The Stradbroke Monthly April 2013

www.stradbroke.org.uk

£1 where sold

April 2013 No.390

Stradbroke Library closes for refurbishment Stradbroke Library will be closed for a week in April to allow refurbishment work to take place at the Courthouse where it is based.

The library will be open on Sunday 7th April, then closed until Tuesday 16th April (the library is closed on Mondays).

The work is part of an exciting project to develop the Courthouse building into a modern community hub which can provide a greater range of facilities and activities. The library will be closed to allow an opening to be made so it is more integrated into the rest of the Courthouse building.

Suffolk Libraries apologise for any inconvenience, but many people have been made aware that the work was due to happen at a recent consultation event.

Any library loans due to be returned to the library during the closure will be adjusted so they can be returned after the work. People can use any Suffolk Library with their library card to borrow or return books. The closest libraries are Eye, Debenham and Framlingham libraries which will be open as usual.

James Hargrave – Suffolk Libraries

Stradbroke Festifull Returns – June 29th & 30th The 2013 festifull aims to be bigger and better than ever, with more for everyone. In addition to all the usual events (dog show, animal displays, side shows, stalls, & bouncy castles) we aim to resurrect some traditional fairground favourites such as the coconut shy, “splat a rat”, Stocks, and much more. We also plan new exhibits including “The Stradbroke Market Hall”, and a display of Military Vehicles. The second day will build on the success of last years “Its a knock­out/Wipeout” with even zanier fun and games for all the family – and yes the Gunge tank will be there as well.

Stradbroke’s 5-a-side youth football tournament (boys and girls) will also be running over the whole weekend bringing visitors and families from around the county to our village. So remember the dates June 29th & 30th.

These events take a lot of arranging, but are great fun for both the organisers and the participants.

Additional help would be much appreciated either before or on the day. Please get in touch with either Don (388098) or Nigel (384034) if you would like to volunteer your services.

Don Darling

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Local Churches Stradbroke Baptist Church Stradbroke Baptist Church, Laxfield Road Stradbroke, Suffolk A place of new beginnings. We welcome you to join us.

April Diary Sunday Services each week at 10.15 am 14th J. Ling 7th G. Catling We welcome you to join us…

Come and pray Monday 8th Cameo Lunch Club Wednesday 10th Youth Club Friday 19th Drop in for coffee Wednesday 24th Home based Study & Prayer Wednesday 24th

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21st J. Sullivan 28th TBA 7:30pm 12:30pm 7:30 - 9:30pm 10 – 11:30am 7:30pm

Book this date: What? Spring Supper + Quiz Night When? Saturday 18th May 7pm Where? At Stradbroke Baptist Church All change - New Faces March has seen the arrival of several new faces on the Christian scene. We have welcomed the Rev Susan Loxton as the new rector of Stradbroke and wish her God’s blessing as she moves into the village.

That’s the local news; but on the international scene a newly elected Archbishop of Canterbury is awaiting his enthronement and a new Pope has been chosen to represent the Roman Catholic Church. These gentlemen carry a heavy responsibility as they represent the Christian Church world-wide. Equally local leaders, together with all men or women who claim Christian belief, have the duty to represent not just the Church as an organization but to represent God who they believe in, and the saviour Jesus whom they serve.

It has been interesting and informative to follow the news reports following these appointments: generally reports have been positive. But a few pundits who are known for their disbelief have made their usual comments describing the Church and its appointments as totally irrelevant to the modern world.

Listen carefully and the detractors often appear not to understand the basic nature of Christian belief.

Christians do not claim to know all the answers and certainly would not suggest they are in any way superior. Believers are just ordinary folks who realise their imperfections and acknowledge a need of help from God. Life’s experience has proved that God’s help is available and freely given to those who ask Him. Is it time for you to ask for God’s help? Is it time to seek answers to some of those important questions of life?

Now for something new at Stradbroke Baptist Church: New YOUTH CLUB begins on the 19th April.

For further details please contact: John 388751, Jackie 384112, Malcolm 384797 or Bev 586731

Stradbroke Good Neighbours Our telephone number is 07749445531 :- can we help you ?

Need someone to check your smoke alarm?

Need a lift to the surgery?

Need a prescription collected? Need a light bulb changed? Need an odd job done ?

With ever increasing fuel prices we have revised our journey charges and will inform anyone phoning for a lift the cost of their journey. We would appreciate at least 24 hrs notice and look forward to being of service.

If you are new to the village there is a Good Neighbour Welcome Booklet that could provide useful information. If you would like one please contact :- 07749445531

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Local Churches

All Saints, Stradbroke

7th April

Family Service

14th April

Holy Communion

21st April

Parish Communion

28th April

5th May

11.15 am Led by Jennifer 10.45 am Coffee/Tea 8.00 am Led by Rev Susan 11.15 am Led by Rev Peter Schweir 10.45 am Coffee/Tea

Holy Communion 8.00 am Led by Jennifer Informal service 5.00 pm Led by Rev Susan Join us for tea and cake first.

Family Service

11.15 am Led by Jennifer

All Saints Church Fund Raising Committee The Cake Stall on the 2nd march raised £131.15, a marvellous result. The Beetles with Pancakes was a fun evening and raised £140.00 Our next event is a Fashion Show on April 19th in the Community Centre. Tickets on the door. Clothes from Polly’s Place in Harleston. Starts 7.30pm. The Art forms are coming in very slowly. Anyone wishing to exhibit, please let me know. This is on May 1st to 6th with a preview on 1st May with tickets for sale for £6 including wine and finger buffet. Once again, thanks for raffle prizes. Have a happy and beautiful Easter. (ps, Roly still has some potatoes for sale to grow for the village show.)

Mary Ellis

Coffee morning You are warmly invited to join the few ladies who help with cleaning in the church, for coffee at Thirkettle Cottage, Queens Street (opposite the Court House) on Weds 17th April from 10.30 to 12 noon.

Everyone is welcome, whether you can help with a task in the church or not, whether you worship with us or not.

Thoughts from Canon David Winter Through Lent he has helped us explore 5 Glimpses of God. There is The God who hears our cry when we are suffering; sometimes the result of being human and living on an unpredictable planet.

God is not indifferent to human suffering; if the problem was human, then there are humans – called, supported and enabled by God – to provide the help and answer.

God is the Shepherd who guides and guards his people, promising that He will be with us, through the bleak experience along the way known to Him. God does not sleep, he is never off duty; he never rests from his eternal task of guarding and guiding his people Then He is the Son who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. If we are seeking God, he answers as Jesus, ‘Come and see’. We can look at the signs of love in human relationships, the touch of a friendly hand.

Best of all when we look at Jesus, we may begin to see God. He is the God who shares our pain. In the person of his Son Jesus, God experienced all human emotions in the suffering and death of his Son. He understands and will stay close to us if we call Him. He is also the God who calms our fears; fears of hunger, cold, ill- health and poverty; anything large or small. Just as when a child wakes from a nasty dream, the arrival of a parent has an instantly calming effect, so will God our father help us through our worries.

Great reassurances as we come together on Sundays. You are warmly invited to join us and find the service that suits you.

Take care, Jennifer

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Street Farm, Laxfield Road

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Stradbroke Parish Council

The Parish Pump!

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 11 March 2013 At the Public Forum the Council was made aware of two accidents occurring when people missed their footing when leaving the pavement outside the Community Centre. The Council discussed this and were working towards a solution. Information about the planning applications before the Council at this meeting was also given.

NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: 8th April 2013 7.30pm

PLANNING: At the There were two applications for consideration at this meeting: Community Centre 0484/13 and 0485/13. The Council recommended approval, by a majority vote, for these applications with stipulations as to the screening to be employed and maintained.

The Planning Committee had met to discuss applications 0216/13 and 0217/13 and approval had been recommended for these.

Results of planning applications considered by MSDC since the PC last met: Approval granted for: 0128/13 Re-pollard Sycamore Tree and Coppice a younger specimen The Maltings, New Street Full details of the applications listed above can be found on MSDC website or contact the Clerk for further information.

OTHER BUSINESS: VACANT SEATS: Sue Morgan took her seat at this Council having signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Don Darling had volunteered to fill the last remaining seat and was unanimously co-opted onto the Council. He, too, signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and so took his seat straight away.

LIBRARY AND COURT HOUSE: the consultation is open until Easter so do have your say on this important topic.

COMMUNITY CENTRE CAR PARK: trial holes had been bored to assess the surface and substrate prior to a specification for resurfacing being produced. These holes and others had been temporarily repaired by MSDC. A specification for the resurfacing work had been received and this would now be put out to tender.

POLICE REPORT: there was no report produced in time for the meeting but the Clerk was advised that here had been no reported crime in the village since the February meeting. The next priority tasking meeting will take place at The Village Hall, The Street, Thornham Magna, IP23 8HB from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday 9th April 2013.

SPEED WATCH: following communication with the Laxfield Clerk there would appear to be enough volunteers to set up a Speed Watch scheme to serve the two villages. It was hoped this could now be moved forward.

STREET LIGHTS: things were moving forward slowly to have all the lights in Stradbroke adopted by the County Council thus removing the responsibility and expenditure away from the parish.

The Suffolk ‘Warm Homes Healthy People’ scheme may be able to help you make heating and energy improvements to your home this winter. The scheme is funded by the Department of Health and administered by your local authority and aims to make people warmer and healthier in their own homes.

You could qualify for the free survey if you own or privately rent your home and: • someone living in the property is over 60 or under 5 years old or • someone living in the property is in receipt of a disability or means tested benefit or the property is within Council Tax band A, B and C To book a survey, all you have to do is call 08456 037 686 (lines open between Monday-Friday 9 - 5pm). Survey appointments are available evenings and weekends, as well as during the day.

If residents have any comments or observations to make about street cleaning would they please direct these to the Clerk and not Trevor. It is understood that requests have been made concerning the sweeping of Queens Street gutters and it should be noted that this cannot be undertaken when there are cars parked there.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on 02 May 2013 at 7.30pm in the Community Centre. All village organisations are invited to present a report, either in writing or in person. Refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting.

Please direct reports or enquiries to the Clerk.

The next meeting of the Parish Council: 08 April 2013 at 7.30pm Clerk to the Parish Council: Carol A Smy; tel: 01379 384679. email: clerkspc@thesmys.com **please make non-emergency calls to the Clerk between 0830 and 1800hrs Monday to Friday only**

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Dirty Oven??

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Bedrooms Fencing

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Organisations

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Life in the Legion The new branch secretary, Rev David Streeter, was the speaker at the March meeting, his subject being the Saints, plus his other interests, cooking, poetry and flower arranging. Chairman Michael Burton gave him a vote of thanks.

The next meeting is on Thursday, 11th April, at The King’s Head, Laxfield, at 11.30 am, when the speaker will be Vice-Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham KCB. The Annual Dinner took place in the Community Centre on Friday, 22nd March. Michael Burton presided, and led the Silent Tribute to members who had died in the past year. About sixty members and their guests enjoyed a meal provided by “Rich Pickings” of Harleston. The speakers were County Councillor Guy McGregor who proposed a toast to the Royal British Legion, and the reply was given by County Chaplain Rev Richard Stretch. Branch Padre Rev David Streeter proposed the health of the guests, and the response was provided by Sue Doy, one-time Mayor of Southwold. The Ken Richardson Memorial Shield was presented to former branch secretary Jeremy Higgins, and the Tommy Campbell-Preston Tankard to treasurer Bernard Mills. A raffle run by John and Jill Graham raised over £200 for branch funds. Finally Hazel, the eldest daughter of the late Graham and Evelyn Neale, unveiled a painting

by Margaret Streeter of Wingfield Church where Graham was churchwarden for many years. He was also a most active officer of the local RBL. Evelyn was a member, and was president of Stradbroke W.I. over thirty years ago.

The painting will hang in the Community Centre.

Michael Burton, Chairman.

W.I The evening started in a light hearted vein as the Hoxne Duo (Vicki and Vera) made a grand entrance into the hall sporting Red Noses for ‘Comic Relief’. The noses were removed for the singing of Jerusalem, which this month was led by our new mini choir of Betty, Jane, Jean and Vicki. They are now booked for every meeting, such was their success. In her opening address our President Dorothy Readman welcomed David Streeter as a guest to the meeting. She then went on to congratulate Carol Darling, whose beautiful garden gained a double page feature in this month’s National Magazine ‘W. I. Life’. Publicity abounded as we also received four mentions in the Suffolk East W.I. Magazine. On a more serious note Dorothy reported that five members had attended the Parish Council Meeting on 11th March to press for improvements on the footpaths to the car park at the side of the Community Centre, as two accidents had occurred in recent months. As a result of that meeting, we have been informed that the PC will be putting in a dropped curb in due course. Serious matter over, we then sat back and enjoyed a demonstration by Jane Sago of Channel 4’s ‘Super Scrimpers’ on ‘Microwave Cookery’. This and the subsequent tastings were much enjoyed by members. Sue Gray gave the vote of thanks. Before the evening closed Amanda told us how much the members on the ‘Nordic Walking’ course had enjoyed it, and were now considerably fitter as a result. An invitation to the ladies of Stradbroke, why not join us for our next meeting and hear Joyce Kimber recount ‘ Life on the Wicked Stage’. A warm welcome awaits you. Next meeting is 11th April at 7.30 in the Community Centre.

Gill Bird

Wingfield and District Gardening Club Graham Proctor gave us a most interesting talk at the end of February on “Garden tasks in Spring”. In my own case, many of these still to be done! He emphasized the necessity of getting your hedges, trees and shrubs under control, weeding and mulching. He also brought a fine selection of unusual shrubs suitable for our clay soil and much advise on growing them. On the 9th March just before the snow returned but in the rain, the stalwarts in our group visited two lovely “gardens at their worst”! Despite being slightly flooded, the garden at Ivy Lodge was so tidy and provided excellent ideas for supporting roses and other plants. The Helebores were out and many plants gave us much promise for seeing “gardens at their best”. Much needed coffee and cakes were greatfully received.

We travelled to the second garden at Instead Manor. Also full of Helebores and coloured grasses together with beautifully pruned roses and well established hedges to break the wind (it is at the top of a hill). There was a carpet of snowdrops still out and lovely shrubs to help form various parts of the garden. Date for your diary: On 25th April we have a talk by Edward Martin on Garden Fashion in Suffolk around the 1700s. Because of the popularity of this speaker, this will be in Brundish Village Hall at 7.30pm.

For further information, contact Caroline on 01379 384674

Lottery Bonus Winners 49 J Bedwell, 36 R Ward, 11 D Bickers, 18 Mrs B Farrow, 19 Miss S Bryant. £48 donated to the Tennis Club, £48 to the Pudding Party District Bowls and £24 to the Community Centre.

Mary Ellis

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Organisations

Stradbroke Primary School The Spring Term is proving to be a very busy one and we certainly have had the weather to contend with! We understand the impact that closing school has on parents and children, and it is a very difficult decision to make. However, in the interests of safety, especially on the rural roads, we always try to let parents know in plenty of time. This year our new text messaging service helped us to do this very efficiently. Our ‘Beat the Winter Blues’ lunch at the end of January proved popular with children wearing their favourite woolly hat at dinner time! I heard it described by one of the children as a ‘Hattastic lunch’. Tuesday 5th February was ‘Safer Internet Day’ and the children learnt some valuable tips about ‘Connecting with Respect’ and using Social Networking responsibly. We should all be aware of the dangers out there and how to keep our youngsters safe.

Our Year 5 and 6 Basketball Team did us proud by winning every match they played at a recent tournament held at Stradbroke High School and they are waiting for a date when they will compete at the county finals. Well done to them! We also recently came third out of nine schools in a local hockey tournament!

Class 4 had an amazing day in school with a visit from ‘Inquisiquest’, where they developed their learning about the Mayan culture and created Mayan God puppets from wood. They worked so hard to complete them and they will be on display at our ‘Open Evening’ on Thursday 18th April from 3.30pm-7.30pm. Also on display will be our Science project work and displays of work across the curriculum. We have just celebrated World Book Day and turned it into a week of exciting literacy learning. A whole school writing project, a visiting storyteller and a day finding out about different authors! We finished the week by inviting parents in to a ‘tear-jerking’ Mother’s Day Assembly. National Science and Engineering Week is next on our agenda.

Our Music afternoon at the end of the half term was a great success, with a fabulous audience to perform to. So many skills were displayed by the children, from singing about ‘Alice the Camel’ to reciting complicated concoctions of rounds with a Mexican mood. Instruments were played with a flourish and songs were sung with enthusiasm and smiling faces. It made me very proud to watch them all!

I am writing with great excitement and have some great news to share! Our Class 2 teacher, Miss Wilbourn, has been chosen as a finalist for the ‘2013 Pearson Teacher of the Year in a Primary School’ award! The judges visited school and spent a morning with her, the children and staff and seeing some of the wonderful work she has done in the classroom. To reach the finals is amazing, as this is a national award and recognises the hard work of teachers all over the country. Well done to Miss Wilbourn, we are very proud to be supporting you through this! Watch this space!

Finally, by the time you read this Mrs Barrow will be back after her maternity leave. Baby Toby has visited us in school and is doing well.

Open Evening, Thursday 18th April 2013, 3.30pm to 7.30pm. Please see school website for details.

Mrs L Walsh - Acting Headteacher

Friends of All Saints Church “Tastes of the World” is on Saturday, 13th April, at the Community Centre at 7.30 pm. The eating world-cruise will take us from France to Morocco on to S.E. Asia, and India. Tickets are from Jacqueline Holmes at Church House, 384986, or from committee members, at £12.50 to include one glass of wine. Those of you who have been to our previous “foodie” evenings will know that it will be an evening to remember; the fabric of All Saints Church must not to be forgotten. The roof lead on the side aisle needs replacing; those of you who go into the Church when it’s raining need no reminding. Plant Sale on Saturday, 4th May, at Church Path. Our annual Plant Sale will be on Saturday, 4th May, at the same time as the Art Exhibition which is held in the Church over the Bank Holiday weekend. Do remember the stall when the weather finally allows us into the greenhouse - will Spring weather ever arrive!

Margaret Streeter.

Stradbroke Over 60s On Thursday 21st March we held an Easter tea along with a few friends. We had a competition for a homemade Easter card which was won by Rosemary Pipe, well done to you all that entered. We then played a few games devised by our secretary, Jean. We must thank all our members who baked the lovely cakes, and those who supplied the savouries also. They were all very Yummy. All in all it was a most enjoyable afternoon finished off with a very good raffle. Our April meetings will be held on Thursday 4th and 18th in the Community Centre from 2pm to 4pm. The 18th meeting will be our AGM. Our first outing of the year will be on 30th May. There will be seats for those that wish to join us. More details in next month’s magazine.

Joan Grimes

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Organisations

Stradbroke High School Shake, Ripple and Roll The aisles were a-rockin’ at Stradbroke High School, to the sounds of their latest stage production: Shake, Ripple and Roll, which, not surprisingly, is a rock musical set in an ice cream parlour, somewhere in America. The script was great fun and allowed actors of all ages a chance to get on stage to cut their teeth. The story revolves around the competitive world of ice cream with the manager (George Thompson) his four waitresses (Jessica, Megan, Sarah and Vicky) and Joey the skivvy (Kudzai Mzondo) strutting their stuff and singing beautifully. When the owner dies, enter the ‘wicked’ Deanne (Sasha Shaw) to take over the business…but, as usual, good wins over evil and all is put right by the end.

The hall was full for all performances, with the primary schools in the pyramid watching the dress rehearsal.

Worlingworth primary children also joined in on one of the numbers. An audience member was heard to say on leaving “What a great show, they have all worked so hard to put this on and it was obvious they were having a ball.”

Both the singing and acting were first class throughout and special praise must go to the Director Mrs Davison and the tireless Musical Director, Mr Williams.

Mr Lawrie Hammond Stradbroke High School Quiz Night at the High School The twice-yearly quiz night will be on Friday 26 April at the High School, from 7.30pm. By popular demand your quiz master is again the school’s ex- Head of Science – Steve Keeble. As usual, tables of four please - your task, if you agree to take part, is to beat the teachers’ team who once again pipped the governors’ four last year and, quite frankly, need to be taken down a peg. Refreshments will be available at reasonable prices and a few free crisps thrown in. So, if you fancy your chances to win the seriously over-valued first prize or you just want a fun night out on the town, get a group together and join in.

Mr Hammond - Stradbroke High School SCRAP DAY II – 20th April In October last year the High School team drove around the village and collected your scrap metal from the kerbside. It was a great success, you got rid of all you old rubbish and we got very wet, but made an amazing £454.

The follow-up event will be held on Saturday 20 April. So once again we are asking you to clear out your garages and sheds and pile up anything metal (or mostly metal) outside your house and our team of volunteers will load up Levi Smith’s truck and take it away. Out by 9.00am please. As before, we will concentrate on the main village but if you have lots we will drive to the outskirts to pick it up. Call me on 01379 383001 to ‘book’ a pick up. Similarly, if you have something that needs someone strong, call me and I will… ask Levi. The school car park will also be open as last year – where loads can be dropped off. We can take plastic-covered wiring, car parts, washing ma-

1st Fressingfield Scout Group Goodwin Hall – lease discussions: The Executive Committee of the 1st Fressingfield Scout Group is pleased to announce that the Goodwin Hall Trust (landowners of the Scout HQ at the Goodwin Hall) have agreed in principle to offer the Group a 25 year lease, subject to various conditions.

Annual census shows growth for fourth year: The annual Scout Association census of membership has shown that 1st Fressingfield Scout Group has grown for the fourth successive year Leadership Development weekend: Last weekend saw 30 members of the Scout Group’s leadership team (Leaders, Executive members and young leaders/explorers) spending time at Thorpe Woodlands. The programme involved team building, practical skills development, navigation training and planning for future.

Volunteer VACANCIES: While the number of adults volunteering to take up roles in the Scout Group increased significantly over the year we have a number of opportunities open for uniformed leaders Kenyan Expedition, days away: With just a few weeks before the Explorers head to Kenya – for the two week expedition – the final preparations are being made and last few injections are being administered! Wish us luck.

Group Camp – planning underway: All members of the Scout Group will be descending on Thorpe Woodlands, near Thetford for our annual Group Camp. We will be camping over the weekend 7th-9th June (Beavers 8th-9th). Activities (depending on age) will include, mountain biking, high ropes, caving, kayaking, wide games, camp craft, team challenges, camp fire circle, swimming, orienteering, archery and much more. This will be the best Group Camp we have ever had and shouldn’t be missed. Booking forms will be sent out soon, once activities and costs have been confirmed. We are expecting approximately £55-£60 per young person and £35 special rate for Beavers. See you there! For further info please contact Andrew on Mobile: 07908 262623 Email: andrew.aaldersdunthorne@talk21.com Web: www.fressingfieldscoutgroup.org.uk

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Barn View, Wilby

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Tel Home: 01379 384641

eMail parishmagazine@stradbroke.org.uk

Mobile Number 07775 716629

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Page 14

Forthcoming Events

Stradbroke & District Royal British Legion * Last Night of The Proms * To Celebrate England and St. George, Stradbroke & District Royal British Legion present “Last Night of The Proms” with the Ipswich Hospital Band at Stradbroke High School on Saturday April 20th at 7pm.

Admission £5, celebration drink included.

There will be a prize for 'The most patriotically dressed ticket-holder' .

Tickets available by post with a SAE from: Bernard Mills, 21, The Orchards, Laxfield, Suffolk, IP13 8EE. Or from, Horham Post Office and Stradbroke Spar Stores.

Joyce Cooper

Stradbroke Cinema On Thursday, 25th April, at 7.00 for 7.30 pm, admission £5.50, we are showing “Anna Karenina”. The Bar will be open and ice creams on sale in the interval. Anna Karenina is a 2012 British romantic drama film directed by Joe Wright and adapted by Tom Stoppard from Leo Tolstoy’s 1877 novel of the same name. The film depicts the tragedy of married Russian aristocrat and socialite Anna Karenina and her affair with the affluent Count Vronsky. Keira Knightley stars in the lead role as Karenina, while Jude Law and AaronTaylor-Johnson appear as Alexei Karenin and Vronsky, respectively. Pious Tolstoyans may knit their brows about the stylistic liberties Mr Wright and the screenwriter, Tom Stoppard, have taken, but surely Tolstoy can withstand (and may indeed benefit from) their playful, passionate rendering of his masterpiece.

Margaret Streeter

Chicken Cafe Saturday 27th April 09:00-16:00 You are invited to the Chicken Cafe at The Firs, Doctors Lane. A pop up cafe serving a cornucopia of delights, home-made cakes, savouries and soup, hot and cold drinks, plus a stall of Vintage clothing, second-hand books and good quality gifts to purchase. All profits to the Chicken Cooperative.

For details call Gill on 07590 478949

Stradbroke White Hart Bowls Club Prize Bingo Evening on Friday 26th April 2013. To be held at the Community Centre at 7.30pm. Many excellent prizes, raffle, refreshments, plus a flyer to win a hamper. Please join us for a fun night out.

Julie Ward

Stradbroke Bells - Advance Notice The Suffolk Guild of Ringers are holding their AGM at Stradbroke on Saturday 6th April. There could be in the region of 100 extra people in the village and intermittent ringing will occur throughout the afternoon and evening.

Trevor & Julie Hughes

Youth Club For all at High School & 6th Form. 11 – 18 years old. 7:30 – 9-30pm. £1 entrance fee – includes free hot drink. Tuck shop, games, crafts, cookery and more. Somewhere safe to hang out with friends, have fun and relax, and make new friends. For information call - Graham 01728 628303 or Bev 01379 586731. STARTING FRIDAY 19th APRIL AT STRADBROKE BAPTIST CHURCH

Coffee Morning Saturday 20 April at 18 Castle Crescent, Wingfield. 10 till 1 o'clock. Raffle and stalls. Proceeds to Colney Cancer Centre, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Everyone Welcome.

Many thanks, Kathy Barber

Stradbroke Church Village Show 27th July 2013. I still have buckets and potatoes for the heaviest crop grown in a bucket. Cost 50p. Available from 21 Woodfields, Stradbroke. Schedules available from the bakery shop and the Spar store. If you have any enquiries, please contact Roly Copping on 01379 384839.

Roly Copping

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Page 16

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Forthcoming Events

Page 17

Fun Charity Music Quiz Fun quiz in aid of Colostomy Association on Friday 10th May at Laxfield Village Hall. Teams of 4 maximum, £5 per head. Bring your own drink or bottles of wine will be on sale. Doors open at 7pm for a prompt 7.30pm start. To book your table, please call me on 01986 798422.

Caroline Emeny

Wilby WI Quiz Night April 5th. Teams of four. £3 per head including nibbles. Bar open. 7.30pm start. Book your team with Mary Ellis 01379 384642 or just come on the night.

Mary Ellis

SYFC Car Wash Saturday 20TH April 2013. 9am to 12pm. Come and have your car washed by SYFC footballers @ Stradbroke Community Centre Car Park. Car wash: £4.

Fundraising for SYFC footballers

Good Neighbours AGM Monday May 20th 10.30 am Club Room. Community Centre. Good Neighbours will be holding a coffee morning for our drivers prior to an AGM in the Club Room at the Community Centre on Monday May 20th at 10.30 am.

We will be pleased to see everyone there.

Jane Gemmill

Midweek Movies at Wingfield Barns Wingfield Barns are bringing Midweek Movies to Suffolk, with matinees and evening screenings to suit all cinema lovers . Beginning Easter week and then fortnightly. We aim to show both current and classic movies . Let us know what you would like to see in future on our Wingfield barns facebook page. Light refreshments will be served for the matinee and the bar will be open for evening screenings. Tickets for sale on the door £5 Gambit (12A) is showing Wednesday 3rd April with screenings at 1.30 and 7.30. Starring Colin Firth, Alan Rickman and Cameron Dias. This remake of the 1966 Michael Cain film is a comedy crime caper scripted by the Coen brothers. An art curator decides to seek revenge on his abusive boss by conning him into buying a fake Monet, but his plan requires the help of an eccentric and unpredictable Texas rodeo queen.

Argo’ (15) is showing Wednesday 17th April , Oscar and Bafta winner 2013. Starring Ben Affleck and John Goodman. Screenings 1.30 and 7.30. Tehran, 1979. An American embassy is stormed, and six hostages are forced to take refuge in a neighbouring Canadian embassy. Time is running out, but maverick ex-filtration expert Tony Mendez has a plan that's just crazy enough to work: disguise the hostages as part of a film crew who are scouting a location for the newest, biggest and fakest sci-fi film of the year, Argo.

Wingfield Barns Activities From 8th April - Full Body Fitness 6.30 to 7.25, Holistic Fitness 7.30 to 8.25 From 11th April - Fitness For Life 10.00 to 10.55, Block of 6 classes for £30 or pay as you go for £6 per class. For further details ring: Emily Orford, In The Pink Fit Tel: 07946 353731 From 9th April - French For Your Holidays 1.30 to 2.30 or 6.30 to 7.30, Block of six classes £25. Relaxed atmosphere no assessments. Learn enough to get by in France or a French speaking country.

For further details or to book ring: 01379 384505 13th April - Concert with Richard Digance 7.30, Tickets £15 Box office 01379 384505 3rd May - Concert with folk duo Megson 7.30, Tickets £12.50 Box Office 01379 384505 Sue Preston

White Hart Bowls Club Winning Lottery Bonus numbers from 1st Dec to 23rd February inclusive. Peter & Avril Herson, Ruth Chambers, Jon Ingles x 2, Sheila Ransome x 2, Viv & Roy Wilkinson, Colin Grovenor, Barry Ransome x 2, Christine Brown, Billy Revell, and Mike Readman. Many thanks to all those who have joined again. Wishing you all luck this time.

Valerie Ransome, Treasurer - White Hart Bowls Club

Page 18

News and Views

Back by popular demand, our famous cake, plant and preserve stall is to be held on Saturday 13th April from 9.00am-12.00, it will be held just off Church Street, outside Deep Footings and Farthings cottages in the cul de sac as before. We look forward to seeing you there, come along to support the Stradbroke Allotment and Gardeners' Association. We are also looking forward to the grand opening of the whole site, allotments, community orchard, meadow and woodland which will take place on 27th May. This will be co hosted by the Stradbroke Charitable Trust and SAGA and is a chance for us to celebrate the great generosity and huge amount of work put in by all the people who have made this project possible. It will also be a chance for local residents to come along and see what has been achieved, have a chat with allotment holders and maybe even put your name down for an allotment or raised bed. The event will also include the 'Best Scarecrow' competition which will be judged on the day, for details on how to make your scarecrow or if you would like to purchase a scarecrow kit from SAGA please contact Heidi Bellamy (club events co-ordinator) on tel:01379 384530.

Luke Heydon, SAGA chairman

Radio Stradbroke Easter Sunday sees the last Radio Stradbroke Sunday Session of the season. Because we have no permanent premises, we have to give Marty his home back, but look out for some outside broadcasts during the Summer. Thanks are due to those who have given their time since November: Marty Norris (Station Manager), Richard Pierce-Saunderson, DJ Wally Ward, DJ Dave, DJ Huggy, Kim Bannon, Wes Kent, Josh, Lingo, & Owen, and of course James Hargrave, as well as those of you who have bought into our vision of a Community Internet Radio Station. Some of those above can be heard on Sunday 31st March between 10am & 6pm for our last broadcast. Keep supporting us, & help our quest to have a studio in the Courthouse, as many of you did at the recent open day. Thank you.

Michael Hugman

Margaret Lockwood Memorial Quiz The final quiz in memory of Margaret was held on Friday 15th March 2013, the event was very well supported by the village once again with 15 tables taking part. The winners at the end of the evening were tied, and as a fitting tribute to Margaret her daughter Emma and team named, “Visitors From Afar” were in joint first place with last years winners from Stradbroke “The Wizarding Wordsmiths” our congratulations to both teams. As usual we have to thank Michael Hugman our question master for the evening, along with Marty for the sound system. Our thanks also to Don and Tony for manning the bar and Sue for selling raffle tickets. The total raised this year for Macmillan Cancer Support including donations was £355.00. This is the last quiz in memory of Margaret and we are pleased to report that since we started in 2002 we have raised £3815.20 in her memory. This has been donated to various cancer charities over the period of time as follows: Macmillan Nurses £1428.00, St Elizabeth Hospice £1538.00, Big C Appeal £218.10, Macmillan Cancer Support £631.10. We would like to thank all the people who have helped to make this possible each year, and all the teams who have taken part every time or just now and again. You’ve all helped to raise this money as a tribute to a lovely lady and our dear friend. Thank you for your support, Angela Rankin, Christine Brown and Julie Ward

The Suffolk Walking Festival 11 May - 2 June 2013 Ever wanted to weave your way through fields of flax, march through history, search for treasure or ramble through the countryside to the sound of poetry? Well now is your chance! With over 50 guided walks to choose from, The Suffolk Walking Festival is a cornucopia of delightfully themed walks that will take you through gently undulating countryside, around villages and towns awash with some fine architecture and along the wonderful landscape of the Suffolk Coast. The festival kicks off with the 'Launch Jaunt' at Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds on 11th May and runs for three weeks until 2nd June. In the middle of the festival (18 - 22 May) is the Discover Suffolk Challenge Walk, which follows the coast path from Landguard Fort, up to Lowestoft and covers 66 miles in five days. We don't want anyone to feel obliged to do all five days, but there will be prizes and lots of praise for those hardy folk who do! There is also a charity walk in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care, which is 14 miles around the lovely landscape of the Lark Valley. Not all of the walks are this long - there is a good range for all abilities and some suitable for children too. We hope you will join us on some of these walks. For the full programme, please visit the Suffolk Walking Festival website www.discoversuffolk.org.uk or any tourist information centre in the county where you can pick up a brochure and book tickets.

This festival is sponsored by Discover Suffolk and supported by all the local authorities in Suffolk.

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Page 20

News & Views

Memories of My Days in Stradbroke from1909 to 1923 by Claude Rush Part 3

The house next to the Baptist Chapel (west side) was occupied by Eli Rumsey, builder. He had an employee named Elliot – a big old man who always wore the real old cream coloured corduroys which squeaked at every step and seemed to be made almost of metal. He had fought in the Crimean War. Another old soldier was Gants Stearn who lived in the Old White Hart, the thatched house that adjoined the Churchyard in Church Street.

A number of women wearing out old clothes were still to be seen in the village with leg-o’mutton sleeves.

Stradbroke had three or four Shoemakers. One, George Rose, had a shop opposite the Post Office. He was a small, trim, quiet man, Church bell ringer and a Chorister for generations.

The chimney sweep was ‘Doler’ Rowe, almost stone deaf. He first lived in an old thatched house near the stile leading to Doggets (house now demolished, I think) then near the Hempsheaf. He had a large horn gramophone and used to stand with his head right in the horn to try to hear something of the band of the ‘British Grenades’. He could not hear how people pronounced words but did his best from print, thus certificate was ‘cretifut’ and recruiting was ‘resicuting’. I am now somewhat ashamed to say that we used to snowball the poor fellow so that he should run after us. His front door came in for heavy plastering too – there had to be a bombardment or he would not hear it!

‘Marty’ Ashford, a farm worker living, I think, in New Street, was reputed to have tied a load of loose hay on a wagon fastening the rope on one side to a spoke in a wheel so that when the horse moved off the wheel turned, it pulled the load off the wagon. I somehow think it was also said of him that while trimming a large tree, he sawed off the branch on which he was sitting!

I remember two or three occasions when someone was lying at home seriously ill and the noise of horses and cars passing by caused distress, so a thick layer of straw was put over the whole surface of the road outside the house, and for some distance either side. It was sometimes left there for quite a time, say a fortnight.

When I first went to Stradbroke no road there had any tar on it – the nearest tarred road was ‘the turnpike’ – the A140 Ipswich to Norwich road. Other roads in or near Stradbroke had surfaces consisting of either granite or flints rolled in with a binding mixture of gravel and water. Consequently roads were either dusty and gritty or slimy, soft and puddley with ruts and holes everywhere, except for the recently made-up stretches.

There was no telephone in the parish or nearby. The single wire which ran from Diss to Stradbroke Post Office was used for the transmission of telegrams in morse. When a telegram had to be delivered Harry Webb opened his side door and, standing on the step, rang a hand bell to a set formula (his own undoubtedly) a brisk a-ding thirteen times – understood by all around. This was the signal for Herbert Bayles to leave his harness repairing and report to the Post Office with his bicycle to deliver the telegram – anywhere in Stradbroke and beyond its boundaries too.

He once took a telegram to Rokeby Farm, Wilby, the roads were snow-covered, dark and difficult. On return, a long time afterwards, another telegram was awaiting delivery by him to the same farm. This second one cancelled the first. Poor Bayles!

Of course, this was long before broadcasting began, and the only means of checking correct time in Stradbroke was by the morse instrument at the Post Office. Harry Webb got a signal at 10 am Greenwich Time daily. Immediately on receipt of it he opened the Post Office side door and blew one long blast on a whistle (police type) to announce correct time to all within earshot. A Grandfather clock stood behind the counter and this was regarded as always showing proper time.

During the first summer I lived at Stradbroke (1909) interest was still being shown in the newly-opened railway – the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway (we called it the Miserable Sinners’ Last Ride). It was opened in 1908, I think, and ran from Haughley, via Mendlesham, Brockford, Aspall, Kenton, Worlingworth, Horham, Stradbroke and Wilby to Laxfield, with stations at those places. Stradbroke Station was about ¾ mile up the Wilby Road (called now by some Station Road) from the village centre, but it was such an attraction to see the train come in that on Sundays with light evenings a number of people came out of Church and Chapel and walked there to see it.

To be continued: Gerald Jenkins

SAS - Marquee for Hire From moneys raised from last year’s Festifull, Stradbroke All Stars (SAS) have been fortunate enough to be able to buy a high quality 8 x 4 metre marquee for use in subsequent events. For a small charge we would like to offer it for hire to organisations and private individuals within the parish. This will include assistance with erection and dismantling. The cost of hiring will be: Private functions £50 per day. Charity and fund raising events – a nominal donation. Other non-fundraising village events – by negotiation!

More information from either Don Darling 388098 or Sam Hackett 388872

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Page 22

Sports Roundup

Stradbroke Cricket Club Sunday 21st April is a date ringed on my calendar, the first game of the new cricket season. With a month to go, all I can see is snow. I have to put on four layers just to walk across the Playing Field. Being British isn’t all it is cracked up to be! Nature has a way of equalling out the seasons. I fear this year Nature needs snookers! Undeterred, the Cricket Club soldiers on. Before we look forward, we look back with an apology. In case HMRC read the Monthly, I must admit that the Club did not make £750 at the Race Night. I had not deducted the float! So the profit made should read £650 + £20 donated by a member unable to come. Perhaps this explains why I am Chairman and not Treasurer! Any road up, (aren’t they all at the moment?) two upcoming events at opposite ends of the spectrum are on the horizon.

Sunday 7th April is Nat West Cricket Force Day. All we ask is that Members/volunteers give up a couple of hours of their time from 10am to help us paint the score hut, put up the practice nets, help lay some paving stones to make a patio, put some chicken wire along the perimeter to keep cricket balls in & rabbits out, cut & roll the outfield, mark out the square, & tidy the equipment shed. The level of the bribe is a cup of tea & a bacon roll, plus that warm feeling you get from helping your local cricket club. Saturday 27thApril sees the Annual Pop Music Quiz at Community Centre at 7:30pm. Teams of 4, prize to the winning team, a mixture of music & spoken questions. Let us beat last years 22 tables. Cost £5 per person including nibbles. There will be a raffle & bar, and lots of fun. Booking a table with me (384433) would be appreciated, but not obligatory. We promise not to play Simon & Garfunkels ‘Hazy Shade Of Winter’!

Michael Hugman

Stradbroke Football Club Stradbroke v Cedars Park Home Won 4 - 3 Stradbroke v Claydon Res Away Lost 4 - 2 Stradbroke v Cedars Park Away Won 4 - 3 Stradbroke v Ufford Sports Home Lost 1 - 3 The last Cash Bingo was much better supported and raised £66.70. The next Cash Bingo is on April 12th. Talks are on- going with a view to join Junior and Senior football.

Mary Ellis

Stradbroke and District Bowls Club Our first fund raiser of the year, the Pudding Party held on Saturday, 16th March was very well attended, so a big thank you to all who came along. We were delighted that the total raised was £454.00, which has really given this year's fund-raising a very good start. Our next event is a Coffee morning in the Community Centre on Saturday, 18th May, there will be a selection of stalls, a raffle, cake staff, bottle stall, and others to be arranged, also refreshments, and, of course, a sunny day. With fingers crossed, our Green will be opening on Saturday, 20th April at 3.00 p.m. for members and anyone who would like to come along and have a go at bowls. There will be bowls available for you to use, just bring some flat soled shoes to wear on the Green. At 5.00 p.m. we will be playing our first Club tournament, the President's Cup, open to all members and we are looking forward to a good turnout.

Lily Lofts

Stradbroke Badminton Club Hello everyone. The following details the club’s results since the last issue.

Ipswich Men’s Div 6 Mar 14 Stradbroke 8.5 Hamlets 0.5 An excellent result, this was the last game of the season and the team have won all 12 games and will be promoted to Division 5 next season, well done to all concerned.

Ipswich Mixed Div 4 Feb 15 Stradbroke 3.0 Coastal Wanderers 6.0 Aldeburgh Mixed Feb 19 Stradbroke 4.0 Hoseley 5.0 The mixed league results are in some way affected by the need for more ladies to play in the league games, so if you are interested please get in touch by contacting us via the phone number below.

Due to the Easter holidays there are no club nights on Tuesday April 2nd and Tuesday April 9th.

Based on current forecasts the club intends to continue club nights through the remaining Tuesdays of April and possibly into May before we close for the season, however we will advise further in the next issue of this magazine.

Regards to you all Roy Lee (01379 384729)

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THE GARDEN ROOM At FOALS GRANGE, WILBY Bed and Breakfast Located in idyllic countryside, we offer accommodation in an annexe to our traditional period cottage.

You will have private access, king size bed and en suite bathroom; a sofa bed will sleep two children. The room is well equipped and has internet access. We offer an extensive breakfast menu and seek to use local products.

To book contact Debbie GRIFFITHS on 07582 789782 or 01379 384873

Web Site: www.foalsgrange.co.uk

Magnolia House, Wilby Rd, Stradbroke - Tel: 01379

Spuds R Us Locally Grown Potatoes Free Local Delivery - 25 Kilo Bags Call Ralph on 668622

Page 24

Painting and Decorating by Ron Rankin - 25 Years Experience For All Your Domestic & Commercial Property Maintenance & Decorating Competitive Prices - Professional Standards Reliable & Experienced - Highly Recommended Advice & Quotations With No Obligation Tel: 01379 388243 Mob: 07762 326226 Unit 19a Fuller Road Industrial Estate Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 9EA

eMail: johnbedwell18@yahoo.co.uk Web:www.angliansalt.co.uk For all your salt supplies of: Hydrosoft tablet & granular salt, pure dried vaccum salt, de-icing salt.

Also we stock tablets & granular in 10kg bags.

Please contact us for competitive prices either collected or delivered.

Tel 01379 854061 Fax 01379 854 804 We offer free delivery to all Stradbroke residents.

Fiona Patrick’s Therapies Unwind & Relax‌ *Massage * *Hot Stone Therapy* *Indian Head Massage* *Reflexology* I am only in Brundish, just give me a call or e-mail 01379 388458 - Fiona@fp-therapies.co.uk

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Hammond Garden & Countryside Services Matthew Hammond

Felix Cottage Horham, Eye Suffolk IP21 5EG Tel: 01379 384643

Specialising in Conifer reduction.

All hedge work and garden clearance.

Any size lawn mowed.

Rough grass cut & strimmed.

Hedges and trees supplied and planted.

Small tree work - pruning/felling Lawns turfed and seeded All types of fencing Patios and paths laid.

Free estimates, all jobs considered.

Page 25

Fancy That Flowers for all occasions by

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Free Local Delivery 01728 638156 07780 612549

Would you like an illustration of your home or a particular building?

Or an ideal present for a friend or loved one?

Personalised cards and postcards also available.

Then call Gill on 01379 388862 for further details.

Fault Diagnosis, Servicing, Maintenance & Repair 2 The Street, Brundish, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 8BL Tel: 01379 384714 Mob: 07776 232745

2 Town House, Church Street, Stradbroke - 01379 384208 - Claire Evans Wedding Dresses Evening wear , Prom Wear’ and ‘Mother of the Bride’, Jewellery and other Accessories.

Do call before your next special occasion ---Opening Times--Tuesday – Friday 10.00am -2.00pm At other times by appointment

Page 26

Dances, Discos Coffee Mornings Club Meetings Birthday Parties Wedding Receptions If you need a venue for a function “Bring People Together” at

STRADBROKE SPORTS & COMMUNITY CENTRE Tel: 384439 for information & bookings

SPURLING & REMBLANCE MOTOR ENGINEERS MOT TEST CENTRE Service and repairs to all cars, light commercial and 4x4’s Specialists in vehicle diagnostics Free local collection and delivery Courtesy car available Prompt attention assured Competitive rates

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Sports Roundup

Page 27

Stradbroke Table Tennis Club Stradbroke Table Tennis Club goes from strength to strength. Due to the popularity, keenness, dedication and commitment of new and old members of the table tennis club, a 5th table has now been purchased. In addition, we are now using an additional part of the community centre to accommodate the enthusiastic happy band of players. New members are always welcome and the club will continue to meet on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm until 9pm throughout the rest of the year, but please call Nigel on 07771 838957 in advance ahead to avoid disappointment.

Nigel Brown

Stradbroke Youth FC U13s Match Reports Feb 3rd Away to Honington Lost 6 - 5 Stradbroke started slowly against a strong wind and in cold conditions and soon went 3 goals behind. With few chances coming our way we looked a very poor second team. We rallied a bit before half time but then Honnington scored a 4th. Owen (GK) came off at half time with a bad hand and Paddy substituted. He was soon to be called upon to make 2 great saves, but could not stop 2 others from going in. 6-0 down with 20mins left and nobody wanted to watch! Suddenly the game changed dramatically. A ball lofted out of the opposition penalty area fell to Jack Kellet who hit it on the volley and to everyone’s surprise, including Jack, it looped over the defence and into the net. The next 15 minutes was a transformation and everyone woke up. Woody scored the goal of the season with an overhead kick from just outside the 6yd area, Jo then scored a cracking shot from 20yds which the keeper stood no chance and Smithy and Mathew scored one each. The last 5 minutes was frenetic as we strived for the equaliser. Paddy made 2 good saves whilst we had several goal mouth scrambles but failed to put the ball in the net. An exciting end to the match with MoM going to Paddy for excellent work as substitute goal keeper as well as hard work on the pitch Feb 10th Home to Morton Hall Blues Drew 3 - 3 The game opened with Stradbroke keen to get an early goal. Pressure from Woody and Joe gave several chances but the keeper did well. Moreton went 1 up after a breakaway and Paddy stood no chance. Still having much of the play Stradbroke squeezed a ball past the keeper from along through ball by Jack (Melton) onto Woody's shoulder which rolled past the keeper.

Second half Joe made it 2-1 with a close range volley following a goal mouth scramble but then Moreton replied with 2 quick goals, one from a rare poor back bass by Jack M and the other from a long kick. With 10 min to ago, Woody made a great run onto a through ball from Joe which was parried by the keeper and as it rolled out near the penalty spot Jack Kellet drove the ball into the net for the equaliser. The last 5 minutes and the game could have gone either way, Matt had a couple of close range chances, Joe was caught off side twice and Jack Kellet skyed a close range chance. The opposition also had a goal disallowed for off-side. In the end a fair result March 3rd Home to Stowmarket Lost 2 - 5 It started well with Stradbroke having most of the play. Missed several chances in the first 15 minutes and then went a goal behind from a straight tap in from a corner. Heads then went down when they scored from a penalty. We hung on and close to half time Woody scored a good goal low into the net which raised moral a little. In the second half a midfield lethargy set in and we struggled to gain the upper hand. We let 2 goals in from break aways. Robert scored our second when the ball dropped out from a corner to the penalty area and he hit a good shot into the corner of the net. This was too late in the game to have any effect and we went a further goal down just before the final whistle. MoM was Joe for hard work - he never stopped running.

Mar 17th Home to Thetford Independent Drew 3 - 3 Top of the table Thetford came expecting a walk-over, but we had a differed view. We came out from the off with a lot of spirit and started strongly with both Matt and Joe coming close. Against the run of play the opposition went ahead from a corner. Not disheartened we continued to share the spoils with Smithy making a brave run and shot which the keeper saved very well. Thetford got a second goal from a good shot low into the corner and in any other game we would heads would have dropped, but not today. Almost immediately Smithy got his revenge with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. This was followed with a number of near misses by Robert, Matty and Woody and the opposition were getting rattled. Then from a great corner the ball was parried out to the feet of Ben who coolly place it wide of the keeper. 2-2 at3 brilliant saves one of which was very nearly a penalty, but the ref let it go much to annoyance of the opposition. However with 10 minutes to go Thetford played some good passing football around the penalty area until if fell to the centre forward on the edge of the box and he volleyed it into the net. As the seconds ticked away we didn't give up and with opportunities at both ends saved by good defending and goalkeeping it looked as if we were going down by the odd goal. Then with an excellent corner from Jack M the ball fell into the 6 yd area and Woody hit it first time with the outside of his right foot straight into the net half time and everything to play for. Paddy came close from a good run down the right and shot into the side netting. Owen made . The last half minute seemed like and age, but we hung on to get a deserved draw. The team came off to loud applause from the supporters. The best game of the season so far. MotM to Jack Melton, for a real Captains performance.

Other Results U10s U15s Feb 10th Home to Haughley Lost 2 – 5 Feb 24th Away to Sudbury Lost 5 – 1 th Feb 17 Home to Walsham Lost 3 – 7 Mar 3rd Away to Bury Lost 11 – 1 Mar 3rd Home to Stowmarket Lost 2 – 6 Mar 17th Away to Walsham Lost 10 – 4 th Mar 17 Away to Stowuplands Lost 8 – 0 Don Darling

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Local Gardeners Notes This time last year it was 21 degrees and there was talk about a hose pipe ban, as I write this we are a week away from Easter and there is a good chance of snow. We have hardly had a couple of days without rain or snow for what seems like months, in my last article I think I said that things can only get better but I'm not so sure anymore. Down on the allotments a few hardy souls have been working their plots, I 'm waiting for the soil to dry out a bit more, probably some time around late June at this rate. With the weather being as bad as it has been it is not worth trying to sow some vegetable seeds outside too early, last year, even though it was drier, we had a cold spell late on and a lot of the seeds needed to be re sown. With the cold and wet this year they will probably rot before they get going. If you want to improve your chances of germination you can either sow more in the greenhouse or on a cold window sill, or, warm up the soil using a plastic sheet, the plastic sheet has the added advantage of allowing the soil to dry out a bit thus enabling you to achieve a better seed bed. You will need to place the sheet on the soil for a week before sowing, if the sheet is a clear one it can be left in place after sowing until germination, better still, you can make some cloches with the sheet to create a micro climate while the plants grow. Fleece is also good for warming the soil, it also works well with newly planted potatoes, it gets them going quicker and protects the new shoots from the frost.

If you do have to work the soil/sow seeds and the soil is still wet, it is a good idea to use boards to walk on, I use them on my vegetable garden as it also helps to keep nice straight lines (if you like that sort of thing).

One good thing about the rubbish weather this year is that is has held everything back, so you still have a couple more weeks to plant bare root roses and young hedging plants. You can also lift and divide herbaceous plants to give them a new lease of life, it is also worth improving the soil before replanting.

There is still time to prune roses, give them a feed with bone meal or similar, and a mulch with well rotted manure, this will set them up for the rest of the season. Camellias and rhododendrons are acid loving plants so are not so common around here as most people have neutral or alkaline soil, if you are lucky enough to be able to grow them give them a good compost or leaf mould mulch, a feed and keep them well watered especially if they are under trees as this will help them to keep their flowers longer.

With all the moisture we have in the soil there will be a lot of weeds this year once the temperature picks up, take the opportunity now to mulch the beds with compost, leaf mould, mushroom compost, recycled green waste or well rotted manure. Spread to a depth of about two inches and it will help suppress the weeds and save you hours of weeding during the summer, it will also keep the moisture in the soil if it ever gets warmer.

At the flower show this year an extra vegetable class has been added just for allotment holders, having spoken to a few people already I can tell it will be rather competitive, as long as no one interferes with my pumpkins we should be alright.

More than most years, this year, summer seems a long time coming, I struggle to remember what summer is like, sounds of insects, cow parsley in the verges, sky larks and of course the flies.

Happy gardening, Luke

Page 29

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Page 30

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Keeping in Touch: Dan Poulter, MP

Page 31

My first priority is always to look after the people of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich as your local MP. As many of you will know, last September, I joined the Government as a Health Minister and I am pleased that the work I am doing in the Department of Health is also helping to improve NHS care here in Suffolk. As an NHS hospital doctor who delivered babies on a daily basis, I am determined to improve maternity care for pregnant women, support new mums & families, and to give each and every child the very best start in life. So, in November last year, I set up a £25 million Government fund to improve maternity units across England, and I was delighted when Ipswich Hospital was awarded £700,000, and the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital £300,000 of this money by the independent maternity funding panel to improve their maternity facilities. For Ipswich in particular, this will make a massive difference to pregnant women, new mums & families, as it will allow Ipswich Hospital to modernise maternity facilities that were built almost 70 years ago. Mums in Suffolk will now be able to give birth in dignity and comfort in the best birthing facilities, with dedicated care and support from our hard working local midwives, doctors and maternity support workers.The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought home to us the dedication and sacrifice made by our brave service men and women. Like many of you, I am a great supporter of our armed forces and of our East Anglian Regiment. I believe we have a moral obligation and a duty to look after those who have been injured in the service of our country, and as Veteran’s Health Minister, I was proud to announce that the Government will be investing £11 million to give war veterans with amputations access to state of the art prosthetic limbs which will enable them to walk up and down stairs and to run.

This money will also help to establish 9 specialist NHS prosthetics centres across England, which will include Addenbrooke’s Hospital, close to us, in Cambridge. These specialist centres will ensure that our NHS will offer the same high quality of care for veterans with amputations that is currently available to serving armed forces personnel at Headley Court.

Lastly, I have received many messages of encouragement and support about the announcement that I made to introduce language tests for EU doctors who want to work in Britain. In future, foreign doctors who want to work for the NHS will have to prove that they can speak English well enough to treat patients. This Government initiative will particularly resonate locally, where a Suffolk Based out of hour’s service employed a German locum GP who prescribed an overdose which led to the death of a Cambridgeshire pensioner. It is essential that patients should understand and be understood by their doctor if we are to provide safe, high quality care. There are lots of excellent doctors from around the world working in the NHS. This is simply about protecting patients and having proper checks on a doctor’s ability to speak English. By introducing these steps we will be able to put an end to doctors treating patients without proper checks on their ability to speak good English.

I hold regular constituency advice surgeries locally to help people who have problems. If you think that I may be able to help you, please contact me on 01728 685 148, or email me via www.drdanielpoulter.com

Letters to the Editor My family and I wish to thank friend's and neighbour’s for all the card’s and kind word’s on the loss of Leslie on January 18th.

Many thanks for all donation’s to the Borderhoppa Bus Fund which amounted to £485.

Margaret Hewitt I was disappointed that there was no article from Dr Poulter in this month’s (March) Parish Magazine. I have no computer at home and as I am disabled, now find using the ones in the library uncomfortable. Dr Poulter attends many functions around the County and nationally and his article prevents us from becoming too insular! I hope there is no pressure from people who disagree with the coalition government to stop his article.

Yours faithfully, Elizabeth Hyde From the Editor: In response to the letter above, there was no contribution from Dan Poulter last month and therefore we were unable to print anything. We provide a regular space for Dan Poulter and always print his contributions.

Editor

Stradbroke Village Website First Responders Stradbroke Swimming Pool Parish Council Local History Group Stradbroke Monthly White Hart Bowls Club Stradbroke Cricket Club Stradbroke & District Bowls Club Village Games Stradbroke Youth Football Club ...and more…

Has your group or organisation joined yet?

It’s easy to sign up and share your group activities and news - all the groups above have joined, why not take a look at how they are using their Stradbroke web page?

www.stradbroke.org.uk

ADD YOUR FORTHCOMING VILLAGE EVENT NOW AT WWW.STRADBROKE.ORG.UK!

Village Diary MAR 27th 28th 31st

Baptist Church Drop in for Coffee @ 10.00 – 11.30 am Stradbroke Cinema in Community Centre “Quartet” @ 7.30pm Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am to 6pm—variety of DJs

APR 2nd 4th 5th 6th 9th – 16th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 11th 12th 13th 13th 16th 17th 18th 18th 19th 19th 19th 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 24th 25th 25th 26th 26th 27th 27th

Bookstart Rhymetime in library @ 11.15 am & every Tuesday Stradbroke over 60s , 2pm – 4pm @ Community Centre Wilby WI Quiz at Wilby Village Hall – see inside for details Suffolk Guild of Ringers AGM – Bell ringing intermittently in the p.m.

Library Closed for renovations Nat West Cricket Force Day 10pm playing field – see inside for details Stradbroke Parish Council meeting in Community Centre @ 7.30pm Contact Club in Community Centre @ 10 am & every Tuesday Baptist Church Cameo lunch club @ 12.30pm Stradbroke WI monthly meeting in Community Centre 7.30pm RBL meeting at the Kings Head Laxfield @ 11.30am Cash Bingo for Stradbroke Football Club @ Community Centre at 7.30pm FOASC “Tastes of the World” in Community Centre SAGA Cake and Produce stall, 9am-12.00pm - see inside for details Stradbroke Badminton Club meet at High School @ 8 – 10 pm & every Tuesday Table Tennis in Community Centre @ 7.15 pm & every Wednesday Stradbroke Over 60s AGM 2pm – 4pm @ Community Centre Stradbroke Primary School Open Evening 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm (see inside) Fashion Show iao All Saints Church Fundraising Committee - 7.30 @ Community Centre Youth Club at the Stradbroke Baptist Church 7.30 – 9.30pm ** ARTICLES FOR MAY EDITION STRICTLY BY THIS DATE** SYFC car wash from 9am to 12pm in Community Centre car park RBL “Last Night of the Proms” at Stradbroke High School @ 7pm Stradbroke High School Spring Scrap Collection – see inside for details Coffee Morning - In aid of Colney Cancer Centre – see inside for details Open day at the Stradbroke & District Bowls club 3pm Baptist Church Drop in for Coffee @ 10.00 – 11.30 am Talk by Edward Martin for Wingfield and District Gardening Club – see inside Stradbroke Cinema Anna Karenina - 7pm for 7.30pm @ Community Centre Stradbroke High School Quiz Night @7.30pm (see inside) Stradbroke White Hart Bowls Club Prize Bingo Evening @ 7.30pm in Community Centre Stradbroke Cricket Club Pop Music Quiz in the Community Centre @ 7.30pm Chicken Cafe – 9am – 4pm iao The Chicken Co-op, see inside for details

MAY 1st – 6th 4th 10th 18th

Art Exhibition at All Saints Church (preview on the 1st – see inside for details) FOASC Plant sale on the Church path Fun charity music quiz in Laxfield Village Hall @ 7 pm (see inside) Coffee morning iao Stradbroke & District Bowls Club @ community Centre

We’d love to hear from you! Letters to the Editor are always welcome!

Please send all articles to parishmagazine@stradbroke.org.uk The Stradbroke Monthly team encourages readers to submit letters to the Editor expressing their opinions, comments or insights regarding any of the material that appears in the magazine. The team will publish letters that reflect the diversity of opinions of our readers, but cannot publish all letters received. The Editor retains the right to edit published letters for clarity and length.

Letters should include the writer's name and be clearly marked ‘FOR PUBLICATION’.

Handwritten Submission?

Articles can also be left in the library and will be collected on the Saturday after the final submission date. However, it makes our job much easier and more accurate if articles can be submitted via email. If you do not have access to email you can use the computer in the library and the librarian will happily help you to submit your article.