In Touch News with Westerfield July 2019

In Touch

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with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 9 • Issue No. 8 • JULY 2019

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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 Marilyn 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!

In Touch

with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham

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AUGUST DEADLINE 10 JULY 2019 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS ALAN AND CATHERINE FORSDIKE As most of you will know by now, Alan and Catherine have left the ministry, their last day being 16 June.

Their last official act was the baptism of Jessica Henley on 9 June at Witnesham. As usual the ceremony had humour as well as religion, and it was nice to see the church so full for this final act.

Tom and Elizabeth Henley also had their son Albert baptised by Alan some years earlier.

It was also interesting to note that in between these two baptisms there had been only one other, a year ago when Maisy Fiddaman (daughter of Tom’s sister Claire) was christened. This probably makes the Henley family the most God fearing family in the whole of Witnesham! I might have to write a play about it!

That aside, I am sure we all wish Alan and Catherine all the very best for the future, Village Recorder Steve Henley

WITNESHAM AND SWILLAND VILLAGE SHOW Saturday 13 July in Witnesham Village Hall Hopefully you will have decided what classes you are entering and have your preparations well under way. We have done all our preparations and are just looking forward to receiving your entries Please remember entries should be in the boxes by 2pm on Thursday 11 July.

As before, you can stage your entries from 9 to 11am on July 13.

The show will then be open for visitors from 2pm. Do come and see the entries, enjoy a slice of delicious cake with a cup of tea and meet with others from our villages.

This year we will have some different activities for children, and some for the adults too. We are excited about the show and hope you are too, so please save the date.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIOLET! Our daughter Violet Ellis, who lives in Witnesham, is three on 29 June.

Happy Birthday from mum and dad and all the family.

This month’s cover image was taken by Nicole Hogger who lives in Witnesham. This frog has recently made a permanent place of residence in her parents’ garden pond and she got this great picture of him emerging from the water. Amazingly the pond had been installed just two weeks earlier. Clever frog!

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NEWS UPSTAIRS MOW

ED SHEERAN AND THE MOON & MUSHROOM

So it’s all over for another year. Great news though for the Barley Players as they performed to sell-out audiences who, by the sound of the applause at the end of each performance, thoroughly enjoyed what they saw and heard.

This year the group decided to go for a musical comedy based on the theory that William Shakespeare stayed overnight in an inn later to be known as the Barley Mow. It is essential for local groups such as the Barley Players to obtain sponsors and I am pleased to announce that both the Barley Mow and the Westerfield Railway again stepped forward with their support.

I have always stressed the importance of local businesses supporting local community groups offering entertainment for local people. Under new management, the Barley Mow were quick to offer their support, as they have with all local events, something the people of Witnesham should be very grateful for and respond to. The Railway were also keen to show their support as they too recognise the importance of local events.

Our biggest supporter from a financial point of view was John Keeble (Bramford) Limited whose owners reside in Witnesham. Others include Kingfishers Golf Club, EMA Design and Ipswich Building Society. Our grateful thanks to them all.

It has come to light via ITV Anglia that Ed Sheeran played at The Moon & Mushroom’s fundraising Moonfest event in August 2006 when he was an unknown 15 year old. In fact Ed’s father, John Sheeran, says this picture of Ed performing at The Moon & Mushroom, which features in The Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk Exhibition coming to Ipswich this summer, is one of his favourite pictures of Ed performing in his early teenage years.

It wasn’t until she was interviewed by ITV Anglia that Nikki at The Moon & Mushroom realised who ‘the boy on the roster’ was, but she does remember him being a shy and charming young man who was entirely absorbed in his music.

The Moon and Mushroom has been included in the list of nine Perfect places to visit which have links to the star, a list drawn up by the East Anglian Daily Times.

Picture John Sheeran

ASHBOCKING NEWS The In Touch deadline is proving difficult again! By the time you read this in July there will be another bench for folk in the parish and many of us will have enjoyed getting together again for an evening bash at Manor Farm.

The bench is shortly to be installed by the pond alongside the definitive footpath on Robert Leggett’s Farm. Views from the bench extend over the farmland towards Swilland and Otley.

In the main the gate profits go to our chosen charity which this year is The Blossom Appeal at Ipswich Hospital (cancer unit). We are still awaiting some of our final costs and also some of our sponsors’ money, but it is safe to say that we will be passing over a cheque in excess of £1,000. We will also be making a donation to Witnesham Baptist Church for the use of their hall for our rehearsals.

So I’ll end on the play and the wonderful group of people who came together to produce and perform Upstairs Mow, an experience that I believe we will all remember with fondness and pride.

For me it was a feeling of great satisfaction that this group of actors and musicians performed my play with such enthusiasm and passion for which I will be eternally grateful.

Thanks to Jonathan Bell for his amazing skills in rejuvenating a somewhat needy bench, and the rest of the team – Andrew Gaught, David Gaught, Steve Stegman and Jon – for installing it. I was there to encourage, and say mostly, ‘left a bit!’.

Tickets are selling well for the ‘village bash’ and I hope those of you who attended, enjoyed the evening. It’s all getting easier to organise as the parish have invested in new chairs, tables and an additional marquee. However, clearing the barns out from dust and mud remains the most arduous task, but a trusty team always turns up to do the necessary. I’ll leave all the thanks to next month, but special thanks now to our chairperson, Tony Gilbert, for selling tickets and getting the show on the road.

I also need to thank Paul Moss for keeping the community land looking so good and Ed McHale for his work on the ‘P and A’ footpath.

I can’t end without mentioning Ben Ager who handled the lights and sound with such professionalism and, of course, my dear wife Janet who again acted as prompt.

I think my number of words is up. Hope you can all get out there and enjoy the parish walks and the views from all the benches we are so lucky to have in the parish.

Village Recorder Steve Henley

Liz Stegman

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SWILLAND &WITNESHAM GROUPED PARISH COUNCIL

AN AFTERNOON WITH ROY TRICKER ON AND ABOUT BOULGE CHURCH

Annual General Meeting, Wednesday 8 May This is a short extract from the draft minutes which can be read it full at: https://tinyurl.com/y5a842eu Mr Rush was unanimously elected as chairman and it was agreed that Mr Henley (Witnesham) be co-opted to the council.

The chairman’s report for 2018/2019 was approved and adopted. Standing orders and financial regulations were reviewed with no proposed changes.

Highways: Dr Williams had drafted a letter referring to the Gibraltar Crossroads which would be sent to local MP, Dr Dan Pouter, seeking his support for a 40mph speed limit.

Correspondence: A resident from Coopers Close had asked about dog fouling and rain drains and a resident from Swilland had written about blocked drainage ditches near their rear garden.

Provision of a defibrillator in Witnesham: Council deferred the item until the July meeting.

A gift had been presented to Mr Lightfoot at the APM by the chair in recognition of his long and great service to the council over the years as a councillor and chairman.

AFTERNOON TEA Tea, sandwiches, scones, cake and a glass of bubbly Sunday 14 July, 2.30-4.30pm, at Witnesham Pre-school Adults £6, children £3. Please call 01473 784934 to book

ASHBOCKING, SWILLAND & WITNESHAM WI There’s a wonderful windmill in Witnesham!

We are taking part in the Suffolk East Federation Centenary Windmill Trail and you’ll find our windmill on the recreation ground where, for one afternoon only, we‘ll be serving tea and cake on Wednesday 17 July from 2-4pm.

The WI meeting in July takes us out and about to experience 100 Years of Fashion at Bentwaters Park.

We’re back at Witnesham Village Hall in August when we welcome Peter Hesketh who has been on a world tour by container ship.

Sunday 21 July at 4pm Strawberries and Cream followed by 6.30pm Evensong led by Roy Tricker Tickets £6; please contact Ken Petherbridge to book: 07984 748887

ORWELL FLOWER CLUB Rachel Barnard from Banham will present a demonstration entitled The Wedding Florist on Thursday, June 27. If you are free why not come along and enjoy an evening of flowers? Members have been asked to bring along a friend who can come free. This also applies to anybody who comes along to our meeting for the first time.

Plans are well ahead for our open meeting in Kesgrave Community Hall when Lee Berrall from Northampton will be our demonstrator. Tickets will be £18 to include a buffet. Doors open at 6.30pm and there will be various stalls for you to browse at. Tickets can be obtained from Delcie Corbett, details below.

We look forward to seeing you and many visitors.

Orwell Flower Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month (except in August and December) at the Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Demonstrations start at 7.15pm but the doors open by 6.45pm to allow you to browse at our sales tables and buy raffle tickets for the arrangements created in the demonstrations.

The annual subscription fee is £40 but visitors are always welcome at £5 per meeting. For further details please contact Delcie Corbett: 01473 623371 / gil.corbett@btinternet.com.

BIKER SERVICE AT WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Put on your leathers and join us on Sunday, July 14 for an 11am service following by a barbecue.

Members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association will be joining us to display some of their motorbikes.

PET SERVICE AT WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Once again we are pleased to say that we will be holding a pet service for all those in our villages and surrounds who have a pet, whether it be a dog, cat, hamster, rabbit or anything else.

We invite everyone who loves their pets to come and give thanks for the joy and love they bring into their lives. We will be holding the service outside so your pets can come too, if you wish.

We look forward to seeing you at Witnesham Baptist Church on Sunday 28 July at 3pm.

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

Booking Clerk: Mrs Anne Debenham; 01473 785798 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 JULY 1 July-30 September: The Windmill Trail of 57 windmills continues throughout East Suffolk as part of the Suffolk East Federation of WIs’ centenary celebrations. The local branch has its fine windmill on the recreation ground near the Barley Mow. See Wednesday 17 below.

Thursday 4 • Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking from 12.15-12.25pm • Village Voices meet for a members’ barbecue then break until September Saturday 6: Afternoon Cream Tea at Tanglewood, Witnesham, 2-5.30pm, with face painting and live music by Bold and Saucy Wrongs. This is a fundraising event for St Elizabeth Hospice. If you can’t attend this event, run by Sarah Naysmith-Miller and Sam Sims, you might like to sponsor Sarah and Sam who will be taking part in the Venice to Rome Cycle Challenge (420 miles) from 10-14 September. For details email venice2rome@themeadowsmontessori.com or visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simsandnasmythmiller Monday 8: Ashbocking Parish Council meets at SWT HQ, 7.30pm Wednesday 10: WI members to visit Bentwaters Park for Fashion of the Last 100 Years Thursday 11: Mobile Library visits Weyland Road, Witnesham (9.5010.20am), the Moon & Mushroom at Swilland (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.45-10.55am) Saturday 13: Swilland & Witnesham Village Show Entries to be staged by 11am, followed by the judging. Open at 2pm to everyone to view the exhibits and to enjoy tea and cakes provided by the WI.

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 25 July, 7.15pm: The Crystal Palace and The Great Exhibition of 1851 Geoffrey Kay presents the amazing story of the building, what was displayed and the people who organised the world’s first international exhibition, an amazing event visited by huge numbers from this region.

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

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

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

Our guest speaker on June 5 was musician and broadcaster Sandy Burnett who set toes tapping with a musical journey into The Age of Jazz.

Talks resume on September 4 when Anne Haworth presents Porcelain for the Chinese Emperors, preceded by our Annual General Meeting We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. The meeting begins at 2.05pm and lasts about an hour with tea and coffee are available from 1.30pm.

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

IPSWICH HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society (IDHTS) is seeking to appoint a replacement chairperson. The current chairman, Martyn Hunt, is retiring after holding this position since September 1996.

The volunteer position is open to anyone, preferably with a transport interest. You will head up a buoyant and very successful local society with an extremely supportive committee.

Recently the society appealed successfully for a replacement secretary and subsequently appointed David Kerridge.

Interested parties should contact Martyn Hunt (01473 422145) or David Kerridge (01473 424904).

Wednesday 17: Tea and cake will be served at the recreation ground from 2-4pm where the WI has its windmill as part of the Suffolk East Federation Centenary Windmills Trail.

FUTURE DATES Saturday 3 August, 2.30-4pm: Witnesham Nursing Home Summer Fete, raising funds for entertainment, gifts and craft work for the residents.

Saturday 9 November: Craft Workshop Saturday 23 November: Christmas Market Saturday 30 November: Witnesham’s Got Talent If you have details of recent examination successes for inclusion in a future edition, please contact: 01473 785464 / heather.cade40@gmail.com

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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: July 3, 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

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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.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB The club is open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room.

Our June meetings have not yet taken place at the time of writing so more of this next month. This month’s meetings will be on July 10, a social afternoon with Sandra, and our summer party on July 24 before our summer break.

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

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.

• July 3: Barbecue / Potato Competition • August: No meeting For further details contact Michele (252330) or Barry (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

GIRLS HAVE FUN Are you aged between five and seven years?

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.

For further information contact Nyree: 07722 170394

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

Cub Pack Tuesday, 6.45-8pm Boys and girls, 8-10½ years Cub Leader: Joan Gibson, 01473 785510 / gibsonjoan785@gmail.com

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

Scout Troop Friday, 6.50-9pm Boys and girls, 10½-14 years Scout Leader: Peter Runnacles 01473 785298 / peter@runnacles.plus.com

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

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.

• July 11: Banjo Patterson by Eric Punaks Competition: Ring Holder • August: No meeting 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

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BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB By the time you read this, Rafa will have been crowned King of Clay at the French Open and Wimbledon will be upon us. With a bit of luck Andy Murray may be back in action in the doubles and Jo Konta will also be flying the flag for the Brits. However, don’t just watch the tennis, come and have a go! We welcome all ability levels and have special membership rates for first time members. As a member of the club you also have a chance to win options on tickets for Wimbledon 2020 so come and join us today.

Great British Tennis Weekend Following the success of our free tennis day in May, we are putting on a further free open day on Saturday 20 July between 11am and 2pm. Why not join us for fun competitions, to our coach, try some tennis cardio workouts or even take on our ball machine challenge? Our exclusive special introductory membership offers will also be available on the day with adult membership starting from just £25/year and juniors from just £10/year.

Team Challenge Following our highly successful Tennis for Kids programmes we will be running several fun junior tennis activity sessions throughout the holidays.

Each session will be a mix of tennis themed games with players grouped into teams and the winning team claiming the right to lift the Team Challenge trophy! Prizes and certificates will be on offer too. Go to the club website for further information and to book your place.

To find out more please contact our coach, Carl Douglas, on 07553 966380 or visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL 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.

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.

20 YEARS OF FOREST THEATRE MAGIC In July, rehearsals begin for Red Rose Chain’s most ambitious summer season yet as the company celebrate the 20th anniversary of its open-air spectacular, Theatre in the Forest, with their fresh take on Romeo & Juliet.

Starting out in 1999 as a one-night event held in the depths of Rendlesham forest, Theatre in the Forest has exploded into the region’s largest outdoor theatre event, beloved by tens of thousands of audience members and regarded by The Stage as ‘Regents Park for the East’.

Every summer, families, fans and first-timers all venture together into the event’s woodland home at Jimmy’s Farm to experience Shakespeare as they’ve never seen it before thanks to the vision of Artistic Director Joanna Carrick who specialises in making the magic of Shakespeare accessible and fun for all-ages while staying true to the original text.

Joanna plans to make this summer the biggest and best yet, adding: “At a time when our young people are starting to make their voices heard about climate change and injustice, this play – which challenges the wisdom of our elders and promotes peace and tolerance between warring factions is extremely apt and appropriate. Whether you are new to the story or have seen it many times, there are always great truths in this play as well as passion, hilarity tragedy and love. Our extraordinary cast are going to take the show by storm with a back drop of 1960’s mods and rockers rebels. I can’t wait!”

On 24 August, the final Saturday of the run, the company are also throwing a big birthday bash before the show begins to celebrate with all the audience members. Free to ticket holders, the party includes birthday cake and lemonade for everybody, plus all the musical hits of the 1960s and the chance to come dressed up as a Mighty Mod (from House Montague) or a Raucous Rocker (from House Capulet).

The location of Jimmy’s Farm offers audience members the chance to explore the wildlife park during the day, and eat in the award-winning restaurant on the evenings pre-theatre dinners are available, or dine al fresco and bring your own picnic (and camping chairs) for that extra festival feel.

When they’re not putting their stamp on Shakespeare, Red Rose Chain have an exciting programme of events and community work going on all year round inside their studio theatre venue, The Avenue, located just a few minutes’ walk from Ipswich Train Station. The Avenue is quickly becoming a hot-spot comedy and live music venue for the town, giving Suffolk audiences the chance to see big names like Henning Wehn and Mark Thomas in a much more intimate and cosy space.

Whatever your plans this summer, make Theatre in the Forest your mustsee holiday adventure this July/August.There has never been a better time to discover what all the fuss is about!

Romeo & Juliet runs at Jimmy’s Farm from 31 July to 25 August.

For more details and to book: www.redrosechain.com/theatre-in-the-forest / 01473 603388

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 from our school reception.

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.

Headteacher Ms M Taylor

STONHAM ASPAL PRIMARY SCHOOL We are now into the last half of the summer term which means we are nearing the end of another academic year. The children are working hard and achieving great things as you will see below.

Year 6 SATS The children coped extremely well with their SATS and impressed us all with their perseverance, independence and resilience. They made us very proud, well done to all in Year 6.

Year 4 Tennis Tournament A team of four went to Debenham Leisure Centre on Tuesday 21 May to attend the High Suffolk Tennis Tournament. The children did incredibly well.

The girls won all their matches and the boys only conceded one game. They finished as overall winners and came away with gold medals. This was a very impressive achievement and well done to the team.

Cross-country, Wednesday 22 May Three of our cross-country competitors got through to the county finals and had to race again in some quite difficult terrain. Each did well and should feel proud of their achievements. Noah came second in his age group which is extremely impressive. Well done to all the children.

Class 4 Sharing Assembly Thank you to all the parents and carers who were able to come along to the Class 4 sharing assembly. The children were very impressive in the way they shared what they have been learning about. It was a difficult task for me to remember and celebrate all that they had learnt.

Non-uniform Day On Friday 24 May we raised £263.10 for Cancer Research.

Headteacher Mrs Sharon Waldron

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS WITNESHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY This term we start by celebrating some of the children’s favourite books. Each member of staff has kindly made a story sack of What the Ladybird Heard, The Gruffalo, Room on a Broom and Sharing a Shell. The children can listen to stories and then take the story sack away and re-tell it to each other with the props from the bag. This is particularly useful for those starting school in the September.

Our children have been combining art and nature in a variety of ways.

• Our youngest children in Classes 1 and 2 enjoyed a great day in Flatford learning more about Constable and nature, recreating the Haywain and creating their own art based on Andy Goldsworthy.

• Class 2 went to the woods to make their own Bog Babies, and used paintings by Van Gogh and Monet as inspiration for painting their own landscapes, trying to use lots of visible strokes to add texture and interest • Older children in Class 3 have created mosaic insect pictures and added science into the mix as they made different insects out of clay and added small pieces of dowelling to make them move.

Our Eco Team have challenged the whole school with a new project to tackle ocean pollution. They are encouraging the children to do a five minute supervised litter pick if they are visiting the beach, and they will earn a house point if they bring in a photo of them with their findings! There is also a competition to use the collected rubbish (making sure it’s clean) to create a sculpture of a sea creature. The sculptures will be judged by the Eco Team, who will award prizes to each class and an overall winner.

We greatly value what the children have to say and always learn a lot from what they share with us. Our Head of School, Mr Gooderham, spent time with children in KS2 to get their views on school and their learning. The children were very honest and were able to discuss what helps them learn best and which parts of lessons they don’t enjoy so much or find less helpful.

They love the school and what it has to offer and feel very safe and cared for. www.witneshamprimaryschool.co.uk

Our butterflies have finally come out of their cocoons – spreading their wings as we let them out to explore the woodland around us. This linked in nicely with The Hungry Caterpillar as we watched the caterpillars slowly, one by one, knit themselves into a cocoon. The children were fascinated by how this wiggly caterpillar became a beautiful butterfly.

As normal we have dressing-up at the ready with pieces of material to create with and a ‘Tec’ box with glasses, binoculars, cameras and phones. With a cardboard box or two the children can create a whole new world to imagine and play in.

Our younger children love expressing themselves through paint – using arms and feet to make prints and sometimes just to paint, feeling the brush stroke their skin or making swirls on a whiteboard.

We can then take a print or the children enjoy washing it off to do another creation.

We are now planning our summer outing with the children to Jimmy’s Farm and will tell you all about our adventure next time!

So do please give us a ring and come for a play and visit.

For a copy of our summer term newsletter call 01473 890950 or visit: www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH There’s a lot going on that is slightly out of the ordinary for us at the Baptist Church and all readers are invited along.

On Sunday 14 July at 11am we are having a Biker Service followed by a barbecue. Why not come along hear about how you can be a biker and a Christian! Then on Sunday 28 at 3pm we are having a Pet Service (page 6).

Obviously our other services and events (3Cs@WBC) continue as usual and are open to all; see the dates list below.

We also plan to have a stall or activity at the village show on Saturday 13 – no puppets this year!

Last month I mentioned we were having our bathroom refurbished and were living in a muddle and dust for two weeks. Well, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that it has been completed and all facilities working well! Often things happen that seem to be huge at the time, but after a time the significance of them fades. Some events in life helps us to get things back into perspective.

Over these recent months we as a society have been, and probably still are, getting worked up about Brexit and the leadership of the Conservative party and so the position of Prime Minister.

So, while at times things seem tough for us, let us remain grateful for the freedom we have and the opportunity to seek God and express faith in Jesus and allow others to seek and serve Him without reproach.

Pleased to state publicly that I follow and trust in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Andrew DIARY DATES FOR JULY Morning Services begin at 11am (except when stated otherwise) Sunday, July 7: Morning Service with Pastor Andrew / Holy Communion Sunday, July 14: Christian Motorcyclists Service with Pastor Andrew (p6) Sunday, July 21: Morning Service with Team Ministry Sunday, July 28: Morning Service with Rev John Riddell Sunday, June 30: Pet Service / All welcome with pets Family Time Together: Every Sunday from 9.30-10.15am. All families, parents with children are welcome for a special time together with craft, singing and stories.

Some are extremely vocal about their views and we are fortunate that we can express our views freely providing they are without hate or violence.

Many other countries, and indeed noticeably the Christians in many areas across the world are not so free to do so. Christians are being persecuted in many countries. People may be aware of such persecution in places like North Korea and other Asian countries, but are you aware that some of our holiday destinations regularly persecute Christians – places such as Maldives, Egypt, Mali, Turkey and Malaysia.

Monday, July 1, 12.30pm: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club. Please contact Heather for details: 01473 785321

More information can be found at: www.opendoorsuk.org

Wednesday, July 24, 11.30am: Bible Study

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Tuesday, July 2, 2pm: Tuesday Craft Corner Every Tuesday 7.30pm: Open House – topical discussion group Every Wednesday 9.30-11.30am: 3Cs Café – Coffee (or tea), Cake and Chat Fridays 9.15am: Mums and Toddlers Group Wednesday, July 10, 11.30am: Prayer Fellowship

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CHURCH NEWS CHURCH NEWS FOR SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING WWW is now universally known as shorthand for World Wide Web, but some years ago I attended a course entitled WWWBB. In that case it was short for When Women Will be Bishops and was a leadership course. That’s what took me, along with many of you, to Westminster Abbey Evensong on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I can also remember one Advent preaching about WWW: Waiting – Wondering – Worshipping, though on the day I preached that sermon it was more a case of wild, wet and wintry!

More recently I have been learning about another interpretation, this time with an extra W. Welcome, Worship, Word and Witness form the structure for small groups meeting as part of the Lightwave initiative launched at the cathedral on Pentecost Sunday.

Lightwave is the name of the newly established Fresh Expressions Community, made up of small missional groups who are open in their Welcome to all, and perhaps most especially people who are new to the Christian faith, enabling them to Worship in a style in which they feel at home, introducing them to and exploring with them God’s Word, which then enables them to be able to Witness to God in their lives. We have a special connection with this initiative as the Lightwave support team is based at Otley College.

Some of us have already got to know Sally Gaze, the Archdeacon for Rural Mission, who lives in Playford and sometimes worships with us in Grundisburgh. Our welcome must now extend to the team as it grows and develops this outreach to the 96 per cent of people who don’t have any involvement with the Christian faith or church.

These key words are not exclusive to Lightwave; they form a great structure for all of us in our churches and the activities in which we are involved.

Some of you will know the hymn All are Welcome, one of my favourites Let us build a house where love can dwell And all can safely live, A place where saints and children tell How hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions, Rock of faith and vault of grace; Here the love of Christ shall end divisions; Let us build a house where prophets speak, And words are strong and true, Where all God’s children dare to seek To dream God’s reign anew.

CARLFORD GROUPS Coffee Mornings Ashbocking: Friday 5, 10.30am at the home of Liz Stegman of Old House Cottage, The Green, Ashbocking Swilland: Saturday 6, 10am at the home of Gill Reidy of 1 Church Lane.

Grundisburgh: Saturday 6, 10.30am in the garden of Gill and David Twissell of Akenfield, Meeting Lane, Grundisburgh Otley: Thursday 11, 10am-noon at Helmingham Cottage, Helmingham Road – home of Janet Booker Smith and Peter Judge Clopton: Wednesday 17, 10am-noon in Clopton Village Hall Hobbies Knit and Stitch: Mondays 1 & 22, 10am at the home of John and Linda Pollard of Hawthorns, The Green Ashbocking Hobbies Group: Wednesday 3, 10am-noon at Clopton Village Hall Bridge Club: Every Monday, 7.30pm at Grundisburgh Parish Room Lunches Hasketon Community Lunch: Thursday 25, 12.15pm Otley Community Lunch: Thursday 25, Otley White Hart, 12.30pm / £6 Burgh Soup Lunch: Occasional throughout the year Prayer and Study Groups Ashbocking House Group: Wednesdays 10 (Luke and the Gentiles) & 24 (Luke and Christmas), 7.30pm at the home of John and Linda Pollard Going Deeper Homegroup: Wednesdays 3 & 17, 10am at Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking Monday House Group: Monday 15, 7.30pm at the home of Malcolm and Sandra Green Otley House Group: Mondays 8 & 22, 1.45-3pm at the home of Penny Clark of Cherry Bank, Otley Children – All Ages Baby Café: Tuesday 2, 9.30-10.30am at Grundisburgh Parish Room, Tiddlywinks: Thursday 11, 20.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Grundisburgh Sunday Club & Discovery Club: Sundays 14 & 21, 10.45am at Grundisburgh Parish Room Messy Church: Sunday once a month Quarterly Events BBC: Four Tuesday mornings throughout the year Men’s Group: Occasional Mondays WHAT’S ON Saturday 6: Otley Fete from 1pm at Otley Village Hall Lots of fun to be had with a barbecue, teas, cakes and a bar, stalls, Suffolk Samba, Dog Show and Tug of War.

Here the cross shall stand as witness And a symbol of God’s grace; Here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:

Saturday 6: Midsummer Music, 1.30-8pm

Let us build a house where love is found In water, wine and wheat: A banquet hall on holy ground, Where peace and justice meet.

Sunday 21: An afternoon with Roy Tricker (see page 6)

Here the love of God, through Jesus, Is revealed in time and space; As we share in Christ the feast that frees us: All are welcome, all are welcome, All are welcome in this place.

By Marty Haugen May we be a people of Welcome, Worship, Word and Witness in our churches and our daily lives and hold Lightwave and the work based at Otley College in our prayers.

SERVICES THROUGHOUT JULY Sunday, July 14, 11am: Animal Service, Ashbocking Sunday, July 21, 11am: Family Service, Swilland

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Six hours of entertainment with good music, a licensed bar, a grand draw and a children’s draw. All proceeds to St Mary’s Church.

Saturday 27: Visiting bell ringers at Otley FESTIVAL OF HOBBIES, CRAFT AND SKILLS IN CLOPTON CHURCH Date to be confirmed for August/September 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. 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).

The only entry requirement is 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

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

In Touch with WTW

“So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu we leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye!”

So sang the vonTrapp children in ‘The Sound of Music’ as they prepared to leave for something new.

In part that’s what happened on Sunday 16th June when we held a magnificent service in celebration of ministry to WT&W. For everyone this was as much a new beginning as the end of a chapter. Well over 100 people packed into the church to look back and to look forward as we said farewell to the Revs Alan and Catherine who are moving to take up positions as Chaplains to the Archdeaconry.

Bishop Martin, pictured above with Alan and Catherine, gave an inspiring address on being connected with our communities and the benefits of us all working together. Afterwards, in the village hall we had a splendid afternoon tea with fizz to nicely round off the afternoon.

Westerfield Church Fete Saturday 31st August 2pm Church Paddock and Village Hall Lots of attractions and stalls, teas and ice creams and games all in aid of church funds.

Church Events—July

Getting in touch...

Mothers’ Union—Thursday 4th July : Alicia Holmes (Chaplain at ‘Norwood’ Care Home) will talk about her work and it will be followed by tea (visitors welcome—contact Branch Leader Revd Catherine Forsdike 252904).

Benefice Youth Group—meet on Wednesday 24th July at 6.15pm (contact Julia 785497 for more details)

You can also find out who to contact for weddings, funerals and baptisms now Rev Alan has moved away.

Village Voices—meet on Thursdays 4th and 18th July at 7.30pm in Witnesham Baptist Church (contact Christine Laughlin 01473 785138)

Follow us on Facebook too www.facebook.com/wtandw/

Kingdom Kids—meet on Sunday 14th July 10am in Witnesham Church (contact Gill Thorley 890821)

CHURCH SERVICES June—July

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-to-date information at www.wtandw.org.uk

St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin

St Mary’s Witnesham

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-age Worship

11am Family Communion

9.30am Morning Worship

10am Family Communion

11am Morning Worship

Fifth Sunday of Trinity 21st July

9.30am Family Communion

10am Morning Worship

11am Family Communion

Sixth Sunday of Trinity 28th July

9.30am Morning Worship

10am Family Communion

11am Morning Worship

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-age Worship

11am Family Communion

Day / Date Third Sunday of Trinity 7th July Fourth Sunday of Trinity 14th July

Seventh Sunday of Trinity 4th August

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Our website at www.wtandw.org.uk is full of information on the services we hold and the churches themselves.

St Mary Magdalene’s Westerfield

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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

OH I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE

The Blossom Appeal team warmly invite you to join them on the morning of Sunday 7 July in Felixstowe to take part in Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s annual Walk for Wards event. Walk for Wards is a 10k or 5km walk, run or jog along Felixstowe’s picturesque and varied seafront.

You will take in views of the port, admire the beach huts and enjoy the vista across to Bawdsey along the way.

Walk together, take in the sea air and do something amazing to raise funds for The Blossom Appeal.

It’s suitable for all the family and is wheelchair/pushchair friendly. You can even bring the dog!

To take part, register in advance online or on the day at the View Point Café, nr Languard Fort.

We look forward to seeing you there. www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/walk-for-wards

Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

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call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

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