In Touch with Woodbridge - February 17

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Volume 6 • Issue No. 10 • FEBRUARY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR The oldest member of my family died just before Christmas. Kathleen, my great-aunt and surrogate ‘godfather’ since the death of her husband Jimmy when I was 15, died at the remarkable age of 97. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews (including my dad).

Despite her age, Kathleen maintained an aura of quiet authority which I’ve always admired. She wasn’t scary or aloof, as often those we defer to can be, but somehow demanded respect from all who knew her. She always had time to chat, putting the kettle on before you’d even sat down. The fact that she was tall and had a very distinctive voice made her standout from the other women I knew as a child. I was never afraid of her, but I would never have wanted to be in her bad books either.

Kathleen’s death has inspired me to do a little research into my family tree. I don’t plan to take it too seriously just yet, but just want to get the last couple of generations in place so I know who’s who. It has been fascinating. My dad helped with his side of the family and we did quite well, though he knows very little of his American cousins and nothing of all about their families. Most of my mum’s family still live in Ireland so that side of the tree is a bit more complete.

They had big families back then. My dad had 15 aunts and uncles! One child, as I have, would have been a complete anomaly. And the same names came up again and again. I know my parents had intended to call me Elizabeth after my grandmother, but my dad decided he didn’t want my life to be as difficult as hers so broke with tradition and found a name which made its first appearance in the Burke family tree (to some astonishment) in 1969. Elizabeth is my second name.

I now wish I knew more about the people who are my family, however distant, and also wonder how I will be perceived when my name is added to a family tree in years to come, perhaps by my great-grandniece.

Mostly I wish I could spend time with my long-lost grandparents to talk about their lives. I have so many question. If you can do so, make the most of every opportunity to know those who can still share their lives with you.

I also hope I’ll be doing The Times crossword every day when I’m 97, just as Kathleen did.

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In Touch with Melton & Woodbridge is 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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NEWS 20 YEARS AFLOAT AND SAILING ON This year the East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) will celebrate 20 years of providing sailing opportunities on the River Orwell for disabled East Anglians and their carers. To deliver those opportunities, EAST owns and maintains a fleet of keelboats and two support boats. Last season, the EAST keelboats took to the water in more than 100 sessions, more than in any previous season. And this coming 21st season looks likely to be just as busy as the demand continues to grow.

EAST also provides two weekend cruises and a week-long cruise where visually impaired sailors from all over the country live aboard a yacht and get a hands-on sailing experience with convivial, communal social evenings. The yachts are privately owned and this cruising in company programme depends entirely on the generosity of their owner/skippers.

The joy that this brings to our ‘customers’ is clear from the feedback.

Here are just a couple of examples.

“You know how much we appreciate you and your marvellous team of volunteers, however I just have to thank you all once again for being so accommodating and delivering another fantastic session. Do not underestimate the difference you all made to those families yesterday. The families were absolutely buzzing afterwards and want to continue to access your services.”

Email from St Elizabeth Hospice “I am registered blind and was given the opportunity last Friday, May 20 to go for a taster sail with EAST. I love sailing, but for various reasons, have not done so for over 25 years. I was therefore delighted to have been given this opportunity and cannot thank your charity enough for arranging the day. Ian and Barbara made us so welcome and let Katy and myself steer the yacht the whole time it was under sail. I cannot thank them enough for their hospitality, for sharing their knowledge and for all the fun we shared together.

It was truly a wonderful day and the weather was on our side too.

“Although I’m visually impaired and have a brain tumour, I also do lots of voluntary work and care for my 90-year-old father, so it was marvellous to have a day to myself and go sailing with such a friendly group of people. I hope I can come again sometime in the future.”

Email from Graham Thompson EAST relies totally on its volunteers both on and off the water (nobody gets paid). There’s not much sailing right now in the depths of winter, but there is still plenty of maintenance work to be done getting ready for the start of the new season. If you can sail or would like to learn, have a yacht or can help with admin, catering or maintenance and want to take part in this rewarding work, please get in touch.

The East Anglian Sailing Trust is based at EAST Waterside Community Centre at Suffolk Yacht Harbour in Levington and it is a Royal Yachting Association (Sailability) Centre of Excellence.

Contact EAST via www.east-anglian-sailing-trust.org.uk or phone 0333 088 3278.

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NEWS SCHOOL FRIENDS REUNITE IN MEMORY OF KEITH VENN

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BEACH HUTS Suffolk Coastal is asking for your views on how you think beach hut services should be run in the district.

The six-week consultation, running until February 17, asks the public to consider the recommendations to convert all the current beach hut site licences into longer term leases and the proposed charges.

This follows a decision in December’s Cabinet meeting which considered the review of the beach hut service to identify any service efficiencies and to consider further income generation opportunities.

The review was launched in support of the current East Suffolk Business Plan which contains a specific action to ‘Increase the number of beach huts provided in the district by at least 10%’.

(from left) Diderik Plant, artist Michael Coulter, Stephen Singleton and Simon Wright Every December a group of friends get together for a reunion over an extended lunch in memory of the late Keith Venn who was a vicepresident of Woodbridge Rugby Club (RFC). Amongst the group are close friends, Diderik Plant, Stephen Singleton and Simon Wright, all of whom attended Woolverstone Hall School in the 1970s. For the first time in several years one of their teachers, local artist Michael Coulter, met up with the school friends on Saturday, December 17.

The group, pictured at Woodbridge RFC, enjoyed a drink, watched a great game of rugby and chatted over old times. Michael Coulter, who also coached the boys to play rugby, is an Ipswich YM Rugby Club member and was attending as a guest of Woodbridge RFC member Bob Double.

Woolverstone Hall School closed in 1990 and the site was sold to the Girls’ Day School Trust, It is now the home of Ipswich High School.

DANCE FOLKUS SUCCESS LEADS TO A MOVE TO LARGER HALl Woodbridge Dance Folkus have been getting such large numbers of people attending that they have had to move their Friday, March 3 event to Woodbridge Community Hall. To celebrate the move they are promoting a special barn dance/ceilidh with East Anglian based band Proper English and caller Jocelyn Armitage. The band has performed locally at FolkEast and Ceildhs on the Move and is booked for this year’s Sidmouth Festival week in Devon. Jocelyn will be travelling up from East London to call for this event.

The two main drivers of the beach hut review are to increase equality by increasing the opportunities for residents to have access to a beach hut, while also maximising the income generated from this resource to invest in core services, therefore reducing the burden on the Suffolk Coastal tax payer.

Councillor TJ Haworth-Culf, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Leisure, said: “This is a district wide consultation and we want to hear from all residents – as the decision on this issue could impact upon everyone living in Suffolk Coastal.

“We do have some difficult decisions to make as a council due to the steep decline in financial support from central government. With a predicted funding gap of £3.5million, we need to increase the amount of income we generate in order to maintain our core services, while protecting the local tax payer.

“Beach huts are important to our seaside communities, however, we remain committed to ensuring we achieve value for money for all Suffolk Coastal residents and therefore value feedback from everyone on this issue.”

Following the results of the consultation, a revised report will be brought to Cabinet to consider.

Beach hut owners will be sent a paper copy of the consultation and a free return envelope to return their responses.

You can have your say at: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/features/have-your-say-on-beach-huts All responses need to be completed and returned by 5pm on Friday, February 17.

If you would like support completing your responses, you can call or visit our customer service centres in Woodbridge and Felixstowe. To contact our customer services team, call: 01394 383789

There will be a special song spot by the excellent Suffolk band Tin River who have been making a name for themselves at local concerts and festivals. This event will also be open to families with younger children. Tickets are £6 at the door, but there is a discount for people (particularly students and children) who book in advance by email: Dancefolkus@aol.com

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE

Our dance on Friday, February 3 is in Melton Burness Rooms. Our resident caller, Helen Howe, returns after a short break. Dance Folkus Come All Ye band will be playing and still likes to welcome new instrumental players to join in (book in advance please). Richard Cove, a local singer and band member, will be entertaining us in the song spot with a couple of his amusing ditties.

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

Please book by email for discounted entry (no payment in advance needed). Tickets at the door are £5. For more information contact Rob: 01473 610951

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CALL 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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NEWS COUNCILLOR CAROLINE’S COLUMN The days might be getting lighter, but this is the month when it’s always clear that winter is here. Our Anglo-Saxon forebears called February Sōlmōnath (Mud Month) and let’s face facts; February is the month when a lot of cold water comes from the skies, whether as rain, sleet or snow, and mud or slush freezes with unpleasant results.

and can be a danger to dogs if they lick it from their paws or fur. Even a small amount of pure salt can be very dangerous to pets, causing thirst, vomiting and lethargy. In severe cases there is a risk of convulsions and kidney damage.

So, when the weather is bad, with snow covering the pavements and turning to icy lumps, please don’t wait for someone else to do something.

Please get out shovels and clear any bits of pavement you know or can see will become dangerous – particularly for your elderly or disabled neighbours – before the snow becomes ice. In shaded roads (California, near where I live, for example) snow settles fast and unless it’s dealt with before it freezes, it will be a problem for days or even weeks afterwards.

I’ve made sure there’s a grit bin anywhere anyone has asked for one – funded from my locality budget – and ensured that they were all fully filled at Christmas, so do grit as well as shovel and there won’t be any extra broken hips and wrists this year. (And don’t use water – it turns to black ice) However, remember that the gritting mixture contains salt as well as grit,

Most cases involve animals that have walked through gritted snow and then lick or chew it off their paws. It’s therefore important for dogowners to thoroughly wipe their pet’s feet and the fur on their legs and tummy after a walk outside. And, gritters, please, if you can, grit a path on one side of the road for pedestrians and leave the other side ungritted for dog walkers.

Please don’t listen to anyone saying you can’t clear and grit because ‘you will be sued’. This is a common concern, but I have yet to come across anyone who ever has been sued! A lawyer friend tells me that a person ungrateful enough to sue someone who cleared the footway for them would have to prove that person intended harm by clearing the snow in the first place. However, if you get your name on the volunteer gritters list held at Woodbridge Town Council, you are covered by insurance.

Whatever you do, please don’t worry about doing the wrong thing and prevent yourself helping others when you are able to do so. One day we will all have to rely on somebody else and it’s lovely to live in a town where people do like to help their neighbours.

POLICE STATION TIMES FOR WOODBRIDGE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM WEEK ONE

10-11.30am

Noon-1.30pm

2-3.30pm

Monday Campsea Ashe 16 Jan, 10 April, 3 July Train Station Car Park 25 Sept, 18 Dec

Eyke Cul-De-Sac The Street

Bawdsey Lay-By on Main Road

Tuesday Charsfield 17 Jan, 11 April, 4 July Village Hall Car Park 26 Sept, 19 Dec

Grundisburgh Stoney Road Outside Old School Houses

Melton Woods Lane (entrance to Hall Farm Rd)

Wednesday Westerfield 18 Jan, 12 April, 5 July Village Hall Car Park 27 Sept, 20 Dec

Martlesham The Drift Car Park

Woodbridge Library

WEEK TWO

Noon-1.30pm

2-3.30pm

Wickham Market Monday 27 Feb, 22 May, 14 Aug The Hill 6 Nov (beside the Bus Shelter)

Otley Village Hall Car Park

Witnesham Entrance to Weyland Road

Tuesday Sutton 28 Feb, 23 May, 15 Aug Mace Car Park 7 Nov

Woodbridge Framfield House (CAB office upstairs)

Old Martlesham Entrance to Black Tiles Lane (Phone box lay-by)

Wednesday Rendlesham 1 March, 24 May, 16 Aug Costcutters Car Park 8 Nov

Orford The Quay Car Park

Hollesley Shepherd and Dog P/H Car Park

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10-11.30am

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NEWS WOODBRIDGE MAYOR’S MUSINGS FOR DECEMBER 2016 Dear Reader,

HAVE YOU WORKED ON ORFORD NESS?

May I first wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2017 and hope you all enjoyed the Christmas break.

It’s a strange place. Nobody lives there. It’s a place of contrasts.

It’s called an Island, but it’s not.

As mayor I was invited to a number of festive events during December, starting with the turning on of the Christmas lights with Christine Truman Janes MBE.

If you like wide-open views, our lovely Suffolk skies, nature’s silence, rare plants and wildlife – then you will love it. And if, while walking amongst iconic buildings located in this wonderful landscape, you can imagine the noise of bombs being dropped, of atomic bombs being vibrated or fired into a concrete wall at 150mph, and you can understand the huge commitment of local people to apply cutting-edge technology to improve the effectiveness of various military weapons used in our defense – then you will also love it.

It was a pleasure to meet one of the nation’s great tennis players.

Many thanks to Choose Woodbridge, to the Rotary Club and to local shops for installing the tree and decorations on Market Hill.

Nowhere else in the UK can you visit such laboratories, learn about the technology used, or hear about the people who worked there in such a unique environment. This place is Orford Ness.

Opened by National Trust as a National Nature Reserve in 1995, Orford Ness has been the site of military testing and development from the beginning of the 20th century, initially with the development of the aircraft as a military weapon, until 1973 when Cobra Mist, an ‘over the horizon’ Radar system used to detect distant military activities in the Cold War, was shut down.In between those dates, Orford Ness became Watson-Watt’s base for the early development of radar (before he moved his experiments to Bawdsey). Much work was done on improving the accuracy of conventional bombing (working with Martlesham-based flight-crews) and improvements in the aerodynamics of Blue Danube (Britain’s first atomic bomb) took place there.

After this research work stopped, bomb disposal engineers spent more than 15 years clearing the Island of unexploded ordinance, including destroying the Bloodhound missile rockets formerly located at Bawdsey.

Working in such an exposed environment could be lovely in the summer, but brutal when travelling between test sites in the bitter winter winds.

In 1963 the River Ore was so frozen that the landing craft used to carry staff to the Island could not do so.

In the race to protect the UK from known and significant enemies, none of this testing and development would have taken place without access to a highly skilled and dedicated workforce: they created and used the innovative methods and engineering facilities for this purpose.

We are looking to meet people who worked for the military or for one of the scientific agencies and companies involved, and also those who built, equipped or maintained the various test labs and many other buildings located on ‘The Island’. Were you – or do you know someone who was – involved in this highly secret and complex work?

Please contact us if so, because we at National Trust have created an audio archive of the work experiences and memories of those who did.

We are keen to record their memories of such an important site in the UK’s military history before they are lost forever.

Lead Ranger David Mason 01394 450900 / david.mason@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Did you notice the many shop windows decorated with Christmas displays? I was invited to be part of a judging panel organised by Gobbit and Kirby to choose the best.

There were many innovative designs and it was difficult to choose an outright winner, but by a majority vote it was the Kitchen Shop with its table of Christmas fare and decorations that won. Well done to them.

The National Trust at Sutton Hoo invited us to celebratory drinks at Tranmer House. It was a very pleasant evening talking to the site’s experts and we received an update on their visitor development plans.

These include a possible wooden tower harmonised with the trees so that visitors get a high level view of the burial mounds and the surrounding area. One location being considered would also give clear views down to the river and across to Woodbridge, but there could be objections.

Next day we joined the New Horizon’s lunch at St Mary’s Church Hall.

I attended in robes and received a very generous welcome. New Horizons is a group that meets regularly and provides entertainment and lunch to the over 55s of Woodbridge, yet another example of selfless volunteers giving their time and providing invaluable contact with the elderly and sometimes isolated community.

The final event of the year was the Rotary Club’s Open Air Carol Service in Market Square. This is a tradition going back 65 years where we can sing our favourite carols, be reminded of what Christmas means and the children get to meet Father Christmas.

I had the privilege of standing at the top of the Shire Hall steps and seeing Market Hill full of people enjoying the evening. Again thanks to the Rotary Club who must have been delighted with the local support.

With regard to local Woodbridge Town Council business, I’m hoping we can agree to keep the budget at the same level as last year and not add to your rates burden.

I am very pleased that councillors have agreed to support the Celebrate Woodbridge project, so if you are organising an event in Woodbridge between May and September please send details to WTC and with Choose Woodbridge we will help to promote it around the town.

Also keep your eyes open for information on the Woodbridge on Show event where you can meet and talk to many of the clubs, societies and voluntary organisations operating in Woodbridge. It will be on April 1 and you would be a fool to miss it.

Stephen Attwell

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET Woodbridge Farmers’ Market will be on Saturdays, February 11 and 25, 9am-12.30pm, at Woodbridge Community Hall.

We have some new stalls for 2017 and also a friendly café selling hot drinks and home-made items to eat straightaway. Why not pay us a visit?

To join our mailing list and receive our popular e-newsletter, please contact Cordelia: woodbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com

ROGER DAVID BURROWS MUSIC FUND Have you ever been to an auction?

Have you ever wondered about the story behind antiques through history and in modern life?

Do you watch TV programmes such as Flog It or Bargain Hunt?

If you do, then put the date below in your diary.

The Roger David Burrows Music Fund presents by popular demand another evening with Elizabeth Talbot MRICS when she will talk about Antiques in Context.

FARMHOUSE FIVE 2017

Elizabeth is the auction room director of TW Gaze in Diss and has appeared on many television programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Flog It.

We are delighted to announce that the Farmhouse Five for women runners is returning to the local area for its second running.

Join us at St Michaels Church Centre, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL on Monday, March 6 at 7.30pm.

The Farmhouse Five 2017 will once again be based from the wonderful barn at Lux Farm on the Playford Road on the outskirts of Ipswich, and the five mile multi-terrain running race will follow the fabulous footpaths of the Fynn Valley.

Light refreshments, admission £6. The venue is fully accessible and there is adjacent free parking Further details from the Burrows family: www.rogerdavidburrows.co.uk / 01473 625196

WOODBRIDGE MUSEUM TALKS On December 9, in a talk entitled Seasonal Greetings, Julian Royle talked about his 40 years in the family business producing greetings cards.

It was a fascinating talk and it was especially interesting to hear about some of the illustrious artists who produced designs for the cards.

FUTURE TALKS February 17: Woodbridge Old Cemetery by Jane Bradbury March 17: The Royal Maundy Money by David Pitcher April 21: Simper’s Sitting on the Deben May 19: Woodbridge Tide Mill Talks take place in Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm.

Entry for Friends of the Museum is £2.50, visitors £3.50.

The next of our popular day schools will be held at St Mary’s House on Market Hill on Saturday, March 25, 9.30am-4.30pm, when Sean Lang from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge returns to talk on The French Revolution: Liberty and its Crimes.

Bookings and enquiries to Anne Merrett: 01394 385572

TUESDAY EVENING BINGO Bingo every Tuesday evening from 7.45pm at the Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge. Run by Action Medical Research.

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Taking place on Mothering Sunday, March 26 at 10am, the aims of the race are to encourage women runners of all abilities to explore and enjoy the glorious countryside on a supported and accessible off-road route.

The unusual ‘reverse start’ and the fun new team challenge means that everyone has a chance of winning on the day.

The event will proudly be supporting Ipswich’s Lighthouse Women’s Aid charitable organisation which supports vulnerable women who have experienced domestic violence in the home.

2016’s event saw 220 women entering the race and £730 was raised through entry fees as well as from our extensive raffle on the day. The event is very family friendly, with lots to keep everyone entertained and all supporters are extremely welcome.

Once again, the Farmhouse Five is recognised as a supporter of Sport England’s This Girl Can national campaign. All female runners over the age of 15 are eligible to take part in the event.

To enter online and for more information, please visit www. farmhousefive.co.uk and click on the big green button.

WOODBRIDGE ART CLUB The club’s gallery is now closed till the summer exhibition starts at the Easter weekend, but the club is still busy with a variety of weekly activities for members.

We currently have a few vacancies for painters of all abilities. You don’t need to be a Rembrandt or a Rothko, but if you enjoy messing around with paint you may like to join the club, polish up your skills and possibly learn new techniques at occasional workshops.

If you are interested in joining this lively club please contact the membership secretary for further details at Woodbridge Art Club, Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge IP12 1BY.

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OUT & ABOUT WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY Saturday, February 4, 9am-5pm / Sunday, February 5, 10am-4pm: Sale of ex-library fiction, all proceeds go to Woodbridge Library Thursday, February 9, 7pm Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations by James Hornsby.

Flagship Someone from Flagship is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

Tickets £10, £5 for full-time students). To book, please contact the library on 01394 446510. Proceeds will go the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

Writers’ Workshop: meets once a month on Tuesdays at 5.30pm Interested? Please email jeannie@butterwicks.com to open doors to creative writing.

Saturday, February 18, 9-11am: County Councillor Caroline Page will hold her surgery at the library

Creative Writing for All: meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm.

February 1-28: ArtLib Artwork by Natascha Scrivener, an author and artist from Suffolk specialising in pencil drawings, pastels and paintings.

For more details contact: jeannie@butterwicks.com

Throughout February: Display about Sae Wyfing See the developments leading towards the construction of the full-size replica of the ship that was buried at Sutton Hoo in AD 625.

Booked Out The book and film review show hosted by Woodbridge Library staff, is available on the Suffolk Libraries’ website and SoundCloud. This month we will be discussing books about health and well-being. If you’d like to get involved, come on the show and talk about a book or film you’ve borrowed, or have a suggestion for a future theme, please contact the library or leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Book Group Meets the first Thursday of the month at 2pm. On February 2 we will be discussing Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. This group is led by a member of staff. Please come along if you have read this title and would like to join in the discussion.

Woodbridge Novelists Meets fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. This is a reciprocal critiquing group for novel-writers who are working towards publication. For more details and contact information please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/woodbridgenovelists/home Costa Coffee book sale Costa Coffee on The Thoroughfare now have a book shelf selling donated fiction. All titles are 50p and 100% of the money raised goes to support Woodbridge Library. Drink coffee while supporting your local library.

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 bookmark for £1.

Meeting room and display boards available for hire • Community, charity, private groups: £10 per hour (minimum two hours) •

Commercial, statutory groups: £15 per hour (minimum two hours

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Display boards: £10 per week

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Staffed table display in the main library: £10 per half day

Free computer help and advice Contact the library to book a session or to find out more.

SNAP (Support & Advice Project) A SNAP support worker will be available every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am-noon for advice on all housing related issues, rent payments, arrears, budgeting and benefit changes.

Citizens Advice Bureau A CAB person is available for help and advice every Tuesday, 10am-noon.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

Knitting Club Every Friday at 2pm. For all types of knitters, expert to beginner, come and share your knowledge or pick up some tips.

Drawing Group Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10am. Each month this group explores a different aspect of drawing. No experience necessary but numbers are limited and this group is currently full. A voluntary contribution of £2 goes towards the Friends of Woodbridge Library.

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 in the library Meeting Room. This group plays modern strategy board games (Carcassonne, Powergrid, Caylus, 7 Wonders, Hey! That’s My Fish, Blokus and many more). 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.

Kid’s Club Craft Activities: every Sunday, 10.30am-noon February 5: Valentine’s Crafts February 12: Activity Sheet Fun February 19: Make your own placemat February 26: Activity Sheet Fun

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OUT & ABOUT EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE President Bertie Hirst recently presented £3,500 to Mrs Anne Barratt from the Woodbridge branch of St Elizabeth Hospice. Mrs Barratt thanked the club and said the money will be gratefully valued and of much help for the care of the suffering.

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 Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on February 21 when we are delighted to welcome Ben Cowell. Ben, formerly regional director of the East of England National Trust, will be talking about his first year as director general of the Historic Houses Association and the challenges that face historic houses in private ownership.

Members recently played 18 holes on the Forest Course at Woodbridge Golf Club for the Budge Cup, presented to the club many years ago by Budge Burgess. The trophy was won by Rotarian John Pearson (pictured left) with a fantastic score well in excess of 40 points. To cap it all John got a hole-in-one on the eighth.

On March 21 Paul Forecast, the new regional director for the East of England National Trust, will be setting out his plans for the next 10 years and, in particular, how the trust will play a more active role in saving nature. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome. The entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per 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

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE Our first meeting of 2017 was held on January 5, at which members enjoyed a talk by Peter Senior about his life as a chef. Peter began a five-year apprenticeship at the Charing Cross Hotel, London in 1957. His first task was to peel a large sack of onions. Undeterred by this, Peter went on to enjoy a varied career, working at a number of top hotels, including Gleneagles in Scotland.

He also spent eight years in Bermuda, ending as hotel manager. On returning to England, Peter worked in King’s Lynn, followed by The Crown at Framlingham and finally The Crown in Woodbridge.

DO YOU WISH TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY? OPEN EVENING Monday, March 13, 7.30-9.30pm Martlesham Heath Pavilion IP5 3UY Come and see what your local Rotary Club does in the Martlesham, Kesgrave, Melton and Woodbridge areas: • Serving the community • Involvement in international projects • Assisting other organisations through our networking • Welcoming people in the local area to meet and make new friendships Do you need our help? Would you like to join us in these activities?

Peter now spends time encouraging young people to cook through the Rotary Young Chef in East Anglia. This is a district competition in which budding young chefs have two hours to produce a three-course meal for £15 or less. The best two then go through to the regional final.

Come along to our informal open evening, join us in a drink and nibbles, see a short presentation and exhibition of current and prospective activities and chat to our members and friends.

The Inner Wheel quiz night is to be held on Friday, March 17 at Woodbridge Community Hall in aid of the Stroke Working Age Group Suffolk. For more information or to enter a team, please contact Deidre Griffin: 01473 612049

www.debenrotary.org

MARTLESHAM HISTORY SOCIETY Linda Sexton will present a talk entitled Suffolk Children in Care: The Story of St John’s Home on Monday, February 13.

After 1834, poor relief was only available through workhouses. Families were separated and conditions were purposely grim so as to deter the ‘undeserving poor’ from becoming a burden to ratepayers. By the mid19th century St Peter’s Workhouse in Ipswich had become overcrowded and so the guardians took the novel step of moving children, initially 53 boys, to a former pub owned by the Cobbold family to the east of the town in 1871. Meetings are held at Martlesham Heath Pavilion and start at 7.30pm. The admission fee is £2.50 and meetings are open to all.

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Just turn up on the night or contact us for further information.

SPRING FASHION EVENING The Orwell Singers in conjunction with Edinburgh Woollen Mills are hosting a spring fashion evening at 7pm on Tuesday, February 28 at Tower Hall, 5 Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU. Join us for a really fun evening which will include refreshments, a cake stall, a raffle and, of course, the latest fashion items presented by our very own ‘top’ models which will be available for purchase at 20% reduced rates.

Entrance is only £3.50 so make a date in your diary.

Full details will be available nearer the time on our Facebook page and from Debbie: 01473 635955 / 07768 911512

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OUT & ABOUT LIONS CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE & DISTRICT After the hectic Christmas period we take the chance to catch our breath, look back at the festive season and enjoy a social event or two.

The Christmas parcels project delivered a near record 200 parcels to people living alone, couples and families for whom Christmas might otherwise have been no different to any other day.

The value of the project is borne out by the many letters and cards we receive from grateful recipients, often saying that the fact someone has thought of them is just as important as the welcome groceries.

The club’s Christmas dinner saw an enjoyable meal followed by a few tales and anecdotes, rounded off by our now traditional carol singing.

The social calendar includes a theatre visit in January and an evening speaker in February, before the (hopefully) warmer weather tempts us outdoors again.

This year will see the 100th anniversary of the Lions’ movement and the 35th anniversary of the Lions’ Club of Woodbridge and District. There will be events to mark both occasions. A lasting legacy of the centenary will be new play equipment in Elmhurst Park.

For more about the Lions, please visit www.woodbridgelions.org.uk or call without obligation on 0845 8302820.

SPEAK EASY AT MARTLESHAM It’s not too late to act on those goals you set in January – ‘resolutions’ as we like to call them. Here’s one you can succeed at, with our help and support.

On Tuesday, December 20, members got together for a Christmas dinner at The Table restaurant in Woodbridge. A very sociable evening included a Christmas card competition judged by Vernon Blackmore, proprietor of The Table, who chose a card designed by Trevor Boyd as the winner.

Vernon kindly donated a bottle of wine as the prize and is pictured here presenting it to Trevor.

February 21: Print competition entitled Song Titles, judge Phil Chatfield 21 March: Workshop entitled Composition Beyond the Thirds led by Alan Sarsby Guests welcome. Members £2, guests £5. We meet at Woodbridge Quay Church at 7.30pm.

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

SUFFOLK ORCHID SOCIETY Suffolk Orchid Society will be holding its spring show on Saturday, March 25 at St Michael’s Church Centre (near Douglas Bader Public House), Martlesham Heath IP5 3UY, between 10am and 4pm.

In addition to a magnificent display of our member’s orchids there will be first class orchids for sale, re-potting demonstrations and advice on the cultivation of orchids including solving problems that may be encountered in their care.

Refreshments including light lunches will be available during the day.

Admission £1.

Let Speak Easy at Martlesham, your friendly neighbourhood speakers’ club, help you improve your public speaking in 2017.

Speak Easy is a Toastmasters International club. TI has spent more than 90 years devising and refining the best ways for all of us develop our public speaking.

Improving your public speaking also boosts your confidence and puts you on the track to becoming a better leader.

Toastmasters recognises this. In addition to speaking projects, there are leadership projects and opportunities within its educational ’tracks’.

The tracks are all supported by books and other materials to guide and challenge you. It’s always up to you how far and how fast you progress.

We meet every Thursday fortnight at the Richards Room in Martlesham (behind Tesco). Our meetings are structured to include impromptu speaking, formal speaking and evaluation.

Evaluation is a vital part of how Toastmasters’ clubs operate.

When you evaluate someone else speaking you not only help them, you also – through empathy and understanding – help your own speaking.

For further details or queries please call 07968 372563 or select Contact Us from the main menu at: www.speak-easy.org.uk You can just want turn up at a club meeting – you’ll find directions and club meeting dates at: www.speak-easy.org.uk/directions.html Speak Easy at Martlesham is all about learning to speak in a friendly, encouraging and enjoyable environment. We look forward to meeting you in 2017.

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In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT

IPSWICH & DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP The next open meeting will be held on Thursday, February 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road at 7pm. The main speaker will be Jenefer Roberts who will give a talk about her book Can I Eat That? a nutritional guide for Type 2 diabetics.

Our sponsor, Martin from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, will also give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills.

This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to source information on diabetes and talk to other people in similar situations.

Refreshments will be available free of charge, plus we hold a draw. There is no admission or joining fee.

Caroline Sagar from Diabetes UK will give a short talk on our aims for 2017 when we meet on March 9.

For more information email: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org / Facebook DSGroupIpswich

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SOROPTIMIST CLUB We really have just one thing on our minds at the moment – the event we are organising in partnership with the University of Suffolk and the Students’ Union as our contribution to the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Lighthouse Women’s Aid in Ipswich.

EQUALITY: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Friday, February 10 at the University of Suffolk There will be two speaker sessions: 1-3pm (aimed principally at university staff and students) and 5-7pm (aimed mainly at the public).

The keynote speakers will be Dr Emma Bond, associate professor at the University of Suffolk, who will review domestic abuse in Suffolk today and current trends such as the use of social media, and Melantha Chittenden, national NUS LGBT+ officer, who will talk about women’s equality within the LGBT+ framework.

There will be plenty to see in the foyer throughout the event. Lighthouse will present a Clothesline exhibition and an interactive Suitcase Journey.

U3A CHEERS UP FEBRUARY WEATHER Feeling blue? Don’t want to do anything till spring? Let the University of the Third Age give you inspiration.

If you are already a member you will know that the group/s you belong to always have a warm feeling when you meet to get down to your meetings and hobbies.

If you haven’t yet followed your New Year resolution to join U3A in East Suffolk, visit www.u3aeastsuffolk.org.uk or telephone the secretary on 03001 233913 right away to find out details of what we have to offer.

There are talks taking place in our four campuses in the next few months so come and have an interesting morning or afternoon with U3A where the campus co-ordinator and volunteers will be delighted to welcome you.

Salvation Army Hall, Felixstowe at 10.30am • T hursday, February 2: You Need to Talk to the Dog – the work of the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf by Malcolm Taylor • T hursday, March 2: So Climate Change is Real – What can we do about it? by John Midwinter Market Hall, Saxmundham at 2pm • T hursday, February 9: Hidden Treasures of East Anglia’s Secret Sea, the amazing variety of life in the sea by Rob Spray • T hursday, March 9: The Globe Theatre, how thousands of Londoners enjoyed the plays, from the illiterate to the top level of London society

by Mark Mitchels Kesgrave Community Centre at 2pm onday, February 27: Estuary Wildlife and Habitats, a •M journey around the glorious and varied estuary habitats of the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with Alex Bass Woodbridge Community Hall at 2.30pm •M onday, February 6: Felixstowe Ferry Men by John White •N o meeting in March •M onday, April 3: Giles and Ipswich, the life of the famous cartoonist by John Field Please put these dates in your diary. Visitors as well as members are welcome to attend one talk before applying to become a full member of U3A. The campus co-ordinator or volunteers at each venue will be available to give further details of applying for membership on the day.

There will be displays by charities and organisations which support women, an exhibition of posters/works on related topics by academics and students, a raffle in aid of Lighthouse and, of course, coffee and light refreshments.

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED

The event is free but there will be an opportunity to make a donation to Lighthouse.

Thursday, February 23: Decorated Notepad (Emma) Thursday, March 23: Butterfly Banner (Emma)

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, 7.30-10pm.

If you are interested in attending the event, places for the speaker sessions are limited so it is advisable to book via Eventbrite.

There are always other projects available with assistance from the committee and other club members

To get a ticket google Equality: If not now, when? and select February 10, 2017. We’d be delighted to see you there.

New members are always welcome.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

For more details contact: Jill 01473 713534 / Emma 01787 373850

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OUT & ABOUT MELTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY From 7pm on February 1, Melton Local History Society will be staging a unique event at Melton Primary School.

Melton Old School in The Street, Melton, is currently being re-developed so we have planned an evening of photographs, talks, illustrations and memories to celebrate the past, the present and the future of a landmark Melton institution.

If you have memorabilia of the Old School such as books, pictures, objects, and your own experiences, do bring them along to show and tell us. The society is very active in preserving local memories and we hope to hear your first-hand reports of what school life used to be like.

Melton Local History Society usually meets on the first Wednesday evening of the month at the historic Melton Chapel, with tea and coffee at 7pm for a 7.30pm meeting.

On March 1, local historical researcher and author Ray Whitehand will present a talk entitled Unearthing Suffolk Roots; The Life of a Gardener and Local Historian. We expect him to turn over some new ground in the field of local history and sow the seeds of fresh ideas regarding our ‘plot’.

For both these events, admission is free for members of the society, and visitors are very welcome with a small fee of ₤3.

For more information about Melton Local History Society and its activities please contact: mlhs.sec@aol.com / 07973 533796

MARTLESHAM ART GROUP We are a small friendly group of people who currently meet in The Richards Rooms to paint together. Our meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon from 1.30 to approximately 4pm and, at present, we have a limited number of vacancies.

Our sessions are not tutored, but we all gain from each other’s ideas and experience.

We meet all year round with the exception of August and around two weeks over the Christmas period. Payment is made on a six monthly basis or weekly if you prefer.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY After a Christmas and New Year break, the society reconvenes on February 1 when Dr Peter Webb will talk about the artist David Hockney. His lecture is titled David Hockney: Art as Biography. Dr Webb has been a personal friend of the Yorkshire artist since the 1970s.

Why not come along and enjoy some good company and an interesting talk? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months and we also organise interesting day visits. The wonderfully illustrated lectures are presented by national and international lecturers and start at 2.15pm (2pm arrival is advised). Guests and non-members are welcome, provided we have available space. A £6 donation is asked.

For more information contact Wendy Robbins: 07736 417347 / info@orwelldfas.org.uk www.orwelldfas.org.uk

SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST, WOODBRIDGE WILDLIFE GROUP Save Our Swifts is the theme of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s February talk at Woodbridge Community Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 16, when Edward Jackson presents an illustrated talk focussing on these incredible birds.

“With swift populations facing significant decline over the last 20 years, it’s time for action,” said Phil Smith, chairman of Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Woodbridge Wildlife Group.

“This will be a fascinating evening, a chance to find out more about how this remarkable bird lives and to learn how we can help to encourage it to return to Suffolk over future summers.”

Admission is £2.50 for adults, with children under 16 free. There will be a raffle during the evening and light refreshments will be served.

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

DEBEN FLOWER CLUB

If you would like to join us or want to know more please either call in and meet us one Wednesday afternoon or ring Diane on 01473 659257.

It seems a while now since we held our wonderful Christmas demonstration, quiz night, meal and workshop.

BRIGHTWELL UKULELES

All who attended these events had a wonderful time and enjoyed themselves very much. We now look forward to another successful and entertaining year at Deben Flower Club.

Brightwell Ukuleles will be on song again in February with meetings on Tuesdays, February 7 and 21 from 2.30pm in Brightwell Church Hall.

March meetings are planned for March 7 and 21.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, February 14 at 7.30pm in Kirton Church Hall and will take the form of a member’s evening. Our talented members will arrange flowers for your entertainment.

We are possibly approaching capacity for membership now if we are to retain a situation where everyone gets a fair opportunity for tuition and guidance, so if you are considering joining us do let me know so that you are not disappointed. We will make every endeavour to accommodate people who want to learn to play, but we may reach a point where we have to start a waiting list.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn new techniques in an informal atmosphere. At the end of the evening the arrangements will be raffled and lucky members will take home a beautifully arranged design.

We have set about learning the different ways of playing the instrument so that each can make a contribution to producing a broad repertoire of music, but still making sure that all members are included in everything we do.

Finally we now a Facebook page – Brightwell Ukuleles – and also a dedicated email address shown below.

Geoff Lambert 01473 624130 / brightukes@btinternet.com

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Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served. Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome, £4.

WICKHAM MARKET FLOWER CLUB Wendy Goodliff will present a demonstration entitled A Stitch in Time on Thursday, March 23 at Wickham Market Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Your first visit is free; do come along and bring a friend.

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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT WOODBRIDGE CRUISING CLUB

OPEN DAY IN WOODBRIDGE TO HELP THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS One in six people in the UK have a hearing problem, and if you think this sounds familiar there hasn’t been a better time to have your hearing checked. Hearing tests and professional advice are being made available free of charge to encourage people to take that first step.

Local hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre, have a hearing centre at Framfield House Surgery. They will be holding a free Hearing Care Open Day between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday, February 15 and Thursday 16. All services are available by appointment only.

To book your appointment call The Hearing Care Centre on 0800 096 2637 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk

COME TO MESSY CHURCH IN WOODBRIDGE Families of all pre-school and primary school children are welcome We meet at Woodbridge Methodist Church where we begin with a light breakfast before listening to a Biblical story followed by lots of fun activities.

Our next session is on Friday, February 17 when the theme will be Jesus calms the Storm.

SPRING TERM AT BRIGHT STARS At Bright Stars we started the term making shiny crowns to wear as we walked in the footsteps of the wise men who went to see Jesus after he was born. We followed the star around St Michael’s Church Centre, encountering hazards such as mountains and deserts which we sang our way through until eventually we found Jesus.

If you are a baby, toddler or pre-schooler who would like a fun start to your week we would love you to bring your parents, grandparents and/or carers to join us at Bright Stars. We meet at St Michael’s Church Centre, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL at 10.30am on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during term time. Each session is full of fun children’s activities, including singing and Bible stories for children, plus games and crafts. The half hour sessions are free and are followed by refreshments and a chance to play until approximately noon, while the adults enjoy a chat!

Why not come and visit us? You are welcome to just turn up on the day at any of the sessions, but if you would like further information please contact us on the numbers below. We look forward to welcoming you.

Our remaining session dates for the spring term are February 27 and March 13 and 27.

For further information please contact: Jennie Fidler – 07584 420729 / Sonya & Maureen Burrows – 01473 625196 / Sue Lambert – 01473 624130

www.keepingintouchwith.com/woodbridge

Dinner jackets and fancy frocks were the order of the day for the Commodore’s Christmas Party held at the club on December 10. The hall was decked with holly and spruce and the tables laid with the finest crockery, the mock fireplace was hung with stockings in the forlorn hope of fooling Father Christmas into paying a visit. Members were treated to a sumptuous three-course meal followed by a cabaret sketch featuring Daphne Warwick, Bernice Richens and Clive Hilton. Perched on high stools in Dave Allen style they highlighted the various aspects of the club in verse much to the appreciation of a full compliment of diners.

Not to be outdone, the Commodore replied in verse, thanking those who had organised the event before presenting Stephen Lines with the Don George Trophy for the best photograph taken on a cruise.

Later in the month Ted and Diana Evans proved that an extra bit of effort can be well worthwhile when they treated an audience of over 75 members to an illustrated account of their ‘mast down’ route through Holland.

While most people opt for the ‘mast up’ route for the obvious reason that it avoids the hassle of taking down the mast, Ted designed and tested a gallows contraption to allow him to lower his mast and discover parts of Holland seldom visited by less inventive sailing boat cruisers.

Their seven-week trip gave plenty of time for exploring interesting and historic sites including Scheidam, a town originally encircled by 20 windmills milling grain for a gin distillery which date from 18th century and surely upstaging Amsterdam in the mouse housing stakes.

In the Hague they visited a 1:25 scale model where a tour of the culturel delights of the whole country can be made in a single day – probably of great interest to Japenese to American tour operators. They bathed in the Rhine when temperatures in the boat cabin reached 40 degrees and motored down the River Vecht which is considered by the dutch to be the prettiest in Holland. While acknowledging this, Ted and Diana averred that it is not a patch on the Deben. They sailed rivers, canals and meres of all shapes and sizes and passed many unusual vessels, including one barge towing a house.

They clearly had a fabulous trip, experiencing many of the things that had been on their ‘bucket list’, but Ted confessed that it would probably be their last voyage of this length, though he also showed a photo of a boat called Heaven Can Wait.

Finally, to round off 2016 a 60s themed disco night was held in the clubhouse thanks to DJ Chris Baird. Evidently revellers had outgrown their flares and bobby-socks, but had not lost the spirit of the era as they ‘twisted the night away’.

All the old favourites came out and we all knew the words! The dance floor was packed as rock-and-roll gave way to The Locomotion and eventually a few strict tempo numbers to regain breath. Sustained by a finger buffet and an ever-open bar members danced on, ending with the Hokey-Cokey and the conga as the chimes of Big Ben heralded the start of 2017.

Happy New Year to all.

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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH With Nick Plumb This month, I have responded to two questions from In Touch readers that landed in my email in-basket over the Christmas period.

IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL January saw another big entry in the popular Suffolk six-a-side series at Maidenhall Sports Centre with seven teams in each of Division 1 and Division 2. However, it wasn’t such a successful tournament for Ipswich Ravens due to many of our players suffering from seasonal flu. Our first team in Division 1 was particularly badly affected and we lost all four of our games, two of them against sides we beat comfortably in December.

Diss II and Suffolk University both entered teams for the first time in Division 2 as well as Ipswich Ravens Women, showing how this popular sport is growing in our region. In Division 1 the Ravens continued our improvement from last month with a solid performance. Three wins and one defeat left us in a creditable third place out of the seven teams.

Captain Chris Giles said: “Our performance was much improved from last month. We really earned our three wins with some sublime hitting from chief hitter Ugis backed up by good all round teamwork.”

DIV 1 RESULTS Ipswich Ravens 13-21 Diss Ipswich Ravens 12-21 Stowmarket II Ipswich Ravens 16-21 Ipswich I Ipswich II 21-16 Ipswich Ravens However, our spirits were lifted by our improving ladies team in Division 2 who finished a very creditable fourth out of seven teams, including two wins and the narrowest of defeats by a single point. This was a fantastic performance as it was only the second time the ladies have entered the tournament, it was a result which reflected fairly on the hard work they have been putting in at our weekly practice sessions under the guidance of their dedicated coach.

DIV 2 RESULTS Ravens Women 20-21 Stingers Fil Suffolk Smashers 17-21 Ravens Women Seagulls 8-21 Ravens Women Ravens Women 11-21 Stowmarket Aces January 11 was the third anniversary of the date when Ravens was first formed. We’re delighted with the progress we have made since then.

The club is thriving and competing with other volleyball clubs throughout Suffolk who are much more established. We›re looking forward to growing the club further during 2017 and getting more people to learn what a great sport volleyball is.

Ipswich Ravens hold club practice sessions every Saturday from 2-4pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. We are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone, male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. We have qualified coaches who run the sessions with a mixture of training drills and friendly games, making them very enjoyable while helping participants to improve their skills and fitness.

If you are interested in joining this growing sport, call/text 07508 351875 or visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk

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Alan from Ipswich asks: “I have just started receiving my state pension and a company pension of £14,000 a year from the old GEC scheme. The state pension is paid to me gross with no tax deducted, but my GEC pension has income tax deducted and is paid to me net of that tax. Why is there a difference, and should I be paying tax at all?”

Yes, you will pay a certain amount of tax on both pensions, as your total pension income is above your annual personal income tax allowance of £11,000, which is what you are allowed to earn before income tax is deducted at basic rate (currently 20%).

Pension income (from state or private pensions) is classed as ‘earned’ income and is therefore taxable above £11,000 a year.

Although your state pension is paid to you gross, this does not mean that you don’t pay tax on it. The tax is actually collected by an adjustment to your tax code. Check your last notice of coding, and you will see that your tax code is different to when you were working. The pension system would not be able to cope with working out everyone’s individual income tax, so they leave the tax to HMRC, who alter your tax code to compensate.

The GEC pension is taxed at source, and tax is deducted by the company pension administrators before the pension is paid to you. However, it is important to check that you have been put on the correct tax code as I have seen many examples of people paying too much tax on their company pensions over the years.

Peter from Needham Market asks: “I am the director of a limited company employing 12 members of staff. I would like to introduce a free life insurance scheme that pays out a lump sum to the staff member’s family if they died. What is the best way to do this through the company?”

A ‘death in service’ scheme for a group of employees is usually arranged as a Group Life Insurance scheme, which falls under the ‘tax approved’ rules that also apply to group pension schemes.

Such schemes offer various tax advantages for you as the employer and for your employees.

The premiums the company pays are tax-deductible as a business expense and the premiums are not treated as a ‘benefit in kind’ for your employees, so they will not suffer a tax charge on them.

Any Lump-sum death benefit paid on the death of an employee would be paid free of income tax and, if it is paid out under a discretionary trust, it will not normally be liable for inheritance tax when paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased staff member.

Nick Plumb is an independent financial adviser and practice principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE GET UP AND GLOW FOR HOSPICE

RARE CHANCE TO SEE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE The Rous family and Bruisyard Hall events team are hosting a Wedding Open Day on Sunday, February 26, 11am-4pm. Having undergone a top to bottom luxurious refurbishment in 2012, this open day is the only available weekend to view the hall for at least four months.

The Wedding Open Day at Bruisyard Hall is free to attend and there’s no need to book ahead. It gives couples the chance to tour the 14th century hall and barn that can host up to 140 guests for a ceremony and wedding breakfast. The event provides a great opportunity to sample some canapés as well as free Prosecco for the first 50 guests through the door. Everyone will get a goodie bag to take away with them. The weddings team, led by Serena Beddoes, will be on hand to check availability, talk through catering options and answer any questions that may arise. There will also be some special offers running exclusively at the open day.

St Elizabeth Hospice’s biggest event of the year, the Midnight Walk, is back for its 11th birthday event and if you sign up before the end of January you can save £5.

The hugely popular event, which saw a record-number of people taking part in May earlier this year, will return on May 20, 2017 and back by popular demand is the neon theme.

However, this year’s Midnight Walk will have a few alterations, with a brand new start and finish location – the Cornhill in Ipswich town centre.

There are also two brand new routes – a six mile and a 12 mile – both of which will pass the hospice on Foxhall Road so all walkers will have the opportunity to hang a personalised tag on the Tree of Remembrance.

Catherine Sheppard, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “We are very excited to launch the Midnight Walk 2017 and we hope it will be as successful as 2016 which raised an incredible £220,000 for the hospice, making a huge difference to our patients and their families.

“The neon theme proved very popular. It was fantastic to watch Ipswich glow last year and we wanted to bring that back again to the town.”

All participants will receive an exclusive Midnight Walk 2017 T-shirt, medal and a hot chocolate at the finish line.

You can save £5 and register for just £10 with the early bird offer before January 31, 2017. From February 1 registration will be £15.

Be part of Suffolk’s biggest celebration of life and sign up now at: www. midnightwalkipswich.co.uk To request a paper form contact: 01473 707043 / midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Guests will also have the opportunity to speak to a number of Bruisyard Hall’s trusted suppliers including: Dreamwave Events, Dominic Whiten, Gainsborough Quartet, Akexpressions Photography, Moat Farm Flowers, Kitty’s Cakes, Natasha Hurley Photography and Helen Newman.

Bruisyard Hall Weddings and Events Manager Serena Beddoes explains: “Luxury, tranquillity and comfort are woven together to make Bruisyard Hall an idyllic countryside wedding venue. The tricky part is finding a weekend when it’s not booked to show people around. That’s why our Wedding Open Day really is an opportunity not to be missed. The team and I are looking forward to welcoming couples and their families to the Hall and Barn. Once they see the beauty of Bruisyard and feel the warmth of the buildings and the team, we’re sure we’ll win their hearts.”

Robert Rous, owner of Bruisyard Hall, added: “The special thing about a wedding at Bruisyard is that it becomes your home away from home for the duration of your stay. We provide privacy, comfort and independence.

This, and the fact that it is a family business with the whole team working to ensure that the occasion is really special for each person, makes Bruisyard Hall a sound choice for couples looking for a stunning wedding experience from start to finish.”

Bruisyard Hall is a magnificent 14th century stately home turned exclusive use country house. The stunning building and its barn are set in 700 acres of beautiful parkland and forest in the Suffolk countryside. Not far from Framlingham with easy access from the A12, Bruisyard Hall and Barn have been lovingly refurbished to a very high standard throughout. The hall can accommodate up to 24 people in its 12 bedrooms – perfect for the bridal party. And with over 45 rooms, including a games room and attic bar, there’s no chance of getting under each other’s feet.

For more information please visit www.bruisyardhall.com or contact Serena Beddoes on 01728 639 000.

Photo by James Davidson

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