It has reddish stems and pink-purple flowers. Our volunteers have already removed thousands this year, but there are millions left! For a free information pack and free gloves visit: www.waterways.org.uk/himalayanbalsam Later into July and August the trust is planning a major restoration project at Pipps Ford lock. To complete the lock structure, ready for lock gates, we need to install a temporary steel piling just in front and just behind the lock so that we can pump out all the water in the lock between the two steel pilings. We need the lock empty to make provision for the easy installation and removal of stop planks so the Environment Agency can better manage the river levels and flows. The trust has installed stop plank facilities at each of the four locks between Needham Market and Baylham. Pipps Ford is the only lock in this stretch of the river that has no flow control facility.

You’ll find work progress photos and more information on Himalayan Balsam on our Facebook page. www.Rivergippingtrust.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / CHURCH NEWS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL

BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB

As another incredibly busy academic year nears its end, there is just time to catch up on what has been happening and what we can look forward to in the last few weeks of term.

The club will meet on Wednesdays 3, 10 and 17 July in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church from 10am-noon. It will then close for the summer holidays. Membership is £1 per year, payable in September, plus £3 for each two-hour session. We have no fixed programme, but are here to help you to get the most out of your computer. Why not give us a try?

Year 11 students have now left school and while it is sad to see them go, I am very proud of their successes and achievements, both personal and academic, over the last five years and I wish them all the very best for the future.

Students have enjoyed trips to the University of Suffolk for careers and taster days. Food and Business students participated in the Food and Farming Fair at Hollow Trees Farm, where, supported by more than 50 farming professionals, they had the chance to explore this industry as a career choice. Language students visited Cambridge University to experience university-style language teaching in French and Spanish. Duke of Edinburgh students completed their qualifying expedition for the Bronze Award and we have had two overseas trips, one to the Battlefields of Belgium and France and the other to Poland to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, both very poignant trips, particularly as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.

The arts faculty has been particularly busy this term as staff are preparing for the GCSE Art, Textiles and Design Technology Exhibition. Practice is underway for field and track events ahead of sports day and drama and music rooms are buzzing with the sound of students rehearsing for the upcoming production of Schools Will Rock You on July 9 and 10. We look forward to updating you with more news of this in the next edition; tickets are now on sale.

We still have many events, such as the Community Tea Party, Praise Tea Party, Year 5 Arts Festival, Year 6 Induction Day and Sports Award Evening to look forward to before we break up. The PTA have also organised a Quiz Night on 4 July, 7-9pm at the school. Please do join us, your support at these events is greatly appreciated.

If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term.

CHURCH FLOWER DECORATIONS We shall be pleased to receive more help with the church flower decorations.

The list, which is in the church porch, is very empty. This is relaxing work.

Some people might like to do the flowers for an anniversary, a birthday or some other family event. We look forward to your help.

D Bradbury

SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER It’s hard to believe we are in the second half of the year. The good news is that means we have our Little Church Day Out on the village playing field.

It’s on Sunday 21 July. We will worship at 11am, followed by a barbecue and everyone is welcome.

Thank you for your support for local charity FIND in May. At the Wheelie Fun Day people bought £196 worth of goods from our stall and later in the month 40 ladies gathered to a present £307 to the charity. Well done everyone.

You are also welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship:

Headteacher Ms M Taylor

Sunday 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion on the first Sunday) 11.30am-12.30pm: Worship Service

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

Refreshments are served between meetings; come when you can and leave when you want.

Join us on the last Wednesday every month (excluding July & August) for a three-course lunch followed by an interesting speaker and a prize raffle. On the second Wednesday we meet for coffee and a chat.

In July and August, and at Christmas, our wives, partners and friends are invited to join us. They also accompany us to theatres, shows, musicals and trips to places of interest in East Anglia and beyond. Why not come and meet other gentlemen, all retired or semi-retired and from a wide range of careers, interests and backgrounds?

If you wish to join us or require further details, please contact Malcolm Kemp: 07711 689130 / secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

Weekdays at the Chapel Lunch and Listen at noon: resumes on Thursday 3 October Friends and Neighbours at 7.45pm: resumes on Monday 16 September CONTACTS Pastor Mark Newcombe: T: 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 E: m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk

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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: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116 Friends, As some people may know we are a sailing family. We have sailed all our married life (and before) and our children were introduced to sailing at one and six months old. Summer holidays were two weeks sailing; quite often sailing up the East Coast from the River Medway in Kent, where we lived then and one of the reasons why we live in Suffolk now. Fifty per cent (or maybe more!) of owning a boat is maintenance during the winter – repairs, antifouling, polishing, painting, varnishing, etc. – but if the sea is in your blood it’s almost impossible not to be on the water.

Some of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee; brought up to know the water and the weather by their fathers – to fish and to maintain their nets and boats. In the gospels, there are many stories set by or on the sea. Jesus called the brothers Simon and Andrew and James and John (sons of Zebedee) to leave their nets and follow him to become fishers of men. Jesus taught the people from a boat when the crowds were too big and on more than one occasion. When crossing over to the other side of the lake, they were caught out in a storm. Jesus was asleep in the boat and the disciples were so afraid that they woke Him up. He rebuked the wind and the waves and the storm died down. He also scolded the disciples for not having enough faith.

After Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples were at a loss what to do, so they went back to the familiar and went out fishing. They caught nothing all night, but then John realised that Jesus was standing on the shore. Simon and Peter jumped out of the boat to reach him first and Jesus told them to cast their nets to the right of the boat, where they netted a huge catch. They then shared breakfast together on the beach, which Jesus had prepared for them.

We have sailed in beautiful sunny conditions and rough windy conditions, head to wind and often soaked through, but respect for the sea is paramount.

God can be seen in the sunshine, the wind and the rain and I know that He has been with us and brought us safely home on many occasions over the years.

Knowing that God is always with you and having faith that He will see you through difficult situations is a great comfort. You just have to ask.

Suffolk has some beautiful rivers, notably the Deben, the Ore and the Alde, and a wonderful coastline and wildlife. Whether you enjoy being beside the sea or messing about in boats, I hope that you have a great summer.

Gillian Gasper, Elder and Churchwarden, Burstall Baby and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Sproughton Church Hall on Mondays in term time. Suggested donation £2 per family. Leaders: The Rev Annette Shannon (01473 807674) / Doreen (01473 311122) Starting Rite Starting Rite is a baby-centred course run over five weeks. We do lots of fun activities with babies aged up to one year old: singing, story-telling, bathing, baby massage and other multisensory play. This course is open to anyone.

Starting Rite helps you think through questions of faith while having lots of play and bonding with your baby! Sessions run for four weekday mornings with an extra session for other family members. The dates of the next course are: Mondays 5, 12, 19 and 26 August and 2 September. There are only eight places per course so please get in touch if you are interested. It is free of charge. With tea, coffee and cake from 9.30am, sessions run from 10-11.30am in Sproughton Church Hall IP8 3AA. For information or to book a place, please contact The Rev Annette Shannon.

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BENEFICE MESSY CHURCH Sproughton: Tuesday 30 July, wedding theme Tattingstone: Wednesday 23 October, harvest (environmental) theme If you are able to help at either or have suggestions, please contact The Rev Annette.

FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Lauren Kahled and Craig Hamblet – Belstead Charlotte Jones and Jonathan Gill – Copdock Ruth Brockbank and Daniel Greenwood – Belstead Francoise Peckham and David Preston – Copdock Jude Rouse and Gary Butcher – Bentley Funerals May Victoria Lowe – Copdock JULY Wednesday 3 Thursday 4 Thursday 4 Saturday 6 Tuesday 9 Wednesday 10 Thursday 11 Friday 12 Saturday 13 Wednesday 17

Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Copdock Monthly Market, 10am Copdock PCC, 7.30pm Burstall PCC Meeting Ministry Meeting, 7.30pm Evening Prayer, Bentley, 6.30pm Sproughton Morning Market, 10am Copdock Home Communions, 10am

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday 7 July 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Copdock Burstall Bentley Copdock Tattingstone Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communion Pet Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church

Friday 12 July 6.30pm Bentley

Evening Prayer

Sunday 14 July 9.30am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm

Sproughton Burstall Copdock Bentley Tattingstone

Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evening Prayer

Sunday 21 July 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am

Burstall Bentley Tattingstone Copdock Sproughton

Holy Communion Family Service Family@Church Songs of Praise Holy Communion

Sunday 28 July 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 6pm

Sproughton Burstall Bentley Belstead Copdock Tattingstone

Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Morning Celebration Holy Communion Holy Communion

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

In Touch online:

VILLAGE CONTACTS LIST

Allotments / Sproughton Parish Council

sproughtonpc@gmail.com 07771 528397 (temp)

Almshouses (Cooper Trust)

make.shep@btinternet.com

Badminton Club

dennisjackaman@btinternet.com

Burial Ground / Sproughton Parish Council

07771 528397 (temp) 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

Millennium Green Trust

kenseager511@gmail.com

Toddler Group

revannettes@aol.co.uk

Parish Council Clerk Diana Stroh

sproughtonpc@gmail.com 07771 528397 (temp)

Parish Council Chairman Helen Davies

01473 742862 / helend@hotmail.com

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

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

Details for organisations and activities in Sproughton

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

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

evercope62@gmail.com

Dry Carpet Cleaning

Tithe Barn Bookings / Sproughton Parish Council

07771 528397 (temp) sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Professional Local Service

Tower Captain (Church Bells)

ralphearey@gmail.com

Tree Warden / Sproughton Parish Council

07771 528397 (temp) sproughtonpc@gmail.com

Village History Recorder

Doreen Bradbury: 01473 210008

www.keepingintouchwith.com/sproughton

For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

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