www.stradbrokemonthly.co.uk
December 2018/ January 2019 No.448
Treasure Island
Puzzle House Pantomimes present a traditional family panto. This is our thirteenth year of putting on shows. Hopefully, it will be lucky 13! Six actors play a range of characters in a show full of songs, live keyboard music, thrills, spills and fun! Join in with the songs, solve the puzzles on the way, and make sure that Jim Hawkins’ dreams do come true as he searches for pirate treasure. Show Dates & Venues January 2019: Sun 20th Crowfield Village Hall; Sat 26th & Sun 27th TBC February 2019: Sat 2nd St Michael's Rooms, Framlingham; Sun 3rd St Edmund's Hall, Hoxne. All tickets £7. Telephone 01379 384 656. There are two acts and a short interval. Shows start at 3.00pm and end at around 4.50pm. Roy Preston, Puzzle House Pantomimes
Alice in Wonderland
Join Fressingfield Players as they bring Panto magic & mayhem back to the village in January when Alice, accompanied by her hapless Governess Nora, find themselves in a Wonderland of talking animals, miniature doors, giant rabbit holes, grumpy queens & lots of tea parties! Tweedletwins, a Joker & The Rules bring comedy genius to a proper family show designed to entertain young & old and showcase the talents of this long serving local troupe of volunteers whose efforts & inventiveness rival professional shows. Performances run from Thursday 24th January to Saturday 26th & tickets are available now from Fressingfield Mace Stores at only £8 adults & £5 children. Step into the wonderful world of Wonderland with them, you won’t regret it! Carol Wyatt
Sponsored Page Page 2
Local Churches
Stradbroke Baptist Church
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Stradbroke Baptist Church, Laxfield Road, Stradbroke, Suffolk
Happy Christmas & a Prosperous 2019 to All! May you have the gift of FAITH … the blessing of HOPE… and the peace of His LOVE this Christmas season and throughout the year ahead, With love from all at Stradbroke Baptist Church You would be most welcome to join us this Christmas Season: Sunday Worship Services 10:15 December Sunday 2nd 11:00 Joint service with friends at All Saints Church Wednesday 12th 12:30 Lunch Club Christmas Fellowship with carols from Stradbroke Primary School Sunday 16th 15:00 Village Carol Service with Castleton Brass & Stradbroke Hand Bell Ringers followed by cocoa and mince pies Sunday 23rd 10:15 Christmas Thanksgiving Service followed by Fellowship Lunch Tuesday 25th 10:15-11:00 Christmas Day Service January Wednesday 9th 12:30 Lunch Club Wednesday 23rd 12:30 Soup ‘n’ Pud Lunch
For further information & lunch reservations please contact Pastor Bruce on 01379 388 744 If you would like to know more about Stradbroke Baptist Church, Christianity, would like us to pray for you, or have a home visit to discuss any spiritual matter, or explore the life-changing Good News set out in the Bible please contact our Pastor: Bruce Francis on 01379 388 744 or 0748 421 9265 or by email at bruceatsbc@outlook.com
Please send all articles to editors@stradbrokemonthly.co.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’. The advertising contact for new and existing adverts is editors@stradbrokemonthly.co.uk for all your advertising enquiries. Submission Guidelines can be downloaded from stradbrokemonthly.co.uk Handwritten Submission? Articles can also be left in the library and will be collected at 10am 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.
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Local Churches
All Saints, Stradbroke
Revd Canon Susan Loxton 01379 388493. Church wardens, Peter Chetwynd 384069; Karen Ruth 388762 If you have any questions about Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals, or any questions about the Faith, please contact Revd Susan. Services: 2nd Dec 11am Village Gift service + T/C 24th Dec 11.15pm Holy Communion, Metfield 9th Dec 8am Holy Communion, said service 25th Dec 11am Family Communion 15th Dec 4pm A Blue Christmas service 30th Dec 10am Benefice Communion, Mendham 16th Dec 11am Holy Communion + T/C 6th Jan 11am Family service + T/C 16th Dec 3pm Village Carol service, Baptist ch 13th Jan 8am Holy Communion, said service 23rd Dec 10am family@church, Fressingfield 20th Jan 11am Holy Communion + T/C 24th Dec 6pm Crib service 27th Jan 10am family@church, Fressingfield 3rd Feb 10.15 am Village service at Baptist church The Village Gift service will receive donations of unwrapped gifts for all ages to be distributed by the Salvation Army to needy families, homes, hostels and support Groups. We will also collect items for Waveney Food Bank, which need to be in date by 2 months. If you would like to donate, but are unable to join the service, please call Peter or Karen. The Blue Christmas service is a short service for those who, for whatever reason, find Christmas difficult. There will be readings and music. You will not need to do anything other than listen but there will be a chance to acknowledge your sadness by writing a star and hanging it on a tree.
All Saints Church Fundraising Committee
The last 2 events have been well supported and very happy. The Cheese & Wine Supper raised £220.75 and the Craft & Coffee raised approx £640. As you will see we have organised next year’s events programme and to finish 2018 we have X Bingo on Dec 7th and X Cake stall on Dec 8th. On behalf of the girls we wish Julie all the best for her treatment and all our supporters a very happy and peaceful 2019. Thanks for all the help and support we received, we have raised over £5000 and look forward to seeing you on 19th Jan at the cake stall and from me a Happy Christmas. Events for 2019: Jan 19th Cake Stall; March 30th Book Sale in Church; May 1st Art Preview; May 2nd-6th Art Exhibition in Church; June 1st Coins on Wall + Cakes; June 28th & 29th Flower Festival in Church; July 27th Village Show; August 10th Pimms Party in Rectory Garden; Sept 20th Quiz Night; Oct 18th Cheese & Wine Supper; Nov 23rd X Coffee Morning with Crafts + X Hamper; Dec 7th X Cake Stall. Mary Ellis
From the Rectory
Christmas should be a time of celebration but spending money we don’t have and eating and drinking far too much, really has nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas. If for any reason Christmas is difficult for you take heart, be brave and choose what you do. The following, is anonymous but I like the sentiment. I have managed it, God. I have successfully refused invitations to Christmas dinner. It was not easy. An awful lot of friends and family have decided that being alone on Christmas Day is not good for me! Many have tried to lure me into the world of crackers, scrabble and happy families, but I have stood my ground. I’ve made it, God. It’s Christmas Eve. There is you and me and the cat. There are books and silences and CDs and candles. There is food in the cupboard, drink in the sideboard, and a Radio Times on top of the television. The central heating is working. Upstairs is a warm bed. I have seized the day, Jesus. Happy birthday God. Christmas is about hope and God taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. Any birth of a child is a miracle and brings joy and hope to the family, the birth of Jesus brings hope not just to a few but the whole of humankind. However you spend your Christmas Day, I wish you the joy of the season and hope for the coming year. God bless, Susan
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Street Farm, Laxfield Road
Telephone: 01379 384560 Opening Times: Mon Closed Tue - Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 8.30am - 4pm Beauty Therapy Friday 9am - 8pm
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Parish Pump
STRADBROKE PARISH COUNCIL Meeting Of Stradbroke Parish Council – 12th November 2018 Next full Council meetings: 10th December 2018 and 14th January 2019 both at 7.30pm next PC Clinic Tuesday, 22nd January 2019 all at the Court House Applications for consideration: DC/18/04532 – Stradbroke Business Centre, New Street IP21 5JJ. Unanimously supported DC/18/04706 – Land opposite Magnolia House, Wilby Road, Stradbroke, Suffolk. Unanimously conditionally supported (there were 2 abstentions). DC/18/04447 - 4 Willow Close, IP21 5JD. No comments made DC/18/04862 – Town Cottage, Church Street, IP21 5JF. No comments made Results of planning applications considered by MSDC since the PC last met: DC/18/03868 – 3 Wheatsheaf Cottages, Queen Street IP21 5HH. Granted 23/10/18 Parish Council updates: · Concerns about the future of the Health Centre have been raised with the Parish Council – a full statement on this can be found on the Parish Council page later in this edition. · Thanks were expressed to Mr Nunn for the work he does all year on the War Memorial. · It has been brought to the Parish Council’s attention that the name of Ethel Tate has been missed from those remembered on the War Memorial. The Councillors would welcome information from any resident if they feel that there are any other names that have been missed. · The Neighbourhood Plan has successfully passed examination. Mid Suffolk District Council will be arranging a referendum in early 2019 to seek the residents support to use the plan in respect of future applications in Stradbroke. · A Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan is being prepared, this will guide the way the developer contributions are spent over the coming years. · A Christmas event is being planned at the Church. · Work to assign the lease for the medical centre has yet to be completed. · An independent valuer will be appointed to carry out the rent review between the Parish Council and the Stradbroke Charitable Trust in accordance with the lease. · The Chairman clarified that neither the recent correspondence between the Trustees and the Parish Council, nor the current rent review, places the future of the surgery at risk. The surgery would always have first call any substantive rent the Parish Council received, and it would set aside to expand the building when necessary. Continuing to have a surgery in Stradbroke is a priority for the Council as is expansion in the future; the Parish Council does not believe they are in conflict with the Trust on this matter. · Some of the fitness equipment alongside the fitness track has been removed as it was broken. · Broken glass has had to be removed from some graves at the Cemetery, please be careful of glass vases etc after high winds. · Councillors will be investigating a request from the Tennis Club for the trees to be cut back around the courts. · The Budget will be reviewed at the December meeting. Odile Wladon (Clerk) Mill Hill House, Church Lane, Wickham Skeith, Suffolk IP23 8NA Mobile: 07555 066147 email: stradbrokepc@outlook.com www.stradbrokepc.org
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Dirty Oven??
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Organisations
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W.I.
November 2018 Meeting Of Stradbroke W.I. This was our annual meeting when we hear reports from the various clubs such as circle dancing where, yes, the ladies dance in circles but also chat and take refreshments. There is also a lunch club when a merry group troop off to a local restaurant or pub and have a chatty and usually tasty meal, little devils .A book club is also available where the latest publications are read and chewed over, opinions expressed and the world put to rights .Finally we have a kurling group where amid much laughter and occasional concentration wheeled stones are hurled across the floor at the opponents stone to move it out of the way, something of the playground here. You see we are not just jam and Jerusalem with a bit of crafting thrown in. Next Gwynneth gave the financial report which I am pleased to say was healthy and so we live to fight another day. Each year a cup is awarded by the president to a member not on the committee who has been particularly helpful and worked quietly to support the W.I. and this year it went deservedly to Jane Johnson, always smiling and good natured, thank you Jane. More business, the adoption of byelaws and election of the committee came next. This was supervised by our friends Rose and Christine from Fressingfield W.I. and we appreciated their time and efforts. June Hampson stood down after many years of work and organisation for the committee and she was thanked by Gill and missed by all of us, she knows so many useful people we must steal her little black book!!! The rest of the committee welcomed Linda Webb as our new member and Gill was voted in as Madam President, well done and good luck to all. Refreshments were served at the tables and then it was time to hear our speaker for the night, David Eccleston, talk to us about painting American cities, no not with whitewash, artistically. David launched into a colourful slide show of how the artists from America went to Europe to learn the ways of other artists such as Monet and Turner. They returned to America with many paintings by the European artists and their own styles and interpretations of these pieces. They developed new presentations of the impressionist way of painting, and abstract works that require more imagination than I have to understand and appreciate them. There were paintings and photographs of skyscraper buildings from interesting angles to help the viewer to appreciate the style and development of these edifices. David spoke eloquently on the subject which obviously gives him much pleasure and we thanked him for a very interesting and informative evening, Kamal giving the vote of thanks. Our next meeting is our Christmas party which we are all looking forward to so let me take this early opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and good wishes for the New Year and hopefully we will see more new members in 2019. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. Prue Rush
Life in the Legion
Stradbroke & District RBL - CHANGING STEP ON THE MARCH Stradbroke & District RBL Chairman, Michael Burton after a long march with the Legion, has stepped down. Michael has been associated with the RBL for fifty years and has been Chairman of the Stradbroke & District Branch for 35 years. That must be a hard act to beat. He has never lost his enthusiasm and dedication to the cause, encouraging others to have the same love of service that he has displayed. He deservedly was appointed County Chairman in his term and has travelled far and wide to sound the clarion call. He is a well-known figure in the County. Mr John Graham, Vice Chairman of the Branch, gave a short appreciation of Michael’s service, at the AGM held on 9th November at the Royal Oak, Laxfield. A presentation of an engraved, special “Two Bob” watch, was made on behalf of all the members, by the incoming Chairman Mr Bernard Mills. A cake was also presented by the Royal Oak staff. REMEMBRANCE Other news: The Branch Members took part in the County wide Remembrance on 8th November of WWI Servicemen buried in local graveyards. The Branch with local Primary school children from:- Eye, Hoxne, Laxfield, Stradbroke, Wilby and Worlingworth, laid crosses in special services organised by individual Branch members, at Eye, Denham, Horham (Baptists & Church), Hoxne and Wilby. Members also attended at a Fressingfield led event at Laxfield (Cemetery, & Chapel). These were a great success and helped the children understand some details of the WWI and its effects upon the world and upon communities. On 11th November a large number of the villagers of Stradbroke joined the Legion Standard, carried by Joyce Cooper, at the War Memorial to pay tribute to those local Armed Service personnel who had given their life for this Country. Chairman of the Council, Cllr James Hargrave and Community Leaders and members, laid a total of fifteen wreaths. Flowers were offered by children. The Last Post and Reveille was a recording by Laurence Weaver from Horham. Rev’d Peter Schwier led both the service at the Memorial and in All Saints Church. Mr Michael Burton gave the Exhortation and later read a lesson. He and Major Rosemary Warne, MBE DL escorted the Standard into a full church. Mr Douglas Chittock played the organ. A collection was taken for the Royal British Legion. Dates for meetings in 2019 will be advertised shortly. The Chairman and Committee now look forward to the Branch Christmas party on the 13th December and send you their Good wishes for Christmas. All will be welcome in the New Year. Michael Burton & Rosemary Warne
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Organisations
SAGA
Harvest outdoor tomatoes, pick the entire trusses of any fruit that are left and move them indoors or into a greenhouse to ripen. Pull up the plants and compost them unless they show signs of blight, in which case they should be burnt. As the weather becomes colder, pigeon are likely to attack winter brassicas like cabbage and brussel sprouts. Protect plants with fleece or netting. Pumpkins and winter squashes need to be harvested before a hard frost. Make sure the skins are firm, then cut the fruits and leave them in a bright warm place [such as a green-house or conservatory for 10 days to ‘cure’ before they are stored in a dry cool but frost-free place. Parsnips keep perfectly well in the ground, and you will be glad of them when there are few other vegetables about. It’s always been said that Parsnips taste sweeter after a few hard frosts. Keep earthing up the stems of brussels sprouts, cabbage, and other brassicas to give them support as they become increasingly top-heavy. Cut off any yellow leaves. Ivor Hyde
Stradbroke Court House and Library News
Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all our customers and thank you for all your support during 2018. Court House Café The next Bacon Bap Saturday is on Saturday 15th December. The next 2 ‘Friday Friends’ Café are on Friday 7th December and Friday 4th January 2019. These café sessions are dementia-friendly but open to everyone, so come along and meet people for a friendly chat. Vicky Hutchinson is on hand for anyone needing advice and support. Court House Café Christmas Hamper Draw Come and have a go on our wonderful hamper draw £1 per entry. Draw to be held on Saturday 22nd December in the morning café. Stradbroke Library/Post Office We have a good selection of Charity Christmas cards and a new selection of Greetings Cards in stock. Don’t forget our gift vouchers for birthdays and Christmas, perfect for those people you don’t know what to buy. There are loads of well-known retail outlets to spend these at. Call in and get a last posting dates leaflet for Christmas posting, abroad and at home. Stradbroke Library/Courthouse Weekly Events Monday: (September to April) Rummikub board game club at 2pm. Tuesday: ‘Jumping Beans’/Rhymes/Stories/Craft for 0-4yrs old 10-11am. Wednesday: Pilates (please contact Nikki Hambling 07899888778). Thursday: Court House Café 9.30am-12.30pm. Last Thursday in the month ‘Thursday Bookgroup’ 2.30-4pm for the over 50s. First Friday in the month ‘Friday Friends’ dementia- friendly café session 10am-12pm. Saturday: Court House Café 9.15am-12.15pm. Maureen John Library/Post Office Manager
Lottery Bonus Winners
49 B Farrow £25; 56 No Winner; 53 No Winner; 53 No Winner; 32 E Shelford £100. £24 donated to WH Bowls Club; £48 donated to Tennis Club; £48 donated to Dist Bowls club. M Ellis
Over 60s
At our annual sale we made the grand sum of just over £500. We wish to thank all those who came and supported us and those who donated goods and helped on the day. Well done everyone. Our 2 November meetings were well attended. We had a very good afternoon being entertained by Pat Fill, Rosemary Warde, along with Dougie Chittock, who towards the end got us singing along with lots of the old songs. Enjoyed by all, thank you. At the other meeting we all played Hoy. We have just one more meeting in 2018 on 6th December, when we shall be having our Christmas Party with a buffet, and entertainment by Times Past Duo. Our 2019 meetings start Thursday January 17th. May we take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and our very best wishes for a healthy and happy new year. Joan Grimes
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KENT SKIPS
My Care at Home - My Care at Home is a family run business covering the rural communities in Suffolk. We provide Personal Care and Companionship, Respite Care and Dementia Care in your own home. Our commitment is to provide ‘high quality care’, which we deliver through our greatest asset, our staff and the training that they receive. We only employ people who love to care. Your care package could be a one off arrangement, ad-hoc or on a regular basis. Request a Brochure or book an appointment on 01449 763086. Find us on Facebook or visit our website www.mycare-athome.co.uk We are also recruiting NOW We need exceptional people who love to care.
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Organisations
Radio Stradbroke
Before giving Radio Stradbroke's 'end of year report', can I thank everyone who in some way helped with the broadcast to commemorate Remembrance Day. While the wind caused some sound issues, Stradbroke beamed around the planet. We even had one listener in Gallipoli. How apt! It fittingly rounded off a busy year of outside broadcasts which included Stradisphere, Dublogic, Womens Tour Cycling, 2 Charity events, Village fetes, 2 Quizzes, as well as Remembrance Sunday, in addition to our regular broadcasts, through which I am delighted to say we have gained two new DJs. We, well Marty, even broadcasts on Christmas Day between 9:00-12:00 on www.radiostradbroke.co.uk Our fame has spread, culminating in a nomination for the 'Stars of Mid Suffolk' awards, in which we were runners-up in the Community category. Now all we have to do is follow all that in 2019. Thank you for continuing to support us. Michael Hugman
Stradbroke Primary School
It has been another busy term at Stradbroke Primary. We were delighted to take part in the Remembrance services which were organised by the Royal British Legion. Our pupils laid a cross on the grave of a local soldier from Horham and read poems at a special church service. Our pupils reflect carefully about the legacy of the First World War and the responsibility they have to remember and honour the memory of those who fought to bring us peace. This month also saw our Year 5 and 6 pupils give an amazing performance of “The Tempest” at the Shakespeare Schools Festival at the Apex Theatre. It was wonderful to see so many parents and relatives there supporting our children. Once again Mrs Hunt choreographed an incredible performance which was much praised. We are so proud of our talented pupils and staff! There have been lots of school visits happening including a special World War One themed visit to the Red Feather Club in Horham by Venus class, a visit to Charlotte’s Wood, Bewilderwood and a joint Year 5 and 6 visit with Laxfield Primary to the Harry Potter Studios. December is now a few weeks away and it will be a busy month. Alongside our annual Christmas Fair, Christmas dinner and Christmas Jumper day for the children we are also looking forward to seeing the pantomime Aladdin at Norwich Theatre Royal. We are delighted to inform you of the dates for our intake sessions for new Reception pupils (children who will start school in September 2019). Please come to the dates at the school you think your child will attend. If you are still deciding which school to send your child to remember I am happy to give a guided tour of the school and your child can come to any of our taster sessions on: 9.30-10.30am Tuesday 5th February 2019 9.30-10.30am Tuesday 19th March 2019 9.30-10.30am Thursday 9th May 2019 9.30-1pm Tuesday 2nd July 2019 (Whole Taster Morning. Free Lunch included). In the meantime if you have any further questions or queries please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year Mrs Melanie Barrow, Executive Headteacher
Stradbroke Village Archive
The Missing Name In 1922 the War Memorial was erected with the names of those who had perished during WW1. Over the past 4 years we have been asked about a missing name – a name which is listed elsewhere as being there. This is Ethel Mary TATE, a volunteer nurse (VAD) who died from pneumonia which she contracted on war duty. Stradbroke Village Archive has asked the Parish Council if they will look again at this. To our knowledge this is the only missing name but if you feel there is a case for any further casualty of war who is not listed, maybe now is the time to contact the Parish Council. Past Happy Holidays Its holiday time, family time and time to celebrate Christmas. We looked at past news items and found the following articles: 23rd December 1876: “Christmas Tide. – Our little centre of a cluster of villages, remote from towns, has put on it’s Christmas aspect. Our tradesmen have catered for the wants of their customers, and they seem to rival each other in the endeavour to make their windows tasteful and pleasing, Messrs. Knevett and Cater, in groceries, fruit, and comfortable clothing; and Messrs Rutter and Burrows, in fancy articles for Christmas presents. Mr J Foulsham, amongst others has a celebrated prize bullock estimated to weigh about 120 stones. Our farmers and dealers have sent an immense quantity of turkeys to London and other large towns. One man alone has killed 170 fine birds. This is a place that acts as a feeder for many town people and yet some of the dealers have never seen London.” And on 6th January 1950 from the Diss Express: “SOCIAL – The Court House at Stradbroke was packed to capacity for a Christmas social arranged recently by the local Young Conservatives. It had been gaily decorated, and presented a festive air. The MC for the programme of games, dancing and competitions, was Mr Peter Kent and the gaiety was added to by Father Christmas arriving and distributing gifts to the many children present. The pianist was Miss Rosemary Ward.” The Stradbroke Village Archive says a big Thank You to all of our donors and supporters and wish everyone. A MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR Source:The British Newspaper Archives and The Imperial War Museum. Ann Readman, SARA
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Antique Restoration
Ian Brown LCGI
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Parish Council Notes From the Chair…
As many of you will have seen who were there (or from Jon Wilson”s amazing drone photos online) approximately 200 people gathered in Stradbroke on the 11th November to remember those from this parish, and from our own families, that gave their lives in war. This year we remembered in particular those from this parish who died in the First World War which ended 100 years ago. It is easy to see the names as we go past the war memorial and forget the faces and stories behind them. These have been published regularly in the Monthly and you can also take a look at the material on the Stradbroke Archive at http://stradbrokearchive.org.uk/exhibits/show/wartime-remembered. I’d like to thank the Stradbroke Village Archive for all their research and work over the last few years in allowing the stories and lives of those who fought for their country in war, to not be forgotten. Another unsung hero in this respect is Gordon Nunn who can often be seen carefully and sensitively maintaining our War Memorial in Stradbroke. Thank you Gordon. This year the Parish Council are pleased to support the Christmas Tree Lights switch on which will be on 9th December 2018 starting at 4pm at All Saints Church. There is no charge for the event but organisers are taking a collection in aid of the Church. There will be mince pies and mulled wine and music so do please come along if you can. I also understand Father Christmas will be making appearance! Come and celebrate Christmas together! A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! James Hargrave, Chair of Stradbroke Parish Council
No Threat To Surgery In Stradbroke
The Parish Council are aware of rumours that are circulating regarding the future of the surgery in Stradbroke. These are based on rumour, not on evidence, and are entirely baseless. The surgery is not “at risk”. The evidence to support this is below. The Parish Council contacted the practice manager for reassurance on this point and received the following response: Katie Civil, Practice Manager: “We are not aware of any immediate concerns for the future of Stradbroke Medical Centre. We know that on a National level the current Governments plans for General Practice are to work at scale we do not yet know what implications this will have for rural practices like ourselves. We know that this is a very challenging time for General Practice as many Practices struggle to recruit clinical resources and are having to make decisions on their future and how best to maintain safe services for their patients with a backdrop of increasing demand. As things develop on a National and Local level we will keep all interested parties informed and consult to ensure we continue to maintain the level of service to our Patient that we currently provide, but to reassure you that we are not aware of any immediate concerns for the future of the Medical Centre. Many of the developments within General Practice are outside the control of Practices, so it is a wait and see game I am afraid.” Stradbroke Parish Council
Emergency Contacts - Information from UK Power Networks
Anyone experiencing a power cut can: • Call 105 to report power cuts and damage to the electricity network, or 0800 3163 105 (from a corded phone or mobile phone if you have no power) • Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk for the latest updates • Visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/powercut and type in their postcode to view our live power cut map • Tweet @ukpowernetworks to report a power cuts or to receive updates We urge the public to stay well clear from power lines and anyone spotting a damaged power line needs to report it to us immediately by calling 105 from a landline or mobile phone. If they see electricity lines that are down or causing significant risk to the public they should call 999. We provide extra help to customers on our Priority Service Register during a power cut. Households with older or disabled people, those with children under five, or where someone uses medical or mobility equipment that requires electricity as well as other reasons can join the register. You can find out more information about our Priority Service on our website: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority. Do you, or someone you know, need extra support during a power cut? @UKPowerNetworks provides free services to vulnerable customers. For more information, visit: https://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services-register
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The original Stradbroke Village Website! Now in its 18th year the Stradbroke Village Website brings you news, views and information about Stradbroke. A place to talk to the village. Post your village group updates, local events, lost & founds and items for sale!
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Forthcoming Events
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Stradbroke Cinema
On December 20th we will be showing ‘Phantom Thread’ – 15. A gothic romance with a searing final performance from Daniel Day-Lewis as a fashion designer and his beautiful muse. Set in 1950s London has he met his match after years of mistreating women, especially his models and workers? To accompany the film there is a superb score that gained an Oscar nomination reminding us of ‘An English Patient’ and ‘Brief Encounter’. Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm. The bar is open before the start and during the interval when ice creams will also be on sale. Entrance is £5.50 for adults, £3 for 16s and under and everyone is welcome Full details can be found on the Village website that is at www.stradbrokeonline.org.uk Following the successful live screenings of the recent World Cup football matches and ‘They shall not grow old’ on Remembrance Sunday, when we collected £22 for The Royal British Legion, we have been asked if Stradbroke Cinema could screen the ‘6 Nations Rugby Matches’ in February 2019. We will let you know the timings nearer the dates and look out for the posters. Roger Turkington and Jane Merritt
Stradbroke Sports and Community Centre
What a lovely evening we had on November 7th and I would like to thank everyone who came along to enjoy the Pie, Mash and Peas and take part in the ‘Fun and Games’. Thank you also to Rolfe’s Butchers for supplying the tasty pies, Mary Ellis for donating all those pounds of potatoes, one of our Committee members for making all the desserts and the rest of the Committee for making it all come together. Thank goodness we had our new oven and warming cupboard, as we were able to cook all 75 pies in one go! We raised a magnificent £790.10 which will go towards further improvements to your Community Centre. Jane Merritt
Scrap Metal Collection in Community Centre Car Park
Scrap Metal Collection - Dec. 8th Community Centre Car Park. A number of residents have asked: “Is there is going to be a scrap metal collection this year”? The simple answer is Yes! Having checked with the High School that they have no plans to do one this year I, together with some help from the Stradbroke Community Centre committee, am taking the opportunity of organising a scrap metal collection to raise funds for my London Marathon Challenge. All proceeds from the event will go to - CHILDHOOD FIRST, my chosen charity. The collection will be on Saturday 8th December from 8am till lunchtime. The skips will be located in the car park between the Gym and the Community Centre. There will be limited parking in this area during the morning and I apologise for taking up this space, but I hope you appreciate it is for a very worthy cause. If you have any scrap metal and would like to bring it along, a team of willing volunteers will help relieve you of it. If you do not have the means of transporting your scrap to the car park then let me know in advance and we will come and collect it. Just give me a ring, before the day, to arrange pick-up. Finally there will be tea and coffee available on site during the collection period. Don Darling Tel. 01379388098, Mob 07835391766 email: caroldon01@gmail.com Don Darling
Stradbroke’s Christmas Walk 2018
Don’t forget to don your suitable clothing, wellies or boots on Tuesday December 18th in order to enjoy Stradbroke’s Christmas Walk led by Dennis Merritt and Roger Turkington. Please meet at 6pm at the Stradbroke Sports and Community Centre for the 3-and-a-half-mile round walk from the SSCC to Battlesea Hall where, by kind permission of Adrian Lawson and his family, they will provide Mulled Wine with the mince pies baked by several generous Villagers. Bring a torch, although we hope you will use this sparingly in order to appreciate the wonderful night sky. Unfortunately, you will not be able to bring your dogs. It will be a really enjoyable evening but we want you to be aware that you will be walking at your own risk. There will be no charge. Dennis Merritt 388382 and Roger Turkington 384248
Saving All Saints
We are, once again, very pleased to let you all know that we have received another cheque for £2,500, from one of the Charitable funds to which we are applying for the urgent repairs needed for our Church. We have also met with representatives from The Taylor Review Pilot – a funding scheme run by Historic England – as our Church is on the ‘At Risk Register’. They have given us good advice regarding approaching this funding body, along with others and we will keep you informed of our progress. Good news is always a pleasure to give out. Our funds now stand at £54,300 but we still have a long way to go to meet our first goal of £125,000 but every donation really helps – no matter how great or small! Gill Rennie-Dunkerley, Carol Darling and Jane Merritt
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Forthcoming Events
Laxfield Produce, Craft and Flea Market
Laxfield Produce, Craft and Flea Market in and around All Saints' Church, and the Royal Oak pub Saturday 1st December from 10.00 to 12.30 Why not start your Christmas shopping at our friendly market, where you can see and buy: local goat's cheeses; preserves, cakes and pastries; organic vegetables, garden plants, planted containers; home-made cordials; vintage finds; crafts, gifts, cards and wrapping paper; welfare-friendly beef, lamb and pork; sourdough bread, local cheese, olive oil, organic fruit and vegetables; wonderful craft items, made locally; pre-loved and vintage items, and beauty products; and an enormous choice of gifts and other locally made foods. Growing in popularity, now around 40 regular stalls, varying from month to month, and now open all year. The perfect place to meet up with friends - hot and cold refreshments available, in the market, in the Royal Oak pub, and outside. Special this month: lovely Christmas wreaths made from pine, fabric and even feathers! Entertainment this month: the local folk music duo - "Tanglethread". For more information, or to book a pitch, please contact Catherine Cawood on 01986 798852. Pitches just £4 pre-booking essential for inside pitches. Buskers and singers welcome – just contact Catherine. Laxfield Market - The Friendly One! Catherine Cawood
Heveningham Hall Christmas Market
Heveningham Hall Christmas Market on 2 December from 10am to 2pm. Christmas stalls, book stalls, tombola, raffle, turkeys, cakes, refreshments and mulled wine. Santas Heveningham Fun Run. Free parking and free entry to market. runheveningham.co.uk and heveninghamchristmasmarket.co.uk Mike Stephens nd
Phoenix Singers
Phoenix Singers : 15th December 2018 : 7.00 pm at Framlingham College. G. Rossini : Petite Messe Solennelle Tickets : £12, under 18s £6. available from Hall Farm Butchers, 25 Market Hill, Framlingham Juniper Barn, Rendham and William Glasse – william@glasse.org.uk 07802 597071, choir members, and at the door. Charity No. 1076549. Stephanie Askew (publicity)
White Hart Bowls Bingo
Prize Bingo for Burns Night on Friday 25th January 2019 at 7.30pm in Stradbroke Community Centre to raise funds for Stradbroke White Hart Bowls Club. Many excellent prizes, raffle, and refreshments. Plus a flyer to win a Hamper. Julie Ward, Secretary, Stradbroke White Hart Bowls Club
Rummikub
The Rummikub Club will be closing over the festive season. The last session will be Monday 10th December and will recommence on Monday 14th January 2019. Mike & Yvonne
Village Show
Stradbroke Church Village Show of flowers, vegetables & produce will be held at the Community Centre on Saturday 27th July 2019. Potatoes for the bucket competition will be on sale in Church Street on Saturday 9th March 2018. The classes which you can work on during the winter are the following handicraft & photo exhibits: Class 61 Crochet; Class 62 A knitted soft toy; Class 63 Knitted gloves; Class 64 Embroidery or tapestry; Class 65 A picture, max 8” x 11”; Photography Class 67 People; Class Pet animals; Class 69 Open; Class 72 For children will be pets/animals. This will be our 25th show so please consider entering & help to make thus a record show. Full details will be available in March. Any enquiries to Roly Copping 01379 384839 R Copping
Poppy Appeal
The Poppy Appeal is now drawing to a close, and donations are still being received. The organiser, Peter Chetwynd, thanks all The House to House Collectors who go round the village, and who raise a magnificent total for The Appeal, to all those who have donated so generously, and also to all The Village Groups and Organisations, who donate so generously for the wreaths that are laid. So far this year I have banked £3244 for The Appeal and on behalf of The Appeal again thank all those who have given so generously to this essential cause. Peter Chetwynd
Children’s Society Coffee Morning
Wednesday 16 January, 10.00 – 12.00 at Thirkettle Cottage, Queens Street. Everyone welcome, especially our box holders. We will use the day to empty this year’s boxes and send the contents to the Society. Anyone willing to hold a box for the coming year will be most welcome to join us. Alison Hackett 388872
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Registered childminder and qualified Montessori teacher. Set in the beautiful hamlet of Wilby. Full and part-time places available for all ages. Open 8am–6pm Tuesday to Friday all year round. For all enquiries, contact Stephanie on: Phone: 07787154143 Email: stephanie.a.harvey01@gmail.com
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Sports Roundup
Stradbroke and District Bowls Club
Hello everyone, as previously indicated in last month’s magazine the AGM took place on November 19th and it was pleasing to have the meeting well supported. The reports from the officers of the committee were well received by the attendees. These included the fact that the the club narrowly escaped relegation this year by half a point in the Saxmundham Two Wood league. The treasurer submitted her report and drew attention to the fact that due to the fund raising efforts of Mary Ellis the club would have been in financial difficulties , this drew a big round of applause from those present. We all have a great debt of gratitude to you Mary for your fund raising, not only in the bowls club but throughout the village generally a very big thank you Mary. Serious attention was drawn to the fact the club is still in need of an increase in the membership and whilst there has been some increase in numbers this year it is hoped that this coming year will see more potential members coming forward. Please give it some thought and help us keep the club alive. Do not hesitate to give me a call if you have an interest, the new season starts up about the third week of April. It was agreed that the club has its Annual Dinner, February 23rd being the suggested date. David will advise as soon as a booking has been made and of course to confirm the date and the venue. In closing we in the club wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, thank you for reading this and hope to see you on the community centre green in April. Regards , Roy Lee (01379 384729)
Stradbroke Cricket Club
"The Cricket Club's 275th Anniversary year did not pan out quite as we imagined, but at least there has been some acknowledgement of the historical significance of its origins. Work on producing a potted history will continue into the New Year, but after 275 years, what is another few months? Looking back over 2018, progress is not the overriding emotion, but like a coastal enclave, we keep putting up barriers to prevent the impending erosion of our livelihood. Looking at the situation positively, with Laxfield CC playing fewer fixtures, we have been able to call upon a few of their players. While there is a gap in teenage participation, our work in local Primary Schools has seen us field an Under 10 team for 'proper' matches, & through 'Chance To Shine' & 'All Stars', we have introduced cricket to children as young as five. We completed all our Saturday League fixtures, & participated in the Suffolk T20 Cup, as well as continuing to fulfil long standing friendlies against the High School, & Liverpool Uni, but even in these more enlightened times, never dreamt that we would be playing against Suffolk Ladies, which hopefully will become a regular fixture. Looking forward to 2019, our AGM will be held at The Ivy House on Wednesday 9th January at 8pm, so if you feel that you are not getting enough out of your village cricket club, you can put your concerns directly to our Committee, or even better, volunteer to help us in any small way you can. Festive greetings to you all & a prosperous 2019." Michael Hugman
Stradbroke Tennis Club
Following the recent appointment of the Clubs Welfare Officer and the introduction of a Safeguarding Policy and a British Tennis Diversity and Inclusion Policy the Club has been certified as a British Tennis Registered Venue for 2018/19. This enables the Club to benefit form a range of support and advice from the Lawn Tennis Association for both the Club and its members. The Club is committed to offering a safe environment to everyone that uses the courts and it is hoped that next year we will encourage new members to join and will be offering coaching to Adults and Juniors by a Lawn Tennis Association Registered Coach. Social Play afternoons run throughout the year on Mondays and Thursdays from 1.30 to 4.00. Membership is available for all standards for further details please give me a ring on 01379 384557. Non members can also hire courts through Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre (01379 384376) at £8.00 per hour a court for adults and £4.00 per hour for juniors. The courts are scheduled to undergo a spring clean in March in readiness for the new tennis year which starts on 1st April 2019. The Clubs AGM is to be held in the clubroom at the Community Centre on Friday 25th January 2019 at 7.30 to which all members are invited. Kevin Holmes, Secretary Stradbroke Tennis Club
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Etheridge Nurseries Laxfield Road,Tel: 384204 Mob 07881 440140 Larger selection of Christmas Trees from Potted - 9ft Norway or Nordaman Large selection of Hand Made Holly Wreaths We stock local Fruit and Vegetables available all year round Bags of Potatoes ÂŁ5:50 or ÂŁ11 . Sprout Stalks . We stock a selection of cut flowers pot plants We are now open 7days a week until 24/12
Passmore Weeks & Richardson
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Sports Roundup
Stradbroke Swim and Fitness Centre
With the nights drawing in and the cold evening starting to bite and the over indulgence of Christmas dinners, chocolates and celebration drinks on the horizon there is no better time to take up a membership at Stradbroke Swim & Fitness Centre. Starting to exercise now whether it be in the gym, swimming pool or one of our exercise classes will help lessen the effects the festive period has on our bodies. If you are someone who is self-motivated then the gym and swimming pool will be perfect for you to fulfill your exercise needs, if you need that group feeling to help keep you motivated then our exercise classes and small group training courses could be what you are looking for? If you need that personal touch on a one to one basis or with a friend to keep you going why not look at Personal Training with one of our Level 2 trainers who will be able to tailor a programme for you and help you achieve it please email stuartmurdy@everyoneactive.com for more details. Looking for a little stocking filler for a friend? Why not buy them a personal training session or two to use in the New Year! Maybe you are someone who needs a challenge to help them keep up the exercise once the New Year’s Resolution kick is starting to flag, why not book into one of the following events coming up in 2019: Swimathon 2019 This event will be taking place on the 29th – 31st March, where you can select to swim either 400m, 1.5k, 2.5k, 5k or the new Triple 5K during private sessions you can also get a team together (5 people max per team) and make it a team challenge whereby you will take on the 5k challenge and complete 50lengths each if you got the max 5 in your team. If you want to set yourself a personal distance target you can sign up to do a simply swim challenge and undertake the swim during any of our Swim 4 Everyone public sessions. This is a charity event so not only will you be getting fit you will also be raising money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie charities. To sign up for this event please visit swimathon.org. Stradbroke Triathlon (Dates to be confirmed) This event will be confirmed soon and will take place in May, as in past years. The event focuses on all 3 disciplines Swimming, Cycling and Running. The event starts with a 160m swim (8lengths) then a 17km cycle around the lovely Suffolk countryside, finishing with a 3km run around the back fields behind the facility. This is a great event to undertake as it involves 3 disciplines that require you to exercise different aspects of your body whether in centre or outside. We will be running Triathlon training workshops on the lead up to the event to help those who have not participated in an event like this before and want to learn key skills and knowledge to help them do their best (times/dates to be confirmed). The event is open to anyone over 15yrs of age as of the 31/12/2019. Once details have been finalised we will advertise the event within the village and centre. Stradbroke Junior Aquathlon (Dates to be confirmed) This event is open to children aged 8-14yrs and will focus on two disciplines Swimming and Running, there will be 3 age groups with varying distances to make it more challenging the older the child is. This event has grown in popularity since being introduced 2 years ago increasing from an initial 40 participant places all the way to last year staggering 97 participants. This is a great family event with participants completing their swim in the pool then running a set circuit of the playing field being cheered on by all the parents/family watching them. We will also be running Aquathlon training workshops leading up to the event to help those who have not participated in an event like this before and want to learn key skills and knowledge to help them do their best (times/dates to be confirmed). Once the details have been finalised we will advertise the event within the village and centre. Stuart Murdy
White Hart Bowls Club Presentation Night
Our presentation night was held at the White Hart Saturday 24th. We all raised a glass in remembrance of Mike Ransome, who along with Sheila were both missed. The winners of the cups were: Alec Abbott cup Winner Mike Grigg Runner up Barry Ransome Chaudron Cup Winner William Coe Runners up Lynn&Les Ruth Saunders Cup Winner Les Ruth Runner up Roger Ward Anson Trophy Winner Roger Ward Runner up Margaret Hutchinson Chambers Cup Winner Mike Grigg Runner up Malcolm Garrard Ward Trophy Winner Roger Ward Runner up Bernard Ryan French Trophy Winner Bernard Ryan Runner up Caroline Smith Two Wood Singles Winner Michael Smith Runner up Mike Grigg Three Wood Singles Winner Roger Ward Runner up Mike Smith Four Wood Singles Winner Les Ruth Runner up Malcolm Paris Oakes Pairs Winners: Les Ruth &Ian Richardson Runners up: Roy Wilkinson &Mike Smith Mike Readman cup not played for due to bad weather. We thank Alison and Max for a lovely meal. Lynn Ruth
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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.
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.
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E J BROWN Builder
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Steven Pleasance Carpenter and General Builder From hanging doors To Complete builds 01379 388253
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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News & Views
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Borderhoppa
Borderhoppa would like to wish our passengers and everyone that has supported us through 2018 a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. www.borderhoppa.org
From Furrow to Trench
The four years leading up to the centenary of the Armistice of November 1918 have seen increased interest in the history of the Great War. Battlefield tourism, the media and internet, and the printed word have all played their part in bringing this history to new generations of young people. Parish war memorials have probably never been more closely studied and the names more carefully researched than in this last four years. The new book “From Furrow to Trench” by Worlingworth historian Geoffrey Robinson covers the war memorials of eight parishes; Bedfield, Brundish, Horham, Monk Soham, Southolt, Tannington, Wilby and Worlingworth. These parishes sent about three hundred young men to theatres of war in Western Europe and beyond. Ninety of those men never came back home. Their stories are told here. The book is easy to read with a large font size and there are many full page images in both colour and black and white. The author has also provided a good index and a timeline of when and where the soldiers fell. A beautifully-produced and carefully-researched book at the very reasonable price of £12. Available from the author on 01728-628768. Geoffrey Robinson
Childhood First
Childhood First are a children’s charity with residential communities in Norfolk and Kent. We provide care, treatment and education to children who have experienced severe trauma or neglect. Our mission is to dramatically improve outcomes for these children and young people so that they can develop relationships, fulfil their potential and begin to enjoy their lives. Since beginning to work for the charity a year ago, I’ve been struck by the incredibly warm relationships the staff have with the children in their care, something that brings home the value of our work to me. Being entirely dependent on voluntary income we are incredibly grateful to Adeline and Don Darling, who along with twenty two other brave supporters have signed up to be a part of the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon. Not only are they raising vital funds, they are also acting as Childhood First ambassadors and helping increase awareness of our uniquely effective services. I love Marathon day – the atmosphere is electric and the streets of London are lined with thousands of spectators. 2019 will be no different and I can’t wait to cheer our team on Sunday 28th April! Nikki Twallin, Community Fundraising and Events Manager, Childhood First
Top tips to save money on your heating
Winter is on its way and with heating oil prices recently reaching a 4-year high point, BoilerJuice.com have some top tips to help you save on heating: 1. Place foil at the back of radiators The heat from radiators tends to flow near the walls rather than into the rooms, this can leave your walls nice and toasty but the room feeling chilly. Placing foil behind the back of your radiator reflects the heat back into the room. This can make your heating more effective saving you money. 2. Programme your heating You can now control your heating even when you are not at home. Programming your boiler to turn on half an hour before you wake up, and half an hour before you return home will make sure you don’t overuse your heating. This can save a generous amount of money a year. 3. Block draughts in your home Draughts can cause your home to feel cold even when the heating is on. Use a draught blocker to stop any cold breezes sneaking in. You can buy draught excluders to place under doors and add self-adhesive into cracks around windows to assure your home stays warm. 4. Turn the dial down The World Health Organisation recommends that the minimum temperature in the living room should between 18C21C. Try dropping your room temperature by just one degree and you will notice a difference in your heating expenses. 5. Top up your oil tank early Ordering oil early can save you money, as heating oil prices tend to rise in the colder seasons, the earlier the order the less the price of oil. 6. Group buying heating oil Buying in a group can get you discounts; some oil suppliers will give you a discount for bulk buying. BoilerJuice.com will group every order for you behind the scenes and even have Buying Weekends where customers orders are grouped over a three day period. This means customers get the benefit of grouping without the hassle. For £5 off your heating oil order with www.BoilerJuice.com and use code STRADBROKE1 Camilla George
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Letters to the Editors
“The family of the late Terry Bannon would like to thank you all for your kind words and support over the last few months, it has meant so much to us all. Donations from Dads funeral, £480.00 is shared between Eye Health Centre and Diabetes UK. A special thank you to Dr Lewis and his team from Eye for looking after Dad so well. Dad was very proud to have lived in Stradbroke for 54 years, it is a great village with so many lovely people.” Tina Abbott & family “The White Hart Bowls club would like to pay tribute to Mike Ransome who sadly passed away on November 19th. Mike
was our club captain for 16 years and was a stalwart of our club, he gave up a lot of his time working hard on the upkeep of the green. Mike was a great friend to many and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Sheila and all his family.” From everyone at the White Hart Bowls Club “I just wanted to say thanks to Gerald Jenkins for the idea of flying my drone on Remembrance Sunday to take picture, they
have been very well received by everybody i have seen. I am very pleased to be able to gift such great images of a very historic day for the Stradbroke archive.” Kind regards Jon Wilson Photography “It was both uplifting and humbling to see how Suffolk commemorated the 100 years since the end of WW1. Throughout
the county there were many inspiring and effective displays and exhibitions from archives alongside contemporary artworks and creations. In Stradbroke, it was a quieter affair but gratifying that over 30 people came to the Community Centre to watch ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ late on a gloomy Sunday evening. It was a truly moving experience. There was also a full community gathering at the War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance that, unfortunately, was invaded by a drone that was both intrusive and insensitive for the occasion. It is important to have a record of such events but this could easily have been achieved by high-powered digital photography from the top of the church tower, windows of neighbouring houses and so on without the use of a drone that was inappropriately noisy and encroaching on the ceremony. I hope that the commissioners of the drone will consider its use at events with more care in the future.“ Gillian Rennie-Dunkerley “This is a message for people in Stradbroke who receive a copy of the Harleston Mercury every week. The paper is deliv-
ered by my son, Bradley and my daughter Bethany. I wanted to post a message because we've just had a letter to say they will no longer be needed to deliver the paper and this starts straight away (November 20th). Bethany and Bradley have been delivering for 2 years with the odd week off here and there because of holidays or weekends away. I wanted to say something so that people who rely on the paper every week know that this is not their fault if they simply stop delivering! I also feel that it's a horrible thing to do right before Christmas, as many of us know that a paper round is not well paid (which is fine!) but kids who deliver do look forward to their Christmas tips which Beth and Bradley have both received in the past...it's nice but not expected! If anyone who receives their paper and were maybe looking to tip either Brad or Beth this year can I please ask you to get in touch with me as it's such a shame they won't get to deliver one last paper before they are no longer needed. I just don't want people to think they have been abandoned! I know a lot of elderly people in the village like receivng the paper and feel they should be informed. Thanks very much” Stacey Lear “Many thanks to everyone who attended our coffee morning on 13 November in aid of the Churchyard and also to those
who made generous donations but were unable to attend. We raised a total of £113 which will go a long way towards our goal of improving the flower beds.” Alison and Karen “I would like to wish my friends and neighbours a Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.”
Best wishes, Margaret Hewitt
Letter FROM the Editors! Marianne and Claire would like to say thank you to the Governance Board (Kate, Maureen, Charmaine, Toni and Odile), the dedicated, amazing Stradbroke Monthly deliverers and all the lovely people who contact the Stradbroke Monthly, for all their help, support and friendship over the last year. The Stradbroke Monthly is produced by the village for the village - we continue to take great joy in ensuring that your news and updates reach friends and neighbours. Have a marvellous Christmas and Peaceful and Prosperous New Year! Marianne & Claire xx
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Acorn Foot Health Roger C Griffiths BSc (Econ) Dip Soc Sci PGCE, MCFHP MAFHP
Foot Health Consultant Home Visits, Care Homes and Private Clinic Verruca Treatments, Ingrown toenails, Calluses, Fungal Infection, Corns, nail Cutting, Bunions and Foot Care for Diabetics, Foot Health checks and all nail conditions. For appointment Tel: 384873 Mob 07724073328 eMail : griffithstwo@aol.com Some evening appointments available
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THE CELLPHONE & FAX SPECIALIST
TGA Communications Ltd Purchase your new cellphone from TGA Communications at competitive prices Enquiries welcome 7am to 7pm days a week. We also sell secondhand equipment & part-ex welcome. WE OFFER A FULL RANGE OF CELLULAR PHONES INCLUDING Motorola - Panasonic - Mitsubishi - NEC - Nokia Professional After Sales Service Hire of Equipment (including European use of GSM) For further details: Brundish Rd, Wilby Tel: 01379 388156 Fax 01379 388109
Keeping in touch: Dan Poulter, MP
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The run-up to Christmas is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year – not only preparing for Christmas at home, but also out and about attending the many Christmas community events and fares. One of the best things about Suffolk is our fantastic community spirit and with many events and lunches put on specially to ensure that no-one in the community is left out or lonely, I would like to personally thank each and every one of our volunteers who work selflessly at Christmas and throughout the year. When visiting the many Christmas events and fayres, I also very much enjoy taking the time to browse and to buy locally where I can. We have such a fantastic range of small and independent retailers here in Suffolk, not to mention farm shops and local producers, so it’s very important that we do our best to support our local economy. As many of us get into the party spirit, we must also remember those in our NHS and emergency services who work around the clock to keep people safe and cared for. This year, I am looking forward to going out on a night shift with the Police here in Suffolk, to see for myself the challenges that they face on a daily basis. I will also be spending some of my Christmas break working as a doctor in the NHS, looking after those who are vulnerable. The Christmas period is one of the busiest times of year for our NHS and emergency services, with staff working around the clock to ensure help is at hand when needed. Of course it’s not just those working in hospitals who work on Christmas Day, the list is endless but so many work right across the festive season to ensure that services continue day and night – carers visiting the elderly and vulnerable in our communities, ambulance staff and paramedics, firefighters and police officers, to name but a few. Then there is the army of hard working public sector staff, working behind the scenes, to keep everything running smoothly. Collectively they ensure that our communities are safe and functioning over the festive period, while we all enjoy ourselves with friends and family. This Christmas, please spare a thought for all those working tirelessly on our behalf, often in challenging circumstances, yet remaining committed to delivering services compassionately and professionally, despite knowing their families and loved ones are waiting at home to enjoy Christmas with them after a lengthy shift. I would therefore like to pay special tribute to all of our dedicated and hardworking workforce here in Suffolk, thank you for all you do at Christmas, and all year round. May I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas. For more information, please visit my website www.drdanielpoulter.com
Sponsor Page 2 with your own article or advert! Page 2 is a Sponsored Page, allowing any individual or organisation to request the page for their article or advertisement! The cost of ‘sponsoring ‘ the page will be £25 - this guarantees the whole of the inside front cover page and would give contributors the opportunity to include their own graphics and pictures, laid out to their own design! It will be possible to request the page some time in advance, but to give fair access the page will not be blocked booked by the same individual or organisation/company for more than two consecutive months. The page will be available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, but can be booked ahead of time, with payment securing your space in the magazine.
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Village Diary December 1 Laxfield Produce, Craft and Flea Market, 10am to 12.30pm (see page 18) 2 Heveningham Hall Christmas Market (see page 18) 2 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) 4 Jumping Beans for babies/toddlers/children under 5, and every Tuesday 4 Contact Club meet in Community Centre and every Tuesday 4 Stradbroke Badminton club meet at Stradbroke High School, and every Tuesday 5 Table tennis in the Community Centre at 7.30pm, and every Wednesday 6 Over 60s Christmas Party (see page 10) 6 Court House Café 9.30am-12.30pm, and every Thursday (see page 10) 6 Stradbroke Youth Football at playing field, and every Thursday evening 7 ‘Friday Friends’ dementia friendly café in Court House (see page 10) 7 All Saints Church Fundraising Committee X Bingo (see page 4) 8 Scrap Metal Collection in Community Centre car park (see page 17) 8 All Saints Church Fundraising Committee X Cake Stall (see page 4) 9 Stradbroke Christmas Lights Switch On, starts 4pm (see page 2) 9 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) 10 Rummikub Club in Court House (see page 18) 10 Stradbroke Parish Council meeting at Court House, 7.30 pm (see page 6) 12 Baptist Church Lunch Club at 12.30pm (see page 3) 15 ‘Bacon Bap Saturday’ in the Court House café (see page 10) 15 Phoenix Singers, 7.00 pm at Framlingham College (see page 18) 16 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) 16 Village Carol Service with Castleton Brass (see page 3) 18 Christmas Walk – meet at Community Centre at 6pm (see page 17) 20 Stradbroke Cinema presents ‘Phantom Thread’ (see page 17) 22 Court House Café Christmas Hamper Draw (see page 10) 25 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am to 12 noon (see page 12) 30 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) January 4 ‘Friday Friends’ dementia friendly café in Court House (see page 10) 6 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) 9 Baptist Church Lunch Club at 12.30pm (see page 3) 9 Stradbroke Cricket Club AGM at Ivy House at 8pm (see page 20) 13 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) 14 Rummikub Club in Court House (see page 18) 14 Stradbroke Parish Council meeting at Court House, 7.30 pm (see page 6) 16 Coffee Morning iao Childrens Society, Thirkettle Cottage, 10am (see page 18) 17 Over 60s meet in Community Centre (see page 10) 18 **Deadline for submissions for February edition strictly by this date** 19 All Saints Church Fundraising Committee Cake Stall (see page 4) 20 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) 22 Parish Council clinic in Court House at 2.15pm (see page 6) 23 Baptist Church Soup ‘n’ Pud Lunch at 12.30pm (see page 3) 24 Fressingfield Players present Alice in Wonderland (see front page) 25 White Hart Bowls Bingo at 7.30pm in the Community Centre (see page 18) 25 Fressingfield Players present Alice in Wonderland (see front page) 26 Fressingfield Players present Alice in Wonderland (see front page) 27 Radio Stradbroke on air from 10 am (see page 12) st
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February 3 Treasure Island in St Edmund's Hall, Hoxne (see front page) rd