In Touch With Westerfield August 2019

In Touch

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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 9 • Issue No. 9 • AUGUST 2019

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR When I roll out of bed in the morning I immediately head to the kitchen, put the kettle on and switch on the TV news. I like to know what’s happening in the world before my day begins, but it’s often quite depressing and sometimes makes me quite grumpy. By the time I get into the car to drive to work I need an antidote, which I usually find in music. However, earlier this week I switched on just in time to catch a programme on Radio 4 called The Pleasures of Brecht, a celebration of the simple joys in life and the story of Brecht’s much-loved poem that described them.

Brecht’s poem, Vergnügungen, is a list of pleasures, moving from “the first look out of the window in the morning” via showering, swimming, the dog and “comfortable shoes” to “being friendly”. As I listened I began to consider the simple pleasures in my own day to day existence and my mood soon lifted.

Predictably that first cup of tea topped the list, closely followed by my son’s face when I catch him watching something funny on TV. I also include a perfectly boiled egg, a free checkout at the supermarket, the smell of dinner cooking when I get in from work (rarely happens), discovering someone has emptied the dishwasher (never happens but I’m hoping my husband reads this), a perfectly chilled glass of white wine at the end of a productive day, chatting with friends, finding £5 I didn’t know I had, dark chocolate, an unexpected smile from anyone, running into a friend I haven’t seen for a while, finding the perfect pair of jeans, meeting someone who inspires me, hitting a deadline, new socks, clean windows, feeling included, cake…

I could go on and on, but every day since I’ve identified new pleasures (and been forced to accept that I am a chocoholic) which I would probably have ignored if this hadn’t been on my mind. And that’s the point. We rarely take the time to appreciate the simple things in life but when we do we are likely to find much to be thankful for. I’m still going to watch the news, I want to be socially and politically aware, but I’m determined to acknowledge and appreciate the simple pleasures because it makes me happier. I hope you can make a list and that it gives you lots to be thankful for, especially when the news gets you down.

I wonder how many lists begin with a perfect cup of tea!

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.

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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 Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.

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

Saturday 10 August is the advertising and editorial deadline for the September edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

NEWS

REASONABLY PRICED TRANSPORT IN YOUR COMMUNITY We urgently need volunteer drivers to keep our much-valued services operating.

BSEVC Connecting Communities provides reasonably priced transport for those wishing to travel, and who for whatever reasons are unable to access public transport near their homes.

Often in more rural locations public transport is so infrequent that it’s not possible to get to and from appointments, work or schools at the necessary times, or where there are bus stops and train stations they may not be within the passenger’s walking capacity.

Our chief aims are to prevent people from becoming isolated in their homes and to offer them the opportunity to be independent, not totally reliant on their families and friends.

All our services are available by just ringing our office in Stowmarket to book a journey.

We have four fully accessible vehicles which cover Mid Suffolk and Ipswich/ Kesgrave areas. We also operate a community car service. Most of the cars used are owner drivers. We are totally reliant on volunteer drivers to keep our services running.

With more volunteer drivers we can take more passengers to hospital appointments, clinical appointments, day centres, social clubs, shopping, and visiting relatives and friends.

We have a number of care home and shop staff who rely on us to get them to and from work. We also have passengers who use us regularly to get to pick up points for public transport.

The office staff in our Stowmarket base will be pleased to give more information on full fare structures and the registration procedure along with how to book journeys.

Francesca, also in our Stowmarket office, will be so grateful to hear from any prospective volunteers and will be able to give you all the information you need to apply to join us.

We know from passengers’ comments that we provide a necessary, much loved and much valued service, and for us and our volunteers this is very rewarding and satisfying.

For all details please contact us at: bookings@bsevc.co.uk / 01449 614271

CODDENHAM VILLAGE SUMMER FETE Saturday 7 September, noon-4pm It will soon be time for our annual village fete, which this year will be bigger and better than ever.

The dog show is back by popular demand, so please bring your dog and enter.

There will be live music and a bar, along with lots of other refreshments, home-made cake and ice-cream.

Also all the usual fun and games including the coconut shy, chuck the chicken, splat the rat, raffle, bric-a-brac and tombola, along with some new ones, lots of games for children and face painting.

Takes place on the rec by our fabulous children’s play equipment. Plenty of free parking.

Grow, bake and make for the keenly contested produce competition. For categories and classes visit: www.coddenham.website

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NEWS DEMOCRACY ONLINE Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are to make their council meetings, which include major decisions such as budgets and major planning applications, accessible to everyone as online livestreaming begins.

Following an upgrade of the King Edmund Chamber at the councils’ joint headquarters in Endeavour House, Ipswich, all meetings held in the Chamber will be livestreamed for public viewing, allowing residents to watch their councillors debate and vote upon major issues, including upcoming debates on the councils’ Joint Local Plan, from their own devices.

The new platform will allow members of the public to view presentations given to councillors at these meetings and will display the name of each member of the councils when they speak, helping residents follow each meeting in full.

Meetings held in the King Edmund Chamber include Full Council meetings and most Cabinet and Planning Committee meetings, as well as several other committee and subcommittee meetings of both councils.

WITNESHAM AND SWILLAND VILLAGE SHOW 2019

The videos will be available online for public viewing at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCSWf_0D13zmegAf5Qv_aZSg

We would like to thank everyone who entered, visited and helped at the show.

Once meetings have finished, the videos will be saved on the channel for public viewing at any time. Several previous meetings are already available online, following testing of the new set-up.

The number of entries was up and the quality was very good.

We had some marvellous exhibits. We hope everyone who visited the show appreciated the huge amount of talent we have in our villages.

Members of the public will continue to be welcome to attend these meetings in person via the public gallery if desired.

We will soon start planning for next year so if anyone would like to join our small group please contact Anne on 01473 785448.

The Village Show Committee

IPSWICH NORTHERN ROUTE On July 17 at 3pm I arrived at Witnesham Village Hall. It was a bit chaotic as far as traffic was concerned; clearly whoever had organised the consultation hadn’t taken into consideration the number of people who would be attending, which clearly demonstrated the depth of concern. After all it’s not only Witnesham, but also the villages of Swilland and Westerfield involved and the road soon became gridlocked. Inside the situation was also a bit chaotic; there were charts all around basically showing three different routes but little detail on where exactly the road would pass through. I did ask if they had seen the more detailed plans available online but this was dismissed as false news.

It was back in 2009, ten years ago, that Bob Farrow asked me to take over the role of Village Historian and Recorder. It came at an interesting time for me as I was just retiring and beginning to take on another new role of grandfather.

I’ve lived in the village for 40 years and the first 30 were spent working at Willis and seeing my children at weekends, looking after my front and rear gardens among plenty of other jobs and, of course, the occasional village activity. However, it wasn’t until my retirement that I got to really appreciate village life and all its splendour.

The proposed plan splits Witnesham in half. Witnesham is a lovely old village, mentioned in the Domesday Book. Of course there are new houses and still more going up, but basically it’s still a fine old village that’s in danger of being destroyed. I love my weekly walks through the lanes with my grandchildren and I shudder at the thought of what might happen.

No doubt there are political reasons why this has happened, which I won’t go into now, but my family and I, no doubt like you, moved to Witnesham because we wanted to live in the countryside. Let’s do whatever we can to retain our lovely village.

Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation & Improvement, Councillor Suzie Morley, said: “We’re committed to being more open, more transparent and more accountable than ever, and I’m delighted that we’re now able to put our meetings on the screens of every computer, phone or tablet that wants to see them. Open, public meetings have always been a key part of local democracy, and this new facility moves that into the 21st century.”

WITNESHAM RECORDER’S REPORT I was able to pop down to the village hall for a bit on Saturday 13 July and was delighted to see another great turn out for the village show.

No doubt the organisers will report the full facts, but from the recorder’s point of view I would like to say many congratulations on another excellent show.

I am still awaiting the final figure raised by the Upstairs Mow production for The Blossom Appeal, which is a bit disappointing as I took the collection boxes along with our cheque for £1,000 over three weeks ago. Still no news, or indeed any acknowledgement.

I will be chasing them over the next week so I hope I will be in a position to record the final amount in the next edition of In Touch.

On the other hand I am still being approached by people who attended the play informing me how much they enjoyed it, which is great news. One person at the village show told me that we will have our work cut out to better it in the future.

Well, there’s a challenge and, all I can say is that we will do our best. Look out for news on our next production in forthcoming editions.

Please go to www.ipswichnorthernroute.org.uk and say your bit as we try to keep Witnesham, Swilland and Westerfield countryside!

Finally, I am pleased to report that we are in the process of looking at new community events for the village and I will hopefully be in a position to report further shortly. If you would be interested in helping, or working with a subcommittee of the Village Hall Committee to suggest and promote village events, please get in touch.

Steve Henley

Steve Henley

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OUT & ABOUT PIZZA AND PUDDINGS CHARITY EXTRAVAGANZA

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 22 August, 7.15pm: Pip Wright presents I Read it in the Local Rag

The Hearing Care Centre invite you to join them for a night of pudding paradise as their very popular Pudding Club evening returns for a one-off special at newly opened Fynn Valley Café Terrace.

An entertaining romp through Suffolk and Norfolk Newspapers 1701-1900, reminding researchers of the sorts of stories that are hidden in the archives of local records offices.

The event which is being held on Thursday 22 August from 7pm will not only allow guests, but positively encourage them to sample every dessert on the menu, while at the same time helping to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a charity which delivers specialist training for dogs to provide invaluable emotional support and give many deaf people confidence, independence and constant companionship, totally transforming their lives.

On the night guests will enjoy a selection of stonebaked pizzas freshly cooked in the restaurant’s new outdoor pizza oven, followed by an array of homemade desserts, topped with lashings of cream.

Entertainment will also be provided in the form of foodie competitions and a big prize draw, giving those in attendance time to digest between tasters and ensure maximum samples are enjoyed by all.

Tickets are excellent value, priced at just £22 and spaces are very limited.

Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door.

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

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY Like most philatelic societies we are now on our summer recess and our next meeting is on Wednesday 18 September at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, off Ropes Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF, 7 for 7.30pm.

We cover Ipswich and surrounding areas with members from Ipswich, Woodbridge, Rendlesham, Melton, Woolpit, Kesgrave and surrounding villages. All interests are catered for – GB stamps, old and new, Machin, foreign and Commonwealth, postal history and thematic.

For more information please visit: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk

To book call 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/puddings

ICUSTEPS SUPPORT GROUP For critical care patients on the road to recovery We meet at Bluebird Lodge Community Hospital, 100 Mansbrook Boulevard, Ipswich IP3 9GJ from 6-8pm on: August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6 and December 4.

For more information email outreach.event@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk or visit: www.icusteps.org

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks, which cover a broad spectrum of art, resume on September 4 following a short summer break. The door will open at 1.30pm on September 4 when tea, coffee and a 20th anniversary cake will be served.

The AGM will start at 2pm and Anne Haworth, a lecturer at the V&A, will present a talk entitled Porcelain for the Chinese Emperors at 2.30pm.

On October 2 Louise Schofield will talk about her archaeological adventures in Albania.

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. With the exception of September 4, meetings begin at 2.05pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30pm.

Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND & WITNESHAM WI

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND

We’re back in Witnesham Village Hall for the meeting on August 14. Peter Hesketh will talk about his world tour by container ship. Who knows, we might fancy cruising for our future holidays!

Monday 14 October: RSPB – 70 years at Havergate Island by Steve Everett, volunteer guide, photographer and presenter for the RSPB at their Havergate Island and Minsmere Reserves.

Trinity Park is the venue for Suffolk East Federation’s big Centenary Fair on Tuesday 3 September from 11am until 8pm. There will be an array of local artisan crafters and food producers, demonstrations, entertainment and much more for a great day out. WI members are free, guests will be charged £5.

This talk will be held at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath with more details to follow in the September edition.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday 25 September: AGM, followed by The Shotley Pier Preservation Society, an illustrated talk by Sally Chicken We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park, visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk

For further information about this event and the music fund visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50SCLUB The club is currently on its summer break and will reconvene on September 11 for the AGM and a social afternoon.

Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm.

New members are always welcome so if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

DIARY DATES FOR WITNESHAM, SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING All events take place in the village hall unless indicated otherwise.

Thursday 29: Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.15-12.25pm

Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham; 01473 785798

FUTURE DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES Saturday 30 November: Witnesham’s Got Talent

WEEKLY EVENTS Monday: Pilates Class from 7-8pm Tuesday • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm • Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Peter Elmy: 785754 Wednesday • Coffee, Conversation & Cake at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.30-11.30am Thursday • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Tai Chi Classes: beginners’ class 5.45-7.15pm, regular class 7.30-9.30pm.

Contact Marc: 07860 471748 Friday • Mums & Toddlers Group at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.15-11.15am (term time only). Contact Mrs Jean Pearson: 01473 785478 • Pilates Class, 9.45-10.45am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com EVENTS IN AUGUST August-September: The Windmill Trail of 57 windmills continues throughout East Suffolk as part of the Suffolk East Federation’s centenary celebrations.

The local branch has its fine windmill on the recreation ground near the Barley Mow. Thursday 1: Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.15-12.25pm Saturday 3: Summer Fete at Witnesham Nursing Home organised to raise funds for entertainment, crafts and gifts. Stalls for books, bric-a-brac, cakes and light refreshments, a grand draw, tombola and more, 2.30-4pm.

Thursday 8: Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.50-10.20am), the Moon & Mushroom at Swilland (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am) Wednesday 14: WI members meet for a talk by Peter Hesketh entitled World Tour by Container Ship, 7.30pm

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Recent Success for Chiara We offer our congratulations to Chiara Girling of Witnesham on winning Suffolk New College Student Award 2019 for “Outstanding commitment in Health and Social Care”. Chiara has been studying Health and Sciences Level 3. She has now been accepted at the University of Suffolk to study for a Midwifery BSc degree starting in February 2020 and in the meantime will be getting work experience.

It’s that time of year again when I should like to receive details of other students’ degrees or A Level and equivalent examination successes for inclusion in future editions of In Touch. Our readers like to hear of young people’s progress and although I try to recall what stage they have reached, I do need your help for some details.

Please contact me at: heather.cade40@gmail.com / 01473 785464 FIND Food Bank Appeal Thank-you to all who have contributed to FIND (Families in Need) this year, especially to its Food Bank. This has enabled our volunteers to distribute emergency food supplies weekly to up to one 100 families in real need locally.

The long summer holidays prove to be even more challenging for many parents as they will need to provide an extra meal for children who would otherwise receive a free school lunch. However carefully parents try to manage their finances, some of them will have hard choices to make. If you can, please donate a tin or packet of food to help FIND meet the extra demands it faces at this time of year. Particularly we would appreciate: tinned meat, vegetables such as carrots, garden peas and potatoes, soups and sauces as well as tins of peaches, apricots, rice, custard and jam and , of course, any other basic foods but not at present any baked beans or pasta.

Out of our own resources we usually provide mince, sausages, fish fingers, bread, cheese, and eggs, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, if these are required and our supplies allow.

Please contact me for more details or collection of goods and thank you for any help you can give.

FIND Trustee Heather Cade, 5 Coopers Close, Witnesham / 01473 785464

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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OUT & ABOUT WESTERFIELD CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS Art Class A weekly class for newcomers and improvers. To book a place or for more information contact Lisa Ann Puhlhofer: 01473 878734 / 07834 280287 Westerfield Bowls Club Members enjoy playing outdoors from April through to the end of September. Our teams compete in local leagues as well as playing friendly games against other clubs. For further information contact Tony Baker: 01473 411347 Village Coffee Mornings Every Wednesday at 10am. Everyone is welcome.

Westerfield & District Gardening Club Meets at 7.15pm on the first Wednesday of the month.

• August: No meeting • September 4: The Beth Chatto Gardens – Past, Present & Future by Nursery Manager Dave Ward For further details contact Michele Doick (252330) or Barry Reeve (251843).

Beavers, Cubs & Scouts 1st Westerfield Scout Group was founded in 1955. Using the village hall as its headquarters the group consists of: Beaver Colony Thursday, 5.45-6.45pm Boys and girls, 6-8 years old Beaver Leader Jenny Kent: 01473 218501 / jennyk.kent1@gmail.com Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years Cub Leader Joan Gibson: 01473 785510 / gibsonjoan785@gmail.com

Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years Scout Leader Peter Runnacles: 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com If your child is interested in joining us please use the contact form on our website from where your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate leader: www.westerfieldscouts.org.uk Westerfield WI Lively meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm.

• August: No meeting • September 12: A Year in the Life of a Beehive by Laurie Wiseman Competition: A Small 6” Vase with one Flower New members and visitors are always welcome. For details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749 Pilates Monday from 10.30-11.30am and Wednesday from 6-7pm. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Tuesday from 2.15-4pm and Thursday from 7.15-9pm. £12 per class, suitable for all ages. Contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Thursday from 9.40-11am. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches and relaxation for all. Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability. For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

IPSWICH AND FELIXSTOWE DEATH CAFÉ

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.

A new Death Café, facilitated by Adele Chaplin, launched in Ipswich and Felixstowe in July.

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?

Our objective is to provide fellowship for members and their families.

Prospective new members are always welcome and there is no requirement to have belonged to any other organisation previously.

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

GIRLS HAVE FUN

Death Café is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. Its objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.

Adele explains: “Death Cafe is a wonderful space to allow people to explore their own attitudes and understanding of death. It’s not a counselling space, just somewhere where those who share a common interest in understanding death and making the most of life can come and share a cup of tea and a good slice of cake.

“Whatever your interest, whether you are just curious, have a life limiting condition, have experienced a bereavement, or you just want to meet likeminded people, you will be welcome.”

The Death Café model was developed by Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid, based on the ideas of Bernard Crettaz, and has spread quickly across Europe, North America and Australasia.

Are you aged between five and seven years?

As of today, they have offered 8,738 Death Cafes in 65 countries since September 2011. If just 10 people came to each one, that would be 87,380 participants.

Witnesham Rainbows meet on alternate Thursdays from 5.30-6.45pm in Witnesham Primary School. Come and join us for crafts, cooking and lots of fun.

Ipswich and Felixstowe Death Cafe runs on the first Monday of every month at Coffee Cat, Ipswich Town Hall from 10am-noon, and on the third Wednesday of every month at Cuppa, 81 High Road, Felixstowe, also from 10am-noon.

For further information contact Nyree: 07722 170394

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ipswichandfelixstowedeathcafe www.theipswichcelebrant.co.uk/deathcafe

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SET SAIL FOR AN ISLAND ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER Nature lovers young and old can discover more about Suffolk’s only island this summer with the RSPB’s annual Havergate Adventure being held from 10-12 August.

Run by the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group, the Havergate Adventure offers an amazing opportunity for people to come and explore Havergate Island, its lagoons and salt marshes and encounter some of the wildlife that calls it home. Now in its 31st year, the adventure starts with an exhilarating 20-minute boat journey from Orford Quay to the island. Once ashore, visitors explore the island alongside an RSPB volunteer guide who will be on hand to help spot them some of the birds, animals and insects living on Havergate including the avocet – best known as the bird featured in the RSPB logo. To make sure visitors don’t miss any hidden treasures, binoculars are available to hire for free on the day.

At the end of the adventure, visitors can buy homemade cakes, snacks and refreshments to enjoy along with a well-earned sit down, before heading back over the water to Orford. This fun and fascinating wildlife event will be taking place on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and Monday 12 August, with guided tours leaving every half hour from 9.30am until 1.30pm from Orford Quay.

Advance bookings only and tickets are £15 for adults and £5 for under-16s.

To book your tickets visit: www.rspb.org.uk/havergateisland Picture credit: Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB At the time of writing Wimbledon is in full flow with the winners yet to be decided. I was fortunate to be there on the second Tuesday and saw some great on court action. Wimbledon is a fantastic experience, but tickets can be hard to come by. However, if you become a member of a registered venue, such as Bramford Tennis Club, you can opt into the club ballot and increase your chances of having an option on tickets for next year’s championship, so why not join today?

Cardio Tennis Cardio Tennis is a fun, sociable group tennis-themed fitness class that takes place on Thursday evenings at 7.10pm. The class is supported by music and a qualified instructor and you get to hit lots of tennis balls during your class, giving you a great cardio workout. No prior experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided so sign up now to get fit on a tennis court!

Tennis 3’s – Fast and Furious Tennis As we are keen to get more adults and older juniors playing, we run fun Tennis 3’s competitions so on a number of Sundays throughout the summer. These are very informal, but are a great introduction to tennis as you get to play in a team of mixed abilities and everyone feels included. Why not come along and join us and see just how much fun you can have on a tennis court? The next events are planned for Sundays 4 August and 1 September at 10.30am.

To find out more at about any of the items mentioned: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub Facebook: www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub Call or text our coach, Carl Douglas: 07553 966380

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY, HELMINGHAM The children have ended the term with their summer outing to Jimmy’s Farm. We all travelled by ‘big’ coach, which several children had never done before, so it was quite an experience. “Are we there yet,” could be heard as we turned into Jimmy’s Farm.

The first animal we saw while driving down the lane was a camel which had just arrived the previous day. Great excitement ensued. We learnt her name was Jaffa, but likely to be changed to Alice which then had us humming the tune Alice the Camel.

With lunch boxes in hand and our trolley packed, we ventured into the park.

Rabbits, guinea pigs, meerkats, very friendly goats, sheep, ducks and geese all added to the wonder as we made our way past a big pig with her piglets to the butterfly house.

So hot, but amazing with butterflies flying around the children as they followed the path, seeing large butterflies drinking and eating from bowls.

We also saw birds flying around the large banana tree.

Then outside for some fresh air, a quick stop at the Hobbit House, then down

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to the reptile house, passing a large herd of cows that came to see us! There were large snakes to be seen, crocodiles basking alongside water and then great excitement as the children got to touch a very friendly bearded dragon.

When it was time for lunch we found a grassy area to put our rugs out. Then off to the playground and the mega trampoline pillow for the last 30 minutes.

Back on the coach we got strapped in, had a drink and then for many of the children a little nap as we travelled back to nursery. What a lovely, busy, exciting day!

Following sports day and graduation, The Old School House Nursery closed its doors and re-opens for the September term under The Consortium Multi Academy Trust with Helmingham Primary School.

It will have the Reception class and Nursery in the building and all children from three years old are welcome to attend.

For more information on admissions please contact the headteacher: admin@helminghamprimary.org

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL As you read this article we are all busy enjoying the summer holidays.

However, the last few weeks of the term were action packed, full of trips, activities, events and, of course, learning!

On July 9 and 10 we held our eagerly awaited production of the musical Schools Will Rock You. With high energy, humour, great choreography and all the favourite songs everybody knows and loves, the students did the school proud with outstanding vocals and strong performances all round. My thanks go to everyone involved including performers, back stage crew, front-of-house, staff and parents/carers for their support during a very demanding rehearsal schedule. It really was a fantastic show!

On July 17, the PE department hosted its annual Sports Award Evening.

Celebrations got off to a brilliant start with certificates awarded to students in Years 7-10 for Endeavour, Excellence and Team Sports, culminating in a trophy for Claydon High School’s ‘Sports Personality of the Year’. The winner of this special award was nominated and voted for by students. It was a lovely evening celebrating so many individual and team sporting achievements across the year.

In other areas of the school we have held a GCSE Art Exhibition, Year 9 Design and Technology students visited Harry Potter World and took part in a skills day with visiting experts from West Suffolk Woodturning Club, Art and Textiles students visited Cambridge Botanical Gardens to get inspiration from the wonderful flora and fauna on display, Year 10 students took part in an enterprise language day, a taster day at Suffolk One Sixth Form College and experiencing the exciting world of work on their work experience placement, English students from across the year groups took part in a spelling bee, public speaking competition and Shakespeare competition and, finally, the PE department held a very successful sports day, with six school records broken!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues who will be leaving Claydon High School for pastures new come September and welcome new teachers who will be joining us for what I hope is another very successful year.

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.

Headteacher Ms M Taylor

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL July was a busy month. On Friday 5 we visited Jimmy’s Farm by coach and enjoyed the day learning about the farm. Henley Primary School invited us to watch their performance of Alice in Wonderland and the older children have been on transitions to their new schools and their new teachers have visited us. We had a last day of term picnic on the field which was a chance for staff, children and families to get together before the long summer holidays.

We wish all the best to those children leaving us in July and look forward to meeting new children in September.

We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre.

We pride ourselves on having a high ratio of staff to children and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children. All staff are highly trained and continue regular training to build their knowledge further.

If your child requires a space from September please contact us as soon as possible to check availability. We accept eligible 30hr funded children (the codes must be in place the term before they are needed). Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only from 9am-3pm.

For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am3pm) or email or manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget and the team

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS WITNESHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL The summer months bring a focus on sports and outdoor activity. Our children have enjoyed being in the fresh air and learning skills beyond the classroom.

Each year we compete with other schools in numerous sporting competitions. Last month we competed at under-9 and under-11 Quad Kids events; the children took part in sprint, distance, jumping and throwing events and had a fantastic time.

Our Year 5s have also been completing Young Leaders training with Mrs Wilson, ready to take on the responsibilities that Year 6 brings.

From September, they will take on a leadership role in the playground, organising and running games and activities for the younger years at lunchtimes.

We have also had a very successful time competing at the Ipswich and South Suffolk swimming gala, with the under-11 team coming third. Well done to all those children who represented the school in all these competitions!

Another annual event in school life is Sports Day. The weather was favourable and the children and staff had a lovely day with traditional field and track events such as sack races, egg and spoon races and hurdles. Parents were welcomed in the afternoon to support and cheer the children on as they competed. Developing our understanding and support of the deaf community, some races at sports day were started using British Sign Language for ‘On your marks! Get Set! Go!’.

Our Year 5s have been working towards their Bikeability qualification.

They have spent time learning skills to keep them safe, confident and aware when cycling. We are proud that all 10 children passed their Level 2, so are now able to navigate complex junctions, understand driver blind spots and perceive and deal with hazards. It’s great to know that these children are well equipped to use their bikes over the summer and beyond!

Most recently, we have held one of the highlights of the school calendar, our ever popular Camp Night, with families camping in the school grounds for the night, enjoying a barbecue and toasting marshmallows over a campfire, while the children (and adults!) take part in all sorts of sporting activities. Events like Camp Night and Sports Day, where children, staff and parents socialise and enjoy each other’s company, help to build the strong community that is such an important part of our school.

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Summer holidays are here and I expect many will be going away for a few days or more to enjoy a different place, country and/or culture. I hope all have an enjoyable time, be it staying at home or away this month. Many of us have an expectation that having a holiday is going to be relaxing, yet, and especially if we have children, the planning and then deciding what to do each day can be anything but relaxing. Not to mention the travelling and airport bustle if going abroad!

Family Time Together: Every Sunday from 9.30-10.15am. All families, parents with children, are welcome for a special time together with crafts, singing and stories.

Even in the busy-ness of holidays can I encourage you to take just a few minutes each day to sit and just be? God created us as human beings not human doings! God takes pleasure in us as we just sit quietly thinking of Him and his provision and talking to Him with thanks as well as requests. A few minutes quietly each day with God can be more refreshing than a week away.

Try it!

Tuesdays, 7.30pm: Open House Topical Discussion Group

At the end of July we had a Pet Service and I didn’t use the following! I quote it here for thought and discussion. It’s ‘Cat and Dog theology’.

It all begins with a simple joke. It’s been said that “Dogs have masters – cats have staff”. Cats may call you master, but tend to live a self-centred life – where you are there to serve and take care of them. On the other hand, dogs are eager to see and please their master.

Monday, August 5: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, 12.30pm. Please contact Heather for details: 01473 785321 Tuesday, August 6: Tuesday Craft Corner, 2pm. Open to all, just turn up. Bring your own craft if you have one.

Every Wednesday: 3Cs Café from 9.30-11.30am – all welcome Fridays: No Mums and Toddlers Group in August Wednesday, August 14: Prayer Fellowship, 11.30am Wednesday, August 28: Bible Study, 11.30am In the church we have a collection box for FIND (Families in Need) and nonperishable food is very welcome. Outside there’s a clothes bank on behalf of the Salvation Army. We have bags you can use (please ask) or you can use your own. Thank you.

The post office is in our conservatory on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Please use this service to help keep it in the village.

A dog may look at you and think: ‘You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me – You must be god!” On the other hand, a cat can look at you and say: ‘You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me – I must be god!”

You see, they both look at the same information, but because of their self-centred or master-cantered attitudes, they come to totally different conclusions! The question I raise for you to think about this month is: Do you view yourself as a cat or a dog in relationship to God? Here at WBC most weekly activities continue as usual: Sunday Worship at 11am; 3Cs@WBC on Wednesday mornings (all ages welcome) and Prayer and Bible Studies. Other activities take a summer break with Family Time Together and Mums & Toddlers resuming in September.

Pastor Andrew DIARY DATES Morning Services begin at 11am (except when stated otherwise) Sunday, August 4: Morning Service & Holy Communion, Pastor Andrew Sunday, August 11: Morning Service, Pastor Andrew Sunday, August 18: Morning Service, Team Ministry Sunday, August 25: Morning Service

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This photo was taken on July 14 when a Biker Service was held at Witnesham Baptist Church and members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association displayed their motorbikes.

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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEW FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING Haunted by Christ Jane and I have just read a very thought-provoking book called Haunted by Christ. It’s by Richard Harries (pictured), who was my bishop for a number of years when I was in Oxford diocese. You may have heard him on Thought for the Day on Radio 4. He was made a life peer and is highly respected in the House of Lords on human rights issues.

In his book Richard writes about modern writers – novelists, poets, dramatists – and their struggle for faith. Some, such as TS Eliot and CS Lewis (author of the Narnia books), would definitely have called themselves Christians (after a number of years as atheists). Others, like Samuel Becket, probably wouldn’t.

But it’s as if they can’t turn their backs on religion. They are “haunted

by Christ”.

Some religious people give the impression that doubt is the opposite of faith.

A true believer, of whatever religion, cannot have doubts. But doubts and questions are sometimes the cradle of deep faith. Dostoevsky, in my view the greatest novelist ever, famously said: “It is not as a child that I believe in Christ and profess his teaching; my hosanna has burst through a furnace of doubts.”

The poet Tennyson similarly wrote: “There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds.”

What do we do with our doubts? In today’s secular society it may be much easier to be an agnostic than a believer. And doubts can, sometimes, be a cover-up for lack of knowledge. When did we spend a couple of hours reading a gospel to discover what Jesus actually said, instead of relying on the views of others, or distant childhood memories? Or perhaps we see church as a club, like other clubs and societies, for those who like “that sort of thing”.

When I’ve found my view of church becoming too restricted, I’ve gone to a church very different from my own. And I’ve reminded myself of what Jesus said in the gospel.

John said: “Master, we saw a man driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he doesn’t belong to our group.” And Jesus replied: “Quite right, John. We can’t have any Tom, Dick or Harry using my name to do miracles. After all, we don’t know exactly what they believe.”

No, Jesus did NOT say that! He said: “Don’t try to stop him, because whoever is not against you is for you”. (Luke 9: 49-50) Haunted by Christ is a very good read if you’re interested in literature. But does that describe me, or someone I know? And is there anything I want to do about it?

Fred Woods SERVICES THROUGHOUT AUGUST Sunday 11 August: 11am Songs of Praise, Ashbocking Sunday 18 August: 11am Holy Communion, Swilland WHAT’S ON Friday 2: Ashbocking Coffee Morning at the home of Brenda Forster of Little Chimneys, The Green, 10.30am Wedding of Catherine Soames & James McCallum, Otley Church, 2pm Saturday 3: Swilland Coffee Morning, hosted at the church by Shirley Coady and Andy Ling, 10am Grundisburgh Coffee Morning, Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.30am Mondays 5, 12, 19 & 26: Grundisburgh Bridge Club, Parish Rooms, 7.30pm Wednesday 7: Hobbies Group, Clopton Village Hall, 10am-noon Wednesdays 7 & 21: Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am Monday 12: Wedding of Brendan Turner & Sophie Leigh Pearson, Hasketon Church, 12.30pm Monday 19: Monday House Group at the home of Malcolm and Sandra Green, 7.30pm Wednesday 21: Clopton Coffee Morning in Clopton Village Hall, 10am

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Thursday 22: Hasketon Community Lunch, 12.15pm Otley Community Lunch at Otley White Hart, 12.30pm Saturday 24: Wedding of Sarah Christian & Adam Murphy, Ashbocking Church, 1pm Saturday 31: Memorial Service for David Bendall, Ashbocking Church, 2.30pm Hasketon Village Fete and Exhibition of Woodwork Saturday 3 August: Fete and Exhibition from noon Sunday 4 August: Exhibition and cream teas in Hasketon Church, 2-4pm Harvest Supper Saturday 14 September at Burgh House Barn, 6.15 for 6.30pm.

Tickets £10 for a two course hot supper and a glass of wine. Free soft drinks.

Welcome to bring your own alcoholic drink. Tickets in advance from Sally: 01473 738877 / sally@martinandsally.co.uk A Festival of Hobbies, Craft & Skills Friday 24 to Monday 26 August, 10am-6pm each day at Clopton Church We hope to raise funds for the upkeep of the church and churchyard. The festival will showcase local talent in many forms – knitting, painting, sewing, joinery, pottery and photography. Hopefully children will also submit their creations and there will be ‘busking’ slots available for enthusiastic musicians. Refreshments will be available. Submitted work may be simply displayed or sold (with 10% to fundraising). Entry requirement is only that each exhibitor should provide an article for the tombola! Please contact Jenny Schurr if you are interested in exhibiting: 01473 738357 / cloptonschurrs@gmail.com BBC (Bible Book Club) A small group interested in the historical context of Christian thought, we meet in Grundisburgh on just four Tuesday mornings each year. Our next meeting is on September 24 at 10.30am when we will discuss Silence – A Christian History by Diarmaid MacCulloch. Why not get a copy and start reading now? Please let us know if you will be joining us: 01473 738474 / paulwiffen222@btinternet.com Pub Church We are planning a one-off pub church service in the Moon and Mushroom, Swilland on Sunday 6 October. We are hoping for a relaxed informal type of service – a few familiar hymns, some prayers and chance to contribute readings or reflections. We will have the service late morning with the chance to stay on for Sunday lunch. Please put it in your diary if you’d like to come; details nearer the time.

We are also looking for people who might like to help, and thinking of a short planning meeting one evening, early September. Please contact Mark Cresswell if you’d like to help with that: mark@cresswell.onl THE PROPOSED NORTHERN BYPASS Most of you will be aware of the latest proposals for three potential northern bypass routes which could dramatically change our beautiful countryside forever. There are consultations being held in various locations and it is really important that you try to get to one of them to hear what is being said, but most of all to have your say and ask any questions you wish to have answered.

The consultation dates and venues are listed online, as are the plans, the key aims and objectives, alongside estimated statistics of the increased traffic flow and what it means for our villages. You’ll find all of this at: www.ipswichnorthernroute.org.uk Please also visit www.stopipswichnorthernbypass.co.uk where you can register your interest for further details, find links for a petition to sign online and a fundraising website. Make sure you visit their stands at one of the upcoming consultations to unite and put a stop to the proposals. We need to stand united and protect our beautiful rural villages

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The Churches of the United Benefice of Westerfield and Tuddenham St Martin

In Touch with WTW The future beckons…

As you many know we’ve got a vacancy for a parish priest because the Revs Alan and Catherine have moved onto other ministries. And that means we have the opportunity to think about how we want our group of 3 Churches to worship in the future.

We’ve got several options, which include but are not limited to…

vacancy. Our Area Dean and Archdeacon are working with and supporting us during this period.

Inspiring Ipswich This is Ipswich’s new project to encourage and welcome more people to Church. And it’s aiming high. Over the next few years we want to:  create fresh energy for our existing

 Joining up with another Church or

churches

group of Churches

 make contact with 15,000 people who we’ve not been in touch with

 Having a dedicated ‘lay minister’ in each of the 3 Churches with a halftime priest overseeing and giving

before  help 7,500 people to explore faith

guidance  Continuing with our current 3-parish arrangement where a half-time priest is supported by our team of lay ministers.

We need to explore each of these options in more detail and decide how we go forward before we advertise the

 and end up with 1,500 new members of worshipping

with Witnesham

Sharon and Natasha from Tuddenham. The first thing they’re exploring is how to grow our congregations— and fortunately they’ve got some excellent information collected previously to work with. But it’s not an easy job—if it was, our Churches would be brimming full every Sunday!

And that brings us neatly to the last point this month. If you’re interested in coming to Church, even if it’s just to see what it’s like, just pop into one of our services.

We’re a friendly bunch and promise not to overwhelm you. Read more about what happens in Church on our website.

communities..

So what are our 3 Churches doing?

Well, each has 2 Inspiring Ipswich reps: Paul & Jerry from Witnesham; Carol and Mary from Westerfield and

Getting in touch...

Checkout our website at www.wtandw.org.uk for service information and who to contact for weddings, baptisms and funerals.

Follow us on Facebook

Church Events—August / Sept

www.facebook.com/wtandw/

Westerfield Church Fete—Saturday 31st August at 2.00pm. Church Paddock and Village Hall.

Ride & Stride—Saturday 14th September. Tuddenham Church open for visiting cyclists & walkers raising money for Suffolk Historic Churches Trust. See www.shct.org.uk for more details.

Harvest Festival and Lunch—Sunday 22nd September. Details next month.

Benefice Youth Group— Wednesday 25th September at 6.15pm (contact Julia for more details 785497)

CHURCH SERVICES—August Day / Date Seventh Sunday of Trinity 4th August Eighth Sunday of Trinity 11th August Ninth Sunday of Trinity 18th August Tenth Sunday of Trinity 25th August Eleventh Sunday of Trinity 1st September

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Westerfield Church Fete Saturday 31st August 2pm Church Paddock and Village Hall

Lots of attractions and stalls, teas and ice creams and games

This information was correct at the time of going to press (early last month) occasionally it can be necessary to make changes—please cross reference with our website for the most up-

St Martin’s

St Mary’s

St Mary Magdalene’s

Tuddenham St Martin

Witnesham

Westerfield

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-age Worship

11am Family Communion

9.30am All-age Worship

10am Family Communion

11am All-age Worship

9.30am Family Communion

10am Morning Worship

11am Family Communion

9.30am Morning Worship

10am Family Communion

11am Morning Worship

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-age Worship

11am Family Communion

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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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