In Touch News with Woodbridge December 2018

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with Melton, Rendlesham & Woodbridge Volume 8 • Issue No. 8 • DECEMBER 2018

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hate winter! There, I’ve said it. I’ve tried to appreciate the positives but I spend every long dark evening longing for spring, which for me starts on February 11. For this reason I love Christmas; it gives us something to look forward to and brings family and friends together with time to relax. Of course it can be an expensive time and requires a huge amount of planning, but somehow it’s always worth it.

So bring it on I say! Let’s embrace this time to relax and to enjoy the company of those we may not see as regularly as we’d like. This year I’m determined to make Auntie Mary smile, even if I have to spend all day working on it.

I’m going to find the perfect non-gift for the impossible aunt who says she doesn’t want or need anything, until she doesn’t get anything of course.

I’m going to make the bread sauce nobody eats just so my brother can’t complain that it’s not the same without it! I’m going to discuss the timings with absolutely everyone so nobody comes to the table saying ‘I wish I’d known we were eating this early as I wouldn’t have had that fifth mince pie for breakfast’. I’m going to serve custard, brandy butter, ice cream and cream with the Christmas pudding so mum, my husband, my brother and my nephew have no cause to complain, and for those who always say ‘I don’t really like Christmas pudding’ I shall be serving chocolate mousse.

My approach to Christmas present shopping has changed over the years.

Where once I might have spent hours online looking for something unusual or quirky, this year I’m focused on finding more thoughtful gifts; this requires a hands-on approach so it’s local shops and markets for me this year. I’m taking the same approach with my son. We’ve been influenced by TV ads for the latest gadgets and plastic monstrosities in the past; recent mistakes include Boom Boom Balloon Game, Chippies Robot Dog, Zoomer Dino Robot Dinosaur and Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage. This year I’m determined to find things I know he will enjoy well into 2019 and I’ll be having a word with Father Christmas too.

I hope this month doesn’t cause unnecessary stress in your home. Please do support local businesses and local markets in the coming weeks and together we can look forward to a Happy New Year.

InTouch

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NEWS DEBEN FILM SUPPORTS RIVERSIDE PROJECTS The film Life on the Deben is making a contribution towards the long-term health of the river with a donation to fund the next phase of a tree planting programme.

Alder, Black Poplar and Crack Willow are among species of tree which will be planted along the upper reaches of the Deben as a result of a £1,500 donation from profits generated by the film. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust works with landowners to plant trees which improve the stability of the riverbank, helping to reduce sedimentation and provide protection for fish and other wildlife.

“Little pots of money for projects like this can do so much good,” commented Penny Hemphill, Water and Wildlife Adviser with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (pictured here with John McCarthy). “We are not talking about a large number of trees; just strategic planting along the river bank where it can do most good.”

Since its launch in December 2017, Life on the Deben, directed by Tim Curtis, has set out to support certain riverside projects from any profits generated. The film has already funded the purchase of a rowing skiff kit for the Woodbridge Riverside Trust. The boat is being built by volunteers in the Trust’s Longshed building on the Woodbridge Waterfront and will be used by young people on the river.

“Our intention was always to support riverside projects where possible,” commented the film’s producer Malcolm Hodd. “We are continuing to see a lot of interest in the film which has been screened at cinemas in different parts of Suffolk and sold widely as a DVD. We estimate that over 20,000 people have now seen the film.”

Life on the Deben DVDs and a CD of music composed for the film can be purchased through LifeontheDeben.com and at outlets listed on the website.

A download is also available, and a subtitled DVD is available on request.

WOODBRIDGE IN SPECTACULAR BLOOM What an amazing floral spectacular greets us throughout the town. Brilliant colour schemes, luxuriant blooms bursting from hanging baskets and tubs and troughs a feast for the senses with tumbling displays of gorgeous flowers. Visitors and locals alike are able to enjoy this joyful extravaganza of horticultural delight enhancing the beauty of our lovely town.

May we all offer our sincere thanks to the hardworking band of volunteers involved in Woodbridge in Bloom who ensure each year Woodbridge does indeed bloom and should we win High Street of the Year it will be in no small part due to their efforts.

Margaret Lury

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NEWS SWIFT COMMUNITY ACTION

JETTY LANE UPDATE

Woodbridge Swifts, working with Save Our Suffolk (SOS) Swifts, has been collecting information about swift nests in the Suffolk Coastal Area since 2015.

We now know the sites of around 100 nests in around 20 towns and villages from Framlingham to Woodbridge, Bawdsey and Kirton. We have also sold over 100 nest boxes.

The good news now is that a number of local towns and villages where there are nesting swifts are starting local community swift groups. This is a very exciting step forward in our campaign to halt the drastic decline in swift numbers. It gives the opportunity for friends and interest groups to use their local knowledge to spread information through the whole community to ensure the survival of swifts. Some of these groups have arranged swift walks to identify and record swift nest sites; we had a most successful one in Woodbridge in early July and another in Saxmundham. Others have had talks from SOS Swifts expert Edward Jackson, are in touch with their local schools and have put up nest boxes on houses, village buildings and on their parish church.

There are now swift groups in Woodbridge, Aldeburgh, Orford, Wickham Market, Saxmundham and Shottisham with Waldringfield Wildlife Group taking a particular interest in swifts. We would like to see more groups in villages like Hollesley, Alderton, Bawdsey, Grundisburgh, Hasketon and the Bealings, and in towns such as Framlingham. Our eventual aim would be to have a swift group in every town or village where there are swifts, to monitor and record the local swift population. We can build on the existing population by preserving nests in roofs and by creating nesting places for swifts by putting up nest boxes. If we could slow or halt the decline in swift numbers, we will have made just a small contribution to the conservation of wildlife for the next generation.

We are looking for more people to join us to get involved with saving swifts in all these towns and villages. To support these local groups and individuals, SOS Swifts will offer one or more ‘Swift Adviser’ training mornings on Saturdays between autumn 2018 and spring 2019. The free training is for anyone who would like to know more about the amazing lives of Swifts, the reasons for the decline in their numbers and most importantly how we can all help them.

We also hope to arrange a specialist afternoon event on how to rehabilitate grounded and injured swifts of all ages. This will be for people who are able to make a firm commitment to giving a lot of time to care for swifts between June and September and be on call if the need arises. See below if you would like to attend either of these events.

It’s 18 months since the old buildings that were for many years Woodbridge Youth Centre crashed down, and nearly a year since Jetty Lane got the go-ahead from Suffolk County Council.

What a year – filled with events and entertainments and the amazing help of good friends and the strong, unwavering, magnificent support of the community.

Due to the wonderful generosity of an anonymous donor we were able to pay the significant fees for putting in planning permission. The plans are now in with the district council and will be debated in December. We were grateful for a huge amount of support from many people and organisations.

Of course, there have been some, living locally, who expressed concerns about replacing the youth centre and the reinstatement of the activities that had previously existed there. Jetty Lane wants to be a good neighbour. Regarding the design, our architects have already made alterations based on concerns raised. Unless concerns were raised they could not be addressed – and none of these complainants attended the well-advertised Jetty Lane open meetings or raised these concerns during our public exhibitions over the last year. It’s hard to second guess what you don’t know!

We would love to put a bridgeway across The Avenue to Kingston Fields and ensure a solid pathway on the Jetty Lane side of The Avenue down to the railway crossing once Suffolk Coastal have put in the parking they have decided on. Come to that, there may be some confusion between the district council’s parking plans and Jetty Lane!

To express your interest in swifts training events please contact Tracey Housley: tracey.housley@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Finally, it seems some people may think that if they oppose Jetty Lane, the site will remain as it currently is. I think not! I need to remind them that I discovered plans and blueprints five years ago to cover this site with more housing. If any other land nearby becomes vacant, the housing could extend.

So, when we look at Jetty Lane, we are not choosing between retaining this recently emptied space and having a new community youth and arts centre.

Rather, it seems to be a choice between creating a legacy building for the community of Woodbridge and acquiescing to putting the last bit of available community space in Woodbridge under housing. How many of the concerned residents thought this is what they were endorsing?

Jenny James

Caroline Page

For general advice on swifts in Suffolk visit: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/swifts

NEW FASHIONS WOW SELL-OUT AUDIENCE Friends of Woodbridge Library laid out a catwalk between the book shelves for an evening display of autumn and winter fashions. Five Parkside clothes shops combined to create the Woodbridge Fashion Show on October 17 and the show became the topic of conversation along the Thoroughfare!

Tickets sold out well in advance of the event and an audience of 100 gathered to see the latest bargains from Holly Blue, Ninni Noo, Laura Jane, Sweet Dreams and – not to be outdone – the latest addition to menswear shops in the town, Carbon Male.

Doors opened at 7pm and people were given plenty of time to enjoy a glass of Prosecco, buy their raffle tickets and view and buy the products of

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several Thoroughfare shops which had stalls. Once everyone was seated the spotlights were switched on and a group of the shops’ customers paraded down the catwalk modelling a range of dresses, coats, accessories and nightwear. Male models accompanied some of the ladies.

Buying and selling continued during the interval and the raffle prizes were drawn. Many of these had been donated by Thoroughfare shops and included vouchers to spend in them. The whole evening was declared a great success by the audience, models and shopkeepers alike. It was a valuable opportunity for some of the Parkside group of shops to work together in front of a large audience and it proved an excellent fundraiser for the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

The continued health of Woodbridge’s retailers – especially our independent ones – is as vital as local services like the library and these combined to produce a memorable event.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN

WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET

Strange times. I am writing this from bed, unexpectedly felled by a major operation. And like all active, energetic people who are unexpectedly pinned down by the fell hand of fate, I am rather astonished by this state of affairs.

How on earth can this be happening? (And how can it be happening to me?

The cheek of it!) I pine for the outdoors, but come downstairs with difficulty, walk 100 steps around the driveway and retire exhausted. Following occasional ventures further afield, I’m confined to bed for a day or two afterwards. I’m beginning to think this might take a while.

Saturdays, December 8 & 15, 9am -12.30pm at Woodbridge Community Hall

And so I am immensely grateful to wonderful friends. If you are stuck in bed what can be more cheering than to look around at a room decorated with cards and flowers, to read emails and messages each one making clear that someone is thinking of you and is willing you to be better. How lovely to have people dropping in with offers of help and cheer. Truly I am blessed.

How lovely to have friends – but also how lucky.

The problems of loneliness and isolation run through our society, hitting people of all ages. There are Eleanor Rigbys all around us. A third of under25s, a fifth of 25-49 year olds and one in ten of over 65s feel lonely all or most of the time. Age UK confirm over 15,000 people aged over 65 in Suffolk are going for a month or more without having a single meaningful conversation with another person. In other words, they are exchanging words with people at tills, at the doctors, at the post office, and then closing their doors on silence.

What a shocking statistic.

A report by Community Action Suffolk looked at the reasons for loneliness and isolation – and they made perfect sense. Loneliness hits people who are widowed, who live alone, who are older, who have to be careful of their pennies, who have health problems and who have limited activity – these people are most at risk. There are also the carers who live locked in unselfish devotion to a partner who may no longer be responsive.

Coming up to Christmas, let’s look out for those around us – the band of people we know in passing. The nice woman we may exchange words with at a till, the old man we speak to on the bus, the woman up the street who stays at home because her husband has dementia. A drink on Christmas Eve? An invitation to join your table on Christmas Day? Friendship is golden, and an offer may be worth any number of pretty packages tied with tinsel thread.

Happy Christmas from Councillor Caroline Page

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND

Woodbridge Farmers’ Market is generally held on two Saturday mornings per month and we usually have between 10 and 14 stalls. We provide a range of staples such as vegetables, fruit, falafel, hummus, free range chicken and bread, as well as treats including pickles and preserves, cakes, cheese biscuits, quiches, coffee, fudge, chocolate truffles and beer from a nano brewery! We’re a friendly bunch who enjoy chatting to customers and many people like to stay for a tea or coffee and a snack at the cafe.

Our stallholders are all directly involved in producing what they sell, or are closely related to someone who does and the businesses are all based within 30 miles of Woodbridge. And yes, these are all businesses. The money earned contributes directly to someone’s livelihood. We use good quality ingredients, many sourced locally, and we’re cutting down on plastic packaging as far as possible. We will never be able to compete with supermarkets for their cheapest prices, however we may not be as expensive as you expect! Some of you will have noticed stalls disappearing this year and that’s because of lack of sales. It really is a case of use-it-or-lose-it.

We’re very grateful for the loyal support of our customers; we only exist because of you.

All of us at the market wish you a very festive and Happy Christmas and hope that you will visit us on December 8 and 15 even if you have never done so before. You’re bound to find something delicious to take away with you.

With best wishes from Cordelia, Emma, Francys, Rockey, Darrin, Clive, Piers, Jakub, Ray, Poppy, Tyler, Noel, Abdul and family, Olga, Vivienne, Amy, Bess, Clare, Tony, Cathy, Sam and Sam. woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM AFTERNOON TALKS The October talk was given by Jeremy Quinlan and was a history of beekeeping from the earliest days to the present entitled Humans and Bees – Their Interaction. We were told about the many different kinds of bees, their habits and distribution throughout the world. There were examples of the different beehives in different parts of the world, as well as the more ‘free range’ methods of collecting honey. Scattered through the talk were snippets of folklore and sayings which made for, not only an informative talk, but also an entertaining afternoon.

Applications for a grant are welcome from individuals and from groups. Application forms should be submitted to the address below by January 1. Grants will generally be of up to £150, e.g. towards the cost of instruments, music, music related equipment and musical activities.

Further information and grant application forms can be obtained from: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk The Roger David Burrows Music Fund, c/o The Burrows family, 17 Squires Lane, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich IP5 3UG / 01473 625196 Our next even: Monday, March 11 Archaeologist Andy Peachey will be talking about the amazing finds discovered during work for the wind farm cables which are going through the northern part of Martlesham. Earlier in the year there was a lot in the press about the interesting and unexpected things unearthed by archaeologists, especially on a site close to Martlesham, and Andy will be telling us more about what was discovered here and elsewhere on the cable route. This talk will be held at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Church Centre; more details will be published in the January edition.

On Friday, October 26 there was another fundraising event, A Taste of the Tudors. We were entertained by a display of social dance from the time of Queen Elizabeth I, and a splendid supper of originally sourced recipes. Afterwards there was a chance to join in the dancing which was thoroughly enjoyed.

The first talk in 2019 will be on January 11 when Roger Bailey will talk about his experiences of teaching in Nepal. The February talk (Friday 22) will be The Yukon – The Great Gold Rush, the rush that changed the history of America, from Peter Booth-Smith. And on March 22, Julie Murray presents The History of Notcutts – how did it all start, develop, grow and alter?

For further information on any of the above please contact: 01394 385572

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY, DECEMBER 2018 PLEASE NOTE: Woodbridge Library will be closed on Monday 24, Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 December.

Book Group: Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On December 6 we will be discussing My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout.

From Saturday, December 1: Sale of withdrawn adult fiction books. All proceeds go to Woodbridge Library.

Saturday, December 1, 9.30am-12.30pm: NLP4Kids Building Confidence workshop with Moira Green. NLP4Kids provides practical solutions to help children overcome emotional challenges, to increase confidence and self-esteem and therefore enable children to reach a greater learning potential. £30 per child. For more information contact: Moira@NLP4Kids.0rg / 07752 982979 Saturday, December 1, 10.30am-noon: Bead Jewellery Workshop. No need to book, just turn up! Adults £2, children £1.

Tuesday, December 4, 2.30pm: Visit by Amanda from Nat West Bank.

Friday, December 7 from 10.30am: Meet Pauline Mandel, author of the Suffolk-based Utterly Crime Series. Mince pies will also be available!

Saturday, December 8, 10.15-11.45am: Talk by Well-being Coach & Three Principles Practitioner Mia Philips.

Wednesdays, December 12 & 19, 4-5.15pm: Free dance taster sessions for 11-25 year olds led by Lynette King from DanceEast. Part of BLOC (Building Libraries On Creativity), Suffolk Libraries’ youth arts programme.

Saturday, December 15, 9-11am: Caroline Page, County Councillor for Woodbridge, will be holding her surgery at the library.

Friday, December 14, 10.30am-12.30pm: Active Lives Singing Group. Learn new songs and harmonies and improve your breathing and circulation while having fun and making new friends. £5 per session. To find out more call Julie Stokes: 01473 345350 Free IT help and advice: Available on Monday and Thursday mornings. Learn how to use a library computer or your own laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Free one-on-one hour long tuition. Book your session at the desk or call: 01394 446510 Friends of Woodbridge Library: If you’re enthusiastic about libraries, would enjoy helping to organise library events and are willing to help with our fundraising activities, please ask a member of staff for more details.

Friends of Woodbridge Library Goodies: Show your support for your local library by carrying a cotton shopping bag bearing the Friends logo. It’s only £3. There is also a magnetic bookmark for £1.

Meeting room and display boards available for hire • • • •

Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour Display boards: £10 per week Staffed table display in the main library: £10 per half day

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Woodbridge Novelists: Meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 10am-noon. This is a reciprocal critiquing group for novel-writers who are working towards publication. For information email: jane@bakwon.com Citizens Advice Bureau: Someone from the CAB is available for help and advice every Monday, 10am-noon.

Writers’ Workshop: Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 5.30-7.30pm. If you like to write for pleasure, love words and have imagination, have you thought of joining Writers’ Workshop at Woodbridge Library? The group does homework on one fortnight and structure (plot, characterisation, etc) on the other. You can attend one or both sessions, but it is not a course – you are not taught to write. The workshop is free. Interested? To open doors to creative writing please email: jeannie@butterwicks.com Creative Writing for All: Meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm. For more details contact: jeannie@butterwicks.com Knitting Club: Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters, expert to beginner, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips.

Arts and Crafts Group: Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10am. Enables older people and their carers to take part in activities such as collage, card making, printing and modelling.

Play Reading: Meets on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm. Come to listen or join in for an afternoon of light-hearted drama, comedy or mystery.

All welcome.

Games Club: Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm. Now includes dominoes. Improve your vocabulary and exercise your mind muscles with Scrabble or practise strategy or balance with dominoes.

Woodbridge Area Gamers: Meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1-5pm. For more information contact nigel@foden.me.uk / 07740 173091 or visit: www.boardgamegeek.com/guild/1150

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Every Wednesday 10.30-10.50am: Bookstart Baby Bounce – soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes for babies and their grown-ups.

11.15-11.45am: Bookstart Tot Rock Rhyme and Rhythm – music, songs and action rhymes for toddlers with their parents and carers.

Every Friday 10.30-11am: Bookstart Story and Rhyme Time Stories and more for young children accompanied by an adult.

Every Sunday 10.30am-noon: Kid’s Club Craft Activities

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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS SHOWSTOPPERS AT THE RIVERSIDE THEATRE Due to popular demand, The Riverside Musical Theatre Company will be back at The Riverside Theatre in Woodbridge on Saturday, December 15 with a ‘sparklejollytwinklejingley’ Christmas Showstopper!

Featuring songs from the world of musical theatre, including White Christmas, Elf and The Grinch, and wonderful music from those classic Christmas films Home Alone and The Wizard of Oz, plus, all-time favourites Bethlehem, Hallelujah, Carol of The Bells and much, much more!

With a sprinkling from the world of animation and a very special version of Jingle Bells, Christmas Showstoppers is sure to get you in the toe-tapping Christmas spirit!

Stuart Saunders, owner of The Riverside Theatre says: “I’m delighted that Mike, Sam and The Riverside Musical Theatre Company are returning to The Riverside this Christmas. The energy that these performers bring to the stage and the incredible harmonic sound they create when they sing is simply stunning. This concert has something for everyone, from traditional to something a little different and from memorable to fun – it quite simply has it all.”

JULIAN HARRIES IN SCARLET PIPISTRELLE AT SECKFORD THEATRE Scarlet Pipistrelle by Pat Whymark and Julian Harries (pictured here with Dick Mainwaring in last year’s Sherlock Holmes & The Hooded Lance) which will be touring East Anglia from December 13 to January 19, and you can see it at The Seckford Theatre on Friday, December 14 at 7.30pm or Saturday 15 at either 4pm or 7.30pm. To book call: 07807 341364 The year is 1793. Paris is gripped by the sans-cullottes. Heads are rolling, and no-one is safe from the roving finger of fate, the thumb of tyranny and the wrist of injustice.

Common Ground will be concocting their trademark heady mix of genre pastiche, musical dexterity and sheer lunacy that East Anglian Christmas audience know and love. Julian Harries plays Citizen Chambourcy and Emily Bennett (from last year’s Sherlock Holmes & The Hooded Lance) plays Madame Claire de Luny.

“Whymark and Harries have created so many great Christmas memories... a real seasonal treat. Catch it if you can, you won’t regret it.” Andrew Clark, East Anglian Daily Times on Sherlock Holmes & The Hooded Lance

Performances are at 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £12.50 and available from The Riverside Box Office: 01394 382174 / www.theriverside.co.uk Picture by Charmian Berry

KETTLE GIRLS AT THE CHRISTMAS DANCE FOLKUS What a diverse and brilliant mix we have for our evenings on the first Friday each month in Woodbridge. Our dancers have a wonderful evening of barn dance style frolicking to a ‘live’ band with a different caller each month. Then they have a fantastic mini-concert while sipping tea/coffee or an alcoholic beverage (BYO).

Last month we had the beautiful harmonies and instrumental playing of The Columbines. This month we have a fine a capella group, The Kettle Girls.

The Kettle Girls (Heather, Jenny and Ilona) are a three-strong vocal harmony group with a penchant for jazz, folk, contemporary and traditional pieces.

They’re an eclectic mix of everything and are influenced by noises they love, words that make them laugh, songs that break hearts and any piece that lends itself to a beautiful harmony (and sometimes a prop or two!).

A Journey with the Magi Woodbridge Methodist Church Choir present A Journey with the Magi, a light-hearted look at the journey in music and drama Saturday, December 15 at 6.30pm Woodbridge Methodist Church, St John’s Street, Woodbridge Tickets for the concert are £6, or £9 for the concert and buffet, and available on the door PROCEEDS TO MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE DEBEN Our annual charity quiz took place at Martlesham Heath on November 5. Fifteen teams took part with the winners, Off Rolling, scoring 102 out of a possible 110 points. Only two points separated them from the second and third placed teams, The Flying Fischotters and Serendipitous.

The caller on December 7 will be the ebullient Nicki Acott, so expect lively dances and little time to rest. The Dance Folkus ‘CAY’ Band led by Harbour Lights will be entering into the spirit of the evening by donning Christmas garb and we hope everyone attending will do the same. The dance runs from 7.30-10.30pm so it’s a good place for groups to start their Christmas party before moving on to some late-night revelry.

A total of £934 was raised, £518 being donated by the first and second placed teams to the Colchester and Ipswich Hospital Woolverstone Ward, and £104 being donated by the third placed team to Just 42. A further £311 went to our charitable trust which supports a range of local, national and international charities.

New dancers wanting to attend can book a discounted place by emailing: Dancefolkus@aol.com (no payment in advance)

We were also pleased at a recent meeting to be able to present a cheque for half the proceeds of our summer golf day to David Gould on behalf of EACH.

Or simply come along on the night (entry £7, students or children £3).

If you need further information give Rob a call on 01473 610951. Visitors to Woodbridge and new, first-time dancers are always very welcome to attend our dances at Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road IP12 4AU.

Look out for Father Christmas and his sleigh on Martlesham Heath and also in the Thoroughfare. Our annual Carol Concert at Woodbridge School takes place on December 6.

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Join us at 2.15pm on Wednesday, December 5 when Libby Hornet will give a fascinating multi-media talk entitled Bread & Circuses – Fun, Frolics and Freak Shows.

Libby, a well-known freelance art historian, curator, film producer, lecturer and writers, will combine art (Laura Wright, Georges Roualt) songs, music, photographs and quotes from writers and poets in her presentation.

We hope to meet you at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew.

Entrance by donation / £6.

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

WOODBRIDGE CAMERA CLUB Unfortunately, Wickham Market Club had to withdraw from this year’s tripod competition, so it became a bipod competition, with just Framlingham and Woodbridge Camera Clubs taking part on October 16. The event was very well attended by members of both clubs and judge Frank Blyth did an excellent job, awarding scores to prints and PDIs from each club, accompanied by helpful comments.

WOODBIDGE PROBUS For our October meeting John Peacock gave us a fascinating insight into his service on HMS Swiftsure, one of the first nuclear submarines during the Cold War in 1975, stalking Russian Naval vessels under the surface of the Artic Sea. Long patrols where the fresh food and teabags ran out, but as a radio operator and a holder of the key of the confidential safe, his supply was ensured and a tea bag was worth a can of beer. Not sure though about the diet of potatoes and onions if the patrol was extended!

In November Paul Whiting from the Orwell Observatory talked to us about the Aurora, or Northern Lights. There hasn’t been much solar activity lately which make them rather elusive. Can we see them from Woodbridge?

Probably, but you have to know what you’re looking at. North Norfolk and the Wash are a good bet, the alternative is a Northern Lights cruise, but nothing is guaranteed.

Our meeting on December 3 is our ladies and partners Christmas Lunch and our January meeting is our AGM. Our meeting on February 5 is at our new venue, Woodbridge Golf Club.

Our website will tell you all about us; we look forward to seeing you and wish you a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2019. www.woodbridge probus.org.uk

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Monday, February 11: The History of the Catholic Church in Kesgrave

by The Rev Chris Brighten I’m sure many of you will have passed the small Catholic Church in Kesgrave on your way into Ipswich. But are you aware of the story of two exceptional families and a tragic accident that resulted in the building of the church? The church, which is still in private ownership, has some of the most amazing stained glass windows made by an artist who was one of the finest stained glass designers of the Arts and Craft Movement in the first half of the 20th century. Come along and find out more!

I’m Shy! by Philip Wade

During the break members of both clubs were able to chat over tea/coffee and food provided by our members, and a raffle raised money for club funds.

Thanks to members of both clubs for taking part, and in particular to Frank Blyth for judging the competition so ably.

Our members only Christmas Dinner on December 18 will be held at the Riverside Restaurant, so please note we shall not be at the Quay Church for that meeting.

We meet in the meeting room at Woodbridge Quay Church on the third Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm. Guests are always welcome; members £2, guests £5.

For more information please visit: www.woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED

Meetings are held in Martlesham Heath Pavilion at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE November is a busy time for our club. At our monthly meeting, member Sheila Harrison treated us to an amusing account of the life of Norfolk parson James Woodforde, which he recorded in his diaries in the 18th century.

Having grown up in Somerset, James gained a degree at Oxford before then being ordained. He was granted a parish in a Norfolk village where he quickly became a valuable part of the community.

His diaries give vivid descriptions of his life and parishioners, as well as some detailed accounts of memorable meals (he always had a dose of rhubarb before bed!). A vote of thanks to Sheila was given

by Kay Hirst.

Note No meeting in December

Some of our members are sharpening their brains ready to enter two upcoming quizzes; the first organised by Deben Rotary Club and the second to raise funds for the Tide Mill. Our club will also be represented on Remembrance Day, with club president Pat Clark laying a wreath.

Emma and Irene wish all club members a Happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you all on Thursday, January 24.

After a busy month, we look forward to enjoying our annual Christmas Lunch in December.

A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere with refreshments, we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Rushmere Village Hall from 7.30-10pm.

New members are always welcome. For details contact Emma: 01787 373850

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

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OUT & ABOUT 1st RENDLESHAM SCOUTS Scouts (10-14 Years) & Explorers (14-18 Years)

THE FRIENDS OF HIGHLANDS CARE HOME CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING Stalls, raffle, tombola at Highlands on Fitzgerald Road Saturday, December 1 from 10am Please come along and support your local care home.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB One thing we planned to do this year was to raise our own awareness of what life is like for different women in Ipswich. Two recent speakers made a big impression on us and led us to think how we might make even a small difference.

In October each year we mark International Day of the Girl Child by writing to our MPs (we happen to have club members in four constituencies).

Remembering the talk by Maureen Reynel of Families in Need, we used the opportunity this year to urge them to press for free sanitary products for girls up to 18. This would save many from missing school. Linda Pepper, Director of the Oasis English Language School, talked about their work with students from 27 countries, many wanting to learn English in order to integrate into society here. We decided to make a grant from our Education Bursary Fund to buy course books.

For Ipswich women the highlight of the year was the Women’s Voices, Women’s Vote celebration. One of our members was involved in organising the short story competition, another was included in the list of 100 special women featured in the countdown to the event and on the day we raffled a quilt on our stall in aid of Lighthouse.

It will be an honour to welcome the Mayor of Ipswich to our next meeting.

Meanwhile we haven’t forgotten that we are a worldwide organisation. Our delegate has just returned from our annual international conference with reports of discussions on climate change and mental health issues for women with a call for action from Soroptimist clubs. Something to get our teeth into in 2019!

Scarefest 2018 Scarefest is a weekend camp held each Halloween at Gilwell Park for Scouts and Explorers from all over the UK. This year 1st Rendlesham attended for the first time.

Membership Swarm Explorer Scout Unit currently has spaces for young people (both boys and girls) aged 14-18 to join the section. Please contact Explorer Scout Leader Clare Barstow for details: explorers@rendleshamscouts.org.uk / 07790 036553 We are always happy to hear from any young person wishing to join any Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, or any adult willing to volunteer to help in any way.

Please contact Acting GSL Keith Gleen for more information: info@rendleshamscouts.org.uk

LEISTON & DISTRICT PHILATELIC SOCIETY The society’s quiz evening will take place on Wednesday, December 12 in the United Church Hall, High Street, Leiston from approximately 7.15pm. There is now a two-hour limit on the Co-operative Car Park, so the nearby council car park in Sizewell Road will be a useful alternative. Refreshments are available.

Club membership is £5 per year, payable in September (students 18 years and under – 50p) and new members are always welcome.

If you would like to know more about us please contact Joyce: 01394 615659

IPSWICH PHILATELIC SOCIETY After December 5 we don’t meet again until January 16 for another afternoon meeting at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre from 1.30-6pm. Roger Swindells, one of our members and a dealer, will display and give advice on how to create a thematic collection.

There will be four displays and an opportunity to purchase material from Roger who is going to bring along a great deal of his stock for us to purchase if we wish. This is an ideal opportunity to find out more about a different and novel way to collect stamps.

Visitors are welcome; for further information contact Mike Smith – 01473 403904 / michaelsmith1949@gmail.com – or visit: www.ipswichphilatelic.uk Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

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Amphibians and Reptiles in Suffolk There will be chance to find out more about amphibians and reptiles when John Baker gives a talk on the subject at Woodbridge Community Hall on Thursday, December 20 at 7.30pm.

This talk has been organised by Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group and Chairman Phil Smith said: “As county recorder for amphibians and reptiles in Suffolk and with a long career in herpetology, John is well qualified to tell us more about the amphibians and reptiles we might spot while out in the Suffolk countryside. This promises to be a fascinating evening.”

Admission is £3 for adults with under-16s free of charge. There will be a raffle, and light refreshments will be served during the evening.

For further information please contact: swtwoodbridge@outlook.com / 01473 625630

In Touch online:

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01394 388605 Offices in Woodbridge, Ipswich, Hadleigh and Felixstowe www.gotelee.co.uk 16

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ON THE GRAPEVINE OVER £1,000 OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS IN LOCAL CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW

CALL FOR ARTISTS 2019 Suffolk Open Studios have launched their 2019 Call for Artists, inviting artists and galleries living and working across Suffolk to join next year’s programme.

Earlier this year, more than 100 artists opened their studios to the public and enjoyed the many advantages of taking part, including reaching new audiences and showing their work in the comfort of their own studio; receiving valuable feedback by interacting directly with potential clients; and the chance to meet and collaborate with fellow artists in their area. Artists and galleries also benefit from valuable publicity through their profile on the Suffolk Open Studios website and Facebook page, and inclusion in the printed directory, distributed free of charge to tourist centres, art venues and visitor attractions throughout the county.

Members are also guaranteed a place in the annual Suffolk Open Studios Annual Showcase Exhibition at the Apex Centre in Bury-St-Edmunds, running from 25 February – 1 April 2019. This year’s show proved extremely popular and drew favourable comments from across the art community.

Run by volunteers, Suffolk Open Studios is open to all Suffolk artists and galleries regardless of the media in which they practise. Members open their studios free of charge to the public from 11am-5pm over the first five weekends of June, choosing to open on as many or few weekends as they wish. Many join together to form their own local artists’ trails; anyone unable to include their own studio can still take part by renting space with other artists and forming their own artists’ hub. For more details visit: www.suffolkopenstudios.org

One local family-run hearing care company has announced details of a charity Christmas Prize Draw, giving the local community the chance to win one of twelve prizes with a combined value of over £1,000.

The Hearing Care Centre, which has 26 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk including two locally at Upper Brook Street and Two Rivers Medical Centre in Ipswich, is holding its annual Christmas Draw in aid of deafness charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, with the winners being declared on Wednesday, December 19.

The charity delivers expert training for Hearing Dogs which provides invaluable emotional support to their deaf recipient. New found owners gain confidence, independence and companionship.

This year to celebrate their 20th anniversary, The Hearing Care Centre have pledged to raise £20,000 for the charity, with many fundraising initiatives having taken place this year, including quiz nights, a pudding club and a huge drive to collect 20 pence pieces.

The prize draw has received generous support from local businesses including Fred Olsen Travel, Theatre Royal Norwich, Archant and Coes Department Stores.

Cally James, Suffolk Open Studios Chair, commented: “This year’s programme was a great success. In many cases, visitors travelled significant distances both within and from outside the county; several make it regular date in their diary to see what their favourite artists are working on now. Suffolk is rightly celebrated for the depth and breadth of its artistic heritage and it’s a pleasure to be making the talent and achievements of our resident artists available once again to the public.”

On offer in the draw is a luxury break at The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a fivecourse tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant in London, a giant festive hamper, Hotel Chocolat goodies, travel vouchers and more.

Artists and galleries wishing to take part in next year’s programme can do so by completing the online membership form at: www.suffolkopenstudios.org/membership

THE ORWELL CHALLENGE

Early applications are encouraged in order to guarantee a place in the printed directory.

SAMARITAN BOOKSHOP When you find after Christmas that you have no more room on those bookshelves to accommodate all those generous gifts, and you need to do a cull of the shelves, the Samaritan Bookshop will be pleased to receive your unwanted books.

Collections can be arranged for larger amounts of books. To arrange a collection ring Janice on 01473 287727 and we will find a date and time to suit you.

If, however, you are searching for a sequel, or looking for fresh inspiration visit the Aladdin’s Cave, otherwise known as the lower floor of the Samaritan’s Shop in Carr Street, Ipswich, where you’ll find a veritable treasure house of books on almost any subject.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

Tickets cost only £1 and can be purchased online at: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk / draw or in person at the company’s practice at 11 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich.

– FUNDRAISING THE EASY WAY Do you need to raise funds for a charity, good cause, sport’s club or youth organisation? The ready-made answer is the Orwell Challenge. Just enter and arrange your own sponsorship and Ipswich East Rotary Club will organise the event for you.

The Orwell Challenge, previously known as the Orwell Walk, has been organised for the last 42 years by Ipswich East Rotary Club and has enabled £3million to be raised for local good causes.

The next event will be held on Sunday 23 June 2019. Each entrant pays an entrance fee to take part in the event and then raises sponsorship for their charity or good cause. Entrants can book their place in the event by registering on the Ipswich East Rotary Club website. There is a discount for early registration.

The annual event ranges over private land between Ipswich and Felixstowe which is not usually open to the public. The event has become known as the ‘Happy Walk’ because Rotarians go the extra mile to be welcoming and encouraging to all the entrants. You can walk between three and 25 miles, or run distances up to a full marathon. Rotary provides check points, toilets, ice cream vans, food stalls and a rescue service to ferry walkers and runners back to the start when difficulties occur.

Sign up now to raise funds for your good cause: www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk

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SPORT / SCHOOLS DEBEN YACHT CLUB WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB This is the time of year when boats come out of the water and to mark the occasion we usually hold a Laying-up Supper which marks the end of the summer cruising season and the start of the winter hibernation.

This year was no exception and the clubhouse was packed for a three course meal prepared by ‘head chef’ Janet Sparrow and her team of club members, which, together with a glass or two of wine, helped skippers and crews to forgot about the cold weeks to come when they really ought to be out maintaining their boats for next season.

Just the one race day left this year in December, but looking back on 2018 it has been a wonderful year for sailing.

There was lots of sunshine, but also reasonable wind for most of the racing and leisure sailing. The sailing courses both went really well and lots of the participants have been seen joining in at ‘lazy sailing’, perfecting their skills.

If you need an idea for a Christmas present, especially for the person who already has ‘everything’, why not give them a sailing course? It’s great fun and what you learn lasts a lifetime! We will be running courses at the beginning of the season in April and also in August again next year.

While there is no sailing in the first three months of the year, there is a talk every month at the club with the bar and galley open for drinks and cake.

One is about a Suffolk lad who sailed to the Baltic in 1939, another is about working for Raleigh International in Nepal and the third about working offshore in the oil and gas business, but more details will follow in due course.

There is also a walk for members every month, normally ending at a pub, so we look forward to seeing more of the countryside of Suffolk.

However, boats are never far from our minds and the first of the Sunday talks, given by Peter Willis, was about the building of Selina King, a boat commissioned by Arthur Ransome and built in Harry King’s yard at Pin Mill where it vied for space and attention with Mrs King’s washing line! Apparently the Kings lived alongside the boat shed and it was Mrs King who, in her words, ‘christened’ the boat with the family name. Indeed it took three swings and the help of a thirsty boatbuilder before the champagne bottle broke.

The yacht was completed in 1938, but Arthur only sailed her for a year before she came out of the water because of the war. After the war she was sold and eventually found her way to Bermuda where she fell into disrepair and changed hands several times before being brought back to the UK where she is currently undergoing a major refit due for completion next year.

The second talk involved a square rigged barquantine named Cap Pilar and the tale of her twoyear round-the-world adventure which took place at roughly the same time as Selina King was being built. Unfortunately the Cap Pilar has nearly rotted away, but she is moored at Wivenhoe where the speaker and Vice Commodore Phil Wadley grew up and where he and his school chums used to sneak on-board and make plans for their own ocean voyages.

The ship was originally on the west coast of France and was bought in 1936 by Adrian Seligman who used an inheritance intended for the purchase of a house to restore and recommission her for the roundthe-world trip of which he had always dreamed.

Phil showed a documentary film narrated by Seligman himself which kept the audience enraptured. It told of being hove-to off Cape Town for four days while a storm blew through: of his wife, who accompanied him for much of the trip, giving birth to their daughter and having to remain in New Zealand to recuperate and then follow on by cruise liner: of out-manoeuvring the governor of a Pacific island who refused him entry and of alligator hunting in Panama. By the time they finally made landfall at Falmouth the king had abdicated and war had been declared, although he denies any responsibility for either event! Ever the adventurer, Seligman joined up and was enlisted into ‘Special Operations’ where he commanded a schooner flotilla in the Greek Islands. Their missions, which were carried out at night, were to destroy German shipping and proved very successful and after the war became the inspiration for the film The Guns of Navarone. The ship found its way to Wivenhoe where unfortunately it has languished and is now beyond repair. Talk organiser Peter King thanked Phil for a fascinating talk.

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Although the tides are not suitable for a New Year’s Day sail we will still do the bring-and-share lunch which was very popular this year and perhaps we’ll have a stroll along the river. The working party is, of course, in full swing now, improving the club for next season and mending the stuff that got broken this year. They meet every week and once a month they have a lunch made for them by the lovely galley team.

The annual Laying-up Supper had a different format this year with not only prize giving and ploughman’s platters, but also a ceilidh which proved really popular and a real laugh. The band Ducking and Diving was excellent and the caller was brilliant, getting everyone going in roughly the right direction most of the time. Hopefully we’ll repeat it next year.

ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL Staff and pupils at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Woodbridge are celebrating the publication of the school’s recent Ofsted inspection report. The school has officially been judged as a ‘good school’.

In a letter to Headteacher Karen Read (pictured with Deputy Headteacher Alex Gwynne and the School Council), the Ofsted inspector stated that: “Parents, carers, staff and pupils think very highly of the school and your leadership. You lead the school with passion and the desire to ensure that all pupils achieve the best they can. Since your appointment, you have engaged with the school community to share your vision of how to improve standards even further. You and your senior team have focused on improving teaching, using assessment information to plan opportunities to improve pupils’ progress and broaden the range of extracurricular activities for pupils. Your high expectations are shared by all.”

Parents spoke very highly of the school, with one parent saying: “St Mary’s is a nurturing school, where children are happy and encouraged to develop academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”

Mrs Read said: “We are delighted that this positive report reflects the importance of the role of the whole school community in contributing to our success. The best way to get a feel for a school is to visit and we would encourage prospective parents to come and see us. Spaces are still available in our current Reception class and we welcome all families of any or no faith.”

For more information and to read the full Ofsted letter, visit: www.st-maryscofe.suffolk.sch.uk

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS BRIGHT STARS Fun activity sessions for pre-school aged children with parents, grandparents, friends, family and/or carers on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term times from 10.30am-noon at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL. Sessions are free and usually based on a theme. They normally include singing, games, crafts and Bible stories, followed by refreshments and more play. Just turn up; no need to book. We look forward to seeing you during this festive season and wish Happy Christmas to everyone from all at Bright Stars.

This month we meet on December 10 and the first two sessions of the spring term are on January 14 and 28.

For further information please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows: 01473 625196

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

ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH, WOODBRIDGE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 6.30pm: Service of Lessons and Carols SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 8am: Holy Communion 10am: Parish Eucharist and Junior Church Christmas Presentation CHRISTMAS EVE 8am: Holy Communion 5.30pm: Children’s Service of Light 11.30pm: Midnight Mass of Christmas CHRISTMAS DAY 8am: Holy Communion 10am: Parish Eucharist EVERYONE WELCOME

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