In Touch News with Westerfield October 2018

In Touch ™ ™©©

with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham Volume 8 • Issue No. 11 • OCTOBER 2018

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09/05/2018 16:33

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Every parent strives to raise optimistic, happy children and we do all sorts to give them the best start in life and to be there to support them when they need us, and possibly when they don’t. Of course they don’t always appreciate our efforts, but I like to remind Jack quite frequently (i.e. every morning as we walk to school) how fortunate he is and I’m slowly teaching him the value of money and the practice of saving for the things he wants (as opposed to getting everything immediately). In doing so I’ve come to realise how little self-restraint I have myself and admit it’s quite a few years since I’ve actually ‘saved’ to buy something I’ve spotted in a shop window.

Nowadays I’m more likely to ‘stick’ it on a card, but the purchase is then laden with guilt and often hidden at the back the cupboard until I can pull it out and say “this old thing; I’ve had it for ages”!

NEWS ASHBOCKING VILLAGE SHOW 2018

I miss the ‘old’ days when finally getting your hands on the thing you desired was enormously satisfying, but it may be difficult to convince an eight-year-old growing up in today’s throwaway society. I’m also keen to impress on him how important it is to support local shops and local tradespeople. Local businesses, local retail outlets and local employers are the lifeblood of community. They rely on our support and it’s in our best interests to provide it. A vibrant local economy ensures we can buy the things we want when we want them, find people to provide services when we need them, find work experience and Saturday jobs for our teenagers, sponsors for local events and jobs closer to home, but also generates a sense of hopefulness, confidence and pride which benefits us all and stimulates further investment and growth.

We were blessed with beautiful weather for our 2018 Village Show and Event and I think it’s fair to say that those who were able to attend had a good time.

Several people spoke to me about the wonderful atmosphere and the sense of unity they felt.

I often write about how fortunate we are to live in this little corner of the world and have encouraged you to support local events, but as we gear up for winter and start to think about Christmas, take a look around your local ‘business’ community and I’m confident you won’t need to go very far to find everything you need. Every penny you spend with a local supplier or in a local shop is an investment in the future of your local economy and consequently in ‘community’ itself.

By using social media, I have thanked most people by now, I hope, but here I would like to thank a special few who gave hours of their time to organise, collect, to erect and deliver. Those folk are Emma Read, Steve Stegman, John Pollard, Jon Bell, Brian Bell, Jon Bates, Brenda Forster and Katy Vernau.

Thank you guys.

InTouch

It was indeed all about community and hopefully feeling part of that community. Everything from the entry price, the drinks, the food and the activities were fairly priced. And many people helped in the preparations, the show itself, the activities and the clearing up.

with Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham

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

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

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

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © 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 Ashbocking, Swilland, Tuddenham, Westerfield & Witnesham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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There are many others who helped set up, served, organised the games and cleared up. Without you there would have been no event. So on behalf of Ashbocking residents, we thank you all for your contributions.

Of course, we also thank Andrew and David Gaught who allowed it all to happen on their front lawn, not to mention several other fields, and for installing a toilet, thus saving us having to hire in a portaloo.

At this point I have to say that I will be taking a back seat (no pun intended) in events in the future. I’m happy to pass on any information, but I think it’s time for ‘new blood’ to get involved, with new ideas. So please think about if you are that person, willing to help deliver an event.

Next year we plan to have evening entertainment with music, food and a bar – a much simpler event to organise. But what will happen in 2020?

Please enjoy the photos of the day, when the sun shone on the parish of Ashbocking and its people.

Liz Stegman / Photos by John Pollard

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is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS THE SWILLAND WAR MEMORIAL To the glory of God and in honoured memory of the men of this parish who gave their lives in The Great War. Private Raymund Collins (or Raymond) 49819, 4th Batallion Bedfordshire Regiment was born around 1900 at Ashbocking to Robert Collins, a farmer.

He lived at The Green, Ashbocking with the maternal grandfather and one servant in 1901. The 4th Battalion held a strong point south of Faubourg de Paris until October 1.

The casualties from September 27 to 30 were: Killed – four officers and five other ranks; Wounded – six officers and 138 other ranks; Missing – 20 other ranks. Raymund died on 8 February 1919. He was posthumously awarded the Victory Medal. He is buried at Boussu Communal Cemetery, Hainaut, Belgium.

Private Clement Henry Crowfoot 27227, 7th Batallion Royal Fusilliers was born in Otley in 1877 and died on 4 January 1917. He was 40 years old and the son of Mr W Crowfoot and Sarah, living in a cottage near Swilland Mill.

He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, about 15 miles (24 km) south of Boulogne-sur-mer.

SUFFOLK’S NEWEST VENUE OPENING IN WITNESHAM On Saturday, October 13, the Fynn Valley Café Terrace and venue will be opening to the public and we can’t wait to see you!

Set in the Suffolk countryside on the outskirts of Ipswich and easily accessible from Woodbridge and surrounding areas, our café is the perfect place for a delicious breakfast or lunch. With a meticulously planned menu designed by the expert in-house chefs, it has something for everyone. Offering everything from freshly prepared breakfasts and lunchtime meals to homemade cakes and delicious Paddy & Scott’s coffee, it’s worth a visit so come and check us out!

The venue at Fynn Valley Café Terrace is in the same beautiful rural location, featuring panoramic windows looking across the picturesque grounds and famous Suffolk skies, oak-framed high ceilings and a large outdoor south-facing terrace.

Rifleman Arthur Ernest Hunt 9925, 3rd Batallion Rifle Brigade was born in Kingston, Surrey in 1883. He was the son of Arthur Hunt senior and his wife Margaret, tenants of the Half Moon Public House. Rifleman Hunt died on 25 October 1914, one month into the war aged 31, leaving his young wife Annie Edith grieving for him and is buried at Bailleul Community Cemetery (Nord).

As a venue, Fynn Valley offers flexibility and versatility in the layout and planning of all functions. The venue also offers the ability to cater for up to 130 people for private functions, along with quality catering and a private bar.

Driver Frederick Reynolds 171037, 3rd Battery, 280th Brigade Royal Field Artillery (The London Brigade) was born to William and Sarah Reynolds of High Road, Swilland around 1881. He died on 11 October 1918, aged 37, just one month before the armistice, and was awarded both the Victory and British Medals (RFA/276 pg 35154). He is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux.

Find out more about our facilities, services and event planning expertise by calling us on 01473 785267 or visiting: www.fynnvalleyterrace.co.uk

We are so excited to welcome you to Fynn Valley Café Terrace, so please come and visit us on Saturday, October 13, or any day after that!

Private Henry William Spall 43904, 9th Batallion Suffolk Regiment was born in Witnesham in September 1892 to William and Clara Spall, living near the Reynolds family in Swilland in 1901. He died on 4 December 1917, aged 24.

He was probably a horseman, like his father. He is buried at the RocquignyEquancourt Road British Cemetery in Manancourt, near Arras, on the Somme.

Gunner Frederick John Wolton 59052, 129th Battery, 42nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery was born in Coddenham in 1893 to Jeremiah Wolton and his wife Rebecca, later landlord of the Witnesham Barley Mow. He died 25 April 1917, aged 24. He is buried at Hibers Trench Cemetery, Wancourt. Fred was awarded the Victory Medal and the British Medal.

During the First World War, 8.7 million personnel served. One million were killed in action or died of wounds. The total in France or Flanders was 564,715.

Teams of men have been working ever since 1918 in France and Belgium, clearing bombs and finding, identifying and re-burying the dead. They clear tons of ordnance every year and men are regularly killed by explosions. One hundred thousand men are still ‘missing’ and at least 50,000 of them still lie underground, un-recovered and unidentified.

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NEWS FROM THE ARCHIVES Witnesham Church I recently read a book by Arthur Mees which included his comments after a visit to Witnesham Church. I suspect that some of his findings may now have changed. However, I thought it may be of interest to some to try to locate or spot his points of interest. The following are his comments: “The oldest relic to be found in the grounds of Witnesham Church is said to be Roman, a stone converted into a tombstone and carved in the 18th century with a skull and crossbones.

“The tower, with an 18th century sundial, flows with honey in summer. From time immemorial bees have hived behind its sundial, and we were told that at the time of harvest of the bees, when the flowers are flooded with nectar, the over charged combs overflow on the benches of the tower.

“We found the bees not alone in possession, for above the clock is an opening through which a pair of Muscovy ducks were coming and going about their nursery cares.

“The church still has an original doorway and piscina and old mass dial and 14th century chancel windows; the remainder is 15th century, including the immense font with angels on its bowl and lions on its shaft. In a window are old fragments of glass on which we found a picture of a stoat or beaver.

“Another has rich glass with the arms of a family living here when the church was new. The nave, over which is a hammer beam roof, has finely carved poppy heads to benches old and new; the beautiful Jacobean pulpit, on a graceful stem, has two tiers of panelling, and there are two carved Jacobean chairs in the sanctuary.”

I will include other facts regarding his visit to Witnesham next month.

Village Historian & Recorder Steve Henley I can record that on 2 September 2018, Maisy Alice Fiddaman was christened at Witnesham Church.

She is the daughter of Claire and Ashley Fiddaman and is the first to be christened at the church since the alterations and improvements. It’s interesting to record that the last christening, which was two years earlier and before the alterations, and was for Albert George Henley, the child of Tom and Elizabeth Henley and a cousin of Maisy as Claire is Tom’s sister.

I thank the vicar Alan Forsdike for pointing this out. Having attended both christenings I can confirm that the church has improved to such an extent that it creates a feeling of warmth and goodwill and, together with the congregation, service and, of course, the vicar enhances the whole experience. If you haven’t attended Witnesham Church for a while I would strongly recommend a visit.

Steve Henley

SWILLAND & WITNESHAM DAFFODIL BULBS As in previous years, Swilland & Witnesham Parish Council will be offering daffodil bulbs to be planted this autumn in public places where daffodils can be seen by the public in the spring.

Suitable areas include alongside road frontages or by public rights of way and similar areas.

If you would like some bulbs to plant or just to discuss the possibility please give Jerry Hindle a call: 01473 785669

WITNESHAM VILLAGE HALL Village Hall Survey Everyone in Witnesham and the surrounding areas is invited to take part in a survey to find out what activities people would like at their village hall. A link to the online survey can be found on the village website. Paper versions of the survey are also available. The Village Hall Management Committee would love to know about the kinds of classes or events you would like to attend so that we can take active steps to encourage them at the village hall. Please contact Rose Johnson if you are having difficulty filling out the survey or have any suggestions: rosy.johnson@googlemail.com Free use of the village hall for Community Groups The Village Hall Management Committee is piloting a new scheme to encourage village community groups to use the village hall. In certain cases, community groups can now book the village hall for free so long as their activity is free to attend and open to all and has no commercial or political interests.

Participants who attend the community groups are strongly encouraged to make a donation towards the cost of electricity and other overheads. Please contact Anne Debenham on 01473 785798 if you are interested.

Slots available for Classes and Events The village hall can also be booked for regular classes or private parties. Rates and availability can found on our website. We are also introducing an hourly rate for people who wish to book the hall to run a weekly class.

Witnesham Christmas Market We are planning a Christmas Market to take place in Witnesham Village Hall on Saturday, December 8 from 10am-noon. We are looking for people or businesses who would like to have a stall at £10 per table. If you are interested please contact Anne on 01473 785798. www.witneshamvillagehall.co.uk

FREE PROSTATE CANCER TESTS East Suffolk Prostate Cancer Support Group will be holding its sixth PSA test event for men between the ages of 45 and 75 at Greshams, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, on Thursday, October 18 between 6.30 and 8.30pm.

Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men but it can be successfully treated if detected in time. Eleven-thousand men die every year in the UK because their prostate cancer was detected too late. If there is a history of prostate cancer or breast cancer in your direct family blood line there is an increased possibility of you getting prostate cancer.

A small blood sample will be taken from your arm by a trained phlebotomist. The sample will be analysed in an NHS laboratory and the urologist will write to you to explain your result and advise whether you should take further action.

Although a free test, a donation on the night towards the costs of this event would be very much appreciated.

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

FUTURE DATES

Booking Clerk: Anne Debenham, 01473 785798 It is always advisable to check availability with Anne. She will also put up notices for your organisation on the local noticeboards.

Saturday, November 24: Christmas Craft Workshops, 9am-4pm

Parish Clerk: Mr Steve Barron 07719 176917 / swill-witpc@outlook.com WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 12.30-4pm • Drop-in Café at Witnesham Baptist Church, 2-4pm • Carpet Bowls Club from 7pm. Contact Peter Elmy: 01473 785754 Thursdays • Post Office at Witnesham Baptist Church, 9am-12.30pm • Tai Chi Classes from 5.45pm, starting with the beginners class.

Contact Marc: 07860 471748 • Carpet Bowls from 2pm Fridays • Mums and Toddlers Group in Witnesham Baptist Church, 9.15am.

Please note that in future the group will only meet in term time.

Contact Jean Pearson: 01473 785478 • Pilates Class, 10-11am. Contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com IN OCTOBER Thursday 4: Mobile Library visits Weyland Road (9.50-10.20am) in Swilland, the Moon & Mushroom (10.25-10.40am) and Sunset Cottage (10.4510.55am)

Saturday, December 1: Concert, 6pm EXAMINATION CONGRATULATIONS We congratulate Juliette Donaghy from Witnesham who has completed her BSc in Nursing from UEA and is now awaiting her final grade. She has accepted a post at Ipswich NHS Trust.

News of successful A Level students The following young people have completed their A level examinations and are moving on to the next stage of their studies. We wish them well in the next few years.

Jessica Baker from Witnesham has started a BS in Paediatric Nursing at Edge Hill University.

Olivia Cameron from Witnesham is studying for a BA in Spanish and Russian at Bristol University.

Rory Dowdeswell from Witnesham will be studying for a M.Eng in Mechanical Engineering at Southampton University.

Alicia Girling also from Witnesham has embarked on a BSc in Child Health Nursing at the University of Suffolk.

Faye Gooch from Witnesham is at Oxford Brookes University studying for a BSc in Paramedic Science.

Ben Jepson from Swilland will be studying for a LLB in Law at Swansea University.

Wednesday 10: WI meets at 7.30pm for a talk by Alex Bass entitled A Short History of Shopping

James Phillips from Witnesham is studying for a BA in English at the University of Suffolk.

Thursday 18: Children in Need Charity Wheelchair Walk by the Nursing Home Staff (see page ?)

Thursday 25: Mobile Library visits The Green, Ashbocking, 12.15-12.35pm

Dawn Poole from Ashbocking has gone to Evolution College, Colchester doing a Foundation Course in Performing Arts with a view to moving on to a degree in this field.

Thursday 25: Village Voices meet at Witnesham Baptist Church Room at 7.30pm

James Poole from Ashbocking is at Nottingham University studying for a BSc in Engineering.

3C@W.B.C. Do you feel isolated or alone?

Do you feel it would be good to meet up with others?

Parents, do you want somewhere to chat about life?

Well pop along to Witnesham Baptist Church where in an informal, relaxed style you can enjoy: *Coffee / Conversation / Cake (Children’s Corner) Perhaps read a magazine, have a game of chess, dominoes or cards.

Donations of a £1 per morning welcome towards cost of drink/cake.

Every Wednesday morning between 9.30 and 11.30am from October 10. *tea or a cold drink

TUESDAY CRAFT CORNER Why not join an informal group of people who enjoy crafts?

Knitting, crochet, felting, quilling, painting, origami, card making, calligraphy, jewellery…

Whatever your craft, come along and while crafting have a cuppa and share what you’re doing or help others.

We will meet at Witnesham Baptist Church on the First Tuesday of the month (starting October 2) from 2-4pm.

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ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our meeting on Wednesday, October 3 promises to be a fascinating one when we delve into the mysteries of Japanese costume and textiles.

Suzanne Perrin B.A. M.A. is a visiting lecturer at the University of Brighton Art and Design School and the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

She teaches on the Asian Art course at the British Museum and the V&A. Suzanne founded Interlink in 1995 to promote the understanding of Japan in educational and cultural circles.

She studied Nihonga (traditional Japanese painting) at Nagoya University of Arts, Japan, in 1986-87. She has also conducted guided tours of Japan for students and adult groups and has given lecture tours on Japanese Art and Culture in Australia in 1987 and 2000 for ADFAS. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm.

Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space.

Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please check availability with Wendy Robbins: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT WESTERFIELD CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS Art Class Weekly class for newcomers and improvers. To book or for more information contact Lisa Ann Puhlhofer: 01473 878734 / 07834 280287

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND On Wednesday, October 17 at 7.30pm The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents a talk by Russell Stowe entitled Woodbridge Violins – Nearly 30 Years at 7.30pm at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath.

Westerfield Bowls Club The club has more than 50 members who 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

Russell started at the Newark School of Violin Making, learning about the construction of instruments and their restoration. He then worked for a violin shop in the Midlands for five years, running their workshop. Russell left in 1991 to start Woodbridge Violins and has become widely known to professional players, teachers and students of all ages and ability. He expertly repairs and restores instruments and bows on site in his workshop as well as supplying quality violins, violas, cellos and bows.

Village Coffee Mornings Every Wednesday at 10am in the village hall. Everyone is welcome.

Admission £5 at the door. Light refreshments and a raffle. The venue is fully accessible and there is adjacent free parking

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

Profit from the evening will be going to The Roger David Burrows Music Fund which was set up in 2012 in memory of Roger David Burrows (1980-2012) by his family. With this music fund we are offering small grants to groups or individuals which we hope will inspire all abilities, adults and children, in music making.

• October 3: Allotments and Vegetable Growing, Martin Davey from Easton & Otley College • November 7: Climbing Plants and Wall Shrubs, Barry Gayton from Desert World Gardens For further details contact Barbara Bell (01473 231411), Michele Doick (01473 252330) or Barry Reeve (01473 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 in the village hall at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month with different speakers on a variety of topics. The membership is 42 at present.

• October 11: Susan Van der Muelen – Suffolk Punches • November 8: Annual Meeting. Competition: Favourite Photo New members and visitors are always welcome. For further details please contact Janet Phillimore: 01473 415749.

Pilates Classes in the village hall on Mondays from 10.30-11.30am and Wednesdays from 6-7pm. Beginners welcome and equipment provided. Please contact Kat: 07804 909083 / katspilates@live.com Chi Kung Classes in the village hall on Tuesdays from 2.15-4pm and Thursdays from 7.15-9pm. £12 per class, suitable for all ages. Contact Sally Askew: 01394 384013 / sally_askew@hotmail.com Yoga Thursday mornings from 9.40-11am. Eighty minutes of yoga stretches and relaxation. Contact Caroline Glason: caroline@still-yoga.co.uk / 01473 464204 / 07746 860380 Please note that there is now an online calendar to check availability of the village hall. For more information visit: www.westerfield-village.co.uk

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Information about The Roger David Burrows Music Fund will be available on the evening or you can visit: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk

SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, October 25, 7.15pm: John Sutton presents Hidden Presences at Ipswich’s Ancient House; the King and the Maid There is even more to this building that we have often walked past, visited and admired than you perhaps realise. Come along and hear a fascinating tale researched by John.

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

ANNUAL HISTORY FAIR 1918 – BACK TO THE FUTURE is the theme of Suffolk Family History Society’s Annual Fair on Saturday, October 27 at the University of Suffolk (Waterside Building, 19 Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QP) from 10am-4pm.

A lot will be said soon about the centenary of The Great War ceasefire at 11am on November 11, 1918. At that time, while most celebrated, many mourned tragic losses and suffered the scars, privations and the damaging aftermath of the war.

Their war over, the surviving men returned to a country changed forever.

Many families were decimated. Women, many doing men’s work and keeping the country going, were replaced by returning men. The wounded, many suffering appalling injuries and shellshock, needed to be cared for and food was in short supply. The country was battered, and a devastating worldwide flu epidemic further decimated the survivors and others.

This fair, our third at this location, addresses these issues and others, helping researchers to understand what our ancestors went through here in Suffolk.

There are two keynote talks, plus more than 20 stalls, stands and displays – many centred upon the theme mentioned while others will cover general family history research.

Free help and advice with online facilities will be available throughout the day to help beginners and experienced researchers alike. Free entry with parking available nearby.

For more information visit www.suffolkfhs.org.uk or email: publicity@suffolkfhs.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT MEN’S GROUP AT THE MOON & MUSHROOM Carlford Churches are pleased to be able to offer some new dates for the men’s groups for 2018-19, starting on Monday, October 8 at 6.30pm with guest speaker Kevin Woods from Just42.

A two-course meal will be £15.

Future dates include Monday, January 28 and Monday, May 13.

To book email Mark Cresswell at least a week before: mark@cresswell.onl

TUNES FOR TRIPS IN AID OF AFIA Did you manage to get away from it all this summer? Maybe you enjoyed a traditional fortnight’s holiday with the family, or perhaps you spent days out exploring the beautiful East Anglian coast. However you spent your time, I hope you returned refreshed.

For many people holidays and days out are a mere dream, but the Mothers’ Union charity AFIA (Away From It All) is able to provide breaks, days out and activities for disadvantaged and vulnerable families.

The costs are met in various ways – from Mothers’ Union branches, fundraising events and grants from local agencies.

On Saturday, November 17 members of Trianon Music Group will be performing at St Andrew’s Church in Rushmere and the proceeds will go to AFIA. The concert will feature singers and brass players from the group performing a selection of light classical and popular music. Tickets are priced at £7.50 each and are available from Music World in Ipswich or Mary Odam: 01473 614456 / tickets@odam.org This will be the final Trianon concert of 2018 (see page 12 for details of their concert on October 13). Next year they will be celebrating their 60th anniversary so please look out for details of the 2019 season.

Please come and support both the performers and AFIA. I hope you return home refreshed!

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB Way back in 1995 our club held a lunch to honour 20 special women nominated by people in Ipswich for their outstanding service to the community. Among them was Maureen Reynel who had started FIND, a charity to support Families in Need. We invited her to speak at our last meeting about the development of this work over almost 30 years and she gave us disturbing insights into the lives of fellow citizens in Ipswich suffering from poverty and dispossession. To hear that some families simply cannot afford sanitary protection for mothers and daughters really hit home and we made a collection of these items to donate to FIND. In February we had a quick celebration of the centenary of the granting of the vote to (some) women. We are returning to this theme this autumn. We have all been reading A Song of their Own, an impressively researched record by Joy Bounds of the women who fought for the vote in Ipswich. We shall discuss it at our coming supper meeting.

Women’s Voices, Women’s Votes On a wider scale we are very excited about Women’s Voices, Women’s Votes, a major festival on October 6. Women’s groups from across Ipswich have come together to create this landmark event and we are delighted to have been involved in some of the planning and to be a modest sponsor. Some of us attended the recent launch which had a wonderful atmosphere.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, October 24: Ensignbus Heritage Vehicles, an illustrated talk by Steve Newman Wednesday, November 28: Richard Garrett, Past, Present & Future, an illustrated talk by Stuart Hines We meet at7.30pm 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

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB Open to anyone over-50 living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The building is fully accessible.

The cost per meeting is £2 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and the raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each.

At the time of writing we had not reconvened after our summer break so more on our September activities next month.

FORTHCOMING PROGRAMME October 10: Social Afternoon October 24: A visit from the Rural Coffee Caravan November 14: A visit from Wiltshire Farm Foods November 28: Call my Bluff with Sandra December 12: Our Christmas Meal, this year at the Best Western Hotel in Claydon New members are always welcome; if you would like to come along to see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The start time is 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on October 16 when Ben Cowell, Director General of the Historic Houses Association, will be giving us a talk on the country houses of Essex. The county has a rich variety of country seats and Ben will be explaining why Essex established itself as a popular place for establishing these houses. In an illustrated talk he will explore their history and how their varying fortunes have fared over the years.

On November 27 Hugh Belsey, a former curator of Gainsborough’s House, will be describing his work in making a catalogue of the great artist’s works.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT OTLEY & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE

Patron: Matthew Tanton-Brown

Suffolk Book League welcomes author David Hayden on Monday, October 8 at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA.

We meet at Otley Village Hall at 7.30pm on the first Monday of the month.

Monday, November 5: Plants for Winter Interest with Matthew Long Compare gardening notes over tea/coffee and biscuits. All welcome.

Admission is £1.50 for members and £4 for non-members.

To find out more, contact Alan Trevelyan (01473 890563) or Isabel Lincoln (01473 890826).

David has appeared in a number of literary and poetry journals, and has been shortlisted for the 25th Raidió Teilifís Éireann Francis MacManus Short Story Prize. Born in Dublin, he is currently based in Norwich.

His recently published Darker With the Lights On is a collection of short stories described as “strange, uncomfortable fables of memory, metamorphosis, time, dissociation and death”.

Doors open at 7pm and the event will start at 7.30pm. The cost for Suffolk Book League members is £4 and £8 for non-members. Students get in free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door, seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk. Tickets for reserved seats must be collected by 7.15pm.

Cash payment required on arrival.

LEUKAEMIA CHARITY DANCE Once again this year, Liz and Peter Woodmass are organising a grand ball on Friday, October 19, 7.30pm-midnight, at The Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe in aid of Leukaemia Research / Bloodwise.

This is always a great occasion with dancing to the talented duo Liqueur.

A delicious fork buffet will be served with coffee and an excellent tombola with a multitude of exciting prizes to be won.

Tickets at £28 (to include the buffet) are available from Liz Woodmass: 01394 448226 Please come and support Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research / Bloodwise while enjoying a great evening.

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY Our new season continues with two more visiting speakers. On October 17 we welcome Malcolm Roberts with a display and talk about transatlantic mail, followed on November 7 when Bill Gibb visits again to entertain us with his presentation of British Post Offices in Latin America.

These are two very good presentations which will enable us to learn more out how mail was/is handled.

Meetings are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave at 7.30pm and visitors are welcome. For further information contact Mike Smith: 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com

TRIANON BRASS ENSEMBLE AND SINGERS Trianon Brass Ensemble and Singers will be giving a concert of entertaining classics at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 13 at the Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House (Friars Street IP1 1TD) in aid of the Meeting House Restoration Fund.

Tickets are £8 which includes a glass of wine (or alternative) and are available by ringing 07763 668038.

The Meeting House was built in 1699 and is a beautiful example of an early non-conformist chapel. Following an extensive survey by our property manager Phil Chatfield, we have learned of the serious need for restoration work requiring a £500,000 investment.

The Heritage at Risk section of Historic England has agreed that we are eligible to apply for a major grant to help fund this, but we will also need to raise further money and this concert is our next fundraiser.

We hold services here every Sunday at 10.45am and are an active congregation and involved in our community too. If you need further information, feel free to contact Tessa Forsdike: 01473 728498 / tessa@tessajordan.co.uk

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BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Terrifying Tennis: Are you ready for our Monster Smash?

By the time you read this, the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open has concluded. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Andy Murray or Jo Konta, but it’s good to see Murray playing again; with his determination he might be back winning tournaments again soon.

We also had our own annual tournament between Sproughton and Bramford for the Maureen Sillett Memorial Trophy. Maureen was a popular and wellknown figure in both villages, being a teacher at Bramford Primary for many years, and regularly playing for Sproughton. There are more opportunities to continue to play tennis over the autumn/winter period so keep reading and feel free to get in touch.

Monster Smash Festival Our next tennis festival event is a parent and child Halloweenthemed doubles event using short courts, mini rackets and red balls. The event will take place on Saturday, October 27 at 2pm and the emphasis will be on fun rather than serious competition.

The entry fee is just £2.50 per child payable online in advance or in cash on the day (accompanying adults free). Halloween costumes are encouraged, the scarier the better, so come along and play if you dare! Rackets and balls provided, all you need are trainers, comfortable clothing and a willingness to have some fun! For details contact Carl: 07553 966380 Winter Doubles Delight We are delighted that with membership levels on the rise we have been able to enter four men’s and one ladies team for the Ipswich and District Winter League. The winter league is a doubles competition starting in October 2018 with men’s matches played on Sunday mornings and ladies on Saturday mornings.

If you are a member of the club interested in playing for one of the teams, or if you are a non-member considering joining the club who would like to play some team tennis, please contact Graham for details: 07981 842517 To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit: • www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub • www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub • Monster Smash: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/CarlDouglasCoaching/Events

BADMINTON COACHING Coaching for juniors aged seven to 14 takes place from 5-6pm at Claydon High School on Monday evenings during term time.

Come and learn how to play this enjoyable sport.

For more information please contact Jo: joannh14@tiscali.co.uk / 07947 406476

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on the grapevine / schools new FUNDING FOR SHOP FRONTS Businesses in Mid Suffolk’s market towns are being invited to apply for funding to make improvements to their shop fronts and make their businesses more accessible under two new grant schemes launched in August.

Businesses in Stowmarket, Needham Market, Eye and the surrounding villages can apply for grants to both make their buildings more attractive on the high street and help create a better experience for visitors. The improvements can be funded under Shop Front or Accessibility Fund grants, both of which are available to shop owners.

The grants are being offered by Mid Suffolk District Council as part of its commitment to the prosperity of its market towns. This commitment has seen £350,000 allocated to fund the two new programmes to assist local businesses create a better experience for visitors.

Grants will be awarded for a range of applications including new shop fronts, painting, lighting, cladding, shop front signage and new awnings, and for improvement works that will make buildings more accessible including widening of doorways, removal of steps, power assisted doors and training.

Under the Shop Front grant, Mid Suffolk is offering funding to cover up to 75 per cent of the costs of shop front improvements worth £15,000. In addition, the Accessibility Fund grant can provide up to £5,000 to improve access to businesses. These schemes support changes to buildings that will make a significant difference to the local street scene, creating a more welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

The scheme is also open to owners of listed buildings, with council officers ready to help applicants with any necessary planning applications and other permissions needed to improve their shop fronts. This will make sure that important heritage assets can be upgraded in a sympathetic way.

Councillor Julie Flatman, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Our communities have really excelled themselves in creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, from Needham Market’s Dementia Action Alliance to Stowmarket’s Community Luncheon Club.

“These grants will support our businesses in making the bricks and mortar of their shops as accessible and welcoming to shoppers as the people who run them.”

Councillor Gerard Brewster, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “Our high streets are at the heart of the local economy, not only for residents who use them regularly but for visitors who travel from far and wide to see our historic towns and their attractions. This scheme provides businesses the chance to revitalise their shop fronts, keeping our high streets attractive, interesting and accessible making them good places to visit and enjoy.”

For advice and more information regarding the scheme, shop owners can call 0300 1234000 or contact the team via Mid Suffolk Shop Front Grant Scheme, Economic Development Team, Mid Suffolk District Council, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX.

Kiss and Tell: Rodin and Suffolk Sculpture Opening this November at Christchurch Mansion, Kiss and Tell: Rodin and Suffolk Sculpture will bring renowned works by Auguste Rodin to Suffolk, and provide visitors with an opportunity to see the Ipswich sculpture collection for the first time.

The centrepiece of the exhibition, Rodin’s iconic lifesize marble sculpture The Kiss, is on loan from the Tate.

A significant piece in the history of art, the sculpture of entwined lovers is inspired by Dante’s Inferno from The Divine Comedy. Several of Rodin’s other sculptures on loan from the Tate and East Anglian museums will also be on display.

Alongside Rodin’s work will be sculptures and drawings from the Ipswich collection exploring depictions of the body. Artists featured include Thomas Woolner, Henry Moore, Ellen Mary Rope, Maggi Hambling and

Elisabeth Frink. Artefacts from the World Cultures collection will present a different perspective on the human figure, showing how bodies have been depicted across the world. A highlight of the exhibition is a collection of life drawings by renowned Suffolk painter John Constable, which will be shown together for the first time. Known for his landscape paintings, the display of these works is a unique opportunity to see another side of the famous artists work.

A varied events programme will complement the exhibition, with a talk from the curator and a Rodin Study Day featuring knowledgeable speakers. Other events include yoga for families, artist-led workshops, and a Valentine’s event with a chocolate workshop and screening of the classic romantic film Ghost.

Kiss and Tell will be open to the public from November 24 until April 28.

Admission is free. For information visit: www.kissandtellipswich.co.uk

Another excellent year of GCSE results AT CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Students of the class of 2018 have been awarded an excellent set of GCSE results, rewarding their hard work over the last two years.

and Further Maths. Over 20 per cent of all grades were awarded at this high standard.

Of the 148 students in Year 11, 73 per cent achieved Grade 4 or above in English and Maths; 54 per cent of them achieved Grade 5 or higher. Pass rates in both of these two subjects at Grade 4 and above, needed for future employment, education or training, were over 80 per cent.

A huge thank you to all the teaching and support staff who have worked alongside our young people to achieve these outcomes, our governors and the South Suffolk Learning Trust for supporting our work, and to the families and parents/carers who have been part of the journey.

Congratulations to all of our students, some of whom overcame some personal challenges to achieve some excellent GCSE grades. We ask students at Claydon High School to ‘be the best they can be’ in all aspects of their lives and these results reflect their commitment to achieving that and are a fitting recognition for a year group who also impressed us with sporting, musical, performance and debating skills over their five years with us.

As our students move onto further education or employment with training, we wish them all the very best of luck.

There were successes in many areas across the school including pass rates at Grade 5 and above in the following subjects: Biology at 77 per cent, Chemistry and Physics at 72.4 pre cent, Food Technology at 83 per cent, Music at 67 per cent, PE at 67 per cent and Business Studies at 85 per cent.

Pass rates at the highest grades of A-A* or Grade 7 and above were achieved in the Sciences, History, Spanish, Business Studies, PE, Food Technology

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new staff and Year 7 students and their parents/carers. We have had a very busy start to the autumn term and I am delighted at how well our new students have settled in.

Starting high school is an exciting time and it is pleasing to see how brilliantly they have adapted to the big changes in their school day and environment.

If you would like to know more about our school and were unable to attend the recent open evening, please telephone Ms J Saunders on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term.

The next two are on Monday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 10.

Headteacher Ms M Taylor

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SCHOOLS WITNESHAM AND OTLEY FEDERATED PRIMARY SCHOOLS

WITNESHAM AREA PRE-SCHOOL

We are enjoying the start of the autumn term in our schools and everyone has settled in well. We are looking forward to an enjoyable and successful year.

As mentioned in the September edition of In Touch, there were many changes in the Federation over the recent holidays. I am the new executive headteacher. I have been teaching and leading in Suffolk schools for the past 20 years.

My core aims for the schools are to ensure the children have a rewarding and enjoyable experience of primary education, holistically educating them in learning to be good learners.

Otley and Witnesham Primary Schools are, and will continue to be, welcoming establishments where our priority is the care, support and guidance for all pupils and their families. Through a strong ethos of inclusion, I envisage all children gaining and maintaining a thirst for knowledge, achieving to the best of their abilities, while feeling safe and secure.

I know all the staff work extremely hard to ensure ‘every child matters’ and that they all have a fantastic and varied experience. My own belief is that wider curriculum opportunities such as outdoor learning, drama and music form an important part of school life, so we look forward to many events over the coming year which incorporate these experiences.

I sincerely hope we will continue to be a hub for the community and extend a welcome to you all, as you support and attend our many up-coming events.

I expect our schools to be community centres where families and their children are supported and cared for.

The building work at both schools is nearing completion and we are looking forward to celebrating the improvements, making use of the new facilities as we strive to enhance the experience for all our children.

Otley and Witnesham Federated Primary Schools offer the very best educational opportunities for all. Our entire school community works together to ensure children have the necessary tools to begin their lives in a positive way; this will continue to be the case.

I would like to publicly thank the governors, parents and staff in advance for all their hard work and encouragement. Together we will continue to make both our schools progress from strength to strength.

Wow, it’s been an eventful month. There have been so many ups and downs in the refurbishment process. One of the most shocking was discovering that the new cooker we had fundraised so hard to buy had been stolen overnight.

We are very grateful that Brock the contractors have provided us with another free of charge.

At the time of writing this we are nearly ready to move back in. We are so excited to be back in our lovely clean and decorated building. There is still further work to do outside to secure the new playground and turf the new garden, but I can confidently say that by the time that you read this it will all be done, and the children will be outside playing on the ride-ons in our new playground.

There will be further photos in the next issue to show our new interior once we have moved back in, but here are a few now that the building works are nearly complete.

We still have places available for children aged two-five. We accept government funded children on 15/30 free hours; if you don’t yet qualify for funding we charge £4 per hour. We are open Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. For more information please contact Annette on 01473 784934 or find us on Facebook.

I am excited to be a part of your community now and will ensure the schools continue to support and encourage village events. I look forward to meeting you all soon as I begin my role in the life of the villages.

HELMINGHAM COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

If you are interested in visiting either of our schools to see how they could work for your child, perhaps during one of our forthcoming open events, please call 01473 785252 (Witnesham) or 01473 890302 (Otley), and speak to our friendly staff who will be delighted to help you.

At the end of term we said goodbye to our Year 6 children who have now embarked on their journey to high school. They enjoyed some exciting activities at the end of term, including their residential trip to Belsey Bridge. This was the first time the school had been to Belsey Bridge and it was a huge success with the children participating in many new and exciting activities.

Richard Benstock

Of course we welcomed new children to the school when we returned on Friday, September 7, including a number of younger siblings.

It was very busy at the school during the holidays as our windows and outside woodwork have been repaired and redecorated. Work should be finished by the end of September and it’s already beginning to make a huge difference to the school. We have also had some new playground equipment installed to enhance break time activities As we start the autumn term we look forward to forthcoming trips and fundraising events. The school continues to move towards becoming an academy and it is therefore an exciting and busy time for us all.

If you have a child starting school in September 2019 please contact our business manager Joanna Thomas to arrange a tour: admin@helmingham.suffolk.sch.uk / 01473 890267

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE NURSERY HELMINGHAM The children are now back into routine as we recover from the building works that meant we didn’t have access to our lovely garden at the start of term.

However, now we are enjoying the delights of a brand new playhouse where the children can sit and read, play with small world figures and transform it into a magical space for role play. With two wide doors and two large windows, it lends itself to many themes. This was a result of a parent entering us into a competition which we won!

WITNESHAM BAPTIST CHURCH As we enter October we have a couple of new ventures starting which are open to all. A few years back there was a craft club that met on a week day evening. It closed for a number of reasons, but we are aware that many people still enjoy crafts. So, from this month we are opening up our premises on the first Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm (or bit longer) for Tuesday Craft Corner. Whatever your craft, rather than only doing it at home alone why not come along and share or help or get help from others? Starts on Tuesday, October 2.

Then from Wednesday, October 10 our premises will be open every Wednesday morning from 9.30-11.30am for 3C @ WBC. This will be an opportunity for folk to come together for Coffee, Cake and Conversation, to read a magazine, have a game of chess or cards in a relaxed manner, or just the chance to meet with friends or to make new friends.

Along with our friends at St Mary’s will be having Harvest Messy Church on Saturday 6 at the village hall between 2 and 4.30pm. All families welcome for crafts, games, songs, stories and something to eat.

Our summer planting has cropped some new potatoes and our courgette plant is rapidly growing. We hope to harvest a marrow or two to make some more chocolate courgette brownies which the children love to eat warm at snack time when we cook on Monday mornings.

This term we are having great fun looking at ‘people who help us’ as the children have opportunities to engage with activities and role-play as they become doctors, nurses, police, fire-fighters, dentists and teachers. Alongside this we are looking at autumn as we collect conkers to put in our builder’s tray and print with the different shaped leaves we find on our Woodland Walk each Friday.

For our autumn newsletter visit: www.theoldschoolhousenursery.com

Join our MESSY HARVEST at Witnesham

Village Hall All ages welcome An all age experience for the young at heart

Fun for The whole family,

You are invited to Messy Harvest on Saturday 6th October from 2.00 'til 4.30 Please don't wear your best clothes.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Come as a family, No Charge,

all are welcome!

Free food provided

Arts, crafts, games and activities for all This event is organised by Christian friends from St Mary's and Witnesham Baptist Church

www.keepingintouchwith.com/westerfield

Then between 4 and 6pm on Wednesday 31 we will be having The LIGHT Party. Based on Messy Church, this is our alternative to Halloween. All the fun without the fear of trick or treat, so come along and enjoy a couple of hours of family entertainment and some snack food.

It’s all activity this month as we also continue with our 9.30-10.15am Sunday Services for families and a more adult approach from 11am-12.15pm. These times help us to think about and engage with Jesus Christ and God. Pastor Andrew Sunday Services at 11am Sunday, October 7: Morning Service / Holy Communion – Pastor Andrew Sunday, October 14: Morning Service – Pastor Andrew Sunday, October 21: Morning Service – Team Ministry Sunday, October 28: Morning Service We welcome all families to our Family Time Together on Sundays at 9.30am.

This is a time when parents and children can come together and do a craft activity, hear a Bible story, sing and pray: all within 45 minutes!

EVENTS NEW Tuesdays: Tuesday Craft Corner on the first Tuesday of each month.

Starting on Tuesday, October 2, 2-4pm (see page ?).

Every Tuesday evening, 7.30pm Varied Church Open House – topical discussion group NEW Wednesdays: 3C @ WBC; meet for coffee, tea and chat every Wednesday from 9.30-11.30am. Magazines, board games and a children’s corner. Starting on Wednesday, October 10.

Every Friday (in term time): Mums and Toddlers group, 9.15-11.15am. Mums, dads, carers, babies and children under five all welcome. Contact Jean: 01473 785478 (October 26 is in half term) Monday, October 1: The Munch Bunch Lunch Club, 12.30-2pm. Light lunch and good company. Contact Karen: 01473 251787 Wednesday, October 10: Prayer Fellowship at 2pm Wednesday, October 24: Bible Study at 2pm The church is open for prayer and listening every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am-5pm; at other times please contact Pastor Andrew.

The post office is open on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings in the conservatory.

In the church we have a collection box for FIND and welcome any donations of non-perishable food to help families in need locally.

We now also have a clothes bank in our grounds on behalf of the Salvation Army. We have plenty of bags which can be picked up from our back room for you to use, or you can use your own bags.

Pastor: Andrew Croft, 07851 060482 / Secretary: Anne Camp, 01473 785448 www.witneshambaptist.org.uk

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on the grapevine CHURCH NEWS FROM SWILLAND & ASHBOCKING Forgiveness Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Thirty years ago, my name came up and I gained the opportunity to grow my own vegetables in the allotments left between two 20-story blocks in Liverpool. With two small children in tow, I cut back the grass and discovered many treasures. Kind men I quickly got to know gave me dahlia tubers, helping me with rhubarb and advice. My style, leaving areas for the bugs and beasties that small children enjoy, was not always to their taste.

Many of my neighbours had worked on the buses in Liverpool and some of their feuds, jealousies and rivalries were going strong years after these men had retired. Few spoke to one smartly dressed old boy who had been promoted to ticket inspector. There were friendships that endured, but bad words in the canteen one wet Thursday evening many years before could not be forgiven.

Forgiveness is one of the loveliest ideas and being forgiven one of the loveliest experiences, connected with being human. We are all human so we all fail – we let people down, offend them, hurt them and look after ourselves. We behave in ways that make us ashamed.

On those Liverpool allotments I learnt how difficult forgiveness can be. Kind men said “I’ll forgive him, but I’ll never forget what he did”. Sadly, that is not forgiveness at all, though there is some truth in the observation because forgiveness without repentance is half the equation. It is easier to forgive when the other person gives a real apology for the trespass or offence committed. It can be argued that unconditional forgiveness can come close to condoning the offence and forgiveness given lightly means little.

Talking with the old boys in Liverpool taught me how old quarrels, resentment, jealousy and things said in anger hurt many years later. Reconciliation was and remains difficult for all of us, but Jesus got it right. He got it so right when He taught us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. As we are forgiven so we forgive.

Forgiveness does go hand-in-hand with repentance, gratitude, grace and love. The word for forgiveness in the New Testament emphasises forgiveness as a gift: “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving of one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4.32) I cannot say that we all made friends on those Liverpool allotments, but new people, some like me with children in tow, changed those older men who had become locked in old feuds. There was more laughter, sharing, kindness and day-to-day enjoyment among the hedgehogs, the dahlias and the rhubarb.

Bill Herbert SERVICES THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Sunday, October 14, 11am: Harvest Festival, Ashbocking Sunday, October 21, 11am: Family Service, Swilland HARVEST FESTIVALS ACROSS THE BENEFICE Sunday, October 7 9.30am: Harvest Festival & Parade Service, Otley 11am: Grundisburgh Sunday, October 14, 11am: Ashbocking WHAT’S ON IN OCTOBER Tuesday 2: Baby Café, Grundisburgh Parish Room, 9-10.30am Wednesday 3: Hobbies Group, Clopton Village Hall, 10am-noon Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am SWAPSHOP, Grundisburgh Parish Room, 10.15-11.30am CRIBFEST Community Art Project, Grundisburgh Parish Room, 3pm

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Monday 8: Otley House Group at the home of Penny Clark of Cherry Bank, 1.45-3pm Men’s Group at The Moon and Mushroom, 6.30pm Wednesday 10: CRIBFEST Community Art Project, Parish Room, 3pm Thursday 11: Midweek Communion at 9.30am followed by Otley Coffee Morning Tiddlywinks, Grundisburgh Church, 2.30pm Saturday 13: Diocesan Synod meets at Debenham High School Sunday 14: Grundisburgh Sunday Club, Parish Rooms, 10.45am Monday 15: Monday House Group at the home of Malcolm and Sandra Green, 7.30pm Tuesday 16: Ministry Team Meeting, Grundisburgh Upper Room, 6pm Wednesday 17: Going Deeper Homegroup, Manor Farm, The Green, Ashbocking, 10am Thursday 18: Growing in God Workshops in St Michael’s Martlesham, 7pm Sunday 21: Messy Church in Clopton Village Hall, 3pm Monday 22: Otley House Group at the home of Penny Clark, 1.45-3pm Thursday 25: Midweek Communion at 11.30am, followed by the Hasketon Community Lunch at 12.15pm Tiddlywinks, Grundisburgh Church, 2.30pm Sunday 28: Grundisburgh Sunday Club, Parish Rooms, 10.45am PIGRIM Pilgrim is a place where people can explore the Christian faith together and see how it can be lived out each day. It approaches issues of faith not through persuasion, but participation in a pattern of contemplation and discussion with a group of fellow travellers. Come and join a Pilgrim group: Mondays at 2pm (54 Gurdon Road, Grundisburgh) and 7pm (Upper Room, Grundisburgh) and on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7.30pm at the home of Linda and John Pollard of Hawthorns, The Green, Ashbocking. For more information visit: www.pilgrimcourse.org Christmas with a difference!

HOST UK arranges for international students to enjoy brief homestays with UK hosts, one day, a weekend or, over the festive period, a three-day visit.

We need more hosts.

If you would like to know more, please visit: www.hostuk.org BEYOND BELIEF, AUTUMN 2018 We are a small group which gives us the opportunity to discuss areas of Christian faith at six meetings held at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms, 10.30am– noon. Sessions are fortnightly on Mondays, October 8 & 22, November 5 & 19 and December 3. People of faith, agnostics, and atheists are all very welcome.

Tea or coffee and a piece of cake will be available and a warm welcome to all.

A small charge of £1 per session covers costs.

On October 8 we will consider The Apostle Paul’s Teachings and on October 22 The Biblical Apocrypha and the Maccabees. Enquiries to Paul Wifffen: 01473 738474 / paulwiffen222@btinternet.com FANCY A COFFEE? Grundisburgh: Saturday 3 from 10.15-11.30am and Wednesday 6 from 10-11am, both at Grundisburgh Parish Rooms Ashbocking: Friday 5 at the home of Linda and John Pollard of Hawthorns, The Green, Ashbocking, 10.30am-noon Swilland: Saturday 6 at the home of Gill Reidy of 1 Church Lane, Swilland from 10am Otley: Thursday 11 from 10am at the home of David and Tess Papworth of Lavender House, Otley Clopton: Wednesday 17 at the village hall, 10am-noon

In Touch online:

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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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In Touch with WTW Remembering and being Thankful One hundred years ago this November, a war ended. It was said to be “The war to end all wars”. It wasn’t.

Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August, 1914. Over the next four years, Britain mobilised nine million soldiers, fighting mainly on the Western Front. The British also fought at Gallipoli, in Iraq, in Palestine, Salonika and Italy. The war ended in November 1918.

The British War Office listed the number of its dead or missing as 908,371, which included colonial soldiers. There were of course those whose lives were changed irrevocably too not to forget those at home.

The memorials in our villages list the names of 13 men from Witnesham, 15 from Tuddenham St Martin (including my own grandfather’s cousin Edward George Forsdike) and twelve men from Westerfield. That memorial notes that out of a total population of 381persons the number of men who served during the Great War was 81; a huge percentage. Just imagine the effect on that community.

During the 20th century 100,000,000 people died violent deaths. That is more than 100 people for every hour of every day for 100 years. We are now well into the 21st century and there is no let up.

That’s why we must remember and in so doing continue to work for peace.

That peace begins in our own lives, in our families, in our homes and in our communities, before our country and our world.

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 at www.wtandw.org.uk

St Mary’s Witnesham

St Mary Magdalene’s Westerfield

11am Harvest Festival followed by bring and share lunch (note time!)

11am Family Communion

9.30am All-Age Worship

10am Family Communion

8am Holy Communion 11am All-Age Worship

Sun 21st October Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity

9.30am Family Communion

10am All-age Worship

11am Family Communion

Sun 28th October Last Sunday after Trinity Bible Sunday

9.30am All-Age Worship

10am Family Communion

8am Holy Communion 11am All-Age Worship

Sun 4th November All Saints Day

9.30am Family Communion

Sun 7th October Ninet’nth Sunday after Trinity Sun 14th October Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

Sun 11th November Remembrance Sunday

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Each church contains a war memorial.

They are pictured here: St Mary Magdalene Westerfield, St Martin, Tuddenham and St Mary, Witnesham.)

Unless we can all live alongside each other, forgiving our differences and respecting each other and not imposing on each other, then peace will not come.

Rev’d Alan

St Martin’s Tuddenham St Martin

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On Sunday 11th November we will commemorate the end of the First World War and remember those from our villages who did not come home after that and subsequent conflicts.

There will be an act of remembrance at 10am with the local branch of the Royal British Legion at the War Memorial in The Street at Witnesham and that will be followed by services in all three churches which will begin at 10.45am so that the silence will coincide with the national two-minute silence. We’ll also commit ourselves to work for peace.

All of us had relatives who lived through those dark times. Some of us are fortunate enough to have known them.

I wish I’d listened more carefully to my grandfathers who both survived the war. Recently I read an account of the 5th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment and was chilled by the descriptions of the circumstances and conditions they endured. As if the shells weren’t bad enough, the weather, dysentery and disease, lice and poor living conditions had to be endured.

CHURCH SERVICES October—November Day / Date

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

9.30am Family Communion

8am Holy Communion 10.45 Remembrance Service

10am Morning Worship

10.45 Remembrance Service

11am Family Communion 3.30pm Thanksgiving for Life Service 10.45 Remembrance Service

In Touch online:

In Touch with WTW

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

Church Diary—October

Who’s Who:

Mothers’ Union— Thursday 4th October when we will hear the story of Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge contact Branch Leader Revd Catherine Forsdike 252904).

MINISTRY TEAM:

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NON-STIPENDIARY PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: REV’D ALAN FORSDIKE

Benefice Youth Group—meet on some Wednesdays in October at 6pm (contact Julia 785497 to check dates)

t: 01473 252904 e: Alan@wtandw.org.uk

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

t: 01473 252904 e: Catherine@wtandw.org.uk To enquire about Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, telephone or email Rev’ds Alan & Catherine Forsdike.

Kingdom Kids—meet on Sunday 14th October at 10am in the church at Witnesham (contact Gill Thorley 890821) Wednesday Prayers—said Morning Prayer in Westerfield Church Room each week at 9.30am (Holy Communion is said on the first week of each month—except Aug)

NON-STIPENDIARY ASSOCIATE PRIEST: REV’D CATHERINE FORSDIKE

READERS: Paul Laughlin

01473 785138 Paul@wtandw.org.uk

Carol Rivett

01473 717404 Carol@wtandw.org.uk

ELDER

Witnesham St Mary’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service and lunch 2018 Sunday 7th October: 11am at Witnesham followed by a bring and share lunch in the church.

Westerfield Church Fete on Saturday 1st September was the final fete of the 2018 season.

We were blessed with wonderful weather and a record crowd turned out to enjoy all that was on offer. The Wardens, Parochial Church Council and I are immensely thankful to everyone who worked to make the day a success: the stall holders, organising committee, people who made donations of produce, bric-a-brac, cakes, books, next-to-new and so on and especially to the more than 300 adults (plus children and assorted dogs) who attended on the day. As always, a star was our special guest Daisy the Suffolk Punch with Tom Walne.

As a result of all this activity, the church funds are improved to the tune of nearly £2,000 which, given the huge bill for repairs to the tower, is most welcome.

Thank you.

Revd Alan

Julia Farmer

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

CHURCHWARDENS: Tuddenham 01473 785296

Jim Punton Jim@wtandw.org.uk

Tuddenham 01473 784545

Monica Pipe Monica@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 230188

Judy Northfield Judy@wtandw.org.uk

Westerfield 01473 713285

Mary Scholey Mary@wtandw.org.uk

Witnesham 01473 785673

Derek Austin Derek@wtandw.org.uk

KINGDOM KIDS—WITNESHAM Gill Thorley 01473 890821

Gill@wtandw.org.uk

BENEFICE YOUTH GROUP Julia Farmer

01473 785497 Julia@wtandw.org.uk

Website: www.wtandw.org.uk

Church Floodlighting Sponsorship Could you sponsor the church floodlights to commemorate a birthday, anniversary or special event or to remember a loved one?

At Westerfield sponsorship is just £7.50 for a week.

Ring Judy on 230188 or email Judy@wtandw.org.uk Sponsorship at Tuddenham is £5 for a weekend Ring Jim on 785296 or email Jim@wtandw.org.uk

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